麻州因應暴風雪 多市鎮實施停車禁令 波市公校停課

      (Boston Orange 周菊子報導) 大波士頓今晚(3月13日) 起，估計將降雪高達18吋。麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)6點多宣佈，州府非緊急工作人員，週二(3月14日)不用上班。波士頓市，昆士市，摩頓市，牛頓市等多個市鎮也都宣佈了暴風雪停車禁令。

      國家氣象局指出，歷年來的波士頓三月份降雪量，最高一次是1956年時的13.2吋。這回估計在12到18吋之間，有些地區甚至會積雪高達兩呎。平均降雪量很可能打破記錄了。

由於週二風雪來襲時，可能風速高達每小時70英哩，能見度陡降為零，積雪快到每小時2到4吋，氣象局，麻州長等都呼籲民眾格外小心。

      麻州州長查理貝克今晚下令，州府非緊急工作人員，3月14日不用上班。他也勸一般民眾，沒必要別出門，能夠遠程上班，就在家工作，以保持道路暢通，也避免遭遇強風，淹水等造成的各種安全威脅。

      麻州政府將和緊急管理局，國家氣象局，麻州交通署，麻州警察等機構保持緊密聯繫，隨時為州民提供最新消息。

      波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)今日下午已宣佈，明早(3月14日)7點起，實施暴風雪停車禁令。波士頓公校也已決定週二停課。

      馬丁華殊表示，波市公校今年以來已放了共4天下雪假，週三(3月15日)除非必要，公校不再停課。至於市府今年的2300萬元鏟雪預算，現在還剩下550萬元，應該足以應付。

      昆士市市長柯奇(Tom Koch)已宣佈，從3月14日的早上6點起，直至3月15日，實施暴風雪緊急停車禁令。居民必須把車輛停在非緊急鄰里的偶數邊街道。所有的緊急幹道禁止停車。查詢詳情可上網https://www.quincyma.gov for a complete list of emergency arteries。

      摩頓市長葛帝生(Gary Christenson)也已宣佈，今晚9點起實施暴風雪停車禁令，主要幹道都禁止停車。居民有7個地方可從今晚6點起免費停車，包括早期學習中心(

Early Learning Center), Beebe, Forestdale, Ferryway, Linden and Salemwood 等學校，還有市中心的CBD停車場。車輛可在這些地方免費停放到禁令取消為止。居民須勤查311，以及時知道何時該把車輛取回。

      牛頓市宣佈，從3月14日的早上5點起至3月15日的下午2點止，實施暴風雪停車禁令。

Governor Baker Announces State Office Closures for Non-Emergency State Employees

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker announced this evening that state offices will be closed Tuesday, March 14th, for non-emergency, executive branch employees and urged the public to stay off the roads, avoid unnecessary travel and take public transit if you must, and work from home if possible due to a winter storm expected to impact much of the Commonwealth tomorrow. Forecasts are calling for 12 to 18 inches of snow falling across Massachusetts at extremely fast rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour, complicating efforts to keep roadways clear and creating hazardous white out driving conditions and potential for high winds and minor to moderate coastal flooding.

"State offices will be closed tomorrow for non-emergency, executive branch state employees as crews work to keep our roadways clear,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“The extremely fast snowfall rates expected tomorrow will create hazardous driving conditions across the Commonwealth, and we urge everyone to stay off the roads, take public transit if absolutely necessary to travel and work from home if possible.”

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), National Weather Service (NWS), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and State Police (MSP) to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. 

State Office Closures: State offices will be closed for all non-emergency, executive branch state employees on Tuesday, March 14, 2017.

Highway Travel: MassDOT highway crews and contractors will be treating roadways throughout the evening and morning, and will be activated for snow clearing deployments as conditions warrant. HOV lanes will not be opened for Tuesday’s morning or evening commutes. Tandem trucks and specially permitted vehicles (propane) will be restricted from travelling the Turnpike as of 7:00 AM Tuesday morning.

​MBTA: The MBTA is planning to operate a normal weekday schedule, with the exception of ferry and Mattapan Line service. Tuesday ferry service is suspended and the Mattapan Line will be replaced by bus shuttles. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow plenty of time for travel and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter or @MBTA on Twitter for real-time updates.

