News from/about/for the Partnership and Friends
Refer back to this blog regularly for current and upcoming activities, events and news from or about the Asian Pacific American (APA) communities of Aurora and the metropolitan area.
Also, visit the APA activities and events page for a more extensive list of happenings in any given month.
Join the conversation — use #AuroraAsian and #ColoradoAsian!
Aurora Places Visioning Workshops
The second round of public outreach for the city of Aurora’s Aurora Places comprehensive planning project is happening this spring, giving residents and business operators another chance to weigh in on this plan for the city’s future. Please join the City of Aurora at one of the following workshops and share these workshops with friends and neighbors who might have an interest in attending: North: April 26, 5:30 to 8 p.m., The Hangar at Stanley, 2501 Dallas St. Central: April 26, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Overland High School, 12400 E. Jewell Ave. South: April 26, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Heritage Eagle Bend Golf Club, 23155 E. Heritage Parkway East: May 2, 5:30 to 8 p.m., Vista PEAK Preparatory School, 24500 E. Sixth Ave. Daytime: May 3, 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., Aurora Central Library, 14949 E. Alameda Parkway The public workshops will begin with a light meal, followed by the visioning workshop. To ensure there is enough food, please RSVP: (303) 739-7271 or auroraplaces@auroragov.org. Children are welcome, and activities will be...
read moreNat’l Rice Ball Day and the Rice King
It’s National Rice Ball Day — that’s right! From Foodimentary.com * The rice balls preserve very well, and can even be used to preserve meats or other foods within its airtight seal. * Rice balls date back at least as far as the 11th Century and is traditionally Japanese.… * Another word for the rice ball is “Onigiri”, a word commonly misused to refer to sushi. Onigiri means ‘to hold on to’. * Popular onigiri fillings include tuna salad, salmon flakes, seafood salad, konbu (a type of sea vegatable), umeboshi (a sour bright-red pickled Japanese plum) and tempura. Speaking of Nat’l Rice Ball Day, consider the Story of the Rice King TONIGHT: Seeds: The Story of the Rice King and his Kin Rescheduled film screening: Wed., April 19th, 6:30 PM | Film at 7:00 PM (92 min.) Phipps Theater in the Denver Museum of Nature & Science | 2001 Colorado Blvd. | Denver 80205 Enter from the east entrance (facing Colorado Blvd) Members of the JAAC and JARCC will be on hand to direct you. FREE | RSVP to marynish@comcast.net or (303) 433-1638 with number of persons attending only. In the San Joaquin Valley in Central California, there is the oldest family-owned and operated rice farm, called the “Koda Farms.” The founder of the Koda Farms is originally from Iwaki city, Fukushima, Japan, born in 1882. His name is Keisaburo Koda, who was widely known amongst Japanese Americans as the “Rice King”. His ‘throne’ has been carried on by his grandchildren, Ross and Robin. This documentary is about perseverance, persistence, and passion of the Koda Farms since the 1920s, through various hardships, including...
read moreCommunity Responds to Rep Covarrubias
During the March 22, 2017 Colorado House debate regarding House Bill 17-1230, Rep. Covarrubias made hurtful comments that seemed to ignore decades of work intended to ensure that the consequences of Japanese internment and the “…race prejudice, war hysteria, and failure of leadership” would not be repeated in the future. Here is the response from the JACL and a dozen other organizations to Representative Covarrubias’ hurtful comments: Click here… Here is a sampling of some of the recent media coverage of this story: http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news/local-news/state-representative-starts-internment-camp-controversy https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/the-fix/wp/2017/03/23/no-time-to-ask-questions-colorado-lawmaker-appears-to-defend-use-of-wwii-japanese-internment-camps/?utm_term=.0aca2c83f0f0 http://www.nbcnews.com/news/asian-america/lawmakers-respond-after-state-rep-appears-defend-internment-n737836 http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/colorado-phil-covarrubias-defends-japanese-american-camps_us_58d30379e4b0f838c62f5793 Thank you, Harry Budisidharta, former President of the Mile High JACL, Deputy Director of the Asian Pacific Development Center and Steering Committee Member of the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership, for your quick and effective response. Rep. Covarrubias told Harry that he is willing to meet with Japanese American and AAPI community leaders to learn more about the history of...
read moreGamelan Tunas Mekar at the Aurora Central Library
Presented by the Aurora Music Teachers Association Music & Dance of Bali Friday, March 10th, 10:30 AM Aurora Public Library | 14949 E Alameda Pkwy. | Aurora 80012 FREE and open to the public Enjoy this entertaining and educational presentation of Balinese music and dance, and learn more about the Aurora Music Teachers Association. Tunas Mekar will perform traditional and new music of Bali using the gamelan angklung instruments. Included will be a demonstration of the instruments, music and technique, plus a Q&A. Doors at 10:30 AM. The performance will start shortly after...
read moreAurora’s R Line is now Open – Ready to Transport!
