Baker-Polito Administration Announces Solar Powered Mobile Device Charging Stations at Public Facilities

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Solar Powered Mobile Device Charging Stations at Public Facilities

WEST SPRINGFIELD – September 22, 2016 – At an unveiling at the Big E Fair, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced the future installation of solar-powered public charging and WiFi hotspot stations for mobile devices at 13 public facilities across Massachusetts. The project is the result of a partnership between the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to expand the use of innovative, sustainable technology at state facilities while providing the public with convenient power solutions at outdoor recreational centers including beaches and playgrounds.

“Technology plays a critical role in supporting our daily lives, and the installation of thirteen solar-powered mobile device charging stations within the state park system will increase the accessibility of these locations allowing families to spend more time enjoying the state’s natural resources,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“Massachusetts has a long, proud history of supporting innovative ideas, and these public stations serve as the latest example of our dedication to providing inventive solutions for the public to directly benefit from.”

“Massachusetts leads the nation in clean energy innovation, where promising ideas are set into motion within communities across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “It is essential that we foster an environment that not only embraces new and developing technologies, but also serves an important role in our day to day lives.”

The project, funded by an award of $96,850 from DCR and MassCEC to Somerville-based WrightGrid LLC for purchase of the units as well as annual service and maintenance fees, includes 13 Model Z solar-powered charging stations that provide users with free charging and WiFi connectivity. Each unit will have 10 secure cell phone lockers with universal charging cables and are able to charge over 95 percent of the mobile devices on the market, including all Apple (iOS) and Android devices.

“By installing thirteen solar-powered charging stations at popular public facilities, the Baker-Polito Administration is sending a clear message that it supports the continued development of renewable technologies that will clearly benefit generations of people,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Making innovative, environmentally-friendly services available to the public, especially children, will provide people with increased accessed to the natural world, which will in turn create an environment enabling visitors to foster a true love for nature.”

In addition to the unit installed outside of the Massachusetts State Building on the grounds of the Big E Fair, units will be installed at the following locations:

·         Artesani Playground and Wading Pool - Boston

·         Constitution Beach - Boston

·         Southwest Corridor Park - Boston

·         Castle Island - South Boston

·         Murphy Rink - South Boston

·         Nickerson State Park - Brewster

·         Lynch Family Skate Park - Cambridge

·         Nantasket Beach Reservation - Hull

·         Nahant Beach Reservation - Nahant

·         Wollaston Beach - Quincy

·         Salisbury Beach Reservation - Salisbury

·         Horseneck Beach Reservation - Westport

“The Department of Conservation and Recreation is pleased to provide visitors to our state beaches, forests, rinks, skate parks and campgrounds with an innovative way to stay digitally connected while enjoying the Commonwealth’s many outdoor recreational opportunities,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “I hope and expect that many will benefit from an improved user experience in our state parks, as evidenced by the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to this project.”

“This funding helps continue the growth of the thriving clean energy economy in Massachusetts,” saidMassCEC Interim CEO Stephen Pike. “By providing market opportunities to local small businesses, we can realize economic benefits here in the Commonwealth while offering products that enhance the visitor experience at our state facilities.”

“The Baker-Polito Administration is connecting the bridge between the enjoying the digital word and the Commonwealth’s natural resources by providing clean energy means to attract the public to our treasured state properties,” said State Representative Paul A. Schmid (D-Westport). “With the development of this project, residents and visitors to Westport and Horseneck Beach will literally have clean, inventive technologies at their fingertips. I truly thank the Administration and the work that EEA, DCR, and MassCEC continue to do to maintain and improve our environmental landscape.”

“I commend the Baker-Polito Administration for their commitment to enhancing public access to renewable technology,” said State Senator Michael Rodrigues (D-Westport). “Installing charging stations and public WiFi at Horseneck Beach will help better equip our community’s ability to couple the needs of technologically-driven consumers with maintaining the use of our natural and recreational facilities.”

“This is great news,” said State Representative James Kelcourse (R-Amesbury). “These types of investments in the community make sense and help make Salisbury Beach an even more attractive place to visit.”

“Constitution Beach is among East Boston’s greatest natural resources,” said State Senator Joseph Boncore (D-Winthrop). “Investments in new technologies, such as solar charging stations, are critical to the continued growth of the neighborhood and protecting our environment for generations to come.”

