波士頓廣場旗海飄揚 紀念美國國殤日

波士頓廣場（Boston Common）廿一日插了滿滿37000面美國國旗，向美國革命戰爭以來所有的隕落士兵們致敬，讓迎接“國殤紀念日”的人們，無法不感受到戰爭帶給人的失落，傷痛。

每年五月的最後一個星期一是美國的國殤日（Memorial Day）。又稱美國陣亡將士紀念日的這國殤日，今年落在五月廿五日。

麻州軍事英雄基金（Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund）先於廿一日在波士頓廣場舉辦了一場追思紀念會，請得麻州州長查理貝克（Charlie Baker），波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh）致詞，也在簡單隆重的儀式中，大聲朗讀出每一名殞落軍人的姓名，聊表心意。

從2001年的911 恐怖份子襲擊美國，紐約世貿大樓被飛機炸塌以來，麻州共有219名軍人在各個戰場喪生。

            這一紀念活動，共動用了六百名義工，花了整整兩天時間，來插這些旗幟。主辦單位表示，這些旗幟將在波士頓廣場一直飄揚到週一晚上，供民眾憑悼。

          

圖片說明：

波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh）在波士頓廣場的士兵及水手紀念碑（ Soldiers and Sailors Monument）旁，為紀念殞命軍人致詞。（圖由波士頓市市長辦公室提供）

波士頓廣場插滿一幅幅美國國旗。（圖由麻州州長辦公室提供）

麻州州長查理貝克（Charlie Baker）在致詞時指出，他就住在Swampscott鎮的一座紀念碑旁，那兒也紀念著從內戰以來的殞命軍人。（圖由麻州州長辦公室提供）

羅德島華人協會頒獎學金鼓勵十七名學子

羅德島華人協會五月十八日晚在中國飯店頒發獎學金，一口氣發出二萬三千元，鼓勵十七名學子深造，服務社區。

羅德島州副州長麥基（Daniel J. McKee），克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉杰（Allan Fung）當晚應邀致詞，稱許這些學子在勤奮學習之餘，不忘服務社區，精神可嘉，也為美好未來奠下良好基礎。

馮偉杰提醒學生們，他們的成就和父母，家庭的支持不無關係，領得獎學金，邁向人生另一階段，將來學而有成後，不要忘了自己的中國文化傳統，更要記得羅德島州，羅德島華人協會，回來服務的回饋社區，把大家庭互相扶持的精神傳承下去。

羅德島華人協會獎學金委員會主席，羅德島大學教授楊慶表示，連辦兩年後，該會這頒給每名得獎者一千元至三千元不等獎額，強調申請學生須有心學習中國文化，致力服務社區的獎學金，在社區間已小有知名度。今年這第三年，申請者大增。

支持辦理獎學金項目的路加慈善基金會因此慷慨決定增撥款項，該會頒給獎學金的人數，也從第一年的九人，一躍增至今年的十七人。

楊慶指出，評審委員會正式開會四次，模仿國家自然科學基金會評審全美研究獎的程序和方式，嚴格評審每一個申請，不但審閱文件，看學生們在社區中所表現的領導力，參與度及貢獻，在學校的SAT/ACT, GPA等學業成績，老師的推薦信，諸如體育，藝術，音樂方面的課外活動表現，更考量學生們熱愛中國語言，文化及傳統的程度等。

今年申請獎學金的學生們，幾乎個個表現優異，評審們在”亞洲燒烤（Asia Grill）“餐廳開過多次正式評審會議，還親自面試申請學生，才一致通過，發獎學金給羅德島州及麻州南部的十七名學生。

獎學金委員會副主席，強森威爾士大學國際學生入學許可主任章賢信指出，去年得獎的三名學生，Derick Yang，Jesse Li和Hans Wang，今年不但回來協助籌辦頒獎晚會，還在會場當義工，為出席者端盤送菜，充分表現回饋社區的服務精神，讓人感到十分欣慰。

來自十所高中的十七名羅島華協獎學金得獎者，當晚由曾經在台灣住了十年，能說流利中文的南京士頓高中學生夏妮娜（Nina H. Gardener）代表致詞。東格林威治高中得獎比率最高，有吳明一等五名學生獲獎。馮偉杰市長的克蘭斯頓市，有一名得獎者，Jessica Leung。

