Message from Dr. Elisa Choi, Chairperson of the Asian American Commission:
Dear AAC Friends and Supporters,
Since the Asian American Commission (AAC) was established by statute of Massachusetts General Law over a decade ago, the last two and a half years have given rise to particularly notable and substantial growth of our organization.
Our more recent success would not have been possible without the capable leadership and professionalism of our Executive Director, Ms. Bora Chiemruom. Under her direction, the AAC has strengthened our programming, our community partnership support and collaborations, and our funding base, to reach pinnacles not previously attained since our inception.
We are saddened she is departing from our organization as Executive Director, but we are grateful she has provided a strong foundation for us, leaving the AAC stronger than ever. We wish her all the very best in her future endeavors.
Message from Bora Chiemruom, Executive Director of the Asian American Commission:
It has been an honor and privilege to serve the Asian American & Pacific Islander communities of Massachusetts in this 3-year term as Executive Director of the Asian American Commission (AAC), which I would have completed in February of 2018. After careful and thoughtful consideration, I have decided to leave my position early in November 2017 to ensure the best possible transition for the Commission. During the next 3 months, I will be working closely with the Search Committee to find my replacement.
In the meantime, I look forward to finishing my AAC tenure with the commitment to ensure the remaining AAC events of 2017 are successful, starting with the Young Leaders Symposium (September 23rd), the 1st AAC Advocacy Day at the State House (October 17th), and closing out the year with the 2nd Annual Asian American Civil Rights Forum (October 27th).
In the past two and half years, I have learned so much about our growing communities! We are a diverse group but with much in common that is, at the core, to help promote and bring about changes for the betterment of our Asian American & Pacific Islander communities.
The Commission is in its 11th year, and we have done a tremendous amount of work to promote the voices of our diverse Asian American & Pacific Islander communities of Massachusetts. As I am preparing to leave as Executive Director, my wish for the Commission and the future Executive Director is nothing short of the best and most successful year yet!
Thank you to all the Commissioners, community members, and the many community partners for all your support, guidance, collegial friendship, and commitment to our unique communities!
星期四, 8月 17, 2017
“Malden Unites Against Hate” Vigil held tonight
Rep. Ultrino Attends “Malden Unites Against Hate” Vigil, Co-Sponsors Resolution Condemning Neo-Nazis, White Nationalists
MALDEN – Representative Steve Ultrino (D – Malden) co-sponsored a resolution condemning neo-Nazi and white nationalist hate organizations, and attended a local solidarity standout and interfaith vigil in Malden. The event, “Malden Unites Against Hate,” is in response to the recent violence caused by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia and the recent vandalism of the Holocaust Memorial in Boston.
Both houses of the Massachusetts Legislature adopted the joint resolution, which calls out neo-Nazis and white nationalists as well as racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-immigrant ideologies. Each member of Malden’s legislative delegation co-sponsored the resolution, including Representatives Steve Ultrino, Paul Donato (D – Medford), and Paul Brodeur (D – Melrose), and Senator Jason Lewis (D – Winchester).
“Rising racist and anti-Semitic violence across the country threatens the progress our nation has made on our long and difficult journey toward embracing diversity and celebrating our multiculturalism,” said Representative Ultrino. “This moment demands each of us to speak out against racism and violence, to support all members of our community, and to commit ourselves to a world where differences are cherished, not used to divide and oppress.”
Organizers of Malden Unites Against Hate described Malden as “one of the most diverse cities in the entire region,” and said “we seek to be a model for how this diversity makes us a stronger community. Let us stand up to bigotry and violence in Malden and everywhere.” Hundreds of Malden residents attended the event.