WrightGrid designs and manufactures industrial strength power products to enhance mobile connectivity. The Model Z is its first product deployed for public use.

“I speak for the entire WrightGrid team when I say we are extremely excited to partner with the Governor's Office, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, MassCEC, and DCR to make our solar cell phone charging stations available to the public,” said Ryan Wright, Founder and CEO of WrightGrid. “We could to have asked for more supportive partners, and through their efforts, we’re now able to provide convenient power and connectivity solutions across the Commonwealth, demonstrating how Massachusetts is leading the way for the adoption of renewable energy in new and creative ways.”

Community Listening Session with AAPI Older Adults 9/29

White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders and the National Asian Pacific Center on Aging to Host Community Listening Session with AAPI Older Adults, Caregivers, and Professionals
Representatives from federal agencies to share information on government programs

Boston, MA— On Thursday, September 29th, the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders New England Regional Network, housed within the Department of Education, will host a community listening session with federal government agencies from 9:00am – 12:00pm EDT at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England, 90 Tyler Street, Boston, MA 02111. Agency representatives will discuss their agencies’ programs and services aimed at assisting older adults, caregivers, and professionals.

The listening session will include sessions that:
• Identify the needs, challenges, and barriers for older adults, caregivers, family members, and professionals
• Discuss strategies on how to address these issues
• Share information on government services
Credentialed media interested in attending should RSVP by 5:00pm EDT on Wednesday, September 28th. Please RSVP to helly.lee@ed.gov. Media confirmed to attend should arrive no later than 8:30am EDT on Thursday, September 29th, 2016.
The White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, housed within the Department of Education, works to improve the quality of life for Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders across the nation through increased access to and participation in federal programs. For more information, go to www.whitehouse.gov/aapi.

State Officials Celebrate Massachusetts Day at Big E

State Officials Celebrate Massachusetts Day at Big E

WEST SPRINGFIELD – September 22, 2016 – Today, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux and other state officials attended Massachusetts Day at the Big E to highlight support for economic development of Massachusetts agriculture and key environmental initiatives. The officials kicked off the day with a speaking program on the lawn of the Massachusetts Building. 

“Today, we celebrate the many hard-working farmers across the state that produce healthy, local products for the citizens of Massachusetts,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “I encourage fairgoers and consumers to support and learn about Massachusetts businesses by visiting the Massachusetts building at the Big E.”

“Massachusetts Day at the Big E is a perfect opportunity to showcase the diversity of high-quality, locally-grown and made products available in the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.“Our administration remains committed to supporting the agricultural community and to ensuring our farms and other small businesses continue to thrive and grow.” 

“We are excited to be a part of the Big E’s 100th centennial celebration here on Massachusetts Day, and to show our support for the Massachusetts agricultural industry,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “While this year’s dry weather has presented remarkable challenges, our farmers remain resilient and we all need to do our part to support their efforts by buying local.”

“The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources is pleased to promote the harvest season this fall for our farmers here on Massachusetts Day along with the many businesses and tourism opportunities,” said MDAR Commissioner Lebeaux.  “The Department is committed to increasing market opportunities for local growers and food producers that increase access to fresh, local food in all communities across the Commonwealth and the promotion of sustainable agriculture.”

Visitors to the Massachusetts building can enjoy exploring the offerings of the many agricultural commodity groups and commercial vendors set up to sell and promote Massachusetts products, like maple syrup, Finnish pancakes, bread pudding, honey, dairy products, fruit, wine, lobster rolls, chili and variety of baked goods.  Massachusetts small businesses also sell a variety of locally-made goods such as braided rugs, hand crafted candles, soaps, chocolate and jewelry.  The building, dedicated in 1919 by then-Governor Calvin Coolidge, offers fairgoers today a glimpse of what makes Massachusetts a leader in agriculture and small business development. 

“Vendors from throughout the Northeast have come to West Springfield to showcase their local products at the Big E for 100 years now and today’s Massachusetts Day is no exception for local farmers here in the Commonwealth,” said State Senator James T. Welch (D-West Springfield). “I hope a stop at the Massachusetts building will encourage visitors to patronize the farmers and crafters in their own neighborhoods across the state.”

“Massachusetts Day at the Big E is a great way to meet and talk to the many farmers and agricultural professionals that we have here in the Commonwealth,” said State Representative Michael Finn (D-West Springfield). “It is an industry that is made up of hard working individuals that love what they do, and the fair gives them the perfect platform to showcase their businesses and locally made products.”

