Year of the Rooster marked at senior center.
By: Kara Fitzpatrick
MONTGOMERY It may sound strange, but Shimin Tang plays the gourd.
The gourd flute, that is.
With the scent of fried niangao and red bean dumplings drifting into the room, Mr. Tang played his unusual flute to a captivated audience during the Montgomery Senior Center’s Chinese New Year celebration Wednesday.
As the harmonizing notes wafted through the center on Skillman Road, a group of Chinese seniors sang along to the words of "Auld Lang Syne."
Dozens of residents joined Mr. Tang in honoring the Year of the Rooster at the senior center’s celebration. The event featured authentic Chinese dishes, traditional art offered by Asian natives and performances of Chinese music which, in addition to "Auld Lang Syne," included a tune on a traditional two-string instrument.
Jenny Lu, a senior center English-as-a-second-language teacher, said the gathering is intended to be "a time when we show our appreciation and our friendship to our American friends and those from other places around the world."
Residents of all backgrounds attended the celebration, the first of its kind at the senior center, Ms. Lu said.
"This is the biggest holiday for Chinese people," said Ms. Lu, who is from Taiwan but has lived in the United States for 22 years.
Mr. Tang, who has been playing the gourd flute for just six months, learned the instrument after a recent trip to southern China.
"I met a lot of friends here and some of them are very interested in music. I decided to play (the gourd flute) here for them to share my happiness," said Mr. Tang, who, prior to his retirement, was a professor at Beijing University. He has lived in the United States for eight years.
Several members of the Township Committee were present to take part in the cultural festivities.
"To have an event like this brings the community together," said Committeewoman Cecilia Birge, a native of China.
"It is very important for (Montgomery’s Chinese population) to understand American culture and for Americans to understand them," said Ms. Birge.