- by Anne Finlay-Stewart

It's a bright spring morning, and Kee-May Ip is already thinking about New Year's. Chinese New Year will be celebrated in late January in 2017, and May would like to give it a roaring good start with a traditional Lion Dance.

As lions are not native to Grey-Bruce, the organizers will have to pay for the services of lion dancers from Toronto, and to that end Kee-May is offering a series of three events to raise the necessary gold.

Thursday, June 16 she will offer a hands-on class in traditional Chinese wellness practice. There will be an introduction to the concepts of Wu Xing, Yin-Yang and meridians, an opportunity to learn about Chinese herbs and plants and their benefits, and gentle qigong exercises for good health. Pre-register for this small group at Grey Roots for only $10.

Throughout July and August, Kee-May will teach you  摺紙 (zhezhi)- the art of Chinese paper-folding- on Fridays, Saturday and Sundays from 1 to 4. Join her in the atrium of Grey Roots for this meditative craft. This is a drop-in activity for everyone in the family - whatever your age or skill level, and your $5 will get you a kit for completing a small project and a personal lesson. This dragon was created by Kee-May's students – ask her about it!

Watch for more details about tthe mid-Autumn Festival in September – a family event that will include a delicious taste of Chinese treats and a lantern walk through Moreston village.

This will be the fourth year that Kee May and her organizing committee will be bringing Chinese New Year celebrations to Grey-Bruce . Each year new family-friendly activities have been added to the mix at three venues - Grey Roots Museum and Archives, the Tom Thompson Art Gallery and the Owen Sound and North Grey Union Public Library. Last year a choir from Bayview Public School learned traditional Chinese songs for the event, and this year – well, we won't spoil all the surprises.

Kee-May and her committee would be delighted to find a sponsor for the Lion Dance, which they would like to bring to all three venues of the Chinese New Year celebration if money allows.

Mark your calendar – the Year of the Rooster begins on the second New Moon after the Solstice – January 28, 2017.