Funk Summit Dance Party at Boston City Hall Plaze tonight 8/8

The Mayor’s Office of Arts + Culture presents The Funk Summit Dance Party: Cultures of Soul and Soulelujah! on City Hall Plaza with DJs Deano and Ty Jesso

BOSTON - The Mayor's Office of Arts + Culture brings the Funk Summit Dance Party with soul, funk, and R&B to City Hall Plaza on Friday, August 8th, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. The event is free, all-ages, and presented in partnership with the Together Festival (http://togetherboston.com).  

The Funk Summit Dance Party will feature the sounds of the 60s, including the music of James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and The Jackson 5. The dance party will feature DJ Ty Jesso (https://www.facebook.com/soulelujah) and DJ Deano (https://www.facebook.com/culturesofsoul).

DJ Ty Jesso is from Providence and has been spinning old school soul, R&B, funk, oldies, and boogaloo nationally and internationally since the 80s. In addition to Jesso’s weekly Soulelujah! night at Zuzu, he has DJed in New York City, Baltimore, Chicago, Miami, and London. The Improper Bostonian named Soulelujah!, held at Zuzu at the Middle East Club in Cambridge, Boston’s best dance night for 2014.

DJ Deano has been collecting vintage records for over a decade. In 2008 he started DJing for Viva Radio and created the Cultures of Soul (http://www.culturesofsoul.com) Radio Show, which features eclectic vintage music for the dance floor from across the globe. His own record label, Cultures of Soul Records, has since been releasing rare but danceable vintage records. Deano is a recurring guest at Soulelujah! and has DJed in Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, and London.

Free dance lessons will also be given at the party. Food trucks and vendors will be available on City Hall Plaza.

City Hall Plaza is accessible by MBTA via State Street (Orange and Blue lines) and Park Street (Green and Red lines). For additional information, call 617-635-3245 or visit http://www.cityofboston.gov/arts.

More than 7.2 Million Additional Americans Covered Under Medicaid and CHIP

More than 7.2 Million Additional Americans Covered Under Medicaid and CHIP
By Cindy Mann, Deputy Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and Director of the Centers for Medicaid and CHIP Services
Over the last year, we’ve seen the Affordable Care Act deliver on a number of important milestones as we work toward more accessible, affordable, quality health care.  New options have meant that 10.3 million previously uninsured Americans can now rest a little easier knowing that they are covered.  And millions more can rest assured that quality, affordable health insurance will be available through the Marketplace if they ever need it, without worrying about being charged more or denied coverage because of a pre-existing condition.
This historic expansion of coverage has happened while health care spending growth has fallen to the slowest rate on record, which strengthens our nation’s budget outlook and keeps more of Americans’ paychecks in their pockets.
And today’s Medicaid enrollment report shows even more great news: Medicaid expansion continues to help an unprecedented number of Americans access health coverage for the very first time.  
Medicaid enrollment grew to over 66 million in June 2014 with more than 7.2 million additional people enrolled in Medicaid and the Children’s Health Insurance Program compared to an average monthly enrollment prior to the start of open enrollment.  And because enrollment in these programs can happen year-round, our latest report shows that number is still growing.
Behind these numbers are unique stories about Americans across the country, who no longer have to choose between paying an electric bill and going to the doctor or getting a screening.
The Affordable Care Act has helped families all over the country find the peace of mind that comes with coverage, but it could be doing even more.
Today’s report shows that while enrollment in states that expanded Medicaid has risen by 18.5 percent since before open enrollment in the Marketplace began, states that have not expanded reported only a 4 percent increase in enrollment during this same period.  If the remaining 24 states accept federal funding to cover low-income adults in Medicaid, 5.7 million more low-income Americans could have access to affordable, quality care.  The new coverage available through Medicaid is paid for by 100 percent federal funds in the first three years, and federal funding never falls below 90 percent of the costs after that.
Not only would this change the lives of some of our most vulnerable neighbors, extending Medicaid in these states would bolster our health system and our economy.  Increased coverage reduces hospitals’ uncompensated care and lowers “cost shifting” to businesses and everyday Americans that see higher health insurance premiums when those costs are passed on to them.  And with new funding for hospitals and other community health services, local economies benefit as well.  
The evidence is in: The Affordable Care Act is making a difference.  It’s working for Americans across this nation, but the job isn’t over so long as families and workers in almost half of our states can’t access affordable health insurance.  More than half the states have taken advantage of federal funding to cover their low-income residents and we encourage the other 24 states to expand Medicaid as soon as possible.  Every American—no matter where they live—should have access to affordable, high quality health care.