The resolution recognizes neo-Nazism and white nationalism as “very real threats to the values for which the Commonwealth stands,” and declares that their “message of racial and social intolerance has led to senseless acts of violence that continue to terrorize members of ethnic and religious communities.” Copies of the resolution will be delivered to Charlottesville Mayor Michael Signer, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe, and President Donald Trump
胡桃山音樂夏令營落幕 師生音樂會場場博好評
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| 中華表演藝術基金會提供 |
(Boston
Orange整理報導) 中華表演基金會第26屆胡桃山音樂營，在48名青年音樂才俊師事29名世界一流大師將近一個月，舉辦了19場音樂會，11場大師班及講座，1場協奏曲比賽後，已於8月13日圓滿落幕。
中華表演基金會會長譚嘉陵表示，今年的胡桃山音樂營格外受歡迎，報名人數出乎意料的多，但礙於名額限制，經甄試，只錄取了48名青年音樂才俊，年紀在13到29歲之間，分別來自美國，英國，波蘭，台灣，以及中國的香港，北京，上海等地。其中有20人為舊生，很多人已得過許多國際獎項，還有人已取得音樂碩士或博士學位。
今年的胡桃山音樂營，師資陣容也格外強大，有29位世界一流的“重量級大師”，包括2006的普立茲音樂獎主Yehudi Wyner，紐英崙音樂學院鋼琴系主任Bruce Brubaker，柯蒂斯及新英格蘭音樂學院教授劉孟捷，茱莉亞音樂學院教授陳宏寬，德國Freibury教授陳必先等人。
這些胡桃山音樂營師生在7月20日至8月13日的本年度音樂營營期之間，共舉行了19場音樂會，11場大師班及講座，以及一場協奏曲比賽。
在音樂營上課期間，所有學員在一對一個人課程之外，還參加二重奏，三重奏，四重奏，五重奏，以及不同形式的室內樂演奏，所有弦樂學員都加入弦樂團表演，以增加學員表演機會。音樂營還安排有全都免費對外開放的音樂會，大師班，示範講座，包括學生獨奏作品的明日之星音樂會，室內樂組的大型晚會等。部分學生還獲邀參加教師音樂會，和大師同台演出。
其中和水星(Mercury)交響樂團在麻省理工學院奎斯吉(Kresge)劇院的演出，更是學員們難忘的經歷。水星交響樂團指揮余建寧(Channing Yu)也是胡桃山音樂營早年的學生。
今年的胡桃山音樂營演出，還有2017年協奏曲比賽冠軍，來自中國的李宇航獨奏鋼琴曲，拉赫瑪尼諾夫的”帕尼尼主題狂想曲(Rhapsody
on a Theme of Paganini)”。
在音樂營活動期間，學員們除了研習音樂，演奏技藝，還去了探戈塢(Tanglwood)欣賞波士頓交響樂團的音樂會，參觀博物館，登船遊波士頓海港，上中國餐館用餐等休閒活動。
中華表演藝術基金會胡桃山夏令營還有好幾場音樂會受到媒體關注，報導。波士頓最大的的古典音樂雜誌 Boston Music Intellengencer，就做了6次報導評論，對Larry
Weng，Artur Haftman，Han Chen，Alexander Korsantia，Eric Lu，以及Mana Tokuno等人的音樂會演出，都給予很高評價及讚美。他甚至將這個音樂節命名為“南邊的岩港音樂節(Rockport Music festival South)”，足見他對音樂節的高度讚譽和肯定。
這些音樂會包括都在新英格蘭音樂學院喬登廳(Jordan Hall)舉行，安排在2017年9月23日(週六)晚8點，由北美中樂團演出的”花果靈根集”，2017年11月4日(週六)晚上8點的Parker 弦樂四重奏和韓裔鋼琴家Jung-Ja Kim聯合演出音樂會。
2018年起，1月27日(週六)晚上8點，有旅德鋼琴家陳必先鋼琴演奏會，3月21日(週六)晚上8點，有華裔青年小提琴家于翔及鋼琴家Andrew Hsu的聯合舉行音樂會，5月12日(週六)晚上8點，有獲得蕭邦大獎的越裔鋼琴家鄧泰山鋼琴演奏會。
另外還有兩項全國性比賽，也已排定日程，包括訂2017年9月30日及10月7日(週六)，在波士頓第一教堂 (First
Church in Boston)舉行的第9屆絲竹春吟青少年中國器樂選拔賽和音樂會，以及訂2018年4月15日的第27屆全美青少年國畫書法賽。
查詳情可上網www.ChinesePerformingArts.net，或洽中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵，電郵：Foundation@ChinesePerformingArts.net。(圖片與內容資料由中華表演藝術基金會提供)
Baker-Polito Administration Visits New State Police Homeland Security and Preparedness Division
Baker-Polito Administration Visits New State Police Homeland Security and Preparedness Division
Division provides dedicated homeland security law enforcement capacity
FRAMINGHAM – Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Public Safety Secretary Dan Bennett and State Police Superintendent Colonel Richard McKeon today highlighted the recent creation of a new State Police division focused on combating threats to Massachusetts and the nation posed by extremists and narcotics traffickers, collecting and analyzing criminal intelligence, and protecting large-scale events and critical infrastructure.
