麻州大學星談中文夏令營 4/30 截止申請

The 2014 UMASS-STARTALK Mandarin Language Summer Camp application materials are available to share with your students. Please visit: http://uc.umb.edu/china/ and select 2014 STARTALK Mandarin Language Summer Camp to read details and download applications.

Please help us spread the word about the 2014 Camp to alert your students and those who will love learning Chinese in an intensive, productive, fun setting. Attendance is very important for the intensive pace of the program, so keep that in mind if you recommend students to apply (and while writing recommendation letters for them as their Chinese Language teachers during the school year).

We always appreciate your assistance while finding students. Please note the calendar for applications below, and encourage students to apply soon (since we review applications by date: first received are read and processed first).

March 15, 2014: Applications available
April 30, 2014: Application deadline
June 22, 2014: orientation for accepted students
July 7-25, 2014: UMASS-STARTALK Mandarin Summer at Bentley University

We have attached a one-page poster to share with students and families. We rely on your help to make students aware of this wonderful summer opportunity.


Thank you in advance,

Wanli​

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Wanli Hu, Ph.D.                                   

Director of China Program Center                      

Special Assistant to Provost for China Initiatives

College of Advancing and Professional Studies        

University of Massachusetts Boston              

Address: 100 Morrissey Boulevard, Boston, MA 02125-3393                                       

Office Phone: 617-334-9385

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僑務委員會2014年僑商經營管理研習會

    僑務委員會為增進海外僑商瞭解未來國際經營趨勢及加強與國內績優企業交流互動，將於2014年7月7日至7月18日開辦「2014年僑商經營管理研習會」，由社團法人中華民國全國中小企業總會承辦。該研習課程係以國內外mini MBA核心學程為主，除由國內專家業者講授行銷管理與顧客行為、服務與營運管理、組織行為、人力資源管理、策略行銷與價值經營、創新管理的新典範、產業競爭分析、領導與溝通、實際案例解析及經驗分享等外，並安排參訪多家國內標竿經營之企業及文化創意產業；全程參與課程者將由僑務委員會發給中英文研習證書。

    該研習課程之教材、師資及場地等學雜費用由僑務委員會負擔，學員須自付由僑居地往返之交通費用、研習期間之住宿費，有意參訓者請於2014年5月2日前向波士頓華僑文教服務中心提出報名申請，並可至全球僑商服務網（http://www.ocbn.org.tw）/「最新消息」或至僑務委員會網站（http://www.ocac.gov.tw）/「最新消息」下載活動預定日程表及報名表。

法國成立首個企業孔子學院

NEOMA Business School launches the first Business Confucius Institute in France

March 28, 2014. NEOMA Business School, in collaboration with the University of Nankaï, has announced the opening of the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business. Based on NEOMA’s Rouen campus in northern France, it is the first Business Confucius Institute to open in France and the seventh in the world. The institute will act as a platform dedicated to the optimization of economic relations between China and France by providing solutions and helping local companies develop their business activities in China, the world's largest trading nation in 2013.

With the objective of promoting Chinese culture and strengthening relations with other countries, the Business Confucius Institutes, in collaboration with local schools and universities, offer language courses, cultural workshops and other modules for business to individuals and companies.

Offering businesses and the general public a better understanding of China

The NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen is committed to help individuals and businesses discover China. "The reasons for creating this new center for cultural exchange is to facilitate the learning of Chinese and the local business codes, as well as to help develop new markets,” said Haiyan Zhang, Director of the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen.

Through Chinese language courses and introductory workshops, the new institute will offer individuals privileged access to Chinese culture and to its original way of thinking. The NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen is also dedicated to strengthening economic relations between China and France and proposes customized training programs which address the expectations and needs of professionals and companies. “To do this, we will rely primarily on the network and high profile faculty of NEOMA Business School and on our strong expertise in intercultural management which is one of the School’s real assets,” added Haiyan Zhang, Director of the NEOMA Confucius Institute for Business-Rouen.

Situated on NEOMA Business School’s Rouen campus, the Confucius Institute has a dedicated space for offices, classrooms and conferences. The Institute will also have a library and resource center with almost 3000 publications (in French, English and Chinese) on History, Economics, Literature, Philosophy, Gastronomy and the Arts.

