News Summary
The Peninsula Chinese American Association celebrated Chinese culture at the Hampton Mosaic Festival, featuring traditional performances, hands-on activities, and community engagement. Attendees enjoyed the Dragon Dance, Tai Chi demonstrations, and a Chinese costume fashion show, while learning cultural skills such as playing the Chinese Yo Yo. The festival highlighted PCAA’s role in promoting Chinese traditions and included information on upcoming community events and initiatives.
Hampton, VA – The Peninsula Chinese American Association (PCAA) showcased its rich cultural heritage at the Hampton Mosaic Festival held on April 26 at Mill Point Park. The festival not only highlighted Chinese traditions but also fostered community engagement through various interactive activities and performances.
During the event, PCAA members performed traditional cultural presentations such as a Dragon Dance, captivating audiences with its vibrant display of skill and precision. Tai Chi demonstrations provided insight into this ancient martial art, emphasizing its health benefits and philosophical roots. The festival also featured a Chinese folk dance, further immersing attendees in the cultural experience. Additionally, a Chinese costume fashion show highlighted the beauty and history of traditional Chinese attire, making the day both educational and entertaining.
The PCAA set up a cultural exhibition booth that engaged visitors through hands-on activities. Festival attendees had the opportunity to learn to play the Chinese Yo Yo (Diabolo), a traditional toy requiring skill and coordination. Moreover, participants could have their names written in Chinese characters on folding fans, connecting personal identity to cultural representation.
Founded over 40 years ago, the PCAA is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting Chinese culture within the local community. The association operates a Chinese language school in the Peninsula, providing an accessible platform for understanding and appreciating Chinese traditions.
In addition to the festival, the York County Public Library announced an upcoming participation in the Big Library Read, the world’s largest digital book club scheduled for May 15-29. Residents with library cards will be able to access the ebook and audiobook, “Uncommon Measure: A Journey Through Music, Performance, and the Science of Time” by Natalie Hodges, free of charge via the Libby app. This initiative allows readers to enjoy the title without waitlists or holds while participating in online discussions about its themes.
A live virtual event called Big Library Read LIVE will feature Hodges discussing the intersection of music, neuroscience, and time with the Director of Book Publishing at AARP on May 30 at noon, offering an interactive experience for participants interested in these fields.
Meanwhile, residents should note that York County Tax Bills have been mailed out and are due by June 25. Several payment methods are available to facilitate timely payments, ensuring that the community can meet their tax obligations without unnecessary stress.
On another community-oriented front, Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg is co-hosting a fundraising initiative titled “Drink Beer, Do Good” at Coastal Fermentory. The event is set to occur on May 27 in Uptown and May 28 in Downtown, showcasing local “celebrity” bartenders while also offering a DIY craft night for a nominal fee of $25. Notably, 10% of sales and tips from this event will contribute to building a home for a local family in need, emphasizing the power of community support.
VOLUNTEER Hampton Roads is actively seeking participation for the Civic 50 Hampton Roads, an initiative that honors businesses demonstrating a commitment to community service. Companies interested in getting involved must complete the Civic 50 assessment by July 15 to be considered.
In the realm of entertainment, Colonial Downs is gearing up to extend its summer racing schedule to a total of 41 days, featuring events from July 9 through September 13. Most race days will have free general admission, while select premium racing events will require ticket purchases. This initiative aims to attract racing enthusiasts and contribute to the local economy.
Additionally, Food Lion held an annual recognition event honoring over 380 associates for their significant service milestones, ranging from 30 to 50 years, showcasing the commitment and dedication of employees within the organization.
Lastly, the Virginia Association of Counties convened for their Annual Spring Meeting on April 25-26 in James City County, discussing key issues and opportunities for local governance.
In corporate news, Chesapeake Financial Shares reported a net loss of $4,450,120 for the first quarter of 2025. Despite this financial downturn, the company has maintained its tradition of declaring dividends for 32 consecutive years. Furthermore, the Norfolk Airport Authority recently appointed Melinda Montgomery as Vice President and Chief Operations Officer, where she will oversee day-to-day operations beginning in early June.
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- WYDaily: News Briefs for May 21
- Wikipedia: Community Service
- Coastal Virginia Magazine: Events Calendar March-April 2025
- Google Search: Local Events Hampton VA
- 13 News Now: Chesapeake Spring Arts Festival 2023
- Google Scholar: Community Events Impact
- Patch: Memorial Day Weekend 2024 Events
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Events Celebrations
- The Times: Pink Mosaic Plant to Combat Methane
- Google News: Environmental Initiatives
