Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and Transit Officials Provide Update on MBTA Reforms and Winter Resiliency Upgrades

 Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito and Transit Officials Provide Update on MBTA Reforms and Winter Resiliency Upgrades

$18.5 million second phase to upgrade 9.9 miles of exposed T infrastructure along Red Line South

BRAINTREE – Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and Secretary of Transportation Stephanie Pollack today visited the MBTA’s Caddigan Yard near the Braintree MBTA stop as work commences this weekend on the second phase of Red Line winter resiliency upgrades and as the MBTA’s Fiscal and Management Control Board (FMCB) continues to make improvement reforms to service, accountability and reliability for taxpayers and riders. 

“The MBTA continues to improve its infrastructure and strengthen its ability to perform for riders during severe weather by investing in the core system,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This resiliency work and the Fiscal and Management Control Board’s efforts to deliver meaningful reforms, transparency and cost-effectiveness, will ultimately mean a more accountable and reliable transit system for the Commonwealth’s commuters and taxpayers.” 

The $18.5 million resiliency contract was awarded in July by the FMCB to Barletta Heavy Division, Inc., and will implement upgrades along 9.9 miles of the Red Line’s Braintree and Ashmont Lines, including the replacement of all third rail and heating systems, track and tie renewals, signals, track structure and conduit installations. 

“These investments in preparation for another New England winter are important to the riders who depend on the system every day to get to and from their jobs and school,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Since historic snowfall and temperatures hampered the MBTA last year, leaders at the T have focused on the reforms and investments in the core system to ensure greater reliability.”

The Governor, Lt. Governor and Secretary were joined  by MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve, Chief Operating Officer Jeffrey Gonneville and Braintree Mayor Joseph Sullivan, who was appointed to the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s (MassDOT) new Board of Directors when it was expanded as a result of reform legislation filed and signed by Governor Baker last year.

“The MBTA’s goals continue to be the safety of our passengers and the ability to provide reliable service to those customers, especially during severe weather,” said MassDOT Secretary and CEO Stephanie Pollack. “The next phase of winter resiliency work reflects the type of investments we are making, and that need to be made, in order to improve the system in the short and long term.”

The $83 million MBTA Winter Resiliency Plan announced by the Baker-Polito Administration in 2015 focused on infrastructure, equipment, and operations improvements on the Red Line and Orange Line to more effectively mitigate the frequency, length and magnitude of system disruptions to public transit during severe weather. The first phase, implemented last year, included third rail and rail heater improvements along 13.6 miles of the Red Line from the Andrew Station portal to Quincy Adams, while the second phase which began this summer and will continue through December completes the improvements along the entire length of the Red Line.

“This work is key to keeping the system operating no matter what challenges Mother Nature throws at us,” said MBTA General Manager Brian Shortsleeve. “In addition, investments have already been made to secure specialized snow removal equipment to increase our snow removal capacity and ensure passenger vehicles operate on schedule.”

“These Red Line improvements underline the importance of reliability for our public transit system,” said Braintree Mayor Joseph C. Sullivan, member of the Mass DOT Board.  “When people have confidence in the dependability of our system, ridership will grow. That’s a good thing.”

To accommodate the winter resiliency work, buses will replace train service two weekends this month on the Braintree Branch:

• Sept. 10-11 between Braintree and JFK/UMass Stations, from start to end of service.
• Sept. 24-25 between Braintree and North Quincy Stations, from start to end of service.

More dates will be announced for weekend dates from October through November.

Governor Baker appointed the FMCB in 2015 to oversee the system’s operations and finances and increased the Commonwealth's additional assistance payments to the MBTA's operating and capital budgets to $187 million, a 50% increase over Fiscal Year 2015. The FMCB, MassDOT and MBTA reduced the Fiscal Year 2016 budget deficit from $170 million to $86 million and have cut the projected Fiscal Year 2017 budget deficit by 50%.  Also in Fiscal Year 2016, MBTA recorded its lowest level of operating expense growth in more than 15 years through cost control, increased own-source revenues by more than $10 million, and reduced operator absenteeism by nearly 20% and weekday dropped bus trips by over 30%. The MBTA is the fifth-largest transit agency in the U.S., serving over 1 million riders a day.