提升僑營中餐館經營實力僑務委員會開辦「2014年中階主廚培訓班」

僑務委員會為培訓海外中餐廚師專業技能，提昇僑營餐館業者經營能力，並促進彼等與國內業者之交流，訂於2014年5月26日至6月6日辦理「2014年中階主廚培訓班」，由「實踐大學」承辦，聘請專業餐廚名師及國內知名主廚擔任師資，此次培訓以中餐精緻創意料理之實作及相關專業課程為核心。

本培訓活動採遴薦專業廚師參加之方式辦理，申請者必須經由各駐外單位或華僑文教服務中心推薦，每一餐館可推薦負責人或現職廚師1人參加。參加學員須自付自僑居地往返的交通費用，其餘課程、師資、材料等學雜費用及培訓期間的膳宿費用（不含自由活動日午晚餐費）均由僑務委員會負擔。

有意報名參訓的僑營中餐館業者負責人或廚師，請於2014年4月22日前與波士頓華僑文教中心或相關資訊可至僑務委員會網站（www.ocac.gov.tw首頁/貼心服務/報名僑商研習班）或全球僑商服務網(www.ocbn.org.tw首頁/最新消息）查閱。

麻州總檢察官取得法院命令 北亞當地區醫院急診服務暫得維持

AG SECURES COURT ORDER TO HALT CLOSURE OF NORTH ADAMS REGIONAL HOSPITAL’S EMERGENCY SERVICES

Complaint Alleges Northern Berkshire Healthcare Violated Requirements for 90-Day Notification Prior to Closure

            BOSTON – A judge has issued a temporary injunction that will prevent the immediate closure of North Adams Regional Hospital’s emergency services, preventing a regional health crisis, Attorney General Martha Coakley announced today.

“As someone who grew up in North Adams, I know firsthand how critical this hospital is to the surrounding community,” AG Coakley said. “This injunction is the first step towards preventing an immediate health crisis for the area and keeping emergency services open. We are continuing to work closely with the administration and elected officials to help ensure continued access to critical health services for the entire community.”

            Upon learning about the proposed rapid closure of the hospital, AG Coakley immediately began working with other leaders to explore all options available to prevent a regional health crisis for the area.  A complaint was filed this afternoon in Berkshire Superior Court alleging that Northern Berkshire Health Care (NBH) had failed to provide the 90-day notification prior to closure as required by law.  The complaint points out that if the hospital closes, the nearest emergency room available for the area would be a 30-45 minute drive away, creating immediate health and safety concerns for the region.

            After a hearing Thursday afternoon, Superior Court Judge John A. Agostini ordered a temporary restraining order which requires the emergency room and other essential health services remain open through at least April 3, dependent on the AG’s office filing a revised order with additional detail by Friday.  The judge specifically requested that the AG’s Office and Department of Public Health better define those emergency health services that should remain open during this period. 

            A hearing on a permanent injunction has also been scheduled for Thursday, April 3 at 10:00 a.m. where the AG’s office will seek to keep emergency room services operating for at least 90 days during any ownership transition or closure. 

            As part of its complaint, the AG’s office is seeking to prevent North Adams Regional Hospital (NARH) from closing its emergency department until it complies with the hospital closure requirements, or until Berkshire Medical Center in Pittsfield is able to license and operate a satellite emergency facility at NARH.  Berkshire Medical Center has been working closely with NARH to assist with the transfer of patients in the wake of the announced closure.

            AG Coakley is committed to working with all stakeholders to ensure an orderly transition that preserves critical emergency health services for the region.

紅襪隊春季系列促銷活動

Springtime at Fenway Park:

APRIL & MAY GAMES FEATURE FAMILY-FRIENDLY PRICING,

NINE STARTING TIMES AT 6:10 P.M. OR EARLIER;

PAPI & PEDROIA BOBBLEHEADS APRIL 7 & 30;

MARATHON TRIBUTE APRIL 20;

TRADITIONAL PATRIOTS DAY GAME APRIL 21: 

COMMEMORATIVE WORLD SERIES RINGS MAY 20;

& 10^TH ANNIVERSARY TRIBUTE TO 2004 CHAMPIONS MAY 28;

BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox today unveiled a series of promotions for home games in April and May designed to celebrate championships and attract children and families to Fenway Park.

The club lowered ticket prices $2 to $22 per ticket per game for 13 of the 31 home games in April and May as part of their 2014 “Sox Saver” games.  The team will also play nine games that begin at 6:10 p.m. or earlier.

