Governor Baker Declares June 20 – 26, 2016 “Massachusetts Pollinator Week”

Governor Baker Declares June 20 – 26, 2016 “Massachusetts Pollinator Week”

BOSTON – June 17, 2016 – Governor Charlie Baker, in support of National Pollinator Week, has declared June 20 – 26, 2016 as “Massachusetts Pollinator Week” - an opportunity to celebrate and protect our pollinator populations. Additionally, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) will also celebrate the opening of the first state apiary, a collection of beehives to be used for education and research.

“Massachusetts Pollinator Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of pollination to our environment and agricultural industry, and the vital need to protect Massachusetts’ pollinators,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I encourage all residents to learn more about our native pollinators and consider planting flowers, trees and other plants to provide pollinators with nectar, pollen and habitat.”

“This week, we appreciate the importance of pollinators to Massachusetts’ ecosystems, food sources and economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration is committed to preserving our native pollinator species and their habitats, and working with local beekeepers across the Commonwealth to ensure their hives are healthy and thriving.”

Pollinators include bees, birds, bats, butterflies and other species. Over 45 percent of agricultural commodities in Massachusetts rely on pollinator species for crop pollination and food production. There are approximately 4,500 honey beekeepers managing approximately 45,000 hives across the Commonwealth. Pollinator species provide significant environmental benefits that are necessary for maintaining healthy, diverse ecosystems, and produce valuable products including honey, propolis, royal jelly and wax.

The new state apiary at the University of Massachusetts Amherst will serve as a vessel for education, outreach demonstrations and research related to agricultural sustainability, pollination, honey bee health and hive management. The apiary consists of twelve honey bee hives located within an 80 foot by 30 foot plot situated adjacent to the UMass Pollinator Conservation Project.

The apiary will also be used by the UMass Beekeeping Club and for hives maintained for UMass beekeeping courses. The apiary was funded by appropriated FY16 funds for the DAR Apiary Program designated for projects that provide research, education and general support to benefit Massachusetts honey bees.

“Given the ability to do live, in-hive demonstrations onsite, this apiary will also be an important tool for providing outreach education to farmers, land managers, beekeepers and to the public in the Commonwealth on topics related to honey bees and agriculture,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Through the new state apiary and the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ Apiary Program, we are working hard to educate the public about honey bees and support the Commonwealth’s honey beekeepers.”

In Amherst on June 20, 2016, Assistant Secretary for Environment Daniel Sieger will be joined by MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux and representatives from UMass Amherst College of Natural Sciences for a tour of the new state apiary on the grounds of the UMass Agricultural Learning Center.

“The apiary has received considerable interest from students engaged in farming and sustainability,” said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Currently several are doing an internship with DAR to assist in hive management throughout the summer as well as conducting their own individual research projects related to hive vitality and pest management.”

“Making sure bees stay healthy and productive is necessary for vibrant agriculture,” said State Senator Anne Gobi (D-Spencer). “I appreciate the focus of the administration and look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with our many bee organizations to achieve that goal.”

“I applaud the initiative set forth by the Baker Administration and MDAR to recognize our vital pollinator populations here in Massachusetts,” said State Representative Paul Schmid (D-Westport). “We are incredibly fortunate to have so many active beekeepers that maintain thousands of hives throughout the Commonwealth in order to provide the well-known agricultural products that make our state so great and promote environmental stewardship.”

“This is an exciting collaboration for the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst,” said Frank Mangan, Director of the Agriculture Learning Center. “Maintaining a state apiary with DAR provides our students, growers and bee keepers with preventative learning tools.” 

MDAR manages an Apiary Program that provides assistance to beekeepers to help them protect and maintain pollinators and their habitats.

Ray Campbellnamed Executive Director of Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA)

Baker-Polito Administration, Attorney Maura General Healey and State Auditor Suzanne Bump Appoint Ray A. Campbell III as Executive Director of Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA)

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration, Attorney General Maura Healey and State Auditor Suzanne Bump announced that Ray Campbell, the current Acting Executive Director of the Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission (GIC), has been named Executive Director of Center for Health Information and Analysis (CHIA) effective August 1, 2016.

