Upcoming events
Skills for Disagreeing Better with Braver Angels
Skills for Disagreeing Better with Braver Angels Workshop
Meet the Candidates
Meet the Candidates
Join us for a community town hall to meet the candidates running for Belmont’s Select Board, Moderator, and School Committee. This is a great opportunity for residents to hear directly from the candidates, learn about their priorities, and ask questions about issues that matter to our community.
Hosted by the Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition (BPAC) and the Belmont Chinese American Association (BCAA), this event aims to encourage civic engagement and provide a welcoming space for dialogue between Belmont residents and local candidates.
Event Details
Date: Monday, March 23rd
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Location: Belmont Public Library, Morrissey Hall
Admission: Free and open to the public
All Belmont residents are welcome. We encourage community members to attend, listen, and participate in this important conversation about the future of our town.
We look forward to seeing you there!
2nd Annual Women's History Month Event, Co-Hosted by BPAC & Belmont Woman's Club
2nd Annual Women's History Month: Empower, Elevate, Inspire!
Fireside Chat: Women in Community Service
Women’s History Month Celebration: Women in Community Service
In collaboration with Belmont Woman’s Club, B-PAC is excited to announce our second Women’s History Month event to celebrate Women in Community Service—a panel discussion and fireside chat dedicated to honoring service leadership, their impact, and the inspiring contributions of women working to strengthen Belmont and beyond.
We are also proud to partner with Project Socks, a Belmont-based non-profit, which will be collecting new women’s socks at the event to support women experiencing hardship across Greater Boston.
Date: March 26, 2026
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Belmont Woman’s Club
661 Pleasant Street
Belmont, MA 02478
Complimentary light refreshments will be served.
All are cordially invited to attend this complimentary celebration. We look forward to welcoming you to this meaningful occasion.
As space is limited, kindly RSVP at info@belmontwomansclub.com to confirm your attendance.
Meet the Moderator:
Wendy Murphy: Wendy is an attorney and president of the Belmont Woman’s Club. Wendy specializes in Women’s rights and teaches at New England Law | Boston where she also directs the Women’s and Children’s Advocacy Project. Her new book, Oh No He Didn’t, tells the stories of 26 women whose work was credited to men. Wendy is a longtime Belmont resident. She has five children and a grandson.
Community Service Panelists:
Fran Yuan (she/her): Fran Yuan has lived in Belmont since 1993 and has long been active in community and social justice initiatives. A member of First Church in Belmont, Unitarian Universalist, Fran has been involved in the church’s social action work, including helping it become a Welcoming Congregation in 2001.
From 1988 to 2016, Fran was a member of the Belmont/Watertown Amnesty International Chapter 365 and served as its newsletter editor. After moving to Belmont, Fran joined Belmont Against Racism and served on its board.
In 2001, Fran founded the Belmont LGBTQ+ Alliance, which will celebrate its 25th anniversary at the Belmont Pride Parade celebration on May 31. From its inception in 2004 until 2022, Fran also served on the Belmont Human Rights Commission.
Fran was a co-founder of the Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition and, over the years, has helped plan the MLK Breakfast and many other community events in Belmont. More recently, Fran has helped coordinate support and resources for two immigrant families in Belmont and has become involved with the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence and other organizations focused on immigrant justice.
As the child of immigrants who consistently reached out to support others, Fran developed a strong commitment to using that privilege to help build a more just and welcoming community for all.
Maryann Scali: Town Meeting Member from Precinct 2 since 1970, with more than five decades of continuous civic service to the community.
Over the years, has served on numerous municipal committees, including the Alcohol Licensing Committee, Expanded Warrant Committee, Busing Committee (for the School Committee), and the Police Chief Search Committee. Currently serves on the Council on Aging.
Has held leadership roles across a wide range of community organizations, including President of the Belmont League of Women Voters. Serves on the Board of the Belmont Historical Society, the Belmont Woman's Club, and the Belmont Land Trust, and serves on the Board of the Senior Connection at Tufts University.
