11.17.2023 Tomorrow will Be Better - A Successful 41st Anniversary Celebration of CCACC

In the relentless and diligent journey of the Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC), we joyfully celebrate the significant milestone of the center's 41st anniversary. Looking back on our history, through establishment and growth, and with concerted efforts, the center has successfully crafted a diverse service platform for the Chinese community. In its role as a premier non-profit organization in Montgomery County, CCACC has actively wielded influence, consistently expanding its service projects and outreach. As we commemorate our 41st year, CCACC remains committed to its core values of benevolence, integrity, and harmony. We strive for continued vibrant development, leveraging the strength of the community to collectively contribute to the betterment of society.

Harmonious Gatherings

The 41st Anniversary Celebration of CCACC took place on November 12, 2023, at 10:00 AM in the main hall on the first floor of the center. The event brought together CCACC staff, volunteers, teachers, students, club members, and respected elders. The celebration was co-hosted by Ms. Li-Fang C. Liu-Deputy Executive Director of CCACC, and Mr. Jerry Wang, Commissioner of Finance and Human Resources. Mr. Wang, doubling as the M.C. and percussionist, energetically drummed out resounding beats. As the drumming transitioned from loud to soft, and with a resounding gong struck by Mr. Jason Shen, the Information Management Specialist, the celebration officially commenced under the theme of "Tomorrow will be better". Following the opening, children from the CCACC Academy and the Jing Hua Children's Choir presented two delightful songs, "The Oriole" and "Healthy Song", captivating the audience with their charming performance.

BOD Team Leading with Wisdom

Firstly, Dr. Alven Lam, Chairman of CCACC Board of Direction, delivered a speech expressing gratitude for everyone's presence in witnessing this significant moment. Following this, each member of the Board of Directors was individually introduced. It is under the wise and dedicated leadership of this team that CCACC continues to thrive. Each member of the Board is a silent hero behind the scenes, and their wisdom and efforts have contributed to the construction of this warm family. Chairman Lam emphasized that it is precisely because the center has adhered to the goal of "Caring for the elderly as for one's own, and caring for the young as for one's own," over the past 41 years, that it has garnered widespread praise and favor from individuals across various sectors of the society and the Montgomery County government.

Unity and Focus in the Annual Report

During the celebration, Rita S. Lewi, the current Executive Director of CCACC, delivered a concise and comprehensive annual report on the organization's affairs. The report covered the operations, work summaries, challenges, and future prospects of the seven departments under the center: CCACC Adult Day Healthcare Center, CCACC Health Center, CCACC Home Care, CCACC Community Services Center, CCACC Academy, CCACC Art Gallery and CCACC Sport Center. Rita also provided a special introduction to the administrative management team. CCACC reaffirms its commitment to continue serving the community with noble service principles and an efficient work team, advancing courageously on the path of public service.

Employee Service Award

At this special moment, Executive Director Rita S. Lewi personally took the stage to present the Employee Anniversary Awards, expressing gratitude to each member who has silently dedicated and worked hard for CCACC. The three awardees for this occasion are the 5-Year Anniversary Employees: Mr. Kevin Xing, Information Management Manager, Ms. Sally Ma, Assistant Registered Coordinator at the CCACC Home Care, and Ms. Xiaolan Zhou, a renowned volleyball coach who has served at the center for an impressive 28 years and is celebrated as the "Great Wall of Tiananmen" in Chinese volleyball team.

This is a moment of recognition for those who steadfastly hold their positions, give thanks, and express heartfelt appreciation. The center extends its gratitude to the employees for sowing seeds of love in the community and working together to share in the achievements.

2023 Presidential Volunteer Service Award

As widely known, CCACC upholds the spirit of volunteerism in serving the community. Starting as a center founded on the essence of "volunteerism", it's brilliance owes much to the enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. The presentation of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award was hosted by Ms. Chiao-Chiao Liu, Director of CCACC Community Services Center.

The honored volunteers, recipients of this prestigious award, hail from CCACC Health Center, CCACC Academy, CCACC Community Services Center, and Evergreen Club. This recognition is a testament to the immense contributions made by volunteers to the center and the community. Their dedication embodies the true essence of love and care, serving as models of commitment and dedication for us all.

Artistic Performances

At the celebration, six captivating performances were specially arranged for everyone's enjoyment. The first program featured a performance of the piece "Joyful Days" by the members of the Guzheng Club led by Ms. Lichan Huang, the teacher of the Guzheng Club, and her partner Mr. Ruiqiang Jin. Ms. Huang and Mr. Jin, exemplary volunteers at the center, have been leading the Guzheng Club for a remarkable 20 years, not only teaching at the center but also actively participating in community performances to promote Chinese culture. With the beautiful and melodious sounds of the zither, everyone in the audience was deeply immersed in the ocean of music.