Aurora’s R Line is now Open – Ready to Transport! Discover the Aurora Line: http://www.auroraline.org
read moreFarewell to Consul General of Japan Makoto Ito
Saying farewell to Consul General Makoto Ito, Consulate General of Japan at Denver — the Partnership Co-Chairs Andrea Amonick and Chance Horiuchi enjoyed Mr. Ito’s and his wife Grace’s ‘gracious’ hospitality!...
read moreHong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Colo.
The Asian Chamber of Commerce is delighted to host the Hong Kong Commissioner to the United States, Mr. Clement Leung, on March 22nd in Denver. Based in Washington D.C., the Commissioner is the highest ranking representative of Hong Kong to the U.S. As Commissioner, he directs the Hong Kong Government’s efforts in promoting US-Hong Kong economic and trade ties, and constituency-building activities. He also oversees the work of the three Hong Kong Economic and Trade Offices in Washington, D.C., New York and San Francisco. Please join the ACC and hear of updates in Hong Kong and opportunities for businesses in Denver: Wed., March 22nd | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM Palm Restaurant | Westin Denver Downtown | 1672 Lawrence St. | Denver 80202 Hosted Luncheon – no cast, cash bar Parking included–use Westin Hotel Valet services RSVP by March 17th… Questions? Contact Clarence Low, President of the Asian Chamber:...
read moreAurora Trade Mission to South Korea
Join Aurora Sister Cities International and Aurora Mayor Stephen Hogan on the Aurora Trade Mission to South Korea (Sister City Seongnam City and the capital Seoul) South Korea. The exciting agenda includes luncheons, various tours and briefings, business networking and conference and a cultural excursion. Dates: April 22-28, 2017 Agenda and cost details: Click here… RSVP and Contact: Karlyn Shorb, CEO, Aurora Sister Cities International: (303) 739-7120 | (720) 309-9415 | kshorb@auroragov.org...
read moreAsian Pacific Islander Community Health Forum this Sat., 10AM
Asian Pacific Islander Community Health Forum with the Asian Health Alliance of Colorado Saturday, February 25th, 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM Location: APDC | 1537 Alton St. | Aurora RSVP via Facebook page at...
read moreAttend TEA’s “Yohen” at the AAPCP Group Rate this Sunday at 2PM
Join the Aurora Asian/Pacific Community Partnership at the Closing production of Yohen at the group rate of $22 this Sunday afternoon, February 26th, 2PM. Here are the instructions for the discount password: Go to this link: http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2748633 Select date: 2/26 Click on “Enter a password or discount code” Type “AAPCP” and then click “Check availability” A ‘hidden’ price will pop up for $22 for you to purchase your tickets Help us make closing night a wonderful evening for TEA’s excellent two-person production in an intimate setting at the ACAD Gallery Theatre. Here are the details about Yohen: Theatre Esprit Asia presents: Yohen Through 26, 2017 Fridays & Saturdays: 7:30 PM | Sundays: 2:00 PM A Regional Premiere, “Yohen” explores the intricacies of interracial marriage, culture and Japanese art, by Phillip Kan Gotanda; directed by Anthony J. Garcia (Su Teatro) ACAD Gallery Theatre – Aurora Cultural Arts District | 1400 Dallas St. | Aurora, CO 80010 Group-rate tickets with the Partnership (AAPCP): $22 ($26/general) | www.teatheatre.org Theatre Esprit Asia offers a unique perspective during Black History Month: a story melding and shaping the intricacies of interracial marriage, culture and Japanese art. Set in California in 1986, “Yohen” is about James, an African American ex-GI, and Sumi, his Japanese wife. After 30 years of marriage, Sumi reevaluates the relationship and separates from James. In her words, she wishes for him to “court” her again. Yohen is a Japanese pottery term that refers to an accident in the kiln firing that results in transformation of the pot. The outcomes are as unpredictable as the evolution of a marriage. In the end, it is up to the observer to decide its beauty. Veteran actors and Denver favorites, Maria Cheng and Don Randle, bring their talents to this compelling story directed by Anthony J. Garcia, Executive Artistic Director of Su Teatro. Cheng plays Sumi, a Japanese woman trying to define herself after 30 years under the label of being James’ wife. She takes pottery classes, hoping to ignite a spark of passion within herself. James, played by Randle, visits Sumi regularly, per her requests. At first, James has a difficult time being away from Sumi. He is unsure how time apart is supposed to bring them closer together, but he...
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