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星期五, 10月 31, 2014

Treats for Chinatown Chinese Youth Initiative brings library resources to the community on Halloween

Treats for Chinatown
Chinese Youth Initiative brings library resources to the community on Halloween

 BOSTON, MA - On Friday, October 31, 2014, the Chinese Progressive Association’s Chinese Youth Initiative Program held a “Trick or Treat for the Chinatown Library” event outside of the Josiah Quincy School at the corner of Washington and Oak Streets in Boston’s Chinatown. 

Eight youth spoke to about 100 community members and passersby about the need for permanent library services to be brought back to Chinatown and the current efforts they are engaged in to bring these services back. Almost half of the people that the youth spoke with signed the youth program’s Chinatown Library/Cultural Center Petition that calls for the allocation of community benefits from the development of 345 Harrison Avenue to go towards the build out of a library/cultural center in Chinatown. 

In the spirit of Halloween, the youth passed out candy and books to dozens of children who stopped by. In addition to books, coloring and drawing activities were available to show some of the resources a permanent library/cultural center would provide for the community. 

Lincy Shen, a youth involved with the Chinese Youth Initiative, spoke about the importance of a library in Chinatown. “Every community should have a library. Why Chinatown, a community in the middle of Boston, a city full of libraries, does not have a library puzzles me. Chinatown needs a library; if there is no library now, how much longer will Chinatown have to wait – another 50 years?” said Lincy Shen.

Chinatown’s public library branch was razed in 1956 during urban renewal and the community has campaigned for library services to return since then. Chinese Youth Initiative has been engaged in efforts to bring library services back to the community since 2001. A library would be a critical resource for stabilizing the Chinatown community especially now as the community faces displacement and the pressure of luxury development. Temporary library spaces were seen with the Storefront Library for three months in 2009 and the Oak Terrace Reading Room for about one year in 2012, both of which were frequented often by residents and visitors. 

Last week, an art installation by Andrea Zampitella and Monica Mitchell, “Open Libraries – Open Minds,” provided the community with free library services, specifically books. Chinese Youth Initiative worked with the artists to staff this installation when it was available at the Chinatown Gate. The name of the exhibit was inspired by the chant, “Closed Libraries – Closed Minds,” from when community members protested the closing of the original Chinatown library branch. “Open Libraries – Open Minds” was part of RVisions for Chinatown, a one week series of temporary art interventions in Boston’s Chinatown from October 19th-25th, organized by the Wong/Yee Gallery, Chinese Progressive Association, and Asian American Resource Workshop, that highlighted how public parcels or vacant properties can be used for community use and raised awareness about issues such as the need for more affordable housing and library services in Chinatown. 

In the summer of 2013, the Chinese Youth Initiative secured a signed pledge from current Mayor Martin Walsh that he would work with the community to establish permanent library services in Chinatown. The Chinese Youth Initiative looks forward to continuing to work with the city government and city officials on establishing these services. 

