星期二, 8月 15, 2017

Council President Wu Releases Statement on Charlottesville, Planned Boston Rally

Council President Wu Releases Statement on Charlottesville, Planned Boston Rally

Boston City Council President Michelle Wu released the following statement:  “I condemn in the strongest possible terms the hate-fueled violence by white supremacists that took place this weekend in Charlottesville, VA.  Make no mistake, this was a despicable act of domestic terrorism.  My heart goes out to the victims and their families.

“While unfortunately this kind of hate is not new in our country, our values and founding principles require us to do better.  When we say there is no place for hate here, we do so knowing that we have to take action to remove the foothold that white nationalists and white supremacists currently have.

“We also have to recognize that these hate groups are not limited in their membership to any one city, state, or region.  Boston has offered opportunity and security to people of many different backgrounds.  We strive to do better, and to be more inclusive, every day.  But we are not perfect, and we are not immune.  The event planned for Saturday August 19th demonstrates that. We are facing a pivotal moment when we must decide who speaks for our City.  We may not be able to deny hate groups the ability to speak, but we can drown them out with voices that are stronger and more numerous.  We can overwhelm their hatred with our own collective love.

“Ignoring these groups has allowed them to fester and flourish in the dark.  The dangerous rhetoric of President Donald Trump’s campaign and administration has made them feel secure spewing their hatred out in the open.  They are preparing to stand in one of Boston’s most sacred places, on land that has belonged to the public collectively for over 350 years, and to tarnish it with views that disgust us.  Therefore we must prepare ourselves to show them -- peacefully, lovingly -- that their views are not “common”; that they have no place on the Boston Common; that this City welcomes immigrants, people of color, people of different religions, ethnic identities, sexual orientations, and gender identities.

“The Boston I love is the Boston that used the Common to protest tyranny in the 1700s, protest slavery in the 1800s, rally for civil rights in the 1900s, and rally at the Women’s March just this year.  One rally by hate groups will not destroy that legacy of progress.  Boston is stronger than that.  And that is what we must demonstrate to the world on Saturday.”

星期一, 8月 14, 2017

AG HEALEY ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO EVENTS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE

AG HEALEY ISSUES STATEMENT IN RESPONSE TO EVENTS IN CHARLOTTESVILLE

BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey today issued the following statement in response to the recent events and violence in Charlottesville, Virginia.

“I am deeply disturbed and saddened by the bigotry and violence on display in Charlottesville over the weekend. These acts are inimicable to our shared values as Americans and to the rule of law. They have no place in our hearts or on our streets. Together we must stand up for equality, respect, and inclusion, and work together to lift up every member of our community. As Attorney General, I want to assure you that my office and I are committed to these core principles and will work to protect them.”

Statement from City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate Tito Jackson on the planned white supremacy rally in Boston

Statement from City Councillor and Mayoral Candidate Tito Jackson on the planned white supremacy rally in Boston

We, the people of Boston, are a city of diverse backgrounds, the birthplace of America’s fight against tyranny, a sanctuary from intolerance. White supremacist domestic terrorists are not welcome here, we have no place for you or your vile ideas. We all see you for what you are: nothing more than un-American thugs who betray the noble ideal of an inclusive America.

We will not allow you to divide us, we will not allow you to try to mask your hateful ideas in respectable clothing, we will not allow you to terrorize any one of us. We stand together as a united Boston, as a united America, against the ugly hate and violence you seek to spread.

I affirm that I will do everything in my power as an elected official, Bostonian, American, and as a human being to resist the spread of hate and violence white supremacy seeks. I commit to fighting their intolerance in all its forms, and I will proudly raise up my voice and my spirit with the hundreds of millions of others in our United States who are as disgusted as I am at the racism, misogyny, anti-semitism, homophobia, xenophobia, and Islamophobia of white supremacists. Let us overturn social, economic, and racial injustice in all its forms, institutional as well as individual, in Boston, as well as in Washington D.C., and throughout America.

Let us use these dark times as an opportunity to spread the light of our shared humanity. Let us, we the people, recommit as one community with one voice to fulfill the dream of a nation that judges us by the content of our character and not the color of our skin, dedicated to the proposition that all people are created equal, and avow that that proposition shall not perish from the earth.

CAPAC Chair Condemns Violence by White Supremacists in Charlottesville

CAPAC Chair Condemns Violence by White Supremacists in Charlottesville

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Following the violence that occurred during a rally by white supremacists in Charlottesville, Virginia over the weekend, Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) Chair Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) released the following statement:

“The protests organized by white supremacists in Charlottesville over the weekend represent a manifestation of hate and bigotry that has unfortunately continued to rise over the past two years in particular; their actions inspired by xenophobic and prejudiced rhetoric and policy. The values of these white supremacists are inherently violent towards communities of color and religious minorities, and such demonstrations attack our core American values of inclusion and equality. Make no mistake – President Trump’s failure to directly denounce this ‘Unite the Right’ rally only further emboldens white supremacists and fuels their prejudice. I unequivocally condemn their message of hate and intolerance that was so blatantly on display this weekend. And to those who felt intimidated, frightened, or unwelcome because of this march, know that you are not alone. Diversity is our strength, and our community of support far outnumbers their community of hate.

