Tuesday, July 3, 2018

Pilsen Ribbon Cutting Ceremony, Grand Opening Xilin Association Senior Center, Camp-Out, Increase the Peace Organization, Happy 4th of July

               Left to right: Standing tall. Dr. Bill Liu, Chairman, Board of Directors; Sueylee Chang; Teresa Medina; Guest,  Xiaohui Lu, Head Consul, the Consulate General of the People’s Republic of  China in Chicago; Linda Yang, Xilin Executive Director; Yonkan We. 

            ON MONDAY, June 25, 2018, I was invited by my cousin Teresa (Terry) Medina, Chicago liaison, to the Ribbon Cutting ceremony of the new Xilin Association Chicago Senior Center building located at 2538 S. Blue Island Ave., Chicago. It was the official grand opening of the center and I was honored to participate in cutting the ribbon. More than 100 residents of the Latino and Chinese community attended the grand opening ceremony.
              CUTTING THE RIBBON were Dr. Bill Liu, Chairman, Board of Directors; Sueylee Chang, Teresa Medina, OPEN, Xiaohui Lu, Head Consul, The Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China in Chicago; Linda Yang, Xilin Executive Director; Yonkan We; August Sallas and Carlos Gaona, Finance Officer, Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post 1017.
            AFTER THE CUTTING of the ribbon, the grand opening program began with Terry introducing VIP guest speakers. Teresa introduced Director Linda Yang, Xiaohui Lu, Head Consul the Consulate General of The People’s Republic of China in Chicago, and State Representative Theresa Mah [2nd Dist.], Dr. Bill Liu. Terry also spoke about the center in Spanish. The program was trilingual: English, Spanish and Chinese.
            THE ENTERTAINMENT began with Leonor and Gerardo dancing Danzan followed by Danza Azteca Xochiquetzal Aztec dance group, Maya Cepeda singing a song in Spanish and ending with Thai Chai sword dance by Wai Kuan. Lunch was Mexican and Chinese cuisine.
            THE XILIN ASSOCIATION was founded in 2003 as a non-profit 501(c) 3 IRS tax exempt organization committed to serving the needs of children, seniors, and families. Xilin provides innovative programs and promotes cross-cultural community events and activities for all. The Xilin Association is excited in starting another venture under the name “Xilin Senior Center” within the Pilsen Community.
            THE MAIN FOCUS of the Xilin Senior Center is to provide the much-needed recreational activities and training for seniors in the community. With this new facility, Xilin will be able to provide programs to many seniors from age 60 and above. Xilin Senior Center is opened Monday-Friday; 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. For more information call 773/741-4743.
CAMPOUT: Steven Valadez, Oneida Bueno and Elizeth Argelles are members of the Little Village Increase the Peace Organization.  Steven Valadez is a community organizer with the
Steven Valadez, Oneida Bueno, Elizeth Argelles
Increase the Peace Organization, specifically the Little Village chapter 
and they are they are coordinating a Campout on Friday, July 13th.
THE PEACE ORGANIZATION has been operating in Little Village and neighboring communities for over a year. They are a new community organization that operates as a pillar of the Rise and Organize committee, formed under the Resurrection Project. Though they are not a tenured organization, their members are life-long residents of their communities and who share the same                                                                                                     vision. 
VALADEZ SAID: “We strive to create safe spaces and opportunities for youth empowerment throughout several Chicago communities through various forms of projects. These include neighborhood beautification, voter registration, leadership training, resource/colleges fairs, and mentor opportunities. We seek to be the catalyst for change not only with the youth but for surrounding communities. We have six chapters in Chicago: Little Village, Back of the Yards, Brighton Park, Pilsen, Chicago Lawn/Gage Park, and Englewood.” 
BUENO SAID: “Our campouts embody our purpose: We strive to Increase the Peace throughout Chicago neighborhoods by holding events like the campout in areas where violence is prevalent; "hot blocks." The Campout is open to the public and will be at 2500 S Sacramento Ave., Friday, July 13, 2018 starting at 5 p.m. to 5 a.m.”
ARGELLES: “We will be promoting peace and community unification. We will have resources available that include youth and family services, legal aid services, health and wellness resources on site, clothes drive, sports, music, and great vibes”. 
                        Happy 4th of July!