Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

In showing our sincere gratitude and deep appreciation to ALL those who helped make our 4th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival a SUCCESSFUL reality, VAYA will be hosting the Annual "Volunteer Appreciation Banquet" on March 7, 2009. The event will take place at the Recital Hall at Balboa Park from 5:30 PM until 9:00 PM. The Tet Volunteer Committee will be in contact with ALL volunteers shortly to extend a personal invitation. If you have any questions regarding this event, please email Reinhart Arquiza ("Volunteer Appreciation Banquet" Committee Chair, Tet 2009 Volunteer Committee Co-Chair) reinhart.arquiza@sdtet.com.

As April approaches, we are forming the committee to execute this year's Annual "Black April Commemoration". If you are interested in joining the "Black April Committee", please email VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen secretary@vayasd.org.

Lastly, as we look forward to VAYA's 5th Annual Vietnamese Lunar New Year Tet Festival, we are in the process of forming our Tet 2010 Committee. If you're interested in taking a role in our Tet 2010 Festival, please be on the look out for upcoming "Tet 2010 Committee Chair Applications" in the next week.
On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

We hope everyone had a great Lunar New Year.

As we recuperate from a successful 4th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival, VAYA continues to work on MORE future events including a "Volunteer Appreciation Banquet" (in March); to recognize and acknowledge ALL of our wonderful volunteers who dedicated their time and heart for the community. As April approaches, we are forming the committee to execute this year's Annual "Black April Commemoration". If you are interested in joining the "Volunteer Appreciation Banquet Committee" OR the "Black April Committee" (or BOTH), please email VAYA Secretary, Anthony (Vinh) Nguyen secretary@vayasd.org.

Those that attended our 4th Annual Lunar New Year Tet Festival, don't forget to show your Tet Festival ticket stub at the San Diego Natural History Museum http://www.sdnhm.org/ and get $2 off General Admission (Adults AND Children). Not valid for separately priced exhibitions. Not to be combined with other discounts. This deal expires March 1, 2009. Access to the theater IS included with Admission (Films in Kaplan Giant-screen).

As we look forward to VAYA's 5th Annual Vietnamese Lunar New Year Tet Festival, we are in the process of forming our Tet 2010 Committee. If you're interested in taking a role in our Tet 2010 Festival, please be on the look out for upcoming "Tet 2010 Committee Chair Applications". Why should you join our 2010 Tet Committee? You will help preserve & promote the Vietnamese Culture, work with youth and professionals in San Diego, as well as build leadership and management skills. This is a good opportunity to gain community service hours and feel good about helping the community.

On behalf of VAYA's Executive Board and Staff, thank you for your continual support. Have a Happy Valentine's Day Weekend.

About the Author: Anthony (Vinh) T. Nguyen serves as Secretary for VAYA.

Dear VAYA Members and Supporters,

It gives us great pleasure to be part of the Fourth Annual San Diego Lunar New Year Tết Festival, entitled, "A Vibrant Spring" (Sức Sống Mùa Xuân), hosted by the Vietnamese American Youth Alliance of San Diego.

Tết, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year is the most eagerly anticipated holiday in the Vietnamese Culture. It is an occasion to pay homage to our ancestors and passing on centuries-old traditions to the new generation.

We wish to thank all of our supporters, staff, and volunteers who have put forth over eight months of effort to put together the three day festival. To everyone involved, your support, team work, coordination, and resilience have made the VAYA Tet Festival a continuing success. We are proud of you and we hope you are also proud of our combined efforts. This special event is a tribute to you and to all of the San Diego community. Special thanks go to our presenting sponsor Barona Casino as well as the countless other sponsors that have helped to make this festival happen. Without the countless sponsors this festival would never have happened.

Last, but CERTAINLY NOT least, thank you to ALL who came to our event. Your attendance and support is deeply appreciative.

We wish everyone a very enjoyable festival, and CHÚC MỪNG NĂM MỚI (Happy New Year)!

About the Author: Larry Tran & Cuong Pham served as the Tết 2009 Co-Chairs for VAYA.

Thou Shalt Not Get Sick!

Dear VAYAnese,

As we move toward the "point of no return" for Tet, I am "feeling" the intensity of every one's passion and dedication. By getting this far, we have already succeeded in unifying scores of San Diego youths toward a common cause. Please take a moment to reflect upon all that you have accomplished --- feel proud, and KNOW that you stand among the best that San Diego has to offer in terms of service and leadership. I am humbled by your level of commitment --- from Cultural Village work parties to Street Squad flyering; from nightly meetings to weekly dance practices, each and every one of you embodies VAYA's Mission of Youth Empowerment for the Community Services and Development of San Diego. I have no greater words to praise every one for your hard work and commitment. I do, however, have some brotherly advices to offer:

1. RELAX: When things get hot, don't let your temper heat up as well. The cooler you keep your head, the better you will be at making good decisions at critical moments.
2. SLEEP: No matter how many things are on your plate, you will NEVER be able to accomplish them all. However, if you are well-rested you will be able to do the MOST IMPORTANT things, MOST effectively. So no matter how busy your schedule is, make sure you set aside time for SLEEP. Everyone including yourself will benefit from your good sleep.
3. TAKE CARE OF YOUR HEALTH: DO NOT GET SICK! I cannot emphasize this enough. Eat well, eat many times a day, and eat healthy food. Drink plenty of water and juices. Take a regular doze of multi-vitamins. And wash your hands regularly. We cannot afford any one of you getting sick, so please take good care of yourself.
4. SMILE: Research shows that by smiling (even fake smile) you tell your brain to release positive chemicals that helps you function better. So the next time you feel frustrated or sad or tired. Stop and stretch those facial muscles. Pull the corner of your mouth up to your ears. Smile with your whole body. I promise you, if you do this for 1 minute, you will feel A LOT BETTER!

Take care, and I'll see every one in the trenches (healthy and strong of course).

About the Author: Frank H. Vuong serves as President for VAYA.