Fans will receive the first in a series of bobbleheads, starting Monday, April 7, with a limited edition David Ortiz figurine presented by Granite City Electric Company before the Red Sox face the Texas Rangers at 7:10 p.m.  The month closes with a Dustin Pedroia bobblehead presented by W.B. Mason on Wednesday, April 30, when the Tampa Bay Rays visit.

The club will acknowledge the Boston Marathon tragedy and the city’s inspiring response on Sunday evening, April 20, and will present a traditional Patriots Day game April 21.  “Boston” will once again appear on the front of the Red Sox jerseys on Patriots Day, similar to those worn for last year’s Marathon tribute at Fenway Park on April 20, 2013.

While the champions of 2013 will receive their World Series rings at the Home Opener on April 4, fans attending the game against Toronto Tuesday, May 20, will receive commemorative rings presented by Samsung Galaxy modeled after the players’ rings.

The history-making World Champions of 2004 will return on Wednesday, May 28 to celebrate the 10^th anniversary of the miraculous season that ended the legendary 86-year drought.  Players will be honored on the field before the 7:10 p.m. game against the National League rival Atlanta Braves.

The Red Sox will play a 6:10 p.m. game versus Texas on Tuesday, April 8 and two “after-school specials” that begin at 4:05 p.m., Wednesday, April 9 and Thursday, May 22.

In addition to playing day games Opening Day, which begins at its traditional 2:05 p.m. start, and Patriots Day, with  its unique 11:05 a.m. starting time, the club will play at 1:35 p.m. Sunday, April 6; Saturday, April 19; and Saturday and Sunday, May 3 and 4.

The two April bobblehead nights are the first of three the club will present in 2014.  On Tuesday, September 9, fans will receive Pedro Martinez bobbleheads when the Red Sox play the Baltimore Orioles at 7:10 p.m.

Also, for those enjoying group outings, the Red Sox will introduce a variety of “Theme Nights,” honoring various cultures, causes, and careers, including the following: Youth Baseball and Softball Days, First Responders Night, Country Western Night, and Teacher Appreciation Night.  A complete list is available on redsox.com/groups.

The full promotional calendar for the entire 2014 season is available at redsox.com/tickets.

Information regarding the Lieutenant Walsh - Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund

Information regarding the Lieutenant Walsh - Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund

BOSTON -- The Boston Firefighter's Credit Union has created a fund to help support the families of Lieutenant Ed Walsh and Firefighter Michael Kennedy.

"In difficult times like these, I am so proud to be mayor of a city that comes together to help our neighbors in need," said Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Since yesterday's tragic events, we've experienced an outpouring of support from across the city, state, and country. So many people have expressed a willingness to help, in some way, as we grieve the loss of Lieutenant Walsh and Firefighter Kennedy."

"Although no donation can heal the wounds suffered by the Walsh and Kennedy families, we are grateful to the Boston Firefighter's Credit Union for helping us create a focal point for peoples’ generosity, and to the people of Boston, of Massachusetts, and of the United States, who have once again shown the power of a community to help healing process begin."

Donations to the Lieutenant Walsh - Firefighter Kennedy Memorial Fund can be made by visiting the website of the Boston Firefighter's Credit Union at https://www.bosfirecu.com/. Donations can also be made by mailing checks to the Fund, care of the Boston Firefighter's Credit Union, 60 Hallet Street, Dorchester, MA 02124. 

GOVERNOR PATRICK CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF FULLY ELECTRIC TRANSIT BUS FLEET IN WORCESTER, KEY INVESTMENTS IN ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

GOVERNOR PATRICK CELEBRATES LAUNCH OF FULLY ELECTRIC TRANSIT BUS FLEET IN WORCESTER, KEY INVESTMENTS IN ALTERNATIVE FUEL VEHICLES AND INFRASTRUCTURE

WORCESTER – Thursday, March 27, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick today celebrated the launch of a new fully electric transit bus fleet at the Worcester Regional Transit Authority (WRTA). The Governor also announced new investments in two programs designed to support alternative fuel vehicles and related infrastructure across Massachusetts.
 
“We are committed to using innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, bolster our energy independence and grow our clean energy economy,” said Governor Patrick. “The WRTA’s new fleet is an example of how we are accelerating the adoption of cleaner vehicles throughout Massachusetts to reduce harmful pollutants and promote a more sustainable environment for future generations.”

The WRTA purchased six Proterra plug-in, all-electric buses with more than $7 million in federal funds and matching state funds from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT). These buses represent the largest fleet of Proterra all-electric buses in the nation.

