BRA solicits requests for $200,000 Fenway Community Benefits Fund

BRA solicits requests for $200,000 Fenway Community Benefits Fund

Nonprofits encouraged to apply for funding to support beautification of Fenway neighborhood

BOSTON – After successfully piloting a standardized application for community benefit funds in South Boston earlier this year, the Boston Redevelopment Authority is moving ahead with a similar approach to releasing funds for other neighborhoods. Today, the BRA released an application for $200,000 in community benefits associated with the Fenway Park Demonstration Project, an agreement with the Boston Red Sox that was approved under previous leadership by the BRA in September 2013.

As part of the agreement, which granted the Red Sox easement rights on Yawkey Way for game days and major events at Fenway Park as well as air rights over Lansdowne Street to accommodate additional seating on the Green Monster, the team will contribute $100,000 a year for ten years to support beautification efforts in the Fenway neighborhood. The BRA has received the first two payments and is now accepting applications from nonprofit organizations for the community benefits funding. Applicants are able to request grants of up to $50,000. Applications are due Tuesday, November 10.

“We witnessed the success of this application process in South Boston earlier this year, and we’re eager to get another round of funding out the door to support community organizations working to make the Fenway an even better neighborhood,” said BRA Director Brian Golden. “This funding is a way to ensure that the people of Fenway share in the value generated by games and events at the ballpark. We look forward to disbursing more grants in the coming years as we receive additional payments from the Red Sox.”

Nonprofits applying for funding are asked to submit to the BRA a detailed plan and budget that describes how their organization will utilize the grant to deliver a service or project that contributes in a measurable way to the beautification of the Fenway community. Successful applicants should be able to demonstrate experience in providing the type of service or program for which they seek funding. As with previously released community benefits applications, the Office of Workforce Development, which has wide-ranging grant-making expertise, will assist the BRA in evaluating submissions.

Funding recipients will be required to submit a written summary of accomplishments and expenditures within 90 days of the grant’s completion.

The BRA piloted the standardized community benefits application earlier this year when it released two rounds of funding associated with the D Street hotels project that is nearing completion across the street from the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center. $630,000 in grants was disbursed to community organizations working in South Boston as a result.

Governor Baker Statement on Closing of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station

Governor Baker Statement on Closing of Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker issued the following statement after an announcement by parent company Entergy that Pilgrim Nuclear Power Station will close by June 1, 2019:

“Our Administration will work closely with Pilgrim’s leadership team and federal regulators to ensure that this decision is managed as safely as possible, and we will continue to work with ISO and the other New England Governors to ensure that Massachusetts and New England has the baseload capacity it needs to meet the electric generation needs of the region.  Losing Pilgrim as a significant power generator not only poses a potential energy shortage, but also highlights the need for clean, reliable, affordable energy proposals which my administration has put forward through legislation to deliver affordable hydroelectricity and Class-I renewable resources.  The closure of Pilgrim will be a significant loss of carbon-free electricity generation and will offset progress Massachusetts has made in achieving the 2020 greenhouse gas emission reduction goals, making it more challenging to hit these targets.  I look forward to working with the legislature to make our proposal for clean, base-load generation law, as it represents a diversified and balanced approach that will be needed to achieve the commonwealth's greenhouse gas goals.”

波士頓慶雙十遊行 出動花車、氣球，旗海

  新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會會長方品（前右一）邀經文處教育組組長黃薳玉（前右二）和同學合影。方品透露，來美三年，每年都參加升旗遊行，
每次看到旗幟上升，仍然每次心中感動。（台學聯提供）

  立者右起，陳銘俊，陳文浩，余麗媖，黃瑞瑜，雲雯蓁，賴銘琪，等人和中華民俗藝術

工作坊團員合影。（圖由僑教中心提供）

(Boston Orange) 波士頓今年的慶祝“雙十”創新猷，不但48個僑團組成的近千人遊行隊伍浩浩蕩蕩，還首次出動花車，在波士頓市政府廣場前的升旗典禮場地架起充氣拱門，節慶氣氛格外濃厚。

左起，陳家驊，李伍綺蓮，李壽泮，蔣宗壬，麥家威，林乃肯，陳偉民等人在

遊行出發前合影。（圖由僑教中心提供）

在駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長賴銘琪與波士頓新任僑務委員蔣宗壬，僑務諮詢委員李伍綺蓮，李壽泮，波士頓前任僑務委員陳家驊，波士頓僑領陳毓禮，紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦，雙十遊行統籌陳偉民，以及麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），波士頓市議會議長林乃肯（Bill Linehan）等人率領遊行隊伍從華埠牌樓出發時，沿路旗海飄揚，紅白藍氣球觸目可見，所有參加遊行的人，都顯得心情興奮，尤其是留學生，更是笑容滿滿。