“Ray Campbell’s extensive public and private sector health care and management expertise is perfectly suited to fill the important role of leading CHIA,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “I wish former Executive Director Áron Boros the best with his new career endeavors and thank him for his leadership at CHIA.”

“CHIA’s mission to bring transparency to the incredibly complex world of health care demands strong and experienced leadership. As we strive to improve access to quality health care, it is more important than ever that we have the data we need to make smart health care policy,” said Attorney General Maura Healey. “I am confident that Ray is the right person to continue to ensure that policymakers and all health care stakeholders have the information they need to meet our goals.”

“Ray Campbell brings to CHIA not only energy, but also a depth of knowledge of health care issues, especially in the areas of policy, technology, and data,” said Auditor Suzanne M. Bump. “He brings a forward-looking vision for the agency that is well suited to serving the residents of the Commonwealth.”

“Ray’s public and private healthcare experience and leadership will ensure a smooth transition for CHIA and will help advance their important role in the Massachusetts healthcare community,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders. “I thank Áron Boros for serving as the first Executive Director of CHIA and for his public service.  Áron built a good team and solid foundation for the agency and we are all committed to ensuring that good work continues.”

“I am incredibly excited to be joining CHIA at a time when data is critical to the success of our healthcare system,” said Ray Campbell.  “Massachusetts is a recognized national leader in both healthcare delivery and healthcare reform, and data will be an essential part of our efforts to improve both the quality and the efficiency of care. CHIA has an important role in making sure our health system has the data it needs to be successful, and I am looking forward to working with the staff at CHIA and with other stakeholders.” 

Campbell was formally a Commissioner of the GIC and has held a number of senior positions in the public and non-profit sectors.  For seven years, Mr. Campbell was the Chief Executive Officer of the Massachusetts Health Data Consortium, a non-profit organization that promoted the use of health IT and data to improve the healthcare system.  Prior, he served as the Executive Director and CEO of the Massachusetts Corporation for Educational Telecommunications.  He also worked in state government as the General Counsel for the Information Technology Division and as the Director of Special Projects for the Executive Office for Administration and Finance.  He has a Master’s in Public Administration from Harvard University’s Kennedy School of Government, a law degree from Suffolk University, and a B.A. from Bates College.   

Secretary of Health and Human Services Marylou Sudders also announced that effective immediately Steve McCabe will serve as CHIA’s Interim Executive Director until Campbell starts his position on August 1, 2016.  McCabe currently serves as CHIA’s Deputy Executive Director, Health Analytics and Finance.  