前波士頓市長萬寧路辭世 美國總統都致意

波士頓市在位廿年,締造在位時間最長歷史記錄的市長萬寧路(Tom Menino),昨早(十月三十日)辭世,享年七十一歲。
            萬寧路上星期才宣佈放棄治療癌症,取消打書宣傳計劃,昨日驟然辭世,震動了波士頓,麻州,甚至白宮。
        美國總統奧巴馬,麻州州長派區克,波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)等許多人昨日紛紛發言悼念,稱萬寧路使波士頓成為一個更好,更宜人居的城市,思慮周到的政治家,啓發年輕人自我改善,追求進步。波士頓市幾大電視台更是鋪天蓋地的大篇幅報導人們記憶中的萬寧路。
            馬丁華殊指出,沒人比萬寧路更愛波士頓市。萬寧路以無人能比的決心和工作道德,積極的推動創新,讓波士頓成為全美模範,把波士頓市帶上了世界舞台。
            由於萬寧路是都會市長聯盟(Metro Mayors Coalition)的創始人,昨日該聯盟的市長們也聯名發表悼文。
            波士頓商業雜誌在相關報導中指出,萬寧路在他的新書中表示,“恐懼就是力量(Fear is power)”,從來就不怕以他自己的方式經營波士頓市。
            萬寧路在他卸任前的最後一次發表市情咨文時也曾形容自己的經營波士頓是“我照我的方式做了(I did it my way)。
            兩名麻州州長候選人,柯克莉(Martha Coakley),查理貝克(Charlie Baker)都暫停競選活動,以示對萬寧路的尊敬。他們倆人都說萬寧路曾經忠告他們,要從政,就要走入人群,接近真正的人們。
            波士頓一電視台昨日表示,該台做了個簡短調查,發現 大概至少有一半以上的波士頓市民,曾見過萬寧路本人。絕大部分的人也都對他印象很好,認為他很親民。
            波士頓環球報表示,萬寧路曾說市長不需要有遠見,但要能夠把事情做出來,藉以把自己和政客區分開來。他在任內的成就,讓人們把波士頓稱為美國的雅典。
            在波士頓第五號電視台跑政治新聞逾廿年的伍沅媚(Janet Wu)昨日也在接受該台新聞主播的訪問時表示,萬寧路最特別的地方是他待人一視同仁,有幽默感,還很快就能就一個人做出判斷。
            波士頓華埠之內,陳毓禮和萬寧路關係最深,結緣超過廿年,早在萬寧路還是市議員時,兩人就已常相往來。萬寧路競選市長時,陳毓禮不但親自陪著萬寧路四處拜票,還為他舉辦籌款會,籌到當年也算巨款的不下一萬多元。
            陳毓禮昨早接到電話通知,感觸落淚。他感慨表示,萬寧路在位時,每年的七月十二日都會在家門前舉行燒烤會,和鄰居,好友歡聚。今年他卸任,沒辦燒烤會,但九月時邀了廿多名好友聚餐,他也忝列其一。雖然一週前就已知道萬寧路身體狀況越來越差,如今竟真的天人兩隔,怎能不難過,傷心。
            陳毓禮認為萬寧路是華埠的真朋友,在華埠有需要時,總是伸手相助。當非典(SARS)流行,華埠商家生意受影響時,他親自進華埠用餐,還邀請媒體來報導,藉以讓人們安心進華埠。千禧年大樓建造時交給波士頓市府的連鎖金,因為萬寧路的指示,有二百多萬元撥給了亞美社區發展協會的信義大廈建造計劃。華人經濟發展協會為推動好事福街平安巷可負擔住宅大樓建造計劃,錢不夠時,也是萬寧路出手幫忙,史都華街45號土地發展計劃的百餘萬元連鎖金,才撥給了華經會。廣教學校和華美福利會共有的泰勒街87號大樓,也是因為萬寧路幫忙,才建成。
            費奇堡市(Fitchburg)市長黃素芬(Lisa Wong)說,當年她還是波士頓大學學生時,認識了萬寧路。也是因為萬寧路,她才想到要競選市長。
            波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)和黃素芬,陳偉民等許多人一樣,都把臉書上的頭像,換成了他們和萬寧路的合照,藉以表達追悼之意。
            吳弭還留言感謝萬寧路啟發了她和許多年輕人,以身作則的教會了她,政府就是要為人民服務,沒有什麼事是微不足道,也沒有什麼事會大到不能解決,勤勞就會有收穫。
            波士頓市議會議長林乃肯的華裔助理陳偉民表示,他認為萬寧路波士頓市有史以來最棒的政治人物。
        波士頓市府昨日開放到晚上十一點,容許市民前往表達悼念。今日(十月三十一日)波士頓市的各社區公共圖書館(www.bpl.org/branches)及社區中心將放有弔唁簿,供人們留言。
           
圖片說明:

