Post New Year & Community Activities

Dear Community,

It's about a month after the Cambodian New Year. This year's Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 event was different. It went very well and exceeded our expectations. Because of the fashion show, beautiful and lively cultural performance, Cambodian language school, solo entertainer Savy Rizzy, and social dance with Seak Meas Band accompanied by Ms. Lor Bopha, the event was big hit. The Milpitas Community Center (MCC) was filled with people by 6pm. By 9:00pm, our security staff had to re-organize and re-arrange the inside before allowing more people to enter the MCC. By 10:30pm, our committee decided to give FREE entry to the late comers.

This year, the VIP Coordinators, Mr. Perom Uch and Mrs. Vinita Kylin, did a great job by having three Special Guests, Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteves, San Jose Vice Mayor Dave Cortese and representative of Congressman Mike Honda. Mr Uch said, Mrs. Cortese had an interest in cultural show and insisted on staying longer. The stage management team, Mrs. Channary Bill, Mr. Sovandy Hang, Miss Amanda Yean, and Mr. Kelvin So did a fabulous job organizing the show accordingly within the time frame. Not only as Master of Ceremony, Mr. Sovandy is also an entertainer. He invited the audience to play traditional game called, Don-Doeurm-Slek-Chher". Not only as DJ, but Mr. Kelvin So is also an excellent decorator. With his team, the stage has the professional quality for our entertaining performances.

On behalf of our New Year's team, we would like to thank all of you, the cheerful community, for your support and participating in the event. However, there is always room to improve. We, the committee, would like to ask you to give us feedback by emailing to newyear @ caraweb.org. Your feedback will be taken seriously and discussed in our New Year's post meeting.

WHO LET THE DOGS OUT:

The success can not overcome without Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 Committee, participating groups, all active community members, and the financial sponsors. This year, we have the very skilled and experienced team who has passion and enthusiasm for the community and have made every effort to achieve our goal. As the chairpersons, Kara and I would like to thank you all and to give big applause to our team.

MORE/AFTER THE EVENT

Photos of the Cambodian New Year Festival 2008

During the Committee's social gathering on Saturday, May 3, 2008, the former Ambassador Siv Sichan, the 28th U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, delivered us the letter sent by President George Bush to wish Khmer New Year. View letter from President George Bush
To learn more about Siv Sichan,

At the same time, Ms. Bopha Lor, singer during the event, commented on our event with her gratitude. View her letter.

WATT KHMER SAN JOSE RENOVATION DEVELOPMENT

With the leadership of Mr. Van Chek, the President of the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, Inc. and sub-committee of Watt San Jose Renovation, the old building was torn down completely and it's about ready to start the construction. Mr. VanChek reported that the loan is approved. The photos of Wat Khmer San Jose

SANTA CLARA CAMBODIAN WOMEN ASSOCIATION

Cambodian Women's Association took its leadership on behalf of Cambodian community of San Jose to conduct the humanitarian help to raise funds for Chea Yuthan & Som Vann Soudany Orphanage Foundation. The foundation is run by Mr. Than Tharith, the son of the former popular stars, Chea Yutthan and Som Vann Soudany. Mr. Than Tharith and his daughter visited San Jose and some residences of Cambodian-Americans. Cambodian Women Association donated $500 to the foundation, set up the fundraising party in San Jose, and arranged his visit to the homes of Khmers. As part of this fund raising, Bodavy Boun Farmer Insurance & Sambath Boun Accounting Services donated $500 (plus $445 raised at their home), Dell Laptop, a brand new Sony digital camera (value of $500), Medicines: (Tylenol, Motrin, Bengay, Cream, Anti-diarhea, Shampoo, Oil of Olay [all at value of $300].

Best regards,

Chanthoeun To & Kara Uy
http://www.caraweb.org/press/

George Bush and Laura Sending Wishes for Khmer New Year.

THE WHITE HOUSE
Washington
April 2008

I send greeting to those celebrating the Cambodian New Year, the Year of the Rat.

In our country and around the world, men, women, and children of Cambodian descent mark the New Year with a spirit of renewal and hope. This occasion is an opportunity for Cambodians to share their traditions and celebrate their heritage with family and friends.

