昆士市四月二日起連辦三場公平住房論壇

麻州大都會區域計畫會（MAPC）為協助昆市住家聯盟（Quincy HOME Consortium）製作一份南岸地區的“公平住房選擇障礙分析（Analyses of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (簡稱AIs)）”，將從四月二日起，一連舉辦三場講座。

南岸住家聯盟包括昆市，碧樹（Braintree），好布魯克（Holbrook），米爾頓（Milton），衛矛斯（Waymouth）等市鎮。

這一系列論壇，將就公平住宅一事，徵詢民眾遭遇的問題，協助他們去除障礙，分析相關公平住宅資訊，辨識問題所在，並為地方或區域政府機構確認目標，採取促進公平住宅的行動。

1968年的民權法第八章，俗稱公平住宅法，規定在房屋的出售，出租，或融資上，不可因種族，膚色，宗教，性別，或原始國籍而有歧視。1988年的修訂案，再把規定擴大到不可因殘障，各人家庭狀況而有歧視，例如有十八歲以下子女，懷孕婦女等。

論壇舉行的時間，都是晚上七至九點，日期及地點，分別為四月二日在昆士市的市政府大樓（1305 Hancock Street, Quincy），四月十六日在衛矛斯鎮政府大樓的鎮議員議事廳（75 Middle St, Weymouth），五月十四日在碧樹鎮大樓的Johnson室（75 Middle St, Weymouth）。每場論壇都以英文，中文進行，並提供簡便晚餐。

查詢或報名，可洽邱潔芳， 617-376-1298，byau@quincyma.gov ，或 Sean Glennon ，sglennon@quincyma.gov。

Please consider joining the forums & spread the word.
Fair Housing Forums 公平住房論壇
(Available in English and Chinese. Light dinner provided.
Please see text below & the attached flyer for details.)
公平住房論壇 - 備有英文和中文服務﹐提供簡便晚餐。詳情請參閱下文及電郵附件。

What is fair housing 什麼是公平住房？
Title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, commonly known as the Fair Housing Act, prohibits discrimination in the sale, rental, and financing of dwellings based on race, color, religion, sex, or national origin. The 1988 Fair Housing Amendments Act expanded coverage to prohibit discrimination based on disability or familial status (presence of child under age of 18 and pregnant women) and established new enforcement mechanisms for HUD and the Department of Justice.
1968年民權法第八章，俗稱公平住房法：禁止在房屋出售、出租、融資以及其他與住宅房地產相關交易的過程中實行基於種族，膚色，宗教，性別和原國籍的歧視，1988年公平住房法案的修訂更擴大覆蓋範圍，禁止基於殘疾或家庭狀況（定義為有未滿18歲的兒童和孕婦同住）的歧視﹐並替住房及城市開法部和司法部設立新的執法機制。

The Metropolitan Area Planning Council, in partnership with the Quincy HOME Consortium, is in the process of identifying goals and actions to advance fair housing on the South Shore.  As part of this effort, MAPC and the Consortium will be hosting three public forums to solicit comments on its Regional Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (RAI).
All meetings are open to the public and each will address fair housing in all five Consortium communities (Quincy, Weymouth, Braintree, Holbrook, and Milton).

The forum schedule is as follows:
April 2, 7-9pm - Quincy City Hall, 1305 Hancock Street, Quincy.  This hearing will include a discussion of each community in the Consortium, their fair housing needs and issues, and the capacity of those communities to address the needs identified. RSVP: http://bit.ly/RAI_Quincy

April 16, 7-9pm - Weymouth Council Chambers of Weymouth Town Hall, 75 Middle St, Weymouth. This meeting will address fair housing priorities, goals, and strategies: RSVP: http://bit.ly/RAI_Weymouth

May 14, 7-9pm - Johnson Chambers of Braintree Town Hall, 1 JFK Memorial Drive, Braintree.  This meeting will focus on a discussion of the final draft of the RAI. RSVP: http://bit.ly/RAI_Braintree

For more information 報名及查詢﹕
Betty Yau: 617-376-1298, byau@quincyma.gov or Sean Glennon at sglennon@quincyma.gov
Learn more about the project: http://www.mapc.org/sc-funded-fair-housing