            萬寧路(Tom Menino)(中)和妻子安琪拉在波士頓第一夜活動中,與民眾同迎新的一年。(菊子攝,檔案照片)

            麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)(左起),陳毓禮,陳毓璇,林乃肯(Bill Linehan)去年聖誕節前,迎接萬寧路(中)的聖誕列車進華埠。(菊子攝,檔案照片)

            波士頓現任市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh,右一)在當選市長,還未接任時,和當時的波士頓市長萬寧路同台與民同慶。(菊子攝,檔案照片)

            萬寧路身後,包括有他一家人圖樣的壁畫瓷磚,是他卸任前留給波士頓市府的永久性紀念。(菊子攝,檔案照片)

            萬寧路進華埠時,和曾經為他工作的年輕人合影。左一為市長華埠聯絡員翁耀漢,左五為曾任市長華埠聯絡員的鍾志生,左六為現任波市議長助理陳偉民。(圖由陳偉民提供)

            波士頓市議員吳弭(左)在哈佛大學唸書時,曾在萬寧路辦公室工作。(圖由吳弭提供)

            費奇堡市長黃素芬(左)在黃氏宗親會農曆新年慶祝會上和萬寧路合影。昨日她把臉書上的頭像,換成了這一張。(圖由黃素芬提供)

            萬寧路(左二)最後一次競選連任市長時,和競爭對手尹常賢(左起),米高法拉提(Mike Flaherty),麥奎亞(Kevin McCrea)握手。米高和麥奎亞昨日都在臉書上留言,向萬寧路致敬。麥奎亞表示,萬寧路從來都不怕以他自己的方式來經營波士頓,很多議題都走在前面,包括支持同性戀權益。(菊子攝,檔案照片)


            楊信宜(左),陳志新(右)這兩名多半在牛頓市活動的音樂家,也在臉書上貼出了他們和萬寧路(中)合影的照片,藉以悼念萬寧路的辭世。


Sunday
10 a.m.: Lying in state at Faneuil Hall
Monday
12 p.m.: Private Mass at Most Precious Blood Church, 25 Maple St. in Hyde Park
Ongoing
Flowers and mementos may be left in City Hall, inside the main entrance, on the City Hall Plaza side.
Condolence books will be located in all of the city’s neighborhood libraries and community centers.
Letters and cards may be sent to Menino’s office at Boston University, 75 Bay State Road, Boston MA 02215.

高柏珂競選麻州財政廳長 華裔選民聚眾助陣

今年的麻州大選,亞裔助選熱度比往年高很多。刻正競選麻州財政廳廳長的高伯珂(Deb Goldberg)昨(廿九)日應邀,出席在華埠龍鳳酒樓舉行的餐會,與亞裔支持者歡聚。
今年五月十一日慶祝了六十歲生日的高伯珂,在19842004年間曾經擔任布魯克蘭鎮鎮議員,其中的最後兩任,當上鎮議會議長。2006年,她曾參選麻州副州長,去年宣布參選麻州財政廳廳長,並於九月九日的初選,打敗了角逐同一職位的麻州參議員范高德(Barry Finegold),以及麻州眾議員康洛伊(Tom Conroy ),成為民主黨提名的候選人。
高伯珂家族在1892年移民來美,落腳波士頓北端(North End),開了家雜貨店,後來擴張成新英格蘭最大的連鎖超市“停下來買(Stop & Shop)“。
在發表競選政綱時,高伯珂經常強調,她要讓麻州家庭更懂得理財,找出辦法讓高等教育更可負擔,還會藉由學徒式的項目,鼓勵活絡投資,以彌平人們的經濟才能差距。
她也支持聯邦參議員伊麗莎白沃倫(Elizabeth Warren)的允許學生以更低利率重新貸款等提案。
最近麻州財政廳廳長一職的在為者,必須能夠解決麻州州政府面對的290億元退休金危機的議論層出不窮。
波士頓商業雜誌(Boston Business Journal),波士頓環球報都撰文討論,但這兩個刊物對高伯珂有不同評價。
波士頓商業雜誌認為高伯珂在競選時,未提出過讓人覺得她足以勝任財政廳廳長職務的政綱,波士頓環球報的一篇評論卻說,高伯珂不但有家族經營連鎖超市的經驗,她本人也當過地方上的民選代表,有處理政治及財務經驗。
            支持高伯珂的亞裔群眾表示,高伯珂的競爭對手,共和黨籍的麻州財政廳廳長候選人賀福南(Mike Heffernan),迄今仍沒多人知道他是誰,麻州財政廳長一職的選舉,應該是未選,已有結果。
            昨(廿九日)晚,大波士頓華埠的亞裔在波士頓龍鳳酒樓聚餐,為高伯珂造勢。波士頓市議員吳弭,麻州州長亞美顧問會主席陳穎玉,副主席李超榮,以個人身份到會的紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦等,有許多人出席。包括謝婉珍,陳寶萍,謝如鍵,葉福林,曾兆漢等人,還到路邊舉牌,增加氣勢。

