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星期三, 10月 07, 2015

麻大波士頓分校孔子學院慶中秋

麻州大學波士頓孔子學院日前慶祝中秋佳節及孔子誕辰,數百師生及社區人士一起用中文互祝“中秋快樂”,重新認識孔子。
麻州大學波士頓校區副教務長Schuyler Korban當天專程到活動現場致賀,以示該校對多元文化的重視。
活動現場懸掛了孔子畫像,擺放了慶祝孔子誕辰的生日蛋糕以及慶祝中秋節的月餅,以及介紹孔子學院項目、孔子生平及思想,中秋節來歷、習俗等資料。
出席師生們在遊覽攤位時,互相探問學習中文的途徑,討論中國最近的變化,當然還說起了習近平總書記九月下旬訪美期間種種。
孔子學院的工作人員、志願者,當天有問必答。有些出席者還是第一次知道,孔子是幾千年前誕生的中國思想家、教育家,和蘇格拉底等西方哲學家一樣,對人類文明有巨大影響。他們因此對中國文化的源遠流長更加讚歎,對孔子學院也肅然起敬。
麻大波士頓分校孔院表示,慶祝孔子誕辰日和中秋節,是該院一年一度的品牌活動,今年他們除了在自己校本部舉辦了一次慶祝會,還和羅德島大學、布萊恩大學、中央康州州立大學、南緬因大學等新英格蘭地區的幾所大學孔子學院,聯合贊助了在羅德島州舉行的“水火節“,有山東師範大學巡演藝術團表演。

            麻大孔子學院慶中秋,出席者逛攤位,討論拿到的資料。(圖由麻大孔子學院提供)

四昆市前後任學校委員支持柯奇連任市長

昆士市長候選人即將於今(7)晚到北昆士高中,出席歷史性,由華裔社區團體主辦的“候選人論壇”。現任市長柯奇(Tom Koch)搶先宣佈該市前後任學校委員會委員都支持他,藉以展現實力。
四名前任,現任昆市學校委員會委員,五日五日在中央中學(Central Middle School)前聯袂現身,宣佈支持在位市長柯奇,競選連任昆士市長。
包括柯奇本人在內,昆市學校委員會共有八名委員。在初選中落敗的馬洪妮(Anne Mahoney)也是學校委員會委員。五日站出來支持柯奇的現任學校委員 Barbara Isola Paul Bregoli,以及前任學校委員會委員Jo-Ann Bragg Emily Lebo 他們都說和柯奇合作的經驗,是他們決定支持柯奇的原因。
曾在昆市學校委員會服務16年的Jo-Ann Bragg表示,建中央中學早就是昆市府計畫,卻直到柯奇當選後才建成。柯奇不但和州政府的學校部門官員合作,翻轉了建學校項目的命運,還從州政府那兒爭取到當年最高的補償款。
他說自己曾和多名市長及民選議員合作,但他認為要當一名有效率的民選官員,就必須有領導力,知道如何和許多不同性格的人合作。柯奇就是這樣的人。
曾任學校委員會委員四年,在教育界工作了廿多年的Emily Lebo表示,柯奇的領導力,以及促成合作,尊重,有建設性環境的能力,使得最近的教師合約協商,順利過關。
            在學校委員會服務了6年的Barbara Isola說,柯奇能聽人說他們的顧慮,並和人合作,解決問題。是柯奇幫助公校爭取到經費,在高中聘僱了兩名干預健康專家,處理濫用毒品問題。他認為柯奇關心昆市教育。
            在教育界工作了34年的Paul Bregoli表示,柯奇在向社區陳述計畫時,展現了領導力,
而且因為他帶來的經費,中學恢復了游泳,摔角,網球等課程。
            位於昆市的亞協中心,在昆市設有分部的華人醫務中心,以及亞美社區發展協會,波士頓華埠社區中心等機構,今年首度合作,將於107日晚在北昆士高中舉辦候選人論壇,代表亞裔社區展現出參與,關心公共事務形象。

圖片說明:

            四名前後任昆市學校委員會委員支持柯奇(中)競選連任昆士市長。(圖由柯奇競選陣營提供)

專協年會MIT登場 江宜樺卸任後首度公開演講

紐英崙中華專業人員協會(NEACP)年會將於10月24日星期六在MIT
34-101演講廳舉行,邀得重量級講者、中華民國前行政院長江宜樺演講台灣民主與兩岸關係的未來。這也是江宜樺赴美訪問期間首度公開演講。
此外有作家吳玲瑤女士演講「笑裡藏道」、前空軍官校校長田在勱將軍演講「傲視寰宇 - 以小搏大的空軍戰史」、鄭新霖與黃若瑜兩位醫師演講「
認識失智症:早期預防及診治」等。會後並有作者簽書、晚餐等活動,歡迎踴躍參與。請事先報名註冊以免向隅。
詳情請洽專協會長周萬欽617-784-9976、幹事彭淑敏650-288-8792,或電郵2neacp@gmail.com
線上報名網址:http://www.eventbrite.com/e/neacp-38th-annual-conference-tickets-18593631051

