Drought Conditions Continue for Large Portions of Commonwealth, Western Region Increased to Drought Watch

Drought Conditions Continue for Large Portions of Commonwealth, Western Region Increased to Drought Watch
Monitoring of Water Resources to Continue, Water Conservation by Public Necessary

 BOSTON – October 7, 2016 – With large portions of Massachusetts continuing to experience rainfall amounts remaining below average for a seventh straight month, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today declared the following drought levels throughout the Commonwealth: a Drought Warning for the Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, and Southeast Massachusetts, unchanged for the Central, Northeast and Southeast Regions, and up from a Drought Watch for the Connecticut River Valley in September; and a Drought Watch for the Cape and Islands and Western Massachusetts, up from a Drought Advisory  for Western Massachusetts and unchanged for the Cape and Islands in September. The declaration was the result of a recommendation issued from a recent meeting of theDrought 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.

“Most of Massachusetts received very little precipitation during the month of September, preventing needed relief from the ongoing drought conditions currently being experienced throughout much of the state,”said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton.“Water reservoirs, groundwater, streamflow, and soil moisture levels continue to decline, severely impacting the Commonwealth’s riverine habitats and fisheries, agricultural sector, and elevating the risk of fire. Now more important than ever, we all must administer best water conservation practices to avoid additional stress on our drinking water sources and other water dependent habitats.”

“As widespread drought conditions continue into October, the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency is asking the public, including those with private wells, to conserve water by reducing indoor and outdoor water usage.  Water conservation is necessary to help address the reduced 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, and initiates 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 below normal for six out of seven consecutive 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.

While certain sub-regions within Northeast and Southeast Massachusetts are experiencing much more severe impacts, and areas within the Cape and Islands region are experiencing more optimal conditions, the state continues to intensely monitor and assess the drought situation, and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts. Furthermore, the state 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).

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s (MassDEP) permits exempt certain water uses from mandatory restrictions, including: for health or safety reasons; the production of food and fiber; the maintenance of livestock; and to meet the core functions of a business. MassDEP continues to provide 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 strongly encourages suppliers to keep outdoor restrictions in place into October,” said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “The prolonged drought created a significant water deficit that will need time and a return to normal precipitation patterns to replenish.”

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 (USDA), Farm Service Agency. As a result of USDA primary agricultural disaster designations due to losses caused by drought, all Massachusetts counties are now eligible for federal emergency loans through the Farm Service Agency to help recover from crop losses. Additionally, all Massachusetts counties are eligible for federal emergency loans as a result of a USDA primary agriculturaldisaster designation due to crop losses of tree fruits like peaches that were caused by frost and freeze occurring between February and May.

“The ongoing drought conditions continue to adversely affect farmers across Massachusetts,” said Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux. “We are committed to working with these farmers to connect them with the resources they need during this challenging time. Despite the difficult growing conditions, Massachusetts farms, nurseries and greenhouses continue to produce plenty of high-quality agricultural products, and we strongly encourage all residents to buy local this fall to support our hard-working farmers.”

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.

“The Massachusetts Water Resource Authority’s source reservoirs are still within normal levels; however, the minimal rainfall we have had has not really added up to much,” said MWRA Executive Director Fred Laskey. “We continue to encourage residents and businesses within our service area to conserve water in their daily routine.”

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 November. For further information on water conservation and what you can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s drought managementpage, and the MassDEP Water Conservation page.

22,000 more Massachusetts residents may be eligible for afordable care taxs credits

New analysis shows 22,000 Massachusetts residents currently buying individual health coverage off-Marketplace may be eligible for Affordable Care Act premium tax credits

HHS encourages Massachusetts consumers to evaluate Marketplace options during upcoming Open Enrollment

Since the Affordable Care Act became law, millions of Americans gained coverage or found more affordable options thanks to premium tax credits available through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Today, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) released data showing that 22,000 Massachusetts residents who currently purchase off-Marketplace individual market coverage may qualify for tax credits if they shop for 2017 coverage through the Marketplace.  Nationally, the report finds that 2.5 million Americans who currently purchase off-Marketplace individual market coverage may qualify for tax credits.

“More than 9 million Americans already receive financial assistance through the Health Insurance Marketplace to help keep coverage affordable, but today’s data show millions more Americans could benefit,” said Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “We encourage everyone to check out their options on HealthCare.gov or their state Marketplace and see if they qualify for financial assistance. Marketplace consumers who qualify for financial assistance usually have the option to buy coverage with a premium of less than $75 per month.”

Today’s analysis estimates that about 6.9 million individuals currently purchase health insurance in the off-Marketplace individual market. Of those, about 1.9 million either have incomes that would qualify them for Medicaid or place them in the Medicaid coverage gap or are ineligible to purchase Marketplace coverage due to immigration status, while the remainder could enroll in Marketplace qualified health plans (QHPs). 

