Holiday Cheer & Warmth Touch Seniors’ Hearts Deeply

Report by Xinyu in North Carolina, USA
February 7, 2025

Joyous festive cheer was brought into the senior community at the Seymour Center, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, by sharing Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s Lunar New Year calligraphy blessings, gifting red envelopes and awarding raffle prizes, January 28, in celebration of Lunar New Year's Eve. Venerable Miao Jou, Superintendent of Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina, led Venerable Zhi San, along with May Shiue, President of the Buddha's Light International Association (BLIA) North Carolina Chapter, and Vice President Gee Chia, to the Seymour Center in Chapel Hill, Orange County were all part of the visiting team.

The Seymour Center, part of the Orange County Department on Aging, has served local seniors for over 30 years, working to build a strong support system through diverse educational, cultural, and wellness programs. The center hosted a special Lunar New Year celebration featuring various cultural dance performances, with seniors themselves taking the stage! Asian American and African American seniors united as one in celebration.

Venerable Miao Jou explained the significance of Venerable Master Hsing Yun’s special Lunar New Year calligraphy for the Year of the Snake, and introduced the red envelopes, which contained Fo Guang Shan’s traditional peace candies along with 108 Tips for Life, a collection of Buddhist wisdom by Venerable Master Hsing Yun, offering guidance and blessings for the new year. The venerables then personally distributed the red envelopes, wishing everyone a happy and prosperous year ahead. BLIA North Carolina Chapter President May Shiue also shared homemade date cakes as a gesture of kindness, bringing the sweetness of the holiday to the seniors.

Claire Chen, Bilingual Mandarin Program Coordinator at the Seymour Center, visited Fo Guang Shan Buddhist Temple, North Carolina, earlier in the month and personally invited the temple to take part in the event. Chen, a university nursing professor and volunteer at the Seymour Center, spoke about her deep understanding of senior care, having personally cared for her in-laws. Inspired by her experiences,  she is committed to elder care, and  looks forward to future collaborations with the temple in providing spiritual support, love, and warmth within the elderly community.

Following the event, volunteers led the venerables and BLIA representatives on a tour of the Seymour Center, introducing its facilities and services and exploring opportunities for future collaborations.