波士頓美國退伍軍人日遊行 華埠分會、波士頓榮光會搶鏡頭

 美國退伍軍人會328波士頓華埠分會會長司徒文信（前右一）與陳武
（前右二），副會長區靖儀（前右四），遊行委員會委員周暢（左一）
等人在遊行後合影。前左四起，張耀祥，陳啟邦（後左四），余錦芳
等三人都已年逾八十，九十，支持活動的精神感人。（菊子攝）

美國退伍軍人會328波士頓華埠分會和波士頓榮光會，昨（十一）日穿著藍夾克，黃背心，高舉旗幟，在大波士頓的退伍軍人日遊行中，搶盡鏡頭。

每年的十一月十一日，美國各地都有遊行活動，誌紀退伍軍人節。

左二起，經文處新聞組長朱永昌，波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝，經文處
副處長陳銘俊，經文處處長夫人雲雯蓁，處長賴銘琪等人為波士頓榮光
會的遊行隊伍做前導。右一為榮光會前任理事長殷尚堅。（菊子攝）

美國退伍軍人會麻州分會和波士頓市府的退伍軍人服務局，藝術、旅遊及特別活動辦公室合作，昨日也照例舉行波士頓市的每年一度退伍軍人節大遊行，從查理士（Charles）街出發，左轉上波約斯頓（Boylston）街，再左轉上天滿（Tremont）街，一路遊行到波士頓市政府大樓前。

左起，經文處副處長陳銘俊，波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝，經文處
處長賴銘琪，雲雯蓁夫婦等人為波士頓榮光會的遊行隊伍做前導。
（菊子攝）

包括布萊頓高中，波士頓高中，英文高中，海德公園高中，麥迪遜公園高中，約翰奧布萊恩學校，查理士城高中等的預備軍人學生，多個退伍軍人分會，演奏樂隊等，整個遊行隊伍分別來自大約廿五個機構，共約七，八百人，比往年略少。

美國退伍軍人會328波士頓華埠分會在會長司徒文信，區靖儀，以及在今年的遊行委員會中擔任委員的周暢等人率領中，共有約廿人參加遊行，其中包括九十四歲的張耀祥，以及年逾八十的余錦芳，陳啟邦等人。

這幾名年紀較長的華裔老兵，昨日都獲得坐進卡車中遊行的禮遇。

 波士頓榮光會派出曾兆漢（前右二）等高頭大馬的壯漢當旗隊。
（菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會成員，主要是來自台灣的退役軍人，應波士頓華埠退伍軍人會之邀參加遊行數年後，今年在理事長石家孝，前理事長殷尚堅，財政陳世隆等人統籌下，出席率高達四，五十人。駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處更是有處長賴銘琪夫婦，副處長陳銘俊，新聞組組長朱永昌，波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文也都全來助陣。

司徒文信（前右），陳武（前左）為美國退伍軍人會華埠分會遊行做
前導。（菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會的遊行隊伍，不分男女老幼，全穿著黃色背心，一路走來十分搶眼。朱永昌，陳世隆，張蘊蘭等人還沿路發送了二百多面星條旗及青天白日滿地紅旗幟。

由於陳世隆和每年遊行時都排在榮光會前面的Roma樂隊建立了很好的關係，昨日他還特地請樂隊在遊行途中演奏“龍的傳人”，“梅花”等樂曲，為遊行活動增色不少。

九十四歲的張耀祥（右）在妻子魯家珍陪同下參加波士頓華埠退伍
軍人會的遊行。（菊子攝）

司徒文信指出，該會現有會員約五十七人，昨日有一部分會員因宗親活動，出埠遠遊，出席總人數因此略少些。該會目前每月固定在第二個星期日的下午，到紐英崙中華公所聚會。今年度的下一個活動，將是籲請民眾捐贈兒童收集，讓貧苦人家小孩，也能在聖誕節期間享受拿到禮物的溫馨。

七十九歲的韓崇仁（右）和妻仔朱健皎（左）昨日都參加了波士頓榮光會
的遊行。韓崇仁指出，美國人在唱國歌時，都會手撫心臟。
在美華人應該入鄉隨俗，才能為融入主流社會打基礎。（菊子攝）

