News

From Cultural Voice to Civic Action: AYLI Launches Its First Youth Leadership Seminar

从文化声音到公民行动：纽约首府亚太裔青年领导力学院（AYLI）启动首场研讨会

NYS Capital Region AAPI Youth Leadership Institute – A 9-month Pilot Program launched its first seminar, “Cultural Voice & Electoral Agency”!

A heartfelt thank-you to our wonderful presenters, Cora Schroeter MBA - Constituent Services Director, Office of Congressman Paul Tonko; Ellen Rosano - Legislator, Albany County Legislature; and Joanne Shawhan - Co-president, League of Women Voters of Albany County, NY for sharing their experiences, knowledge, and practical skills - and for inspiring our youth to think critically, communicate effectively, and engage meaningfully in civic life.

We are so proud of all our AYLI youth, who are committed to putting their learning into action through voter registration tabling and community outreach.

Advocacy, Resilience, and Innovation - this is our spirit. Let’s keep learning, practicing, reflecting, and making change. Go AYLI!

Community Partners:

Chinese Community Center of Capital District of New York

Albany New York Nepalese Society (ANNS)

Bangladeshi American Community

Albany Hindu Cultural Center

Great thanks to our sponsors:

Albany County Legislature

CACF: Coalition for Asian American Children and Families

UCACF - United Chinese Americans (UCA)

纽约首府亚太裔青年领导力学院（AYLI）为期9个月的试点项目正式启动，并成功举办首场研讨会——“文化声音与选举参与力”！

衷心感谢我们的优秀嘉宾：Cora Schroeter—美国国会议员Paul Tonko办公室选民服务主任；Ellen Rosano—奥尔巴尼县议会议员；Joanne Shawhan—纽约州奥尔巴尼县选举人联盟联合主席。感谢三位嘉宾分享宝贵的经历、知识和实践技能，并鼓励青年们批判性思考、有效沟通，积极而有意义地参与公民生活。

我们也为所有AYLI青年感到骄傲！他们不仅积极参与学习，更将所学付诸实践，通过选民登记宣传和社区外展活动，把知识转化为行动。

倡导 · 坚韧 · 创新, 这就是我们的AYLI精神！让我们继续学习、实践、反思，并一起创造改变。加油 AYLI!

社区合作伙伴：
Chinese Community Center of Capital District of New York
Albany New York Nepalese Society (ANNS)
Bangladeshi American Community
Albany Hindu Cultural Center

特别感谢我们的赞助机构：
Albany County Legislature

CACF: Coalition for Asian American Children and Families

United Chinese Americans (UCA)

UCA Community Fund

Photos by Yingjiang Wen

月圆人团圆，社区更美好｜华社2026中秋活动圆满举行

9月26日下午，纽约首府华社（Chinese Community Center）举办了2026年中秋庆祝活动。新老朋友欢聚一堂，在美食、艺术、歌声与欢笑中，共度了一个温馨而热闹的中秋佳节。

活动从下午3点的中秋主题中国画展和儿童涂色活动拉开序幕。一幅幅富有中国传统文化韵味的作品，为现场增添了浓浓的节日气息，小朋友们也用自己的画笔描绘心中的中秋。

下午4点半，中秋晚会正式开始。精彩的舞蹈、歌唱等文艺节目轮番登场。活动采用 Potluck 的形式，大家纷纷带来了自己的拿手菜，华社也为来宾准备了丰富的食物和饮品。大家一边品尝美食，一边欣赏节目，与老朋友叙旧、结识新朋友，现场其乐融融。

随后进行的月饼制作体验也受到了大家的欢迎。大朋友、小朋友一起动手体验传统月饼制作，在亲手制作中感受中秋习俗和中华传统文化的魅力。活动最后，大家一起参与卡拉OK，用歌声和欢笑为这个美好的下午画上圆满的句号。

今年的活动还特别设置了 Voter Registration（选民登记） 信息服务，由华社和APAPA Albany Chapter联合举办，让社区居民在欢庆传统节日的同时，也有机会了解选民登记和社区参与的相关信息。

