波士頓市長、公共衛生局提示民眾疫情期間如何安全慶祝感恩節

MAYOR WALSH, BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION OFFER GUIDANCE ON HOW TO SAFELY CELEBRATE THANKSGIVING DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC   BOSTON - Wednesday, November 18, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today released guidance on celebrating Thanksgiving safely during the COVID-19 pandemic, urging residents to stay home and spend the day with people in their own household. Health officials have advised that traditional Thanksgiving gatherings with family and friends can increase the chances of getting or spreading COVID-19.  "Thanksgiving is normally a time when many families travel long distances to celebrate together. We know these aren't normal times, so we're asking everyone to take the necessary steps to prevent the further transmission of COVID-19 as we enter a critical period in this pandemic," said Mayor Walsh. "We can keep the spirit of thankfulness alive without putting yourself and your loved ones at risk. As always, I want to thank Bostonians for their cooperation during this difficult year."   Residents who may have COVID-19, are not feeling well, or have been exposed to the virus should stay home and not host or participate in any in-person gatherings. Residents who are at an increased risk of severe illness from COVID-19, such as older adults or those with certain medical conditions, should also not take part in any in-person gatherings. If you are planning on hosting or attending a Thanksgiving gathering: Keep it small and limit the number of guests. In Boston, indoor gatherings should be 10 people or less. Ask guests to wear a mask unless eating and drinking, and stay 6 feet apart when possible. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces and items between use. Ask guests to avoid going in and out of areas where food is being prepared and handled, like the kitchen. Do not share food, drink, or any utensils. Have guests bring their own food and drink. Avoid any self-serve food or drink options, such as buffets, potlucks, or drink stations. If sharing food, have one person (wearing a face mask and gloves) serve food and use single-use options, like salad dressing and condiment packets, and disposable items like food containers, plates, and utensils. Consider small seating table arrangements in multiple rooms with plenty of spacing, instead of a large family table. Improve ventilation by opening windows and doors. For 14 days before and after holiday gatherings, minimize contact with other people, and leave home only for essential services like going to work, buying groceries, and appointments with doctors. If you are planning to travel for Thanksgiving:  Travel increases the chance of getting and spreading COVID-19. Staying home is the best way to protect yourself and others. If you must travel: Know the higher-risk states and what the Massachusetts travel orders mean for when you return home All visitors entering Massachusetts, including returning residents, are required to quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID-19 test result that has been administered up to 72-hours prior to your arrival in Massachusetts. Wear a face covering at all times in public Stay 6 feet apart from anyone who is not in your household Get a flu shot before traveling, if you have not already Wash your hands often or use hand sanitizer Avoid touching your mask, eyes, nose and mouth BPHC health officials encourage families to find safer, alternative or virtual ways to celebrate Thanksgiving. The safest celebrations involve people from your household, are outdoors, and allow for social distancing and other safety measures.  Lower risk activities: Having a small Thanksgiving dinner with only people who live in your household. Host a virtual dinner with extended family and friends. Show off your favorite dishes and share your favorite recipes. Host a Thanksgiving meal outdoors, if possible. Go for a walk with extended family members, while wearing a mask and staying 6 feet apart.  Preparing traditional family recipes for family and neighbors and delivering them in a way that doesn't involve contact with others. Shopping online rather than in person on the day after Thanksgiving. Use contactless services, like curbside pick-up or shop in open air markets and stay 6 feet away from others. Higher risk activities: Attending or hosting indoor gatherings with people from outside your home. Sharing food and drinks. Shaking hands and hugging. Wave and verbally greet others instead.   Singing, dancing, and shouting. These activities increase your chances of catching COVID-19 through the air.   Read more on the Thanksgiving guidance released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. For more information on Boston's response to COVID-19, please visit boston.gov/coronavirus.

Kimberly Budd 獲確認為麻州最高法院首席法官

Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito Issue Statements on Confirmation of Justice Kimberly Budd to Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court

Kimberly Budd is confirmed as the Chief Justice
 of the Supreme Judicial Court.

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito released the following statements on the Governor’s Council’s unanimous confirmation of Justice Kimberly Budd as Chief Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court:

 

“Justice Kimberly Budd is an exceptional and dignified jurist that has served on the Supreme Judicial Court with fairness and integrity and I have the utmost confidence that she will now lead the Commonwealth’s highest court and all those that come before it with grace and impartiality,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am honored to congratulate Justice Budd on her unanimous confirmation, and am grateful to the members of the Governor’s Council for their diligence in considering and approving her appointment.”

