Commonwealth Achieves Solar Milestone

Commonwealth Achieves Solar Milestone

State Surpasses 2,000 Megawatts of Installed Solar Capacity

BOSTON – Continuing its commitment to building a robust solar industry in the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced that Massachusetts has now installed more than 2,000 megawatts (MW) of solar electricity through 78,646 projects across the state. This announcement builds on the administration’s efforts to diversify the Commonwealth’s energy portfolio to reduce energy costs for ratepayers and meet the Global Warming Solutions Act’s greenhouse gas reduction requirements.

“With over 2,000 megawatts of solar now installed, Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in solar deployment and clean energy innovation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through our next solar incentive program, SMART, and our forward-thinking solar grant programs, we look forward to doubling that amount of solar and building a sustainable and affordable clean energy future for the Commonwealth.”

Massachusetts has ranked second in the United States for total solar jobs for the last two years, and ranks sixth in the nation for new installed solar capacity. Under the Baker-Polito Administration, 56,031 solar projects have been installed with 1,239MW, and almost 50 percent of the solar capacity in Massachusetts has been installed in the last two years. Additionally, all 351 cities and towns in Massachusetts now have at least one solar installation.

“Through the Baker-Polito Administration’s efforts to increase access to solar technology for all ratepayers – from residents of low-to moderate income, to commercial and industrial users – the Commonwealth is now home to a robust solar industry employing thousands of Massachusetts workers,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Building on this significant amount of solar installation is a crucial component of the Administration’s commitment to diversify our energy portfolio, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthen our vibrant and growing clean energy industry.”

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s 2017 Massachusetts Clean Energy Industry Report found that the state’s clean energy sector grew by 4 percent between 2016 and 2017, employing a total of 109,226 clean energy workers. Since 2010, the Commonwealth’s clean energy industry has grown by 81 percent, adding over 49,000 workers.

DOER’s new solar incentive program, Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART), will support an additional 1,600 MW of solar in Massachusetts, nearly doubling the amount installed as of today at half the estimated pricing of existing programs. The Baker-Polito Administration also offers a menu of solar programs for residents, businesses and public facilities including Solarize Mass, Mass Solar Connect, Mass Solar Loan, and programs to improve low-and moderate-income residents’ access to clean energy through the Affordable Access to Clean and Efficient Energy Initiative (AACEE).

Building on this significant clean energy deployment, in 2016 Governor Baker signedbipartisan energy legislation authorizing the largest procurement of clean energy generation in Massachusetts’ history, approximately 9,450,000MWh of clean energy and approximately 1,600MW of offshore wind energy, to help lower Massachusetts’ energy costs and achieve our greenhouse gas reduction requirements while encouraging economic growth and activity.

DATA DISAGGREGATION MOVES FORWARD, A MAJOR STEP TOWARD EQUITY BY IMPROVING STATEWIDE DATA COLLECTION

APIs CAN! 與華人前進會(Chinese Progressive Association)新聞稿

数据分类向平等和公义迈进重要一步. 改善全州数据分类收集 州议员们承认数据分类不仅是只对亚裔社区重要，而是对所有种族和族裔群体都很重要的问题。联合委员会已设立一个包容性委员会，将数据分类扩大到所有族裔群体。 波士顿 - 经过上星期二，1 月 30 日，冗长的聆听会后，州务行政和监管联合委员会已投票推动 H3361这个法案，会设立一个包容性的委员会，负责更新法案，并把数据分类扩大到麻州所有种族和族裔群体。 这是对提倡改善数据收集分类一个非常重大的胜利，州府的官员终于听到提倡者的声音。在过去数十年来，数据分类一直在亚裔社区是一个关键性的民权问题，亚裔人士并不是全部一样的种族群体，不认清亚裔各族裔不同的需要只会阻碍社区人士得到应有的服务和代表。 这个原来的提案，H3361，包括收集亚裔主要族裔细分的数据，总共得到超过 50 个本地亚太社区团体和各大联盟的支持。由于得到非裔和拉丁裔团体的大力支持，非裔和拉丁裔核心立法小组也全力支持改善数据收集，并扩大到所有种族及领导今次的委员会成立特别小组草议更全面性的法案。 社区提倡者和社会服务团体很高兴能见到这个运动的实现，并会继续在麻州与新成立的委员会一起为被忽略的社区争取平等和能得到重视。 越裔发展协会的主任，黎丽莎解释说：“越裔比其他人更容易患乙型肝炎这些数据可以指引我们准确地提供服务和我们所建立的伙伴关系，以帮助缓解我们社区所需要的心理健康，住房，经济发展和教育/青年服务方面的问题。对于我们服务的许多家庭来说，我们了解影响他们的条件才有能力挽救他们。” H.3361 法案的发起人，昆市的州议员代表陈德基说：“我很高兴 Timilty 主席和 Benson 主席已经同意推动我们的法案。我也感谢非裔和拉丁裔社区的支持和包容。意识到，数据分类对于我们所有的社区都将是非常有利，我期待着与委员会成员合作，制定一个广泛而包容的方式，将数据分类在麻州通过。” 特别委员会名单将会由下列部门任命：包括众议院议长，参议院院长，参议院少数族裔党领导人，众议院议员，参议院议员，非裔咨询委员会，拉丁裔顾问委员会，卫生与公共服务行政办公室，总检察长的民权部，州务卿等。新的草案和任命人仕必须于 2018 年 12 月 31 日之前提交。