中秋的意义不仅是赏月、品尝月饼，更是团圆、分享与连接。感谢所有参与演出的朋友、志愿者、工作人员，以及带来美食、积极参与活动的每一位社区朋友。正是大家的共同参与，让华社成为连接彼此、传承文化、凝聚社区的温暖家园。

月圆人团圆，社区更美好。
期待下一次，我们在华社再次相聚！

撰文：管淑一   摄影：文颖江

Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration | CCC 2026

On the afternoon of September 26, the Chinese Community Center (CCC) hosted its 2026 Mid-Autumn Festival Celebration. Friends and families, both new and familiar, gathered together to celebrate this special occasion with delicious food, art, music, performances, and laughter.

The celebration began at 3:00 PM with a Mid-Autumn-themed Chinese painting exhibition and children’s coloring activities. Beautiful works of traditional Chinese art brought a festive cultural atmosphere to the event, while children enjoyed expressing their creativity through colors and drawings.

At 4:30 PM, the Mid-Autumn Festival program officially began. Guests enjoyed a wonderful variety of dance, singing, and other cultural performances. The event was held potluck-style, with community members bringing their favorite dishes to share, while CCC also provided a delicious selection of food and beverages. Guests enjoyed the performances while sharing food, catching up with old friends, and making new ones.

The mooncake-making activity was another popular highlight of the afternoon. Adults and children had the opportunity to make mooncakes together and experience this beloved Mid-Autumn tradition firsthand. The celebration concluded with karaoke, filling the room with music, laughter, and community spirit.

This year’s celebration also featured a Voter Registration information station, providing community members with an opportunity to learn more about voter registration and civic participation while celebrating this important traditional festival.

The Mid-Autumn Festival is about more than admiring the moon and enjoying mooncakes—it is about reunion, sharing, and connection. Our sincere thanks go to all of our performers, volunteers, organizers, and community members who brought food, participated in the activities, and helped make this celebration possible. It is everyone’s involvement and support that make CCC a welcoming place where we can connect with one another, preserve our culture, and strengthen our community. Under the same moon, we come together as one community.
We look forward to seeing everyone again at our next CCC gathering!

Author: Shuyi Guan    Photography: Yingjiang Wen

Community Safety Dialogue with Colonie Police Chief James Gerace

CCC had the pleasure of hosting Town of Colonie Police Chief James Gerace for a meaningful conversation on community safety. CCC members and local Chinese business owners joined us for an open and informative discussion.

Chief Gerace shared more about the Colonie Police Department, its community services, and resources available to our community. He also introduced the Police Cadet Program, which offers youth ages 13-21 an opportunity to learn about policing, public safety, and law enforcement through hands-on learning and training.

One message from Chief Gerace really stood out: If you have a safety concern, please reach out to the police. Don’t hesitate because of language barriers, privacy concerns, or any fear of “trouble”. The department is committed to helping overcome communication barriers, supporting residents and businesses, and securing individuals and community safety.

Chinese business owners shared their experiences and appreciation for the Colonie Police Department’s quick response and support when challenges arise.

As CCC continues to build bridges between our community and local institutions, we look forward to more collaboration in community programs, police station visits, youth opportunities, Chinese-language support, and community services.

Thank you, Chief Gerace, for joining us, listening to our community, and helping strengthen a safer, more connected, and inclusive Colonie. And thank you to our members for being part of this important conversation.

Together, we build understanding, trust, and a stronger community.

