美国河南留学生联谊会成立

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华人社团展新篇 美国河南留学生联谊会成立

http://www.aacyf.org/?p=6905

华人社团展新篇 美国河南留学生联谊会成立
在美国东岸纽约和南加州的华人社区，从去年开始，美国河南留学生联谊会频频出现在当地的各类社区活动、或者是留学生群体的联谊活动中，令人瞩目。
特别是美国河南留学生联谊会洛杉矶地区负责人、南加州大学研究生高嘉辰同学在美国主流社会和华人社区中推广太极文化的特定切入方式，展现河南留学生热爱家乡、积极弘扬中原文化的新风貌。
据高嘉辰介绍，美国河南留学生联谊会是一个为河南籍留美学生成立的线上线下交流平台，在2016年成功注册为美国非盈利性组织。旨在帮助在美国留学的河南留学生们快速融入美国生活，学习，并协助留学生解决就业，创业中的各种问题。
联谊会初期由纽约大学孙亚伟同学在纽约就读硕士期间与几位老乡同学一起组建，孙亚伟来自河南郑州，从15岁初三开始留学于澳大利亚，直到大学毕业后，来到美国深造研究生，是典型的中国小留学生的代表。
孙亚伟表示，十余年来，从在寄宿家庭开始留学生活、学习，到进入社会找工作，买房，投资、创业各个方面受到了海外各界人士的帮助，积累了一定的经验。希望可以把这些经验传递给需要帮助的留学生，特别是小留学生群体，让他们身在海外，但是可以感受到身边有一个可靠的大树，有一群互相扶持的老乡们，亲人们，朋友们，校友们。这也是美国河南留学生联谊会成立的初衷与目的。

与此同时，在美国西岸、南加州大学的河南研究生高嘉辰同学联系到了纽约的孙亚伟，出于对联谊会发展和对老乡的热情，两人一拍即合，决定由高嘉辰同学组建南加州大学河南留学生联谊会。
高嘉辰来自华夏文化的发源地，太极拳的故乡、河南焦作，是"世界太极拳王"王西安先生的入室弟子，曾多次参加国际太极拳交流大赛并获得奖项，在留学期间不忘致力于弘扬发展陈氏太极拳传统文化为己任。
做为南加州大学中国研究生学生会（CGA）主席的高嘉辰同学的想法,立即的得到了学校内河南留学生群体的认可和支持，仅9个月时间就扩大为140余人。随着这些老乡同学的互相吸引，后逐步扩展成为美国加州河南留学生联谊会。
在2016年初，为了更好地服务于在全美的河南留学生，孙亚伟与高嘉辰再次商议，正式将加州河南留学生联谊会并入美国河南留学生联谊会，以形成合力。

目前河南留学生联谊会活跃会员近500名学生，他们来自河南全省各地，其中郑州，洛阳，开封的学生居多。学生年龄从14岁到30岁不等，学习跨度从高一到博士。其中不乏名校甚至常春藤大学，如宾大，康奈尔大学，布朗大学，哥伦比亚大学，纽约大学，南加州大学，加州伯克利大学，芝加哥大学以及各个州的私立高中等。联谊会成员遍布于美国的纽约、波士顿、华盛顿、洛杉矶、旧金山、休斯顿等各主要城市以及全美各地。
联谊会的负责人表示，欢迎越来越多的河南籍留学生加入进来，希望能为他们提供就业，创业，留学以及生活上的帮助和辅导。
据介绍，美国的留学生社团长期以来都是立足和面向各自学校内的留学生，为社会各界所熟悉的是各大学的中国学生学者联合会（CSSA）。例如，洛杉矶的南加州大学的中国学生学者联合会目前约有4600名成员。
而美国河南留学生联谊会，则是在全美跨区域、以出国前地域同乡组成的留学生社团，并积极参与当地华人社区的各项活动, 成为华人社团中一支新的生力军。 (AACYF洛杉矶讯）

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麻大孔子學院慶雞年新春

麻州大学波士顿孔子学院举办2017年春节庆祝活动

        2月8日，麻州大学波士顿孔子学院在麻州大学波士顿校区举办春节庆祝活动，孔子课堂师生、大学师生和社区居民近400人参加。麻州大学波士顿校区副校长、教务长温斯顿∙朗利（Winston Langley）和副教务长斯凯乐∙科本（Schuyler ）等校领导出席并为大家送上新春祝福。

        庆祝活动包括游艺项目和文艺演出。来宾们一进入活动区，就首先收到装有签语饼（fortune cookie）的红包，打开来，既能得到一句关于运气或人生的警句，还能学到一个汉字。再走到书法展台，除了能自己“挥毫”体验书法运笔，还能得到当地书法家梅宇国先生当场书写的“福”字和中文名字。“筷子夹豆子”比赛是许多人都乐意参与的项目。还有编制中国结，老师教得认真，学生学得投入。最考验汉语学习水平的是汉字数独游戏和偏旁组字、汉字组词。由于不少来宾正在学习中文，挑战这个项目的人也不少。