羅島華協今年的獎學金評審委員包括該會主席葉超，該會會長吳子平，以及以教授為主的獎學金委員，主席楊慶，副主席章賢信，還有萬寅生，李書紅，沈陽，蕭京建，王曉元，才旭，陳任卓等人。

圖片說明：

            羅德島華人協會獎學金得獎代表夏妮娜（右二）和該會會長吳子平（右起），克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉杰，該會主席葉超在領獎後合影。（菊子攝）

            克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉杰（前中）和十七得獎學生中的出席者合影。（菊子攝）

            羅德島華人協會董事，右起，楊慶，章賢信，才旭，孫琰，周華，吳子平，馮偉杰，葉超，羅春松，饒彬等人為頒發獎學金，還分頭籌備會場佈置。（菊子攝）

中華藝術協會舞蹈班年度演出圓滿 6/27將辦民舞展

紐英崙中華藝術協會舞蹈班(ACAS Dance Studio)日前在屋本市會址舉辦年度演出，三十六名學生以九支中西舞蹈，展現學習成績，家長看著開心，老師表示滿意。

該會下一個大活動將是六月廿七日，在波士頓大學蔡氏表演中心，分別於下午一點半及晚上七點半演出兩場的第廿九屆紐英崙中華民族舞蹈展。

陳玉律透露，這是該會第一次免費贈票的演出，有意到會欣賞者，必須事前索票。大波士頓最近流行起來的微信群，已有不少群友在互相邀約，強調票源緊俏，索票動作要快。

藝協舞蹈班今年有三班學生，分別由陳玉律、馬嘉和李薇薇等三名老師，指導芭雷舞，中國舞的基本、進階，綜合舞步，還學了新疆鈴鼓舞，鳳陽花鼓舞，喜劇芭蕾的Swanilda and Friend，春之舞等。

陳玉律透露，自己酷愛舞蹈，但當年家境拮据，等辛苦存到一筆錢，也已年近廿時，才開始學跳舞，第一支舞就是喜劇芭蕾（Coppelia），至今印象深刻。

陳玉律表示，中國舞和西方舞跳法不同，中國舞注重內涵，西方舞講究張揚，跳躍，但她認為，學好跳芭蕾舞的基本舞步，就中西舞蹈都能跳得好，所以藝協舞蹈班也要求所有學生都先學基本芭蕾舞。

當天的舞蹈節目雖然不多，但每支舞的舞服都色彩豔麗，造型精美，看著就賞心悅目，學員們全都是年紀在十七，八歲以下的小姑娘，更是讓會場青春氣息洋溢。

其中一名家長黃綺，三名女兒，梁嘉嬌，梁嘉妍，梁嘉鴻都先後在藝協的舞蹈班上課。她笑說，學舞都是女兒自動自發的要求，她只負責接送，但看著女兒認真，肯為練舞一大早起床，學會紀律，堅持，還交了不少好朋友，的確很開心，也對送小孩到藝協學舞，家長還得當義工的不成文規定，感到心甘情願得很。

藝協總監陳玉律透露，去冬大雪壓境，會址屋頂也坍塌了，那天還是屋頂終於修好後，第一次能在會址演出。

  

圖片說明：

            紐英崙中華藝術協會舞蹈班全體表演者與老師合影。（菊子攝）

            紐英崙中華藝術協會藝術總監陳玉律說明今年的中華民族舞蹈展，免費送票。（菊子攝）

            老師馬嘉（右起）與家長黃綺笑說，這三名舞者，金彤云，梁嘉妍，金彤宇，長得像姐妹一樣。（菊子攝）

            藝協舞蹈班演出鳳陽花鼓。（菊子攝）

            藝協舞蹈班的舞服都色彩豔麗。（菊子攝）

            藝協舞蹈班表演。（菊子攝）

原漾台灣 5/26 進波士頓華埠

    “原漾台灣”演出海報。（圖由波士頓僑教中心提供）

僑委會舉辦的“台灣傳統周”活動，今年邀國立東華大學原住民民族學院舞團到北美各地巡迴展演“原漾台灣”，訂五月廿六日（週二）晚七點，在波士頓華埠昆士小學禮堂演出，入場免費。

