Several dozen members of the Arcadia Chinese Association and local dignitaries were on hand Saturday, June 21, 2014, to celebrate the two-year reign of Joanna Ling as President and welcome incoming co-Presidents Francine Chiu and Shelley Liu.
L-r: Francine Chiu, Joanna Liang, Shelley Liu
Befitting the theme of Innovation announced by Francine and of a more casual and inclusive approach to events and activities this year, the program was held in the backyard of Shelley’s parents in Arcadia. After a buffet and before the co-Presidents and all the ACA board of directors were sworn in by Mayor John Wuo, Joanna was recognized with a bouquet of flowers and a plaque from the co-Presidents and a certificate of appreciation by Arcadia Chamber of Commerce CEO Scott Hettrick. Also in attendance were Arcadia residents and Congressional candidate Jack Orswell and his wife Janet.
In her speech, Joanna noted the many “firsts” the ACA achieved in the past two years:
Mayor John Wuo (r) swears in new ACA officers and board members.
$10,000 grant for the Youth Scholarships and Programs from Southern California Edison.
$1,500 scholarship donation from Far East International Bank.
$1,500 scholarship donation from HSBC.
ACA donated $2,500 to Arcadia Library buying Chinese books.
ACA donated $5,000 to Performing Art Center.
ACA hosted the Arcadia Mon Festival, co-sponsored with the Arboretum
ACA was recognized and received an award as Non-profit of the Year at Congresswoman Chu’s 4th Annual DiverCities event.
ACA’s logo was installed and now included on the City’s stone monument at the entry to Arcadia on Huntington Drive
Joanna said she was “so grateful for all your support and help to make all these magical things happen during my two terms,” and noted that ACA members will support Francine and Shelley to help them fulfill ACA mission objectives. She also encouraged others to join the ACA team as a volunteer “to continue to make Arcadia, our city, our community, the best city to live and to raise children. Together we will continue to make Arcadia a beautiful, harmonious and diverse city.” — By Scott Hettrick