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星期三, 6月 27, 2018

波士頓市停車違規罰款7月2日起大漲價


(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓整理報導)波士頓交通局626日宣佈,72日起停車違規罰款漲價,漲幅高達1.5倍。
舉凡在住宅區無許可停車,雙排停車,在載貨區停車,在計時停車位超時停洎等等,都將收到更貴的罰單。
好消息則是,那些夜間清掃,不准車輛在早上7點以前停洎的街道,將不再把車拖走,但罰款將從以前的40元漲至90元。那些在白天清掃的街道,罰款仍然是40元,也仍然可能被私營合約商拖吊走,違規者將因此損失更多錢,因為在罰款之外,從拖吊場取回車輛,可能至少得另外掏出逾百元。
波士頓交通局在該局網頁上表示,調漲的都是對居民負面影響最大的,最常見的,會導致市區街道擠塞的違規行為。
波士頓交通局局長Gina N. Fiandaca表示,交通規則的訂定,是為保障街道安全,能夠有效運作。波市交通局也指出,停車違規罰單已有10年沒漲過價了,這些罰單漲價收到錢,將用來支持波市府的”Go Boston 2030”計畫。
波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)四月分時提出違規停車罰款漲價的計畫,還把那寫進年度預算了,波市議會稍後略做修改,也通過了。
波市府在2017會計年度內,發出了130萬份車輛違規罰單。在2018會計年度的頭10個月內,該局經由市府311系統接到不下33,000次的執行車輛違規處罰要求。
停車違規的罰款漲價概況,可在交通局網頁上看到詳情,大致包括:
  • 無居民停車許可,擅自停車者,罰款從40元漲至60元。
  • 夜間街道清掃期間違規停車,開罰單,但不拖車,罰款從40元漲至90元。
  • 載貨區,從55元漲至90元。
  • 不准停車區,A區,從55元漲至90元。
  • 不准停車區,B區,從25 元漲至55元。
  • 雙排停車,A區,從45元漲至55元。
  • 雙排停車,B區,從30 元漲至35元。
  • 不准暫停或逗留,從75元漲至90元。
  • 未付計時停車錶費用,從25元漲至40元。
  • 逾時停車,從25元漲至40元。
  • 超過張貼時間限制,從25元漲至40元。

星期二, 6月 26, 2018

中華專協、北一女校友上MFA品味藝術

紐英崙中華專協、北一女校友經譚嘉陵安排,參訪MFA,聽專家導覽。(周菊子攝)
(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)紐英崙中華專業人員協會攜手北一女校友會,622日逾40人浩蕩參訪波士頓美術博物館(MFA),享受有兩名館長親自導覽的尊貴欣賞藝術之旅。
紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事譚嘉陵(右起),MFA的中國藝術
資深館長Nancy Berliner (白铃安),莫內藝廊館長Katie Hanson,
和中華專協會長彭淑敏(左一)。(周菊子攝)
紐英崙中華專業人員協會藉譚嘉陵與波士頓美術館的特殊關係,每年舉辦”MFA參訪之旅,今年已是第18次,有吳同中國藝術資深館長白鈴安(Nancy Berliner),莫內(Monet)藝廊館長Katie Hanson親自出馬做導覽。
這次的參訪重點,東方藝術部分是宋代展廳的兩幅精品,王振鵬及據傳是董源的手捲畫作,還有明前期永樂年間(1403-24)燒製的梅瓶,中國文人石展廳中劉丹所繪製,從不同角度畫同一塊文人石的七幅作品。
西方藝術部分,則是莫內藝廊。
王振鵬的畫作。(周菊子攝)
王振鵬是來自浙江溫州的元代著名畫家,用筆細膩,擅長畫人物和宮廷建築,元仁宗還賜號弧雲處士201212月在北京舉行的保利秋拍中國古畫中,比利時一名男爵收藏的江山勝覽圖卷,被一名中國境內華人以1.012億元收購。
董源則是五代南棠畫家,南派山水畫的開山鼻祖,和李成,范寬並稱北宋三大家。由於南唐主李璟時,他曾任北苑副使,故又稱董北苑。目前MFA宋代展廳入口右手邊擺的就是一幅北苑真筆
明朝永樂年間的梅瓶,主要是酒器,花器,景德鎮燒出來,供內府用的,市面上曾出現逾600萬元美金的拍賣價格。MFA現正展出的這個,有龍紋,還是少見的紅釉。
明朝永樂梅瓶。(周菊子攝)
莫內藝廊,現在佈展的畫作18幅,約為MFA莫內畫作收藏量的一半。Katie Hanson很會說故事。她指出,十九世紀的法國印象派創始人之一的莫內(Oscar-Claude Monet),是人還在世就名利雙收的畫家之一。他的光影,線條迷倒許多人,在一次展覽中,有一系列的農家糧倉畫作大賣,讓他有了錢,不但買下自己租住的房子,還連周遭建築物都一起買下來。莫內的最大畫作是他妻子穿著和服的一幅畫,和服上的武士正準備抽刀,也有著一段故事。
紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長蕭蔚,會長彭淑敏,北一女校友會會長江佩蓉,都盛讚譚嘉陵為他們提供了一個這麼好的活動,會友們不但可藉活動交流,聯誼,還能聆聽館長親自講解,增長藝術知識,實在難得。
MFA內的莫內藝廊。左手邊那幅大畫,就是莫內尺寸最大的畫作。
(周菊子攝)
"Seeking Stillness"中的中國文人石展廳。(周菊子攝)