The State Police Division of Homeland Security and Preparedness will consolidate and enhance counter-terrorism, opioid interdiction, and criminal intelligence operations currently spread throughout other divisions. The new, dedicated division will significantly increase the Department’s effectiveness and efficiency in these mission areas. The FY18 budget signed by the governor created the new division and allowed for a new State Police Class of 145 recruits.
“To keep our communities safe, it is critical that the Commonwealth continually adapt to various threats facing our state and nation to ensure the highest level of public safety and a coordinated response for first responders,” said Governor Baker. “By bringing the different elements of our homeland security operations under one command, we will enhance the ability for the State Police to coordinate, respond and protect the Commonwealth for critical incidents and threats like drug trafficking.”
The new Division is commanded by Lieutenant Colonel Dermot Quinn and consists of two main sections, the Commonwealth Fusion Center and the Preparedness and Planning Section. Each section is under the command of a Major, who reports to the division commander, who in turn will report directly to the Colonel/Superintendent of the Department. The establishment of these sections as two integral and coordinated parts of the new division will allow for more fully dedicated and expanded efforts in these critical homeland security areas of operation.
“As a part of the 5th division, the Fusion Center will continue its efforts to assist in gathering, analyzing and disseminating information about criminal networks, including those involved in human trafficking,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “The new structure will also allow the State Police to be even more vigilant and informed as they work to disrupt and apprehend criminals involved in the exploitation of children.”
“With the degree of criminal complexity ever increasing, the Massachusetts State Police will continue to evolve and build an organization whose structure and capacities can meet and overcome the challenges that threaten our safety, security, and way of life,” said Secretary Bennett.
“The emerging threats and issues that we now confront demand a stronger, modernized, and wholly-dedicated homeland security and preparedness law enforcement capacity,” Colonel McKeon said. “This Department is uniquely suited – and prepared – to embrace this responsibility and the establishment of this Division will provide the platform to minimize the risk posed by the threats facing us.”
Colonel Richard McKeon noted that the mission of the Massachusetts State Police has continually evolved to meet contemporary challenges throughout the agency’s 151-year history. Since Sept. 11, 2001, the role of the State Police has grown significantly in the area of homeland security, criminal intelligence, and counter-terrorism. That mission remains a major priority of the department. Most recently, faced with the continuing opioid crisis, the Department has increased its efforts to identify and dismantle drug trafficking organizations, focusing on the transportation of narcotics into and across Massachusetts, which is in itself a threat to homeland security. Both of those missions – counter-terrorism and counter-narcotics – will be enhanced by the new division structure.
About the New State Police Homeland Security and Preparedness Division
The Commonwealth Fusion Center, which previously existed under the Division of Investigative Services, will more appropriately fit into the Division of Homeland Security structure. One of its major functions is to collect and analyze intelligence on criminal and terrorism activity and then share that information among federal, state and local partner agencies to facilitate an appropriate law enforcement response. The Fusion Center also will field units tasked with interdicting organizations trafficking opiates into and throughout Massachusetts, investigate potential terrorist activity through State Police membership on the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and investigate cybercrime.
The Preparedness and Planning Section of the new division will centralize law enforcement response planning for critical incidents and natural disasters, and security planning for large-scale events, such as the Boston Marathon, the July 4th concert and other Esplanade events, Sail Boston, major sporting events, and public celebrations. This planning, the responsibility for which is currently dispersed throughout the department, will now be centralized and streamlined. The planning duties, by personnel whose roles will be dedicated to this task, will encompass drafting operational plans, determining necessary staffing, erecting appropriate physical security barriers, and other logistical details for events, venues, and large gatherings.