DATA DISAGGREGATION MOVES FORWARD, A MAJOR STEP TOWARD EQUITY BY IMPROVING STATEWIDE DATA COLLECTION

State legislators recognize data disaggregation as an important issue, not only in the Asian American communities, but across ALL race and ethnicities. Joint Committee establishes an inclusive commission to expand disaggregated data to all groups.

BOSTON – Following a long hearing last Tuesday, the Joint Committee on State Administration and Regulatory Oversight has voted to move House Bill 3361 forward by establishing an inclusive commission tasked with updating the initial placeholder bill, to expand statewide racial and ethnic data collection through disaggregation to all racial and ethnic groups.

This is a significant victory for advocates of  improved data collection, who have been critical voices in moving the issue forward at the State House. For decades, data disaggregation has been an important civil rights issue for Asian American advocates, who view a monolithic racial identity as an impediment to recognizing the underserved and underrepresented.

The initial placeholder bill, H.3361, included data collection for major subgroups in the Asian American communities and was supported by broad coalition of over fifty community-based organizations in the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. As support from Latino and Black organizations poured in, the Black and Latino Legislative Caucus offered its full support to expand and improve data collection for all races and will lead the Committee to establish a commission to craft a more comprehensive bill.

Community advocates and social service agencies are thrilled to see this movement and will work constructively with the newly established commission to fight for recognition of marginalized communities and equity in our Commonwealth.

Lisette Le, Director of Vietnamese American Initiative for Development, explained, “Vietnamese Americans are more likely to have Hepatitis B than other populations. These data points, along with others, are what guide us to determine the services we provide and partnerships we make in order to help mitigate issues around mental health, housing, economic development and education/youth services that our community needs. For many of the families that we serve, our ability to know the conditions that affect them saves their lives.”

“I’m thrilled that Chairman Timilty and Chairwoman Benson have agreed to move our legislation forward,” stated State Representative Tackey Chan (D-Quincy), the sponsor of H.3361. “I’m also grateful for the support and inclusion of the Black and Latino communities in our endeavor. They realize that data disaggregation will be an immensely beneficial tool for all our communities, and I look forward to working with Commission members as we craft a broad and inclusive way to bring data disaggregation to Massachusetts.”

The Special Commission will include House and Senate Members appointed by the Speaker of the House, Senate President and House and Senate Minority Leaders; appointees of the Black Advisory Commission and the Latino Advisory Commission; an appointee of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services; an appointee of the Attorney General’s Civil Rights Division; and an appointee of the Secretary of the Commonwealth.  Recommendations and proposed legislation to the clerks of the House of Representatives and the Senate have to be submitted by December 31, 2018.

Massachusetts Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Call for Expansion of Gaming Commission Probe

Massachusetts Democratic Gubernatorial Candidates Call for Expansion of Gaming Commission Probe

Cite Cover-Up of Wynn’s Political Contributions to Support Governor Baker

Evidence that Wynn used the RGA to funnel campaign contributions to Baker, in direct violation of Massachusetts gaming law

BOSTON – In a letter (attached) to the Massachusetts Gaming Commission today, all three Massachusetts gubernatorial candidates called for the Gaming Commission to investigate Steve Wynn and Wynn Resorts’ financial support of Charlie Baker in his 2014 gubernatorial election, as part of their ongoing review of Wynn Resorts’ suitability to hold a casino license.

“Steve Wynn’s resignation as chairman and CEO of Wynn Resorts does not lessen the need for the Commission’s investigation into the company. The need for a thorough investigation is even greater today. Wynn retains his 12% ownership stake in the company, and the same staff and officers who may have abetted this ongoing coverup remain in charge,” reads the letter, signed by Democratic gubernatorial candidates Jay Gonzalez, Bob Massie, and Setti Warren.