During this celebration, we also are reminded of our country's legacy of diversity. We recognize the many Cambodian Americans who are a pat of our great Nation and contribute to its success.

Laura and I send our best wishes for a joyous New Year.

Signed [George Bush]

The actual letter can be downloaded via PDF Format: George Bush & Laura Sending Wishes for Cambodian New Year, Year of the Rate


Letter delivered by Former Ambassador Siv Sichan, the 28th U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Economic and Social Council, during his participating in Cambodian New Year Committee's social gathering on Saturday, May 3, 2008, in San Jose, California. In 1989, Siv became the first American of Asian ancestry to be appointed a Deputy Assistant to President of the United States, under George H.W. Bush. In March 2001, President George W. Bush appointed Siv as a delegate to the 57th U.N. Commission on Human Rights. Later that same year, Siv was nominated and unanimously confirmed by the Senate as the 28th U.S. To learn more about Siv Sichan, http://www.sichansiv.com/

ThankYou from Miss Lor Bopha

Thank you for having me as a part of that special New Year event. I thought your crew, Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 Committee and team did a fantastic job for the community. I commend you and the others for all your hard work in trying to preserve our culture, heritage, and traditions. It's a big responsibility and demands a lot of your time, commitment, and efforts; at times, not many people can appreciate your doing and those involve enough. I appreciate it.

I had a great time performing with the Seak Meas Band and the other singers. The crowd was awesome too!

I was so glad to have met you, Miss Kara Uy. Saied and I would like to give our sincere thanks to you and all the crew members involved. Hopefully, Cambodian New Year Festival 2009 Committee will give me the opportunity to be involved with more future events. Once again, thanks for everything and may the new year shower you and your family with happiness and prosperity.

Ms. Hassina B. Lor

Happy New Year, Year of the Rat, 2552 B.E.!!!

Happy New Year, Year of the Rat, 2552 B.E.!!!
Wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous Khmer New Year
"Saum Choun Por Teing Praim Prakar Koeu: Ayu, Vannak, Sokhak, Polak, noeung Badekpheanak"

Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 - Bay Area - North California

Saturday, April 12, 2008 (8am - Midnight)
Milpitas Community Center, 457 E. Calaveras Bvld, Milpitas, Ca 95035
- Morning: 8:30am - 1pm: Cultural Ceremony by Watt Khmer San Jose
- Evening: 5:30pm - Midnight
($20/person donated to community event)

• Guest Speakers (San Jose Vice Mayor, Milpitas Mayor, Rep. of US Congress)


• Cultural Performance


• Fashion Show


• Social Dance - Seak Meas Band & Miss Lor Bopha

Sunday - Monday - Tuesday, April 13, 14, 15, 2008
Watt Khmer San Jose: 840 Mervyn's Way, San Jose, Ca 95127
- 9am - 6pm: Mound up the sand, homage, offering food to monk....

Program of Watt Khmer San Jose

Video Clip of Event Sponsors:

Khmer Horoscope - Year of the Rat (in Khmer):

Poster of Cambodian New Year Cultural Festival 2008:

Description of Cultural Performance and Fashion Show:

Brief of Khmer New Year Festival:

Cambodian New Year 2008 Evening Program - April 12, 2008

All the Best Wishes!

Chanthoeun To & Miss Kara Uy
Cambodian New Year Festival Committee 2008
Cambodian-American community of Santa Clara County
http://www.caraweb.org/new_year/2008/

Thanks to All Sponsors of Cambodian New Year Festival

Dear Community,

Based on the U.S. Census 2000, Cambodian-American population in the Bay Area - San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose - totaled approximately 10,500, but mostly concentrated in Oakland and San Jose. Among those in the region celebrating Cambodian New Year Festival 2008 are doctors, lawyers, engineers, college professors, teachers, small business owners, CEO/president of corporation, and military officers. This represents a small but integral part of society.

GIVE BACK TO COMMUNITY

Many contribute their talents and their times to organize and coordinate during event planning and preparation. Others contribute financial by taking part as event sponsors. This year the San Jose Cambodian Cultural Dance Troupe will be collaborating with Khmer Angkor Dance Troupe from Oakland to put a full schedule performance during the evening program. And for the first time, the evening entertainment will include traditional Cambodian ensembles from Angkor era apparel to modern fashion.

