On TAIPEI JAN21 DEC20 Vol

Home , Doubanjiang, Ivy Chen, Jiufen, Taipei European School

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A publication of the Community Services Center Centered 2021 SPRING &SUMMER ACTIVITIES CATALOG INSIDE on TAIPEI JAN21 DEC20 Vol. 21 2020/11/25 上午7:41 | 04

Dec 20 cover.indd 2 2020/11/25 上午7:41 CONTENTS December 2020/January 2021 volume 21 issue 4

CSC COMMUNITY From the Editors 5 The Community Services Center’s Auction Highlights 9 December 2020/ January 2021 Center Gallery 6 The Red Room’s 11th Anniversary: Artists Break the Pause 11 December Activities Highlights 7 How To Become A Red Roomer 11 CSC Business Classified 33 OUTLOOK Loneliness: An Opportunity to Grow 14 Why Do Organizations Need More Trained Facilitators? 22 Recognizing Ourselves In Each Other 24 The Homeless 26 Publisher Community Services Center, Taipei Editor Suzan Babcock Christmas in Wulai X 27 Co-editor Richard Saunders Advertising Manager Naomi Kaly Magazine Email [email protected] Tel 02-2836-8134 SUPPLEMENT Fax 02-2835-2530 2021 Spring & Summer Activities 17 Community Services Center Editorial Panel Siew Kang, Fred Voigtmann

Printed by Farn Mei Printing Co., Ltd. 1F, No. 102, Hou Kang Street, Shilin POETRY District, Taipei Tel: 02-2882-6748 Fax: 02-2882-6749 A Child’s Christmas Elsewhere 21 E-mail: [email protected]

Centered on Taipei is a publication of the Community Services Center, ART 25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Tianmu, Taipei, Taiwan The Living Art of Bonsai 28 Tel: 02-2836-8134 fax: 02-2835-2530 e-mail: [email protected] FOOD Correspondence may be sent to the editor at coteditor@ The Lab, French Bistro 30 communitycenter.org.tw. Freelance writers, photographers and illustrators are welcome to contact the editor to discuss editorial and graphic assignments. Your talent will find a home with us! TRAVEL Copyright 2020. All rights reserved. Material in this publication may not Wushanding Mud Volcano 32 be reproduced without the written consent of the copyright owner.

COT is printed on FSC certified 100% post-consumer recycled fiber. The paper is certified in accordance with the rules of the Forest Stewardship Council which promotes environmentally responsible, socially beneficial and economically viable management of the world's forests. https://ic.fsc.org/

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Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 3 2020/11/25 上午7:39 TIGER TOTS PRESCHOOL A LOVING PLACE FOR LEARNING

PRE-K AND KINDERGARTEN (LOCATED INSIDE TAS) TIGGER'S(PRE-2S), 2S AND 3S PLAYGROUPS (TIAN YU CAMPUS) GRADE 1 & 2 : AFTERNOON LANGUAGE & LITERACY PROGRAMS  North American Curriculum  Engaging Outdoor Playgrounds  Qualified Instructors  Fun and Educational Daily Activities  Low Student/Teacher Ratios  Fun After School Enrichment Classes  Gymnastics and Music Class  Mandarin Playgroups

We’d love to introduce you to our diverse and incredibly special community of learners! Please call to arrange a visitation.

TYPA MAIN OFFICE: (02)2873-1815 www.typa.org.tw

4 DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 4 2020/11/25 上午7:39 COVER IMAGE: Qingshan Wang deity parade. FROM Please send email submissions, comments, and feedback to by Craig Ferguson [email protected]. THE For more information, please go to our website at EDITORS www.communitycenter.org.tw

There’s no doubt about it. The year 2020 has been one COT Team that the whole world has wanted to unequivocally bid a hasty and firm “goodbye” to. With 2021 on the immediate horizon, we are being offered a number of opportunities to build and rebuild our communities, our lives and our relationships with others as we struggle to emerge from this global pandemic.

Suzan Babcock Richard Saunders Naomi Kaly KC Whether our ties are here in Taiwan, or on the other side of Editor Co-editor Advertising Manager Graphic Designer the world, reframing the many aspects of our lives requires coteditor@ [email protected] naomi@communitycenter. graphicdesigntaipei. communitycenter.org.tw org.tw weebly.com hope, collective support and a rekindling of the human connection. Feature Writers and Photographers One of the best things about Taiwan is its active community life and collective sense of community spirit. This was recently reflected in the Center’s celebration of its 25th annual auction fundraiser and dinner. Members of the local and international community turned out to celebrate and show support of the Center. This month’s Auction Photo Gallery shows their Jenny Chang Heather Gatley Earl Goodson James Lade Ximena Lopez enthusiasm and dedication. Our December 2020-January 2021 double issue includes such highlights as the Center’s upcoming activities for Writing, Photography and Art Contributors December, and Counseling Intern Ximena Lopez’s Outlook Sue Babcock Minim Photographic Studio article on Loneliness as an opportunity to grow and renew Francois Knuchel, Caterfly John Murn ourselves. Longtime friend of the Center and Taiwan, photo- Jenny Chang Joseph Reilly Heather Gatley Richard Saunders journalist Earl Goodson presents a moving gallery of images Craig Ferguson Gary Smoke entitled Recognizing Ourselves in Each Other, while Jim Lade Earl Goodson Rosemary Susa ICA Grace Ting attests that his writing about Homeless Harry, an eccentric, James Lade The Lab Selected lovable Irish gentleman with a terrific sense of humor has Leah List The Red Room Ximena Lopez Gail West been inspired by real people, his imagination and his own life. Remember that the Center is here for you and that there is always someone willing to have an interesting chat over a cup of steaming coffee or tea. Pick COT up at: With Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy New Year Uptown: and Boxing Day wishes, Community Services Center, No. 25, Lane 290, Sec. 6, Zhongshan North Rd. Sprout – No. 33, Sec. 7, Zhongshan North Rd. George Pai’s Beauty – No. 14, Tienmu East Rd. Downtown: Ooh Cha Cha – 207, Sec.2, Nanchang Rd. Sue and Richard

Accountant Monica Cheng COMMUNITY SERVICES CENTER Programs Manager Rosemary Susa Events Coordinator Joy Meglasson Coffee Mornings Coordinator Leslie McFarlane The Community Services Center (CSC) is a non-profit foundation. CSC provides Communications Pia Munk-Janson outreach and early intervention through counseling, cross-cultural education and Mandarin Chinese Teacher Gloria Gwo life skills programs to meet the needs of the international community in Taipei. Systems Manager Samson Debele CSC offers the opportunity to learn, volunteer, teach and meet others. Check out Ximena Lopez, Sofia Vintimila our website www.communitycenter.org.tw and drop by The Center to chat with us Counseling Interns about our programs. You can also email us at [email protected].

Volunteers Miyuki Boice, Gwen Harris, John Imbrogulio, Director Adam McMillan Leslie McFarlane, John McQuade, Bunny Pecheco, Lucy Torres Office Manager Grace Ting Benefactors Bai Win Antiques Counselors I-wen Chan, Katherine Chang, Hui-shiang Chao, European Chamber of Commerce Jung Chin, Chiao-Feng Chung, Cerita Hsu, Miranda Grand Hyatt Taipei Lin, Emilie Ma, Kuang-Shan Wan Premier Sponsors Concordia Consulting Consultants Wendy Evans, Michael Mullahy, Mary Lagerstrom ICRT San Fu Global Counseling Admin. Joanne Chua

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A percentage of all proceeds of items sold at the Gallery will go to the Center. Please remember that by displaying your items or shopping at the Gallery, you will be helping the Center to continue to provide valuable services to the international community. Gallery@CENTER DECEMBER CHERRY HILL "FLOW WITH JOURNEY" MODERN PAINTINGS BY CHIH-YING HE Anica Lin specializes in custom, handmade fine “What I see, I hear and I feel are my perpetual jewelry that speaks to her experiences as a sources of inspiration.” As a self-taught artist, gemstone lover and designer. Born in Taiwan Chih-ying He blended her soul and colorful and raised in Swaziland, Africa, Anica’s jewelry elements into her creative process. Every is a rich blend of diverse cultures. artwork of hers is full of smiles, love and JANUARY adventure. CHERRY HILL

PATRICIA KORTMANN Patricia’s jewelry designs have gained international recognition and acclaim. Her work features one-of-a-kind signature pieces in gold, silver and precious gems of the highest quality.

MINIM PHOTOGRAPHIC STUDIO + GALLERY A selection of both photographers from Minim Photographic Studio + Gallery; Naomi Goddard and Minsik Jung's photographic work will be exhibited. They will be displaying fine art prints of landscapes and scenes from Taipei. VANA LIVING Vana Living is a one-stop destination for everyone who wants to discover Scandinavian design and lifestyle products. Here you will find selected Scandinavian lifestyle products as well as carefully curated products from around the globe. At Vana Living we take pride in offering affordable, high quality products and design. An important part of our work is also reflected by our approach to sustainability and transparency – we value Nature! By this we mean that we place high and clear demands on our partners to minimize environmental impact and provide good working conditions at all levels.

MORNING BOOK CLUB

A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles For times and locations, contact Julie Hu at: [email protected]

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Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 6 2020/11/25 上午7:39 CSC DECEMBER ACTIVITIES HIGHLIGHTS Vive le France! Boeuf direct experience. Before Mt. Dinghu to Mt. Zhongzheng with a good grip. Bring water, Bourguignon and Tarte au there were codified systems Hike a packed lunch and rain/sun/ Citron of medicinal practice, people Wednesday, December 9th; insect protection as needed. Friday, December 4th; 10 am – would instinctively hit or 9 am – 3 pm; $800 12 noon; $1,200 massage an afflicted area to feel Instructor: Dory Chung It's All About the Rice! Instructors: better. Over many generations The first part of our hike to Mt. Friday, December 11th; Christophe Charrondiere and these areas, or “points,” became Dinghu is on a quiet dirt trail, 10 am – 12 noon; $1,200 KuangPing Tung more clearly identified. Over surrounded by lush greenery in Instructor: Ivy Chen Join us at the Center for a time, research and training the wild woods (about 1.2km Ivy takes us back to basics when delicious French meal, perfect methods were developed and with 270m of ascent). The trail it comes to Chinese/Taiwanese for the cooler December refined. In this century, these is narrow and we recommend cuisine, using one of the most weather. Christophe will begin two main methods of TCM have long pants because it could be widely consumed ingredients this class by preparing his received an increasing amount a bit overgrown. After we reach of all: rice. In this class she favorite winter dish, boeuf of international recognition Mt. Dinghu the trail becomes will prepare a steamed rice bourguignon with creamy and are used to treat a variety wider and there are many dumpling (cai bao) filled with mashed potatoes. While his of medical conditions including steps. Although it is hard work pork and cabbage. This dumpling tasty stew simmers on the stove, pain relief, inflammation to climb up all the stairs, the originates in Ivy's hometown KuangPing will teach us how to and swelling, organ function forest is beautiful (about 2.5km, of Tainan, and was traditionally make tarte au citron (lemon tart) enhancement and calming of with 200m of ascent and 200m eaten during the winter solstice for dessert. C'est bon! the nervous system, among descent). When we get to Mt. period. She will then share her many other things. In many Zhongzheng we will have an secrets for preparing the perfect Chinese Medicine: Everything Western countries acupuncture amazing view as our reward. shrimp fried rice. Fried rice is You Always Wanted to Know is most often used to relieve From this vantage point, we one of those dishes that when About Acupuncture but Didn't pain and reduce inflammation. can see Mt. Qixing, the highest properly prepared is easy and Know Who to Ask Have you been curious about mountain in Taipei, as well as delicious, but can also turn Tuesday, December 8th; trying acupuncture as a possible Mt. Shamao. After some time into a big mess in a pan if done 12:30 pm – 2 pm; $600 treatment, but didn't know if to rest and eat our lunch, we incorrectly. To finish off our Instructor: Dr. Dustin Wu it might be the right choice for will go down by stairs (380m of rice meal, Ivy will teach us how Acupuncture and moxibustion you? Would you like to know descent) and walk to catch our to make tang yuan (sticky rice have played an important how it works? Is it safe? Does it bus back to the MRT. The total with peanuts) for dessert. Once healthcare role in Chinese hurt? Then join this informative distance of this hike is about you know how to make these society for over four thousand class with Dr. Wu, and learn 5.1km with 470m of ascent and traditional snacks, not only will years. Traditional Chinese everything you may have 580m descent. We recommend you be ready to celebrate the Medicine (TCM) is a product always wanted to know about a good level of fitness to join winter solstice, but you will also of both observing nature and acupuncture, but didn't know this fun (but challenging) hike. have something to prepare for who to ask. Please wear sturdy hiking shoes the upcoming Lunar New Year!

