Philadelphia news:   The 15^th Mid-Autumn festival celebration kicked off as scheduled on Saturday, September 18, 2010, from 1 to 6 p.m., under the Friendship Gate in Philadelphia’s Chinatown. Although this year’s celebration was more than two hours shorter, its popularity as well as programs were no less than the previous year. This was also the first time that Asian American Senior Association of Pennsylvania (AASAPA) took an active part in participating in the traditional Chinese Mid-Autumn festival celebration.

In supporting the Asian American United (AAU)’s sponsorship of the Mid-Autumn celebration, AASAPA came up with a creative idea, which is the setting up of a donation box at its table. The set up was an instant success, winning over a lot of praises. Some opined that “Finally, there’s a thought about the seniors.” Asians and westerners alike began to put money into the donation box. While the younger ones demonstrated more enthusiasm, there was equal passion between the westerners and Asians. The highest one-donation of the day was $100; lowest being $1.  (AASAPA also offered proof of donation for tax purposes.) Chairman of AASAPA Qingnian Lu, director Bingqing Peng, members Lingling Sun and Yichien Huang, etc., took turn asking passers-by for donation. It was a moving scene.

This was the first donation drive of AASAPA extended to the public. The purpose of which was to establish a ‘senior activity center’ in Chinatown. Owing to a lack of funding, progress has been slow. The hope was to make connection with the community leaders and benevolent people and ask them for a helping hand to carry out the traditional Chinese virtue of ‘filial piety’. Thereby, the establishment of a good center combining living, learning, socializing, fitness, and entertaining for the seniors can be within reach. When the seniors are comfortable, their children are relaxed.

Asian American Senior Association of Pennsylvania (abbreviated as AASAPA) began planning in 2009 and was officially established in March, 2010. It is registered with the State and approved as a non-profit organization. Its aim is to provide services to seniors. Location (temporary): 923 Arch Street, 3^rdFloor; website: www.aasapa.org; e-mail: info@aasapa.org.

To date, AASAPA has organized the following events:

1. March 18, 2009 sponsoring of the Anti-Fraud Legal Workshop;
2. July 27, 2009 sponsoring the Know-How of Applying for Senior Housing;
3. September 31, 2009 sponsoring free flu vaccination;
4. December 8, 2009 co-sponsoring the opening ceremony of Haven Penel senior housing, 30+ Chinese have successfully moved in;
5. February 28, 2010 sponsoring the Chinese Spring Festival celebration at Haven Penel;
6. March 23, 2010 sponsoring the Census registration at Haven Penel;
7. July 19, 2010 sponsoring the distribution of Philabundance food boxes for members only, the food box is distributed once a month throughout the year; and
8. August 12, 2010 assisting the Philadelphia Education Department in the inauguration ceremony of the new ‘Multi-lingual Service Center’.

At 5:30 in the evening, Mayor Michael Nutter arrived and delivered his congratulation.

Attended the occasion also were Ellen Somekawa, Executive Chair of the Asian American United, Deborah Wei (former principal of FACT school), officer of Philadelphia Education Department’s Language Office, and Simon Liu,Chairman of the Board of AASAPA.

Link:

http://ny.stgloballink.com/philadelphia/201009/t20100920_1419774.html