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Snow Storm Hits Chinatown Again

Support Chinatown this Valentine's Day Weekend and Win! 

 

Shop and eat at participating Chinatown businesses this weekend and you can enter to win free prizes.

After the latest series of snowstorms and the economic blows to the community of the past few years, Chinatown and local merchants needs your help. During this special weekend, come shop, eat or visit participating Chinatown local businesses and you can enter free drawings to win hotel stays, airline tickets and many more other  prizes, the more places you visit the more chances you get! It's a win-win for you and for Chinatown.  

Double V-Day
Raffle Drawing Prizes:
Note: Prize List Subject to Change

1)  St. Valentine's Swarovski Crystal - Courtesy of Mr. Zan Ng

 

2)  Southwest Airlines (2) pair of roundtrip tickets to 48 States + PR, Courtesy of Southwest Airlines

 

3)  Multiple Hotel suites, courtesy of New-A

 

4)  Tea Parlor opening performance tickets, courtesy of Chen Dance Ctr

 

5)  Thermal water bottles, courtesy of David J. Louie Insurance Company

 

6)  Wrist-watch, courtesy of Golden Jade Jewelry

 

7)  Wine, courtesy of Mr. William Su

 

8)  One hour couples massage, courtesy of Forever Beauty Day Spa

 

9)  840+ pcs, 4-D Cityscape (NYC History Over Time puzzle), courtesy of Chinatown Partnership LDC

 

10)  10 Gift Cards to Haagen Dazs (Chinatown Store)

 

11)  And More Prizes 



The Second V:
Lantern Festival
There are many different beliefs about the origin of the Lantern Festival. However, it is likely to have had something to do with celebrating and cultivating positive relationships between people, families, and nature.  Many cultural experts and historians consider this day as the real Chinese Valentine's Day.

The Lantern Festival also known as Yuan Xiao Jie in China is a festival celebrated on the fifteenth day of the first month in the lunisolar year in the lunar calendar marking the last day of the lunar New Year celebration.

During the Lantern Festival, children go out at night to temples carrying paper lanterns and solve riddles on the lanterns (simplified Chinese: 猜灯谜; traditional Chinese: 猜燈謎;
: cāidēngmí;

It officially ends the Chinese New Year celebrations.

Source: WIKI

Learn More About Lantern Festival
Eat Heart Shaped Rice Dish for Lunch on V Day
What can be more romantic than bringing that special someone a heart shaped rice meal for lunch on Valentine's Day!
maidcafeny.com
Valentine's Day Movie:  Beijing Love Story

Different generations look at love, romance and commitment, all from a uniquely Beijing perspective. Chinese with English subs.

Opens Friday, Feb 14 at AMC Empire 25, 42nd Street (Manhattan)
Buy Tickets
Valentine's Day Sushi & Seafood

2/14 - Celebrate Valentine's Day At Mika Japanese Cuisine & Bar, 150 Centre St

Chef's Tasting Menu ($80 For Two-Five Course)

- Ika Sea Urchin Salad

- Sweetheart Lobster Tempura Roll

- Lover's Omakase

- Forever's Filet Mignon

Or

- Sea Bass in Love

- Sweet Dream

- Ice Cream Tempura

- Special Valentine's Drink Cupid
Tequila, Pomegranate, Khalua, Hershy's Kiss
More Info
Best Soup Dumplings NYC Chinatown 2014

By Sara Guaglione

Want to know where to get the best soup dumplings in NYC's Chinatown in 2014? Read on for our comparisons of soup dumplings, also known as Xiao Long Bao, and where to get the best ones in NYC's Chinatown in 2014!
Xiao Long Bao, commonly known as soup dumplings, are Shanghai's famous soup-filled dumplings and many restaurants in NYC Chinatown have attempted to make the best little pockets of deliciousness.
Continue Reading

Double Valentine's Day Comes but  

Once Every 19 Years

 

This year's St. Valentine's Day and Chinese Lantern Festival fall on the same day. To celebrate this special event, Chinatown Partnership Local Development Corporation (CPLDC) will be holding a "Double V Day Weekend" in Chinatown, Manhattan this weekend.

 

Support Chinatown

After the latest series of snowstorms and the economic blows to the community of the past few years, Chinatown and local merchants needs your help. During this special weekend, come shop, eat or visit participating Chinatown local businesses and you can enter free drawings to win hotel stays, airline tickets and many more prizes, the more places you visit the more chances you get! It's a win-win for you and for Chinatown. 