摩頓市長特別助理獲表揚為無名英雄

MASSACHUSETTS COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
ANNOUNCED UNSUNG HEROINES OF 2018
Maria Luise of Malden was honored as a member of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2018 class of Unsung Heroines.  Representative Steven Ultrino recommended Ms. Luise for this recognition because of her outstanding contributions to the city of Malden. Ms. Luise was honored with 130 other Unsung Heroines for her outstanding contributions to her organization/community in a ceremony on Wednesday, June 20, 2018 from 1-4 p.m., in the Great Hall at the State House in Boston.
Maria Luise is the special assistant to Mayor Gary Christenson. She has been a dedicated government employee for many years as well as an active member of the Malden community.
“Maria Luise has made significant contributions to the city of Malden,” says Representative Ultrino, “Her dedication to the community deserves recognition, which is why I was honored to nominate her for the Unsung Heroine Award.”
The Unsung Heroines are women who don’t make the news, but make the difference.  They are the women who use their time, talent and enthusiasm to enrich the lives of others and make a difference in their neighborhoods, cities and towns. They are mentors, volunteers and innovators who do what needs to be done without expectations of recognition or gratitude. These women are the glue that keeps a community together and every community is better because of their contribution.  
The ceremony included a program emceed by MCSW Chair Margot Parrot, acknowledging each of the 2018 Unsung Heroines, along with remarks from Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, Speaker of the House Robert A. DeLeo, Senate President Harriette L. Chandler and Representative Colleen M. Garry, Co-Chair of the Massachusetts Caucus of Women Legislators. The ceremony was followed by a group photograph and a “Just Desserts” reception.
A complete list of this year’s honorees is available by contacting the Commission; to request this list or for additional information please contact the MCSW at 617-626-6520 or mcsw@state.ma.us.
This event was made possible with the generous support of the following sponsors: Baystate Health, Eastern Bank, Girls Scouts of Eastern Massachusetts, Jacqueline’s Gourmet Cookies, Kerry Goodwin Photography, Polar Beverages, and SM Lorusso and Sons, Inc.
The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.

AG HEALEY STATEMENT ON U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION TO UPHOLD TRUMP TRAVEL BAN

AG HEALEY STATEMENT ON U.S. SUPREME COURT DECISION TO UPHOLD TRUMP TRAVEL BAN

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today issued the following statement in response to the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision to uphold President Trump’s travel ban:
“From the beginning, President Trump has been trying to make good on an outrageous and discriminatory campaign promise by banning Muslims from entering our country,” said AG Healey. “While I disagree with the court’s decision today, I am proud that we successfully stopped the first two versions of this executive order and limited the impact of this shameful policy. My office will continue to work with leaders in government and immigrant communities across Massachusetts to protect everyone’s rights and stand up to hate in all of its forms.”

AG Healey was one of the first state attorneys general to challenge President Trump’s executive order banning individuals from seven predominantly Muslim countries from entering the U.S. in January 2017, and later joined a lawsuit challenging the president’s revised travel ban in March 2017. Both of these earlier versions of the ban were struck down in court.