“Given the undeniable evidence that Wynn Resorts successfully concealed information from the MGC in the past, we respectfully request that the Commission fully investigate another likely violation of Massachusetts gaming laws by Wynn Resorts and Steve Wynn: their $2 million campaign contribution to then-gubernatorial-candidate Charles D. Baker, which Wynn funneled through the Republican Governors Association (RGA).” 

This past December, the Wall Street Journal reported that in summer 2014, top RGA staff discussed “helping Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Charlie Baker using money committed by casino magnate Steve Wynn, according to a person in the room at the time.” In October 2014, when Wynn Resorts was an applicant for a gaming license, the company gave $2 million to the Republican Governors Association (RGA), its largest-ever donation to the group. The same day, the RGA made a $1.1 million donation to support Baker. Eight days later, it gave $1.1 million more.

When asked by the Journal about Wynn Resorts’ $2 million donation, Phil Cox, who was executive director of the RGA at the time, said of Steve Wynn that he was “sure his interest in the casino was a factor” in the donation to the RGA.

The Massachusetts gaming law states that “No applicant for a gaming license…shall directly or indirectly, pay or contribute any money or thing of value to…any candidate for nomination or election to any public office in the commonwealth, including a municipal office; or any group, political party, committee or association organized in support of any such candidate or political party.”*

The letter also notes that “Governor Charles D. Baker and his political team have a history of concealing the source of political donations to his campaigns. In 2017, the state Office of Campaign and Political Finance (OCPF) found two different political groups aligned with Baker guilty of illegally and intentionally concealing the true source of donations meant to influence two ballot questions in the 2016 election.”

“Both Wynn Resorts and Governor Charles D. Baker have a history of concealing financial information from the public and state authorities. There is also strong evidence that Steve Wynn used the RGA to funnel campaign contributions to Baker’s campaign, in direct violation of Massachusetts gaming law,” reads the letter. “Given these facts, we respectfully ask that the Massachusetts Gaming Commission begin an investigation into Wynn’s financial support of Baker, as part of your thorough look at Wynn Resorts’ suitability to hold a casino license.”

Eastern Bank Recognized Among the Best for Middle Market Businesses for Second Year in a Row

Eastern Bank Recognized Among the Best for Middle Market Businesses for Second Year in a Row

BOSTON, February 7, 2018 – Financial research firm Greenwich Associates recently named Eastern Bank one of the top banks for businesses regionally, bestowing Eastern with three Greenwich Excellence Awards in the categories “Cash Management, Overall Satisfaction,” “Likelihood to Recommend / Net Promoter Score” and “Proactively Provides Advice,” in the Northeast’s Middle Market segment.

Among the 600 banks evaluated nationally, Eastern was one of only two Northeast banks to earn recognition in the “Proactively Provides Advice” category. Greenwich Associates is a leading global financial services research firm that interviewed over 15,000 businesses to determine its results.

“These awards are a direct reflection of the talent and dedication of our team, and their commitment to providing sound advice and innovative solutions that go above and beyond for our customers,” said Bob Rivers, Chairman and CEO of Eastern. “I’m grateful for the overall recognition but particularly happy about the ‘Proactively Provides Advice’ award because only two banks were even mentioned in that category – Eastern and Fulton Bank.”

In 2017, Eastern’s Commercial Banking Group experienced 8 percent growth across the division, originating approximately $1.6 billion in new commercial loans, and generating over $600 million in deposit growth. Eastern was also named the # 1 SBA (Small Business Administration) Lender in New England for the eighth consecutive year, placing it among the top 12 SBA lenders nationally. 

花蓮大地震 波士頓僑胞關懷祈福

【波士頓僑胞關心花蓮震災   為臺灣祈福】

花蓮在2月6日深夜發生規模6有感地震，導致多棟大樓倒塌，民眾傷亡嚴重，波士頓地區許多僑胞對災情十分關心，紛紛主動詢問僑教中心，也表達欲捐款賑災；據悉，目前已有一位旅居東南亞的僑領在第一時間即捐助10萬美金（約新台幣300萬元），充分展現人飢己飢、人溺己溺的大愛精神。

駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長賴銘琪偕僑教中心主任歐宏偉於6日晚間出席佛蒙特州臺灣同鄉會活動時，特別向鄉親報告最新災情消息，與會人士共同為臺灣祈福，並在關心之餘，主動表達想捐款賑災或提供相關協助。

