第九屆全球華文網路教育研討會 6/19-21 波士頓召開

分享雲端科技成果  拓劃華語教學新局

由僑委會舉辦的「第九屆全球華文網路教育研討會」將於6月19日至21日於美國波士頓麻省理工學院舉辦，本屆會議主題為「華語文教學與科技結合之方向與省思」，藉由回顧與分享華語文數位教學成果，反思雲端科技運用於華語文教學的限制，期盼開啟華語文數位教學的另一視野。

本研討會自1999年開辦迄今，每兩年舉辦一次，已先後在臺北辦理七屆，並於上屆首度在美國洛杉磯舉行，統計迄今已超過4,000位海內外華語文教育專家、學者、華語教學實務工作者、華語數位學習產業人士共同參與，不僅是全球三大華語文教學研討會之一，更已躋身全球最具規模亦最受矚目的華語文數位教學論壇之列，僑務委員會陳委員長士魁期許本屆研討會能以學術為優先，與世界接軌，希望藉由在人文薈萃的波士頓長春藤名校舉辦，提昇並深化研討會之學術規格，讓海內外專家、學者及負責第一線教學的老師相互激盪，建立臺灣在全球華語文界的影響力。

本屆研討會預計將有來自海內外相關學者、專家、實務工作者與科技菁英約250位人士齊聚一堂，彼此交流、激發創意，線上報名已於4月20日開放，5月25日前報名享有註冊費優惠，詳情請上研討會官網（http://www.ocac.net/icice2015/introduction.html）查詢。

第九屆全球華文網路教育研討會

時間：2015年6月19日至21日

地點：美國麻省理工學院（Massachusetts Institute of Technology,MIT）

      77 Massachusetts Avenue ,Cambridge,MA 02139,U.S.A.

主題：華語文教學與科技結合的方向與省思

主辦單位：中華民國僑務委員會

承辦單位：國立臺灣師範大學華語文教學系暨研究所、波士頓華僑文教服務中心

合辦單位：麻省理工學院

協辦單位：美國中文教師學會、科技與中文教學學會、全美中小學中文教師協會、全美中文學校聯合總會、新英格蘭中文學校協會、

委辦單位：學術組／國立臺灣師範大學華語文教學系暨研究所

          秘書組／意念文創股份有限公司

More than 130 Asian American organizations sign open letter supporting equal opportunity in higher education

More than 130 Asian American organizations sign open letter supporting equal opportunity in higher education

WASHINGTON - Asian Americans Advancing Justice (Advancing Justice) joined 135 Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander (AANHPI) community organizations from across the country in an open letter in support of equal opportunity and affirmative action in higher education, highlighting that a majority of Asian Americans strongly support affirmative action in higher education.  

In response to an administrative complaint being filed today by Asian American groups seeking to dismantle race-conscious admissions policies at Harvard University, Advancing Justice issues the following statements:

“Historically, affirmative action programs have opened doors and provided opportunities for Asian Americans and other communities of color, who have been systematically denied everything from entrance into and citizenship in this country to educational opportunities, job promotions, and leadership positions,” states Betty Hung, Policy Director at Advancing Justice – Los Angeles. “Today, these programs continue to benefit communities of color and, in the education context, also has provided opportunities to members of our own ethnically diverse Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander communities, particularly Pilipino Americans, Southeast Asians, and many Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.”

Advancing Justice has a long supported and continue to support programs to ensure equal educational access as well as a diverse and inclusive society. As civil rights organizations, we remain a strong supporter of diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity in all contexts, including in education, employment, and contracting.

“Instead of asking Americans to come together to help address serious problems in our education system, these folks are trying to divide communities. We are in this boat together and Asians won’t save our children’s future by pushing other communities overboard,” said Christopher Punongbayan, Executive Director at Advancing Justice – Asian Law Caucus.