華人啓蒙學校籲家長及早開發幼兒腦力

華人啓蒙學校昨（26）日和南端區幼兒園組織合作，在聯合路（United Way）等機構贊助下，舉辦“築腦社區行動會”，邀波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh），波士頓市議員吳弭（Michelle Wu）助陣，提醒社區，要趁孩子年紀小，開拓他們的大腦學習能力，奠定未來發展基礎。

華人啓蒙學校主任傅美華表示，該活動共有30個組織，300多人參加，旨在響應，支持即將於四月五日至十二日，在麻州各地舉行的“築腦進行中（Brain Building in Progress）”週活動，提醒家長們，科學研究指出，人的大腦結構有85%是在三歲以前形成，及早開發腦力，對幼童的未來發展有很大影響。

聯合路的幼兒策略（Early Childhood Strategies）主任夏萍若（Abby Shapiro）表示，“築腦進行中”是麻州早期教育及護理部門和聯合路合作舉辦的活動。希望藉開發幼兒腦力，讓麻州與人民都有更好未來。她指出，早前發表的科學研究報告指出，在幼童成長的頭幾年，每秒鐘有700次的神經連接（neural connections），這些神經連接和幼童與大人的重複來回互動，對幼童腦力發展有極大影響。她建議家長們參考該活動網站，http://brainbuildinginprogress.org，儘量參加逾千項活動，學習如何幫助子女開發腦力，未來生活的更好。

根據該網站，兒童在十八個月時，已出現明顯的認識字彙差距。因家庭貧困而未獲適當照顧，營養不良，生活壓力大等，都很可能延緩，危害兒童的智力發展，但只要家長努力，可以幫助子女學得更快。

華人啓蒙學校昨日還邀來波士頓學院“迅速啟動（Jump Start）”資深經理Julie Baldiga等人，示範唸故事書從介紹封面，書名，作者姓名開始，接著一邊唸書，一邊做啟發兒童動腦做關聯性思考，學習的補充說明。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh），波士頓市不分區市議員吳弭（Michelle Wu），以及後來抵達會場的麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz）昨日都應邀到會，向出席家長致意。

馬丁華殊強調，教育是影響深遠的事業，也是他的施政重點之一。四月九日時，他將向市議會遞出一份新年度預算，要求提高學齡前，及小學教育經費。他表示兒童長得好，城市才會強，他希望能幫助每一名兒童踏上成功之路。

由於昨日出席活動的家長，幾乎清一色是華裔，馬丁華殊還強調傳承文化，傳統的重要。

昨日的活動，還包括示範製作營養小食 “香蕉菠蘿燕麥片早餐麵包”。波士頓市長馬丁華殊稱自己是愛爾蘭移民後裔，在家跟著媽媽做過不少蛋糕，穿上圍裙，拿起攪拌勺，當起臨時廚師的和示範老師一起做麵包。

所有出席家長昨日在會場享用早餐，欣賞高宏偉，李平的二胡，揚琴演奏，胡衛正擊鼓，張永生示範武術，四歲的張雄林，二歲的張雄運舞獅，導引功社的劉娟子示範圓極導引功，小企業行政局專員伍少武擺攤介紹聯邦政府為民眾提供的經商資源，魯家珍介紹亞裔癌症計劃的支援服務等。塔芙茨大學牙醫學院在會場發牙刷，”迅速啟動“免費送書，都極受歡迎。

圖片說明：

            波士頓市長馬丁華殊（中）試了一口已經做好的“香蕉菠蘿燕麥片早餐麵包”，翹起拇指讚味道好。（菊子攝）

           

            華人啓蒙學校主任傅美華（右起）向出席家長們介紹，吳弭是波士頓市首名女性亞裔市議員。旁為波士頓市長馬丁華殊。（菊子攝）

            波士頓市長馬丁華殊（右起）離開時，見到二歲的張雄運，四歲的張雄林，忍不住和他們玩起來。（菊子攝）

            波士頓市長馬丁華殊（右起）和波士頓市不分區市議員吳弭（Michelle Wu），一起接受波士頓社區發展行動會啓蒙及兒童服務項目副營運主任Ivy Washington送出的紀念品。（圖由波士頓市府提供，Isabel Leon攝）

