Operation Exit graduates young, at-risk residents into building trade apprenticeships

Operation Exit graduates young, at-risk residents into building trade apprenticeships

The "second chances" job training program has placed 89% of graduates into living-wage union apprenticeships

BOSTON – The newest class of Operation Exit, Mayor Martin J. Walsh's intensive career preparation program for at-risk young adults, has achieved a high-water mark of success for the program. The participants – all young men of color with some history of court involvement – achieved a 100 percent graduation rate. Of the 19 graduates, 17 have secured union apprenticeships in the building trades at starting wages of $19-24 per hour. Robert K. Kraft, Chairman and CEO of The Kraft Group and New England Patriots, provided the funding for this class of Operation Exit.

"The young men in Operation Exit have made the commitment to change the direction of their lives," Mayor Walsh said. "Our commitment to them is to provide the tools they need to sustain that change. When it comes to making our communities safer and more productive, these young people are showing the way."

Over half of the Operation Exit graduates, whose average age is 24, shoulder parenting responsibilities. Most reside in Dorchester, Mattapan, Roxbury, or the lower South End. 

“Operation Exit is the best evidence that none of us are just one thing and that with the right opportunity and support, success is possible for any one of us. Mayor Walsh has insisted that we think of public safety outside of the parameters of enforcement only. This initiative is evidence of that philosophy!” said Daniel Mulhern, Director of the Mayor's Office of Public Safety. 

Mayor Walsh established Operation Exit in 2014 to help at-risk residents gain knowledge and skills for new careers. The program is co-administered by the Mayor's Office of Public Safety and YOU Boston, an organization that helps young people who present with multiple barriers achieve success in education and employment. Four previous cycles of Operation Exit have focused on the culinary industry, web development, and the building trades. Thus far, 90% of the 49 young people who have graduated from the building trades cycles have been successfully placed in internships.

Over a three-week period from July to August 2016, Operation Exit's most recent cohort spent 8-hour days working to ready themselves for entry in the building trades. Participants conducted site visits to construction jobs, logged shop time with unions, earned OSHA and CPR certifications, received individualized support services, and worked on job readiness skills such as interviewing, conflict resolution, and financial literacy. Graduates have been placed in apprenticeships with the sheet metal workers', carpenters', laborers', painters', and ironworkers' unions. 

A recent report commissioned by the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development (OWD) found that the construction industry poses promising career pathways for low-income residents. The industry is projected to grow by 27 percent between 2012 and 2022 and strong union membership has promoted opportunities for career and wage advancement. 

On Wednesday evening, Mayor Martin J. Walsh will join representatives of the building trades community to congratulate the newest graduates of Operation Exit at a celebratory dinner at Sheet Metal Workers Local Union #17 in Dorchester. In addition to Mayor Walsh, other speakers will include Daniel Mulhern, Director of the Mayor's Office of Public Safety, and Brian Doherty, General Agent of the Building & Construction Trades Council.   

"We're particularly excited to celebrate this cohort of Operation Exit for the program's highest graduation rate and swiftest apprenticeship placements yet," said Freddie Velez, Deputy Director of YOU Boston. "With each successive cycle, we continue to refine the program model to meet participants' needs. We're proud to see that investment paying off in these graduates' success."

YOU Boston is a sub-agency of the Mayor's Office of Workforce Development, an affiliate of the Boston Planning & Development Agency.

MAYOR WALSH ISSUES STATEMENTS ON BALLOT QUESTIONS 2 AND 5

MAYOR WALSH ISSUES STATEMENTS ON BALLOT QUESTIONS 2 AND 5

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 9, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today issued the following statements based on election results for ballot question 2 to lift the charter school cap and ballot question 5, the Community Preservation Act: Question 2 "The election results show that the majority of voters agree that it is financially irresponsible to increase the number of charter schools in our state without identifying a steady stream of funding to cover the cost. Boston has the best charter schools and the best district schools of any major city in the nation, and I look forward to our important work ahead in continuing to improve our schools." Question 5 "I am proud that the residents of Boston have voted to join 161 other cities and towns across the Commonwealth in approving the Community Preservation Act. The CPA will allow us to invest in making our neighborhoods more equitable and beautiful by unlocking tens of millions of dollars each year for affordable housing, while protecting open space and investing in historic preservation projects. I look forward to the increased community benefits that will be shared across the City of Boston as a result of the passage of this  act."

