廣西同鄉會慶新春 米粉比賽鄉味濃

廣西同鄉會二月廿二日在昆士市新星藝術學校慶祝羊年新春，一百多人帶著親手做的家鄉美食從各地趕來，彼此用家鄉話拜年，會場一片喜氣洋洋。

大波士頓今冬遭遇風雪肆虐，道路兩旁積雪堆高如山，人們出入十分不方便，但一年一度的廣西同鄉歡聚，分享家鄉特色美味，用家鄉話暢敘衷情，卻讓廣西老鄉們無論如何都不願錯過。

今年的同鄉會，特地舉辦了米粉比賽。參賽老鄉們為了既要味道好，又有家鄉氣息，還要與眾不同，費盡心思。比賽結果，鍾建軍的桂林滷肉米粉得第一名，李光華、曾青夫婦製作的桂林米粉得第二，寧耀瑜、譚國忠的涼拌粉絲得第三。同鄉會秘書長劉小梅做的米粉，理事謝婉珍做的螺螄粉，也都獲得佳作獎。他們兩人都推辭了獎品，要讓更多老鄉們感受新年歡樂。

廣西同鄉聚會，少不了廣西美食，許多手藝好的老鄉，分別做了柳州螺螄粉，南寧老友粉，玉林涼拌粉絲，年糕，南寧廣西肉粽，以及麻辣耳絲，麻辣粉絲，蜜汁叉燒，帶到會場，一盤盤拿出來，擺上餐桌時的那菜香四溢，直教人食指大動，恨不得馬上動筷。

廣西同鄉會是由楊文牽頭創辦起來的，經副會長陳銘，秘書長劉小梅等人響應，熱心加入服務行列後，如今已有會員兩百多人，每年至少舉辦農曆新年聚餐，夏日野外燒烤等兩次大活動，鄉親們見得多了，培養出更濃厚感情，彼此互助，互動的也更頻繁。

為慶祝農曆新年，美食之外，少不了歌舞。廣西老鄉中能歌善舞的人很多，這天紛紛獻藝，包括關心新彈揍鋼琴，劉玉湘獨舞，劉小梅獨唱，劉小梅和謝婉珍攜手跳舞“拜新年”，宋一波等三人跳藏族舞，留學生黃荷玉昱演唱“我願意”。會上，廣西老鄉們還玩具民族特色的板鞋比賽及各種遊戲。

這場廣西老鄉慶農曆新年聚會，整整進行了四個半小時，老鄉們都玩得十分盡興。會長楊文，理事謝婉珍會後表示，活動開始前就一早趕到，佈置會場，活動結束後也留下來收拾的寧耀瑜，譚國忠夫婦，是典型的熱心廣西老鄉，該會全因這些老鄉們不計較的奉獻，才能越辦越成功。

圖片說明：

            廣西同鄉會全體出席者合影。（圖由廣西同鄉會提供）

            廣西同鄉會會長楊文（左）歡迎紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦（右）到會。（圖由廣西同鄉會提供）

            新星藝術學校校長林勁（左一），中華公所主席阮鴻燦（中），禪城聯合會會長葉福文（右）是廣西同鄉會的嘉賓。（圖由廣西同鄉會提供）

廣西同鄉會米粉比賽得獎者，第一名鍾建軍（左一），第二名李光華（右二），第三名譚國忠（右一）。（圖由廣西同鄉會提供）

劉小梅（右），謝婉珍（左）跳喜氣洋洋的“拜新年”舞。（圖由廣西同鄉會提供）

劉玉湘表演獨舞。（圖由廣西同鄉會提供）

台學聯慶新春 八十學子比手畫腳玩遊戲

前排左起，方子禪，楊怡婷，呂騏，李慧真，馬儀婷，劉珉秀，
黃雅娟，杜昆樺。後排左起，東北大學的Victoria ，總務長劉韋彤，
方品，謝奇諺，李政諺，施易昌，林穎璇。(圖由台學聯提供)