Counting both Marketplace and off-Marketplace consumers, more than 70 percent of all QHP-eligible individuals currently insured through the individual market have incomes that could qualify them for tax credits. If the Marketplace-eligible uninsured are included as well, today’s analysis indicates that almost 80 percent of all Americans eligible for Marketplace coverage could qualify for tax credits based on their income.

Many consumers remain unaware of the financial assistance available to them through the Marketplace. For example, a recent Commonwealth Fund survey found that only 52 percent of uninsured adults were aware that financial assistance is available through the Marketplaces.

Tax credits available through the Marketplace are designed to both improve affordability and protect consumers from the impact of rate increases.  Consumers may be eligible if their incomes are between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level (about $100,000 for a family of four). If all premiums in an area go up, the large majority of Marketplace consumers will not have to pay more because tax credits will increase in parallel. A recent HHS analysis  found that, in a hypothetical scenario where all 2017 rates increased by 25 percent, 73 percent of current Marketplace consumers would be able to purchase coverage for less than $75 per month thanks to tax credits.

During the upcoming Open Enrollment, HHS will be placing new emphasis on making sure people currently buying individual market coverage off-Marketplace know their options. For example:

·         For the first time, our decisions about where to target our outreach efforts – from regional TV and radio to search and digital marketing – will be based in part on where we can reach these consumers, supplementing our continued use of data to target the remaining uninsured.

·         We are strengthening our relationships with agents and brokers. Agents and brokers are a critical channel for reaching off-Marketplace consumers, who often purchase coverage with the help of an agent or broker. Changes this year, such as offering agents and brokers new Marketplace training tools and faster registration, will make it easier for agents and brokers to enroll people in Marketplace plans.  Improvements to agent and broker education and resources will ensure that they and their customers know all their options.

·         We are working with issuers to provide consumers with more and better information about the Marketplace.  This includes updating standard notices to make them shorter, simpler, and more user friendly.

·         We are making it easier for issuers to facilitate transitions from a parents’ plan into the Marketplace. Specifically, recent guidance from the Department of Labor makes clear that the sponsors of employer plans can – and are encouraged to – provide additional information that will help young adults understand their options and enroll in Marketplace coverage as appropriate.

To read today’s brief, visit: https://aspe.hhs.gov/pdf-report/people-who-currently-buy-individual-market-coverage-could-be-eligible-aca-subsidies

Getting Ready for Open Enrollment

We’re putting the finishing touches on our plans for Open Enrollment 4. Between now andNovember 1, you’ll see a series of announcements from us about what’s new, what’s better, and what to expect during this Open Enrollment – including new tools for consumers, new outreach tactics and targeting strategies, and more information about continued access to affordable coverage. Today’s announcement is the second in this series; the first, on September 27^th, focused on outreach to young adults.

Americans can sign up for affordable health plans that meet their needs and their budgets at HealthCare.gov or their state Marketplace websites beginning November 1. Open Enrollment runs through January 31, 2017. Health coverage can start as soon as January 1, 2017 for consumers who sign up by December 15, 2016.

Four Asian American Civil Rights Organizations Call Out Fox News And The O’Reilly Factor for Racist Segment

Washington, DC – Four organizations of the Asian Americans Advancing Justice affiliation issued the following statement in regards to a recent segment that ran on The O’Reilly Factor:

“Our organizations are outraged by the blatant, racist and offensive stereotypes of Chinese Americans portrayed in a recent Fox News segment during The O’Reilly Factor.  The fact that O’Reilly termed this as “gentle fun” and Watters believed it was “all in good fun” only demonstrates a complete lack of a moral compass.  It is unconscionable that a news organization would sanction a segment that laughs at a community of people, including Watters ridiculing elderly Chinese Americans who were limited English proficient.

Although The O’Reilly Factor may believe this was “all in good fun,” the segment does nothing more than play up every offensive stereotype of Asian Americans that the community has fought against for decades.  What they should have done is to talk about the important role that Asian Americans can play in this upcoming election.

There are more than 9.3 million newly eligible voters this year, and 37% of Asian American respondents in our 2016 Voter Survey identify themselves as independents.  Our community stands to play an important role in this election and the future of politics as the fastest growing racial group in the United States.  We demand a formal apology from Fox News and The O’Reilly Factor for airing such an offensive segment.  We, as a community, refuse to be mocked and trivialized.”  

