MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ARTIST GENARO ORTEGA SELECTED TO CREATE PETERS PARK MURAL IN THE SOUTH END

Artist Genaro Ortega BOSTON - Wednesday, March 22, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that artist Genaro Ortega has been selected to create a mural at Peters Park in the South End following an open call for artists through a Request for Proposal. Ortega will work with a selection of Boston youth to paint the mural in May 2017.   The Peters Park Art Wall was proclaimed a legal graffiti wall in 1986 in an effort to decrease vandalism in the South End. The Boston Art Commission, in partnership with The African Latino Alliance Collective, City Lights, Washington Gateway Main Street, Friends of Peters Park, and Old Dover Neighborhood Association will continue the tradition of curating and programming the Art Wall. This allows for the enrichment of the neighborhood as well as the preservation and celebration of the South End's diverse cultural history. "The Peters Park Art Wall is culturally significant to our city, particularly for our residents in the South End," said Mayor Walsh. "We look forward to continuing the tradition of allowing Boston's youth the opportunity for creative and cultural expression in Peters Park." Genaro Ortega is a Boston-based visual arts specialist who has taught painting and drawing for over 20 years. Currently, Ortega is a painting mentor at South Boston's Artists for Humanity as well as the Mural Curator for Madison Park High School. Ortega's proposed mural pays homage to current equality movements. Ortega graduated from the Massachusetts College of Art and Design with a Bachelors in Fine Arts in Art and Design with a focus in Illustration. "The Peters Park Art Wall will once again bring the community together to celebrate and preserve a history of culturally relevant art," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "Peters Park mural has been gracing the community with art for many years and we look forward to seeing what Genaro will create." "The South End neighborhood has long been defined by the creative energy of our community," said Kristin Phelan, Board President, Washington Gateway Main Street. "The synergy that has formed around this project between the Mayor's Office, South End organizations, artists from the original ALA Collective, residents, and creative enthusiasts is inspiring. Clearly, there is power in collaboration, and we look forward to this being the first of many projects to come." Learn more and find additional information about community involvement with the Peters Park Graffiti Mural at www.petersparkart.com.

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

Governor Baker Makes Two Judicial Nominations

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Anthony M. Campo as an Associate Justice of the Superior Court and Linda M. Medonis as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court. Campo has nearly thirty years of experience in the private sector across New England. Medonis has spent nearly three decades working on family law and probate matters within the Commonwealth.

“Anthony Campo and Linda Medonis have admirably served the people and communities of the Commonwealth with dedication and integrity throughout their careers encompassing almost three decades,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I have the utmost confidence they will continue to bring fairness and compassion to the respective courts, and am pleased to recommend them for the Governor’s Council’s consideration.”

Campo is nominated for the seat vacated by The Honorable Charles J. Hely on the Superior Court, and Mednois for the seat vacated by The Honorable Kevin R. Connelly on the Probate and Family Court in Suffolk when he moved to the Plymouth vacant seat.

“Both of these attorneys have exhibited remarkable skill and dedication throughout their long and established careers,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “The depth of  knowledge they will bring to the courts, if confirmed, will be beneficial to the attorneys and citizens of Massachusetts appearing before them.”

The Superior Court is a statewide court of general jurisdiction - handling both criminal and civil actions.  The court’s 82 justices sit in 20 courthouses in all 14 counties of the Commonwealth.  The Superior Court has original jurisdiction in civil actions over $25,000, and in matters where equitable relief is sought.  It also has original jurisdiction in actions including labor disputes where injunctive relief is sought, has exclusive authority to convene medical malpractice tribunals, has appellate jurisdiction over certain administrative proceedings, and may hold sittings for naturalization in any city or town.  The court has exclusive original jurisdiction of first degree murder cases and original jurisdiction of all other crimes.

For more information about the Superior Court, visit http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/sc/.

The Probate and Family Court Department has jurisdiction over family-related and probate matters such as divorce, paternity, child support, custody, parenting time, adoption, termination of parental rights, abuse prevention and wills, estates, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and changes of name.

For more information about the Probate & Family Court, please visit:http://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/trial-court/pfc/

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February, 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April, 2015.

