Baker-Polito Administration Announces $4 Million to Support Trail Improvements Across the Commonwealth

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $4 Million to Support Trail Improvements Across the Commonwealth

MassTrails Program Funding 52 Projects to Enhance Massachusetts’ Trail Network

 

SANDWICH – Building on efforts to enhance access to natural resources and recreational opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced nearly $4 million in grant funding to support 52 trail projects across the Commonwealth as part of the MassTrails Grant Program. The grants will assist the construction, maintenance, and improvements for a variety of public trails across the Commonwealth, including hiking trails, bikeways, and shared-use paths. The announcement was made by Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who joined Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, Department of Transportation Secretary Jamey Tesler, Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Jim Montgomery, and state and local officials at the Army Corps of Engineers Cape Cod Canal Visitors Center in Sandwich.

 

“Massachusetts has a vast network of public trails which connect communities and regions together, providing recreation, exercise, and tremendous access to the natural world, and this funding offers an excellent opportunity to continue building and expanding that network and support new opportunities for outdoor recreation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We continue to see residents taking a greater interest in the great outdoors, and through our plan to put federal relief funding to immediate use in cities and towns across the Commonwealth, our Administration is proposing to direct $100 million in parks and open spaces, including the expansion of Massachusetts’ long distance trail network.”

 

“Trails are important community resources that improve quality of life by offering access to parks, reservations, forests, and beaches throughout the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The MassTrails Grant Program is providing critical funds for projects from the Berkshires to Cape Cod, enabling our local partners to continue their efforts to improve trail infrastructure by creating new segments and enhancing existing trails for the public to enjoy.” 

 

The MassTrails Grant Program supports projects that build public-private partnerships to maintain and improve existing trails and construct new ones across the state. This year’s projects will help communities address trail drainage, develop new trails, expand universal access, support the construction of boardwalks and bridges, design and install new signage, acquire new land for trails, and expand and maintain biking trails.

 

“We’ve seen an explosion of interest in the great outdoors throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with residents and families across the Commonwealth exploring our parks, trail networks, and open spaces,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “These MassTrails projects are just one example of the significant investments that could be made to expand and improve access to outdoor recreation and open space through the Administration’s federal ARPA spending proposal, especially for residents in communities hit hard by the pandemic.”

 

“MassTrails grants support the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to providing a safe and equitable transportation network to advance the Commonwealth’s transit, economic, climate and public health goals,” said Acting Transportation Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “Grant money will go toward placemaking projects which offer new opportunities for economic development and connection in downtowns or community centers – including new and expanded outdoor spaces for dining, gathering and mobility.”

 

The MassTrails Grant Program is funded through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles, including ATVs and snowmobiles, which is provided by the U.S. Department of Transportation and the Federal Surface Transportation Act, in coordination with the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).

 

“The Department of Conservation and Recreation is proud to be the steward of nearly half-a-million acres of public land that encompass hundreds of trails stretching for thousands of miles,” said DCR Commissioner Jim Montgomery. “The Baker-Polito Administration actively seeks to foster strong relationships between the state, local leaders, and organizations through programs and initiatives like the MassTrails Grant Program to further advance priorities that have positive impacts on local communities and regions.”

 

All MassTrails Grant Program applications are reviewed in consultation with an inter-agency MassTrails Team and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB). The program provides important funding for project development, design, and construction of shared-use pathways, which facilitate connections to where people live, work, and recreate. These funds are focused on construction and maintenance of recreational trails of all types and uses, including both motorized and non-motorized activities, such as hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, paddling, snowmobiling, and recreational off-highway vehicle riding. 

   

“Sandwich has been working for more than a decade to design and construct a shared use pedestrian path along Service Road from Exit 2 off the mid-Cape highway to the Barnstable town line,” said Sandwich Town Manager George Dunham. “This path will ultimately connect to the Cape Cod Rail Trail and to the Cape Cod Canal. Our MassTrails grant will help us plan the most difficult section connecting the Canal pedestrian path to Route 130 and will eventually allow for safe, pedestrian access from the Cape Cod Canal to Provincetown. We can’t thank the Department of Conservation & Recreation and the Governor’s Office enough for their support and funding.”

 

“I am thrilled to learn that the Town of Sandwich has been selected as a recipient of a 2021 MassTrails grant,” said State Representative Steven Xiarhos (R- Barnstable). “The ability to be able to safely walk, run, bike, and exercise outdoors is so important; particularly after the last year when it was difficult for many to leave their homes. I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Conservation and Recreation for including our community in this round of grants.” 

