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星期五, 9月 09, 2016
華埠居民面貌今昔展 9/10-18
麻州亞美局（AAC）9/16 截止接受新委員申請
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香港國際影視展12月2日前截止報名優惠
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MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONAL GRANTS
MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CALL FOR APPLICATIONS FOR BOSTON CULTURAL COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONAL GRANTS
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BOSTON - Friday, September 9, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that applications are now available for the 2017 Boston Cultural Council Grants. More than $450,000 will be awarded to organizations and projects in Boston that enhance the quality of life, the economy, the design of the City of Boston and that address the goals of the Boston Creates Cultural Plan.
Applications will be accepted until October 17, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. and can be found on the Boston Cultural Commission website.
"The Boston Cultural Council Grants provide local organizations with funding needed to create the programs that help Boston's artists thrive," said Mayor Walsh. "By increasing funding for these grants over the past two years, we've been able to support a larger, more diverse group of projects. I look forward to building upon the success of the program to reach even more artists and arts organizations this year."
Grants this year will be made in two categories based on budget size:
Successful applications will be specific about how they help grow access to the arts in areas not already well served by cultural opportunities, foster access to the arts for populations who don't typically have ready access to the arts, elevate the work of Boston's creatives, inspire the creation of new works, and support the achievement and provision of excellent, high quality arts and culture in the City of Boston. Last year, 177 organizations supporting arts and culture across the City of Boston were awarded grants totaling $428,650 by the Boston Cultural Council.
"Mayor Walsh's continued commitment to the Boston Cultural Council grants helps ensure our ability to fund projects that help us achieve the goals of the Boston Creates cultural plan," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "Boston is city with a thriving local arts community and that is reflected in the quality and quantity of grant applications received."
Grant workshops and webinars to explain the process will be held during the months of September and October. The dates for these sessions will be posted on the Boston Cultural Council site as soon as they are scheduled. Applications will be reviewed and voted on in public meetings during the months of October and November. The grant award winners will be published in January.
The Boston Cultural Council falls under the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture and receives annual funding from the state-run Massachusetts Cultural Council (MCC) to support the arts, humanities and innovative science programs that enhance the quality of life in the City of Boston.
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BPS Students to take the City's Exam Schools Entrance Examination
BPS Students to take the City's Exam Schools Entrance Examination
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Boston, MA - Boston Public Schools (BPS) will offer the Independent School Entrance Examination (ISEE) for entrance to the city's three examination schools, Boston Latin Academy, Boston Latin School, and John D. O'Bryant School of Mathematics & Science. The ISEE test registration deadline is September 23, 2016, and the test date is November 5, 2016.
"This is an important time of year and it is our hope that every child takes advantage of this opportunity," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "We want our schools to have a diverse student body across the board, and this includes our exam schools. If you know a parent, please spread the word."
Students must currently be in grades 6, 8 and 9 to take the ISEE. Interested candidates may obtain application materials from the Principal/Headmaster of his or her present school. Applications will also be available at the BPS Welcome Centers and all branches of the Boston Public Library during the third week in September.
New students are admitted to grades 7 and 9 at all three exam schools. The John D. O'Bryant is the only exam school that accepts new students for grade 10.
As of June 2010, the Boston School Committee voted to approve the Superintendent's recommended change in the residency date for application to exam schools. The new residency policy requires both the applicant and Parent/Guardian to reside in the City of Boston and complete the verification process no later than Friday, November 4, 2016.
"This year, we're aiming to increase awareness for the ISEE test among our families," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang. "As we continue to identify best practices to increase rigor in all schools, we are also committed to ensuring all students who wish are able to access our exam schools."
For further information on the ISEE, contact Enrollment Planning & Support at 617-635-9512 or visit our website at www.bostonpublicschools.org.
Additionally BPS will offer the TerraNova test to students currently enrolled in grades 3, 4, and 5 at private, parochial, and charter schools for possible entrance into the Advanced Work Class (AWC) Program beginning in September 2017. AWC is a full-day program located in select Boston Public Schools across the city. The AWC program includes the same subjects as the regular education program, however, each subject is studied in more depth at an accelerated pace and requires the completion of more classroom work and homework by the student.
