陳美霞、黃素芬出任華美福利會正副行政主任

Boston, MA - The board of directors of the Asian American Civic Association is pleased to announce the appointment of an Executive Director and Deputy Director to lead the 50 year old non-profit.   "We are pleased to have two experienced professionals at the helm of AACA," said Yongmei Chen, the President of the Board. "Mary Chin and Lisa Wong bring new energy and ideas to our growing organization. Both will help develop our next 50-year agenda." Mary Chin, a longtime community leader with extensive experience in human services and a strong track record of service in Boston and beyond, will be the Executive Director. Mary served as interim director after the sudden death of Chau-ming Lee, who had served as director since 1982.   Lisa Wong, the former Mayor of the City of Fitchburg from 2008-2016, has been appointed as the Deputy Director, after an extensive search. An experienced public sector and non-profit leader, Lisa will be joining AACA in late September.   "AACA has been a gateway to self-sufficiency for thousands of immigrants and limited English speaking individuals across the Commonwealth," said Mary Chin. "I am proud of our successes and have a strong vision to create even more opportunities for those we serve." "I look forward to joining a fantastic and hardworking team and continuing my advocacy for the community in this new role," said Lisa Wong. "AACA has an exciting chapter ahead and I am happy to be a part of supporting both new and existing partnerships and programs that serve our community." Mary is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker in private practice. She has led social service departments and psychiatric programs in Boston and the North Shore. She served as the President of AACA's board of directors and oversaw the organization's growth, including the construction of the building at 87 Tyler Street and the expansion of workforce training, education and social service programs. Lisa is a Senior Fellow at Governing and teaches a course in business at Clark University. She served four terms as Mayor of the City of Fitchburg, and has led a quasi-public agency and a Boston area non-profit.   AACA serves immigrant individuals and families from over 125 countries. Founded in 1967, AACA has evolved into Boston's premier workforce development, adult basic education, and comprehensive social service center to help economically disadvantaged and limited English speaking immigrants achieve enduring economic self-sufficiency.

Asian American Civic Association

The Asian American Civic Association provides limited English speaking and economically disadvantaged people with education, occupational training and social services enabling them to realize lasting economic self-sufficiency. AACA has served and advocated for the needs of immigrants and other economically disadvantaged people since 1967. Today AACA serves clients from over 80 countries. Focused on economic self-sufficiency and participation in American society, AACA provides a range of services, including English classes, social services, job training, college preparation and a post-graduate retention program.

哈佛教授談一帶一路 (圖片)

The new Asia Center Series, Asia Beyond the Headlines, takes a deeper look at urgent contemporary issues that cut across Asia. In the inaugural presentation, leading scholars put China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) in the context of analogous programs that have changed human history. The land portion of Belt and Road attempts to recreate the glory of the old Silk Road and the reshaping of the Eurasian political economy by one of history’s greatest globalizer, Genghis Khan, who eliminated barriers and, for the first time, created common standards for all ethnicities and nationalities. Harvard Vice Provost of International Affairs Mark Elliott will explore analogies between BRI and the old Silk Road. Similarly, Harvard Fairbank Center Director Michael Szonyi will compare the maritime BRI to the explorations of Chinese Admiral Zheng He in the 1400s. Asia Center Senior Fellow William Overholt will argue , controversially, that BRI is in critical ways an extension of the Bretton Woods system that won the Cold War for the U.S. The session will be chaired by Harvard-Yenching Institute Director Elizabeth Perry, who will call attention to South Asian precedents for BRI.

Governor Baker, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Celebrate Advanced Manufacturing Program

Governor Baker, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School Celebrate Advanced Manufacturing Program

Click here for more photos

HAVERHILL – Governor Charlie Baker today visited Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School today to tour the school’s new Advanced Manufacturing program, created in part with a nearly $500,000 Skills Capital grant the school received from the Baker-Polito Administration last year.

More than 1,200 students, teachers, staff and administrators greeted Governor Baker and Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta with a roaring reception in the school gym before the Governor and Secretary headed off to see the new Advanced Manufacturing shop.