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Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 7 2020/11/26 下午3:28 THANK YOU 2020 VOLUNTEERS!

Aya Nozawa Davey Lagman Isaac Chua Benjaporn Patjaroenrungruang Echo Chen Jane Ogge Betty Chang Elaine Hubbell Jennifer Reeves Brenda Christensen Elle Bowe Jessie Mae Salas Bunny Pacheco Evan McFarlane John Imbrogulio Calvin Chen Jinwei Evelyn Yee John McQuade Christine Lee Francisco Lopez Joy Rose Christopher Santoro Fumi Misaki Karen Sui Cindy Teeters Gloria Gwo Karin Nyström Claudia Charlesworth Gwen Harris Karla Macas G. Hellen Wuod-Maggero Söder- Kaya Okawa berg Laney Chu Inez Lim Jie Leslie McFarlane Linda Hou Lucy Torres Manickavalli Ramanathan Mary Ellen Zupanski Meiya Lin Michelle Collins Mimi Yeh Mirjam Meidinger Miyuki Boice Monica McQuade Morgan Loosli Naoko Kijima Naomi Watanabe Natalya Popova-Jones Nathan Lagman Paul Huh Phil Loosli Phillip McDaniels Ray Chu Rebecca Kintzley Sam Wang Shan Lee Shoko Noguchi Tanya Goloviznina Trudi Charlesworth ADDITIONAL THANKS TO ALL Yada Deerojanawong THE STUDENT VOLUNTEERS. Yumi Mizushima (Renard)

THANK YOU 2020 DONORS Lenovo MànBùChá 8 DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Thank you volunteers COT_converted.indd 1 11/16/2020 12:47:02 PM Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 8 2020/11/25 上午7:39 THANK YOU 2020 VOLUNTEERS!

THANK YOU 2020 DONORS Lenovo MànBùChá www.communitycenter.org.tw DEC 2020/JAN 2021 9

Thank you volunteers COT_converted.indd 1 11/16/2020 12:47:02 PM Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 9 2020/11/25 上午7:39 Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 10 2020/11/25 上午7:39 COMMUNITY

Red Room Celebrates Its 11th Anniversary With Artists Break The Pause Live Painting Event

Taipei’s most diverse art and culture platform brings back its popular ABT event series to celebrate a reawakening after a year on pause.

TEXT: JOHN MURN IMAGES: THE RED ROOM

oin the Red Room community in celebration of the organization’s 11th year by mingling with painters putting brush to canvas at an all-day live painting event on Saturday, December 5th, 2020. As Taiwan’s most welcoming and Jdiverse intercultural community for arts and culture, Red Room’s anniversary celebrations have become must-attend affairs for Taipei’s art and culture communities. Previous events have featured live music from local, aboriginal, and international acts, The Art of John is a career marketer who has lived Kua panel discussions, and an array of other art exhibitions and in Taiwan for more than nine years. He events. recently started a professional networking This year’s celebration will be no different, featuring live painting community that has grown into a from 11:00 until 21:00 accompanied by live music as well as food company and a non-profit association and drink. Charles Haines, also one of the participating artists, has with ties to Taipei City Government, been curating this festival of art since the second year. This is a National Development Council, AIT, several chambers of family-friendly event and will include some of our youngest artists commerce, and an array of other communities.Originally ever. Interested attendees should register online at http://bit.ly/ from Wisconsin, John is a cat person who spends his free ABTP11. Ticket prices are NT$300 in advance and $400 at the door. time reading, cycling, and being a baseball fanatic.

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How to become a RED ROOMER

TEXT: LEAH LIST (EDITOR FOR THE RED ROOM) IMAGES: RED ROOM

When I first got [to Taipei], people I saw the community of Red Roomers first Stage Time & Wine, an event that kept telling me, ‘You need to go present Apelles with a keepsake: a has become a cornerstone among Red to Red Room,’ and Red Room scroll full of messages and memories Roomers, they were surprised to open became this myth.” Apelles from all of them. the doors of Aveda’s Learning Kitchen “Johnson stood before a rapt crowd, After my first Stage Time & Wine, to nearly one hundred attendees, each sharing with them his first Red Room I began to wonder how to become a carrying a communal bottle of wine and experience on the night of his last. “Red Roomer.” To investigate I turned to a small portion of something to add to “It was a place I thought was a secret the little red book which was created to the “stone soup.” society of poets that just controlled the preserve Red Room memories. Events During Red Room’s eleven years of artistic world from the shadows and and stories tumbled out in vivid color existence, it has expanded from its I had gotten invited to come here. I — here a picture, there a poem, an Eid core platform, Stage Time & Wine. In had prepared my best work…and I was celebration, a reading festival. In its 2012, a group of Red Roomers began terrified.” first year, Red Room not only hosted Red Room Radio Redux in an effort to Like Apelles, Red Room had remained a myriad of events for artists, but revive radio theater. The Red Room also a mystery on the periphery of my also created platforms to help other began hosting Aside @ The Red Room, awareness for some time. Was it a communities in need, through live art a curated event where performers from venue? An organization? An idea? Red and music events. Stage Time are given a chance to break Room had metamorphosed into legend, The Red Room began with a little the fourth wall to address the audience so when I finally attended an event I rain and a little luck… or maybe it directly with their insights, secret found my body shaking with a strange, was destiny. Either way, co-founders nervy curiosity layered onto a base of Ayesha Mehta and Ping Chu had both terror. I suppose my feelings weren’t decided to travel to Taitung [a city on surprising. Performing in front of the southeast coast of Taiwan] and people takes courage and vulnerability, found themselves in the same place which can make the prospect terrifying. during a downpour. It was over a cup of At seven o’clock, Ping Chu took the tea that they envisioned a community stage to share a quote by William Yeats: for experimenting, for creativity, for “There are no strangers here; only sharing and, most importantly, for friends you have not met yet.” While listening. They never imagined Red Ping’s words sounded reassuring, I Room would reach thousands of don’t think I fully understood them until people. In fact, when they hosted the

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aspirations, and original perspectives. Roomer approached the community A year later, the community began to form a theater troupe, they coordinating with Taipei City Playgroup assisted him. Now, every Tuesday, to welcome and inspire families and members of All’s Well Theatre meets children with Stage Time & Juice, where to discuss, write and rehearse original the young ones are given a space to works to be performed in the Red develop their own vision. Room’s new space. Another group It is no surprise that a community of Red Roomers sought to celebrate so welcoming began to swell and it younger, developing artists, and has since outgrown its home at the Sunday Afternoon at the Red Room, Aveda Learning Kitchen. In September an art activity for families to delve 2015, Red Room took flight and moved into physical and visual art, sprang to a new venue at the old Taiwan Air from that, hosting its first event in I’d begun to know myself. Though the Force Base (TAF) where it adopted a 2015. Born out of Red Roomers’ love book had been written a year before, new name, Red Room International of music, Spirits of the Night, a night these people were still here, ready Village. With a new, larger home, Red of live music for musicians of different to welcome people like me who’d Roomers continue to search for ways cultures and backgrounds, was also wandered in by accident. They are to recognize each community member, added to Red Room’s monthly events. willing to share what they built and beginning with Visual Dialogues, a To a stranger, Red Room may appear allow strangers to keep building with series of art exhibitions intended to be a mystical, secret club whose them. As I was about to close the to foster dialogue between people, membership is comprised of the art book, I found a poem written by the spaces, and ideas. Two artists from elite. I’ve learned the Red Room is co-founder, Ayesha Mehta. it read: different cultures are featured in this neither secretive nor elite. I’ve come “ Dedicated to those who monthly art show opening on the first to realize that Red Room is not just a continuously [create] the space that Sunday of each month. The first Visual community, an idea or a venue. It is all holds those who came and those who Dialogues featured Canadian Charles of those things. will come, brimful to explore their Haines, (whom Red Roomers call the For a weary traveler, a practiced own creativity and share in the joy of Master of Cups, after his penchant for musician, an aspiring artist or a young listening.” drawing on Red Room’s bamboo cups) child, the Red Room provides a place to The Red Room opens its doors to all and 房耀忠, a Taiwanese artist from share and truly be heard; to experiment who are seeking a place to explore and Changua County. and be truly supported; to come in a find a home at the same time. Over the Red Room grows and reveals stranger and find friends. Last night years people of different nationalities deeper parts of itself the more you I opened the little red book again, and artistic interests have stepped onto participate. With each Red Roomer, searching for memories of those who the red rugs that adorn Red Room’s a new idea is accepted and added to came before me. I thumbed through floor, and we all benefit from what Red Room’s village. When one Red it and smiled when I recognized faces they have created. The Red Room accommodates them - accommodates us - because together we are the Red Room. Together we innovate. Together we build new spaces for those who will come. So how does one become a Red Roomer? It’s simple: be present, be open, be welcoming. After that, well, we can all create together.

Leah List is a graduate of the University of Michigan’s Political Science and International Studies program. She is an aspiring writer, researcher, human rights advocate and a believer in the importance of storytelling.

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Loneliness: An Opportunity to Grow

TEXT: XIMENA LOPEZ IMAGE: WEB

oneliness is an experience acquaintances, but we were not close to to start feeling better about myself and that most of us can relate to. each other. I started experiencing some changing my perspective on the way I Statistically, in industrialized self-sabotaging thoughts. For a moment, managed my feelings of loneliness. nations approximately 25% I thought that I wasn’t interesting There are a number of effective toL 50% of people feel lonely at least enough, that there was something strategies for working through some of the time, and 10% feel lonely wrong within me, and that I was never loneliness: frequently or always. Loneliness has going to develop good relationships. a negative connotation, and has been And so, catastrophic thoughts also 1. Rewire your brain and perspective associated with depression and a 26% started to appear. I thought to myself, Natural selection favored strong increase in the odds of premature “What if I encountered a crash while human connection genes, because mortality. However, there must be riding the bike? Who would help me? it increased the odds of surviving. something more to it, an opportunity to Would someone notice if something Moreover, genes that produced feelings reflect and grow from the experience. happened to me?” Of course, my of unease when being involuntarily Even though many of us have felt rational side was aware that it alone were also reinforced. As a result, alone, there might be a few people wasn’t reasonable to think that, but when we feel lonely there is a sense of who actually haven’t experienced emotionally, it felt like it was true. danger, and naturally we want to run feeling lonely. When our desire for Being lonely felt like a weight on away from it. The frightening sensation social connection differs significantly my shoulders, a weight that was so will trigger “survival mode” that from our actual experiences of it: heavy and uncomfortable that I was makes us more likely to see dangers that is the moment when we actually desperately trying to figure a way to and threats all around us. People may feel loneliness. Therefore, it relates break the pattern. I tried the obvious seem to be more critical, competitive, with our own expectations and ways, such as attending social events, denigrating, and unwelcoming. connotations of what it means to yet my loneliness felt like a “ghost” In times like these, try to to rewire have social connection. You might be sitting next to me. It was almost as if your brain and perspective, start blessed with strong friendships, but the more I wanted to feel closer, the acknowledging that you are wearing find yourself geographically distant further I pushed people away. As time negative-tainted glasses that increase from them, leaving you feeling isolated passed by and other sources of stress your pessimism. Appreciating that your and lonely. started to show up, I realized that genes are trying to keep you safe by After moving to Taiwan, I found waiting for others to change was not seeking connection will help you gain myself for the first time feeling lonely going to solve the issue. I reached a perspective that things are not as bad and alone. Due to time-zone differences point where I noticed that I needed to as you may think and it might just be an I couldn’t speak with my family as do something different to be able to evolutionary trick. Start giving yourself often as I wanted to. I had some reach my goals, but for that I needed the benefit of the doubt. You can start

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by remembering previous positive 3. Are there any unused journey. Acknowledging that it is experiences where you created and opportunities? genuinely scary to be alone because sustained a relationship. When we feel lonely, we might be our genes are telling us that our lives reluctant to try something new because might be in actual risk might make it 2. What am I doing to perpetuate this we feel like nothing is going to change, easier for us to validate our feelings and situation? and we fear coming across as “losers” reduce a sense of guilt. Accepting this When the period of time we have or “loners” in the eyes of others. truth might lead us to rewire our brain suffered from loneliness exceeds our This might blind us from noticing and change our perspective. Becoming expectations, it feels like we are trapped, opportunities, which end up being honest with ourselves and realizing hopeless and feeling vast emptiness. unused. Try to change the way you that, yes, we might be trapped in a self- Naturally we start engaging in protective face social situations. Create a greater fulling prophecy that is repeating itself mechanisms such as avoidance that lead goal than to just stop feeling lonely. over and over. But also noticing that we us to create self-fulling prophecies that This will help you reduce your sense have the power and choice to stop and unintentionally push away the people of insecurity and self-consciousness grab opportunities that will help break and the opportunities that we are because your focus will rather be in the cycle. hoping to engage. something else. For example, you can Start accepting that there are some sign on to a photography workshop behaviors that are not serving us well. with the intention of increasing your When you feel ready, try to sit down skills, instead of using the opportunity and identify at least three behaviors, to just socialize. Another example: Ximena Lopez is a even when they feel justified and participating in a speed-dating event compassionate and insignificant, that might be pushing will more likely feel less uncomfortable dedicated intern others away. Once you do, try to if you are doing it with the goal of data counselor at the increase awareness of them and reduce gathering to write an article. Community Services Center. She has them as much as possible. Keep in mind Going back to our main question: dedicated her time helping others that it is not possible to change them all loneliness can actually be a start become more aware and connected to at one go. towards developing a self-improvement themselves.