東華大學原住民民族學院舞團這趟來北美巡演，預定在一個月內走訪芝加哥、亞特蘭大、邁阿密、華府、紐約、波士頓、蒙特婁及多倫多等13城市、演出15場，把台灣的精緻民俗文化，軟實力，展現在僑民及主流社會大眾面前。

波士頓華僑文教中心表示，原住民民族學院院長童春發曾說，原民舞團並不是為表演而表演。他們的每一次演出，都是一次文化生命故事的再現。舞蹈者身上穿的那些傳統服飾，跳的舞步，唱的歌聲，都帶有原住民祖先的生命故事，蘊含著豐富文化傳統，細心的人，都會感動很深。

中華頤養院免費早餐講座 5/28

全美亞裔婦女會 6/14舉辦九週年餐舞會

MAYOR WALSH RELEASES FIRST HOUSING PROGRESS REPORT

MAYOR WALSH RELEASES FIRST HOUSING PROGRESS REPORT

Quarterly Update Shows City on Target to Meet Mayor's Housing Goals, Outlines Where Improvement is Needed 

BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today publicly released the administration’s first progress report on achieving the housing production goals laid out in his ambitious housing plan, “Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030.” The plan, released in October 2014, called for increased transparency into housing policy, including quarterly releases of data and an end of year Annual Report. This is the first report in that series.

“I am extremely proud of the progress that the City has made in increasing the supply of new housing that will reach the market,” said Mayor Walsh. “But in order to create a thriving, healthy and innovative city, we must work harder to ensure that everyone who wants to live here is able to. This report shows that Boston 2030 is more than just a thoughtful plan; it is a true blueprint for action.”

The City of Boston’s data demonstrates that the City is on target to meet the Mayor's goals of creating 53,000 units of housing by the year 2030. In the first quarter of 2015, 1,187 units of housing were created, bringing the total number of new units of housing created since the inception of the plan to 13,017.  This represents 128 percent of the target production level needed to reach the City's goal of creating 53,000 units by 2030. In addition, another 825 units of housing were approved through the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA), bringing the City's total number of units permitted or approved to more than 21,000 units.

This quarter, the City also achieved 121 percent of its target rate for creating 6,500 units of low-income housing by 2030. To encourage continued development of affordable housing, this week Mayor Walsh awarded nearly $39 million to support affordable housing developments in neighborhoods throughout Boston. The funding, which will create or preserve 1,194 housing units, uses $27 million of federal and local resources through the Department of Neighborhood Development (DND) and uses $11.7 million in linkage funds through Boston's Neighborhood Housing Trust.

The City reached 88 percent of its quarterly target to reach 20,000 units of middle income housing by 2030, with 551 units created this quarter, and 3,740 units permitted to date. Analysis of the data appears to show an increase in middle income housing creation.  When this quarter’s new housing starts come on the market, projections indicate that nearly half of the units will be affordable to middle income households, in comparison to 26 percent in 2014.  

“Boston is well on its way to achieving the level of production needed to house its growing population,” said Marc Draisen, Executive Director of the Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC). “Middle income housing still remains a challenge, which is why we strongly support Mayor Walsh’s efforts to address barriers related to zoning, permitting and the cost of construction.”

No new units of senior housing were created this quarter; however, the City has permitted 284 new units of low-income senior housing, which is 89 percent of the target rate needed to reach 1,500 units by 2030. The elimination of the Federal 202 program has meant that it has been a year since the last elderly housing project started construction; however, passage of a new line item in Mayor Walsh’s Fiscal Year 2016 City budget would mean that the City can begin to rebuild the senior housing pipeline and to fund new projects again. The City also filed state legislation in January to create a new affordable senior housing program using existing state housing bond bill funds.

Additional data points in the report include:

• Dorm Production. No new undergraduate dorm beds were produced this quarter, while 1,983 have been produced to date. This represents 58 percent of the target rate needed to reach 16,000 beds by 2030; however, 2014 was a record year for dormitory construction completions, with nearly 1,400 new dorm beds coming on line.
• Transit-oriented development. 75 percent of the City’s new housing starts are within a 5 minute walk of major transit.
• Foreclosures. Although the homeowner foreclosure rate has declined, foreclosure filings are rising. This is a statewide phenomenon that the City is investigating, and strategies will are being developed for deployment in Q2 of 2015.  

