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In And Around Town
OCA-NJ 2025 HOLIDAY BALL @ THE GRAND, TOTOWA, NJ Photos by Joe Nunez... Read More | Share it now!
OCA-NJ 2025 HOLIDAY BALL @ THE GRAND, TOTOWA, NJ
Photos by Joe Nunez Studio
www.joenunezphoto.com
FOUNDATION 649
Foundation 649, a nonprofit that provides scholarships to Asian American and Pacific Islander students.
Their annual scholarship program is now open. Their goal is to make higher education more accessible for AAPI youth, particularly those whose identities and experiences are underrepresented.
Below are materials on details about the scholarship. Below is a link to their website to find out more info about the scholarship, including previous winners and requirements: www.foundation649.com Foundation 64 - F64
Monday, November 24, 2025 ~ Rutgers University Livingston Student Center
Rutgers Asian Student Council Hosts Inaugural Political and Professional Development Event - By Wendy Chin
The Rutgers Asian Student Council (ASC) successfully hosted its first-ever political and professional development event, drawing more than 85 students for an evening of dialogue, learning, and empowerment within the Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) community.
The event featured an esteemed panel of leaders and advocates, including Wendy Chin, Co-President of the OCA–New Jersey; Arati Sadalge Kreibich, Program Director of the New Jersey Million Voters Project; and Catherine Tung, Adjunct Faculty at the Eagleton Institute of Politics.
Each panelist shared personal insights from their professional journeys and highlighted the importance of civic engagement, representation, and community-building in advancing Asian Pacific Islander Desi American (APIDA) voices across New Jersey.
“OCA-NJ is proud to support the next generation of APIDA leaders,” said Wendy Chin. “We are committed to strengthening our relationships and uplifting our community through continued engagement and advocacy.”
Lights, Camera, Action! Rutgers HKSA Temple Street Event Delivers
A Night to Remember - By Jenny Lee
The Busch Multi-Purpose Room was alive with the vibrant energy of Hong Kong on Saturday, November 15, as the Rutgers Hong Kong Student Association (HKSA) presented its highly anticipated Temple Street Event. The night lived up to its billing, offering attendees an immersive experience that expertly blended cultural festivities with exciting entertainment. From the moment you walked in, the aroma of delicious Hong Kong street food filled the air, setting the stage for an evening packed with captivating performances, engaging games, and unique local vendors. It was truly a night to remember. Guests had the opportunity to shop from local small businesses and artists and try their luck at a variety of HK-themed game stations. Beyond the cultural immersion, the event offered plenty of opportunities for fun and fortune. A highlight for many attendees was the chance to win delightful raffle prizes. My granddaughter won the cutest stuffed animal & my nephew and I were among four lucky winners to win a gaming bag each! The sheer joy in the room was contagious, proving the organizers had truly mastered the art of engaging their guests. The success of the evening takes on an even greater significance when considering the cause it supported. A portion of the evening’s proceeds directly benefited our chapter, the OCA-NJ Chapter! As the volunteer treasurer for the OCA-NJ Chapter, the impact of these funds is personally understood to be meaningful and impactful, supporting programs like our annual scholarship awards for NJ high school students as well as funding our various advocacy efforts such as promoting social justice.
Members Appreciation Luncheon & General Election
Sunday, November 16, 2025
November is Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month
November is our annual OCA-NJ Membership Appreciation Luncheon and General Election—and it also marks Pancreatic Cancer Awareness Month. Pancreatic cancer incidence and mortality rates continue to rise within the Asian American community.
At our luncheon, guest speaker Steven Merlin, a passionate advocate and long-term pancreatic cancer survivor, shared his personal journey. His presentation covered important topics, including pancreatic cancer statistics among Asian Americans, signs and symptoms, prevention and early detection, guidance on where to seek help, and resources from the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. His informative and inspiring message made a significant impact on all who attended.
