Cultural | Julie Moree's News Watch

July 24, 2017

Festival of Love in No Ho

On July 23, 2014, the residents came out to Valley Plaza Park for a day of cultural dancing at the Vardavar Festival. For just five dollars, one could go into the area and sit in the shade while enjoying various groups dancing various styles from traditional Armenian to more contemporary forms.

There were also food trucks, jumpers for the children and of course the event ended with a water balloon fight meant to cleanse the soul.

All the proceedings collected went to the Armenian Genocide foundation.

June 25, 2017June 25, 2017

Cultural dancing in SFV

Calligraphy was on display for the community to learn how to read Japanese.

And the historical society had images from the decades.

The iconic bonsai tree was in one of the building to purchase and take home.

Communal dancing was the highlight of the two day festival.

Of course Sushi was the popular food of choice for many.

Kids were entertained with being able to decorate their own mask in the arts and crafts area.

All were encouraged to participate whether one knew the steps or not.

A drum circle kept time as dancers circled the hard top floor.

Of couse cultural dancers dressed the part as they danced with all.

Various collections of Japanese Dolls enticed people to marvel at in the air conditioning.

Even a hello kitty was dressed for the occasion.

And those that wished could simply sit and reflect on those long past.

There was a little gambling as residents predicted the outcome of a ball toss.

Whatever color the ball landed on won all the coins.

Inside residents could do a little more betting with a friendly game of bingo for a dollar a card.

Or they could do a little more shopping at the Flea market inside.

October 6, 2016

Disney’s New Queen

Buena Vista has a new queen that is battling to take the top box office though it was no match for the other movies that came out over the last two weeks.

Disney’s Queen of Katwe stars Oscar winner Lupita Nyong’o, David Oyelowo and introducing Madina Nalwanga as Phiona, a young girl growing up in poverty stricken Uganda who struggles with being the one to protect and feed her family and feeling as if this is the only thing she is meant to do until she stumbles upon an outreach program where she discovers her passion for the game of chess. Despite her educational dilemma, Phiona quickly realizes, with the guidance of her teacher, Robert (Oyelowo) that she has the natural talent to become a master chess player.

Queen of Katwe is an inspiration tale of how one little girl’s dream to be more than what she was born into is greater than the bounds of poverty and if one finds the right person to help, one can do anything they set their mind on.

The Disney movie fell a little at the box office with its domestic total at just around 3.4 million. It opened worldwide Sept. 30 and is playing in select theaters near you.

See it this weekend if you want to be inspired. You won’t regret it.

June 28, 2016June 28, 2016

Obon Festival In The San Fernando Valley

On the last weekend in June, the Obon festival took place at the Japanese American Center in Pacoima, California. It was a night of authentic style food, dancing and more as thousands came out to pay their respects to past generations and to get in touch with their Japanese roots.