About Anthony M. Campo

Anthony M. Campo serves as Managing Partner of Boyle, Shaugnessy & Campo, P.C., a Boston firm overseeing over 50 lawyers in six New England states focusing on general, product, liquor, automobile and premises liability, catastrophic and trucking accidents, directors’ and officers’ liability and medical malpractice. Campo previously worked at Continental Insurance Companies, Underwriters Adjusting Company from 1981-1988 and as a Recovery Manager in the New England region from 1983-1988. He began his career at Safety Insurance Company in 1980. Campo has served as Chair of the Board of Trustees of Curry College since 2011, and as a member of the board since 2005.  Campo graduated from Curry College in 1979 with a BA in Communications and received his JD from New England School of Law in 1988.

About Linda M. Medonis

Linda M. Medonis was appointed Deputy Court Administrator of the Probate and Family Court Department in September 2013. Medonis is responsible for the statewide operations of the Probate and Family Court Department, including developing and implementing Trial Court and Departmental Policies and Procedure, reviewing proposed legislation, legal and administrative memoranda. Ms. Medonis was previously a partner at Prince Lobel Tye focusing on domestic relations and probate litigation. Medonis began her career and became a named partner at Louison Witt & Medonis, concentrating on family law and probate matters. She currently sits on the Child Support Guidelines Task Force and has served on the Public Access Committee. Medonis graduated from Westfield State University in 1981 with a double major in special education and elementary education. She received her J.D. from the New England School of Law in 1985.

MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH LAUNCHES BOSTON PEACE AND DEMOCRACY DISCUSSIONS WITH MAYOR RAY FLYNN AND MEL KING

MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH LAUNCHES BOSTON PEACE AND DEMOCRACY DISCUSSIONS WITH MAYOR RAY FLYNN AND MEL KING

Discussions to combat youth violence to begin through citywide collaborations

BOSTON - Tuesday, March 21, 2017 - Today, Mayor Martin J. Walsh will join former Mayor Ray Flynn and long-time community advocate Mel King to launch the Boston Peace and Democracy Discussions. The Boston Peace and Democracy Discussions are designed to engage children in discussions with family members, teachers, librarians, police officers, street workers, nurses, doctors and clergy members about how to combat violence and create a more peaceful and democratic city and country. Peace and Democracy ebooks and digital games that encompass multicultural literature, activities and curriculum, will enhance the discussions.   "This partnership further enhances our commitment to providing our young people with the tools they need to combat violence in their own communities," said Mayor Walsh. "I thank Ray Flynn and Mel King for supporting this effort, which will help to better serve our children and families by talking about these very important issues." The first Peace and Democracy Discussion will be supported with It Doesn't Have to Be This Way: A Barrio Story (No tiene que ser así: una historia Del barrio) written by Luis J. Rodríguez, a book about a Latino boy who is being pressured to join a local gang and learns to overcome his troubles. After reading and discussing this story about gangs and violence in one neighborhood in Los Angeles, California, students and participating adults will discuss their points of view about how violence in their city and community can be prevented.   Based on feedback from this launch, a prototype will be provided for free to select schools and educational organizations in Boston who serve grades 4-5. By September 2017, the program's goal is to provide one ebook per grade level for all grade levels, encompassing pre-K to 12th grade, focusing on violence prevention. Future Boston Peace and Democracy Discussions will focus on discrimination and income inequality. The first Peace and Democracy Discussion will be held at the Julia Butler Family Center, located at the Boston Housing Authority (BHA)'s Lenox/Camden development in Lower Roxbury. In addition, Center staff will participate in the discussions with area youth. The Center was recently renovated and provides after school programming for community youth and their families. The Center is currently operated through a new partnership between Vibrant Boston, the Black Ministerial Alliance and the BHA. The Boston Peace and Democracy Advisory Board is in the process of reaching out to potential supporters and partners. Mel King is the honorary chairperson of the board and was just recently joined on the board by former Mayor of Boston, Ray Flynn.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ANNUAL GREENOVATE BOSTON AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ANNUAL GREENOVATE BOSTON AWARD NOMINATIONS NOW OPEN