 

“With this round of MassTrails grants, my communities will be able to continue to develop our local trail system and allow more of our residents to participate actively in the outdoors while also opening up new areas for the public to enjoy,” said State Senator Susan L. Moran  (D-Falmouth). “This funding is vital to using a shared path from Route 130 to Cape Cod Canal Bikeway that will allow bikers and walkers to use this trail in a safe way. Thank you to the Town of Sandwich and the Sandwich Bikeways & Pedestrian Committee for their tireless work and who have advocated to make this a reality.”

 

This year’s MassTrails Grant projects are located in the following municipalities: Adams, Arlington, Athol, Barre, Becket, Belchertown, Bernardston, Brewster, Buckland, Colrain, East Boston, Easton, Everett, Fall River, Foxborough, Franklin, Freetown, Gardner, Gill, Granville, Great Barrington, Hardwick, Harvard, Hawley, Haydenville, Holden, Hubbardston, Lakeville, Lawrence, Lee, Leicester, Lenox, Leyden, Malden, Medford, Medway, Middleton, North Adams, North Brookfield, Northampton, Norwell, Orange, Pittsfield, Plainfield, Sandisfield, Sandwich, Savoy, Shrewsbury, Southampton, Springfield, Sturbridge, Sunderland, Templeton, Ware, Washington, Westborough, Westfield, Westford, Williamsburg, Windsor, Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham. For a full list and brief description of each of the 52 projects receiving funding, please visit the MassTrails Grants webpage. 

 

In June 2021, the Baker-Polito Administration re-filed its plan to immediately put to use part of Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to support key priorities including housing and homeownership, economic development and local downtowns, job training and workforce development, health care, and infrastructure. As part of the Administration’s proposal to jump-start the Commonwealth’s economic recovery and support residents hardest-hit by COVID-19, such as lower-wage workers and communities of color, Governor Baker would direct $900 million to key energy and environmental initiatives, including $100 million for parks, recreation, and open spaces. These funds would support investments in public lands, as well as lands specifically conserved for public access including parks, lakes, rivers, trails, beaches, fishing piers, boat ramps, and other waterways. Funding would be dedicated to projects that expand, enhance, and modernize the Commonwealth’s park facilities to steward and conserve natural resources, and to improve the resilience of natural and working lands, plants, and wildlife in the Commonwealth.

國際領袖基金會企業與領袖高峰會7/24網上舉行

 

國際領袖基金會企業與領袖高峰會網上舉行

團結亞裔社區  共同面對挑戰  

            (國際領袖基金會訊) 國際領袖基金會(ILF)將於7月24日(週六)，美東時間下午1點(美西時間早上10點)在網上舉辦「2021 國際領袖基金會企業與領袖高峰會」，邀請美國貿易代表戴琦等9名政商界領袖與出席者交流。

            今年的這國際領袖基金會企業與領袖高峰會，安排有3名主講人，包括新任美國貿易代表戴琦(Katherine Tai)，聯邦眾議員趙美心(Judy Chu)，孟昭文(Grace Meng)。兩場爐邊晤談，分別針對政界，商界。政界這場以「輔導下一代公民領袖(Mentoring the Next Generation of Civic Leaders)」為主題，邀請到前任交通部長趙小蘭(Elaine L Chao)，加州聯邦眾議員Young Kim，加州聯邦眾議員Michelle Steel。商界這場以「培養下一代企業領袖(Cultivating the Next Generation of Business Leader)」為主題，邀請到Vizio創辦人王蔚(William Wang)，徐氏教育基金創辦人徐紹欽(Dr. Paul Hsu)，卓越通訊(Superior Communications)創辦人兼執行長陳永生(Soloman Chen)。

            國際領袖基金會執行長董繼玲表示，礙於新冠病毒疫情仍未全消，這每年一度的領袖與企業會議改為網上舉行，應邀與談的嘉賓們，全是亞裔政商界菁英。為在疫情期間也鼓勵近一年來備受美國境內仇恨氛圍威脅的亞裔社區，該會決定開放這一會議，歡迎各界參加。報名可上網 bit.ly/2USubiF。

ABOUT ILF ﹣國際領袖基金會 (International Leadership Foundation) 是全美最著名的青年領袖人才訓練機構，以促進美國及亞太地區各項國際交流活動，培育國際青年政經領袖為宗旨的非營利性組織。過去十多年來，本會每年選送150多名美國亞裔優秀學生，進美國聯邦政府，各行政部門正式實習，以了解美國國會的實際運作， 並參加政府公共政策訓練課程，以培育國際青年學生，使他們具備更優秀的創造力、執行力、競爭力與國際觀。

