星期五, 2月 12, 2016

USA Science & Engineering Festival 4/16-17

Catch up on all of the latest news in STEM Education!
USA Science & Engineering Festival Educator Newsletter
                                                                                 Vol. 3, No. 8 - February 11, 2016
Field Trip to X-STEM!

Registration for the 3rd X-STEM Symposium, sponsored by MedImmune, is now open! Students in grades 6-12 have the opportunity to hear from some of the most inspiring names in STEM at X-STEM on Thursday, April 14th! These top STEM role models and industry leaders are sure to fuel your students' curiosity through storytelling and live demonstrations at this unique "TED-Style" conference for kids. 
Click here  to sign up today! We have almost reached seating capacity so don't miss out! 
Students & Teachers: Join our Volunteer Outreach Team! 

The next volunteer outreach team meeting will be hosted on Sunday, February 21, 2016. We encourage all volunteers to attend this meeting, as we will begin preparations for the Festival in April. A conference call number will be provided as well! 

What: Volunteer Outreach Team Meeting 
When: Sunday, February 21, 2016
Where: K&L Gates: 1601 K Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20006
Time: 2:00 pm
Students age 13 and over are welcome to join our Volunteer Outreach Team!
Who Wants to be a Mathematician Returns!

America's greatest math game,
Who Wants to Be a Mathematician, returns to the USA Science & Engineering Festival. 
This is your chance for your students to shine and perhaps win $3,000. Who Wants to Be a Mathematician will take place Saturday at USASEF 2016. DC-area teachers, including those in Virginia and Maryland, who would like their students to participate should email the American Mathematical Society Public Awareness Office at paoffice@ams.org with the subject line WWTBAM-USASEF. 

Learn more by clicking here
Students get a "Sneak Peek" of the Expo! 

Sneak Peek Friday returns this coming
April 15th! Sponsored by Chevron, Sneak Peek Friday offers school groups, homeschoolers and military families the chance to explore the Festival Expo Finale before the general public! Advanced registration is required for attendance. Click here to register for the FREE event! 
Bring the Inspiration of X-STEM to your Classroom! 

Bring STEM role models into your classroom with our collection of 15-20 minute videos featuring 2015 and 2014 X-STEM presenters covering a wide array of subject areas including space exploration, storm chasing, oceanography, the science of social networks, the physics of superheroes, mathematical puzzles and much, much more!  
Click here to access the video library. 
Free, Hands-on Science Fun for the Entire Family!

Explore interactive science exhibits, learn about cool science jobs, and have your questions answered by scientists!
Family Science Days is FREE at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel on 
February 13-14, 2016 from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. as part of the AAAS Annual Meeting. 

This free community science showcase features hands-on demos, shows, and other activities appropriate for K-12 children and their families. The event features a broad range of educators and scientists engaging the public in current science topics. For more information and to pre-register for free, visit this link.

Contact public_engagement@aaas.org with questions.
USA Science & Engineering Festival  | April 14-17, 2016

$586 million in new projects approved at BRA’s February board meeting Board also votes to rename Boston Marine Industrial Park in honor of former mayor Ray Flynn

$586 million in new projects approved at BRA’s February board meeting
Board also votes to rename Boston Marine Industrial Park in honor of former mayor Ray Flynn

BOSTON – The Boston Redevelopment Authority’s board of directors approved eight new projects at last night’s meeting, as well as updated zoning for the South Huntington Avenue corridor in Jamaica Plain and Mission Hill and the Stuart Street area of Back Bay. All together the projects represent a combined investment of $586.1 million and will create approximately 700 units of new housing in the city. The projects are expected to generate nearly 1,400 construction jobs.
The board also approved changing the name of the Boston Marine Industrial Park in South Boston to honor the legacy of former ambassador and mayor Ray Flynn. Mayor Flynn held office from 1983 until 1993, when President Bill Clinton appointed him Ambassador to the Holy See. As Mayor, Flynn, who is a South Boston native with deep family ties to maritime commerce, is widely credited with reviving the industrial port and preserving blue-collar jobs. The recommendation to rename the area to the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park was made by Mayor Martin J. Walsh and a special commission formed by the Boston City Council.
Last night’s meeting was the first under a new format that aims to have meetings end earlier in the evening without diminishing the opportunity for members of the public to participate and offer testimony when appropriate. The change was instituted after several meetings in the past year ran late into the night.
Below is a summary of the new development projects that were approved.