賴銘琪說，兩年前同一天發生南台強震時，新英格蘭地區許多僑團和個別僑胞立即發動募款活動，就是希望能盡己之力幫助故鄉，他對於僑胞鄉親關切災情出錢出力，表達由衷的感佩。

歐宏偉表示，當花蓮地震的嚴重災情迅速傳到海外僑社後，僑務委員會便接獲各地僑胞許多關心的訊息，全球各地僑團及僑胞以各種方式主動表達捐款捐助。他說，為方便海外僑胞捐款賑災，僑務委員會已迅速提供衛生福利部賑災專戶供海外僑胞運用，他很感謝僑胞鄉親對國人和故鄉的關心與協助。

海外捐款專戶資訊如下：

金融機構名稱：兆豐國際商業銀行國外部（MEGA
INTERNATIONAL COMMERCIAL BANK CO.,LTD.）

戶名：衛生福利部賑災專戶（MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND WELFARE
DONATION A/C）

帳號：007-09-11868-0

地址：台北市中山區吉林路100號 [1]（NO.100, CHI-LIN RD.
TAIPEI CITY, TAIWAN）

通匯代號（SWIFT CODE）：ICBCTWTP007

用途別註記：「0206花蓮震災專案」（0206 Hualien
Earthquake）

(波士頓僑教中心提供)

中華頤養院CEO人選出爐 William Grave訂 3/1 上任

South Cove Manor Appoints William Graves as President and C.E.O.

South Cove Manor at Quincy Point, a non-profit rehabilitation and skilled nursing care community focused on serving Asian elders and their families, has announced the appointment of William Graves as President and C.E.O. effective March 1, 2018.  

Mr. Graves is an experienced nursing home administrator and a nationally recognized leader in resident-centered care.  Since 1999 he has served as the Administrator and President of St. Camillus Health Center in Whitinsville, MA, a 123-bed skilled nursing facility.  Highlights of Mr. Grave’s tenure at St. Camillus include accreditation by the Joint Commission, or JCAHO, and development of both a designated memory care neighborhood within the facility and an off-site Adult Day Health Program.

Mr. Graves serves as Chair of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Nursing Home Administrators, and as an elected member of the Board of Directors of the Massachusetts Senior Care Association.

South Cove Manor Board Chair, Richard Lui, said “Bill is a good fit for our mission-driven approach and our community and we are excited to have him coming on board to lead our organization.  His strategic approach coupled with his financial acumen and strong leadership experience make him an excellent choice for South Cove.”

Founded in Boston in 1985, South Cove Manor moved in 2014 to a new state-of-the-art campus at 288 Washington Street in Quincy, significantly expanding its rehabilitation capacity, and creating a series of small resident communities for elders.  Bill Graves commented, “South Cove Manor is highly regarded for its excellent care and committed staff, and I am honored to join this exceptional organization.”

AG HEALEY’S FISCAL YEAR 2017 RECOVERIES AND SAVINGS EXCEED $800 MILLION FOR STATE, TAXPAYERS

AG HEALEY’S FISCAL YEAR 2017 RECOVERIES AND SAVINGS EXCEED $800 MILLION FOR STATE, TAXPAYERS

AG’s Office Recovered More Than $17 for Every Dollar Invested in the Office

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today announced that her office brought back more than $800 million in recoveries and savings for the state and taxpayers in fiscal year 2017, including more than $79 million to the General Fund. The AG’s Office recovered more than $17 for every dollar invested in its work in fiscal year 2017. 

“My office saves hundreds of millions of dollars each year for state agencies, cities and towns, businesses and residents,” said AG Healey. “We are deeply committed to putting money back in the pockets of Massachusetts families through our work. In the last year, we also recovered more than $79 million for the General Fund to support the state and our taxpayers.”

The AG’s Office is organized into various bureaus and divisions, each committed to advocating for the interests of Massachusetts and its residents. The following highlights some notable recoveries and savings from certain bureaus and divisions within the AG’s Office.

            Government

The AG’s Government Bureau represents the state, its agencies and officials in a broad range of civil litigation. Cases include employment disputes, eminent domain and land cases, constitutional challenges to state action and laws, and litigation involving key state policies and millions of dollars in taxpayer funds. For example, in fiscal year 2017 the Administrative Law Division successfully represented the Department of Mental Health in a health care case that resulted in an estimated $7 million in savings for the first year. The AG’s Trial Division saved Massachusetts $260 million in nationwide arbitration proceedings after tobacco manufacturers decided to drop their challenge to the state’s enforcement of its escrow statutes against non-settling tobacco companies.