 

“I am proud to congratulate Justice Kimberly Budd on her unanimous confirmation to the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, and am confident that as Chief Justice, her unique lens and perspective will ensure every voice is heard as the Court hears important and complex cases,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I thank my colleagues on the Governor’s Council for their advice and consent in this process and appreciate their time and commitment.”

AG’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES COMPANY THAT SOLD INEFFECTIVE HAND SANITIZER ALTERNATIVE TO MBTA, REACHES $550,000 AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE FALSE CLAIMS

 AG’S OFFICE INVESTIGATES COMPANY THAT SOLD INEFFECTIVE HAND SANITIZER ALTERNATIVE TO MBTA, REACHES $550,000 AGREEMENT TO RESOLVE FALSE CLAIMS

Company Represented that Product Containing No Alcohol Could Sanitize and Fight off COVID-19 for Six Hours 

            BOSTON – After investigating a Maryland-based company that falsely marketed and sold a product claiming to be an effective hand sanitizer alternative to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Attorney General Maura Healey has secured a $550,000 agreement resolving claims that it illegally misled the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) into ordering  thousands of dollars’ worth of the product, which contained no alcohol – a key ingredient in hand sanitizer.

            The AG’s Office alleges that in March, the MBTA sought to purchase hand sanitizer as part of its efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at its facilities and contacted Federal Resources Supply Company after receiving a marketing email promoting “Theraworx Protect,” a product manufactured by Avadim Health, Inc., as a “COVID-19 product.” The MBTA was told by Federal Resources that the product sanitizes at a “30-second flash and provides a 6 hour prolonged effect” to fight off the virus, elaborating that “if you touch something it will fight it off.” The AG’s Office alleges that, after relying on these false statements by Federal Resources, the MBTA made three large purchase orders of the product, and now has unused product in storage.

            “This company’s reckless and deceptive actions put the health of our frontline workers and the public at even further risk during this unprecedented public health crisis,” AG Healey said. “We took action against this company because their attempt to exploit people during the COVID-19 pandemic for their own profit was not only unacceptable, it was illegal.” 

            “The MBTA greatly appreciates the work of the Attorney General’s Office, which held this company accountable and recovered the T’s costs,” said MBTA General Manager Steve Poftak. “The safety of our employees is a top priority, and it’s shameful that, during a pandemic, a vendor would make false claims about a product’s effectiveness.” 

            The assurance of discontinuance, filed and entered in Suffolk Superior Court, resolves allegations that Federal Resources Supply Company violated the Massachusetts False Claims Act and the state’s Consumer Protection Act by promoting, without adequate evidence, that “Theraworx Protect” is effective as a hand sanitizer to combat COVID-19, when the product contains no alcohol. To prevent the transmission of COVID-19, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that if soap and water are not available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60 percent alcohol is an effective alternative. The AG’s Office further alleges that Federal Resources Supply Company violated the law by promoting without adequate evidence that its product fights off the virus for six hours after application.

            According to the terms of the settlement, Federal Resources Supply Company will pay $400,000 which will go to the state’s general fund and will issue a credit of over $150,000 to the MBTA for the amount of product it used. The AG’s Office learned of the company’s deceptive actions and intervened before the MBTA paid for its three purchase orders. Federal Resources Supply Company will also retrieve the “Theraworx Protect” that is still located at the MBTA’s storage facility. Federal Resources Supply Company has agreed not to market or sell this product to any Massachusetts agency, and not to include any representation that “Theraworx Protect” is effective against COVID-19 in any marketing materials it distributes in the state, including that it has a multiple hour prolonged effect.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Mary-Ellen Kennedy of AG Healey’s False Claims Division, with assistance from False Claims Division Chief Amy Crafts. 

The False Claims Division was created by AG Healey in 2015 to safeguard public funds and promote integrity and accountability in public contracting. AG Healey urges anyone with information about suspected fraud or abuse relating to state or municipal contracts or funds to contact the False Claims Division’s tip line at 617-963-2600. 