“Governor Patrick has been a leader in greenhouse gas emissions reduction,” said Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Rick Sullivan. “Thanks to his support, the transit authority is now home to a fleet that is cleaner, quieter and will save money. Today’s announcement shows that alternative fuel vehicles are a win-win for the environmental and economic bottom line.”

“The new electric fleet further advances the Commonwealth’s goals to provide our residents and visitors access to sustainable, healthy transportation,” said MassDOT Secretary & CEO Richard A. Davey. “I would like to recognize Administrator Stephen O’Neil and applaud his efforts and vision to bring cleaner bus service to the transit users in the Worcester region.”

Each bus eliminates 130 more tons of carbon dioxide per year than buses using diesel fuel. The fleet will also reduce petroleum fuel consumption, eliminate other harmful pollutants and lower operating costs by nearly $3 million over 12 years.

Governor Patrick also announced a new initiative, the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles (MOREV) program, which will provide rebates of up to $2,500 for plug-in hybrid and electric vehicles (EVs). All residents of the Commonwealth are eligible to receive incentives on vehicles registered in Massachusetts; these incentives will be funded with $2 million in Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative (RGGI) auction proceeds.

Governor Patrick also awarded on Thursday nearly $600,000 in Massachusetts Electric Vehicle Incentive Program (MassEVIP) grants to 16 municipalities, two public universities and colleges, and one state agency for the acquisition of plug-in hybrid or battery-electric vehicles and the installation of Level 2 charging stations. This is the second round of grant awards through MassEVIP since its launch last year. For more information on today’s grant awards, go to: http://www.mass.gov/eea/agencies/massdep/air/grants/massevip.html

“MassEVIP and the other important programs announced here today demonstrate that Massachusetts is a regional and national leader in deploying electric and alternative-fuel vehicles,” said Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner David Cash. “And through these programs, the Patrick Administration is committed to protecting our environment and growing the clean energy economy.”

“Worcester’s adoption of cleaner transportation, through this electric school bus grant and its commitment as a designated Green Community to buy only fuel-efficient vehicles, is a great example of how municipalities continue to lead in clean energy,” said Department of Energy Resources (DOER) Commissioner Mark Sylvia. “Now individuals will also have greater incentives to buy EVs and plug-in hybrids. These are more good reasons to live in Massachusetts!”

“We have made great strides over the past year in improving the financing of our RTA’s and highlighting their importance to the Commonwealth’s transportation infrastructure, and this new, important investment is a further example of our commitment to providing reliable transportation services to all of the residents of Central Massachusetts,” said Senator Harriette L. Chandler.

“As we continue to make important investments in our transportation system, we must look to maximize the technology available to increase efficiency and lower costs. The Worcester Transit Authority’s all electric transit bus fleet is a perfect example of that,” said Senator Thomas M. McGee. “ Not only will these vehicles save money over time, they will have a much smaller impact on the environment.”

The Patrick Administration has already invested more than $20 million in electric and alternative fuel vehicles in the Commonwealth. In December 2013, the Patrick Administration announced several additional initiatives, including an electric school bus pilot. Working in partnership with the Clinton Global Initiative’s ongoing EV V2G School Bus Demonstration, DOER will provide $1.8 million in grants for eight electric school buses with vehicle-to-grid (V2G) capability. Electric school buses have energy storage capability and can serve as back-up energy resources during natural disasters and similar events.

In addition, the Clean Vehicle Project aims to replace more than 200 public and private fleet vehicles powered by gasoline and diesel with alternatively fueled vehicles.

In October 2013, Governor Patrick signed a Zero-Emission Vehicle Program Memorandum of Understanding with seven other states’ governors to increase the number of clean energy vehicles on the road. Of the overall goal to achieve 3.3 million electric vehicles on the road by 2025, Massachusetts’ portion is 300,000.

The initiatives announced today will encourage increased deployment of advanced technology vehicles in Massachusetts, improve air quality, reduce reliance on foreign oil and help Massachusetts attain the Patrick Administration’s aggressive emission reduction goals set under the Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA). The Clean Energy and Climate Plan goal, created under the GWSA, aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050. The transportation sector generates more than one-third of the greenhouse gas emissions produced in Massachusetts. The Clean Energy and Climate Plan establishes a target for the transportation sector to reduce GHG emissions 7.6 percent by 2020.