On behalf of the Cambodian New Year Festival Committee 2008, we would like to thank all of the sponsors for their financial support of the Cambodian New Year Festival 2008.

Best Regards,

Co-Chairs Mr. Chanthoeun To & Miss. Kara Uy

PERFORMANCE ARTS GRANTS BY:

Arts Council Silicon Valley
http://www.artscouncil.org

Farrington Historical Foundation
http://www.farringtonfoundation.org

Office of Cultural Affairs, City of San Jose
http://www.sanjoseculture.org/


MAJOR SPONSOR:

Dr. Darith S. Khay Family Clinic
696 E. Santa Clara St., Suite 103, San Jose, Ca 95112


PREMIER SPONSORS:

Angkor Collision
1695 Angela St., San Jose, Ca 95125

Gardner Family Care Corporation
408-938-2137

Dr. Sovathana Khuong, Chiropractic
42 Race St., San Jose, Ca 95126
http://www.evchiro.com

Lucky Jewelry
2471 Alvin Ave., San Jose, Ca 95121


SPECIAL SPONSORS:

Dr. Steven Kas & Associates Optometry
5710 Cahalan Ave., Bldg. 2, San Jose, Ca 95123
http://www.kasod.com/

Farmers Insurance - Bodavy Boun, Agent
556 N. First St., #102, San Jose, Ca 95112

Sambath Boun's Accounting Services
408-394-8537


GOLD SPONSORS:

Arnold & Wilson, DDS
2930 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Berkeley
http://www.drhappytooth.com/

Quick Stop Market - Sopheap Ngar
1510 Mt. Pleasant Dr., #7094, San Jose, Ca 95127

Chez Sovan Restaurant
2425 South Bascom Ave. San Jose, Ca

Asian Pacific Family Resource Center
625 Wool Creek Dr., Suite F, San Jose, Ca 95112

Realty World – San Trinh
408-509-3889

Grand Fortune Restaurant
4100 Monterey Rd. San Jose, Ca 95111

Denise's Donut
4138 Monterey Rd. San Jose, Ca 95111

Mekong Jewelry
1954 Aborn Rd. San Jose, Ca 95121

Golden Jewelry & Gift Shop
2355-10 Mckee Rd. San Jose, Ca 95116

VV's Hardwood Floor
408-313-5350

Daily Donuts & Sandwiches
505 South Pastoria Ave. Sunnyvale, Ca 94086

Daily Donuts & Sandwiches
408 North Fair Oaks Ave. Sunnyvale, Ca 94085

Asian Market
2001 Story Rd. #500, San Jose, Ca 95122

Sonora Press, Inc.
http://www.sonorapress.biz

Costco Wholesale Corporation
http://www.costco.com


FASHION SHOW SPONSORS:

Banteay Srey Khmer Wedding Boutique
2430 E. Pacific Coast Hwy., Long Beach, Ca 90804

Darany's Fashion
2201 Anahaim St., 102, Long Beach, Ca 90804

Remtek Entrepreneur
Myspace.com/remtek

Lilies Hair Studios
330 S. Third St. San Jose, Ca. Tel: 408-885-1737
http://www.lilieshairstudios.com/

Greetings from Congressman Michael M. Honda

Congress of the United States

House of Representatives

Greetings from Congressman Michael M. Honda on the Occasion of the 2008 Cambodian New Year


April 12, 2008

It is with great pleasure that I welcome everyone to this year's Cambodian New Year Festival, celebrating the coming "Year of the Rat." I would like to commend the efforts of the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, Santa Clara County Cambodian Women Association, San Jose Cambodian Cultural Dance, Cambodian Language School, and Cambodian American Resource Agency for making this year’s festival possible.

The Cambodian American community in the Silicon Valley is as vibrant as ever. Today's event presents an opportunity for families and individuals to reflect on the past year and plan for the future. Equally important, the New Year’s celebration provides a platform to empower younger generations by educating them on their multifaceted heritage.

As a nation, we have encountered numerous challenges in the past years. However, we continue to maintain our resiliency as a community, and these celebrations humbly portray our unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. I am proud of represent the diverse community of the Silicon Valley, where our respective customs are woven together in a multicultural tapestry.

