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Celebrating 30 Years of Social Notes

STARSTRUCK: The stars came out tonight — just as they did when I was inspired to write my first social column, “From the Great East Bay,” 30 years ago.

The music ranged from jazz to grand opera at a memorable musical evening/dinner party hosted by Hillsborough’s Diana and Johnson Chiao at the Villa D’Este. Leading off was Carole Jan Lee, singing Rodgers and Hammerstein’s “Getting to Know You,” followed by a duet with baritone Jay Chee. Soprano Lois Poon treated guests to “La Vie en Rose,” plus a medley from Cats, while tenor Richard Kishimoto riled up the crowd with Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” and “Stranger in Paradise.”

“What a legend,” said hostess Diana, as a star from the Forbidden City Nightclub — Larry Ching — concluded the musical evening with “I’m a Prisoner of Love,” “The Hawaiian Wedding Song” and “Unforgettable.” The evening was dedicated to the memory of the Chaios’ good friend, singer Larry Fong.

SHANGHAI NIGHTS: Another crowd pleaser was “A Night in Shanghai,” a very successful fundraiser sponsored by the Chinese Hospital Auxiliary, Nov. 9.

Chaired by Kathleen Chan and incoming president of the auxiliary Cynthia Yee, the event featured 10 acts loaded with magic and talent. In fact, the evening was so successful that the crowd of 250 patrons raised nearly $100,000 for Chinese Hospital.

Entertainers included Gayle Chan, Stanley Toy and Ivy Tam, Changen Nuang, Anita Cheung, Michelle Luke, Cecily Chow and Wendy Lee, Tamaka, Sabrina Hon and Wayne Huey.

PARTYING TO THE BONES: The California Academy of Science certainly knows how to put on a great party, too. “Rattle Your Bones!” was a party to benefit Early Childhood Education programs.

Children, parents and grandparents enjoyed food, fun and music while viewing the Academy’s public exhibits, including 1,700 skulls, as well as the Steinhart Aquarium, Morrison Planetarium and African Hall.

NATIONAL DAY: Several thousand supporters celebrated the 91st anniversary of the National Day of the Republic of China. Director General for the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office Matthew Lee graciously welcomed all the VIP guests at a gala reception held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel.

The Honorable Anthony Leung, financial secretary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region was welcomed at an elegant luncheon held at the Four Seasons Hotel. Leung spoke eloquently about current affairs of Hong Kong before a large audience of business people, political friends and members of the Hong Kong Association of Northern California and the Asia Society of Northern California.

Also in attendance were members of the Commonwealth Club, the World Affairs Council, the California-Asia Business Council and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office.

HOLIDAY QUEEN: Holly berries and Christmas flowers were everywhere as May Louie was crowned Queen for 2003 at the Opti-Ms. Holiday Ball, Dec. 6.

With good humor, the new Queen May quipped, “I’ve waited all my life for this moment!” as she proudly waltzed around the room, escorted by good friend George Leung.

With the help of May — who brought in 20 new members — the Opti-Ms. Club has accomplished something very few clubs have been able to do. They increased their membership rolls from 16 members to 143 Life members and 50 Annual members — over 1,000 percent — all of whom are committed to community service. Congratulations to Nora, Daisy and committee members for a great job!

Adding to the spirited Holiday Ball were soloist Jay Chee, dancers Stanley Toy and Ivy Tam, a silent auction, raffles and dinner and dancing into the holidays.

30 YEARS: As another year draws to a close, I would like to share with you — dear readers — my personal happiness in writing a Chinese American society column for 30 years and being the first to do so in AsianWeek and Canada’s Chinatown News magazine. My appreciation goes out to the visionary publisher who founded AsianWeek in 1978, John Fang, and to the bilingual editor and publisher who founded the Chinatown News magazine in Vancouver in 1972, Roy Mah. Thanks for the memories!