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Baker-Polito Administration Launches Summer Nights Initiative for Youth

2017 marks third-year of the program to extend operating hours and increase programming at city parks across the Commonwealth

BOSTON— Governor Charlie Baker was joined by Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton, and Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) Commissioner Leo Roy to announce the 2017 Summer Nights Initiative to increase programming and extend the hours of operations at select pools and athletic complexes in areas across the state. The Baker-Polito Administration started the Summer Nights Initiative in 2015, benefitting youth within the cities of Boston, Chicopee, Everett, Fall River, Holyoke, Lawrence, Malden, Springfield, and Worcester during summer evenings.

 “While Massachusetts youth enjoy their summer vacation, the Summer Nights Initiative offers recreational programs and extended hours at our pools and parks to provide a safe and fun place for all,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With over 450,000 acres of public land, including several parks within city neighborhoods throughout Massachusetts, our parks offer perfect locations for kids to get outside and explore nature, many of which are right in people’s backyards.”

“The Summer Nights Initiative has become an important yearly program for our Administration over the last three years, impacting the lives of children and their families in cities across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.“By extending the hours of operations at highly visible and frequently utilized facilities, we are able to help promote a healthy, active lifestyle at an early age for our children.”

"The Summer Nights Initiative is a great resource for the youth of Boston,” said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. “In the summer, it's especially important to help kids stay active and safe. We're doing that through programs like Summer Learning, Summer Jobs, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families programming. In order to keep kids engaged in their communities, they need safe places to have fun both day and night, and DCR's Summer Nights Initiative provides more opportunities for kids in Boston to do just that. We are thrilled to welcome this valuable program back this summer."

The DCR has also commenced its popular Free Family Flicks movie series. Movies will be shown at Fall River Heritage State Park in Fall River, the Martini Memorial Shell in Hyde Park, Salisbury Beach State Reservation in Salisbury, Sylvester Baxter State Park in Somerville, the Charles River Esplanade’s Hatch Memorial Shell in the Back Bay, Lowell Heritage State Park in Lowell, and Pope John Paul II Park in Dorchester. Featured movies include Secret Life of Pets, Sing, Jungle Book, Finding Dory, Moana, Lego Batman, Dr. Strange, and Star Wars Rogue 1. The Free Family Flicks program provides family fun and entertainment at no charge (parking fees may apply depending on location).

“The Commonwealth’s state parks system provides unique and exceptional opportunities to get out outside, explore the natural world that surrounds us, and enjoy some of Massachusetts best and most diverse greenscapes, such as parks, reservations, forests, and athletic facilities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Ensuring children have access to the environment is important to both their physical and mental growth, and I am pleased that the Summer Nights Initiative will once again provide excellent recreational opportunities that will surely be enjoyed all summer long.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration continues to prioritize a high level of access within the state parks system for people of all abilities, ages, and locations to enjoy and benefit from,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “The Administration works closely with several partners to provide excellent and unique programming for the Summer Nights Initiative, and I thank them for their continued dedication and support.”

“It’s my pleasure to join Governor Baker, Mayor Walsh and DCR to launch this vital summer program that helps to revitalize and activate our parks and make them a strong and integral part of the fabric of our community for youth activities during the summer,” said State Representative Russell Holmes (D – Mattapan).

“I commend the Governor on forming these partnerships with the Urban League of Springfield and other local organizations that serve our urban communities so well,”said State Representative Bud Williams (D – Springfield). “By providing these organized activities, we will take young folks off of the street and put them into situations where they will develop as individuals.”

“I’m always happy to see the state working together with local organizations such as the Lawrence Boys and Girls Club. Ensuring that youth are involved in positive summer activities is very important to me and I am especially excited for these wonderful programs that our youth in the City of Lawrence can participate in,” said State Representative Frank A. Moran (D-Lawrence).

The extension of summer operations will continue through August 17, 2017. Below is a full list of extended hours and programming for additional youth access.

The following 11 water/swimming facilities will have extended hours of operations on Thursday in July until 7:45PM and in August until 7:30PM:

·           Allied Veterans Memorial Pool (65 Elm St, Everett, MA).

·           Holland Memorial Pool (108 Mountain Ave, Malden, MA).

·           Olsen Pool (95 Turtle Pond Pkwy, Hyde Park, Boston, MA).

