Chinese-American Association Hosts Year of the Dragon Celebration
On February 9, NYCHA’s Chinese-American Association held its annual Lunar New Year luncheon with fellow staff, celebrating the Year of the Dragon in 2024.
“In Chinese culture, the dragon holds a significant place as an auspicious and extraordinary creature, unparalleled in talent and excellence,” explained Qi “Linda” Zhang, President of the Chinese-American Association and NYCHA’s Director of Accounts Payable and Utility Management. “The dragon symbolizes many characteristics, among which it symbolizes power, nobility, honor, luck, and success. Consequently, 2024 is forecasted to bring about opportunities, changes, and challenges.”
The lunchtime gathering at the 90 Church Street Ceremonial Room featured a variety of Chinese dishes, a presentation highlighting Chinese culture, and a raffle drawing.
Event speakers included Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer Kerri Jew, NYCHA Board Vice Chair Victor Gonzalez, Public Housing Preservation Trust General Counsel Lisa Lim, and NYCHA Chief of Staff Andrew Kaplan.
The festivities included a face-changing performance, inspired by traditional Chinese opera, in which a performer uses special techniques to change their mask multiple times. Also featured was an instrumental performance with the erhu, a two-string bowed instrument.
NYCHA’s Chinese-American Association was created more than 30 years ago to promote Chinese language and culture and to strengthen bonds among co-workers. The CAA currently has more than 200 members, including several retired employees who remain active in the association.
Over the years, the CAA has hosted a variety of functions, such as biannual luncheons, financial and health seminars, a Mid-Autumn Festival, tai chi demonstrations, and a Dragon Boat Festival. Past Lunar New Year events have been held at the Jing Fong restaurant in Manhattan’s Chinatown.
NYCHA staff interested in becoming a CAA member can email Chinese.EA@nycha.nyc.gov.
Year of the Dragon festivities at the CAA luncheon included an instrumental performance with the erhu and a face-changing performance.