Governor Baker Issues Statement on Presidential Election

Governor Baker Issues Statement on Presidential Election

BOSTON—Today, Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement on the results of the 2016 Presidential Election:

“The people of Massachusetts deserve a federal government that works collaboratively to solve our nation’s problems and it is my hope that President-elect Donald Trump works quickly to unite our country after a divisive election. Our administration is eager to partner with the next administration to tackle the most pressing issues for our state, region and country.”

Piantedosi Bakery Celebrates 100 Years

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

Joe Piantedosi recently welcomed Mayor Gary Christenson along with elected officials and local celebrities to a celebration in honor of Piantedosi Bakery’s 100th anniversary. The event took place at the Danversport Yacht Club.

Being celebrated is that 100 years ago, Salvatore Piantedosi, an immigrant from Avellino, Italy, founded the Piantedosi Baking Co., Inc. Salvatore, the “Midnight Baker” delivered breads and pasta, anytime day or night. He and his wife Mary worked tirelessly to build an enduring family business for future generations. Although the original bakery was built on Main Street in Everett next door to the family’s home, they ultimately moved into a bigger, newly built facility on Commercial Street in Malden. In 1995 they opened a “specialty division” that specializes in partially baked products and became the home of the Research and Development Department. Many of the 250 employees have worked for the Piantedosi family for 20 years and more. Today, grandsons Tom, Bob and Joe, Jr. are in charge of operations and continue to promote the legacy of Salvatore and Mary.

Governor Baker Issues Statement on Massachusetts Ballot Question 4

Governor Baker Issues Statement on Massachusetts Ballot Question 4

BOSTON—Tonight, Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement on Massachusetts Ballot Question 4, to legalize the recreational use of marijuana:

“Lt. Governor Polito and I are proud to have worked with an unprecedented bipartisan coalition that has voiced concerns with this proposal, and our administration will work closely with lawmakers, educators, and public safety and public health professionals to ensure this transition protects the interests of our communities and families."

Governor Baker Issues Statement on Massachusetts Ballot Question 2

Governor Baker Issues Statement on Massachusetts Ballot Question 2

​BOSTON—Tonight, Governor Charlie Baker released the following statement on the results of Massachusetts Ballot Question 2, to lift the cap on charter schools:

“I am proud to have joined with thousands of parents, teachers and education reformers in a worthwhile campaign to provide more education choices for students stuck in struggling districts, and while Question 2 was not successful, the importance of that goal is unchanged. I am proud that our administration has made historic investments in our public schools, expanded support for vocational schools and  proposed new solutions to make college more affordable.  I look forward to working closely with all stakeholders toward our common goal to ensure a great education for every child in Massachusetts, regardless of their zip code.”

截至今午3點 波士頓市投票率37.6%

MAYOR WALSH TO DISCUSS ELECTION TURNOUT IN BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH TO DISCUSS ELECTION TURNOUT IN BOSTON

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 8, 2016 - Tonight, Mayor Martin J. Walsh will join Boston Elections Commissioner Dion Irish in hosting a media availability to discuss the turnout of today's General Election. The polls in Boston opened today at 7:00 a.m. and will close at 8:00 p.m.  There are currently 415,536 registered voters in Boston, the highest number in the City in over 30 years. Prior to the 2012 presidential election, there were 387,142 voters registered in Boston. During the Early Voting Period there were 47,909 ballots cast, representing 11.5% of the registered voters in the City of Boston.  The latest turnout results from the Elections Department show that by 3:00 p.m., 156,192 voters, or 37.6% of voters, had cast their ballot.