ㄨ

        文艺演出历年最受欢迎，今年更是民族舞，外国人唱中国歌、念中国诗，琵琶、古筝、扬琴、黑管，空竹、太极、相声，应有尽有。演出者既包括麻州大学波士顿校区的教授、职员和学习中文的学生、留学生，孔子学院教师，孔子课堂学生，也包括当地其他学校中文项目学生和舞蹈团。

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唱晚》则来自麻州大学波士顿校区的中国留学生张方和美。晚会还特别邀请了中国文圣拳的传人王安林先生带来精彩的太极表演。整场演出在东方舞蹈团优美的《天浴》中结束。

        观众在演出期间还参加了中国文化知识抢答，演出结束后品尝了中国美食。许多观众表示，麻州大学波士顿孔子学院的春节庆祝是他们每年最期盼的活动。越来越多的人期望通过孔子学院的平台，认识朋友、学习中文和中国文化，展示自己所学，也贡献自己所有。孔子学院在大学和社区多元文化中扮演越来越重要的角色，也为中美教育文化交流提供了更多机会。

        麻州大学波士顿孔子学院成立于2006年，由麻州大学波士顿校区和中国人民大学及中国人民大学附属中学合作共建。目前下设9个孔子课堂，并为多所中小学提供汉语教学支持和汉语考试服务。(圖與文:麻大孔院提供)

REPRESENTATIVES LIEU AND GALLEGO TO PRESIDENT TRUMP, “TIME TO FIRE GENERAL FLYNN” WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D I Arizona) – both of whom served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces – issued the following statement calling for President Trump to fire General Michael Flynn. “General Michael Flynn sought to undermine the foreign policy of a sitting American President. And then he lied – repeatedly and egregiously – about his actions. Donald Trump should fire Michael Flynn immediately.” ‘Flynn communicated with high-ranking Russian officials both before and after a presidential election that, according to our intelligence community, Russia actively worked to influence on behalf of Donald Trump. When President Obama imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its unprecedented efforts to disrupt our democracy, Flynn made a series of phone calls to the Russian Ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, offering assurances that the incoming administration would lift these measures after Trump was sworn-in.” “General Flynn then compounded this outrageous misconduct by lying on multiple occasions about the nature of his conversations with Kislyak, claiming that sanctions had never been discussed. Not only did Flynn mislead Congress and the American people, he also apparently deceived Vice President Mike Pence, who made false statements on Flynn’s behalf in an interview with Face the Nation.” “At a minimum, Flynn recklessly violated the sacred principle that America only has one president at a time. But a compelling case can also be made that Flynn violated federal law by collaborating with foreign officials while still a private citizen.” “The American people deserve competence – not corruption – from the leaders entrusted with our national security. They deserve to be told the truth by the men and women who advise the President. And they deserve a full accounting of how and when President Trump’s advisors colluded with a foreign power that sought to alter the outcome of an American election.” “For all of these reasons, President Trump should fire General Flynn.”

REPRESENTATIVES LIEU AND GALLEGO TO PRESIDENT TRUMP, “TIME TO FIRE GENERAL FLYNN”

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) and Congressman Ruben Gallego (D I Arizona) – both of whom served on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces – issued the following statement calling for President Trump to fire General Michael Flynn.

“General Michael Flynn sought to undermine the foreign policy of a sitting American President.  And then he lied – repeatedly and egregiously – about his actions.  Donald Trump should fire Michael Flynn immediately.”  

‘Flynn communicated with high-ranking Russian officials both before and after a presidential election that, according to our intelligence community, Russia actively worked to influence on behalf of Donald Trump.  When President Obama imposed sanctions on Russia in response to its unprecedented efforts to disrupt our democracy, Flynn made a series of phone calls to the Russian Ambassador, Sergey Kislyak, offering assurances that the incoming administration would lift these measures after Trump was sworn-in.” 

“General Flynn then compounded this outrageous misconduct by lying on multiple occasions about the nature of his conversations with Kislyak, claiming that sanctions had never been discussed.  Not only did Flynn mislead Congress and the American people, he also apparently deceived Vice President Mike Pence, who made false statements on Flynn’s behalf in an interview with Face the Nation.”          

“At a minimum, Flynn recklessly violated the sacred principle that America only has one president at a time.  But a compelling case can also be made that Flynn violated federal law by collaborating with foreign officials while still a private citizen.” 

“The American people deserve competence – not corruption – from the leaders entrusted with our national security.  They deserve to be told the truth by the men and women who advise the President.  And they deserve a full accounting of how and when President Trump’s advisors colluded with a foreign power that sought to alter the outcome of an American election.”   