18 州總檢察官結盟 為強行拆散家庭移民政策告川普

AG HEALEY SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION OVER ILLEGAL FORCED FAMILY SEPARATION POLICY 
Lawsuit Seeks to Reunite Thousands of Separated Families and End the ‘Zero Tolerance Policy’

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the Department of Justice, the Department of Homeland Security, and relevant Trump Administration officials over their cruel and illegal policy of forcibly separating families at the southwestern border.

“What the Trump Administration is doing is not only inhumane and immoral, it is illegal,” said AG Healey. “Last week’s executive order is just another effort by the Administration to avoid responsibility for intentionally tearing apart thousands of families. We are suing to end this cruel and illegal policy, reunite families and ensure that this does not happen again.”

The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, asks the Court to order the Trump Administration to reunite the more than two thousand families that have been torn apart as a result of the unconstitutional policy. The attorneys general argue that the “zero tolerance” policy, requiring immediate separation of children from their parents and criminal prosecution of all adults who enter the southwestern border without express authorization, including those seeking asylum, violates due process, equal protection, and federal law.

The lawsuit further contends that the Executive Order issued by President Trump last week does not actually end the illegal policy, admits the federal government does not have the resources to indefinitely detain all of these families together, and does not reunify families who have been separated.

While the family separation policy starts at the southwestern border, it is impacting states across the country – including Massachusetts. As a result of the policy, a Brazilian mother who is now in Hyannis after an asylum officer found she has a credible fear of persecution in Brazil, has been separated from her nine-year-old son for almost a month. The woman’s son is still being held in a shelter in Chicago. The complaint also points to two Guatemalan children now in Massachusetts who were separated from their mother in Texas. After being held in Michigan for five weeks, the children have been reunited with their father in Westboro, while their mother is still held in Texas.

            Announced in April, the “zero tolerance policy” directs immigration authorities to detain and prosecute every unauthorized person that crosses the southwestern border, take their children away from them, and place the children into federal custody. Pursuant to President Trump’s Executive Order, the Department of Justice has subsequently asked a federal court to detain children with their parents for indefinite periods of time at unlicensed facilities. The lawsuit asks the Court to prohibit the Trump Administration from placing children in such unlicensed facilities.

By carrying out this policy, the attorneys general claim, the Departments of Justice and Homeland Security are inflicting devastating and long-lasting trauma on thousands of innocent children.

            The complaint also alleges that the policy violates the Administrative Procedures Act in that it is arbitrary and capricious and violates various laws that require defendants and the states to consider the best interests and well-being of children arriving in the United States.

            According to the lawsuit, the Trump Administration’s rationale for adopting the family separation policy – deterring migration – is not actually effective and not a legitimate law enforcement tactic. Furthermore, as the complaint points out, the policy is intended to target immigrants based on their national origin and is consistent with the bias President Trump has shown toward immigrants from Latin America.
           
Last week, AG Healey joined a coalition of 21 attorneys general in sending a letterto United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen calling on them immediately end the “zero tolerance” policy of forcibly separating children from their families at the border.

Joining AG Healey in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of Washington, California, Delaware, Iowa, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, Vermont, Virginia, as well as the District of Columbia.
This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General Genevieve Nadeau, Chief of AG Healey’s Civil Rights Division, Abigail Taylor, Director of AG Healey’s Child and Youth Protection Unit, Angela Brooks, also of AG Healey’s Child and Youth Protection Unit, with assistance from Assistant Attorneys General Andrew Haile, of AG Healey’s Civil Rights Division, Jon Miller, Chief of AG Healey’s Public Protection and Advocacy Bureau, Paralegal Thayse Mendonca, of AG Healey’s Civil Rights Division, Paralegal Sneha Pandya, of AG Healey’s Consumer Protection Division, Investigator Ciara Tran, of AG Healey’s Civil Investigations Division, and Advocate Ellen Davis, of AG Healey’s Victim Witness Services Division.

CITY OF BOSTON KICKS-OFF 37th ANNUAL HARBORFEST

CITY OF BOSTON KICKS-OFF 37th ANNUAL HARBORFEST
Opening Ceremony at Historic Faneuil Hall Marketplace
BOSTON - Tuesday, June 26, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston will kick-off the 37th annual Boston Harborfest at Faneuil Hall Marketplace on Thursday, June 28 at 11:00 a.m.

"The Boston Harbor has a rich history that goes all the way back to our country's founding and the fight for independence," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Harborfest brings together residents and visitors alike to celebrate our city's unique history with exciting events and activities. I look forward to celebrating alongside everyone for another great year of festivities."

