IRVINE : Seniors Celebrate Chinese New Year

On most Fridays, noontime visitors to the Irvine Senior Center dine on roasted chicken or turkey sandwiches and take part in activities ranging from exercise classes to health lectures.

But this Friday was different.

The air of the center was scented with peanut oil and the menu included spring rolls, fried rice and crispy noodles. Chinese art decorated the walls and folk music played softly in the background.

It was all part of the seventh annual Chinese New Year Celebration, one of the most anticipated events at the center.

About 200 seniors from around Irvine were treated to an afternoon of food, entertainment and cultural understanding provided by the Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Assn.

“Everyone looks forward to it,” said Rose Margarita of Irvine, one of the guests. “This is such a nice change. It’s very generous of them to do this.”

The event, which commemorated the Year of the Dog, included dancing, live Chinese folk music and a New Year’s cake.

It began with a “Good Luck Money” ceremony in which each guest was presented with a colorful envelope containing a silver dollar and a note wishing everyone good health.

The Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Assn. has more than 300 members who meet regularly at the senior center.

Throwing the celebration is a way for club members to interact with non-Chinese seniors and share their culture.

“We are trying to cross cultural barriers,” said Susie Chu, president of the association. “Most of our (members) don’t speak English. So they communicate through food, song and dancing.”

Some Evergreen members moved to California from Taiwan and other parts of Asia over the last few years to be closer to their children who work in the United States.

The New Year’s celebration gives them a chance to assimilate with their new neighbors, Chu said.

“They don’t have to talk. They can smile, and laugh and hug,” she said. “All the seniors have a common bond.”

Many of the luncheon guests agreed.

“They make us feel so comfortable,” said senior citizen Mae DelGiazo of Irvine. “I love to be here.”