波士頓經文處處長徐佑典將調升北美司司長

波士頓經文處長徐佑典(右)兩年前到任時拜會中華公所。
(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)在台灣的中華民國於5月20日跨入第15任政府，內閣人事變動，也牽連到海外波士頓。根據行政院內部資訊，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典將調升北美司司長，遺缺由國際組織司副司長孫儉元接任。

             行政院這波人事調動早在5月中已確認，惟礙於新型冠狀病毒的國際疫情，徐佑典與孫儉元的離/就任日期，仍待確定。

             徐佑典於2018年4月抵波士頓出任處長，任期才剛過兩年，就傳異動，將在波士頓經文處歷史中的第二年輕處長之外，再添一筆任期最短處長，升遷最快記錄。

             兩年時間雖短，徐佑典經歷的大事不少，包括科技部長陳良基，台北市長柯文哲，高雄市長暨總統候選人韓國瑜等人到訪波士頓，尤其是後兩者的到訪，都曾吸引大波士頓華人，哈佛大學等學者們密切關注，轟動一時。

             徐佑典的外交成績單也十分漂亮，不但促成羅德島州副州長麥基(Daniel McKee)，波士頓警察局局長葛羅斯(William G. Gross)等人訪台，他在任期間主持兩次雙十國慶酒會，應邀出席的各州政要人數之多，也彰顯他率領團隊的實力。

FIRE FIGHTERS ENDORSE KENNEDY FOR SENATE

FIRE FIGHTERS ENDORSE KENNEDY FOR SENATE

Professional Fire Fighters of Massachusetts highlight Kennedy’s support amidst the COVID-19 pandemic in video with President Rich MacKinnon

WATERTOWN, MA –– Today the Professional Fire Fighters for Massachusetts (PFFM) endorsed Congressman Joe Kennedy III in his bid for U.S. Senate. Representing 12,000 firefighters across the state, PFFM is the 33rd labor organization in Massachusetts to endorse Kennedy. 

PFFM released their endorsement today in a video with President Rich MacKinnon. The video highlights Kennedy’s support for firefighters and other first responders during COVID-19. 

https://twitter.com/joekennedy/status/1263561284638965760

"Joe Kennedy’s constant presence and leadership on all issues for first responders is what drives our commitment to support him,” said PFFM President Rich MacKinnon. “Our members connect with Joe. After meeting him in person they often remark on how genuine and grounded he is. As Joe has stood with firefighters in firehouses all across Massachusetts, we are proud to stand with him for the U.S. Senate."

“You are heroes who risk your lives everyday,” Congressman Joe Kennedy III said. “When you leave home to head to the fire station, your hug to your children and your kiss to your significant other could be the last one. With two young children, the sacrifices you make to make sure the rest of us are safe are never lost on me. With the COVID-19 pandemic, those words and risks have never been more clear and present. Fighting for your right to collective bargain, SAFER Grants, and Assistance to Firefighter Grants have never been more important. I am honored to have your support in this race and will continue to be in your corner every step of the way.” 

PFFM hosted a virtual endorsement ceremony with Kennedy on Wednesday, where President MacKinnon was joined by firefighters from Newton, Springfield, Falmouth, Worcester, Saugus, Melrose, Westfield, Fitchburg, and Attleboro who shared why they are enthusiastically throwing their support behind Kennedy for the U.S. Senate. For media interested in footage from the meeting, please contact media@kennedyforma.com.

