網頁

星期四, 1月 04, 2018

波士頓降雪量預估增至18吋 公校週五停課



MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CONTINUED PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY, SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR WINTER STORM

Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow emergency regulations

(周菊子攝)
BOSTON - Thursday, January 4, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the city's continued preparations for the ongoing winter storm, which is expected to bring 12 to 18 inches of snow and strong winds by around 9:00 p.m. tonight, with freezing cold temperatures lasting all weekend. Boston's Emergency Operations Center is running and will be monitoring the storm.

"As always, safety is our number one priority. We are encouraging residents to stay off the roads, assist the elderly and disabled, and be sure to use caution during the cold weather," said Mayor Walsh. "Please remember to abide by safety guidelines, call 3-1-1 with any questions, and be safe."

Updates:
  • Boston Public Schools will be closed on Friday, January 5.
  • All Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers will be open on Friday, including stand-alone centers and school-based sites.
  • A snow emergency and parking ban remains in effect throughout the duration of the storm.
  • City Hall and all libraries will be open tomorrow, and all employees should report to work.
  • Crews from Boston Water and Sewer, the Boston Fire Department and Inspectional Services are monitoring flooding in neighborhoods.
  • Sidewalks should be shoveled by 3 hours after dawn tomorrow, at about 10:15 a.m.
Discounted parking is available for Boston residents in garages and lots throughout city, and residents will have two hours to move their cars once the parking ban is lifted. Locations and pricing are available at Boston.gov/snow. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads, and take public transportation if needed. Emergency personnel who need transport, such as doctors and nurses, are encouraged to call 3-1-1 to be connected.

Boston Public Works has 40,000 tons of rock salt ready to be distributed, and today has over 750 pieces of equipment on the roads. The city's main focus continues to be on clearing sidewalks, main streets, roadways and responding to public requests for plowing and salting. Boston Police and EMS has an increased presence and will be ready to assist people in every neighborhood.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize the 311 call center for non-emergency related issues. 311 is operational 24 hours a day, and will have extra staff tomorrow to respond to calls. To find out more information about resources and services available to residents, please visit boston.gov/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, light headed, 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 clear snow away from all vents around their homes to avoid health risks.
  • 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.
  • To help keep pipes from freezing, keep the faucet dripping a little bit, and don't turn your heaters off.
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.
  • Please clear at least a 42-inch-wide path for people using wheelchairs and strollers.
  • 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.
  • Do not throw snow onto the street.
  • Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow.
Space Savers
  • 48-hour space saver rule is in effect: residents have 48 hours to use an object to save a parking spot after a snow emergency has ended.
  • After 48 hours, space savers must be removed.
  • Due to a community decision, space savers are not allowed in the South End. Space savers are allowed in every other neighborhood.
Community Centers
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.
  • During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams will continue to provide support to homeless individuals in need.
Residents are encouraged to sign-up for AlertBoston to receive emergency alerts and to call 311, download the BOS:311 app , or Tweet at @BOS311with questions or concerns. Follow @CityofBoston and boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

星期三, 1月 03, 2018

昆士市、摩頓市都從今晚午夜起實施暴風雪停車禁令直至5日清晨

City of Malden
Update as of Wednesday, January 3rd at 3:00PM
Due to the forecasted snowstorm, the City of Malden will declare a snow emergency as of midnight tonight.  After the snow emergency begins at midnight, winter parking restrictions will be strictly enforced.  
Regarding the parking ban:
To avoid being ticketed or towed, please seek off-street parking.  To find out what the parking restrictions are at your specific address, please visit cityofmalden.org/streetalerts. For residents on streets with a parking ban who are without access to off-street parking, the following locations are available to park free of charge and these lots are available as of 8PM.  The locations are the Early Learning Center, Beebe, Forestdale, Ferryway, Linden and Salemwood Schools as well as downtown at the CBD Garage.  Vehicles can remain in these lots until further notice but you must monitor 311 to find out when to remove your vehicle from these lots.
Snow Emergency Parking Rules
Snow emergency parking rules will be in place beginning at 12 a.m. on Thursday, January 4 and will continue through at least Friday, January 5.
Residents may park on the ODD numbered side of non-emergency neighborhood streets, but should always park in driveways if available.
Parking is prohibited on all designated emergency arteries. Click here for a complete list of emergency arteries.
Residents on side streets posted permanently as one-side parking should park on the side always allowed.
Cars parked in violation of emergency rules or impede snow plowing operations pose a public safety risk, and WILL BE TOWED. Regardless of parking rules, vehicles determined to be in obstruction of snow removal or emergency vehicles are subject to towing if not moved.
For assistance, residents can use the City’s snow request application at snowhotline@quincyma.gov or call the DPW's snow operation hotline at (617) 376-1927.
A Coastal Flood Warning is in place for this storm. For flood-related assistance, call (617) 376-1910. Residents in coastal areas should take appropriate precautions and monitor weather reports. ALWAYS call 911 in an emergency.
There will be no trash collection on Thursday, January 4. Trash regularly scheduled for Wednesday will be collected Friday. Regular Thursday and Friday collection days will be collected on Saturday.
The forecast calls for high winds, which creates the potential for downed tree limbs and power lines. If you lose power, call National Grid at 1-800-465-1212 or visit their Outage Central page at https://www.nationalgridus.com/MA-Home/Storms-Outages/.