华社与Colonie警察局长举行社区安全座谈

8月19日，华社（Chinese Community Center, CCC）与 Town of Colonie Police Chief James Gerace 举行社区安全座谈。华社董事及本地华人商家代表参加了交流。

Gerace局长介绍了Colonie警察局的基本情况、社区服务以及与华人社区相关的安全事项和资源，并特别推荐了面向13-21岁青少年的 Police Cadet Program，让对警务、执法和公共安全感兴趣的青少年有机会了解警察工作并参加相关学习和训练。

Gerace局长在交流中再三鼓励华人居民和商家：遇到安全问题时一定要第一时间联系警察、寻求帮助，不要因为语言沟通、顾及面子或担心隐私等原因而有所顾虑。警局会尽力帮助解决沟通障碍，认真处理相关情况，维护社区安全。

几位华人商家也分享了亲身经历，表示Colonie警局在发生突发情况时出警迅速、处理及时，能够有效帮助商家解决冲突和安全问题，并感谢华社组织此次座谈，为华人社区提供了与警局直接沟通的机会。

双方计划今后进一步加强合作，在社区活动、警局参观、青少年项目、中文翻译及社区服务等方面开展更多交流，共同促进华人社区与当地警局之间的了解与合作。

尽管天气炎热、湿度很高，华社及华社中文学校仍有40多位成员热情参加了Town of Colonie举办的美国建国250周年（America 250）庆祝游行。

大家挥舞着美国国旗，带来了精彩的舞龙和腰鼓表演，以热情洋溢的精神共同庆祝美国独立日，向这个给予我们自由、机会与希望的国家致敬。孩子们、家长们和志愿者们以饱满的热情和昂扬的精神，为游行增添了无限活力，展现了华裔社区对美国的热爱与归属感，也体现了团结互助、积极融入社区的精神，为建设更加团结、繁荣的美国社会贡献力量。

衷心感谢唐建中的带领和组织，感谢优秀的腰鼓队，感谢Alice Zhang和Scott Bogardus在展位的辛勤付出，也感谢中文学校所有孩子和家长们的积极参与。特别感谢鲁娜出色的统筹协调。为你们每一个人感到无比骄傲！华社祝大家国庆快乐！！

Despite the intense heat and high humidity, more than 40 members of the CCC and the CCC Chinese School proudly participated in the Town of Colonie’s 250th Independence Day Parade.

Waving American flags and performing an energetic dragon dance and waist drum performance, our group joined the community in celebrating Independence Day and paying tribute to the nation that has given us freedom, opportunity, and hope. The enthusiasm and spirit of our children, parents, and volunteers brought excitement and energy to the parade, reflecting the Chinese American community’s love for the United States, its sense of belonging, and its commitment to serving and strengthening our local community. Together, we celebrate America’s founding ideals while sharing our rich cultural heritage.

我们非常荣幸迎来州长办公室亚裔美国人事务主任 Sibu Nair 莅临华社，进行了一个半小时的参观交流。借此机会，我们向他介绍了华社新装修落成的会所，以及华社53年来的发展历程、成长故事、一路走来的挑战和无数社区志愿者共同努力的点点滴滴。

衷心感谢 Kathy Hochul 州长、Sibu Nair及纽约州行政团队一直以来对华社的大力支持。在他们的支持下，华社基建拨款（Capital Grant）顺利推进，促成了此次具有里程碑意义的建筑翻新项目。

同时，我们也感谢纽约州长期以来通过 New York State Council on the Arts（NYSCA）、AAPI Community Development Fund、Mental Health Peer Advocates 等多个项目对华社工作的支持。这些投入帮助我们不断拓展教育、文化艺术、公民参与及身心健康等服务，为首府地区更多家庭带来福祉。

未来，我们将继续携手前行，凝聚社区力量，传承中华文化，为下一代创造更多发展机会，共同建设更加团结、包容、充满活力的社区。

We are deeply honored and grateful to have welcomed Sibu Nair, Director of Asian American Affairs from the Office of Governor, for an hour and a half visit to the Chinese Community Center. It was a wonderful opportunity to share the story of our newly renovated building and the remarkable 53-year journey of our organization - our history, our growth, our challenges, and the countless individuals who have helped build this community over the decades.

Our heartfelt thanks to Governor Kathy Hochul, Sibu Nair, and the NYS executive chamber for their unwavering support of our community. Thanks to their commitment, our Capital Grant moved forward efficiently, making this transformational renovation possible.

