波士頓市撥款125萬元資助54個機構扶持青少年 反暴力

MAYOR JANEY AND THE OFFICE OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES ANNOUNCE THE RECIPIENTS OF THE 2022 YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND GRANTS $1.25 million investment in youth and young adult violence prevention

 

BOSTON - Friday, October 29, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Offices of Health and Human Services and Public Safety today announced the nonprofit organizations selected to receive grants from the 2022 Youth Development Fund. Totaling $1,250,000 in funding, 54 Boston-based organizations will receive funding to provide positive violence intervention, prevention, and response services throughout the city.  “Programming to support youth and young adult violence prevention is an important part of ensuring safety, healing and justice for all of our residents in every neighborhood,” said Mayor Janey. “I want to thank all the organizations involved for their dedication and support to Boston’s young residents.”

 

 

Wednesday, October 27, 2021 - Mayor Janey joined Chief of Health and Human Services Marty Martinez for the Youth Development Fund Recipient Orientation.

 

This year, funding will be awarded to Boston non-profit organizations that focus on increasing the number and variety of youth development programs intentionally addressing the metrics that prevent youth and young adult violence in Boston neighborhoods. There is a concentration with this year’s funds to support activities that implement evidence-based prevention strategies intended to shape individual behaviors as well as relationship, community, and societal factors that influence the risk for violence. The FY22 Youth Development Fund will be supporting organizations that are in neighborhoods disproportionately impacted by gun or youth violence, youth serving entities with an intentional focus on outreach and engagement of high-risk/proven-risk youth and young adults, and organizations using the Positive Youth Development framework and/or Meaningful Youth Engagement practices.  Of the organizations receiving funding, 57% are led by a woman and 50% are led by a person of color. Of those receiving funds, 48% of organizations will service Dorchester and 27% will service Roxbury, in addition to other neighborhoods.   “We are grateful to the City for the continued support of More Than Words and positive youth development throughout the city,” said Jodi Rosenbaum, Founder & CEO of More Than Words. “Mayor Janey’s connection to our young people and the issues that matter to them were clear in her recent visit to talk with our youth, and this award is a testament to the hard work of our young people moving their lives forward.” “This funding is a lifeline that helps us continue our work as an organization dedicated to empowering women and girls impacted by community harm incarceration," said Ruth Rollins Executive Director of We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project. “We thank Mayor Janey and her administration for creating this funding resource, which allows so many local non-profits to continue working towards social justice and equity.  Mayor Janey has increased funding for the Youth Development Fund this year, marking the fourth year of increases, bringing the investment total from $1M up to 1.25M for FY22.  Below are the grantees awarded funding from the 2022 Youth Development Fund. Additional funding will be available in the spring as part of the Fund. Action for Boston Community Development, Inc.: ABCD’s SummerWorks and WorkSMART programs serve both in-school and out-of-school youth, providing them critical employment skills through weekly intensive work readiness workshops followed by job placements. All Dorchester Sports & Leadership: ADSL’s focus on wellness and academic success encourages healthy habits and choices for youth and their families. ADSL offers an alternative to risky behaviors where young people can excel in sports and academics, build self esteem, develop leadership skills, and engage with positive role models and mentors.  Artists for Humanity: AFH provides teens from Boston opportunities to learn and earn income through paid employment in art and design. Beat The Odds: Beat the Odds is dedicated to serving under-resourced youth in Boston’s low-income communities through its Creative Youth Development Program. Their mission is to provide a safe space, where young people will have access to the creative tools necessary to inspire self-awareness and encourage mental health and healing from trauma through music and arts.  Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Massachusetts: Diversity, equity, and inclusion are the core values at Big Brothers Big Sisters that aid them in maximizing their impact and truly thrive as an organization. Boston Asian Youth Essential Service: Boston Asian YES provides services and programs for at-risk and high-risk Asian youth, ages 13-22. It is the only Chinatown community agency that provides outreach, prevention and intervention services to this cohort and has a long history of partnering with BPD, alternative education programs and other social service providers. Boston Debate League: Their mission is to integrate argumentation and competitive debate into public schools in Boston to develop critical thinkers ready for college, career, and engagement with the world around them. Boston Project Ministries: The Boston Project engages and equips neighbors, volunteers, and congregations to build strong communities characterized by God’s shalom. Boys and Girls Clubs of Boston, Inc.: BGCB’s YouthConnect Social Workers provide gang and at-risk youth confidential, voluntary community-based mental health support and resource coordination, including via tele-health sessions.  