麻州州長候選人 Healey 宣佈秋河市政要支持 強調經濟發展很重要

Healey Announces Endorsements and Emphasizes Economic Development in Fall River

File photo by Chutze Chou

FALL RIVER – Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Maura Healey visited the Fall River City Pier today. In conversations with local elected officials and community leaders, Healey emphasized the need for investments in public transportation and neighborhood revitalization in Gateway Cities to spur equitable economic growth. 

Following the tour, Healey announced the endorsements of several Fall River leaders: Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan, State Representatives Carol Fiola, Pat Haddad, Paul Schmid, and Alan Silvia. 

“The Fall River Pier is a clear example of how we can invest in our Gateway Cities to spur equitable economic growth,” said Healey. “In what was once inaccessible space to the public, we now see the makings of a thriving waterfront neighborhood. That didn’t happen overnight – thanks to the advocacy of Fall River officials and investments in transportation and greenspace, economic development is coming to Fall River. I’m grateful to earn the support of so many of these leaders in our campaign for Governor.”

As Governor, Maura will prioritize expanded public transportation, including West-East Rail and Regional Transit Authorities. Her Climate Agenda called for an increase in investments in port infrastructure to $200 million, a rapid expansion of the offshore wind industry, and support for community greenspaces, particularly in Gateway Cities.

The Fall River Pier is an important example of the kind of economic development Healey will foster across Massachusetts. The city will soon benefit from the expansion of South Coast Rail and the planned redesign of Route 79. The Pier itself is being transformed into a publicly accessible greenspace with parking, where the city plans to host community events. The surrounding neighborhood is poised to become a thriving waterfront business community. Fall River will also benefit from the growth of the offshore wind industry along Massachusetts coastlines.

“Maura has stood up for Fall River as Attorney General by investing in our opioid recovery services, protecting our workers, and advocating for economic development all along the South Coast,” said Mayor Paul Coogan. “I know she is the right person to lead our city and state forward. I’m proud to endorse her for Governor today.”

"Communities along the South Coast have different needs than Boston and Maura understands the kinds of support and resources our region needs in terms of public transportation, economic development, housing, arts, and culture,” said State Representative Carol Fiola. “I know Maura will be a Governor for our entire state and be an advocate for smart, equitable growth.”

“For years, Maura has taken on powerful interests to protect our communities,” said State Representative Pat Haddad. “She’s been a great partner in our fights for reproductive freedom, worker’s rights, and clean energy in Massachusetts, and I know she’s the leader we need for this moment. I’m proud to endorse her for Governor.”

“Through these difficult years of the pandemic, Maura was a strong advocate for public health and protecting our communities,” said State Representative Paul Schmid. “As we look ahead, we need a Governor who will lift up our Gateway Cities, invest in people, and grow our state in an equitable way. That’s why I’m glad to endorse Maura’s campaign for Governor.”

Settlement Reached in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Class Action Case

 Settlement Reached in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Class Action Case

 

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that a settlement has been reached between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit related to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in the spring of 2020.

 

“The COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home was a terrible tragedy. While we know nothing can bring back those who were lost, we hope that this settlement brings a sense of closure to the loved ones of the veterans,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

 

The agreement is subject to approval by the federal district court for Massachusetts and totals $56 million. The terms of the settlement will cover veterans who lived at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home at any time between March 1, 2020 and June 23, 2020 and who became ill or died from COVID during that period.  Former U.S. Attorney Donald K. Stern will serve as the settlement claims administrator and will make awards to participating claimants based on his review of each claimant’s individual circumstances. Estates of deceased veterans would receive a minimum award of $400,000 and veterans who contracted COVID but survived would receive a minimum of $10,000. The fund will also provide for payment of court approved attorneys’ fees for the plaintiffs.

 

This settlement, when approved, will resolve all potential claims relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 during the covered period. Claimants will receive further details on the settlement directly from their attorneys and through a court approved process.

 

Governor Baker plans to file legislation seeking $56 million for the claims fund in the coming weeks.