麻州政府大廳辦中國日慶祝 章啟月大使親自出席

中國駐紐約總領事館章啟月大使(前右四)和獲表揚團體代表合影。(周菊子攝)

中國駐紐約總領事館總領事，章啟月大使率領副總領事程雷，科技參贊邢繼俊，文化參贊李立言，領事喬利等人，今(6)日在麻州州政府大廳( Great Hall)，舉辦"中國日"活動，慶祝中國與麻州37年來的友誼與合作。

麻州副州務卿Michael A. Maresco，麻州眾議會副議長 Patricia A. Haddad，代表昆士市的參議員基南(John Kenan)，眾議員陳德基等，有多名政要出席。

章啟月大使透露，40年前她就來過麻州。在大約20分鐘的致詞中，章啟月大使談及中美交流進程，以及近年來海南航空，中國北車等來到麻州，多家中國生物醫藥企業在麻州設立據點等發展。

章啟月大使還在活動中特地頒獎表揚社區團體，包括麻州眾議會亞裔小組，劍橋中國文化中心，華人前進會，中華僑立學校，音樂家協會，亞美會，波士頓大學孔子學院，麻州龍舟節委員會等等。

章啟月大使和出席麻州正要合影。(周菊子攝)

GE Debuts Brilliant Career Lab at BPS

Boston, MA. - Thursday, October 6, 2016 - Boston Public Schools and the GE Foundation today launched the GE Brilliant Career Lab, a first-of-its-kind interactive mobile technology lab designed to prepare students for innovative digital industrial jobs of the future. The Brilliant Career Lab focuses on enhancing access to skills training in STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) through hands on experiences and mentoring, as well as a website that offers access to similar experiences and career information. 

"In Boston, we are committed to making our city a leader in bringing STEM education to all students," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "The Brilliant Career Lab is an example of how companies like GE improve our city and bring more opportunities to Boston's young people. The Lab will help prepare BPS students for the jobs of the future, and I'm proud to support this partnership and a strong STEM foundation for all of Boston's students."

The Brilliant Career Lab offers both physical and virtual locations so that students have access to unique, hands-on experiences with advanced manufacturing technology.Through the mobile lab, students will become familiar with new technologies, such as 3-D printers, laser cutters, milling machines, and programming tools.They will be able to work on projects to help them understand the uses and features of the equipment. The Brilliant Career Mobile Lab will first be deployed in Boston Public Schools, with the goal of sharing the mobile labs in other cities in the coming years.

"GE is focused on forward-looking, innovativetechnologies, and through the GE Brilliant Career Labwe will advance students'understanding and ability to pursue STEM careers," said Ann R. Klee, president, GE Foundation and vice president, Boston Developmentand Operations for GE. "At GE, we take investment in future generations very seriously and through innovations like the GE Brilliant Career Lab we plan to help meet future needs for skilled workers."

The Brilliant Career Lab website,www.brilliantcareerlab.org, also launched today and has tools to help students with career planning and preparation. The site houses career assessments that identify potential STEM related careers paths and interactive activities that teach students aboutopportunities based on their interests and skills.

"Preparing our students for the careers of the future is a collective responsibility, and the GE Foundation has stepped up to contribute to the learning experiences of many BPS high schoolers," said School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "On behalf of the Committee, I would like to extend our gratitude for this new budding partnership, and we look forward to seeing the results as our students participate in mobile lab workshops, prepare to graduate, and enter the workforce."

The Brilliant Career Lab is a centerpiece of the GE Foundation's $25 million investment to support Bostonstudents and educators, an important piece of a larger, ongoing commitment from GE to the City of Boston as GE moves its headquarters to the city. Through the $25 million commitment, GE has the potential to reachthousands of Boston Public Schools high school students each year with career labs, computer science courses and high school design experience to prepare tomorrow's workforce. The investment will provide students the opportunity to explore college and career possibilities, and to understand the skills necessary for future employment. GE will also help STEM high school teachers to better prepare students for college and their future careers.

"The Brilliant Career Lab opens a door for Boston students by providing a new - and engaging - level of technology and skills-preparedness training," said Tommy Chang, superintendent of the Boston Public Schools. "We are proud to be working with the GE Foundation to bring valuable, educational tools to BPSstudents that will help prepare them to enter the workforce, and in turn, bring value back to communitiesacross our city."

