| 48TH BIENNIAL CONVENTION |
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48th Biennial National Convention Builds "Momentum for Success" 1st Grand Vice President National Communications Director Kudos to the Salinas Lodge, which for the third time in its 53-year history, hosted the biennial national convention of the Chinese American Citizens Alliance from August 2-6, 2005. They just get better all the time! Albert Fong headed a congenial local convention committee, who superbly hosted unique social, cultural and educational events and excursions, which featured local attractions and historical places. The local committees provided outstanding support of Grand Council business and educational sessions. Coordination between the Grand Lodge national convention committee, chaired by Past Grand President Nancy Gee, and the local committee guaranteed a smoothly run convention. Joyce Lowe hosted an Early Bird Welcome Party at her lovely home. Wednesday evening, delegates toured the Steinbeck Center before enjoying a delicious meal and an enlighteningtalk by historian Sandy Lydon, who related the proud history of Chinese settlement and contributions in the Monterey Bay area. President Saykin Foo presented a $2000 check on behalf of the Alliance to Mayor Ana Caballero for the Rally Salinas Fund, which the Mayor started to help keep Salinas libraries open. 2nd Grand V.P. Munson Kwok presented the membership contest awards. All business meetings of the Grand Council were held at the Salinas Buddhist Temple, with lunches and some dinners prepared and served by enthusiastic hosts from the Chinese Womenís Club, Salinas Chinese Christian Church Salinas Chinese Association. Our thanks also go to the Taiwan Economic and Cultural (TECO) office of San Francisco hosting Thursday eveningís Mexican dinner. Later, there were Traditional dances by Aztec Indian performers from Alvarez High School reminded delegates of the early settlers of the area. Friday evening, delegates their western garb for a prime rib barbeque dinnerprepared by Salinas Lodge members and hoedown at the Sheriffís Posse Grounds. Dave Chin, Grand Lodge Education Chair, presented the Walter U. Lum Scholarships, the Chao Suet Foundation Scholarships, and the Harvey Wong Scholarship to the recipients who were present. Spouses and non-delegates toured Ocean Mist, a huge produce packer, Pebble Beach, 17-Mile Drive, Carmel, Point Lobos, Monterey, and Cannery Row, and the city of Salinas. The convention delegates passed important resolutions, which will help direct the work of the Alliance. Resolution 1, passed by the Grand Council, was a Constitutional Amendment to improve Grand Board Efficiency by expanding vice-presidencies to three and designating the 1st vice-president as the Grand Executive Vice-President. Each vice president would have specific function areas of responsibility. (The resolution has been ratified by the local lodges and will become effective at the 2007 convention). Other resolutions that were adopted include preservation and promotion of Chinese American history and culture as a national goal, providing assistance to local lodges for the Library of Congressí Veterans Oral History Project, focus of national essay contest to be topics related to Chinese Americans, continuing efforts to recognize Chinese American Civil War veterans, a committee to study establishing university/college affiliates, (guarding and speaking out ) against harassment (stereotyping of Chinese Americans), promoting better (Chinese American) representation in government, advocacy for a new immigration bill, and fairness in future social security legislation. For 2005-2007, Munson Kwok, of Los Angeles Lodge, was elected Grand President and Carolyn Chan, Albuquerque Lodge, was elected 1st Grand Vice-President. As a result of an unprecedented tie, Virginia Gee and Vera Goo, of San Francisco Lodge, will serve as co-2nd Grand Vice-President. Dave Chin, San Francisco Lodge, is the youngest person elected as Grand Secretary. Assistant Grand Secretary Faye Woo Lee, Grand Treasurer Herbert H. Gee, Grand Auditors Fay Pon and Hellman Yee and Grand Sentinel Kenneth Tong are all of San Francisco Lodge. Grand Marshal is Edward Yue, of the Phoenix Lodge. Grand Executives for 2005 are Paul K.J. Hu, San Francisco Lodge; Edmond J. Gor, Houston Lodge; George H. Leung, San Francisco Lodge; Beatrice Wong, Oakland Lodge; Joan Sung, San Francisco Lodge; Albert Fong, Salina Lodge; Winston K. Wu, Greater San Gabriel Lodge; William Mei, Houston Lodge; Wallace Ahtye, Salinas Lodge; Tony Q. Chan, Albuquerque Lodge; David Leong, DC Lodge, and Henry W. Gee, Peninsula Lodge. At Saturdayís lunch sponsored by Salinas' Chung Wah, Carolyn Chan, Communications Director, introduced Montgomery Hom and historian Ruthanne Lum McCunn. Ruthanne, who is credited with much of the original research on the Chinese who served in the American Civil War, surprised the audience with her impeccable facility with the Chinese language. Hom introduced his documentary, MEN WITHOUT A COUNTRY: CHINESE IN THE CIVIL WAR, to the delegates, who were the first audience privileged to view the rough cut of the film. A segment of the documentary, which is being produced in association with the Chinese American Citizens Alliance, features a brief history of the Allianceís pioneering civil rights work. A focal point was an interview with Chan describing the Alliance's efforts on behalf of Cong. Mike Hondaís bill to gain posthumous, honorary citizenship for the Asian Civil War veterans. On Saturday night, buses took delegates, hosts, and guests on a tour of Salinas en route to Cannery Row and the Monterey Bay Aquarium for the Closing Banquet, which had been arranged by Grand Executive Wallace Ahtye. Master of Ceremony, Dr. Jerry Cheang introduced the head table. Immediate Past President Saykin Foo thanked everyone for their cooperation in making his two terms as Grand President a resounding success. President Munson Kwok was mindful that his forebears had landed in Monterey Bay in a Chinese junk five generations ago, only fifty yards from a back entrance to the aquarium. He reflected on the progress of the Alliance, but promised, with the dedication of the membership, to meet the challenge to continue the Momentum for Success. Carolyn Chan presented the Chinese American Citizen Alliance 2005 Spirit of America Award to Sam Chu Lin, one of the first national Asian American broadcast journalists, and to Harvey Wong, World II veteran, Past Grand President of the Alliance, and leader of many civic organizations and Chinese American organizations. The Hon. Lawrence Wong, of the San Francisco Lodge, accepted the award for "Uncle Harvey,"who was ill at the time. Sam Chu Lin, keynote speaker at the banquet, ran a brief montage of the varied stories he has covered in his lifelong career. He urged members of the Alliance to continue its work to further the advantages for ALL Chinese in America, never forgetting that we should be obliged to be part of our greater community. Mr. Chu Lin enjoyed a reunion with many of his friends from throughout the country who had shared an early Mississippi childhood with him. Congratulations and thanks to the Salinas Lodge and everyone connected with a successful, memorable convention. The contribution of each and every person is greatly appreciated. The first full-color convention magazine will serve as a reminder of the warm hospitality of your members and community. The camaraderie and fellowship we all enjoyed and our dedication to achieving our mutual goals will provide further "Momentum for Success." |