 

“There is no amount of money that can compensate our clients for the loss of their loved ones.  But our clients are grateful that the Commonwealth has acted to resolve this matter without the need for protracted litigation by agreeing to compensate both the families of those who died of COVID, as well as the veterans who survived.  The settlement is fair and just,” said Plaintiffs’ lawyer Tom Lesser.

 

Since 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration has focused on strengthening the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, and since that time, the Home has passed all required federal inspections. In August 2021, the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke received accreditation from the Joint Commission following the most recent survey of the facility, with no deficiencies cited in the report. The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke is also certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Annual surveys are conducted by the VA to maintain certification. Holyoke received VA certification in 2021 and is awaiting final certification following its 2022 inspection.

Settlement Reached in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Class Action Case

 Settlement Reached in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Class Action Case

 

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that a settlement has been reached between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit related to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in the spring of 2020.

 

“The COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home was a terrible tragedy. While we know nothing can bring back those who were lost, we hope that this settlement brings a sense of closure to the loved ones of the veterans,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

 

The agreement is subject to approval by the federal district court for Massachusetts and totals $56 million. The terms of the settlement will cover veterans who lived at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home at any time between March 1, 2020 and June 23, 2020 and who became ill or died from COVID during that period.  Former U.S. Attorney Donald K. Stern will serve as the settlement claims administrator and will make awards to participating claimants based on his review of each claimant’s individual circumstances. Estates of deceased veterans would receive a minimum award of $400,000 and veterans who contracted COVID but survived would receive a minimum of $10,000. The fund will also provide for payment of court approved attorneys’ fees for the plaintiffs.

 

This settlement, when approved, will resolve all potential claims relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 during the covered period. Claimants will receive further details on the settlement directly from their attorneys and through a court approved process.

 

Governor Baker plans to file legislation seeking $56 million for the claims fund in the coming weeks.

 

“There is no amount of money that can compensate our clients for the loss of their loved ones.  But our clients are grateful that the Commonwealth has acted to resolve this matter without the need for protracted litigation by agreeing to compensate both the families of those who died of COVID, as well as the veterans who survived.  The settlement is fair and just,” said Plaintiffs’ lawyer Tom Lesser.

 

Since 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration has focused on strengthening the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, and since that time, the Home has passed all required federal inspections. In August 2021, the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke received accreditation from the Joint Commission following the most recent survey of the facility, with no deficiencies cited in the report. The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke is also certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Annual surveys are conducted by the VA to maintain certification. Holyoke received VA certification in 2021 and is awaiting final certification following its 2022 inspection

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈將斥資20億元翻新公校樓宇、設備

波士頓市長吳弭宣佈20議員學校樓宇翻新計畫。

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 今 (12) 日中午在南端 (South End) 的McKinley小學門前，宣佈20億美元14所學校的「波士頓公校綠色新政」。

 其中歸類為啟動計劃的6億零500萬元，已包括在上個月已宣佈的2023-2027會計年度”資本計畫” 中。

 波士頓市長吳弭以她自己曾多次走訪多所學校的經驗為引，表示波士頓公校的綠色新政誓言要聽取，並重建社區對市政府的信任。他們要採取全新做法及計畫工具，用全新的經費來源，增聘工作人員來為波士頓學校做早就該實施的樓宇、校舍翻新。

 波士頓市營運長 Dion Irish和波士頓公校營運長Indira Alvarez 將和25名新聘員工來執行這學校建築和翻新的計畫，包括項目經理，協調員，以及建築主任等。波士頓市府將使用樓宇儀表板 (Building Dashboard) ，分30個類別的收集波士頓公校所有學校樓宇狀況，也將和Bureau Veritas技術評估公司合作，研究出一套設施狀況評估辦法，來獨立確認學校需要翻修項目的確實性，另外和DLR集團合作，研究一套學校設計研究辦法，以和波士頓公校社區人士合作設計學校樓宇安全，可持續性等的指導原則。這2項辦法預定在12到18個月內設計完成。

波士頓市長吳弭在路上被一名自行車騎士攔下，當街請願。(周菊子攝)