CITY OF BOSTON RELEASES AGE-FRIENDLY BOSTON INITIATIVE REPORT

CITY OF BOSTON RELEASES AGE-FRIENDLY BOSTON INITIATIVE REPORT

Report outlines strengths and weaknesses of growing older in Boston

BOSTON - Thursday, June 16, 2016 - The City of Boston's Commission on Affairs of the Elderly today released data from its Age-Friendly Boston Initiative. The Age-Friendly Boston project challenges the city's public agencies, community groups, businesses, cultural, educational and religious institutions to consider how changes to policy and practice can enhance the quality of life for Boston's aging residents. The report focuses on Boston residents' feedback on growing older in Boston. Mayor Martin J. Walsh was the first mayor in Massachusetts to adopt the age-friendly framework. "This data is another step forward in our goal to make Boston a welcoming city for all, including our older residents," said Mayor Walsh. "I look forward towards achieving our goal to make Boston the most age-friendly city in America." In response to the 2014 Aging in Boston report indicating an approximate 52% increase of the older population in Boston by 2030, Mayor Walsh signed onto the World Health Organization's (WHO) network of Age-Friendly Cities, through their United States partner AARP, and launched the Age-Friendly Boston Initiative. Under Mayor Walsh's leadership, the Elderly Commission formed a partnership with UMass Boston Gerontology Institute, supported by a grant from the Tufts Health Plan Foundation, to conduct research based on the guidelines set forth by the WHO. In the first phase of the initiative, it focused on gathering input directly from older residents about the strengths and weaknesses of growing older in Boston.    Key highlights from the data report include: An insufficient amount of housing is available to seniors in Boston, including housing with supports necessary for the elderly. About half of seniors are satisfied with the access and quality of health and social services in the city. The affordability of housing options to seniors is a barrier to maintaining one's home and to finding appropriate housing. Nearly 50% of all listening session recommendations centered on improving Boston's walkability. Feeling taken advantage of is one way seniors feel disrespected in their community. Seniors report a general lack of paid employment opportunities for seniors. The methods for collecting the data included: A Civic Academy with Mayor Walsh on February 28th, 2015 to kick off the project. 23 listening sessions in every neighborhood organized, in most neighborhoods, with the help of "senior liaisons." 3 language specific listening sessions in Spanish, Chinese and Haitian-Creole (the top three languages spoken by older residents in Boston). 3,700+ surveys completed-surveys available in the top six languages spoken in Boston. Consultations with service providers, non-profit organizations, senior groups, faith-based organizations, neighborhood associations and city departments. Once the data is released, the next steps include appointing an advisory council and drafting an action plan. Projects currently in the planning and implementation process are an Age-Friendly walking project with Walk Boston, a partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department involving seniors' input in new park designs, a partnership with Tufts Human Nutrition Research on Aging Center to educate seniors on the new Senior MyPlate and seasonal cooking and walking event, and a partnership with Design for Aging (a subcommittee of the Boston Society of Architects) to utilize their expertise on city planning projects and the Walk Boston project. As part of Mayor Walsh's ambitious Boston 2030 Housing Plan, the City of Boston is working to address the number of low-income senior households living in Boston who wish to remain in their existing housing as long as they are financially and physically able. Since 2014, almost 600 senior households have been able to retain their housing with City assistance. 325 low-income senior renters were able to retain their housing through homelessness prevention programs, and 260 senior homeowners were stabilized in their housing through major home repair programs and foreclosure prevention services. Four new elderly affordable housing developments were completed in 2015, adding 192 units. In addition, the City now has three affordable senior developments in the pipeline, and has renewed its commitment to affordable senior housing, adding a new $1.75 million budget line item in FY16. Mayor Walsh also launched Seniors Save, a proactive heating system replacement program for senior citizen homeowners in Boston. Aging and inefficient heating systems are replaced before a catastrophic failure results in no heat for a senior. New, more energy efficient heating systems result in both capital and fuel savings for the senior homeowner, which can be used to stabilize the senior homeowner's budget for items such as food and medicine. The Age-Friendly Boston Initiative report is available in full on Age-Friendly Boston's blog: https://agefriendlyboston.files.wordpress.com/2016/06/afb-report_6-15.pdf About Age-Friendly Societies The guiding principle of an Age-Friendly society focuses on designing livable communities that promote good health, strong civic participation and clear communication. That means safe, walkable streets; offering better housing and transportation options; improving access to key services and providing opportunities to be socially engaged. It means sustaining economic growth and enabling happier, healthier residents.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Funding for Research to Reduce Whale Entanglements

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Funding for Research to Reduce Whale Entanglements

Grants Will Fund Development and Testing of Reduced Breaking Strength Rope for Fishermen

BOSTON – June 16, 2016 – Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today announced $180,000 for the New England Aquarium’s Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life to develop a modified rope for fishermen to reduce the entanglement of endangered whales and other marine species. In a separate initiative, Beaton announced an additional $19,000 grant from the Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) for the South Shore Lobster Fishermen’s Association to field test a rope that uses sections of reduced breaking strength, as well as colors that may be more visible to whales.

“The development of fishing equipment which will help ensure the safety of sea life could be a critical tool in reducing North Atlantic right whale mortality and preserving this majestic species,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With this funding, our administration continues to act upon our commitment to protecting native species while also supporting Massachusetts’ vital commercial fishing industry.”

“Through the work of the New England Aquarium and South Shore Lobster Fishermen’s Association, we will not only protect the approximately 525 remaining North Atlantic right whales, including those off Massachusetts’ coast, but will also provide guidance to fishermen, managers and researchers all over the world who are grappling with this problem,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito.

