Snow removal operation targets West Quincy, Wollaston Tuesday night

Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Snow Removal Program Expands Tuesday Night

QUINCY – In the wake of record storms that dumped more than 6 feet of snow in Quincy in the last two weeks, Mayor Thomas Koch announced today the expansion of a snow removal program that will be “unlike anything in recent history,” he said. 

“This is a truly historic weather event, and we’re going to match it with an unprecedented effort,” he said. “Plowing snow at some point becomes moot. There’s no place for it go, and it just needs to be removed. I’ve been around the snow operation in this City for a long time, and we have never tried anything this expansive.”

The program, which began in earnest prior to the latest deluge of more than 27 inches of snow this week, will start again on Tuesday night. The operation will include upwards of 75 trucks to haul snow and the associated heavy equipment to remove it from main roads, school areas, secondary roads and narrow neighborhood streets.

On Tuesday night, the program will target the West Quincy area of Robertson Street and the Wollaston area of Beach Street and nearby neighborhoods depending on how swiftly the project moves. There will be traffic diversions in these areas during the duration of the project

Mayor Koch cautioned that the methodical nature of a large-scale hauling operation means the program will take a considerable amount of time.  The program will begin with at least two to four crews working every night, with the expectation that it may be expanded with the availability of additional contractors.  Daytime work is also a possibility for the removal effort, and the work schedule will be altered by additional storms.  

The snow will be hauled to a pair of snow dumps at either end of the City, which are currently already holding thousands of tons of snow from earlier hauling efforts.  The City also received a waiver from the Department of Environmental Protection to dump snow if necessary in waterways.

As the program moves forward, many secondary roads and neighborhood streets will continue to be narrow. Those areas are being reviewed by the City’s Traffic Department for the potential of pattern changes that will assist in easing neighborhood congestion.  

“We all need to understand the magnitude of the events of the last couple of weeks, and just take a little more time, be patient, and be extra careful when we are out driving or walking,” said Mayor Koch.  “We have a good a handle on it; we’re working around the clock, and we’ll get through it.” 

Mayor Koch said he has spoken multiple times with Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito about the City’s response to the storms, and the state is seeking to assist in providing additional contractors as the part of the removal program.

Governor Baker Announces State Offices Open Tomorrow

Governor Baker Announces State Offices Open Tomorrow BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today announced that all state offices will be open for business tomorrow.                                                                          “Tomorrow, all state offices will be open across the Commonwealth and we look forward to getting people back to work and school after another challenging storm,” said Governor Baker.  “Lt. Governor Polito and I encourage everyone to remain patient and be careful during the morning commute, and to check the MBTA schedule for commuter updates.  There is still much snow removal to be done, and while we are pleased to have the support of the Massachusetts National Guard and additional equipment from neighboring states, we ask the public to continue doing your part to dig out in your communities.  Please take time to clear sidewalks, driveways, fire hydrants and home heating vents and assist the elderly or those in need of assistance.  Three storms in two weeks have dropped an unprecedented amount of snow on the Commonwealth, and we appreciate the tireless efforts of road crews and emergency personnel who are working around the clock to assist our cities and towns.” “Cities and towns across the Commonwealth have been hit by record snow amounts this winter, and while cleanup efforts continue we ask everyone to be safe and help out in their communities,” said Lt. Governor Polito.  “Tomorrow, all state offices will be open and we ask the people of Massachusetts to allow plenty of time for commuting, whether you take the T or drive, and to be cautious on the roadways.  It is important to pitch in around your neighborhoods and communities, especially helping those in need of assistance with snow removal efforts.  We are grateful for the incredible efforts of the Mass DOT and local road crews who have worked nonstop in their areas.” Earlier today, Governor Baker announced the deployment of 500 Massachusetts National Guardsmen to assist with snow removal and help clear critical assets such as fire hydrants and access to public buildings.  The administration also authorized a contract for two snow-melters that are able to process about 120 tons of snow per hour, or about 25 truckloads of snow every hour. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) will coordinate these resources to the communities with the greatest public safety need.  The state of emergency remains in place to ensure state resources are readily available to allow quick response efforts for cities and towns across the Commonwealth. The following updates have been announced by the Baker Administration: Deployment of the Massachusetts National Guard – Tuesday, February 10th, 2015: The Massachusetts National Guard will deploy 500 Guardsmen to assist with snow removal and cleanup efforts for critical assets in select cities and towns.  200 Guardsmen will deploy in 50 teams of 4 men and women per Humvee to assist cities and towns to dig out fire hydrants and other critical assets.  The remainder of the Guardsmen will operate heavy machinery to remove snow. Request for Mutual Assistance – Tuesday, February 10th, 2015: Through MEMA, the Commonwealth has authorized the purchase of two additional snow-melting machines and requested 200 additional pieces of heavy equipment from neighboring states (front end loaders, dump trucks, bobcats, backhoes) for mutual assistance.                                              State of Emergency: Governor Baker has signed a Declaration of Emergency for Massachusetts ensuring state resources are available and coordinated for storm preparation and to enable swift response among the state, cities and towns.  The state of emergency declaration will allow expedited use of state resources, the ability to request and receive mutual aid assistance from other states or the federal government if needed, the immediate procurement and deployment of goods and services necessary for response and other actions as considered necessary by the Governor.  The state of emergency shall remain in effect until notice is given in the Governor's judgment that it is no longer necessary.

BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL BE OPEN ON WEDNESDAY, PARKING BAN WILL LIFT AT 5PM ON WEDNESDAY

BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS WILL BE OPEN ON WEDNESDAY, PARKING BAN WILL LIFT AT 5PM ON WEDNESDAY

BOSTON – Tuesday, February 10, 2015 – Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that Boston Public Schools will be open tomorrow, Wednesday, February 11. The emergency snow parking ban that is currently in place will remain in effect until 5 p.m. tomorrow evening.

“I want to thank everyone who is staying off the road today, and the employers who allowed staff to work from home. It gave our public works crews some time to clean the streets, and snow removal operations will be active tonight,” said Mayor Walsh. “Boston has seen record snowfall in the last two weeks. The City of Boston needs your help to shovel walkways and hydrants. This storm clean up needs to be a team effort, especially as more snow is predicted at the end of this week.”

During this most recent storm Boston received 23 inches of snow. All total approximately six feet of snow has fallen in the City of Boston since the blizzard two weeks ago, and this has been the snowiest month-long period on record.

Schools

Boston Public Schools will be open on Wednesday, February 11. Boston Public Schools have been closed 8 days this winter due to the weather. Missed school days will be made up on Evacuation Day, March 17, and Bunker Hill Day, June 17.

Costs

The estimated total cost of the snow response to the three storms in the last two weeks is estimated at $30 million. This year’s annual budget for snow removal is $18.5 million, based on a 5 year average cost. The City of Boston will continue to actively monitor costs, with the priority placed on public safety and snow removal management.

Public Works

The Public Works Department (PWD) has over 600 pieces of equipment on roadways today, plowing and widening with the priority focused on main arterials. Approximately 100 loads of snow were removed from city streets during the recent snow event, and snow removal will expand today and overnight as snow recovery begins following the storm. Since the blizzard two weeks ago PWD has hauled nearly 200,000 cubic yards off of the street, and melted 120,000 cubic yards.

Melting continues at the City’s snow farms located at Tide St and Reservation Road in Hyde Park. The Tide St site has been melted to 50% capacity, and the Reservation Road site is at 10% capacity. PWD estimates there is enough space in these two snow farms to haul snow from the neighborhoods to both snow farms for the next four to five nights.

You can track the PWD response to the snowstorm in your neighborhood using the recently launched Boston Snow Stats platform, available online here: http://snowstats.boston.gov/

Safety Tips

• Please help your neighbors and do your part to assist during this snow event by clearing sidewalks and shoveling out hydrants.
• Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces.
• Shoveling snow requires significant exertion, please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion.
• Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators.Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning.
• Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer.
• Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear.
• Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers, please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.
• If you see a person in need of shelter, or if there is an emergency, please call 911.
• Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled.
• If you are walking in the street, remove your headphones, so you can hear traffic.
• For those with questions or concerns, help is available through several channels. The Mayor’s Hot Line (617-635-4500) will be running with extra staff around the clock for the next two days and the City’s social media and mobile technology strategy will be in full effect throughout the storm. Residents can tweet @notifyboston with a question or concern, and use the Citizens Connect app to report issues.