波士頓市長選戰開始比誰有更多背書支持 波市議員Lydia Edward支持吳弭

波士頓市第一區市議員Lydia Edwards公開站台，支持吳弭當下一屆
波士頓市長。(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導) 波士頓的市長選舉，最開始比籌款額，後來比出售商品，現在正比著背書支持。尤其是在民調中領先的吳弭(Michelle Wu)和波士頓代市長Kim Janey這兩天更是你來我往，輪著宣佈新背書支持者。。

             吳弭今(21)早去到了東波士頓海邊，宣佈波士頓市第一區市議員Lydia Edwards支持她當市長。接著下午再宣佈，民主黨波士頓黨部第五區決定背書支持她。

Lydia Edwards在東波士頓海邊宣佈支持吳弭。
(周菊子攝)

吳弭的請出Edwards背書支持，有點”你有，我也有”的回應味道，因為波士頓代市長Kim Janey在7月18日，才宣佈波士頓市的拉丁裔政治家族，曾任波士頓市議員的麻州遺囑認證官Fleix D. Arroyo和他現任波士頓市議員的兒子Richardo Arroyo，聯袂支持她。

             Arroyo家族還有一位Felix G. Arroyo也曾經擔任波士頓市議員，一度和吳弭共事，後來還角逐市長，但初選落敗，加入支持馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)行列，之後擠身內閣，成為波士頓市健康及人民服務長，但2017年時，因為一宗性騷擾案，黯然下台。

吳弭、Lydia   Edwards互相支持。
(周菊子攝)

             7月19日，Kim Janey再宣佈，麻州眾議員(薩福克第15區)Nika Elugardo背書支持她，而吳弭這天也宣佈，麻州眾議員(安多福區)Tram Nguyen支持她。

             7月20日，Kim Janey又宣佈，東波士頓有工會328JSEIU，以及UFCW1445支持她。

7月21日的今日，吳弭的競選陣營在發出市議員Edwards和波士頓民主黨第五區背書支持的新聞稿時，特地詳列包括個人及組織，已經有不下16個背書支持，其中有不下5個工會，包括卡車司機本地25聯盟(unions Teamsters Local 25)，新英格蘭”在這兒團結(United Here!)”聯合委員會，MBTA工會聯盟( Alliance of Unions at the MBTA)，MBTA稽查員本地600工會(MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600)，辦公室及專業人員國際工會本地453分會(OPEIU Local 453)。

Kim Janey宣佈工會328JSEIU，以及UFCW1445支持她。
(推特截圖)

在今日的支持吳弭當市長宣佈會中，目前在波士頓市議會中擔任房屋及政府營運委員會主席，去年競選連任時得票率高逾90%，今年在無競爭對手下將同額當選的波士頓市議員Lydia Edward直言，她和吳弭合作無間，在和Airbnb大戰，限制短租等等法案上，都有令人喜悅的成績，她十分尊重吳弭的堅韌，同理心、領導力，在追求環保，經濟等各方面的正義、公平上的努力。她還透露，當年參選市議員，曾遭遇挫折，只有吳弭打電話給她，安慰、支持。今年的市長選舉，她問她母親該支持誰時，她母親也毫不猶豫地說那個”吳女孩(That Wu girl)”。

民主黨波士頓黨部第五區黨委會在20日晚上以壓倒性票數通過，支持吳弭當波士頓市長。第五區黨委會稱吳弭不僅能解決問題，還有遠見，具備處理波士頓市所面對大挑戰的能力，他們相信吳弭能夠改變波士頓市。

在以往的市長選舉中，所有的波士頓市議員每逢有人問起支持誰時，幾乎無一例外的會拒絕回答，或稱不宜明說，今年卻不但公開表態，更在離初選還有將近2個月時，就已選邊站，在在印證著，今年這參選人幾乎清一色是有色人種的選舉，就是不一樣。

Statement from MassDems Chair Gus Bickford on Charlie Baker’s Attendance at Republican Governors Association Retreat

Statement from MassDems Chair Gus Bickford on Charlie Baker’s Attendance at Republican Governors Association Retreat

This week, Charlie Baker left Karyn Polito in charge of Massachusetts so that he could travel to Aspen and strategize with extremist Republican Governors at a RGA conference. The secretive meeting was held to support the reelection efforts of far-right Republicans, like Florida’s Ron DeSantis, also in attendance. Below is a statement from MassDems Chair Gus Bickford.

