Ethnic Cleveland eNews
January 24, 2023
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The celebration at Asia Plaza on Saturday was a blast. A packed house enjoyed the Kwan Family Lion Dance, Food, Community Resources, lots of great entertainment for all ages/tastes and did I mention food?
Michael Patterson from Margaret Wong’s office brought his pet rabbit Katie to celebrate the Year of the Rabbit.
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Two young ladies from Vietnam visited our large map of Asia and reminded me that in Vietnam the 2023 Lunar year is a Year of the Cat on the Vietnamese zodiac. Cat is the fourth sign in the Vietnamese Zodiac.
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We have 4 pages of coverage of the event. (click on underlined links to go to the page) The first includes lots of general photos and videos including a terrific Shaolin Kung Fu demonstration.
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Another page shows some of the other entertainment such as the Sho-jo-ji Japanese Dancers and Cleveland Glory Waist Drum Team.
A fun page is the People Page where you can see some of the attendees – many in colorful attire. (Ward 7 Councilwoman Stephanie Howse with dancers - below)
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Lunar New Year is actually 15 days as opposed to the January 1 New Year holiday. The Yuan Xiao Festival, also known as the Lantern Festival, takes place on the 15th day.
So there are still a lot of events happening. The best place to see an up-to-date listing is at the OCAGC website.
Thanks as always to all the people who stopped by the booth to say “hi”. It was a great day.
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Maslenitsa – No, Kurentovanje - Yes |
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Even though it’s mid-winter, groups are planning their annual end-of-winter events. Lent is early this year (Ash Wednesday is February 22). There will be a lot of Mardi Gras type events.
Normally the Cleveland Russian Cultural Garden hosts an annual Maslenitsa (maas–le-neat-sa) celebration either in their Garden or at the Rockefeller Greenhouse. Maslenitsa has its origins in both pagan and Christian traditions. In Slavic mythology, Maslenitsa is a celebration of the imminent end of the winter. It has been compared to Mardi Gras or Carnival.
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The event is full of music, games and Russian food and drink. A Blini (like a pancake) contest is always popular as is the delicious Shashlyk. It’s like shish kabob and can be chicken, beef, pork, lamb and even fish. The meat is marinated and put on skewers and grilled on an open flame. Yum.
Another highlight is the Best Babushka Contest where ladies showed off their favorite babushka. (video below)
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Unfortunately, Covid cancelled it for a couple of years. And now, there is the invasion of Ukraine. The Russian Garden leadership (and broader community) doesn’t want to have a celebration when there is the tragic situation in Ukraine. Just as they took down the Russian flag from their Garden after the invasion, they want to show solidarity with the people of Ukraine by avoiding overt celebrations.
Fortunately Kurentovanje is still a go. We will be sharing lots of Slovenian Kurentovanje events next week. (Kurents marching in photo below)
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New Leadership at Global Cleveland
Global Cleveland hosted a Leadership Reception at the Union Club. They honored outgoing chair David Fleshler for his outstanding leadership as Global Cleveland's Board Chair. David Fleshler is Vice Provost for International Affairs, Case Western Reserve University.
They then welcomed Joe Marinucci as the next Board of Directors Chair. Joe Marinucci is Former President and CEO, Downtown Cleveland Alliance. (David Fleshler, Joe Marinucci, Joe Cimperman)
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Sponsored Message
It is more important now than ever to make sure that you, your non-profit and/or your small business not only comply with all the complicated tax code but take full advantage of the opportunities the tax laws may provide.
CPA Sam Tanious is a former IRS Agent/Auditor with over 25 years of experience. He is a trusted and skilled CPA and is the volunteer treasurer for the Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation, the Cleveland American Middle Eastern Organization (CAMEO) and other groups.
