Download TCC 2010-07-08 Minutes
TCC Meeting Notes: Thursday, July 8, 2010
9:30 AM, meeting at BCNC, 4th floor conference room.
Attendees: Aaron Michlewitz, Barbara Rubel, Chien-Chi Huang, Chin-Wen Lee, Chutze Chou, David Sokoler, Debbie Ho, Elaine Ng, Enoch Liao, Fred Bennett, Howard (Sampan), Janice Wong, Kate Chang, Kenny Wong, Megan Cheung, Nancy Eng, Natalie Ornell, Pamela Lee, Samuel Tsoi, Shawn Ta, Sherry Dong, So Yee, Sunny Schwartz
I. Refreshments, Welcome, Introductions
II. A-WAY (Allies Working with Asian-American Youth), Shawn Ta, Vicky Yue
– Currently in process of strategic planning. Organizations active in A-WAY include AACA, CPA, CSO, Capay, ATASK, PBHA, BCNC, and others mentioned at meeting.
– Received a grant for technical assistance from Boston Capacity Tank to re-evaluate mission, goals, and values to better reach Asian Pacific Islanders youth in Chinatown & greater Boston.
– Meets 3rd Thursday of the month at BCNC
– Hoping Executive Directors can support youth workers
– Get list of groups for A-WAY and their list-serv for TCC
III. Organizational Update: Chinatown Main Street, Debbie Ho
– Employ only 1 person (Executive Director), the rest are volunteers.
– Reported on business growth in Chinatown. 300 businesses today compared to 170 businesses in 1998.
– Programs
- Program to improve storefront by using federal funds to match $2500 for approved projects
- Programs to keep Chinatown streets clean
- Host Chinatown Main Street Festival on Sunday, July 11
Working with city & BRA to install Chinatown map kiosk in Philips Square area of Harrison Ave.
IV. State Representative Aaron Michlewitz
– To inform Representative of events or issues, contact Blake Weber at (617) 722-2488.
– District rep for 10 neighborhoods, including Boston & Chinatown.
– Legislative highlights:
- Passed Education Reform bill, positioned ourselves for funds for Obama’s Race to the Top program
- Passed Green Ticket Bill which gives cities/towns abilities to collect fines for unpicked up trash on property by rolling unpaid fines onto property tax bill for following year.
– Legislative goals:
- Passing bilingual ballots
- Proud we turned in a balanced budget, even though we had to cut so much
- Look at health care cost containment for small businesses now that SBs mandated to provide insurance for full time workers. Considering plan where SBs can apply for group insurance.
– On Casinos: I voted in favor. Ran campaign on the phrase “Not automatic ‘no’” because sees we’re in a revenue crisis. Gambling in our culture is unavoidable. MA residents spend money gambling in other states then come back to MA and we bear social costs. Trying to recoup those costs.
– Wants to be accessible to citizens, be a regular presence in neighborhoods
V. Announcements, Updates, and Kaffeeklatsch
A. Preview of next meeting’s topics: No August meeting for TCC.
B. Other Announcements
– Chinese Historical Society of New England (CHSNE) 18th Annual Meeting & Dinner on Friday, September 24, 6-9pm @ China Pearl.
– USCIS National Children’s Art Project depicting theme “We Are America”. For more info see http://www.uscis.gov/childrensartproject.
– Janice Wong, Tisch Scholar, announced this was her last meeting for her year as a Tisch Scholar, and another student may be joining TCC meetings in the future. She also made these announcements:
Request for Applications to be a Host Site for CPS Scholars
The CPS (Citizenship and Public Service) Scholars program is a leadership development program for undergraduate students at Tufts University. The program brings selected Tufts students into the community to work on projects at nonprofits, schools and government agencies. The CPS Scholars program is a flagship program of the Tisch College of Citizenship and Public Service. An ideal Scholar project addresses a community identified need, has a begin/end date, and is a learning opportunity about community work. Deadline for proposals has been extended to JULY 15, 2010. Please see attached documents and contact Melissa.Defreece@tufts.edu for more information.
The Asian American Resource Workshop is now accepting submissions for the 2010 Boston Asian American Film Festival!
The 2010 Boston Asian American Film Festival (BAAFF) is dedicated to supporting Asian American films, filmmakers and audiences through opportunities to educate, interact, and engage the Greater Boston community with content relevant to Asian American community and culture. We are seeking narratives, dramas, comedies, shorts, documentaries, animations, music videos and experimental films.
The 2010 Boston Asian American Film Festival will be held in late October/early November 2010.
Early bird Deadline –Friday, July 16, 2010 @ 5:00pm
Regular Deadline –Friday, August 14, 2010 @ 5:00pm
Next Meeting: Thursday, September 9, 2010 @ BCNC 4th floor Conference Room.