(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會（FTSANE）日前在波士頓龍鳳酒樓舉辦 "2015喜氣羊羊~~學聯春節晚會"，讓遠道來波士頓深造的留學生們，儘管人在異鄉，過農曆新年時，一樣能享受到人氣鼎盛的溫暖。

左起，劉珉秀，劉韋彤， 馬儀婷，會長李慧真，呂騏。後排左起，
李政諺，副會長謝奇諺，杜昆樺，施易昌。(圖由台學聯提供)

台學聯的幹部們，包括來自波士頓學院，波士頓大學，麻省理工學院，班特利（Bentley）大學，哈佛大學，薩福克大學，東北大學的會長李慧真，副會長謝奇諺，秘書呂騏，黃雅娟，方子禪，公關杜昆樺，馬儀婷，宣傳劉珉秀，林穎璇，活動方品，楊怡婷，李政諺，劉韋彤，網路管理施易昌等人，分工合作，安排了猜歌，比手畫腳，擲骰子等三種遊戲，還親手用紅紙摺出財神爺，發給玩遊戲得勝者，讓八十多名冒雪參加的同學，一邊圍桌吃年夜飯，一邊競猜，全都玩得興高采烈。

前排左起 ，楊怡婷，方子禪，會長李慧真，後排左起，方品，劉
韋彤 ，李政諺，張重華教授，副會長謝奇諺，杜昆樺。
(圖由台學聯提供)

李慧真指出，新英格蘭地區各大學的來自台灣同學人數不一，波士頓學院約僅十人，波士頓大學有好幾百人，但當晚羅德島州的強森威爾士大學同學最給力，不辭路遠的包了兩輛車來同樂。

為製造氣氛，台學聯事前就以包有不同獎額的抽紅包為餌，鼓勵出席同學穿上紅色，金色或橘色衣服出席，會場當晚也因此繽紛絢麗，節慶味十足。

經文處教育組的黃瑋婷秘書，塔芙茨大學教授張崇華，波士頓學院教授宗家洸，當晚特地出席，與同學同樂。當晚因事無法親自到場的紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長王世輝醫師，新英格蘭台灣商會會長許欽俊就以加碼捐贈禮品，聊表心意。

瑞典遊戲Boda Borg入駐美國 首家店舖看中摩頓市百年老樓

摩頓市長葛帝生（Gary Christenson）（中），于艷（左），羅邁（右）
在市情咨文發表會後寒暄。（周菊子攝）

(Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 摩頓市長葛帝生（Gary Christenson）二月廿四日在在摩頓市商會的早餐會中發表2015年市情咨文，匯報過去一年各項成就，並宣佈瑞典遊戲公司將在該市百年老樓Sparks，開張全美第一家Boda Borg。

            上任第四年，今年將競選連任的摩頓市長葛帝生，在精通網路，影視科技的傳播主任協助下，一年比一年更重用影視工具來做市情咨文報告。今年他在現場播放的錄影中扮成新聞播報員，坐在播音台上，配合影片的向市民匯報施政成績。

摩頓市天主教高中由校長Thomas Doherty(左一)率領來自新加坡，已在摩頓市

住了十四年的敖笙耀（左二）等該校傑出學生，出席葛帝生

（右四）的市情咨文發表會。（周菊子攝）

            在匯報結束前，葛帝生報了一則“突發新聞”，介紹來自瑞典，名為“Boda Borg“的實境探索遊戲，已由布魯克蘭（Brookline）創業家Chad Ellis引進，將在已由來自中國深圳的譚海霞，羅邁夫婦買下，佔地三萬平方英呎，2014年關門的105年老店Sparks舊址經營。

            已在遊戲界引人注意，融合了克服障礙，益智求解等活動的Boda Borg始於1995年，在瑞典，愛爾蘭開有分店，摩頓市的Boda Borg，將是全美第一家。

  摩頓市長葛帝生與摩頓市商會成員合影。（周菊子攝）

葛帝生發表市情咨文時，還透露Hoff’s烘培公司將從貝福市（Bedford）遷進摩頓市的綠街（Green Street)，進一步促進摩頓市的經濟發展。

Hoff’s烘培公司董事長Vincent Frattura表示，摩頓市的確很有心，提供了五年五十七萬餘元的抵稅優惠，若一切手續進展順利，估計一年後，該公司將遷進摩頓市，佔用十萬平方呎空間發展業務。