“The Republican Governors Association spent $17 million to support Charlie Baker’s candidacy, and now he’s returning the favor by helping re-elect his colleagues who believe the Big Lie that the election was stolen, who deny science and dismiss public health recommendations, who work overtime to make it harder to vote in their state. Baker isn’t just a participant at the RGA conference, he’s on its Executive Committee with other Republicans like Kristi Noem, who brags about her failure to heed COVID precautions, turning South Dakota into a COVID hotspot, and Greg Abbott, who’s infamous for forcing Democrats to leave Texas to prevent the passage of some of the harshest voting restrictions in the country. Baker’s leadership and support of the RGA helps fund the reelection efforts of people like Noem, Abbott and Trump-ally Ron DeSantis, who joined Baker in Aspen this week. Try as he might, Baker can’t hide that he’s backing up the most extreme Republican governors in the country. Pushing the Big Lie, denying science, and restricting voting rights have become the pillars of the Republican Party--and these are Charlie Baker’s people.”

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES FUNDING AWARDS FOR DIGITAL EQUITY INITIATIVES ACROSS THE CITY OF BOSTON

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES FUNDING AWARDS FOR DIGITAL EQUITY INITIATIVES ACROSS THE CITY OF BOSTON The Digital Equity Fund will support 19 organizations with nearly $500,000

 