波士頓市採用新指標衡量新冠疫情

波士頓市政府健康及人民服務長Marty Martinez。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓市政府健康及人民服務長Marty Martinez，以及波士頓公共衛生局醫療主任Jennifer Lo等人今(17)日開會說明市府衡量新冠病毒疫情的新指標，將密切關注每日的確診個案數是否超過339.6宗，或每10萬人有50宗。

              波士頓市府公佈了不下6項指標，包括確診個案數，調整個案的累計數算，測試，波士頓醫院的上門急診人數，成人重症病房剩餘數量，新冠病毒病人佔用醫院重症病床比率等。

波士頓市公共衛生局醫療長Jennifer Lo。(周菊子攝)

              如果確診率超過5%，或有4個鄰里的確診率超過8%，未佔用的重症病房只剩不到20%，非手術用成人重症病房有95%已被佔用，波士頓市就會拉警報。

              Marty Martinez表示，波士頓市希望在使用新指標後，能夠更精確的掌握波士頓疫情。

              根據波市府公共衛生局資料，波士頓市在11月17日有累計24,393宗新冠病毒(COVID-19)確診個案，有20,065宗已痊癒個案，迄今有889人死亡。

Add caption

              若已族裔分，在累計的24,393宗確診個案中，4%患者為亞裔，共899人，28%為黑人，共5,978人，33%為拉丁裔人，共7,148人，27%為白人，共5,745人。另有8%為其他類。在累計死亡的889人中，亞裔57人，佔6%，黑人308人，佔35%，拉丁裔100人，佔11%，白人399人，佔45%。另有其他類25人，佔3%，      

              波士頓市府公佈的資料還包括，截至11月12日，全市共有371,108人次做過新冠病毒檢測，總確診率為6.4%。在全市劃分成15個的區域中，芬衛區(Fenway)做過病毒檢測的人最多，有48,991人，但確診率低至1.6%。東波士頓有23,354人做過檢測，確診率卻高達13.9%。在這15個區域中，並無華埠，比較靠近的是南端(South End)，共有23352人做過檢測，確診率5.8%。

https://bphc.org/Documents/Metrics%2011-16-2020.pdf

https://bphc.org/whatwedo/infectious-diseases/Infectious-Diseases-A-to-Z/covid-19/Pages/default.aspx

麻州新冠確診數回升至2263 全世界確診人數累計已超過5540萬

           (Boston Orange 編譯)麻州新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)確診人數，昨(16)日下降至2000以下，今(17)日又回升至2263，累計已達186,774。目前麻州有835人因為新冠病毒住院中，159人住在重症病房，新增20人死亡，累計已有10,360人因為新冠病毒離開人世。

麻州的7日平均確診率已增至3.25%，遠比9月時的0.8%為高。目前有32,309人因染患新冠病毒，正在治療中。

確診率最高的仍然是米斗塞郡(Middlesex)的有474人，益士石郡(Essex)349人，以及屋斯特郡(Worcester)281人。

根據聯邦疾病防治中心的數據，11月17日，美國新增15萬1,855宗新確診個案，累計已達1113萬6253人，新增762人死亡，累計已有24萬6232人因為染患新冠病毒死亡。美國的7日平均確診率高達每10萬人有47.5人染患新冠病毒。

約翰霍普金斯公佈的數據則是，全球已有5540萬零24宗確診個案，美國確診人數最多，已逾1129萬，其次為印度887萬餘，巴西587萬餘，法國204萬餘，俄國195萬餘，西班牙151萬餘，英國141萬餘，阿根廷131萬餘，義大利123萬餘。

全世界因為新冠病毒死亡的人數，累計已達133案3632人，美國也已經有24萬8027人死亡(約翰霍普金斯大學數據)，其次為巴西16萬餘，印度13萬餘，墨西哥9萬8861，英國5萬2839人。