PFFM is the 33rd labor union to endorse Kennedy in this race. He has also been endorsed by the Massachusetts Laborers, Laborers Local 609, NAGE, the Machinists Statewide Council, Machinists Local 264, Teamsters Local 25, Sprinkler Fitters 550, Pipefitters Local 537, Plumbers Local 12,  IBEW 96, 103, 104, 1505, 223, 455, 326, 2325, 2321, 1499, & 2222, UWA 369, Carmen Union 589, Sheet Metal Workers Local 17, IUOE Local 4, UFCW Local 791, Painters and Allied Trades DC 35, the Boston Musicians Association Local 9-535, Ironworkers Local 7, the Plymouth/Bristol County Regional Labor Council, the Norfolk County Regional Labor Council, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, and Eastern Millwrights Regional Council.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION OF $4 MILLION TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD, IN MOST IMPACTED INDUSTRIES DUE TO COVID-19

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES DISTRIBUTION OF $4 MILLION TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES IN EVERY NEIGHBORHOOD, IN MOST IMPACTED INDUSTRIES DUE TO COVID-19 New platform created to help businesses source personal protective equipment and cleaning supplies to protect employees and customers as economy begins to reopen BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Continuing a policy of rapid, equitable, and transparent relief and support from the COVID-19 pandemic to all Bostonians, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that nearly $4 million in debt-free grants have been distributed to over 1,100 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston through the Small Business Relief Fund, including the $2 million distributed to businesses earlier this month. The businesses receiving grants represent industries most-impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout every neighborhood in Boston. "I've said it many times: small businesses are the heartbeat of our economy, and they provide residents with the services they depend on every day," said Mayor Walsh. "Through the Small Business Relief Fund we have been proud to support Boston's small businesses with a swift and direct infusion of funds through a fiscally responsible and equitable system that will help businesses stay open, pay employees, and strengthen our local business districts." Of the nearly $4 million that has been distributed, the top five industries funded represent small businesses in the most-affected industries, including hospitality, personal care, arts and recreation, retail, and healthcare and social assistance (home childcare, family services, personal and home care aide, etc). Of the businesses receiving grants so far, 95% have 15 or fewer employees, 52% are owned by people of color, 49% are women-owned, and 46% are immigrant-owned. Grants from the Small Business Relief Fund have been crucial to the survival of many Boston businesses, and serve as a lifeline for businesses that experienced difficulty navigating or accessing financial assistance through the Federal CARES Act. A full list of businesses that have received funding is available here. "I want to thank Mayor Walsh and the Economic Development Office for all of their hard work and help. Natalia and the Small Business team made the entire process very easy and the steps that the city has taken to keep us informed, as well as assist those in need, has blown me away. I've strengthened my faith in this city because of this experience," said Kandace Cummings, Anita Kurl Salon in the South End. "Thank you for your support in this time of hardship, this gesture has made me feel part of a community," said Ramon Zapata, AlbertStyle Barbershop in Dorchester. Managed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED), this fund was designed to disburse grants through a streamlined process without having to assume additional debt, which can be used to address rent, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, lost opportunities, and other working capital expenses. Through a combination of City, Federal, and private funds, a total of $7.5 million has been made available to fully fund all remaining eligible grant requests that were submitted during the application process.  To further assist the City's small businesses, the City of Boston has created a new platform to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies they will be required to have available in order to ensure the safety of employees and customers as industries begin to reopen. Along with industry-specific reopening requirements, the page includes a list of self-identified, local suppliers of PPE and cleaning supplies, information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' vendor database, and partner organizations helping to connect businesses with vendors. As business owners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19-related assistance landscape, the Economic Development Office has created a Federal Assistance Guide, Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, all of which are continuously updated. Small Business conference calls will continue every Tuesday at 3pm to communicate policy updates, answer questions, feature relevant City of Boston departments, and troubleshoot the ecosystem of funding available from the state, federal, and private industry.  The City of Boston has created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19. The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents into supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/covid19-businesses. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit  boston.gov/coronavirus. ###