麻州初選 投票率低 張禮能挑戰參議員功敗垂成

(Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 9月8日的麻州分黨派初選，在州政府參眾議會多個議員席位無人角逐競爭中，選民出席投票意願低落，估計投票率甚至不足10%。

麻州州務卿威廉蓋文(William F. Galvin)選前預測選民出席投票率大概會在8%到10%之間，但有些大選區，出席投票率甚至比那還低。

華裔參選人部分，除2009年聯袂首度當選，現競選連任的麻州眾議員，代表索格斯鎮等地的黃子安(Donald Wong)，代表昆士市的陳德基(Tackey Chan)之外，僅新添劍橋市在位議員張禮能(Leland Cheung)一人，角逐麻州參議員席位。

黃子安及陳德基都在無人角逐下，順利通過初選。民主黨籍，轄區包括昆士市的陳德基，因共和黨無人角逐，已鐵定將於11月8日大選時，同額當選。轄區包括索格斯鎮(Saugus)

的黃子安，還得打敗民主黨籍的Jen Migliore，才能保住議員寶座。

    角逐尚莫維爾(Somerville)參議員席位的張禮能，選前聲勢頗佳，不但籌款成績甚至比在位議員好，條列的各項議題廣受歡迎，還有科技界及法律、金融界華裔菁英站台，許多並不住在第二米斗塞(Middelsex)選區的華人，都為他奔走拉票。

    反對特許學校的麻州教師協會花了11萬5000員來支持Jehlen，支持特許學校的民主黨支持教育改革會也花了10萬元來支持張禮能挑戰。

    不過，挑戰在位議員一向都不容易，更何況張禮能自己也承認，他所挑戰，已在位21年的參議員，Patricia Hehlen做得並不差，偏低的選民出席投票率使他挑戰未能竟功，也就毫不出奇了。

    若擴大為亞裔來檢視時，2015年首度上任的麻州首名柬埔寨裔眾議員 Rady Mom，順利擊敗民主黨及競爭對手，將於11月8日的大選，再和共和黨籍競爭對手一爭高下。

    亞裔今年還有一名新人參選，45年前從南韓移民來美，現年77歲，住在Brockton的共和黨員Danny J. Yoon。他參選第9普利矛斯(Plymouth)選區的眾議員席位。初選無競爭對手。

    其他和亞裔社區熟稔，初選獲勝的參眾議員候選人，有轄區包括牛頓市的Kay Khan，轄區包括第二薩福克區的陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang Diaz)，以及5月18日才在特別選舉中獲勝，初選、大選都無競爭對手，已鐵定將續任，轄區包括華埠的麻州參議員賓加利 (

Joseph Boncore)，無競爭對手，轄區包括華埠的第三薩福克郡麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)。

    其他和華埠社區有關的初選結果，包括都獲選為民主黨籍代表，7日晚到華埠居民會拜票的薩福克郡治安官Steve Tompkins，州長委員會第6區代表Terrence Kennedy，曾任波士頓市議會議長的史蒂芬墨菲(Stephen Murphy)，在7人角逐的激烈競爭中，當選為民主黨籍的薩福克郡契約註冊官(Register of Deeds)候選人。

    麻州議會共有參議員40人，眾議員160人。今年的選舉儘管有9名在位眾議員放棄競選連任，但有多逾100個眾議員席位，無新人出面與在位者競爭，選情因此冷淡非常。

    初選結果中，較特別的包括27歲新人，曾任麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮助理的Chynah Tyler，贏得了民主黨提名，將角逐洛士百利區資深眾議員Gloria Fox不再競選連任所遺席缺，以及兩名在位者輸給競爭者。它們分別為劍橋市的Tim Toomey敗給Mike Connolly。