·           Sara Jane Sherman Memorial Pool (750 Meadow St, Chicopee, MA).

·           Southwest Corridor Park Spraydecks (Jamaica Plain, Boston, MA).

·           Bennett Field (Veterans Memorial) Pool (1260 Main St, Worcester, MA).

·           Lt. Colonel Edward J. Higgins Pool (180 Crawford St, Lawrence, MA).

·           Ryan Wading Pool (350 River St, Mattapan, Boston, MA).

·           Melnea Cass Pool (120 Martin Luther King Blvd, Roxbury, Boston, MA).

·           Vietnam Veterans Pool (339 Eastern Avenue, Fall River, MA).

DCR is working in conjunction with four community partners to provide an exciting schedule of recreational, educational, cultural, and arts programs for kids, teens, and young adults to learn new skills and socialize one another. Programs such as basketball, flag-football, kickball, dodgeball, volleyball, and ping pong, as well as, dancing, fitness, fishing, and arts and crafts will be featured. Program partners include:  Score4More, PIM, Urban League of Springfield, and Lawrence Boys and Girls Club.

Special programming through the summer months include:

Mondays:

Moynihan Recreational Complex (1015 Truman Parkway, Hyde Park); 6:00PM-9:00PM: the PIM Project will be hosting organized sports and games including basketball and flag-football.

Tuesdays:

Lorber Playground (Centre St. at Columbus Ave, Jamaica Plain); 6:30PM-9:30PM: Score4More will offer basketball games, fitness, dance, children’s youth and arts activities.

Lawrence Boys and Girls Club (136 Water Street, Lawrence); 6:00pm-9:30pm: Activities include: basketball games and competitions, dance instruction, fitness training and recreational games including pool, ping-pong and carpet ball.  No membership required, open to all youth ages 13-18.

Urban League’s Camp Atwater Campsite (Lake Lashaway, North Brookfield); 5:00PM-9:00PM: Urban League of Springfield will be hosting organized activities including basketball, kickball, dodgeball, fishing, music and food. The program is free of charge and open to greater Springfield and Worcester area youth ages 13-18. Call (413) 739-7211 ext. 103 to learn more and register. Transportation is provided from Springfield. 

* Additionally, on Tuesday, August 15, 2017, Urban League of Springfield will be hosting a special event at DCR’s Lake Park at Quinsigamond State Park in Worcester. Activities include volleyball, kickball, soccer and basketball and arts and crafts activities. This program is free of charge and open to all youth ages 13-18.

Wednesdays:

Roberts Park (Dunbar Ave @ Washington Street, Dorchester); 6:00PM-9:00PM: PIM Project will be hosting organized sports including basketball and flag-football (*note* this is a city of Boston park).

Thursdays:

Lorber Playground (Centre St. at Columbus Ave, Jamaica Plain); 6:30PM-9:30PM: Score4More will offer basketball games, fitness, dance, children’s youth and arts activities.

Lawrence Boys and Girls Club (136 Water Street, Lawrence); 6:00PM-9:30PM: Activities include: basketball games and competitions, dance instruction, fitness training and recreational games including pool, ping-pong and carpet ball.  No membership required, open to all youth ages 13-18.

Urban League’s Camp Atwater Campsite (Lake Lashaway, North Brookfield); 5:00PM-9:00PM: Urban League of Springfield will be hosting organized activities including basketball, kickball, dodgeball, fishing, music and food. The program is free of charge and open to greater Springfield and Worcester area youth ages 13-18. Call (413) 739-7211 ext. 103 to learn more and register. Transportation is provided from Springfield.

* On Thursday, August 17, 2017, Urban League of Springfield will be hosting a Special Event at DCR’s Lake Park at Quinsigamond State Park in Worcester.  Activities include volleyball, kickball, soccer and basketball and arts and crafts activities. This program is free of charge and open to all youth ages 13-18.

The extended hours of operations will compliment other programs currently offered by the DCR for families at the hundreds of state parks, forests, reservations, beaches and other facilities across the state year round. To read more about the expansion of hours at select pools and parks, and for additional programs by DCR, please visit the agency’s webpage.

