Sun neen fai lok (新年快樂！), sun tai keen hong (身體健康！) to all as we welcome the Year of the Rat, 4706. The New York Yee Fong Toy Association held its Chinese Lunar New Year and honoring senior members’ celebration on Saturday, March 1, 2008. Shortly after noon, our newly elected President Gong Sum 鋼深 joined with our leadership, members, cousins from Boston chapter, Ma & Tse associations to participate in our traditional ancestor worship ceremony. After the usual formalities, President Gong Sum welcomed everyone and proclaimed the start of the day’s celebrations. Deputy Inspector Gin Yee 余振源 also joined us as we all enjoyed the buffet luncheon.

The evening Spring Banquet gala was again at Jing Fong Restaurant. A uniqueness throughout the evening was that life is full of choices and that one needs to take some risk to gain the rewards. As guests came, a group of the Women’s League staff greeted them all. However, this year the staff decided to dress in traditional red jackets. This refreshing look added such a festive atmosphere to the occasion. The restaurants quickly fill with nearly 1000 attendees. As expected, the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association group led by newly installed President Justin Yu 于金山, Lin Sing Association President James Wong 黃達良, Hoy Sun Ning Yung Association President Alex Wong 黃英漢, Kenneth K.M. Liao 廖港民 (the new Director General of Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in New York) as well as many others arrived early. Following a brief stay and photo op, the group had to return to their installation celebration. Next, was an historical moment for our New York Yee family. The Consul Zhu Liu 朱柳 of the People’s Republic of China in New York arrived to attend our celebrations. This was truly the dawn of a new era, all we had to do was ask. Also attending were Deputy Director General William W. Lin 林維揚 and Director James Wei 魏煥忠 of TECO in New York. Then, our Grand Elder Peter 耿石 was placed in a unique situation when Deputy Director Lin asked if he can sit with Consul Zhu of PRC. To Grand Elder Peter’s exuberance, Consul Zhu agreed when asked. Peter, then taking a risk, said to Consul Zhu that he had a dream that the two representatives would shake hands, after all we are all Chinese. Again to Peter’s amazement, Consul Zhu agreed. We were all in awe that one historical moment led to another.

Welcoming and introducing everyone was Women’s League President Kennie 錦娉 who also acted as Master of Ceremony for the night. Shortly after President Gong Sum’s opening remarks, a few of the Boston’s Women’s League joined our Women’s League group for a singing debut of traditional Chinese New Year songs. Everyone was enchanted by the performance that included some dancing routines. Before continuing, I would like to acknowledge the following people: New York State Governor Spitzer for sending representatives Lai Sun Yee and George Hu to present us with a Proclamation as we celebrate the Lunar New Year, the Year of the Rat; Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer for sending Jimmy Yan to present us also a Proclamation; New York City Comptroller William C. Thompson Jr. for sending Sandra Ung to present us with a Commendation; and finally, Councilman John Liu for taking time out of his busy schedule to bring a Proclamation and say a few congratulatory well wishes for the New Year. John has been an advocate for Asian affairs and we need to support him so we can have a voice in government.

The free raffle was such a hit last year, we had to do it again. We want to thank Kathy Design, Ltd., Jing Fong Restaurant, Mr. & Mrs. Frank Yee, Mega/Merica School and White Swan Bakery for donating to the 21 gifts that were raffled off. The evening was also filled with entertainment from the DJ 李國帡 and his performers. They even got President Gong Sum to participate in one of their routines. A picture is worth a thousand words, but being there is much better. For those who did not come, there is always next year. But the choice is yours, you need to act early. As a reminder, the 2009 National Yee Family convention will be in New York City and fast approaching. It will be quite a busy time with the need of resources and help. Make the choice to volunteer; the rewards could be enlightening. This evening does not just happen. Many hours and efforts goes into making this work. So, once again thank you all for making this year another joyous event and hope to see everyone next year.

Frank Yee, New York