賴銘琪致贈感謝狀予設置波士頓華埠牌樓及銅匾友人

賴處長夫婦與波士頓華埠牌樓及銅匾友人合影，中左為前市長
Raymond L.Flynn夫婦、右一為僑領阮浩鑾醫師、左為布朗基金會
前執行秘書Robert J. Fleming、右二為銅匾製作公司負責人Daniel G. Moriarty夫婦。

駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長賴銘琪於11月7日晚間致贈感謝狀予波士頓前市長Raymond L. Flynn大使、阮浩鑾牙醫師、布朗基金會前執行秘書Robert J. Fleming及銅匾製作公司負責人Daniel G. Moriarty等人，感謝他們當年的付出與努力，使華埠牌樓的歷史及其意涵得以忠實呈現，也為中華民國與波士頓地區的友好關係作了最佳見證。

賴處長致贈感謝狀予波士頓前市長Flynn大使（前駐梵蒂岡大使）

賴處長在致詞時指出，中華民國政府於1980年代捐贈建造華埠牌樓所需材料，並由布朗基金會（Edward Ingersoll Browne Trust Fund）撥款建造此牌樓，成為美化華埠的地標，Flynn大使也在市長任內為其製作銅匾作說明，使到訪遊客更易明瞭其歷史緣由。

Flynn大使表示，波士頓因為各個族裔的參與及貢獻而文化豐茂，花團錦簇。他本人也是先祖來自愛爾蘭的後裔，而各族裔在美國一齊為生活奮鬥，成就今日波士頓的繁榮興旺，他也引以為榮。

受獎人之一、曾任波士頓－臺北姐妹市協會會長的阮浩鑾牙醫師指出，藉由許多熱心人士的努力推動，讓華埠居民及觀光客對中華民國與波士頓的友誼有正確的認識，是很有意義的事。

波士頓華埠牌樓是觀光客造訪華埠必經駐足留影之地，也象徵中華民國與美國的友誼。1980年代建成後，除Flynn在任時製作銅匾誌記其事外，今年也在臺北經文處發起下，由華埠25個僑團公所捐款製作另一銅匾，以中、英文說明牌樓橫匾「天下為公」及「禮義廉恥」的意義，並鑴刻中華民國國旗、美國國旗、波士頓市徽及臺北市市徽，彰顯兩國及兩市的情誼。

Flynn大使曾於1984至1993年擔任波士頓市市長，並於1993年經柯林頓總統任命為美國駐教廷大使，至1997年。(經文處提供)

選民聲音:美國民主投票制度應改革

(Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導)投票啦，今天(11月8日)是決定下任美國總統是誰的大日子。共和黨籍的麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，民主黨籍的波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)，以及波士頓市議會議長吳弭(Michelle Wu)，分別在昨日，今日，不約而同的發出電郵，呼籲各自的支持者及所有選民，不論你喜歡哪個候選人，請出席投票。

投票是美國公民的應盡義務，每年選舉都有人提醒民眾出席投票，但今年的選情之詭譎，緊張，似乎意味著出席投票率將發生極大影響力，催票行動因此格外熱絡。

今年的美國總統大選，兩大黨主要候選人分別為民主黨的希拉蕊(Hillary Clinton)，共和黨的川普(Donald Trump)，其他如麻州前州長威廉威爾德(William Weld)是副主席的自由民主黨(Liberitarian)的小黨，候選人是誰，幾乎沒人知道。

今年也前所未見的，大多數選民對代表民主、共和兩大黨的候選人都非常不滿意。麻省理工學院教授黃亞生與學者朋友討論時，提出美國政治及選舉制度應該改革的意見。

11月7日，還發生羅徹斯特(Rochester)大學發起，300多名政治學教授，學者(一說為357人)，在24小時之內就聯署了一封公開信的狀況。他們表示，很擔心一旦川普當選總統，美國及世界上其他民主國家的民主，都將受威脅。他們在聲明中列出了九點不該選川普的理由，其中一點包括川普揚言，一但當選將把對手送進監獄。

在歷時不下一年半的競選過程中，希拉蕊和川普這兩名候選人的競選陣營，各出奇謀，大肆爆料，從川普的侮辱女性私下談話紀錄，希拉蕊的被聯邦調查局兩次查察擅用私人伺服器發送可能包含國家機密的電子郵件，希拉蕊的最親密助理竟與支持恐怖組織家族有親戚關係，以及兩名候選人在三次公開電視辯論中的人身攻擊用詞之放肆，都使今年的美國總統大選幾乎是歷來最戲劇化的一場競選，詭譎多變的情節，簡直比小說還小說。