賓州醫保公司被麻州總檢察官辦公室罰25萬圓

PENNSYLVANIA-BASED HEALTHCARE COMPANY AGREES TO PAY MORE THAN $250,000 FOR FAILING TO PAY MASSACHUSETTS WORKERS

Restitution to More Than 1,900 Massachusetts Employees Who Were Not Paid Properly for Work; Company Provides Services to Hundreds of Massachusetts Healthcare Facilities

BOSTON – A Pennsylvania-based healthcare company that provides services to hundreds of healthcare facilities in Massachusetts has agreed to pay more than $250,000 in restitution and penalties for failing to pay more than 1,900 Massachusetts workers properly, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

Healthcare Services Group, Inc. (HSG) has agreed to pay restitution to 1,931 Massachusetts employees for hours worked between July 2012 and July 2015. The vast majority of these workers made less than $11 per hour and more than 100 of them were underpaid for 35 hours or more. 

“Every employer in Massachusetts is responsible for paying workers the wages they have earned,” said AG Healey. “We are pleased that through this settlement, HSG will pay these low-wage workers the money they are owed and that the company has installed new systems to ensure workers are paid properly in the future.”

HSG is a corporation based in Pennsylvania that provides housekeeping, laundry, dining, and nutrition services to more than 250 healthcare facilities in Massachusetts.

The AG’s Office began an investigation after the AG’s Fair Labor Division received complaints from three HSG employees alleging non-payment of wages for hours worked at the Wingate at Reading Nursing Home and Rehabilitation Center located in Reading, MA.

  The AG’s investigation found that inaccuracies in the company’s timekeeping and payroll systems prevented employees’ hours from being recorded and processed in the payroll system. Due to these clerical errors, between July 2012 and July 2015, the company failed to pay employees the correct wages for the full amount of hours worked.

The company has since changed its practices and implemented a new electronic system with safeguards for checking time adjustments installed at multiple levels of management.

HSG has also agreed to pay for costs, as to be determined, associated with locating former employees who are restitution recipients.

The Massachusetts Wage Act requires employers to pay workers for wages earned within six days of the end of the pay period.

AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division is responsible for enforcing state laws regulating the payment of wages, including prevailing wage, minimum wage and overtime laws.

Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace can call the office’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465. More information about the state’s wage and hour laws is also available in multiple languages at www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor.

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Andrew H. Cahill and InvestigatorLeah Lucier, both of AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division.

教育部學海築夢亮點計畫 崑山科大為波士頓華裔族群發聲

教育部學海築夢亮點計畫　崑山科大為波士頓華裔族群發聲

崑山科技大學每年率領學生到波士頓參與仁人家園(Habitat for Humanity Greater Boston)義工實習活動，這項海外義工實習計畫在今年榮獲教育部「學海築夢」評選為亮點計畫。今年負責該項計畫的崑山科技大學呂之蕙教授再次帶領5位學生來到波士頓實習，駐波士頓教育組組長黃薳玉於7月7日辦理座談餐會，代表教育部鼓勵這些同學及肯定這項計畫的成功與奉獻精神。

席間，呂之蕙教授談及今年是這項計畫第4屆，回憶起當初主動與波士頓仁人家園聯繫時的忐忑不安，到現在每年與仁人家園合作，並獲教育部的肯定。呂教授說明，這項海外實習計畫為期2個月，納入學校的實習學分，學生在實習後，需要運用其廣告行銷專業，針對仁人家園提出建議，回臺灣後，也需在校內的成果發展會上，分享與展示心得及行銷專業分析。她提到，去年的學生就發現參與購買仁人家園所蓋屋舍的族裔，大多是非洲裔或西語裔，鮮少看到華裔參與，因此，建議仁人家園或許可加強在華裔社群的宣傳，讓更多有需求的華裔族群參與仁人家園的計畫，住進仁人家園蓋的房子。

提及每年帶領的學生，呂教授說，她要求參與這項海外實習計畫的學生要具備義工經驗，或者正在從事校內義工服務，像今年參與的5位學生都參與學校的偏鄉孩童服務等志工活動。問起學生為什麼會想參與這項計畫，有學生提到欣賞仁人家園的制度，想進一步瞭解仁人家園如何運用完善的制度，實踐讓低收入家庭擁有家的遠景，並且永續地循環下去。