    聯邦參眾議員部分，9名民主黨籍的麻州國會議員都無同黨對手競爭，在同額選舉下順利進入大選。第9區的共和黨，倒是辦理了初選。

    聯邦參議員部分，兩名國會參議員席位今年都不需要辦選舉。

美国南加州华裔草根政治组织开始深度投入地方选举

轉載

美国南加州华裔草根政治组织开始深度投入地方选举

http://www.aacyf.org/?p=6285

美国南加州华裔草根政治组织开始深度投入地方选举

今年11月的全美选举日，加州地方各级议会和政府的选举也将同期举行。劳工节过后，各个候选人全力通过各种渠道，深耕基层宣传自己政治理念，争取选民认同。南加州地区知名华裔草根政治组织9月8日晚，参加在加州众议员David Hadley的竞选连任办公室举办的亚裔选民支持活动，表示将提供支持。前华裔丽浪多滩市市长甄荣峰参加了当天的活动。

距离投票选举日还有60天，各族裔的民间草根政治组织，或出于政治热情、或出于支持符合自己的政治理念的候选人，正全面、广泛、深入的投入到今年的选举进程之中。 积极为自己选定的候选人以各种形式进行拉票。

在全美享有知名度的橙县金橙俱乐部、全美中华青年联合会、美国华人公共外交促进会等华裔草根组织，通过组织大量义工在周末参与竞选办公室的工作，包括电话拜票、人工逐一手写明信片、拜访选民家庭等，为愿意维护华裔权益、愿意为华裔代言、对华裔友善的候选人提供最直接和有效的支持。

加州众议员David Hadley选区在洛杉矶国际机场的南部多个海滨城市和Palos Verde半岛等南湾区域，追求较为理想化的政治环境，力图塑造独立的南湾领袖形象。作为政治素人，两年前当选加州众议员，今年正在竞选争取连任。David Hadley在投资银行业服务多年，是一个成功的企业家。大儿子现在西点军校读书，一个女儿刚刚进入威廉玛丽学院就读。他对华裔友善、愿意倾听华裔的诉求，并表达支持，特别是在加州关于族裔划分、有可能影响华裔子弟被大学入取的法案上，投下了反对票，为加州华裔所认同。

橙县金橙俱乐部的陈郁、魏广平等表示，众议员David Hadley选区虽然在南湾，但是是加州的众议员，在加州议会中可以发挥重要的作用。而加州的法案都是和我们日常生活、子女教育有直接关系的。 今年的选民动员活动，既要有所创新，也需要进一步分析选民结构。

全美中华青年联合会会长任向东表示，华裔参政正在从口号变成行动，最直接有效的行动，就是通过有区域地缘群众基础的草根组织去组织实施。通过参加义工、公众媒体传播、邻里的口耳相传、宣传品的发放、青年学生的逐户拜访。进而发动和鼓励选民登记、培养新生代等。而这些活动中，华裔的草根组织正逐渐受到各级参选人的重视。

青年房地产专家刘志啸表示，华裔不能人数少就自我放弃，在草根组织行动策略上，可以选择支持理念相近的候选人，并集中力量支持一些地区性的人选。

加州众议员David Hadley对华裔一直以来的支持表示印象深刻。他提到，曾收到来自北加州华人的捐款，捐款者表示， 从华裔草根组织中获悉他在有关的法案中的表决对华裔有利，所以捐款表达支持。David Hadley也表示在两年的任期内，除了积极参与选区内华裔社区的各项活动之外，也在有关选区内的公共设施、水务等拨款法案上，采纳了选区内华裔的意见，并力促在州议会获得通过。（AACYF洛杉矶讯）

林全推動亞洲矽谷方案

林揆：積極推動「亞洲•矽谷方案」一次改善臺灣整體經濟結構

行政院長林全今（8）日在行政院會聽取國發會「亞洲•矽谷方案」報告後表示，該方案是蔡總統提出五大創新產業中的重要方案，其性質與「工業4.0」相似，臺灣雖然在電腦、網路興起影響通訊發展的第三次工業革命中扮演一定角色，但卻是以製造低附加價值產品為主。隨著資訊與雲端智慧化科技在服務方面的廣泛運用，第四次工業革命來臨，臺灣不論在傳統製造業、機械產業或資通訊產業等方面有很好的基礎，若能以第四次工業革命為契機，重新調整產業結構，必能有迎頭趕上的機會，政府會全力來推動。

