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Upcoming Events
Saturday July 26, 2008: Dragon Boat Festival in Kansas City
(Rescheduled from original rainy June date.)
Columbia Friends of China is sponsoring a tour to Kansas City for the
Dragon Boat Festival Celebration at the Southeast Corner of the Plaza
shopping district. Transportation is provided but seating is limited.
Please respond immediately if you are interested. Additional information
is from KC China Garden
Society and here.
Following is a tentative schedule:
8:30 am - Leave Columbia from International Community Church, 1107 University Ave.
11:00 am - Entertainment by Kansas City Chinese community
12:15 pm - Lunch on your own. Food vendors are available in the park, and
the Plaza is nearby.
1:00 pm - "Wake the Dragon" ceremony
1:15 pm - Dragon boat race starts
4:00 pm - Leave KC to return to Columbia
Cost is $20 for CFC members, $25 for general public, and $10 for
children. RSVP to 
or to 573-808-6307.
Past Events
December 2006 Newsletter
Read the CFC December 2006 Newsletter.
A New Year's Card from Laoshan to Columbia
Chinese-related classes
Columbia Adult Education has two Chinese-related classes in the winter semester. Click the link for details.- Secret of Mahjong(Feb 13 to Mar 6)
- Beginning Chinese(Feb 21 to Apr 4)
CFC Membership Appreciation Day 2007
Thursday, February 8, 6-8 pm. International Community Church, 1107 University Avenue, Columbia. [PHOTOS]
February 15: Asian American Association Fundraiser
Thursday, February 15, 6-8 pm, China Gardens Buffet, 3420 Clark Lane. China Gardens will donate 15% of sales to Asian American Awareness Week! Contact annie.guo {at} mizzou.edu if you have questions.
Chinese New Year 2007
Chinese New Year falls on February 18th in 2007. Since the old Chinese
calendar used lunar months, Chinese New Year can come in January or
February of the western calendar. 
(To catch up with the sun, certain
years add an extra month.)
This new year will be year 4705, the Year of the Pig!
Chinese New Year starts with the New Moon and ends on the full moon 15
days later. 
The 15th day of the new year is called
the Lantern Festival, which is celebrated at night with lantern displays
and children carrying lanterns in a parade. Gifts at New Year are
generally from parents to children, from employers to employees, and take
the practical form of cash in a red envelope.
Several groups in Columbia celebrate Chinese New Year in a big way and invite guests.
- The Mid-Missouri Chinese Association will celebrate with food and song on Saturday, February 17th, starting at 6:00 p.m. at Forum Boulevard Christian Church, 3300 Forum Boulevard.
Lloyd Alan Peterson, 1957-2007
Sad news:Lloyd Alan Peterson, a CFC member, was tragically killed in an automobile accident. More information and memories of Lloyd are here.
March 10: MU's Annual China Night
March 15: Boomtown: Life in a Chinese Factory
Peter Hessler, Author of River Townand Oracle Bones, will discuss "Boomtown: Life in a Chinese Factory" in MU's Fisher Auditorium/Gannett Hall (near 9th and Elm) on Thursday, March 15th from 7:00 to 8:15 p.m.
Mr. Hessler is a native of Columbia, Missouri. He studied English literature at Princeton and Oxford before going to China as a Peace Corps volunteer in 1996. After finishing his Peace Corps stint, Hessler wrote freelance pieces for Atlantic Monthlyand The New York Timesbefore returning to China in 1999 as a Beijing-based freelance writer. This event is sponsored by MU’s Asian Affairs Center and the International Center.
Cultural Exchange Opportunity
CFC is getting support to send some Columbia area artists to perform at the Qingdao Beer Festivalin August 2007. Up to $4000 and other support will be provided to cover travel and other costs. If you know musicians, dancers, or other artists who could represent central Missouri on an international stage, have them submit an applicationby April 20, 2007. More information will be forthcoming. Please pass around our flyer.
April 2: Beijing Opera for Beginners
Date/Time: 7:00PM, Monday April 2. Free and open to the public.
Location: International Community Church, 1107 University Ave.
Hsiao-Mei and friends will introduce Jingju , Beijing Opera, with slides and musical performance, so that you get even more enjoyment from the presentation on April 9. [PHOTOS]
Taichi Exercise Training and free Erhu Concert
MU is sponsoring Taichi exercise training & Chinese music concert eventsApril 6,7, & 8.
Concert: Saturday, April 7, at 7:30 pm, at Black Culture Center, on Virginia Avenue 1/2 block south of Rollins. Admission $10. Contact 573-884-7312 for advanced purchase. "A graduate from the Opera University of Henan, Ying was a solo instrumentalist with the Central Song and Dance Ensemble from 1978 to 1996. Ms. Yang Ying was also the founder, bass player, and singer for Cobra, the first all female rock band in China. Her most recent CD combines traditional erhu pieces with classic American jazz tunes, and her own compositions that are a fusion of Chinese music and styles and western classical, jazz, funk, rock and Nashville influences."