Dewey Square Farmers Market To Return Tuesday, Bringing Fresh Local Food to the Greenway

Dewey Square Farmers Market To Return Tuesday, Bringing Fresh Local Food to the Greenway

Popular Seasonal Market Will Return to Dewey Square on Tuesdays and Thursdays

BOSTON — The Boston Public Market’s farmers market in Dewey Square will return for the season on Tuesday, May 19, bringing fresh local food to residents, workers, and visitors on the Rose Kennedy Greenway. The market offers farm fresh produce; meat, poultry, and eggs; milk and cheese; fish; bread and baked goods; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods from more than a dozen local farmers, fishermen, and food producers.

The Dewey Square Farmer’s Market is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. on the Rose Kennedy Greenway across from South Station. It has operated seasonally from mid-May through November for over eight years.

In July, the permanent, year-round Boston Public Market will open above Haymarket MBTA station, housing over 30 permanent, year-round vendors selling locally produced items such as farm fresh produce; meat, poultry, and eggs; milk and cheese; fish and shellfish; bread and baked goods; flowers; and an assortment of specialty and prepared foods.

The Boston Public Market will be the only locally-sourced market of its kind in the United States. Everything sold at the Market will be produced or originate in New England. The Boston Public Market’s seasonal markets will continue to operate on the Greenway once the permanent Market opens.

In Massachusetts an estimated 3,399,092 individuals with private insurance are guaranteed access to free preventive services

In Massachusetts an estimated 3,399,092 individuals with private insurance are guaranteed access to free preventive services

In Massachusetts an estimated 3,399,092 individuals, including 1,412,394 women and 654,577 children, have private health insurance that covers recommended preventive services without cost sharing, according to a new ASPE Data Point from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Under the Affordable Care Act, most health plans are required to provide coverage for recommended preventive health care services without copays.  Nationwide, about 137 million individuals, including 55 million women and 28 million children, have private health insurance that covers recommended preventive services without cost sharing. Increased access to preventive services can reduce and prevent costly chronic diseases and help Bay Staters live healthier lives. These services include but are not limited to: * Blood pressure screening                                * Well-baby and well-child visit * Obesity screening and counseling                   * Flu vaccination and other immunizations * Well-woman visits                                          * Tobacco cessation interventions * Domestic violence screening and counseling  * Vision screening for children * Breastfeeding support and supplies                * HIV screening * FDA-approved contraceptive methods          * Depression screening “Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, more Bay Staters have access to preventive services, including vaccinations, well-baby visits, and diabetes and blood pressure screenings," said Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell. “These services can substantially improve the health of families, and in some cases even save lives. We urge all individuals with health care coverage to take advantage of these services.  This can make a tremendous difference in the health of Americans.” The data released today are broken down by age and gender.  Of the estimated 3,399,092 Bay Staters with access to recommended preventive services without cost sharing: 654,577 are children, who have access to free preventive service coverage for flu vaccinations and other immunizations, vision screening, and well-baby and well-child visits.   1,412,394 are women, who have access to free preventive services such as well-women visits, breastfeeding support and supplies, and recommended cancer screenings.   1,332,122 are men, who have access to annual wellness visits, blood pressure screening, and cancer screenings. Some of the estimated 137 million individuals nationwide that are guaranteed access to preventive services without cost sharing today may have had access to one or more of those services without cost sharing prior to the implementation of the Affordable Care Act.  According to the Kaiser Family Foundation’s Employer Health Benefits Survey in 2012, 41 percent of all workers were covered by employer-sponsored group health plans that expanded their list of covered preventive services due to the Affordable Care Act.  Based on this and available Health Insurance Marketplace data at the time, HHS previously estimated that approximately 76 million Americans – and 30 million women – received expanded coverage of one or more preventive services because of the Affordable Care Act nationwide.  In Massachusetts, approximately 1,786,000 Bay Staters – and 692,000 women – received expanded coverage of one or more preventive services because of the Affordable Care Act.  To read today’s data point, please visit:  http://aspe.hhs.gov/health/reports/2015/Prevention/ib_Prevention.pdf

Governor Baker Proclaims May 15, 2015 “Plant Something Day”

Governor Baker Proclaims May 15, 2015 “Plant Something Day”

EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton Celebrates with Tree Planting at Elementary School

CHARLEMONT– May 15, 2015- Governor Baker has proclaimed today, May 15, 2015, “Plant Something Day” to support the Commonwealth’s many flower and nursery growers. In celebration, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton and Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux joined state and local officials for an apple tree planting ceremony at Hawlemont Regional Elementary School in Charlemont this morning.