Ratepayer Advocacy

Through the Energy and Telecommunications Division, the AG’s Office serves as the statutory Ratepayer Advocate in proceedings on behalf of consumers. In fiscal year 2017, the Division’s work yielded approximately $227 million in savings to ratepayers and customers.

Insurance & Financial Services

AG Healey’s Insurance & Financial Services Division represents consumers and the state in civil matters involving the insurance, securities and lending industries. In fiscal year 2017, the Division brought back more than $136 million in recoveries and savings to the state. The Division reached a first-in-the-nation settlement with Santander for $22 million, including relief for more than 2,000 affectedMassachusetts car buyers who were set up with unfair, high-rate auto loans. The Division houses the AG’s Student Loan Assistance Unit, which fielded more than 4,000 hotline calls, handled more than 1,000 requests for assistance, held 14 student loan workshops, and generated $2.4 million in savings and recoveries for student loan borrowers.

False Claims

Created in 2015 by AG Healey to expand upon the office’s existing false claims initiative, the False Claims Division investigates alleged false statements used to obtain government contracts or funds. In fiscal year 2017, the Division recovered more than $46 million for the state, its agencies and political subdivisions, including $5.5 million from CDM Smith Inc. to resolve allegations it failed in its obligations to adequately oversee construction of Plum Island’s water and sewer systems.

Consumer Advocacy

In fiscal year 2017, the AG’s Consumer Protection Division recovered more than $41 million, including $27 million in student loan debt relief for students taken advantage of by for-profit college America Career Institute as well as $3 million in refunds to students. The AG’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division provided more than 8,000 consumers with mediation, consumer assistance services, or loan modification assistance.

Environment

In its work to enforce state environmental laws, the AG’s Environmental Protection Division recovered more than $21 million in civil penalties and other payments in fiscal year 2017. Volkswagen and related entities paid $20 million to Massachusetts, which is the largest civil penalty ever obtained in an environmental enforcement case brought by the state, for implementing engineering cheats designed to conceal the illegally high nitrogen oxide emissions of its passenger diesel vehicles. 

Medicaid Fraud

AG Healey’s Medicaid Fraud Division is responsible for the investigation and prosecution of fraud against the state’s Medicaid program, known as MassHealth. In their efforts to root out fraud and recover taxpayer dollars, the Division recovered more than $8 million to MassHealth in fiscal year 2017 as well as $700,000 towards the office’s Youth Opioid Prevention grant program from settlements with Walgreens and CVS over their opioid dispensing practices. Last week, AG Healey announced that the Division recovered more than $45 million for MassHealth in calendar year 2017.

Health Care

The AG’s Health Care Division recovered $4.6 million in its efforts to promote the interests of Massachusetts health care consumers in fiscal year 2017, including $930,000 from Johnson & Johnsonover its marketing of certain drugs and $400,000 from Bristol-Myers Squib for its unlawful marketing of Abilify, an anti-psychotic, to children and the elderly. The Division secured $2.8 million for Massachusetts policyholders of United Life Insurance who were unlawfully sold inadequate health insurance.

Fair Labor

The AG’s Fair Labor Division works to create a level playing field in Massachusetts by educating employers about our laws and protecting vulnerable workers from wage theft. In fiscal year 2017, the Division recovered nearly $3.5 million in restitution and penalties for violations of our state labor laws. In March 2017, for example, a Lowell reusable bag factory paid nearly $1.2 million to resolve numerous wage and hour law violations and for retaliating against employees. Since October 2016, the AG’s Office has also held free, monthly Wage Theft Clinics to provide legal assistance to workers in need. More than 230 workers have received assistance through those clinics and more than $65,000 in wages were recovered last fiscal year. 

            Criminal Enforcement

AG Healey’s Criminal Bureau recovered more than $4 million as a result of criminal forfeitures in fiscal year 2017. The Enterprise, Major and Cyber Crimes Division, which targets criminal enterprises using sophisticated investigative techniques, seized more than $1 million in cash and the Gaming Enforcement Division seized approximately $3 million in laundered proceeds. An additional nearly $250,000 was recovered by the Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Unit, which investigates and prosecutes cases of fraud against insurers and against the state unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation system. 

