| Welcome! | 
Dear CDBF Community-
It's been an unusual winter, weather-wise, but spring is officially here, and with warmer weather (hopefully) now here for good, our thoughts turn to the 12th Annual Colorado Dragon Boat Festival. A dozen years! It's hard to imagine that we've come one full cycle of the Chinese zodiac to the Year of the Water Dragon, an appropriate and auspicious sign for CDBF. That's the kind of thing you'd see in a Tweet or a Facebook update, which reminds me, please "LIKE" us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter and Pinterest (the newest cool social networking site).
When we're not surfing the social networks online, we're busy in the real world planning and preparing for the best fest yet, and we're out reaching to you for help in our planning: Don't miss the deadline to apply as a performer, exhibitor, food vendor, race team or even volunteer. We're also still accepting your suggestions for the 2012 Honorary Chair. We've also extended our deadline for the 2012 Community Design Competition, and added a Young at Art Division for students to submit designs. We're already receiving lots of applications and we don't want to leave out you or a band, group, role model or business you think would be perfect for CDBF!
Please join me in welcoming CDBF's new Operations Manager, Tarika Cefkin! Tarika served on the Public Safety team in 2011 and you can read more about her below. Plus, we have two more volunteer Operations Committee members jumping aboard, James Dimagiba, Volunteer Co-chair and Lisa Maurer, our former Operations Manager who's helping with sponsors. Wait...there's more...Lora Knowlton has joined the team as our Vendor Manager. We're lucky to have such a world-class team!
Until next month,
Erin Yoshimura
Executive Director
www.cdbf.org
FYI: there are only 122 days until the festival!
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| Do you "LIKE" us? | 
We want to increase the number of fans we have on Facebook, and you can help.
Click to the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival's Facebook page and check out our new timeline. Facebook is rolling out the new design for all pages, and we switched right away.
If you think it's cool, and you're not following us on Facebook yet, click the "LIKE" button and join our growing list of fans. If you're a Facebook Fan, please "SHARE" us with your friends. We announce all the news about CDBF on our Facebook page, and during the festival we post updates, including live photos from Sloan's Lake, all weekend!
We're also on Twitter and the hottest new social media site, Pinterest, so be sure to follow us on those sites too!
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Who's your role model in the Asian community?
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 We're accepting Nominations for the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival's 2012 Honorary Chair until April 6, 2013.
The Honorary Chair is a community-nominated individual who is a role model for the local Asian and Asian American community. The Honorary Chair is a leader who inspires others to become leaders by their example.
Last year's Honorary Chair, shown here, is Dr. Rudy Lie, a retired clinical psychologist and one of the founders of the Asian Pacific Development Center (APDC) who still serves on the organization's board. Past Honorary Chairs have come from all walks of life, from the non-profit, business and government sectors. You can read more about Dr. Lie and see our past Honorary Chairs here.
If you know someone who deserves the title of CDBF's 2012 Honorary Chair, fill out this nomination form and let us know. Our Board of Directors will study each nomination and decide on the recipient. The deadline for nominations is April 6, 2012! |
Volunteer and join the CDBF family!
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 The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival depends each year on about 300 volunteers to help throw the biggest pan-Asian party in the region.
We'll need this year's volunteers to help out everywhere, from assisting at the performing arts stages to serving as Festival Ambassadors and answering visitors' questions; from supporting our food and gift vendors in the Marketplace and Taste of Asia food court to working with kids in Dragonland, our popular children's area.
Register online now to be a 2012 Volunteer, or sign up 15 or more of your friends and volunteer as a group! |
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Apply now for the Marketplace and Taste of Asia!
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 Anyone who's attended the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival knows that part of what makes the weekend at Sloan's Lake so fun is shopping for gifts, toys, arts and crafts, jewelry, clothing and those indispensable parasols to give yourself some shade.
And a huge part of the experience is trying the variety of cuisines of Asia without leaving Denver, by cruising through the Taste of Asia food court and tasting your way through the diverse cultures.
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Tell your favorite bands to audition for CDBF!
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CDBF has been proud to be a talent showcase on our Main Performing Arts Stage for not just traditional Asian culture, but for Asian Americans who perform everything from hip-hop dance to folk, blues and alternative rock music, like Kenny Lee Young and Pearls for Breakfast (shown here) did last year.
If a performer or group that you like is Asian, Asian American or plays music that is Asian-influenced, be sure to tell them to submit their application for the festival. We'd love to feature more and more bands at CDBF!
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Welcome our newest team members!