林院長指出，各界對「亞洲•矽谷方案」有很高的期待，國發會以2個月時間與新創界及相關產業溝通，化阻力為助力，並克服技術、人才、資金、市場法規鬆綁等相關問題與困難，讓計畫更加周延與完整、更具說服力。

林院長強調，「亞洲•矽谷方案」為五大新興產業的旗艦計畫，如果無法落實，其他新興產業也將受到影響。

林院長進一步指出，桃園具備產業聚落與匯集人才等優勢，是發展最有潛力的地方，希望桃園作為「亞洲•矽谷方案」的表率，桃園經驗如果能夠成功，對於聚落經濟的形成，以及留才等都有很大幫助。

林院長表示，請國發會主導推動執行「亞洲•矽谷方案」，如有困難要強力協調各部會，並隨時滾動檢討調整，以符合目標，希望臺灣在第四次工業革命能追上時代潮流，一次改善整體經濟結構，這是臺灣的機會，希望各部會共同努力掌握。

國發會表示，「亞洲•矽谷方案」可以一大生態體系、兩大主軸、三大連結及四大推動策略做說明。一大生態體系在於建構一個以研發為本的創新創業生態系；兩大主軸在於推動物聯網產業創新研發及強化創新創業生態系，輔以連結國際、連結未來及連結在地的三大連結，並透過四大推動策略來推動，希望能讓臺灣連結矽谷等全球科技核心聚落，成為亞太青年創新與創業發展基地，以搶進下一世代的未來產業。

國發會表示，四大具體推動策略包括：

（一）  透過活絡創新人才、完善資金協助、優化法制環境等措施，完善創新創業環境。

（二）  設立一站式服務中心，整合矽谷等國際研發能量，並積極參與國際制定物聯網標準及認證機制。

（三）  引導國內硬實力跨入軟體應用，並積極促成學研機構研發成果產業化。

（四）  建置高品質網路環境，打造智慧化多元示範場域，並優先發展智慧物流、智慧交通、智慧醫療等應用。

國發會指出，該方案期程規劃為105年至112年，106年度科技部、經濟部等共編列113億元，其中57億元為新興計畫，其餘為部分新興或延續性相關計畫，包含網路通訊建設、行動寬頻服務、電子商務、智慧應用、試驗場域、產學合作、培育數位人才及法規調整等業務，並無園區建設經費；後續年度相關預算，亦將配合計畫滾動檢討，核實編列，有效使用。

國發會表示，結合亞洲•矽谷計畫及其他數位經濟相關計畫，我國物聯網經濟商機占全球規模預計將由2015年的3.8%提升至2020年的4.2%，並在2025年提升至5%；同時，此一計畫也將促成100家新創事業成功或企業在台灣設立研發中心；培育成立3家台灣國際級系統整合公司；促成2家國際級廠商在台灣投資；並將建立1個物聯網產業虛擬教學平台。

Treasurer Deborah Goldberg Announces Latest Release Of Unclaimed Property Listings

Treasurer Deborah Goldberg Announces Latest Release Of Unclaimed Property Listings

Over 57,000 New Properties are Owed to Individuals and Businesses Including the Boston Red Sox and the New England Patriots

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Treasurer Deb Goldberg today announced the latest grouping of names that have been added to the states list of unclaimed property owners. Over 57,000 new properties worth millions of dollars are owed to individuals and businesses throughout the Commonwealth, including two of Massachusetts’ favorite sports teams, The Boston Red Sox, and the New England Patriots.

"Give us a call today,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg. “We currently hold over $2 billion in unclaimed property at Treasury and it could be yours. One in ten Massachusetts residents are owed money.”

Unclaimed property includes forgotten savings and checking accounts, un-cashed checks, insurance policy proceeds, stocks, dividends, and the contents of unattended safe deposit boxes. Most accounts are considered abandoned and are turned over to the state after three years of inactivity. Last year Treasury returned over $114 million in property to its rightful owners, making the Commonwealth the state to return the most money on a per-capita basis.

