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星期五, 6月 02, 2017

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON JOINING THE U.S. CLIMATE ALLIANCE

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON JOINING THE U.S. CLIMATE ALLIANCE

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today released the following statement on joining the U.S. Climate Alliance:

                “Massachusetts has always been on the front lines of the effort to address the threat of climate change and build a clean energy economy. Now more than ever, it is time to lead. We must protect our residents and uphold our commitment to future generations by joining other states in the U.S. Climate Alliance. When President Trump decides to abandon his obligation to protect this planet, we must step in, join together and fight for our future.”

C40 Mayors stands together for Paris agreement

It poses a unique threat to the future of our planet, and puts in peril the health, prosperity, security and the very survival of our children and grandchildren. The scientific evidence is undeniable and beyond doubt. 2016 was the hottest year globally since temperature records began and 16 of the planet’s 17 hottest years on record have occurred in the 21st century.
 
The effects of climate disruption are already being felt in the great cities of the world, from hurricanes in New Orleans and New York, floods in Paris, Houston and Montreal, deadly heatwaves in Sydney, to toxic air pollution in Beijing, New Delhi and in all large cities. This explains why more than 190 nations decided to sign the Paris Agreement on Climate Change in 2015.
 
That incredible diplomatic achievement could not have been secured without the decisive role of the United States of America. That is why it is a dramatic mistake for President Trump to pull the US out of the Paris Agreement.
 
As the Chair of C40, a network of 91 of the world’s major cities committed to tackling climate change, and as the Mayor of Paris, I urge the US Administration to reconsider their decision. The next four years will be crucial in determining if the worst effects of climate change can be avoided. American leadership on this urgent challenge is needed now more than ever.
 
Regardless of President Trump’s final decision, the great cities of the world, in particular the twelve American C40 cities, remain resolutely committed to doing what needs to be done to implement the Paris Agreement.
 
Not a single day goes by without C40 mayors on every continent making bold and pioneering choices, serving citizens of the future. We will be relentless. The evidence and urgency of the climate crisis as well as the economic potential in shifting towards a greener future, leaves us no alternative.

 
Anne Hidalgo, 
Mayor of Paris & C40 Chair

Read the full statement here.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL ARTIST FELLOWSHIP AWARD TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL ARTIST FELLOWSHIP AWARD TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUAL ARTISTS
Pilot program invests total of $50,000 in the advancement of five artists
BOSTON - Friday, June 2, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, in partnership with the Boston Cultural Council, today announced the City's first-ever Artist Fellowship Award pilot program designed to invest in the advancement of artists living in Boston. The City of Boston will offer five fellowship awards in 2017, each worth $10,000, to recognize exceptional original artistic work through the City, helping recipients advance their careers and continue their work in Boston.

"When we launched the Boston Creates Cultural Plan, we talked about what it will take to keep artists in Boston, and we committed to investing in individual artists," said Mayor Walsh. "The Artist Fellowship Award recognizes that artists offer an essential contribution to our City and will provide them with the resources necessary to dedicate their time to continuing to create high quality work."

Awards will be distributed across artistic disciplines to artists from a diverse range of backgrounds who live and work in different neighborhoods throughout the City. Throughout the one-year fellowship, recipients will collaborate with the City of Boston on an event to showcase their individual work. In addition, recipients will receive professional development support, mentorship specialized to their needs and collaborative support from the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture.  

"Boston has a deep community of talented artists who have been creating extraordinary work," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "The Boston Creates Cultural Plan has allowed us to provide artists with additional support. The Artist Fellowship Award will help artists to grow and develop their careers while reinforcing their importance to the city."

The Artist Fellowship Award is open to all individual artists who work professionally in art disciplines. The application is available in six languages, including English, Cape Verdean Creole, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Spanish and Vietnamese. The applicant must be a City of Boston resident and must maintain residency through the year of fellowship. The artist must have lived in Boston for at least three years before applying and must be able to illustrate at least three years of experience creating art. An applicant cannot be enrolled in a degree program when applying for the Artist Fellowship Award and during the year of fellowship.  

The Artist Fellowship Award is an unrestricted award that can be used for expenses at the discretion of the recipient, providing the support they need to be able to continue their work.

