Ben Opara, a Lowell resident and community leader, received the Black Excellence on the Hill Award from the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus at the Massachusetts State House on Friday, Feb. 28. Opara was nominated for the award by state Sen. Ed Kennedy, and attended the ceremony with his family.

Opara holds a degree in engineering from the University of Nigeria and a master of science in engineering from UMass Lowell. For more than 30 years, he has been an active volunteer and organizer in Lowell. Opara has served as a member of the Lowell Immigration Commission and on the Lowell High School Building Committee. A highlight of his community leadership was co-founding the annual Lowell African Cultural Festival in 2000, which he still presides over. He also serves as President of the Lowell African Cultural Association.

“Ben Opara’s decades of leadership advocating for equitable education and immigration policies are testimony to his passion and commitment to the City of Lowell,” Kennedy said. “His work uplifts the community’s cultural and economic fabric.”

Learn about the Cambodia Town Call for Art during the virtual information session on Tuesday, March 4, at 6:30 p.m. The City of Lowell’s Office of Cultural Affairs and Special Events and the Cambodian Mutual Assistance Association invites artists to submit qualifications to paint a 4×8’ panel depicting Khmer culture in the community. A maximum of six artists will be chosen, and panels will be displayed at JFK Plaza before being permanently installed at Clemente (Pailin) Park.

The call closes Friday, March 14. Artists will be notified of the committee’s selection by the following Friday. Panels must be completed by Friday, May 23. To register for the Zoom information session, visit LikeLowell.com/cambodia-town-call-for-art.

Belvidere resident Erin Gendron has announced her candidacy for the District 3 seat on the Lowell City Council. She currently works for the state in the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation, ensuring fair and equitable licensing practices. Prior to this role, Erin served for 10 years as a social worker with the Department of Children and Families, and Merrimack Valley Elder Services.

Gendron also serves as a member of the city’s Board of Health. She said in a statement that her campaign will focus on key issues such as expanding opportunities for children and families, growing the Downtown Lowell economy, ensuring comfortable and safe neighborhoods.

For more information, visit Erin-Gendron.com.

Learn about the 2025 youth summer camp program during a Lowell Youth Leadership Program open house event on Saturday, March 15, from noon to 2 p.m., at the Greater Lowell Technical High School, 250 Pawtucket Blvd., Tyngsboro.

The camp runs Wednesday, June 25 through Friday, July 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. during the week. Campers must be residents of Lowell and available to attend all four weeks. Previous camper receive preferential camp placement until April. Bus service is provided and typical bus pick-up time is 7 a.m.

LYLP serves Lowell residents ages 10-16. Attendees will receive a tour of GLTHS, meet staff, food and games. Registration is required at forms.office.com/r/i78htdhqzJ. For more information, visit lylp.org.