More than 100 residents at The Nottingham Senior Living Center celebrated the beginning of the Year of the Goat for the Chinese New Year on Feb. 19.
Residents gathered to learn more about the holiday from a presentation, heard stories from residents who were from China or had visited the country, played a game relating to the wishes of prosperity during this holiday and ate Chinese inspired foods, including dumplings and egg rolls.
This was the first year the holiday was celebrated at The Nottingham, according to Marva Cook, lifestyle director. Cook said she likes to put on a wide variety of events at the center to provide an opportunity for all residents to learn and celebrate other cultures.
“These holidays are parts of some residents’ identities,” Cook said. “We want to encourage residents to share and teach about their unique background and culture.”
Cook said she got the idea to put on this celebration from the suggestion of Lucille Mayne, the daughter of Dr. Channing Pao, a 98-year-old Nottingham resident who is from China. Mayne said having this celebration would help Pao enjoy this part of his heritage.
With more than 100 residents showing up to the event, Cook said she thought the event was successful and was glad to see so many residents want to come out and learn something new.
“It was fun to hear stories of people who went to China,” resident Dolores Ottenson said. “It’s always fascinating to learn new things.”
Hayleigh Gowans is a reporter for the Eagle Bulletin. She can be reached at [email protected].