Boys and Girls Clubs of Dorchester, Inc.: Partnering with BDP, the Club supports programming that forges positive community-police relations and teaches young people alternatives to violence; summer programming provides enrichment activities such as field trips. Breaktime United, Inc.: Breaktime is a non-profit that works to end young adult homelessness. They operate Boston’s first transitional employment program for young adults experiencing homelessness in which young adults launch their careers, nurture their talents, and serve their communities. Bridge Over Troubled Waters: Bridge is Boston’s foremost agency providing life-changing services for homeless, runaway and at-risk youth. Bryce's Journey, Inc: Bryce’s Journey, Inc. is a minority woman led non-profit organization dedicated to serving the underserved Autism Spectrum Disorder/ADHD community of Boston, MA. The Mission of Bryce’s Journey, Inc. is to provide free or low-cost support to low-income inner city families of children with these high functioning disabilities. Businesses United in Investing Lending and Development (BUILD Boston): BUILD ignites the power of youth in under-resourced communities to build career success, entrepreneurial mindsets, and opportunity. They help students become the CEO of their own lives! Cape Verdean Community Unido DBA Cape Verdean Association of Boston: The Cape Verdean Association works to empower the Cape Verdean Community since 2000. They run parents’ and women’s support groups, as well as youth programs and training to promote the skill development needed to affect change. Casa Myrna Vazquez, Inc. : Casa Myrna is Boston’s largest provider of shelter and supportive services to survivors of domestic violence, providing safety, resources, advocacy and information since 1977.  Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston Inc.: Catholic Charities’ Teen Center at St. Peter serves as a safe haven for adolescents living in Dorchester’s most troubled areas during after school hours and throughout the summer months. The Teen Center’s staff, programs, and activities aim to increase teens’ self-esteem while providing the tools needed for academic and personal growth, as well as their success in the community. Codman Square Health Center: Programming to support young people aged 13-18, and their families, through targeted leadership development programs, mentoring, and healthy lifestyles education. EVkids, Inc.: EVkids provides a continuum of services to help low-income, academically vulnerable children and teens (beginning in grades 4-12) succeed in school and life by systematically strengthening core academic skills, organizational habits, and other life skills. Friends of the Children-Boston: Impacting generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with professional mentors – no matter what. Future Chefs: FC prepares teens for successful life and work after high school. Future Chefs teens work hard in the kitchen and use this training as a foundation for a broad range of academic and professional careers. Their conviction is that the life skills and knife skills learned in the kitchen can be applied meaningfully in all avenues of a fulfilling life. Hyde Square Task Force, Inc.: They amplify the power, creativity, and voices of youth, connecting them to Afro-Latin culture and heritage so they can create a diverse, vibrant Latin Quarter and build a just, equitable Boston.  Inquilinos Boricuas en Acción (IBA): IBA prepares young people aged 13-18 for school and life success by offering an employment-based program, centered on arts education, that fosters meaningful relationships and experiences integrating community organizing, social and emotional support. Justice Resource Institute, Inc. dba STRIVE Boston: Programming provides proven-risk youth with support, leadership and work experience opportunities that will help them to become productive, responsible and law-abiding.  LEAP Self-Defense, Inc.: Girls' LEAP interrupts the cycle of violence by empowering all girls and nonbinary youth to value and champion their own safety and well-being. Their goal is to provide girls with the tools and skills to keep themselves safe, both emotionally and physically. They partner with local schools and community centers to deliver empowerment and self-defense services to girls aged 8-18 in Greater Boston. Lena Park: Lena Park’s mission for the 21st century is to provide integrated programs, services and access to resources that will help youth and families in the Lena Park catchment area build healthy lives, healthy families, and a healthy community.  Level Ground Mixed Martial Arts Inc.: Their Mixed Martial Arts, Jiu Jitsu, kickboxing, and yoga offerings empower members of all ages to embrace a healthy lifestyle while enjoying a connection to a supportive, family-oriented community. They also provide college access and career opportunities to Boston youth. Madison Park Development Corporation: Their mission is to foster a vibrant, healthy Roxbury neighborhood that supports the well-being and advancement of the community. Maverick Landing Community Services: MLCS is a multi-service organization with a primary focus on helping children, youth, and adults to build 21st-century skills.Their mission is to enhance the lives of the culturally and economically diverse residents of Maverick Landing, East Boston, and surrounding communities MissionSAFE: Their mission is to work with Boston's highly at-risk youth and their families to gain the skills and confidence to thrive, not just survive, and to improve their community and their world. More Than Words: MTW programming empowers young people to move their lives forward, supporting them in accessing the education and employment services they need to build healthy, safe, and self-sufficient futures. Mothers for Justice and Equality, Inc.: MJE harnesses and focuses the fierce love and protectiveness of mothers to create neighborhoods where playgrounds are safe and sidewalks are not threatening.  