圖片說明:

        競選麻州財政廳廳長的高伯珂(前左五)和謝婉珍(前左二起),謝如鍵,吳弭,阮鴻燦,陳寶萍(右一)等支持者,在華埠街頭合影。(圖由阮鴻燦提供)

            在龍鳳酒樓內,吳弭(左)介紹高伯珂(右)。(圖由阮鴻燦提供)


政要悼念萬寧路(Tom Menino)

STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR DEVAL PATRICK ON MAYOR THOMAS M. MENINO
BOSTON – Thursday, October 30, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today released the following statement on the passing of Mayor Thomas M. Menino: 

"Boston has lost a political giant, and Diane and I have lost a friend. Our hearts and prayers go out to Angela and the whole Menino family. And we thank God for the service and the life of Tom Menino."

Statement from Mayor Martin J. Walsh on the Loss of Former Mayor Thomas Menino

"Today the City of Boston mourns together.
"To any who had come to know him, it is no surprise that more than half of Boston had a direct interaction with Tom Menino. No man possessed a greater love for our City, and his dedicated life in service to Boston and her people and changed the face of the City.
"With sheer determination and unmatched work ethic, he took a city that is not as big in size as we are in stature and put us on the world stage as a national leader in health care, education, innovation and the nitty gritty of executing basic city services.
"He was a leader on policy issues that shaped the Boston we know today: from the environment, to youth engagement, to innovation, to crime prevention. But more than anything, he was a man of the neighborhoods. He held a profound understanding of the direct and immediate impact that municipal government can have on people, and made it a great priority to ensure that government served people, and not the other way around.
"Even in the latest stages of his illness, his concern – first and foremost – was always for Boston. We are forever grateful for Mayor Menino’s guidance, advice, and continued dedication to Boston. And though he has passed, his legacy and spirit will be felt across the City for generations to come.
"Because of his leadership, Boston is a better place today.
"From a grateful City: Our prayers are with Angela, Susan and Tommy, their families and friends, and all who loved Tom Menino.

Statement from House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo

“Mayor Menino had the courage to do whatever it took to fight for the people of Boston. We are all beneficiaries of his generous spirit, particularly the children of Boston, for whom he advocated tirelessly so they would have bright futures. My deepest prayers are with Angela and the Menino family. We are grateful for the decades that you and Mayor Menino shared with the citizens of Massachusetts.”

TREASURER STEVE GROSSMAN RELEASED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT 
TODAY ON MAYOR THOMAS M. MENINO’S PASSING

"Tom Menino's passing leaves a gigantic hole in the heart of the city he loved. His life and courage 

epitomized "Boston Strong" and will inspire our community for generations to come. Barbara and I extend 

our condolences to Angela, the entire Menino family, and the people of Boston."