FORMER PRESIDENT OF WESTFIELD STATE SUED FOR PERSONAL USE OF SCHOOL FUNDS

FORMER PRESIDENT OF WESTFIELD STATE SUED FOR PERSONAL USE OF SCHOOL FUNDS

Evan Dobelle Allegedly Spent Close to $100,000 on Personal Purchases and Family Vacations

BOSTON – The former president of Westfield State University (WSU) has been sued over allegations he used school-issued credit cards and school funds to make personal purchases and take vacations costing nearly $100,000, including family trips to Cuba, meals at high end restaurants, and frequent gatherings at a private men’s social club in California, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced today.

According to the complaint, filed today in Suffolk Superior Court, Evan Dobelle, who served as WSU president from January 2008 until his resignation in November 2013, knowingly submitted to WSU false claims for payment of personal expenses totaling at least $59,000.  The complaint also alleges Dobelle made at least $39,000 worth of travel requests, falsely stating those trips were for official university business. These actions are in violation of the state’s False Claims Act, Dobelle’s employment contract, applicable university policies, and the state’s conflict of interest law.

“We allege the former president of this university blatantly misused public funds for trips that were nothing but weeklong vacations with family and friends,” AG Coakley said. “This pattern of inappropriately spending state money is unacceptable, as leaders of public schools should be enforcing their policies instead of knowingly violating them for their own personal benefit.”

The AG’s Office began its investigation into allegations of improper spending by Dobelle in the fall of 2013, following an initial report by the Office of the Inspector General (OIG) regarding Dobelle’s improper spending of WSU’s funds.  Review of relevant credit card statements and records revealed Dobelle made hundreds of personal purchases using university credit cards during his six-year tenure. Those purchases included hotel stays, meals, and plane tickets for himself and his family members, at times totaling thousands of dollars per month. 

While Dobelle appears to have reimbursed expenses identified as personal in nature, he often submitted his reimbursements months after he had made the purchase, in some instances using backdated checks to make the repayments appear timely. The complaint alleges Dobelle knew that WSU policies expressly prohibited this conduct and received several reminders from staff to restrict his use of WSU credit cards to University-related expenses.

The complaint also alleges that Dobelle submitted travel requests falsely stating at least 16 university-arranged and paid trips that cost the university more than $39,000 were for official university business, including fundraising, alumni relations, and conferences, when in fact they were primarily personal in nature. Those include a February 2012 trip to Cuba with his wife and personal friends that cost the University more than $3,640, and multiple trips to California to attend events at the Bohemian Grove, a private men’s social club in Monte Rio, of which Dobelle is a member. 

The AG’s lawsuit against Dobelle seeks damages, civil penalties, costs and attorney’s fees associated with the AG’s ongoing investigation, and the costs of the OIG’s investigation. The AG’s Office will continue to review the OIG’s recent detailed report. Today’s lawsuit does not foreclose the potential for additional action. 

This matter is being handled by Julia Bell Andrus, Assistant Attorney General in the Consumer Protection Division, Gillian Feiner, Managing Attorney for False Claims in the Consumer Protection Division, Krista Roche, Paralegal in the Consumer Protection Division, and James O’Hara of the AG’s Investigations Division.

HOTLINE ESTABLISHED FOR MARKET BASKET EMPLOYEES

HOTLINE ESTABLISHED FOR MARKET BASKET EMPLOYEES

            BOSTON – Due to the evolving circumstances and with a significant uptick in calls from Market Basket employees over the past 24 hours, Attorney General Martha Coakley today opened a dedicated hotline for Market Basket employees.