Whittier Tech received a $495,000 Skills Capital grant in FY’17 that the school used to transform its former machine and tool program into an Advanced Manufacturing program to better support regional workforce needs. The high school partnered with Northern Essex Community College, and with the Northeast Advanced Manufacturing Consortium for evening adult programs.

Created last year, the Administration awards Skills Capital Grants to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with industry, as well as align curriculum and credentials with businesses’ demand, in order to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state. The goal of the grants is to update capital equipment at educational institutions that create career pathways for young people and adults, which meet the demand of employers in each region.

The Baker-Polito Administration has awarded more than $26.4 million in Skills Capital Grants to 67 different institutions. The Administration will announce a new round of grants, worth more than $10 million, early next month.  As part of our Economic Development bill, the Administration plans to award a total of $45 million.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES $13 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES $13 MILLION FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING PROJECTS BOSTON - Thursday, September 14, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston is releasing $13 million for new affordable housing projects to support the goals set forth in the Administration's housing plan, Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. The Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) has now issued two Requests for Proposals (RFPs) for new affordable housing development and/or the preservation of existing affordable housing units.     "Addressing rising housing costs is critical for preserving the diversity and character that makes Boston a place where all residents can thrive," said Mayor Walsh. "We've seen remarkable growth in our population over the last several years, so we established a comprehensive plan, and committed over $110 million to housing. I'm proud to say we're well on our way to meeting our goals, and we will continue to work hard to lift up every neighborhood across the city by stabilizing the housing market and providing all residents and their families with accessible and affordable options."   The first RFP issued, for approximately $8 million, comes from a variety of sources including the Federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program, Community Development Block Grant, Housing Boston 2030, and the Inclusionary Development Fund. The RFP specifically earmarks up to $3 million for funding to support housing that will serve households 55 years or older.     The second RFP utilizes funds from the Neighborhood Housing Trust (NHT). NHT disburses funds collected through the City's Linkage policy, which extracts affordable housing funds from developers of large commercial projects.    All rental units that receive City funding will have restrictions on them to preserve their affordability in perpetuity, while all homeownership units created will be subject to an affordable housing agreement that requires them to remain affordable for at least 30 years, with a 20-year extension at the City's option. In addition, developments with more than ten units must set aside a minimum of ten percent of those units for homeless or formerly homeless households. Developments with five or more homeless units must submit a detailed service plan to support this population. The set-aside applies to both new production and preservation proposals. Along with the homeless set-aside, DND strongly encourages developments to have an additional percentage of units for households with incomes at or below 50 percent AMI.   DND has participated in the Commonwealth's working group to reduce development costs, and as a result of this work, the City has adopted streamlined and simplified design standards and  guidelines to assist developers with cost containment.   When a proposal is submitted to DND, the developer must demonstrate that a planning effort with the neighborhood and community has begun and that there is substantive support from neighborhood organizations and stakeholders.   Based on the goals outlined in Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030, the City of Boston has established funding priorities. Proposals are expected to fall under at least one of the priority criteria: Affordable housing developments that utilize City-owned land; Affordable housing developments targeting a mix of incomes: from units for homeless households, to units targeted and restricted to incomes representative of Boston's workforce;  Affordable housing developments that have reduced the cost to build and use public funding most efficiently; Affordable housing developments that serve the disabled community, vulnerable or special needs populations, elders, veterans, artists, and/or aging out youth; Acquisition of unrestricted housing developments in order to stabilize residents' tenancies, and provide long term affordability for a mix of incomes; or Developments that are at risk of losing their affordability within five years. Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030 set out goals to increase the pace of low-income housing production by 50 percent -- from 234 units annually from 2011-2014 to 347 units annually, and to create a total of 6,500 new low-income units by 2030.   To date, a total of 1,286 new low-income, non-elderly units have been completed, housing an estimated 2,250 lower-income residents. The City currently has a pipeline of 1,128 new non-elderly low income units, many of which will be bolstered by the current round of funding.