The Preparedness and Planning section within the new division will also staff and maintain a 24-hour statewide Watch Center that will monitor all developing incidents affecting public safety and security and coordinate appropriate law enforcement response across different jurisdictions and agencies. The Watch Center is being built-out within the existing State Police General Headquarters (which will, in fact, house most of the new division with the exception of the existing Fusion Center units currently based in Maynard).
State Leaders Sign Joint Resolution and Proclamation Denouncing Neo-Nazism and White Nationalism
State Leaders Sign Joint Resolution and Proclamation Denouncing Neo-Nazism and White Nationalism
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| MA governor Charlie Baker (By Governor's office) |
For the Governor’s proclamation, click here.
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| MA Governor Charlie Baker(right) and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito (Left)。 |
For the Legislature’s joint resolution, click here.
Text of Joint Resolution and Proclamation
WHEREAS, white nationalist organizations in our country have consistently promoted values that are overtly racist, anti-Semitic, and anti-immigrant, and these poisonous ideologies continue to promote hatred, bigotry, and violence specifically against individuals solely on the basis of their race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, and immigration status; and
MWHEREAS, today, white nationalism and neo-Nazism remain very real threats to the values for which the Commonwealth stands, and their reinvention as the “Alt-Right” should not mitigate their hateful ideologies; and
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| MA Senate President Stanley Rosenberg (Left), House Speaker Robert DeLeo (Right)。 |
WHEREAS, white nationalism and neo-Nazism are continuing to grow as menaces to societal order as they seek to reignite social animosities, reverse improvements in race relations, divide the nation, and foment hatred, classism, and ethnic eradication; and
WHEREAS, the white nationalist and neo-Nazi message of racial and social intolerance has led to senseless acts of violence that continue to terrorize members of ethnic and religious communities;
Be it resolved and proclaimed:
that the totalitarian impulses, violence, xenophobic biases, and bigoted ideologies that are promoted by white nationalists and neo-Nazis are strongly denounced and opposed; and further,
that law enforcement agencies and elected officials at every level of government are urged to condemn white nationalist and neo-Nazi ideology, vigorously pursue justice in response to hate-fueled violence and work to ensure the protection of the marginalized and targeted communities; and further,
that copies of this resolution will be transmitted to the Mayor of Charlottesville, Governor of Virginia and President of the United States.
Massachusetts Democratic Party Questions Governor Baker’s Pick for MBTA General Manager
Massachusetts Democratic Party Questions Governor Baker’s Pick for MBTA General Manager: No Transit Experience and a Failed Business Record
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Democratic Party today issued the following statement regarding a report that newly appointed MBTA General Manager Luis Ramirez’s former company is under SEC investigation for financial misstatements during his tenure as CEO:
"When Governor Baker appointed a new MBTA General Manager with zero transit experience, he promised us that his pick had 'turnaround experience.' Now we've learned that his supposed turnaround of Global Power Equipment Group was really a $47 million loss, and the company is under SEC investigation for misstating its income when he was CEO,” said Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford. “If Baker's MBTA General Manager doesn't know how to run a public transportation system or how to turn around a struggling company, what was he hired to do? What is Governor Baker's plan for the T?”
“The MBTA isn’t a private corporation for Charlie Baker’s big business allies to squeeze more money out of; it’s the engine that keeps the Greater Boston economy running,” continued Bickford. “When is Governor Baker going to admit that the T needs a long term plan and new investments, not just budget cuts and accounting gimmicks?”
Background:
Newly appointed MBTA General Manager Luis Ramirez was CEO of a company named Global Power Equipment Group from July 2012 until March 20, 2015. Yesterday, WBUR reported that two months after Ramirez departed, the firm had to notify the SEC that its financial statements for 2014 "should not be relied upon because of accounting errors." When the company refiled its financial statements, they revealed additional accounting errors for the three years Ramirez was CEO.
“In its original filing, Global Power Equipment Group reported a net income of $11 million for 2014, the final complete business year Ramirez served as CEO,” WBUR reported. “The company's restated SEC filings show that in 2014, it actually had a net loss of $47 million. Global Power Equipment Group originally overstated its 2014 net income by 524 percent.”
The SEC is now investigating Global Power Equipment Group, and a group of investors is suing Ramirez and the company.