MBK617: MBK617 is supporting a range of youth development activities for young people in Dorchester and Roxbury that allows them to create and maintain healthy relationships with other youth regardless of where they are from in Boston. Their efforts focus on supporting the psycho-social development of young people through peer mentoring, youth support and other enrichment activities.   Piers Park Sailing Center: PPSC provides inclusive and accessible recreational, educational, and personal growth opportunities for people of all ages, abilities, and identities. PPSC empowers participants to become stewards of a stronger community, advocates for a healthy Boston Harbor, and leaders of individual and family wellness.  Project RIGHT, Inc.: They create, nurture, establish, strengthen, mobilize and coordinate resident and youth involvement in neighborhood stabilization, economic development and community building efforts within the neighborhoods of North Dorchester and Roxbury (Greater Grove Hall) through the grassroots organizing of neighborhood residents. Roxbury Youthworks, Inc.: A community-based, minority non-profit organization whose mission is to help youth caught in cycles of poverty, victimization and violence transition successfully into adulthood. Soccer Without Borders: SWB uses soccer as a vehicle for positive change, engaging newcomer refugees and immigrant youth in East Boston and surrounding communities. Sociedad Latina, Inc.: Sociedad addresses four key focus areas towards youth success: Education, Workforce Development, Civic Engagement, and Arts & Culture, and aims to build deep relationships with families to move students through middle school, high school, and college. Sportsmen's Tennis & Enrichment Center: STEC is a year-around, youth centered organization offering tennis, academic and enrichment programs for K-12 aged youth; programming supports closing the achievement gap. Street Litigators, LLC: Street Litigators provides legal education classes to youth aged 13-25 to help them avoid making bad decisions that lead to violence and incarceration.  Summer Search: Sumer Search creates futures for youth 7+ with purpose and equity by empowering young people through mentoring and experiential learning programs.  TEAM New England Youth Academy: TEAM New England is a youth development organization that employs academic, mentoring, athletic, and service learning programming that positively impacts the development of the youth in our community. Team Spartans: Their mission is to provide an inclusive and diverse environment for youth basketball players who seek to improve their overall skill set, not only in the game of basketball, but also in practical life skills. The City School: The City School develops and strengthens youth to become effective leaders for social justice. They work with young people ages 14-19 living in Boston and its surrounding suburbs who are emerging leaders and have a passion for social justice.  The Center for Teen Empowerment: TE’s violence prevention and youth arts groups meet online (and/or in person, when possible) to implement initiatives that engage peers and adults in addressing community violence, educational equity, racial equity and mental wellness. The Clubhouse Network: The Clubhouse encourages young people to explore the creative uses of technology and develop professional and life skills such as problem-solving and teamwork; students learn computer-generated art, develop scientific simulations and design animations. The Food Project: Their mission is to create a thoughtful and productive community of youth and adults from diverse backgrounds who work together to build a more just and sustainable food system. Their community empowers and equips youth leaders, grows and distributes fresh, healthy, affordable food in the city and the suburbs, and inspires and supports others to create change in their communities. The3PointFoundation, Inc.: 3PF seeks to close the opportunity and achievement gap caused by economic inequality for underserved, low-income Boston elementary and middle school youth by providing free community-based programs that integrate project-based learning, athletics, dance, and other activities to foster the development of 21st century skills, social-emotional growth, and a growth mindset - all of which are crucial to future success.  Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center: Their core educational program for Boston public middle school students combines field science, social-emotional learning, and outdoor challenges — all infused with Outward Bound’s unique approach to promoting compassion, leadership, and service.  Uphams Corner Community Center DBA Bird Street Community Center: Bird Street provides a space where young people, under structured adult supervision, can focus on positive, productive activities and identities.  We Are Better Together Warren Daniel Hairston Project Inc : WAB2G connects and heals women and girls affected by homicide and incarceration to prevent the cycles of violence and victimization. Yardtime Entertainment: YE Inc. seeks to shift the narrative of ex-offenders from “public safety concern” to a positive contribution to society. They’re often the first line of support for ex-offenders, and are committed to reconnecting families and the community. Youth Guidance: BAM is a school-based counseling and mentoring program that improves the social-cognition and behavioral competencies of predominantly young men of color who have been exposed to stressors and face social, behavioral, and/or emotional challenges. YMCA of Greater Boston: The YMCA will support summer employment for teens: last year the Y hosted 934 young people; and continue with Academic Credit Recovery where students can “recover” academic credit and so they can graduate on time.