紐英崙中華專業人員協會(NEACP)年會將於10月24日星期六在MIT
34-101演講廳舉行,邀得重量級講者、中華民國前行政院長江宜樺演講台灣民主與兩岸關係的未來。這也是江宜樺赴美訪問期間首度公開演講。
此外有作家吳玲瑤女士演講「笑裡藏道」、前空軍官校校長田在勱將軍演講「傲視寰宇 - 以小搏大的空軍戰史」、鄭新霖與黃若瑜兩位醫師演講「
認識失智症:早期預防及診治」等。會後並有作者簽書、晚餐等活動,歡迎踴躍參與。請事先報名註冊以免向隅。
詳情請洽專協會長周萬欽617-784-9976、幹事彭淑敏650-288-8792,或電郵2neacp@gmail.com
線上報名網址:http://www.eventbrite.com/e/neacp-38th-annual-conference-tickets-18593631051

星期二, 10月 06, 2015

Baker-Polito Administration Convenes Economic Development Planning Council

Baker-Polito Administration Convenes Economic Development Planning Council

Council will assist Secretary Jay Ash in creation and execution of a comprehensive economic development plan

Boston – Tuesday, October 6, 2015 – Today the Baker-Polito Administration swore in members of its Economic Development Planning Council prior to its initial meeting with Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash to discuss the administration’s forthcoming economic development plan.
The plan, shaped by feedback that the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development gathered during listening sessions earlier this year, and guided by the Council, will be submitted to the Legislature for approval later this year.

“The Planning Council offers an opportunity for engagement with business, public, and non-profit sector leaders on a wide range of economic development priorities and programs,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Their invaluable experience will help guide our planning and implementation, and I look forward to continued partnerships as we work to develop Massachusetts’ economy, and ensure that communities across the Commonwealth share in our economic growth.”

The Planning Council is comprised of representatives from banking, innovation, manufacturing, and other industries; representatives of non-profits and membership organizations; and the Co-Chairs of the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technology, Senator Eileen Donoghue, and Representative Joseph Wagner. Administration and Finance Secretary Kristen Lepore, Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ron Walker, Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton, and Transportation Secretary Stephanie Pollack will also serve as members. Secretary Ash will chair the Council.

“Addressing some of the problems that stymie Massachusetts’ economic development and hurt our global competitiveness requires productive dialogue with engaged citizens and industry groups,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The Council’s economic expertise is a wonderful resource to help us confront barriers to growth – including permitting, regulations, zoning, and workforce development – efficiently and effectively.”

The Council will convene again for the second and final time on December 9th to offer its final recommendations.

Massachusetts law requires the appointment of an economic development planning council, and the filing of an economic development plan, within the first year of each new gubernatorial administration.

Members of the Economic Development Planning Council:

Senator Eileen Donoghue, Senate Chair, Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies

Representative Joseph Wagner, House Chair, Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies

Ms. Kristen Lepore, Secretary, Executive Office of Administration and Finance

Mr. Ronald Walker, Secretary, Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development

Mr. Matthew Beaton, Secretary, Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs

Ms. Stephanie Pollack, Secretary, MassDOT

Mr. Arthur Barrett, President, Barrett Distribution Centers

Mr. Delcie D. Bean IV, CEO, Paragus Strategic IT

Ms. Bonnie Biocchi, Director of Development, Habitat for Humanity Metro West/Greater Worcester

Ms. Christa Bleyleben, Managing Partner, Mass Global Partners

Ms. Cindy Brown, CEO, Boston Duck Tours

Mr. Jeff Bussgang, General Partner, Flybridge Capital Partners

Mr. Prabal Chakrabarti, Senior Vice President, Federal Reserve Bank of Boston

Mr. JD Chesloff, Executive Director, Mass Business Roundtable

Mr. Tom Chmura, Vice President for Economic Development, University of Massachusetts

Ms. Donna Cupelo, Regional President, Verizon New England

Mr. Tom Erickson, CEO, Acquia

Mr. Jack Healy, President and CEO, MassMEP

Ms. Susan Houston, Executive Director, MassEcon

Mr. Jon B. Hurst, President, Retailers Association of Massachusetts

Mr. Daniel C. Kenary, CEO and Co-Founder, Harpoon Brewery

Mr. Salvatore Lupoli, President and CEO, Lupoli Companies

Mr. Marcos Marrero, Director of Planning and Economic Development , City of Holyoke

