LexMedia made this beautiful video (link below) for CAAL to share with the Community. Enjoy!

https://youtu.be/pSsQN2D7u4U

This year, Lexington’s Patriots’ Day Parade had a new addition. Among the American flags and colonial attire, a giant red dragon wove between floats, attracted audiences of all ages.

 “Here it comes, the dragon is interacting and sending blessings to the kids.”  Dragon is a symbol of power, strength, and good luck in Chinese culture. Operated by members of the Chinese American Association of Lexington (CAAL), dragon showcased Lexington’s vibrant and active Chinese community. 

 The Dragon team members have practiced for a couple of months to prepare its debut on this Patriots Day. The CAAL marching unit was led by an American flag, an elegant CAAL banner, and accompanied with drum and nice performance by CAAL Youth Music Ensemble. Following the dragon were the marchers holding small American flags, some wearing Chinese costumes.

 Lexington is a particularly open and welcoming place. With support from the town and active participation from the community, Chinese Americans have increased their representation in town government and school affairs. We are delighted and proud to be part of the social fabric here and an integral part of the increasingly multicultural Lexington community.

150th anniversary of the Transcontinental Railroad and on the heels of the May Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

More details of the presentation can be found here.

CAAL members joined our beloved Cary Library’s 150th Anniversary Gala on March 23rd! See Cary Library Foundation’s report here.  

On 3/30/2019, Sharon Olofsson, an educational consultant in Lexington, shared with more than 40 CAAL families the latest trends in college admission and how to plan for it. Sharon spoke to many practical aspects of college planning, at the same time, recommended that parents and students look beyond the rankings and ivy leagues. Instead, use the college planning process to figure out where the kid’s passion lies and ultimately, how to be happy 10 years down the road professionally.  Here is the link of the report of her talk.

CAAL has been very active in charitable efforts such as the CAAL for Cary campaign with the goal of giving back to support our town and building stronger community. In 2018 CAAL launched a new community building award/grant program to support local organizations that are engaged in serving the community. The METCO College Scholarship Fund of Lexington was the inaugural recipient and the donation was presented at the Chinese New Year Celebration Banquet on February 10, 2018. This year as our beloved Cary Library celebrates its 150th  anniversary, we are pleased to announce that Cary Memorial Library Foundation is the recipient of the 2019 CAAL Community Building Award/Grant Program. With contributions from CAAL and tens of generous Chinese American families, CAAL has made a $5500+ donation to become a Publisher level sponsor to the Cary Library’s 150th  Anniversary Gala and is sending a CAAL delegation to the Gala. Happy Birthday, Cary Library! 

The 750 seats in Battin Memorial Hall were nearly filled when the drums began. Five members of the Boston Synchrony Chinese Percussion Ensemble stood on the stage, filling the air with an ancient rhythm. Their quick, lively beat cut through the din of the crowd, silencing it immediately.

Then, from the entranceway, a dragon emerged. Hoisted in the air by nine Lexington community members, the great red and gold beast snaked its way through the crowd toward the drums. This is how the Lunar New Year festivities began, Feb. 10, at the Chinese American Association of Lexington’s annual celebration. [Read full Report]