The entire report can be found here.

MAYOR WALSH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO HAVE AN ENJOYABLE AND SAFE SUMMER

MAYOR WALSH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS AND VISITORS TO HAVE AN ENJOYABLE AND SAFE SUMMER

BOSTON – Friday, May 22, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined City officials to highlight the cross-departmental measures the City of Boston is taking to keep residents and visitors safe this summer.  

"Summer should be a time of joy and fun, and the City of Boston has wonderful programming lined up for City Hall Plaza and in parks and community centers across the neighborhoods," said Mayor Walsh. "We encourage people to make the most of summer in the city. But it’s also a time when certain risks are higher, so please: be smart and be safe." 

In addition to the City’s significant investment in summer jobs, paid internships, summer school, and summer camps and activities, the Mayor also emphasized the need to specifically connect with those most at risk and in need.

Police:

• This summer, BPD’s 41 newest recruits will be part of increased police presence in Districts B-2 (Roxbury), B-3 (Mattapan), and C-11 (Dorchester), areas of the city that have been identified as crime hotspots.
• BPD will be emphasizing police presence in parks and other open spaces, and will proactively be monitoring house parties and night clubs.
• BPD will be cracking down on illegal scooters and mopeds.  A study by BPD indicated that scooters and/or mopeds were involved in 292 incidents in a seven month period. 
• Streetworkers and violence interrupters neighborhoods most impacted by violence will continue to work hard over the summer months within their communities to reach disconnected and gang-involved youth and get them the supports and services they need to succeed.

Fireworks:

• All types of fireworks are illegal and not allowed in Boston, as throughout Massachusetts.
• Sparklers, which burn at over 1100 degrees, firecrackers and other hand-held fireworks can cause permanent injuries, especially with young children.

Outdoor Fires and Grilling:

• No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas and bonfires.
• Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave unattended. When done, dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out.
• Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home.
• Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area. 

Window Guards:

• Windows should always be opened from the top. Anything a child can climb on – beds, furniture, toy chests – should be kept away from windows to prevent unintentional falls. Children should always be supervised.
• Homes with children under the age of seven should have window guards installed on windows above the first floor. Many local hardware and home improvement stores carry window guards. Boston residents can buy subsidized window guards at Boston Building Resources (www.bostonbuildingresources.com).

Deck, Porch and Roof Usage:

• Property owners are encouraged to utilize decks, porches and roof tops for their intended purpose while keeping in mind its allotted capacity. If any of the following conditions are found, property owners should immediately refrain from using the structure until repairs are made: Split or rotting wood; wobbly handrails or guardrails; loose, missing or rusting anchors, nails or screws; missing, damaged or loose support beams and planking; excessive movement of the porch when walked on; and swaying or unstable porches.
• Roof Tops: Although flat roofs may seem ideal for summer activities such as parties, grilling or sun bathing, property owners and tenants must keep in mind that use of “flat roofs” must be permitted by the Inspectional Services Department for assembly or recreational activity. Roof tops that are not be equipped with railings or proper egress can lead to potential safety issues.
• Decks & Porches: When using a deck or porch, property owners and/or tenants should be aware of the weight placed on the structure. Decks and porches designed and built to code are constructed to withstand a reasonable load. However, the number of people and outdoor furniture should be considered when determining if a structure is being utilized properly.    
• As with anything, normal wear and tear plays a factor in the maintenance and upkeep of a structure. Property owners should take the age and structural integrity of the decks and porches into consideration. Older decks may need to be updated. Please note: decks can only be located in the rear yard. 

Water and Swimming Safety:

• Children and adults should NEVER swim alone. Young children should always be within an adults arm’s reach when swimming. Alcohol should be avoided when playing water sports or when boating. Its effects can be heightened in the heat. Remember to drink lots of water and avoid dehydration.
• Swimming should only take place in designated areas.  