After extensive vetting process, Equity receives approval to redevelop Garden Garage with several hundred apartments

Total Project Cost: $350,000,000
Total SF: 536,000
Construction Jobs: 499
Equity Residential’s proposed redevelopment of the West End’s Garden Garage won BRA board approval after a lengthy vetting process that dates back almost six years. The board heard three hours of public testimony at last month’s meeting before deciding to postpone a vote on the project so that the development team could work to address concerns raised by community members and the board. The approved project is smaller by approximately 6,000 square feet, and it includes 55 fewer parking spots than before. Equity also agreed to increase its affordable housing contribution by $1.2 million to $8 million total and to provide $1 million to implement traffic improvements related to the North Station Area Transportation Action Plan.
The developer originally filed a proposal for the project in January 2011, before filing updated proposals in October 2014 and October 2015. First proposed as a two-building concept, the approved project will be a single, 447-foot high, 44-story tower with approximately 470 rental units. It will also include 20,000 square feet of common area space, 2,300 square feet of retail space, 775 underground parking spots, and close to an acre of new public open space.
Elkus Manfredi Architects designed the building, and Carol R. Johnson Associates served as the project’s landscape architects. By replacing an unsightly above-ground parking structure with a new residential building and a significant amount of green space, Equity Residential expects the project to improve connections between the West End, North Station, and the Bullfinch Triangle. New lighting, landscaping, and walkways will be installed, and the outdoor spaces will be available for community events.
Transportation consultants from Howard Stein Hudson designed the project’s parking garage so that it has multiple entrances and an underground connection to the adjacent Longfellow Garage in order to improve pedestrian and vehicular circulation in the area, especially during major events at the nearby TD Garden.

Prime parcels in Allston to be transformed with new housing and retail

Total Project Cost: $47,000,000
Total SF: 121,000
Construction Jobs: 122
130 units of housing, along with 7,500 square feet of retail space and an on-site bicycle repair station, are slated to replace three brownfield parcels at 89 Brighton Avenue in Allston. The site, which is currently occupied by a multi-family house, a commercial building, and a truck rental facility, is conveniently located near the MBTA’s Green Line and multiple bus routes that connect the neighborhood to downtown, the Longwood Medical Area, and Cambridge.
Based on feedback from the community, the development firm Eden Properties reconfigured the project to include fewer studio apartments and more housing that is conducive to residents putting down roots in the neighborhood. No more than 54 of the units will be studio apartments, with the balance being a mix of one- and two-bedrooms. In accordance with the city’s Inclusionary Development Policy, the project will include 17 affordable units. There will be 69 parking spaces and covered storage for 140 bicycles. Residents will also have access to loaner bicycles to reduce the need for a car.
Prellwitz Chilinski Associates designed the project.

New housing approved for Orient Heights in East Boston

Total Project Cost: $9,000,000
Total SF: 49,000
Construction Jobs: 37
Two parcels of land near Suffolk Downs and the Orient Heights Blue Line station will be redeveloped with a four-story apartment building containing 44 two-bedroom units, six of which will be designated as affordable. The development at 1181 Bennington Street will significantly improve the state of the property, where a car repair lot that has received several environmental violations is currently located.
The development team, which won unanimous support from the Orient Heights Neighborhood Council after scaling down the project based on community feedback, will contribute $75,000 over ten years to support research and education at nearby Belle Isle Marsh. Community members expressed optimism at the prospect of cleaning up the site, and the project will include lighting and security cameras at the rear of the building to discourage loitering and illegal dumping. The developer will work with the city’s Parks and Recreation Department to make substantial landscaping improvements to the property as well.

32-unit development approved for Cambridge Street parcel in Allston

Total Project Cost: $7,000,000
Total SF: 48,500
Construction Jobs: 35
Legend Development Group received approval to construct a five-story condominium building on the site of a parking lot that previously served a veterans hall that has been closed for several years. The 32-unit building at 392-398 Cambridge Street in Allston will include 28 two-bedroom units and four one-bedroom units. Four of the units will be designated as affordable.
The project’s 5,100 square feet of street level retail space will help to further enhance the neighborhood, which is already home to a mix of multi-family residential buildings and commercial storefronts. A 17-space surface parking lot will serve retail customers, and residents will have access to an underground garage at the rear of the building.
The developer hopes to complete the project within 12 to 15 months of breaking ground.

Boston University’s Myles Standish Hall to undergo first significant renovation

Total Project Cost: $140,000,000
Total SF: 203,000
Construction Jobs: 604
The Fenway neighborhood has seen a sweeping revitalization in recent years, but a Boston University dormitory at the corner of Beacon Street and Bay State Road has remained relatively unchanged for decades. That is about to change under a renovation plan approved by the BRA board last night. Myles Standish Hall and the adjoining annex, which were originally constructed in the 1920s, will be modernized during a three-phase, 30-month renovation that is set to begin this spring.
University officials won approval to fully rehabilitate the exterior of the building and to renovate the interior to house 730 student beds and associated amenities. The building’s original architectural features, such as the large arched windows and wrought iron detailing, will be restored to reflect their original charm. Key public realm enhancements associated with the project include new sidewalks, benches, street trees, pedestrian ramps, bicycle racks, and a 5,500 square foot pedestrian plaza.
During the renovations, students will be temporarily housed in a building that Boston University owns at 1047 Commonwealth Ave.

