Thousands of Boston Public Schools Students Take to The Streets for Annual Spring "Walk To School Day"

Thousands of Boston Public Schools Students Take to The Streets for Annual Spring "Walk To School Day"

BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang, Red Sox Mascots, and City and School Officials Accompany Students on Their Walks

BOSTON - Wednesday, April 12, 2017 -  An estimated 4,000 Boston Public Schools (BPS) students from over 22 elementary, middle, and K-8 schools took to the streets today in the 2nd Annual BPS "Walk to School Day" event. This event celebrates the efforts of "Safe Routes to School Boston," a city-wide initiative aimed at making walking to school safe, popular, and fun.   "Boston truly is a walkable city, and I'm proud of that. Growing up in Dorchester, I was able to walk everywhere, easily and safely," Mayor Martin J. Walsh said. "Children growing up today deserve that same level of freedom and mobility. That's why people from across the city, including those in our police, school and transportation departments, have come together to create safer environments that make it easier for students and all of our citizens to walk our streets." Red Sox mascots Wally the Green Monster and his sister, Tessie, joined the movement by greeting students walking to the Ellis Elementary School in Roxbury. Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill said the benefits of walking to school go beyond exercise. "Research shows that physical activity prepares students to learn. For this reason, walking to school is a great way to start the day," he said. "We want to give all of our students the chance to achieve academic success and this is one way to meet the needs of the whole child." BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang said the Safe Routes to School Boston effort aligns with the district's overall mission of promoting the health and wellbeing of all students. "Something as simple as walking to school can be part of the solution to closing achievement gaps," said Dr. Chang, who joined students walking to the Haley Pilot School in Dorchester. "Not only does walking provide students with needed physical activity to support health, it does wonders for a child's mood and readiness to learn." Safe Routes to School is a national program with a comprehensive approach that encourages students and their families to walk, bike, or use other forms of active transportation to commute to and from school. It teaches students and families safe walking habits; works with city agencies to improve infrastructure; and engages families through events such as the annual Walk to School Day. "These efforts not only boost students' health and academic readiness, but they support the BPS Wellness Policy," said Amalio Nieves, Assistant Superintendent for Social Emotional Learning and Wellness.  "BPS has one of the most comprehensive wellness policies in the country. Safe Routes to School Boston is an initiative that promotes physical activity across the school day, and provides students with the tools to be active adults." The 2nd Annual BPS Spring Walk to School Day celebrates these efforts and kicks off the spring walking season. Children who walked to school today got more than some healthy exercise. Walkers, many of whom were accompanied by city officials, were congratulated with stickers and other prizes. Students walking to the Ellis Elementary School got a surprise greeting by Red Sox mascots Wally the Green Monster and his sister, Tessie The Safe Routes to School Boston program is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and is one of the CDC's Hi-5 initiatives, meaning this program has the greatest potential to positively impact health across the population.

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Mark A. Hallal to the Superior Court, and Matthew G. McGrath to the District Court. During their long careers, Hallal and McGrath have practiced law in private firms and the public sector.

“Mark Hallal and Matthew McGrath are experienced trial lawyers with over five decades of combined experience in the Commonwealth’s courts,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “If confirmed, the Superior Court and District Court will benefit greatly from their experience, wisdom and skill.”

“I am pleased with the nomination of these two highly respected attorneys,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Attorneys Hallal and McGrath have decades of experience in the Massachusetts courts that will allow them, if confirmed, to serve the Commonwealth with proficiency and distinction from day one.”

The Superior Court is a statewide court of general jurisdiction – handling both criminal and civil actions.  The court’s 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth.  The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000 and in matters where equitable relief is sought.  It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, has exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, has appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town.  The court has exclusive original jurisdiction of first degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

For more information about the Superior Court, visit

http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/sc/

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. In civil matters, District Court judges conduct both jury and jury-waived trials, and determine with finality any matter in which the likelihood of recovery does not exceed $25,000. The District Court also tries small claims involving up to $7,000 (initially tried to a magistrate, with a defense right of appeal either to a judge or to a jury). The District Court's civil jurisdiction also includes many specialized proceedings, including abuse prevention restraining orders and civil motor vehicle infractions (tried initially to a magistrate, with right of appeal to a judge).

For more information about the District Court, visit http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/dc/

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

About Mark A. Hallal

Mark Hallal has served as an Assistant District Attorney for over 21 years in the Boston Municipal and Juvenile Courts, Chelsea District Court and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office where he is currently Chief of the Senior Trial Team, supervising the prosecution of major felony and homicide cases and serving as a member of the office’s Conviction Integrity Program. He previously served on the Boston Bar Association’s Criminal Law Steering Committee and was an adjunct professor at Bridgewater State College and the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Mr. Hallal previously worked as a civil litigation associate in Boston for both Lemelman and Lemelman and Stanzler, Levine and Joyce.  Mr. Hallal was born in Boston and graduated cum laude from Boston University in 1990.  He received his J.D. from the Boston University School of Law in 1993.  Hallal resides in Hingham with his three children.