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The Colorado Dragon Boat Festival is proud to have the hardest-working staff, contractors and volunteers on its Operations Committee. We've added some new members but first, we'd like to welcome Tarika Cefkin as our new Operations Manager!
 Tarika recently graduated from the University of Denver with an M.A. in International and Intercultural Communications, concentration in Human Rights. A long-time Colorado resident, Tarika grew up very involved in Colorado's Thai community performing with various Thai music and dance troupes around the Denver Metro area. She is passionate about raising intercultural awareness. Most recently she worked for the Nathan Yip Foundation, an organization that funds educational projects for children around the world. As a performer and spectator at the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival since its inception (and member of the festival's Public Safety Committee last year), Tarika is very excited to be joining the CDBF staff as Operations Manager and looks forward to further serving Colorado's Asian American Pacific Islander community.
 We'd also like to welcome aboard James Dimagiba as our Co-Chair fr the Volunteer Committee, a critical part of our operation! James likes, among other things, dinosaurs. This, along with a passion for community partnership, led to his first volunteer management position coordinating youth volunteers for the New Mexico Museum of Natural History and Science in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was a great internship and though he has since continued on to earn degrees in the fields of Engineering Mechanics, Engineering Systems, and Photography, he has continued to volunteer his time with various organizations and community partners including Kiwanis International and March of Dimes Colorado among others. Most recently, he has served as Volunteer Co-Coordinator for the 2010 Starz Denver Film Festival as well as the Photographer Manager for the 2011 Starz Denver Film Festival. This will be his first year volunteering with the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival Operations Committee and is excited to be a part of such a wonderful event. Lisa Maurer, who served as Operations Manager last year, returns this year to support our Sponsorship efforts. Lisa Maurer began her nonprofit career in 1985 working for a small outdoor art museum, the Museum of Outdoor Arts (MOA). During her time at MOA, Lisa finished her degree in Business Management and built a successful career advancing to the Museum's Administrative Director where she worked closely with employees and independent contractors ranging from teaching artists to sculptors, conservationists, donors, members, and elected officials.Lisa enjoyed managing the day-to-day office operations as well as developing and managing art exhibitions, openings and other events. Lisa also spent a few years in chamber work as well as logistics and event planning for a large library district. She served last year as Operations Manager for CDBF, and now runs a virtual assistant business. She's volunteering with the festival this year to help with sponsor fulfillment. And last but certainly not least, we're happy to welcome Lora Knowlton as our Marketplace Manager! As manager of Current Events, LLC, Lora provides event management consulting services specializing in association management, event operations and logistics. Clients include the Colorado Festivals & Events Association, the Foothills Foundation, Summerset Festival, Colorado Irish Festival, Bandimere Speedway, Old Glory Antique Fair, Blue Star Blues Festival and the Academy of Model Aeronautics Annual Expo. Lora serves as Contest Director for Warbirds Over Denver, a nationally known event for radio-controlled airplanes and is a founding member of the Columbine Memorial Foundation, Inc. Hobbies include flying radio-controlled airplanes and collecting antique glassware.You can meet all our Operations Committee members here -- we can't have a festival without their hard work and passion!
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Are you Young at Art?
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 The deadline is approaching for the 5th annual CDBF Community Design Competition, where the winner could have her or his design displayed on festival merchandise including T-shirts and a commemorative poster. We're also awarding a $50 U.S Savings Bond to the winner of our Young at Art Division, for students through high school. Just show us your design or illustration that best illustrates the spirit of the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival! The rules for the competition are posted here, and the submission form for your design is right here. Hurry -- the deadline is Monday, April 16! |
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Upcoming Asian Community Events
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CDBF has the most complete and updated listings of local Asian and Asian American events on our Community Calendar.
If you don't see an event here in the newsletter, be sure to check our Calendar online -- it's updated as we receive announcements. Submit your Asian community event information with a brief description to calendar@cdbf.org .