                波士頓公校總監Brenda Cassellius表示，當年她上任後走訪各校，也為波士頓公校地校舍老舊程度大感驚艷，過去幾年間，波士頓公校已為多所學校的校舍設施做了改善，包括新裝了12,000扇窗戶，為許多學校的教室安裝了冷氣，讓老師和學生們在溽暑天時，不必再揮汗上課。吳市長的這大規模翻新計劃的確是波士頓公校福音。

 波士頓教師工會會長唐佳宇也應邀出席宣佈會。她表示，學校老師和學生們的上課、求學環境將因此大幅改善。

 14所將翻修的學校，包括南端的麥金利 (McKinley) 和黑石 (Blackstone) 小學，洛士百利的King K-8學校，東波士頓的PJ Kennedy小學，多徹斯特的科學及健康社區學校 (Community Academy of Science and Health) ，在巴黎街上為Otis 小學蓋新校舍，在洛士百利擴大麥迪遜公園技術職業高中，以及奧斯頓的Jackson Mann學校的校舍，在洛士百利、多徹斯特、麥特潘建小學新校舍，把即將關閉的Irving 中學改為小學，翻新Timilty中學等。

宣佈會在麥金利小學門外舉行。(周菊子攝)

 出席宣佈會的人還包括波士頓學校委員會主席Jeri Robinson。

 即將於6月卸任的波士頓公校總監Brenda Cassellius在宣佈會結束後回應本刊提問時坦言，卸任後要做什麼，她還不知道，決定卸任是因為吳市長想要任用她自己的人選。雖然她在上任前並不認識波士頓市前市長馬丁華殊 (Marty Walsh)，為什麼的問題，恐怕得留給吳市長。

 波士頓教師工會會長唐佳宇在會後回應提問時表示，波士頓公校和波士頓教師工會的新合約還仍然未簽，主要原因之一是約不攏時間。談及近期發生學校，以及學校附近的槍擊事件時，唐佳宇表示，安全的確是學校老師及學生們的一大顧慮，但她們不贊成在每一所學校安插警察，如果警察能在學校外面加強巡邏，學校和警察之間的互動也更即時、更暢通的的話，會更好。

班特利大學收學費將接受加密貨幣

             (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 大專院校的學費可以用數位貨幣繳交? 班特利(Bentley)大學最近宣佈，該校和” 比特幣基地 (Coinbase)”合作，將接受學生以3種加密貨幣繳交學費。

              這3種加密貨幣是比特幣 (Bitcoin)，乙太幣 (Ethereum)，和穩定幣 (stablecoin USD Coin)。

              班特利大學還將接受以加密貨幣給予的禮物或捐款。

              班特利大學校長E. LaBrent Chrite 在聲明中說，為了讓企業領袖擁有能在世界經濟改變中成功的技能與知識，該校是走在了前端。「我們很驕傲能夠擁抱我們的學生們正在學習，很快將改變全球商業景觀的這科技」。

              為防範加密貨幣的價格波動，在班特利和”加密貨幣基地”的協議下，所有付款將自動轉換成美元。該校也將經由「加密貨幣基地」，使用多元素認證，以及其他的安全辦法來防範加密騙局，保護資產安全。

              接受加密貨幣的機構正在增加，似乎給了加密貨幣作為付款或投資形式的 合法性。目前在美國已有賓州大學接受加密貨幣捐款，富達 (Fidelity) 投資早前也宣佈增加比特幣作為雇主的401 (k)退休金選項。紐約市的國王學院 (King’s College)在2014年時，成為全美第一個接受以比特幣繳學費的學校。

              根據「皮優研究中心 (Pew Research Center)」，美國有約佔美國人口的16%的4100萬人，在投資，買賣或使用加密貨幣。「財富商業洞察 (Fortune Business Insights.)」指出，全球的加密貨幣市場規模將加倍，從2021年的9億1030萬元增加到2028年的19億元。

              班特利的學生Alex Kim，從高中就開始投資比特幣，去年在學校成立班特利區塊鍊協會 (Bentley Blockchain Association)，幾個月就有了257名會員，也是美國境內屈指可數，由學生組成的區塊鍊團體之一。他已應邀擔任講者，將到紐約出席NFT.NYC這以非同質代幣 (non-fungible tokens or NFTs)為主題的世界性會議。