We are also sincerely grateful for NYS continued support in our work through a wide range of programs and grants, including support from New York State Council on the Arts (NYSCA), the AAPI Community Development Fund, Mental Health Peer Advocates, and many others. These investments empower us to expand educational, art, cultural, civic engagement, and wellness programs that serve families across the Capital Region.

We are moving toward to strengthen our communities, celebrate our heritage, and create even greater opportunities for future generations.

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2026年6月6日——一个寓意着万事汇聚、圆满成就的美好日子——对于纽约州首府地区华人社区中心（CCC）而言，的确是一个意义非凡的时刻。

此次大楼翻新工程的圆满完成，不仅意味着硬件设施的焕然一新，更象征着我们共同愿景的再次升华。经过改造后的主要活动空间更加明亮、宽敞和温馨，为举办文化活动、庆祝传统节日以及凝聚社区力量创造了更优越的条件。

自1973年成立以来，CCC一直是首府地区一代又一代华裔美国家庭共同的家园。时至今日，我们继续成长为集教育、艺术、文化传承和公民参与于一体的充满活力的社区中心。

这一成果凝聚了无数人的共同努力。我们向CCC大楼翻新团队以及全体董事会成员致以最诚挚的感谢——正是你们的奉献精神、远见卓识以及无数个小时的辛勤付出，才成就了今天这一重要时刻。

同时，我们也衷心感谢各级民选官员的大力支持，特别感谢州众议员 Phil Steck 为项目争取到关键建设资金。此外，我们还感谢州长办公室、DASNY CREST 项目、奥尔巴尼县及科洛尼镇领导团队、合作伙伴机构、慷慨捐赠者以及所有杰出的志愿者们。

正是因为你们的倡导、支持与帮助，这一美好愿景才得以成为现实。

感谢大家！

特别感谢以下各位长期以来为公众服务，并持续支持CCC的发展：

• 州众议员 Phil Steck
• 联邦众议员 Paul Tonko
• 州参议员 Jim Tedisco
• 科洛尼镇镇长 Peter Crummey
• Sibu Nair
• Zerahiah Jones

June 6, 2026 - a date we like to say carries the best kind of meaning, where everything comes together - is truly a special moment for the Chinese Community Center of Capital District of New York .

The completion of the building renovation marks not just a physical transformation, but a renewal of our shared vision. Our main gathering space is now brighter, more open, and more welcoming, enhancing our ability to host cultural programs, celebrate traditional festivals, and bring our community together.

Since our founding in 1973, CCC has been a home for generations of Chinese American families in the Capital Region. Today, we continue to grow as a vibrant hub for education, arts, culture, and civic engagement.

This achievement reflects the collective efforts of so many. Our deepest thanks to the CCC building team and all Board of Directors - your dedication, vision, and countless hours of service made this day possible.

We are also sincerely grateful to our elected officials, especially Assemblymember Phil Steck for securing critical capital funding, as well as the Governor’s Office, the DASNY CREST program, Albany County and Town of Colonie leadership, our partner organizations, generous donors, and incredible volunteers.

Your advocacy and support brought this vision to life. Thank you ALL! #TogetherWeBuild #TogetherWeThrive

Great thanks for your longstanding public services and continued support of CCC

2026年6月7日，Albany华社合唱团在纽曼文化中心隆重举办成立50周年庆祝音乐会。音乐会盛况空前，吸引了150余位嘉宾到场观赏，许多前团员更专程从外地赶来，共同见证这一意义非凡的时刻。合唱团音乐指导伍贻平教授特地从多伦多来到Albany，亲自指导最后阶段的彩排和演出。

音乐会在一部精心制作的15分钟纪念短片中拉开帷幕。短片深情回顾了合唱团五十年来的发展历程，记录了不同年代团员们的珍贵回忆与真挚感言，令在场观众深受感动。

演出中，合唱团倾情献上十余首经典合唱作品，以优美和谐的歌声展现了多年来积淀的艺术成果，赢得观众阵阵掌声。音乐会尾声，在场的新老团员齐聚舞台，共同演唱经典歌曲《月亮代表我的心》。用熟悉而深情的旋律为这场意义深远的音乐盛会画上了圆满句号。