The TerraNova will be administered, free of charge, to Boston residents currently attending Private, Parochial or Charter Schools at the Washington Irving Middle School, 105 Cummins Hwy, Roslindale on Saturday, October 15, 2016. Students who attend Boston Public Schools must take the test in their assigned school.
Registration materials for the TerraNova will be mailed to all non-public schools in Boston, and available for pick up at BPS Welcome Centers as well as all branches of the Boston Public Library. The deadline for registration is September 23, 2016.
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Boston Children’s Museum and Einstein’s Workshop Announce Collaboration
Boston Children’s Museum and Einstein’s Workshop Announce Collaboration
Agreement Will Bring Einstein’s Workshop Classes and Workshops
to the Museum
Boston, MA - September 9, 2016 – Boston Children’s Museum and Einstein’s Workshop, an innovator in hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art/design, math) learning for children, have announced a collaboration that will bring Einstein’s Workshop’s popular classes and workshops to the Museum.
“We are delighted to partner with Einstein’s Workshop to bring these highly relevant STEAM-based learning opportunities to our members and visitors,” said Carole Charnow, President and CEO of Boston Children’s Museum. “Einstein’s hands-on approach is highly compatible with the Museum’s culture and practice of child-centered play and learning. We are very excited about this collaboration and what it will mean for our audience.”
Einstein’s Workshop, headquartered in Burlington Massachusetts, offers a spectrum of hands-on learning opportunities in STEAM related content at its Burlington Campus. Its classes and workshops combine exposure to the process of creative problem solving, with instructor-led use of software and other tools such as 3D printers, and offers children learning opportunities that they would normally not have access to in school or at home. Part maker space and part classroom, Einstein’s Workshop inspires children to explore, grow, and gain confidence with science and engineering concepts critical to innovation and future learning.
“Boston Children’s Museum has an amazing 100 year legacy of engaging visitors through fun, hands-on learning experiences. We are excited for the opportunity to deepen that type of engagement through our classes and workshops. This partnership supports the missions of both our organizations quite well,” said Henry Houh, founder of Einstein’s Workshop.
Classes and workshops to be offered at the Museum are aimed at children in grades K-6 and include LEGO Robotics, Scratch Programming, Stop Motion Animation, 3D Design and Printing, and Virtual Space Mission with Kerbal Space Program. There also will be Parent & Me Workshops offered to allow parents to engage in learning with their children.
The 3D Design and Printing class will feature Einstein’s Workshop’s own BlocksCADsoftware. The free web-based software program that allows young learners to design 3D printable objects using block-based programming commands, while providing math and programming learning opportunities. BlocksCAD is now being used in schools, makerspaces, and fab labs worldwide.
Courses and workshops will be offered in the Museum every Sunday starting September 25. Classes will meet each Sunday for 90 minutes for four weeks. Price for the classes is $199 for non-members of the Museum, and $169 for members. Standalone workshops are 1 hour in length and are $30 for non-members and $25 for members. For families unable to commit to 4 weeks of classes, single half-day seminars also will be available at a price of $99 for non-members and $84 for members. Details on these offerings and online registration information can be found at www.einsteinsworkshop.com/bcm.
Drought Level Increases for Regions of Commonwealth
Drought Level Increases for Regions of Commonwealth, Other Areas Unchanged Monitoring of Water Resources to Continue, Water Conservation by Public Necessary
BOSTON – September 9, 2016 – With rainfall amounts remaining below average and warm weather continuing for a sixth straight month, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today declared the following drought levels throughout the Commonwealth: a Drought Warning for Central, Northeast, and Southeast Massachusetts, unchanged for the Central and Northeast Regions, and up from a Drought Watch for the Southeast Region in August; a Drought Watch for the Connecticut River Valley and the Cape and Islands, unchanged for the Connecticut River Valley and up from a Drought Advisory for the Cape and Islands in August; and a Drought Advisory for Western Massachusetts, unchanged from August. The declaration was the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of the Drought Management Task Force, comprised of state, federal and local officials, and will remain in effect until water levels return to normal in the affected regions.
