MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SOUTH BAY HARBOR TRAIL BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN PATH BETWEEN ROXBURY AND SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SOUTH BAY HARBOR TRAIL BIKE AND PEDESTRIAN PATH BETWEEN ROXBURY AND SOUTH BOSTON WATERFRONT

Phase one of Go Boston 2030 project linking residents to new economic and recreational opportunities goes out to bid for spring construction

BOSTON - Thursday, October 5, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston has worked to successfully secure over $3 million in federal and state funds to construct the first phase of the South Bay Harbor Trail, which when completed will bring three and a half miles of safe walking and cycling paths extending from Ruggles Station in Roxbury to the South Boston waterfront. This first phase will involve building a ¾ mile section of the trail linking the South End to South Boston where it will connect with the existing Fort Point Channel Harborwalk. The South Bay Harbor Trail is one of several ongoing policies and projects identified in the Go Boston 2030 Action Plan that the City of Boston had in development prior to the release of the Action Plan earlier this year. These policies and projects include a series of multi-use paths, such as the South Bay Harbor Trail and the Connect Historic Boston project currently in construction, that will improve access, reliability and safety for pedestrians and bicyclists. It was also highlighted by Go Boston 2030 as a Better Bike Corridor that the City would pursue as part of an effort to build low stress bike facilities throughout Boston. "The South Bay Harbor Trail will offer direct, protected access to the South Boston Waterfront for people walking and riding bikes from Ruggles Station in Roxbury, as well as from points in Boston neighborhoods along the way," said Mayor Walsh. "With many job opportunities on the South Boston Waterfront, it is critical that Boston residents have commuting options into the area that are reliable, affordable and safe. The South Bay Harbor Trail meets this demand and I look forward to the start of construction in the spring." As part of the process, the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) designed the project and led a robust community process, MassDOT advertised it for construction on September 16, with a bid opening scheduled for February 13, and construction is scheduled to begin next spring. On behalf of the local community, the City of Boston will continue to coordinate efforts with MassDOT throughout the construction period. "I'd like to thank MassDOT, the Metropolitan Planning Organization, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay, and our community partners for their help with this important project," said Boston Transportation Department Commissioner Gina N. Fiandaca. "The South Bay Harbor Trail is consistent with the transportation goals established in Go Boston 2030 to better and more safely accommodate people walking and riding bikes. It represents another step toward our mission to ensure that Boston's transportation system is prepared to meet demand over the next decade." "I am delighted that construction of the South Bay Harbor Trail is moving forward," said South Boston resident Bill Gleason, President of the West Broadway Neighborhood Association. "Infrastructure like this adds value to our daily living experience, home values and health statistics.  In addition to offering economical, all day access to growing job opportunities, my neighbors and I are also excited to use the trail for exercise and recreation, and as a fun way to connect to restaurants, concerts and other activities taking place on the Waterfront." The route of the South Bay Harbor Trail crosses over bridges and under highways, allowing people to walk and ride bikes in areas that have traditionally been difficult, if not impossible, for them to navigate. Via the Broadway Bridge, the first phase to be constructed will extend from Albany street near Union Park Street in the South End to Dorchester Avenue in South Boston at the entrance to the Gillette facility. More information on the South Bay Harbor Trail Plan is available online. The second phase of the South Bay Harbor Trail will be constructed as part of the Melnea Cass Boulevard roadway reconstruction project. It will run from Ruggles Station, along Melnea Cass Boulevard, to the intersection of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue. This phase of the South Bay Harbor Trail is expected to be advertised for construction in 2019. The City of Boston is managing and funding the project design and community process. The City of Boston has secured $25 million in federal and state funds to construct this second phase that will include the full reconstruction of Melnea Cass Boulevard. About Go Boston 2030 Go Boston 2030 is the City of Boston's long term mobility plan. Go Boston 2030  envisions a city in a region where all residents have better and more equitable travel choices, where efficient transportation networks foster economic opportunity, and where steps have been taken to prepare for climate change. Whether traveling by transit, on foot, on a bike, or by car, people will be able to access all parts of Boston safely and reliably. A list of projects and policies have been developed that are being implemented as early action projects in the near term, and a set of long-term projects and policies are intended to be implemented over the next 15 years. To learn more visit, www.goboston2030.org. About Imagine Boston 2030 Go Boston 2030 complements Imagine Boston 2030, Boston's first citywide plan in 50 years.  Imagine Boston 2030 will guide growth to support our dynamic economy and expand opportunity for all residents.  The plan prioritizes inclusionary growth and puts forth a comprehensive vision to boost quality of life, equity and resilience in every neighborhood across the City.  Shaped by the input of 15,000 residents who contributed their thoughts to the plan, Imagine Boston 2030 identifies five action areas to guide Boston's growth, enhancement and preservation, and is paired with a set of metrics that will evaluate progress and successes.  To learn more visit, imagine.boston.gov. ###