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF EDWARD INGERSOLL BROWNE TRUST FUND GRANTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF EDWARD INGERSOLL BROWNE TRUST FUND GRANTS

Over $850,000 Designated for Public Art Projects

BOSTON - Thursday, October 6, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the recipients of the Edward Ingersoll Browne Trust Fund Grants. Pending the approval of the Boston City Council, a total of $856,257 will be distributed among eight projects, designed to enhance and improve public spaces through restoration and public art. "Edward Ingersoll Browne left an invaluable legacy to the City of Boston, creating a fund that ensures our public spaces remain places of inspiration," said Mayor Walsh. "The grants announced today will help to enhance local neighborhoods, schools and communities, ensuring art remains accessible to all."   The approved proposals are as follows: The Friends of Doherty Park will receive $69,500 for the restoration of the Doherty Park Fountain in Charlestown.   The Mather Parent Council and Boston Public Schools will receive $140,000 for the Communing at Mather School Site Improvement. The grant will cover the construction of a welcoming new gateway to the Mather School in Dorchester, with a granite seating and planting of heirloom apple trees. Historic Boston Incorporated will receive $150,000 for the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm restoration. Efforts will include landscape enhancement and historic preservation at the Fowler Clark Epstein Farm in Mattapan. The Old North Foundation of Boston will receive a grant of $46,350 for the Old North Church and Foundation / Longfellow Gardens. The grant will cover the design development of a display of the iconic Longfellow poem combined with a water feature in the North End. The Manning School Outdoor Exploration Committee will receive a grant of $117,407 for the Joseph P. Manning Elementary School in Jamaica Plain. The grant will cover improvements to the schoolyard, including the creation of a front porch and entry plaza plus a sculpture. The new entrance to the school will serve as a gathering place for students and parts. The Washington Gateway Main Street Association will receive a grant of $28,500 for Ride Along Washington, a proposal to design, build and install eight bike racks along Washington Street in Roxbury. The Friends of Frederick Douglass received a grant of $250,000 for the construction of a memorial to Frederick Douglass The project will be sited at 998 Tremont Street in Roxbury. Puerto Rican Veterans Memorial Association  will receive a grant for $54,500 for the installation of an irrigation system and landscaping improvements In 1892, Edward Ingersoll Browne, a successful Boston attorney with a strong sense of civic pride and public spirit, wrote his will directing that one-third of his estate be set aside in a special fund for the improvement of Boston's public spaces. Grants from Mr. Browne's bequest are utilized for the design, fabrication and installation of permanent works of public art in Boston.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SOCIETY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS IN THE SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES OPENING OF SOCIETY OF ARTS AND CRAFTS IN THE SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT

BOSTON - Thursday, October 6, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the opening of the new home of the Society of Arts and Crafts, the nation's oldest craft nonprofit. The winner of an open competition conducted by the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA), the Society of Arts and Crafts advocates for and showcases the work of contemporary craft artists. "The opening of the Society of Arts and Crafts gallery brings another cultural institution to the South Boston Waterfront, further establishing the area as a cultural destination," said Mayor Walsh.  "We look forward to seeing the incredible exhibition and programming that this institution will offer." The Society of Arts and Crafts was selected for the Pier 4 civic/cultural space after a competitive request for information (RFI) process last summer.  Mayor Walsh and the BPDA conducted this public process to solicit citywide interest and ideas to encourage Boston's waterfront to be active and inclusive.  With today's opening, the Society of Arts and Crafts joins other major cultural and civic waterfront destinations, including the Institute of Contemporary Art, Boston Children's Museum, Boston Tea Party Museum, Community Boat Building, Artists for Humanity, Midway Studios, and the Fort Point Arts Community. "We are incredibly excited to bring the Society of Arts and Crafts to the Seaport," said Fabio J. Fernández, Executive Director of the Society of Arts and Crafts. "The larger space provides us with opportunities to advance public appreciation of fine craft by offering additional programming and exhibitions. We look forward to welcoming residents of South Boston, across the city and beyond to the new home of the Society of Arts and Crafts." In its new location, the Society of Arts and Crafts will expand its reach and become a center for the craft and design community, connecting students, artists, collectors, and the public. Planned retail and exhibition galleries will show larger and more experimental work and the outdoor civic plaza will allow for collaborative and educational programming, and exhibitions can expand into this space to include public sculpture. The 20,000 square feet of civic and cultural space at Pier 4 is part of a larger plan to activate 127,000 square feet of dedicated interior public civic and cultural space along the waterfront, as envisioned by the municipal harbor planning process that the BPDA has led with the community. An additional RFI for a 13,000 square foot space at Fan Pier is expected to be released this fall. The opening is also a step forward in the implementation of the Boston Creates Cultural plan. "Keeping artists in Boston and creating ways to allow them to showcase their work and thrive is one of the key goals of the cultural plan. We are also striving to ensure that cultural organizations have sustainable, affordable spaces where they can provide access to the arts to all the residents of and visitors to Boston," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. The Boston Creates Cultural Plan was created out of a year-long community engagement effort designed to help local government identify cultural needs, opportunities, and resources and to prioritize, coordinate, and align public and private resources to strengthen cultural vitality over the long term. The full cultural plan can be found online at http://plan.bostoncreates.org.

波士頓慶祝雙十國慶酒會圖片 (謝開明專頁)