“For all of these reasons, President Trump should fire General Flynn.”   

BINcA Students Celebrate Bravery in Memoirs from Immigrant Youth

BINcA Students Celebrate Bravery in Memoirs from Immigrant Youth

Boston, MA - Friday, February 10, 2017 - On Monday, the Boston International Newcomers Academy (BINcA) will host Celebrating the Upstanders in Our Lives: Memoirs from Immigrant Youth, a celebration of student writing. Tenth graders will share their personal memoirs. After reading Elie Wiesel's memoir, Night, BINcA students have written memoirs about the moments of bravery and upstanders in their own lives, including several memoirs about students escaping civil war in their countries and how family members helped save their lives. The students also watched and discussed videos about the bystander effect, then wrote about the rise of hate crimes and the Syrian refugee crisis.

MAYOR WALSH, SUPERINTENDENT CHANG ANNOUNCE MAKEEBA MCCREARY AS MANAGING DIRECTOR AND SENIOR ADVISOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS FOR BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

MAYOR WALSH, SUPERINTENDENT CHANG ANNOUNCE MAKEEBA MCCREARY AS MANAGING DIRECTOR AND SENIOR ADVISOR OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS FOR BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS

Dr. McCreary to advance public/private partnerships, philanthropic community relations

BOSTON - February 10, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Tommy Chang today announced the promotion of Dr. Makeeba McCreary to the role of managing director and senior advisor of external affairs for BPS. In her new capacity, Dr. McCreary will focus on expanding BPS' public/private partnerships and philanthropic community relations, and oversee special projects and corporate relations. Dr. McCreary previously served as Chief of Staff for BPS Superintendent Tommy Chang. "Makeeba knows the priorities of BPS, and knows how to follow through and improve the lives of our students," said Mayor Walsh. "Makeeba has already shown her leadership and strategic thinking in advancing BPS through multiple public/private partnerships, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved step forward." In 2016, General Electric partnered with BPS to bring $25 million to Boston public school students, advancing STEM education throughout the district. In 2015, BPS and the City of Boston launched Invest BPS, an "Adopt a School" program linking business investment to individual schools. In addition, BPS created an Invest BPS portal, highlighting school-business partnerships and recruiting additional business partners. Dr. McCreary's new role will focus on partnerships like these, which leverage public/private cooperation into more opportunities for students, as well as increased engagement in Boston for corporations. In addition, for the first time in BPS's history, there will be a senior liaison to the philanthropic community. As managing director and senior advisor of external affairs, Dr. McCreary will focus on continuing relationships with Boston's large philanthropic community, and strategically explore funding opportunities for BPS with philanthropic organizations. "Makeeba's work at Boston Public Schools has been exemplary, and I'm looking forward to the increased opportunities she will bring to BPS," said Superintendent Chang. "I am thrilled that she will be able to focus on this critical work for BPS and, I will continue to work closely with Makeeba in her new role." As Dr. McCreary takes on this new role, Rob Consalvo will take on the role of BPS Chief of Staff. Previously, Consalvo was Deputy Director of the Boston Home Center, part of the Department of Neighborhood Development. Prior to joining BPS in 2015, Dr. McCreary served as founder and executive director of AbekaM Consulting, a nonprofit program designed to execute grant management for clients targeting large-scale change for urban youth and families. Examples of clients included Nike, Darden Restaurants, adidas, The Boston Foundation, Jordan Brand Inc. and United Negro College Fund. Dr. McCreary's previous roles also include Educational Policy Consultant at Compass Consulting, Director of Philanthropic Services at EdVestors and Director of Development at the Epiphany School in Dorchester.  Dr. McCreary earned a Doctor of Education at Columbia University, a Master's in Education at the Harvard Graduate School of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at UMass Boston. Dr. McCreary lives in Jamaica Plain with her son, Gary.

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON TRUMP'S OUTRAGEOUS CLAIMS OF VOTER FRAUD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

MASSACHUSETTS DEMOCRATIC PARTY STATEMENT ON TRUMP'S OUTRAGEOUS CLAIMS OF VOTER FRAUD IN NEW HAMPSHIRE

BOSTON - Massachusetts State Democratic Party Chair Gus Bickford issued the following statement in response to President Trump's claims that thousands from Massachusetts voted illegally in New Hampshire, as reported in Politico:

"This is the latest in a seemingly endless stream of outlandish lies being peddled by the President. Donald Trump lost New Hampshire fair and square and lost the popular vote nationally. He has presented no evidence to the contrary. He needs to get past his petty embarrassment and get serious about the job of the presidency." 