New Research Reveals Racial Profiling Among Scientists of Chinese Descent and the Consequences for the U.S. Scientific Community

New Research Reveals Racial Profiling Among Scientists of Chinese Descent and the Consequences for the U.S. Scientific Community

前美國駐中國大使駱家輝為百人會會議開場

New York, NY and Tucson, AZ (October 28, 2021) -- Committee of 100, a non-profit membership organization of prominent Chinese Americans, and the University of Arizona, one of the leading research universities in the country, unveiled findings today from a joint research project that focused on race and ethnicity in science and research.
 
The white paper “Racial Profiling Among Scientists of Chinese Descent and Consequences for the U.S. Scientific Community” showcases the survey results and data which demonstrate a consistent pattern of racial profiling in science and research. Scientists of Chinese descent and of Asian descent report far greater racial profiling from the U.S. government, difficulty in obtaining research funds, professional challenges and setbacks, and fear and anxiety that they are surveilled by the U.S. government, compared to non-Asian scientists. 
 

雅虎創辦人楊致遠也認為應關注華裔科學家在美處境

Committee of 100 and the University of Arizona administered a nationwide blind survey to scientists both of Chinese and non-Chinese descent including faculty, postdocs, graduate students at top U.S. colleges and universities over the Summer of 2021. The final sample consisted of 1,949 scientists across the country. 
 
The survey data also shows that the China Initiative is producing a wave of fear among scientists of non-Chinese descent as well, where scientists have described cutting ties with their collaborators in China, no longer hiring Chinese postdocs, and limiting communications with scholars in China, even at the expense of their own research projects. 

Stanford president - Marc Tessier-Lavigne

Scientists of Chinese descent indicate in the survey that they have purposely not pursued federal funding for projects for fear of increased scrutiny, compared to scientists of non-Chinese descent. This can lead to smaller teams, downsizing of projects, and working with reduced resources. Scientists of Chinese descent have also started to consider working in less hostile climates outside the U.S., which could affect talent retention. The enrollment of new international graduate students from China has already been declining.
 
“What is clear from this research is that U.S. scientists and researchers of Chinese descent and non-Chinese descent experience the world and their work very differently because of racism, stereotypes, xenophobia, and government policies,” said Dr. Jenny J. Lee, Professor in the Center for the Study of Higher Education, College of Education, at the University of Arizona. “We thank the Committee of 100 for teaming with us at the University of Arizona to help shed light on a significant issue that directly impacts how research across the U.S. is conducted and advanced.”

“The U.S. is the global leader in scientific research, yet suspicions of scientists of Chinese descent in the U.S. have made progress and exchange more difficult,” said Zheng Yu Huang, President of Committee of 100. “Government policies have a direct correlation with and impact on advancements in life-saving innovation and technological breakthroughs. We need to move beyond the stereotypes of the perpetual foreigner and halt the xenophobia being directed at Chinese Americans and the entire AAPI community. We at Committee of 100 want to thank Dr. Jenny Lee and the University of Arizona for collaborating with us on important work that showcases the deleterious impact of racial profiling in science and research.” 

Key data points pulled from the report: 

• Overall, scientists of Chinese descent and non-Chinese descent both recognize the value of scientists of Chinese descent and support collaboration with China. 96.8% of scientists of Chinese descent and 93.6% of scientists of non-Chinese descent believe that scientists of Chinese descent make important contributions to research and teaching programs in the U.S.
• 42.2% of scientists of Chinese descent feel racially profiled by the U.S. government, while only 8.6% of scientists of non-Chinese descent feel so. 
• 
  38.4% of scientists of Chinese descent experience more difficulty in obtaining funding for research projects in the U.S. as a result of their race/ethnicity/country of origin, compared to only 14.2% of scientists of non-Chinese descent.
• 50.7% of scientists of Chinese descent feel considerable fear and/or anxiety that they are being surveilled by the U.S. government, compared to only 11.7% of scientists of non-Chinese descent. 

• 

  郗小星教授。

  39.7% of scientists of Chinese descent believe the U.S. should be tougher on China to prevent the theft of intellectual property, while 74.8% of scientists of non-Chinese descent feel so.
• Among those who had reported conducting research that involves China over the past 3 years, a higher percentage of the scientists of Chinese over non-Chinese descent reported limiting communication with collaborators in China (40.6% vs. 12.8%), deciding not to involve China in future projects (23.8% vs. 5.8%), and deciding not to work with collaborators in China in the future projects (23.2% vs. 9.7%).
• Among those whose research with China was prematurely suspended over the past three years, 78.5% of scientists of Chinese descent wanted to distance themselves from collaborators in China due to the China Initiative, compared to 27.3% of scientists of non-Chinese descent.
• Among  non-U.S. citizen scientists in the sample, 42.1% of the scientists of Chinese descent indicate that the FBI investigations and/or the China Initiative affected their plans to stay in the U.S., while only 7.1% of the scientists of non-Chinese descent report so.