 Roma樂隊在遊行前練習吹奏“龍的傳人”，“梅花”這兩首曲子。
（菊子攝）

圖片說明：

張蘊蘭（左）手中拿的旗幟，沿路送給圍觀遊行者。（菊子攝）

       

            

            

           

            

            

           

            

麻州長將撥款二百萬元整修退伍軍人戰爭紀念塔

麻州州長派區克（Deval Patrick）昨（十一）日在州政府大樓舉行退伍軍人節紀念儀式時宣佈，將撥款二百萬元整修灰鎖山（Mount Greylock）山頂的退伍軍人戰爭紀念塔。

這座高九十三英尺高的紀念塔建於1930年代，歷經風吹雨打，霜降雪埋，還漏水，遠看仍然雄偉，近看卻已不堪。派區克說，這樣不行，並在昨日的淒美紀念儀式開始前，宣佈了撥款決定。

在昨日的紀念儀式中，州政府獻花給在戰爭中失去子女的家庭，頒發勳章給兩名在伊拉克及阿富汗戰役中死亡軍人的家人，還表揚了海軍飛機駕駛Thomas J. Hudner Jr.。他在韓國時迫降飛機企圖拯救同僚Jesse L. Brown。

 Thomas J. Hudner Jr.企圖拯救Jesse L. Brown的行動，傳為佳話，因為才不過兩年前，在軍隊整合後，Jesse L. Brown成為海軍的第一個黑人飛機師。