            高宏偉（左），李平（右）演奏。（菊子攝）

            伍少武介紹聯邦政府小企業行政局的服務資源。（菊子攝）

            華人啓蒙學校主任傅美華（中）介紹後，麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz)（左）向出席家長致意。（菊子攝）

紐英崙中華公所三僑團會籍暫停

 中華公所中文書記雷景林（左前坐者）宣佈有多個僑團未交齊登記表，利益衝突
表等表格後，多名僑團代表湧到主席台索取表格。（周菊子攝）

           (Boston周菊子波士頓報導)菊子波士頓報導)紐英崙中華公所廿五日晚召開本年度第二次董事大會。海僑聯誼會，世界廣東同鄉會與紐英崙龍岡親義公所的會籍問題，再引爭論。主席裁決，在定案前，該三僑團的會籍都暫停。

            會中通過了由陳朝聖接任中華公所總律師（general counsel）一職。

 中華公所主席阮鴻燦（中）主持會議。右為中文書記雷景林，左為英文書記李嘉玲。
（周菊子攝）

            阮鴻燦接任紐英崙中華公所主席近三個月後，與左右手職員關係漸融合，中華公所的董事大會，廿五日晚儘管仍多有爭論，倒不再像年前的激烈對立。

當晚，阮鴻燦的主席報告約有四項。

一為榮氏管理公司（Wing’s Management)的合約早已到期，目前在無合約狀態下，繼續管理。中華公所物業小組已陸續面談了四家管理公司，將做討論比較，再向中華公所董事大會回報物業小組的建議。
            另外，中華公所員工中一名為Wing的女士，已於二月廿一日遞信辭職。（更正）

 董事陳家驊贊成中華公所應為社區服務，不必太在意辦活動是否賺錢，但強調可事先研究
辦活動的經費來源。（周菊子攝）

二為中華公所的中文書記雷景林，英文書記李嘉玲決定當百分之百的義工，即起將不收取每月三百元的車馬費。

三為中華公所在開會前一天晚上，收到律師信，代海僑聯誼會，世界廣東同鄉會要求確認會籍。由於中華公所在今年一月份時，已收到另一海僑，世廣的律師信，中華公所將仿去年處理龍岡親義公所做法，暫不處理，待雙方自行解決，法庭有定案後，再說。

  中華公所今年有不少新董事。左二，藝聯慈善社社長鄭慧民，

左三，伍胥山公所主席伍樂仁都很認真的聽其他董事發言。（周菊子攝）

四為麻州總檢察官辦公室（AG）於三月三日發信，要求中華公所繼續做季報，說明把喜露（Herald)街50號發展為可負擔住宅的籌備進展。麻州總檢察官辦公室也在信中指出，希望中華公所恢復網站，既藉以實踐中華公所的行政透明化，也讓外界可查察更多資訊。

中華公所董事們在主席報告後爭相發言，在龍岡親義公所和海僑，世廣兩會是否鬧雙胞上意見分歧。

董事李奇舜強調，中華公所章程規定，董事資格的變動，需有三分之二以上的董事投票同意，才可確認。中華公所應該照章行事，才可避免爭議。

董事陳仕維(中)發言。(周菊子攝)

中華公所的中文書記雷景林，英文書記李嘉玲當晚也在會中宣佈，中華公所的網站，當初是雷景林設計架構，他們兩人整理資料上網做成的。迄今已累積有不下五千分檔案，但吃力不討好，如今已把網站撤下。將來中華公所有意重新製作網站，他們也已決定不再接手。

紐英崙中華公所主席軟鴻燦(右)主持會議。右為英文書記李嘉玲。(周菊子攝)

董事陳家驊表示，現代社會流行以網際網路公佈資訊，中華公所有網站是件好事，但中華公所也必須為以中華公所網站名義所發佈的內容負法律責任。他讚同把審核發刊上網資訊責任交給選舉小組的做法，以期所有發佈在網站上的，都是適當的文件。