I offer my warmest welcome to all of you gathered for the 2008 Cambodian New Year ‘s Festival. I wish you all a Soursdey Chhnum Thmeiy.

Best Wishes,
Signed
Mike Honda
Member of Congress

Michael M. Honda, 15th District, California
Washington Office: 1713 Longworth House Office Building, Washington, DC 20515
District Office: 1999 South Bascom Ave., Suite # 815, Campbell, CA 95008

CAMBODIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE CULTURAL NEW YEAR IN GRAND STYLE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008 AT MILPITAS COMMUNITY CENTER.

CAMBODIAN-AMERICANS CELEBRATE CULTURAL NEW YEAR IN GRAND STYLE ON SATURDAY, APRIL 12, 2008 AT MILPITAS COMMUNITY CENTER.

This Year of Rat Will Feature Blessings by Buddhist Monks, Special Guests Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteve, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, Keynote Speaker, Fashion Show, Cultural Dance Performances, and Followed by Social Dance Accompanied by Miss Lor Bopha, Miss Asian American Pageant.

SAN JOSE, California. (March 15, 2008) – The Cambodian-American community of Santa Clara County will celebrate its 24th annual cultural New Year, year of the RAT, on Saturday, April 12th, 2005 at the Milpitas Community Center, 457 E. Calaveras Blvd., Milpitas, CA 95035 from 9:00 AM to midnight. Typically, the New Year’s celebration lasts for three days, but we will be sponsoring this event for one fun-filled day of excitement.

In the previous years, where the public was warmly welcomed, thousands of people attended this holiday observance featuring blessings by Buddhist monks, traditional new year’s games, cultural dance performances, and social dance.

This year the day long community celebration will begin at 9:00 AM with Buddhist monks in saffron robes chanting and performing the New Year’s Blessing ceremony. These daytime festivities provide an opportunity for everyone to participate in the rich cultural heritage of the Khmer people who have made a new home in this country .In addition, there will also be a host of vendors displaying their arts and crafts and other Cambodian-related products.

The evening cultural program begins at 5:30 PM and will feature several performances of Khmer classical ballet and folk dance, classical and folk music, as well as modern performances. This year will also highlight special guests Milpitas Mayor Jose Esteve, San Jose Mayor Chuck Reed, and a fashion show incorporating a more modern flare.

The morning and afternoon festivities are free, however, contributions are requested at the door starting at 4:30 PM and thereafter. There is no contribution requested for children ages 9 and younger.

Most importantly, the celebration of "Khmer New Year" is a symbol to remind us of our culture and heritage. The Cambodian New Year Festival showcases the richness of Cambodian life in our community. The treasured folk culture and history of Cambodia delight the senses in colorful display of art, music, and dance.
The cultural diversity in the Bay Area makes it one of the best places to live in the world. Cambodian-Americans are certainly significant pieces of that cultural tapestry. The preservation of the Cambodian culture is, therefore, vital. It is paramount not only to the collective community, but also to the Cambodian community, and the individual Cambodians themselves.

This is a time for joy, unity and friendship for the whole community and we would like to wish you a peaceful new year. Let's hope that next year will bring us a step closer to where we wanted to be and what we wished to achieve. This event will not be successful without the help of volunteers and sponsors.

About Us:
This year the Cambodian community in Santa Clara County, in collaboration with the San Jose Cambodian Buddhist Society, the Santa Clara Cambodian Women Association, the Cambodian American Resource Agency, Cambodian Dance Troupe of San Jose, Cambodian School, Cultural Dance Group of Oakland, and active community members, has 180 members including volunteers and performers:
Chanthoeun To - Co-Chairperson, Miss Kara Uy - Co-Chairperson, Phillip Lim, Chamroeun Yean, Jennifer Chan, Franliny Khuon, Van Chek, Nepar Penn, Bun So, Kelvin So, Peter Chan, Promoul Ban, Vearday Chea, Vinita Kylin, Paul Tun, Davy Chea, Perom Uch, Channary Bill, Leslie Kim, Tahry Ros, Sambun Boun, Sovandy Hang, Keo Yim, and more...

To learn more about our sponsors.