BOSTON - Monday, March 20, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced nominations are now open for the City of Boston's annual Greenovate Boston awards. These awards acknowledge outstanding achievements in climate action and environmental sustainability among the Boston community. "We've set an aggressive climate agenda by aiming for carbon neutrality in 2050, and the Greenovate awards recognize those who are leading the way for Boston to achieve our goals," said Mayor Walsh. "I look forward to recognizing our partners working to combat climate change." Applications are open to the public and available online. The deadline to nominate a leader is Sunday, March 26th. After nominations close, the public will be able to vote online to select recipients of the awards. The voting process will be open March 27th - April 7th. The City will announce winners at an Earth Day celebration in late April. This year's awards categories focus on the themes of the Greenovate Boston Climate Action Plan, which include: Waste Reduction Community Engagement Buildings and Energy Sustainable Food Trees, Open Space, and Sustainable Landscaping Sustainable Mobility Climate Preparedness and Resiliency To nominate a business, community organization, non-profit, resident, or institution in your community taking climate action, complete the online form. The Greenovate Awards represent Boston's best who are making progress on climate action. Sign up for Greenovate Boston's newsletter to be altered when voting begins.

Doctors: Climate Change is Already Making America’s Kids Sicker

from New American Media:

Doctors: Climate Change is Already Making America’s Kids Sicker

New America Media, News Report, Honora Montano, Posted: Mar 16, 2017

A coalition of medical organizations representing over half of American physicians launched a campaign yesterday to alert policymakers and the public to the dangers climate change presents to public health.

“Doctors in every part of our country see that climate change is making Americans sicker,” says Dr. Mona Sarfaty in a statement.

Safarty is director of a new coalition of doctors, called the Medical Society Consortium on Climate & Health, and a professor at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia. “Physicians," she says, are on the frontlines and see the impacts in exam rooms. What’s worse is that the harms are felt most by children, the elderly, Americans with low-income or chronic illnesses, and people in communities of color.”

The Consortium on Climate and Health’s new report, which is based on peer-reviewed reports, outlines the myriad ways climate is already worsening health, including causing asthma and other respiratory diseases.

The increased spread of insect-borne diseases such as the Zika virus and Lyme disease more commonly found in the tropics is another risk, the report says.

Seven in 10 Americans believe that climate change in happening, according to the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication. But just over a half of Americans believe that climate change is already harming not only public health but others areas as well. This is where physicians can play a role, says Dr. Aparna Bole, a pediatrician at University Hospital of Cleveland, Ohio.

“There is great consensus in scientific, public health and medical literature that acting on climate change is one of the greatest, if not the greatest, public health opportunities of our time,” Dr. Bole says. “As a pediatrician I am interested in safeguarding the health of all children. In order to that, safeguarding a healthy environment is critical.”

Children are among the most vulnerable to the health impacts of climate change, she says, partly because their respiratory rate is faster than that of adults, making them susceptible to poor air quality. Increased risks for infectious disease and extreme weather can be even more damaging when they happen in the critical developmental years.

“The WHO (World Health Organization) estimates that 80 percent of the health burdens of climate change will fall on children under [age] five,” Dr. Bole says.

Asthma tops the list of climate health woes in many communities already suffering in disproportionate rates, such as in Cleveland where one in every five African American child has asthma. Many of these children are Dr. Bole’s patients, and in caring for them she says she is already observing the impacts of climate change: increased heat, a longer allergy season, and worsening air quality. High rates of poverty are an additional burden on these kids’ health, she says.

Trump administration dismissive of climate dangers

The new administration has angered environmental and health groups with its proposed slashing of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) budget. The new EPA administrator, Scott Pruitt, has claimed that there is “tremendous disagreement” on whether human behavior has any links to climate change.

The administration has also announced it will significantly roll back the Obama administration’s strict regulations on vehicle tailpipe pollution. Cars and trucks account for about one-fifth of the U.S. global warming emissions.

Last week, Mustafa Ali, the head of the environmental justice program at the EPA, resigned, saying that the new leaders have not given “any indication that they are focused or interested in helping” vulnerable communities, when those should be the agency’s top priority.

That is a view Dr. Bole would concur with: “Children living in poverty are disproportionately impacted by environmental health hazards, and climate change is no different,” she says.

Spring arrived several weeks early in much of the eastern United State this year, and last month was the second hottest on record. An early spring brings the onset of the allergy season, and can also mean the arrival of disease carrying ticks and mosquitos.