“A strong and vibrant agriculture industry helps keep our communities healthy and our economy strong,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud to proclaim today Plant Something Day to honor the contributions Massachusetts’ flower and nursery growers make to the Commonwealth.”

“By declaring today Plant Something Day, the Baker-Polito Administration continues its commitment to the environment and its support for Massachusetts’ vital agriculture industry,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “I urge everyone to get outside and plant something today. It’s a great way to spend time in nature, help the environment and support our local agricultural economy.”

There are 1,039 Massachusetts farms in floriculture, nursery, greenhouse and sod, employing more than 4,000 workers. The industry generated $144 million in sales last year, a third of total agricultural sales in Massachusetts.

Plant Something MA is an annual statewide initiative that encourages communities across the Commonwealth to support their local nurseries, garden centers, landscapers and floriculture growers by purchasing and planting something. The campaign is organized by the Massachusetts Flower Growers Association (MFGA) and the Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association (MNLA). The apple tree planted today was donated by Wanczyk Nursery in Hadley, MA and installed by Snow and Son's of Greenfield, MA.

“Plant Something Day is a wonderful opportunity to remind Massachusetts residents that the long planting season is now upon us,” said DAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “From now through mid-fall, Massachusetts greenhouses, garden centers and nurseries are stocked with quality assorted plant material suited for Massachusetts conditions. They have plants to provide beautiful flowers, wonderful fragrance, interesting foliage, cooling shade, or something tasty and nutritious, while at the same time improving our environment.”

“The Massachusetts Nursery and Landscape Association is honored to participate with Secretary Beaton and Commissioner Lebeaux in the May 15th Plant Something Day,” said MNLA Executive Director Rena Sumner. “Planting something is good for you, your community, and the local economy.”

STATEMENT OF MAYOR Martin J. Walsh/ AG Murau Healy ON BOSTON MARATHON SENTENCING VERDICT

STATEMENT OF MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH ON BOSTON MARATHON SENTENCING VERDICT

"I want to thank the jurors and the judiciary for their service to our community and our country. I hope this verdict provides a small amount of closure to the survivors, families, and all impacted by the violent and tragic events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon. We will forever remember and honor those who lost their lives and were affected by those senseless acts of violence on our City. Today, more than ever, we know that Boston is a City of hope, strength and resilience, that can overcome any challenge."

STATEMENT OF ATTORNEY GENERAL MAURA HEALEY ON BOSTON MARATHON SENTENCING VERDICT

“Our thoughts are with the survivors and victims of this senseless act of terror. I want to thank the jurors for their service to our Commonwealth and our country. What is clear is that Dzhokhar Tsarnaev tried to strike fear in the heart of a city, and failed miserably. While this trial may be completed, we will never forget those that we lost and the strength and resilience that our community showed in the face of such evil.”

STEPHANIE FAN and DAVID CHANG will lead an enlightening talk and walk through Boston's historic Chinatown

STEPHANIE FAN and DAVID CHANG
will lead an enlightening talk and walk through
Boston's historic Chinatown  

Have you wondered how and why Boston's Chinatown was primarily a bachelor society until the 1950s? Do you want to learn more about the beginning of family associations, or the restaurant and laundry businesses in Boston's Chinatown?

Take this 90-minute Historic Chinatown Walking Tour to find the answers and history behind those questions. We will also share with you personal anecdotes drawn from residents who have lived trough Chinatown's urban development over the last several decades.  BONUS: This tour will also feature the impact of food traditions in the neighborhood!