“The Big E is a great partner to West Springfield with agriculture events taking place throughout the year,”said West Springfield Mayor William Reichelt. “The continued success of this annual celebration is due in part to the countless vendors from around the Commonwealth that travel here to showcase their part in the agricultural market.”

Also at the Big E, visitors can peruse the Mallory Complex for an array of agricultural educational demonstrations including a viewing of livestock contests and 4-H exhibits. 

“For a glorious century, the Big E has attracted hundreds of millions of visitors from across the Eastern Seaboard and beyond to celebrate our region’s distinct agriculture, culinary riches, small businesses and cultural offerings,” said Francois-Laurent Nivoud, Executive Director of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT).  “The Big E makes us proud to be from Massachusetts and New England.”

Along with the Big E’s 100th year celebration, the National Parks Service Centennial was honored with a recreation of the Boston Harbor Island and its lighthouse in the central hall of the Massachusetts building.  The replica was created through a partnership with the Department of Conservation and Recreation and the National Parks Service. 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $300,000 in Wildlife Habitat Improvement Grants

Baker-Polito Administration Announces $300,000 in Wildlife Habitat Improvement Grants

SOUTHWICK – September 22, 2016 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $300,000 in funding for private and municipal efforts to manage conservation lands to benefit native wildlife at a public site walk showcasing wildlife habitat improvements at the Southwick Wildlife Management Area.

“We are pleased to provide funding for the second year to this program which gives municipalities and private conservation organizations the resources to improve wildlife habitats across the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “These grants help species of greatest conservation need and enhance recreational opportunities for people who enjoy hunting, bird watching and other outdoor recreation.”

“This funding will greatly enhance forward-thinking municipal and private wildlife conservation efforts throughout the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Working together with municipal and private partners is essential to our goal of conserving all types of wildlife.”

The Habitat Management Grant Program, created in 2015 and managed by the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), provides financial assistance to private and municipal landowners of conserved lands to improve and manage habitat for wildlife deemed in greatest conservation need and for game species. The projects receiving funding will also expand opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping, and other outdoor recreation, and complement the ongoing habitat management efforts on state lands.

“The Baker-Polito Administration has made acquiring and conserving open spaces a priority,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “However, it is equally important to build on that investment by improving habitat management for native wildlife on state, municipal and private conservation lands.”

“Wildlife in special need of conservation as well as game species will benefit directly from these habitat management activities,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner George Peterson, who announced the commitment of funds for the grant program in Southwick today.  “In addition, the habitat management projects will provide better recreational opportunities for the sporting community, birders, and other wildlife enthusiasts.”

“Though the Division is responsible for the conservation of wildlife and the habitat upon which it depends, the reality is that 80 percent of Massachusetts’ lands where wildlife lives is held in private ownership,” said DFW Director Jack Buckley. “It makes sense as an agency to apply science-based habitat management activities with committed private landowners, thereby protecting their investment in wildlife and habitat.”

In the inaugural year of the Habitat Management Grant Program, MassWildlife awarded funds for eighteen projects conducted by fourteen municipalities and organizations. Some of the successful projects include treatment of invasive species and improvement of field and young forest habitat by the Town of Wilbraham at their Thayer Brook and Twelve Mile Brook Conservation Areas; creation of grassland habitat at Franklin Land Trust’s Crowningshield Farm in Heath; and prescribed burning being conducted by The Nature Conservancy on its Katama Plains Conservation area in Edgartown to help maintain regionally significant sandplain grassland habitats. Grant applications will be available in early October and will be available here.

“The Habitat Management Grant Program has done a great job of wildlife preservation for both at-risk species and those that are essential to sportsmen activities,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture.  “As chair of both the Environment Committee and the Sportsmen’s Caucus, I have advocated for exactly what this program aims to accomplish and I commend the Baker-Polito Administration for its success.”

“This grant program provides important, necessary funding in order to appropriately manage and improve habitats for wildlife species throughout the Commonwealth’s landscape,” said State Representative Paul Schmid III (D-Westport), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. “I am very appreciative of the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to land conservation and wildlife management.”