從2013年抗議ABC廣播公司脫口秀主持人Jimmy Kimmel的”兒童圓桌會"節目，竟出現"殺光所有中國人"這樣議論，以及其後的抗議加州平權法限制了亞裔子女升讀優良大學權益，抗議哈佛大學等名校錄取亞裔時設定名額比率等等事件以來，在美華人的更關心自己所身處美國社會現象，似乎就發酵起來，還在微信這通訊工具的發達下，突然間讓人有波瀾壯闊的感覺。

德州，亞利桑那州，紐約州等陸續出現華人團體雇用飛機，在天空中拉開挺川普巨大橫幅廣告，更讓許多人驚訝，一向沉默的亞裔，怎麼今年那麼敢於表態，對政治那麼熱中。

許多微信群組發生了"川粉”，"希粉"對峙，口角廝殺局面，說川普是瘋子，希拉蕊是騙子的人，比比皆是。說華裔第一代移民和華裔第二，第三代移民個字的成長背景，對美國社會的了解程度，使他們對政治人物及議題看法差異大。

各方說法包括支持希拉蕊的人說，支持川普者沒看到他的"白人至上"觀點，忘記了自己是亞裔，也是川普所歧視的少數族裔之一這事實。支持川普者聲稱，希拉蕊私通恐怖分子，形同賣國。

在麻州，有不少華裔學者也被這競選狂潮影響，私下聚會，熱絡討論今年美國大選。他們的討論記錄經整理出來後，也被廣泛轉傳，還引發更多討論及觀點闡述，甚至把中國大陸的過去，現在及未來政治可能發展，都拉進討論範圍。

在各方說法中，有人指美國選民的教育程度，似乎是他們支持希拉蕊或川普的指標，有菁英階層支持希拉蕊，藍領白人支持川普現象。但在華人圈中，這指標似乎失靈，不少教育水平高的華裔，熱烈支持川普，敢於表態，使得不少人誤以為華人多半支持川普。

紐約時報今日的報導指出，在1800年代的美國，由於人們得長途跋涉，才到得了投票占，早年辦理的投票，本來就不是在一天之內完成的。如今在美國的50州中，已有37州辦理提早投票，今年約有4300萬人提早投了票，將來的美國總統候選人恐怕得在大選日之前的6個星期，就已經把選民遊說得差不多了。

紐約時報的報導也指出，在美國南部多州，仍有少數族裔選民面對人為參選障礙情況，選舉制度的清明，有待各州政府維護。

曾經有意參選美國總統大位的前紐約市長彭博(Michael Bloomberg)日前來麻州，捐款5000萬元給科學博物館時，親口表示，他決定不參選，主要是因為根據美國憲法，他必須爭取到足夠的選舉人票，才能當選。但在三名候選人角逐的情況下，大概沒有人會拿到足夠的選舉人票，在那種情況下，選舉將交由眾議院決定。他認為總統人選應由人民來決定，不是眾議院。說到"川希”競選惡質化到這種地步時，他揮一揮手，無奈又有點氣惱的說，”憲法不是他寫的"。

彭博新聞社早在今年三月就曾經在一篇文章中指出，在美國兩大政黨主導政壇下，歷年來，幾乎從無獨立候選人當選過總統。曾經以獨立無黨派人士身分參選總統的著名人士，包括2000年的Ralph Nader，1992年和1996年的Ross Perot，1980年的John Anderson，他們幾乎都沒贏得選舉人票。

投票 麻州長、波市長、波市議會議長齊催票

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)， 波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)，波士頓市議會議長吳弭(Michelle Wu)在11月7日，不約而同地發出電子郵件，提醒選民投票。

查理貝克籲請選民出席投票之餘，不忘為了他所支持的議題拉票，包括支持共和黨籍的麻州參、眾議員參選人，支持取消特許學校上限的第二號問題，反對大麻商業化的第四號問題。

馬丁華殊指他父母60年前抱著願景，移民來美，希望選民們支持對當年美國願景抱有同樣信念的候選人。

吳弭提醒選民，只要在今(8日)晚8點前，排進等候投票隊伍，就有資格投票。她指出今年是麻州辦理提早投票的第一年，已經有大約100萬人投了票。她也提醒選民，除了圈選總統以外，不要忘了選票上還有4個全州性的議題，以及第五號的波士頓市社區保存法議題，也待選民圈選。