Additionally, has served as Warden in Precinct 3 for over 15 years, including overseeing voting operations when Mitt Romney cast his ballot in Belmont during his presidential campaign.
Dr. Rena Fonseca: Dr. Rena Fonseca is the Director of Executive Education & International Programs at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. In this role she builds and stewards Executive Education’s overall portfolio of programs, both on campus and online, including admission-only, open enrollment, and custom programs. She drives and oversees strategy, curriculum development, program delivery, teaching innovations, team leadership, client and faculty relationships, budgeting, marketing, and revenue.
Dr. Fonseca has previously served in Harvard College as Assistant Dean and Senior Tutor, and a Lecturer in History and Literature, as Associate Director of Ideas42, a behavioral economics lab at Harvard, and as a consultant for UNICEF in New York and New Delhi. She holds a B.A. (Hons.) from Elphinstone College, University of Mumbai, and an A.M. and a Ph.D. in History from Harvard University.
Eve Encinas-Lončar (she/her): Eve is a fundraising professional with a deep commitment to community-centered work. She previously served as Director of Advancement at a K–8 private school in Cambridge and currently works at the Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK), where she focuses on building meaningful community partnerships that support survivors and their families.
A first-generation Filipino American, Eve’s parents emigrated from the Philippines in the 1960s, shaping her lifelong dedication to advocacy, equity, and service. She has lived in Belmont since 2012 with her husband, Marko, and is the proud mom of two grown children.
As a survivor, Eve volunteers her time supporting focused efforts addressing sexual assault, serves on the Board of the Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition, and recently joined the Belmont Woman’s Club as a member. Outside of her professional and volunteer work, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, Pilates, traveling, and walks with her Goldendoodle, Maxwell.
Please spread the word by sharing this flyer:
Project Socks
Lunar New Year Festival & Parade
Annual Lunar New Year Festival & Parade
Sunday, March 15, 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM (Rain Date: March 22)
All are welcome to this free, inclusive celebration for all ages—bringing the whole community together!
Join the Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition (BPAC) for a joyful, multicultural Lunar New Year celebration in the heart of Belmont Center! We’ll gather at the intersection of Moore and Leonard Streets on Sunday, March 15, from 1:30–3:30 PM to celebrate culture, community, and the start of the new year together.
Enjoy cultural performances, crafts, a tea buffet, and Asian snacks at this annual Lunar New Year celebration.
We’re excited to welcome a Rolling Lunar New Year Rolling Motorcade that begins in Boston’s Chinatown, traveling through communities across Greater Boston, and ending in Belmont Center. This annual and vibrant, multi-city motorcade is co-organized by the Chinese American Heritage Foundation alongside partner community organizations.
Experience the joy of Lunar New Year at this beloved Belmont community celebration that brings neighbors together and celebrates the rich traditions of the season.
With Gratitude to Our Sponsors
Information | Event Map | Performance Schedule
Sponsorship Opportunities
We invite you to support our work by becoming a sponsor at one of the following levels:Friends — up to $99
Sponsors are welcome to provide business cards, flyers, or swag for distribution at BPAC’s centralized table.
Silver Sponsors — $100
Booth space at the event
Social media mentions
Listed as a sponsor on BPAC email blasts and on the BPAC website
Recognition as a sponsor in The Belmont Voice. The Belmont Voice is printed and delivered weekly to all 11,000 households in Belmont, providing our sponsors with valuable community-wide visibility.
Gold Sponsors — $250+
All Silver Sponsor benefits
Featured on the cover photo of our Facebook event page
Mentioned in the event description
Linked to your organization on the event page
Recognition as a sponsor in The Belmont Voice. The Belmont Voice is printed and delivered weekly to all 11,000 households in Belmont, providing our sponsors with valuable community-wide visibility.
All sponsors will be acknowledged in the event description.
