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PHILADELPHIA -- The 28th annual national convention of the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) held at the Sheraton Philadelphia City Center Hotel here August 10-13, had something for everyone. It had an Asian American summit, workshops, awards luncheon, the very popular, freebies-laden job and corporate exhibit, a community health fair that was a hit with senior citizens, youth leadership raining, college leadership summit, a kid’s fair–capped by a gala reception.

                Awards were presented to adult and young achievers to highlight the contributions of Chinese Americans to Mainstream America through the years. Three-time Emmy Award-winning anchor Cynthia Gouw was the emcee at the Gala Awards Banquet. Wen Tsing Chow was honored with the OCA Pioneer Award. He was a pioneer in aerospace and missile technology. The Philadelphia Chinatown Development Corporation was also an OCA Pioneer Award. At the Student Awards Luncheon Aug. 12, National Geographic Channel President Laureen Ong was the special guest.

                OCA National President Ginny Gong was excited about this month’s closing of the deal that would transform three townhouses in Dupont Circle into the OCA National Center for Asian Pacific American Leadership. Costing over $4 million, the OCA "home" sits on more than 10,000 square feet in the nation’s capital. After basic renovations, she said, "We plan to have the inauguration in December." She accepted a check for $30,000 from the OCA Hawaii Chapter  vice presidents Kaleen Shim Sakamoto and Susan Foo at a social evening buffet sponsored by Anheuser-Busch Aug. 11. Entertainment was provided by Alain Nu the magician, Yellow Rage spoken word group and stand-up comic Eliot Chang, and Dennis Nakano as emcee.

                OCA-DC President Lily Qi came with husband Phil Peng and their son Andrew, mingling with participants at the Aug. 11 cocktails before the buffet dinner. OCA Executive Director Dorothy Wong was proud of the youth participants. "We’re training the future leaders, and they’re here from all over the country," she said. The youth provided high-octane energy and fun, and a glimpse of future potentials. "Ah, the doctor and the pharmacist!" chimed Acting U.S. Surgeon General Kenneth P. Moritsugu, plenary keynote speaker. He was rushing back to catch his flight to Washington, D.C. , but he graciously obliged when medical student Vu Nguyen and pharmacy freshman Kimberely Jacques asked for a souvenir photo with him.

                OCA Greater Philadelphia Chapter President David Zhiyong Gao told Asian Fortune, "This is a very good turn-out, close to 500 from 50 chapters and 30 college affiliates! This is the first time the convention was held here, and it’s highly successful." He credited the OCA national and OCA-D.C. support, thanked the corporate sponsors, and cheered his chapter’s teamwork, led by Vice President and Convention Chair Lien Vu. The rest of the convention planning committee: David, Host/Volunteers; General Counsel Tsiwen Law, PR/Outreach/Fundraising; Secretary Jenny Wong, Hospitality/Volunteers; Vice President for membership Marife Domingo, Registration; Treasurer Jason Jaewan Lee, Finances; Brad Baldia, Health Fair; Elaine Yuen, Senior Day; Tracey Gian, Youth Outreach and Secretary Mandy Lin.

Speakers

Call it luck, because the convention bagged the newly-appointed Acting US Surgeon General Moritsugu as keynote speaker, and he was very good: knowledgeable, articulate, witty and gracious. The souvenir program still had former US Surgeon General Richard Carmona, who stepped down in July. Ginny said the surgeon general’s office efficiently arranged for the last-minute change. University of Arizona College of Pharmacy Prof. and Associate Dean Theodore G. Tong was the moderator on the Health Disparities in the APA Community session. Panelists were: Michael Lin of the National Institutes of Health; Walter Tsou, American Public Health Association immediate past president; APIA Health Forum Deputy Director Marguerite Ro; and Dorothy Wong.

                The convention was again fortunate with Director of the Montgomery County Homeland Security Department Gordon Aoyagi. Gordon spoke on Aug. 11, the day after the London bomber scare that nearly crippled airports from two continents. He gave assurances that the leaders from local governments have a coordinated preparedness plan in place.

He urged everybody to "prepare for the most likely hazard in your community," citing home and business hazards, natural hazards, techonological hazards, health hazards like pandemic flu and terrorism. "Be resilient, we are getting through this together," he said, adding, "Make a plan." He mentioned preparing an emergency kit in place, or to evacuate; discussing with the family where to go or to meet, and knowing the school system preparedness program by talking to principals.