章啟月探訪華人前進會

中國駐紐約總領事館總領事章啟月，六月廿三日拜會華人前進會，和該會三十多名會員親切晤談，探問僑民心聲，贈送畫冊。

章啟月大使由中領館紐約副總領事鍾瑞明，領事王軍陪同，廿三日下午四點抵達華人前進會位於波士頓華埠內的雅樹（Ash）街會址拜會。華人前進會榮譽會長李素影，前主席黃夏儀，共同主席湯建華等，率三十多名會員接待。

            章啟月表示，她代表祖國問候華人前進會一種會員，簡介中國近年來日新月異的變化與成就，探問華人前進會對紐約中領館有些什麼建議或意見。

            出席者對章啟月親自到訪，大感興奮，發表意見時紛紛強調，希望中領館繼續便民措施，包括增加派員到波士頓辦理簽證次數等等。

            黃夏儀在會上代表華人前進會介紹該會歷史，指出該會目前的主要工作是推動穩定華埠社區，增加工作機會。

            座談後，章啟月參觀了華人前進會包括王余畫廊的整個辦公室，臨走前送上一本“中國”畫冊，展示中國美麗風光。

圖片說明：

            中領館駐紐約總理事章啟月（右五）送中國畫冊給華人前進會，李素影（右四）代表接受。圖中合影者，左起，副總領事鍾瑞明，以及江天源，梁德生，黃夏儀，湯建華，陳美蓮，鄺寶蓮，領事王軍。（圖由華人前進會提供）

            出席座談會者和中領館駐紐約總理事章啟月（前右五）合影。（圖由華人前進會提供）

            中領館駐紐約總理事章啟月（前右六）和華人前進會會員座談。（圖由華人前進會提供）

波士頓華埠僑民籌款 助吳弭競選連任

波士頓市有史以來的首名華裔市議員吳弭（Michelle Wu）今年將競選連任。波士頓華埠支持者上週末為她舉辦籌款會，籌得逾一萬七千元。

吳弭1985年出生，今年剛滿三十歲，去年才當母親，有了個小寶寶鮑凌樞（Blaise Francis Pewarski）。她將競選連任波士頓市不分區市議員。

波士頓市選務局已確認，今年的波士頓市不分區市議員選舉，四名在位者都將角逐連任，加上兩名新人，共六人參選，未達至少九人才辦初選的規定，這六人因此都將在十一月三日的大選時，再一決勝負。

吳弭在籌款會中感謝出席者的支持，簡述過去兩年來經歷，指中國城是重要選居，也是她的服務重點之一，請民眾有事相商時，可和波士頓市議會議長，轄區包括華埠的林乃肯（Bill Linehan）的幕僚長陳偉民，或和她那能說英語，普通話，廣東話，越南話的助理王芳菲聯絡。

吳弭表示， 她父母1994年才從台灣移民美國。上學後，她發現自己喜歡的豬耳朵，海苔等零食，竟被同學視為奇物異味，這才逐漸知道中美有文化差距，自己和父母的價值觀，不盡相同，但她相信小時候聽那些教小孩子要孝順父母，灌輸倫理道德觀念的錄音帶，幫助她成長為更好，更願意為社區服務的人。

在波士頓華埠僑領陳毓禮小動人脈關係下，籌款會有三、四十多人出席，其中有不少波士頓華埠社區店東，包括在大波士頓開有五家餐廳，食肆，卡拉OK店的鄺國彬，南北和及海之味的王信武，剛盤下乞臣街銀座餐廳舊址，正裝修準備開新店的陳清，劉增棋，在波士頓經營醉瓊樓，“風”等餐廳，以及祥龍巴士公司的東海集團董事長梁國忠等等人。

已非正式宣佈將參選昆士市市議員的梁秀婷，當天也特地出席支持。

吳弭將於本週日，六月廿八日下午二至四點，在南端（South End）的提圖斯麻雀公園(Titus Sparrow Park)舉辦年度冰淇淋聚會，邀請民眾在享用JP Licks冰淇淋，熱軟糖（hot fudge）之際，和波士頓市的民主黨員對話。