Commuter Rail: The Commuter Rail will be operating a severe weather or “blue level” schedule. Commuters are encouraged to visit http://www.mbta.com/winter/commuter_rail_advisory/ for schedule information.

Massport/Airport: Cancellations are expected tomorrow and travelers are encouraged to check with their airline carriers for additional information about their flights.

Public Safety: Please keep home and auto exhaust vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide exposure and any avoid downed utility wires. Also, please assist in keeping sidewalks, and fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood clear. If you should lose power during the storm, please visit www.mass.gov/dfs for safety tips from the Department of Fire Services on home generators, carbon monoxide and candle safety tips.

The State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is closely monitoring the storm and forecast to provide situational awareness updates.

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON BAKER'S CAMPAIGN TO CUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON BAKER'S CAMPAIGN TO CUT PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION SERVICES

BOSTON - Massachusetts Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford released the following statement in response to the Baker Administration's proposal to cut weekend commuter rail service and services offered through The Ride:

“Governor Baker’s campaign of cuts at the T hit a new low today with his administration’s plan to eliminate all weekend commuter rail service, and to cut service for disabled passengers to the bare minimum.. Thousands of riders depend on weekend commuter rail and the Ride to get to work, visit friends and family, or see their doctor.

“The Baker administration has already awarded the commuter rail operator, Keolis, millions of dollars in special giveaways, without demanding any improvements in service or reliability. Now they’re trying to punish riders for the Governor’s mismanagement of the commuter rail contract. We should be investing in our public transportation infrastructure, not cutting service for the people who rely on it to get around.”

波市公校總監張欽棠推動移民家長英文班

English classes for immigrant parents strengthen schools, build communities

Boston Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Tommy Chang to Highlight ESOL for Parents Classes and Community-School Partnerships

BOSTON, MA -  In the weeks since the inauguration, many Boston educators are grappling with how to best support students of immigrant backgrounds facing anti-immigrant sentiment and rapidly changing immigration policies. According to the "BPS: We Dream Together" website, nearly half of 57,000 students in Boston Public Schools (BPS) speak a language other than English at home and represent 139 countries.

On March 15 from 9:00-11:00am at the BPS School Committee Chambers, an innovative approach to engaging immigrant parents of BPS students that uses adult English classes will be showcased at "Building Community-School Partnerships through Parent ESOL Classes."

The event will provide an overview to the ESOL for Parents Initiative while emphasizing the impact at the individual, family, school and district levels. It will include a presentation of awards to students participating in Parent ESOL classes, as well as a stakeholder panel to provide current research and context to explore integral partnerships, focus, challenges and successes associated with immigrant families trying to engage more deeply with their children's education.

Superintendent Dr. Tommy Chang will headline the event, underlining the timeliness of this event. "It is important that we continue to foster the relationships with all families so they can be even more engaged in our school system and city," Dr. Chang said. "English language classes for parents and caregivers are central to strengthening these relationships and building an inclusive community." 

Dr. Frances Esparza, Assistant Superintendent for English Language Learners, will present the awards. Students and recent graduates of ESOL for Parents classes, including parents from El Salvador, China, Nigeria, Haiti, and Somalia, will also speak to attendees on the specific impacts these customized English classes have on their lives. 

Istahil Ali, a Somalian mother of two Boston Public School students who is enrolled in an ESOL for Parents class at the Blackstone Elementary School, said, "I learned how I can speak to my child's teacher with confidence if something happens, or when I should speak to the principal."  Istahil also now is active in the Blackstone Parents' Council.

English for New Bostonians' (ENB) ESOL for Parents and Caregivers Initiative supports customized English classes to help immigrant parents gain English skills to support their children's educational success. Currently, ENB provides funding and technical assistance to six ESOL for Parents partnerships serving 150 parents in Boston. Community-based ESOL programs partner with elementary schools, pre-school programs and BPS' Newcomer Assessment and Counseling Center. BPS' Department of Adult Education also offers ESOL for Parents and family literacy classes through its Adult Learning Center.

Event hosts ENB, BPS Office of English Language Learners, and the Cabot Family Charitable Trust hope that by demonstrating the impact these classes have on immigrant parent engagement in Boston's schools, the event will build the momentum required to expand these classes to more schools serving large numbers of immigrant families.