中華專業人員協會歡迎頂大學人 商討來年計畫 (圖片)

紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長蕭蔚(左)，新任會長彭淑敏(前右)主持會議。(周菊子攝)

數學教授蘇信豪發言。(周菊子攝)

出席者分組討論。

中華專協榮譽顧問蔣宗壬(左起)，史美芳夫婦，李小玉醫師都出席活動。(周菊子攝)

中華書法會揮毫迎春 中華公所飄墨香

 中華書法會迎春揮毫，與嘉賓合影。前排右起，吳紹營，謝如鍵，經文處副處長陳銘俊，波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉，
書法會會長林卓培，以及黃鏡明。後排右起，莫潔華，軟洪燦，書法會會長黃周麗桃，林蘭詩，嘉賓，周樹昂，
經文處教育組組長陳幗珍，周文熙，張洋，王又衡，池元山，潘樹仁。(周菊子攝)

紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊(佐四)也與嘉賓合影，(周菊子攝)

                                (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 中華書法會2月4日中午在紐英崙中華公所大樓”揮毫迎春”，以墨香祈願新的一年”福壽康寧”。

               隨著時代的演進、變遷，以及電腦及手機的普及，許多人在生活中幾乎已完全不用紙筆，更遑論毛筆，在英文更為重要的美國，還需要用手拿筆沾墨才能寫的中國傳統書法，似乎也變成只有藝術家才敢秀的功夫。

波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)出席，黃周麗桃(左)
特地寫個福字送給他。(周菊子攝)

               今年出席中華公所迎春揮毫活動的人，就只有書法家吳紹營，中華書法會會長林卓培，黃周麗桃，前書法會會長池元山，北美藝術家協會前會長黃鏡明，周文熙，以及周文熙的兒子張洋，已練得一手草篆體的西人林蘭詩，在扇面上書寫了”蘭亭序”的王又衡等人，真的拿著毛筆，一筆一筆的寫出恭賀新禧，福到等喜慶字句。

               駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處副處長陳銘俊，波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉，經文處教育組組長陳幗珍，紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊，昭倫公所主席謝如鍵，波士頓亞裔房東會會長潘樹仁，波士頓詩人朱紹昌等人雖然也來到會場，大都只顧著與出席者寒暄，互祝新春吉祥，有的更笑說自己那筆字，還是別獻醜的好。

出席眾人即席揮毫寫春聯。(周菊子攝)

               黃周麗桃今年照例請義工幫忙，為出席者準備了麵包，蛋塔等點心。她透露，這陣子流感盛行，許多人怕傳染給其他人，所以沒出席。                                                                     波士頓新科市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)倒是在紐英崙中華公所前主席阮鴻燦陪同下，也來沾沾中國年的喜氣，還已經學會說中文的”恭喜發財”。

中華書法會會長黃周麗桃(右起)歡迎中華公所主席陳家驊，經文處
副處長陳銘俊出席。(周菊子攝)

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉(左)謝謝中華書法會黃周麗桃響應
揮毫迎春活動。

中華書法會共同會長林卓培(右)送給第一次出席書法會活動的經文處
教育組組長陳幗珍一幅字。(周菊子攝)

  