St. Mark’s neighborhood of Dorchester adds housing

Total Project Cost: $3,500,000
Total SF: 21,960
Construction Jobs: 16
Connelly Construction will develop a three-story residential building with 18 rental units, a fitness room, and bicycle storage at 8 Banton Street in the St. Mark’s area of Dorchester. The building will have 14 two-bedroom apartments, two of which will be designated as affordable, and four one-bedroom units.
Designed by Spalding Tougias Architects, the building’s exterior will be clad in multi-colored cement panels that give it a light and airy feel. Residents will be able to enjoy private balconies attached to the apartments.
The developer expects to begin construction this year.

Former rivet factory in South Boston to be renovated and expanded for commercial office space, retail, and fitness club

Total Project Cost: $25,000,000
Total SF: 78,700
Construction Jobs: 48
A three-story brick and beam building in South Boston that used to be home to the Standard Rivet Company will be renovated and expanded as part of a project that will result in nearly 52,000 square feet of new commercial office space and 12,000 square feet of ground-floor space to be used for retail tenants and a fitness club. Located within walking distance of Broadway Station on the Red Line, the project at 69 A Street will feature a three-story addition atop the existing structure and a six-story extension at the rear. A two-story building will be demolished to make way for the rear extension.
The developer expects the project to meet a unique need for commercial office space in the neighborhood, which has seen a flurry of residential projects in recent years. RODE Architects designed the addition and extension of the building with a sufficient setback so that it fits comfortably within the context of the surrounding area.

Condos set to take the place of tavern and diner in South Boston

Total Project Cost: $4,600,000
Total SF: 21,677
Construction Jobs: 16
A triangular shaped parcel of land at the intersection of West Third, West Second, and A Streets in South Boston will soon be cleared for construction to begin on a six-story condominium building near Broadway Station. Williams Tavern and My Diner, which currently occupy the site, will be replaced with nine condominium units and a small ground floor retail space that could be used for a restaurant. The building will contain eight two-bedroom units and one four-bedroom penthouse.
Residents will have access to a common roof deck, and the penthouse will have its own private roof deck.

Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Western Massachusetts Communities

Baker-Polito Administration Presents Green Communities Designation Awards to Western Massachusetts Communities
Seven Towns Receive Over $1 Million for Clean Energy Projects
STOCKBRIDGE/HARDWICK – February 12, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded Green Communities designation grants totaling $1,087,505 to fund clean energy projects at two separate events in western Massachusetts. These municipalities became Green Communities in the ninth round of designations in December.

“Cities and towns are essential participants as the Commonwealth progresses toward a clean, affordable and resilient energy future,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These new Green Communities will use their grants to reduce energy use, improve their buildings, save money and help us reduce our carbon footprint.”

“The Commonwealth’s partnerships with cities and towns create many opportunities for municipalities to meet their economic, educational and safety goals,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The Green Communities Designation and Grant Program is a highly effective example of these partnerships and the local benefits of investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy.”

Under the Green Communities Act, cities and towns must meet five criteria to be designated a Green Community and receive funding. The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) grants provide financial support for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that further the designated communities’ clean energy goals. These two designees are now among 155 Green Communities, cities and towns of all sizes that range from the Berkshires to Cape Cod and are home to 54 percent of Massachusetts’ population.

“Clean energy projects in Green Communities reduce energy use and greenhouse gas emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “They also create savings that can be used to fund other priorities, like schools and public safety.”

“DOER collaborates with Massachusetts municipalities on opportunities to save energy and reduce costs,” said DOER Commissioner Judith Judson. “These partnerships continue to make a difference locally and statewide, with more than half of the Commonwealth’s population living in designated Green Communities.”

Municipality Grants

Adams                         $166,865
Bernardston                $131,290
Egremont                    $138,570
Hardwick                    $150,510
Stockbridge                 $137,880
West Springfield         $222,765

All Green Communities commit to reducing municipal energy consumption by 20 percent over five years. These commitments amount to collective savings of 2,153,992 MMBtu, energy use equivalent to heating and powering nearly 17,000 homes, and reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 203,538 tons, equivalent to taking almost 39,000 cars off the road.

“The Green Communities Act remains one of the most effective tools at the Commonwealth’s disposal to combat climate change and promote clean energy,” said State Senator Benjamin Downing (D-Pittsfield). “Thanks to the Baker-Polito administration for coming out to welcome Adams, Egremont, Stockbridge and Windsor to the group of western Massachusetts communities leading the way toward our energy future.”

