The Chinese Culture Connection and Malden Reads cordially invite you to share your creative stories about what you did to cope during the pandemic

  Most of us have been double- and triple-vaccinated and have developed strong resilience. But with the new variants continuing to linger, many of us are exhibiting signs of anxiety, stress and other symptoms. Yet, some others have come up with creative activities to cope with the effects of COVID-19 quarantine or the limitations on social activities.

  To help more people with coping strategies for this enduring stress, we are soliciting ideas and experiences that are both fun and productive. Your entry can be a story expressed in an essay on lessons you have learned and been inspired by during this time (up to 500 words), artwork, recipes, a poem, music or dance movement you have created, become deeply involved in or engaged in and practiced because of the pandemic. All visual art can be saved in a video (two to three minutes). We’re looking for evidence of constructive coping strategies.

  A mix of representatives from our diverse community will give their impartial judgment on the entries. We will select six winners in four age categories: kindergarten through 4th grade, grades 5-8, grades 9-12 and adults. The prizes for the six winners will be $200, $150, $100, $50, $25 gift cards, and a book for the 6th place of respective winners – one entry per person.

  The winners will show their work at the awards party on Dec. 10, 2022, from 6:00-8:30 p.m. at the Malden Senior Center. The top three entries in each category will be asked to present their artwork in person at the event. This event will be open to the public but requires prior registration.

  Submit your entry to info@ChineseCultureConnection.org and info@MaldenReads.org between Oct. 1 and Nov. 14. Winners will be notified via email on Dec. 1, and presentations will take place on Dec. 10. All winners will have two minutes to highlight their artwork, video and presentations. We will cover and record this event and make it available for public viewing. In addition, images of selected works will be displayed in panoramic photo format at Malden City Hall and other community centers.

  We want to hear from you. Share your idea and inspire others to pursue a more balanced, healthy and joyful life despite the current circumstances. For more information, please email info@ChineseCultureConnection.org or info@MaldenReads.org or call 718-321-6316.