Chinese Calligraphy with Lampo Leong
Modern Brushwork: An International Modern Brush Painting Exhibition. April 5–30, 2007. Brady Gallery 203 Brady Commons, MU. Works of 13 Artists from Taiwan, South Korea, China & USA. Sponsors: MSA/GPC Craft Studio, Asian Affairs Center, Department of Art, MU. 573-882-2889. Free and open to the public.
Reception: Thursday, April 12, 2007, 5-7pm. Brady Gallery.
Professor Lampo Leong will introduce Chinese Calligraphy ideas and technique at the MSA/GPC Craft Studio, 234/235 Brady Commons, on Saturday, April 14, 2007, from 12-6 pm. Tickets are $75 for MU students, $100 for the public, at the MSA/GPC Box Office, inside the ground level of Brady Commons.
April 9: Beijing Opera at Jesse Hall
Date/Time: 7:00PM, Monday, April 9
Location: Jesse Auditorium (in Jesse Hall)
This event, organized by the International Programming Committee (IPC) and co-sponsored by the Asian Affairs Center, will be FREE and open to the public.
"Kungfu Theatre: Tales from the Beijing Operais a series of comic and dramatic scenes from China’s most popular stories. Told in English and Chinese, this theatre is a combination of music, dialogue, dance, mime, and acrobatics. These scenes capture the magic and beauty of China’s most renowned performing arts tradition, while being accessible to English-speaking audiences of all ages."
Learn more from their brochureand video, and some background.
April 22-28: Asian American Awareness Week
The Asian American Association announces its 10th Annual Asian American Awareness (AAA) Week. This annual week of activities is expected to bring together more than 500 students, faculty members, and members of the Columbia community. More information is here. Some events: Sunday 4/22 Barbeque; 4/23 Asian Street Market; 4/24: Lecture; 4/24 Variety Show; 4/25 Speaker Circle; 4/26 Lecture; 4/26 Film; 4/27 Carnival for Kids; 4/28 Banquet.
The Friday 4/27 Asian Adventure for Kids from 6-9 pm occurs at St. Andrew's Lutheran Church, 914 West Blvd. Activities include: making paper cranes, painting, dancing, writing Chinese name, face-painting, bamboo ring toss, making a paper fan, cartoons, making Asian jewelery, a cake walk, guessing the number of rice grains, and free food!
Tuesday
May 15 at 7 pm: A Taste of China!
Learn the name and regional character of specialty Chinese dishes for North, South, West, & our sister city Laoshan in the East. Learn why Mayor Hindman said, "This is the best food I ever had in China!" after every meal.
Place: International Community Church, 1107 University Avenue (between
College & Hitt) 
Presenter: Lillian Sung, Chinese language & Art teacher
Free & Open to Public. Enjoy a delicious snack specially prepared by Lillian. Columbia Friends of China will announce the October 2007 "A Taste of China" tour! [UPDATE]
May 19 & 20: Chinese Culture Days at Missouri Botanical Gardens
"Chinese Culture Days features a Grand Parade
with 70-foot dancing dragon, martial arts, Chinese calligraphy, painting
and authentic regional cuisine. The New Shanghai Acrobatic Circus returns
this year with their amazing feats of balance and strength. T’ai chi and
tea tasting in the Grigg Nanjing Friendship Garden, where special tours
focus on the symbolism of many plant species and architectural details.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Grand Parade at 2 p.m.), both days. $10 adults, $7
seniors, $3 Garden members, $3 children ages 3 to 12, free for members’
children (12 and under). Buy tickets in advance online at www.mobot.org. No trams."
Wednesday July 18
Come hear tales and see pictures of recent traveling in China, Inner Mongolia, Yunnan, and Tibet! Meet members of Ironweed Bluegrass band going soon to Laoshan to represent mid-Missouri! Get details of the upcoming Taste of China tour! All starting at 7 pm at the International Community Church, east of the intersection of Hitt Street and University Avenue.
October 2007: "A Taste of China" Tour
The Taste of China Touris October 14-27, 2007. Deadline for application is August 15. Update:Not enough applications were received by August 15, so the 2007 tour will not proceed. We hope to offer the tour again in 2008.
Saturday September 22
The Henan Dance and Music Troupewill be performing in Columbia. (The Chinese Moon Festival is the 15th of the eighth month in lunar calendar which is September 24 this year.)
Place: Windsor Auditorium, Stephens College, 1405 E. Broadway
Tickets: Limited advance tickets for sell ($5/adult, $3/children under 12). Purchase tickets at the International Center and Asian Affairs Center or contact Hsiao-Mei Wiedmeyer, (573) 808-6307 if you have any questions.