About Matthew L. McGrath

Matthew McGrath is currently in private practice in Framingham and was until November of 2016, managing attorney for McGrath and Associates, a four-person insurance defense firm that served as the staff counsel for National General Insurance Company and handled personal injury actions in the state District and Superior Courts and federal district court. Prior to opening this practice in 2010, McGrath was a Senior Trial Counsel for the Law Offices of Robert E. Noonan, trying personal injury actions and arbitrating and mediating hundreds of uninsured, underinsured, and bodily injury claims.  Mr. McGrath previously worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office from 1980 to 1986 and served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1985 to 1992.  He graduated from Boston College with a B.A. in History in 1976, and received his J.D. from Boston College Law School in 1979.  He resides with his family in Franklin.

麻州總醫院助建上海新醫院

(Boston Orange)波士頓商業期刊(BBJ)4月10日的一篇報導指出，麻州總醫院和上海嘉輝國際醫院簽署了300萬元協議，將和已於2015年合作的布瑞格罕(Brigham)醫院合作，協助發展包括產科，婦科及體外授精項目的優良婦女健康中心。

麻州總醫院已在新醫院的空間規劃，建築設計上協助嘉輝國際醫院。兩院也早已於2012年就合作改變腫瘤醫療。

最近的這一合作將為預定10月開張，有300張病床的嘉輝國際醫院增加更多的麻州醫療專業能力。

根據這一協議，麻州總醫院將協助發展醫院的實體建設，營運及管理，同時在護理，病人照顧服務，癌症醫療等方面提供專業協助。將來麻州總醫院可能還會遠距為嘉輝的病人提供第二意見。

              麻州總醫院董事長Peter L. Slavin博士在一份聲明中表示，”作為一個學術醫療中心，我們珍惜分享累積了兩個多世紀的頂級醫治病人經驗，以及領導前沿研究的機會。這一關係也將讓該院有機會把新學到的東西應用在麻州的工作中。

            雙方並未透露這合作的財務細節。不過伙伴(Partners)醫療健保公司國際辦公室去年表示，該公司為上海醫院作建造作顧問，一年收150萬元。

              嘉輝國際醫院董事長暨嘉輝醫療(Jiahui Health)門診及營運長的David Cook博士表示，透過和麻州總醫院的策略合作，該院能夠把世界級，以病人為中心的頂級醫療概念帶到中國。他們的目標是向政府，企業及病患，公眾展示這概念能帶來高品質，容易獲得的醫療，而且開銷透明。

              夥伴公司早有海外合作經驗，其國際部們一直都在印度的數個地方和人合作，也在卡達(Qatar)從事品質改善，醫生領袖利，災難管理等項目。麻州總醫院也協助馬爾他(Malta)及象牙海岸(Ivory Coast)的數家醫院改善醫療。

在嘉輝，麻州總醫院會在建造新醫院期間，首先關注癌症治療，與研究，再擴展到其他疾病。麻州總醫院的癌症中心將協助嘉輝推出癌症中心，並先把重心放在乳癌，肺癌，胃腸道，淋巴瘤，骨隨瘤的治療上。在麻州總醫院之外的護理及病人照顧服務，也有助於為門診員工制定培訓及教育項目。

BCNC Seeks Funding from 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant

BCNC Seeks Funding from 21st Century Community Learning Center Grant
Boston (MA) - Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (BCNC) intends to apply for the 21st Century Community Learning Center grant program (MA 21st CCLC), as provided by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education. Public comment to this application can be submitted by April 25 to Nathaniel Kerr, BCNC’s Manager of Foundation Relations, at nathaniel.kerr@bcnc.net.
The purpose of the federally funded 21st CCLC grant is to support the implementation of additional learning time through out-of-school time (OST) programming and/or Expanded Learning Time. Programming is designed to help close proficiency/opportunity gaps, increase student engagement, support social and emotional learning, and promote college and career readiness and success
In partnership with the Josiah Quincy Elementary school (JQES), BCNC’s Red Oak After School Program will implement an expanded English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and literacy curriculum aimed at closing the achievement gap and increasing student engagement, success and social/emotional learning through the provision of expanded learning time.