圖片說明：

            陳毓禮（前左三），梁秀婷（前左一）等人為吳弭（前左四）競選連任助陣。（圖由陳毓禮提供）

            陳毓禮（左起），陳文棟，黃國健，陳偉民等人為吳弭（中）辦籌款會。（菊子攝）

            波士頓華埠新一代商家也都支持吳弭（左二）。左起，陳清，鄺國彬，王信武，陳文棟，劉增棋。（菊子攝）

            吳弭（右起）謝謝陳毓禮，阮鴻燦，薩福克郡治安官Steven Tompkins等人到場支持。（菊子攝）

BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION BREAKS GROUND ON SECOND PHASE OF BRUCE FREEMAN RAIL TRAIL

BAKER-POLITO ADMINISTRATION BREAKS GROUND ON SECOND PHASE OF BRUCE FREEMAN RAIL TRAIL

BOSTON – Thursday, June 25, 2015 – MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack joined elected officials and supporters today to celebrate the groundbreaking for Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail. When completed, the Rail Trail will be located through the communities of Lowell, Chelmsford, Westford, Carlisle, Acton, Concord, Sudbury, and Framingham, following the 25-mile route of the old New Haven Railroad Framingham & Lowell line.  Phase 2A of the Rail Trail project will pass through Westford, Carlisle, and Acton ending at a location just north of Route 2.

“Recognized by the League of American Bicyclists as the fourth most Bicycle Friendly State, Massachusetts’ many cycling initiatives demonstrate our commitment to providing recreational transportation alternatives and healthy living initiatives in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Expanding the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail will continue that commitment and help to strengthen the quality of life for the families and neighbors in the region and across Massachusetts.”

“The Bruce Freeman Rail Trail stands as the model for how community engagement and innovative thinking can result in the conversion of a rail bed into an active transportation corridor,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.  “I want to thank the municipal leaders and advocates along the corridor communities for their efforts and congratulate them for reaching this major milestone.” 

“It’s exciting to celebrate this project milestone for the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail as we gather here for the groundbreaking today,” said Stephanie Pollack, MassDOT Secretary and CEO.  “MassDOT has been working toward incorporating sustainability into all of its activities, from strategic planning to project design and construction to system operation, for one goal: to deliver better services.  By working to expand the Rail Trail to Westford, Carlisle, and Acton, MassDOT is showing our support for multi-modal uses such as cycling, jogging, walking and rollerblading.”

The Bruce Freeman Trail is open to multi-modal non-motorized uses such as cycling, jogging, walking and rollerblading.  In August 2009, Phase 1 of the shared-use path connecting Lowell, Chelmsford, and Westford was completed.  Phase 2A which is comprised of just approximately five miles from Westford, Carlisle, and Acton was advertised in September 2014 and construction is set to begin in July.

“The next phase of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail is a testament to the advocacy efforts of MassDOT, rail trail and bicyclist enthusiasts, municipal officials, and town staff who have dedicated a great amount of effort to make these rail trails a reality,” said Senator Jamie Eldridge. “More and more, rail trails are not just a way for people to get outdoors and exercise, but it’s also a quality of life issue for communities and an alternative mode of transportation for people to get to work or to the train.”

“I’m very excited about the groundbreaking for Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail into Acton,” said Representative Jennifer Benson. “I know the people of Acton and the surrounding towns are looking forward to using the Rail Trail.  Once it’s completed, it will be a wonderful addition to the community.”

For Phase 2A of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail project, the estimated construction cost for the 4.8 mile stretch of the Rail Trail is $10.5 million.  With an anticipated completion date of fall 2017, the multi-modal trail is expected to be open for public use in the communities of Westford, Carlisle, and Acton.