This newly released list includes only individuals and businesses with unclaimed property over $100. Treasurer Goldberg urged all citizens to check the comprehensive list for all amounts atwww.findmassmoney.com or to call our live call center at 888-344-MASS (6277).

The full list of the new individuals and businesses added to the unclaimed property list will be published in the Boston Globe on Sunday, September 11 and in the Boston Herald on Sunday, September 18. In addition to these two papers the list of names will be published in over 30 regional and local papers.

The Treasury releases an updated list of unclaimed property assets every six months as the new accounts are turned over to the Commonwealth. There is no time limit for a person to claim this property and, in many cases, claimants will receive interest.

MIRA 匯報移民事務新況

From our friends at The Immigrant Legal Resource Center:

USCIS has announced that some requests for renewal of Deferred Action for Childhood Considerations (DACA) filed between February 14, 2016 and May 16, 2016 are delayed because of technical difficulties and may be outside of processing time. These delays may lead to both timely (filed 120 days or more before expiration) and untimely filed requests (filed 120 days or less before expiration) to not be adjudicated before the expiration of the previous grant of deferred action and employment authorization. These delays are also contributing to the delay of Application Support Center (ASC) biometrics notices and appointments for these cases.

USCIS’s announcement may be found here: https://www.uscis.gov/humanitarian/consideration-deferred-action-childhood-arrivals-daca

This email provides steps that practitioners can take to elevate these cases directly to USCIS.

1. USCIS’S WEBSITE

Practitioners may use the following link to contact USCIS’s online customer service division to elevate these types of cases and request resolution (including expedited review):

https://my.uscis.gov/account/needhelp

NOTE: Please note that there are technical issues with USCIS’s online e-request tool for requests outside of processing times and that portal (https://egov.uscis.gov/casestatus/landing.do) often does not allow DACA recipients who are outside processing time to elevate their cases.

2. 1-800 CUSTOMER SERVICE NUMBER

Practitioners may also contact the National Customer Service Center via phone at 1(800) 375-5283. The instructions for the correct prompt to reach the relevant customer service agents for this issue are as follows:

§  Push 1 for English or 2 for Spanish;

§  Then 2 for latest information on pending case;

§  Then 1 if you have your receipt number;

§  Then after getting the status of your case you can choose 3 to talk to a Customer Service Representative.

3. CONTACT USCIS CUSTOMER SERVICE LIASION

Practitioners who attempt both of the above solutions and are not able to resolve their cases, or for cases where expiration of a DACA renewal is imminent or where there are other emergent circumstances, may contact Bertha Anderson, USCIS Customer Service Liaison, at bertha.i.anderson@uscis.dhs.gov with a request to elevate their cases.

Please provide the following  information when contacting Bertha:

Subject Line: [elevation] (Name of Client) (A#)

Body of Email:

1. Name of client

2. A#;

3. I-821D and I-765 Receipt Numbers;

4. Date of Receipt by USCIS;

5. Brief (1-2 sentences) explanation of issue.

4. ELEVATION THROUGH ILRC

Practitioners that take all above steps and are still not able to successfully resolve their DACA renewal case may contact the Immigrant Legal Resource Center by emailing Jose Magana-Salgado at jmagana@ilrc.org. Please include the information outlined in step 3 (e.g. name of client, A#, receipt numbers, etc.).

Please note that elevation to the USCIS Ombudsman and in-person InfoPass appointments are of limited to no helpfulness in addressing these delays. Practitioners should take the steps in this email when possible to resolve these cases in a prompt manner.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces First Statewide Safe Medication Disposal Program with Walgreens to Fight Substance Misuse

Baker-Polito Administration Announces First Statewide Safe Medication Disposal Program with Walgreens to Fight Substance Misuse

Take-back program allows safe and convenient disposal of unwanted medications in Walgreens Pharmacies across Massachusetts

QUINCY, MA— Governor Charlie Baker, joined by state and local officials, today announced that Walgreens is the first pharmacy in Massachusetts to launch a new safe and convenient medication disposal program to reduce prescription drug misuse while visiting a new kiosk at the Walgreens Quincy Avenue store in Quincy. Walgreens installed 13 drug take-back kiosks in pharmacies throughout Massachusetts for easy disposal of unwanted, unused or expired medications at no cost and no questions asked.