"With immigrant families feeling threatened right now, communication and relationships are key," said Claudia Green, Executive Director of ENB. "ESOL for Parents classes help parents get comfortable with the vocabulary, with asking questions, and with using their voice as their child's first teacher, as supporter and as advocate." 

A panel discussion will include BPS Assistant Superintendent for Engagement Monica Roberts; a Nigerian mother of eight who enrolled at BPS Adult Ed; and Susan Klaw, who developed the ESOL for Parents and Caregivers curriculum on behalf of ENB and also teaches a class at the Blackstone.

The event is free and open to the public. The School Committee Chambers are located at BPS headquarters in the Bruce C. Bolling Municipal Building (2300 Washington St, Roxbury, MA). Attendees are encouraged to RSVP ahead of time via ENB's website (www.englishfornewbostonians.org).

波士頓警察擴大實施穿戴相機計畫

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BODY CAMERA PILOT PROGRAM EXTENSION

BOSTON - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans today announced an agreement with the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association (BPPA) to extend the Body Worn Camera Pilot Program by an additional six months to ensure sufficient data is available for an effective study of the program.  "This extension is a positive development and I look forward to continuing to build on the success of this pilot program," Mayor Walsh said. "We are fortunate to have one of the best police forces in the country and our officers work hand in hand with the community to make all neighborhoods safer. I thank Commissioner Evans and the BPPA for their continued willingness to work together on this initiative."  The extension agreement maintains that up to 100 patrol officers will be equipped with body cameras in which on-duty police activity will be conducted. Patrol officers currently equipped with body cameras will continue to participate in the pilot program. If necessary, replacement officers will be trained and assigned by the Boston Police Department.  "I am pleased that the pilot program will be continuing through what tends to be our busiest months of the year," Commissioner Evans said. "Extending through the summer will give us the opportunity to keep the body worn cameras out in the community and will provide additional data to assist with the assessment of the program. I would like to thank Mayor Walsh, the union leadership of the BPPA and the officers who are participating in this pilot program for their continued commitment to exploring this new policing tool." Conducting the pilot program over a full year will allow for observations to be made in all seasons and various situations. Further, the BPD will issue a Request for Proposals, funded by the City of Boston, within two weeks to allow for independent analysis to be conducted by an expert in the field for a more comprehensive review of the available data, comparisons of body worn camera technologies and vendors and best practices for the BPD. The Body Worn Camera Pilot Program was created by viewing best practices in other municipalities across the country with input from police departments and officers, the BPD Social Justice Task Force, the Harvard Law Criminal Justice Program and through community feedback. The Mayor's Fiscal Year 2017 budget provided $500,000 to support the pilot, including project management service, evaluation, and potentially, personnel costs. The pilot is now scheduled to end on September 11, 2017

CAPAC Members Celebrate Holi

CAPAC Members Celebrate Holi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to commemorate Holi, the Hindu Festival of Colors:

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“On behalf of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus, I would like to wish a very joyous Holi to everyone celebrating the Festival of Colors! As we celebrate the triumph of good over evil and light over darkness, may the beginning of this new spring season bring happiness, prosperity, and peace to all.”

Congressman Joe Crowley (NY-14), Chair of the House Democratic Caucus:

“The Festival of Holi is a time for communities to come together to celebrate the coming of spring. During this joyous festival, family and friends will join together through dance, music, meals, the lighting of bonfires celebrating goodness over evil, and the tossing of vibrant colored powders into the air, all in a grand celebration of peace, friendship, and harmony. Holi is a beautiful representation of the incredible diversity here in the U.S. and around the world. I wish a happy Holi to all those celebrating.”

Congressman Ted Lieu (CA-33), CAPAC Whip:

“Happy Holi to all those celebrating in Los Angeles and around the world. The festival of color marks the arrival of spring and celebrates the triumph of good over evil. Today, I join my colleagues in wishing everyone a very happy Holi!”