“I would like to congratulate the Town of Hardwick on being designated a Green Community,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D- Spencer).  “Thank you to Commissioner Judson and Director Knapik for travelling out here today to make this announcement.  Hardwick becomes the ninth community in my district to meet the standards required to be a Green Community.”

“The Town of Hardwick has shown their commitment to the environment with their Green Communities designation,” said StateRepresentative Donnie Berthiaume (R-Spencer). “This grant funding will help to further Hardwick’s pursuance to reduce their energy costs and consumption.” 

“I am proud that the towns of Stockbridge and Egremont in my district have committed themselves to helping secure a healthy environment for future generations, and I’m grateful to have Commissioner Judson and representatives from other newly-acknowledged green communities with us in Stockbridge today,” said State Representative William Smitty Pignatelli (D-Lenox). “Together, we will celebrate the positive steps that all of these communities have taken, and renew our commitment to work towards a healthy environment for all of our children.”

Funding for these grants is available through proceeds from carbon allowance auctions under the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) and Alternative Compliance Payments (ACP) paid by retail electric suppliers that do not meet their Renewable Portfolio Standard compliance obligations through the purchase of Renewable Energy Certificates.

2016 Seafood Excellence Awards finalists announced

 - See more at: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/foodservice-retail/2016-seafood-excellence-awards-finalists-announced?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=eNewsletter#sthash.N4PQLQVO.dpufTwelve of the best new products in seafood will compete for two prestigious 2016 Seafood Excellence Awards, recognizing the best new products released in the North American market over the past 18 months.
Four products are up for the Best New Foodservice award, while eight will compete for the Best New Retail Product award. The winners will be announced at the Seafood Expo North America & Seafood Processing North America event, taking place 6 to 8 March in Boston. Each finalists’ product will be showcased during the three-day event.
Vinh Hoan Corporation’s Char Marked Barramundi, High Liner Foods’ Simply Sauce Seafood Bites, Azuma Foods Internationals Inc.’s Tobikko Umami and Trident Seafoods’ SeaFusions Pacific Cod Bites will compete for the prize in the Best New Foodservice category.
The eight products competing for Best New Retail Product are: Bantry Bay America Inc.’s Mussels in a Creamy Stout Sauce, Santa Barbara Smokehouse’s Honey Glazed Oak Roasted Salmon, Aqua Star’s Crab & Shrimp Seafood Feast, Premier Marine Canada’s Waterview Market Shrimp with Sauce, Phillips Foods’ Shrimp Toast, Alaskan Jack’s Seafood Corporation’s Frontier Harvest Alaskan Jack’s Gold Premium Pineapple-Teriyaki Sockeye, Absolutely Lobster’s Absolutely Lobster Homemade Tomato Sauces and French Creek Seafoods’ Kickin’ Seafood Chili.
The 2016 finalists were selected from nearly 60 entries in the exposition’s New Product Showcase. The products were evaluated by three seafood industry experts based on their uniqueness and appropriateness to the market, taste profile, packaging, market potential, convenience, nutritional value and originality.
Winners of the competition will be presented during the Seafood Excellence Awards ceremony, which will take place on Sunday, 6 March 2016 at 3:30 p.m. EST, in the Demonstration Theater at the Expo.
Show organizer Diversified Communications, the parent company to SeafoodSource.com, will present the awards, which were created to feature, recognize and showcase the best new seafood products available on the showroom floor in Boston annually.
- See more at: http://www.seafoodsource.com/news/foodservice-retail/2016-seafood-excellence-awards-finalists-announced?utm_source=Informz&utm_medium=Email&utm_campaign=eNewsletter#sthash.N4PQLQVO.dpuf

Call for Student Leader Applications - Due Feb. 26


Washington DC - February 12, 2016 - Announcing the first annual Emerging Technologies Student Leaders Conference co-located with the 2016 TechConnect World Innovation Conference and 2016 Nanotech Conference & Expo, Gaylord National Convention Center, Washington DC, June 22-25.
The Student Leaders Conference will bring together undergraduate emerging technologies and nano technology student group representatives from across the United States. This program is seeking out active student group leaders in order to highlight undergraduate research and connect students with entrepreneurs, industry leaders, venture capitalists, and representatives of federal agencies funding research in emerging technologies. Additionally, in its role to support the National Nanotechnology Initiative, the National Nanotechnology Coordination Office is helping to establish the U.S. Nano and Emerging Technologies Student Network in partnership with the participating community.
To apply to join the Student Leaders Conference, please submit your information for review through the linked form. Participation is welcome from student leaders in any science, technology, and business domains. Submit your information Today!
All accepted applicants will be provided:
  • Registration Waiver to the 3-day TechConnect World Innovation Conference
  • Participation in the Student Leaders Program during the Conference
  • Recognition as a Emerging Technology Student Leader Awardee