自成立以来，华社合唱团始终秉持“热爱音乐、热爱歌唱，心系社会、服务大众”的宗旨，在广大团员的共同努力以及社会各界和华人社区的关爱与支持下，走过了辉煌的五十年历程。

展望未来，合唱团将继续传承和发扬音乐艺术精神，不断丰富社区文化生活。我们也热忱欢迎更多热爱音乐、热爱歌唱的朋友加入这个温暖的大家庭，共同谱写更加美好的新篇章。



Albany Chinese Community Center Chorus Celebrates Its 50th Anniversary with a Grand Concert

On June 7, 2026, the Albany Chinese Community Center (CCC) Chorus held a grand concert at the Newman Cultural Center to celebrate its 50th anniversary. The event drew more than 150 guests, and many former chorus members traveled from out of town to join the celebration and witness this significant milestone. Professor Yiping Wu, the Chorus’s Music Advisor, who resides in Toronto, Canada, made a special trip to Albany to personally lead the final rehearsals and conduct portions of the concert.

The concert opened with a beautifully produced 15-minute commemorative video that traced the Chorus’s remarkable journey over the past five decades. Featuring treasured memories and heartfelt reflections from members across different generations, the video provided a touching tribute to the Chorus’s history and deeply moved the audience.

Throughout the event, the Chorus presented more than a dozen classic choral works, showcasing years of artistic achievement through its rich and harmonious singing. The performances were met with warm applause and enthusiastic appreciation from the audience. As a fitting finale, former and current members gathered on stage to perform the beloved song The Moon Represents My Heart. Its familiar and heartfelt melody brought the memorable celebration to a moving and unforgettable close.

Since its founding, the CCC Chorus has remained dedicated to its mission of fostering a love of music and singing while serving the community. Through the collective efforts of its members and the continued support of the broader community and CCC, the Chorus has enjoyed a distinguished and inspiring fifty-year history.

Looking ahead, the Chorus will continue to uphold its musical traditions and enrich the cultural life of the community. We warmly welcome all who share a passion for music and singing to join our Chorus family and help write the next chapter of this remarkable journey together.

文：张万明 Wanming Zhang wanming.zhang@gmail.com
摄影：文颖江 Yingjang Wen

华社翻新工程进展更新

华社翻新工程于2026年1月22日取得Colonie Town开工许可，于1月26日正式开工。目前工程进展顺利，各阶段施工均已通过town现场检查。

昨日完成了关键工程：拆除大厅原有四根柱子，并成功安装 36英尺、重2000多磅的主钢梁及支撑立柱，该项目也已顺利通过检查验收。

接下来将进行大厅吊顶、电线与照明安装、部分墙面和地板修复以及整体油漆等工作。预计工程还需约3–4周完成。

装修完成后，华社大厅将更加 宽敞、明亮、焕然一新，为各俱乐部和社区活动提供更好的场地。

感谢大家一直以来的理解、耐心和支持！

Update on the CCC Renovation Project

The long-planned renovation project received the construction permit from the Town of Colonie on January 22 and officially began on January 26. Since construction started, the project has been progressing smoothly, and every stage of the work has successfully passed the Town of Colonie’s inspections.

Yesterday marked one of the most critical steps of the renovation: the removal of the four columns in the main hall and the installation of a 36-foot main steel beam weighing over 2,000 pounds, along with the supporting column for the beam. This major installation has also successfully passed the Town of Colonie’s inspection.

The remaining work will include completing the ceiling in the main hall, electrical wiring and lighting installation, repairing portions of the walls and flooring, and painting. The renovation is expected to take another three to four weeks to complete.

Once finished, the community center will have a more spacious and refreshed environment, providing a much better venue for clubs and community activities.

Thank you all for your understanding and continued support!

The Sound of Asia Piano Competition has come to a joyful and successful close. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their dedication, artistry, and inspiring performances. Each pianist brought not only technical excellence, but also musical sensitivity, courage, and a genuine love for sharing their voice through music. The stage was filled with beautiful moments that reflected the hard work of students, teachers, and families alike.