Sponsorship commitments must be emailed to belmontpanasiancoalition@gmail.com.
Payment Information
Check:
Make payable to Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition
Mail to:
66 Hillside Terrace
Belmont, MA 02478
PayPal:
@BelmontPAC
Questions & Contact
For questions, sponsorship details, or additional information, please contact:
Julie Wu, BPAC President
Email: belmontpanasiancoalition@gmail.com
Thank you for your support!
BPAC, a 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation, sprang up in response to local and national anti-Asian incidents in the Spring of 2021. BPAC recognized a need to bring all Belmont’s Asian communities together to amplify their voices, increase their visibility, and gain greater representation in town.
BPAC’s advocacy work has included speeches and interviews, written articles, and collaboration with Belmont Public School leadership, town government, the Belmont Police Department, other community organizations, and student groups. BPAC hosts author talks, as well as candidate forums and educational events, and is planning mental health programming for our youth. BPAC is also proud to have sponsored a series of community television shows run by the Belmont High School Asian American Club, South Asian Club, and Arab Club.
Donations of any size support our work and are gratefully accepted. Checks should be made out to Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition and delivered to 66 Hillside Terrace, Belmont MA 02478. Donations can also be sent via PayPal @BelmontPAC.
BPAC Book Club: The Third Son with Author Julie Wu
BPAC Book Club: The Third Son with Author Julie Wu
Date & Time:
Thursday, March 12, 2026
Event begins at 7:00 PM
This free event is open to all — we warmly welcome everyone to join us!
Location:
Belmont Woman’s Club
661 Pleasant St, Belmont, MA 02478
It’s been quite a while since our last book club gathering on April 6th, but we’re thrilled to share that the BPAC Book Club is officially back! We’re so excited to revive this wonderful community tradition. A special thank you goes to the Belmont Woman’s Club for kindly hosting this event.
For our second read, we’ll be diving into The Third Son by Julie Wu. Many of you know Julie as the president and co-founder of the Belmont Pan Asian Coalition, and we are incredibly fortunate to read her beautiful novel together — and even more excited that she will be joining us in person for a talk during the meeting!
The Third Son is full of heart, history, and family drama. It follows Saburo, the overlooked youngest son in a complicated Taiwanese family, as he fights for education, love, and a future that’s truly his own. There will be so much to discuss!
📖 Grab your copy from your favorite bookstore (support local at Belmont Books!) or the library, get cozy, and enjoy the read. Books will be available for purchase at the event, too!
🍪 Light refreshments will be provided.
🎤 Julie’s author talk will make this an especially meaningful and memorable evening.
Important Note: To avoid any conflict of interest, Julie will donate an amount equal to or greater than any royalties from this group’s book purchases back to BPAC. She will not receive any personal financial benefit from this event.
RSVP by March 11: belmontpanasiancoalition@gmail.com
Whether you read the book or not, we can’t wait to gather to share this story together. See you there!
An Evening of Film
🎬 Community Film Night: A Nice Indian Boy
We warmly invite friends and neighbors to gather for a cozy evening of film, connection, and community.
Hosted by Belmont LGBTQ+ & the Belmont Pan Asian Coalition, this relaxed home screening features the romantic comedy A Nice Indian Boy, with light refreshments and welcoming company.
Date: Friday, January 30
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: 182 Orchard Street, Belmont
RSVP: fthyuan@gmail.com
Season’s Singings Karaoke Night
Season’s Singings, Belmont!
The Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition is excited to host a Season’s Singings Karaoke Night on Thursday, December 18th, from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM at Comella’s Belmont!
Bring your family, bring your friends, bring your best shower-singing energy—this is a fun, family-friendly community event open to all. Whether you’re warming up the mic with a holiday classic or cheering on your neighbors, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the season together.
A Karaoke sign-up sheet will be provided at the event.
Come for the music, stay for the laughter, and let’s sleigh those high notes!