美國亞太裔民眾更可能成為家庭照顧者

美國亞太裔民眾更可能成為家庭照顧者 AARP公佈亞太裔50+研究系列三部份之一                     Click to download:                     AARP Report: Caregiving Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (PDF)                     Executive Summary: English (PDF) | Chinese (PDF)                     Infographic: English (PDF)  English (JPG) | Chinese (PDF)  Chinese (JPG) 【華盛頓2014年11月12日訊】 根據AARP今天所公佈的最新報告，美國亞太裔民眾更有可能在家裡照料年長的家庭成員。“50歲+亞裔和亞太裔族群的看護狀況”(Caregiving Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders)是AARP針對與亞太裔 50歲及以上民眾息息相關的主要倡導領域所進行的三個報告之一。其餘兩個報告內容是關於經濟穩健和健康(Economic and Health)，並將分別在十二月和一月發表。 “這份報告強調我們必需要有更多關於亞太裔長者的數據和知識。”AARP多元文化市場和參與部（亞太裔）副總裁郭為婉說，“我希望我們這份報告能夠幫助個人、社區組織、政策制定者、非營利機構和資助單位了解亞太裔社區的需求和關切，以獲得充足資訊作出決策。” AARP 有關亞太裔提供照顧的數據顯示： 絕大多數亞太裔認為身負照顧父母的期望，這遠比其他任何種族或族裔群體都多。 45-55歲亞太裔民眾的比例更高（73%），相比起來，總人口中只有不到一半的同齡民眾（49%）說他們預計要照顧年邁的父母。事實上，調查中42%亞太裔表明自己是照顧者，而其他美國人只有22%。 亞太裔更有可能照顧他們的父母或年長親人。他們比總人口的同齡民眾更有可能跟醫生或醫療服務人員進行討論（54%比總人口同齡民眾的36%）、給予財務支援（51%比27%）、以及處理文件或帳單（41%比33%）。 由於文化重視孝道，亞太裔家庭大多拒絕送父母入住養老院或類似的設施，而更喜歡由家庭成員在家裡提供照顧。 亞太裔比其他美國人更有可能幾代同堂生活。由於大多數人認為應由自己的家人提供照顧，而較大的家庭往往對進行照顧有所幫助，因此與其他美國人相比，更多亞太裔 50+民眾幾代同堂生活（17%比7%）。 如欲下載報告全文，請瀏覽網站 www.AARP.org/AAPI。有關AARP可如何幫助亞太裔家庭獲得更美好生活，請瀏覽網站www.facebook.com/AARPAAPICommunity 和www.twitter.com/AARPAAPI。 關於AARP AARP是一個擁有將近3,800萬會員的非營利及無黨派組織，旨在幫助人們將目標和夢想轉化為可實現的機會、並強化各個社區及致力改善與大部份家庭息息相關的議題，例如：醫療保健、就業和穩定收入、退休規劃、可負擔能源開支和免受財務詐騙。我們並關注在市場上的個人權益，因此悉心挑選冠以AARP名稱的優質和高值產品和服務，以及幫助我們的會員在一系列產品、旅遊和服務獲得折扣優惠。AARP是一個值得信賴的生活指南、新聞和教育信息的來源，它除了出版全球發行量最大的《AARP雜誌》（AARP The Magazine）、《AARP通報》（AARP Bulletin）、網站：www.aarp.org、AARP電視及電台、 AARP叢書、還有AARP西班牙語語網站AARP en Español，以關注拉美裔民眾的利益和需求。AARP不背書任何公職候選人或對任何政治活動或候選人捐贈獻金。AARP基金會是AARP組織的附屬慈善機構，致力為生活愈益困窘的50歲以上美國民眾爭取更多機會，目前他們面對眾多嚴峻議題，包括：住房、飢餓、收入和孤立等，AARP基金會通過成為改變這些議題的力量以達成目標。 AARP在全美50州、華盛頓特區、波多黎各及美屬維京群島均設有職員辦事處。詳情請瀏覽網站：www.aarp.org. Asian American and Pacific Islanders More Likely to Be Family Caregivers AARP Releases First of Three-Part Research Series on AAPIs Age 50+                     Click to download:                     AARP Report: Caregiving Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (PDF)                     Executive Summary: English (PDF) | Chinese (PDF)                     Infographic: English (PDF)  English (JPG) | Chinese (PDF)  Chinese (JPG) WASHINGTON, D.C., November 12, 2014 – According to new report released today from AARP, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) are more likely to provide caregiving for older family members at home. “Caregiving Among Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders” is the first of three reports by AARP about key advocacy areas that impact AAPIs age 50 and older. The next two reports about Economic Security and Health will be released in December and January respectively. “Our report underscores the need for more data and knowledge about older AAPIs,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Markets and Engagement for the Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience. “It is my hope that our reports help individuals, community-based organizations, policy makers, non-profit groups, and funders make informed decisions about the critical needs and concerns of AAPI communities.” AARP data about caregiving among AAPIs shows that: More than any other racial or ethnic group, the vast majority of AAPIs believe that caring for parents is expected of them. A much higher percentage (73%) of AAPIs age 45-55 compared to just under half of the total population of the same age (49%) say they are expected to care for their aging parents.  In fact, 42% of AAPIs in the survey identified themselves as caregivers versus just 22% of other Americans. AAPIs are more likely to provide caregiving for their parents or older relatives. They are more likely to talk to doctors or health providers (54% versus 36% of the total population of the same age), contribute financially (51% versus 27%), and handle paper work or bills (41% versus 33%) than the total population of the same age. Due to cultural attitudes about filial piety, AAPI families are resistant to moving their parents to nursing homes or similar facilities and prefer caregiving be done at home by family members. AAPIs are more likely than other Americans to live in multigenerational households. With the heavy expectation that care should be provided by one’s own family, larger households help enable caregiving. Many more AAPIs 50+ live in multigenerational households compared to other Americans (17% versus 7%). For more information about how AARP helps Asian American & Pacific Islander families get more out of life, visit www.AARP.org/AAPI, www.facebook.com/AARPAAPICommunity andwww.twitter.com/AARPAAPI. About AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin; www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

STATEMENT

STATEMENT FROM U.S. SECRETARY OF COMMERCE PENNY PRITZKER ON THE EXTENSION OF U.S./CHINA VISA VALIDITY FOR BUSINESS TRAVELERS, TOURISTS AND STUDENTS

Change will spur U.S. economic growth, contributing roughly $85 billion per year by 2021 and support 440,000 American jobs

WASHINGTON — Today, President Obama announced that the United States and the People’s Republic of China are concluding a reciprocal visa validity arrangement that will strengthen our ever-broadening economic and people-to-people ties. Both countries have agreed to increase the validity of short-term tourist and business visas issued to each other’s citizens from one to ten years – the longest validity possible under U.S. law – and increase the validity of student and exchange visas from one to five years. The United States will begin issuing visas in accordance with the new reciprocal agreement on November 12, 2014.