吳弭支持Ricardo Arroyo競選薩福克郡地方檢察官 Kevin Hayden反彈

               (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 上週末公開表態，支持波士頓市拉丁裔市議員 Ricardo Arroyo 競選薩福克郡地方檢察官。目前以代理身分出任該職的黑人檢察官Kevin Hayden，毫不客氣地回駁。

              2019年首度當選波士頓市第五區市議員的 Ricardo Arroyo，今年2月就已宣佈，要參選薩福克郡地方檢察官，接下 Rachael Rollins獲拜登總統任命為美國駐麻州檢察官後所遺職缺。

              麻州州長查理貝克 (Charlie Baker) 在Rachael Rollins離任後，指派了原任麻州性犯罪登記委員會主席的Kevin Hayden暫代該職，直到今年11月的選舉，產生新檢察官為止。

              吳弭在背書支持的聲明中，對Ricardo Arroyo讚譽有加，她還強調，這是關於可能性，正義，以及人民的選舉，她將在選舉中的每一步都支持Ricardo Arroyo，就像當初Ricardo Arroyo支持她一樣。她稱許Ricardo Arroyo不只是市議員，在市議會中主導重要委員會，作為公辯律師，他也曾是在不正義系統中的最後一道防線。

              Kevin Hayden競選團隊發言人Adam Webster毫不客氣的表示，” 如果吳市長相信一名完全沒有公安經驗的律師新手，應該擔任薩福克郡的最高執法官，那是她的選擇，他們相信選民會不同意。

              吳弭週一再補充表示，「我們希望見到Rachael Rollins當地方檢察官時推動的那種改革，有研究數據顯示，成果包括減少犯罪，療癒及穩定社區，減少累犯。

              Ricardo Arroyo 是Arroyo家族的第3名從政者。他父親Felix D. Arroyo 曾任波士頓市議員，現任薩福克郡遺囑認證登記官，他的哥哥Felix G. Arroyo，曾任波士頓市不分區市議員，競選市長失利後，獲當選市長的馬丁華殊指派為健康及人民服務長，但在涉及性騷擾婦女後，2017年8月被馬丁華殊開除，2020年8月他遞狀控告馬丁華殊不當解雇，求償共約60萬元。

              Ricardo Arroyo和Kevin Hayden都是民主黨籍，將於9月6日的初選中決一勝負。

波士頓慈濟虔誠浴佛 籲各界支持14日愛心蔬食宴

波士頓慈濟浴佛節後合影。(周菊子攝)

浴佛現場。(周菊子攝)

          (Boston Orange) 佛教慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處5月8日近午在位於牛頓市的會址舉行浴佛儀式，兼慶母親節，以「大地和風」等經文，和將近50多名出席者一同祝禱世界和平。

              慈濟委員們穿著藏青色制服，和志工、出席民眾在會場整齊排列，輪番走到擺有多尊晶瑩剔透佛像的供桌前，在祥和音樂聲中，拿起桌上的鮮花，香湯，祝福卡恭敬禮佛，禮佛完畢後，所有出席者分左右兩圈繞行會場的完成儀式。

波士頓慈濟前任負責人吳建發，現任負責人長金滿和嘉賓波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，
前任波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬。(周菊子攝)

                     儀式結束後，出席者轉到戶外空地，享用素丸菜湯、紅豆湯，烤玉米，烤香菇，烤鳳梨，煎豆腐等美食，還有師姐拿出麻糬零食，請大家品嘗。

                  慈濟波士頓自從開設了波士頓服務站後，交由陳裕逢、李豐負責，在天氣穩定後，現已決定每月舉辦一次掃街活動，期以實際服務，推動波士頓華埠所有民眾、商家一起維護波士頓華埠的街道清潔。他們也鼓勵需要人陪伴，讀信、翻譯，代打電話查詢等社區大眾隨時聯繫，預約服務時間。

                   由於陳彬仁及王淑慧的子女在父母辭世後，把他們收藏多年的一大批藝術精品，捐給了慈濟，其中一部分交給了波士頓慈濟，促使波士頓慈濟將於5月14日在昆士市龍鳳酒樓舉辦歷來第一次的「愛心蔬食宴」，慈濟波士頓負責人長金滿和齊明君、高金花、謝宜芳、鄧淑芳等慈濟人，特地在會後留下來，一邊商討活動流程，一邊分工合作，包裝當天要送給出席者的小禮物。