中國體操小將洛杉磯首秀獲佳績

轉載
中國體操小將洛杉磯首秀獲佳績 華人體育世家喜迎迓
前來參加在千橡市舉辦的第三屆”吳國年經典體操賽”的中國國家男子體操隊，在2月3日、4日兩天的比賽中獲得十級的團體冠軍，以及多項個人冠軍。中國男子體操隊的新秀們給美國體操界留下極為深刻的印象。
這次來洛杉磯參加比賽的中國男子體操隊由孫赫然領隊, 兩名優秀青年教練王冠寅和程然, 五名青年隊員分別是蘇煒德、蒙志偉、戴智雄、謝晨屹、駱毅杰。
兩名教練都是原中國體操隊隊員，教練王冠寅是天津人，2009年獲得世錦賽雙槓冠軍； 程然是北京人，2014年體操世錦賽團體冠軍。
據教練王冠寅介紹，這次來參加比賽的隊員中，除了蘇煒德已經是國家體操隊的正式隊員，其他的小隊員都是剛剛進入國家隊的青年運動員，也是他們第一次代表中國隊出國比賽。雖然在比賽中遇到了一些不同的困難，但是這些年青運動員的意志都非常堅強，基本上都表現出了平時的訓練水平。參加這樣的國際比賽，每個隊員都有自己不同的收穫。特別是他們都非常享受這次比賽，表現出了良好的心理素質。
曾經在泰國曼谷2017年亞洲體操錦標賽亞青賽中獲得男子自由體操冠軍、山東淄博的蘇煒德在這次比賽中獲得十級別自由體操、鞍馬、跳馬和單槓等四個項目的冠軍。以及多個項目的亞軍，表現出個人技術的全面性。
已經是一級運動員、廣西柳州的蒙志偉在本次比賽中獲得九級的鞍馬、單槓、吊環的三項冠軍。曾經在 “李寧杯”全國少年體操比賽中獲得團體、吊環、跳馬三項冠軍的駱毅杰是廈門人, 他在這次比賽中獲得了九級的全能、自由體操、雙槓的三項冠軍。
曾經在全國少年體操總決賽獲男子12歲組單槓比賽冠軍的戴智雄，陝西人，在本次比賽中獲得自由體操亞軍、吊環銅牌、跳馬銅牌。曾經在全國少年體操總決賽中獲第二名的浙江小伙子謝晨屹，在本次比賽中獲得了吊環、單槓和雙槓的銅牌。
比賽結束後，在全美華裔體育界知名的體操世家國氏家族，邀請中國國家體操隊和韓國國家女子體操隊的隊員們到自己的家中聯歡。
國氏家族的原中國奧運選手國林顯說:"今天是當教練30年最開心的時光，中國徒弟、世界冠軍王冠寅帶著青年運動員來洛杉磯參加吳國年盃體操比賽大放異彩。韓國徒弟、韓國全運會冠軍Dongzong帶領韓國國家女子青年體操隊來洛杉磯參加集訓，正好可以歡聚一堂相互交流。
加州華人體育家協會會長高勝說，這次來洛杉磯參加比賽的年青隊員，有國內這些國際一流教練們的指導，普遍表示技術紮實、全面。下一屆奧運也正好是他們運動生涯中黃金時代的開始，只要堅持努力，都有可能成為未來的世界冠軍。
國氏家族的老父親國書增曾經在59年全運會上獲得全能冠軍，妻子索惠琪，兒子國林生、國林顯、女兒國林紅、兒子國林躍都曾先後進入中國體操隊，並在國際大型比賽中獲得國多項冠軍。他們的下一代也正在參加當地體操俱樂部的訓練。他們兄妹在洛杉磯開辦的大型體操俱樂部更是桃李滿天下。
說起這次中國體操隊來參加的“吳國年經典體操邀請賽”，也是在美國本土唯一的一個以中國人名字冠名的體操比賽。吳國年中國體操國家隊期間多次曾獲得國內比賽的鞍馬、跳馬冠軍。多次代表中國隊參加國際比賽並奪得團體冠軍及自由體操、鞍馬和跳馬的金牌。
吳國年創造的兩個難新動作被國際體聯(FIG)命名：一個是鞍馬項目上的: 隔環轉體720度同時移三位。俗稱: “吳國年大爬”，E組難度。另一個是自由體操中的：直體後空翻一周半轉體180度接前滾翻，俗稱：“吳國年空翻”，為D組難度。該動作幾乎已經成為每名高水平運動員在比賽中必做的一個難度動作。吳國年98年來美國創辦大型體操俱樂部。 （AACYF洛杉磯訊）

燕京圖書館鼓勵學者使用館藏做研究 19獎助待申請

The Harvard-Yenching Library is pleased to announce its Travel Grant Program for the 2017-2018 academic year. The purpose of the grant is to assist scholars from outside the Boston metropolitan area in their use of the Harvard-Yenching Library’s collections for research. There will be nineteen grants of $600 each (seven in Chinese studies, seven in Japanese studies, and five in Korean studies) to be awarded on a merit basis to faculty members and to graduate students engaged in dissertation research. Priority consideration will be given to those at institutions where there are no or few library resources in the East Asian languages and no major East Asian library collections are available nearby. Please note that the awards must be used by September 30, 2018.

Applications for the travel grant, including a letter with your mailing address, a brief description of the research topic, and an estimated budget should be addressed to the following. You can send in your application either in paper form or as an email attachment.

The deadline for receiving applications is extended to February 15, 2018.

Note: Independent scholars and all levels of graduate students are also welcome to apply.

Contact Info:
James K. M. Cheng
Librarian
Harvard-Yenching Library
Harvard University
2 Divinity Avenue
Cambridge, MA 02138
Contact Email:
jkcheng@fas.harvard.edu
URL:
http://hcl.harvard.edu/…/harvard-y…/travel_grant_program.cfm

羅州克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉傑父親辭世

           (Boston Orange) 羅德島州克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉傑(Allan Fung)的父親馮廣運，2月3日傍晚因帕金森併發症辭世，享年89歲，訂2月7日(週四)下午4到8點，在克蘭斯頓市的Nardolillo 殯儀館(1278 Park Avenue)舉行追悼會。