葛帝生當天在播放錄影帶前，先點名感謝于艷等一眾市府員工，也感謝市府公共工程部與熱心市民，幫助摩頓市撐過多雪的過去這幾週，說明前任麻州長派區克（Deval Patrick）經“麻州工作（MassWorks）“項目，前後撥給摩頓市九百萬元，讓該市得以順利推動遷建摩頓市政府，新建警察局總部，振興摩頓市中心的發展計畫。

新警察局將座落在東方大道（Eastern Avenue）上，預定今年開工。

在教育上，葛帝生欣喜指出，摩頓市高中生的退學率在過去三年內，減少了50%，市府還與贊助機構合作，發了谷歌Chromebrook電腦給一所學校的每一名學生。

和麻州其他城市相比，摩頓市長葛帝生似乎更偏愛應用科技，上任後推出過不少與科技有關的服務。廿四日他指出，摩頓市新推出一款智慧手機應用程式“避危機（CrisisGo）“，讓學校教職員遇上危機時，可以直接和警察溝通。

葛帝生指出，摩頓市的公共治安也比以前更好了，犯罪率下降2.4%，市府人員還舉辦座談，幫助耆英辨別，避免詐欺。

摩頓市高中獲得青年工作補助款，幫助高中生為就業做準備。

摩頓市在過去這一年中，市容有不少改善，在Linden公園新添了冰球場，翻修了卡拉漢公園，還在Coytemore Lea公園建了個包羅萬象的遊樂場。

Baker-Polito Statement on Regional Clean Energy RFP and DPU Docket on Natural Gas Expansion

Baker-Polito Statement on Regional Clean Energy RFP and DPU Docket on Natural Gas Expansion

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, in regional partnership with the states of Connecticut and Rhode Island, announced a coordinated process to issue a Request for Proposal (RFP) for clean energy resources.  The Baker-Polito Administration also has directed the Department of Energy Resources to file a request with the Department of Public Utilities to open a docket to consider options for natural gas capacity expansion.

“In response to the continued energy challenges facing Massachusetts and the region, I joined the leaders of our neighboring New England states over the weekend to begin pursuing a balanced approach to reducing energy costs, strengthening grid reliability and increasing the region’s economic competitiveness,” said Governor  Baker. “In my conversations with neighboring governors we also discussed the growing need for regional cooperation in pursuing natural gas expansion. Lieutenant Governor Polito and I look  forward to continued collaborative dialogue and are committed to working with all New England states to advance the region’s shared energy, environmental and economic goals. This regional partnership will allow Massachusetts to acquire cost effective renewable resources for the Commonwealth’s energy supply.”

Electric distribution companies within Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island are collaborating with their respective state agencies to issue a draft Request for Proposal (RFP) for clean energy resources.  The RFP is a competitive bidding process conducted by the electric utilities, in coordination with their respective state agencies.  It seeks proposals from suppliers from renewable resources such as wind, solar, and other non-carbon emitting sources.

“As illustrated by our regional approach, Governor Baker and I believe in diversifying the Commonwealth’s energy mix through continued support of investments in renewable energy and clean generation,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “This multi-state partnership, coupled with targeted investments in energy efficiency, is intended to allow us to work with our partners in neighboring states to procure renewable sources of energy in the most cost-effective way possible.”

Additionally, the Baker-Polito Administration has directed the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) to file a request with the Department of Public Utilities (DPU) to commence a process to consider how the electric utilities can pursue gas capacity contracts that would improve winter reliability and lower winter electricity costs.  DOER will file documents with the DPU to explore how gas expansion could be pursued under existing law and ask the DPU to obtain public input.  DPU will then consider any comments received and may issue a written order providing direction to the electric utilities on how they should proceed.  The utilities would follow the DPU-stipulated process and file any proposed contracts for review and approval as part of evidentiary hearings.  