MAYOR WALSH CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW HOMELESS SHELTER THAT WILL SUPPORT PATHWAYS TO PERMANENT HOUSING

MAYOR WALSH CELEBRATES OPENING OF NEW HOMELESS SHELTER THAT WILL SUPPORT PATHWAYS TO PERMANENT HOUSING

Releases New Report to End Chronic, Veteran Homelessness

BOSTON - Thursday, June 25, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today officially opened the City's new homeless shelter at 112 Southampton Street and announced the release of  An Action Plan to End Chronic and Veteran Homelessness, the result of the Mayor's Task Force on Individual Homelessness. The opening of the shelter marks the completion of Phase II of the project at 112 Southampton Street and will enable the site to provide over 400 emergency shelter beds on a nightly basis.   In January, 100 beds were opened at the Southampton Street shelter after the Mayor ordered an expedited process following the necessary closure of the Long Island Bridge. An additional 150 beds on the first floor of Southampton Street opened in April, and 190 more are available this week. The third phase of the project, to be completed later this year, will add a kitchen and clinic space to the shelter. The renovated building, completed in fewer than six months, will provide space for both the emergency shelter as well as two of the city's transitional housing programs, Project SOAR and Safe Harbor. Reopening this shelter and the transitional beds restores the services that the city offered before the Long Island Bridge closure. Temporary shelter beds located at the South End Fitness Center, Boston Rescue Mission and Boston's Health Care for the Homeless that have been operating since October, were closed this week.    "This project is a testament to what can be established when we work together to tackle our City's biggest challenges," said Mayor Walsh. "This is not just a shelter - but a front door to counseling, support and permanent housing. It is a critical part of our strategy to end veteran homelessness this year, and chronic homelessness by 2018. Together, we can make Boston a city where no one is left behind- no matter your income, your past, your struggles."   "This building represents Mayor Walsh's belief that all people should be treated with respect and dignity and that everyone deserves opportunities to succeed," said Chief of Health and Human Services Felix Arroyo. "This shelter, and the programs it will house, will lead to a new beginning for all who enter it." The Southampton Street shelter beds will be available to men, and staff at the facility will be screening individuals prior to allowing entry to the shelter. The shelter design also allows for a dedicated space to shelter homeless young adults and transgender guests. The Woods-Mullen shelter, which has served as a coed facility, will be converted to an all-women's shelter. The conversion of Woods-Mullen will provide a safer, more supportive shelter environment for homeless women where programming is tailored to meet their needs. Both shelters will be open on a year-round basis during the day, which will enable guests to receive case management, housing search assistance and health care services during the daytime hours.    Mayor Releases An Action Plan to End Veteran and Chronic Homelessness   Mayor Walsh today also released  An Action Plan to End Veteran and Chronic Homelessness, the results of months of work by the Mayor's Task Force on Individual Homelessness.   The Task Force identified that Boston has one of the lowest rates of urban, unsheltered street homelessness in the United States, as a result of steadily increasing the number of housing units for homeless individuals by targeting resources and committing to new investments.   In the last two years: 191 long term shelter stayers have been housed 391 homeless individuals have been rapidly rehoused 67 highly vulnerable individuals on the street have been housed 640 homeless veteran have been housed Emergency department use has been reduced 54 percent among a cohort of high utilizers of emergency services after permanent supportive housing placement; nights hospitalized were reduced by 31 percent Despite these efforts, the demand for shelter services has recently increased. To truly solve homelessness in Boston, it is imperative for the City and its partner providers to implement critical system reforms. The action plan will work to end veteran homelessness by 2015 and chronic homelessness by 2018. The goals will require a complete transformation of the homeless response system and will impact outcomes across the system for the entire individual homeless population. The Action Plan will redesign Boston's homelessness response system by focusing more on technology alongside the components of Front Door Triage, Coordinated Access, Rapid Rehousing, and Permanent Supportive Housing: Front Door Triage is the immediate response to homeless individuals upon entry into the homeless system, including individuals on the street or entering emergency shelter. It will have special focus on unaccompanied youth and young adults; untreated substance use disorders; discharge planning; and street outreach. Coordinated Access is a centralized online data system that matches homeless individuals to housing vacancies based on need. The Coordinated Access system will centralize vacancies to permanent supportive housing units and will use data to drive outcomes. Rapid Rehousing is an approach that moves homeless households to housing as quickly as possible by providing the amount, type and duration of assistance needed to stabilize the household, such as employment opportunities, help with increasing household income and securing benefits. Permanent Supportive Housing combines subsidized rental housing with individualized support services. It is an intensive intervention typically reserved for individuals with complex barriers who need a high level of support in order to achieve stability in housing. The City will target 950 Permanent Supportive Housing units to the most vulnerable; of those 950 units, 750 will become available through turn-over of existing permanent supportive housing units. The City will create an additional 200 new units of very low-barrier permanent supportive housing; create strategies to help those who no longer need services to move on; revise housing policies that create barriers to housing; and help maximize opportunities to provide services through MassHealth. The approximate total amount of existing resources dedicated to meeting the goals of this plan over three years is $60.9 million. The total estimated amount of new resources needed over three years is $12.7 million, which will be secured through a variety of public and private partners. In November, the Mayor announced the formation of the Mayor's Task Force on Individual Homelessness, a group charged with examining Boston's current shelter system and available support services, and outlining a strategy that will put homeless individuals on a path to permanent housing.   The task force included a diverse group of providers, the business community, foundations and philanthropic organizations, experts in innovation and analytics, subject matter experts from City staff and clients of the city's homeless services.   The task force was co-chaired by Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing, and Felix Arroyo, Chief of Health and Human Services, and included representatives from the Boston Public Health Commission, Boston Police Department, Boston Housing Authority and the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics.