“I stand with the counter protestors that risked their safety to speak out against hate, and mourn the death of Heather Heyer and the two state troopers who tragically lost their lives this weekend. I also grieve for those injured by these deliberate acts of domestic terrorism. Hate has no place in America – we cannot become complacent to this rising tide of bigotry. Nor should stoking racial resentment be a tool for attracting political support. We must come together to denounce and defeat hate in all forms.”

Eastern Bank Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Eastern Bank Announces Senior Leadership Changes

Barbara J. Heinemann named new head of Consumer Banking
Steven L. Antonakes promoted to Director of Enterprise Risk Management


BOSTON, Aug. 14, 2017 – Eastern Bank, a full-service commercial bank headquartered in Boston, today announced the appointment of Barbara J. Heinemann as its new head of Consumer Banking with direct responsibility for its Retail and Mortgage business, as well as its Customer Service Center. 
Heinemann, an Executive Vice President at Eastern since 2008, previously served as Senior Director of Enterprise Risk Management. She joined Eastern in 2001 and has overseen a variety of functions, including Technology, Operations, Payments, Corporate Culture, and Security. In her new role, she will report to Eastern Bank President Quincy Miller and continue to serve on Eastern’s Management Committee.
“Given Barbara’s extensive experience at Eastern, along with that in Retail Banking prior to joining us, I know that her insights, perspectives, and proven, effective leadership skills will have a tremendous impact as we further prepare for our exciting future,” said Bob Rivers, Eastern Bank Chairman and CEO.
Prior to joining Eastern, Heinemann spent more than 13 years at Cambridgeport Bank, where she was the Director of Retail Banking, Senior Vice President of Technology & Operations, and managed numerous enterprise-wide projects and initiatives.
Heinemann earned an MBA from the University of Maryland and is also a graduate of America’s Community Bankers National School of Banking at Fairfield University and the Massachusetts Bankers Association School of Financial Studies at Babson College. 
Since 2001, Heinemann has served as a Director at the New England Automated Clearing House (NEACH) and was recently appointed Director of NEACH Payments Group, its for-profit subsidiary.  
In conjunction with Heinemann’s new role, Steven L. Antonakes, Eastern’s Senior Vice President and Chief Compliance Officer, was promoted to Director of Enterprise Risk Management, overseeing BSA/AML, Compliance, Corporate Security, Information Security, and Operational Risk.
Antonakes, who joined Eastern in 2015 after serving as Deputy Director and the Associate Director for Supervision, Enforcement, and Fair Lending at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), will report to Rivers. Prior to joining the CFPB, Antonakes was appointed by successive governors to serve as the Massachusetts Commissioner of Banks from December 2003 to November 2010. 
“Steve’s 25 years of compliance, risk management and financial services experience at the local and national level make him a natural choice for this critically important role as we continue to grow our business across New England,” said Rivers, who added that both appointments are effective September 1, 2017. 
Previously, Antonakes served in various managerial capacities at the Division of Banks and began his regulatory career as an entry-level bank examiner in 1990.  In March 2007, he received NeighborWorks America’s “Government Service Award” for his work in combatting foreclosures.
Antonakes, a graduate of Lynn Public Schools, earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Penn State University, an MBA from Salem State University, and a Doctorate of Philosophy in Law and Public Policy from Northeastern University


第48屆波士頓中秋節聯歡會12個功夫團體展演

波士頓華埠中秋節聯歡會開幕。
             (Boston Orange 周菊子整理報導) 紐英崙中華公所813日在夏利臣街、必珠街等華埠內主要街道舉辦「第48屆中秋節聯歡會」,出席民眾成千上萬,川流不息,欣賞12個武術團體舞獅,示範功夫,7個舞蹈,藝術團體唱歌跳舞奏樂器,遊逛書法,手工藝等攤位,又一年接受中國傳統文化薰陶。
波士頓華埠中秋節舞龍。(波士頓僑教中心提供)
              今年要競選連任的波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)特地出席,祝華埠民眾過節愉快,還代表相關單位,頒發美國國家史蹟牌匾給紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊,誌記中華公所大樓做為全美第一所公立學校舊址,獲准列入美國國家史蹟名冊。
              駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處副處長陳銘俊,波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉,波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬,麻州眾議員黃子安等其他嘉賓,紛紛應邀致詞。
波士頓市長馬丁華殊致詞
              從早上10點開始到下午近五點才結束的這波士頓華埠中秋節聯歡會,由黃強醒獅隊的祥獅獻瑞揭開序幕,接著有亞美藝術團表演薩克斯風獨奏回家,高宏偉京胡獨奏夜深沉,摩頓康乃馨表演團唱快樂的好朋友,跳荷塘月色舞蹈,鄉土舞蹈團演出苗韻桃花淚鴻雁華夏舞蹈團跳舞,元極舞演出”天青地泰”,”吉祥西藏:,陰陽道吉祥西藏,新英格蘭功夫養生舞協會表演功夫扇和諧之光,葉秀聰鋼琴學院學員演奏鋼琴,
波士頓僑教中心提供)
參與舞獅,示範功夫的團隊或體育會包括黃強醒獅團,洪青體育會,波士頓安良工商會,巾幗醒獅團,美東國術總會,中國南派武術總會,超武館,胡清白鶴派,太極氣功十八式,黃氏醒獅隊,陳耀祥武術健身學院,華林派國術總會。
              華埠街道上,由僑團,非營利組織擺出各式各樣的文化,藝術攤位,包括,波士頓佛光山三佛中心,慈濟功德會波士頓聯絡處等。
波士頓僑教中心提供
                 中華書法會和紐英崙中華公所,北美藝術家協會聯合舉辦的波士頓地區正體漢字文化節,也由會長林卓培,黃周麗桃等人和歷屆會長黃鏡明,周文熙,陳綺怡率書法家們在司徒麗英公園那兒即席揮毫,為中秋節增添中國傳統文化氣息。
              在波士頓中秋節聯歡會之後,下週末輪到昆士市中秋節聯歡會上場。(圖片部分由波士頓僑介中心提供,部分轉在自臉書)