“Doctors like myself today are seeing conditions appear outside their typical location and season,” says Dr. Samantha Ahdoot, a pediatrician in Alexandria, Va. Ahdoot recalls patients who have had to start their allergy medications much earlier and miss school because of severe reactions.

Doctors have “obligation” to speak up

The nation’s family doctors, obstetricians and allergists may be well positioned to be the public’s best resource on staying safe from climate impacts. A 2014 Yale national survey found that Americans see their primary care physician as their most trusted source of information on this topic, over organizations like the Center for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

Molly Rauch is policy director for Moms Clean Air Force, a national organization that advocates for combating climate change and air pollution. She says doctors need to give parents like her the whole picture of how climate is connected to their child’s health.

“Asthma is an epidemic in this country,” says Rauch. “If air pollution makes asthma worse, [parents] want to know about it. And if climate change makes air pollution worse, we actually really need to know about it in order to take care of our children.”

The new Consortium, which includes the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, and the American Geriatrics Society, among others, will deliver their new report to members of Congress, the Trump administration, and CEOs of Fortune 500 Companies to push for transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy.

“We have a moral obligation to act on their behalf,” says Dr. Ahdoot, a member of the Consortium. “Given our current understanding today, failure to take prompt substantive action to reduce emissions would be an unprecedented injustice to every current and future child.”

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $105,000 for Seafood Marketing Projects

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $105,000 for Seafood Marketing Projects

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $105,500 in grants to seven marketing campaigns designed to increase awareness and demand for Massachusetts seafood products. The grants were awarded through the Division of Marine Fisheries’ (DMF) Seafood Marketing Pilot Grant Program, a new program created to support the Commonwealth’s fishing and seafood industries.

“Massachusetts’ commercial fishing and seafood industries are an important part of the Commonwealth’s economy, employing many residents and attracting visitors from all over the world,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Through innovative programs like the Seafood Marketing Grant Pilot Program, our Administration is working to ensure the future viability of our fishing industry and the continued vibrancy of our coastal communities.”

“The Seafood Marketing Pilot Program is designed to leverage the knowledge and connections of local groups and companies to better to promote the sale of sustainably-harvested Massachusetts seafood products,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “By launching this program, we are continuing our commitment to a historically and culturally significant industry that is an integral part of our coastal communities.”

Seven organizations were awarded funding for projects to stimulate demand though education, promotion, and other strategies. These organizations have experience and significant ties to the commercial fishing and seafood industries and communities, focus on different species and span geographical areas throughout the state.  Funding for this pilot grant program comes from commercial fishing and dealer permits through the Seafood Marketing Program.

“Funding projects by organizations with experience and significant ties to the fishing industry and coastal communities will help the Seafood Marketing Program expand its reach and programming capabilities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is committed to supporting the Commonwealth’s commercial fishing industry and creating a vibrant, healthy food economy in Massachusetts.”

The Baker-Polito Administration launched the Massachusetts Seafood Marketing Program in August 2016 to increase awareness and demand for local seafood products. The program recently announced a partnership with the Massachusetts Farm to School Project to promote the consumption of local seafood in schools.

“The seafood marketing grants will support a wide variety of projects to promote Massachusetts seafood products in communities from the North Shore to Cape Cod and the Southcoast,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner George N. Peterson, Jr. “Providing private marketing expertise and local advocacy to the Division of Marine Fisheries’ Seafood Marketing Program will greatly enhance the Commonwealth’s support to our commercial fishing industry, fishing families, and coastal communities.”  

“We are very proud to fund these projects being done by our inspirational awardees across the Commonwealth to engage consumers with our state’s fishing heritage,”said DMF Director David Pierce. “This pilot grant program gives breadth to our Seafood Marketing Program, expanding our ability to support the Massachusetts communities who work hard to bring us fresh, sustainable, nutritious, and delicious seafood.”

The following marketing campaigns received grants:

Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance, Cape Cod: “Supporting the Local Economy: Demonstrating Skate and Dogfish” – $15,000 – Two boat-to-plate recipe demonstration videos on dogfish and skate for social media, in partnership with Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod.