MEETING LOCATION (arrive at 10:15 to register):
Chinese Historical Society of New England
China Trade Center (lower atrium level, under the curved stairs)
2 Boylston St, Boston (MBTA: Chinatown/Orange)
617.338.4339

TICKETS:
General $15 | Students/Seniors $12 | CHSNE Members $8

RSVP to reserve your spot(s) by emailing info@chsne.org. Space is limited, and will otherwise be granted on a first come basis. 

FOREST HILLS/JAMAICA PLAIN SATURDAY, MAY 16: CASEY OVERPASS TO CLOSE IN THE EASTBOUND DIRECTION

FOREST HILLS/JAMAICA PLAIN

SATURDAY, MAY 16: CASEY OVERPASS TO CLOSE IN THE EASTBOUND DIRECTION

Following last week’s closure of the Casey Overpass in the westbound direction, starting on Saturday, May 16, the Casey Overpass will close in the eastbound direction, at which point the bridge will be completely inaccessible.  Demolition of the structure will begin during the week of May 18.  In order to maintain access, current traffic will be shifted to the temporary roadway that has been built to the north of the existing bridge.  Drivers are encouraged to reduce speed and exercise caution when traversing the work zone. 

During demolition, travel in the westbound (toward Jamaica Pond) direction will follow the temporary roadway from Shea Circle to the Arborway onramp at South Street.  Right and left turns will be permitted at the intersections with Washington Street and South Street. 

Eastbound (toward Franklin Park, Dorchester, and Mattapan) traffic will be split at the eastern (Arnold Arboretum) end of the Overpass.  Traffic seeking to access South Street, Forest Hills Station, and points south such as Roslindale Square, will bear to the right, making a right turn onto South Street at the bottom of the ramp.  Left turns onto South Street northbound will not be permitted. 

Eastbound through traffic for Shea Circle, Hyde Park Avenue, West Roxbury Municipal Court, Franklin Park, Dorchester, and Mattapan will bear left onto the eastbound temporary roadway.  Eastbound right or left turns to South Street in either direction will not be permitted.  Right and left turns at Washington Street will be open to traffic.  Generally speaking, north and southbound movements along Washington Street and South Street will remain as they are today for this phase of construction.  The southbound exit of Forest Hills Street into Shea Circle will remain closed to ensure the safety of the traveling public.

Any motorist bound for Shea Circle, West Roxbury Municipal Court, Dorchester, Franklin Park etc., accidentally bearing to the right and finding themselves on South Street is advised to turn left on Ukraine Way, left on Hyde Park Avenue, and turn right on the Arborway surface road immediately after the LAZ Parking Lot in Forest Hills.

BRA Board approves $65.8 million in new projects at May meeting

BRA Board approves $65.8 million in new projects at May meeting

Approved projects will introduce over 600 units of housing and target needs of specific populations

BOSTON – The Board of Directors for the Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) approved three new development proposals at last night’s meeting and revisions to two previously approved projects. The new projects represent over $65.8 million of investment in Boston’s economy, and over 1,600 construction jobs are expected to result from all the projects that received approval. New housing projects were approved for South Boston and Brighton, with the latter calling for construction of new senior units to help meet existing demand and advance Mayor Walsh’s agenda for housing a changing City by 2030. The Copley residential and retail expansion and a residential project at 1350 Boylston Street in Fenway obtained new approvals for relatively minor project changes.

The local economy gained additional support through a citywide amendment to the Boston Zoning Code. The approved amendment makes it easier for small businesses to open throughout the City, by allowing “low-impact” uses in all of Boston’s commercial districts. Art galleries, and specific entertainment, retail, service, and trade venues defined as low-impact may now open citywide, without business owners having to navigate dense, neighborhood-specific zoning restrictions. This update to the Zoning Code makes good on the Mayor’s call to streamline the permitting process for small businesses, which he discussed in a December speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. City Councilor Ayanna Pressley supported the measure, specifically as it relates to art galleries.

Below is a summary of the projects that are set to move forward.