What makes the Sound of Asia Competition truly unique is its special focus on the rich and diverse repertoire of Asian composers. While many competitions center primarily on Western classical traditions, Sound of Asia was created to celebrate the musical heritage, colors, and cultural stories of Asia. Through this platform, young musicians have the opportunity to explore distinctive musical languages, connect with broader cultural perspectives, and help bring these meaningful works to a wider audience.

We hope this event serves not only as a competition, but also as a growing artistic movement. We warmly encourage all students and teachers to continue discovering, performing, and sharing the music of Asian composers. Your participation helps these voices be heard, appreciated, and carried forward to future generations. We look forward to welcoming you again next year as we continue our journey to celebrate the beauty, diversity, and spirit of Asian piano music.

CCC Launches Youth & Family Mental Health Peer Advocate Program

CCC is excited to announce a new Youth and Family Mental Health Peer Advocate Training Program, aimed at empowering community members to support youth and families facing mental health challenges.

This initiative invites youth, parents, and community members who are passionate about mental health and community wellbeing to become trained peer advocates. Participants will receive professional training, develop practical support skills, and gain opportunities to make a meaningful impact in the community.

Program Information

Office Hours
Sunday, March 8,   1:00 -3:45 PM
Sunday, March 22, 1:00 -3:45 PM
CCC Chinese School (Shaker Middle School) - Caferia

Please Stop by with any questions or concerns

Reception & Information Session
April - Specific Time and Location (TBD)

Registration is required and refreshments will be provided.

Who Can Apply

CCC is currently recruiting:

• Youth Peer Advocates (ages 18–30) with lived mental health experience
• Family Peer Advocates who are parents or caregivers supporting children facing mental health challenges
• Community members who are compassionate, eager to learn, and interested in supporting others
• Bilingual or multilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply

Training Benefits

Participants will gain professional skills and receive stipends as they progress through the credentialing pathway:

• Step 1: Complete Level 1 Credentialing – $250 stipend
• Step 2: Earn Provisional Credential – $500 stipend
• Step 3: Begin Employment as Peer Advocate – $1,500 stipend

The program is supported through the New York State Peer Advocates Workforce Development Initiative and implemented in partnership with Vanderheyden and the New York State Office of Mental Health.

Community members interested in becoming advocates or learning more are encouraged to attend the information session.

For questions: president@cccalbany.org
Scan the QR code on the flyer to apply.

华社推出青年与家庭心理健康同伴倡导者培训项目

华社正式推出青年与家庭心理健康同伴倡导者培训项目，旨在培养社区成员成为心理健康支持者，为青年和家庭提供理解与帮助。

该项目面向 青年、家长以及关心社区心理健康的居民 招募学员。参与者将接受专业培训，学习实用支持技能，并通过自身经验帮助面临心理健康挑战的人群。

项目信息

办公时间
周日，3月8日，  下午 1:00 -3:45
周日，3月22日，下午 1:00 -3:45
华社中文学校 (Shaker中学) - Caferia

请向我们咨询任何问题或疑虑

说明会与交流会

四月，具体时间和地点待定

需提前报名，现场提供茶点。

招募对象

• 青年同伴倡导者（18–30岁）：具有心理健康相关经历的青年
• 家庭同伴倡导者：正在或曾经支持孩子面对心理健康挑战的家长或照护者
• 关心社区、乐于学习并愿意帮助他人的社区成员
• 欢迎双语或多语人士参与

项目收获

参与者在完成不同阶段培训后可获得补助：

• 第一阶段：完成一级认证 — 补助 $250
• 第二阶段：获得临时认证 — 补助 $500
• 第三阶段：开始从事同伴倡导者工作 — 补助 $1,500

该项目由 纽约州心理健康办公室 支持，并与 Vanderheyden 合作开展。

欢迎对心理健康支持和社区服务感兴趣的青年和家庭报名参加。

咨询邮箱：president@cccalbany.org
扫描海报二维码即可申请。