Dr. David Ho, Scientific Director, Aaron Diamond AIDS Research Center; Director, Wu Family China Center; Professor of Medicine and Microbiology & Immunology at Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons; and Committee of 100 Member, stated about the research findings, “Scientific and educational exchanges are enormously beneficial to both U.S. and China. Full stop. Any unwarranted restriction or deterrent to open collaborations impedes scientific progress and technological development on both sides of the Pacific. Like so many other scientists, educators, and institutions of higher learning, I strongly urge our government to terminate the China Initiative. This initiative is deeply flawed not only because of its racist bent but also because it strangles the spirit of scientific research.  For decades, American science and engineering have depended heavily on talent from abroad, including those from China.  There is no doubt that the China Initiative is driving Chinese talent away from the U.S. and damaging our overall competitiveness.”
 
Quotes submitted by survey participants:
 
“Even though I do not work in a sensitive field nor do I deal with any privileged or proprietary information, I am increasingly hesitant to interact or collaborate with scientists from China for fear it may be misconstrued by overzealous authorities as a conflict of national interest.” (Chinese American Associate Professor, Biophysics)
 
“I am less willing to pursue and be involved in research funded by federal or state government agencies as such research may attract special and unjustified scrutiny by the government authorities.” (Chinese Associate Professor, Environmental Science)

“As a Chinese professor who is trained and has been working in the U.S. for nearly 20 years, these investigations and restrictions against Chinese scholars make me feel unwelcome and somewhat discriminated and I sometimes feel my Chinese identity may be the limiting factor for my career advancement in the U.S. In the past few years, I felt for the first time since I have been in the U.S. that Chinese scientists are not valued as much as before and politics is intervening academic freedom. This makes me seriously consider moving to China if the current trend continues or even worsens.” (Chinese Associate Professor, Chemistry)
 

“We don’t do anything wrong. Science has no borders. International collaborations should be encouraged. But under the DOJ China Initiative, who knows what will happen?” (Chinese American Professor, Mathematics)
 
To read the full research findings, visit https://www.committee100.org/initiatives/racial-profiling-among-scientists-of-chinese-descent-and-consequences-for-the-us-scientific-community/

Angela Menino Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

Angela Menino Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor

Boston, MA— Angela Menino, the wife of the late Mayor Thomas M. Menino, Boston’s longest-serving mayor, today announced her support for Michelle Wu as the next Mayor of Boston. Angela Menino emphasized Michelle’s knowledge and love of Boston, as well as her ability to build trust and improve lives.

 

Angela Menino said: “In Michelle, I see someone like Tommy, who gets to know personally every part and person of our city to provide the city services we need. I’m proud to support her to be the next Mayor of Boston and continue Tommy’s legacy as an urban mechanic who fights for Boston to be a city for everyone.

“I got to know Michelle from her time working with my husband in City Hall. He had a great respect for her as she was raising her sister, navigating BPS to enroll her in classes all while achieving on her own by attending Harvard graduate school - her ability to remain focused on improving lives of people in the city while also dealing with her own family dynamics was impressive. Her grace under pressure and sharp mind to think differently about city services and build trust among city agencies made her stand out. I know my husband would have endorsed her for Mayor as he supported her when she ran for City Council. She has my vote and full confidence that she will continue to earn the trust of the people in our neighborhoods that is necessary to get big things done for our city.”

“I’m honored to have the support of Angela Menino, someone whose love of this city and contributions to this city shine through in all her actions. Working for Mayor Menino was the best possible introduction to local government. I have always admired the Menino family deeply for their legacy of transformation of this city, love of Boston and all our residents, and unparalleled commitment to city services. I am humbled by this endorsement and look forward to continuing the work of connecting and serving every family in Boston,” said Michelle Wu.

Angela Menino’s endorsement add to an enthusiastic multigenerational, multicultural coalition of grassroots supporters, including leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey, Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley, Mayor Kim Janey, Sheriff Steve Tompkins, Suffolk County Register of Probate Felix Arroyo Sr., Boston City Councilors Ricardo Arroyo, Liz Breadon and Lydia Edwards; State Senators Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, Sonia Chang Diaz and Julian Cyr; State Representatives Assistant Majority Leader Mike Moran, Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, Jay Livingstone, Adrian Madaro, Vanna Howard, Natalie Higgins, Liz Miranda, Tram Nguyen, Maria Robinson, Andy Vargas, and Tommy Vitolo; former State Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; former State Transportation Secretaries Fred Salvucci and Jim Aloisi; former MBTA FMCB Chairman Joseph Aiello; former Boston City Councilor Tito Jackson; former State Representative Charlotte Golar Richie; labor unions 1199 SEIU, SEIU Local 509, 32BJ SEIU, North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Teamsters Local 25, New England Joint Board of UNITE HERE!, UAW Region 9A, Laborers Local 22, Alliance of Unions at the MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; climate organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Boston’s Ward 1, Ward 4 and Ward 5 Democratic Committees; The Boston Guardian; and fellow municipal elected officials from across Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements.

