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2013 Chuseok (Korean Thanksgiving)
Martial Arts celebration benefits Senior Nutrition
Published: Wednesday, November 6, 2013
(NOTE: This article is reprinted with the kind permission of the MS Area Newspapers, www.MtShastaNews.com)
For the third year in a row, the Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program celebrated Korean Thanksgiving, or Chuseok.
Go to: Chuseok: Traditions, Games, & Foods
65 people sampled a variety of authentic Korean food from Zippy’s Korean Barbeque in Redding, watched 20 local children give a martial arts demonstration, and raised $300 for the Senior Nutrition Program.
“The best way that we know to say ‘Thank you’ for all the support we receive throughout the year is sharing some great food,” said MSMAP Executive Director Chuck Buhs. “And, because Korean Thanksgiving has an element of Grandparents’ Day, we also make an effort to raise awareness about seniors-in-need and raise a few dollars to support the senior program at City Park.”
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KOREAN THANKSGIVING: On September 20, MSMAP held it's 3rd celebration of Chuseok, an opportunity to thank the community for its support with some delicious food. It's also a chance for the participants to show their skills and to help seniors-in-need. On October 30, MSMAP gave a $300 check to Mike Rodriguez, Director of the Mount Shasta Recreation & Parks District, to provide meals for homebound seniors in the Senior Nutrition Program.Go to: Chuseok 2013: Dinner and a Show (Facebook Photo Album) |
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“I was surprised with what a large crowd showed up to show their support for the kids as well as the Senior Nutrition Program,” said Spring Cohen, one of many parents attending with her husband, Casey, and two young children, Jasmine and Colter. “The demonstrations were great and fun to watch! And, I was impressed with how well the big kids took charge and were able to help the Tiny Tigers stay focused and on task. Plus, ALL of the food was amazing; I just wish my stomach was bigger!”
“We had a great time,” said Kara Riddle, mother of 5-year-old, Ky. “It was a treat to be able enjoy some delicious food while being entertained by the MSMAP team. It provided the kids a venue and audience to perform and take pride in their hard work over the past months.
“While it takes a lot of planning, preparing and effort, community events, like the Korean Thanksgiving, are so important for the youth in the area. My husband, Nick, and I think it gives them not only a positive atmosphere, friends, and a sense of belonging, but the concept of working to raise money for an important cause,” she said.
Buhs said, “We offer a lot of delicious food, but it never seems like it’s enough. I suppose it gives us a little idea of what many of our seniors go through every week. With the constant challenge of securing sufficient funding for worthy local services like the senior program, we welcome the opportunity to do our small part and serve the community.”
Mount Shasta City Park Administrative Assistant Cindy Smith said that the Senior Nutrition Program “was forced to reduce its client base and make other budgetary cuts this past summer due to the loss of sequester funds. Our congregate sites in Mount Shasta and Dunsmuir are now closed on the last Friday of each month.”
Smith said the community can help at anytime.
“Cash and food donation are always appreciated throughout the year,” said Smith. “For a congregate meal, the suggested donation is $3 or $12/week. The suggested donation for a home-delivered meal is $3.50 or $17.50/week. This suggested donation covers about one-third of the actual meal cost.”
The program also welcomes contributions other than money.
“Volunteers can also help with special luncheons or just to offer ‘helping hands’ with meal preparation and easy kitchen tasks,” added Smith.
Smith stresses that the Senior Nutrition Program has “an-going need to bring in a significant amount of additional matching funds to support the budget and current level of services. It’s also important for the senior community in our area to take advantage of these senior services as the continuation of funding is determined by the levels of participation we report to the state and federal government.”
“We serve approximately 15 to 30 seniors at the Mount Shasta site, depending on the day of the week,” said Smith. “We also have a solid group of about 16 seniors who receive a meal at the Dunsmuir Eagles Hall on Friday. And, despite our budget reduction, we still ensure meals are delivered Tuesday thru Friday to our homebound client base that is hovering around 40 seniors right now.”
Donations to the Senior Nutrition Program can be tax-deductible depending upon an individual’s or family’s specific tax situation. Make checks payable to “Mount Shasta Recreation District - Senior Program.”
The Mount Shasta Martial Arts Program is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization providing a variety of services and activities for the community. More information is available on their website at www.MtShastaMA.org .
About the Senior Nutrition Program
The Recreation and Parks District is the official provider for the senior meal program thru a contract with the California Department of Aging and Planning and Service Area 2 - Agency on Aging. Year-round donations of food and money for the Senior Nutrition Program can be made by calling 926-2494.
“Since 1974, there has been a hot lunch program for senior citizens at the City Park Recreation Center...55+ meals are delivered to homebound seniors in the South County (Meals-on-Wheels). Transportation to and from the Mt. Shasta lunch site is also available...The Senior Nutrition Program strives to not only meet the nutritional needs of its senior participants, but also recognizes the importance of socialization and life enrichment. Informational programs, special events, and other activities are a regular component of the senior lunch program schedule.” More...
A Little About MSMAP
MSMAP offers dynamic and modern martial arts training for children, teens, and adults five days each week. More information can be found on their website at www.MtShastaMA.org, email (
), phone (530.859.2024), and on Facebook (MSMAP on Facebook). And, learn much, much more about Chuseok.
Go to: Chuseok: Traditions, Games, & Foods
Zippy’s Korean Barbeque
Zippy’s is located at 1750 Pleasant Street in Redding (they’re open until 7pm). Tell them MSMAP sent you!
Go to: Zippy’s Korean BBQ on Facebook
