Dear FANHS-Sonoma Members:

I hope everyone had an enjoyable holiday season and is off to a good start to the new year. Looking back at 2021, we can be proud of our achievements as an organization. In a year of transition, we learned to adjust to life amid an ongoing pandemic. In May, on International Workers Day, our forum focused on “Filipino activism” and included panelists representing several generations of Filipino Americans. In the Fall our barbecue picnic brought together members both established and new to celebrate Filipino American History Month.   We also participated in community activities throughout the year, ending with a holiday celebration at the Windsor Museum.

Looking ahead to 2022, ideas for goals include a public showing of our documentary film “Remembering Our Manongs;” an educational forum depicting the experiences of Filipinos who immigrated to the U.S. post-1950; and expansion of the scholarship program, just to highlight a few.

I invite and encourage everyone to share your thoughts through emails or at upcoming meetings when goals for the year are established. All that we have achieved, and the success of our future is because of your commitment to the mission of FANHS-Sonoma, and for that I wholeheartedly thank you. Happy New Year!

Michael Viloria
President