Copley Place residential and retail expansion moves forward with boundary amendment and updated affordable housing agreement

Total Project Cost: $500,000,000

Total SF: 1,960,000

Construction Jobs: 1,477

The Copley Place residential and retail expansion site boundaries have been revised and redrawn to accommodate overhangs on the façade. This adjustment was made to prevent exterior features from encroaching onto areas outside the approved site, and will enable the Elkus-Manfredi-designed project to progress.

The project is comprised of two components: an expanded retail base at the plaza near Stuart and Dartmouth Streets and a residential component to be built above. The 690,000 square feet of new residential space will include amenities for approximately 542 residential units, with 76 one-, two-, and three-bedroom units created on-site as affordable housing. The BRA facilitated negotiations with Simon Properties, the developer, and the community to include five additional affordable units from what was previously approved.

The retail expansion and residential programming are designed to dramatically improve the site’s character, refine the overall pedestrian experience, and support sustainable design goals, with the development team stating a commitment to achieving LEED Silver Certification.

49 residential units approved for 14 West Broadway at Cornerstone Pub location

Total Project Cost: $35 million

Total SF: 90,000

Construction Jobs: 84

CPC Cornerstone Development, LLC gained approval to redevelop a site that is currently occupied by the Cornerstone Pub in South Boston.

The development team proposed construction of an approximately 90,000 square foot mixed-use building, with either the first or second floor reserved for commercial use. The remaining space would house the 49-unit residential component, featuring a mix of one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units, six of which will be maintained as affordable. The project also includes 70 below-grade parking spaces.

The neighborhood economy will benefit from new commercial and retail spaces along Dorchester Avenue and West Broadway. The streetscape and pedestrian experience will be enhanced with new trees and other landscaping.

Construction is expected to begin in the fourth quarter of 2015 and be completed in the fourth quarter of 2017.

Two new residential buildings slated for construction at 815 East Fifth St. & 812 East Sixth St.

Total Project Cost: $8 million

Total SF: 31,673

Construction Jobs: 23

815 East 5th Street, LLC received final approval to construct two new residential buildings on a 17,500 square foot site at 815 East Fifth Street and 812 East Sixth Street in South Boston. The two buildings will be separated by an open space garden courtyard that will serve as an important natural bridge between the nine-unit and ten-unit buildings.

The nineteen-unit development consists of one (1) one-bedroom unit, twelve (12) two-bedroom units, and six (6) three-bedroom units, two of which will be created as affordable housing. The project will also include an underground parking garage with 33 off-street residential parking spaces. There will be approximately 19 spots reserved for bicycles (one per unit) within the garage.

 

Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly adding 61 units to Chestnut Hill campus in Brighton

Total Project Cost: $22.8 million

Total SF: 56,172

Construction Jobs: 40

Jewish Community Housing for the Elderly (JCHE) received approval to construct 61 apartment homes on its Chestnut Hill campus. These would enhance the existing 700-unit campus, which provides reasonably-priced housing for seniors. Residents will have immediate access to a senior-specialized fitness center, uniquely equipped computer center, multi-lingual library, auditorium, recreational space and additional amenities.

JCHE will apply universal design principles to the greatest extent possible so that all residents can age independently in their own apartments. The project is also designed to assist other special populations. Through a partnership with Hearth, seven units will serve formerly homeless seniors, and a 5-unit studio grouping for aging adults with lifelong disabilities will be developed in conjunction with Jewish Children & Family Services.

The project also includes approximately 3,500 square feet of retail and commercial space to be occupied by a tenant who will serve both the 900 residents in JCHE’s Brighton community and their neighbors along Chestnut Hill Avenue. By offering a neighborhood-friendly commercial use on the first floor of the new building, JCHE hopes that seniors on its campus will have an opportunity to engage with members of the surrounding community.

                    

 

Tentative designation approved for Boston Marine Industrial Park’s Parcel Q-1

Skanska USA Commercial Development, Inc. received tentative designation to lease and develop Parcel Q-1 in the BRA-owned Marine Industrial Park. The 36,799 square foot site is one of only two parcels in the industrial district that does not restrict development to either maritime or industrial projects. Skanska plans to capitalize on this opportunity by constructing 215,000 square feet of office space with first floor retail.