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES STREAMLINED PROCESSES TO HELP RESTAURANTS AS PART OF COVID-19 REOPENING PROCESS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES STREAMLINED PROCESSES TO HELP RESTAURANTS AS PART OF COVID-19 REOPENING PROCESS BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the Licensing Board for the City of Boston (the "Board") has taken steps to streamline existing processes and remove outdated restrictions to help small businesses and restaurants as part of the COVID-19 reopening process.  At its voting hearing on Thursday, May 21, 2020 the Board took the following actions:  Voted to pass an emergency amendment to its General Rules codifying its existing administrative review of temporary extensions of licensed premise onto outdoor space using its existing One Day Amendment to Existing License Application; Voted to administratively lift citywide the preexisting condition of "alcohol with food only" on outdoor space or any other similar condition that prohibits the sale and service of alcohol on outdoor space without the service of a food item;  The Board, Boston Transportation Department, Inspectional Services Department, Public Improvement Commission, and Public Works Department  will waive fees for the approved use of outdoor space for this program, on both public and private property, on a temporary, non-precedent setting basis. "We've said from the beginning that Boston's reopening process must take a cautious approach that puts science and public health at the forefront of our discussions," said Mayor Walsh. "It's my hope that these updated protocols will help ensure proper social distancing, and give much-needed assistance to the small businesses that are the lifeblood of Boston's neighborhoods." On Monday, the Licensing Board issued a questionnaire for businesses that will be used as the starting point for both identifying opportunities for temporary extensions onto outdoor space both on public and private property. Extensions into the public way, whether sidewalks or streets, require evaluation by multiple departments to confirm doing so can be done while ensuring the safety of patrons and employees. The goal is to be able to process and approve these temporary extensions administratively without requiring hearings, fees, or multiple applications going to multiple departments. To date, 147 businesses have filled out the questionnaire across the city ranging from small restaurants and coffee shops in neighborhoods to restaurants downtown. The questionnaire is for businesses who have licenses from the Licensing Board.  The data from the questionnaire, in addition to serving as the starting point for the review process, also informs City departments which neighborhoods may not be aware of the temporary extension process so that outreach can be targeted to ensure businesses across the city have access to this opportunity. These new protocols are part of the Walsh Administration's ongoing work to support small businesses during this challenging time. On Thursday, Mayor Walsh announced that nearly $4 million in public and private debt-free grants have been distributed to just over 1,100 small businesses in every neighborhood across the City of Boston through the Small Business Relief Fund, including the $2 million distributed to businesses earlier this month. The businesses receiving grants represent industries most-impacted by closures, policies, or general loss of revenues due to the COVID-19 pandemic throughout every neighborhood in Boston. Managed by the Mayor's Office of Economic Development (OED), this new fund was designed to disburse grants through a streamlined process without having to assume additional debt, which can be used to address rent, fixed debts, payroll, accounts payable, lost sales, lost opportunities, and other working capital expenses. Through a combination of City, Federal, and private funds, a total of $7.5 million has been made available to fully fund all remaining eligible grant requests that were submitted during the application process.  To further assist the City's small businesses, the City of Boston has created a new platform to help businesses source the personal protective equipment (PPE) and cleaning supplies they will be required to have available in order to ensure the safety of employees and customers as industries begin to reopen. Along with industry-specific reopening requirements, the page includes a list of self-identified, local suppliers of PPE and cleaning supplies, information on the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' vendor database, and partner organizations helping to connect businesses with vendors. As business owners, employers, and employees navigate an evolving COVID-19-related assistance landscape, the Economic Development Office has created a Federal Assistance Guide, Financial Relief Handbook and FAQ document, all of which are continuously updated. Small Business conference calls will continue every Tuesday at 3pm to communicate policy updates, answer questions, feature relevant City of Boston departments, and troubleshoot the ecosystem of funding available from the state, federal, and private industry.  The City of Boston has created a number of useful guides and resources for small businesses impacted by COVID-19 and the Commonwealth's Non-Essential Services and "Stay At Home" Order. The Open Businesses in Boston and Support Boston Restaurants platforms have helped businesses to publicly share that they are open and direct residents into supporting local establishments. The above resources and more industry-specific guidance are accessible on boston.gov/small-business. For all coronavirus updates from the City of Boston, please visit boston.gov/coronavirus. ###