BOSTON CARMEN’S UNION LOCAL 589 OFFICIALLY ENDORSES ESSAIBI GEORGE

 BOSTON CARMEN’S UNION LOCAL 589 OFFICIALLY ENDORSES ESSAIBI GEORGE

Union representing 6,000 MBTA workers stands with Essaibi George

Boston, MA — Today, Boston Carmen’s Union Local 589, which represents over 6,000 MBTA transit professionals, endorsed At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George for Mayor of Boston. Local 589 leaders praised Essaibi George for her commitment to quality public services, safe and reliable transit, and her ongoing commitment to always give those on the frontlines a seat at the table.

The event, held at Ruggles Station in Roxbury, highlighted the clear choice between Essaibi George and Councilor Michelle Wu. Essaibi Geoge took the opportunity to call Wu out on her empty promise to ‘Free the T’—one of the main tenets of her campaign. 

“Annissa Essaibi George has always fought with and for us, and we’re ready to hit the ground running to get her elected as the next Mayor of Boston,” said Jim Evers, Local 589 President. “We need a Mayor that gets it. We need a Mayor who is a leader and a collaborator, who not only understands the critical role our frontline workers play in our city and the need to bring safe and reliable transit to every Boston resident, but has a path to get there!”

“We need more equitable, accessible, reliable and safe transportation in this city. No doubt about it. But the people of Boston deserve to know the cost and the objectives we need to fulfill to get there,” said Essaibi George. “I am so honored to have the support and the confidence of Local 589, the transit workers who do this work day in and day out.”

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Launch of New Online Interactive Mapping Tool

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Launch of New Online Interactive Mapping Tool 

Mapping tool will offer enhanced performance and new features for online interactive users  

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the launch of MassMapper, a new online interactive mapping tool developed by the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security’s (EOTSS) Bureau of Geographic Information Systems (MassGIS). 

This new tool will enable municipalities and private sector organizations – especially those in the land survey, engineering, and real estate industries – to better interact with the Commonwealth. MassMapper will offer an enhanced user experience for many of its primary uses like site design, land inventory, and public policy planning. 

“Investing in the modernization of the Commonwealth’s information technology infrastructure remains an important priority for our administration,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The Executive Office of Technology Services and Security was established to improve the digital government experience of Massachusetts communities through the development of IT tools such as MassMapper, and we are pleased to announce its launch.” 

“Providing our municipalities and small businesses with an enhanced interactive mapping tool like MassMapper is a great example of state government responding to the needs of its constituents and businesses,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “I applaud this effort to develop this innovative digital offering developed from insights gained from user and customer feedback.” 

MassMapper will replace the existing, legacy online mapping tool, OLIVER, which has been in use in its current form for over a decade. The new tool is powered by a modern, light-weight, open-source software that will offer improved performance and overall user experience, including on tablet. The upgrade to MassMapper represents one of many ongoing initiatives in the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security’s overall mission of modernizing the Commonwealth’s legacy IT and cybersecurity infrastructure to offer a more efficient, effective, and secure government to the people we serve. 

In addition to offering a faster, cleaner, and more intuitive user experience, MassMapper offers a number of new features: 

• Map Markup: Users now have markup capabilities to customize the map, including the ability to add text, draw boundaries, etc. 
• Geo-Fencing: Ability to geo-fence an area by drawing a boundary to pull data from a targeted location on a map – a task that is particularly helpful when downloading data for a targeted location into Excel/CSV files. 
• PDF Work Product: Users can now create a PDF of a customized map for an improved final work product for users to share with their customers. 

“One of the main tenants of our mission statement is to provide top-notch digital services and tools to our customers when and where they need them,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Curt Wood. “We will continue to seek out innovative opportunities to enhance our digital offerings as we are today with the launch of MassMapper.” 

MassMapper was developed with capital funding secured in Governor Baker’s General Governmental Bond Bill, which the Legislature passed into law in 2020 to invest in Commonwealth cybersecurity posture and IT infrastructure modernization initiatives. The interactive mapping tool’s new capabilities were developed through extensive outreach to solicit user feedback from the public and private sector, as well as thorough product testing prior to its launch. MassMapper can be accessed on any device: computer, tablet, and mobile. 

