More than 100 NYCHA seniors gathered at the Meltzer Towers Senior Center on Manhattan’s Lower East Side to celebrate the Chinese New Year—the Year of the Dragon on Tuesday, Jan. 24, 2012.

The New Year celebration, which traditionally lasts for 15 days, is the longest and most important of Chinese holidays.  Each year is associated with one of twelve animals in the Chinese zodiac. For 2012, it’s the Year of the Dragon, regarded as one of the most important astrological signs symbolizing power, strength and good luck.

Chinese New Year celebration planners and performers. (Photo provided by Yanisha Gambao-Reason)

The seniors enjoyed performances by traditional dragon and lion dancers, and they touched and fed the mythical characters for good luck.  Seniors from Meltzer Towers performed the Fan Dance, a demonstration of beauty, grace, skill, tradition and history, and all were treated to a traditional Chinese lunch to commemorate the occasion.  New York State Senator, Daniel Squadron and New York City Council Member, Margaret Chin was in attendance to enjoy the festivities. 

During his visit, Senator Squadron honored two volunteers at the Meltzer Senior Center: Binh Chau, Vice President of the Meltzer Houses Resident Association, and Carmen Fuentes, a senior resident with Certificates of Appreciation.  He also presented a Proclamation to Meltzer Senior Center Director, Yanisha Gamboa-Reason.   

Comprehensive Care Management (CCM), a long-term care organization that provides home healthcare services to the elderly, sponsored the dragon and lion dancers who performed for the seniors.  “It was truly a community event,” said Ms. Gamboa-Reason.  “All of the seniors were grateful to participate in the festivities and to learn about a different culture and their customs. We are a community and a family at Meltzer,” she added.

Though the New Year celebration is the longest running on the Chinese calendar, the first day of the New Year is the most important day of traditional Chinese holidays.  It is celebrated by over one billion people in China and by millions of ethnic Chinese around the world in countries such as Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and also in Chinatowns all across the United States.  The celebration also marks the end of winter, and makes way for good luck and good fortune.   

By Heidi Morales with Yanisha Gamboa-Reason
Feburary 2, 2012