CONGRESSMAN LIEU REQUESTS OGE INVESTIGATION OF KELLYANNE CONWWAY’S ETHICS VIOLATION

CONGRESSMAN LIEU REQUESTS OGE INVESTIGATION OF KELLYANNE CONWWAY’S ETHICS VIOLATION  

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) sent a letter to the Director of the Office of Government Ethics requesting an ethics investigation into the actions of White House senior staff, Kellyanne Conway.  This morning Ms. Conway publicly endorsed the Ivanka Trump fashion line, a clear violation of federal ethics law. Having served on active duty as a Judge Advocate General officer in the U.S. Air Force, Mr. Lieu worked extensively on cases specific to ethics issues of civilian and military personnel, including this very section of the Code of Federal Regulations governing federal government ethics.

EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTER:

“In an appearance this morning on Fox News program “Fox & Friends,” Ms. Conway made the following remarks regarding the Ivanka Trump fashion line: "Go buy Ivanka's stuff, is what I would tell you. It's a wonderful line. I own some of it. I fully -- I'm going to just, I'm going to give a free commercial here: Go buy it today, everybody. You can find it online."

“Ms. Conway’s comments are a clear violation of the letter and spirit of the law. Given President Trump’s apparent view that federal ethics rules do not apply to his office, I respectfully request the Office of Government Ethics to investigate this incident. Pursuant to Title 5, Section § 2638.503 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, I urge you to immediately notify the White House of the violation of government ethics law to prompt corrective action.”

ADDITIONAL BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

According to Title 5, Section § 2638. 501 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, if the White House does not address this matter in a timely fashion after receiving a notice, “the OGE Director may use the procedures of Section § 2638.504 to issue a nonbinding recommendation of a disciplinary action or an order to terminate an ongoing violation. Nothing in this subpart relieves an agency of its primary responsibility to ensure compliance with government ethics laws and regulations.”

麻州亞美局呼籲支持移民權益

Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission (AAC) Statement on Immigration
BOSTON – The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission (AAC) is the only governmental nonpartisan organization representing our diverse and multi-faceted Asian American & Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities in our state. AAPIs are the fastest growing racial group nationally and in our Commonwealth, and are expected to reach an estimated national population size of 40 million by 2060. Importantly, two-thirds of all AAPIs in the United States were born outside of this country, designating AAPIs as the racial group with the highest proportion of foreign-born residents in the United States. Immigrants are the backbone of our AAPI communities, and our AAPI immigrants have contributed significantly to the accomplishments and achievements of this country. 
Recent events and decisions at the federal level affecting the immigration of certain members of our national community recall to mind similarly restrictive policies which directly impacted AAPIs in this country’s recent history. 
This year we will observe the 75th anniversary of the Executive Order 9066 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, which led to over 100,000 Japanese Americans being forced into internment camps across the United States, due to fears that these American citizens of Japanese descent were a threat to national security.  2017 will also mark 135 years since the Chinese Exclusion Act was passed, which was the first law implemented in the United States that prevented a specific ethnic group from immigrating to this country, based largely on concerns that Chinese laborers were negatively impacting the wages and the economy of municipalities where they worked. Subsequently, beginning in the 1920’s, restrictions on AAPI immigration remained in place via a quota system that disfavored immigrants from Asian countries, until the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965.
It is this historical context of our own AAPI community members being targeted, limited, or restricted, based on our race, ethnicity, or country of origin, which prompts the AAC to express our support for those affected by current federal policy decisions concerning entry to the United States.
Let’s not repeat history.  Many of us In the AAPI communities are immigrants or refugees ourselves, or are the daughters and sons of immigrants and refugees, and would not be here in the United States today, had the immigration policies remained as they were before the Immigration and Naturalization Act of 1965.
Local, statewide, and national contributions have been made by residents and citizens of the United States, of diverse ancestry.   The United States of America is home to all of us, but particularly for those who chose to seek liberty, happiness, and a better life in this nation by leaving behind their country of origin, the American Dream is a real goal and not an abstract concept.
What can you do?  Take action by contacting your local non-profits, your elected city, municipal, and state officials, your advocacy groups, and other supporters.  The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Asian American Commission would like to laud those organizations which have already taken a stance in support of immigration rights and have shared messages of unity with their community members. We, Staff and Commissioners of the AAC, stand in support of all our country’s many immigrants and refugees, who have helped make this nation great.