麻州總檢察官要告川普

AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES LAWSUIT AGAINST THE TRUMP ADMINISTRATION FOR ROLL BACK OF CONTRACEPTION COVERAGE MANDATE

            BOSTON – Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey released the following statement on her office’s plans to sue the Trump Administration today for rolling back mandated birth control coverage.

“The Trump administration’s actions today are a direct attack on women’s health and the right to access affordable and reliable contraception. By gutting this mandate, the religious belief of employers will replace the basic right of a woman to care for herself and her family. My office has been vigilant when it comes to fighting for health care coverage and ensuring equality in the workplace. I will be suing the Trump administration today to stop this rule and defend critical protections for millions of women in Massachusetts and across the country.”

波市長簽暑社區穩定家規法 催促州府立法保障租客、屋主

MAYOR WALSH SIGNS HOME RULE PETITION TO PROTECT BOSTON'S TENANTS AND HOMEOWNERS

Jim Brooks Community Stabilization Act will allow Boston to track and manage displacement, educate tenants on their rights

BOSTON - Friday, October 6, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today signed the Jim Brooks Community Stabilization Act (JBCSA), a home rule petition that will help ensure tenants and former homeowners are aware of their rights under State law. The petition was passed by the City Council on Wednesday, October 4. Once enacted by the State legislature, this law will help protect residential tenants and former homeowners living in their homes following a foreclosure against arbitrary, unreasonable, discriminatory, or retaliatory evictions, and help ensure that tenants and former homeowners are aware of their rights under State law. "Many residents throughout Boston rent their homes, and we are committed to ensuring they have the support and protection they need," said Mayor Walsh. "By enacting the JBCSA, the City will be able to track and better manage displacement, educate tenants on their rights, and provide resources to help ensure that households remain housed. This legislation is about fairness and equity -- the JBCSA will help families stay in their homes, keeping our neighborhoods stable and diverse." The Jim Brooks Community Stabilization Act was the result of many months of conversations between the City, the advocacy community and local property owners, and creates requirements for landlords to notify the City in the case of eviction. The Act requires landlords or foreclosing owners to provide tenants information concerning their legal rights and resources when serving a notice to quit or other notice of lease non-renewal or expiration. This notice, called the "City Rights Notice", will be created by the City's Office of Housing Stability(OHS). Landlords or foreclosing owners will also be required to provide tenants or former homeowners with written notice on forms prepared by OHS when exercising their right to lease non-renewal or expiration at least 30 days in advance of beginning any action against the tenant or former homeowners. In addition, the Act creates expanded protections for former homeowner evictions; under the provisions of the Act, the foreclosing homeowner can only evict if certain conditions are met. "Rising rents, unjust evictions and growing displacement is hurting Boston residents and families. The Jim Brooks Stabilization Act is a small but important step in addressing the crisis. It's great to be here today with our elected officials. Together, we are committed to helping Boston residents remain in their homes," Darnell L. Johnson, Coordinator of Right to the City Boston. There are several exemptions built into the proposed petition. For example, any units owned by a small landlord who is a Massachusetts resident owning fewer than seven rental units are exempt, as is temporary or transitional housing such as substance use treatment and recovery programs, and transitional housing for individuals who are homeless. Public housing units already subject to eviction restrictions under state and federal law are exempt, as are hospitals, skilled nursing facilities and health facilities, along with units held in a trust on behalf of a developmentally disabled individual, or managed or owned by colleges or universities for housing undergraduate students. The Act outlines penalties for landlords or foreclosing owners who proceed with an eviction without notifying the City, including the potential for the dismissal of the eviction action. In order for the City to gain the right to enforce these sections of the Act, it will be filed by State Representative Chynah Tyler, to be approved by the state legislature. "There's no doubt we as a City have to take a stand in fighting displacement. We have more work to do, but this is a step in the right direction in protecting our residents and their families. The lengthy and in-depth process -- in which the Boston City Council, Mayor Walsh and the Department of Neighborhood Development, along with many other stakeholders carefully analyzed this Act -- was a collaborative effort," said Boston City Councilor At-Large Michael Flaherty, Chair of the City Council's Committee on Government Operations. "While this home rule petition goes through the legislative process, let's keep in mind that we recognize the work is not over and the conversation is ongoing in our collective goal to reduce evictions and displacement throughout our City." The petition is named for Jim Brooks, a Roxbury community activist who passed away in April 2016