MAYOR WALSH, CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE REOPENING OF DORCHESTER PARK, FOLLOWING RENOVATIONS

MAYOR WALSH, CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE REOPENING OF DORCHESTER PARK, FOLLOWING RENOVATIONS

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 17, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Parks Commissioner Ryan Woods announced this week the unveiling of recent improvements in Dorchester Park located at 2180 Dorchester Avenue. During the first week of November the City of Boston reopened the George Wall Playground following $626,000 in renovations funded by Mayor Walsh's Capital Improvement Plan and Youth Lead the Change, the Mayor's participatory budget for accessible equipment that gives young people power over one million dollars of the city's capital budget.  Dorchester Park is one of several Boston Parks and Recreation Department facilities reopening this fall within current health guidelines. Other renovated parks opening this year are in the neighborhoods in Hyde Park, Mattapan, and South Boston.   "We are investing in parks citywide as part of Boston's plan to provide quality green spaces for all residents and play spaces for the children of our city," said Mayor Walsh. "Families are encouraged to follow social distancing guidelines and enjoy fresh air at the improved Dorchester Park playground before winter sets in." The design retains the large climbing structure central to the playground while two age-appropriate play structures were replaced with new state-of-the-art equipment for children ages 2 to 5 and 5 to 12. The project includes four bays of swings, but the bays are separated and rearranged with a single bay of swings with two toddler bucket swings. A separate bay of swings features three belt swings, an ADA-compliant bucket swing, and a "Friendship Swing" that allows two children or a parent and child to swing together. An ADA accessible drum set adds another play feature to the playground.  In response to requests from the community to emphasize the connection between the playground and nature a curved path now leads users through the play area. The path connects to a mulched surface around a climbing rock. Children no longer need to traverse the area behind the swing bays to get to this exciting nature play. This not only encourages children to reach out beyond the manufactured play area, but it keeps them safer and out of the swing area. The Parks Department also added a wooden play frame encouraging children to reach further into the natural areas and engage their creative play. New site furnishings include benches and an ADA accessible community picnic table. Since 2014, the Walsh administration has invested more than $115 million across the city's parks system, representing some of the most significant parks investments in Boston's history. The Fiscal Year 2021-2025 (FY21-FY25) Capital Plan includes enhanced support to maintain the City's Urban Wilds and Tree Canopy, increases in funding to plant and maintain trees across the city, as well as $36 million for new and ongoing open space projects. For current social distancing guidelines in City of Boston parks please visit www.boston.gov/news/coronavirus-covid-19-updates-boston-parks-and-recreation. An outdoor drum set is one of the new play features at Dorchester Park. Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department recently reopened the playground at Dorchester Park following $535,000 in improvements including site furnishings and a variety of state-of-the-art play equipment.

AG HEALEY ISSUES GUIDANCE TO SCHOOLS TO HELP PREVENT AND ADDRESS HATE AND BIAS

 AG HEALEY ISSUES GUIDANCE TO SCHOOLS TO HELP PREVENT AND ADDRESS HATE AND BIAS

Provides Guidance and Resources to Assist Schools 

BOSTON – To help ensure that all students across Massachusetts feel safe and supported, Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office today issued guidance to school officials about their legal obligations to prevent and address hate and bias incidents at their educational institutions. At a time of heightened strain in school communities, the AG’s Office is providing guidance and resources to help schools respond properly if a hate incident occurs. 

The AG’s Guidance on Schools’ Legal Obligations to Prevent and Address Hate and Bias Incidents, which was sent today to school superintendents, charter school leaders, and school administrators, describes how schools must respond to hate and bias incidents involving students and what proactive steps schools must take to prevent such incidents. It also highlights several best practices that schools should consider for preventing and responding to hate incidents. The AG’s Office is also offering a directory of relevant training and other resources. The Office wants to ensure that all school officials have the information and tools that they need if a hate incident occurs 

“I commend our school leaders, teachers, and staff across the state who have been on the front lines of providing essential educational and social-emotional services during this time of uncertainty and distress amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and as we’re all grappling with racial injustice and its negative effects on individuals and society as whole,” said AG Healey. “We want to make sure schools have the information and support they need to address and prevent incidents of hate and bias and ensure that every student can learn in a nurturing and welcoming environment, free from bullying and harassment.”

The AG’s Office has recently engaged with school administrators, teachers, staff, parents, students, and community members who are concerned about hate incidents in the state’s elementary and secondary schools and who are re-examining the role of schools in preventing and addressing these incidents. Student misconduct that involves hate, bias, or prejudice can have a devastating impact on victims and can severely disrupt the school environment. The AG’s Guidance is designed to assist schools in their continuing efforts to combat hate and foster a safe, supportive, and inclusive educational environment, consistent with their obligations under state law.

The AG’s Guidance, which can be found here, describes schools’ obligations to prevent and respond to hate and bias incidents under Massachusetts’s anti-bullying and anti-discrimination laws; details required, affirmative steps to help create a positive school climate and prevent these incidents; and provides examples of best practices to implement education, prevention, and remediation measures. A list of additional resources for schools can be found here.

