FCC Families Take Time Out to Welcome 2002, The Year of the Horse
by Lynne Spina
After a full day of school (or pre-school) a typical week in the life of an American family most likely includes a trip to a soccer game, or to a piano lesson, Tae Kwan Do, ballet class, birthday parties, swim team practice or scouts. Let us not forget homework time squeezed in every day and an occasional family dinner together.
We are all masters at keeping busy. It is the American way of life. In the midst of hectic schedules designed with good intentions to enrich our children's experiences, and therefore their lives, one more event somehow gets added to the list by FCC (Families With Children From China) households. Each year FCC families make time to celebrate Chinese New Year together. What's more, it's relatively easy fun to plan since history dictates the theme. Whether it is the year of the dragon, the snake or horse, exciting activities for children are always available. This opportunity for cultural enrichment is actually taken seriously; families make the time to attend FCC's Chinese New Year party. Celebrating their children's culture is important to family life as evidenced by the people, young and old, who participated this year.  
On February 23rd, the hall in Parkway Middle School reverberated with the sounds of 100 happy children's voices while 140 adults socialized.
"Functions like these allow children to identify with their Chinese heritage - and to celebrate and embrace it - while offering exposure to other similar culturally blended families" stated Donna Coble, FCC President-elect and mother of two.  
The evening's program included dance and story performances by a group of FCC's very own children, all who are students of RCR Chinese Language Center. These "stage" children are a new addition to event programs. Attendees enjoyed a grand buffet of Chinese cuisine. People had plenty of time to browse the 2nd annual silent auction tables which boasted many unique cultural items such as fortune stuffed bears, a Year of the Horse mirror, clothes, "adopt a panda" and a variety of books. Also, vendors displayed cultural gifts for purchase.
The FCC Chinese New Year party is one of several popular events held during the year. In addition to the Chinese New Year party, FCC sponsors workshops and programs of interest to both parents and children.
Several programs have proved popular over the years so now take place annually. They are the FCC Culture Day where children enjoy fun activities, adults attend informative sessions, and the entire group is entertained by Chinese performers; and the moon festival celebration. FCC welcomes the participation of Chinese Americans at its functions.
Families with Children from China St. Louis (FCC) is an organization of American families who have adopted children from China. Common to their families is the desire to actively integrate their children's Chinese culture into family life so the children will grow up closely acquainted with - and proud of their Chinese heritage. |