Submit Application - Due Feb 26th

Student Leaders Conference - Supporting Organizations:
  • University of Virginia's Nano and Emerging Technologies Club (NExT)
  • University of Central Florida's Society for Emerging and NanoTechnologies (SENT)
  • SUNY Albany's Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Club
  • National Nanotechnology Coordination Office

NEW JERSEY STOCK PROMOTER IDENTIFIED IN UNDERCOVER OPERATION SENTENCED TO PRISON

NEW JERSEY STOCK PROMOTER IDENTIFIED IN
UNDERCOVER OPERATION SENTENCED TO PRISON
 
BOSTON – A New Jersey stock promoter was sentenced today in U.S. District Court in Boston for his involvement in a scheme to artificially manipulate the stock price of Massachusetts-based company, Amogear Inc.   
 
Michael Affa, 36, of Toms River, NJ, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge William G. Young to 33 months in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $1 million.  In September 2015, Affa pleaded guilty to conspiracy, securities fraud, and wire fraud.
 
In 2013 and 2014, a federal undercover operation monitored in real-time, Affa’s participation in the scheme to manipulate the stock price of Amogear.  In February 2014, the SEC suspended trading in the securities of Amogear as the attempted manipulation of its stock was underway.  Prior to the suspension, Affa and his co-conspirators, who were all stock promoters, carried out a scheme to create a false appearance of an active market in the stock, including a false media campaign designed to increase the price of the stock, knowing that Amogear was a shell company without any real operations.  Affa and his co-conspirators planned to sell the stock into the market at artificially inflated prices from which they would profit. What Affa did not know was that Amogear was controlled by the FBI and used to obtain evidence of their attempt to manipulate the market.
 
The case arises from a multi-year investigation focusing on preventing fraud in the microcap stock markets.  Microcap companies are small, publicly-traded companies whose stock often trades at pennies per share.  Fraud in the microcap stock markets is of increasing concern to regulators as such markets have proven to be fertile grounds for fraud and abuse.  This is, in part, because accurate information about microcap stocks may be difficult for the average investor to find, since many microcap companies do not file financial reports with the SEC.
 
United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz and Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division, made the announcement today.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Vassili Thomadakis of Ortiz’s Criminal Division and Special Assistant U.S. Attorneys Eric Forni and Andrew Palid of the Securities and Exchange Commission.

Governor Baker Files for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Transportation Funds for Cities and Towns

Governor Baker Files for $200 Million in Chapter 90 Transportation Funds for Cities and Towns 
Legislation also includes authorization requests for a small bridge program and federal aid highway program
BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration filed “An Act Financing Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges” that included $200 million for local transportation infrastructure improvements across the Commonwealth, otherwise known as Chapter 90 funds. Additionally, this legislation includes a request to authorize funding for a small bridge program and a separate authorization request for the federal aid highway program.
“We are pleased to file $200 million this year to support local officials and are committed to maintaining the same funding level for three years to support long term planning and economic growth,” said Governor Baker. “Every city and town depends on access to these flexible transportation funds and these investments will ensure municipal improvements remain front and center.”

Chapter 90 funding is issued by municipality and predetermined by a formula that factors in a municipality’s population, road miles, and employment.
“Our partners at the local level understand best that building stronger communities starts with making the short and long-term improvements to guarantee a reliable transportation network,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We look forward to the legislature’s thoughtful review and continued efforts to place our cities and towns at the forefront.”

Chapter 90 reimburses cities and towns for costs incurred for eligible transportation projects. Cities and towns must submit receipts to the MassDOT Highway Division district in which they are located which verifies that the expenditures qualify for reimbursement under Chapter 90. The Highway Districts in turn submit these receipts to the Department of Transportation’s Fiscal Department which facilitates the reimbursements to cities and towns.
Part of the legislation includes a request to authorize $50 million for a five-year small bridge program. The funding will support approximately 1,300 bridges on municipal roads across Massachusetts that span lengths between 10 and 20 feet. The new program will target small bridge projects that are not eligible for federal aid under existing bridge replacement or rehabilitation programs, and are a high risk for full or partial closure in the near future due to their present condition.
Another part of the bill filed today includes a $750 million authorization request for the federal aid highway program. While the authorization request must be for the full $750 million, the Commonwealth will be responsible for $135 million of that spending.
Also included in “An Act Financing Improvements to Municipal Roads and Bridges” are technical corrections to previously approved pieces of legislation, including a change that would bring bonds issued for the Rail Enhancement Program in line with similar projects like the Accelerated Bridge Program by making them exempt from the statutory debt limit.
The Baker-Polito Administration also filed a mid-year supplemental budget today. The $169.5 million proposal addresses known deficiencies at some state agencies, like Emergency Assistance and the Committee on Public Counsel Services.
More information about the Chapter 90 Program is available here.