陳家驊並進一步指出，中華公所行政透明化，意味著麻州總檢察官辦公室去年七月廿五日發給中華公所的信，並不是秘密，也應該讓每一名中華公所董事都知道內容。

會中，董事蔡倩婷要求中華公所財政今後提交支票提存記錄，何遠光隨後追加要求提交現金流記錄。中華公所將于下次開會時投票決定，是否照做。

紐英崙2014圍棋大會訂3/29在麻省理工學院舉行

上海應昌期圍棋基金會鑑於去年在哈佛大學舉辦的圍棋推廣會反響很大，極為成功，今年決定再度組團來訪，訂三月廿九日（週六）早上八點半至下午五點，在麻省理工學院Stratton學生中心（W20大樓）三樓的Lobdell用餐廳舉行2014圍棋大會(GO Expo)。

            上海應昌期圍棋基金會董事長暨世界大學生為其聯合會主席應明皓，將率曾獲圍棋世界冠軍，棋力九段的常昊，以及中國圍棋隊領隊，曾獲中國女子圍棋冠軍，棋力七段的華學明等圍棋名人，到波士頓與圍棋愛好者過招。

            應明皓傳承其父應昌期對圍棋的愛好，目前在世界各地推廣圍棋。今年他將率領圍棋代表團訪問美國數所大學，包括加州伯克萊大學，麻州哈佛大學，麻省理工學院，羅德島州的布朗大學等，既推廣圍棋，也促進年輕一代人的跨文化交流。

            此行，他還將捐贈數張特別的圍棋板給麻省理工學院及哈佛大學。

            上海應昌期圍棋基金會2014年圍棋推廣大會的麻州活動地點，在麻省理工學院Building W20, Lobdell Dining Hall, 84 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, 02139。查詢詳情，可洽該會美國負責人蕭敏617-275-6602

圖片說明：

            上海應昌期圍棋基金會將捐贈給本地大學的圍棋板。（圖由上海應昌期圍棋基金會提供）

波士頓 Beacon St.大火 兩消防員喪生

1. From Boston Fire Department Twitter

   
   

   Firefighter Kennedy was single and lived in Hyde Park. He was a veteran of the Marine Corps.

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2. Boston Fire Dept. ‏@BostonFire 13h

   Lt. Walsh was the son of a Watertown firefighter. Married with 2 boys, 1 girl- all under age 10. He lived in West Roxbury.

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3. Boston Fire Dept. ‏@BostonFire 13h

   Killed was Firefighter Michael R. Kennedy of Ladder Company 15 on Boylston St. 33yo, a 6 1/2 yr veteran. Also Veteran USMC

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4. Boston Fire Dept. ‏@BostonFire 13h

   Killed was Lt. Edward J. Walsh,Jr. assigned to Engine Company 33 on Boylston Street. 43 yo, a 9 1/2 year veteran.

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5. Boston Fire Dept. ‏@BostonFire 13h

   The Boston Fire Commissioner regrets to announce the Line of Duty deaths of two Boston firefighters killed today.

   
   

Statement of Mayor Martin J. Walsh

Tonight the City of Boston mourns the loss of two of our own. Lt. Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy lost their lives battling the nine-alarm fire on Beacon Street today.

Words cannot do justice to the grief that we feel tonight. Our hearts are heavy with the knowledge that these brave men gave their lives to protect the safety of our city and its people.

The men and women of the Boston Fire Department are the brave heroes who run towards the danger when others run away. A day like today makes us all too aware of what they are risking in the course of doing their jobs. They are heroes simply by virtue of accepting this duty. They put themselves in harm’s way so that others might be safe.

Thank you to the Boston Fire Department, Boston Police Department, EMS and all other first responders and volunteers for your heroic work today.

Our thoughts and prayers are with their families tonight as they face this terrible loss. We also hold close their fellow firefighters, who have lost friends as dear as brothers.


 STATEMENT OF GOVERNOR PATRICK

 BOSTON- Wednesday, March 26, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today released the following statement:

“My heart and my condolences go out to the families of the firefighters lost in the line of duty today, as well as to the entire Boston Fire Department. This terrible tragedy reinforces how we must be grateful every single day for the brave men and women who put themselves in danger day in and day out to keep us safe.”


 Statement from House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo.