Statement from MA AG Maura Healey on tonight's 9th Circuit Ruling

BOSTON –  Attorney General Maura Healey issued the following statement on tonight’s 9^th Circuit Ruling:

“Tonight, the Ninth Circuit upheld the principle that no president is more powerful than our Constitution. My office challenged this reckless and discriminatory Executive Order to protect the residents, economic vitality, and basic values of Massachusetts. I stand with state attorneys general united in our commitment to hold this administration accountable to the laws and the people of this country.” – Attorney General Maura Healey

AARP基金會提供免費報稅及稅務協助

AARP FOUNDATION TAX-AIDE WILL PROVIDE

FREE TAX ASSISTANCE AND PREPARATION

THROUGH APRIL 18th

即日起至2017年4月18日 AARP基金會提供免費報稅及稅務協助

To find a Tax-Aide location near you offering assistance in other languages,

visit www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW

通過以下方式找到您附近有提供其他語言協助的Tax-Aide報稅站，

網站：www.aarp.org/findtaxhelp  電話：1-888-AARPNOW 

Tax-Aide volunteer Elaine Tran speaks three Asian languages—Vietnamese, Mandarin and Cantonese—in addition to English. Read more about how Tax-Aide volunteers strive to meet language needs. 

Tax-Aide義工Elaine Tran除了英文之外，更通曉普通話、粵語及越南語三種亞洲語言。了解Tax-Aide義工如何努力滿足民眾的語言服務需求。 Photo by Beck Diefenbac.

WASHINGTON, February 9, 2017 – Beginning today through April 18, AARP Foundation is providing free tax assistance and preparation through its Tax-Aide program. AARP Foundation Tax-Aide, in its 49th year, is the nation’s largest free tax assistance and preparation service, offering free tax preparation help to anyone, especially those who are 50 and older, who cannot afford a tax preparation service.

Some locations offer assistance in additional languages, including Chinese, Tagalog, Korean, Japanese and Vietnamese. For more information or to locate an AARP Foundation Tax-Aide site, visit aarp.org/findtaxhelp or call 1-888-AARPNOW (1-888-227-7669). An appointment may be required. 

“Our bilingual volunteers generously give their time to help taxpayers who don’t speak English or speak English as a second language prepare their returns,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “We need more bilingual volunteers so if you can help translate, please join our Tax-Aide volunteer team so that we can expand our services to Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.”

Tax-Aide, which is offered free of charge, is available to AARP members and non-members and includes more than 5,000 locations in neighborhood libraries, malls, banks, community centers and senior centers nationwide. Since 1968, Tax-Aide has helped nearly 50 million low- to moderate-income taxpayers.

In 2016, AARP Foundation Tax-Aide volunteers helped 2.7 million people navigate complicated tax codes, ensure proper credits and deductions and file their federal and state tax returns. Taxpayers who used AARP Foundation Tax-Aide received $1.41 billion in income tax refunds and more than $240 million in Earned Income Tax Credits (EITCs). AARP Foundation Tax-Aide is offered in conjunction with the IRS.  

【華盛頓哥倫比亞特區2017年2月9日訊】即日起至2017年4月18日，AARP基金會將再次通過旗下的“Tax-Aide計劃”提供免費稅務協助及報稅服務。AARP基金會Tax-Aide計劃至今已有49年歷史，是全國最大型的免費稅務協助和報稅服務。此項目面向所有民眾，尤其是50及以上並且無力支付報稅開支的人士最能受惠。

部份報稅站提供包括中文、菲律賓文、韓文、日文及越南文在內的其他語言協助。如欲了解詳情及尋找AARP基金會Tax-Aide報稅站地點，請瀏覽網站 www.aarp.org/ findtaxhelp 或致電1-888-AARPNOW（1-888-227-7669）查詢。報稅服務或需預約。

“我們的雙語義工無私奉獻他們的寶貴時間，來幫助不會說英語或英語作為第二語言的人們報稅。”AARP多元文化引領亞太裔受眾副總裁Daphne Kwok（郭為婉）說，“我們還需要更多雙語義工，如果您能夠幫助翻譯便請加入Tax-Aide計劃行列，讓我們深入亞太裔社區提供協助。”

Tax-Aide計劃不單免費，而且無論是AARP會員或者非會員都能參加。此項目有超過5,000個報稅站遍佈全國各個社區的圖書館、商場、銀行、社區中心和老人中心。自1968年以來，Tax-Aide計劃已經幫助接近5,000萬低收入及中低收入納稅人免費報稅。

單在2016年，AARP基金會Tax-Aide計劃的義工們便幫助多達270萬人次處理複雜的稅務問題，確保他們在申報聯邦與州稅時獲得應得的扺稅額和免稅額。納稅人通過AARP基金會Tax-Aide計劃合共獲取了14.1億元所得稅退稅，以及超過2億4000萬元“工作所得抵稅”（Earned Income Tax Credit ，簡稱EITC）。

麻州健康聯絡者登記人數破紀錄

Massachusetts Health Connector Marks Record Enrollment and Strong Customer Service

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration announced the results of the Massachusetts Health Connector’s recent Open Enrollment period that ended last week. The Connector successfully managed the highest enrollment totals of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) era, with significant applicant and member activity buttressed by strong customer service performance.