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From the Mailbag
1) Wassily Wassilyevich Kandinsky was a Russian painter and art theorist. Someone sent us a note saying “I have a Wassily Kandinsky lithograph for sale. Is anyone interested? Kathy Louie <kalelily78@yahoo.com>”
2) Would you possibly have any documents pertaining to Hungarian violinist virtuoso “Rudy Barron” based in Cleveland in the 1940s and early 1950s? If so could you please email me at kimswitzer@gmail.com or 505-453-0444?
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Irish American Club East Side 45th Anniversary
Congratulations to the Irish American Club East Side who celebrated their 45th Anniversary on January 21, 2023 at an event with over 400 attendees.
Many of the people who started the IACES were in the trades like my Dad who contributed electrical labor and material to build the club. Here's to another 45. Sláinte
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National Strategy for AA and NHPI Communities
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As always there is more information and schedule changes (weather cancellations, etc.) on the Calendar of Events.
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Fulbright scholars from Brazil
Now (for February10-12)
CCWA is looking for internationally-minded host families for Fulbright scholars from Brazil on February 10-12, 2023. CCWA will be partnering with Ohio University to host 40 Brazilian Fulbright English language instructors in Cleveland for the weekend. All Fulbright scholars speak English.
They are here in Ohio for an orientation program and will come to Cleveland to spend a fun “weekend in the city” with host families. Hosts will pick up their Fulbright scholar on Friday, February 10 at Lakewood Park’s Woman’s Club Pavilion, spend a free day exploring the city and engaging in fun cultural activities, and drop their Fulbright scholar back off at Lakewood Park on Sunday, February 12.
The program will begin with a welcome reception at Lakewood Park at 4:00 pm on February 10. If you are interested in hosting a Fulbright scholar, please email Senior Program Officer Andrew Kovach at akovach@ccwa.org.
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Carol Leslie Celebrates Robert Burns' Birthday
Wednesday January 25
3 - 4 p.m.
Facebook Live
Scots worldwide celebrate the birth of Robert "Rabbie" Burns on January 25th. He wrote hundreds of poems and songs, perhaps the most notable, Auld Lang Syne.
Join Carol as she sings some beloved Burns' songs, and reads his poetry, from the land of her birth. There is no charge for this event! Please indicate your interest on the Facebook Event Page where you will also learn how to access the performance.
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Lessons from South Africa
Friday January 27
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
The City Club of Cleveland
850 Euclid Avenue, 2nd Floor
Lessons from South Africa: Moving Past Polarization and Intense Division in America. At a time when America is facing immense polarization, there are lessons to be learned from other nations that have faced similar challenges.
From South Africa to Northern Ireland, other societies have struggled with intense divisions that nearly tore them apart. What solutions worked for countries like South Africa that Americans can consider to reconcile our own divisions? And what does truth and reconciliation look like here in our own country with its own history of colonization and slavery?
Roelf Meyer is known for his role as the South African government's chief representative in the 1993 negotiations to end apartheid and establish a democratic country. He served in the cabinet of former President Nelson Mandela, and later became secretary-general of the National Party. In 1997 he co-founded the United Democratic Movement. Meyer consulted on international peace processes in Kosovo, Myanmar, Northern Ireland, and Rwanda, among others.
Mohammed Bhabha is a former Member of Parliament, qualified attorney, and experienced negotiator. He was part of the African National Congress (ANC) team at the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA), and later as part of the agreements on the final South African Constitution. Mohammed has worked on transitional and constitutional support projects in Kenya, South Sudan, Madagascar, Sri Lanka, Yemen, Palestine, Bahrain, and Zimbabwe.
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Scottish American Society Burns Dinner
Friday January 27
5:30 PM
SYB Party Center
4157 Hudson Drive, Stow
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Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce New Year
Friday January 27
5:30 PM
Cleveland Museum of Art
The Greater Cleveland Chinese Chamber of Commerce is excited to announce that we will bring our in-person 2023 Chinese New Year Celebration back at the Cleveland Museum of Art on January 27 (Friday), 2023!
