On Feb. 18 at the Meridian Mall, the Greater Lansing Chinese Association and Meridian Township Parks & Recreation Department, brought the community together for not only bringing in the Chinese New Year, but to bring fun and celebration for families.
Gaelin Zhao, a student from Okemos High School and other fellow students, hosted a table of arts and crafts for children to create their own Chinese toys.
Zhao is the president of the Okemos High School Asian Culture Club and it participates every year. The club meets once a week on Tuesdays to talk and learn about other cultures. The club also have guest speakers.
Any student at Okemos High School can join or just participate in activities and discussions. The club takes anywhere from 10-15 members.
“I think our main goal today is to spread the word of our club, like teach children how to play different games and to let them know that doing stuff like this is pretty cool and fun,” Zhao said.
Also check out the Lunar New Year Food Drive Go Fund Me donation page. gf.me/u /guxh35 , Eric Li, a student from Okemos High School mentioned to me during other interviews.
Jennifer Pippin, volunteered with the Michigan State University Asian Study Center but her job is being the outreach coordinator, and her goal was to increase the awareness about China and the Chinese New Year. Pippin participates every year.
Its table was also filled with arts and crafts.
“We try to find different activities that will appeal to different ages, we have snacks that is a very traditional Chinese way when someone comes to your house you’re going to give them food or snacks, for older children they can learn to write some Idioms in Chinese and for the younger kids we have an art activity where they can decorate these lantern’s and dragons,” Pippin said.
The Asian Studies Center and outreach center is in the International Center on Michigan State University’s campus.
The Michigan State University Silk Road Chinese Orchestra also did a performance, as it does every year. Bingkun Han is the conductor and leader of the group. On Feb. 16, the Silk Road Chinese Orchestra performed at the annual Chinese New Year event, 2018 Temple Fair, Celebrating The Year of The Dog.