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2021 Spring & Summer Activities

CE_Spring_2021.indd 1 2020/11/23 上午10:37 2021 Spring & Summer Activities

Tel: 8145-9007 Ext. 1115 E-mail: [email protected] Website: tes.tp.edu.tw Online Application: tes.openapply.com FB: Taipei European School

The Taipei European School consists of 1,750 students aged 3-19 from over 55 nations, and offers curricula from the U.K., Germany and France. Classes start from nursery level and continue all the French German British Primary British Secondary way through to our fully accredited International Baccalaureate High School Programme, with our Section Section Section & High School Section graduates continuing onward to top Universities across the world! For more information, please visit our website or contact the Admissions Office. Welcome To The Center

December 1, 2020

Dear Friends, Registration Information

Welcome to the Center! With our knowledgeable, English-speaking instructors you Advance registration is required for all Center activities. Registration may be can discover the culture, language, food, sights and sounds of Taiwan. done by phone, email, online or in person. For online registration please go to the Center’s website: http://www.communitycenter.org.tw The Center is also a place to come for help and information when you need it, meet people with similar interests, and even to just come and relax on our comfy sofas Payment is due at least one week prior to the start of any activity. Some and have a cuppa! activities may require earlier payment. Should an activity become fully subscribed and a wait list created; payment will be due upon request. We Join us! Register for a class or tour. We look forward to seeing you at the Center. cannot guarantee your place until full payment is received.

Cancellations The Center reserves the right to cancel any activity due to insufficient enrollment or other unforeseen events. We make every effort to promptly notify all registered participants. Rosemary Susa Grace Ting Programs Manager Office Manager Refund and Credit Policy Activities cancelled by the Center: • Full refund will be issued. Refunds can be collected until the last day of the semester. • Cancellations due to Taipei city/government closures, i.e. typhoon days, are exempt from this policy. No refunds or make-up classes will be offered. Join Us Activities cancelled by the participant: • No refund will be issued. Class credit is available on the following COFFEE MORNINGS terms: SPRING 2021 o A full credit will be issued as long as the registration is cancelled at least one week prior to the first class meeting or actual date of the January 21 Celebrating Chinese New Year activity. After that time, we are unable to give credits. o Class credits may be applied to other Center activities within the March 11 How to talk to your child about racism current term or to the term that immediately follows. April 15 What is sustainability, really? May 13 An overview of Taiwan's complicated, COFFEE MORNING and fascinating, history Center office hours are Monday – Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm IS SPONSORED BY http://www.communitycenter.org.tw

No. 25, Lane 290 Zhong Shan North Rd., Sec. 6. 台北市中⼭北路六段290巷25號⼀樓 No. 25, Lane 290, Zhongshan N. Rd., Sec. 6, Shilin District, Taipei 11161 Tel. 02-2836-8134 Email: [email protected] Spring/Summer Activities at a Glance...

Dates Activity Course # $$$ Dates Activity Course # $$$ Jan 12 to May 21 Intermediate Chinese Conversation 38 $ 13500 Mar 22 to May 19 Survival Chinese I: Session 2 46 $ 6300 Jan 12 to May 21 Chinese Study Group: Reading and Writing Characters 39 $ 13500 Mar 22 to May 19 Survival Chinese II: Session 2 47 $ 6300 Jan 12 to Mar 19 Beginning Chinese Conversation I 40 $ 7200 Mar 22 to May 19 Survival Chinese III: Session 2 48 $ 6300 Jan 13 to Mar 17 Survival Chinese I: Session 1 41 $ 6300 Mar 22 to May 19 Evening Survival Chinese II 49 $ 6300 Jan 13 to Mar 17 Survival Chinese II: Session 1 42 $ 6300 Mar 22 to May 19 Evening Chinese Conversation 50 $ 6300 Jan 13 to Mar 17 Survival Chinese III: Session 1 43 $ 6300 Mar 23 Bishan Temple, Baishihu Suspension Bridge and Yuanjue Waterfall Hike 11 $ 800 Jan 13 to Mar 17 Evening Survival Chinese I 44 $ 6300 Mar 23 to May 21 Beginning Chinese Conversation II 51 $ 6300 Jan 13 to Mar 17 Evening Survival Chinese II 45 $ 6300 Mar 25 Stories of Wanhua: A Historic Walking Tour 12 $ 700 Jan 18 to May 10 From the Comfort of Your Home, Ease into the Week with Yin Yoga 23 $ 5400 Mar 26 Healthy and Wholesome Mediterranean Cuisine 61 $ 1200 Jan 18 to Feb 01 Chinese Brush Painting: Create a Beautiful Lantern for the New Year 27 $ 2800 Mar 30 Chinese Medicine and Your Child 26 $ 600 Jan 19 Tiger Mountain to Nangang Hike 1 $ 800 Exploring Daxi District: Lee Tang-Feng Ancient Mansion, Lake Cihu Apr 01 13 $ 1300 Jan 20 to Mar 24 Full Circle Yoga 24 $ 4400 and the Garden of Generalissimos Jan 22 Ready, Set, Vegan! Dishes for the Whole Family to Enjoy! 55 $ 1200 Apr 02 Indian Delight 62 $ 1200 Jan 26 Tianyuan Temple and Taiwan's Beautiful North Coast 2 $ 1200 Apr 13 Sandiaoling Waterfall Hike 14 $ 800 Jan 27 to Feb 03 Paper Decoration and Book Binding Workshop 28 $ 1600 Apr 14 to Apr 21 Embroidery Workshop: Pineapple Cakes and Bubble Tea! 34 $ 1800 Jan 28 Feng Shui and Your Home: Demystifying An Ancient Chinese Practice 3 $ 600 Apr 16 Taiwan Street Food 63 $ 1200 Stories of Dadaocheng: A Historic Jan 29 French Cuisine: Quiche and Crêpes 56 $ 1200 Apr 18 SUNDAY AT THE CENTER! 15 $ 700 Walking Tour Jan 30 SATURDAY AT THE CENTER! Yingge Rock Hike 4 $ 800 Apr 20 Trash to Treasure: Let’s Re-Frame it! A Creative Upcycling Workshop 35 $ 800 Feb 02 Celebrating Chinese New Year: Di Hua Street Holiday Market Tour 5 $ 700 Apr 22 Bai Win Antiques Warehouse and Bali Stonecutters Tour 16 $ 850 Feb 05 Taiwanese Please I: Three Traditional Dishes 57 $ 1200 Apr 23 French Cooking à la Niçoise 64 $ 1200 Feb 24 Gouyinqin Old Trail Hike 6 $ 800 Feb 25 Guandu Temple: Seeking Wealth and Fortune in the Year of the Ox 7 $ 700 May 03 to May 17 May Mahjong Madness 36 $ 1800 Feb 26 Taiwanese Please II: Roast Pork and Crystal Dumplings 58 $ 1200 May 04 A Movable Feast: A Cultural Foodie Tour Through Dadaocheng 17 $ 1400 Using Your DSLR or Smartphone Camera to Photograph and Create a Beautiful Summer Handbag Using Chinese Knotting Mar 02 to Mar 09 29 $ 1600 May 05 to May 19 37 $ 2400 Preserve Your Family’s Everyday Moments Techniques May 06 POW Tour: In the Steps of the Men of Kinkaseki 18 $ 1500 Paper Decoration and Book Binding Mar 02 to Mar 09 EVENINGS AT THE CENTER! 30 $ 1600 Workshop May 07 Indian Vegetarian Cooking 65 $ 1200 Mar 06 SATURDAY AT THE CENTER! Mysteries of Chinese Antiques 8 $ 700 May 08 SATURDAY AT THE CENTER! From Market to Table 66 $ 1600 Mar 10 Hike to Qixingshan (Seven Star Mountain) 9 $ 800 May 11 Behind the Scenes Tour: Shangri-La's Far Eastern Plaza Hotel 19 $ 1500 Mar 12 Incredible Italian: Homemade Gnocchi 59 $ 1200 May 15 SATURDAY AT THE CENTER! Hike to Neigoushan 20 $ 800 Mar 14 SUNDAY AT THE CENTER! Embroidery Workshop: Taipei 101! 31 $ 1200 May 19 Hike and Bike: Jiantanshan to Wenjianshan and the Riverside Park 21 $ 800 Mar 15 to Mar 29 Making a Film with Your Smartphone: The Complete Experience 32 $ 1800 Seeking Heavenly and Traditional Methods of Protection: A Visit to May 20 22 $ 1000 From Traditional to Trendy, Taipei's Most Popular Downtown Food Bao An Gong and a Local Chinese Medicine Shop Mar 16 10 $ 800 Markets May 24 to Jun 21 Chinese Conversation: Mini Session 52 $ 3600 Mar 16 to May 18 Yoga for Wellness: A Deep Dive Into Self 25 $ 4400 Mar 17 to Mar 31 Chinoiserie Silk Painting 33 $ 2500 Jun 28 to Aug 04 Summer Survival Chinese I 53 $ 5400 Mar 21 SUNDAY AT THE CENTER! Dumplings and Hot & Sour Soup 60 $ 1200 Jun 28 to Aug 04 Summer Chinese Conversation 54 $ 5400 Arts, Culture & Tours in Taiwan The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description Arts, Culture and Tours in Taiwan

Join Jennifer for a hike up Tiger Mountain to enjoy some amazing views of Taipei. From the MRT, we will walk about 1K to reach the trailhead where this moderately strenuous hike begins. We will climb up a set of stairs to reach a lookout for our first view of the city below. From there we will follow a flat stone pathway across the mountain and then go up some stone steps. Halfway up this Houshanpi Tiger Mountain to 9:00am - trail, there is a small wooden village with lots of trinkets. After a brief 1 Tue Jan 19 11 $800 MRT Sta. Jennifer Turek Nangang Hike 1:00pm stop, we will climb more stairs that will bring us to the well-used Exit 2 Sishoushan Trail. We will follow the trail and make our way over to Nangang, enjoying some wonderful views of the city along the way. At the Trail’s end, we will catch a bus for the short ride back to the MRT. This hike requires a reasonable level of fitness. Wear hiking shoes with a good grip. Bring your EASYCARD, water, snacks and sun/rain protection.

Tianyuan Temple, our first stop, is an impressive Taoist temple dedicated to the Jade Emperor and a very popular spot for cherry blossom viewing. Circular in design, Tianyuan's five levels offer amazing views of the area below. Be ready to climb more than 200 steps to get to the top! Our second stop on this tour is the rather Tianyuan Temple and Hongshulin Jennifer Tong unusual, but beguiling Fufudingshan Shell Temple, made entirely 8:50am - 2 Taiwan's Beautiful Tue Jan 26 11 $1200 MRT Sta. and Rosemary of coral and shells tucked away on the mountain side. It's hard to 2:30pm North Coast Exit 1 Susa imagine until you have seen it. From there we will head to the coast to visit Taiwan's northernmost point, Fugui Cape and Lighthouse. The walk along the coast is beautiful, and the views of the ocean are stunning. Please bring water and a packed lunch. This tour includes round trip transportation by private minibus from the Hongshulin MRT station.

Feng shui is the practice of arranging items in living spaces in order to create balance with the natural world. The goal is to harness energy forces and establish harmony between an individual and their Feng Shui and Your environment. For many Taiwanese, consulting a feng shui master to Kay Chen- Home: Demystifying 10:00am - help them arrange and decorate both home and office is a common 3 Thu Jan 28 11 $600 The Center Gagnon and An Ancient Chinese 12noon practice. We are very happy to have Kay and Feng Shui Master Alex Alex Sun Practice Sun at the Center to explain and demystify feng shui for us. By joining this class, you will learn: the primary conditions for choosing a home; how to judge a good home; what should be done in your home in 2021 to make it "feng shui proof."