今日一早七點鐘，查理貝克已在住家旁的Swampscott選票站投出神聖一票。隨後他很感慨的告訴記者們，今年是他第一次沒有圈選總統，他是顯然的對此很感失望。

查理貝克說，很多個月前他就說過，因為好幾個理由，他不能夠支持川普，而他也認為希拉蕊有是否值得信任的問題。九過月過去了，他沒看到足以讓他改變心意的情況。他說他有朋友分別投票支持川普，希拉蕊，他尊重朋友們的決定。更重要的是人們能夠出來行使投票權，並且不要忘了從頭到尾的做圈選，因為參議員或是眾議員的圈選，對麻州本身來說，可是非常重要。

查理貝克還透漏了在選票問題上，他都怎麼投的，包括第一號問題，反對批准許州政府發第二張吃角子老虎執照，第二號問題，支持取消特許學校數目上限，第三號問題，支持限制以關在窄小範圍內的動物所生產，銷售的食品，第四號問題，反對大麻娛樂用合法化。

馬丁華殊早在波士頓市剛開始辦理提早投票的第一天，就已經投了票。拿著有兩張紙的選票，著實填了一陣子。今日，他的競選陣營公佈了他的行程，一整天都會在新罕布夏州位民主黨總統候選人拜票，拉票。

2016 was the first year of early voting in Massachusetts, and over one million residents have already cast their ballots. Please join us in making your voice heard.

Don't forget to keep going down the ballot after making your Presidential choice. This election also asks voters to weigh in on four very important statewide ballot questions, as well as the Community Preservation Act in Boston. To see an example of what your ballot will look like, click here. To check where you are registered to vote, click here. To find your polling location, click here.

Friend -- In 2014, we worked together to deliver victory for our shared vision for Massachusetts: a growing economy with more jobs; strong schools regardless of zip code; and safe, healthy communities. I'm not on the ballot this Election Day, but we do have an opportunity to advance our priorities in a meaningful way. While the presidential election is going to get a lot of buzz, there are some critically important reasons to vote that are much closer to home. I hope you'll vote today - you can find your polling place here. And when you do, I hope you'll support these causes and candidates: Commonsense Candidates Across MA Electing strong, commonsense Republican candidates up and down the ballot will help us advance our shared priorities in the Legislature and communities across the Commonwealth. Find your local candidates here. YES on Question 2 - More Educational Opportunity Lifting the arbitrary cap on public charter schools will expand access to some of the best public schools in Massachusetts - while resulting in no change for communities who like their public schools. As a parent, there's nothing I value more than a great education for my children, and Question 2 would give more families access to better choices for their kids. Learn more here.  NO on Question 4 - Stopping The Commercial Marijuana Industry The dangerous proposal to legalize marijuana in Massachusetts is wrong for our communities. Question 4 would bring the billion-dollar marijuana industry to Massachusetts, leading to dangerous edible marijuana products with no regulations on THC content. It would deny control to local communities, and it would open the door to increased fatalities from drugged driving, as seen in places like Washington State. Question 4 is the wrong proposal at the wrong time. Learn more here. Don't forget to get your friends and family to the polls too - every vote will be crucial in these important races. Thank you, Governor Charlie Baker

Dear Friend,

Today is Election Day.

Today, is a day when we can show the world that our democracy is as strong as ever. We owe it to those who came before us to do our civic duty and vote.

Today, we have the opportunity to vote for an inclusive, hopeful and united America. Today, we have the opportunity to vote for someone that believes that we are stronger together and there is more that unites us than divides. We have the opportunity to vote for someone that believes in the same vision of America that my parents believed in when they immigrated here 60 years ago. And today, we have the opportunity to make history by electing our first woman president.

A woman who represents the American values we share. A woman who will fight for working families. A woman who has been fighting her whole life for equal opportunities for all.

So today, I ask you to be part of history by doing three things:

Vote, if you haven’t voted already. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m in Massachusetts. Find your polling location here: www.wheredoivotema.com

Remind your friends, family, neighbors, everyone you know that today is Election Day and you need them to vote.