Mr. Paul Matthews, Executive Director, 495/MetroWest Partnership

Mr. Travis McCready, President and CEO, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Mr. Timothy J. McGourthy, Executive Director, Worcester Regional Research Bureau

Mr. Chris Oddleifson, President and CEO, Rockland Trust

Mr. Michael Prisco, CEO, Bourne Field Properties

Mr. John T. Smolak, Esq., Partner, Smolak & Vaughan LLP

Mr. Peter Stasiowski, Director of Communications and Human Resources, Interprint Inc.

Mr. Michael Tamasi, President and CEO, AccuRounds

Mr. Benjamin Forman, Research Director, MassINC

Mr. Eric Hagopian, President and CEO, Massachusetts Center for Advanced
Design and Manufacturing

Ms. Susan Mailman, President, Coghlin Electrical Contractors, Inc.

Mr. Jonathan Butler, President and CEO, Berkshire Chamber of Commerce

Mr. David Begelfer, CEO, NAIOP Massachusetts, the Commercial Real Estate
Development Association

Mr. Bob Luz, President and CEO, Massachusetts Restaurant Association

Dr. Emily L. Reichert, CEO, Greentown Labs

Mr. Robert F. Rivers, President and COO, Eastern Bank

Mr. Andrew P. Botti, Esq., Director, McLane Middleton Law Firm

Mr. Jeevan Ramapriya, Vice President, State Street Bank and Trust Co.

Mr. Tom Hopcroft, President and CEO, Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council

Mr. Christopher Sikes, CEO, Common Capital

Ms. Karen Kaplan, Chairman/CEO, Hill Holiday

Mr. Robert Pura, President, Greenfield Community College

Mr. Richard A. Packer, Chairman and CEO, ZOLL Medical

Mr. Tim Rowe, Founder and CEO, Cambridge Innovation Center

Mr. Vilas S. Dhar, Gleitsman Fellow on Social Change, Founder, Dhar Law, LLP and Next Mile Project

Mr. Robert Halpin, Town Manager, Town of Framingham

Mr. Sushil K. Tuli, President, Leader Bank

Mr. Ralph Smith, Chief Executive Officer, President and Director, Kayem Foods Inc.

Mr. Devin Cole, Director of Development, Workbar

Mr. James Fiorentini, Mayor, City of Haverill

Mr. Tim Brennan, Executive Director, Pioneer Valley Planning Commission

Mr. Colin Angle, Chairman of the Board, CEO and Co-Founder, iRobot

Mr. Ira H. Rubenzahl, President, Springfield Technical Community College

Mr. Wayne Canty, CEO/ Owner, Heat Trace Products, LLC

Mr. Ralph Crowley Jr., President/ CEO, Polar Beverages

Mr. Tripp Jones, MassINC

###


Adrian Servetnick
Program and Communications Coordinator
Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development
e:
 adrian.servetnick@state.ma.us
p: 617-788-3615
t:
 @MassEOHED

AG HEALEY FILES BRIEF IN APPEALS COURT REGARDING LAWSUIT AGAINST BACKPAGE.COM

AG HEALEY FILES BRIEF IN APPEALS COURT REGARDING LAWSUIT AGAINST BACKPAGE.COM
BOSTON – Attorney General Maura Healey filed an amicus brief with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the First Circuit urging the court to reverse a district court decision dismissing a case filed by human trafficking victims against Backpage.com.

The case, Doe v. Backpage.com LLC, was filed by three women who allege that they were sold for sex on Backpage.com when they were as young as 15 years old. The plaintiffs allege that they were recruited by sex traffickers, advertised on the website, and then repeatedly sold for sex in various locations across Massachusetts.

“Human trafficking is a form of criminal enterprise in which women and girls in particular, but also men and boys, are exploited for labor and commercial sex. It is a widespread and urgent problem in Massachusetts and throughout the country,” AG Healey’s brief explains.

AG Healey has vowed to make fighting human trafficking and providing victims with the services they need a priority of the office. The AG’s Office has a dedicated Human Trafficking Division that handles criminal prosecutions and has charged 21 individuals in connection with human trafficking to date.  

The Attorney General’s Office has been aggressive in its efforts to tackle the problem of human trafficking and led efforts to pass comprehensive human trafficking legislation in 2011. The law mandated an interagency task force made up of 19 organizations, including human trafficking survivors, law enforcement, victim services advocates, academia, and state agencies, which made recommendations to the Legislature in August 2013. To further the work of the task force, the AG’s Office has continued to work with specialized teams focused on implementation of the recommendations made in the report.