Statement From Michelle Wu

Thank you, Mayor Menino, for your fierce joy and love in serving our city.

I am grateful to be among the many, many people whose lives have been shaped and inspired by Mayor Tom Menino. He gave me my start in city government and set the most powerful example of dedication to residents in every corner of Boston. He taught me that government is about helping people, especially those without a voice. He showed me that hard work gets results, that no issue is too small to matter and none too big to tackle. He inspired us all with his enormous love for Boston, the joy lighting up his face each time he spoke with young people, who represent the next generation of this great city.

Sending thoughts and prayers to Mayor Menino’s family, friends and all those who loved him.
--
Michelle Wu
Boston City Councilor At-Large

METRO MAYORS MOURN PASSING OF LONGEST-SERVING BOSTON MAYOR, THOMAS MENINO

For Immediate Release: October 30, 2014


Boston — The thirteen mayors and managers of the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition were incredibly saddened to learn of the passing of Boston’s longest serving Mayor, Thomas Menino, earlier today.

Mayor Menino was a founding member of the Metro Mayors Coalition and an active participant in all of the Coalition’s events and activities. His regional leadership and enthusiasm were key to making the Coalition an effective voice.

“Mayor Menino deserved more time to enjoy the fruits of his relentless, hard work over 20 years making Boston a safe, vibrant and livable city,” said Somerville Mayor Joseph Curtatone, Chairman of the Metro Mayors Coalition. “I am heartbroken to hear of his too-soon death, which he faced with the same grace and resolve that was a trademark of his leadership, and that his close friends and family have lost him after sharing him with all of us for so long. He was more than the Mayor of Boston—he was our mayor, for many beyond the city limits. His legacy is a city, a region, and a Commonwealth irrevocably better because of his public service.”

“Mayor Menino was the driving force that helped establish the Metropolitan Mayors Coalition and then the glue that held it together,” said Chelsea City Manager Jay Ash, Vice-Chair of the Metro Mayors Coalition. “He was personally involved in ensuring that a regional tone in his strong Boston voice was heard, and his work resulted in a better Boston and a better Greater Boston.  I’m saddened to lose a good friend and champion, and will forever be appreciative for all he did to advance the cause of all communities here in the commonwealth.”

On issues ranging from youth violence prevention to municipal employee health insurance, Mayor Menino lent his voice to the Coalition and ensured that Boston’s neighbors continued to move forward with our capital city.

The Metro Mayors Coalition’s thoughts are with Angela and the entire extended Menino family during this difficult time. Mayor Menino was a truly larger-than-life figure in Boston and across our region. We will all miss him dearly, and we will work to keep his memory alive by living up to the example he provided for all of us.

MARTIN J. WALSH
Mayor of Boston

JOSEPH C. SULLIVAN
Mayor of Braintree

MEL KLECKNERTown Administrator of Brookline

RICHARD C. ROSSI
City Manager of Cambridge

JAY ASH
City Manager of Chelsea

CARLO DeMARIA, JR.
Mayor of Everett

GARY CHRISTENSON
Mayor of Malden

MICHAEL McGLYNN
Mayor of Medford

ROBERT J. DOLAN
Mayor of Melrose

THOMAS P. KOCH
Mayor of Quincy

DAN RIZZO
Mayor of Revere

JOSEPH A. CURTATONE
Mayor of Somerville

JAMES M. McKENNA
Town Manager of Winthrop


B.A.A. StatementThomas M. Menino, Mayor of the City of Boston (1993-2014)

The B.A.A. expresses our profound sadness at Mayor Menino's passing, together with our deep gratitude for the magnificent support to the Marathon, the B.A.A. and the hundreds of thousands of athletes who have run in Boston under his watchful eye.  He was always one of the first spectators to arrive at the Marathon and the last to leave, including in 2014. He touched the event and the athletes in every way, every year. The race is diminished without him.  

