On a sunny and pleasant afternoon of May 26th, the New Moon Palace Restaurant in Boston’s Chinatown buzzed with excitement. Over a hundred members of the Boston Dachen Association and distinguished guests from the overseas Chinese community gathered to celebrate the association’s 40th anniversary and look forward to next year’s 70th anniversary celebration in Taiwan.
“It’s rare for everyone to come together after retirement, it’s been over ten years since I last saw some old friends. I invited everyone here today to thank you all for your support,” expressed President Zhou Xianmei (Hai) of the Boston Dachen Association.
Recently celebrating his 80th birthday, Zhou Xianmei (Hai) recalled that the Boston Dachen Association was established in 1983 with the support of Lin Shuiji, the director of the Boston office at the time. In 1990, prompted by Director Zhang Wenzhong, it was officially registered as a Massachusetts organization. Over the past 40 years, the association, led by 5 presidents including Zhou Xianmei (Hai), Wu Jifu, Mao Zaiyang, Bao Shiyu, and Liang Naling, has grown to over 400 members.
Zhou Xianmei (Hai) praised the current president, Liang Naling, for her strong leadership, which has attracted so many guests to today’s celebration.
Among the attendees were You Shengxiong and his wife Zhang Xue’e, as well as Jiang Jimei and his wife Ma Difan, who have a close connection to the Boston Dachen Association.
You Shengxiong has been running restaurants in the Boston area since 1976, with almost all of his eight restaurant staff members being fellow Dachen natives. Zhou Xianmei (Hai) was once his head chef, and Liang Naling’s parents were also former employees at his restaurants.
You Shengxiong sincerely thanked the Dachen natives for their support in his restaurant business and joyfully exclaimed, “Thank you all! I hope to see you all every year! Cherish our Dachen Association!”
Ma Difan, who used to run a food company, has had frequent interactions with the Dachen natives. She laughed, saying, “As soon as I walked in, I met old friends. I feel very excited and happy!”
On a Sunday afternoon, the director of the Overseas Chinese Education Center, Pan Zhaorong, congratulated the association, while the chairman of the Chinese Public Hall, Lei Guohui, led the staff and directors to fill a table. Representatives from the Boston KMT (Kuomintang) and Rongguang Club also attended.
After a satisfying meal, President Liang Naling unveiled two large cakes for everyone, inviting guests celebrating birthdays in May and June to cut the cakes together to mark the Dachen Association’s 40th anniversary.
The event also featured a lively lucky draw session, with dozens of guests winning red envelopes or prizes. The grand prize of the day, the “Napoleon” Dragon-shaped XO liquor, was won by You Shengxiong, prompting applause and cheers from the attendees.
Pan Zhaorong noted that the packed banquet hall showed the president’s competency and hoped to continue seeing such grand occasions in the future, extending greetings on behalf of Director Liao Chaohong and Chairwoman Xu Jiaqing.
Lei Guohui mentioned that the Dachen Association has always shared similar ideals with the Chinese Public Hall, supporting democracy and freedom, along with a spirit of unity, cooperation, and mutual assistance. He conveyed respect and gratitude to the Dachen natives on behalf of the Chinese Public Hall.
Lastly, President Liang Naling mentioned that on February 8th next year, Dachen natives will gather in Banqiao to celebrate the 70th anniversary of their relocation to Taiwan, with plans for a group visit to Dachen Island.