袁運生畫展 (圖片)

袁佐(右起)邀朱蓉出席袁運生畫展開幕式。(周菊子攝)

右起，王命全，紀虎民，余才望，李政玲(左三)等人和袁運生(左五)，袁佐(左一)相見歡。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市第二區市議員候選人在華埠辦論壇

波士頓市第二區市議員7名候選人出席華埠論壇。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓華埠在參政發聲路上，越踏越穩。9月13日晚由華埠居民會等4、5個機構合辦的”波士頓市第二選區市議員候選人論壇”，7名參選者全部出席，異口同聲表示，將照顧華埠的增加可負擔住宅，創造就業機會，促進經濟發展，改善環境等各項需求。

麻大教授保羅渡邊(左ㄧ)和華埠居民會共同主席黃楚(左二)主持。
民眾提問。(周菊子攝)

由於7名候選人所發表的政見，大同小異，一般咸信，9月26日初選投票後，11月7日的大選，將是迄今實力，人脈最雄厚的邁克凱理(Mike Kelley)和愛德華費連(Edward Flynn)之爭。

曾經擔任波士頓前市長萬寧諾(Tom Menino)的競選經理，以及出租住宅資源主任，自己也開過公司的邁克凱理，答問時不下三度強調，他曾在市府工作，為南端(South End)居民辦事成績有記錄可查，他將為華埠民眾提供同樣的有效率服務。

麻大教授保羅渡邊(左)和華埠居民會共同主席黃楚(右)主持。
(周菊子攝)

波士頓僑領陳毓禮和前市長萬寧路遺孀安琪拉，13日早上聯袂到君子樓協助邁克凱理拜票。麻州總檢察官奚莉(Maura Healey)上週和他一起敲門拜訪選民。

昆士中學校長張可仁(左)，BCNC主任李隆華(右)都到會關切。(周菊子攝)

愛德華費連則是波士頓前市長雷費連的兒子，已爭取到華人前進會，以及波市不分區市議員米高法拉提等的支持。他的兒子在昆士小學就讀，和許多老師，家長都十分熟稔。波士頓華人社區有中華公所前主席阮鴻燦等人去年就開始為他拜票。

昆士小學校長司徒玉英(右)也到會旁聽。(周菊子攝)

            13日晚的這場波士頓市華埠”市議員候選人論壇”，由波士頓華埠居民會和華人前進會，亞美社區發展協會，波士頓華埠社區中心等華埠內機構合作舉辦。麻州大學亞美研究院主任保羅渡邊(Paul Watanabe)和波士頓華埠居民會共同主席黃楚擔任司儀，7名候選人各做1分鐘開場介紹，1分鐘總結拜票，並回答7個問題。

            參與協辦論壇的8個機構負責人，幾乎全都到會支持活動，包括華埠居民會主席余顯生，華人前進會榮譽主席黃夏儀，前行政主任駱理德，亞美社區發展協會主任劉安琪，波士頓華埠社區中心主任李隆華，昆士中學校長張可仁，昆士小學校長司徒玉英等。華人前進會共同主席湯建華也出席做提問人。

華人前進會榮譽主席黃夏儀(右)。

7名候選人，包括馬可斯(Peter A. Lin-Marcus) ，娃其樂(Kora Roberta Katz Vakil)，狄那波洛斯(Corey G. Dinopoulos)，邁克凱理(Michael S. Kelley)，柯巴塔斯(Joseph F. Kebartas)，崔塔(Erica J. Tritta)，當晚回答了7各問題，兩個和房屋/豪華化有關，徵詢候選人對AirB&B等短期出租，以及承租戶遭驅逐、逼遷的態度；兩個和區域/土地發展有關，問候選人怎麼看華埠一帶建造酒店，豪華住宅的計畫接二連三出現，以及會如何支持華埠爭取把市有公地用來蓋住宅該；一個和經濟發展有關，問如何為華埠爭取就業機會，第六個問題是如何支持移民權利，第七個問題是會不會聘請兼通廣東話，國語的員工。

候選人邁克凱理(左)會後和亞美社區發展中心主任劉安琪溝通。
(周菊子攝)