波士頓慶祝雙十酒會圖片 謝開明攝

民國106年雙十國慶波士頓酒會圖片:謝開明攝

Governors Baker, Carney Visit Springfield Empowerment Zone Schools

Governors Baker, Carney Visit Springfield Empowerment Zone Schools

Gov. John Carney travelled to learn about Springfield’s approach to turning around struggling schools

SPRINGFIELD – Governor Charlie Baker welcomed Delaware Governor John Carney today to Springfield where the governors met with teachers, principals and school leadership teams at schools involved with turnaround efforts as part of the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership.

“Springfield’s Empowerment Zone Program is a great example of how effective this approach can be for certain districts willing to give teachers and administrators the ability to create the best learning environment for students,” said Governor Baker. “It was a pleasure to show Governor Carney the success of this program and reiterate our commitment to working with the legislature to replicate this approach for other schools in need.”

"Thank you to Governor Baker and educators in Springfield for hosting this visit," said Governor Carney. "We wanted to see first-hand how local officials in Springfield partnered with the state to improve performance in high-needs schools. We also believe that giving greater autonomy to principals and teachers could lead to better outcomes for students in Delaware."

Governor Carney visited Springfield with representatives from the Christina School District in Wilmington, Del., the Delaware State Education Association, the Christina Education Association, and the Wilmington Education Improvement Commission. 

Governor Carney spent the morning visiting classrooms and meeting teachers and principals at the Chestnut schools, a group of three middle schools on the same campus that each take a different approach. Both governors toured the High School of Commerce, which recently joined the Springfield Empowerment Zone partnership and held a roundtable discussion with teachers, school leaders, and local officials. Afterward, the governors visited Honors Academy, a 65-student honors program housed within the same building.  

“We support the Empowerment Zone approach because we want to empower school-level leaders and their teams to make decisions and changes needed for their schools,” Education Secretary James Peyser said.

In 2014, Springfield Public Schools partnered with Empower Schools, a nonprofit organization that works with communities to improve schools and boost academic results for students. Nine middle schools and two high schools are in the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership, which is overseen by an independent joint city-state board.

During his State of the Commonwealth address in January, Governor Baker highlighted the Empowerment Zone approach in Springfield as a promising way to improve struggling schools, and said he supports legislation filed by Senator Eric Lesser (D-Longmeadow) and Rep. Alice Peisch (D-Wellesley) that would give school districts more flexibility to turn around underperforming schools by creating “Innovation Zones,” similar to what Springfield schools did.

“It’s an honor to welcome Governor Carney to Western Massachusetts and to showcase the fantastic work happening in the Springfield school system. The Springfield model is showing success for students that can be replicated across the state and even around the country,” Senator Eric Lesser said.

"The model embraced by the Springfield Public Schools gives those at the school level, teachers as well as administrators, the authority and flexibility that are critical to improving student outcomes,” said Representative Alice Peisch. “Governor Carney's visit today indicates that the work in Springfield is valued beyond our borders. I am hopeful that the legislation I filed along with Sen. Lesser will be enacted so that this model can be replicated across the Commonwealth."

The schools in the Springfield Empowerment Zone Partnership are governed by a seven-member board that includes Mayor Dominic Sarno, School Superintendent Daniel Warwick and School Committee Vice Chair Chris Collins, as well John Davis, James Morton, Beverly Holmes and Chris Gabrieli, who chairs the empowerment zone board. After the first year (2015-2016), the majority of schools in the Zone showed improvements in three of the state’s primary performance measures, including percentage of students meeting standards, composite performance index (CPI) and student growth percentile (SGP).