Trash and Recycling

Regularly scheduled trash collection will take place on Wednesday. For additional trash updates visit the Public Works Department online: http://www.cityofboston.gov/publicworks/

Parking

The snow emergency parking ban that is currently in place will remain in effect until 5 p.m. tomorrow evening. Residents have two hours to take their cars out of parking garages after the ban is lifted. The Boston Transportation Department has issued 1194 weather emergency related citations and towed 98 vehicles since Sunday, February 8.

Minimizing the number of vehicles parked on our streets allows snowplows to get to the curb and clear the snow. In addition, drivers are asked to park with safety in mind and refrain from parking in any manner that will jeopardize public safety, including, within 20 feet from an intersection, more than a foot from the curb, at handicap ramps, crosswalks and fire hydrants.

The City of Boston is opening its municipal parking lots to neighborhood residents for long-term parking during the storm. In addition, the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) has worked with private parking lot and garage owners in Boston to secure 15,500 free or discounted parking spaces for Boston Residents. Residents are asked to please remove vehicles from streets that are posted as "Snow Emergency" Arteries and park them in these alternate off-street locations.

Public Libraries

All Boston Public Libraries will be open on Wednesday, February 11.

Helping the Homeless

Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) will continue to coordinate their city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist the homeless during this impending storm. Shelters are kept open during the day for the safety and well being of our clients. Beginning Monday, the site at Southampton Street will also offer daytime hours. Throughout the storm, BPHC will encourage our guests to remain indoors in our shelter network for their safety.

Working with the Pine Street Outreach Team and Boston Healthcare for the Homeless, BPHC actively seeks out individuals and helps them find shelter during a cold snap, providing food, clothing, blankets, medical assistance to those in need.

All individuals seeking shelter should go to Central Intake, located at Woods Mullen Shelter - 794 Massachusetts Avenue in the South End at the corner of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue.

Community Meetings and Hearings

All city-sponsored community meetings and hearings for Wednesday will be held.

City Workers

City Hall will open at 10am. All employees should report to work at 10am.

Bruins Game

The Bruins game is being held tonight at the TD Garden. However, all parking garages around the Garden are at limited capacity. The Boston Convention and Exhibition Center (BCEC) at 415 Summer St is providing free parking and free shuttle service for all fans from the BCEC to the TD Garden and fans are encouraged to go to the BCEC to park.

Mayor Walsh Launches SuccessLink

Mayor Walsh Launches SuccessLink

2015 Summer Youth Employment Enrollment Now Available Online

Boston--Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced SuccessLink, an online tool that enables Boston youth to register for summer jobs. Registering also allows applicants to connect with the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment’s full menu of services including connection to peer-led personal and career development workshops, scholarships, civic engagement opportunities, and more. The SuccessLink replaces the Boston Youth Fund’s HOPELINE.

“It is time for our young people and families to start making summer plans now and we want to give them all of the tools to do so,” said Mayor Walsh. “We are opening up the SuccessLink so that teens can register for employment, and we have extended registration from 4 weeks to nearly 8 weeks to give all of our young people a chance to connect with us.”

The SuccessLink application will be available until 11:59 pm on Friday, March 27. Teens can apply 24 hours a day on the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment website, youth.boston.gov by clicking the application link.

For more than 20 years, the Boston Youth Fund (BYF) has provided employment opportunities for Boston youth in a vast array of positions at non-profit organizations throughout the city. Many of the young people employed are instrumental in assisting non-profit organizations with outreach efforts, childcare, educational awareness, and more.

Mayor Walsh explained, “the Youth Employment Program is about allowing young people to explore opportunities, gain valuable experience, and participate in development that will help to shape their futures. ”

Now, young people can register for the Youth Employment Program, partake in personal and career development workshops, get connected to resources, and join in on civic engagement initiatives designed to empower youth all in one place.