Applications for the Artist Fellowship Award are now available and will be accepted through July 10, 2017. All application will be reviewed by a panel of jurors from the Boston Cultural Council. Award recipients will be announced in late summer.

For more information and to apply, click here.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition at Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Transition at Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development
Secretary Walker to depart, Rosalin Acosta named incoming Secretary effective July 1st

BOSTON - Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito announced the upcoming departure of Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II, and introduced Rosalin Acosta, a financial and banking service professional with over thirty years of experience, as incoming Secretary, effective July 1st.

“Since taking office, we have been committed to growing Massachusetts’ economy, creating jobs and ensuring our workforce has the opportunity to gain the skills and education necessary to meet the demands of employers today and into the future,” said Governor Baker. “Our success in doing so is a testament to the Commonwealth’s already highly-skilled and educated workforce, and Secretary Walker’s ability to empower employers, educators and advocates to collaborate. We are grateful for Ron’s strong contributions and efforts to lead the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and wish him well in his future endeavors.  Our administration welcomes Rosalin to pick up where he left off, bringing her devotion and experience to the cabinet to make Massachusetts’ communities stronger.”

“Across the Commonwealth’s cities and towns, employers and educators are communicating and collaborating at a deeper level on regional strategies for workforce development and economic growth thanks to Ron’s leadership and his hard work on important initiatives like the Workforce Skills Cabinet,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We welcome Rosalin’s experience and passion for community and public service as she joins the administration and begins her work to continue bolstering Massachusetts’ workforce.”

Under Secretary Walker’s management, the Baker-Polito Administration has made many advancements in the development of the Commonwealth’s labor workforce, including a focus on addressing the workforce skills gap and investing in equipment and capacity building for training programs which included:

·       Established the Workforce Skills Cabinet under the leadership of the Secretaries of Labor and Workforce Development, Housing and Economic Development and Education, and the task force to address Economic Opportunity for Populations Facing Chronically High Rates of Unemployment to develop recommendations and implement strategy for bridging the gap in employers’ demand for skilled workers and the training for residents to obtain successful careers, especially among chronically unemployed or underemployed populations.

·       Established the Workforce Skills Capital Grant Program, which as of this afternoon will have awarded over $26 million to 67 different vocational schools, community colleges and traditional public high schools to purchase vocational technical equipment and expand skills training programs for careers in growing industries. This included economic development legislation signed by Governor Baker last legislative sessionauthorizing $45 million for the program over three years.

·       Developed and passed legislation establishing and streamlining theMassachusetts Workforce Development Board to meet federal requirements and advise the administration on improving the public workforce system and aligning policies to strengthen regional economies.

·       Modernized the Department of Unemployment Assistance to help improve services for the unemployed, including bringing down wait times for assistance, significantly reducing the backlogs of claims, improving customer service, and catalyzing programs into federal compliance for the first time in 10 years.

·       Created a new Regional Planning Initiative aimed at addressing the skills gap by bringing together regional teams of employers, educators, and workforce and economic development professionals to create a statewide blueprint for growth strategies across every region of the Commonwealth, and $2 million in support for 14 regional partnerships preparing unemployed or underemployed residents.

·       Awarded over $37 million in Workforce Training Fund Program grants to advance the job skills of 28,934 of Massachusetts’ workers.

·       Secured over $9 million in federal funding to increase apprenticeships in education and healthcare and improve job opportunities for women, minorities, lower-income populations, those with disabilities and the unemployed.

·       Launched an Opioid Alternative Pathway pilot with the Executive Office of Health and Human Services to help injured workers who have settled workers’ compensation claims coordinate alternative pain management treatment, aimed at limiting the use of opioids or other narcotics.

During Secretary Walker’s tenure the unemployment rate has dropped from 5.1% to 3.9%, 142,300 jobs have been added to the economy, unemployment has been reduced by 41,302 residents, and today the Massachusetts labor force is the largest it has ever been since they began taking records in 1976.

“It has been one of the great honors of my life to serve the Commonwealth and the Baker-Polito administration. I’m particularly proud of our efforts to improve services for the unemployed and address the workforce skills gap” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II. “Ensuring that employers have access to a talented workforce, and that employees have the skills they need to get a good paying job in the new economy, is of vital to the welfare of Massachusetts. I have every confidence in Rosalin’s unique ability to take the Baker-Administration’s modernization efforts at the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development to the next level.”