“I am deeply saddened to hear of the two tragic deaths that have befallen the Boston Fire Department. Just outside the State House stands the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial. Words on the memorial speak to the courage and duty of members of the fire service: ‘Whenever I am called to duty, wherever flames may rage, give me strength to save a life whatever be its age . . . And if according to my destiny, I must the earth depart, please bless with your protecting hand those closest to my heart.’ This tragedy speaks to the unwavering commitment and bravery that these firefighters shared with their predecessors, and I extend my fullest sympathies to the families and friends of the fallen, the Boston Fire Department, and Mayor Walsh and will pray for their souls.”

A Suffolk prosecutor with specialized training investigating fatal fires has been assigned to the death investigation arising out of the fire at 298 Boylston St. after responding to the scene earlier this afternoon.  He will work with Boston Police and Boston Fire investigators to determine the facts and circumstances of the deaths of Firefighter Michael Kennedy and Lt. Edward Walsh in the line of duty, including the cause and origin of the blaze.  A death investigation is standard procedure in any unattended or unnatural death; it does not necessarily suggest foul play.  Because this probe is still in its very early stages, I don't have any information on preliminary findings and I defer to Boston Fire on that point this evening.

On behalf of the District Attorney, our office extends its deepest condolences to the Kennedy and Walsh families, as well as to their brothers and sisters at Ladder 15, Engine 33, and the Boston Fire Department.  We are mindful that today's deaths occurred just a few blocks from the Vendome building, where nine Boston firefighters perished during a 1972 hotel fire.  A memorial to those men stands on the Comm Ave mall near Dartmouth Street and carries special significance on this very sad day.

BEACON STREET, BOSTON, CLOSED DUE TO FIRE

The Boston Transportation Department is advising drivers to avoid the Back Bay during

their evening commute home tonight.


• Due to a fire on Beacon Street between Fairfield and Exeter Streets, Beacon Street
is closed from the intersection of Arlington Street past the intersection of Fairfield Street. At this time, Beacon Street at Massachusetts Avenue remains open.

• Storrow Drive Eastbound is closed at the Fenway/Kenmore Exit.

• Commuters are being allowed to turn right from Commonwealth to Berkeley Street onto Storrow Drive Eastbound.

• Storrow Drive Westbound is closed at Leverett Circle.

BPHC to Launch NeighborWalk 2014 as a Warm-up to National Walking Day

Boston – Next Monday, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) will kick off its annual NeighborWalk program just ahead of National Walking Day, an event observed around the country on April 2.  For the past ten years, BPHC’s NeighborWalk initiative has helped Boston residents of all ages get physically active through weekly community-based walking groups.  As a free and widely accessible resource, NeighborWalk has helped thousands of residents work toward their fitness goals.  Last spring alone, over four thousand Bostonians and nine community organizations participated in NeighborWalk. 

This year, the number of organizations hosting a NeighborWalk group has nearly doubled to seventeen partners in thirteen neighborhoods.  This growth will allow even more residents to lace up their sneakers and get walking this spring.

NeighborWalk groups begin on Monday, March 31^st. To find a walking group in your neighborhood, visit www.bphc.org/NeighborWalk.

There is strong evidence that walking promotes good overall health.  Research shows that taking a brisk 30-60 minute walk several days a week can help prevent and manage chronic health conditions such as heart disease, osteoporosis, depression, and diabetes.  Walking also helps maintain a healthy body weight, improve strength and flexibility, and reduce stress.

“Adding walking to your daily routine is one of the simplest ways to improve your health – it’s easy, free, and accessible no matter where you are,” said Dr. Barbara Ferrer, executive director of BPHC.  “There are a lot of things you can do to make walking a bigger part of your daily life, and one of the easiest ways to get moving is to join a walking group. National Walking Day is the perfect time to make a renewed commitment to walking, and we want to help residents meet their goals by encouraging people to join one of our NeighborWalk groups.”

National Walking Day, which is sponsored each year by the American Heart Association, encourages Americans to lace up their sneakers and walk toward improved health.  To promote physical activity, BPHC is encouraging all Bostonians on April 2 to wear sneakers to work or school and to walk for a minimum of 30 minutes that day and every day. 