Enrollment for February 1st stands at over 246,000 people, the highest since the ACA was implemented and approaching the 252,000 in Health Connector coverage before 100,000 people became eligible for other coverage through Medicaid expansion in January 2014.

“Fixing the broken Health Connector and restoring a reliable customer service support system for the program were top priorities for our administration after taking office,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Over the last two years, the Connector’s leadership and staff have worked tirelessly to transform the exchange into a functional and reliable service the people of Massachusetts deserve. While there is still work to do, I am proud of the work that has been accomplished to date and feel confident that the restored Health Connector can play a crucial role in the state’s health care structure.”

“The Health Connector plays an important role in ensuring communities across the Commonwealth have access to affordable health care,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We are pleased to see such significant and targeted progress toward enrolling new people and look forward to continued progress for years to come.”

“The Health Connector is vitally important to our state’s commitment to making health care accessible to everyone,” said Secretary Marylou Sudders, Secretary of Health and Human Services. “Over the last two years, the Health Connector has gone from an agency hanging on to one that is home for thousands who need health insurance and a powerful advocate for universal coverage.”

The Health Connector started Open Enrollment on November 1, 2016 with 233,000 members, and retained more than 85 percent of those members despite many facing significant premium increases due to rate changes by some carriers. The Health Connector implemented a large member communication plan during Open Enrollment encouraging shopping, and more than 65,000 members switched plans for 2017. The 28 percent switch rate was four times higher than the usual 3-7 percent switch rate during an Open Enrollment.

In addition, 53,000 people who did not have coverage through the Health Connector enrolled in a plan for 2017. That is an increase of nearly 50 percent from the 36,000 new members added during 2016 Open Enrollment. The Health Connector’s new member strategy was fueled by an outreach effort focused on communities with higher rates of uninsured residents and that have been typically slow to sign up for coverage. In those targeted communities, new enrollments were 52 percent higher than 2016, with communities like Mattapan (93 percent) Chelsea (81 percent), Brockton (85 percent) and Everett (77 percent) experiencing the biggest increases. The Health Connector contracted with 16 community organizations through its Navigator program to help educate consumers about options available to them, and help uninsured people complete an application and select a plan.

“A successful Open Enrollment is reliant on support from the entire Commonwealth, including Governor Baker and Secretary Sudders, on through to our hard-working staff, our Navigators and assisters, and our customer service team,” said Louis Gutierrez, the Executive Director of the Health Connector. “I am grateful that we were able to capably handle the significant member activity we saw, which also serves as a reminder that Massachusetts values access to affordable, health coverage, and will continue to do so in the future.”

“After missing open enrollment last year and going  without health insurance, I was always worried. I learned coverage was necessary after breaking my leg a few years ago while playing rugby. If I hadn't been covered, the expenses would've been astronomical, this taught me that in today's world, you have to be sure you're covered in case of an accident,” said Vincent Daley, a Cambridge resident who signed up for coverage through the Health Connector during Open Enrollment with the help of a Navigator. “The staff at the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee walked me through the process and showed what I needed to do. Applying for health insurance is not something you’re taught. But, after learning the process, I even helped a friend apply for coverage, too.”

When Governor Baker took office in 2015, improving the Health Connector’s customer service was a top priority. Two years later, customer service outlets were able to successfully support a substantially high volume of calls and requests. Calls to the call center increased from 243,619 during 2016 Open Enrollment to 345,621 for 2017 Open Enrollment, an increase of over 40 percent. Visits to the Health Connector’s six walk-in centers increased from 14,710 for 2016 Open Enrollment to 17,711 for 2017 Open Enrollment, an increase of 20 percent. The customer service platforms were able to handle the additional traffic, particularly with the call center remaining within predetermined service levels for hold time and abandonment rates. Additionally, customer satisfaction scores remained near 80 percent satisfaction during this Open Enrollment.

(麻州州長貝克感謝劍橋市居民文森達雷通過健康聯絡者登記健保)

波士頓 – 貝克-白莉朵政府公佈麻州健康聯絡者登記人數於2月1日時超過246,000人，打破開辦以來最高紀錄。

2月1日生效健保的登記人數超過24萬6000人，是自可負擔性健保法案實施以來的最高值；同時這一數字也逼近2014年1月麻州醫保補助擴張時允許10萬人有資格申請醫保前的登記人數，當時健康聯絡者幫助了25萬2000人獲得保險。