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL GRADUATION CELEBRATION FOR BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES VIRTUAL GRADUATION CELEBRATION FOR BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS STUDENTS Ceremony To Be Broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 on Saturday, June 13 BOSTON - Thursday, May 21, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh together with Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius today announced the City of Boston will honor graduating seniors in the Class of 2020 and celebrate their accomplishments with a virtual graduation ceremony that will be broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 on Saturday, June 13, 2020 from 7:30 - 8:00 pm. The ceremony will be hosted by Mayor Walsh, Superintendent Cassellius and will feature Former United States Secretary of Education John King as the keynote speaker. In addition to a televised broadcast, the ceremony will also be streaming online at WCVB.com and available after the broadcast on boston.gov.  "We are tremendously proud of our graduating seniors, who together mark a class of smart, hardworking, and creative individuals who I know will go on to do great things," said Mayor Walsh. "While the coronavirus pandemic has sidelined some of our most important traditions, including high school graduation, we will not miss the opportunity to celebrate their achievements or mark this important milestone in their lives. I want all the seniors to know that their city is rooting for them, and will be behind them every step of the way. We are proud to work with WCVB Channel 5 to broadcast this very special event." The ceremony will feature remarks from School Committee Chair Michael Loconto, valedictorians from all 36 BPS high schools, and surprise guests. Students have also been asked to submit photos and videos of their high school experience. Boston Public Schools has approximately 3,000 students in the 2020 graduating class.  "Senior year for any high school student is a remarkable time in a young person's life, and the senior year for the Class of 2020 is unlike any we've experienced in our lifetime," said Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. "The courage, flexibility, and resilience our students have shown, supported by our community is an inspiration for all of us, and gives us all reason to be hopeful about the future and the legacy the Class of 2020 will create long after their time in the Boston Public Schools has passed." ###

Massachusetts Implements Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

Massachusetts Implements Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC)

Finalizes Implementation of all CARES Act Benefits For Unemployment Claimants in Massachusetts

BOSTON — The Baker-Polito Administration announced today that Massachusetts residents who are eligible for the federal CARES Act and qualify for having exhausted their regular unemployment compensation may now receive the new Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation (PEUC). The launch of this program marks the third and final benefit available for the Commonwealth through the CARES Act.

PEUC provides up to 13 additional weeks of benefits to an individual who has exhausted all rights to any regular unemployment compensation and who meets other eligibility requirements of the CARES Act. PEUC will automatically begin for individuals who have been receiving regular standard unemployment benefits on an active claim and those benefits are exhausted, and those individuals do not have to take any further action.

If an individual’s standard unemployment claim has expired, they must file a new standard claim. If the individual is monetarily eligible on the new standard claim, regardless of the benefit rate amount, they will receive benefits from that new claim. Otherwise, the individual will be eligible for PEUC on the prior claim and it will be automatically implemented.

Individuals who exhausted their standard benefits but were receiving benefits through Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) must apply to claim weekly benefits. Residents should apply through the standard unemployment benefits portal available here.

Those receiving PEUC will also receive $600 weekly through the week ending July 25, 2020, provided by the Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC) program established by the CARES Act.

The CARES Act signed into law on March 27, 2020, established the PEUC, PUA and FPUC public benefit programs that expanded unemployment eligibility, temporarily increases weekly benefits for all claimants and allows additional categories of people to claim unemployment benefits. This is the largest expansion of assistance for the Commonwealth’s workforce since the Great Depression.

More information about Pandemic Emergency Unemployment Compensation can be found at mass.gov/peuc.