星期四, 2月 11, 2016

The Wong Kids party is on 2/16


MAYOR WALSH ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY ON BOSTON'S STREETS

MAYOR WALSH ENCOURAGES PEOPLE TO PARTNER WITH THE CITY TO IMPROVE TRAFFIC SAFETY ON BOSTON'S STREETS
Outlines Progress Being Made by City of Boston Vision Zero Task Force
BOSTON - Thursday, February 11, 2016 - Citing an increase in traffic-related fatalities and severe injuries, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today urged people who drive, walk and bicycle in the City of Boston to stay safe by paying attention to the rules of the road and being aware of others who are also traveling on local streets.

"With a recent uptick in traffic-related injuries, it is critically important that people be very careful and obey the rules of the road to keep not only yourself but your fellow travelers safe," said Mayor Walsh. "Our top priority is ensuring the safety of our residents, but we need the public's support to help us eliminate all traffic-related fatalities on our streets. I thank the members of the Vision Zero Task Force for their work in identifying opportunities to improve roadway safety and I look forward to implementing the next steps in the Vision Zero Action Plan to create safer streets across our city."

Last spring the City of Boston adopted Vision Zero, a national movement with a goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries from crashes. A Task Force was appointed that includes representatives from relevant city agencies and advocacy groups.  In December, the Task Force released a detailedVision Zero Action Plan that in part outlines two major initiatives:
  • The new Neighborhood Slow Streets Program to be piloted in Dorchester's Talbot Norfolk Triangle and the Stony Brook neighborhood in Jamaica Plain, will introduce a variety of traffic calming and safety measures;
  • Two Vision Zero Focus Areas, Dorchester's Codman Square and a stretch of Massachusetts Avenue, where measures will be implemented to improve safety for pedestrians, cyclists and motorists.
The Task Force also formed a Rapid Response Team that is quickly responding to serious crash locations to analyze the cause and gain insight to take correction.

In addition, WalkBoston, in partnership with the Elderly Commission, recently received funding from Tufts Health Plan Foundation to implement "Safe Routes for Seniors," a project with the goal of supporting safe walking for older adults.  As outlined in the Vision Zero Action Plan, an educational campaign is currently being developed.  The campaign will strive to reach a broad population, including the 100,000 older adults living in Boston.  This will work to further the city's commitment to making Boston a more age-friendly city by fostering an environment where everyone feels safe to walk in Boston, regardless of age or ability.

"Making Boston a safe place to walk is key to the City's equitable access to opportunity, to long-term economic vitality, to fighting climate change and creating a resilient city, and to making Boston a great place to live, work and play," said Wendy Landman, Executive Director of WalkBoston. "We are pleased to be working with the City of Boston and state agencies on this very important issue."

According to Vision Zero, all drivers should know that driving over 25 mph greatly increases their chance of killing or severely injuring a person if they hit them, and it makes it less likely that they will see someone about to walk in the street.  Traffic crashes do more than hurt those physically impacted.  Like suicides, homicides, drug overdoses and other preventable tragedies, traffic crashes are traumatic experiences that have lasting impact on the people involved, as well as their families, witnesses and members of the community where a crash occurs.  When a serious traffic crash takes place locally, the City of Boston has resources available to support people, including trauma specialists with the Boston Public Health Commission and staff from the Elderly Commission who help people to make sense of what happened and begin to heal.

Last month, Mayor Walsh announced the launch of the Vision Zero Boston Safety Concerns Map, an online tool that allows people to identify locations where they have concerns about transportation safety. Boston residents and visitors are encouraged to visit visionzeroboston.org/input, select the location of their concern, and add it to the map. People can also enter additional comments to concerns that were reported by others.

Mayor Walsh also announced that the City of Boston was recently chosen as one of ten cities selected by the National Vision Zero Network to participate in their new Focus Cities Program. The selection was based on the effort that the City of Boston has put into working toward the goals of Vision Zero and the progress that has been made toward maximizing safety on Boston's streets.

Please visit www.visionzeroboston.org to get involved and learn more about the City of Boston's commitment to traffic safety.

###

Vision Zero Boston is an early action item of Go Boston 2030, the City of Boston's citywide transportation plan for the next 5, 10 and 15 years.  Using an unprecedented public engagement process, the Boston Transportation Department, in collaboration with other government agencies and stakeholders, is using data gained through the Go Boston 2030 process to identify and implement improvements designed to provide a strong, comprehensive transportation system that will serve the City of Boston well into the future. To learn more about Go Boston 2030, please visit www.goboston2030.org.

