New locals celebrate Chinese New Year

Published 2:27 pm Monday, February 7, 2011

Ladies from Lenore Johnson’s newcomers group for foreign ladies met Thursday to celebrate the beginning of the Chinese New Year. They are: Maria Bates, the Philippines; Misook Oh, South Korea: Katia Abides, Peru; Linlin Tang, China; Hiromi Rivera Monahan, Puerta Rico; Karol Rivera-Monahan, Puerta Rico; Mrs. Lenore Johnson, Andalusia; and Maria Tang-Thigpen, Columbia. Courtesy photo

Thurs., Feb. 3, was the beginning of the Chinese New Year, and to celebrate, Lenore Johnson of Andalusia hosted a party for all the newcomers to the community.

Johnson volunteers her time each week to a group of ladies from very far away places who have come to join in Andalusia’s community. She tutors them in the English language and American culture and customs. The girls also learn about other cultures around the world from their classmates.

“Mrs. Johnson’s work is so important because the girls learn that that they are not the only ones going through the difficult process of assimilating into American culture, especially the Andalusia culture,” said Maria Bates, who relocated to Andalusia from the Philippines.

Any foreign-born lady is encouraged to attend. The course is free of charge and offers an excellent opportunity to meet new friends. Call Joe Bates at 208-6264 for more information.