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A Joyful Chinese New Year: Vision Times Community Greetings

Published: February 12, 2026
Chinese folk artists perform the lion dance at a temple fair to celebrate the Lunar New Year in 2012. (Image: Feng Li/Getty Images)

As we welcome the Chinese New Year, Vision Times extends our warmest wishes to all our readers, families, and friends in the community. The Lunar New Year is a time of renewal, gratitude, and hope—an opportunity to honor tradition, cherish family, and look ahead with optimism and strength.

In this special New Year section, we are honored to feature greetings from community leaders, organizations, and local business owners who join us in celebrating this meaningful occasion. Their messages reflect unity, cultural pride, and a shared commitment to supporting and uplifting our diverse community.

May the New Year bring good health, peace, prosperity, and new opportunities to you and your loved ones. Vision Times wishes everyone a joyful and prosperous Lunar New Year.

— Vision Times Editorial Team

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Warmest Wishes from Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano

On behalf of the City of Middletown, I extend my warmest wishes to our residents and neighbors celebrating the Chinese New Year.

This holiday is a time of renewal, unity, and hope — a moment to honor tradition, family, and community while welcoming new beginnings and opportunities. Our city is stronger because of the rich cultural diversity that our Chinese and Asian communities bring to Middletown, strengthening our schools, businesses, and neighborhoods.

May this New Year bring good health, prosperity, happiness, and peace to all who celebrate. We are proud to celebrate alongside you and grateful for the cultural contributions that continue to make Middletown a more vibrant and inclusive city.

Happy Chinese New Year! 🧧

— Mayor Joseph DeStefano

Mayor Joseph DeStefano of Middletown, NY poses for a photo following an interview with Vision Times. (Image: Vision Times Staff)

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Lunar New Year Message from Assembly Member Paula Elaine Kay

To all those celebrating the Lunar New Year, may your wealth fill every hall and your home be blessed with joy and prosperity.

Celebrate with red clothing and red envelopes, decorate your windows, and gather with loved ones.
Savor the warmth of communal hot pot, traditional pickles, and porridge.
Honor the traditions and stories that have been passed down through generations.
Light your lanterns and welcome a bright and hopeful new year.

Best wishes for health, happiness, and success in the year ahead.

Paula Elaine Kay, Assembly Member New York State, 100th District

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A Joyous Lunar New Year Message from Minisink Valley Kindness Rotary Club

Happy Chinese Lunar New Year, the Year of Fire Horse, to all our Vision Times’ Reader. 

Nowadays everything comes in fast & hope you are ready to welcome the upcoming Chinese New Year with a humble heart and appreciation and I wish we all can take this chance to not only enjoy life and share all the good things with your friends & relatives.

Let our heart be kind be cool.

Wish you all have a wonderful Chinese New Year and this whole year round.

Angela Lee, President of Minisink Valley Kindness Rotary Club

Angela Lee (right), president of the Minisink Valley Kindness Rotary Club, shares a joyful Christmas Eve moment with Joan (left), a resident of The Eliot at Erie Station for 15 years. (Image: Sarah Shao / Vision Times)

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Celebrating with You – From Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce

I wish the whole Chinese community a joyous and prosperous New Year, that your wishes come to fruition, and that everyone can enjoy and participate in what we have to offer.

— Matthew Sush, President & CEO, Sullivan County Chamber of Commerce 

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Warm Wishes from HV Business Link

HV Business Link and its Small Business linkers extend its warmest wishes to our Chinese community as we welcome the Lunar New Year. This is a time to honor tradition, family, and renewal, and to celebrate the rich cultural contributions that strengthen our local community. We wish you good health, prosperity, and happiness in the year ahead, and look forward to continued connection and shared success together.

Barbara Martinez, founder of HV Business Link

HV Business Link’s hands-on support hub, where small businesses find guidance, resources, and community. (Image: courtesy of Barbara Martinez)

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Sharing Lunar New Year Joy – Mister Croissant & La FATA’s Eatery

As we welcome the Lunar New Year, I extend my heartfelt wishes of joy, prosperity, and good fortune to everyone celebrating.

May this new beginning inspire us all to embrace the guiding principles of Truthfulness, Compassion, and Tolerance — values that light the path toward harmony, understanding, and a kinder world.

Just as every pastry begins with simple ingredients and rises into something special, may this year rise beautifully for you — filled with strength, abundance, and meaningful moments shared with those you cherish.

Thank you for being part of my journey and for allowing my creations to be part of yours.

Here’s to a year filled with light, love, health, and happiness:
新年快乐!
Gong Xi Fa Cai!
Happy Lunar New Year!

Rakesh Nayak, owner of Mister Croissant and La FATA’s Eatery

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at La FATA’s Eatery with local leaders and friends. From left to right: Rakesh Nayak (3rd), Middletown Mayor Joseph DeStefano (4th), Faye Nayak (5th), and Suzy Nayak (6th). (Image courtesy of the City of Middletown, NY)

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Lunar New Year Wishes from SMITH Plumbing & Heating / Kitchen & Bath

We wish our friends celebrating the Chinese Lunar New Year good luck, good health, joy, and great success in the year ahead.

Debbie Valentine, Owner of SMITH Plumbing & Heating / Kitchen & Bath

Owners of Smith Kitchen & Bath, Tom Smith and Debbie Valentine. (Image: Courtesy of Smith Kitchen & Bath)

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Greetings from Infinite Heart Initiative Inc.

Happy Lunar New Year to our Chinese community and all who celebrate this season of renewal and new beginnings. At Infinite Heart Initiative Inc., we honor the beauty of culture, tradition, and the wisdom passed through generations—reminding us of the strength found in family, community, and belonging. May the New Year bring peace to your hearts, abundance to your homes, and courage to embrace all that is possible. We celebrate with you and wish you a year filled with harmony, joy, and shared humanity.

Wendy Javier, President, Infinite Heart Initiative Inc.

The Infinite Heart Initiative (IHI) hosted a networking mixer connecting service providers and advocates supporting families with special needs. (Image: Sarah Shao/Vision Times)

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Lunar New Year Greetings from WEICHERT REALTORS

Happy New Year! We hope you enjoy health, happiness, and prosperity in this Year of the Horse. All the best wishes for safety and peace wherever you go.”

— Lisa, WEICHERT REALTORS® – Ruffino Real Estate, Milford