AFTA kicked off its 25th anniversary year at the Embassy of Finland in April, under the gracious patronage of Her Excellency Ritva Koukku-Ronde, Ambassador of Finland.  There, friends and supporters of AFTA met honorees the Silver Singers, a chorus of Chinese elders from Family Matters Asian and Pacific Islanders Senior Center who have persevered with AFTA teaching artist Anthony Hyatt through cultural divides and language barriers to create a chorus.  Now they make music together and find courage and delight in performing it.  Reaching one of the highest achievements in the field of creative aging, the arts now live at the senior center even when AFTA is not there!  It was an enchanting evening – we were dazzled by our 97 year old founder Lolo Sarnoff who joined us, and by special guests Judith Terra, Chair of the DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and WUSA9 anchor JC Hayward, co-chair of AFTA’s 25th anniversary year.  Event coverage can be found via Washington Life and Swedish Scene. You can also view photographs here (stephaniewilliamsimages.com) and the event program too from the evening.