Dear Friends and Colleagues,
As we prepare to welcome the Lunar New Year tomorrow, we usher in the Year of the Wood Dragon. This special occasion, revered by many cultures, symbolizes the rejuvenation of aspirations, dreams, and the onset of a new lunar cycle. The Lunar New Year is a moment of joyous celebration, heralding the arrival of Spring and the dawn of a fresh year. It is a time when families and communities unite to honor their customs and legacies, fostering a spirit of solidarity and cultural heritage.
Last year, Governor Kathy Hochul signed groundbreaking legislation, officially recognizing Lunar New Year as a school holiday in New York. This gesture underscores her unwavering support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in New York. We invite all to join our colleagues and partners of Chinese, Tibetan, Korean, Singaporean, Thai, Malaysian, and Vietnamese descent in commemorating the Lunar New Year.
My heartfelt wishes for a joyous Lunar New Year extend to our entire OPWDD community. As we eagerly anticipate new beginnings, may this year bring you prosperity, good fortune, and abundant blessings. May your celebrations with loved ones be filled with warmth and unity.
Warm regards,
Kerri E. Neifeld
Commissioner