RSVP here!
Hope to see you there!
Asian Winter Holiday Celebration hosted by ATASK
Asian Task Force Against Domestic Violence (ATASK) Asian Winter Holiday Celebration
All Are Welcome!
Join BPAC for a joyful afternoon of music, culture, and community spirit at the ATASK Asian Winter Holiday Celebration!
📅 Sunday, December 7
🕑 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍 Powers Music School, 160 Lexington Street, Belmont, MA 02478
Celebrate the holiday season with performances, festive craft activities, and a culinary tour of Asia featuring local restaurants such as Hanami Sushi Bar & Grill, Nine Taste, and Lola Pinoy Pastry, while making warm connections with friends and neighbors.
We’re excited to gather indoors again this year for an afternoon filled with holiday cheer and cultural sharing.
BPAC is thrilled to return to this wonderful community event! We’ll be hosting a free Rangoli craft table, along with other local Belmont community organizations — fun for all ages!
Come and enjoy music, creativity, and togetherness that make this celebration so special.
Reserve your ticket here.
Event Program
Spooktacular Karaoke Night with BPAC
Spooktacular Karaoke Night with BPAC
🎤👻 Spooktacular Karaoke Night with BPAC 🎃🍂
Friday, October 24, 2025
7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Hanami Sushi Bar & Grill: Address: 89 Trapelo Rd, Belmont, MA 02478
All are welcome to join us for a night of music, laughter, and community at BPAC’s Spooktacular Karaoke Night!
Costumes and karaoke are encouraged—but not required.
A very special thank you to Hanami for their generous support: they will be donating 10% of all proceeds (dine-in or take-out) to benefit BPAC.
Invite your friends, family, and neighbors—let’s make this a night to remember! 👻🎶
✨ Free Admission – If you are planning to dine in, RSVP directly with Hanami to reserve your table.
Belmont Center Zoning Project Q&A with Taylor Yates
Belmont Center Zoning Project Q&A with Taylor Yates
Dear BPAC Members,
Have questions about the Belmont Center Zoning Project?
We’re excited to share that Select Board member Taylor Yates will be joining BPAC’s virtual board meeting this Thursday, September 18, at 12:00 PM.
Taylor will give us a presentation on the project and take questions from members.
To receive the Zoom link, please make sure you’re signed up as a member so we can email it to you by Wednesday evening!
Membership form: Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition Membership Request Form
We hope to see you there!
Warmly,
Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition
BPAC Dance-Fest at Belmont Town Day
BPAC Dance-Fest at Belmont Town Day
2024 Belmont Town Day: BPAC Dancefest Performance
Join Us for the 3rd Annual BPAC Dance-Fest at Belmont Town Day!
🎉 Dance-Fest, 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM
The Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition (BPAC) invites you to celebrate the vibrant cultures of Asia at our 3rd annual BPAC Dance-Fest, taking place during Belmont Town Day!
What to Expect:
A dazzling Indian cultural dance performance
The return of our crowd-favorite dragon dance, first introduced at the 2024 Lunar New Year celebration
Performances happening right in front of the main stage in Belmont Center
🧧 Visit the BPAC Booth!
Please stop by our booth for engaging activities and a chance to learn more about BPAC’s mission to promote inclusivity and celebrate Belmont’s rich Pan-Asian heritage.
Bring your family and friends—we can’t wait to see you there!
Call for volunteers to help at the BPAC Booth and Performances:
All are welcome to join in on the fun!
Let’s build community, connect with neighbors, and make new friends.
Sign up here
BPAC Karaoke at Porchfest
Sing With BPAC! Karaoke at Belmont Porchfest 🎶
BPAC Karaoke at Belmont Porchfest
Join the Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition (BPAC) for a joyful, high-energy karaoke event as part of this year’s Belmont Porchfest and support the entertaining band performances that we have lined up.