Guest Speaker: Blaine A. Griffin, President of Cleveland City Council
Special Guest: Shipeng Li, Deputy Consul General from the Chinese Consulate General in New York
Guest Pianist: Yaron Kohlberg, President of Piano Cleveland and Cleveland International Piano Competition
The Chamber says, "As one of our most significant events every year and a must-attend Chinese New Year Networking Event in town, we prepared performances, private tours with the Chair of Asian Art from Cleveland Art Museum at one of the most distinguished Chinese art collections in the West, cocktail hours with Chinese hors d'oeuvres, and ample networking opportunities with local companies, organizations, and Chinese community leaders. We welcome you to join us to celebrate the year of Rabbit together, which is a symbol of longevity, peace, and prosperity!"
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Music in the Time of Goya
Friday January 27
7 - 9 PM
Praxis Fiber Workshop
15301 Waterloo Rd. Cleveland
CityMusic Cleveland presents Music in the Time of Goya. Free! Soprano Andrea Walker joins the Baroque ensemble for Spanish-influenced works ranging from lyric-dramatic zarzuela excerpts to a charming Soler harpsichord quintet.
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Cleveland Saxon 50th Anniversary
Saturday January 28
5 PM
Sachsenheim Hall
7001 Denison, Cleveland
The Cleveland Saxon Dance Group was organized to support the cultural traditions of Transylvania.
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Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration
Saturday January 28
4:30 PM
Akron Civic Theatre
This year's Downtown Akron Lunar New Year Celebration is happening in the evening on January 28, 2023, in the lobby of the Akron Civic Theatre. There will be food, beverages, and outstanding cultural performances, followed by fireworks outside. 4:30 -- Doors open. 5:30 -- House (seating) opens. 6 -- Performance begins. 7:30 -- Fireworks (outdoors)
The 2023 Downtown Akron Lunar New Year celebration is presented with support from the Knight Foundation, the City of Akron, Asia Services in Action, the Karen Community of Akron, The University of Akron, NIHF STEM School, Civic Youth Innovation Engagement, Akron Community Foundation, GAR Foundation, Ohio Arts Council, Akron Civic Commons, Akron METRO RTA, and the Akron Civic Theatre.
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Filipino comedian coming to Cleveland
Filipino comedian JR De Guzman is known for being featured on Netflix and Comedy Central. He was the winner of NBC's Stand Up. He is coming to the Agora Theater in Cleveland (5000 Euclid Ave.) on Saturday January 28.
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Cuban-born René Izquierdo Concert
Saturday January 28
7:30 PM
Plymouth Church UCC
2860 Coventry Road, Shaker Heights
Cleveland Classical Guitar Society Concert. Cuban-born René Izquierdo is a unique artist and passionate educator whose career has been dedicated to inspiring individuals and connecting communities.
With over seventy engagements per year, whether as a solo performer, chamber musician, or as a guest soloist with orchestras, René Izquierdo has performed to critical acclaim touring extensively throughout the Americas, Europe, and Asia.
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Kwan Family Lion Dance at Li Wah
11 AM and 5PM Saturday Jan 28, Sunday Jan 29 7 PM
Asia Plaza
2999 Payne Avenue
Celebrate the Chinese New Year with the Kwan Lion Dance at Li Wah in Asia Plaza for the Year of the Rabbit. First come, first serve (Sorry, no reservations).
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Clevelanders of a certain age will remember the Garfield home improvement company and their ubiquitous commercial jingle.
I hope you celebrated yesterday on January 23, 2023.
It was Garfield 1-23-23 Day. (Now I can't get it out of my head!)
What’s leather and sounds like a sneeze?
A shoe!
I have a good friend from Prague who always beats me in chess.
You guessed it. He’s my Czech mate.
It’s important to donate blood and I thought I aced the donation.
But when I got the results they only gave me a B+
My gun didn’t fire properly so I had to check the manual.
I found the solution in the troubleshooting section.
Don’t challenge Death to a pillow fight.
Unless you can handle the reaper cushions.
Ba da dum
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Postscript: Happy heavenly birthday tomorrow (Jan 25) Mom. We miss you.
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