“I am honored by the opportunity Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito have extended to me to join this administration, serve the Commonwealth and build on the progress that has been made thus far under Secretary Walker’s stewardship,” said incoming Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Rosalin Acosta. “I look forward to working with the dedicated public servants throughout the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development, its agencies and advising bodies to advance the development and strength of Massachusetts’ workforce.”

About Rosalin Acosta:

Rosalin Acosta recently stepped down as the Senior Vice President and Managing Director for Enterprise Wealth Management at Enterprise Bank in Lowell, where she oversaw the operations of the bank’s Wealth Management and Brokerage divisions since 2013. A widely respected financial and banking service professional with over thirty years of experience in Greater Boston financial institutions, Acosta has also worked in senior executive roles at TD Bank and Sovereign Bank (now Santander).  Acosta serves in many community and civic capacities, including as a Board Member of The Boston Foundation, a Board Overseer at Boston Children’s Hospital since 2009, where she was a founding member of Milagros Para Ninos, and a 14-year Member of the Boston Chapter of the Association of Latino Professionals For America (ALPFA). Acosta is a Director and Planning Member of the Merrimack Valley Workforce Investment Board and was appointed a Northern Essex Community College Trustee by Governor Baker in 2016. Acosta has been named one of Boston’s Most Influential Women by the Women of Harvard Club in 2014, where she serves on the Leadership Committee, and El Planeta’s Top 100 Most Influential Hispanics in Massachusetts for three consecutive years. Born in Cuba, Acosta earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wesleyan University in Connecticut where she was a member of the Women’s Varsity Ice Hockey Team. She is the proud mother of five children and an avid traveler, runner and cyclist.

Boston Kicks Off Free Summer Fitness Class Series

Boston Kicks Off Free Summer Fitness Class Series

Three-month series brings free classes to parks across the City, 
increasing access to physical activity
BOSTON - Friday, June 2, 2017 - The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department yesterday launched the 2017 Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series sponsored by Blue Cross Blue Shield.
The three-month series brings 26 free fitness classes per week to parks in 14 neighborhoods across the city, aiming to activate these spaces while increasing access to physical fitness opportunities across all of Boston's neighborhoods.
"We know that being active is important for overall health, but we also know how tough that can be to achieve for some people who have less access to physical fitness options," said BPHC Executive Director Monica Valdes Lupi, JD, MPH. "The Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series is a fun way for people to stay on track to meet their health goals, by bringing free fitness opportunities to the very neighborhoods where our residents live, work, and play."

According to the Health of Boston report, 21 percent of adults and 14 percent of high school students are obese. These rates are even higher among communities of color where 33 percent of Black adults and 27 percent of Latino adults were obese, compared to 16 percent of White adult residents. Only about half of adults in Boston have reported to exercise regularly. 

By engaging in a citywide effort to increase opportunities for physical activity, the Parks Department and BPHC aim to increase physical health for all of Boston's residents. This year's series looks to build upon previous program efforts by expanding the number of parks that offer free classes to city residents and making them more accessible to all neighborhoods. In extending this opportunity into the neighborhoods, the Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series aims to further reduce barriers to active living and achieve the goal of ensuring that Bostonians across the city have ample opportunity to be active. This year's Summer Fitness Series classes continue to be tailored to the interests of residents and participants. Many classes for the first time will be offered in Spanish.
"We are pleased to be teaming up again with the Boston Public Health Commission and Blue Cross Blue Shield to offer these healthy activities in our parks," said Boston Parks Commissioner Chris Cook. "Getting people outside and improving their lives is an important part of our mission at the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. To allow people to do this right in their own neighborhoods means that fitness is within reach of so many more Boston residents."

"At Blue Cross, we believe that the public and private sector have a responsibility to help all Massachusetts residents lead healthy lives by increasing their access to positive environments and experiences that inspire healthy eating and physical activity," said Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross. "Staying active and setting goals keeps your health moving in the right direction. The Boston Parks Summer Fitness series provides accessible physical activity opportunities that are high-quality, safe, and fun. We could not be more thrilled to partner with the City of Boston on this innovative program."

