The Spring Banquet of the Phoenix Chinese Senior Citizens Association (Photography)

The Spring Banquet of the Chinese Senior Citizens Association in Phoenix (Photography) (Photography report by Alberta Times reporter Deng Ling) The Spring Banquet of the Phoenix Chinese Senior Citizens Association was held at Luk Fook Restaurant on the evening of March 24th...

(Photography and reporting by Alberta Times reporter Deng Ling)

The Spring Banquet of the Phoenix Chinese Senior Citizens Association was held at Lukfook Restaurant on the evening of March 24th, with 320 people in attendance. The Chinese senior citizens sang and danced, performing lantern dances, folk dances, cantata and solos, etc. Even though they were over fifty years old, they performed with all their heart and soul, with nimble skills and graceful dancing. Every guest present was infected and smiled brightly, immersed in the joyful atmosphere they brought. The banquet that night was hosted by Wu Liangzu and Li Aizhen. Chairman of the Phenomenal Chinese Senior Citizens Association, Deng Qingfen, delivered welcome speeches in English and Cantonese respectively, and Yang Jiqun translated in Mandarin. State Councilor Yu Yanfen, Vice Mayor Johnson, and Municipal Government General Manager Kvassos delivered speeches successively. After Wu Liangzu introduced the guests, there was a lantern dance performance and the Mandarin song chorus "The Earth Rejuvenates" and "Spring Flowers". Since the electronic piano accompanist of the Mandarin Chorus could not attend that night, they temporarily invited a little sister Liang Jiaen to help with the accompaniment. It turned out that this child won the third place in the 11-14-year-old youth group in the Golden Key International Piano Composition Competition in Vienna. She will attend the award ceremony and perform at the Vienna International Music Festival in July this year. When the host introduced this little sister Liang Jiaen, she immediately became the highlight of the banquet that night. Then Chairman Deng Qingfen led all the staff of the Senior Citizens Association to toast everyone to celebrate the New Year. The unique Xinjiang folk dance "Girls from Osaka City" performed by Qi Yunqing and Luo Shuzhuang received warm applause from the audience. Chairman Deng Qingfen, Vice Chairman Min Zhongying, and Director Pei Xiayun presented service awards to six members, Cui Zengqi, Situ Cun, Bi Nan, Ma Xiaomei, Deng Yueting, and Gao Yueying, on behalf of the Senior Citizens Association. This was followed by the Cantonese singing group's chorus "Happy New Year" and "Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon". The Cantonese group has a lineup of 40 people. Although they are all senior citizens over fifty years old, everyone is still strong and performs very seriously and deeply, allowing the audience to blend into their happy atmosphere. The students who won scholarships that night were: first prize Emily Yee; second prize Joseph Dong; third prize Chen Ziming. The winners of the title awards are: Situ Xinhua and Huang Yingsi. This year’s scholarship sponsor is: Deng Guangzhao Family Memorial Scholarship, totaling one thousand yuan. Zhou Guiqing sang the Cantonese song "Red Cotton Praise". Her rich voice and professional performance won applause and praise from the audience, who unanimously asked her to sing two more songs. The raffle prizes at the party are all sponsored by Yin Fengying, Luk Fook Restaurant, Nanhua Restaurant, Red Pot Buffet, and Xinxin Supermarket. Senior overseas Chinese leaders Yu Wenjin, Hu Shoubai, Mrs. Yu Wenyu, and Mrs. Yu Wenwei, who have always been enthusiastic supporters of the Senior Citizens Association, jointly donated 200 yuan to the Swiss Lion League of the Chinese Senior Citizens Association to express their encouragement. Finally, Vice Chairman Min Zhongying and English Secretary Yin Fengying delivered speeches of thanks in Chinese and English respectively. The party ended in a jubilant and joyful atmosphere. Looking at these senior citizens who have such a healthy body and a happy and youthful mind, I feel deeply envious and deeply feel that age is not important in fact, the key is the state of mind. If the state of mind is good, the body will naturally be healthy. I sincerely wish all Chinese senior citizens a long and healthy life and a happy life. I hope to gather with them again next year and spend a good time together.