Lt. Governor Polito Signs Inaugural Round of Community Compacts in Worcester, Gardner, Agawam

Lt. Governor Polito Signs Inaugural Round of Community Compacts in Worcester, Gardner, Agawam

Agreements ensure mutual accountability, sharing of best practices

                                                                       

BOSTON – Today Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, on behalf of the Baker-Polito Administration, signed the inaugural round of Community Compact agreements with the communities of Worcester, Gardner, and Agawam.

“We are excited to support these municipalities in the best practices they selected to strengthen their community,” said Lieutenant Governor Polito.  “The Commonwealth is looking forward to a robust partnership with these communities as they implement their best practices.  It is our hope that many of the municipalities in the Commonwealth will follow these municipalities and enter into Community Compacts.”

Community Compacts are one tool the administration is utilizing to strengthen the partnership between cities and towns and the Commonwealth. In entering into a Community Compact, a community agrees to implement self-selected best practices. As part of this partnership, the Commonwealth agrees to fulfill its own set of commitments and work to provide assistance for a community in implementing their chosen best practice.

In signing their Compact, Agawam committed to best practices centering on preparing communities for success, the development of a housing production plan, and increasing economic growth and supporting workforce development in community. Gardner has committed to best practices around implementing an open data plan, promoting vehicular and pedestrian safety, and the creation of a disaster recovery plans accounting for the preservation of digital and paper records. Worcester has committed to using technology to improve its public communication and engagement.

“The Baker-Polito Administration’s offer to help Agawam work towards sufficient and sustainable housing and economic development is an incredible opportunity for our city,” said Agawam Mayor Richard A. Cohen. “I look forward to working together to implement these best practices.”

“Ensuring that our community is safe and walkable is our top priority,” said Gardner Mayor Mark P. Hawke. “I appreciate the Baker-Polito Administration’s willingness to work with Gardner as we work to make our community a better place.”

“The opportunity to work with Lieutenant Governor Polito and leverage the resources of state government to improve Worcester’s communications and engagement is a wonderful opportunity,” said Worcester Mayor Joseph Petty. “I look forward to continued partnerships as we work together to make Worcester a better place to live and work.”

The Community Compact is a voluntary, mutual agreement entered into between the Baker-Polito Administration and individual cities and towns of the Commonwealth.  In a Community Compact, a community will agree to implement a best practice they select from across a variety of areas. The Compact also articulates the commitments the Commonwealth will make on behalf of all communities, including helping the community attain their chosen best practice.  For more information or to apply for a Community Compact go to www.mass.gov/ccc.