The AG’s Office is committed to securing the civil rights of all students in Massachusetts. If you have questions about this Guidance or other civil rights concerns, you may contact the Office online or at 617-963-2917.

CITY OF BOSTON OFFERING EXPANDED RECYCLING RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS

 

CITY OF BOSTON OFFERING EXPANDED RECYCLING RESOURCES FOR RESIDENTS  City of Boston expands residential yard waste options and installs textile dropboxes in neighborhoods throughout the City.     BOSTON - Tuesday, November 17, 2020 - Following through with recommendations made in the City of Boston's first ever Zero Waste Plan, the Boston Public Works Department (PWD) in partnership with northeast-based textile recycling company, Helpsy, began delivering dropboxes for residents to dispose of their textiles to municipal parking lots across Boston. These dropboxes are part of the City of Boston's work to expand recycling services citywide, creating a healthier and greener environment for generations to come.  "Reducing waste is a core element of ensuring Boston is a healthy, thriving and sustainable city," said Mayor Walsh. "This program moves us one step closer to our ultimate goal of becoming a Zero Waste City, and we will continue to work hard to achieve Boston's environmental goals."   For residents looking to drop off their household textiles, including clothes, shoes, sneakers, bags, stuffed animals, bedding and towels, those items must be dry and placed into a secured plastic bag. Dropboxes can be found at municipal lots in Brighton, Dorchester, East Boston, Hyde Park, Jamaica Plain, South Boston, Roslindale and West Roxbury.  Textile dropbox locations include:  398 Market Street, Brighton 191 Adams Street, Dorchester 20 Georgia Street, Dorchester 575 Washington Street, Dorchester 166 London Street, East Boston 37 Winthrop Street, Hyde Park 490 Centre Street, Jamaica Plain 450 West Broadway, South Boston 10 Taft Hill Terrace, Roslindale 39-41 Corey Street, West Roxbury Once sorted and graded, 95 percent of textiles collected are reused, upcycled, or recycled, 75 percent being reused, and 20 percent being recycled. The higher grades are resold to thrift stores in North America and other second hand markets around the world. The lower grades get turned into rags for industrial use or alternative functions like stuffing or insulation. In just the last year, Helpsy has collected and processed over 25 million pounds of textiles.    In addition to textiles, roughly 30 percent of what gets put into the trash in Boston is compostable. Boston has expanded its leaf and yard waste curbside collection program from 17 to 20 weeks a year. The City is offering 20 additional weekends where yard waste can be dropped off at the Public Works composting facility on American Legion Highway. All residential yard waste is turned into compost and distributed to City Gardens and Boston Parks and Recreation Department greenhouses. Leaf and yard waste curbside collection will continue every week through December 11th.  "While residents are familiar with recycling plastics, glass, metal and paper, many residents don't know they can recycle textiles," said Chief of Streets Chris Osgood. "We hope the availability of neighborhood textile dropboxes along with other expanded services Boston is offering raises awareness that almost everything in our lives is recyclable."   The City of Boston continues to  encourage residents to utilize tools like the City's free "Trash Day" app. The app enables Boston residents to search a directory of hundreds of household items to find out the right way to dispose of them while on the go or at home. App users can also view a calendar for their home's collection dates, set reminders, get notifications of schedule changes, and locate the nearest textile dropbox in your neighborhood.   Boston residents can also safely dispose of hazardous waste, shred unwanted documents, discard textiles and recycle electronics for free at a series of Household Hazardous Waste Drop-Off events.  These programs build on Boston's Zero Waste Plan, which was released in June 2019. This plan includes 30 near- and long-term strategies to divert at least 80 percent of the City's waste from landfills and municipal solid waste combustors by 2035.  Key pieces of the plan include expanding Boston's composting program, increasing access to recycling opportunities and launching a city-wide education campaign on recycling. Approximately six percent of Boston's greenhouse gas emissions come from the City's discarded materials. By reducing waste, recycling more, and composting, Boston can reduce emissions associated with waste and move one step closer to its goal of carbon neutrality by 2050, outlined in the City's 2019 Climate Action Plan update. While reducing emissions, the City is working to prepare for sea level rise and the impacts of climate change. Resilient Boston Harbor is the City's vision plan to strengthen Boston's 47-mile shoreline through expanded and connected green space. The City has already completed segments of the vision through district-level projects in East Boston, Charlestown, and South Boston, and is currently working on climate resiliency measures for Downtown and Dorchester.