Fishing Partnership Support Services Massachusetts, Burlington: “The Faces of Fishermen and their Families” – $10,000 – Five photo essays of fishermen and their families to increase public awareness by showing positive impact of our commercial fishing industry on our coastal communities.

Red's Best, Boston: “Promoting Local Catch at the Boston Public Market” – $14,000 – Twelve free sample sessions for public tastings prepared by Red’s Best kitchen staff with promotional material, and four seafood events at the Kitchen at the Boston Public Market.

City of Gloucester/Gloucester Fishermen's Wives Association, Gloucester: “Collaborative Local Seafood Product Development for a New Audience” – $13,000 – Product development for various locally caught species such as Red Fish, Whiting, Pollock, Hake, and Yellowtail Flounder in order to market seafood better to buyers in restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and universities.

Green Crab R & D Group, Ipswich: “The Nation's First Soft-Shell Green Crab Harvest”– $20,000 – Production of the country’s first harvest of soft-shell green crabs, refine techniques and create market demand.

New Bedford Harbor Development Commission, New Bedford: “Creating a Portal to New Bedford Seafood” – $13,000 – Creation of a New Bedford Seafood website that offers a central location for local, regional, and international buyers, and a SeafoodThrowdown.

Wellfleet SPAT, Wellfleet: “Taste the Merrior: An Educational Experience” – $20,500 – A pilot educational and tasting event in Boston this spring to reacquire and increase market share for Wellfleet oysters and clams after the damaging norovirus outbreak last fall.

“This funding will provide a major boost to local innovators what are working to support our fishing industry by harvesting and adding value to species that can play an important role in terms of strengthening our fisheries and providing consumers with the types of healthy and nutritious choices they want,” said Senate Minority Leader Bruce Tarr (R-Gloucester).   

“Cape Cod Commercial Fisherman’s Alliance and Wellfleet SPAT do tremendous work to promote more sustainable fisheries and aquaculture management, scientific research, and community education,” said State Senator Julian Cyr (D-Truro). “I am encouraged that they have been selected to receive grants from the Seafood Marketing Program. These grants will go a long way in helping to promote and encourage the consumption of Massachusetts seafood products.”

“This grant funding will further elevate New Bedford's position in the seafood industry,” said Senate Assistant Majority Leader Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford). “I am proud that our city is home to America's number 1 value fishing port and have consistently advocated for its promotion in the State Senate.”

“As a Representative of a fishing community, I am pleased to see that the Baker-Polito Administration is committed to continued investment in the marine economy,” said State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante (D-Gloucester). “Through these grants, they show that they are willing to reward innovation in the fishing industry as Cape Ann works to build on its fishing economy while looking to the future.”

“Here in New Bedford, the fishing industry is the lifeblood of our community,” said State Representative Antonio F.D. Cabral (D-New Bedford). “That is why this grant, which will be used to create a one-stop shop for all information about New Bedford seafood, is so meaningful.  Home to the country’s #1 fishing port by dollar value, New Bedford deserves our attention and we need to use every resource at our disposal to make sure that the industry is getting as much exposure as possible.”

“I want to applaud the efforts of the Division of Marine Fisheries and the Seafood Marketing Program for identifying a number of worthwhile projects,” said State Representative Bill Straus (D-Mattapoisett). “Support for our working waterfront is vitally important, and I believe these projects will provide a meaningful boost to our ports and the local businesses that depend on them.”

“Skate, dogfish, and Wellfleet shellfish are all essential to the outer and lower cape economy. Scores of families count on the income generated by the sale of these delicious and sustainable caught and harvested products,” said State Representative Sarah Peake (D-Provincetown). “These grants to the Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen's Alliance and to Wellfleet SPAT to raise awareness, market share, and by extension incomes to our fishing families are important and welcome.”

“We are extremely grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for the generous funding provided to Green Crab R & D Group in Ipswich through the Seafood Marketing Pilot Grant Program,” said State Representative Brad Hill (R-Ipswich). “Our communities rely heavily on commercial fishing and the seafood industry, and these funds will be put to excellent use in the Town of Ipswich.”

           

DMF’s Seafood Marketing Program works to educate people on seafood availability, preparation, health benefits, economic contribution and environmental sustainability through printed material, events, partnerships and more. Legislators, agency heads and industry members comprise the program’s steering committee.