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [v] Arts, Culture & Tours in Taiwan The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

From Banqiao we will take the train out to Yingge Station and begin our hike up to Yingge Rock (aka Parrot Rock and Eagle Brother Stone) and Wanghushan. According to legend, the rock formation produced a miasma that sickened and sometimes killed passers- by. One day, General Koxinga led his army past the rock. Caught in the miasma, he ordered his cannon to fire against the rock, breaking SATURDAY AT Banqiao the neck of the stone eagle. The miasma lifted and the troops 9:00am - 4 THE CENTER! Sat Jan 30 1 $800 MRT Sta. Dory Chung continued on their march. Thanks to Koxinga, we will not encounter 2:30pm Yingge Rock Hike Exit 3A this legendary miasma, but will enjoy some beautiful views during this moderately strenuous hike that includes stairs and both paved and dirt trails. Along the way we will see an ancient Banyan Tree, a temple and lots of bamboo, which at times becomes a canopy over the trail. This hike is about 8K with an elevation of 300M. Wear proper hiking shoes. Bring your EASYCARD for the train, plus water, lunch and rain/sun protection.

Macy's at Christmas. Harrods at Easter. Dihua Street at Chinese New Year! Join Ivy for our annual tour of the famous Dihua Street Chinese New Year market and enjoy the sights, sounds and tastes of the Celebrating Chinese Shuanglian 9:30am - holiday. Learn about the traditions of the holiday and the reason why 5 New Year: Dihua Street Tue Feb 02 1 $700 MRT Sta. Ivy Chen 12noon certain foods should be eaten to ensure your health, wealth and luck Holiday Market Tour Exit 2 in the New Year. Be a local, get in the spirit, sample some goodies and shop for traditional holiday decorations and souvenirs. Wear comfortable walking shoes!

"Gouyinqin” in Taiwanese means “a sleeping dog." This trail gets its name from the landscape, which is quite flat and looks like a dog that is lying on its stomach. From the Jiantan MRT Station, we will take a bus out to the trailhead, about a 40-minute ride. The hike itself has three distinct parts. First, we will hike through a bamboo forest. There are some stairs in this section. With good lighting, the green bamboo Gouyinqin Old Trail 9:00am - Jiantan MRT 6 Wed Feb 24 1 $800 Dory Chung is stunning. The second part is along a small canal. The third and Hike 1:30pm Sta. Exit 1 last part brings us to Yangde Blvd, where we will catch a bus back to either the Jiantan or Shilin MRT Station. This is a moderate hike, about 5K with about 250M ascending and 500M descending. The trail is mostly paved, suitable for regular and less-experienced hikers. Wear proper hiking shoes. Bring your EASYCARD, water, lunch and sun/rain protection.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [vi] Arts, Culture & Tours in Taiwan The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

Guandu is Taiwan’s oldest temple and is dedicated to Mazu, Goddess of the Sea. It is one of the Taipei area's most interesting to visit as it Guandu Temple: Guandu is built against a cliff and features two caves; one of which extends Seeking Wealth and 9:30am - 7 Thu Feb 25 11 $700 MRT Sta. Jennifer Tong far into the hillside and houses many deities representing the God of Fortune in the Year of 12noon Exit 1 Wealth. Join Jennifer to learn about this fascinating temple; explore the Ox the caves; enjoy a beautiful view of the Tamsui River; and be one among the many seeking their fortune for the Year of the Ox.

Join Faye, owner of Bai Win Antiques, for a fun afternoon to learn about some of the more unusual pieces in her collection. Through lecture, SATURDAY AT THE discussion and a treasure hunt around her shop you will gain lots of Bai Win CENTER! 1:00pm - information and insight about Chinese antiques. She will also help you 8 Sat Mar 06 11 $700 Tianmu Faye Angevine Mysteries of Chinese 3:00pm to recognize the difference between an antique, a reconstructed piece Showroom Antiques and a reproduction. Do you know what a cricket mating cage looks like? Here's your chance to find out! To help us get in the spirit of the hunt, we will enjoy some nibbles and sip some bubbly.

This trip begins (and ends) at the Jiantan MRT Station where we will take the bus to Yangmingshan (YMS) National Park. Standing at a lofty 1,120 meters, Qixingshan is YMS's highest peak and is easily accessible thanks to a number of well-marked and immaculately- maintained trails. This stunning hike takes you up to the mountain’s Hike to Qixingshan 8:30am - Jiantan MRT 9 Wed Mar 10 11 $800 Dory Chung summit, for some beautiful Taipei city views. Time permitting, we will (Seven Star Mountain) 2:30pm Sta. Exit 1 visit the beautiful nature reserve at Dream Lake on the way back. This is a moderately strenuous 8K hike, including uphill climbing with many steps. Wear proper hiking shoes with a good grip and appropriate clothing. Bring your EASYCARD, water, lunch and sun/ rain protection as needed.

This tour takes place in a traditional market area teeming with fish and seafood vendors. Our first stop is at Binjiang Market, one of the city's main wholesale fruit and vegetable markets. Binjiang caters to Taipei's many local chefs and is also a favorite of foodies and home cooks. It offers a wide array of reasonably priced fruit, vegetables From Traditional to Xingtian and specialty items. Then we will explore the neighboring outdoor Trendy, Taipei's Most 9:00am - 10 Tue Mar 16 11 $800 Temple MRT Ivy Chen markets where we can taste some of the local snacks on offer. Popular Downtown 12noon Sta. Exit 3 Moving from the traditional to the modern, our next stop is a popular Food Markets and trendy market, Addiction Aquatic Development (AAD). AAD features ten distinct areas: a live seafood section, two restaurants, a prepared food area for delicious meals to go, and a huge 12-meter, stand-up sushi and sashimi bar. Staying on after the tour for lunch (not included) is optional, but highly recommended.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [vii] Arts, Culture & Tours in Taiwan The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

If you aren’t afraid of stairs then join Jennifer on this moderately strenuous hike for some great city views. From the trailhead we will make our way up 1200 stairs, with many breaks along the way. At the mountain's top, we will be rewarded with a stunning view Bishan Temple, of Taipei below. We will then continue over to the beautiful Bishan Baishihu Suspension 9:30am - Neihu MRT temple for a short visit. The next stop will be the 116-meter Baishihu 11 Tue Mar 23 1 $800 Jennifer Turek Bridge and Yuanjue 1:00pm Sta. Exit 1 Suspension Bridge. After crossing the bridge, we will make our way Waterfall Hike over to the Yuanjue Temple and then down to the scenic Yuanjue Waterfall. Passing through the Dagouxi Riverside Park we will end our morning’s hike at the Dahu Park MRT Station. This hike requires a reasonable level of fitness. Wear shoes with a good grip. Bring your EASYCARD, water, lunch and sun/rain protection.

Taipei was originally split into two settlements: Dadaocheng to the north and Wanhua in the south. Wanhua is the less gentrified of the two and is a vibrant jumble of every era. We will visit one of the best preserved old streets in the city and some of the earliest temples. Longshan Stories of Wanhua: 10:00am - Meandering through the streets we'll also take in many of its less 12 Thu Mar 25 1 $700 Temple Sta. Tom Rook A Historic Walking Tour 1 12noon well-known sites and learn about the area's checkered and often Exit 1 insalubrious history. Tom, known for his amazing hand-drawn maps of Taiwan's cities and neighborhoods, has walked every inch of this area (and drawn it too). He will use his extensive collection of maps, photos, and drawings to help bring the past to life.

Daxi was once an important hub for trading indigo and tea, but is now best known for several very fine old streets and as the final resting place of former ROC President Chiang Kai-shek. Our first stop on this bus tour is Lee Teng-Fang Ancient Mansion, built between 1860- Exploring Daxi District: Corner of 1864. It is one of Daxi's most important historic relics and one of the Lee Teng-Fang Ancient Zhong Shan Jennifer Tong best examples of an ancient Hakka residence in Taiwan. From there 8:30am - 13 Mansion, Lake Cihu Thu Apr 01 1 $1300 N. Rd. Sec. and Rosemary we will go to Cihu, where Kai-shek and his son Chiang Ching-kuo lie 3:00pm and the Garden of 6 and Lane Susa in state in a pair of impressive mausoleums connected by a 1.8 km Generalissimos 290 walkway. Next we will visit the Cihu Memorial Statue Park. Nicknamed the Garden of Generalissimos, this grassy park is studded with several hundred busts and statues of the late CKS. We will finish with a stroll around the quaint and historic Daxi old town. Bring water, a packed lunch and sun/rain protection.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [viii] Arts, Culture & Tours in Taiwan The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor

This is a lovely hike through the forest to see three beautiful waterfalls. The trail itself is along dirt paths. There are two rope bridges that we will need to cross, 1-2 people at a time (don’t worry, it’s not high up!!). We will admire the first waterfall (Hegu Waterfall) from a distance. Songshan The second waterfall (Motian Waterfall) has a viewing platform and Sandiaoling Waterfall 8:00am - 14 Tue Apr 13 1 $800 MRT Sta. Jennifer Turek sometimes you will see people swimming in the pool under the falls. Hike 2:30pm Exit 4 The third waterfall (Pipa Cave Waterfall) is where we will stop for a lunch break. For those looking for a bit more adventure, we can climb up (about 5-10 minutes) to the top of the third waterfall for another excellent view. Wear sturdy shoes with a good grip; bring your EASYCARD for the train; and lunch, water and rain/sun protection. The Dadaocheng District was one of the first settled areas of Taipei. In recent years, the area has seen significant gentrification, but between its modern window coverings and tiles there are plenty of relics from a grander past. This tour will explore the area's mansions SUNDAY AT THE and shophouses, many hidden off the main tourist routes. It will CENTER! trace the stories of the first residents of Taipei and the sometimes 1:00pm - Beimen MRT 15 Stories of Sun Apr 18 1 $700 Tom Rook chaotic events that shaped their lives. We'll start just outside the old 4:00pm Sta. Exit 1 Dadaocheng: north gate of the city and wind our way through old alleys and lanes, A Historic Walking Tour ending at the site of one of the city's first bridges. Tom, known for his amazing hand-drawn maps of Taiwan's cities and neighborhoods, has walked every inch of this area (and drawn it too). He will use his extensive collection of maps, photos, and drawings to help bring the past to life. This tour ends at the Daqiaotou MRT Station. Join Faye for a behind the scenes tour of the Bai Win Antiques warehouse where the real work of selecting, repairing, preparing and Corner of selling of antiques occurs. This is your chance to learn a lot about Bai Win Antiques Zhong Shan antiques, how to spot a reproduction versus a reconstructed piece, 9:30am - 16 Warehouse and Bali Thu Apr 22 1 $850 N. Rd. Sec. Faye Angevine and what really is the difference. In addition to the warehouse, we 2:30pm Stonecutters Tour 6 and Lane will also stop at a nearby stonecutter’s showroom to see where they 290 create beautiful stone entryway guardians and dragons. Maybe you will find a pair that you will want to take home with you? Bring water and packed lunch. Join Ivy for this fun neighborhood and foodie experience to learn about local Taiwanese culture, history and food. We will begin this tour at a local market, then visit some famous old streets and explore some interesting shops. Along the way we will have the A Movable Feast: Shuanglian 9:30am - chance to taste a selection of tasty treats. Our final destination is a 17 A Cultural Foodie Tour Tue May 04 1 $1400 MRT Sta. Ivy Chen 1 1:00pm neighborhood temple where there are many small eateries that come Through Dadaocheng Exit 2 to life during the lunch hour. What begins each day as a quiet and contemplative space in front of the temple transforms into a festive street café. Here’s a chance to join the party and enjoy your lunch with the locals. Lunch and tastings included.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [ix] Hobbies & Skills Arts, Culture & Tours in Taiwan The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

It is not a well-known fact, but in 1942, the Japanese began bringing Allied POWs (Prisoners of War) to Taiwan from Southeast Asia and held them under horrendous conditions until Japan surrendered in Corner of 1945. The largest of the six camps in Taiwan was in Kinkaseki, today's POW Tour: Zhong Shan 8:30am - Jinguashi. This fascinating, full-day historic tour will take us from 18 In the Steps of the Men Thu May 06 1 $1500 N. Rd. Sec. Michael Hurst 3:00pm Ruifang to Jinguashi via Jiufen along the route taken by the POWs and of Kinkaseki 6 and Lane will include stops at the Gold Mining Museum (admission fee included) 290 and the POW Memorial Park on the site of the camp. A portion of the proceeds from this tour are donated to the Taiwan POW Society. Bring water, a packed lunch and rain/sun protection as needed.