華埠中秋節舞龍。
阮鴻燦(左一)像華埠商家介紹波士頓市
第二區市議員候選人愛德華費連
(Ed Flynn,右一),(轉在自臉書)
波士頓市第二區市議員候選人愛德華費連(Ed Flynn,左一)在阮鴻燦介紹
下到中華書法會攤位拜會,和會長黃周麗桃(前中),林卓培(後)等人
合影。(圖片轉在自臉書)
波士頓市第二區市議員候選人Michael Kelly (立者右三)和波市長華埠鄰里
聯絡專員翁耀漢(前左),以及醒獅隊員合影。(圖片取自臉書)
波士頓市第二區市議員候選人Michael Kelly (右二)向右起,甄碧鳳,
甄雲龍,柏志剛等人拜票。(轉載自臉書)

星期日, 8月 13, 2017

TAP BBQ


紐英崙中華公所大樓獲准名列美國國家史蹟名冊

圖片轉載自CHSNE臉書
            (Boston Orange)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)和紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊,813日早上在第48屆華埠中秋節聯歡會上宣佈喜訊,中華公所大樓所在的舊昆士小學原址,泰勒街(Tyler) 90號獲准列入美國國家史蹟名冊。
             過去150多年來,華人在波士頓定居,形成社區。舊昆士小學也服務的好幾代移民家庭。紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊,麻州歷史委員會的Betsy Friedberg,美國公園服務處的Michael Creasey
            推動,承辦此事的阮坤慈(Terry Guen),羅燕玲表示,麻州歷史委員會(The Massachusetts Historical Commission)和紐英崙華人歷史協會( Chinese Historical Society of New England)從美國國家公園服務處的未獲充分代表社區基金(Underrepresented Communities Fund)”那兒得到2萬元補助款,辨識適合列入國家史蹟地名冊的地點,其中建於1848年,具有美國第一所依年紀、級別分班學校這歷史意義的昆士小學舊址,歷史及文化重要性排名,以及建築物原始程度最高。
             華埠移民的學齡兒童到昆士小學上學已有135年,直到1983年,昆士小學大樓才由波士頓市政府交給紐英崙中華公所,用作為社區中心。從那以後,紐英倫中華公所就用這大樓作為34個會員團體的總部,也用於為地方上的27個傳統文化藝術,音樂,舞蹈團體,提供場地。
             昆士小學舊址是美國東岸的第一座大樓,也是全美第13個誌記華裔移民歷史地點,紐英崙中華公所和紐英崙華人歷史協會的合作,包括推動對華埠歷史興趣的公聽會,照國家公園服務處要求完成一份正式的華埠歷史淵源研究等。該研究為持續記錄當地歷史提供了參考日期,地點,野味華埠傳統由提供了事實根據,並容許華埠大樓擁有者尋求史蹟表揚,更容易申請列入史蹟名冊。
               紐英崙中華公所的一直以來,作為保存華人文化傳統,團結波士頓華人移民社區的領導,也因這獲准列入國家史蹟名冊,獲得表揚。
            將近100年前創立的紐英倫中華公所是從北京透過紐約市設立的分支,已做為在地方上,以及全國,代表華埠利益的守門人。在主持社區會議,論壇,舉辦表演,展覽之外,也是華埠活動的主要贊助者,包括中國農曆新年的舞獅,以及中秋節聯歡會。
             麻州文化協會波給紐英崙中華公所3萬元來研究,在昆士小學設立一個華人移民傳統的遊客中心的可行性。計畫包括空間,數位媒體,展現華埠移民歷史的傳統步道,以及和鄰近波士頓旅遊路線連接的潛在可能。這研究將考慮保存樓宇歷史特性的改善,為遊客及居民提供更豐富的經驗。
          華埠中秋節聯歡會在華埠的益士石街(Essex)和必珠街(Beach)交界的菲利普廣場(Philip)舉行。(資料由羅燕玲提供)