Volunteer. There are numerous volunteer opportunities and events happening throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Sign up here: www.hillaryclinton.com/events

I encourage you to do your civic duty and vote on this important and historic day.

Thank you,

Marty

Hi Friends,

A reminder to make a plan to vote tomorrow!

Tomorrow is election day, and the polls will be open tomorrow from 7am until 8pm. Anyone in line at 8pm will be allowed to vote. Please make sure all your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers will get to the polls in this momentous election.

2016 was the first year of early voting in Massachusetts, and over one million residents have already cast their ballots. Please join us in making your voice heard.

Don't forget to keep going down the ballot after making your Presidential choice. This election also asks voters to weigh in on four very important statewide ballot questions, as well as the Community Preservation Act in Boston. To see an example of what your ballot will look like, click here. To check where you are registered to vote, click here. To find your polling location, click here.

Thank you for your civic engagement!

Michelle

羅德島大學孔子學院第5屆中文演講比賽 三校參加

(羅德島州訊)羅德島大學孔子學院與布朗大學，布萊恩特大學合作，日前舉辦第五屆中文演講比賽。一，二，三年級組第一名，依序為羅德島大學陳綺文，郭升杰，布朗大學譚博文。 參賽學生分屬三個年級，其中18人來自羅德島大學，5人來自布朗大學，2人來自布萊恩特大學。一年級組有9人，二年級組6人，三年級組10人。共有6人得第二名，9人得第三名。 一年級組學生才剛學中文兩個月，卻都已能在一分鐘內準確介紹自己的家人，朋友或個人經歷。才藝表演部分，許多同學吟誦唐詩，唱中國流行歌，包括"小蘋果"，"老鼠愛大米"等。羅德島大學的沈周跳舞，一支”青春紀念手冊"舞，讓比賽的緊張氣氛一掃而空。 二年級學生的演講，選題內容包括鎖門制度的學校政策，環境保護，社會現狀，非常多元。才藝表演部分，有人背誦"木蘭辭"，有的吹葫蘆絲，也有人用豎琴彈奏中國名曲"梁祝"，"茉莉花"。 三年級學生不但彈古箏，鋼琴，還用中文翻唱英文歌。演講題材更是包羅萬象，從徐志摩談到魯迅，從家庭背景談到中美問題，令人印象深刻。其中來自布朗大學的譚博文，發音標準，演說流利，獲高年級組第一名。 羅德島大學孔子學院院長何文潮肯定參賽學生們的表現，也期許他們更進一步的打好語音基礎，提高流利程度。布朗大學的汪老師，也做總結，指這一比賽不僅是漢語學習交流，也是教學檢查，推廣活動，希望將來有更多選手參加這比賽。(文稿內容萬潔華提供)

Rockland 信託捐款2500資助BCNC青年中心

Pictured above: Rockland Trust Quincy branch executives John Yu
(1 st left), Clemens Leung (1 st right), and Boston Chinatown Neighborhood
Center (BCNC) Quincy Youth Center members. 

BOSTON, November 3, 2016 – BCNC received a grant of $2,500 from Rockland Trust to support the Youth Center at BCNC Quincy. John Yu, Vice President and North Quincy Branch Manager, presented the grant check to Sandra Lee 李雙雙, BCNC Director of Youth Education. BCNC Quincy Youth Center provides youth (ages 13-18) year-round youth development, college access, and leadership programs where youth develop 21st century skills needed to thrive in college and the workforce

AG’S OFFICE TO HOST FREE LEGAL CLINIC ADDRESS WAGE THEFT

AG’S OFFICE, COMMUNITY PARTNERS TO HOST FREE LEGAL CLINIC FOR WORKERS TO ADDRESS WAGE THEFT

Part of AG Healey’s Effort to Combat Wage Theft and Worker Exploitation

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey’s Office, in cooperation with 10 community partners, is hosting a free legal clinic at Suffolk Law School to match workers with volunteer lawyers and assist them with wage theft issues.

This month’s clinic, which is the second in a series, is part of an effort to address wage theft and worker exploitation among vulnerable populations, including low wage and immigrant workers in the state. The goal of these clinics is to provide workers with access to attorneys and advocates to help ensure that they are receiving the wages and benefits they deserve.