呂教授另也補充，這樣的海外義工實習計畫不僅讓學生親自學習美國志工組織運作方式，拓展視野，鼓勵學生志工奉獻精神，也曾經成功地為該校一位學生大為加分，成功錄取臺灣知名國立大學研究所，突顯高等教育越來越重視學生國際胸襟及奉獻社會態度，也肯定崑山科技大學的波士頓仁人家園海外實習計畫。今年崑山科技大學的學生更將於仁人家園辦理臺灣日，介紹臺灣文化，讓更多美國居民認識臺灣。每年表現良好的崑山科技大學學生讓波士頓仁人家園留下很好的印象，開始考慮擴大與臺灣的志工合作交流，派遣美國志工赴臺擔任義工。

仁人家園是一個義工組織，接受民眾的物資捐贈，整理成二手商店的Restore，並接受民眾的募捐及義工的協助，建造房舍，以可負擔的價格或貸款賣給低收入戶家庭，實現每個家庭都有房子住的願景。(波士頓經文處教育組提供)

MAYOR WALSH JOINS 50 MAYORS TO ADVOCATE FOR NET NEUTRALITY ON DAY OF ACTION

MAYOR WALSH JOINS 50 MAYORS TO ADVOCATE FOR NET NEUTRALITY ON DAY OF ACTION

Mayor Walsh to submit joint letter to the FCC to call for the continuation of net neutrality