BOSTON - Tuesday, July 20, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey announced today that 19 Boston nonprofit organizations will receive $478,900 in grants through the City of Boston’s Digital Equity Fund. The Digital Equity Fund provides support to community-based organizations that help Boston residents digitally participate in educational, economic and civic opportunities, which are increasingly reliant on technology.   “Over the past 16 months, the online experience has shifted from a convenience to a necessity in our everyday lives,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “I am proud to support 19 community organizations who are helping make digital access more equitable across our neighborhoods. Connecting Boston residents with technology tools, access, and training is critical to achieving our city’s equitable recovery, reopening and renewal.”  Digital Equity Fund awards range from $5,000 to $35,000 to support programming across a variety of Boston neighborhoods and communities. Boston-based nonprofit organizations serving Boston residents and neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic were prioritized in the funding, including the neighborhoods of East Boston, Dorchester, Roxbury, Mattapan, Roslindale and Hyde Park. Focus was given to organizations serving older adults, persons with disabilities, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) or English Language Learner (ELL) students, residents of public housing or rental voucher holders, and/or adult residents who have lost employment due to the COVID-19 pandemic.   “The digital divide is fundamentally a social determinant of health for people with disabilities,” shared Susan Smith, Director of Operations and Development from the Boston Center for Independent Living. “We will be providing not only hotspots and laptops, but adaptive technology essential to using this technology. It is essential to break down various barriers to integration to today’s intensely technology-driven universe.”   “For immigrants, 21st century digital skills are as important as English skills if they want to attain economic self-sufficiency,” shared Mike Oliver, the Director of St. Marks. “Our project will help them on this path."   "We have been serving the community since 1775 and we are excited to expand our services,” said Justin A. Petty, Senior Grand Warden of the MW Prince Hall Grand Lodge. “Now, we will be able to offer online and technology training for seniors so that they are not left behind in this post-COVID digital world.“   The City of Boston's Broadband and Digital Equity efforts improve access to affordable and reliable high-speed Internet for households and businesses, expand the availability of high-speed Internet in public places, and facilitate ease of access to up-to-date digital tools. The Boston Equity Office joined with the City’s Department of Innovation & Technology and the Age-Strong Commission to support ways through the the Digital Equity Fund to build individual and community capacity for:  ·    Using the Internet, digital skills, and digital tools to pursue professional, educational, and civic endeavors; ·    Engaging with the Internet safely; ·    Developing needs-responsive, community-driven digital skills-building opportunities; ·    Increasing broadband adoption among Bostonians who do not subscribe to this service in the home.  The following grants were announced this week:  Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation: Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation will use the funding to offer in-person technology education courses in English and Spanish for older Bostonians who live in the organization’s affordable rental portfolio. The organization will additionally provide participants with a Chromebook and other supplies after completing the course.  Boston Center for Independent Living: The Boston Center for Independent Living will use the funding to provide 150 persons with disabilities with key technology to facilitate their use of laptops, PCs, and tablets. Hotspots will be provided to ensure Internet connections and adaptive equipment will be purchased to ensure a person’s digital devices are usable by them. The project will serve residents of Dorchester, Mid-Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan.   Boston Higher Education Resource Center: The Boston HIgher Education Resource Center will use the funding to increase high school and college English Language Learner (ELL) students’ access to personal computer devices as well as provide training to these students in order for them to make the best use of these devices towards their education and career goals. This programming will take place at the organization’s Boston Public Schools partner schools including English High School, East Boston High School, Jeremiah E Burke High School, Margarita Muñiz Academy, as well as through our Community-based (after school) program at our Roxbury/South End site.  Boston Project Ministries: The Boston Project Ministries will use the funding to implement a user-centered tool to help seniors connect civically and socially through digital platforms.  Castle Square Tenants’ Organization: Castle Square Tenants’ Organization will use the funding to build digital skills among Castle Square’s senior residents and elder Board Members of the Castle Square Tenants Organization (CSTO) by hosting a daily drop-in class and online chats that offer both digital skills demos and informal Q&A sessions.   Central Boston Elder Services: Central Boston Elder Services will use the funding to support low-income, elderly Roxbury residents by providing tablets, training, ongoing end-user support, and internet access. Participants will learn how to access the internet, set up email accounts, and how to participate in virtual meetings to help reduce isolation and learn about programs and community resources.  Center for Community Health Education Research and Service: The Center for Community Health Education Research and Service will use the funding to improve older African American/Black and Latinx (AA/BL) adults self-management of diabetes by increasing their self-efficacy in using technology. The proposal seeks to engage high school students (juniors and seniors) in training to become certified nursing assistants (CNAs) to help elders living independently to self-manage their diabetes.   Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation (CSNDC): The Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation will use the funding to expand existing workforce training programs (e.g. the Green Infrastructure certification program) in Dorchester and expand Codman Square’s ability to offer hybrid training opportunities.  East Boston Community Council: The East Boston Community Council will use the funding to support English Language Learning (ELL) students and their families by providing internet services at home and internet training, along with tablets for students in need.   Ethos: Ethos will use the funding to address the challenges of social isolation among seniors in Boston, both during and beyond COVID-19, through innovation in information delivery and improved technology access.  Found in Translation: Found in Translation will use the funding to support students and alumni in Dorchester’s Found in Translation program by providing the equipment and technology literacy training necessary to partake in a medical interpreting certificate training course and in the interpreting profession more generally.  Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, Inc.: Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center will use the funding to facilitate telehealth access in Dorchester, Mattapan, and Roxbury by providing the equipment and training residents need to engage. The project seeks to provide cell phones and entry-level laptops for participants alongside technology training and a mobile application to overcome language, cultural, and age-related barriers.  Mothers for Justice and Equality, Inc.: Mothers for Justice and Equality, Inc. will use the funding to provide 200 chromebooks and monthly unlimited Wi-Fi access cards to residents of Roxbury, Mattapan, and Dorchester. The project focuses on a job readiness program and seeks to help participants take online training courses, apply for jobs and housing assistance online, obtain records to support citizenship, and related tasks.  Neighborhood of Affordable Housing: Neighborhood of Affordable Housing will use the funding to support families in the East Boston community currently living within subsidized units. The project will distribute technology equipment and internet access while creating spaces at the Neighborhood of Affordable Housing to facilitate virtual interactions with residents and program participants.   Prince Hall: Prince Hall will use the funding to implement an innovative training program designed to close the digital divide for seniors by teaching them how to effectively and efficiently utilize technology in their daily lives. The program will provide 15 hours of instruction to all participants focusing on such topics as operating a computer, connecting to the Internet, finding needed information, and using email word-processing and virtual meetings.Those who successfully complete the program will receive a Chromebook and will be assisted in getting Internet access in their homes.  St. Mark Community Education Program: St. Mark Community Education Program will use the funding to recruit and train 20 multilingual volunteers to offer at least 30 free digital skills courses in different languages to workers who are either unemployed or underemployed. The courses will be offered online and in the Boston Public Library’s neighborhood branches once they reopen.   Victory Programs: Victory Programs will use the funding to enhance an existing mobile prevention team to connect clients to services they need (e.g. health support, substance abuse) and provide other skills training (e.g. resume development), as well as provide internet access for members of the Boston Living Center when they are at the program.   X-Cel Education: X-Cel Education will use the funding to provide basic to intermediate computer skill training for older adults.  Zumix: Zumix will use the funding to connect Boston’s youth with media training. Through sequential program offerings, Zumix will help youth deepen their computer and digital storytelling skills, engage in paid production opportunities, and explore future careers in the film industry.  This announcement builds on the City of Boston’s continued efforts to expand digital access to Bostonians. Previously, Boston launched initiatives for WiFi hotspots as part of the Boston Public Library's lending program, the Wicked Free WiFi program, and protections for Net Neutrality rules.  Grant recipients in previous years include Castle Square Tenants Organization, La Alianza Hispana, Mujeres Unidas Avanzando, and South End Technology Center @ Tent City. Projects funded to date have focused on technology audiovisual training for high school students; digital literacy courses covering basic to intermediate computer skills; how to use social media; digital applications for health, online banking, and protecting oneself and family online; and creative engagement in technology and engineering for youth and adults, including those who are formerly incarcerated.