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Sale Results of Commonwealth Green Bonds

Treasurer Goldberg Announces Sale Results of

Commonwealth Green Bonds

Deal Will Generate Proceeds That Will Fund Water Infrastructure Projects Throughout Massachusetts

BOSTON – The State Treasurer’s Office announced today that the Commonwealth and the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust have successfully completed the sale of more than $1 billion in a mix of new money, green, and refunding bonds.

Both transactions saw strong retail investor demand. The Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s original two-day order period was accelerated, and all bonds were sold on the first day. Receiving significantly more orders than available bonds, the Trust adjusted its final pricing, which resulted in lowered borrowing costs for the Trust.

Additionally, the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust’s refunding of just under $100 million will generate budgetary savings of nearly $8 million. These savings will allow the Trust to invest in additional water infrastructure projects around the Commonwealth. Separately, the Commonwealth’s refunding of approximately $270 million is expected to generate $22 million in debt service savings for taxpayers.

The Commonwealth’s transaction marks the fourth time it has issued green bonds since it became the nation’s first issuer of municipal green bonds in 2013. This transaction also marks the third time the Massachusetts Clean Water Trust has issued Green bonds.

The Trust’s deal was led by Bank of America Merrill Lynch, while the Commonwealth’s transaction was led by Citi Bank.

SENIORS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $130,000 IN SETTLEMENT WITH INSURANCE AGENT AND MORTGAGE BROKER OVER DECEPTIVE PRACTICES

SENIORS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN $130,000 IN SETTLEMENT WITH INSURANCE AGENT AND MORTGAGE BROKER OVER DECEPTIVE PRACTICESRefunds to Supplement Nearly $900,000 Paid by the Insurance Agent’s Former Employer

            BOSTON – Massachusetts seniors will receive more than $130,000 in refunds as a result of a settlement with a mortgage broker, its employee and an insurance agent that resolves claims they induced elderly clients to take out reverse mortgages and invest the proceeds in unsuitable variable annuities, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

This settlement resolves allegations from a lawsuit filed by AG Healey in August 2015 against mortgage broker Direct Finance Corp., its employee Daniel Matthews, and insurance agent James Moniz.

“We found that these defendants took advantage of elderly homeowners who spent decades building equity in their homes,” said AG Healey. “My office is focused on stopping the financial abuse of seniors.”

The AG’s lawsuit alleged that while employed by John Hancock Life Insurance Company (U.S.A.), Moniz developed an association with Matthews to induce elderly clients to take out reverse mortgages through Direct Finance and invest the proceeds in unsuitable variable annuities. John Hancock terminated Moniz for conduct uncovered during the investigation. 

As a result of this settlement, affected consumers will receive a total of $137,500 in refunds that will be distributed by the AG’s Office. Eligible consumers will be contacted by the AG’s Office.

In addition to monetary relief, the settlement imposes restrictions on Moniz, Matthews, and Direct Finance to prevent improper association between the origination of reverse mortgages and the investment of the proceeds in annuities or other investment products. The defendants are also prohibited from misrepresenting the sources of investments or investment intentions of their clients. 

The AG’s Office previously settled allegations with John Hancock that it unfairly failed to effectively supervise Moniz, permitting him to sell unsuitable variable life insurance policies, variable annuities, and other insurance and financial products. In September 2014, John Hancock paid nearly $900,000 to seniors in Massachusetts to resolve those allegations. 

Unlike traditional mortgages, reverse mortgages do not require borrowers to make monthly payments to pay off the loan. Instead, borrowers receive money from lenders, and the lender is often paid back when the last surviving borrower dies. With reverse mortgages, home equity decreases over time as interest and fees are added to the loan balance each month. With deferred variable annuities, an insurance company invests money from consumers in securities and, after several years pass, begins making periodic payments to consumers over time.

            Consumers should be aware that using funds from a reverse mortgage to invest in financial products like annuities is always risky. Variable life insurance policies and variable annuities may not be appropriate investments for older individuals because of steep surrender and withdrawal penalties. Before purchasing any financial product, consumers should always ask questions and make sure that they understand the investment risks, read any forms that they sign, and never sign blank forms. 

Consumers seeking more information can contact the Attorney General’s Insurance and Financial Services Division at 1-888-830-6277.

The litigation and the settlement implementation are being handled by staff of Attorney General Healey’s Insurance and Financial Services Division, including Assistant Attorneys General Tiffany Bartz, Claire Masinton, and Tim Hoitink, as well as Legal Analyst John-Michael Partesotti and Civil Investigator Kristen Salera. 

劍橋合唱團 2017春季音樂會【聽泉】 5/21

Listen to the Spring: To Africa, Dream Chaser!

