The Asian Division Friends Society presented "Finger Portrait-Painting: the Art and Philosophy"by Master Artist Naichang Gong last Sept. 12. Finger painting is one of the traditional Chinese painting methods, usually of flowers and birds. Mr. Gong has created a new method: portrait finger painting.

At a recent campaign house party in his honor, Gov. Ehrlich encouraged Asian American guests to vote in the upcoming elections. Sonny and Rami Veen opened their home in Potomac for the gathering ( pictured in the second to last picture). Photo courtesy of Yan Long.

APAICS President and CEO William H. (Mo) Marumoto has announced that Gloria Chan is the Anheuser-Busch/Frank Horton Fellow and Maya Yamazaki the George Aratani Foundation/Senator Inouye Fellow for 2006-2007. Gloria, 2005 Harvard Law School graduate, is assigned to the Office of Congressman Mike Honda (D-CA). Maya, an International Programs Officer, Congressional Study Group on Japan U.S. Association of Former Members of Congress, will be with the Office of Congresswoman Madeleine Z. Bordallo (D-GU). David L. Kim, Anheuser-Busch Director of Asian Marketing and Community Relations, said, "We are very proud of our partnership with APAICS."

The Integrated Performing Arts Guild (IPAG), multi-awarded and leading Filipino dance theater ensemble, recently performed at the Kenmore Middle School Theater during its US Tour. The event was part of the Migrant Heritage Commission’s observance of 100 years of Filipino American immigration to the US. Among the guests were Philippine Ambassador to the U.S. Willy Gaa and his wife Erlinda Gaa, press officer Patty Paez, Consul Henry and Mrs. Bensurto and Grace Valera-Jaramillo.

The Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #5471 led by Post Commander Ador Carreon and the Ladies Auxiliary of Washington D.C. under its president, Janet Chisolm-Richards, received the Veterans of Foreign Wars National Outstanding Community Service Award at the VFW national convention in Reno, Nevada at a breakfast event sponsored by Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. VFP Post #5471 was also presented a Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition from Congressman Steny H. Hoyer, in recognition of its outstanding service to the community.

Rodney Salinas, Associate Broker at Newmark Knight Frank, has been selected one of 35 participants in the 2007 Class of Leadership Alexandria, sponsored by the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce. The class represents a diverse cross section of current leaders in the Alexandria community. The program consists of an opening retreat in September, a day-long session on the second Wednesday of each month on a variety of topics including government, economics of the region, education, health care, environment and the arts, and public safety.

The Arts Council of Fairfax County celebrated the 35th Anniversary of its signature event, the International Children’s Festival at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts, on September 23rd 24th. The 2006 event showcased children performing traditional dances, music and drumming from South Korea; beautiful Polynesian art of dance from Hawaii; traditional music and dance from Turkey, and the Qatari Children’s Choir, forty young singers between the ages of 8 and 14. Photos: A korean performing group in McLean, VA graced the audience at the International Children’s Festival Gala on Sept. 21.

A few party-goers pause for a picture at the recent DC APA Film 2006 Festival Trailer Contest kickoff party in Washington, D.C. The event crammed more than 150 people in the first floor of Eyebar for an evening of music, drinks, and the announcement of the the top three finalists in the contest.