Incorporating more steps in your daily routine is simple.  When commuting, think about taking the MBTA instead of driving, as riding public transit usually involves more walking between destinations.  If you already ride the T regularly, try getting off a stop early and walking the rest of the way to your destination.  If you do drive, consider parking in the farthest spot in the lot or around the block to increase your step count.  Take the stairs instead of the elevator when you can.  Wear a pedometer or download an app, such as RunKeeper or MapMyWalk, to track your daily steps, and challenge yourself to gradually and safely increase your physical activity level.

Walking groups help to encourage a healthy lifestyle, as well as build social cohesion, enhance neighborhood safety, and increase utilization of parks and green spaces.  Walking with others can also be a source of motivation to stay active.

“The NeighborWalk Program is a great resource that allows our members to be more physically active by enjoying a nice stroll,” said Gail Klimas of the East Boston YMCA Walkers.  “We walk along a beautiful greenway and our walk leader helps participants track and log their steps. It’s a really great program.”

2014 NeighborWalk Host Organizations:

·         ABCD North End ·         East Boston YMCA ·         ETHOS ·         Franklin Park Tennis Association ·         Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center ·         Hawthorne Youth Community Center ·         HOCC Walkers ·         Hyde Park YMCA

·         Huntington YMCA ·         Joseph Smith Community Health Center ·         JP Tree of Life ·         Madison Park Development Corporation ·         MGH Charlestown ·         Upham’s Corner Health Center ·         Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts ·         West Roxbury YMCA ·         Roxbury YMCA

-BPHC-

Mayor Walsh and Boston Medical Center Launch "Prescribe-a-Bike" Subsidized Hubway Membership Program

Mayor Walsh and Boston Medical Center Launch "Prescribe-a-Bike" Subsidized Hubway Membership Program

Doctors refer low-income patients for $5 Hubway membership

BOSTON -- The City of Boston and the Boston Medical Center (BMC) announce the launch of "Prescribe-a-Bike," a landmark new partnership to address disparities in physical fitness and health, and to increase access to affordable transportation for low-income Boston residents. 

"There is no other program like this in the country," says Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, "Prescribe-a-Bike makes the link between health and transportation, and ensures that more residents can access the Hubway bike share system."

The City of Boston aims to enroll 1,000 low-income residents in the subsidized Hubway membership program.  

"Obesity is a significant and growing health concern for our city, particularly among low-income Boston residents," said BMC President and CEO Kate Walsh, adding that statistics show that close to one in four low-income Boston residents is obese, almost double the rate for higher-income residents. "Regular exercise is key to combating this trend, and Prescribe-a-Bike is one important way our caregivers can help patients get the exercise they need to be healthy." A recent study of the health benefits of the London bike share system found that using bike share had a positive overall impact on health, particularly among older users. 

Prescribe-a-Bike allows BMC medical professionals to write prescriptions for Hubway memberships. Patients pay only $5 for an annual membership, which entitles them to an unlimited number of trips on Hubway bikes, as long as the bikes are used for 30 minutes or less at a time. Subsidized members also receive a free helmet. 

Prescribe-a-Bike builds on the City’s highly successful existing subsidized membership program. To date, Boston has enrolled 897 subsidized members, who combined have taken 35,000 trips on Hubway bikes. 

To qualify for the subsidized Hubway memberships, participants must be Boston residents age 16 or older, and must either be receiving some form of public assistance or have a household income of no more than 400% of poverty level.

Interested residents can get a subsidized coupon by reaching out to their BMC medical professional or calling Boston Bikes at 617-918-4456.  

亞裔婦女健康會 三活動

All events are FREE (except the last one) and open to the public -

Thursday, March 27, 6-8pm (see attached flyer for more info)
ABC/AWFH AppreciASIANS at Tufts Medical Center (800 Washington Street, Boston 02111), Wolff Auditorium – a celebratory event to thank our supporters and partners with food, music and awards! RSVP at http://AWFH2014.eventbrite.com，
同儕領導得獎人：魯家珍，社區服務得獎人：甄碧鳯，最佳醫德得獎人：胡涵婷醫師

Friday, May 16, 8-4pm (see attached for more info)
5th AAPI Mental Health Forum “Healing through Arts: Breaking Silences & Lifting Spirits” at Simmons College, Linda K. Paresky Conference Center, CEU available
for more information, please email: COStaffDev@massmail.state.ma.us