Have you ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes of a five- star hotel and how they seamlessly manage to keep everyone happy, comfortable and satisfied? Join Randy, the hotel's General Manager, for our own personal introduction to the workings of the Shangri-La's Behind the Scenes: Lobby of the Far Eastern Plaza Hotel in Taipei. Included in the tour is a visit to their A Tour of the 10:30am - Randy 19 Tue May 11 11 $1500 Shangri-La pastry kitchen, housekeeping area, loading dock, staff dining room, Shangri-La's 1:30pm Zupanski Hotel Chinese kitchen and Presidential Suite. After our tour, we will enjoy a Far Eastern Plaza Hotel delicious lunch at the Shang Palace, the hotel's elegant Cantonese restaurant, featuring some of their signature dishes and delectable dim sum. Lunch included. Please note that there will be many stairs on our tour.

This hike begins with a walk around one side of Jinlong Lake. Wandering along a quiet road we will see many small farms on the way to the trailhead. We will stop for a quick visit at Cui lake then make our way up the mountain. This hike offers moderate inclines and declines with ropes for assistance. There are some wonderful views of Taipei the Xizhi Mountains and Taipei City as we loop around the trails. The SATURDAY AT THE Nangang 9:00am - trails, mostly along well-used dirt paths or wooden steps, are usually 20 CENTER! Sat May 15 11 $800 Exhibition Jennifer Turek 2:00pm full of life and it’s not uncommon to spot magpies, eagles, barbets, Hike to Neigoushan Center MRT spiders, and lizards. There are several ways down the mountain and Sta. Exit 6 we will choose a trail based upon the speed of the group. Once out of the mountains, we will go back along the small farm road and loop around the opposite side of Jinlong lake before catching taxis back to the Donghu MRT. Wear sturdy shoes with good grip; bring change for shared taxis, lunch, water and rain/sun protection as needed.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [x] Arts, Culture & Tours in Taiwan Family, Fitness & Healh The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

Our meeting point of Jiantan MRT station is a very busy place, but right after we start on the Jiantanshan trail you will feel like you have entered a different world. From up on the mountain we will see Taipei 101, the riverside park, the Ferris wheel at Miramar, and a popular Hike and Bike: spot with locals called the "Old Place,” where people go to watch the Jiantanshan to 9:00am - Jiantan MRT airplanes taking off from Songshan airport. From Jiantanshan we will 21 Wed May 19 1 $800 Dory Chung Wenjianshan and the 1:30pm Sta. Exit 2 then hike to Weijian Shan. The trail is moderate but with many stairs Riverside Park Path in some parts. Later we will descend down to the Dazhi area and rent U-bikes. We will bike along the river back to the Jiantan MRT station. It’s a flat and easy ride. Please register for U-Bike use before joining this trip. Wear hiking shoes with a good grip. Bring your EASYCARD, water, snacks, a helmet and rain/sun/protection.

With more than 200 years of history, Bao An Gong is one of the most important temples in Taipei. In 2003, the temple received a UNESCO Asia-Pacific Cultural Heritage Conservation Award. Bao An Gong is dedicated to the Taoist folk religious deity the Bao Sheng Lord, Seeking Heavenly and a Chinese god of medicine. Before Western medicine was widely Traditional Methods Yuanshan accepted, early residents of Taipei prayed to the Bao Sheng Lord for of Protection: A Visit 9:00am - 22 Thu May 20 1 $1000 MRT Sta. Helen Chen good health and sought remedies for their ailments. Join Helen for a to Bao An Gong 12:30pm Exit 2 fascinating tour of this temple to learn how health and wellness have and a Local Chinese been long interlinked in Chinese religious culture. To complement this Medicine Shop temple tour, we will also visit a nearby Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) shop. There we will learn about Chinese medicine and sample some local Taiwanese dishes prepared with TCM herbs. Bring your EASYCARD for the public bus ride to the TCM shop. Tasting included. Family, Fitness & Health

Start your week off right with an online morning Yin Yoga class. You will practice seven to fifteen poses, seated, on knees, or prone, and hold them for 30 seconds to 10 minutes. Modifications will be offered to assist you in finding both effort and ease in asana (physical pose From the Comfort of practice) as they unfold in longer holds. Yin Yoga focuses on the Jan 18 to 8:30am - Online Class Ivonne Vidal 23 Your Home, Ease Into Mon 12 $5400 fascia, connective tissue that groups muscles and connects them May 10 10:00am via Zoom Pizarro the Week with Yin Yoga to bone. Rather than exercise, Yin Yoga is part of a more holistic preventative, wellness practice. You can expect to practice asanas, pranayama (breath work) and a brief meditation. Please prepare a mat, blocks, straps, blanket, water bottle and any other yoga accessory you need. All levels welcome.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [xi] Learn Chinese/What's Cooking

Family, Fitness & Health / Hobbies & Skills The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected]

# Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description Surya Namaskar (or Sun Salutations), deeply rooted in Hatha Yoga, is an energizing sequence linking the mind, body and breath through a series of twelve asanas (poses). This course will explore each asana in order to better understand its mental and physical benefits, Farès Jan 20 to 9:30am - Rebekah the connection to the breath, and how they can be applied to your 24 Full Circle Yoga Wed 8 $4400 Academy Mar 24 11:00am Stump overall yoga practice for maximum benefit. Whether you’re an avid Dojo yoga practitioner or a beginner, joining this course will deepen your practice by strengthening your understanding of asana. Please bring a yoga mat, two yoga blocks, a towel, a water bottle and yoga strap (helpful but not required). Suitable for all levels and physical abilities. Who are we really? This yoga for wellness course explores the self through the lens of yoga philosophy’s five koshas (layers of being/ natural elements). Asana (physical posture), pranayama (breathwork), Farès Yoga for Wellness: Mar 16 to 9:30am - mindfulness practices and discussion will be our vehicles of the 25 Tue 8 $4400 Academy Malabika Das A Deep Dive Into Self May 18 8 11:00am journey. This course is open to all, and special attention will be Dojo given to anyone who is newer to yoga. Please bring a mat, two yoga blocks, a yoga strap, one large and one small towel, a water bottle and an open heart. Did you know that when children suffer from fevers, allergies, stomach upset, weight issues or stress, you can use Chinese special massage, Chinese Medicine and 12noon- food therapy, and qigong and kungfu exercise to help them? Join Dr. 26 Tue Mar 30 11 $600 The Center Dr. Dustin Wu Your Child 2:00pm Wu to learn about the benefits of Chinese medicine in treating children and some practical solutions to improve their health and well being. You will gain new insight and understanding of this ancient science. Hobbies & Skills Bring out your creative talents in this beginning brush painting class where the emphasis will be on holding the brush correctly, producing Chinese Brush proper brush strokes, and applying the proper amount of ink to the Painting: Create a Jan 18 to 12noon - paper. Even if you are not artistic, you will be surprised at the end 27 Mon 3 $2800 The Center Jennifer Tong Beautiful Lantern for Feb 01 2:00pm results. During the last session of this class, we will get into the Lunar the New Year New Year holiday spirit and use our newly acquired skills to produce two decorative lanterns. Cost of all materials (brushes, ink, paper, and lanterns) included. Create your own handmade book! First we will decorate cover papers with a very free form and intuitive exploration of color, pattern and texture. This historic method of paper decoration uses wheat paste Paper Decoration Jan 27 to 9:30am - Brooke mixed with acrylic paint to create a unique finished product called 28 and Book Binding Wed 2 $1600 The Center Feb 03 11:30am Stoneman “paste paper”. Then we will turn our beautiful papers into simple hand Workshop sewn books you can use as journals, sketchbooks, personalized gifts, or works of art all on their own! No previous art experience necessary. All materials are included.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [xii] Hobbies & Skills The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

Learn to capture those tender moments in your family's every day life, from eating breakfast to walking the dog to your child's first day at school. This two-session class will look at how to combine Using Your DSLR or documentary, lifestyle, and posed images to capture family memories. Smartphone Camera Daqiaotou Mar 02 to 10:00am - Naomi Goddard In the first session we will help you to understand the importance of 29 to Photograph and Tue 2 $1600 MRT Sta. Mar 09 12noon and Minsik Jung anticipation, what images to take, to treasure and preserve, and know Preserve Your Family’s Exit 1 when to just be in the moment and put your camera down. During the Everyday Moments second session we will look at basic posing directions that can help bring out lovely family portraits without the kids (and adults!) getting bored. Bring your DSLR camera or camera phone to class. EVENINGS AT THE CENTER! Mar 02 to 6:00pm - Brooke 30 Paper Decoration Tue 2 $1600 The Center Please refer to Activity #28 for course description. Mar 09 8:00pm Stoneman and Book Binding Workshop Explore Taipei 101 in a new way! This embroidery "101" class is designed for the true beginner. In this 2.5-hour workshop you will SUNDAY AT THE learn six embroidery stitches and most likely finish (or come very 1:00pm - 31 CENTER! Embroidery Sun Mar 14 1 $1200 The Center Kara Wall close to finishing) your Taipei 101 design. All of the supplies needed 3:30pm Workshop: Taipei 101! are included and can be used for future embroidery projects. Join Kara on a Sunday afternoon for a fun and relaxing class to learn all about embroidery and take home a cute Taiwan souvenir. With the advent of smartphones and their ever improving photographic and video capabilities, we all now have the ability to record and document daily life events as well as the potential to become both a filmmaker and producer of our own making. It is one thing to just aim Making a Film with and shoot, another to create something worth sharing and watching. Your Smartphone: Mar 15 to 10:00am - Damien 32 Mon 3 $1800 The Center If you would like to learn how to produce your own film, then join The Complete Mar 29 12:30pm Zimmerman Damien in this hands-on class, which will cover the entire pre- Experience production and production process of filmmaking. You will plan, shoot on location (outside of the Center) and later edit your film, all over the course of three class sessions. A smartphone with a camera and the ability to download apps is required. Learn to paint on silk in the famous blue and white Ming porcelain pattern with contemporary Taiwanese-American artist Regina Linke. Students will learn the essentials of Chinese gongbi or meticulous style brush painting, including: brush handling, fine line work, ink and Chinoiserie Silk Mar 17 to 12noon - 33 Wed 3 $2500 The Center Regina Linke wash technique and traditional composition. Each class builds upon Painting Mar 31 2:00pm the previous, so that by the end of the course, you will complete one beautifully painted stretched silk fan. Prior drawing, watercolor or calligraphy experience is beneficial but not required. All materials are included in the cost of registration.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [xiii] Hobbies & Skills The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

Combine your interest in Taiwanese snacks with your desire to learn a new craft! Beginners and experienced stitchers alike are welcome to join this "bubble tea and pineapple cake" hand embroidery class. Embroidery Workshop: Kara will teach you six of the most basic embroidery stitches while Apr 14 to 12noon - 34 Pineapple Cakes and Wed 2 $1800 The Center Kara Wall you make this very cute souvenir of Taiwan. To complete the project, Apr 21 2:00pm Bubble Tea! participants will be asked to do some work at home. Class fees include a take home "kit" with supplies and a Stitch Guide you can use for future embroidery projects. For creative inspiration, pineapple cakes (at the first class) and bubble tea (at the second class) will be served.

We all know we can't keep on trashing our planet. Trash is something utterly unnatural and only exists in the human world. In nature, everything is recycled. So let's change our relationship with trash and become part of the solution and not part of the pollution. In this Trash to Treasure: fun workshop we will upcycle discarded frames using old fabrics, Let’s Re-Frame It! 12noon - Patricia and other recycled materials to turn them into objects of art, ready to 35 A Creative Upcycling Tue Apr 20 1 $800 The Center 1 2:00pm Kortmann have a new life. Patricia will guide you step by step to create some Workshop fun and beautiful art works. Unleash your creativity and be ready to cut, rip, glue and paint. We will provide a frame for each participant and fabric scraps, acrylic paints and other recyclable materials plus all necessary tools. Participants may also bring suitable items from home to repurpose in this workshop.

Mahjong is a great social activity that challenges your mental aptitude. Originally created in China, mahjong is a tile game similar to gin rummy. In this three-session, hands-on class, Danielle will May 03 to 12noon - Danielle introduce you to international style mahjong, which is one of the 36 May Mahjong Madness Mon 3 $1800 The Center May 17 2:00pm Lehman game's variations. To help you continue practicing on your own, she will provide a take-home printed guide and introduce you to a free app. After just three sessions, you will surely be able to play independently and start or join a group.