                   企業家常貴在波士頓華人投資協會創辦人易敏陪同下，這天特地出席浴佛活動，把早前選購的「愛心蔬食宴」拍賣藝品貨款，親自送到。

                 波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，前任波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬，波士頓經文處洪麗玲領事，波士頓慈濟資深慈誠游勝雄，慈濟波士頓前任負責人吳建發等，這天也都參加了活動。

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Christopher P. Belezos, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Dunigan as Associate Justices of the Superior Court and Attorney Mary Gallant-Cote as Clerk Magistrate of the Berkshire Juvenile Court

  Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Christopher P. Belezos, Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Dunigan as Associate Justices of the Superior Court and Attorney Mary Gallant-Cote as Clerk Magistrate of the Berkshire Juvenile Court

 

BOSTON — Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney Christopher P. Belezos and Assistant District Attorney Elizabeth A. Dunigan as Associate Justices of the Superior Court, and Attorney Mary Gallant-Cote as Clerk Magistrate of the Berkshire Juvenile Court.

 

"Attorneys Belezos, Dunigan and Gallant-Cote are all accomplished individuals who are excellent candidates for these appointments," said Governor Charlie Baker. "I am glad to submit their nominations to the Governor's Council for their advice and consent."

 

"These three experienced candidates bring tremendous trial and courtroom experience to their new roles,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “If approved, I am confident that they will serve as fair and thoughtful members of the judiciary.”

  

The Superior Court, the trial court of general jurisdiction for Massachusetts, is committed to delivering high quality justice in a timely and fair manner in accordance with the rule of law. The Court's 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth. The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought. It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town. The Superior Court also has exclusive original jurisdiction of first-degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

 

For more information about the Superior Court, please visit their homepage.

 

The Juvenile Court Department is a statewide court with jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, care and protections, youthful offender cases and children requiring assistance. The Juvenile Court's mission is to protect children from abuse and neglect, to strengthen families, to rehabilitate juveniles and to protect the public from delinquent and criminal behavior. The Juvenile Court has over 40 judges, including Chief Justice Amy L. Nechtem, in over 40 locations.

 

For more information about the Juvenile Court, please visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Christopher P. Belezos

 

Christopher P. Belezos began his legal career in 1990 at Brown & Associates where he handled criminal defense, probate, motor vehicle and collection cases. From 1992 until 1997, Belezos worked at his solo practice, the Law Office of Christopher P. Belezos, where he concentrated on criminal defense. From 1997 to 2011, Belezos worked at the firm Belezos & Gratzer. While there, Belezos worked on criminal defense, personal injury and worker’s compensation matters. Since 2011, Belezos has maintained a solo practice, where he handles cases in a variety of courts throughout the Commonwealth. He also participates in the community in various ways, including as a member of the Marshfield Zoning Board of Appeals and the Boy Scouts of America, as well as a volunteer at the Marshfield Education Foundation and the North River Arts Society. Belezos received his bachelor’s degree from Northeastern University in 1987 and his Juris Doctorate from Northeastern School of Law in 1990.

 

About Elizabeth A. Dunigan

 

Elizabeth A. Dunigan has served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex County District Attorney’s Office since 1996, where she prosecutes a variety of cases in District and Superior Courts. In 1998, Attorney Dunigan became a supervisor at the Malden District Court. In 2002, Attorney Dunigan moved to the Child Abuse Unit and prosecuted sexual and physical abuse cases before working in the Lowell Regional District Court until 2007 where she prosecuted major felony cases including homicides, sexual assaults and gang-related offenses. Then, from 2007 to 2008, Dunigan returned to the Child Abuse Unit as the Deputy Chief, before becoming Deputy Chief of the Lowell Regional Superior Court until 2010. She currently serves as Chief of the Malden Regional Superior Court, where she has investigated and prosecuted homicides among various other crimes. Additionally, Dunigan was an active member of the American College of Trial Lawyers, where she served on various committees, including as Co-Chair of the Diversity Committee for MA and a member of the Sandra Day O’Connor Jurist Award Committee. Dunigan received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts in 1991 and her Juris Doctorate from New England School of Law in 1996.