ONGOING
APDC needs food donations for refugee communities
The APDC is collecting food items donations for refugee clients (especially at their behavioral health clinic) who have been struggling to get by. These clients include people from the Bhutanese and Burmese communities. They have been running out of food for their families and are in HUGE need of food donations. Any items such as rice, oil, ramen noodles, soy sauce, canned fish, canned fruit or vegetables will be extremely helpful for the families. Donations can be dropped off at either APDC office, or, for questions or inquiries, please call either office:
York office - 1825 York St. Denver, CO | 303.393.0304
Elmira Office - 1544 Elmira St. Aurora, CO 80010 | 303.365.2959 x 102
MARCHT.E.A. Time - Luoluo Hong: A Discussion on Intersectionality When: Monday, March 26, 5 pm Where: A/PACC office (Lory Student Center Room 212), Colorado State
University, 500 University Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521
Cost: Free Loulou Hong, vice chancellor for student affairs at the University of Hawaii will be discussing how gender, ethnicity and other identities intersect and shape our experiences.http://hilo.hawaii.edu/uhh/vcsa/ Wong Fu Productions by SASE When: Mon. March 26, 7:00-8:30 pm Where: Yates Hall, Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO 80521 (between W Lake St. & W Pitkin St) Cost: Free to students The Society of Asian Scientists & Engineers (SASE) presents Wesley Chan, Ted Fu, and Philip Wang of Wong Fu Productions. Made famous by their online short films and music videos of popular music, this filmmaking trio has become one of the top 20 most subscribed directors on Youtube, and has had their films featured in festivals in both the US and France. Come hear them speak about starting their own producing company and Nice Guy t-shirt line, as well as their thoughts on innovation, diversity, and telling stories about more than just kung fu. http://wongfuproductions.com,www.saseconnect.org Oak & Gorski Concert When: Tuesday, March 27, 6 pm Where: Ramskeller Pub and Grub (Lory Student Center lower level), Colorado State University, 500 University Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Cost: Free Come hear acoustic duo Oak & Gorski live on guitar and cello at CSU's Ramskeller. The group has sold over 30,000 albums and been featured in movies and TV shows including "She's The Man," "A Nanny's Secret," CSI: NY, as well as Far East Movement's album Folk Music. Enjoy your favorite drink with some great, honest music! http://oakandgorski.wordpress.com/ Poet Jenny Lares and Potluck When: Tue. March 27, 6:30-9:30 pm Where: FACC Bahay Kubo, 1900 Harlan St, Edgewater CO 80214 Cost: Bring something to share for the potluck! The Filipino-American Community of Colorado (FACC) and the Asian Pacific Americans for Progress present Filipina poet Jenny Lares. Based in Washington, DC, Lares is one of the founders of an underground network of DC artists. She has traveled across several states to perform her candid spoken word poetry at colleges and local venues. Jenny Lares was recently recognized as one of the top AAPI women working to redefine women leadership. This event is also a potluck, so lend an ear and share some food with good company! Listen to samples of Jenny Lares' spoken word pieces here. http://jennylares.com/ Women at Noon: Jenny C Lares When: Wednesday, March 28 at 12 pm Where: Lory Student Center Room 230, Colorado State University, 500 University Avenue, Fort Collins, CO 80521 Cost: Free Filipina poet Jenny Lares, based in Washington DC, will be combing a spoken word performance with a workshop that focuses on developing one's voice and using it as a tool for community empowerment and social change. http://jennylares.com/ Dennis Fryer: Living as a Global Nomad/Third Culture Kid (TCK) in America When: Wednesday, March 28 at 4 pm Where: Engineering B 103, Colorado State University, 901 Center Avenue, Fort Collins Dennis Fryer will be talking about the experience of being a global nomad, or one who has lived in and identifies with multiple cultures. NAAAP LEAD Seminar: "Exploring Diversity Inside and OUT" When: Sat. March 31, 8:30 am-3:00 pm Where: Daniels Fund Room 126, 101 Monroe St, Denver CO 80206 Cost: Free for NAAP LEAD, $10 for NAAAP members, $20 for non-members Explore diversity issues that impact your professional, social, and personal life, as well as learn practical leadership skills in this NAAP Colorado workshop. Local leaders will lead a panel discussion, which will be followed by group breakout discussions, then a provided lunch. The workshop will end with a keynote speech by Morris Price, Director at the Office of Congresswoman Diana DeGette. For the detailed workshop schedule and registration information, visitNAAP Colorado online. http://www.naaapcolorado.org/ Dim Sum Fundraiser for Youth Strengthening Youth Program When: Sat, March 31, 11 am - 1 pm Where: Palace Chinese Restaurant, 6265 E. Evans Ave. Denver, CO 80222 Cost: $35/person, $300/table of 10
