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Chinese AmericanAssociation of Lexington Election Forum and New Year Party

I have previously written about the Chinese Americans(CAs)of  Lexington, Massachusetts being the most active and mainstream minority communities in the state – we have the highest voter registration percentage, elected town wide CA officers and representatives, and community association and task force representing us and giving  back to the town.

The town election this year features electing school committee member  (2 from 4 candidates with one CA candidates for a 95million dollar school budget).  Because of our voting strength, candidates traditionally come to an election  forum sponsored by CAAL and compete to get our endorsement. Active minorities voting as a block can often  sway elections which is typically how minorities in the US gain  political influence as a group. Below are three photos of the candidates,  the audiences, and campaign literature at the forum traditionally  held at our home each year.

Candidates addressing audience

part of the audience

Campaign literature from the candidates

Biannually, CAAL also stages a Chinese New Year party with buffet dinner and   performances  for the residents of the town.  Tickets to the event are hot items and   always quickly sold out. Town elected officers and notables are invited. This year ,  CAAL  raised the largest amountof donation for the local library ($70,000+ in a few  months)  from our members as a form of give-back for the privilege of  living in this wonderful  town. An excellent buffet dinner of Chinese food followed  by performances of local talents were enjoyed by all.  In our 50 years of living here, I am moved to say this is the best  contribution  and new year party yet from CA efforts. Congratulations!

Below are some photos taken at the party.

Dining room scene

Angel dance group performance

Children dance

Traditional dragon dance

Guzen perfornace

Over 70 (in age) dancers

Pasr president Peter Lee addressing the party

Giant donation check from CAAL to Town Library

Many more photos of this event can be found at https://drive.google.com/folderview?id=0Bz6u2kj1UQv1S3dGWl9hRGV4YnM&usp=sharing