“While regions within Massachusetts have experienced intermittent rainfall, it will take several precipitation events before the Commonwealth will fully rebound from the effects caused by this year’s drought,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “With today’s drought declaration, the elimination of outdoor watering by residents and businesses around the state is needed to avoid stressing drinking water reservoirs, which will ultimately exacerbate the situation. Additionally, as drought conditions have been particularly difficult on the state’s agricultural sector, we ask the public to buy produce from local farms within the state to support this vital industry.”
“With widespread drought conditions continuing into September, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is asking the public, including households and businesses that draw water from private wells, to conserve water by reducing indoor and outdoor water usage. Immediate action by the public is necessary to help address the falling reservoir and ground water levels in many areas of the state,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Kurt Schwartz. “In addition, because the extremely dry conditions have increased the threat of brush and wildland fires, the public is urged to exercise extreme caution when using matches, charcoal grills, and other open flames during outdoor activities.”
A Drought Warning, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, indicates consecutive months of groundwater, stream flow and reservoir levels being below normal, andinitiates a much more concerted set of government responses including instating water restrictions, and more intensified monitoring and coordination between the agencies. Areas within the Drought Warning are currently experiencing precipitation levels 5 to 8 inches below normal over past four months. The declaration of a Drought Watch represents extremely low groundwater and streamflow levels resulting from prolonged periods of precipitation deficit, including a lack of snowfall in the winter months. The declaration of a Drought Watch warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance for the affected municipalities. Additionally, a Drought Advisory indicates a level of dry conditions that warrants closer tracking by government agencies.
The state continues to intensely monitor and assess the drought situation, and environmental and agricultural impacts, and asks the public to be mindful of the amount of water they are using, and to eliminate or greatly reduce outdoor water use to ensure essential needs such as drinking water, fire protection, and crop hydration are being met.
For Regions in Drought Warning:
· Outdoor water use should be eliminated.
For Regions in Drought Watch:
· Outdoor water use should be limited to “handheld watering” with a hose or a watering can after 5pm or before 9am (to avoid evaporative losses); and
· Filling swimming pools, washing cars and washing buildings should be prohibited.
For Regions in Drought Advisory:
· Outdoor watering with irrigation systems and sprinklers should be limited to no more than one day per week; and
· Watering with a handheld hose should be limited to after 5pm or before 9 am (to avoid evaporative losses).
Certain water uses are not subject to mandatory restrictions, those include: for health or safety reasons; the production of food and fiber; the maintenance of livestock; and to meet the core functions of a business. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) is providing technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies, as well as assisting towns on how to request a declaration of drought emergency.
“MassDEP continues to work with water suppliers and local communities to implement water use restrictions that will protect precious water resources,” said Commissioner Martin Suuberg of the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. “Until the situation improves, we encourage suppliers to ban all outdoor watering in the hardest-hit areas, and strongly recommend that individuals on private wells implement similar controls.”
Crop moisture measurements of soil from across the Commonwealth shows Severely Dry conditions across Cape Cod, Southeast and far Northeast Massachusetts, and other parts of the state are in either Excessively Dry or Abnormally Dry conditions. To aid farmers and other small businesses, the Baker-Polito Administration launched the Massachusetts Drought Emergency Loan Fund, and continues to work closely with the United States Department of Agriculture, Farm Service Agency. Additionally, as a result of a federal primary agricultural disaster designation for counties in Rhode Island and New Hampshire, producers in six contiguous Massachusetts counties - Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Middlesex, Norfolk and Worcester - are automatically eligible for federal emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency to help recover from crop losses.
“The drought continues to affect the Commonwealth’s farms in a variety of ways,” said Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux. “As farmers and their families work tirelessly to ensure that dinner tables and farm stands across Massachusetts are stocked with wholesome products, I strongly encourage residents in all corners of the state to support the agricultural community by shopping local for food products, and help provide relief for farmers who have faced negative impacts associated with ongoing drought conditions.”
Task Force officials noted that while reservoir levels, especially smaller systems, are low for this time of year, the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not currently experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan.
“While the MWRA’s source reservoirs remain at normal levels, we strongly encourage residents and businesses within our service area to adopt measures into their daily routine to reduce water use – both indoors and outdoors,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey.