            The hotline is staffed by the AG’s Fair Labor Division and can be reached by calling (617) 963-2400.

            The Attorney General’s office received more than 100 calls over the last 24 hours, and expects more in the coming days. Last week, Attorney General Coakley and Attorney General Joseph Foster of New Hampshire issued aletter to Market Basket’s leadership reminding them of the laws surrounding worker terminations.

            “Market Basket is a major employer in Massachusetts, and we remain hopeful that the parties will come together to reach a positive resolution and restore the vibrancy of the business,” AG Coakley. “With the rapidly evolving circumstances, we have established this hotline to answer questions directly from workers and make sure their rights are being protected.”

            The AG’s office is responsible for protecting the rights of workers under chapters 149 and 151 of the Massachusetts General Laws (the “Massachusetts Wage and Hour Law”). Those laws include the following requirements:

• Any Massachusetts worker whose employment is terminated must be paid all wages that are due on the final day of employment, no matter when it falls in the pay period;
• Wages include compensation for hours worked, tips, earned vacation pay, holiday pay, and determined and due commissions; and
• No employee shall be penalized by an employer because he or she has made a complaint or otherwise sought to enforce rights under the wage and hour laws.

            Workers who believe any of the above legal requirements have been violated should file a formal complaint with the AG’s Fair Labor Division. Workers can call the dedicated hotline at (617) 963-2400, or fill out the appropriate complaint form here.

            The AG’s Office is responsible for enforcing the laws regulating the payment of wages, meal breaks, overtime and misclassification of employees in the Commonwealth. More information about the state’s wage and hour laws is also available in multiple languages at the AG’s Workplace Rights website: www.massworkrights.com.

Mayor Walsh Announces Grand Opening of Strand Theatre Gallery with Exhibit Celebrating Unsung Black Veterans in U.S. History

Mayor Walsh Announces Grand Opening of Strand Theatre Gallery with Exhibit Celebrating Unsung Black 

Veterans in U.S. History

BOSTON - Mayor Martin J. Walsh has announced the grand opening of the Strand Theatre’s new visual arts gallery, located on the first level of the historic entertainment complex in Dorchester’s Upham’s Corner neighborhood.

The gallery’s first exhibit, “Triumph! Unsung Black Veterans in U.S. History (Duty-Sacrifice-Honor)” is a three month exhibit of oil paintings running August 14-November 14, 2014 that celebrates men and women of color in U.S. history that have contributed to the greatness of our nation.

The Strand Theatre Gallery will hold its grand opening with the exhibit on Thursday, August 14 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at 543 Columbia Road, Dorchester, MA 02125. The grand opening is free and open to the public. The Strand Theatre Gallery is open during events at the theatre or by appointment.

Dr. Shirley Malone Fenner, a veteran and Professor of Psychology and Human Development at Wheelock College, will speak about post-traumatic stress and psychological support for military families. Singers Barry Lawton and Yma Arrington will also perform.

The Strand Theatre has historic reference to our country’s valor as the Strand opened its doors on Armistice Day. The Strand Theatre notified thousands of Boston residents that the end of WWI had come. To commemorate this history, the exhibit’s closing ceremony will be conducted on November 11 on the Strand Theatre’s birthday.

A Boston-produced initiative by Haywood Fennell Sr. of Triad Veterans, the exhibit was commissioned by Artists for Humanities. The traveling oil paintings are part of Triad’s national effort to turn the artwork into a commemorative U.S. stamp collection. A signature drive has been circulating since January to support efforts.

The grand opening artist reception includes speakers, entertainment, and refreshments sponsored by The Boston Big Easy Restaurant. Presenters include the 54 Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment, the New England Chapter Tuskegee Airman, Boston Tap Dance, the Theresa India Flag Exhibit, and City Strings, who are inner-city youth cello performers.

Special City of Boston Citations will be presented to the artist exhibiting and three esteemed veterans: 102 year old James Guilford, Obie Hall, and posthumously to Benjamin Scott. 

