1509 Hancock St., Ste. 209
Quincy MA 02169
phn: (617) 472-2200
fax: (617) 472-2299
e-mail: info@qari.info
March 5, 2008
Editorial Page Editor
The Quincy Sun
To the Editor:
I would like to congratulate Quincy. The 20th annual Lunar New Year Festival, which took place on Sunday, February 17th, at North Quincy High School, was a huge success. The event attracted more than 6,500 people from across the spectrum of Quincy and our neighboring communities, and there were plenty of activities to keep individuals and families entertained for hours. The festival’s enormous success depended upon the partnership and support of many businesses, organizations, and individuals.
First and foremost, our Committee Members and volunteers deserve high recognition. This event would not happen without their many hours of hard work and creative energy. Led by Co-chairs, Abby Nguyen and Josie Ng, many volunteers have been involved in Quincy’s festivals for years while others bring new enthusiasm, the combination results in a large complicated event which every year offers something fresh and new!
North Quincy and Quincy High School students, along with those from other high schools were our largest and most enthusiastic group of volunteers. Over one hundred students contributed time, beginning at 7am on a Sunday, to ensure that everything went smoothly. The leadership skills they displayed and developed while planning and managing the festival were amazing and we are confident that they will make our city proud as they make increasingly greater contributions to our community in the future.
The Lunar New Year Festival is an important way for the Asian community to come together to mark the New Year, as well as for the non-Asian community to enjoy and learn about Quincy’s cultural diversity. It requires financial resources, however – and we are grateful to our sponsors for providing such generous support. We would like to recognize, in particular, our outstanding Grand Sponsors, Mohegan Sun and Sunshine Travel, who always provide entertaining games for festival goers. We had many other sponsors and vendors who supported the festival with activities and attractions such as Comcast, South Cove Community Health Center in their new location at 435 Hancock Street, and C & C printing.
We also want to recognize the City of Quincy. Mayor Koch’s office provided the festival with wonderful support, as did the Parks Department and the Police Department. North Quincy High School was, once again, the perfect space for the event, and many school employees went above and beyond to assist us as we planned, executed, and wrapped up the event.
THANK YOU to everyone who made this event not only possible but spectacular, and to the community for their enthusiastic reception and participation. We hope you will join us as we celebrate the August Moon Festival on August 24th in Quincy Center!
John Brothers
Executive Director
QARI Institutional Members
Asian American Service Association Inc. ê Asian Student Center ê Eastern Nazarene College ê Camp Fire USA Eastern Mass Council Greater Boston Chinese Community Services ê Manet Community Health Center ê Nellie Mae Educational Foundation ê Quincy College Quincy Community Action Program ê Quincy Housing Authority ê Quincy Medical Center ê South Cove Community Health Center
South Shore Day Care Services ê South Shore Elder Services, Inc. ê South Shore Mental Health ê South Shore YMCA