海地裔Serge Georges Jr. 獲提名出任最高法院法官

麻州州長查理貝克強調他們在挑選提名人時很慎重。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導)麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)今(17)日正式提名波士頓地方法院法官Serge Georges Jr.出任最高法院法官。如果最近獲提名的另外2名法官都獲確認，麻州最高法院將創下328年來第一次同時有3名有色人種法官的歷史紀錄。

             麻州州長查理貝克在今年稍早前，陸續提名了Kimberly S. Budd及Dalila Argaez Wendlandt出任高等法院法官。他們倆人一旦經由麻州州長議會(Governor’s Council)通過，也將依序創下麻州首名女性黑人首席法官，首名拉丁裔法官的歷史紀錄。

             海地裔(Haitian)出身的Serge Georges Jr.，一旦獲得確認，將是麻州最高法院法官有史以來的第二位獲任命的黑人男性法官。在他之前的是Roderick L. Ireland。

             麻州高等法院共有7人。波士頓學院歷史系教授Alan Rogers表示，在查理貝克之前，只有50年前的約翰漢考克(John Hancock)曾經有這樣的，任命所有7名最高法院法官的機會。

             查理貝克在2016年時任命了Kimberly S. Budd，Frank M. Gaziano，以及David A. Lowy等3人，次年再任命Elspeth “Ellie” B. Cypher，該法庭第2位公開承認自己是同性戀的法官，以及麻州當時的最高上訴法院法官Scott L. Kafker。

             最近的這波任命，是因為Barbara A. Lenk法官即將於12月達到規定退休年齡，接著首席法官Ralph D. Gants又在9月時突然逝世。

             在州長任內連任命一位最高法院法官的機會也沒的是朗尼(Mitt Romny)。

             Serge Georges Jr.今年50歲，住在龍都鎮(Randolph)，曾任麻州黑人律師協會會長，在幾個律師行工作過，包括曾任Barron & Stadfeld律師樓的合夥人，也曾自己開業，主要承辦商務及企業訴訟，還有刑事法業務。過去20年來他也在薩福克大學法學院任教。

             他將遞補Kimberly S. Budd成為大法官後的副法官遺缺。他畢業於波士頓學院及薩福克(Suffolk)大學法學院，2013年時由前州長派區克(Deval Patrick)任命為波士頓地方法官，目前在他的出生地主持多徹斯特法庭。在2014到2018年間，他掌管多徹斯特毒品法庭。

             在州政府大樓舉行的記者會中，Serge Georges Jr.透露，他父親當年來到美國為聯合國工作，被派去薩伊(Zaire)教書，因此他是在曼哈頓出生。

             查理貝克在介紹Serge Georges Jr.時指出，麻州有幾百名法官，直接從地方法院調到最高法院的確很少有，但州政府重視的是第一流的法律頭腦，以及合作精神。

Governor Baker Nominates Judge Serge Georges Jr. to the Supreme Judicial Court  

Serge Georges Jr. (By Chutze Chou)

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today nominated Associate Justice for the Boston Municipal Court, Serge Georges, to serve as an Associate Justice on the Supreme Judicial Court. The nominee and his family joined Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito for a formal announcement today at the State House.

“Judge Georges has served on the Boston Municipal Court with great distinction and treats all those that come before him with dignity and respect,” said Governor Baker. “His unique voice and real world experiences will improve the quality of discussion and debate on the Commonwealth’s highest court and I am pleased to nominate him.”   

“Judge Georges’ rich background in and out of the courtroom, from his time in private practice to his experience on the drug court, will well serve the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and all those that come before it,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “I have the utmost confidence that, if confirmed, Judge Georges will be an excellent addition to the SJC and I look forward to the advice and consent of my colleagues on the Governor’s Council.”

The Supreme Judicial Court is the Commonwealth's highest appellate court, consisting of the Chief Justice and six Associate Justices. The seven Justices hear appeals on a broad range of criminal and civil cases from September through May and issue written opinions that are posted online.

