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Evangeline and Hampson Lum in their ballroom dancing mode at the Chinatown Lions Club’s 50th anniversary party in San Francisco. Photo by Johnson Chiao.

Beauties, Lions and Truly Outrageous Gems

Those lazy summer days are not so lazy for all the movers and shakers of our community, who add joy and happiness for all.

APA BEAUTIES: Now into its 17th year, the Miss Asian America Pageant will be headed by Rose Chung, a former Miss Chinatown USA beauty queen who has gone on to do political, social, cultural and charity work for the community. Currently, she is a political aide to San Francisco Supervisor Aaron Peskin. Chung, who has worked with disadvantaged children at the San Francisco General Hospital, also dedicates a great deal of her funds toward community work.

The Miss Asian America Pageant will showcase young Asian Pacific American women in a colorful production while celebrating their diverse cultures, beauty, intelligence and talent. The pageant also encourages young women to pursue personal growth and develop leadership skills and self-confidence. Always a well-attended affair, the 17th annual Miss Asian America Pageant will take place on Saturday, Aug. 17, 7 p.m. at the Palace of Fine Arts Theater, San Francisco.

ROAR OF THE LIONS: Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the San Francisco Chinatown Lions Club strives to continue its theme, “We Serve.”

The roaring Lions recently celebrated a rousing dinner-dance at the Empress of China restaurant. Master and Mistress of Ceremonies Eugene Chan and Doris Grover introduced Lions officers and keynote speaker Hawai‘i Lions International’s first vice president, Kay Fukushima, who delivered an inspiring speech. The presentation of grants, raffle drawings and entertainment made an evening of fun for over 400 guests.

The pride of Lions also roared across the Bay as the Oakland Chinatown Lions Club celebrated the installation of new officers at a ceremony conducted by past Governor Lion Neil Desmond, President Raymond Chan, Vice President Helen Lau, Secretary Don Kiang, Treasurer Alvin Lui and directors Tony Cho, Stan Huey, Rosina Ko, Susan Lam, Tony Lau, Nancy Lee, Jeanne Mok and Lily Thompson. The banquet dinner at the Silver Dragon was followed by dancing and music provided by vocalist Alvin Lui and Associates.

A TRUE GEM: While some of us take summer vacations, artist Pat Tseng travels to China twice a year to search the familiar shops and markets of China and Hong Kong for stones of unusual color or form. She claims she looks for stones that “search for her,” and she selects only those that can be incorporated into her unique design work.

An artist born in Macau, China, but cultivated in Western training, Tseng has the uncanny ability to assemble and harmonize different pieces of jade into the most compatible jewelry creations. Often adding antique silver, beads, rings and semiprecious stones, Tseng fashions graceful and striking pieces of jewelry that are displayed in museums and society fundraisers. A believer of simple, minimalist design, Tseng adds beauty, grace and joy to people’s lives.

A DATE TO REMEMBER: On Friday, Sept. 27, the Asian Health Center will sponsor its fall fundraiser for dental health services at the Oakland Marriott City Center, 6 p.m. Connie and Henry Chang Jr. are honorary chairpersons.