The Goat has chewed his way through another year. On Wednesday, Feb. 9, the Chinese celebrate the New Year, 4702. So, look out for the cock of the walk, because the Year of the Rooster is at hand.
The Council Circle Foundation is hosting a Chinese New Year's Feast at nexStage Theatre in Ketchum, Saturday, Feb. 12. Council Circle is a nonprofit organization committed to creating educational and emotionally supportive programs for adults and youth to foster a healthy community.
The event, which benefits Council Circle, includes an elegantly decorated China Town within the theater, and a sit down multi-course dinner catered by Ric Lum. Wine is included. There are live and silent auctions. Live music is by the Paul Tillotson Trio. And there'll be some crowing about what the Council Circle's success over the past year.
"The Rooster is so exciting," said Circle Council Foundation President Lea Flocchini. "It's a time for commitment and follow through. The Council Circle has several commitments to expand upon," she added.
· The Council is starting Family Circles. The initial one is being held in conjunction with Light on the Mountains observation of Season of Nonviolence. The family circle will be held at the church at 12446 Highway 75, south of Ketchum, on Thursday, March 3.
· It is going to begin programs with both the Advocates for Survivors of Domestic Violence and the Sawtooth Botanical Garden.
·They're planning on initiating a Summer Youth Council Camp. "Out of schools and into nature," Flocchini said.
· The Council will implement an Elders Program at the Blaine County Senior Connection in Hailey.
"It's important they have a place to share memories and their feelings on aging," Flocchini said.
Finding support for the programs offered by the Council Circle is one of the main reasons for the annual benefit. The other is enjoying the Chinese New Year Celebration.
During the cocktail and silent auction portion of the event guests will be treated to a delicious variety of appetizers, including crispy lobster wontons with blood orange dipping sauce, and minced chicken with wild mushrooms and water chestnuts. A dinner menu including whole steamed black bass, tea-smoked duck with ginger scallion crepes, crispy shrimp with caramelized walnuts and tangerine bison flank steak will be served at 8 p.m.
"There's no kitchen there, so we had to figure out some easier ways to make things," Lum said. "I think this year's concept will be better, a little more accessible. The dishes are based on old recipes with flavorful and wonderful food."
He is also accommodating vegetarians this year with special dishes.
"Food is the big deal," said Lum, who grew up in San Francisco. "On New Years we went to banquets, watched the guys do Kung Fu, the Lion dance, watched the parade in Chinatown, which was awesome with the dragon. And there were always lots and lots of firecrackers. Also, when you're single, you get a licee envelope with money for good fortune."
For the Chinese, New Years also has some very definitive rules and taboos attached. No crying or speaking badly or that sensibility will follow you through the year. Wear red because it's a happy color. Honor your departed relatives since they set the base for your future to exist.
"Clean house on New Year's Eve so don't you don't sweep away good fortune on New Year," Lum said. "Give out licee, it's a good time to donate, it's the money qi (energy). It's symbolically a good time for giving, you will get the good qi back.
"It's a very important time to clean up debts, any ill feelings you have with anyone, loose ends.
"If you do it before New Year's Eve, you start the year clean and fresh with no ill feelings towards your neighbors. It's spiritual. Don't hold grudges."
Highlights of the live auction include tropical vacations in Mexico and Hawaii; downhill and cross-country skiing packages; dinners in private homes catered by some of the valley's best chefs; a spectacular Connoisseur's Tour to Walla Walla wine country; and a gourmet catered trip to a working bison ranch in Wyoming.
Tickets for the event are $100. Reserve seats early by calling 721-0900.
Kung hei fat choy!
"Woman with Rooster, Kunming, China" which was donated by the artist Will Caldwell to the Chinese New Year Auction.
