Newsletter February, 2005

 

   Officers:  Randi Filip     – Co President

                  Lee Menefee – Co President

              Stacy Moore – Secretary

Board Members: Carol Brown

                         Paige Tom

                             LD Newman

CCBA Liaison: Ellen Dong

                       Promotions: Travis Tom                          

 

Special Dates to remember:

 

February 9, 2005 Chinese New Year Day

February 13, 2005 Chinese New Year Celebration at CCBA Hall (for CCBA members)

 

          Welcome to the first Children from China newsletter which is sent to all those who have expressed an interest in the CFC group.  Through this Newsletter, we hope to provide information about upcoming events and various announcements.  We hope that you will feel free to send contributions or questions to CFC through cfc@ccbaaugusta.com.  An Officer or Board Member will contact you.

 

A brief introduction to Children from China

The concept of Children From China (CFC) began in November, 2002.  Within the local Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA), were three families who were in the process of adopting children from China .  It was the similar adoption journey that these families were experiencing and the promise of a new future for three small children that became the  beginning of the CFC group.  The CCBA saw a need to reach out the these families who would bring Chinese children into a new and unfamiliar culture.

What is the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association (CCBA)?  This organization was formed in 1927 and is the oldest state recognized Chinese association in Augusta .  The goals of these original 58 families are similar to the CCBA goals today.  Current philosophy is to

  • promote the welfare of all Chinese in the CSRA
  • participate and contribute to the well-being of the Augusta community
  • uphold Chinese traditions and culture
  • establish and conduct Chinese awareness through culture, language, history,  and craft classes to current and future generations
  • welcome those interested in the Chinese culture and Chinese adopted families       
           The Arts in the Hearts festival, Taste of China, elaborate dragon dance presentations and involvement in many local activities has allowed the CCBA to contribute to the Augusta community.  The CCBA is also aware and excited about the large number of adopted Chinese children in the community.  Because many of these children were leaving a homeland and culture that they may not be exposed to again, the CCBA felt a need to sponsor a group that would reach out to these children and their families.  By offering a link to Chinese people and culture, these adopted children can gain an insight to their Chinese heritage.   
           Sponsored by the CCBA, Children From China is focused on uniting families who have or will be adopting children from China .  We also provide a resource of information and support to those who may just have an interest in adopting from China .  By offering an opportunity for families to come together, the organization hopes to create a friendly, open atmosphere for developing lasting relationships among the families, the local Chinese community and especially the adopted children.  Along with camaraderie, the children will benefit from an exposure to Chinese culture and heritage, ethnic foods, traditions and festivals.     
           Currently the CFC has two annual Meet and Greet Receptions.  The M&G in the spring is an informal gathering and the winter M&G is more formal. Both receptions are promoted through radio and print media.  The best promotion we have experienced is through word of mouth.  The CFC encourages play groups among the members and welcomes any who would like to announce a gathering for the families; i.e., going to the zoo, visiting special events, gathering for dinner, etc.  We also have a children’s Mandarin class that meets every first and third Sunday at the CCBA hall.  The class is child centered and one parent or parent substitute is expected to attend. 

 

Please mark your calendar for the following 2005 events.

 

May 14, 2005 - Saturday

10:00 am to 12:00 pm

Warren Rd. Playground play group

Join the CFC for play time on the play ground.  We will hold space in the picnic            

area.  Please bring snack and drink for your family.

 

August 27, 2005 – Saturday

10:00 am to 2:00 pm

Swimming and Cookout

Dean and Stacy Moore’s home

Hamburgers and hot dogs will be served, bring a covered dish to share

 

November 6, 2005 – Sunday

1:00 pm to 3:00 pm

CCBA Hall

Meet and Greet Reception

 

Any other spontaneous events will be announced via e-mail announcements.

 

            Families interested in joining the CCBA are encouraged to do so.  Annual membership dues are $90.00 per family and are collected in October.  Members enjoy three annual dinners: the Fall Festival Dinner, the New Year’s Celebration Dinner and the summer Picnic at the lake.  Family nights which are covered dish dinners at the CCBA hall are held regularly during those months in which dinners and festivals are not occurring.    Members are also invited to all the classes and clubs sponsored by the CCBA. 

            Membership in the CCBA is not required to be a member of the CFC.  Beginning in November of this year, the CFC will collect a $10 per family annual dues. These dues will help defray the expenses from receptions and gatherings throughout the year.  If you have any questions or comments, please contact CFC (cfc@ccbaaugusta.com) and one of our officers or board members will contact you.