麻州疫情出現回升跡象 今日366人確診 6人死亡

            

(Boston Orange編譯) 麻州公共衛生廳(DPH)證實，西亞茅斯(West Yarmouth)的一所護理之家，今(20)日讓人觸目驚心的出現33宗新冠病毒確診案例，顯然鱈魚角的新冠病毒疫情讓人得更加提高警覺了。

            麻州在7月20日的新冠疫情狀況是新增366宗確診個案，新增6人死亡，有7513人注射了疫苗，24834人做了病毒檢測，有100人住院，其中33人住在重症病房，18人插管。迄今總共有66萬6884人確診，17,665人死亡

            麻州公共衛生廳發言人證實，西亞茅斯五月花地(Mayflower Place)的楓木(Maplewood)護理之家，有24名院民，9名工作人員確診。

            7月4日美國國慶日之後，普域斯城(Provincetown)的新冠病毒染疫個案數就陡然劇增，讓人擔心疫情回升。麻州公共衛生廳今日也發出通告，建議7月1日以後曾經到普域斯城的波士頓任何居民，無論自己有沒症狀，或者是不是已經打了疫苗，都應該在回到波士頓後的5天之內做病毒檢測，然後自我隔離至少5天。

            DPH表示，護理之家內確診的院民，大都已經接種疫苗，而且沒有症狀，或者是症狀輕微。護理之家的發言人表示，該院已向這些確診者提供抗體療法，並開始監測個案狀況，目前都很穩定。

            楓木護理之家座落在西亞茅斯的Buck島路579號，是一個持續護理退休社區，提供的服務種類包括獨立生活，輔助生活，以及護理，復健中心等。

            專家警告地指出，確診個案數上升，主要是具有高度傳染性的Delta變種病毒散佈了出去。目前全美新增的確診案例中，約83%是Delta變種病毒。

            普域斯城的確診個案數目上升，還是源於群聚。

            根據鎮經理Alex Morse，從7月1日至16日，在普域斯城確診的132宗案例中，絕大部分都是已經接種疫苗者。該鎮官員昨(19)日發出一份新的指導原則，鼓勵人們在室內時戴口罩。

根據聯邦政府疾病防治中心，麻州仍然是全美疫苗接種率最高的週，有83.4%的成人已至少注射一劑疫苗。麻州的護理之家確診個案數也比較手，上星期只有6個機構報告發現新個案。

            根據麻州公共衛生廳，麻州的護理之家院民有88%，工作人員有73%已完整接踵疫苗。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $23.8 Million in Federal Relief Funding for Fishing and Seafood Industries

 Baker-Polito Administration Announces $23.8 Million in Federal Relief Funding for Fishing and Seafood Industries

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) is sending applications to seafood processors, commercial fishermen, shellfish farmers, and for-hire recreational vessel owners who are eligible for a total of $23.8 million in relief funds through the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES).

 “The fishing and seafood industries are integral parts of the economy, history, and culture of Massachusetts, and have suffered significant losses during the Covid-19 pandemic,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We were pleased to coordinate the distribution of $28 million through the CARES Act last year and our Administration remains dedicated to supporting these industries with this second round of federal relief funding.”

 “The fishing industry was particularly hard hit during the pandemic, with very limited exports of seafood and a big downturn in restaurant sales,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The distribution of an additional $23.8 million will give needed relief to fishermen and fishing related businesses who have been severely impacted by the pandemic.”

 The distribution of funds under the CARES Act will mitigate losses incurred last year during the difficult period of reduced demand for seafood and for-hire fishing services. The payments are expected to be completed by the end of September to eligible businesses that suffered losses in revenues during prescribed periods in 2020. 