The National Office for Travel and Tourism at the Department of Commerce was integral in helping push for this change, which will improve trade, investment, and business ties by facilitating travel and offering easier access to both economies. Extended validity visas for students and exchange visitors will boost the bonds between our two peoples and facilitate travel for outstanding students from around the world who attend U.S. institutions of higher education. As a result of this arrangement, the United States hopes to welcome a growing share of eligible Chinese travelers, inject billions in the U.S. economy and create enough demand to support hundreds of thousands of additional U.S. jobs.Travelers will continue to be subject to all the same legal and security reviews that currently apply to visa applicants. 

The following is a statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker on the agreement:

“Tourism is America’s largest services export and growth in international visitors has created roughly 260,000 American jobs over the past five years. Today in Beijing, the President announced an important new agreement with China that extends the validity of tourist and business visas to ten years and student visas to five years—both for Chinese citizens traveling to the United States and for Americans traveling to China. This is smart reform that will boost our economy and create jobs.  

“Prior to this agreement, Chinese citizens had to renew their American business, tourist, and student visas annually and the same applied to American travelers visiting China. With the help of this change, up to 7.3 million Chinese visitors—more than any other country except Canada and Mexico—are projected to visit the United States in 2021, contributing roughly $85 billion per year to our economy and supporting 440,000 American jobs. That is four times as many travelers supporting four times as many American jobs as compared to last year. 

“We have worked with many American business leaders who told us how valuable this change will be for their companies, their communities and our economy. I am pleased that our National Travel and Tourism Office here at the Department of Commerce was able to partner with our Administration colleagues to make this reform a reality. Simply put, getting this done is a big deal that will create more American jobs and keep our economy moving forward.”

For a fact sheet on the visa validity agreement, please click here.

Conrad Tao 11/15 到 WGBH 演奏

SATURDAY, NOV. 15, WGBH STUDIOS, BRIGHTON, MA Guest Street Session featuring Conrad Tao Young classical music sensation Conrad Tao is coming to WGBH. Don't miss your chance to see the pianist/composer Time Out New York calls "ferociously talented" perform live in our intimate Fraser Performance Studio. A dessert reception will follow. WCRB is offering 20% off tickets if you order by this Wednesday, Nov. 12, at noon. Enter promotional code ONEDAY at checkout. Get your tickets now.

PATRICK ADMINISTRATION HONORS MASSACHUSETTS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE STATE HOUSE

PATRICK ADMINISTRATION HONORS MASSACHUSETTS VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES AT THE STATE HOUSE

Funding announced to repair the historic Mount Greylock War Memorial Tower

BOSTON --Tuesday, November 11, 2014 – Governor Deval Patrick, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary John Polanowicz and Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) Secretary Coleman Nee gathered today at the State House to honor past and present service members in Massachusetts. 

“Today we express our gratitude, pride and support for the Massachusetts military personnel who protect our interests around the world,” said Governor Patrick. “This Veterans Day we acknowledge all veterans’ dedication and service, as we reinforce our commitment to making opportunities and resources available to the Massachusetts men and women who have served, and continue to serve us.”

Massachusetts leads the Nation in providing benefits and services to veterans and their families. Through Chapter 115 financial assistance, the Commonwealth provides over $60 million annually to assist veterans and eligible dependents with food, shelter, supplies and medical care. The Commonwealth also provides an additional $21 million in annuity payments for disabled veterans and Gold Star Families.

“It is an honor to be able to thank the men and women who have chosen to serve,” said HHS Secretary Polanowicz. “While we recognize veterans and their families for their sacrifice today, we must continue to support them every day when they return home. The Patrick Administration continues to advance innovative programs and partnerships that help veterans and their families find personal and professional success across our Commonwealth.” 

Massachusetts is paving the way in implementing some of the most unique and innovative programming in the nation to deliver veterans’ services. DVS currently operates two outreach teams, Statewide Advocacy for Veterans' Empowerment (SAVE) and Statewide Housing Advocacy Reintegration and Prevention (S.H.A.R.P.), which provide peer support and navigation to thousands of veterans across the Commonwealth in the areas of crisis intervention, jail diversion and homeless prevention.

