On the afternoon of September 18, the Echelon Care & Rehabilitation Center’s Chinese Department hosted a vibrant and heartfelt Mid-Autumn Festival celebration in the center’s dining area, bringing together elderly residents for an afternoon of joy. Hu Huixia, the director of the Chinese section, along with General Manager Sam Atlas, Vice President Dassy, and their dedicated staff, created a festive atmosphere that highlighted the essence of unity within Chinese culture, welcoming seniors from diverse backgrounds with kindness and support.
Reflecting on the day’s significance, Hu Huixia shared, “Celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival this year reminds us of our loved ones. I want to express my deep gratitude to the volunteers who performed today; you are like family to our elderly residents, filling their lives with joy and warmth. Our mission at Echelon is to spread ‘love’ to seniors from all walks of life. May everyone who puts in hard work find happiness and enjoy beautiful moments under the moon with their dreams realized.”
General Manager Sam Atlas underscored the importance of Chinese traditions as a vital part of America’s multicultural landscape. He stated, “At Echelon, we truly value celebrating traditional Chinese holidays. Every year, during the Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, we hold events that ensure our seniors feel the warmth of family. We hope everyone enjoys this joyful afternoon together.”
Leading the celebrations, Chen Zi, an elder from the Philadelphia Harmony Association, directed a lively dance troupe made up of spirited performers from the Harmony Dance Company. They were joined by the Pennsylvania Chinese Association’s Prosperous Military Band and volunteers from the Good Friends Activity Center, who collectively presented captivating performances, including traditional dances, Tai Chi fan routines, and poetry recitations. The audience, a diverse group of seniors, watched with keen interest, sharing laughter and conversations, cultivating a warm, joyous atmosphere. Following the performances, attendees savored mooncakes and traditional Chinese dishes carefully prepared by the center.
The Echelon Care & Rehabilitation Center stands out as a haven of warmth and compassion, offering 24-hour services in Mandarin, Cantonese, Vietnamese, Teochew, and Fuzhou dialects. The center also employs Chinese chefs to craft delicious meals for the seniors and provides access to Chinese television and a variety of cultural enrichment activities.