“Opioid misuse and addiction can often start at home in our own medicine cabinets, and today we are pleased to partner with Walgreens to take more steps toward combating this public health crisis,” said Governor Charlie Baker.  “Increasing drug take back opportunities and installing free safe disposal kiosks in pharmacies across the Commonwealth is another step in the right direction as the Commonwealth works collaboratively to bend the trend on opioid and heroin misuse.”

Installation of the statewide kiosks is another step forward in the Commonwealth’s commitment to battling the opioid and heroin epidemic that has impacted communities from Cape Cod to Western Massachusetts. Take-back kiosks are located at Walgreens stores in East Boston, Fall River, Framingham, Gloucester, Lowell, Malden, Quincy, Randolph, Roxbury, Stoneham, Stoughton, Springfield and Worcester.

“We applaud Walgreens for responding to our call for safe, convenient ways to dispose of unused medications,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders. “People aren’t always sure how to safely dispose of unneeded medicines. Having these receptacles readily accessible to the public will help to reduce misuse of medication and safely eliminate unneeded prescription medication.”

In addition, Walgreens, as well as several other pharmacies statewide, have made naloxone available without requiring a prescription from a physician. Naloxone is a life-saving drug which is administered in the event of an overdose and immediately reverses the effects of heroin or other opioids.

The kiosks are heavy metal containers with a top, one-way opening drop slot and lock that will be mounted to the ground or wall with direct or video surveillance while the pharmacy is open. Individuals can dispose of all prescriptions including controlled substances and over-the-counter medications. The kiosks at Walgreens pharmacies will be available for use during regular pharmacy hours.

“We need to make the safe disposal of medication easier, and these kiosks do just that,” said Walgreens Regional Vice President for Massachusetts Brad Ulrich,  “Using a safe medication disposal kiosk at a participating Walgreens is one of the best ways to ensure medications are not accidently used – or intentionally misused – by someone else.”

To date, Walgreens has installed take-back kiosks in more than 500 of its stores in 35 states.

“Governor Baker’s commitment to tackling the tragedy of substance abuse affecting so many of our families across the Commonwealth has been unrelenting since the day he took office, and I applaud Walgreens for echoing that commitment with this new program. There is much we must continue to do, but every new tool like this is vitally important,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch.

“With the number of overdose-related deaths on the rise, the legislature has made tackling the opioid epidemic a priority. Partnering with Governor Baker and his administration, we have enacted landmark legislation aimed at fighting this public health crisis. It’s also important to partner with the private sector, and having a business like Walgreens join us in this fight is a big step. These free, anonymous drug take-back kiosks for unused medications are a positive development in some of our hardest-hit areas, like the city of Quincy,” said Representative Bruce J. Ayers.

“We’re pleased today to see another ally join the fight against prescription drug misuse, an issue that has fueled the crisis we face today,” said State Senator John F. Keenan. “The Commonwealth is asking every stakeholder to join this fight. We are preparing to implement the nation’s first statewide drug takeback requirement at the manufacturer level, and I commend Walgreens for this step to help make that program successful.”

Fighting the ongoing opioid epidemic has been a priority of the Baker-Polito Administration since day one.  Earlier this year, Governor Baker signed landmarkopioid legislation into law to address the deadly opioid and heroin epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth.  The law includes numerous recommendations from the Governor’s opioid working group, including prevention education for students and doctors, and the first law in the nation to establish a seven-day limit on first-time opioid prescriptions. It also requires that doctors check the Prescription Monitoring Program (PMP) database before writing a prescription for a Schedule 2 or Schedule 3 narcotic. 

In 2015, the Governor’s Opioid Working Group released recommendations and a comprehensive Action Plan aimed at curbing the opioid epidemic. These short and long-term recommendations focus on prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support.  Approximately 90 percent of the initiatives in the Governor’s action plan are complete or underway.

More information is available at mass.gov/stopaddiction.