The June 1 kick-off event featured free high-energy 30-minute Zumba and line dancing classes open to all fitness levels, providing an introduction to all that the series has to offer Bostonians this summer including salsa dancing, yoga, tai chi, Zumba, boot camp, line dancing, and more. Polar Beverages provided free water at the event. This year's series includes classes specifically for seniors, children and families. Fitness classes will be offered from June 3 to August 31.
For a full schedule of Boston Parks Summer Fitness Series classes, visit bphc.org/summerfitness. For updates, follow @HealthyBoston, @BostonParksDept, and #BostonMoves on Twitter.
About the Boston Public Health Commission 
The Boston Public Health Commission, the country's oldest health department, is an independent public agency providing a wide range of health services and programs. It is governed by a seven-member board of health appointed by the Mayor of Boston.
Public service and access to quality health care are the cornerstones of our mission - to protect, preserve, and promote the health and well-being of all Boston residents, particularly those who are most vulnerable. The Commission's more than 40 programs are grouped into six bureaus: Child, Adolescent & Family Health; Community Health Initiatives; Homeless Services; Infectious Disease; Recovery Services; and Emergency Medical Services.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grants to Support Vocational Equipment and Programs

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grants to Support Vocational Equipment and Programs
More than $2.2 million in Skills Capital Grants will help 10 high schools improve and expand their vocational programs

BOSTON - Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, along with members of their Skills Cabinet, today awarded $2.2 million in Skills Capital Grants to 10 high schools, community colleges and educational institutions that will use the funds to purchase updated equipment and expand skills training programs for careers in growing industries.

Created last year, the Administration awards Skills Capital Grants to educational institutions that demonstrate partnerships with industry, as well as align curriculum and credentials with businesses’ demand, in order to maximize hiring opportunities in each region of the state.

“Our administration’s Skills Capital Grants will help vocational students at various educational levels become successful through enhanced training and teaching experiences related to high-demand sectors across the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Lt. Governor Polito and I created the Workforce Skills Cabinet shortly after coming into office to help Massachusetts meet the growing needs of our economy and this grant program will help us remain a leader in both innovation and education.”

The announcement was part of the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing education series, as state officials highlight various education programs, initiatives and funding opportunities from early education to college level, all aimed at providing a quality and affordable education for every student in the Commonwealth.

The 10 awardees received the grants at the State House Friday afternoon from Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Education Secretary James Peyser, Housing and Economic Development Director Jay Ash, and Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II.

“The opportunity for job growth across the Commonwealth is in sectors that demand highly skilled workers, often related to STEM,” Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. “The administration’s Skills Capital Grants broaden the reach of STEM-focused career education by developing more early college pathway programs and expanding the number of students who graduate from high school with real work experience.”

The Baker-Polito has awarded more than $26 million in Skills Capital Grants to 67different institutions. Some schools have received multiple grants since the program’s launch. The Economic Development legislation, proposed by the Administration and passed by the Legislature last year, authorizes $45 million in funding to award over the next three years.

The goal of the grants is to update capital equipment at educational institutions that create career pathways for young people and adults, which meet the demand of employers in each region. The grant application process places weight on connecting regional planning objectives with industry.

“The Skills Capital Grants are an example of the work the Baker-Polito Administration is doing to coordinate state resources in order to align economic development and workforce strategies with educational policies,” said Education Secretary James Peyser. “We are increasing opportunities for skill development and credentialing for Massachusetts residents so they can compete for jobs and meet the talent needs of the Commonwealth’s employers.”

“These grants will build a better, and more skilled workforce by putting new equipment in the hands of young people who are learning today what it takes to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace. Our students will be competitive and prepared to work in evolving industries because of the investments that are being made now,” said Housing and Economic Development Director Jay Ash.

“The future of the next generation of Massachusetts job seekers relies upon being able to train on next generation equipment,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II. “These Capital Grants are instrumental in developing job training pipelines for good paying in-demand jobs.”

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito created the Workforce Skills Cabinet in 2015, bringing together Secretary Peyser, Secretary Ash and Secretary Walker to align education, economic development and workforce issues, and to strategize around how to meet employers’ demand for skilled workers in each region of the state. 

The following schools received grants:

Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School, Marlborough - $244,510: The school will construct a new greenhouse that will provide hands-on learning in biotechnology, advanced manufacturing, computer programming and web development.

Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology, Boston - $200,000: The school will use the grant funds to support training in automation and interoperability, used in construction management, HVAC, mechanical engineering and automotive.

Chicopee High School, Chicopee - $100,000: The grant will support the culinary arts program to prepare students for post-secondary education in culinary arts, or prepare them for entry-level positions at restaurants, clubs and other hospitality venues.

Greater Lawrence Technical High School, Andover - $250,000: The grant will support the sustainable horticulture program with construction of a new greenhouse, and purchase of landscape construction equipment.

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford - $250,000: The grant will be used by the Robotics and Automation Project to support students in the Engineering Technology Department, as well as those in the school’s Adult Education program.

Marlborough Public Schools, Marlborough - $239,679: The grant will support the advanced precision manufacturing and electrical engineering lab in order to help students earn OSHA 30 General Industry certification and MACWIC Level 1 certification.

Methuen Public Schools, Methuen - $174,331: The grant will help create an Innovation Lab at Methuen High School. The lab will engage students in engineering, robotics, and computer programming. Students in grades K-8 will also use the lab for community-based programs before and after school.

Somerville Advanced Manufacturing Training Collaborative (SAMTC) - $195,111:Students in Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, and Architecture will be able to be certified as manufacturing production technicians and industrial robotics technicians, giving them the ability to set up, maintain, and program industrial robots.

South Shore Vocational Technical High School, Hanover - $250,000: The grant will support the precision machine technology program, and the horticultural and landscape construction programs.

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Bourne - $300,000: The school will purchase equipment to support the HVAC program, to educate high school students as well as adults who are currently unemployed or underemployed and need apprentice-level training.

星期四, 6月 01, 2017

波士頓亞美電影節"短波"賽 鼓勵藉影片塑造社區

波士頓亞美電影節2017年的"短波"以"塑造我們社區的故事"
為主題。(周菊子攝)
                 (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 第七屆波士頓亞美電影節(BAAFF) "塑造我們社區的故事"為主題的短波(Short Wave)”短片比賽,共放映14部短片,由法律與秩序:脆弱白人組(Law and Order: White Fragility Unit)”奪得大獎。
            Nicole Tay執導的這部法律與秩序:脆弱的白人組,以一個白人脆弱特別受害者小組成立,以幫助有色人種對抗社會不正義的故事,帶出全美種族歧視氣焰現在更高漲的趨勢。
            獲選入圍的3部影片包括藉一名哈佛法學院女學生的習舞,描述中國武術精神的槌子/拳頭:保護的力量(Hammer/Fist: Power to Protect)”,闡述衛斯理學院學生爭取學校設置永久性亞美課程教席的沒課就不安靜(No Program No Peace),以及由曹育倫主演,描述亞裔對別人怎麼看自己很敏感的自我認知(Self-Perception)”
波士頓亞美電影節創辦人甄翠嬿(左),副主任陳曉瑩(右)。(周菊子攝)
            "塑造我們社區的故事"為主題的2017波士頓亞美電影節短片比賽"短波"531日晚在塔芙茨醫療中心Wolf禮堂舉行,由波士頓亞美電影節創辦人甄翠嬿主持,有近百人出席,共放映了14部短片,有的非常簡單,平鋪直敘,由兩名高中生,對著鏡頭述說就拍了一段,有的顯然花了些心思編排劇情,甚至以動畫形式製作,水準頗參差不齊,各自陳述著亞美社區裡的故事。其中一個以照片配旁白,敘述亞裔美人兩三代之間差異的短片,帶出了許多亞美家庭儘管生活在同一個屋簷下,卻面對著年齡,文化,語言能力,生長背景差異巨大的這一現實。另外一個女生自述,從母親對女兒的期望引出的女性社會地位問題,延展到亞裔身份在美國社會被當作模範少數族裔所帶來的壓力或不公平。

            今年的波士頓亞美電影節預訂101922日舉行,目前仍在徵集參展影片中,查詢相關情況可發電郵 baaff.programming@aarw.org



兒童氣候博物館開幕(圖片)




e Inc.執行主任Ricky Stern表示在芝加哥一博物館支持下,該機構得以
推出兒同氣候博物館。(周菊子攝)