Heat Safety:

• For protection against the harmful rays of the sun, adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-15 or higher and wear protective, loose fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats.
• Never underestimate the seriousness of heat-related emergencies. The elderly, young children and those with chronic medical conditions are more susceptible to the effects of heat. Always check in on family or neighbors who may be at risk heat exhaustion or heat stroke as temperatures climb.
• Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicle, for even short periods of times.
• If you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint, stop all activity and immediately find shade or a cool area to rest. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately.
• Try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas so that your body can cool itself.
• Drink plenty of fluids, making sure to avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. During hot weather, increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level.
• The homeless can become dehydrated rapidly due to a lack of access to water or shelter from the heat. If you observe someone who appears in distress, please contact 911 immediately.
• The City of Boston will declare a Heat Emergency after temperatures have reached 90 degrees or higher for three or more consecutive days. During a Heat Emergency, cooling centers will be open across the City.
• Residents can sign up for Alert Boston, the city's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts on by phone, email, or text. Sign up online: http://www.cityofboston.gov/oem/alertboston.asp.

Animal Bites: 

• To reduce the risk of rabies, make sure pets are up-to-date with their rabies vaccine; do not allow pets to roam free; and do not leave pet food outside. 
• Avoid contact with and feeding of stray and wild animals, and wear gloves while handling pets that have been wounded by other animals. Secure trashcans and cap your chimney so that animals cannot get into them​Bicycling injuries increase in the summer months.

Bike Safety: 

• Always wear a helmet. Helmets are the single most effective safety device available to reduce bicycle-related head injury and death. A properly fitted helmet should sit on top of the head in a level position, and should not rock forward, backward or side-to-side.
• Helmets benefit riders of all ages and Massachusetts law require riders ages 16 and under to wear a helmet. Low cost helmets are available through the City's partnership with Boston Medical Center. 
• Cyclists need to indicate turns and stops with hand signals and should stay visible by wearing bright clothing and using a headlight or taillight if riding at dusk or at night.

Mosquitoes and Ticks:

• Mosquito bites can spread West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), while attached ticks can spread Lyme disease.
• If you are in a grassy, brushy or wooded area, apply a DEET containing repellent that will protect against mosquitoes AND ticks. Always check yourself, children and pets for ticks after returning indoors and remove attached ticks immediately using tweezers.
• Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks to prevent mosquito bites. Limit you time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and apply an approved mosquito repellent.

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) Summer Programs:

• BCYF offers a variety of summer day camps and programs at their community centers (www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF/centers/). BCYF will also operate free weekday drop in Summer Fun Stops for youth at 8 locations throughout the city with a flexible schedule to make it convenient for parents and young people. Visit the BCYF website for the most up-to-date information:www.cityofboston.gov/BCYF/programs/summer.asp.
• Other programs include:
• Summer Girls programming offering several girls-only events across the City including a skate night, beach party and dance off.
• Teen Nights from 8 to 11 p.m. at four community centers
• Super Fun Stops for teens-only from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at three park-based Fun Stop sites.
• Camp Joy, operating since 1946, for Boston's residents with disabilities and their siblings 
• Teen employment programs and pre-employment programs including SUPERTeens and Snap Shot
• Neighborhood Block Parties on select Thursday nights in July and August from 5-7 p.m. a different BCYF center or pool with a free cookout, activities and lots more.
• Forty-five Streetworkers and Violence Interrupters  – the largest number ever – working with high risk and proven risk youth to get them the support and services they need. 

Boston Parks Department Summer Programs:

The Boston Parks Department hosts participatory and performing arts events through the ParkArts program during the summer months. Programs include music concerts, movie nights, a marionette puppet series, watercolor painting workshops, and craft workshops. In addition, the Boston Parks Department, in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission, are hosting free fitness activities in parks citywide, including yoga, boot camp, tai chi, zumba and more. For a list of these events please visit www.cityofboston.gov/parks.

This past year, Mayor Walsh moved the citywide recreation unit back to the Boston Parks and Recreation Department.  The Recreation Unit offers many sports programs throughout the summer including Boston Neighborhood Basketball League, baseball, softball, tennis and golf programs. We also offer three free sports centers for kids in Dorchester, East Boston and South Boston that teach fundamentals of training and condition, sportsmanship, nutrition, wellness and self-esteem. 

###