Following the grant announcement, MassWildlife foresters and ecologists led visitors on a site walk at the Southwick Wildlife Management Area, one of the premier grassland habitats in the state. Staff showed off the results of grassland habitat management activities, including mowing and tree clearing that benefit game birds such as the American woodcock and ruffed grouse, a vernal pool enhancement project for the rare Eastern Spadefoot toad, as well as declining songbirds like the Eastern towhee and brown thrasher.

波士頓僑界歡迎張富美率雙十文化綜藝團到訪

波士頓華僑文教中心主任歐宏偉(右起)和余麗媖、陳式儀，謝如鍵(前排左起)、紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊，波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬(前左四)等僑團代表，9月21日下午趕到羅根機場，歡迎曾任僑委會委員長8年的張富美(前左五)

，率歌星潘越雲(前右六)等人組成的慶雙十文化綜藝訪問團抵達波士頓。

張富美此行率團出訪，從9月10日出發，預定10月初返台，總共將訪問美加兩國15個城市。波士頓是第六站。

是誰剪斷了華埠懸掛的青天白日滿地紅旗串?

波士頓華埠的必珠街，乞臣街，泰勒街，夏利臣街的兩旁街道早從9月15ㄖ之前，就掛出了長長一串的青天白日滿地紅和星條旗，在電線杆間間隔排列著，隨風飄揚，節慶氣氛十足。

昨天(9月21日)上午，波士頓華埠治安巡邏隊接獲通知，掛在黃氏公所門前，由中華民國及美國國旗連成的串旗斷了。巡邏隊員謝中之、曾兆漢及馮先生等人下午趕到現場，準備重掛時，發現旗串斷口整齊，絕不是意外掉落，而且顯然是被人用剪刀剪斷的，一定是有心人惡意破壞。

謝中之等人把旗串重新掛上後，已向有關當局報告，將查察剪斷旗串的可疑人物。

謝中之表示，最近還有人在華埠散發一張印有中華公所徽號，名稱，聲稱好消息，有新網站了，下附美國星條旗和中國五星旗的圖片。

謝中之強調，這顯然是有人在故意整中華公所，明知中華公所大樓目前懸掛著中華民國青天白日滿地紅國旗，卻在這張圖片上故意把中華公所和五星旗放在一起。

近日經過華埠牌樓，走過波士頓華埠必珠街的人，其實都會注意到，華埠牌樓上掛著嶄新燈籠，還有青天白日滿地紅旗幟和星條旗並列，但是就在華埠牌樓旁，咫尺之遙的波士頓黃氏宗親會大樓外面，也懸掛著尺寸更大的五星旗與星條旗，彷彿藉由旗幟來彰顯兩岸在波士頓的近距離對峙。(圖片由謝中之堤供)

First-Degree Murder Conviction in Veteran’s Slaying

First-Degree Murder Conviction in Veteran’s Slaying

BOSTON, Sept. 21, 2016—The man who gunned down 22-year-old US Army veteran Stephen Perez during an altercation in a Theater District parking garage was found guilty of first-degree murder in his homicide, District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

Jurors convicted PETER CASTILLO (D.O.B. 8/6/88) of Salem about two hours after Judge Mitchell Kaplan instructed them on the law. The verdict, which rejected Castillo’s claim of self-defense, came after about four days of testimony. Castillo faces a mandatory term of life in prison without the possibility of parole when Kaplan sentences him Monday morning.

“Cases like this are the reason we take a hard line against illegal handguns in Boston,” Conley said. “A young man carrying an illegal handgun isn’t just more likely to use it – he’s more likely to put himself in the position where he’ll use it. This was an argument, a fistfight at the most, that escalated to murder because the defendant was carrying a handgun he had no business possessing. And the terrible irony is that Stephen Perez survived two tours of duty in Afghanistan only to die on the streets of Boston.”

Evidence and testimony introduced by Assistant District Attorney David Fredette proved that Perez, a resident of Revere, was out with friends in Boston’s Theater District into the early hours of April 28, 2012, when he became involved in an altercation in a Tremont Street parking lot. Castillo came from behind Perez and shot him in the back.

Perez was rushed to Tufts Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. Castillo fled the scene – and later the country. Based on video footage, eyewitness statements, and other evidence, Boston Police homicide detectives obtained a warrant for his arrest and  Suffolk prosecutors obtained an indictment charging him with first-degree murder.  After adding him to their 15 Most Wanted Fugitives list, the US Marshals Service developed information that led to Castillo’s capture in the Dominican Republic in January 2015.