Congressman Ami Bera (CA-07):

“As Indian Americans of Hindu faith gather across the nation to celebrate the beginning of spring, and the victory of good over evil, I invite all Americans to join in marking the triumph of light over darkness. With that, let us recommit to the fight against darkness by spreading love and tolerance, and opposing hate at every turn. Janine, Syd, and I wish all people celebrating this week a colorful, peaceful and joyous Holi. Be well. Holi Hai!”

Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard (HI-02):

“Holi is a time to celebrate renewal and a strengthening of our communities and families. Since ancient times this festival of colors has commemorated divine pastimes, like when Lord Krishna played Holi with His friends and devotees. Along with millions of Hindus in the United States and around the world, I wish all a very happy Holi!”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“I wish all who are celebrating today a very happy Holi. May you celebrate with friends and family and enjoy the vibrant colors and joyous festivities that the renewal of spring brings.”

Congresswoman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“Today, I’m proud to join the East Bay and people around the world in celebrating Holi and the renewal of springtime. The Festival of Colors brings together communities in a beautiful celebration of diversity, peace, and joy. I wish all a safe and colorful Holi!”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06):

"It is a pleasure to wish a very happy Holi to all those observing the holiday. Known as the festival of colors, Holi is a joyous occasion in which friends and family mark the end of winter and arrival of spring. It also marks the triumph of good over evil. To the millions who celebrate, I send my warmest wishes for a prosperous and colorful holiday."

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41):

"I’m wishing a happy Holi to all those celebrating around the world. May you enjoy the company of friends and family, and may this celebration of spring bring you joy and prosperity."

Congressman Adam Smith (CA-09):

“As we mark the arrival of Spring, I would like to wish all those celebrating the Hindu Festival of Colors, a happy Holi. I am proud to welcome the new season with the culturally rich Seattle community I represent. Embracing and celebrating traditional holidays with our diverse communities continues to keep our country strong. I wish everyone a joyous and colorful Holi!”

麻州可能降雪18吋 麻州長籲民眾小心

Governor Baker Urges Caution Ahead of Winter Storm

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today is urging caution ahead of a winter storm expected to impact much of the Commonwealth beginning Tuesday morning. Current forecasts project at least 12 inches of snow across most of Massachusetts, with potential for up to 18 inches, high winds and minor to moderate coastal flooding. Forecasts also predict extremely fast snowfall rates of 2 to 4 inches per hour, creating white out conditions and complicating efforts to keep roadways clear. The Baker-Polito Administration is advising the public to plan ahead and be prepared for dangerous travel conditions that warrant staying off the roads, avoiding unnecessary travel and working from home if possible.

"We are actively monitoring the winter storm expected to impact much of Massachusetts tomorrow with the potential for up to 18 inches of quickly falling snow, high winds and minor to moderate coastal flooding,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Extremely fast snow fall rates will create dangerous roadway conditions, and we urge everyone to be prepared to stay off the roads, take public transit if necessary and work from home if possible. We will continue to monitor the forecast and provide updates as the storm approaches.”

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), National Weather Service (NWS), Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) and State Police (MSP) to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. 

Highway Travel: MassDOT highway crews and contractors will be treating roadways throughout the day, and activated for snow clearing deployments as conditions warrant. HOV lanes will not be opened for Tuesday’s morning or evening commutes. Tandem trucks and specially permitted vehicles (propane) will be restricted from travelling the Turnpike as of 7:00 AM tomorrow morning.

​MBTA: The MBTA is planning to operate a normal weekday schedule, with the exception of ferry and Mattapan Line service. Tuesday ferry service is suspended and the Mattapan Line will be replaced by bus shuttles. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow plenty of time for travel and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter or @MBTA on Twitter for real-time updates.

Commuter Rail: The Commuter Rail will be operating a severe weather or “blue level” schedule. Commuters are encouraged to visit http://www.mbta.com/winter/commuter_rail_advisory/ for schedule information.

Massport/Airport: Cancellations are expected tomorrow and travelers are encouraged to check with their airline carriers for additional information about their flights.

Public Safety: Please keep home and auto exhaust vents clear to prevent carbon monoxide exposure and avoid downed utility wires. Also, please assist in keeping sidewalks, and fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood clear. If you should lose power during the storm, please visit www.mass.gov/dfs for safety tips from the Department of Fire Services on home generators, carbon monoxide and candle safety tips.