🎤 BPAC Karaoke at Porchfest
🗓 Date: Saturday, September 6 (the Saturday after Labor Day)
📍 Location: 153 Claflin Street
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM
About Belmont Porchfest: This is a beloved local tradition that celebrates community, creativity, and connection through live music and performance—all happening on porches, in yards, and throughout our neighborhoods.
And this year, BPAC is bringing the mic to YOU with an open karaoke stage!
153 Claflin Street Line-up:
A Special Screening of “Minari”
Film, Food & Community: A Special Screening of Minari
Hosted by Belmont Against Racism, Belmont Pan Asian Coalition, and the Belmont Public Library
Dear Friends and Supporters,
We warmly invite you to a meaningful evening of film, food, and community conversation as we come together to explore themes of identity, belonging, and resilience.
Join us for a screening of the award-winning film Minari (2020)—a moving portrayal of a Korean-American family’s pursuit of the American dream in rural Arkansas. This powerful film offers a heartfelt look at family, hope, and what it means to find home in a new place.
🌟 Special Guest
We’re honored to welcome Belmont resident James Chung, whose family’s story inspired the film. His presence will add a personal and profound layer to our post-film discussion.
📅 Event Details
🎬 Minari Screening, Community Dialogue & Potluck
🗓 Thursday, July 24 | ⏰ 5:30–8:00 PM
📍 Parish Hall, All Saints Episcopal Church
17 Clark Street, Belmont, MA 02478
🕰 Evening Schedule
5:30 PM – Potluck & Mingling
6:00 PM – Minari Screening
Followed by – Community Dialogue with James Chung
🍽 RSVP & Potluck Info
To help us plan, please RSVP HERE.
We also invite you to bring a dish to share—please label ingredients for those with dietary restrictions.
🤝 Volunteer Sign-Up: Help with set-up or take-down by signing up here.
Let’s gather for a night of storytelling, connection, and cultural reflection. Everyone is welcome—bring a friend, bring a dish, bring your voice.
We hope to see you there!
Warmly,
Belmont Pan Asian Coalition
BPAC Book Club Kick-off
Join Us for BPAC’s Kick-Off Book Club Event!
Come join the conversation and kick off our exciting new Book Club with great company, lively discussions, and a shared love of reading!
Whether you’re an avid reader or just looking to connect with your community, this is the perfect opportunity to meet new people, reconnect with old friends, and enjoy a fun afternoon!
Event Details:
Free event!
When: Sunday, April 6th at 4:00 PM
Location: Online (with an option for in-person depending on interest)
First Book: The Body Papers by Grace Talusan
It’s a powerful memoir exploring the life of a Filipino immigrant, cancer survivor, and childhood abuse survivor. A must-read!RSVP by April 5th by contacting belmontpanasiancoalition@gmail.com. A Zoom link to follow.
Want to get your copy?
Belmont Books has 1 copy in stock right now! Or, you can place an order through their website and pick it up in a week.
Order here: https://belmontbooks.com/book/9781632060242
Let’s kick off this reading journey together. We can’t wait to see you there!
Thank you,
Your BPAC Friends
Belmont Woman's Club
You’re Invited!
A Fireside Chat in Honor of Women’s History Month
WOMEN IN BELMONT | Empower, Elevate & Inspire!
📅 Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
📍 Location: Belmont Woman’s Club, 661 Pleasant St, Belmont, MA 02478
🕕 Time: 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Hosted by: Belmont Woman’s Club
In Partnership with: Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition
✨ All Are Welcome! ✨
Join us for an inspiring Fireside Chat as we celebrate Women’s History Month with dynamic conversations, shared experiences, and impactful insights from accomplished women in our community.
🎙 Featured Panelists:
Aparna Mujumdar
Carol Berberian
Dipali Trivedi
Wendy Murphy
🎤 Moderator: Eve Encinas-Lončar
📅 Event Schedule
🕕 6:00 PM – Doors Open
Check-in and settle in for an evening of connection and inspiration.