APRIL Music and Dance of Bali When: Sat. April 7, 7:30 pm Where: King Center Concert Hall, Auraria Campus, 855 Lawrence Way Denver CO 80204 Cost: $10 General Admission, Free for Metro State College community Join Gamelan Tunas Mekar in their 23rd year as they bring King Center's Concert Hall to life with ancient and contemporary dance and instrumental pieces from the island of Bali. Tunas Meker will be performing Bali's indigenous music with guest dancers Ni Ketut Marni and I Putu Tangkas, along with Metro State's own gamelan ensemble Manik Kusuma, who will be opening the program with a special performance. Come experience Bali's vibrant culture through an evening of exquisite music and dance! Buy tickets online fromKing Center Concert Hall. http://www.tunasmekar.org/index.html 2012 APABA Annual Banquet When: Fri. April 13, 5:30 pm Where: Palace Chinese Restaurant, 6265 E Evans Ave, Denver CO 80222 Cost: Starts at $75 for individual tickets - See RSVP form for details You are cordially invited the join the Asian Pacific American Bar Association of Colorado (APABA) for their annual banquet and presentation of the 2012 Minoru Yasui Award and Governor Carr Award. Since 1995, APABA of Colorado has served local communities through non-profit legal services, as well as scholarship, mentorship, educational, and charitable programs. All proceeds from this event will go toward APABA and its programs. Come for memorable entertainment, a cash bar, and dinner, which begins at 6:30. Please fill out theRSVP form and send it to Fay Matsukage by April 6. APABA website: http://www.apaba-co.org ; Information and registration form: http://www.apaba-co.org/news/?p=270 "The Joy Luck Club" stage production at The Vintage Theater When: Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays April 13-May 13 (Fri.-Sat. 7:30 pm, Sun. 2:30 pm pus Sat. matinee on May 12, 2:30 pm) Where: 2119 E. 17th Ave., Denver 80206 Cost: $25, $20 in advance, $18 groups Through a series of flashbacks, four young Chinese women born in America and their respective mothers born in feudal China, explore their past. This search will help them understand their mother/daughter relationship. Don't miss the local stage production of Amy Tan's book, directed by Craig A. Bond and featuring Donna Hansen and other actors from Denver's Asian American community in one of the starring roles. Check the website or call for dates and times or to purchase tickets: http://www.vintagetheatreproductions.com/?page_id=31, 303-839-1361. World Sabaki Challenge 2012 When: Sat, April 14, 5:30pm - 10:30pm Where: National Western Stadium Complex, Stadium Arena, 4655 Humboldt Street, Denver CO 80216 (take I-70 & Brighton Blvd/275B exit) Cost (advance online discounted purchase): General Admission, $25; Children 12 & Under, $10; Golden Circle, $50; $10 for stadium parking "Flow like water, strike like lightning!" Sponsored by Enshin Karate, this annual tournament brings Enshin karate students from all over the world for a one night test in no pads/no gloves, full contact, knockdown karate. However, sabaki is a Japanese word that means "to channel power efficiently." Rather than force their punches, kicks and sweeps, students of the Sabaki way of karate gauge the intent, momentum, and rhythm of their opponents. By moving with their opponent like water, they are able to strike when the moment is right. Come out and see speed, power and spirit, intensified by lightning-fast timing and unwavering balance and discipline! http://www.sabaki.enshin.com/, http://www.nationalwesterncomplex.com/event_detail.aspx?eid=2019 "ARTiste" Fundraiser for ReLAY Hosted by 2011 Miss AACO When: Sat. April 21, 5-8 pm Where: Tivoli Student Union, Room 440/540 @ Auraria Campus, 900 Auraria Parkway, Denver CO 80204 Cost: $5 at the door (donations accepted) The 2011 Miss Asian American Colorado, Dao Than is hosting a fundraising event for the APDC's ReLAY (Responsible Leadership and Action for Youth) program as part of the AACO community service project. Re-LAY After School Program (Responsible Leadership and Action for Youth) is an intensive mentorship and after school program for middle school youth. ARTiste (ART Is Shown Through Expression) is an art gala showcasing the art done by our refugee youth and to celebrate the youth and their art. Miss Dao Than has been working with the youth every week at the program on the art project that will be showcased at the ARTiste fundraiser. 100% of the proceeds from this event goes back to APDC's ReLAY after school program. For more information contact Dao Than @ 720.277.1247.
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| About the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival |  Your Weekend Passport to Asia and the Pacific- Dragon Boat Races. Cultural Education. Performing Arts. Food. Marketplace.
About CDBF
Founded in 2001 to celebrate Colorado's diverse Asian Pacific American (APA) communities, the Colorado Dragon Boat Festival (CDBF), a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, has become the region's fastest growing, family-friendly summer festival. CDBF offers festival-goers the opportunity to explore APA culture through performances, educational programs, arts and crafts, shopping, dining and the exciting athletic competition of dragon boat racing.
Contact Information: 11049 West 44th Avenue Suite 110 Wheat Ridge, CO 80033 T: 303-953-7277 F: 303-953-7278 Toll-free: 877.716.BOAT (2628)
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2012 SPONSORS COMMUNTY PARTNER:
ASSOCIATE SPONSOR: MillerCoors |
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