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People On The Move: Joe Hsia
03/28/2007 - By by Gena Ansell-Lande
DEDICATED TO THE FIDELITY CHINESE SCHOOL
The Asian community in Marlboro Township is alive and well thanks to the efforts of Joe Hsia. Born in Taiwan, he has lived in Morganville with his family for more than 10 years. In fact, one of the reasons they moved to this area was because of the large Asian community.
When talking to Joe, one can’t help but notice the pride he has in his culture. He is a man who loves to discuss his background and is intent on keeping his heritage alive. His involvement in the local Chinese community, as well as his dedication to the Fidelity Chinese School, keeps Joe very busy. The school, which provides language and cultural classes to about 250 students, meets on Saturdays at the Marlboro Middle School. It is one of 12 Chinese schools located in New Jersey and classes are offered for students as young as 4 years old.
Joe says he would like to bring more awareness about the school and the fine activities they offer to the community. The school caters to Chinese families who trace their lineage and nationality well beyond China's borders to places throughout Southeast Asia. Joe adds, “The Chinese language continues to gain in popularity as more Chinese people move into our country.” The school also provides classes of Chinese as a second language to Chinese children adopted by non-Chinese families. Language is not the only subject taught by the school. In fact, you can find a vast array of cultural classes offered, including dance, Chinese calligraphy, and Kung fu instruction. They even have their own Chinese Yo-Yo team. The school has essentially become a kind of “center” for Marlboro's growing Asian-American community, and Joe Hsia is one of the driving forces behind it.
Joe says his primary goals for the school are to provide information to new Asian-American residents and to solve any communication problems they may have. Many folks simply don’t know where or how to get the information they need. He adds, “Communication really is the key to solving many of the problems that occur. There are so many talented and intelligent Asian people in our community…my goal is to provide feedback to them and, most of all, to let them know we are here.”
The school has become a “mini-society” in the community and a way to keep the Asian culture alive. Perhaps the best part, Joe says, are the lasting friendships that form among the children. He adds, “My own children have friends from the school that they literally grew up with.” Many kids stay involved in the school, and part of the reason is in a large part due to the fun activities offered. For example, Joe has hosted a monthly tennis night for the last 10 years; there are camping and ski trips planned each year as well. His infectious spirit and warm personality are well known and serve as a catalyst for bringing people together.
In addition to the Fidelity Chinese School, Joe also devotes time to the Marlboro Education Foundation which encourages excellence through innovative teaching, student development, and community/ school partnerships that utilize the talents and resources of local citizens and the private sector to benefit students. In fact, he was recently elected to the Marlboro School Board after 5 years of being actively involved with the Foundation. He adds, “As board members we handle a wide variety of issues, including budgetary planning and principal selection.”
Joe has also owns an importing company, Companion Corporation, which is located in Marlboro. He says his wife and two children enjoy everything Marlboro has to offer and adds, “Marlboro is a great place to live with a wonderful school district. It’s a nice, suburban city with a lot of very educated people.”
It is obvious that Joe Hsia is very interested in giving back to his community. “I enjoy being of service and I receive great satisfaction from it; however, I do not do any of it for myself.” In his spare time (when he can find some!) he enjoys playing golf and spending time with his family and friends.
STATS
FAVORITE RESTAURANT:
West Lake
FAVORITE MUSICIAN:
Tchaikovsky
FAVORITE MOVIE:
What Dreams May Come
PET PEEVE:
selfish people
THREE PEOPLE YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE DINNER WITH:
my wife, Jennifer, my daughter Emily, and my son Eric
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