「今年通過與安琪派拉格策略集團(Archipelago Strategies Group)合作，我們在聯絡少數族裔媒體方面取得重大進展，覆蓋了大範圍的不同語言，包括西班牙語、葡萄牙語、中文、海地語、越南語和高棉語等，」健康聯絡者執行主任路易斯·古鐵雷斯說，「同時我們還擴展了實地的基層工作，拜訪教堂、理髮店、英語課堂和其他不同地方。最終，這些努力獲得了回報。在我們去到的社區，去年新登記人數增加52%，部分社區甚至超過60%，如馬塔潘(Mattapan，過去一年增長93%)，布羅克頓(Brockton，85%)，切爾西(Chelsea，81%)，埃弗里特(Everett，77%)，多切斯特(Dorchester，68%)和昆士市(Quincy，65%)。當你真正想要深入社區聯絡時，這就是外聯所帶來的成效。 」

「他們做了很多深入社區的聯絡工作，去到那些可能不太了解健康聯絡者，或是不知道健保開放資訊的社區，」州長查理貝克說道，「他們幫助馬塔潘、布羅克頓、多切斯特和昆士市大大增加了醫保覆蓋率。。。他們新增了5萬個登記，幫助7萬人更換了醫保計劃。」

健康聯絡者2016年11月1日啟動開放登記，其23萬3000名成員中85%以上選擇繼續使用該平台，儘管其中很多成員都因運營商調整費用而面臨保費大幅增長。健康聯絡者在開放登記期間實行了一個大型的成員聯絡方案來鼓勵購買保險，從而讓6萬5000名成員在2017年得以轉換醫保計劃。此次28%的更換保險率是開放登記期通常3%-7%轉換率的四倍。另外還有5萬3000位之前沒有保險的居民通過健康聯絡者登記了2017年的醫保計劃。這一數字比2016年開放登記期間增加近50%，去年的新成員人數為3萬6000名。健康聯絡者的新成員戰略是通過對高比例無保險居民社區，以及通常較慢登記健保的社區進行針對性緊密聯絡來推動的。健康聯絡者與16個社區組織合作，通過其導航者項目來協助向客戶介紹他們可選擇的健保計劃，並且幫助無保險者完成申請和選擇計劃。

「在去年錯過了開放登記后，一直沒保險讓我總是處於焦慮擔心中。數年前我因為打橄欖球弄斷了腿，自那次起我認識到登記醫保的必要性。如果我當時沒有保險，醫療花費將是不可想象的，這教會了我，在今天這個世界，你必須保證自己有保險，以應對意外的發生，」一位通過健康聯絡者的導航者協助在開放登記期獲得保險的劍橋市居民文森達雷表示，「劍橋經濟機會委員會的工作人員給我講解了每一個步驟，並且告訴我哪些是我需要完成的。申請健保不是無師自通的。但是，經過學習了整個過程之後，我甚至得以幫助一個朋友完成了申請。」

當州長貝克2015年上任之時，改善健康聯絡者的客戶服務是他的首要任務之一。兩年后，客戶服務網點得以成功的支持大量的電話和咨詢要求。熱線中心收到的電話數量從2016年開放登記期的24萬3619通增長到2017年開放登記期的34萬5621通，增長率超過40%。健康聯絡者的六個步入式中心訪問人數從2016年開放登記期的1萬4710人增加到2017年開放登記期的1萬7711人，增長率約20%。客戶服務平台不僅協助處理額外業務，特別是在熱線中心按照預先設定控制電話等待時間和未接通率的情況下，得以發揮作用。另外，客戶滿意度在這個開放登記期一直保持在近80%滿意的水平。

波士頓將於 2/26 紀念二二八事件70週年

二二八事件 70 週年紀念禮拜 228 MEMORIAL SERVICE

波士頓臺灣基督教會
Boston Taiwanese Christian Church
Time時間： Sunday, Feb 26 , 2017 10:30am
禮拜後請留步共享愛餐
Place地點： Andover Newton Theological  School之 Stoddard Hall
(210 Herrick Road, Newton Center, MA 02459)
Contact 聯絡：歐陽瑞琳 ouyang.jl@gmail.com

1947的二二八事件發生至今已 70年。為了紀念這看 似久遠，卻對台灣影響重大的事件，我們教導台美第二代的 孩子們 228紀念禮拜的意義。不約而同地，他們都說，紀念 是為了不再重蹈覆轍，是為了愛，是為了希望。
 波士頓台灣基督教會將在 2月 26日舉行 228 七十週 年紀念禮拜，邀請各界撥空前來，見證七十年來，流淚撒種， 含笑拾穗的點滴。或許，您是埋首課業的留學生；或許，今 年是您的研究學假；或許，教會對您很陌生；但是，因為我 們同為出外人， 因為台灣是生咱的所在 ，因為對生命的願 景，所以，讓我們跨出腳步，為這塊土地誠心祈禱 --我們全 心所疼惜的台灣啊！
我們會吟唱「伊是咱的寶貝」，體會詩中的「伊」意 涵著公義、仁愛、自由、族群的和諧、跨越藩籬、復合、台 灣、地球家園、科技文明等「寶貝」。當我們的寶貝孩子盡 心以台語，為「伊」歌唱，我們彷彿看到七十年來的血汗耕 耘，也在北美生根。
我們誠摯地邀請波士頓各領域、團體，學界、業界、 一起來參加二二八紀念禮拜。讓我們同心數算上帝的信實， 心繫芸芸的苦難，立志為世界的平 安及福祉耕耘。我們如 此致意--讓 228七十週年紀念禮拜成為我們攜手前進、互相 扶持的里程碑！