今年（2015）慶祝民國104週歲的大波士頓雙十升旗典禮及遊行，適逢十月十日正日，大波士頓僑界早在籌備時，就絞盡腦汁，竭力創新，同時又得顧及預算，人力有限的現實，煞費腦筋。

 大陳同鄉會的花車。（圖由僑教中心提供）

十日一早，大陳同鄉會的老會長周仙梅，現任會長梁娜玲，昭倫公所副主席譚如鍵，朱沛國堂主席夫人鄺坤珍，波士頓大學同學會會長鍾予閎等好些人，和波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文，先趕到紐英崙中華公所用氣筒吹氣球，讓中華公所會議廳擺滿了紅白藍色的圓型，心型氣球，壯觀十分。

中華藝術協會的花車。（圖由僑教中心提供）

從中華民俗技藝工作坊到紐英崙至孝篤親公所，伍胥山公所，華林功夫學院等的48個參加遊行僑團，分別在乞臣街，華埠牌樓，華埠公園等地排出隊伍，拉出僑團旗幟，全都為這大波士頓地區每年一度的人氣盛事，感到興奮非常。

劍橋合唱團團長陳立英，指揮顏毓芬夫婦，把未滿周歲的兒子放在嬰兒車裏，推著一起走，給這遊行增添了美好的家庭氣氛，也讓有心人感慨申論在台灣，海外的家國感情。

十日的升旗典禮，由中華民俗藝術工作坊的“鑼鼓喧天”拉開序幕，何佳陵領唱國歌，經文處長賴銘琪致詞後，雷國輝代表大會主席陳毓禮致詞，波士頓市消防局副局長黃瑞瑜應邀擔任大會司儀。

 新英格蘭中文學校協會的花車。（圖由僑教中心提供）

經文處處長賴銘琪指出，在波士頓市府廣場舉行的這慶祝，不只是慶祝國家生日這麼簡單，還代表著台灣與海外大波士頓社區僑團的友誼。對來自台灣的人來說，這樣的支持，意義深重。

表演節目包括中華民俗藝術工作坊的“戀念台灣”，中華藝術協會的“台灣風情”，波士頓元極舞聯誼會的“快樂元極操”，美東紐英崙養生五協會的“太極劍”，以及劍橋合唱團領唱“中華民國頌”，“梅花”。

大波士頓今年慶雙十升旗典禮，新出動氣球拱門，增添氣勢。（圖由僑教中心提供）

籌備遊行的陳家驊指出，今年的遊行有不少改善，不但有電車讓年紀稍長，走不動了的人搭乘，還有紐英崙中華專業人員協會，中華藝術協會，新英格蘭中文學校協會，大陳同鄉會等四個僑團費心製作花車，為遊行增添聲勢。

雙十遊行最後在大合唱後歡呼，才劃下句點。

劉煒獲大羅爾傑出民主黨員獎

大羅爾地區民主黨分部日前宣佈，聯邦參議員沃倫（Elizabeth Warren）的麻州主任劉煒（Roger Lau），將獲頒該部今年的傑出民主黨員獎。

對民主黨員來說，尤其是在麻州，以及鄰近各州的民主黨員來說，目前擔任聯邦參議員沃倫駐麻州主任的劉煒，是一個人們非常熟悉的名字。

劉偉曾經在多名聯邦議員，州議員麾下工作，不但人數多到可以列名單，還幾乎全是重量級人物，包括當年是聯邦參議員，現為美國國務卿的克里（John Kerry），丈夫曾參選美國總統，後來自己當選為聯邦議員的妮基桑加（Niki Tsongas），聯邦眾議員卡普阿諾（Michael Capuano），以及Marty Meehan，Richard Neal等等，甚至現在正競選美國總統的希拉蕊（Hillary Clinton）

大羅爾民主黨部指劉煒是一名適合所有狀況的政治人，既和藹可親，又對政治有熱情，總是在工作，是草根人士，活躍民主黨員的“有問必諮”人士，他們早就想要表揚劉煒了。

大羅爾地區民主黨分部預定10月25日（週日）早上10點在Dracut鎮蓮芝（Lenzi’s）舉辦的年度秋季頒獎（GLAD）早午餐（brunch）會中，頒獎表揚劉煒。