###

MAYOR WALSH AND THE CITY OF BOSTON TO LAUNCH FREE SOCIAL FITNESS FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS

MAYOR WALSH AND THE CITY OF BOSTON TO LAUNCH FREE SOCIAL FITNESS FESTIVAL, PRESENTED BY BLUE CROSS BLUE SHIELD OF MASSACHUSETTS

Day-long celebration of getting Boston moving to be held Saturday, Sept. 17 on City Hall Plaza

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 7, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the City of Boston's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment, in partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and in collaboration with the City's Property Management Department, today announced the launch of the inaugural Boston Social Fitness Festival to be held on Saturday, September 17th on City Hall Plaza. The free day-long celebration of getting Boston moving will feature numerous participatory events to encourage Bostonians of all ages to move, cycle, play and dance together. "Boston is one of the most active cities in the country and this first-ever Social Fitness Festival is an opportunity for our whole community to come together and engage in a wide range of free fun activities," said Mayor Walsh. "I thank Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts for partnering with us on this effort, and encourage all residents to join in on the fun on September 17." Following is a list of some of the activities currently scheduled: DAYBREAKER (7:00-10:00 a.m.):  Following an early morning yoga session, DAYBREAKER will kick the day off with a high-energy beat and an 80s throwback aerobics jam. This memorable experience will feature healthy nourishment, live performers, and special surprises for a morning dance party & workout unlike any other. #WakeMeUpBOS BOSTON SWEAT CRAWL (10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.): Take the ultimate fitness challenge and sweat your way through one of five 60-minute courses, designed by Social Boston Sports to test your stamina through an upbeat set of Yoga, Kickboxing and Cycling exercises. #SweatCrawl CYCLING SPIN SESSIONS (10:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m.): Register in advance for one of three free Open Air Rides on City Hall Plaza, presented by The Handle Bar Indoor Cycling Studios. The Handle Bar features music-driven classes, packed with energy, bumping beats and hard-earned sweat. #TheHandleBar MAYOR'S CUP PRO CYCLING RACES (11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.): After you've participated in your own sweat session, cheer on the pros as USA Cycling's top road tour returns to Boston for the 8th annual Mayor's Cup Pro Cycling Classic.  This year's races will again feature more than 200 of the world's top amateur and pro riders competing on a tight, high-speed criterium course, zipping past City Hall Plaza, Faneuil Hall, and the Sierra Nevada Beer Garden at the finish line.  #MayorsCupBOS KIDS' CRIT (1:30 p.m.): The day's cycling action will include participants from pros to pee-wees, as kids (5-15)will also have a chance to race along the closed criterium course in several age brackets of competition. In addition, mascots from several Boston pro sports teams will be on hand to cheer them on, and participate in their own comedic attempts at cycling glory. #KidsCrit   YOGA ON THE PLAZA (3:30 p.m.):  Yoga Around Town, presented by Social Boston Sports, will host an afternoon vinyasa flow practice for all levels. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned yogi, make it a festive and energizing afternoon by joining in this unique outdoor session in the heart of the city. #YogaAroundTown THE DANCE MILE (6-8 p.m.):  The Dance Mile will conclude the day's festivities with 5,280 feet of pure awesomeness... a chance to grab your crew, don your costumes, and celebrate the city with friends. Led by a mobile DJ on a custom sound truck, this interactive dance parade moves at 1mph down a closed mile loop, cranking tunes along the way. Prepare to sweat, laugh, and high-five your way through the most fun hour of the year, followed by a finish line dance party with performances and contests.#TheDanceMile The Boston Social Fitness Festival will also feature a large climbing wall on City Hall Plaza, as well as walk-up games and family-friendly activities such as Giant Jenga, Kan-Jam, Cornhole and more. Sponsors of the inaugural festival include the City of Boston, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Sierra Nevada, Larabar, Daybreaker, The Dance Mile, Social Boston Sports, The Handle Bar Indoor Spin Studios, Barry's Boot Camp, Boston Bikes and USA Cycling. For more information, including the full weekend event schedule and free advance registration, please visit www.SocialFitnessFestival.com, or follow along using the hashtag #SocialFitnessFest.