Wednesday, May 21, 8-4pm (see attached for more info)
2nd State of Asian Women’s Health in MA at Tufts University, Sackler Building Room 114 (145 Harrison Ave., Boston 02111) - Jean Yang, the ED of Health Connector and Lisa Wong, Fitchburg Mayor will be the keynotes!
RSVP at http://2014awhinma.eventbrite.com

Saturday, June 7, 3-6pm
ExprASIANS talent show and fair at Boston Medical Center's Shapiro Ambulatory Care lobby to benefit Asian Breast Cancer Project
Interested performers, volunteers and exhibitors please contact cch@asianwomenforhealth.org for more information

Asian Women for Health
www.asianwomenforhealth.org

吳弭首度主持公聽會

波士頓市首名華裔市議員吳弭（Michelle Wu）昨（25）日下午首度以小企業，創業及創新小組委員會主席身分召開公聽會，約九名市府部會首長出席報告。吳弭稍後將進社區舉辦十場聆聽民意之旅，預定四月底做總結。

吳弭與第五區市議員Timothy McCarthy，第八區市議員Josh Zakim等三人，昨日在市府大樓五樓的市議會 Iannella會議廳主持會議。波士頓市長新設的“做吧（DoIT）”部門幕僚長Matt Mayrl；上任才九個月，年僅31歲的鄰里發展部(DND)營運長Devin Quirk，企業發展組John Lynch，波士頓市長辦公室消費者事務及牌照主任Patricia Malone，市府牌照局理事Jean Lorizio，檢查局（ISD）局長Bryan Glasscock，新任消防局長等人，都出席公了聽會，分別說明各機構在處理市民申請牌照，許可上的目前做法，改善計劃等。

Matt Mayril指出，波士頓市長馬丁華殊（Martin Walsh）上任以來，積極的想為小企業出力，已指示市府各部門應用科技，簡化作業程序，修訂區域規劃規定，方便市民。

            Devin Quirk表示，DND麾下有小企業發展組，與波士頓市內的20個主街機構合作，為企業主提供包括申請牌照許可，了解政府運作，發給改善營運補助等的各種協助。

            在回應市議員普斯莉的認為該部門應以多種語言進社區宣傳時，Devin Quirk表示，該部門已儘量做到以多種語言為市民提供資訊，許多文件都已譯成多種語言，在民眾提出要求時，該部門也儘量配合。

檢查局（ISD）局長Bryan Glasscock表示，該局一年約需處理四萬四千份牌照，許可申請，每月有不下一千人造訪，辦理各種事務，有時的確忙不過來。不過該局已從一年半前起，啟動追蹤系統，以及網上申辦服務，應可逐步進行改善。

昨日出席會議的第一區市議員Salvatore LaMattina在離席前表示，他轄區內的一家企業，在申請牌照許可時，曾經遭遇鄰里發展部和檢查局之間不協調，令人生氣情況，找他幫忙，他才親自體會到小企業在牌照，許可上的申請手續，有各部會疊床架屋，不必要的繁瑣現象。

        昨日聆訊的主題有二，一為編號0386，有關小企業許可及牌照改革議案，一為編號0439，關於改善政府發放小企業牌照的內部處理問題。

            吳弭辦公室表示，吳弭將針對創業者，擁有企業者，在未來數週舉行跨越全市的“聆聽之旅”，從經營企業者的角度，深入了解在申請牌照、許可上，關鍵問題有哪些。

            吳弭辦公室歡迎有話要說者，有意見者打電話到617-635-3115，或發電郵到 ccc.sbei@cityofboston.gov。

圖片說明：

            吳弭(中)與第五區市議員Timothy McCarthy（右），第八區市議員Josh Zakim（左）等三人，昨日在市府大樓五樓的市議會 Iannella會議廳主持會議。（菊子攝）

            吳弭昨日主持公聽會，條理分明。（菊子攝）

            波士頓市長新設的“做吧（DoIT）”部門幕僚長Matt Mayrl； 鄰里發展部(DND)營運長Devin Quirk，昨日在市議會作報告。（菊子攝）

            檢查局（ISD）局長Bryan Glasscock做了頗長的解說。（菊子攝）