Governor Baker cited Ramirez’s “turnaround experience” when announcing his hiring, and “transit expert was not high on our priority list” for a new General Manager, according to Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack.
星期三, 8月 16, 2017
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $545,000 Grant to Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
Baker-Polito Administration Awards $545,000 Grant to Franklin County Sheriff’s Department
Funding Will Assist in Installation of a 436kW Solar Canopy
BOSTON – August 17, 2017– The Baker-Polito Administration today awarded a $545,000 grant to the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department to support the installation of a 436kW solar canopy at the Franklin County Jail and House of Correction in Greenfield. This grant marks the seventh solar canopy grant awarded by the Leading by Example State Fleet Efficiency grant program from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).
“Massachusetts is a national leader in solar energy, with over 70,000 completed solar projects statewide,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our Administration is proud to partner with Sheriff Donelan and the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department to reduce the department’s energy use and reinvest the savings in critical functions.”
“The Commonwealth’s state, regional, and local governments continue to lead by example in adopting clean energy at their facilities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The solar canopy funded through this grant, paired with the sheriff department’s additional energy conservation efforts, is vital for building a cleaner, more resilient energy future for the county and state.”
The solar canopy installation is part of a comprehensive Accelerated Energy Program (AEP) project managed by the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), which includes over 20 additional energy and water conservation measures. The 436 kW solar canopy is expected to produce approximately 439,000 kWh of electricity each year, enough to offset 26% of the facility’s consumption and save approximately $92,000 in annual energy costs. The project also includes two Level II Dual-head EV Charging stations as well as pre-wiring for additional three dual head stations to be added in the future. In addition to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and lowering the facility’s electricity costs, the solar canopy will also provide shade and shelter from the elements for all visitors and staff.
“The Department of Energy Resource’s Leading by Example program gives our partners across Massachusetts the tools they need to reduce their energy consumption and carbon emissions,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to working collaboratively to meet our ambitious Global Warming Solutions Act emissions reductions goals.”
“The Franklin County Sheriff’s Office is proud to be doing our part to reduce our carbon foot print and save the taxpayers money,” said Franklin County Sheriff Christopher Donelan. “Doing this project here reminds us all that reversing global warming is everyone’s responsibility, even a public safety agency.”
The 2015 Leading by Example Clean Energy Grant Program for Solar Canopies & Innovative Solar seeks to increase installation of solar photovoltaic (PV) parking canopies and innovative solar PV technologies at state facilities. Solar Canopies provide opportunities to state facilities to generate clean renewable electricity at operating parking areas, while reducing heat absorption on parking surfaces and shading parked vehicles. Large solar PV canopy projects will also assist in meeting the energy goals of the Leading by Example Program and can substantially reduce facility energy costs.
“The benefits of this solar canopy go beyond reduced energy costs and emissions for Franklin County, offering employees and visitors alike an option to charge their electric vehicle,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “DOER looks forward to a continued partnership with the Franklin County Sheriff’s Department and all of our partners to increase the adoption of clean and efficient energy at government facilities.”
“This project speaks to the ongoing and strong partnership between DCAMM and DOER to contribute to Massachusetts’ leadership in renewable energy and reducing our carbon footprint, “said Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Carol Gladstone.
The program is funded by an allocation of Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) funds. ACP funds are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs.
“This is great news for the Sheriff's Department and the environment,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst). “This project can help the Sheriff balance his budget and reduce our carbon footprint which the Mayor and Administration have been working so hard to do.”
“This grant award is great news for the Franklin County Sheriff's office and the greater community,” said State Representative Paul Mark (D-Peru). “It will result in savings on energy costs in the long term and reaffirms the Commonwealth's commitment to renewable, sustainable energy as well as promoting a cleaner environment.”
The Leading by Example (LBE) program works with state agencies to meet specific target for greenhouse gas emission reductions, energy consumption reduction and renewable energy procurement. Since 2007, state agencies have made significant progress, including reducing GHG emissions by 26 percent, generating 15 percent of electricity demand from onsite renewable and combined heat and power sources, and reducing heating oil use by 78 percent. LBE results have contributed to Massachusetts being ranked for the past five years as the number one state for energy efficiency in the country by the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
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