This three-session knotting class offers you a chance to produce a beautiful, hand-made “sack” handbag, great for the summer in the Create a Beautiful city or even the beach! Over the course of each class Naomi will Summer Handbag May 05 to 12noon - Naomi teach you how to prepare the materials and produce the appropriate 37 Wed 3 $2400 The Center Using Chinese May 19 2:00pm Watanabe knots, which are reminiscent of macramé. Depending upon your past Knotting Techniques experience and skill, you may need to do some of the work at home in between each class. Samples of completed bags will be available at the Center. All materials for the class included.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [xiv] Learn Chinese The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description Learn Chinese With Gloria Gwo This full semester class is for those more advanced students who wish to continue building upon their Chinese conversation skills and learn new vocabulary to enhance their ability to communicate. This Intermediate Chinese Tue & Jan 12 to 9:10am - 38 30 $13500 The Center Gloria Gwo class will use recorded materials and focus on a variety of topics and Conversation Fri May 21 10:30am social situations. Whether you have studied Chinese at the Center or elsewhere, this may be just the right class for you to continue practicing your conversation skills. Course materials included.

This full-semester class is a continuation of our Fall 2020 writing program. In this class you will continue to learn about the root of each character and how the characters are built. As you progress in your Chinese Study Group: Tue & Jan 12 to 10:40am - studies you will discover that learning Chinese characters actually 39 Reading and Writing 30 $13500 The Center Gloria Gwo Fri May 21 12noon helps you to improve your understanding of the spoken language. Characters Prerequisites: completion of our Beginning Chinese Study Group I class or an equivalent Chinese written language program. Course books to be purchased at an additional cost. This class is for those students who have completed the Center's Survival Chinese series (or other similar program) and wish to continue building upon their Chinese conversation skills and learn Beginning Chinese Tue & Jan 12 to 12:10pm - new vocabulary to enhance their ability to communicate. This class 40 16 $7200 The Center Gloria Gwo Conversation I Fri Mar 19 1:30pm will use recorded materials and focus on a variety of topics and social situations. Whether or not you have studied Chinese at the Center or elsewhere, this may be just the right class for you to continue practicing your conversation skills. Course materials included. Would you like to be able to communicate with shopkeepers, taxi drivers and co-workers? Whether you've just arrived in Taiwan Survival Chinese I Mon & Jan 13 to 9:10am - 41 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo or have been here awhile, this is the class for you. Learn spoken Session 1 Wed Mar 17 10:30am Mandarin in a relaxed and informal environment right here at The Center. Course materials included. This course builds upon the skills learned in Survival Chinese I and offers approximately 20 hours of language instruction for people who Survival Chinese II Mon & Jan 13 to 10:40am - would like to upgrade their basic skills and go one step further with 42 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Session 1 Wed Mar 17 12noon Mandarin. This class is also suitable for anyone who has taken some basic Chinese lessons and would like to continue with his or her studies. Course materials included. This course continues our Survival Chinese series and covers Survival Chinese III Mon & Jan 13 to 12:10pm - advanced vocabulary and sentence patterns as well as conversational 43 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Session 1 Wed Mar 17 1:30pm practice. Prerequisites: Survival Chinese I and II or completed approximately 40 hours of language instruction.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [xv] Learn Chinese The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

Evening Survival Mon & Jan 13 to 6:00pm - 44 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Please refer to Activity #41 for course description. Chinese I Wed Mar 17 14 7:20pm

Evening Survival Mon & Jan 13 to 7:30pm - 45 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Please refer to Activity #42 for course description. Chinese II Wed Mar 17 8:50pm

Survival Chinese I Mon & Mar 22 to 9:10am - 46 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Please refer to Activity #41 for course description. Session 2 Wed May 19 10:30am

Survival Chinese II Mon & Mar 22 to 10:40am - 47 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Please refer to Activity #42 for course description. Session 2 Wed May 19 12noon

Survival Chinese III Mon & Mar 22 to 12:10pm - 48 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Please refer to Activity #43 for course description. Session 2 Wed May 19 1:30pm

Evening Survival Mon & Mar 22 to 6:00pm - 49 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Please refer to Activity #42 for course description. Chinese II Wed May 19 14 7:20pm

Evening Chinese Mon & Mar 22 to 7:30pm - 50 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Please refer to Activity #40 for course description. Conversation Wed May 19 8:50pm

Beginning Chinese Tue & Mar 23 to 12:10pm - New conversational topics will be presented in this class. Please refer 51 14 $6300 The Center Gloria Gwo Conversation II Fri May 21 1:30pm to Activity #40 for course description.

This short, interactive course is for our students who are still in Taipei Chinese Conversation: Mon & May 24 to 9:10am - after the official Center programs have ended in May. If you wish to 52 8 $3600 The Center Gloria Gwo Mini Session Wed Jun 21 10:30am continue practicing your Chinese language skills, then this is the class for you. All levels are welcomed!

Summer Survival Mon & Jun 28 to 9:10am - 53 12 $5400 The Center Gloria Gwo Please refer to Activity #41 for course description. Chinese I Wed Aug 04 12 10:30am

This class is for those students who are here for the summer and wish to continue practicing their Chinese language skills. If we get enough Summer Chinese Mon & Jun 28 to 10:40am - 54 12 $5400 The Center Gloria Gwo students the class may be divided into two sections to accommodate Conversation Wed Aug 04 12noon different levels of language skill. Please refer to Activity #40 for course description.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [xvi] What'sWhat's CookingCooking The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

In this class, Chef Prish will share three easy, quick and nutritious vegan recipes that you can cook up in no time at all: Beet Soup with Ready, Set, Vegan! Cashew Sour Cream and Olive Dust; Doubanjiang Eggplant and 10:00am - Prashantha 55 Dishes for the Whole Fri Jan 22 1 $ 1200 The Center “Cheesy” Polenta Porridge (doubanjiang is a fermented broad bean 12noon Lachanna Family to Enjoy! chilli paste, which we will combine with sesame paste and maple syrup to create a creamy, spicy, comforting sauce); and a Raw Vegan Banana Banoffee Cake. Your whole family will love it! We are happy to have our two French chefs back at the Center this Christophe semester. Join Christophe and Kuang-Ping to learn how to prepare French Cuisine: 10:00am - Charrondiere two popular bistro menu items: Quiche Lorraine (a flaky pastry crust 56 Fri Jan 29 1 $ 1200 The Center Quiche and Crêpes 12noon and Kuang- filled with a savory egg custard, cheese and bacon) and Crêpes Ping Tung Suzette (a delicous thin "pancake" dessert served with a caramelized sugar, butter and citrus sauce). Oh là là! Join Ivy for this delicious selection of three Taiwanese main courses that may convince you that eating out is no longer necessary! In Taiwanese Please I: 10:00am - this class, Ivy will prepare Glazed Glutinous Rice with Chicken and 57 Three Traditional Fri Feb 05 1 $ 1200 The Center Ivy Chen 1 12noon Shiitake Mushrooms (you fan 油飯); Stir-Fried Beef and Water Spinach Dishes with Taiwan BBQ sauce (sha cha niu rou 沙茶牛肉); and Braised Fish with Tofu (hong shao doufu yu 紅燒豆腐魚). This cooking class features some flavorful pork dishes to tease your palate and satisfy your stomach. Ivy will prepare Roast Pork Glazed with Honey (mi zhi cha shao rou 蜜汁叉燒肉); Steamed Crystal Taiwanese Please II: 10:00am - Dumplings with Pork and Jicama (shui jing jiao 水晶餃); and Spicy 58 Roast Pork and Crystal Fri Feb 26 1 $ 1200 The Center Ivy Chen 12noon Eggplant (yu xiang qie zi 魚香茄子). Crystal dumplings differ from their Dumplings better known wheat-based counterparts because they are made with sweet potato flour and potato starch, which give them a beautiful translucent "crystal" look. Gnocchi, those fluffy, pillowy and delicious Italian dumplings made with potatoes are the focus of this Italian cooking class. To teach us how to make homemade gnocchi we welcome Chef Isabella, a Incredible Italian: 10:00am - Taiwanese Chef trained in France. Chef Isabella loves home cooking 59 Fri Mar 12 1 $ 1200 The Center Isabella Lin Homemade Gnocchi 12noon and is excited to share her skills with us. On the menu will be a Seasonal Salad with a Honey Mustard Vinaigrette; Gnocchi with an Herb-infused Browned Butter Sauce and Roasted Vegetables; and a Lemon Cake for dessert. Buon appetito! According to the Center's resident chef, Ivy Chen, Dumplings and Hot & Sour Soup are soul mates. Served together they make for a SUNDAY AT THE satisfying meal. Join Ivy for this hands-on class to learn how to prepare CENTER! 1:00pm - her famous homemade Hot and Sour Soup; delicious Boiled Chicken 60 Dumplings and Soup Sun Mar 21 1 $ 1200 The Center Ivy Chen 3:00pm and Cabbage Dumplings (shuǐjiǎo 水餃); and Vegetarian Pot Stickers are a Match Made in (guōtiē 鍋貼). Both will be served with her favorite dipping sauces. If Heaven! you are not usually free to join us on Fridays, then here is your chance to come to the Center for one of our popular cooking classes.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [xvii] What's Cooking The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description

Join Asma in this health-focused cooking class to learn how to prepare whole foods in ways to bring out their amazing flavors. The Healthy and recipes are based on the concept of wholesome food (90% plant Wholesome 10:00am - 10% meat) to help digestion and the absorption of nutrients; reduce 61 Fri Mar 26 1 $ 1200 The Center Asma Ahmed Mediterranean 12noon inflammation in the body; lower the risk of chronic diseases and Cuisine promote overall well-being. The menu for this class includes: Lemon Paprika Vegetables, Royal Fattoush Salad, Ras el Hanout Spiced Chicken and Herbal Detox Tea.

Indian food is always a favorite at the Center so we are very happy to welcome Vaishali, who will teach us how to prepare a delcious Indian 10:00am - Vaishali 62 Indian Delight Fri Apr 02 1 $ 1200 The Center meal. On the menu are some restaurant favorites: Chickpea Salad 12noon Meghnani to start; Butter Chicken with Rice as our main course; and, Coconut Ladoo for dessert.

When it comes to street food, Taiwan has an amazing selection. If you have hesitated to try some of the many street stall favorites, then here is your chance--Ivy is bringing the street to the Center as 10:00am - 63 Taiwan Street Food Fri Apr 16 1 $ 1200 The Center Ivy Chen she prepares her own homemade versions of three local delicacies: 12noon Fried Chicken Chops (zha ji pai 炸雞排), Cold Noodles with Sesame Sauce (liang mian 涼麵), and Tofu Pudding with Fresh Fruits and other traditional toppings (dou hua 豆花).

For this cooking class Christophe and Kuang-Ping will take us on a Christophe virtual trip to the French city of Nice to enjoy two famous dishes from French Cooking à la 10:00am - Charrondiere this region: Salade Niçoise and Pissaladière Niçoise, a delicious and 64 Fri Apr 23 1 $ 1200 The Center Niçoise 12noon and Kuang- fragrant bread made with olive oil, onion, anchovies, black olives Ping Tung and thyme. Together these dishes make a substantial lunch or light summer supper. White wine anyone?

To expand your vegetarian meal repetoire, join Vaishali for a tasty Indian cooking class. On the menu are Mung Bean Pakoras (fritters) Indian Vegetarian 10:00am - Vaishali 65 Fri May 07 1 $ 1200 The Center to start; Vegetable Korma served with Puri (a fried bread made with Cooking 12noon Meghnani whole wheat flour and salt) as our main course; and Semolina Halwa for dessert.

This special cooking class begins at the Shi Dong Market where Ivy will show you how to purchase the best and freshest ingredients to SATURDAY AT THE Shi Dong prepare and cook four delicious dishes of the group’s choosing: one 9:30am - 66 CENTER! Sat May 08 1 $ 1600 Market Ivy Chen meat/chicken, one fish/seafood, one tofu and one vegetable. Then, 1:00pm From Market to Table Entrance 2 stroll over to Ivy's house to create this wonderful lunch to enjoy together. Space is limited, so register early for this unique Center cooking class.

Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. 2021 Spring & Summer Activities [xviii]

Arts, Culture & Tours in Taiwan The Community Services Center | Tel: 02-2836-8134, e-mail: [email protected] # Activity Day(s) Dates # of Sessions Time $$$ Meet@ Instructor Description Arts, Culture and Tours in Taiwan

Guandu is Taiwan’s oldest temple and is dedicated to Mazu, Goddess of the Sea. It is one of the Taipei areas' most interesting to visit as it is Guandu Temple: built against a cliff and features two caves, one of which extends quite Guandu Seeking Wealth and 9:30am- far into the hillside and houses many deities representing the God of 1 Tue Jan 17 1 $ 500 Temple MRT Jennifer Tong Fortune in the Year of 12noon Wealth. Join Jennifer to learn about this fascinating temple, explore Sta., Exit 2 the Rooster the caves, enjoy a beautiful view of the Tamsui River, and be one among the many seeking their fortune for the upcoming Year of the Rooster.

— Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers

— Fred Couples, 2012 Senior Open Champion

— A-Rod, NY Yankees Transportation included Snacks, lunch or meal included Please check www.communitycenter.org.tw for the most recent updates. POETRY

A Child’s Christmas Elsewhere

TEXT: HEATHER GATLEY IMAGE: WEB

Singapore. You are in the sun. 1964. Santa dangles his boots from a helicopter door, blasting carols over the palm trees and sergeants’ mess. A gang show, a piper and an Indian dancer.

Your own children will have more Christmases in the sun. El Salvador where cordite creeps in under the door; wild tracer bullets zapping the starlit smoky sky, a gathering of strays on a sunlit verandah.

— A-Rod, NY Yankees Calm, peaceful, Switzerland, Santa Claus and Schmutzli stand, — Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers their texts in menacing hand under burning candles. And always on Christmas Eve, the farmer must go out and sprinkle snow lightly, or in drifts across God’s realm.

— Fred Couples, 2012 Senior Open Champion Deep in the German heartlands there is hard-core Christmas: streets of market stalls loaded with gewgaws roof to floor; shops sumptuously decorated in red and green, contrasting the gawdy turquoise pink neon of Spain.

Putting on orange wigs and sequinned Santa hats. Smile. You've come so far from home now, many a lonely mile. You, the last naughty children left in the house are thrown onto a Spanish galleon deep in Schwartz Piet’s sack.

“O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, how lovely are your branches!” What wouldn't you give to have your singing children back, innocent as the first day, believing in Santa; Santa, and his rooftop sleigh. Yesterday! Elsewhere.

Heather Gatley was born in Cyprus to British Air Force parents. She has lived all over the world, in Singapore, Peru, El Salvador, Switzerland, Spain, Germany, The Netherlands and Wales. She is a retired IB English teacher, and today prefers to read and write poetry. This poem is named after Dylan Thomas’s short story, “A Child’s Christmas in Wales,” which she always used to read to her children late on Christmas night.

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This message was shared in the Institute of Cultural Affairs Taiwan (ICA) Trends Newsletter. It seems to be even more relevant today as we face conflict, chaos and confusion across the globe, and within our communities and selves.

— Gail West, Director

Why Do Organizations Need More

“As people think and work together, a fabric Trained Facilitators? of shared meaning comes into being.”

TEXT: FRANÇOIS KNUCHEL, CATERFLY IMAGES: WEB —Harrison Owen

any companies suffer departments, irrespective of their resources on some priority teams while from a lack of cohesion specialties, typically in 2- to 5-year largely ignoring others (or while not and connectedness. cycles, so that as they become more considering how this might affect the Managers and staff alike senior (irrespective of position) they whole) can actually dampen the overall generallyM lack a holistic view of their gain a good understanding of how the organizational effectiveness. Even organization in terms of its internal company works, and in particular are with balanced high performing teams flow of energy and value creation. sympathetic to the various perspectives there is often no engagement model Most people do not have a full view as seen from different parts of the in place that guarantees that all teams of what goes on across their entire organization. are operating in tandem towards the company, and the executives at the top In the West we tend to put resources same purpose. One often finds teams may have an overview of the various in tools like process improvements, competing with each other internally, departments, but generally have little particularly at a team level. Agile or unknowingly duplicating efforts. understanding of what the issues are at implementations and moves towards So how could we get more collabora- the shop floor level. business agility are examples of tion, cohesion and innovation This lack of a multi-disciplinary and current-day efforts to improve team across the organization? Why aren’t holistic view is manifest in the way effectiveness, which is all great, but organizations putting more resources departments and teams often work this happens at a team or section level, into developing such pan-organizational in entrenched silo mentalities. Silos with high-performing teams often cohesion? produce poor cross-departmental rewarded irrespective of whether There may be several reasons: collaboration, and this situation their high performance is actually • a general lack of awareness of the is particularly acute in Western beneficial to the smooth operation need for it companies, where people typically of the whole organization. Likewise, • organizations having no experience specialize in one area of work and then interventions are usually isolated and in trying to achieve coherence stay in their own field. do not tackle the challenge of getting • no knowledge or expertise within This is in contrast to Asian firms the organization to operate as a whole. the organization on how to do it (particularly Japanese), where people An organization is only as effective • nobody knowing how to “plan” the are routinely rotated to different as its weakest link, so concentrating thousands of conversations that

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would need to happen dialogue between different parts staff engagement, collaboration, • nobody in the organization of the organization participation, accountability and knowing, for instance, how to run • shifts everyone into an “innovation innovation, they are also imposing large-scale participatory meetings, mode” and elevates the creativity more agendas, the very thing that • no understanding for “unplanning” of the whole organization kills all those virtues. Agendas create conversations to engender • provides a brilliant basis for precisely those conditions which serendipitous or emergent invitation-based culture change disengage people. The only agenda conversations • represents a highly effective model that works is one created by ALL those • in a mechanistic view of the of engagement, rejuvenating staff participating there and then, in the organization, open-ended co-creativity here and now, in a free marketplace co-ordinated interventions may be • enables expanded stakeholder where people can opt in and out of the seen as a waste of time dialogues to take place involving authentic conversations. • innovation may be viewed the wider organization To be blunt: As a manager you as something best left to the • enables conversations to emerge can either have engagement and “innovation specialists” which could never have been innovation, or you can have agendas Clearly, we need pan-organizational planned and outcomes, but you cannot have models of engagement. The most • encourages the emergence of both — they cancel each other out. open-ended and engaging approach new ideas and concepts otherwise So, if agendas and outcomes are is Open Space Technology (OST). inconceivable what you want, don’t use Open While there are many ways to run • Its self-organizing forms the basis Space Technology, but don’t expect concurrent conversations, OST does for creating a learning organization engagement and innovation either. If this particularly well, and is ideal in Stumbling blocks: engagement and innovation are what larger organizations needing cross- • can be logistically demanding, as you want, however, then you have to be departmental exchange at all levels the larger the number of invitees, willing to let go of any agenda, or rather simultaneously. the better let the staff and workers determine and Open Space Technology is a method • a general lack of awareness, or a deliberate their own issues. for hosting highly participatory, large- perceived weirdness of the process For this reason, it is important group, whole-system collaboration • poor quality facilitators (wanting to that some people in the organization based on self-organization in which “manage” the process, combine it know how to run OST events; to participants themselves co-create the or trying to “improve” it) fully understand the issues around agenda, experience and outcomes that • unpredictable outcomes can be invitations, agendas, co-creation and matter to them. scary emergence. It needs people who can My purpose is to encourage larger • perceived costs, and for most resist what many managers want, organizations to use OST much more managers, no clear agenda such as adding items to an agenda in frequently, and for them to hire or This lack of a clear agenda (which is advance. Because OST meetings operate train a few internal facilitators who can created by the participants on the spot on the basis of opt-in invitation, people actually run OST events within their at the start of an OST) is probably the will only feel inspired to join a meeting if organization. There is no reason why an biggest stumbling block as managers it is about an issue that concerns them, OST event should be a one-off occasion. and sponsors are often expected to is burning for them, and is not laden If organizations want genuine agility, state clearly what the anticipated with pre-conceived solutions which then running OST events should be a outcomes of such a meeting should be do not address their perspective. OST regular occurrence. (in order to justify the funding for it, facilitators need to have a thorough OST enables cross-fertilization of for instance). Yet that is precisely the understanding of the role of invitation ideas and cross-collaboration across catch-22. OST relies on emergence, (versus imposition) and the effect of departments in a highly interactive serendipity and new creative solutions agendas on the matter. environment at once on a massive to whatever challenges brought the There is a general need for scale. An Open Space event can lead people together. Agendas pre-define organizations to have more facilitators collectively to a holistic re-energizing solutions, pre-determine outcomes and and facilitative leaders. But they of the whole organization, creating stifle emergence. The whole point of should also have an OST facilitator conditions for it to thrive organically. OST is to enable issues to emerge which or two at hand, and ideally someone It can be a massive and long-lasting would otherwise never have arisen. who is specifically able to bring boost to staff engagement and morale, Agendas thereby also stifle about cross-functional and holistic largely because deep conversations that innovation and motivation. People understanding of, and engagement in, matter to them can take place. feel caged in by (other people’s) the organization. What is needed are Benefits of OST: agendas. Yet for managers coming facilitators who can bring about internal • helps bridge departments, from a mechanical view of business, flexibility and agility by calling Open breaks down silos, encourages “agendalessness” is most difficult to Space events at short notice, while collaboration fathom. Managers will almost always also understanding the importance • stimulates over time a systems want to interfere and include some of creating a safe and transparent view of the organization among all agenda. It is ironic that in our times, environment for emergence to happen, staff, thus facilitating constructive when leaders are crying for more opening and holding the space.

www.communitycenter.org.tw DEC 2020/JAN 2021 23

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 23 2020/11/26 下午3:27 PHOTOGRAPHY Recognizing Ourselves In Each Other By Earl Goodson, a longtime friend of the Center and Taiwan

The divisions that pervade the United States continue to remain a wound in the heart of the nation. As the holidays approach, we as individuals should be doing our best to remember that goodwill is meant to be extended to our neighbors as much as to one another. Reserving love only for one's immediate family and friends is the smallest circle of compassion, and of no real consequence because it demands nothing of us. Can we instead stretch ourselves to understand those we passionately disagree with without a lens of hatred obscuring our vision? In these challenging times we're called to do better, and it will take millions more conversations like these to mend what has been cracked. Only by reaching across boundaries constructed in ignorance and intolerance can we truly walk together towards the future as one people.

24 DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 24 2020/11/25 上午7:39 PHOTOGRAPHY

Earl Goodson As a photographer, it was my goal to present the ongoing Black Lives Matter protests in Milwaukee, USA, in a way that emphasized the complexity and emotions of the event. People tend to form opinions based on a simplistic take of the motivations of those involved. "The cops are like this." "The protesters are like that." Thugs. Looters. Criminals. Pigs. Good. Bad. Despite there being an entire spectrum of emotional avenues that all people shift through, we, as viewers, feel best when we have an easily digested caricature of an event or someone's motivations. To distill people into caricatures you can agree or disagree with is a disservice to their humanity and to a movement historic in its scope and far-reaching in its influence. Life simply isn't as tidy as all that, no matter how we wish it were so. While these images were taken solely in the city of Milwaukee, thousands of moments like these are happening thousands of times a day across the United States. So I invite you to reflect on the notions you hold about the Movement and the people involved. What do you see and how do you think the subjects of my images feel? Do your interpretations confirm or confound pre-existing ideas? What do you think is actually going on in each distinct scene? To view more of my work or contact me, visit https://www. human-element.me/

www.communitycenter.org.tw DEC 2020/JAN 2021 25

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 25 2020/11/25 上午7:39 OUTLOOK

rowing up and living in Toronto, Canada, it always really bothered me to see The Homeless homeless people lying and sleepingG on the sidewalk. Even in the TEXT & IMAGES: JAMES LADE below-freezing temperatures of winter they would be there every day. Twenty years ago I volunteered to help at a homeless shelter once a week in Toronto. Since then I’ve worked with and in shelters in Toronto and Victoria, British Columbia. Working with and getting to know homeless people changed my perception and understanding of them. Some people think that people begging for money on the street are just lazy. Or they think if they get a job they won’t be homeless. My conclusion is that this is not true and it’s an uninformed mistake. I believe homelessness should be treated as a health-care issue. In my experience, all homeless people have healthcare issues, be they physical, mental, emotional or financial health problems. I believe it’s a certainty that a perfectly healthy person will not be homeless. And so, in my opinion our society and government should have a policy to end homelessness completely. Eliminate it 100%. Taiwan is in a perfect position to accomplish this goal. Taiwan is rich, developed and prosperous, and has a relatively low incidence of homelessness and poverty. And Taiwan has a culture that values caring for others. It’s not a simple problem and there’s no easy solution. But I do think it’s a solvable problem if people and business and governments work together. I’d like to see a tipping point where people get on board with this. Everyone from the young to the old, the rich and the middle class. The first step is to set the goal to end homelessness. While working overnight graveyard shift in recent years in the homeless shelters I had time to think. Many of the homeless people I met were fascinating, intelligent and funny. I came up with the idea of a comic James Lade was born in the baby boomer generation in Toronto, strip about homelessness. My goal with Canada, and so has been witness to a lot from the 60s, 70s and the comic strips is to inform ordinary so on up to the pandemic of 2020. Always curious about life Jim people that homeless people should studied philosophy at McMaster University and then went on to have our help and support. My comic become a chef and restaurateur. After that he switched to social strip is a way to convey my message in services, working with homeless people in shelters in Toronto, a humorous, entertaining way. We can Vancouver and Victoria, British Colombia. Finally, to satisfy a lifelong desire end homelessness and we will all benefit to travel he came to Asia and has taught in Taiwan and mainland China. The from it. I hope you and more people will adventure continues, and James plans to see and do more. come together and make it happen.