第九屆絲竹春吟音樂會10/7晚登場

(波士頓訊)中華表演藝術基金會將於2017年10月7日週六晚上7:30，於波士頓First Church of Boston (66 Marlborough Street, Boston) 舉行第9屆「絲竹春吟」青少年中國器樂音樂會。所有在音樂會裡的演出者，都是在 9月30日徴選會裡 所選出優秀的演奏者。 當晚節目將包括有楊琴、古箏、二胡、琵琶、和嗩吶 。音樂會免費入場,, 建議捐贈每人10美元。歡迎大眾到場聆聽。

為激勵青少年學習中國器樂的意願，引發其對中國文化的興趣，並為學子提供一個觀摩與表現的機會，「絲竹春吟」至今已經邁入第 9年。參加徴選者並無國籍與地區之限制，舉凡9至22歲的青少年，能親赴波士頓者皆歡迎報名參加徴選會。

今年徴選會之評審委員有東北大學音樂系主任Anthony De Ritis、朱蓉、陸惠風、郭雅志、郭天生等音樂家及 藝評學者組成。演出曲目以傳統中國樂曲為主。音樂會另邀請專業人士示範演出。今年邀請 王媛演出古筝， 干云卓演出揚琴, 由張正山,  黃少堅,  甄若茅, 林戰濤老師們伴奏。

查詢請洽: 中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵
Email: Foundation@ChinesePerformingArts.net, www.ChinesePerformingArts.net

中華表演藝術基金會  Foundation For Chinese Performing Arts               3 Partridge Lane, Lincoln, MA 01773 ChinesePerformingArts.net Foundation@ChinesePerformingArts.net  The 9th Annual Youth Poetry in Silk and Bamboo  絲竹春吟音樂會 2017 Saturday, 10/ 7/ 2017, 7:30 PM Free Admission  Suggested donation $10 at door. First Church in Boston 66 Marlborough Street, Boston   Program  includes solo, duo, and ensembles of guzheng, dulcimer, erhu, pipa, suona, and horse-head fiddler.  Performers were selected by an audition on 9/30.  Special guest artists  Ms. Yuan Wang 王媛, guzheng  Ms. YunZhuo Gan 干云卓, dulcimer accompanied by  Ching-San Cheung 張正山, flute， Elisa Cheung 黃少堅 , dulcimer,   Zhan-Tao Lin 林戰濤 erhu,   and  Chenchu Rong荣晨初, percussion Program detail and bios of guest artists at:http://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/competition/music/index.htm www.ChinesePerformingArts.net  Foundation@ChinesePerformingArts.net

"麻州挑戰"宣佈2017年26隊入圍決賽者

MassChallenge Boston Names Top 26 Startups

October 5, 2017

BOSTON, October 5, 2017 – MassChallenge, the most startup-friendly accelerator on the planet, today announced the top 26 startups from its four-month accelerator program in Boston from its 2017 cohort of 128 companies. Representing some of the most innovative solutions across industries, the startups will now move into the final judging round, where they’ll compete for shares of $1.5M in equity-free prizes.

“It’s amazing to see just how far these companies have progressed in such a short amount of time” said Kiki Mills Johnston, Managing Director of MassChallenge Boston. “With support from the Boston innovation community, each entrepreneur is equipped with the confidence to take on new challenges, the insight to navigate growth, and the network to create impact in our region and beyond. Congratulations to our top 26 companies and to our entire cohort – I’m looking forward to celebrating all of your achievements at the MassChallenge Awards.”

Over the course of the program, 128 early-stage startups from around the world have leveraged expert mentorship, tailored curriculum, corporate partnerships and industry resources to launch and grow their companies – all at zero cost and for zero equity. In addition, entrepreneurs developing physical products have also had the opportunity to bring their ideas to life in the MADE @MassChallenge R&D lab.

To select this year’s winners, MassChallenge Boston will tap the expertise of industry visionaries, including Joshua Boger, Steven Conine, Desh Deshpande, Gail Goodman, Emily Green, Diane Hessan, Donna Levin, Mary Jo Meisner, and Jason Robins. During this final judging round, the top 26 companies will apply what they’ve learned throughout the program to demonstrate their growth and impact.

More than 1,500 leaders and innovation enthusiasts are expected to celebrate top companies at this year’s MassChallenge Awards, which are being held at the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center on November 2nd at 5:00 p.m. In addition to presenting equity-free prizes, spotlighting alumni traction, and highlighting top MassChallenge Boston partners, the night will also welcome WeWork Co-Founder & CEO Adam Neumann as the keynote speaker.

MassChallenge Boston Top 26:

Adeo Health Science
Massachusetts | General/Retail/Consumer Goods
Prevents food allergies in infants.

Athletes of Valor
Massachusetts | Social Impact
Helps servicemen and women transition into collegiate sports and later into careers by providing an online platform, resources, and community.

ADIFF
New York | General/Retail/Consumer Goods
A humanitarian fashion brand that creates functional clothing for style and survival.

Cadence
New York | High Tech
Makes event management effortless by helping businesses deliver unforgettable events with purpose.