Boston Harborfest is a multi-day festival with activities celebrating American Independence, honoring the city's colonial roots, and showcasing Boston's vibrant harbor. Mayor Walsh will be joined by Captain Claudia Gelzer, Captain of the Port of Boston, United States Coast Guard; Commander Nathaniel Shick, 75th Commanding Officer, USS Constitution; Pat Moscaritolo, President and Chief Executive Officer, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau; Joe O'Malley, General Manager of Faneuil Hall Marketplace; and Harborfest partners during the celebration to kick-off the festival.

Residents, visitors and businesses are invited to participate in the patriotic opening ceremony, which will feature United States Navy Band Northeast's Ceremonial Band and Rhode Island Sound who will create excitement with patriotic music, and the ceremonial cutting of the Harborfest cake. Mayor Walsh, Captain Gelzer, and Commander Shick and special guests will use a cutglass (sword) to cut the cake, provided by Faneuil Hall Marketplace and created by Montilio's Baking Company. National Park Service Park Rangers and Freedom Trail® Players, dressed in 18th-century costume, will be on hand to offer historical information about Faneuil Hall and other sites along the Freedom Trail.

Held from June 28 through July 7, Harborfest celebrates the colonial and maritime heritage of America's independence in Boston. Over the years, Harborfest has grown from a local event to a national celebration. In 1982 there were 35 activities over the course of three days. Now in its 37th year, Harborfest is considered to be the country's largest Fourth of July festival with hundreds of activities over a week-long period at Boston's best landmarks.

The family-friendly event includes the annual opening ceremony at Faneuil Hall Marketplace, historical reenactments, Freedom Trail® tours and historic sites' programs and events, activities along Boston Harbor, live entertainment, and much more.  An evening concert on Saturday, June 30 features the Squeezebox Stompers and Sweet Harmony leading up to a 9:00 p.m. fireworks show presented Friends of Christopher Columbus Park, Boston Harbor Now, and the Wharf District Council. Harborfest will also feature events at Christopher Columbus Park on Sunday, July 1, including Arts at Harborfest, curated by Artists Crossing, and Chowderfest, where attendees may vote on the best creations from local restaurants. On July 4, the annual City of Boston's Official Independence Day Commemoration, including a flag raising ceremony and parade will begin at 9:00 a.m. on City Hall Plaza.  The parade will travel from Boston City Hall to the Granary Burying Ground for a wreath laying honoring America's patriots, and to the Old State House for the official July 4threading of the Declaration of Independence.

For more Harborfest information and a list of activities, please call 617-439-7700 or visit www.Bostonharborfest.com.

AARP Members Endorse Governor Baker’s Housing Choice Legislation

AARP Members Endorse Governor Baker’s Housing Choice Legislation


AARP leaders join members of the Administration to support the Baker-Polito Administration’s legislationAn Act to Promote Housing Choices

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Secretary of Elder Affairs Alice Bonner,  Department of Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan, MassHousing Executive Director Chrystal Kornegay and members of the Administration met with several members of the Massachusetts Chapter of the AARP to discuss the administration’s efforts in providing Massachusetts’ aging population with diverse housing options. Leaders from AARP also expressed their support of the Baker-Polito Administration’s comprehensive housing legislation, An Act to Promote Housing Choices, which will drive housing production and affordability across the Commonwealth.

“Our administration is committed to providing more affordable and diverse housing options for Massachusetts’ aging population appreciates AARP’s support for our bill,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to working with our colleagues in the Legislature to pass this legislation.”

“The older population in the Commonwealth has strengthened our workforce and helped to build stronger communities,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “With the support of AARP and others, we are committed to building more sustainable housing options for older adults here in Massachusetts.”

In Massachusetts, there are more people over the age of 60 than under the age of 20 and older adults will make up 23% of the Commonwealth’s population by 2035. To meet the impending needs of this fast-growing demographic, Governor Baker established the Governor’s Council to Address Aging in Massachusetts, which has provided recommendations to promote healthy aging and other age-friendly initiatives across the state. In January of 2018, Massachusetts became the second state in the nation to join AARP’s Network of Age-Friendly Communities, representing a major milestone in Massachusetts’ goal to become the most age-friendly state in the nation.