 

About Mary Gallant-Cote

 

Mary Gallant-Cote began her legal career with Western Mass Legal Services as a student attorney in 2007. Later that year, Gallant-Cote joined the Law Offices of Patricia M. Herbert until 2009 when Gallant-Cote established her solo practice, the Law Offices of Mary Gallant-Cote, and represented a large number of clients in criminal and civil law. Since 2016, Attorney Gallant-Cote has served as the Assistant Regional Legal Counsel to the Department of Children and Families. Additionally, Gallant-Cote has worked in the past as an adjunct professor of criminal law and as a member of the Moot Court Team at Fitchburg State University. Gallant-Cote received her bachelor’s degree from Fitchburg State University and her Juris Doctor from Western New England School of Law.

麻州東南及島嶼區出現微旱現象

 Mild Drought Conditions Declared for Southeast and Islands Regions in MA

Other Regions Remain in Normal Conditions

 

 

BOSTON — Following sporadic rainfall totals during the last several months, which has resulted in below average precipitation numbers in eastern Massachusetts, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Bethany Card today declared a Level 1-Mild Drought in the Southeast and Islands Regions of the Commonwealth. All other regions of the state – Connecticut River Valley, Central, Northeast, Western, Cape Cod regions – remain in Level 0-Normal conditions. A Level 1-Mild Drought, as outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, warrants detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities.

 

“With forecasts showing below normal rainfalls with elevated temperatures, it’s important that we all administer water conservation practices early in the year to minimize stress on our water supply systems and natural habitats,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “As state officials continue to monitor and analyze ongoing conditions, we ask everyone, particularly those in the Southeast and Islands Regions, to be mindful of water usage as we advance further into the growing and outdoor recreational seasons.”

 

“Each of us can play a role in mitigating drought impacts by reducing water usage and by being cautious of the increased risk of brush and wildland fires due to the dry conditions,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “MEMA reminds the public to exercise caution with charcoal grills, matches, and other open flames during outdoor activities and to call 911 immediately if there is a fire to prevent the fire from spreading.”

 

During the past several months, the Commonwealth has experienced irregular rainfall events, contributing to less than average spring precipitation numbers; however, the southeastern of the state has been most impacted. Significantly, due to high evapotranspiration and early leaf out occurring, available water in the hydrological systems have been decreasing. The decision to declare the Southeast and Islands Regions a Level 1 – Mild Drought was informed by recommendations and discussions by the Drought Management Task Force (DMTF), composed of state and federal officials and other entities, which met on Friday, May 6, 2022. The declaration will remain in effect until water levels return to normal conditions in those regions.

 

Those living and working within a Level 1 – Mild Drought region, and including residents utilizing a private well, are encouraged to take the following actions:

 

For Region in Level 1 - Mild Drought

 

Residents and Businesses:

• Minimize overall water use;
• Limit outdoor watering to 1-day a week from 5:00PM to 9:00AM, or less frequently if required by your water supplier;
• Plant only local and drought resistant species;
• Fix indoor leaks, such as from toilets, faucets, and showers, which result in more than 60% of indoor use;
• For larger buildings and businesses, conduct water audits to identify areas of leaks and potential water conservation opportunities;
• Minimize lawn sizes; and,
• Harvest rainwater for outdoor watering.

 

Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication;
• Provide timely drought and water conservation information to local residents and businesses;
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply; and
• Develop a local drought management plan (click here for more information).

 

All these steps will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection, are being met, habitats have enough water to support their natural functions, and to sustain the Commonwealth’s water supplies. Additionally, the Commonwealth will continue to monitor and assess current conditions, and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including assistance on use of emergency connections and water supplies.

 

“Many are just now beginning to think about their plantings and irrigation needs, and as a result now is also the time to plan to use your water as efficiently as possible,” said MassDEP Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Planting local and drought-resistant species and minimizing lawn irrigation is a significant environmental benefit, that only becomes more important if dry conditions linger into the late spring and summer. Residents should check with their local water supplier for tips on efficient water usage.”