 

Look for this poster below on storefronts and display windows to find participating merchants:


Chinese Lantern Festival, which is the last day of Chinese Lunar New Year, was considered the "Valentine's Day" in ancient China, where girls only came outdoors during the festivities, which made this day an ideal opportunity for couples meetings and dates. The coincidence that Chinese Lantern Festival shares the same day as St. Valentine's Day comes but once every 20 years! In light of this special day, CPLDC will hold a "Chinatown Double V Day Weekend" lucky draw from February 14th to 17th with grand prizes.  

 

Purchases at qualified stores and restaurants will grant you entries to the Lucky Draw*. Winners will be drawn and announced live the next week at Mika Japanese Cuisine & Bar, 150 Centre Street.

 

*Qualifying purchases vary by store/restaurant, participating businesses will have above poster on display. 

 

To learn more about this event, please visit www.chinatownpartnership.org/DoubleV, or contact CPLDC:

 

Address: 60 St. James Place, New York, NY 10038

Phone: 212-346-9288

Email: info@chinatownpartnership.org

 

 

Chinese Lantern Festival 10th Year Anniversary Celebration & Photo Exhibition
February 15, 2014 (Saturday) at 1pm at
75 East Broadway

The United Fujianese American Association
will hold the first session of the 10th US Eastern celebration activities Lantern Festival with China-US diplomatic relations 35th Anniversary Photo Exhibition.

The Spring Lantern Festival will begin at 1pm, in which foreign diplomats, students, academic leaders and community leaders have been invited to participate and speak. And then there are literary and artistic performances, sweepstakes, and so on. At 2pm, China and the United States established diplomatic relations 35th Anniversary Photo Exhibition will participate in a speaking forum at the East Market Restaurant. At that time, Chinese and foreign diplomats, students from Harvard, Columbia, Cornell and other Chinese-American students will be speaking on-site about their thoughts and perspectives on China and US relations and how things can improve. They are looking for full participation and interviews from news outlets and we look forward to seeing you there.



Valentine's Day Gift Ideas

Looking for a gift for your sweetheart, whether junior high, high school or college, Elizabeth Center has what you're looking for that's available nowhere else in Manhattan:

Text & Photo From:  christinaofchinatown.com

If you grew up in New York City, you would know that there were no shopping malls to linger around in for hours with your friends. The closest was Manhattan Mall around 34th Street. If you grew up in Chinatown, the best thing you had to a shopping mall was Elizabeth Center. An underground mall with anything Asian and anything adorable, EC was a place to hide out when it was cold, cool off when it was hot, and bring your date there to buy the latest stuffed animal.

Read More 

Yoga Class in Chinatown


Click to Enlarge


Haagen Dazs Valentine's Day Cake in Chinatown

Haagen Dazs PIANO LOVE valentine's day ice cream cake
8" size for $44.95 / 77 Bayard St (212) 571-1970


Lunar New Year Parade - Chinatown 2014
 












Celebrate Lunar New Year in Chinatown!
Image from dnainfo.com              

How to Celebrate the Year of the Horse in Chinatown 

CHINATOWN - As the Year of the Snake slithers away, Chinatown is getting ready to welcome in the Year of the Horse.

The Lunar New Year on Jan. 31 is surrounded by weeks of celebrations, but there's more happening than just the dancing lions and a firecracker ceremony. Pop-up stores are offering deals on traditional gifts including red money envelopes and clementine trees - a symbol of prosperity - while Chinatown's restaurants are serving special menus for New Year's revelers.

"To make it through the threshold of the year is a big celebration," said Wellington Chen, the executive director of the Chinatown Business Improvement District and the Chinatown Partnership.  

"It's very comparable to pre-Christmas - the food shopping is huge," he added. "The travel is huge."

People born in the Year of the Horse are said to be energetic, clever and talkative, though they can sometimes be stubborn. No matter your sign, here's how to celebrate the Lunar New Year in Chinatown:

Shopping         Eating Out       Celebrations



15th Annual Chinatown Lunar New Year Parade
February 2, 2014 | Sunday | 1:00pm
Location: Starts at Little Italy and goes through the main streets of Lower Chinatown/Manhattan

Learn More...
11 things to know about Lunar New Year

By Grace Huang, for CNN - Red packets of money will change hands and dragon dances will roar through the streets as people around the world, predominately of Chinese descent, usher in the Year of the Horse.