Also charged in connection with the case are LUIS SEPULVEDA (D.O.B. 8/15/84) and JANICE HARDY (D.O.B. 12/12/90), both of Lynn, who were indicted for misleading an investigator and perjury for allegedly lying to police and then to the grand jury investigating Perez’s murder. They will be tried at a later date.

Elise McConnell was the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocate. Castillo was represented by attorney Scott Gleason.

波士頓僑情座談會證實解聘兩名僑務榮譽職人員

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉（右起）主持僑情座談會。紐英崙中華公所
主席陳家驊，僑務委員蔣宗壬，經文處處長賴銘琪，僑務委員梅錫銳
上坐主席台。（周菊子攝）

            （Boston Orange 周菊子牛頓市報導）波士頓華僑文教中心9月16日晚在牛頓市中心會址舉辦“僑情座談會”，討論八項議題。經文處處長賴銘琪強調僑界不分藍綠，應以支持中華民國為公約數；僑教中心主任歐宏偉證實，僑委會已正式解聘兩名僑務榮譽職人員。

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉說明僑委會一直都在做建立資料庫的工作。

            代表波士頓的兩名僑務委員，蔣宗壬、梅錫銳將於十月廿三至廿五日赴台參加全球僑務座談會。僑教中心特地舉辦這場僑情座談會，請僑團首長出席交流，集思廣益，提建言。

波士頓經文處處長賴銘琪強調台灣已是成熟的民主自由國家。
（周菊子攝）

             經文處處長賴銘琪在會中致詞指出，今年五月廿日，台灣經歷了第三次政黨輪替，中華民國已經是一個成熟的民主國家，希望海外僑胞不分藍綠，僑團不分新舊。他引述駐美代表高碩泰日前訪問波士頓時在僑宴中的致詞，強調只要是支持中華民國，支持台灣自由民主的僑胞，經文處都將精進再精進的服務。

            僑教中心主任歐宏偉為當天的僑情座談安排了八項議題，促請僑團首長們討論推動僑務工作需克服的困難與挑戰，如何團結匯聚共識，團結全僑力量，培育年輕僑領，推展僑教，輔佐台商，擴大招攬僑生，結合僑界資源，加強台灣行銷軟實力等等。

紐英崙客家鄉親會的許炳煌（左起），陳裕逢，周一男發言踴躍。

            他在特地說明僑委會配合政府，正推動新南向政策時，還以僑生有語言，人脈優勢為例，指出僑委會也正擴大招攬僑生，善用其資源。當天的座談會出席者中，就有陳家驊，伍輝民，薛劍童等人當年都是僑生。

            歐宏偉還以他個人曾在美、加兩國服務的經驗指出，台灣的醫療服務，精緻美食，世界各地都沒得比，絕對值得僑胞宣揚。在世代傳承上，紐英崙至孝篤親公所推舉年輕人當主席做法，值得推廣。

            賴銘琪處長建議，僑團辦活動時，可多邀請地方政要出席，將如同增加台灣能見度，擴大國民外交力量。

前任新英格蘭中文學校協會會長陳式儀（右）發言。

在僑社內懸掛旗幟，近年出現兩岸較勁情況，歐宏偉不諱言，這確已成為僑務工作的挑戰之一。他也在會中證實，因為相關情節，僑委會已在波士頓正式解聘一名僑務顧問，一名僑務促進委員。

 這兩人在9月17日時都出席了在波士頓市府廣場舉行的五星旗升旗典禮。

謝中之分享經驗談。

紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊，紐英崙客家鄉親會會長周一男，波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝，昭倫公所總務謝中之，新英格蘭中文學校協會前任會長陳式儀，波克萊台灣商會前任會長陳玉瑛，新英格蘭台灣商會前任會長許炳煌，僑務促進委員馮文鸞，陳裕逢，陳文浩等等多人，當天都在會中發言，從不同角度提了許多建議。

波士頓僑情座談會，僑團首長出席踴躍。

曾任波克萊台灣商會會長的郭競儒（左），陳玉瑛（右）。

波士頓華僑文教中心主任歐宏偉（右二起）在僑情座談後，和承辦
慶祝雙十文化綜藝訪問團活動的工作人員，鄭玉春，曾正泉，
僑務委員蔣宗壬等人開會。右一為中華公所主席陳家驊。