MA Treasurer Goldberg says bond sale produce $73M saving in next 22 years

TREASURER GOLDBERG ANNOUNCES RESULTS OF BOND SALE

Transaction Will Produce $73 Million In Budgetary Savings Over the Next 22 Years

Boston - This week, the State Treasurer’s Office priced and sold $952 million of general obligation bonds in a transaction jointly managed by Bank of America Merrill Lynch and Siebert Brandford Shank & Co. The transaction consisted of two separate series of bonds. The $250 million 2015 Series C bonds will provide funds for the Commonwealth’s capital budget while the $702 million of 2015 Series A refunding bonds will refinance certain outstanding Commonwealth bonds, and save the Commonwealth more than $73 million in debt service costs over the next 22 years.

“In a difficult market environment, our sound debt management practices and long-term commitment to transparency have allowed us to lock in significant savings for the Commonwealth’s taxpayers, all while providing funding at attractive levels for our long-term infrastructure goals,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg.

The sale began on Tuesday with an order period open solely to individual investors, with Massachusetts investors receiving priority status. The Tuesday order period generated 380 retail orders totaling $115 million from investors, both in Massachusetts and around the country. On Wednesday the sale was opened up to institutional investors, and by the close over $1 billion of orders had been submitted for the bonds.

The combined transaction priced at a True Interest Cost of 3.64% with an average life of 16.22 years.The refunding transaction produces savings of over 10% of refunded par, without extending the life of the Commonwealth’s debt profile. 

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FINALIZED FISCAL YEAR 2016 CITY BUDGET

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FINALIZED FISCAL YEAR 2016 CITY BUDGET