The second program showcased six senior ladies from the CCACC Adult Day Healthcare Center singing "Happiness Is Here." With their wonderful voices, these ladies, well beyond their prime, painted a picture of happiness for all of us.

The third performance featured Mr. Aiyi Liu, also from CCACC Adult Day Healthcare Center, singing the grassland-themed song "Father's Prairie, Mother's River." As the singer performed, it felt like being on the vast grassland. Each high note interpretation resembled drifting colorful clouds, slowly rising and then stirring up a melodious tune, captivating everyone present.

The fourth program was presented by members of the Evergreen Dance Team from CCACC Community Services Center, performing a classical dance titled "Elegance of the Tang Dynasty". Accompanied by music, the dancers gracefully extended their sleeves, resembling fairies transcending time, radiating an ancient and elegant atmosphere, outlining the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

The fifth program featured Ms. Fang Huang, an employee from the CCACC Home Care, singing the song "Morning in the Big Forest." With the fluctuations in her voice, it seemed as if we were experiencing the dawn in the woods. The singer used melodious tones to depict the tranquility of the forest, as if leading the audience to stroll in the mysterious tree sea.

The final program was the grand chorus "Tomorrow will be better" performed by the CCACC Board of Directors. This was the highlight of the celebration. The hardworking board members took three Friday evenings for rehearsals and tuning to ensure the audience experienced the most perfect rendition, showcasing their unity.

It is worth noting that "Tomorrow will be better" is a well-known Mandarin charity song. To align with the theme of CCACC's 41st anniversary celebration, Mr. Mo-Ping Chow, a board member, specially modified some of the original lyrics, ingeniously incorporating the contributions of the center's seven divisions to the community into the song. The directors then passionately performed the song, expressing their most beautiful vision for the center's future. Finally, the directors descended from the stage and interacted with the audience, reaching a climax in the atmosphere.

Joyful Prize Draw

The celebration featured a delightful prize draw segment, bringing joy and laughter as many lucky attendees and staff members won exciting prizes, adding an extra layer of festivity to the event.

Happy Birthday Song & Cake

At the conclusion of the celebration, Executive Director Rita S. Lewi and the board members personally led the entire audience in singing the birthday song to celebrate the 41st anniversary of CCACC. They extended their best wishes for a brighter future for the center.

Following the celebration, everyone shared a specially crafted cake for the 41st anniversary and enjoyed a sumptuous lunch together. In this joyous and gratitude-filled event, CCACC expresses thanks to every supporter. It is your companionship that has made the center an indispensable force in the community. Let us join hands in shaping a brighter tomorrow for CCACC.

 

Dignitaries and guests are arriving one by one at the celebration.

Children from CCACC Academy and the Jing Hua Children's Choir delight the audience with the songs "The Oriole" and "Healthy Song".

Dr. Alven Lam, Chairman of CCACC BOD, takes the stage to deliver his address.

A group photo of all board members for a memorable moment. From left to right: Yuchen Yang, Yao-Yao Zhu, Jane Yang, Chang Zhao, Yeh-Fong Chen, Julie Yang, Alven Lam, Charles Chen, Roger Xu, Yuchi Huang, Terry Hsiao, Chih-Hsiang Li.

Rita S. Lewi, the Executive Director of CCACC, presents the annual report and introduces the administrative management team.

CCACC Executive Director Rita presents the Employee Service Awards. From left to right: Sally Ma, Assistant Registered Coordinator at CCACC Home Care; Kevin Xing, Information Management Manager; Xiaolan Zhou, CCACC Volleyball Coach.

Hosted by Ms. Chiao-Chiao Liu, Director of CCACC Community Services Center, the Executive Director Rita S. Lewi personally presents the Presidential Volunteer Services Awards. The awarded volunteers come from CCACC Health Center, CCACC Academy, CCACC Community Services Center, and Evergreen Club.

The artistic performances at the celebration include: Guzheng Club performing "Joyful Days"; CCACC Adult Day Healthcare Center Female Voices Small Choir singing "Happiness Is Here"; Mr. Aiyi Liu from CCACC Adult Day Healthcare Center singing "Father's Prairie, Mother's River"; Evergreen Dance Team presenting "Elegance of the Tang Dynasty"; Ms. Fang Huang from the CCACC Home Care singing "Morning in the Big Forest."

The entire Board of Directors joins in a collective chorus singing "Tomorrow will be better".

CCACC Executive Director Rita S. Lewi and members of the Board of Directors cut the anniversary cakes, celebrating the 41st anniversary of CCACC.

(Article by CCACC Ashley zhang    Photos by CCACC Ned Li)