2.13.25 CCACC ADHC Seniors Celebrated Lunar New Year at Westfield Montgomery Mall

On February 8, 2025, the CCACC Adult Day Healthcare Center (ADHC) organized a group of seniors to participate in the Lunar New Year celebration jointly hosted by CCACC and Westfield Montgomery. The mall was filled with a festive atmosphere.

Many seniors eagerly anticipated this outing during the celebration registration period. However, due to weather conditions and safety concerns, some had to cancel their plans. Despite this, a group of seniors, under ADHC's careful arrangements, traveled to the mall on two buses, their excitement undiminished.

To ensure the seniors had a prime viewing experience, they were accompanied by Jerry Wang (CCACC ADHC Deputy Director) and ADHC staff to their reserved seats, where they enjoyed a spectacular dragon dance performance. Following the performance, Rita Lewi (Executive Director of CCACC) took the stage to welcome the audience. She was introduced by two young hosts, Ann Zhang and Xander Hsu. Lewi also introduced Catherine Brady (Westfield Montgomery Marketing Director) as a co-host of the celebration. Dr. Clarence Lam (Maryland State Senator) also attended and delivered a speech.

Dr. Yuchi Huang (Chairman of CCACC Board of Directors) and Chang Zhao (Vice-Chair of CCACC Board of Directors) along with other board members, warmly greeted the audience. Additionally, CCACC Co-Founders Ned Li and Chih-Hsiang Li were present to extend their New Year wishes. The celebration continued with a lively lion dance by The Chinese Youth Club (CYC), which was met with enthusiastic applause. This was followed by traditional folk dances that showcased the elegance and diversity of Chinese culture. The seniors were fully immersed in the performances, embracing the joy of the Lunar New Year.

However, due to time constraints and weather conditions, the seniors had to leave after watching the dragon dance, lion dance, and folk performances, missing the later segments of the event. While there was a slight sense of regret, they remained deeply appreciative and satisfied with the experience. Many expressed their joy, saying, "Although we couldn't see all the performances, celebrating the Lunar New Year in such a lively atmosphere with everyone was truly wonderful."

During their visit, some seniors learned about a fascinating piece of history from Ned Li (CCACC ADHC Director). Over thirty years ago, those wishing to attend large-scale public Lunar New Year celebrations had to travel to Washington, D.C.'s Chinatown. However, outdoor venues were limited and often impacted by weather, affecting the event's success. To address this issue, Director Li envisioned hosting the celebrations indoors at a shopping mall, ensuring a more stable and controlled environment. In 1997, Westfield Montgomery agreed to collaborate, launching the first two-week-long Lunar New Year celebration at the mall. From 2000 to 2020, the event was relocated to Lakeforest Mall. After the pandemic, it returned to Westfield Montgomery and expanded to Westfield Wheaton. This cherished tradition, now in its 28th year, has been made possible by the dedication and hard work of countless volunteers and staff.

The special "Mall Outing & New Year Celebration" arranged by CCACC ADHC provided seniors with an unforgettable festive experience, once again demonstrating CCACC's deep commitment to the elderly. Looking ahead, CCACC ADHC will continue to create more opportunities for seniors to engage with the community and experience cultural activities, enriching their lives with meaningful and joyful moments.

(Article by CCACC Adult Day Healthcare Center)

Jerry Wang (far right), and CCACC ADHC staff pose for a photo with the seniors.

Before the performance, CCACC Executive Director Rita Lewi (far left) and Catherine Brady pose for a photo beside the CCACC Youth Dragon Dance Team.

Maryland State Senator Dr. Clarence Lam attended the event and delivered a speech.

Dr. Yuchi Huang, Chairman of CCACC Board of Directors (third from right) and Chang Zhao, Vice-Chair of CCACC Board of Directors (second from right), along with board members Roger Xu (far left), Dr. Mo-Ping Chow (third from left), and CCACC co-founders Ned Li (second from left) and Chih-Hsiang Li (far right), extend New Year greetings to the audience.

The CCACC Youth Dragon Dance Team's spectacular dragon dance performance.

The Chinese Youth Club (CYC) delivered a magnificent lion dance performance.

The seniors gave red envelopes to the lion.

A continuous flow of spectators.

Six senior volunteers who have dedicated nearly 30 years of service to CCACC. Front row, left: Rita Lewi; Front row right: Ned Li. Back row from left to right: Dr. Yuchi Huang, Mrs. Lily C. Fang, Calligrapher John Wang (the author of the large calligraphy couplet behind), Dr. Immanuel Tung.

After the celebration, Westfield Montgomery Marketing Director posed for a photo with CCACC staff and volunteers.