Beyond the usual Lunar New Year traditions, however, is a holiday full of interesting quirks and customs.  Continue Reading... 

Chinatown's Wilder Lunar New Year Days Remembered

Downtown Express photo and Article by Sam Spokony
Karlin Chan, who now trains lion dancers for Chinatown's Lunar New Year parades, said when he performed in the '70s, it was a "free for all."  With the Lunar New Year and its colorful costumes, pounding drums and exuberant lion dances starting this week, Chinatown's cultural leaders are preparing for yet another celebration through the streets.   Read More...
Pace University CI's Annual Lunar New Year Celebration 

Sunday, February 2nd, 2014, The celebration will take place in the Schimmel Theater at 3 Spruce Street from 1-3 PM and will include a traditional lion dance, martial arts, instrumental performances, hip hop, crosstalk comedy, a special performance by the United Nations Singers, and a raffle. If you would like to attend please RSVPs at ci@pace.edu 
See 2013's Lunar New Year Parade to Find Best Location to Watch This Year's Parade 

Parade along Mott Street, Chatham Square, and East Broadway, celebrating the Year of the Snake. Watch YouTube...
Chinatown BID 2013 Annual Report

"Chinatown is much more" - Meet Chinatown's entrepreneurs, read about interesting CleanStreet stats, look at event photos, check out 2013's highlights and much more.

Download Now...
NYCEDC Announces RISE : NYC

This week NYCEDC announced RISE : NYC, Resiliency Innovations for a Stronger Economy, a competition to identify and deploy new technologies to help small businesses become more resilient to future storms, sea level rise and other effects of climate change.

Read More...
Who Says Dessert Can't Be Healthy?

Chinatown's latest bakery creation:  Fresh fruit tart, with light custard.  

Fay Da Bakery - 83 Mott St. Phone: 212-791-3884

Bakery Website...
Free Citizenship Classes 

Do you or someone you know want to learn how to become a citizen of the United States? Sign up below for more information on free classes that will be held once a week at Columbia University. Classes will start in early February. The teachers will speak Chinese.

Register Now...
Chinatown Partnership proud to support Chinese Theatre Works at their 1000 Mile Horse Whisperer fundraiser.

Chinese Theatre Works (CTW) was created in 2001 out of the merger of two non-profit institutions with long histories of bringing traditional and innovative, contemporary Chinese performing arts to local New York City, national and international audiences.  Read more about them HERE.



Photo by:  Charles Eshelman


Photo by:  Susan Soo
 
 




Winter Storm Warning in NYC and Southern NY State  
Active for next 15 hours (as of 2pm) 

  

Locations: Bronx; Kings (Brooklyn); New York (Manhattan); Northern Nassau; Northern Queens; Richmond (Staten Is.); Southern Nassau; Southern Queens


Winter Storm to impact the region today into tonight.

  

Winter Storm Warning remains in effect from noon today to 6 am EST Wednesday.

  • Locations: New York City and western Long Island.
  • Hazard types: Heavy snow and blowing snow.
  • Accumulations: snow accumulation of 8 to 12 inches.
  • Winds: north 15 to 25 mph with gusts up to 35 mph.
  • Wind chills, as low as 10 below zero late tonight.
  • Temperatures: highs in the mid 20s this morning, dropping into the lower teens tonight.
  • Visibilities: one quarter mile or less at times this afternoon into tonight.
  • Timing: snowfall will begin late this morning and will continue through tonight, tapering off early Wednesday morning. The Heaviest snowfall will occur late this afternoon into tonight.
  • Impacts: falling, blowing, and drifting snow will cause hazardous travel and walking conditions across the area, impacting the late afternoon and evening commute. Snow removal will be difficult this afternoon through tonight. Prolonged exposure to frigid cold and low wind chills could cause Frost Bite. Dress Appropriately.

From NYC.gov:

Notification issued 1/21/14 at 9:47 AM. The NYC Office of Emergency Management (OEM) has issued a Hazardous Travel Advisory for today (Tuesday) and Wednesday due to anticipated weather conditions that will result in wet, slick sidewalks. Roadways could quickly turn icy. The National Weather Service has forecasted 8 to 12 inches of snow accumulation through Wednesday. Dangerously cold temperatures expected through Friday. Residents should drive slowly, monitor weather and traffic, use major streets or highways, and keep the name and number of at least one local towing service. Pedestrians should avoid slippery surfaces, dress in layers, and maintain a heightened awareness of cars, especially when crossing intersections. Please review the complete Hazardous Travel Advisory for additional details about the impending storm and precautions to take.