Employment opportunities include positions with the Boston Police Department, New England Aquarium, Zoo New England, radio stations, Boston municipal government departments, and more.

“Through working with the Boston Youth Fund, I learned the value of community,” said Nyasha Mooney-McCoy, who currently is in a junior in college. “It is crucial that you establish and develop a connection to the communities in which you live and work. These lessons made my work at the Denney Center and 826 Boston worthwhile. This was an exciting opportunity to be a part of these organizations and invest in positive change. I felt empowered.”

Last January, the department underwent a major restructuring combining BYF, the Mayor’s Youth Council, and the Mayor’s Youthline to transition to an actual “one-stop shop for teens” located at 1483 Tremont Street, known as the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment.

Potential employees must apply by using  Mayor Walsh’s SuccessLink (formerly known as BYF’s HOPELINE) in order to be considered for a position this summer.

Teens interested in applying must meet the following requirements:

• Must be a full-time resident of the City of Boston
• Must turn 15 years old, on or before Sunday, July 5, 2015
• Cannot turn 19 years old, on or before Friday, August 14, 2015
• Must be legally permitted to work in the United States

*** If interested applicants are having difficulty registering online, they can visit the Department of Youth Engagement and Employment at 1483 Tremont Street, Roxbury 02120 or call 617-635-4202 for assistance.

Applying for a summer position with SuccessLink does NOT guarantee a job, but young people can take steps to increase their chances of employment. The department will be hosting the 3rd annual Teen Job Fair at the BCYF Recreation Center at Madison Park on Saturday, February 21 from 11:00 am - 2:00 pm. Participants will have an opportunity to meet potential summer employers, win prizes, interview for positions, and more. Interested applicants can also apply directly to sites to increase their chances of employment.

Teens interested in attending the job fair can pre-register for the event and get more information at: http://successlinkjobfair.eventbrite.com  

美加州參議院全票通過慶祝農曆新年決議案

轉載

美国加州参议院全票通过庆祝农历新年决议案   

http://www.aacyf.org/?p=5138

为庆祝农历新年的开始，加州参议院共和党领袖、华人女婿夏乐柏(Bob Huff)参议员于2月9日，在加州参议院内正式提交庆祝农历新年决议案（SCR10）并提请参议院赋予表决，并在2月9日当天的参议院会议中以全票通过该决议案。这是美国历史上首次在州一级参议院通过的有关庆祝农历新年的决议案。

夏乐柏参议员在向加州参议院提交议案时表示，2015年2月19日是即将到来的农历初一，是在世界各地的包括美国在内的亚裔社区特别庆祝的节日，而在加州将有数以百万计的华裔、韩国、越南社区居民庆祝农历新年。

 “农历新年是亚太裔家庭团圆，庆祝丰收的日子。 SCR10议案认可了这个对许多公民有着特别意义的日子，而显现出加州对多元文化的丰富性和包容性。" 

SCR10议案中有这样一段陈述：“加州是超过500万的亚太裔居民的家，庆祝农历新年的主要族裔为中国、韩国、越南等加州居民。今年农历新年是十二生肖中的羊年，这些家庭普遍利用这个特别的节日阖家团聚，迎接崭新的一年。”

议案内容主要是宣布和庆祝2015年的农历新年。让加州的居民了解农历新年，向欢度农历新年的各族裔民众表示祝贺。 

参议员夏乐柏表示“经由此次庆祝活动，将在整个加州社区显现出对丰富的文化历史和种族、宗教和文化多样性的承诺”。

夏乐柏参议员的夫人、圣盖博谷林肯俱乐部主席何美湄介绍，该议案将是夏乐柏提出的庆祝农历新年的第一个议案，下一步将计划提出相关的庆祝农历新年的法案，将农历新年写入教育法案，并建议在华裔学生比例较大的中、小学可以在农历新年放假的内容。

何美湄表示，美国目前中小学教学内容中没有关于东方文化的内容，该议案最主要的目的就是从庆祝农历新年着一个最佳切入点，让加州的中小学生从接触和了解中国新年开始，进而接触到更多的东方文化。更希望让华裔的新生代不要忘记中华文化的传承。