                        馮偉傑刻正再次參選羅德島州州長，已於2月3日在臉書上告訴親友這一消息，他的競選團隊今(5)日正式公告，指馮廣運的一生有如美國夢的縮影，他教育一子二女時，以簡潔的”天道酬勤”為座右銘。

                     馮廣運生於中國廣東，青少年時移居香港，做了幾年焊工後，和勞台萍相戀成婚，為了下一代有更好的生活，1969年移民來美，定居羅德島州，1970年開了自己的餐館，持續經營35年。

                     馮偉傑表示，二年前他偕妻赴中國大陸，參觀了幾個父親鍾愛的地方，包括香港馬會，體會了一下父親喜愛的賽馬。

           他父親是為了美國夢才於1969年和他母親一起移民到羅德島州的。那時他母親懷有幾個月的身孕，稍後才在羅德島州普域敦斯市老舊的Lying-In 醫院生下他。後來也在那醫院生下他的兩個妹妹，Anna 及 Arlene。當他父母開了”廣運餐廳”後，那餐廳就成了他們的第二個家。放學後，他父親會堅持要他先在角落餐桌把功課做完，才開始端菜，洗碗，招呼客人。那些年他跟在自己視為英雄的父親身邊，也學會了做菜。

           開餐廳35年之後，他父母才終於退休了。在他剛得帕金森症的那幾年，為了保持身體健康，每天早上人們都會看到他和女兒Arlene在花園城市裏散步。鄰居們也會揮手和他們兩人打招呼。但病了幾次以後，他需要有人24小時照顧。

           馮偉傑說，他父母從來只是要成功的機會，而他們知道，在美國，只要努力工作就有無窮盡的機會。幾十年來，他們不眠不休，一週七天的工作。他為他們一生的故事，他們的勇敢，以及他們為確保子女有更好生活所做的奉獻感到非常驕傲。

           馮偉傑在公開信中說，父親在這週末辭世，只加深了他想要重振羅德島州的心意。這是他們選擇在美國展開新生活，給下一代機會的地方。為紀念父親，他要更加奮鬥，重振父親的精神，使羅德島州成為人們想要來實現美國夢的地方。

           馮偉傑和家人感謝各界人士在他父親過世後給出的感言，讚語。星期三下午4到8點，在克蘭斯頓市1278 Park Avenue的Nardolillo殯儀館，將舉行追思會。星期四早上9到10點，也會在殯儀館內接待來悼念的人，然後在Johnson的高地紀念公園舉行葬禮。

Many of you remember my father, Kwong Wen, from the days of our family's restaurant. His lesson to me and my two sisters was simple - hard work makes your dreams come true. My father was the epitome of the American dream.

Born in Canton, China, he made his way to Hong Kong as a teenager, and spent his early years working as a welder. He fell in love and married my mom Tan Ping. When I traveled to China about two years ago with my wife, we went to several of his favorite places - including the Hong Kong Jockey Club to enjoy his beloved horse races.

But my father dreamed about the promise of America, and immigrated to Rhode Island with my mom in 1969. I was practically a stowaway as my mom was several months pregnant. I was born at the old Lying-In Hospital in Providence, and would be followed by my sisters Anna & Arlene.  When my parents opened up their restaurant, Kong Wen, it became our second home. After school, my dad would insist I do my homework in the corner booth before I began work bussing tables, washing dishes, & waiting on our customers. Over the years, I learned to cook at the side of my hero, my father. 

After owning the restaurant for over thirty five years, my parents finally retired. To stay healthy during his early years battling Parkinson's, he would be seen walking all over Garden City, every morning, with his adored daughter Arlene. Neighbors would wave and look out for them both. After several illnesses, he required around the clock care at The Cedars, where the love and attention he received was second to none.

All my parents ever asked for was for the opportunity to succeed. They knew that in America, the options were endless, & the only requirement was hard work. They worked tirelessly seven days a week for decades. I am so proud of their story, their bravery, and their devotion to ensuring their children had a better life.

His passing this weekend only hardened my resolve to reinvigorate this state, which they chose to start their new life in America, as the land of opportunity for the next generation. In his memory, we fight harder & recommit this movement to make Rhode Island the place that people want to come to in order to live out their American dream.

My family and I appreciate the overwhelming kind words of support so many of you have sent since his passing on Saturday. A public remembrance and wake will take place at Nardolillo Funeral Home on 1278 Park Avenue in Cranston on Wednesday, from 4-8 PM. We will also be receiving visitors Thursday morning from 9-10 AM at Nardolillo Funeral Home, followed by a procession and graveside service in Highland Memorial Park, Johnston.

Thank you for your support,

Allan Fung