Research by the New England Aquarium has shown a connection between the severity of whale entanglements and the breaking strength of ropes. With the $180,000 grant from EEA, the New England Aquarium will work to develop reduced breaking strength rope prototypes that are workable for the fishing industry and could minimize the severity of whale entanglements.  The ropes will likely have a breaking strength of 1700 lbs or less, as well as colors that may be more visible to whales. The South Shore Lobstermen’s Association will assist the Aquarium with field testing the developed prototypes.

“We are proud to support our partners at the New England Aquarium and the South Shore Lobster Fishermen’s Association in their efforts to find an innovative solution to ensure the safety of large marine animals while allowing fishermen to safely fish the waters off of the coast of the Commonwealth,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton.

With the $19,000 grant to the South Shore Lobstermen’s Association, working lobstermen will field test rope developed by Novabraid which uses sections of reduced breaking strength.

For the past six years, MET has been providing funds to the Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF) to support the Center for Coastal Studies’ at-sea work to free large whales and sea turtles from life-threatening entanglements. Bringing the total to $750,000, MET is providing $150,000 in fiscal year 2017.

Entanglement in fishing gear is the leading cause of human induced mortality for large whales.  North Atlantic right whales are the most endangered large whale in the North Atlantic, with a population of approximately 525 animals. Eighty-three percent of North Atlantic right whales bear evidence of entanglement.

“A recent study led by New England Aquarium researchers has shown that many of the ropes used in fishing have become too strong for whales to easily break when they become entangled,” said Amy Knowlton, a whale scientist with the New England Aquarium. “Motivated by this finding, Aquarium scientists have teamed up with engineers, rope manufacturers and fishermen to develop and test a new generation or ropes that hold up the rigors of fishing but lead to fewer lethal whale entanglements. By working together on this challenging issue that impacts large whales throughout the world, we can lead the way in finding a solution that works for both whales and fishermen.”

“We in the commercial lobster industry are committed to using the best available science to co-exist with the North Atlantic Right Whale,” said John Haviland, President of the South Shore Lobster Fishermen’s Association. 

The Anderson Cabot Center for Ocean Life at the New England Aquarium applies cutting-edge marine research, data-driven conservation solutions, and public engagement to ensure a future for the oceans in which resources are used sustainably, critical species and habitats are protected, and ecosystems are managed wisely. 

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust’s whale conservation grants are funded by extra fees from whale license plates purchased at the RMV.

湯威頤教你創意

Cambridge, MA, June, 11, 2016 – 玉山科技協會於六月十一舉行創意講座，邀請湯 威頤博士來和大家探討創意發想。湯博士為玉山科技協會的董事之一，前IBM副總 裁，現為I3nsight的董事長，同時也具備科學家、作家、顧問及語言學家的身分。 從紐約親駕到波士頓，湯博士帶領現場三十多位參與的專業人士重新思考如何發展 和展示一個有創意的計劃。湯博士透過參加者提供的例子說明如何精簡敘述創意想 法的語句，評估其理念並提高創意度。 第二階段湯博士介紹了創意和創新的定義和歷史，他強調這是兩個不同的概念，因 為後者需要創意的延伸。隨後，他介紹了以矩陣表示的思考模式，以及一套營運方 式以探索，評估和改進思想。參與者可以運用這個想法矩陣和創造性運用機制套入 自己的想法，湯博士也用他本身的生活經驗套用到這個公式上作為說明的範本。 湯威頤博士為I3nsight的董事長，曾任職IBM的策略提案執行、IBM中國技術合作委 員會的第一任總經理。此外，湯博士被欽點為1994年夏季奧運會客戶關係技術執行， 以及長野冬奧會資訊技術系統經理。湯博士曾任職財富百大企業和政府機構，包括 台灣，芬蘭和經濟論壇顧問。他在麻省理工的博士論文為研究產品的開發和決策理 論。 玉山新英格蘭科技協會(MJNE)是位於大波士頓地區的非盈利性組織。成員包括主要 來自擁有共同的願景的科學和技術領域的專業人士，在本地和國際透過分享交流， 創造商業機會及促成各方專業合作。玉山新英格蘭科技協會為北美和亞洲全球玉山 社群，八個分會的其中一支。

CAMBRIDGE MAN PLEADS GUILTY, SENTENCED FOR COLLECTING NEARLY $18,000 IN UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHILE WORKING

CAMBRIDGE MAN PLEADS GUILTY, SENTENCED FOR COLLECTING NEARLY $18,000 IN UNEMPLOYMENT BENEFITS WHILE WORKING

BOSTON – A Cambridge man has pleaded guilty and has been sentenced in connection with collecting nearly $18,000 in unemployment benefits while he continued to work, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today. 