 “The Baker-Polito Administration is grateful to all the industry stakeholders who worked closely with us in developing fair and equitable plans for both rounds of federal relief funding,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “This funding is critical to the Commonwealth’s commercial fishing industry, which includes commercial fishermen, shellfish farmers, charter boat operators, and seafood processors.”

 “I wish to echo Secretary Theoharides’ thanks to the many stakeholders in the commercial fishing industry and recognize the staff of the Division of Marine Fisheries who have worked so hard to make Massachusetts first in the nation in distributing relief through this program,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner Ron Amidon.

 Applications for this round of funding are being mailed on Tuesday, July 20, 2021 to eligible permit holders in the four industry sectors.  All applications must be returned to DMF, postmarked no later than August 28, 2021. Detailed information and updates on the program can be viewed here. DMF will maintain separate web pages for each sector, including eligibility requirements and an applicant list showing the status of each application. 

 To assist industry participants with their applications, DMF staff will be available through email, phone, and will hold regional in-person workshops at the following times and places:

 August 11, 2021, from 1:00 to 7:00 PM: Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance, 1566 Main St., Chatham, MA 02633

• August 12, 2021, from 1:00 to 7:00 PM: Mass. Lobstermen’s Association, 8 Otis Place, Scituate, MA 02066
• August 17, 2021, from 1:00 to 7:00 PM: DMF New Bedford Office, 836 S Rodney French Blvd, New Bedford, MA 02744
• August 18, 2021, from 1:00 to 7:00 PM: DMF Gloucester Office, 30 Emerson Ave, Gloucester, MA 01930

 On March 29, 2021, the U.S. Secretary of Commerce announced the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021, which provides an additional $255 million in fisheries assistance funding to support activities previously authorized under the CARES Act, to states and territories with coastal and marine fishery participants who have been negatively affected by COVID-19. In this second round of COVID-19 fisheries relief funding, Massachusetts has been allocated $23.8 million, the third-highest allocation in the country, behind Alaska and Washington.  

 While much of the criteria for funding eligibility was established by federal law and guidelines, DMF sought stakeholder input to create the most fair and practical approaches for distributing funds. Stakeholder input was utilized in the development of the program through Industry Advisory Groups that included 29 participants from the seafood processing, commercial fishing, aquaculture, and for-hire fishing industries

波士頓辦僑務政策與青年座談會 江明信直指建人脈要懂對方需求

主持者、講者及嘉賓。(波士頓僑教中心提供)

           (Boston Orange)波士頓文教中心與臺美菁英協會(TAP)，紐英崙中華專業人員協會(NEACP)等僑團合作，7月14日晚在網上舉辦「僑務政策線上說明會」，以及「波士頓海外僑界青年座談會」，並邀請成功企業家，Biacomm公司董事長江明信分享「年輕專業人士的人脈戰略(Networking strategy for young professionals)」。

駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元當晚應邀出席並致詞。他先感謝江明信撥冗指點年輕人，再指過去這18個月，受疫情影響，的確艱苦，現在是回顧過去，展望未來的好時機，希望藉由這次會議，可以加強彼此認識，交流合作，在新英格蘭地區攜手宣傳，推廣，讓更多人知道並關注臺灣。

波士頓經文處處長孫儉元致詞。(波士頓僑教中心提供)

波士頓文教中心主任潘昭榮接著簡明扼要的報告重要的當前服務僑胞政策，包括海外信保基金紓困方案4.0，僑胞戶籍2年遷出權益影響問題，健康益友App等措施，並放映一段由僑委會副委員長徐佳菁與立法委員王定宇做解說的短片，說明目前最受僑胞關心的戶籍被遷出後如何恢復與健保等相關權益問題。此外，潘昭榮還簡報僑委會委員長童振源所揭示之僑務工作四大目標，兩項戰略，五項策略，以及首次製作並以電子書模式呈現，包括各種服務平臺連結的「僑胞服務手冊」。

創辦研發生產零排放能源設備公司Biacomm的創辦人江明信當晚主講「青年專業人士的聯誼策略(Networking Strategy for Young Professional”」。他坦率，無保留地闡述自己學習、應用聯誼策略的方法，指出在溝通過程中，懂得產品，瞭解客戶及其需求都很重要，並整理出幾個讓聯誼(networking)發揮功能的要則，例如要有相關性，分享資源和人脈，以正面角度讓人認識自己，分享榮耀，給予表揚，但要注意是在什麼樣的場合進行，免得不小心傷害到了原本在自己聯誼網內的朋友。

Biacomm董事長江明信分享自己參加聯誼的方法、心得。
(波士頓僑教中心提供)