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 24, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced he will sign the budget approved today by the Boston City Council. The Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 budget provides the resources necessary to promote the Walsh Administration's vision of a thriving, healthy and innovative Boston. The budget prioritizes investments in education, youth summer jobs, affordable housing, park improvements, basic city services, increasing diversity within city agencies and combating substance abuse.  "This spending plan reflects our goals for the City of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "While there is still more work to do, the FY16 budget will allow our City to continue to grow and thrive in the 21st century. I would like to thank the entire City Council for their thoughtfulness and thoroughness during the budget process." "The Citizens of Boston can be assured that the appropriate due diligence, effort and priorities were part of this budget process," said City Council President Bill Linehan. "Boston is on sound fiscal footing and continues to grow. This was truly a collaborative effort between Mayor Walsh, myself and my fellow Councilors. I appreciate the hard work and dynamic effort from the Council and Administration that led to the passage of this balanced budget." "I appreciate my City Council colleagues for their extensive participation and advocacy in the review process, and I commend Mayor Walsh on his responsible and sustainable budget that maintains the fiscal health of our city," said City Council Ways and Means Committee Chairman Mark Ciommo. The $2.86 billion budget provides funding to support reinstating the police cadet program as part of a multi-faceted effort to boost diversity, both in the Boston Police Department and throughout the City's workforce. Many of the City's successful law enforcement officials have come through this program, including Commissioner William Evans and Chief William Gross. They will work closely with Chief Diversity Officer Shaun Blugh to ensure the cadet program is run fairly and effectively. The FY16 budget also includes funding for a dedicated position focused on diversity within the Boston Fire Department, which will assist in recruiting a diverse pool of firefighter candidates. Summer jobs funding has also increased by 22 percent over FY15 and will allow the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment to provide employment opportunities for Boston youth in a vast array of jobs at non-profit organizations throughout the city. Many of these young people become instrumental in assisting non-profit organizations with outreach efforts, childcare, educational awareness, and more. Mayor Walsh has made summer employment a priority, challenging businesses to partner with the City to increase employment opportunities for Boston's young people. Under Mayor Walsh's leadership, last summer Boston placed more than 10,000 young people in meaningful jobs. Mayor Walsh recently announced the City will be supporting an additional 200 city-funded jobs beyond the original proposal. Additional budget highlights include: Boston Public Schools' first ever budget in excess of $1 billion: An increased investment of $39 million brings the Boston Public School Department's operating budget to $1.014 billion. The FY16 Budget includes a 100 seat Pre-Kindergarten expansion, $21 million in additional weighted student funding provided directly to schools, and funding for the new extended learning time initiative that lengthens instructional time in the classroom. New funding for Affordable Senior Housing: Commits $1.75 million to provide financing assistance to senior housing projects including production of elderly housing, home repair, energy conservation and foreclosure prevention. The City also filed state legislation in January to create a new affordable senior housing program using existing state housing bond bill funds. Increased support for Overdose Prevention, Needle Clean-Up: Provides funding for the creation of an overdose prevention and outreach team and expansion of the new mobile sharps collection at the Boston Public Health Commission.  Improving our Parks: Provides funding for the Boston Parks and Recreation Department to add a second shift to the maintenance crew, ensuring clean open spaces throughout the City. Supporting a Dynamic and Innovative Transportation System: Targets investments to support the efficient operation of the City's transportation network, including $6 million to replace parking meters with new technology to effectively manage parking. Additionally, $500,000 is budgeted to create an electronic rulebook of traffic signs and regulations in order to provide City transportation planners and others with a tool for inventorying City parking. Building out Economic Development and Arts and Culture Cabinets: Provides increased resources to the Economic Development Cabinet created by the Walsh Administration to support newly created positions and continued work on a disparity study. The Arts and Culture Cabinet budget provides funding for a new position to support cultural planning and in the hosting of the Americans for the Arts conference. Enhancing Civic Engagement and Basic City Services: Creates a new citywide civic engagement position and four new positions for the upcoming transition to a 311 system, aimed at enhancing the citizen experience and streamlining government operations. The budget also provides for expansion of the popular "hokey" program into the spring and fall, which helps keep city streets clean, and funding for new snow equipment in response to this year's historic winter. Citywide Technology Investments: The budget supports a redesign of the City's website, as well as an investment in data analytics. Capital Investments in All of our Neighborhoods: The $1.8 billion capital plan includes 81 new projects and a total of 333 projects to address current and future needs. Of the expenditures, 44 percent are for infrastructure and 25 percent is being dedicated to schools and libraries. Highlighted projects include the Fenway High School addition; the expanded Eliot School; the Jamaica Plain Library renovation; over 45 miles of annual road resurfacing and reconstruction; 400,000 square feet of sidewalk repairs; the Connect Historic Boston downtown roadway project; Seaver Street and Central Square construction; projects in 98 parks touching every Boston neighborhood; the annual planting of 700 trees; and the school facilities master plan.

波士頓市長邀民眾6/26 欣賞女足美中對抗賽

波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh）邀民眾六月廿六日晚七點半，到市政府廣場，欣賞美國職業女子足球賽，波士頓突破者隊（Boston Breakers）打入四分之一決賽，將和中國隊對決。

波士頓突破者隊將由該隊守門，也是全美女子足球聯盟的2014年年度守門員Alyssa Naeher代表波士頓市。查詢詳情可上網www.bostonbreakerssoccer.com

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Mayor Walsh joins the Boston Breakers in Hosting a USA Women's Soccer Viewing Party on City Hall Plaza

USA VS. China

​​WHAT: ​ As a follow-up to Monday's victory​, Mayor Walsh ​will host another viewing party for Boston's sports enthusiasts. This ​Friday with the Boston Breakers, the City's professional women's soccer team,​ ​Mayor Walsh will ​host a viewing party for the US​ ​Women's Soccer team, currently in the quarterfinal match​ ​against China. All are welcome to enjoy this viewing party on City Hall Plaza. 

Alyssa Naeher, the team's goal keeper and NWSL 2014 Goal Keeper of the Year, will be representing the City of Boston. For more information about the Boston Breakers, visit: www.bostonbreakerssoccer.com

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WHEN: Friday, June 26, 2015 at 7:30 PM 

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WHERE: City Hall Plaza, One City Hall Square, Boston, MA, 02201