MIT CCCS 2017 Spring Concert May 21st, 7PM at MIT Kresge Auditorium

MIT Cambridge Chinese Choral Society (CCCS) will be performing its 2017 Spring Concert “Listen to the Spring: To Africa, Dream Chaser!” on Sunday night, 5/21, 7PM at MIT Kresge Auditorium (48 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge MA).

“Listen to the Spring: To Africa, Dream Chaser!” showcases music from two distinctive cultures. We will be performing new choral pieces of folk and Taiwanese songs, as well as traditional choral music based on Chinese poetry.

Then we will bring you to East Africa and explore the currently popular Missa Kenya composition. By adding French horn and percussion plus adapting his experience in Kenyatta University, composer Paul Basler merges East Africa and Western culture to produce a most dramatic yet harmonic music. Joining by instrumentalists from Boston Conservatory, we promise our concert will be an unforgettable musical experience that you don’t want to miss!

This concert will be conducted by the University of Illinois Choral Conducting DMA Dr. Yufen Yen, and accompanied by current Boston University Piano DMA candidate I-Ying Lin. For ticket information, please email us at cccs-officers@mit.edu. Checks only at the door.

MIT CCCS will start recruitment for the Fall of 2017 after the Spring concert. Our choral group rehearses regularly at 8 PM on Friday nights at MIT. If you are interested in being part of MIT CCCS, please reach out to us directly after the concert. You may also contact us at 217-979- 9719, or email us at cccs-officer@mit.edu.

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劍橋合唱團 2017春季音樂會【聽泉】

5月21日 晚間7點 MIT Kresge Auditorium

劍橋合唱團5月21日星期日晚間7點將在麻省理工學院Kresge Auditorium

（48 Massachusetts Ave, Cambridge, MA） 舉行2017春季音樂會【聽泉 】。

本次音樂會上下半場風格迥異。上半場將演出台灣校園民歌及當代青年作曲家的作作品，包括劉新誠改編的「聽泉」、冉天豪作曲的「尋夢者」（原為戴望舒詩作）、「願」（原為蔣勳詩作）、現居波士頓的鋼琴家周鑫泉作曲的「去罷」（原為徐志摩詩作）、林育伶的台語合唱曲「四季的風」。下半場的「肯亞彌撒Missa Kenya」是作曲家Paul Basler將自己在東非肯亞的教學經驗與西方音樂融合的美麗果實，將邀請波士頓音樂院的法國號演奏家呂佳鴻、打擊樂手鄭育薇、張慈恩跨界演出。最後還有最受團員熱愛的隱藏曲目，精彩可期。

本次音樂會由顏毓芬博士擔任指揮，波士頓大學鋼琴博士候選人林宜穎擔任伴奏，近40位熱愛合唱音樂的歌手擔綱演出。演出憑票入場，購票請洽cccs-officers@mit.edu 。現場購票僅收支票。

劍橋合唱團固定於每週五晚間8點在MIT教室練唱。八月份將開始新樂季招生，歡迎喜愛唱歌的舊雨新知聯繫。

聯絡電話：217-979-9719，Email: cccs-officers@mit.edu

Governor Baker Tours CommonWealth Kitchen

Governor Baker Tours CommonWealth Kitchen

Dorchester food business incubator recipient of state urban agenda and agriculture support

Governor Charlie Baker, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton and Assistant Secretary for Communities and Programs Juan Vega

Click here for more photos

BOSTON – Today Governor Charlie Baker toured CommonWealth Kitchen, a Dorchester food business incubator and commercial kitchen that provides shared commissary space and manufacturing capacity to entrepreneurs with food-based ventures. CommonWealth kitchen hosts over 55 businesses, employing over 200 workers. Since 2015, the Baker-Polito Administration has supported CommonWealth Kitchen’s growth by providing the nonprofit organization with over $300,000 in capital equipment grants from the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs. CommonWealth Kitchen and the Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative are also core partners in a $200,000 project, funded through the administration's Urban Agenda Economic Development grant program, to facilitate the launch of small local food manufacturing businesses.

“Our administration is focused on creating more jobs through community-based entrepreneurships by building off local assets in every corner of the Commonwealth,”said Governor Baker. “We are grateful for the passion and commitment of our partners in these efforts, CommonWealth Kitchen and Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative, as we continue to advance economic development in neighborhoods across Massachusetts.”

“Entrepreneurship strengthens neighborhoods and creates new economic opportunities,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “Through our support for shared workspaces, business mentorship, and access to capital, we are unleashing the unmatched creativity of our residents.”

“By providing jobs that support fresh, locally grown food, CommonWealth Kitchen is an important economic driver,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration and the Department of Agricultural Resources are committed to ensuring the future of Massachusetts urban farming by promoting local and youth engagement in sustaining our food supply through grassroots efforts.”