Malden Beats: Arts Month, English Works Campaign and A Special Raffle

Malden, Mass. – Mayor Christenson presented proclamations to members of various Malden community groups that sponsored local art, music, performances, crafts and fun during the month of September. The Mayor has declared September 2012 as “Celebrating Arts Month” and encourages the support and participation of all residents.

(L to R)Carol Ann Desiderio, Karen Colon Hayes, Naomi Brave, Mayor Christenson, Harry Bovee, Susan Donlan Burke, Daniel O’Leary

Mayor Gary Christenson Joins English Works Campaign

The English Works Campaign and the City of Malden are pleased to announce that Mayor Gary Christenson has committed to support Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) by officially signing on to the English Works Campaign. The Campaign is a statewide coalition of immigrant community leaders, labor unions, and businesses working together to increase the availability of English classes for immigrants in the workforce. Mayor Christenson joins the English Works Mayors Circle, a group of elected officials who encourage local businesses to invest in ESOL, including the Mayors of Boston, Lynn, Everett, Somerville, Salem, Melrose and New Bedford.

“Count me in! I’m honored to be part of the English Works Campaign,” said Mayor Christenson, with evident enthusiasm. “Malden is the second most diverse city in the state of Massachusetts and we want to make sure that all residents get the training and resources they need to be able to support their families and give back to the community. This is why we welcome the English Works Campaign and the resources it brings to Malden businesses and their immigrant workforce”.

Launched in 2008, the English Works Campaign has successfully brought together diverse sectors in numerous cities, a success record the Mayor plans to extend. “We have a great working relationship with the Malden Chamber of Commerce and other business groups, and we look forward to connecting these groups with the assistance that the English Works Campaign can provide to them,” Mayor Christenson said. “There is no downside on investing on English language training for our newcomer residents. It will allow them to succeed, which in turn will help our entire City to excel”.

In addition to the Mayor’s Circle, the English Works Campaign includes a leadership circle composed of 10 high-profile members, a steering committee, and a campaign committee of 75 organizations that work together to increase the availability of English language classes that will benefit immigrant workers, the businesses that employ them, and the Commonwealth. For more information, please contact Frank Soults, Director of Communications at 617-350-5480 ext. 204 or fsoults@miracoalition.org. A Special Raffle Featuring Two Pats vs. Jets Tickets On Sunday, October 7, The Malden YMCA Croken Crocodiles Swim Team will be raffling off a New England Patriots Gift Basket which includes 2 tickets to a Patriots game vs. the New York Jets! The Pats tickets were donated by Keith Johnson. Tickets are $2 apiece. The proceeds will help the Crocs purchase a much needed electronic scoreboard. Mayor Christenson is very supportive of this team which was named for Malden’s beloved Joe Croken. Tickets may be purchased at the front desk of the YMCA, by calling 781-324-7680 or by going to the website www.ymcamalden.org/ymca-blog/549-patriots-raffle. (L-R)Keith Johnson, Rosalie Jones, Julie Fox, Mayor Christenson