Support Smithsonian

Washington, D.C.–In his message to supporters of the Smithsonian Asian Pacific American Program, Director Konrad Ng thanked them for making 2011 “a very exciting year.” He also appealed for support in 2012. He said if every Program supporter “contributes $40 this year, the $100,000 raised will allow us to bring to you the outstanding programs you have come to expect…Every contribution helps the Smithsonian highlight the history, art, and culture of our communities. Together, we can better understand the American experience and value world cultures.” For details, visit www.apa.si.edu.

MLK Day

Rockville, Maryland–Bruce Adams, director of the Office of Community Partnerships at the Montgomery County Executive Office, has urged participation as volunteers on Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on January 16. Residents may sign up to volunteer at www.montgomeryserves.org/mlk-day-service-2012. Or volunteers may sign up their civic association, PTA, faith congregation, or business to staff a Giant store on January 14-15 at for the Manna Food and Giant project to donate food to neighbors. Email volunteer@mannafood.org.

$20K Grant

San Francisco, California –Kaiser Permanente celebrated its partnership with Asian & Pacific Islander Wellness Center last month, awarding a $20,000 Community Benefit Grant to support the Wellness Clinic. The Clinic is a free community health center serving the unmet needs of this city’s Asian and Pacific Islander (A&PI) community. Said Frank Sclafani, sub-chief of Behavioral Medicine, Kaiser Permanente in this area: “Without the Wellness Clinic, many A&PIs would simply fall through the cracks.”

Historic

New York, NY–Philippine Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago was elected on December 12 as one of the judges of the International Criminal Court (ICC) by the Assembly of States Parties at the United Nations. She is the first Filipino and the first Asian from a developing country to achieve this. She will serve for nine years at the ICC in The Hague, Netherlands.

ICFJ Fellowship

Washington, D.C–For the second year, the International Center for Journalists (ICFJ) will offer the International Reporting Fellowship. Applicants must present a project proposal in their application, detailing the reporting project they would be interested in pursuing. Link to the online application: www.tfaforms.com/179173. The Ford Foundation is funding the fellowship with additional support from the Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation. For details, visit www.icfj.org/node/19227.

‘Ukulele Five-0’

Honolulu, Hawaii–Jake Shimabukuro’s brand-new song, “Ukulele Five-0,” was played in an episode of CBS-TV’s “Hawaii Five-0.” The song was also part of its Compilation CD, which was released on October 4 last year.

OAPIA Staff

Washington, D.C.–Steven Lim recently joined the staff at the Mayor’s Office on Asian and Pacific Islander Affairs (OAPIA) as the Community Outreach Specialist and Public Information Officer. He will also serve as the liaison for Housing and Capacity Building matters. Steven is a graduate of the Annenberg School for Communication at the University of Southern California. He has worked for higher education administration at the University of Maryland, College Park.

VA Commission

RICHMOND, Virginia–Governor Bob McDonnell announced the appointment of Jennifer Lee to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel Commission. Ms. Lee of Portsmouth is a Senior Information Systems Manager at the Virginia Oncology Association.

MVMA Meeting

Silver Spring, Maryland–The Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA) held its Annual Meeting & Holiday Reception last month at Dr. Linh Duong’s residence. The Host Committee included Hoan Dang, Cuong Dinh, Wilbur FriedmanDaniel Nguyen, Son Nguyen, Tan NguyenTruc Nguyen, Anh Tran and Thomas Tran.

CCCC Event

Washington, D.C.–The Chinatown Community Cultural Center (CCCC) held a two-day lecture and meditation workshops last month on Chan (Zen): Health & Living. The event was held at the CCCC and at Shaolin Temple. Master Shi Yanran also taught at the Shaolin Kung Fu Chan Workshop. The keynote speaker was Dharma Master Shi Yanda.

EWI Graduation

Alexandria, Virginia–Empowered Women International held its Entrepreneurs Graduation Gala, Business Showcase and Holiday Marketplace of locally-made art and gifts last month. The holiday event featured sample ethnic dishes and specialty teas prepared by the graduates.