Exhibition Details: Exhibit Coordinator: Haywood Fennell. City of Boston, Curator: Alda Marshall Witherspoon. Strand Manager: Melodi Greene. TRIUMPH! Artists: Stephen Hamilton, Kimberly Nguyen, Kitauna Parker, Genaro Ortega, Jerome Shelton, Juanita Grim, Takii Samuels, Milton Tejeda, Reginald Pinckley, Takii Samuels, Nick Johnson, and Toni Jonas. 

Exhibit example: William Harvey Carney (oil painting by artist: Kimberly Nguyen) was a Virginia slave who escaped through the Underground Railroad to Massachusetts. Carney enlisted with the 54 Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry as a Sergeant. For the assault on Fort Wagner he received the Medal Of Honor (37 years later) for saving the American flag from falling and planting it on the ramparts despite being severely riddled with bullets all over his body as depicted in the film, “Glory.”

About Tri-Ad Veterans League, Inc. was founded by Haywood Fennell, Sr., and fellow concerned veterans attending colleges in the Tri-Ad area of North Carolina thirty years ago. The Tri-Ad Veterans League, Inc., is committed to the principle of collaboration in working with other veterans organizations.  Their broad-based mission includes: the facilitation of veteran’s involvement in community education/cultural projects; enhance health services for veterans; develop strategies for harm reduction in the areas of substance abuse; promote prostate cancer and HIV/AIDS awareness; remove health disparities.

About the Strand Theatre: The newly-renovated Strand Theatre is celebrated as one of the last working vintage neighborhood theatres in America. The 95 year-old theatre boasts a rich history of performance throughout the century; including sporting events and visual arts. From jazz to pop concerts – to ballet, boxing and nationally touring plays—artists who appeared at the Strand have included Alfred Hitchcock, Duke Ellington, and Jerry Lewis. More recent artists include: Al Greene, Ruben Studdard, and comedian Billy Gardell. In addition to the 1,400-seat theatre, the Strand also hosts four galleries. Inside the Hall of Mirrors Gallery, the acrylic “Strand in Blue Series” is on permanent display to highlight the bounty of celebrated artist who graced the stage for nearly a century. For bookings (meetings/wedding/conferences) and detailed event information please visit http://www.strandboston.com or call 617-635-1403 or emailalda.marshall@boston.com.

一百年前的七月廿八日爆發第一次世界大戰

轉載自麻州摩頓市政府網站

Honoring the 100th Anniversary of WWI

Monday, July 28, 2014

WW1 Medallion

July 28, 2014 marks the 100th anniversary of World War I.  On this day we honor all those who sacrificed their lives fighting for our freedom. There were hundreds of Maldonians who served in World War I and many who were killed. Several soldiers are listed on the WWI Monument at Devir Park. 

World War I began on July 28, 1914 and ended November 11, 1918. The United States became involved when we declared war against Germany in April 1917. In 1916, many Malden men were called to active duty and served with Company L, 5th Infantry of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia (MVM) which would later become the Massachusetts National Guard. The men were stationed at the Malden Armory, which is now the YMCA, and where you can still see the letters “MVM” above the front entrance of the building. These men were known as the Malden Rifles and many of them would later serve and die in France. 

By the summer of 1918, the United States was sending 10,000 fresh troops into France everyday including many men from Malden. The following was provided by Kevin Jarvis, Director of Veterans’ Services and highlights some of our soldiers:

波士頓市長馬丁華殊表揚華埠治安巡邏隊

波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh，右三）和警察局長尹文斯
（Paul Evans，右五），警察局A-1警長梅志強（左三）頒發獎狀
給華埠治安巡邏隊，由隊長翁宇才（左五）和中華公所主席
阮鴻燦（右二）代表接受。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh)八月五日率領波士頓警察局局長尹文斯（Paul Evans)到大同村，親自頒發“治安巡邏隊年度最高獎”，表揚中華公所主席阮鴻燦率領的華埠治安巡邏隊，辛勞有功。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh，中）應邀和中華耆英會
行政主任梅伍銀寬（右一）及耆英們合影。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市在八月四日，五日這兩天，舉行“警民聯歡會（National Night Out)”，邀民眾和地方警察同樂，藉以聯繫警民感情，加強打擊犯罪效果。甫上任半年多的波士頓市長馬丁華殊和他指派的波士頓警察局新局長尹文斯，在這兩天裏共拜會了十一個鄰里社區，大同村是他們的第七站。