Scott M. MacPherson, age 44, of Cambridge, pleaded guilty to the charges of Larceny over $250 by False Pretenses (2 counts) and Unemployment Fraud (30 counts) in Suffolk Superior Court.

After the plea was entered, Judge Peter Krupp sentenced MacPherson to five years of probation. MacPherson was also ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $17,812.

“This defendant defrauded the system by collecting close to $18,000 in unemployment benefits while continuing to work.” said AG Healey. “Unemployment helps people who really need it bridge the gap between jobs, and is a benefit that when properly accessed can help bring stability to individuals and families. We will continue to work to ensure that those who take unfair advantage of the system are held accountable.”

This investigation was referred to the Attorney General’s Office by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development’s Department of Unemployment Assistance (EOLWD\DUA).

“We are vigilant and determined to protect the Trust Fund, so benefits are available for legitimate claimants,” Robert Cunningham, director of the Department of Unemployment Assistance, said. “I appreciate the ongoing work of my staff, and the collaboration with the staff of the Attorney General in bringing criminals like Mr. MacPherson to justice.”

Authorities found that for 30 weeks between July 2013 and October 2014, MacPherson applied for and received unemployment benefits from EOLWD\DUA.

During that time, MacPherson was working full-time at a scaffolding company and failed to disclose his employment status to EOLWD\DUA. For each of the weeks that MacPherson fraudulently collected unemployment benefits, he notified the EOLWD\DUA that he was available for work, but that he had not been offered employment.

MacPherson collected $17,812 in unemployment benefits while working full time, earning an income in excess of his weekly benefits.

The Department of Unemployment Assistance (DUA) provides temporary assistance to unemployed workers through the Unemployment Insurance (UI) program, which is funded by employer contributions. Private employers are required to pay quarterly contributions into the trust fund based on the number of workers they employ and how often their workers have accessed UI benefits, among other factors.

DUA’s Program Integrity Department focuses on the prevention, detection and the investigation of those who defraud or attempt to defraud the unemployment insurance program. Once fraud is detected, the Program Integrity Department works aggressively with the Attorney General’s office and other agencies to recover money owed to the UI Trust Fund.

AG Healey’s Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Unit works to protect consumers and the integrity of the insurance system by investigating and prosecuting those who commit fraud against all types of insurers, including the Commonwealth’s unemployment insurance and workers’ compensation systems.

To report unemployment fraud call the EOLWD/DUA’s Fraud Hotline @ 1-800-354-9927or visit: www.mass.gov/lwd/ui-fraud anytime, 24 hours a day. Callers may remain anonymous.

This case was handled by Assistant Attorney General Joshua Pakstis of AG Healey’s Insurance and Unemployment Fraud Unit, with assistance from investigator Philip Mantyla of the Attorney General’s Office and investigators from the DUA.

波士頓華僑文教中心參加牛頓高地社區日

左起郭瑞欣、郭瑞生、王溢媚、黃明嘉老師

2016年牛頓高地社區日(Newton Highlands Village Day)於12日上午沿著林肯街熱烈舉行，現場除了有社區商家擺設美食、手工藝及服飾等攤位外，還有消防車、垃圾車、小山貓等公工設施讓名眾及小朋友親身體驗，其他還有兒童遊樂設施及現場演唱會，吸引上千人次民眾參加。

波士頓華僑文教服務中心也參與此次活動。僑教中心主任郭大文邀請由海外民俗文化種子教師組成的「璞石中華文化工作室」參加。黃明嘉、王溢媚、郭瑞生、郭瑞欣四位老師，介紹書法、中國結紙陀螺，透過教做及現場解說，向圍觀的民眾介紹中華文化，也讓兒童親手練習現做中國童玩，體驗不同的多元文化。（波士頓華僑文教中心提供）