My dear fellow tongzhis:

I hope the new "year of the serpent" will bring you good health and fortune.

Our Chinese New year Banquet went most successfully on Jan 28, the fifth day of the Chinese new year. The full-house festive event was highlighted by sumptuous seafood, games, announcements, Chinese astrology quizzes amid lively conversation and lots of laughter. Thanks to all the CRA members who attended. CRA was also honored by the presence of the leaders of 5 gay API organizations. Special thanks to three individuals who helped me the most in making this event happen: Richard, Liming, and Howard.

With the dawning of the new year, we have a new board:

Chair: Andre' T.

Treasurer: Richard K.

Publications: L. Zhou

Social Events: Harris L.

Public Relations: Steve G.

Steve, our new board member brings with experience, expertise, and dedication. You, the CRA members, can look forward to having a hard-working, savvy, and dedicated board to serve you throughout the new year.

Indeed, we are planning a lengthy list of interesting and educational activities just for you. There will 2 CRA or CRA-sponsored events a month, from the new rap sessions to shows. Of course our monthly potluck parties are the best kept secret in town, drawing a big crowd each time.

All these functions and their publicity take money. That brings us to the topic of membership dues. As a non-profit organization, CRA depends entirely on the dues to operate. So please send in your due if you haven't already done so. We now have one life-time member and one VIP member. Thank you to these special generous members. This year, as a member you will also get incentives at our social and special events.

Of course, our tradition has always been peer support. Do not hesitate to talk to your fellow tongzhis whenever you need someone to talk to. That is what real friends are for, who will listen to you and accept you unconditionally (sometimes better than your family members) and help you the best ways they can. We realize this is a (rainbow) family affair.

Have a happy and fulfilling year of the snake!

Respectfully,

Andre T.