🕖 7:00 PM – Welcome Remarks
Opening words from Wendy Murphy and Eve Encinas-Lončar.
🕢 7:10 PM – Fireside Chat
A discussion featuring our distinguished panelists.
🕗 8:10 PM – Audience Q&A
Your opportunity to ask questions and engage in the conversation.
🕣 8:25 PM – Mingle & Connect
Network with fellow attendees, forge new friendships, and reconnect with familiar faces.
🕘 9:00 PM – Event Concludes
🥨🍪🥤 Light refreshments will be provided.
📩 RSVP Now!
Seating is limited—reserve your spot today!
📧 Email: info@belmontwomansclub.com
🚗 Parking Information:
Parking is available at the Belmont Municipal building, and metered parking is nearby.
Limited handicap parking at the Homer House. For details, contact info@belmontwomansclub.com.
We can’t wait to see you there!
Lunar New Year Festival and Parade
Lunar New Year Festival and Parade
Sunday, February 23, 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
All are welcome!
Join Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition (BPAC) at the Annual Lunar New Year Festival and Parade to welcome the Year of the Snake! Enjoy exciting multi-cultural performances, Asian crafts, a Pan-Asian tea buffet, snacks, and visit tables hosted by community-based organizations and local businesses.
Adding to the fun, Belmont Center, will be a parade stop organized by the Chinese American Heritage Foundation. The rolling motorcade begins in Chinatown and wounds through Cambridge, Belmont, Somerville, and Malden.
Stay tuned for the list of performances and table hosts!
Event Details:
Location: Belmont Center (Green space in front of M&T Bank and Moore Street)
Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Admission: Free!
Thank you! We look forward to welcoming you and creating lasting memories at this community celebration!
SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:
The Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition’s (BPAC) mission is to amplify the voices and visibility of Asians in Belmont. We are one of the only Pan-Asian organizations in the New England area. We aim to increase the civic engagement of Asian community members of all ages while being a resource for the community and partnering with other community organizations.
To make this inclusive community possible and free for all to attend, we kindly seek Sponsorship at the following levels:
o Friends: up to $99
Welcome to give us business cards, flyers and swag to hand out on BPAC's centralized table
o Silver sponsors: $100
Booth, Social media mentions, Listed as sponsors on email blasts and on the BPAC website
o Gold sponsors: $250+
As for Silver sponsors, plus listed as sponsor in Belmont Voice
We will put Gold and Platinum sponsors on the cover photo of our Facebook event page, refer to them in the event description, and will mention all other sponsors in the description, too. We will also put a link to your organization on the event page. The Belmont Voice is printed and physically delivered weekly to all 11,000 Belmont households.
Please get in touch with us at belmontpanasiancoalition@gmail.com or 978-496-5506 to become a Sponsor, receive a Sponsorship Form via email, and share any questions/suggestions.
With gratitude for your support.
Sincerely,
The Belmont Pan-Asian Coalition Board of Directors
Event Information
Vendor Information, Event Map, Performance Schedule
BPAC Dance Fest
Excited for our 2nd Annual BPAC Dance Fest at Town Day, featuring many Belmont dancers! Don't miss it! September 17th, 2:00-2:30pm in front of the main stage on Leonard St.
BPAC will also be hosting a table all day at Town Day. Please join us! You're welcome to hang out and help host, or just come by to say hello and have some pan-Asian goodies!
BPAC Karaoke
Porchfest is coming, September 10, and we'd like to showcase our talented BPAC members! if you or your child would like to perform, please comment, PM, or email belmontpanasiancoalition@gmail.com to let us know! Any kind of performance is accepted, including, from the website: Music, theater, dance, spoken word, storytelling, comedy, circus, and "other". We can group performances together under the BPAC umbrella.
We need to sign up by August 1, so please let us know ASAP!
BPAC Potluck!
Join old and new friends and share delicious international cuisine at the BPAC Potluck!