The declaration of a Drought Warning, Drought Watch and Drought Advisory requires the Drought Management Task Force to meet on a regular basis to more closely assess conditions across the state, coordinate dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare any responses that may be needed in the future. The Task Force will next meet in October. For further information on water conservation and what you can do, visit the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s drought management page and the MassDEP Water Conservation page.
BPS Superintendent Chang, Founders of Catie's Closet Open Store at Mather Elementary
BPS Superintendent Chang, Founders of Catie's Closet Open Store at Mather Elementary
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BOSTON, Sept. 9, 2016 - Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Tommy Chang today joined several of the founders of Catie's Closet as the organization opened its first "store" in a Boston school where students in need can get, for free, clothing, sneakers, toiletries and other items to help them fit in at their school environment.
Superintendent Chang visited Mather Elementary, the nation's first public elementary school, for the unveiling of the district's inaugural Catie's Closet, a room painted in bright yellow and lined with shelves full of new khaki pants and blue polo shirts - the school's new uniform - as well popular brands of jeans, pants, coats, hoodies, sweaters, and T shirts, plus socks, underwear, hats and mittens. The room is also stocked with bins of shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, soap and deodorant.
"We are so grateful to have Boston's first Catie's Closet at the Mather School. This amazing space will be vital in helping some of our most vulnerable students," Dr. Chang said. "We know many of our students face all kinds of barriers. Removing as many of them as we can is one of our top priorities as Boston Public Schools works to close the achievement gap."
"In Boston, I am proud that we have so many supportive partners who work every day to help our students, and I look forward to adding Catie's Closet to that number," said Mayor Walsh. "For students in need, Catie's Closet will help them look and feel their best. Thank you to all who have made this possible."
Catie's Closet was founded in 2010 in honor of Catherine "Catie" Bisson shortly after the 20-year-old Lowell woman died of a rare disease. The family-operated non-profit converts an unused room within a school into a safe space where a student living in poverty can choose - free of charge - the brand-name clothing and basic necessities that helps them walk confidently back into their classroom.
The organization is dedicated to improving school attendance and removing social stigmas in schools where the majority of the student body is living below the poverty line.
"We are thrilled to open our first school in Boston. The support we have received has been tremendous. The Boston business community has expressed great enthusiasm in helping us provide resources to students in need," said Anne-Marie Bisson, board president of Catie's Closet and mother of Catie Bisson. "It is so wonderful that her legacy will live on here in Boston, helping support students."
Anne-Marie Bisson, along with her sisters (Denise Trombly, Susanne Harris and Mickey Cockrell), sister-in-law Laura Bisson, Catie's father Victor and close family friend Lynne Baril, formed Catie's Closet as a tribute to her loving daughter. Catie Bisson, a graduate of Lowell High School, was a sophomore at Bridgewater State University when she succumbed to Loeys-Dietz Syndrome, a connective tissue disorder, after enduring over 40 surgeries during her lifetime.
Her mother said that throughout her life, Catie empathized with fellow classmates who strived to fit in. As a high school student, Catie knew firsthand the plight of students who are homeless. She once wrote a college essay about the power of education, and felt strongly that education was not a privilege. Therefore, her family sought to honor her memory by helping kids succeed in school.
"Catie's Closet is a magical place. In each school we operate, we give children hope. We boost their self esteem by being able to walk into a room where they can take what they need and feel good about how they look and feel," said Mickey Cockrell, a former Kohl's vice president who is a co-founder and the executive director of Catie's Closet. "As a result, students want to come to school and are better able to focus on their education. Having access to personal items free of charge makes such a difference in the lives of these children, their families and the community."
Catie's Closet engages the whole community in support of its mission through its 250 volunteers. Closet Champions assist by overseeing closets, hosting drives and donating their time. The organization has collected over 1 million pieces of new and gently used clothing at its central distribution center in Dracut.
The organization currently supports 18,000 students with 36 closets which serve 37 schools in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The first closet opened at Lowell High School in May 2010.
"Having our very own Catie's Closet will afford us the ability to serve all children throughout the year, giving comfort to students and families in need," said Mather Principal Rochelle Nwosu.
With additional monetary sponsorships, Boston Public Schools hopes to see the expansion of Catie's Closet to other schools throughout the system. The room at the Mather School was made possible by the generous support of anonymous donors who were brought together by Boston Cares,New England's largest volunteer mobilizer.