波士頓市府透露，波士頓全市約有330個地方治安巡邏組織，波士頓市長在這兩天內奔波各地，共頒發了十一個團隊獎，一個打擊犯罪個人獎。

今年的華埠警民聯歡會，一片新氣象，從市府的市長，警察局長，A-1區警長梅志強（Kenneth Fong），A-1區社區警察小組長陳孔恩到華埠的中華公所主席，治安巡邏隊隊長翁宇才等，全是新人。

 中華公所主席阮鴻燦（右三）為華埠治安巡邏隊隊長翁宇才（左二）
和麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz）（右起），薩福克郡
治安官湯普金斯(Steven Tompkins)，薩福克郡地方檢察官康雷
（Daniel F. Conley）等人拉攏關係。（周菊子攝）

            曾任A-1區警長多年，現為波士頓警察局副局長之一的歐羅基（Bernard O'Rourke)也夾在到訪華埠的警察隊伍中，給不少人帶來重見舊友的驚喜。

        薩福克郡地方檢察官康雷（Daniel F. Conley），治安官（Sheriff）湯普金斯(Steven Tompkins)，麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），波士頓市議員吳弭（Michelle Wu），波士頓市議會議長林乃肯（Bill Linehan）的助理陳偉民等人紛紛出席致意，使得會場熱鬧十分。

  現已升任波士頓警察局副局長的歐羅基（Benard O’Rouke，右二），

和曾雪清（左起），麥家威，梅伍銀寬，陳偉民（右一）都是舊識。

波士頓市議員吳弭得算新知了。（周菊子攝）

        參加華埠治安巡邏的義工們，包括謝中之，李奇舜，謝如鍵，曾兆漢，曹品慈，劉華權等人，更是興高采烈的穿上巡邏背心和市長合影。

            馬丁華殊和媒體為他改回本姓的梅志強五日都強調，民眾是警察的眼睛，耳朵，要加強維護地方治安，就得靠警民通力合作。他們一致感謝華埠治安巡邏隊多年來的與警方密切合作，希望今後繼續保持關係。         

 陽光托兒所的小朋友表演唱歌。（周菊子攝）

            八月五日的波士頓華埠“警民聯歡會”由大同村管理處經理翁麗芳，塔芙茨醫療中心社區健康主任曾雪清主持，說明華埠治安巡邏隊成立於2005年，迄今已有將近十年的歷史。

            波士頓亞裔青年會（YES），華人前進會，中華耆英會，王氏青年會(YMCA)，塔芙茨醫療中心，塔芙茨浮船兒童醫院，中城健康服務社，耆英家庭護理，急救服務（EMS），警察局等許多機構都在會場擺攤介紹服務，提供小禮品。頒獎儀式後，主辦單位安排了陽光托兒所的小朋友演唱“鍋牛與黃驪鳥”，“蟲兒飛”，“讀書郎”，“小小世界”，中華耆英會的耆英們表演扇舞，示範太極等。

            由於今年是麻州的州級選舉年，除了競選連任的湯普金斯外，還有麻州副州長候選人雷克（Michael Edward Lake），麻州財政廳長候選人高柏珂（Deb Goldberg）等人趕到會場，派發傳單。

塔芙茨醫療中心在會場為民眾提供量血壓服務。（周菊子攝）

臺北青少年民俗運動訪問團訪波表演 夏令營學員驚嘆

臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團5日在麻州牛頓市Lasell學院，為紐英崙青少年中文夏令營演出2場。26名11至14歲團員的技藝之精湛，讓全場觀眾頻頻驚歎，掌聲如雷。