This matter was handled by Genevieve Nadeau, Deputy Chief of AG Healey’s Civil Rights Division.

Boston needs bilingual (Chinese and Vietnamese) Poll Workers

Dear Community Members:

The Boston Election Department is still looking for bilingual (Chinese and Vietnamese) Poll Workers to work at various Boston precincts (voting locations) on November 3rd (Tuesdayfor the upcoming Municipal Election. Some of the areas that still need bilingual Poll Workers include: the McKinley School in the South End, the Morville House in Fenway, and the precincts in Allston-Brighton (Chinese) and Dorchester (Vietnamese). 

The Poll Workers’ job responsibilities include, but are not limited, to the following: assist with preparing the voting location for opening; hang signs in accordance with legal requirements; count ballots; check in voters; maintain a record of the Election Day’s activities; check handicap access; provide language assistance; assist in removing signage; pack up election materials; and help check counts at the end of the day. 

There are stipends ranging from $135-$175 for Poll Workers. While it is encouraged that all Poll Workers be available from 6:00am to the closing of the polls (9:00pm), those workers serving as Inspectors or Interpreters may opt for a half-day shift: 6AM to 2PM or 1PM to 9PM (prorated pay rate of $9/hour). All prospective Poll Workers will be required to attend a mandatory 2-hour training session prior to the Election.  

Poll Workers must be registered voters in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts; however, the guidelines for Interpreters are more flexible (i.e., voter status not required). All Poll Workers must exhibit a professional and helpful demeanor, and must be respectful and mindful of the ethnic and cultural diversity of Boston’s voters.

To download the Poll Worker application, please visit the Boston Election Department’s website: http://www.cityofboston.gov/elections/pollworkers.asp

I have also attached a copy of the application, and would greatly appreciate it if you could help forward this information to your networks. Thank you in advance for helping the Boston Election Department to ensure that there is language assistance at the polls for the voters with limited English proficiency.

Please let me know if you have any questions, or need more information. 

Best regards,
Helen 

 
Helen Y. Wong 黃曉明, Administrative Coordinator 
BCYF Quincy Community Center885 Washington Street (Chinatown); Boston, MA 02111
Office (617) 635-5129, ext. 1086
Fax (617) 635-5132
"Every Neighborhood, One Mission"
Helen.Wong@boston.gov

MAYOR WALSH APPOINTS NEW BUDGET DIRECTOR

MAYOR WALSH APPOINTS NEW BUDGET DIRECTOR

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 6, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the appointment of Katie Hammer as the City of Boston's Budget Director, serving in the Office of Budget Management. Hammer brings over seven years of experience in government finance, administration and communications to her new role.

"Katie brings a tremendous amount of experience and a strong record of fiscal management to her new role as budget director," said Mayor Walsh. "I am excited to bring her knowledge and integrity to our office, and I look forward to working with her as we build upon the city's record of balanced budgets and invest in the resources most important to our residents."

As Budget Director, Hammer will provide strategic leadership in shaping the annual city budget and the five year capital plan, supervise the Office of Budget Management, coordinate executive policy decisions and annual funding plans and represent the administration on budgetary matters.

Prior to accepting the role of Budget Director, Hammer served as the Director of Workforce Management and Finance for the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA), where she directed the human resources department, developed the salary and benefits budget and implemented a talent development program.

"I am excited to work with Mayor Walsh and the budget team to build thoughtful operating and capital budgets that continue the City's record of fiscal responsibility, promote efficient operations and invest in a thriving, healthy and innovative city," said Hammer.

Before joining MCCA, Hammer was the Assistant Secretary for Administration and Chief of Staff for the Commonwealth's Executive Office of Administration and Finance (A&F), which is responsible for managing the state's finances. In that role, she exercised oversight and coordination of core state government operations, including state facilities, information technology, human resources and procurement divisions within the Secretariat. Hammer previously served as the Assistant Budget Director for Capital Planning at A&F, where she led the development of the Commonwealth's Fiscal Year 2013-2017 Capital Investment Plan and the introduction of multi-year bonds to support significant investments in transportation, housing, information technology, and other infrastructure and assets in the Commonwealth.

Hammer holds a master's degree in public affairs from Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs, and a bachelor's degree in political science and economics from Washington University in St. Louis. During graduate school, Hammer worked as a fellow in the City of Boston's New Urban Mechanics summer fellowship program, where she assisted the Boston Redevelopment Authority in launching an urban agriculture zoning process and helped identify land suitable for urban farming. She currently lives in West Roxbury with her husband, Michael.