            這些候選人回應問題時，彷彿知道什麼標準答案，回答內容幾乎清一色，其中4人還都用了中文”你好”，來做開場白。他們都認為要訂法規管束AirB7B之類的短期出租，要阻止發展商或房東任意逼遷房客，蓋酒店可以，但要先徵詢社區意見，提撥社區福利，市有公地可以用來蓋可負擔住宅，開闢綠地，建花園，造圖書館，首要之務是徵詢民眾意願。他們也都認為波士頓市應該要做庇護成是，保護無證件移民，要設法為地方民眾創造就業機會，更當然為聘多語員工來和民眾溝通。

            娃其樂在候選人中較為特殊，發言時不斷強調她和馬可斯都是華埠居民，在服務選民時，自然會以華埠居民為優先。

邁克凱理(左)和愛德華費連(右)盡如大選希望最濃。(周菊子攝)

            本身是網路設計師的狄那波洛斯才34歲，強調市議會需要更多新鮮思維與朝氣。

            根據麻州競選獻金記錄，這7名候選人的籌款能力天差地別，邁克凱理及愛德華費連迄今分別籌得20多萬元，但花錢也兇。截至9月1日，兩人的財庫依序剩下8萬多，5萬多元。其餘幾名候選人，籌款數額最多的是狄那波洛斯，約3萬多元，目前剩下約7000元。另外幾人的籌款額只有0到2000多。
            8個協辦機構包括， 亞太裔島民民權行動網(Asian and Pacific Islander Civic Action Network)，華美福利會( American Civic Association)，亞美社區發展協會(Asian Community Development Corporation)，波士頓華埠社區中心(Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center)，堡壘村居民協會(Castle Square Tenants Organization)，華人前進會(Chinese Progressive Association)，公路村居民協會(Mass Pike Towers Tenant Association)，大同村居民協會(Tai Tung Village Tenant Association)。        

City Council President Wu Authors Resolution in Support of Chinese American WWII Veterans

City Council President Wu Authors Resolution in Support of Chinese American WWII Veterans

BOSTON - This week the Boston City Council adopted a resolution authored by President Michelle Wu which calls on the U.S. Congress to pass H.R. 2358 / S.1050 The Chinese American World War II Veterans Congressional Gold Medal Act. At a time when the total Chinese American population in the U.S. and Hawaii was approximately 120,000 people, 20,000 Chinese Americans enlisted in the armed services. Almost half of those who served were not American citizens due to the limitations of the Chinese Exclusion Act.

“This year marks the 75th anniversary of the repeal of the Chinese Exclusion Act, an act that made racial discrimination against Chinese people an explicit part of U.S. law for more than 60 years,” said President Wu. “On this anniversary we call on Congress to correct the record. It is time to recognize people who have been ignored for too long and to honor their service.”

“Chinese Americans served in World War II in every theater of war and every branch of service, earning citations for their heroism and services, up to and including the Congressional Medal of Honor,” said U.S. Army Retired Major General William Chen of Belmont, MA, the first Chinese American to wear the 2-star rank of Major General in the U.S. Army. “The legacy of the Chinese American Veterans of World War II is that by demonstrating their skills, competencies, loyalty, and patriotism during the war, they helped to open opportunities for all Asian Americans to be a part of Mainstream America post-World War II."

In addition to Chinese American men serving in all theaters of war, and in several branches of the armed services, Chinese American women served in the Women’s Army Corps, the Army Air Force, and the United States Naval Reserve Women’s Reserve. While few veterans are still living to receive the Congressional Gold Medal individually, it has been awarded to groups of veterans in the past, including the Tuskegee Airmen and Filipino American veterans.

Baker-Polito Administration Unveils New Thoreau Exhibits at Walden Pond State Reservation

Baker-Polito Administration Unveils New Thoreau Exhibits at Walden Pond State Reservation

Commemorates Author’s Conservation Legacy in Honor of“Climate Week”

CONCORD — The Baker-Polito Administration today unveiled new interpretive exhibits at Walden Pond State Reservation commemorating the life and conservation legacy of author and philosopher Henry David Thoreau. The opening of the exhibits represents the Commonwealth’s commitment to environmental consciousness and preserving the lessons of Thoreau. Today’s announcement coincides with “Climate Week,” a week highlighting the state’s efforts to prepare for and combat climate change. Additionally, it is the one year anniversary of Governor Charlie Baker’s signing of Executive Order 569, which builds upon the Administration’s nation-leading efforts to reduce emissions, lays out a comprehensive approach to further mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, safeguards residents, municipalities, and businesses from the impacts of climate change, and build a more resilient Commonwealth.