 

The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Wednesday, June 8, 2022, at 1:00PM. State agencies will continue to closely monitor and assess conditions across the state, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, visit the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs’ drought page and water conservation page.

AANHPI 亞裔傳統月講座邀波士頓市長吳弭講談

 NIH VideoCast - Vivek Murthy Lecture Series for Public Health Leadership

Asian American Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AANHPI)

Heritage Month Observance

 

Vivek H. Murthy Distinguished Lecture Series on Public Health Leadership

 

A Virtual Conversation with

 

Surgeon General Vivek H. Murthy and the Honorable Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston

addressing systemic racism, mental health stigma, and community resilience to achieve health equity

 

Date:  Wednesday, May 11, 2022, 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm EDT

 

Registration Link:  https://videocast.nih.gov/watch=45154

 

The goal of the series is to recognize a public health leader whose enduring efforts have made a significant impact on advancing public health.  At this meeting, Dr. Murthy will recognize the Honorable Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, for her leadership in addressing racism and mental health stigma among the AANHPI community.

 

This event was organized by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Federal Asian Pacific American Council (FAPAC) and the National Institute on Minority Health and Health Disparities (NIMHD)/National Institutes of Health (NIH).

 

Co-Sponsors:

• HHS Office of Equal Employment Opportunity, Diversity & Inclusion (EEODI), National Policy

 and Programs Division (NPPD)

• Administration for Children and Families (ACF) AAPI Employee Resource Group (ERG)
• Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) AAPI ERG
• National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI)
• U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) - FAPAC
• U.S. Public Health Service (USPHS) Asian Pacific American Officers Committee (APAOC)
• The Association of Asian/Pacific Islander Employees of CDC/ATSDR (AAPIECA)

 

Please send your questions for the speakers by April 29, 2022, to Dr. Christina Liu at liuch2@mail.nih.gov.

 

To obtain further information or request reasonable accommodation, please e-mail: nppd@hhs.gov.

In celebration of Asian American and Native Hawaiian/Pacific Islanders (AA and NHPI) Heritage Month, join us for the Dr. Vivek H. Murthy Distinguished Lecture Series on Public Health Leadership. This is the second in a series of fireside chats in honor of Dr. Murthy, the 19th and 21st Surgeon General of the United States. The goal of the series is to recognize a public health leader whose enduring efforts have made a significant impact on advancing public health. At this upcoming event, Dr. Murthy will recognize Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston, for her leadership in addressing racism and mental health stigma impacting AA and NHPI communities.
Stream:	Playing
Author:	Vivek Murthy, US Surgeon General and Michelle Wu, Mayor of Boston

前任麻州參議員Dean Tran 將角逐第三選區國會議員

    (Boston Orange) 麻州國會議員第三選區本週落實，將有選戰了。曾任麻州參議員的Dean A. Tran已遞交足夠的簽名支持，將列名11月選票，正式成為候選人。

             共和黨籍的Dean Tran表示，該選區民眾應該有人正直，透明的代表他們，為他們發聲，他期盼著能代表他們。

             麻州國會議員第三選區的現任議員是民主黨籍的Lori Trahan。她的發言人表示，她已經做好準備和Dean Tran打選戰。

             這名發言人說，第三選區的家庭，尤其是婦女，最不需要的就是一名反對選擇的國會議員，而且他的唯一重點是加入Kevin McCarthy 和 Marjorie Taylor Greene來扭轉我們這幾十年來取得的進展。

             Dean Tran在宣佈參選的聲明中，卻試圖把Lori Trahan形容為緊跟著拜登總統、眾議院議長佩洛西(Nancy Pelosi)的三人組。他說，國會議員第三選區的民眾忍受著破記錄的通貨膨脹及油價上漲，其中還有許多人面對著經濟崩潰點。這些問題都是拜登-佩洛西-Trahan領導無方的結果。

             Dean Tran是一名在西貢出生的越南移民，在2005到2017年間擔任費奇堡市市議員，接著當選麻州參議員，並於2019年到2020年3月期間擔任參議會少數黨助理黨鞭，但競選連任時以700多票之差，輸了給John J. Cronin。