The State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham is closely monitoring the storm and forecast to provide situational awareness.

新英格蘭地區中文教師協會中小學教師研習班50餘人參加

    新英格兰地区中文教师协会2017春季中小学教师（K-12）研习班, 三月十一日在塔夫茨大学举行。近50位中小学及大学中文教师参加了培训。本次研习班的主讲人是威廉姆斯大学教授张曼荪(Chief Reader for AP Chinese)，牛顿北高中陈毅星老师和Hingman 公立学校外语系主任狄瑞和老师。三位老师在报告中分別介绍了AP考试内容及评分标准，实际教学方向及指导方法。

     张曼荪教授的讲座题目是： From Instruction to Assessment: Best Practices in Enhancing Test Performance for Free Responses of the AP Chinese Exam。 张老师从怎样理解“掌握一门语言”引入演讲主题，指出外语学习的当代观点--以目标语言进行沟通是其最终目标，包括语言组织和语言实用等一系列能力。如何有效地设计一个课程，将上述方面综合成一系列有凝集力的教学方法，提高学生的交际能力，常常使教师望而却步。她在报告中首先总结每个能力的含义，以及怎样使这些能力产生关联，从而建立强大的沟通能力。随后，张老师介绍了AP考试中 “Cultural Presentation” 等部分的测试标准和技巧，并演示和分析了学生在考试中的表现。她指出AP老师在教学过程中,日积月累的训练指导至关重要。高中汉语课还应该多给学生提供“交际框架”，加强语言操练环节。最后，她给学员展示分析了威廉姆斯大学的中文课教学视频,强调中文教学的关键原则是准确性先于流利，提高形式是注重教学指令、发音训练和语言结构。

     研习班第二部分由陈毅星、狄瑞和两位老师主讲，题目是：Vertical Team Curriculum Design for a Strong Program: Strengthening Vocabulary-Building and Reading Skills. 该演讲介绍了以词汇建设，解释性听力和阅读为主的前AP和AP课程。该AP中文课程是第五年课程，学生在中学和高中通过几年的汉语学习，在听，说，读和写方面已有很好的基础。陈毅星老师在教学中以“K(Know)W(Want to know)L(Learn)”为授课前提，让学生自行选文章写作文，从中提炼学习词汇，在功课中发现问题并进行辅导。陈老师除了讨论阅读策略和词汇积累方法外，还跟学员分享了阅读材料网站、课外读物选择等。狄瑞和老师通过阅读材料实例，分析了未知词汇在阅读文章中的比例对学生阅读效果的影响。她还演示了提高学生阅读能力的方法步骤：浏览→查找关键词→从上下文中确定意义→大声朗读/大声说。在提问环节，二位老师还介绍了自己的教学经历以及怎样鼓励学生学习中文。

    本次研习班由塔夫茨大学孔子学院赞助。（供稿：郭旭 ）

黎安宙贏得Hilton Head國際鋼琴賽銀獎

黎安宙(左)。(圖由黎小堅提供)。

(Boston Orange 周菊子整理報導)波士頓小鋼琴家，年僅16歲的黎安宙，3月11日晚贏得第22屆Hilton Head國際鋼琴比賽銀獎，以及現金獎5000元。

            今年第22屆的Hilton Head國際鋼琴比賽，從3月6日至11日，在卡羅萊納州(Carolina)海岸藝術中心舉行，共有20名來自加拿大，中國，香港，日本，澳門，南韓及美國的年輕鋼琴家參賽。

            參加這比賽是圈內人都看好的跨向卡耐基廳(Carnegie Hall)表演的起步。許多比賽得獎者後來也都到世界各地的音樂節，和國際知名的交響樂團合作演奏。

            參加比賽的鋼琴家們，有的遠從澳洲趕來，所有的參賽者都住在主辦單位安排的接待家庭中。比賽前5名，全是15至17 歲的年輕人。得第一名的是15歲，來自美國的日裔，Ray Ushikubo。

            來自香港的Hoi Leong Cheong打入決賽，來自中國的Biguo Xing獲得Sascha Gorodnitzi紀念獎。

              黎安宙是年輕鋼琴家黎卓宇的弟弟。

黎安宙(左)。(圖由黎小堅提供)