The Department of Fish and Game (DFG) is responsible for promoting the conservation and enjoyment of the Commonwealth's natural resources. DFG, with its divisions including the Division of Marine Fisheries, carries out this mission through land protection and wildlife habitat management, management of inland and marine fish and wildlife species, and ecological restoration of fresh water, salt water, and terrestrial habitats. DFG promotes enjoyment of the Massachusetts environment through outdoor skills workshops, fishing festivals and other educational programs, and by enhancing access to the Commonwealth's rivers, lakes, and coastal waters.

羅德島華人基督教會慶祝立會40週年

(Orange 周菊子羅德島州報導) 羅德島華人基督教會於3月10日至12日，在普塔基市羅斯福大道會址，盛大慶祝創會40週年。包括40多名來自外國，他州的教徒，會友，不下700人歡聚一堂，參加培靈會，嘉年華會，感恩禮拜，見證教會按立姚學文傳道為牧師，分享”攜手同度約旦河”的主題，”你當剛強壯膽”的證道。

這一連兩日的創會40週年慶，第一天是嘉年華會，安排有遊戲，卡拉OK，畫臉，貼紙，展示手工藝品，教扯鈴等活動，中華民俗藝術工作坊也來支援擺攤。教會內的十多個團契還一大早趕到教會廚房，烹煮各色美食。

第二天是感恩崇拜，由吳子平執事歡迎宣召，陳本生長老帶領祈禱，英文堂崇拜小組及中文堂詩班分別獻上”我神真偉大”，”你信時何廣大”，”當讚美聖父”等讚美，黃天佑、Nelson Estrada兩名中英文堂牧師主持主餐”我曾捨命為你”，黃清泉牧師讀經書Joshua 1:1-9，葉超執事介紹鮑維均牧師證道”你當剛強壯膽”，接著由按立牧師檢定委員會的鮑維均，艾偉信，黃天佑，廖永誠等牧師為姚學文傳道主持按立牧師儀式。

羅德島華人基督教會為誌記40週年，特地印製了一份1977-2017大事記，摘錄有不下70項過去40年間發生的重要大事，包括會址變遷至少3次，1次租，2次買。歷年聘過8名牧師，7名傳道，成立有以諾，青年(後改為喜樂)，先鋒少年，迦勒，家美(提摩太小組改組)，英語大學就業，迦南，兒童等至少11個團契，現有執事12人，包括陳本生，葉超，吳子平，宋建人，鄭心恩，林佑彬，胡少娟，孫幼偉，亓靄雲，梁健操，葉桂珍，Steve Young等。

執事中的葉超，和甫於2014年榮歸天家的李歐頡芳在1981年時獲按立為創會執事，歷年來曾任執事，後喬遷他州的還有黃清泉，蔡孫義臨，郭穎哲等人。

這40年來，在1977年3月16日正式成立的羅德島華人基督教會，還有過許多第一次。

第一次租會址，是在普域敦斯市(Providence)百老匯街160號的男青年會所。同年6月5日在第一次會員大會中選出施善為首屆主席。次年5月28日，按立樓鎧為牧師，陳本生為長老。

第一次斥資自置物業是1979年，以3.3萬元買下東普域敦斯市青年會舊址，第二次是1997年買下教會現址。

此外，1981年開辦中文學校，1991年成立兒童崇拜日光會，1992年辦第一屆夏令退修會，1994年第一次辦教會郊遊，1996年第一次中英文聯合崇拜，2000年辦首屆婦女退修會，2002年辦第一屆差傳年會，2004年設立神學生基金，2006年開始辦餐福聚會，2012年舉辦四川省廣元市柳橋羅德島僑愛學校英語營短宣，2015年中國神學研究院”生命之道”開始在該教會辦生命之道查經課等這許多第一次，都是羅德島華人基督教會的成長見證。

慶祝完立會40週年後，羅德島華人基督教會將於3月19日舉行中英文堂會員大會，選立執事﹑同工，4月20日到6月8日的每週四舉辦香港中國神學研究院”生命之道”民數記研經”查經班，4月28、29兩日舉辦第18界姊妹退修會，4月7日至9日國際家庭更新協會舉辦夫妻恩愛營。

羅德島華人教會的擴修堂址，預定2017年底完工。