CareAline
Massachusetts | Healthcare/Life Sciences
Functional line and risk management garments for PICC and Central Lines.

CozyKin
Massachusetts | High Tech
Creates the sharing economy for childcare by matching local families together and placing them with Montessori-trained nannies in in-home nanny shares.

Guardion
Massachusetts | High Tech
Helps governments reduce the risk of nuclear terrorism with networkable, low cost, ultra-sensitive ionizing radiation sensors.

Ghamut
Massachusetts | High Tech
Introduces Connect, a social-networking service that helps users build new platonic relationships, face-to-face.

Girls Health Champions
Massachusetts | Social Impact
Works to mitigate gender inequality and its impact on health outcomes by training teen girls as peer health educators.

Miracle Messages
California | Social Impact
Builds social support systems for the homeless.

Nonspec
Massachusetts | Healthcare/Life Sciences
Provides affordable, adjustable prosthetic limb kits for amputees and clinicians worldwide.

OffGridBox
Massachusetts | Energy/Clean Tech
Modular and compact units that provide renewable energy and treated water in remote areas.

OnRout
New York | General/Retail/Consumer Goods
Lowers e-commerce shipping costs by taking trucks off the road.

Pykus Therapeutics
Massachusetts | Healthcare/Life Sciences
Developing a dissolvable intraocular device to make retinal surgery less painful and more successful.

Reveal Pharma
Massachusetts | Healthcare/Life Sciences
Addresses the $1B need for safe gadolinium-free MRI contrast agents for all patients who need crucial diagnostic imaging.

ReviveMed
Massachusetts | Healthcare/Life Sciences
A machine-learning platform that translates data from small molecules into the right therapeutics for the right patients.

Skelmet
Massachusetts | General/Retail/Consumer Goods
Revolutionizes the wearables industry with 3D Fit technology that automatically measures, designs, and produces bespoke products.

Skillist
Massachusetts | Social Impact
Connects untapped talent to in-demand jobs.

The Puffin
Massachusetts | High Tech
Enhances the lives of people with disabilities by creating assistive tech that facilitates community inclusion and employment opportunities.

UrSure Inc.
Massachusetts | Healthcare/Life Sciences
Makes medical diagnostics to protect vulnerable patients from HIV infections.

Vence Corp
California | General/Retail/Consumer Goods
A hardware and software solution for livestock farmers which increases revenues, eliminates fencing costs/capex and reduces labor expenses.

Veripad
New York | Healthcare/Life Sciences
Creates an affordable and portable solution that allows for rapid screening of medication quality.

VetiVax
Connecticut | Healthcare/Life Sciences
Commercializes personalized cancer immunotherapies for pets.

Voatz
Massachusetts | High Tech
A mobile election platform, secured via smart biometrics, real-time ID verification, and the blockchain for irrefutability.

W8X
Massachusetts | High Tech
Develops a smart and compact weight lifting system that empowers athletes to reach their limits.

Y2Y
Massachusetts | Social Impact
Interrupts a generation of chronic homelessness by providing sanctuary from the streets and supportive pathways out of homelessness.

布羅克頓高中孔子課堂揭牌慶中秋

(波士頓訊)10月3日上午，麻州大学波士顿孔子学院下设的布罗克顿高中（Brockton High School）孔子课堂在学校礼堂举行揭牌仪式暨欢庆中秋文艺演出。布罗克顿学区学监凯瑟琳∙史密斯（Kathleen A. Smith）、布罗克顿高中校长克利福德∙穆雷（Clifford Murray）和麻州大学波士顿孔子学院院长孙柏凤等出席仪式并致辞。500多名学习中文的学生参加揭牌仪式并观看演出。

          凯瑟琳∙史密斯学监感谢孔子学院给予布罗克顿学区中文项目的支持，希望在各方合力下促进学生成长为世界公民。孙柏凤院长对布罗克顿学区和布罗克顿高中给予中文项目的重视和支持表示感谢，希望学生们通过学习中国语言和文化，学会尊重不同文化的差异，共同为世界和平作出贡献。

          随后，孙柏凤院长将孔子课堂牌匾授予布罗克顿学区外语部负责人瑞秋∙乌布里安娜（Rachael Umbrianna）和布罗克顿高中孔子课堂中文教师李韧。

          浙江大学文琴艺术团表演了精彩的节目，具有中国特色的民族舞蹈、器乐和武术表演让现场观众掌声不断。人们惊叹于中国艺术的美轮美奂和多姿多彩，在意犹未尽之中度过了欢庆中秋的美好时光。(麻大孔子學院提供)