江明信還提出很多建議，並舉例解釋，包括要慷慨，懂得如何讓人舒服的和自己交往；讓自己的聯誼網對自己更有意義；成為自己聯誼網友人中遇到什麼事都會先想到的人；找到凸顯，讓人記住自己的方法；要因應所出席社交場合，適當穿著，盡量穿得體面，以給人好印象，讓人想要親近；要在出席聯誼場合前有所準備，包括閱讀當天的頭條新聞，作為交談話題，甚至藉以把話題帶到與自己興趣相關的方向去。

最後，江明信提醒年輕人，每個人的時間都很寶貴，很有限，Be Selective，要挑選和自己最相關，自己最有熱情的社團去參加聯誼活動，才能得到最佳效益。最後他以「機會總是留給有準備的人(Chance favors prepared mind)」這句話，鼓勵年輕人為未來努力。

這場活動由紐英崙中華專業人員協會理事康麗雪開場，臺美菁英協會候任會長Belle Lee主持。出席的年輕專業人士會後都表示收穫良多。

波士頓華商會、市議員Flynn與商家攜手提升華埠經濟

 

左起，韓幼文，梅少華，陳仕維，蔡倩婷，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn，林汝蘭，Derick等人在華埠牌樓前集合，
派發傳單、海報，盼協助華埠商家吸引更多人光顧。(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange) 從6月27日起至8月22日，到波士頓華埠用餐，購物，可在28家商鋪享有不同折扣。波士頓華埠商會和波士頓市議員愛德華費林 (Ed Flynn) ，塔芙茨兒童醫院、華埠主街，紐英崙中華公所合作，繼續為興旺華埠經濟努力。

              7月17日下午，波士頓華商會會長蔡倩婷，以及該會理事陳仕維，林汝蘭，韓幼文，陳文珊，翁偉健，梅少華以及湯睡雲等理事和市議員費林在華埠牌樓會合後，， 從肥牛火鍋，新金門，過橋米線，海之味等餐廳、食肆開始，沿著必珠街 (Beach)，好事福街(Oxford)，華盛頓街(Washington)，尼倫街(Kneeland)，夏利臣街(Harrison)，泰勒街(Tyler)，乞臣街(Hudson)拜訪參加活動的商鋪，送上活動海報，關懷、慰問、打氣後，再一起拍張照。

              新金門的老闆鄧雨清感嘆，麻州雖然解封了，很多人還是輕易不敢出門，生意比往年正常時，仍然至少跌落五成。在必珠街和聶街交界處的”大舌頭”，老闆張濱也直言，在新冠病毒疫情發生前，星期六下午總是滿座，雖然他的店面不大，卻也要雇上十幾名員工才忙得過來，可是這天，店內空空，還沒客人來，他用的員工人數也已減少一半。Essex Corner這家位於益士石街上的禮品店，老闆林偉光也說，解封迄今，生意額大概也只回升10%左右。

              波士頓華商會會長蔡倩婷表示，這次活動的海報及傳單印刷由塔芙茨醫院負責，設計由費林市議員助理盧善柔找了義工承作，完全沒有花費。該會將和波士頓市府及前述機構繼續合作，研擬方法來協助小企業度過難關。(更新版)

Asian American Civil Rights Organizations Condemn Judge’s Decision to End New DACA Applications

 Asian American Civil Rights Organizations Condemn Judge’s Decision to End New DACA Applications

Congress must act now to provide a pathway to citizenship for all undocumented youth

Washington, D.C.—On Friday, U.S. District Court Judge Andrew Hanen issued a court order invalidating the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. The order directed the government to stop processing new DACA applications while allowing the processing of renewals pending appeals. 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice issued the following statement in response to this ruling: 

“We are disappointed by the decision from Judge Hanen, who has a history of anti-immigrant rulings and is playing politics with people’s lives by attacking this program that is widely supported by Americans. We remain confident that the DACA program is on firm legal ground, having been upheld by numerous courts, including the U.S Supreme Court. We urge the federal government to swiftly appeal this case. The DACA program provides a measure of security to more than 800,000 of our community members, including 16,000 Asian Americans.

Fortunately, as a result of endless advocacy from community members, we received the good news last week that the Senate budget reconciliation package will include immigration provisions. We applaud Congress in acting to offer a path to citizenship for DACA recipients and all undocumented youth. We urge them to include Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders, farm workers, and all essential workers in the budget reconciliation package. Congress must pass this budget and provide the pathway to citizenship that is long overdue.”