OC Wraps Up 2010 with Stories, Art and Music
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The Orange County Regional Group had a busy end to 2010. Here's the wrap-up:
In October the OC Regional Group inaugurated a new event - the China Book and Story Group. This 2-in-1 family event opened with a fun children's session on Chinese folktales taught by Ms. Shawna Lai, instructor at South Coast Chinese Cultural Center. In the second hour, the remaining adults enjoyed a discussion of the book Factory Girls: from Village to City in a Changing China by Leslie T. Chang. Everyone took part in the conversation and got to know each other better. In the adjoining room, two of our teenage girls took charge of the younger kids and led a "make your own book" craft. Patty Uy organized and numerous volunteers helped with set up and clean up. Thanks everyone! Expect to see this kind of event again in 2011!
Our annual art workshop was held in November. Ms. Melanie Vogel, Art Education Instructor at Cal State Fullerton, led kids ages 4 and up in creating self portraits. Parents were then able to order gift items, such as mugs, potholders, etc., embossed with their children's art. (Gifts arrived in time to be picked up at the December holiday party.) The event had a big turnout filling up two sessions, plus great refreshments and lots of fun for the kids and parents. Many thanks to Susan Tschabrun,
Barbara Grattan and Jenifer Weigand for each playing a key role in organizing and presenting this successful event!
December 5 was the date of our Holiday Dance Party. This year's festivities hosted by OC FCC-SoCal featured DJ Mike spinning the tunes and entertaining the crowd with games and hula hoops! FCC-SoCal provided the main dishes and drinks; families brought potluck items to share. In addition, many families generously donated gifts for the Orangewood Foundation, benefiting OC children and teens in foster care. 2010 saw record attendance, with about 120 people representing 40 families! We are pleased that a group of friends from the OC Chinese Cultural Club also attended the party and spoke to the crowd about their activities.
Huge thanks go to Jenifer Weigand for leading this tremendous event! She was most notably aided by Maggie & Paul Davenport, Michelle & Tim Sheehan and Peter Weigand, as well as the following volunteers: Ann Marie Rousseau, Ann Stevenson, Debbie & Craig Kistler, Helen Kuo, Lauren Rednour, Mary & Marty Wattenberg, Patty & Ed Uy, members of the OC planning committee and other attendees who helped out during the event. Thanks and happy holidays to all!
All of us the OC are looking forward to lots more fun in 2011!