“Wage theft is extremely prevalent in our state, especially among vulnerable workers,” said AG Healey. “Far too often, workers do not come forward and are not aware of their rights under the law. These innovative clinics are an opportunity for workers to directly connect with advocates and attorneys, so that they can ensure they are getting paid the wages they are owed.”

Volunteer lawyers, law students, interpreters and workers’ rights advocates will be on hand to educate workers about their rights, draft demand letters or prepare a small claims court complaints. If they are helpful in documenting complaints, workers should bring pay stubs, time sheets, letters and emails from their employers.

WHAT:          Wage Theft Legal Clinic  

            WHEN:          MONDAY, November 14

                                    4 p.m. – 7 p.m.

WHERE:       Suffolk Law School 

                        120 Tremont St., Boston

            The AG’s Office’s community partners for the clinics include: Greater Boston Legal Services Inc., Harvard Legal Aid Bureau, Justice at Work, Lawyers for Affordable Justice, Suffolk Law School, Volunteer Lawyers Project, Brazilian Worker Center, Brazilian Women’s Group, Chinese Progressive Association and the MetroWest Worker Center.

The AG’s Fair Labor Division is responsible for enforcing state laws regulating the payment of wages, including prevailing wage, minimum wage and overtime as well as some of the newest workplace protections such as earned sick time leave and thedomestic workers’ law.

            On Labor Day, the AG’s Office issued its first-ever Labor Day report which revealed that in fiscal year 2016, the Fair Labor Division received more than 6,000 complaints – up 33 percent from the previous year – and issued 423 citations against employers. In addition to hosting the clinic series, the AG’s Office is addressing the rise in wage theft by strategically targeting enforcement efforts against problematic employers in specific industries, including commercial cleaning, construction, health care, restaurants and staffing agencies.

            In conjunction with the release of the Labor Day report, the AG’s Office revealed a revamped workplace rights website with a new design and innovative features, including searchable public data and content in various languages. The easy-to-navigate website allows workers to better understand their rights and for employers, their obligations under state law. 

The following clinic is scheduled for Dec. 12. The event is open to the public and is being offered free of charge

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR AND TREE LIGHTINGS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES LINEUP FOR ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR AND TREE LIGHTINGS

BOSTON - Monday, November 7, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the schedule for this year's Mayor's Trolley Tour and Enchanted Tree Lightings occurring on December 2nd, 3rd and 4th in neighborhoods throughout Boston. "The trolley tour and tree lightings are great ways to continue to foster the spirit of community and bring a little extra joy to people during the holiday season," said Mayor Walsh. "The holiday season is a time for unity and thanksgiving. All are welcome, and we look forward to visiting different neighborhoods throughout the city for a weekend full of fun and celebration." For the 21st year, the Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees throughout Boston while bringing presents and holiday spirit to children across Boston. The 2016 Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour and Tree Lightings are sponsored by the Bank of America. The schedule is as follows: Friday, December 2 5:30 p.m. - Roche Family Center, West Roxbury 6:30 p.m. - Wolcott Square, Readville 7:00 p.m. - Mattapan Square, Mattapan 7:45 p.m. - Codman Square, Dorchester Saturday, December 3 2:00 p.m. - Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain 2:45 p.m. - J.P. Monument, Jamaica Plain 3:15 p.m. - Brigham Circle, Mission Hill 3:45 p.m. - Bolling Building (2300 Washington Street), Roxbury 4:15 p.m. - Boston Center for the Arts, South End 5:30 p.m. - Oak Square, Brighton Sunday, December 4 1:00 p.m. - West Broadway Municipal Lot (450 W Broadway), South Boston 1:45 p.m. - Harrison Ave & Beach St., Chinatown 2:30 p.m. - Paul Revere Mall, North End 3:15 p.m. - Thompson Square, Charlestown 4:00 p.m. - Maverick Square, East Boston 6:00 p.m. - Adams Corner, Dorchester The Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment is committed to producing fun, free public events for Bostonians and visitors to the city and is proud to collaborate with Bank of America. For further information please call 617-635-3911, go to: boston.gov/visiting-boston, Facebook.com/BostonCityTourism, or check out @VisitBoston on Twitter.