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
Increase the Peace Organization,
specifically the Little Village chapter and they are they are
coordinating a Campout on Friday, July 13th.
Steven Valadez, Oneida Bueno, Elizeth Argelles |
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!