由陳順和率領，以“舞動民俗，閃耀臺北”為主題，慶祝臺北建城130週年，宣傳2017夏季世界大學運動會在臺北舉行的這訪問團，預定十四天內在加拿大及美國東岸共五個城市，演出八場。該團早前已在加拿大的多倫多，渥太華，蒙特婁等三地表演，五日在大波士頓演出後，昨（六）日已轉往紐約。

臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團是台北市連續27年，每年甄選，送出國外訪問，擔任文化友誼大使的表演團體。該團領隊許裕陞表示，該團曾於2007年來訪波士頓，今年有明道國小扯鈴隊、西園國小踢毽隊各八人，以及弘道國中的跳繩隊十人，共26人獲選組團，出國前在副領隊，吳興國小校長林興兆的學校裏集訓一個月。負責跳繩的楊尊全，踢毽子的孫荻，扯鈴的吳麗秋等三名教練，和表演編導沈淑貞合作，設計出”布農之歌“，”踢毽子“，””魔術仙境“，”跳繩“ ，”農家樂“，”扯鈴轉好年”等六大主題的表演。

八月五日時，臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團先在下午三點半，為紐英崙青少年中文夏令營團員做示範性表演，在四十五分鐘內，演出三項節目。晚上七點，再為該營青少年，以及本地僑胞做整場六項表演。

大波士頓地區中文學校近年都開課教過跳繩，踢毽子，扯鈴這些民俗運動。八月五日晚出席的青少年及僑胞們，對這些民俗運動都不陌生，但26名小朋友能夠把這些民俗運動揉進雜耍，韻律體操，舞劇中，甚至邊扯鈴，邊跳繩，邊踢毽子，邊舞綵帶，讓坐在觀眾群中，年齡和表演者差不多的青少年夏令營營員們感到歎為觀止，看到精彩處，嘩然聲響徹全場。

也有觀眾表示，包括跳繩、踢毽子、扯鈴、原住民舞蹈、現代舞，農村記趣等節目，無論是服裝設計、音樂選曲、曲目編導等，整場表演顯然經過精心設計，其技巧難度、內容創新，都很別出心裁。

在勒星頓中文學校教扯鈴已不下六，七年的王志強指出，以扯鈴來說，多半是個人，或是雙人表演，法國最強。團體扯鈴，迄今還只有台灣，馬來西亞這麼做。

臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團這些小朋友的表現，讓人沒話說的要稱讚。

駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處副處長陳銘俊，新聞組組長朱永昌，外交部組長官大鉎，波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文，大波士頓中華文化協會現任會長冼鳳明，前任會長黃淑英，候任會長周映秋，曾任會長的陳瑞虹等人和紐英崙青少年中文夏令營營長蘇宏文等人，當晚都在場欣賞表演，也都對小朋友們的表現，豎起了大拇指。

圖片說明：

            臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團和紐英崙青少年中文夏令營的小朋友們在表演後合影留念。（菊子攝）

            經文處副處長陳銘俊（後右五起），臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團團長陳順和，大波士頓中華文化協會會長冼鳳明，僑教中心主任郭大文，新聞組長朱永昌，外交部組長官大鉎，訪問團領隊許裕陞等人和訪問團小朋友合影。（菊子攝）

            經文處副處長陳銘俊（右），臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團團長陳順和（左）互贈紀念品。（菊子攝）

            臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團團長陳順和（左）和波士頓僑教中心主任郭大文（右）互贈紀念品。（菊子攝）

            大波士頓中華文化協會的歷任會長，左起，冼鳳明，黃淑英，陳瑞虹都出席欣賞台北市青少年民俗運動訪問團的表演。（菊子攝）

            訪問團員們一邊跳繩，一邊舞扇。（菊子攝）

            臺北市青少年民俗運動訪問團團長陳順和（前右三）率教練，表演小朋友謝幕時，奮力丟出毽子，讓搶到的人留作紀念。（菊子攝）

            扯鈴隊把扯鈴和跳民俗舞融為一體。（菊子攝）