Ringing in the Chinese New Year
Over 100 elders from Malden and surrounding communities welcomed the Chinese New Year by celebrating at the Peking Gourmet restaurant on Main Street in Malden. The Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center (GBCGAC), supported by MVES and the Malden Council on Aging, hosted the event that included a delicious buffet, raffle prizes, and entertainment.
“The New Year’s celebration allows Chinese elders to celebrate their cultural traditions,” said Mary Kinsell, MVES director of planning and community services. “It’s an enjoyable day for all involved.”
The celebration is part of a GBCGAC effort to assist local elders. Wendy Wong, a GBCGAC outreach worker, spends two mornings each week helping Chinese elders at the Malden Council on Aging. Over the last 12 months, Wong and other GBCGAC staff have provided almost 200 Chinese elders with translation services, assistance with writing and telephoning, and information and application assistance regarding benefits, services, and housing.
“MVES’ longtime collaboration with the Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center has been extremely beneficial to Chinese elders in the Malden community,” said Kinsell. “We’re pleased to join them in the New Year’s celebration and in other events throughout the year.”
MVES also helps Wong and the GBCGAC offer other programs that include an Asian lunch every Wednesday and Thursday, regularly scheduled English classes, blood pressure screenings, health education sessions, Tai Chi classes, and other recreational activities. The activities take place at the Malden Senior Center at Government Center.