“Honoring Henry David Through with this exhibit, one of Massachusetts’ most profound environmental leaders and someone who taught generations of students, conservationists, and civil rights leaders about the significance of our unalienable rights and the environment, is a fitting tribute during ‘Climate Week,’” said Governor Baker. “Our Administration continues its steadfast commitment to protecting the environment to ensure today’s natural resources are preserved and well protected for tomorrow’s leaders.”

  “Our Administration is proud of the public-private partnerships between local and national leaders of conservation organizations who worked together contributing to this exciting and educational to honor Henry David Thoreau,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The talents and passion of many went into the construction of this beautiful visitor center and these impressive exhibits, and I am thrilled to welcome hundreds of thousands of annual visitors to Walden Pond, where they will have an opportunity to learn even more about Thoreau’s message of conservation.”

All exhibits were fabricated and designed at a cost of $320,000 and emphasize last year’s completion of the $7.2 million Visitor Center, which features locally sourced building materials, net-zero energy LEED-Gold design, and a 100 kW solar canopy thatproduces more energy than is used by the facility. All exhibits were designed with the help of nonprofit organizations, including the Walden Woods Project, the Thoreau Society, the Concord Free Public Library, Concord Museum, and the Morgan Library in New York City.

“Generations of conservation leaders who drew their inspiration from the writings ofHenry David Thoreau will truly marvel at the new Walden Pond State Reservation’s Visitor Center and supporting exhibits,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “I cannot think of a better way to honor Thoreau, who taught us so much about the importance of our natural world, than unveiling these exhibits as we celebrate ‘Climate Week’ and the extensive work and dedication that this Administration has committed to combating climate change.”

“The Department of Conservation and Recreation continues to recognize and support the mission of Henry David Thoreau and the impact that Walden Pond had on his life, and today’s announcement culminates the design of a facility that stands as strongly in support of his ideals as his original cabin, where he lived simply among thereservation for two years, two months, and two days,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Baker-Polito Administration honors his message as we continue to serve a half-million annual visitors to the park and lead them in discussions on Thoreau’srevelations of environmental consciousness.”

The unveiled exhibits at Walden Pond State Reservation include:

·         A three-dimensional map with interpretive panels orienting visitors to the reservation;

·         A timeline of Thoreau’s stay with select quotes from his seminal work,Walden, or Life in the Woods;

·         A series of artifacts displaying Walden Pond’s rich and vibrant history, including an early edition copy of Walden;

·         A sustainability kiosk by Lucid Technologies highlighting the building’s sustainable features and performance; and,

·         Two mobile interactive exhibits for elementary school children.

“This exhibition enhances the new Visitor Center, and will provide an opportunity for the public to learn more about the extraordinary life and contributions of Henry David Thoreau,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan.“Our administration is proud to have supported this project, as well as ongoing climate change and resiliency efforts across the Commonwealth, in our capital budget plans.”

Four new outdoor interpretive displays have also been installed at the original site of Thoreau’s cabin, its replica, and at two of the reservation’s entrance areas.Additionally, a Ken Burns production of an Ewer Brothers film is now on display for public viewing at the Visitor Center. The film, which was funded by the Walden Woods Project, beautifully captures the influence Walden Pond had on Thoreau.

“Thoreau was a keen observer of the natural world.  His writings provide insights into some of the most urgent issues of our time.  These include understanding and protecting the biological diversity of life; living on a planet of limited resources; and the role of personal responsibility in today’s world,” said Walden Woods Project Founder and Musician Don Henley. “After their experience at Walden, we hope visitors will leave inspired and ready to engage in a wide range of environmental and social reform challenges.”

  

For information regarding Walden Pond State Reservation, its hours of operations, address, parking opportunities, and other amenities, please visit the DCR’s website.