MassGIS also offers Muni Mappers, a by-request, custom-built mapping service that incorporates local data provided by the municipality for a more customized mapping tool at no cost to the municipality. This service is largely leveraged by smaller municipalities in the Commonwealth with limited resources for IT services, making the procurement of expensive commercial products infeasible. 

The current legacy mapping tool, OLIVER, will run concurrently with MassMapper for through the end of the calendar year to allow customers a smooth transition when migrating to the new enhanced offering. 

“MassGIS and our digital offerings are utilized by organizations in both the private and public sectors,” said MassGIS Director Neil MacGaffey. “MassMapper is one of the resources available through MassGIS that make doing business in Massachusetts easier.” 

To access the new MassMapper tool, click here. 

For more information on MassGIS and its offerings, click here.  

東北溫帶氣旋來襲 麻州、羅德島州多處停電 學校停課

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 巨大的東北溫帶氣旋挾著大雨、颶風，以每小時90英里速度橫掃麻州，吹倒樹木，電線，使得將近50萬戶居民家裏停電，重創嘛州東南部。許多道路、學校被迫關閉，不少人家驚見大量樹幹橫倒屋前。

麻州州長查理貝克提醒州民，這場東北溫帶氣旋將持續數天，請務必小心，倒落地上的電線可能仍然帶電。相關政府官員及電力公司代表也都提醒民眾，出門的話，開車小心，注意道路可能淹水，或有橫躺樹木，維修員工，請大家檢視鄰居安危，有點耐心。

州政府人員在27日早上報告，大約有497000戶人家停電，但28日凌晨4點半時，停電人家已減少到335,672戶人家。

有些學校計畫28日繼續停課，包括上鱈魚角區域技術高中，Whitman-Hanson區域學區，以及Carver, Marshfield, Duxbury, Plymouth, Stoughton, Orleans, Brockton等地區的學校。位於Easton的石丘學院(Stonehill College)因為停電，也決定27到29日關閉校園，取消實體課程。

Abington警察在推特上表示，Weymouth高中已開放做區域庇護所，任何人有需要可通知他們781-878-3232。

Wareham也將在28日早上8點起，在市內的多元服務中心開設取暖中心。前往該處取暖者須戴口罩。

Brockton市長Robert F. Sullivan在消防局收到300多通求助電話後，在27日中午宣佈該市進入緊急狀況。

麻州旁邊的羅德島州也面對嚴重的停電狀況，約27000戶國家電網(National Grid)用戶從27日晚上11點開始停電了。

根據國家氣象服務局資訊，凌晨4點31分時，Edgartown記錄到的風速是每小時94英里。

            根據麻州緊急管理局(MEMA)資訊，沿海岸地帶有好些社區，或者90%，或者全區停電。截至27日晚11點，包括Rockland, Scituate, Hingham, Norwell, and Cohasset等市鎮，仍然全市鎮停電，街燈、路燈也都不亮了。

            在Norwood，警察局長William G. Brooks下午時在推特上表示，華盛頓街和鐵路道交界處戰時關閉了，以俾員工維修倒塌的電線。在Easton，消防局人員表示，截至27日下午4點，因為電線倒塌，有21條道路封鎖了，約60%人家停電了。

            這場暴風雨也讓羅德島州的Barrington, Bristol, Warren, Narragansett, Little Compton, Exeter and North Kingstown等市鎮，有大約2萬8000國家電網用戶，直到晚上11點，都還處於停電狀況中。

            波士頓市也有學校受停電影響而關閉，波士頓公校發言人Xavier Andrews在27日早上10點半時表示，TechBoston學校和BTU K-8試驗學校都因為停電，讓學生提早放學。

            學校人員透露，主要因為停電，南岸及鱈魚角大約有十幾所學校28日將繼續停課。

            這場暴風雨也影響了地鐵，紅線和綠線地鐵的晨間交通都一度受影響。Keolis的通勤火車服務也因為暴風雨嚴重延遲。

            渡輪服務也無可避免地受影響，28日早上6點半到南塔基(Nantucket)的渡輪班次就取消了。

            根據氣象局資料，Salem, Randolph, New Bedford 和 Chilmark這幾個市鎮，降雨量都超過3英吋，至少有30個社區的降雨量超過2英吋。羅德島州的Burrillville 和Hope Valley，降雨量也都超過2英寸。

波士頓台灣人生物科技協會迎新 iCares 李威聯建議年輕人做10年規劃

波士頓台灣人生物科技協會(BTBA)和波士頓經文處科技組合辦迎新，有160餘人出席。(周菊子攝)