26 DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 26 2020/11/25 上午7:39 OUTLOOK

My writing has been inspired by real my imagination and by actual events. Chinese here in Taiwan. It’s available people, by my imagination and my For example, one strip is about a now in both languages. own life. The characters and stories are man losing his dentures, and then I’m planning to donate the proceeds a combination of these. The central finding them in the trash. This actually from the sales of the book (after my hero is Homeless Harry. He is partially happened. It was a little bizarre but in expenses) to organizations that help the inspired by a wonderful gentleman who retrospect it was a funny thing. homeless and disadvantaged. is from Ireland but lives in Canada. He As I mentioned I hope my comic Many organizations, especially has a terrific sense of humor and is very strips can be both entertaining and churches and religious groups, do a lot gregarious after a pint of beer or two thought-provoking. We can not only to help disadvantaged people. Many (which is often). Harry is loveable and help the disadvantaged people who businesses also pitch in with donations eccentric. need our help, but also lift them up and volunteers. And the government Another character, Charles, was and out of the situation they are in. is always trying to make things better. partially inspired by a fellow who was a We can give them the dignity we all A lot is done already. As I said I would lawyer but whose fortunes had taken a deserve and erase the stigma of being love to see us reach the goal and turn. He’s a proper gentleman but can homeless. tipping point where no one is sleeping be rather stern and gruff. I wrote the book in English in Canada, on the sidewalk. The stories are inspired both by and have now had it translated into It’s possible. We can do it.

Venue: Wulai Museum Christmas in Wulai X Time: Sunday December 13th, 2020, Noon to 5pm

TEXT & IMAGES: GARY SMOKE

This year will be our tenth year of celebrating “Christmas in Wulai.” We hope to make it a musicians’ tribute to Christmas. We are trying to get our musician friends to come and celebrate ten years of fun and music. There will be an online auction and we will give our sponsors a little Christmas cheer from Wulai. Please join us for an afternoon of music, caroling, dancing and, of course, Santa. This year we will be collecting donations to assist our good friend Mi Sra Ko Sirman, Akai, and his efforts to paddle his Tatala around Taiwan next year. If you would like to participate or find out more about our show this year, please call 0920558017 or email gary_smoke8@ hotmail.com. Visit our Facebook page at https://fb.me/e/4DhpwHSy9

www.communitycenter.org.tw DEC 2020/JAN 2021 27

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 27 2020/11/25 上午7:39 ART The Beautiful World My Mother Created for Us The Living Art of Bonsai – Chinese Elm Group Style

TEXT & IMAGES: JENNY CHANG

rowing up in the beautiful, timeless world that my mother, Prof. Amy Liang and her Bonsai Garden created, opened up a magical, mysterious world to my siblings and I. This was a world of adventure where we embarked each day on new journeys of exploration.G Bonsai is an art form that originates from China. In Chinese, bonsai is written as penzai (盆栽). The character "pen”(盆) means tray or container, and the character “zai”(栽) means planting. So, a bonsai is a small tree in a pot, which is designed and shaped to represent different aspects of nature. The image on the left is of Ulmus parvifolia (榆樹), commonly known as a Chinese elm or lacebark elm, and one of the most popular planted elms native to eastern Asia. This mono species forest-type bonsai masterpiece was created by my mother 45 years ago. It contained a combination of 19 elm trees with ages ranging from two months to three years old when this arrangement was created. This elm group style arrangement consists of a group of dominant trees, followed by a group of medium size trees with a smaller group of trees in between. It projects a natural, vivid, elegant, harmonious, layered look, which includes different simulating unequal triangles resembling the 3D effect of a forest. The Ulmus parvifolia image is also printed on a 1990 Taiwanese postal stamp. Besides this stamp, the Amy Liang Bonsai Museum has received the national honor of being on five other Taiwan postal stamps of bonsai.

中文摘要什麼是盆栽? 「盆」指的是盆子，「栽」指的是植物。就是將一顆經過有創作過的植物栽種到盆子中，它是大自然的縮影和再現。盆栽是活的藝術品，是藝術和技術的結合，是自然美和藝術美的融合，是情思的物化。左邊這盆盆栽是用榆樹森林組合，榆樹在盆栽種類中是很常見的樹種。此棵榆樹合植是由「紫園梁悅美盆栽文物藝術館」館長梁悅美教授親自 Shih-Pei Chang (Jenny) is a Taiwanese financial consultant, 在45年前創作而成，栽種時樹齡從2個月到3年，總共用19棵樹所組合而 who is a passionate bonsai 成。此森林樹型特色在於自然飄逸不重疊，協調有深遠層次感，生動有 artist, and certified in Taiwanese 氣魄，用不等邊三角形排列組合而成。分大小兩山丘，前高後低、左右 Horticulture Therapy. She is the 低，兩邊樹最外緣均向外自然伸長，互相呼應,就像看到一座自然美的大 chairperson of the Taipei Bonsai Association and 森林。 CEO of the Amy Liang Bonsai Museum. 1990年7月20日中華民國郵政局發行郵票1組，這棵榆樹與另外四顆盆景樹都同時被選上當成年度郵票系列。

First & second prize-winning bonsai art from Taipei Bonsai & Suiseki Exhibition 2020

毛朴 Celtics sinensis (榆科 Ulmaceae) / Creator: 謝文福小品成組 Mini size bonsai / Collector: 陳冠華壽娘子 Permna obtus ifia (馬鞭草科 Verbenaceae) / Collector: 梁悅美 Prof. Amy Liang

28 DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 28 2020/11/26 下午3:29 www.communitycenter.org.tw DEC 2020/JAN 2021 29

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 29 2020/11/25 上午7:39 FOOD

The Lab, French Bistro – An Experience in Culinary Excellence

TEXT: SUE BABCOCK IMAGES: THE LAB SELECTED

or Chef Ronny Chiu, The Lab, French Bistro is a fine dining experience, perfectly situated in Tianmu. Tucked away on a narrowF side alley, among a row of shops and a laundromat, diners are in for a pleasant surprise from the moment they enter this charming bistro. It is like stepping back in time to another, bourgeois French, era. The ambiance is intimate and elegant in its simplicity. Antique French vegetable illustrations tastefully adorn softly school. This unique multi-cultural muted white walls. An ample-sized and experience and education further exquisitely polished mahogany dining enhanced his appreciation and mastery table is strategically placed in full view of French cuisine and the French Art de of the open kitchen with traditional Vivre. bistro tables nearby. The interior is timeless with its classic design, high A COMMITMENT TO SUSTAINABLE quality furniture, accessories and INGREDIENTS AND FOOD SOURCING Bordeaux wine rack display. Chef Ronny’s philosophy is grounded in his commitment to sustainable EARLY INTERESTS LEAD TO LE ingredients and food sourcing. He uses CORDON BLEU selected grass- and grain-fed beef from Chef Ronny’s interest in food began New Zealand, Australia and the United at a young age, which eventually led States, lamb from New Zealand and him to Paris and onward to the famous Australia, shrimp from Central America, Le Cordon Bleu Shanghai culinary arts smoked salmon from Norway and duck

30 DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 30 2020/11/25 上午7:39 breast from Yilan, Taiwan. Tomatoes are imported from Italy because their texture is consistent, regardless of the different growing seasons. Utilizing local ingredients from organic farms and local farmers that grow vegetables and fruits with his bistro in mind highlights the quality of his menu’s cuisine. Local chickens are free-range, organically raised for 135 days.

PRESENTING TAIPEI WITH A NEW VIEW FOR CUISINE DINING Chef Ronny explained that several restaurants in Taipei offer many of the classic French favorites such as pastries, the classic hearty onion with beef broth soup, coq au vin, comfort food such as casseroles with beans, pork, duck or sausage, bouef bourguignon, chocolate souffle and salade niçoise. However, The Lab, French Bistro offers a new creative and complementary culinary approach to French cuisine dining. He stresses that he wants his diners to experience another aspect of French cuisine, which focuses on simple, nutritious and healthy cooking styles that are balanced, and make use of the best ingredients possible. This is why he gravitates towards buying local and organic items. Chef Ronny’s dining selections offer the promise of a unique gastronomic experience. Appetizers include the very popular delicacy foie gras terrine, which is also a favorite with Chef Ronny. The list of lunch and dinner pre-ordered entrees include this bistro’s famous ris de veau (sweetbreads), French cut rack of lamb, roast short rib on the bone and Mediterranean roast squid. Pre-ordering is preferred because it will allow for the dishes to be carefully prepared and seasoned with diners’ preferences in mind. The ultimate taste of French cuisine is how each dish is carefully prepared. Skills are important, but knowing how to create a complexity of flavors in dishes that look simple, is an art.

PAIRING WITH FINE WINE “Wine is bottled poetry,” said Robert Louis Stevenson, and The Lab, French Bistro’s Burgundy wine list reflects Chef Ronny’s refined selection of quality. Texture and flavor are important to pairing (selecting) the correct wine with specific food so as to enhance a pleasant and tasteful interaction between them.

CULINARY EXCELLENCE The Lab, French Bistro is an experience in culinary perfection because it has all the hallmarks of excellence; precise attention to detail, perfect execution and exceptional service, high-quality food and top-shelf wine selections. It is culinary art and dining at its finest.

Suzan Babcock is a long-time resident of Taiwan. During her stay here, she has managed four successful careers in education, cross-cultural relations and counseling, although being a mother has been her favorite.

www.communitycenter.org.tw DEC/JAN 2020 31

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 31 2020/11/25 上午7:39 TRAVEL

RICHARD SAUNDERS EXPLORES TAIWAN'S LESS-TRODDEN PATHS

Wushanding Mud Volcano

TEXT & IMAGES: RICHARD SAUNDERS

ud volcanoes are among Taiwan’s most unusual geological curiosities. They’re unrelated to the classic magma-spewing volcano, of which the peaks of Yangmingshan National Park (just north of Taipei City)M are long-dormant examples, and you’d probably need to be a geologist to be impressed by the majority of the fifteen or twenty scattered around the country, but one that’s certainly worth a visit is Wushanding Mud Volcano (烏山頂泥火山). The mud volcano, Taiwan’s finest, lies near the village of Yanchiao (燕巢), about twenty kilometers northeast of Kaohsiung city center. It’s protected by Taiwan’s smallest nature reserve (less than five hectares in area), and before entering the reserve, you’ll have to leave your name and show some form of identity. This simple formality over, it’s just a couple of minutes’ walk across a sea of firm, dry mud to the foot of the main vent of Wushanding Mud Volcano. Although the height and shape of the volcano varies according to recent weather conditions, the mud volcano is generally a pretty remarkable sight. On my last visit, it towered, a perfect volcano-like cone, high above the heads of a group who’d been bussed in and were goggling at the spectacle as we arrived while a guide recited its vital statistics Richard Saunders is a trained classical musician over a booming megaphone. and writer who lived in Taipei from 1993 to 2018. Twenty or thirty meters away across the mud lie two further vents. He has written several hiking and guide books These mud volcanoes are just babies in comparison with big daddy (available at the Center and in bookshops around nearby, but since they are both shorter than the average person, it’s Taipei) covering the whole of Taiwan, and its easy enough to look into their “craters,” and see the bubbling pool of offshore islands. viscous mud inside.

32 DEC 2020/JAN 2021 www.communitycenter.org.tw

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 32 2020/11/25 上午7:39 CSC BUSINESS CLASSIFIED

#14 Tienmu E. Road | Telephone 2871-1515 | [email protected]

December Celebration Red Yen are delighted to offer one comlimentary glass of house wine Red Yen for a festive dinning experience. Southern Vietnamese Cuisine Please show this offer to receive For inquiries: 02 2838 3400 your complimentary wine. 台北市⼠林區天⺟忠誠路⼆段50巷7號

No.7, Lane 50, Sec. 2 Zhongcheng Road, Tienmu, Shilin District, Taipei City, 111

www.communitycenter.org.tw DEC 2020/JAN 2021 33

Dec 2020_p3-end.indd 33 2020/11/25 上午7:39 Centered√��N§��R�s�i_1119.pdf 1 2020/11/23 下午5:38

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