BOSTON - Wednesday, July 12, 2017 - Building on Boston's commitment to fostering an equitable, accessible environment for all residents and businesses, Mayor Martin J. Walsh today a signed letter with 50 cities urging the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to maintain the current rules protecting the free and open internet. By prohibiting blocking, prioritization and other discriminatory practices, current FCC rules enforce openness, equity and nondiscrimination, and enable the internet to thrive as a platform for the innovation that drives the future American economy. "A free, open internet is vital to residents and businesses throughout Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "Net neutrality is one tool we have to create an equal playing field for all, and I stand with mayors throughout the U.S. to support an open internet." The letter, addressed to FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, reinforces the nondiscrimination principles first called for in a 2014 U.S. Conference of Mayors resolution: Commitment to transparency; The free flow of information over the internet; No blocking of lawful websites; No unreasonable discrimination of lawful network traffic; and No paid prioritization. "Boston has worked hard to ensure our residents and businesses have choice in the broadband marketplace -- five broadband companies offer service in Boston, and just last year, Verizon announced that they will begin offering Fios service in Boston," said Jascha Franklin-Hodge, Chief Information Officer for the City of Boston. "Broadband customers should be able to choose what content to access without their Internet Service Provider acting as a gatekeeper or toll taker.  An open Internet puts consumers in the driver's seat, where all websites, apps, and online services compete on a level playing field." The FCC's 2015 Order Protecting and Promoting the Open Internet under then-Chair Tom Wheeler reclassified internet service as a telecommunication service under Title II of the Telecommunications Act. The move came after a legal and regulatory process during which nearly four million people submitted comments, mostly in favor of strong open internet protections under Title II. This order established the net neutrality protections that exists today. A copy of the letter is enclosed below. ### Ajit Pai Chairman Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St SW Washington, DC 20554 July 12, 2017 Dear Chairman Pai: Our nation's residents benefit immensely from an open internet, which drives innovation and economic growth across every segment of American society.  "Net neutrality" rules recognize the importance of maintaining a level playing field for all internet content - regardless of the creator or owner - to be enjoyed by all users, regardless of their internet provider.  For this reason, the U.S. Conference of Mayors has consistently advocated for strong federal actions on this issue across two federal administrations.   This message has been consistent and simple.  Be it through the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) or through legislative action, the U.S. Conference of Mayors first called in 2014 for nationwide internet protections that enforce the following nondiscrimination principles: Commitment to transparency; The free flow of information over the internet; No blocking of lawful websites; No unreasonable discrimination of lawful network traffic; and No paid prioritization. In 2015, the FCC enshrined these same principles of free and open internet service into law, through the reclassification of internet service under Title II of the Communications Act. On May 18th, the FCC voted to consider full repeal of Title II and net neutrality rules.  The FCC's proposal poses a significant risk of stifling American innovation and harming local economies across the country.    Net neutrality is a pocket book issue for American households.  Full repeal would have a particularly negative impact on middle and working class families, while simultaneously restricting access to certain types of online content and services to those who cannot afford to pay more. When internet providers restrict access to certain types of content and services and charge residents for the luxury of accessing information and services online, we are all less free to participate in the modern economy.  For these and many other reasons, repealing these crucial protections will prove disruptive for our residents, our families, our small businesses, and countless others including nonprofits, schools, and libraries. Additionally, technology startups depend on net neutrality to gain fair and competitive access to customers. A repeal of net neutrality rules could see innovative solutions from these startups relegated to the background as entrenched internet providers steer consumers to established solutions that can afford to pay for privileged status. Our cities depend on a thriving startup community to drive innovation and our continued economic growth. The FCC must maintain and enforce the 2015 Open Internet Order, to ensure the principles of openness, freedom, and innovation continue to drive the American economy into the twenty-first century. Sincerely, Edwin M. Lee, Mayor, City and County of San Francisco Bill de Blasio, Mayor, City of New York, New York Martin J. Walsh, Mayor, City of Boston, Massachusetts           Muriel Bowser, Mayor, District of Columbia      Ed Murray, Mayor, City of Seattle, Washington Rahm Emanuel, Mayor, City of Chicago, Illinois   Allison Silberberg, Mayor, City of Alexandria, Virginia   Dana Kirkham, Mayor, City of Ammon, Idaho   Ben Kessler, Mayor, City of Bexley, Ohio            Melvin Kleckner, Town Administrator, Town of Brookline, Massachusetts          Deborah Frank Feinen, Mayor, City of Champaign, Illinois          Andy Berke, Mayor, City of Chattanooga, Tennessee   Mary Casillas Salas, Mayor, City of Chula Vista, California            Kim McMillan, Mayor, City of Clarksville, Tennessee     John Woods, Mayor, Town of Davidson, North Carolina Lucy Vinis, Mayor, City of Eugene, Oregon        Lioneld Jordan, Mayor, City of Fayetteville, Arkansas   William McLeod, Mayor, Village of Hoffman Estates, Illinois       Archibald L. Gillies, Chairman, Islesboro Board of Selectmen, Town of Islesboro, Maine Peter D'Errico, Chair of Select Board, Town of Leverett, Massachusetts Chris Beutler, Mayor, City of Lincoln, Nebraska Edward J. Kennedy, City of Lowell, Massachusetts        Paul Soglin, Mayor, City of Madison, Wisconsin Alex Morcos, Mayor, City of Medina, California Betsy Hodges, Mayor, City of Minneapolis, Minnesota   Hans Riemer, Council Vice President, Montgomery County, Maryland Jennifer Gregerson, Mayor, City of Mukilteo, Washington         Megan Barry, Mayor, Metropolitan Nashville & Davidson County           Jon Mitchell, Mayor, City of New Bedford, Massachusetts         David J. Narkewicz, Mayor, City of Northampton, Massachusetts           Libby Schaaf, Mayor, City of Oakland, California Greg Stanton, Mayor, City of Phoenix, Arizona   Ted Wheeler, Mayor, City of Portland, Oregon   Tom Butt, Mayor, City of Richmond, California Ron Nirenberg, Mayor, City of San Antonio, Texas         Sam Liccardo, Mayor, City of San Jose, California and Member, Federal Communications Commission Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee       Pauline Russo Cutter, Mayor, City of San Leandro, California     Zach Friend, Vice Chair, Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors, Santa Cruz County, California   Ted Winterer, Mayor, City of Santa Monica, California Joanne Dittes Yepsen, Mayor, City of Saratoga Springs, New York          Gary R. McCarthy, Mayor, City of Schenectady, New York          Patricia Smith, Mayor, City of South Portland, Maine    Christine Lundberg, Mayor, City of Springfield, Oregon Stephanie Miner, Mayor, City of Syracuse, New York   Marilyn Strickland, Mayor, City of Tacoma, Washington Diane Wolfe Marlin, Mayor, City of Urbana, Illinois        William D. Sessoms, Mayor, City of Virginia Beach, Virginia         John Heilman, Mayor, City of West Hollywood, California           Joe Dominick, Mayor, City of Westminster, Maryland Gary Resnick, Mayor, City of Wilton Manors, Florida