State treasurer Steve Grossman discusses jobs, immigration

State treasurer Steve Grossman held a town hall meeting April 23 at the Asian American Civic Association. The event was organized by Leverett Wing and the Asian American Commission.

Chinatown Safety Committee reviews local crime

The Chinatown Safety Committee met May 1 at the Doubletree Hotel.
The committee supported a temporary permit extension for a parking lot at 85 Essex Street, near the Chau Chow City restaurant. The parking lot is managed by Hamilton Realty and the extension is for three years. Hamilton will go before the Chinatown/South Cove Neighborhood Council fot its support on May 16.

Nine Asian American students receive awards for mental health awareness

Nine Asian American high school students from Malden received awards for their “Photovoice” projects on mental health during the Strides Against Stigma event on April 27 at Boston University’s Nickerson Field.
The project originated from the Chinese Culture Connection in Malden, and was supported by the Institute for Community Health and the Asian American Civic Association.

Boston Asian YES teens strive to reduce underage drinking in Chinatown

Underage drinking is a common and alcohol is easy to come by, according to a survey conducted by Chinatown agency Boston Asian Youth Essential Service. It is taking action to combat this behavior through awareness and involvement with community businesses.

Stand Against Racism Day rallies for acceptance for all

Stand Against Racism Day took place April 26 on the Summer Street Bridge in Boston. Nearly 300 individuals wore “Racism hurts everyone” buttons, blew whistles and held signs that read “Honk! Take a stand against racism.” All employees from nearby Neighborhood Health Plan turned out, along with supporters from local businesses.

Ask a financial planner: Retirement plan savings

As a financial planner, I have clients and friends ask me all the time about how much they should invest in their company-sponsored retirement plan. The answer I always provide is a simple one: as much as you can afford. Although most of us believe retirement is far off in the distance and we have many other things to spend our hard-earned money on, retirement savings is an important planning topic to be aware of.