MAYOR WALSH KICKS-OFF 9th ANNUAL MAYOR'S GREENOVATE BOSTON AND BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESS AWARDS

MAYOR WALSH KICKS-OFF 9th ANNUAL MAYOR'S GREENOVATE BOSTON AND BIKE FRIENDLY BUSINESS AWARDS

BOSTON - February 25, 2015 -- Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston is now accepting applications for the 2015 Mayor’s Greenovate Boston Awards and the Bike Friendly Business Awards. These two awards recognize residents and businesses helping Boston achieve its climate and cycling goals. Applications are available online and and the deadline to apply is March 31, 2015.

“Boston’s residents, businesses, and organizations are critical to reaching Boston’s climate action and cycling goals,” Mayor Walsh said. “Many of them are doing outstanding work on sustainability and alternative transportation, and I look forward to recognizing their efforts through both of these awards.”

The Greenovate Boston Awards, which are in their 9th year, recognize businesses, community organizations, and individuals committed to helping Boston meet its climate and sustainability goals. The Bike Friendly Business Awards, in their 8th year, recognize companies that incorporate bike-friendly practices, encouraging their employees or customers to ride their bikes.

“These awards are an important means of thanking all of those who are helping Boston become a greener, more bike-friendly city,” said Austin Blackmon, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space. “We could not reach our goals without these trail blazers.”

Boston's Bike Friendly Business Awards offer four levels of awards as well as a special award for the “Most Bike Friendly” organization. The awards are distributed according to the number and scope of bike friendly practices a company undertakes. Basic practices include participation in bike events, installation of outdoor bike racks, financial incentives for bike commuters, allowing bikes in the building, and more. Additional steps are recognized at a higher level, such as providing secure covered bike parking, offering shower facilities for commuter employees, or making Hubway corporate memberships available. Businesses that win an award are invited to attend a special ceremony with Mayor Walsh where they receive a “Bike Friendly Business” certificate to display in their business.

Greenovate Boston Award applications may be submitted on behalf of a business or community organization, or an individual. Applications should focus on a recent project or practice that demonstrates leadership in climate action. Projects or practices should be closely tied to the citywide climate goals laid out in the 2014 Greenovate Boston Climate Action Plan. Large buildings or institutions are also encouraged to participate in the Mayor’s Carbon Cup, a program that recognizes building portfolios of over one million square feet, which have achieved or committed to a 35% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2020. The application deadline is March 20, 2015.

The Greenovate Awards will be a part of the second Greenovate Boston Community Summit, which will be held in late spring. The Community Summit is a day-long gathering that brings together residents, businesses, and organizations to help Boston reach its climate goals by sharing best practices and connect them to each other, to the City and to other resources and information.

MassDOT Board Names Frank DePaola Interim MBTA General Manager

MassDOT Board Names Frank DePaola Interim MBTA General Manager; MassDOT Secretary Selects New Acting Highway Administrator

BOSTON – Wednesday, February 25, 2015 –The MassDOT Board of Directors voted unanimously to make Frank DePaola, currently serving as Highway Administrator and MassDOT’s Chief Operating Officer, Interim General Manager of the MBTA.  MassDOT Secretary Stephanie Pollack also announced today that Thomas Tinlin, MassDOT’s Chief of Highway Operations and Maintenance, will serve as Acting Highway Administrator.  Both appointments are effective Wednesday, March 4, 2015.

“I am pleased to announce that the Board of Directors has unanimously agreed to appoint Frank DePaola Interim General Manager as we undergo a period of transition with the MBTA,” said Secretary Pollack.  “With the depth and breadth of Frank’s experience as an engineer, a manager, and a problem-solver, I have full confidence that he has the skill sets and capabilities to serve as Interim General Manager.  I also want to thank Dr. Scott for her years of service and for her strong commitment to public transportation.  We wish her the very best of luck in her next endeavor.” 

Starting in the field of engineering nearly 38 years ago, DePaola’s career track includes experience in several disciplines within the field.  One of those disciplines started in May 2009, when DePaola was named MBTA Assistant General Manager for Design and Construction.  In that role, he directed and managed construction projects for the T, had oversight of the capital spending, and worked to ensure projects were completed in a timely and cost-effective manner. 