圖片說明：

            在大波士頓內，輔佐聯邦，市級民意代表的華裔，人數仍少。左起，張潔茵，劉煒，陳偉民。（檔案照片，菊子攝）

Governor Baker Proclaims October 8, 2015 “Lobster Day”

麻州州長查理貝克（Charlie Baker）日前宣佈，2015年10月8日是“龍蝦日（Lobster Day），藉以支持麻州非常有價值，且具歷史意義的龍蝦工業。

麻州能源及環保事務卿Matthew Beaton 也在麻州龍蝦漁民協會（Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association）組織的”州政府龍蝦日”中致詞。

在2014年，約有1570萬磅落地麻州，總值約6840萬元。和2013年相比，增加了大約15%。去年海漁組（Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF)）發出1,169張商業龍蝦許可證，以及7,634張娛樂性龍蝦許可證。

            在龍蝦漁業中，全美只有緬因州的龍蝦尺寸和價值，比麻州大，高。麻州和緬因州加起來龍蝦收穫量，在2012年實佔全美的94%。

Governor Baker Proclaims October 8, 2015 “Lobster Day”

BOSTON– October 8, 2015- Governor Baker has proclaimed today, October 8, 2015, “Lobster Day” to support the Commonwealth’s valuable and historic lobster industry. In celebration, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton spoke at State House Lobster Day, organized by the Massachusetts Lobstermen’s Association.

“American lobsters are one of our most valuable commercial marine resource within state waters and have long been an important part of Massachusetts’ heritage, culture and economy,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud to proclaim today Lobster Day to honor the contributions Massachusetts’ lobstermen make to the Commonwealth.”

“The Massachusetts lobster fishery generates income for not just lobstermen but also lobster dealers, bait dealers, boat trap manufacturers, boat and engine builders and our state’s tourism industry,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “By declaring today Lobster Day, the Baker-Polito Administration continues its support for the Commonwealth’s lobster industry and maintaining a healthy and sustainable lobster fishery within Massachusetts' waters.”

In 2014, 15.7 million pounds of lobster were landed in Massachusetts at a value of approximately $68.4 million. This represents an estimated 15 percent increase in value over 2013. Last year, the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) issued 1,169 commercial lobster permits and 7,634 recreational lobster permits.

Only Maine exceeds the Commonwealth in the size and value of its lobster fishery. Together, Massachusetts and Maine produced 94 percent of the total U.S. American lobster harvest in 2012. U.S. commercial lobster harvest that year totaled 150 million pounds valued at nearly $429 million.

“The American lobster fishery has provided a source of food, jobs and a unique way of life in coastal Massachusetts since before European settlement," said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner George Peterson. “People should know that October is a great time of year to get an excellent quality lobster at a good price." 

“Massachusetts has a well managed, robust lobster fishery that provides delicious food and employment for thousands of people in the Commonwealth,” said Division of Marine Fisheries Director David Pierce.

Lobster Day at the State House offered visitors a chance to sample lobster bisque, to learn about lobsters and lobster fishing in the Commonwealth, to talk with local fishermen, and to visit with lobsters from the New England Aquarium.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SISTER CITY AGREEMENT WITH PRAIA, CABO VERDE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES SISTER CITY AGREEMENT WITH PRAIA, CABO VERDE