27th Annual Allston-Brighton Family Skate Night on 2/15

27th Annual Allston-Brighton Family Skate Night this Monday February 15th! Click here to view this email in your browser.
Dear friends,  
Bring your family, friends, and neighbors for a night of ice skating and complimentary refreshments for the 27th Annual Allston-Brighton Family Skate Night this Monday, Feb. 15 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm

Please note that the Ed Portal will be closed on Monday, February 15 in observance of Presidents' Day.
Details for other upcoming Ed Portal events are available below and on the Ed Portal’s events calendar.
Kind regards,
The Ed Portal team
.

未名紫荊與北大校友合辦講座 2/11 談科技創新與金融服務衍化

[未名紫荆&北大新英格兰校友会] Quark Finance Founder & CEO: Joe Guo
2016-02-10 PKUAANE

Technology Innovation Drives Financial Services Evolution

Date and time: 7pm, February 11, Thursday, 2016
Location:
MIT E51-315, Tang Center for Management Education, Cambridge, MA, 02142
Registration: 
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/47pkuaa-quark-finance-founder-ceo-joe-guo-technology-innovation-drives-financial-services-evolution-tickets-21418663800
 (or by clicking the 'Read more' in the end.)

ABOUT GUEST SPEAKER:
Joe Guo , Founder and CEO of Quark Finance
PhD in Physics, George Washington University; MBA, Cornell University
1996: Joined Fleet Financial Group as Vice President (later Senior Vice President) in charge of the consumer finance decision science department, overseeing risk and customer analytics.
2005: As Regional Credit Officer for AIG’s Asian consumer finance business, oversaw risk management for eight AIG subsidiaries in the Asia-Pacific region.
2008: Became Chief Credit Officer for JPMorgan Chase’s China Card Project, a credit card joint venture with a leading Chinese bank.
2012: Joined Credit Ease, the largest P2P company in China,as Head of Credit Management, overseeing risk and credit operations of various business lines.

ABOUT QUARK FINANCE:
Quark Finance is a leading consumer finance company based in Shanghai,China. It uses world-class credit management technology to provide loans toconsumers and entrepreneurs.
Quark was founded in April 2014 by seasoned professionals with experience in retail banking, risk management, and financial services. Senior management previously directed regional risk management andsales for multinational financial institutions such as AIG, Citibank, and JPMorgan Chase.
Quark addresses the rapidly growing consumer finance market that commercial banks have difficulty covering due to Chinese regulatory restraints and banking practices. Every year, tens of trillions of RMB are lent person-to-person or through underground money shops.
From May to December 2014, Quark Finance facilitated the issuance of RMB 740 million in consumer loans, achieving a 67% monthly CAGR. In the year 2015, the number of newly issued loans achieved RMB 4 billion, increased 5 times over the year. Quark Finance aims to become China’s pre-eminent web-based platform for personal financial services with professional risk management, direct sales, and cutting-edge technology. 

ABOUT ORGANIZERS:

Peking University Alumni Association of New England (PKUAA-NE)
http://www.pkuaa-ne.org/about/
Established in 1994, Peking University Alumni Association of New England (PKUAA-NE) is a registered non-profit organization in Massachusetts. We are committed to serving alumni, alma mater, social responsibility, and to build a common platform for alumni's career development, academic studies, social life and entertainment.
WeiMing-Zi Jing Venture & Practice Alliance (WMZJ)
http://www.weimingzijing.com/

Wei Ming-Zi Jing Venture & Practice Alliance (WMZJ) was co-founded by the Peking University Alumni Association-New England andTsinghua Alumni Association at Greater Boston in 2012, to bridge entrepreneurialtalents in the East Coast of the United States and various entrepreneurship opportunities and resources in China. WMZJ is committedto establishing a platform for mutual exchange, sharing, and collaboration among young entrepreneurs with start-up ideas and providing them with first-hand information of entrepreneurship resources to enable bettermatch and settlement.  

紐英崙客家鄉親 3/19 慶天穿日

紐英倫客家鄉親會主辨之一年一度慶祝 " 天穿日 活動 ", 訂於三月十九日,星期六, 擧行。

時間: 
2 0 1 6 年 3 月 1 9 日, 星期六,上午 1 1 時 3 0 分 至下午 2  3 0 分 
地點: Hyde Community Center, 9 0 Lincoln Street, Newton Highlands, MA  (僑教中心樓上體育館)

活動收費: 會員以家庭為單位, 每家庭收會費 $2 0,免收活動費。非會員每人收費 $15,10 歲以下孩童免費。 請鄉親朋友在會場入口處繳費。

活動內容: 客家小吃, 客家舞蹈, 抽獎,唱歌及其他團體活動。

由於會場座位有限,有興趣參加者, 請盡快向下列鄉親會理事報名,以便統計人數。


紐英倫客家鄉親會全體理事 敬邀

波士頓華埠社區中心獲道富集團捐款85,000元

BOSTON – The Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center, Inc. (BCNC) announces receipt of an $85,000 grant award from the State Street Foundation, to support BCNC’s Adult Education program. This grant will assist BCNC in its continued efforts to support educational and career advising services, further integrate technology into classrooms, provide training and support for volunteer tutors and mentors, and ensure the quality of program monitoring and evaluation.