Mayor Menino’s support for the Boston Marathon and the B.A.A. never wavered.  His leadership after the bombings which occurred on Marathon Day in 2013 resulted in the City becoming synonymous with resiliency and strength. “Boston Strong” was his hallmark, and his compassion for the family of the victims and the survivors directly led to the quick formation of The One Fund Boston. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.

- B.A.A. President Joann E. Flaminio and B.A.A. Executive Director Thomas S. Grilk

    Remembering Mayor Menino

    To the BPS community,
    Today our city is saying goodbye to one of our very best friends. 
    Mayor Thomas M. Menino transformed the Boston Public Schools. To a person, every one of us who serves our city's children and families shares the same mission. Our goal each day is to offer a great education to every child, regardless of race or ethnicity, ability or disability, income, or whether their family has been in Boston for generations or recently arrived here from across the world.
    Mayor Menino was the person who, more than twenty years ago, asked us to take this mission on. The employees of the Boston Public Schools have done so with passion and a seemingly endless capacity for innovation, excellence and always with the very highest of standards. Our city has benefited greatly from his vision and from your talent. Working daily with parents, students and partners, we are united in this ongoing and urgent work.
    We will share more information in the days to come about opportunities to support the Menino family and honor his memory. In the meantime, I hope you will take a moment to visit our Remembering Mayor Menino page on the BPS website. We have gathered a few thoughts from some of the men and women who served alongside him leading our schools and we have taken special note of many of the accomplishments he was most proud of.
    I wish we did not have to share this news with you today. All of us, including nearly every one of of our students, knew Mayor Menino personally. This is a tribute to his character and to his highly personal touch. Our thoughts and prayers are with Angela, his children and grandchildren, and his entire family.
    John McDonough
    Interim Superintendent

    BOSTON -- The Boston Public Schools has launched a web page about Mayor Thomas M. Menino that contains reflections from key leaders, including past and current School Committee chairpersons and past and present Superintendents. 

    The "Remembering Mayor Menino" page also features a list of major reforms accomplished in the Boston Public Schools thanks to Mayor Menino's leadership.

    The page is linked from the home page of bostonpublicschools.org and can be reached directly at http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/4137.

    Statement from Michael D. O'Neill, Chairperson of the Boston School Committee:
    "Mayor Menino, as much as he loved Boston overall, was all about the children of Boston and most especially those in the Boston Public Schools. He was fond of saying 'we take all students and teach all students' and, as usual with his fighting spirit, he considered that both an honor and an obligation. He consistently reminded those of us charged directly with improving public education in Boston of the need to be focused squarely on the youth and to do what was right at all times. He was a leader nationally among major city mayors in assuming full responsibility for improvement in his city's schools and from his strong, focused, personalized approach, often from individual day-to-day observations in our schools and his numerous daily interactions with school leaders, teachers, staff, parents and students, he led the effort for Boston to now be considered a national leader in urban education. But, for Mayor Menino, it was all about the students, for as he often said 'I'm happiest when I'm in one of our schools.' His positive impact will be felt for generations to come in our city."

    Statement from John P. McDonough, Interim Superintendent:
    "Mayor Menino saw promise and potential in every child. He turned our city’s school system into a model that other big cities have tried to recreate. Over 20 years of school visits he came to know our teachers, students, school leaders, parents, custodians and coaches by name -- and they certainly knew him. He pushed for equity and quality in every school, for every student, across entire generations of Boston families. He never stopped fighting for excellence and he never gave up. Our hearts go out to his family. Mayor Menino will be in our hearts forever."
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  • City Hall will be open until 11:00 p.m. tonight.
  • Flowers and mementos may be left in City Hall, inside the main City Hall entrance (City Hall Plaza side). 
  • By tomorrow, condolence books will be located in all neighborhood libraries (www.bpl.org/branches) and community centers (www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF/centers/). 
  • Letters and cards may be sent to: Mayor Menino’s Office, Boston University, 75 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215. 
  • Visit tommenino.org for complete information.