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY’S FREE HOMEWORK HELP BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18

BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY’S FREE HOMEWORK HELP BEGINS SEPTEMBER 18

September marks national Library Card Sign-up Month; educational resources and services await new cardholders

BOSTON – September 14, 2017 – Boston Public Library’s free Homework Help program begins September 18 and runs through May 24, 2018, offering free afterschool help and mentorship provided by high-achieving high school students at most BPL locations across the city. The program, offered Monday through Thursday from 3:30 -5:30 p.m. is open to students in grades K-8; no registration required. Boston Teacher’s Union (BTU) tutors are also available during select weekdays from 4-6 p.m. for students in grades K-12. Visit www.bpl.org/homework for complete information. Most homework help mentors and program participants are Boston Public Schools students, though it is open to all, and BTU tutors are either current or retired Boston Public Schools teachers.

As September marks the return of the academic year and a month many new residents move to Boston, Boston Public Library reminds all during national Library Card Sign-up Month that anyone who lives, works, or goes to school in Massachusetts can have a Boston Public Library card.

“The startup of BPL’s Homework Help program marks back-to-school time at the library. We are here for Boston’s young people to support learning in a safe, welcoming environment, and again we are immensely grateful to Harvard University for their training of the high school mentors who run the program across the city,” said David Leonard, President of the Boston Public Library. “September is also Library Card Sign-up Month and we welcome all new residents, students, and visitors with an invitation to check out the library in Copley Square and across the city’s neighborhoods. “

Boston Public Library began collaborating with Harvard University to provide SmartTALK training to Homework Help mentors in 2014. Since its launch in 2008, SmartTALK has worked to help adequately prepare and train educators and mentors in Cambridge and Boston to help children of all ages develop strong academic and social skills outside of school hours.

Online help is also available through LearningExpress Library, which can help students from grade school through college improve their skills by taking practice tests, completing exercises, and reading e-books. LearningExpress can also help college-bound students prepare for the ACT, SAT, and other standardized tests. Students may also search for articles and use books online with student electronic resources, and look for book, CDs, movies, and more in the BPL catalog.