“We appreciate the generous and continued support of the State Street Foundation, as we help our immigrant community members achieve higher degrees of economic success and well-being in our community,” said Giles Li, BCNC’s Executive Director.

This grant will also ensure continued support for BCNC’s Adult Education program, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL). In recognition of the ESOL program’s strength, BCNC has been granted funding from the state of Massachusetts for more than two decades. Our Boston program scored 23 out of 25 Performance Standard points in FY15, and in FY13 the Quincy program was ranked third among all ESOL programs in the state. The program serves over 250 adult immigrant learners each year, offering participants English and citizenship classes, education and career advice, career readiness skills, and tutoring support.

The State Street Foundation has supported BCNC for over 10 years. Its grant-making program aims to increase an individual’s ability to earn and maintain a living, thus contributing to the overall health and well-being of communities around the world.

“The State Street Foundation is pleased to collaborate with BCNC in education and workforce development,” said Mike Scannell, senior vice president, State Street Corporation and chairman and president of the State Street Foundation. “We couldn’t be more proud of the success of our long-standing partnership, which has helped keep our citizens on track toward achieving academic success and obtaining meaningful career opportunities.”

MONEYGRAM TO PAY $13 MILLION IN MULTISTATE SETTLEMENT OVER WIRE TRANSFER SCAMS, AG HEALEY OFFERS TIPS FOR CONSUMERS

MONEYGRAM TO PAY $13 MILLION IN MULTISTATE SETTLEMENT OVER WIRE TRANSFER SCAMS, AG HEALEY OFFERS TIPS FOR CONSUMERS
Settlement Funds Provide Restitution to Massachusetts Consumers; Company to Improve Anti-Fraud Program

BOSTON – A national wire transfer service has agreed to pay $13 million to resolve a multistate investigation into fraudulent money transfer scamsAttorney General Maura Healey announced today. The settlement funds will provide restitution to eligible consumers and a payment to the states that participated in the multistate investigation. The settlement will also require the company to improve its anti-fraud program.

AG Healey’s Office, along with 48 other states and the District of Columbia, participated in the multistate settlement with Dallas-based MoneyGram Payment Systems, Inc. (MoneyGram). Today’s settlement resolves a multistate investigation into complaints from consumers who used MoneyGram’s wire transfer service to send money to third parties in foreign countries that turned out to be fraudulent. 
“Consumers should always be wary of any requests for an immediate transfer of money through a non-bank money transfer service or reloadable payment card,” said AG Healey. “These types of scams range from ‘grandparent’ scams to lottery and contest scams and rely on money transfer services because there is often no way to trace the money, reverse the transaction, or recover the money once it reaches the hands of the scammer.”
Under the terms of the settlement, MoneyGram has agreed to pay a total of $13 million, of which approximately $9 million will fund a nationwide consumer restitution program. The remainder of the settlement funds will go to the participating states for costs and fees, including $210,000 to Massachusetts. 
Consumers eligible for the nationwide restitution program will be contacted by a settlement administrator.
As part of the settlement, MoneyGram has also agreed to improve its anti-fraud programs to better prevent fraud-induced wire transfers. MoneyGram will be required to provide additional compliance training for agents, maintain guidelines regarding when an agent’s conduct warrants suspension or termination, operate a hotline system where employees and agents can report noncompliance with anti-fraud measures, and continually enhance its technology solutions to protect consumers.
AG Healey warns consumers to be extremely suspicious if they receive a telephone call from someone asking for money or personal information, including when:
·         The caller is a stranger — in this country or anywhere else;
·         The caller says he or she is a grandchild or relative in a crisis;
·         The caller is in another country or a far-away location;
·         The caller says he or she is in trouble and urgently needs money;
·         The caller requests secrecy;
·         The caller asks for the funds to be sent by wire transfer.
More information about this settlement is available at the Settlement Administrator’s website: www.MoneyGramSettlement.com.
Additional information and resources pertaining to consumer scams are available on the Attorney General’s website. Consumers with concerns can call Attorney General Healey’s Consumer Hotline at (617) 727-8400. The FTC also provides information about money wire scams on their website, www.ftc.gov
In Massachusetts, this matter was handled by Deputy Division Chief Monica Brookman and Legal Analyst Emily Garvey, both of AG Healey’s Insurance and Financial Services Division.