“The vast majority of people age 50 and older want to stay in their homes and communities for as long as possible. Governor Baker’s Housing Choice bill addresses the availability, affordability, and variety of housing options, which are very important to AARP and are woven into our Age Friendly Community and State principles,” said Mike Festa, AARP Massachusetts State Director.

The Baker-Polito Administration’s Housing Choice Initiative will create a new system of incentives and rewards for municipalities that deliver sustainable housing growth; create a new technical assistance toolbox, empower cities and towns to plan for new housing production; and deliver smart, effective zoning at the local level through proposed legislative reforms. The ability to rezone more easily will increase multi-family housing production near town centers or transit access, facilitating community involvement and travel by older adults.

“Housing is a critical component of livable communities and supports healthy aging,” said Secretary of Elder Affairs Alice Bonner. “The Administration’s Housing Choice legislation will add to the options that older people have told us that they want and need, so that they can continue to live and thrive in the communities they call home. This legislation represents an approach to ‘aging in all policies’ that is already moving us towards our goal of becoming the most age-friendly state in the nation.”

“We are pleased to receive the Massachusetts AARP's endorsement for our Housing Choice Legislation, which we believe is crucial to the future of our Commonwealth,” said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan. “Massachusetts needs a balanced housing market that meets the demands of our diverse residents, and our current market is not doing that. From older adults looking to downsize and youngerfamilies hoping to put down roots, many of our residents are struggling to find affordable, appropriate housing. Our Housing Choice Initiative and Legislation provides powerful tools for cities and towns to tackle this vital challenge.”
The Housing Choice Initiative will deliver more than $10 million in incentives, grant funding and technical assistance per year, and enable Massachusetts to realize a new goal of creating 135,000 housing units over the next 7 years.

紐英崙至孝篤親發獎學金 廣教、僑立學生各8名

紐英崙至孝篤親公所頒發獎學金,鼓勵宗親子弟向學,為傳承鋪路。(周菊子攝)
               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)紐英崙至孝篤親公所(GHOT)625日在夏利臣街會所頒發獎學金,獎賞16名宗親子弟在中文學校的學習優秀,鼓勵他們多和公所來往,了解歷史,傳承家族。
得到獎學金的GHOT宗親子弟們。(周菊子攝)
               紐英崙至孝篤親公所元老陳毓禮在會上另宣佈,學習成績持續優秀的宗親子弟,將來升讀大學都有獎助金。
               至孝篤親獎學金委員會主任陳余寶愛表示,GHOT頒發獎學金有兩重作用,一是鼓勵宗親子弟學習中文,傳承中華文化傳統,一是希望宗親們代子女來到公所,認識其他宗親,建立感情,成為會員,延續並維繫公所的宗族血脈。
               GHOT分別請公所主席陳文珊,公所元老陳毓禮頒發獎學金,還請元老陳建立做開場講話,簡述GHOT源自舜帝,講究忠孝勤勉的傳統,鼓勵宗親子弟們進一步深入查察歷史。
得獎學生及家長和GHOT宗親們同聚一堂。(周菊子攝)
               會上也介紹了出席的公所資深長者,歷任主席的陳天佐,陳日華,陳文浩,以及獎學金委員會的陳余寶愛,陳黃海蘭,陳麗儀,胡衛正等人。
               中華廣教、僑立中文學校的各年級前三名學生中,當天各有8名陳、胡,袁三姓至孝篤親子弟,獲發元50元至150元不等金額的獎學金。非會員的獎學金為50元至75元,會元的獎學金為100元至150元。
GHOT元老陳毓禮(右)告訴宗親子弟,舜帝當年孝感動天,
象都來幫他耕田的故事。(周菊子攝)
               今年獲得獎學金有,中華廣教學校的陳浩斌,陳婉馨,陳柏志,陳晞媛,陳銘謙,Joline Chen,陳曉桐,陳安婷;僑立學校有陳煒琪,陳思琪,陳昊,陳翼宇,陳偉嘉,陳卓恒,陳萱,陳晉熙等人。
                         一名學生家長透露,自己不到10歲時移民來美,雖曾聽聞過至孝篤親公所,但這還真是第一次踏進該公所會址。
紐英崙GHOT公所供奉舜帝。(周菊子攝)
               


獎學金委員會主任陳余寶愛(中)和陳黃海蘭先點名,了解領獎學生出席
狀況。(周菊子攝)





GHOT元老陳建立(中)簡述宗族歷史。(周菊子攝)