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元(右)、科技組組長
謝水龍(左)和iCares Medicus董事長李威聯夫婦(中)。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓台灣人生物科技協會 (BTBA)和波士頓經文處科技組合作，10月24日在夏街99號大樓，辦出一場有160多人參加的迎新敘舊盛會，還邀來研發人工水晶體的應用奈米醫材公司ICares Medicus董事長李威聯，分享人生應有10年計劃的經驗談。

              麻州人口約700萬，其中亞裔約50萬，華裔18萬餘，來自台灣的，估計不到一半。一般社團活動，很少見到出席人數逾百的場面。

              駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元十分興奮的表示，他去年七月到任，這還是第一次看到波士頓有那麼多來自台灣的生物醫藥界人士，希望經文處以後辦活動，大家也都能出席支持，壯大台灣在波士頓的聲勢。他還特地拿出贊助支票，當著所有人的面，交給BTBA 2名新會長，許祐湉和周致宏，以強調經文處的支持誠意。

BTBA新會長周致宏(左起)、許祐湉。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓經文處科技組組長謝水龍說明，該組是2018年12月，由科技部在波士頓經文處成立的，不過最近這一、二年科技部可能會把名稱改回以前的國家科學技術委員會。至於科技組的成立，有產業與學術兩重目的，既要和學術機構有更好的研究合作，也要扶持有潛質研究，做商業化發展。他並以李威聯的iCares Medicus公司是從波士頓到台灣設立為例，提點年輕人，台灣有許多不同優勢，大家要充分發揮、利用。

                            謝水龍也指出，iCare Medicus是一家由波士頓華人回台灣創辦，全球白內障手術約有50%使用該公司人工水晶體技術，經辦非常成功的公司，所以特地邀李威聯參會，講談。

紐英崙玉山科技協會新會長許益祥(左)邀 iCares Medicus 董事長
李威聯有機會也到該會分享經驗。(周菊子攝)

              李威聯在分享個人經驗時，先提了2個大哉問，人生的意義在那兒?我是誰?他說自己並沒有答案，但那是他從小就常在思考的問題，這麼多年以後，他唯一可以確定的是，他希望自己在人生的最後一秒鐘，不後悔。 

             他透露，這些年來的經驗讓他覺得，一個人無論要做什麼事，10年大概很夠了，如果花了10年，還沒有做成功，就應該放手，換個方向，或者換一種事物來努力。

              他是馬來西亞華僑，小時候就決定將來一定要出國留學。本來照當地風氣，會是前往歐美等英語系國家，那時候他也申請了耶魯建築系，但學校沒給全額獎學金，他又沒有其它籌款途徑，於是在父親建議下，轉赴日本，還在申請學校時，因緣際會地填了自己高中時並不拿手的化學。就這樣他在日本前後待了10年，拿到博士學位。

台灣新創醫療器材公司聿信的總經理許富舜剛好來訪波士頓，
應邀到場介紹該公司的攜帶式呼吸監測儀器。(周菊子攝)

              10年之後，他覺得自己對日本已經太熟稔，繼續待下去，不對勁，於是他在發出66封申請信後，儘管日本博士後年薪是美國的一倍，他還是決定到年薪僅$25,000的哈佛大學做博士後。

              那之後，他自己做過新創公司，2006年才合併進AST。

              2010年時，台灣經濟部到波士頓招商。AST的夥伴樂亦宏問他，有什麼項目可以做，那時他說沒做過人工水晶體，抱著試試看，「去做就是了」的心態，結果就成了進駐竹北生醫園區的第一家企業，2018年，做人工水晶體，治療白內障的應用奈米醫材公司ICares Medicus還在台灣上市，股票號碼6612。

              波士頓台灣人生物科技協會 (BTBA)今年9月才剛換屆，新會長是哈佛大學人口健康學及社交和行為學博士生許祐湉，麻省理工學院及哈佛大學博德研究院(Broad Institute)計算生物學博士後周致宏。

              他們向出席的新生，舊人介紹該會創辦於2012年，旨在為生物醫藥業同行提供交流平台，分享職涯心得，了解產業發展，每年夏天在哈佛大學舉辦為期2日的年會，希望更多人加入年會籌辦團隊，協助行政事務，市場行銷，製作播客，籌款，辦講座，提供IT支援等等。11月21日(週日)下午2到4點，將舉辦職業發展研討會，邀請莫德納(Moderna)的Gwo-Yu Chuang，H3生物醫藥公司的Yaoyu Wang分享經驗。

              查詢該會詳情可上網https://btbatw.org，或上臉書。

麻州州長匯報暴風雨狀況 約50萬戶人家停電(視頻)

 

約20萬EverSource用戶，30萬National Grid用戶面對停電狀況。