About Judge Serge Georges, Jr.:  

Judge Serge Georges serves as an Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court. He had a successful and diverse career as an experienced litigator prior to his appointment to the bench in 2013 by Governor Deval Patrick. Directly prior to his appointment, he managed his own successful solo practice concentrating in commercial and business litigation, criminal defense, and matters involving professional licensure and liability. He represented businesses and individuals in a wide range of civil disputes including breach of contract, fiduciary duty suits, employment matters, housing litigation and personal injury cases. In private practice, he also defended criminal cases, including motor vehicle offenses and violent and drug related charges. Prior to establishing his solo practice, Georges was a partner at Barron & Stadfeld, P.C., the Managing Director for Major, Lindsey & Africa, LLC, and an associate at both Todd & Weld and Rackemann, Sawyer & Brewster. He served on multiple boards during his legal career, including the Board of Governors of the Massachusetts Academy of Trial Lawyers, and he was the President of the Massachusetts Black Lawyers Association in 2013.  

In his role as Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court, over the last seven years, he has had jurisdiction over both criminal and civil matters, including housing matters, mental health hearings, restraining orders and small claims and civil litigation cases. Judge Georges sits in the Dorchester Division of the Boston Municipal Court, one of the most active and busiest urban courts in the Commonwealth. From 2014 to 2018, Judge Georges presided over the Dorchester Drug Court. The Dorchester Drug Court is a multidivisional team working with community providers, representatives from Suffolk Lawyers for Justice and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to offer treatment options to those whose addictions have led them into the criminal justice system.    

Judge Georges graduated from Boston College in 1992, and from Suffolk University Law School in 1996, where he has served as an adjunct professor for the past twenty years. At Suffolk Law he teaches courses in Professional Responsibility, Evidence and Trial Advocacy. He also teaches Trial Advocacy at UMass Law School. He attended Boston College High School and currently serves as vice-chair of the Board of Trustees for BC High, and remains involved with the school. In January of this year, BC High awarded Judge Georges The James E Cotter ’55 Courage Award. This award is presented to a member of the BC High Community in recognition of courage in the face of adversity, tenacious spirit and force of will. He grew up in Kane Square, in Dorchester, and currently resides in Randolph with his wife Michelle and his two daughters, Olivia and Samantha. (From the governor's office)

搭乘率大減後麻州地鐵考慮刪減服務 民眾、官員紛紛反對

            (Boston Orange綜合編譯)麻州地鐵(MBTA)為縮小5億7500萬元的預算缺口，上週已提出刪減服務計畫，政客、乘客紛紛表示刪減公共交通服務，將不但對前線工作人員造成阻礙，更將削弱地方在病毒大流行後經濟復甦的程度。

           波士頓市長馬丁華殊表示，最大的問題是這些刪減將傷害城市復甦，尤其是必要及前線工作人員都將因此出入更不方便。

           麻州地鐵人員表示，要平衡營收大減後的預算，該機構無法不刪減服務，他們已經在做對最忙碌路線乘客影響最小的設計。

           自從新型冠狀病毒大流行發生後，地鐵的乘搭率下降了75%，通勤火車和渡輪的搭乘率甚至下降了90%。巴士好些，但搭乘率也只有病毒大流行之前的40%。

           批評者表這些服務刪減很短視。上週在任務丘(Mission Hill)還有一場示威遊行。聯邦眾議員普斯莉(Ayanna Pressley)譴責州及聯邦政府對不起(failing)地鐵乘客，Hull鎮經理Philip Lemnio則呼籲地鐵(MBTA)，寧可漲價，也不要刪除渡輪服務。

           麻州地鐵(MBTA)上週公佈，將於12月投票決定的計畫，包括刪減整個系統的巴士，火車服務，晚上9點以後，以及週末停開通勤火車(commuter rail)，關閉渡輪系統，並縮短部分路線。這一刪減服計畫預計明年春夏之間開始實施。

           大約25條乘客很少的巴士路線也會被刪除。

           麻州地鐵人員希望藉此作法，在下一個會計年度中節省1億2800萬元，已略彌平5億7500萬元的預算缺口。

           波士頓市長馬丁華殊建議麻州議員們動用州政府的儲備金，以避免地鐵刪減服務。麻州眾議會上週通過的本年度新增預算案，並未增加地鐵經費，參議會本週將討論的預算，原本也沒有增加地鐵經費，不過一項修訂提案，將為地鐵增加約3億元經費。