Notification issued 1/21/14 at 12:18 PM. Alternate side parking (street cleaning) regulations will remain suspended Wednesday, January 22, 2014, to facilitate snow removal. All other regulations, including parking meters, remain in effect.

Notification issued 1/21/14 at 1:00 PM. From New York City Department of Education: Due to anticipated inclement weather conditions, after school programs and PSAL activities are cancelled today, Tuesday, January 21, 2014.  No other changes to the school schedule are being made at this time. Since severe cold weather and snow are expected to make roads slippery, we urge New Yorkers to exercise caution when traveling to and from schools. Safety is a top priority for the Department.

 


Recommended actions

A Winter Storm Warning for heavy snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Significant amounts of snow are forecast that will make travel dangerous. Only Travel in an emergency. If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food. And Water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.

 

Excerpted from ready.gov 

Before:

  • Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:
    • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
    • Sand to improve traction.
    • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
    • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
    • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.
  • More about:
  • What to do before winter storms and extreme cold.
During:
  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack - a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
  • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.
  • More about:
  • What to do during winter storms and extreme cold.
Merchant Info (Preparing Your Business):
  • Business owners and property managers should be prepared to address conditions in front of their properties, including keeping the sidewalk clear of snow and ice with regular shoveling and salting.
  • Increase snow clearing and salting frequency during the storm if your business will be open.
  • Placing signs to remind and warn pedestrians passing, entering and exiting your place of business.


CleanStreets Ambassadors has salted many parts of Chinatown 
in preparation for today's coming storm. - 01/21/2014  
See more photos.
 


FAQ:

What is a Winter Storm Warning?

A winter weather event including 1) snow, ice, or sleet meeting or exceeding locally defined 12 and/or 24 hour warning criteria; or 2) a combination of snow, ice, or sleet and blowing snow with at least one of the precipitation elements meeting or exceeding locally defined 12 and/or 24 hour warning criteria. Source: nws.noaa.gov

 

How To Report Winter Storm Damages 

If you see any damaged public street lights, trees, plantings, street signs or other properties within the Chinatown BID due to Winter Storm Hercules, please call 311 and/or contact our office by 212.346.9288 / info@chinatownpartnership.org 













Do you know the BEST way to say "Thank You"? Come and HUG a 'Superstorm Sandy' hero/heroine - at the "Catch-&-Release" project (heroes will be notified in Feb) and show your appreciation from the Chinatown/Little Italy/Jewelry District. 

Catch-&-Release Project Location:  South Street & John Street (Near South St. Seaport)

Tues, January 21st is National Hugging Day (NHD)! Come celebrate in Chinatown (only 8 minute walk from the seaport) with Friends and Family.





 

Chinatown Newsletter Signup                                                                                                 See Past Newsletters
  

News & Events in Chinatown:
    
       

Rugelach Making Workshop

Wednesday, February 19 at 11am 
 

Learn how to make rugelach, the traditional Jewish pastry, with a range of tasty fillings, including cinnamon, fruit and chocolate. Includes a tour of the Eldridge Street Synagogue. 

 

More Info & RSVP - $20 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required.  
 
 
 
 
Lower East Side Side Super Stroll

Tuesday, Jan. 28 or Thursday, Jan. 30 at 1pm
 

In honor of the Super Bowl we provide a Super Stroll. Whether you are in town specifically for the Super Bowl or just plain in town, join us for an old-fashioned egg cream and a knish from Yonah Schimmel at the Eldridge Street Synagogue. Then visit landmarks of the Lower East side neighborhood and discover some of the long-ago characters of the area: gangsters and bankers, rabbis and rabble-rousers and more. 

 

More Info & RSVP - $25 per person. Space is limited and reservations are required. 
 
 
Meng Introduces Measure Aimed at Creating School Holiday
for Lunar New Year
Jan 13, 2014 - Press Release
Congresswoman sponsors resolution in Congress as Asian-American Community prepares to celebrate holiday
U.S. Rep. Grace Meng (D-Queens) introduced a measure in Congress today that aims to create a school holiday for the Lunar New Year, which the Asian-American community is set to celebrate on January 31.

 

Meng's measure, a Congressional resolution, encourages local education agencies serving a substantial Asian-American population to close schools on Lunar New Year in recognition of the cultural significance of the holiday. Local education agencies include entities that operate public schools such as school districts, school boards and departments of education.