"Catie's Closet really addresses one of those very important but unmet needs that might not seem obvious to everybody, but to educators it makes all the difference in boosting the confidence of students," said Patrice Keegan, executive director of Boston Cares. 'We are glad we were able to connect Catie's Closet with the Mather and our other partners."
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Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and Transit Officials Provide Update on MBTA Reforms and Winter Resiliency Upgrades
Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and Transit Officials Provide Update on MBTA Reforms and Winter Resiliency Upgrades
$18.5 million second phase to upgrade 9.9 miles of exposed T infrastructure along Red Line South
BRAINTREE – Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack today visited the MBTA’s Caddigan Yard near the Braintree MBTA stop as work commences this weekend on the second phase of Red Line winter resiliency upgrades and as the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) continues to make improvement reforms to service, accountability and reliability for taxpayers and riders.
“The MBTA continues to improve its infrastructure and strengthen its ability to perform for riders during severe weather by investing in the core system,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This resiliency work and the Fiscal and Management Control Board’s efforts to deliver meaningful reforms, transparency and cost-effectiveness, will ultimately mean a more accountable and reliable transit system for the Commonwealth’s commuters and taxpayers.”
The $18.5 million resiliency contract was awarded in July by the FMCB to Barletta Heavy Division, Inc., and will implement upgrades along 9.9 miles of the Red Line’s Braintree and Ashmont Lines, including the replacement of all third rail and heating systems, track and tie renewals, signals, track structure and conduit installations.
“These investments in preparation for another New England winter are important to the riders who depend on the system every day to get to and from their jobs and school,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Since historic snowfall and temperatures hampered the MBTA last year, leaders at the T have focused on the reforms and investments in the core system to ensure greater reliability.”
The Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary were joined by MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve, Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Gonneville and Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan, who was appointed to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) new Board of Directors when it was expanded as a result of reform legislation filed and signed by Governor Baker last year.
“The MBTA’s goals continue to be the safety of our passengers and the ability to provide reliable service to those customers, especially during severe weather,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “The next phase of winter resiliency work reflects the type of investments we are making, and that need to be made, in order to improve the system in the short and long term.”
The $83 million MBTA Winter Resiliency Plan announced by the Baker-Polito Administration in 2015 focused on infrastructure, equipment, and operations improvements on the Red Line and Orange Line to more effectively mitigate the frequency, length and magnitude of system disruptions to public transit during severe weather. The first phase, implemented last year, included third rail and rail heater improvements along 13.6 miles of the Red Line from the Andrew Station portal to Quincy Adams, while the second phase which began this summer and will continue through December completes the improvements along the entire length of the Red Line.
“This work is key to keeping the system operating no matter what challenges Mother Nature throws at us,” said MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve. “In addition, investments have already been made to secure specialized snow removal equipment to increase our snow removal capacity and ensure passenger vehicles operate on schedule.”
“These Red Line improvements underline the importance of reliability for our public transit system,” said Braintree Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan, member of the Mass DOT Board. “When people have confidence in the dependability of our system, ridership will grow. That’s a good thing.”
To accommodate the winter resiliency work, buses will replace train service two weekends this month on the Braintree Branch:
- Sept. 10-11 between Braintree and JFK/UMass Stations, from start to end of service.
- Sept. 24-25 between Braintree and North Quincy Stations, from start to end of service.
More dates will be announced for weekend dates from October through November.
Governor Baker appointed the FMCB in 2015 to oversee the system’s operations and finances and increased the Commonwealth's additional assistance payments to the MBTA's operating and capital budgets to $187 million, a 50% increase over Fiscal Year 2015. The FMCB, MassDOT and MBTA reduced the Fiscal Year 2016 budget deficit from $170 million to $86 million and have cut the projected Fiscal Year 2017 budget deficit by 50%. Also in Fiscal Year 2016, MBTA recorded its lowest level of operating expense growth in more than 15 years through cost control, increased own-source revenues by more than $10 million, and reduced operator absenteeism by nearly 20% and weekday dropped bus trips by over 30%. The MBTA is the fifth-largest transit agency in the U.S., serving over 1 million riders a day.
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