Wendy Chin
OCA-NJ Co-President
2025 Chinese Wellness Day
Photos courtesy of the Center for Asian Health, John O'Boyle & Derek Lee
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- 6/8/25 Photo by John O’Boyle
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- Photo by Center for Asian Health
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- Photo by Derek Lee
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- Photo by Derek Lee
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- 6/8/25 Photo by John O’Boyle
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- Photo by Derek Lee
June 8, 2025 - This year marks the 8th annual Chinese Wellness Day hosted by the Center for Asian Health. Held at the RWJBarnabas Health Ambulatory Center in Livingston, NJ, the Chinese Wellness Day aims to provide health education, screenings, and resources to the Chinese community. It also emphasizes preventative care and a holistic approach to well-being in the Chinese community. There were physician presentations, a meet the physicians session, and free health screenings. Many health professionals, medical companies and organizations supported this event by sponsoring vendors' tables at the event. This year’s event was a huge success with an estimated 350 people in attendance and over 500 health screenings performed, thus emphasizing this vital community outreach effort.
AAPI Heritage Month & Mental Health Awareness Month ~ Free Virtual Workshops
Stronger Together: Celebrating Asian American Heritage & Mental Health MONTH
In honor of May, which marks both Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month
and Mental Health Awareness Month, the four OCA chapters (LI, NJ, NY, WHV) and the Chinese
Adoptee Alliance (CAA) have partnered to host a series of free virtual workshops focused on
mental health and identity.
Research shows that AAPI individuals face disparities in mental health treatment, including
lower rates of seeking help compared to other groups. Cultural factors—such as stigma and the
lack of culturally competent care—often create barriers to accessing support.
These workshops aim to reduce stigma around mental health and expand access to culturally
relevant resources for our AAPI communities.
Proud supporters of Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month and Mental Health Awareness Month: The OCA Sister Chapters and CAA
OCA ADVOCATE ~ ANNOUNCEMENT
OCA New Jersey Chapter is pleased to announce our Scholarship Program for 2026. We continue to offer 2 different scholarship programs. The first is our traditional Essay Scholarship with awards ranging from $3,500 to $300, and the second is... Read More | Share it now!
OCA New Jersey Chapter is pleased to announce our Scholarship Program for 2026.
We continue to offer 2 different scholarship programs. The first is our traditional Essay Scholarship with awards ranging from $3,500 to $300, and the second is for those who better express themselves in a more creative and artistic endeavor which is dedicated to the Spirit of Corky Lee in the amount of $1,500. The application requirements are the same for both awards; however, the submission requirements are different.
Please note that these scholarships are available to all high school seniors of Asian American descent who are full time students and residents of the state of New Jersey who will be attending an accredited institution of higher learning (College, University, Jr./Community College or Trade School). We encourage all eligible students to apply, especially those with greatest financial need.
Parental consent, a letter of recommendation, and an official copy of high school tran- scripts is required. Deadline to apply is Sunday, April 12, 2026.
Click HERE to Download the Full Scholarship Package
OCA National Center OCA-Asian Pacific American Advocates is now accepting applications for the 2026 OCA-UPS Gold Mountain Scholarships, sponsored by @ups ! $2,000 scholarships will be awarded to 12 high school students who will be graduating high school in 2026 and starting college in the fall. $2,500 scholarships will be awarded to 4 undergraduate students who will be starting their final year of college/university or community college in the fall of 2026. Apply before Friday, March 13, 2026 at 11:59 PM PT. Learn more and apply at https://www.ocanational.org/gold-mountain-scholarship-high-school
Or Visit OCA National Center:
https://www.ocanational.org/
2026 OCA-NJ ANNUAL LUNAR NEW YEAR BANQUET
Saturday, February 21, 2026
*** New Location This Year ***
GOLDEN SEAFOOD RESTAURANT
518 Old Post Road, Edison, NJ 08817
Photos courtesy of Helen Yu & Jenny Lee
IN MEMORIAM