 

"Lunar New Year is celebrated by well over 8.7 million Asian-Americans in the United States, as well as by many non-Asian-Americans," said Meng. "It's the most important holiday of the year for the Asian-American community, and Asian-American students should not be forced to choose between celebrating with family or missing school. Students of many other cultures and ethnicities rightly have off for the most important holidays they observe, and kids who celebrate Lunar New Year should be afforded the same."
 
 
 
Seasonal Walking Tour:  Preparing for the New Year in Chinatown
Sat, Jan 25, 2014 from 11am - 12:30pm
Sun, Jan 26, 2014 from 11am - 12:30pm
Sun, Jan 26, 2014 from 1pm - 2:30pm
Sat, Feb 1, 2014 from 11am - 12:30pm

Saturdays and Sundays from Jan 25th to Feb 9th

11am-12:30pm & 1pm-2:30pm (only 11am on Jan 25th)


Join MOCA for a seasonal walking tour favorite! Lunar New Year is the liveliest and most important celebration in Chinese culture and Chinatown is the place to experience it. MOCA's walking tour takes visitors through Chinatown to learn about holiday traditions and customs observed by Chinese households.


Tickets: $15/adult, $12/student & senior; $8/MOCA member. Free for children under 5.

 

Advance reservation required. Purchase tickets online.

 
 

15th New Year Firecracker Ceremony & Cultural Festival
Date: January 31st, 2014 | Friday | 11:00am

Location: Sara Roosevelt Park (Grand & Forsyth St.)

On Jan 31st, come watch the firecracker ceremony taking place at the SDR Park. Come early to get a good spot around the perimeter of the park and watch Chinatown leaders and elected officials light up the new year with the sound of firecrackers to Year of the Horse.

Click HERE for more info. 

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Business of Series Presents:
The Business of Restaurants: How the Eatery Industry Serves New York

When

Thursday, January 23, 2014
8:30 a.m. - 10:00 a.m.


Where

John Jay College of Criminal Justice 524 West 59th Street New York, NY 10019 

 

Description

The restaurant industry has seen explosive growth and has made a significant impact on New York's economy.

Crain's New York Business along with industry leaders will cover the hot topics:


- Restaurant grading: How the recent legislation eases some of the pain for restaurant owners.
- Paid Sick Days/Living Wages: How it may increase the cost of doing business.
- Labor Issues: From wage and hour lawsuits to finding good help and immigration reform and their impact.
- Staying Alive: How to balance the competition, demanding audiences and "staying fresh." 

 

For more info, please CLICK HERE. 

 		   
     
     
     
Lunar New Year Celebration 2014

January 25 & 26 / February 8 & 9, 2014


Celebrate the Year of the Horse with the New York Chinese Cultural Center all around the New York City! In 2014, NYCCC will stage our culturally rich Lunar New Year Grand Celebration program which will cover two full weekends at iconic cultural institutions in four boroughs and your neighborhood. Celebrate the Year of the Horse with colorful costumed Chinese folk dances, classical and Hip-Hop style Lion dancing, and hands-on Chinese Arts & Crafts, all presented and shared with you and thousands of fellow New Yorkers. Lunar New Year Celebration is the longest run and the largest celebration program in the East Coast for 28 consecutive years. All program are free with museums' suggested admission.  

  

Saturday, January 25th, 2014, 2pm, Bronx Museum

Sunday, January 26th, 2014, 1pm-4pm, Queens Museum of Art 

Saturday, February 8th, 2014, 1pm-5pm, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Sunday, February 9th, 2014, 2pm, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, $10/admission   

Read More

 		   
     
     
     

  

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Please right click on flyer above and choose SAVE AS to download flyer.		    
     
     

NYCares Coat Drive at P.S. 1    

P.S.1 Penny Harvest was able to drop off over 100 coats, some hats, scarves, sweaters, sweatshirts to the 5th Pct and expect to drop off another shipment by this coming Friday.  The staff and children who helped felt so proud to be able to do something for our city and were thankful to all the families who donated coats for babies, toddlers, and adults.  It was a great experience of giving.   
    
     

 



Making Chinatown Better Day by Day.

 
 


   

View:  Chinatown Newsletter - January 21, 2013

   

View:  Chinatown Newsletter - January 20, 2013

   

View:  Chinatown Newsletter - January 02, 2013

 

Newsletter Sign-Up                                                              See All Newsletters

 

 
 


New York's Unique and Colorful Chinatown!
(Click Images to Enlarge)






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