Sign up for a Boston Public Library card can be done in person at Boston Public Library locations across the city with a photo ID and proof of current residence. For immediate access to the library’s digital resources, many people start with a Boston Public Library e-card via www.bpl.org/ecard. An e-card opens the door to free e-books and audiobooks, streaming music, television, and video, digital magazines, online language learning programs, career resources, and more.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PROJECTS BY BOSTON'S ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF PROJECTS BY BOSTON'S ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE Celebratory event on 9/16 to showcase completed projects; highlight impact on BCYF Centers and community Repainted basketball courts at Harambee Park BOSTON - Thursday, September 14, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families today announced the successful completion of projects created by the 10 artists selected for the City of Boston's artist-in-residence program, Boston AIR. These projects represent varying arts disciplines, from printmaking to sculpting and more, and builds on the Mayor's commitment to implementing Boston Creates, the City's cultural plan. "The Boston AIR program has been incredibly successful at elevating the importance of bringing the arts closer to the heart of all we do as a city," said Mayor Walsh. "I am proud of the work of all of our artists-in-residence who in their own distinct ways have contributed to our cultural fabric as a city, and who have shown that taking a creative approach to problem-solving can reap tangible benefits for the people of Boston." Boston AIR is a core component of Boston Creates, and is aimed at integrating creative thinking into the work of municipal departments and planning efforts. In addition, the Boston AIR program is a deliverable goal of Imagine Boston 2030, Boston's citywide plan. Through Boston AIR, artists are supported as agents of reflection, collaboration, and activism, whether through process-oriented practice, direct community engagement, or as leaders of system-wide change projects at BCYF and other City agencies. To celebrate the culmination of the second year of the Boston AIR program, on September 16, the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture together with the Boston Public Art Commission will host an event at the Emerson Media Art Gallery at 5:00 pm. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet the artists, see video screenings of projects, and participate in an artist panel to recognize the collective work of the cohort and their BCYF centers. The event is free and open to all, and advanced registration is requested. Each artist involved in the program was placed at one of the 10 designated BCYF community centers, and provided a studio space at that center. The 10 artists and their projects include: Lina Giraldo (Hyde Park BCYF Center): Her residency focused on creating ownership and understanding identity using technology and storytelling. During her workshops, youth and seniors used coding and technology to build their own cameras that they used to interview community members. Salvador Jimenez-Flores (Quincy BCYF Center): Taught the art of printmaking to over 100 5th and 6th graders. Through creating their own prints for Chinese fans, his residency embraced the historic and present immigrant communities that have transformed Chinatown and promote diversity and inclusion. Charles Coe (Roxbury Tobin BCYF Center): Writer and artist Charles Code developed a community based story collection called, "What You Don't Know About Me." The project includes stories that highlight some aspect of the person's life that might challenge the viewer's perceptions. Cornell Coley (Roslindale BCYF Center): Teaching artist Cornell Coley facilitated community drumming circles in Roslindae; including the BCYF itself and in the larger community. He contributed to a revitalization of the on-site BCYF recording studio and produced a series of music concerts in the neighborhood. Maria Molteni (Perkins BCYF Center): Collaborated with youth from the BCYF Perkins after school program and peewee basketball community to repaint designs on the Harambee Park basketball courts, visually reclaiming the court for the community. Marjorie Saintil-Belizaire (Mattahunt BCYF Center):  Marjorie Saintil-Belizaire aimed to reshape the Mattahunt Community Center (MCC) as an arts and cultural space to convene, engage and to better reflect and celebrate community, local arts, culture, heritage, entrepreneurship, while also honoring BCYF's ACES (Arts, Community and Civic Engagements, Education and Sports) framework. Marjorie held a series of art workshops and classes, and coordinated art centered cultural events for the Haitian community in Mattapan. In this way, her investigation of the Mattahunt has acted as pilot and a model for systematic change within the BCYF. Rashin Rahandej (Blackstone BCYF Center): Worked on a collaborative multimedia project that examines access and equality through the lens of mass incarceration and how it impacts the lives of children, youth, women, communities and society at large. John Walsh (Curley BCYF Center): Graphic novelist John Walsh interviewed immigrants and wrote and illustrated their stories. Through sequential art, these immigrant experiences are being presented in a new and unique way that will allow for easy translation into other languages. Jenn De Leon (Curtis Hall BCYF Center): Led an exploration of racial and class segregation and its impact on education and student identify as explored through the lens of storytelling. She investigated walls and their impact on community and the power of story to break through them. Ann Hirsch (Vine Street BCYF Center): Focused on making connections through public art and sculpture with many different groups of community members, especially youth. She explored the theme of hand gestures as a lens through which to explore current issues and future goals, as well as the use of nonverbal communication modes in the expression of fear, protection and protest. In the second year of Boston AIR, the program expanded the size of the artist cohort, increased the length of residencies, and ground each residency at BCYF through their community centers and core citywide initiatives,  such as the BCYF Streetworker Program, youth summer programs, and leadership development for young women. "One of the unique aspects about this residency is the camaraderie among the fantastic and talented cohort of creatives who made the Boston AIR 2.0 a success. These relationships we built with our communities, colleagues and the city representatives outlast the time of the project," said artist-in-residence Salvador Jimenez-Flores. "Resilient Current is a printmaking installation that embraces the past and present immigrant communities that have transformed Boston's Chinatown,". "We want to embrace the diverse groups of the Chinatown community and provide hope, inclusion, and a sense of belonging for all immigrants, to emphasize that we are all free, capable, and equal." "With Boston AIR, the city of Boston has launched a program from which every city could benefit. It provides financial and structural support to solidify and expand the role of the arts in place making within a community, paying artists directly and providing a stipend," said artist-in-residence Cornell Coley. "Personally, I have been able to bring the healing properties of community drumming to youth and families, to support local businesses and to further develop my own art form. The feedback has been overwhelmingly positive." For more information on Mayor Walsh's commitment to arts and culture in the City of Boston, please read his Medium post, "A Culture Shift: Moving the Arts Closer to the Heart of all we do."