DePaola served in that capacity until April 2011, when he was named MassDOT’s Highway Administrator, responsible for the operations, maintenance, and capital investments on the State Highway System.  In November 2014, DePaola was named Acting Secretary of MassDOT until Jan. 13, 2015, when Governor Baker named Stephanie Pollack MassDOT Secretary and CEO.

“I want to thank the Board of Directors for their trust in my abilities, and I am excited to take on this critical role at the MBTA,” DePaola said.  “I also look forward to assisting with the Special Panel’s search to get to the root cause of the issues our transit system faces.  Once the issues are diagnosed, I look forward to helping implement a strategy to restore our system to full strength, and restoring our customers’ faith in our ability to provide safe, reliable, efficient transit service.”

“I cannot think of a better, more qualified person to take the reins immediately, and provide the necessary leadership to move our transit system in the right direction,” said MBTA General Manager Beverly Scott.  “I can leave this job I’ve loved, knowing that MBTA customers as well as employees are in very capable hands and I look forward to working with Frank during the transition process.”

Under the agency’s enabling statute, the MassDOT Board of Directors is allowed to appoint a General Manager through unanimous written consent by the members of the Board.  That consent was obtained late last night.  The position of Highway Administrator is appointed by – and is a direct report to – the Secretary and CEO. 

Secretary Pollack also announced Tinlin’s appointment as Acting Highway Administrator during DePaola’s service as General Manager.  Tinlin served as Boston’s Commissioner of Transportation for over a decade before joining MassDOT in December 2013.  Serving as Chief of Highway Operations and Maintenance, Tinlin’s responsibilities include managing the Highway Division’s day-to-day operations, scheduling a complex sequence of construction and maintenance activities to minimize impacts to the driving public.  Most recently, Tinlin was the leader in coordinating the Highway Division’s response to record-breaking snowfall, and providing resources to assist MEMA, the MBTA, and cities and towns with storm recovery efforts.

Tinlin was also MassDOT’s lead on the South Boston Waterfront Study, which brought together the city of Boston, Massport, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, A Better City, as well as neighborhood residents, businesses, and industry leaders to develop a plan to meet the existing and future transportation needs of the waterfront area.  Following the 18-month study period, Tinlin now serves as the group’s chair seeking to implement the plan. 

“I want to thank Secretary Pollack for her confidence in me and my priority of focusing on the daily operations of the Highway Division, always with the goal of having the safest, most efficient highway network possible,” Tinlin said.  “Additionally, I am eager to continue our progress in advancing our organization ever closer toward one, unified Department of Transportation.” 

PUBLIC WORKS WILL BEGIN SPACE SAVER REMOVAL MONDAY

PUBLIC WORKS WILL BEGIN SPACE SAVER REMOVAL MONDAY

BOSTON - February 25, 2015 - Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced that the Public Works Department will begin removing space savers starting Monday, March 2 during regularly scheduled neighborhood trash collection. Residents should visit: cityofboston.gov/myneighborhood to determine their trash collection day.

“The City of Boston has seen an unprecedented amount of snow in the past month, impacting many aspects of our daily lives, including making parking difficult,” said Mayor Walsh. “If you spend hours digging out your parking space, you should have access to that space for a reasonable time period. I’m asking residents to remain respectful of their neighbors and their property as the process of space saver removal begins, and as we continue to clean up from nearly 8 feet of snow in less than 30 days.”

Since the end of January the primary focus of Public Works has been removing snow and opening up access to city streets. PWD has removed more than 30,000 truck loads of snow during that time, widening roads and eliminating snow piles along major arteries.

Space savers are meant to be used on a short term basis, with 48 hours as a guideline. Mayor Walsh is urging residents to treat their neighbors with respect, and use good judgement on this following a major snow event. Under a pilot program implemented this winter, space savers are not allowed in the South End. The Mayor encourages residents to call the Mayor's Hotline, at 617-635-4500 to report any issues.