BOSTON - Friday, October 9, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined Mayor Ulisses Correia e Silva of Praia, Cabo Verde to sign a Sister Cities agreement to foster economic, social and cultural development and business ties between the two cities, expand commercial activities, boost the number ofsmall and mid-sized enterprises, increase imports and exports and grow jobs. "In order to be competitive in an increasingly global economy, we must strengthen our partnerships with cities around the world that share our goals," said Mayor Walsh. "Boston has a strong Cape Verdean community, and our partnership with Praia is a fitting testament to our city's diversity." "Today we sign a Sister-City agreement to build on and strengthen the existing economic, cultural and educational relationships between the cities of Boston and Praia, while committing to explore new ties and creative ways of improving the quality of life for residents on both sides of the Atlantic," said Mayor Ulisses Correia e Silva. The Sister City agreement commits both cities to identifying activities that can generate new initiatives to further nurture economic, social, cultural and faith based relationships, as well as: Promote both cities to their respective business and academia sectors as locations for trade and investment; Facilitate trade missions and business-to-business dialogue between the two cities; Explore and encourage cooperation and exchange between local development agencies, Chambers of Commerce and tourism bodies; Help facilitate faith-based exchanges between faith leaders in both cities; Promote mutual leisure and business tourism opportunities; Encourage cultural exchanges; and Explore joint policy development and sharing of best practice in the fields of urban development, regeneration and city financial models. Boston's Cape Verdean population is estimated at over 40,000 residents.  The City of Boston and the City of Praia have historically maintained strong academic, cultural and social ties, covering a wide array of sectors including public safety, education, arts and culture, business trade, commerce and tourism, and health. The Sister City Agreement will reinforce and strengthen that partnership over the next several years. The signing took place in Mayor Walsh's Office at City Hall. This is the second Sister City agreement signed by the City of Boston since 2001. Praia Mayor Ulisses Correia e Silva is visiting Boston on October 9 - 10. Boston's Sister City programs operate as non-profit, independent organizations, and are heavily dependent on voluntary support and contributions. During the 1950s, residents and government officials recognized the importance of developing closer international relations, and the search for a Sister City began. The success of this program prompted the development of other goodwill sister relations. To the present date, eight Sister Cityfriendships have been formed: Kyoto, Japan (established in 1959); Strasbourg, France (established in 1960); Barcelona, Spain (established in 1980); Hangzhou, China (established in 1982); Padua, Italy (established in 1983); Mebourne, Australia (established in 1985); Taipei, Taiwan (established in 1996); Sekondi-Takoradi, Ghana (established in 2001). The Sister Cities Program began as a national concept in 1956, when President Dwight D. Eisenhower called for massive exchanges between Americans and people of other countries to create international understanding and goodwill. A Sister City agreement is formalized when two communities from different nations join together to develop a friendly and meaningful relationship. The two cities exchange people, ideas, culture, education, and technology. Citizens from both communities learn about each other's culture and become directly involved in developing unique solutions to common problems. The Sister Cities Program promotes world peace in an individual level and encourages citizens to better understand community, by contrasting their way of life with another culture.

ONEIN3 ANNOUNCES 2015 IMPACT AWARD FINALISTS

ONEIN3 ANNOUNCES 2015 IMPACT AWARD FINALISTS

13 Bostonians Under the Age of 35 Honored for Their Positive Contributions to the Community

BOSTON - Thursday, October 8, 2015 - On Friday, October 9, Mayor Walsh will attend and offer remarks at the ONEin3 Council's 2015 Impact Awards ceremony recognizing young adult leaders who are doing outstanding work to improve the City of Boston for all residents. This year's ceremony will recognize achievements in categories inspired by the city-wide planning initiative, Imagine Boston 2030, including: Housing and Mobility; Environment; Design and Open Space; Health, Prosperity and Equity; and Arts, Culture and Creativity. The event begins at 6:00 p.m. and will be held at Two International Place in Boston. "Boston is known for having the best and the brightest talent, and I want to thank this year's honorees for all their efforts towards making Boston an even better place to live, work and play," said Mayor Walsh. "The work that ONEin3 does to engage our young population in the issues that impact them the most is a critically important part of our efforts to move the City forward for everyone." Nominated by their peers, awardees have been determined by a committee comprised of a diverse group of Council members and community leaders, and will receive a certificate of recognition from the City of Boston, signed by Mayor Walsh, in appreciation of their contribution and dedication to positively shaping the future of Boston. Five of the awardees have been selected by the ONEin3 Council to give short, personalized presentations on the motivation behind their efforts. At the end of the evening, attendees will choose the ultimate 2015 Impact Award winner by voting for the most compelling presentation. Presenters/Finalists: Aeron Hodges, Stantec & WHAT'S IN Jonathan Feinman, InnerCity Weightlifting John Matthews Borders IV, Boston Celtics Zoe Barry, ZappRX Brad McNamara, Freight Farms Additional Awardees: Matt George, Bridj Enrico Palmerino, ThinkLite & SmartBooks Latoya Baskin, Janey Construction Management Justin Kang, City Awake Moises Cohen, BUILD Adrian Anantawan, Conservatory Lab Charter School Nicole Fichera, District Hall Stephen Hamilton, Arts Connect International About ONEin3 With more than one-third of Boston's population between the ages of 20-34, Boston is home to the highest proportion of young adults out of any major city in America. Recognizing the importance of this demographic, the Mayor's ONEin3 Initiative serves to increase civic engagement, promote active citizenship and build relationships to support and empowerBoston's young adult population. Follow us on Twitter or learn more here:www.onein3boston.com