September 29 and 30
Two Chinese artists will be at the Columbia Festival of Artson Courthouse Square. One does painting inside a bottle and the other does the Chinese embroidery. Don’t miss these opportunities to see traditional Chinese arts in Columbia! Update: See the KOMU Pepper and Friends interview("KOMU on demand", choose "Chinese Festival").
The First Emperor of China: Tues, Oct 9, 7 pm
George Frissell of Hickman High School will present a forum on Qin Ying Zheng, the first emperor of China. The Qin Dynasty left as legacy the unification of Chinaand the lavish artifacts known as the Terracotta Army. This presentation will be Tuesday, October 9, at 7 pm at the International Community Church, 1107 University Avenue, between College Avenue and Hitt Street.
Dumpling Festival: Friday October 12, 2007, 5:30 - 8 pm
Sold out!
We're sorry if you didn't get a ticket! Our limited supply of dumplings and seating sold out! Please check back regularly or sign up for email announcements of more events.
The second
annual Columbia Friends of China fundraiser will feature a presentation
by Ironweedon their recent experiences in China, a silent
auction of wondrous treasures, and of course, yummy Chinese dumplingsserved with a
seven-course meal.
Space and dumplings we can make are limited, so advance tickets are required: $20 for an adult, $12 for a child under 12, or a table for 10 at $150. All proceeds support cultural, educational, and economic exchange activities between Laoshan and Columbia, to promote Chinese language and cultural events in mid-Missouri. Here is a videofrom last year's dumpling festival.
Here is a mapto the dumpling festival location at Forum Boulevard Christian Church at Nifong and Forum. Use the far east (!) door. Call Hsiao-Mei (808-6307) or Lesley (356-9606) or send emailif you have ticket requests or questions.
Beijing! Tues, Nov 13, 7 p.m.
Location: Waters Auditorium (northeast from Memorial Union just across from parking garage on University Avenue)
Mr. Chuning FENG, a local and former architecture student in Beijing, an amateur "Beijing expert", will present you amazing scenes and facts of his home city.
- HOW was Beijing city designed by a Middle-Asian Muslim, under Mongolian rule, but strictly according to Confucian principles?
- HOW do 99 McDonald’s compete with over 100 KFC in Beijing?
- HOW does Beijing manage to handle over 9,000 sites under construction at the same time, more than all of Europe?
- HOW will Beijing solve its traffic jam of 3,000,000 cars?
Come and learn more! Free Refreshments!
January 2008 Newsletter
Read the CFC January 2008 Newsletter for a colorful summary of events from 2007 and a look forward to 2008.
CFC Membership Appreciation
Day 2008
Thursday, February 7, 2008, 6:30 pm.
International Community Church, 1107 University Avenue, Columbia. Traditional Chinese dishes will be served. The program includes a year in review, tea culture, Tai-Chi fan dance, and Chinese music. A unique Beijing 2008 Olympic souvenir will be given for the first twenty-five 2008 paid members. Come and celebrate with us.
February 7 begins the year of the rat
Rat ranks number one in the twelve calendar animals. According to the old story, once there was a race to choose the animal sequence of the calendar. Cat forgot the time and asked Rat the schedule. Rat gave Cat the wrong time. Rat clung to the horn of Ox while crossing the river, then jumped over off to reach the finish line to win the championship. Cat missed the race and swore to kill Rat. That's why Cat has chased Rat forever.
MMCA Chinese New Year Party
The Mid Missouri Chinese Association is hosting a new year party on Saturday, February 9, from 4 to 9 p.m. at the Parish Hall of the Calvary Episcopal Church, 123 South Ninth Street in downtown Columbia.
At the door, admission and membership registration is $17 for an individual, $45 for a family, with non-membership admission of $12 or $7/child. So we can better prepare food and you can get a discount, please register for this popular event in advance by emailing mmca_holiday_registry @ hotmail.com by February 4 noting how many adults and kids will come with you. Questions or suggestions may also be sent to this email address.
A Chinese-American Family in China
Have your wondered
what it would be like to live and work in China? Come hear speakers Dick
Bodman, Retired Professor from Saint Olaf College, MN, and Hongyuan Lang
(Mrs. Bodman), Tai-Chi Teacher.
When: Saturday, May 10, 2008, at 10:00 am, at the University of Missouri, Memorial Union North 103A
In 1995, Dick Bodman and Hongyuan Lang married in China. Hongyuan's daughter Julia is now a graduating senior here in Columbia at Stephens College. In 2006, Dick retired from Saint Olaf College as a teacher of Chinese language. In the fall of 2007 Dick, Hongyuan, and grandson Ben went to live, study, and work in Shanghai for six months. You can hear of their adventures, and even join Honyuan for a brief tai-chi demonstration and workout. This event is free to CFC members. We request a $5 donation from the public.