大提琴手陳南呈5/22網上直播演奏 為中華表演藝術基金會籌款

             (Boston Orange) 大提琴家陳南呈(Nan-Cheng Chen)將於5月22日晚9點，從家中直播，為Park Avenue Pianos音樂家救濟音樂會演出，並請支持者直接捐款給中華藝術表演基金會。

             陳南呈是一位最近被《華盛頓郵報》描述為“風度翩翩，令人微笑”，演奏精妙，被《紐約音樂會評論》評為“音調美麗”的大提琴演奏家，也是新亞洲室內樂協會（NACMS）的執行理事和聯合創始人，經常應邀赴北美，南美，歐洲和亞洲演奏，曾和Simon Bolivar 交響樂團，台灣國立交響樂團，台北交響樂田，皇后交響樂團，西都會交響樂團，昆西交響樂團以及專業交響樂(Symphony Pro Musica)合作演出，屋斯特報紙Worcester Telegram and Gazette形容那是大概十年才聽得到一次的演出。

                     陳南呈的音樂演出地點包括班夫中心大院(Banff Centre Residency)，薩拉索塔音樂節，海菲茲學院和克奈塞爾大廳。他曾在Chautauqua夏季音樂節上客座演出，在Bowdoin國際音樂節做Kaplan研究員。作為音樂教育家，陳南呈在賓州州立大學，威斯康星大學，卡爾加里大學以及巴拿馬，哥倫比亞和台灣的大學裡教授過大提琴大師班。 Nan-Cheng在CUNY Queens學院任教。目前他在紐約中城的Feitian學院任教。陳南呈擁有B.M.和M.M.畢業於朱莉亞德學院（Juilliard School），並在紐約市立大學研究生中心攻讀博士學位。

在當前的COVID-19形勢下，陳南呈曾從自己家中，做了幾場高品質的現場直播音樂會，也

                          每天與他的朋友和音樂愛好者分享他的音樂製作過程。查詢詳情，可上Instagram的NatePlaysCello或https://www.facebook.com/cellistncc，https://steinwaygrand.com/pages/park-avenue-pianos-musician-relief-concerts-live-feed。捐款網址http://www.chineseperformingarts.net/donation/index.htm.

lementation of New COVID-19 Safety Standards at Symmons Industries in Braintree

lementation of New COVID-19 Safety Standards at Symmons Industries in Braintree

BRAINTREE – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito today toured Symmons Industries, an 80-year-old Massachusetts manufacturer that has implemented the new Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards as manufacturing operations scale back up.

Symmons Industries manufactures precision plumbing fixtures for both commercial and residential use, and has been producing critical personal protective equipment (PPE) to support the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 response.

On May 11, the Baker-Polito Administration announced new Mandatory Workplace Safety Standards designed to reduce the spread of COVID-19 in workplaces. Developed by the Department of Public Health, the COVID-19 Command Center and the Reopening Advisory Board, these standards detail new policies for social distancing, hygiene, staff and operations, and cleaning and disinfecting that all workplaces must follow.

The Reopening Advisory Board also released new Sector Specific Protocols that describe policies, procedures and best practices that particular industries should follow to decrease the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Businesses self-certify that they are complying with new rules by developing a COVID-19 control plan and displaying a signed attestation poster in a place on premises visible to employees and visitors. In addition to new protocols for manufacturing, the Baker-Polito Administration also released guidelines for other industries opening in Phase 1, including construction, laboratories, hair salons and barbershops, car washes, pet grooming and office spaces.

“The safety of our employees and customers is the most important priority for Symmons Industries,” said Symmons Industries CEO Tim O’Keeffe. “The materials produced by the Baker-Polito Reopening Advisory Board were informative, easy to use and specifically tailored to the manufacturing sector. We were able to quickly implement additional policies and procedures to meet the new safety standards, which will help us prevent the transmission of COVID-19 in our workplace.”

These safety standards and protocols serve as critical components of “Reopening Massachusetts,” the Administration’s comprehensive plan to safely and responsibly reopen the Massachusetts economy, and all businesses must adhere to and implement them by no later than May 25.