Massachusetts also has the first in the nation plan to end veterans’ homelessness by 2015. Since 2012, the Department of Housing and Community Development has awarded funds to produce 370 new units of affordable housing for veterans.

“On Veterans Day, we come together collectively to honor the brave men and women who have served in our armed forces” said Secretary Nee. “We honor the men and women of generations past and those who are currently serving overseas helping our nation stay safe. To all of our veterans, we say thank you for your service.”

During the ceremony, Governor Patrick announced $2 million in funding to repair the historic War Memorial Tower atop Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Mount Greylock State Reservation. Originally constructed between 1931and 1932, the 93 foot tower takes the form of a perpetually lit beacon to honor Massachusetts residents who died in World War I and subsequent conflicts. The tower has been closed to the public since August of 2013. The rehabilitation of the War Memorial Tower is expected to be completed by August of 2016. 

Special guests invited to attend ceremony:

The Adjutant General for Massachusetts, Major General L. Scott Rice gave the keynote address.

The Administration welcomed Medal of Honor Recipient and former DVS Commissioner Captain Tom Hudner. Captain Hudner was presented with a Chelsea Clock by Governor Deval Patrick in recognition of his service to the nation and his service to the Commonwealth as Commissioner of DVS from 1991-1999. 

The Massachusetts Medals of Liberty were presented to the Belanger, Sherman and Demarisco Families for the loss of their loved ones in Iraq and Afghanistan.  The Massachusetts Medal of Liberty is open to all branches of the service and is awarded in the name of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as Commander-in-Chief of the Commonwealth to any Massachusetts serviceman or woman killed in action or who died as a result of wounds received in action. 

Also being honored were members of the Puerto Rican Veterans Monument Square Association for their service in the Armed Forces and their efforts to dedicate the first memorial in the nation honoring Puerto Rican veterans.

The State House ceremony also included a special tribute to women veterans, POWs and Gold Star Families.

About the Department of Veterans’ Services:

The Department of Veterans’ Services advocates on behalf of the Commonwealth's nearly 385,000 veterans, family members, and survivors. DVS works to secure federal compensation and other benefits for which veterans may be eligible. The Department also administers needs-based benefits program through Veterans' Service Officers throughout Massachusetts and provides state funding to organizations offering homeless shelter, transitional housing, and outreach services to veterans.

For more information go to: www.mass.gov/veterans.

Governor-elect Charlie Baker's Veterans' Day Message

Governor-elect Charlie Baker's Veterans' Day Message
 

Brighton – Governor-elect Charlie Baker issued the following statement regarding Veterans' Day:

"Today the Commonwealth will take a moment to honor and thank the men and women who have served - and continue to serve - this great nation through military service. They, more than most, are intimately aware of the price that's paid for our freedom - by themselves, by their families, and by their fellow servicemen and women. To me, a phrase on a bumper sticker pretty much says it all - 'The land of the free because of the brave.' There are many wonderful organizations supporting our veterans and I urge the people of Massachusetts to support them in any way they can. God Bless our veterans and their families."

查理貝克宣佈交接團隊徵才網站

麻州候任州長查理貝克（Charlie Baker)和候任副州長白莉朵（Karyn Polito）的交接小組，昨（十）日宣佈為麻州第72任州長的政府轉移，推出“偉大麻州（www.BeGreatMA.com.）”的數位樞紐。

            該網站將為民眾提供聯絡表，上載履歷表的工具。未來數週將繼續增加其他功能。

查理貝克的通訊主任白克雷（Tim Buckley）表示，打造一個強而有力，富經驗，不分黨派的團隊，是候任州長查理貝克目前的最優先要務。他們的目標是要撒出寬廣大網，迎進更多的符合資格申請者。他們希望任何有興趣加入查理貝克政府的人，都能利用這網站資源和他們聯絡。

查理貝克昨日一早和麻州下一任參議會議長羅森伯（Stanley C. Rosenberg），麻州中議會議長狄樂歐（Robert A. DeLeo），以及即將卸任的參議會議長泰瑞莎穆瑞（Therese Murray)等麻州議會領袖晤面，為新政府和議會打好關係下功夫。

坊間預測，查理貝克上任後，頭一百天的行程，將仿照，參考共和黨前州長威廉威爾德，以及瑟祿奇當年的安排。