麻州長宣佈因應暴風雪 州政府關門

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)在2月8日晚將近8點時宣佈，麻州政府2月9日關門，非緊急工作人員，不必上班。州政府也勸一般民眾，非必要別出門。

查理貝克表示，為公共安全著想，容許剷雪工作人員順利剷除道路積雪，請民眾無必要別出門，儘量幫忙剷除社區內的人行道，車道積雪，伸出援手幫助有需要的鄰居。

 Governor Baker Announces State Office Closures for Non-Emergency State Employees

BOSTON – Tonight, Governor Charlie Baker announced that state offices will be closed tomorrow for non-emergency, executive branch state employees. Due to the upcoming winter storm, the Baker-Polito Administration is urging everyone to stay off roadways if possible, allowing crews to clear snow that will accumulate across the state throughout the day.

“Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to create hazardous driving conditions across many parts of the Commonwealth. To prioritize public safety, we are asking everyone to stay off the roads to allow crews to safely clear snow or use public transportation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Please assist us by shoveling driveways and sidewalks in your communities, and be sure to lend a hand to neighbors in need.”

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, MassDOT and State Police to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. The MBTA Storm Desk will continue to monitor rail service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at MBTA.com/winter.

State Office Closures: State offices will be closed for all non-emergency, executive branch state employees on Thursday, February 9, 2017.

Highway Travel: Commutes and travel will be significantly impacted with snow covered roads, low visibility and possible white-out conditions.  Motorists should stay off the roads and use public transit when possible. If you must drive, please exercise caution, “don’t crowd the plow”,  and stay behind snow removal equipment on the roadways.

MBTA: The MBTA, including the commuter rail, is preparing to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow plenty of time for travel and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter or @MBTA on Twitter for real-time updates.

Public Safety: Please clear home and auto exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide exposure and avoid downed utility wires. Also, please assist in keeping sidewalks, and fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood clear.

The State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham will be activating tomorrow morning to provide situational awareness and coordinate any requested assistance to cities and towns.

波士頓市宣佈暴風雪Niko來襲 2/9早10 點起實施停車禁令

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)宣佈，為因應暴風雪妮可(Niko)可能在波士頓降雪14吋，2月9日早上10點起，波士頓進入暴風雪緊急狀況。 波士頓市民可在禁令實施前2小時，把車輛停進折價停車場，查詢停車場資訊可上網boston.gov。 波士頓公共工程局將派出600輛剷雪車上路。 非緊急事故，可電洽311。 MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY FOR WINTER STORM NIKO Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow emergency regulations

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced preparations for tomorrow's winter storm, Niko, which is anticipated to bring eight to 14 inches of snow to Boston. The National Weather Service has issued a weather storm warning, in effect from 6 am to 8 pm Thursday. Temps will be bitterly cold, falling to 17˚ by 5 p.m., low of 9˚ later at night. High wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph in the afternoon. There will be a windchill of -7˚. Mayor Walsh has declared a snow emergency, beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 9th. Residents can park in designated discounted garages two hours before the snow emergency takes effect. A full list of garages is available at boston.gov.   The Boston Public Works Department (PWD) will have 600 pieces of equipment on the roads. PWD will start pretreating roads early morning before snow starts. Street cleanup crews will remove flex posts on Mass Ave. to maintain bike lanes during snow removal. "We are encouraging residents to use caution when traveling, assist the elderly and disabled, and keep up with the shoveling of their property throughout the storm tomorrow," said Mayor Walsh. "The City offers a number of resources geared towards keeping residents safe and aware of current conditions. I encourage everyone to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize our 311 call center for non-emergency related issues." To find out more information about resources and services available to residents, please visit boston.gov/snow. Rules on Clearing Snow Property owners must clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight. Failure to comply will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow. Safety Tips Shoveling snow requires significant exertion, please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers, please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer. Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces. Public Libraries & Community Centers All Boston Public Libraries and Boston Centers for Youth & Families Community centers will be open during normal business hours. Please check their schedules here. Helping the Homeless If you see homeless individuals out  in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelters through 112 Southampton Street, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City are working closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. Residents are encouraged to sign-up for AlertBoston to receive emergency alerts and to call 311, download the BOS:311 app, or tweet at @BOS311 with questions or concerns. Follow @CityofBoston and boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.