夏乐柏参议员是加州40为参议员之一，代表加州第29选区，包括洛杉矶县、橙郡以及圣柏纳汀诺郡。华裔在这个选区内的许多个城市都有较高的人口比例。据美国华人公共外交促进会会长任向东介绍，夏乐柏参议员曾历时近5年起草、提出法案，并经加州参、众两议院通过，将中文学校以及不同族裔的语言学校合法化，成为加州中文学校历史发展过程中的里程碑法案。（AACYF加州首府萨卡拉门托讯）

摩頓市長籲居民認養消防栓

大波士頓過去這一個月來風雪不斷，摩頓市市長葛帝生（Gary Christenson）昨（九）日呼籲市民認養消防栓，協助摩頓市公共工程局把市內的消防栓從大雪中鏟出來，以免火災發生時，消防員找不到消防栓來取水救火。

摩頓市長葛帝生日前特地親自出馬，認領了在Ashland街的消防栓，動鏟挖雪。他表示，該市共有1166個消防栓，需要市民協助。

消防局需要消防栓四周有三呎的空間，讓他們安裝取水設備。

            有意認領消防栓者，可上網登記， www.cityofmalden.org/adoptahydrant 。

圖片說明：

            摩頓市市長葛帝生（Gary Christenson）在他認領的消防栓前留影。（摩頓市府提供）

第五屆常春藤盟校春晚 學子們“也是醉了”

哈佛大學中國學生學者聯合會主辦，常春藤八所盟校攜手籌辦的第五屆美國常春藤盟校聯歡晚會，七日晚在約翰漢考克廳（John Hancock Hall）掀起高潮。在校學子與就業人士打成一片的“也是醉了”。

晚會安排了八名主持人，包括李琦，沙若龍，張佳妮，唐文理，王丹青，觀成赫，許吉如，韓壁丞等，代表哈佛，布朗，哥倫比亞，康乃爾，賓夕法尼亞，普林斯頓，耶魯等大學，以及達特茅斯學院等八所常春藤大學，向數百名觀眾拜年，笑談這是中國學生“羊”名四海的年份，還趕時髦的大用中國內流行的網路語，勸男生要“做個安靜的美男子“，女生要化“媚娘妝”，時不時來句“有錢就是任性”。

當晚的節目安排很豐富，既有現代及傳統歌舞，也有小品，相聲，民族樂器演奏，魔術，清唱等等。

            表演節目中的一大亮點，是琵琶演奏家趙聰獨奏她所創作，展現敦煌莫高窟壁畫那種大唐文化飛揚的神采和自信的“思路飛天”，以及習近平，克林頓，陸克文等中美澳國家元首都聽過，加入了現代電子音樂和搖滾的元素，由她改編的“十面埋伏”。

            人民大學附中藝術團表演的“少年志”，由一個個滿臉青春，手拿竹簡，身穿古裝的少年，在湛藍星空的舞台上揮灑，格外引人發思古幽情。

            其他的節目包括浮雲相聲社描繪留學生在美租房子所遇糗事的“不能挨欺負”，李琦，沙若龍Ronald，唐文理Stephan這兩名美國哈佛本科生和李琦演繹學中文酸甜苦辣的小品，以及MIT Syncopasian East Asian A Capella的人聲清唱團表演“我的歌聲裡”，“珊瑚海”，張鍾文表演魔術 。

            舞蹈部分，有哈佛木蘭藝術團王藐若率領演出的中國古典舞“秀色”，哈佛亞裔美國學生跳舞團表演的小群舞“千里之外”， 康乃爾大學Amber舞蹈團表演了現代舞“落花情”，哈佛大學公共衛生學院舞蹈團跳街舞（Sassy Hip Hop），紐約Takala Land街舞團跳勁爆街舞，蒙古族舞蹈“鴻雁”等。

            當晚的表演，最後在主旋律歌，哈佛大學張璐，達特茅斯學院與普林斯頓大學陳資的二重唱“我愛你中國”聲中落幕。

圖片說明：

            第五屆美國常春藤盟校聯歡晚會謝幕。

            八名主持人上場。

            人聲清唱團。