For updates and emergency notices, please tune to Quincy Access Television; follow the City of Quincy’s Facebook page or via Twitter @CityofQuincy.

羅德島克蘭斯頓市今晚午夜起實施停車禁令

CRANSTON, RI—Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung is urging all residents to prepare for a significant winter storm that will create dangerous travel conditions on Thursday, followed by bitter cold on Friday.

The City’s Highway Department is fully stocked with sand and salt and ready for full plowing and road-treating operations as soon as the storm arrives. Crews are expected to begin sanding roads around 3 a.m. and the city is prepared to call-in our outside contractors to join the plowing effort as soon as they’re needed.

A parking ban will go into effect at midnight tonight and will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Friday.

Trash pickup will be delayed by an additional day for the remainder of the week with no pickups occurring on Thursday. Trash pickup was already on a one-day delay this week due to the New Years Day holiday on Monday, which means residents who normally are served on Wednesday should put their bins out on Friday, Thursday customers will be serviced on Saturday and Friday customers will be serviced on Monday. Because of the delays this week, next week will continue on a one-day delay schedule with residents who normally have trash picked up on Monday being serviced on Tuesday, and so on.

Mayor Fung is asking residents to complete their storm preparations on Wednesday and avoid driving on Thursday during the storm unless it’s absolutely necessary.

“The safety of all Cranston residents is my top priority,” commented Mayor Fung. “Our crews will be working around the clock to keep the main roads clear during the entirety of the storm and the best way residents can help them get the job done is to stay off the roads.”

Mayor Fung is also urging residents to check on neighbors, particularly the elderly and disabled, to ensure everyone is properly equipped to ride out the storm.

Mayor Fung is available for call-in interviews during the storm as he oversees snow removal operations. Contact Mark Schieldrop to coordinate call-in times.

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

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 weather will create hazardous driving conditions across much of the Commonwealth. To prioritize public safety, we are asking everyone to stay off the roads and to use public transportation if necessary so road crews can safely clear snow,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Due to the risk of power outages and coastal flooding in many parts of the state, we urge residents to be prepared, help neighbors and be mindful of local notices throughout the storm.”
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, January 4, 2018.

Highway Travel: 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 will run a weekday train schedule, buses will use snow routes and ferry service will be suspended, while the commuter rail will operate on a reduced schedule. 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, 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.

波士頓周四早上7點起實施暴風雪停車禁令



MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY, SCHOOL CLOSURES FOR WINTER STORM

Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow emergency regulations

BOSTON - Wednesday, January 3, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the city's preparations for tomorrow's winter storm, which is anticipated to bring nine to 12 inches of snow and strong winds, with gusts up to 60 miles per hour. Snow will be heavy, affecting both morning and evening commutes. Boston's Emergency Operations Center is running and will be monitoring the storm.

The National Weather Service has issued a blizzard warning in effect from Thursday 7:00 a.m. until Thursday 7:00 p.m. A snow emergency and parking ban goes into effect at 7:00 a.m. on Thursday. Boston Public Schools will be closed on Thursday. Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) stand-alone community centers will be open, with school-based sites closed. Libraries will be closed. City Hall will be open, but will be staffed with emergency operations personnel only.

The City of Boston is putting a parking ban in effect at 7:00 a.m. Two hours before a snow emergency goes into effect, free and discounted parking is available for Boston residents in garages and lots throughout city. Locations and pricing are at boston.gov/snow. Residents are encouraged to stay off the roads, and take public transportation if needed. Emergency personnel who need transport, such as doctors and nurses, are encouraged to call 3-1-1 to be connected.

"As always, safety is our number one priority. We are encouraging residents to stay off the roads, assist the elderly and disabled, and be sure to use caution during the cold weather," said Mayor Walsh. "Please remember to abide by safety guidelines, call 3-1-1 with any questions, and be safe."

Boston Public Works has 40,000 tons of rock salt ready to be distributed, and will have 700 pieces of equipment on the roads tomorrow. The city's main focus will be on clearing sidewalks, main arteries, roadways and responding to public requests for plowing and salting. Boston Police and EMS will have an increased presence and will be ready to assist people in every neighborhood.

Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize the 311 call center for non-emergency related issues. 311 is operational 24 hours a day, and will have extra staff tomorrow to respond to calls. To find out more information about resources and services available to residents, please visit boston.gov/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, light headed, 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 clear snow away from all vents around their homes to avoid health risks.
  • 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.
  • To help keep pipes from freezing, keep the faucet dripping a little bit, and don't turn your heaters off.

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.
  • Please clear at least a 42-inch-wide path for people using wheelchairs and strollers.
  • 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.
  • Do not throw snow onto the street.
  • Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow.

Space Savers
  • 48-hour space saver rule is in effect: residents have 48 hours to use an object to save a parking spot after a snow emergency has ended.
  • After 48 hours, space savers must be removed.
  • Due to a community decision, space savers are not allowed in the South End. Space savers are allowed in every other neighborhood.

Community Centers
Boston Centers for Youth & Families Community stand-alone 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.
  • During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams will continue to provide support to homeless individuals in need.

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.

星期二, 1月 02, 2018

馬丁華殊就職第二任市長 要為中產階級創機會

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(中)在母親,女友,以及美國前副總統拜登(前左)
陪同下,宣誓就職第二個市長任期。(周菊子攝)
               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Marty Walsh)一月一日在古典瑰麗的卡特勒大劇院(Cutler Majestic Theatre)中就職連任,演說致詞強調,第二任要以中產階級的機會為優先要項,打造21世紀的學校,提供更好工作機會,建更多可負擔住宅,換言之,為所有人打造一個更好的波士頓。
馬丁華殊還宣佈推出波士頓聘用(Boston Hire)”"波士頓的回家路基金(Boston’s Way Home Fund)”,重建長島橋(Long Island bridge),為12年後迎接波士頓建市400週年做好準備。
波士頓市長馬丁華殊(右)第二任就職,請來美國前副總統拜登(中)主持。
(周菊子攝)
主流媒體一字未提,但對華埠民眾很重要的是,馬丁華殊指出,在第一任的建造波士頓公校(BuildBPS)”10億元設備項目中,為波士頓在洛士百利(Roxbury)建成了23年的第一所新高中,迪爾伯恩科技工程學校(Dearborn STEM Academy)後,下一個要建的是波士頓藝術學校(Boston Arts Academy),為國際昆士高中(International Quincy Upper School)新校舍找新經費的事,也在進行中。還要在南端重建卡特(Carter)學校等等。
David A. Ellis小學學生和旗手們在就職典禮中並列。(周菊子攝)
               馬丁華殊這波士頓市第54任市長的第二度就職典禮,十分隆重,不但有美國前任副總統拜登(Joseph R. Biden Jr.)主持,還有麻州州長貝克(Charlie Baker),聯邦參議員馬基(Ed Markey),聯邦眾議員卡普阿諾(Mike Capuano),林奇(Steven Lynch)等重量級政要出席。
               拜登指馬丁華殊在多徹斯特成長,曾經與癌症,毒癮抗爭,再華麗轉身從政。他面對磨難,挑戰的勇氣,讓人難以置信。這經歷也使他最懂得以心與靈魂和人交往,真正顧及多元化不同層面的給人第二次機會,輝映今日華府局勢,尤其難得。
美國前副總統拜登指沒有人像馬丁華殊那麼懂得給人第二次機會。
(周菊子攝)
               拜登透露,他曾經在成都和中國國家主席習近平有過比任何一個其他國家領導人都長的25小時晤談。習近平問他怎麼定義美國人,他的回答是可能性(possibilities)”。他認為在馬丁華殊領導下的波士頓,更是有著無限的可能性。
               馬丁華殊在長約20分鐘的就職演說中,侃侃而談未來四年大計,要和波士頓居民攜手打造更亮麗的波士頓,使波士頓成為真正世界級城市。
               首先,他要推出"波士頓聘用(Boston Hires)",要在2022年之前培訓20,000名波士頓低收入民眾,讓他們能找到一份好工作。波士頓市府還打算以身作則,藉由針對市府工作設計的"市政學校(City Academy)",來培訓,安置波市居民及波市公校畢業生。波士頓聘用將於2018年二月,為第一批57人,舉辦招聘及資訊說明會。
四名當選連任的不分區市議員。(周菊子攝)
               馬丁華殊四年前首度就任波士頓市長後,先成立人力發展辦公室,和380家企業合作,每年協助15,000多名求職者撰寫履歷表,建立人脈,打磨面試和找工作的技巧,然後又成立了金融賦能辦公室(The Office of Financial Empowerment)。從2014年起,已經引導1100萬元經費,為3000多名以上低收入民眾提供就業職能培訓。波士頓市的失業率也從2013年的6.1%降至2016年的3.4%。未來四年,他希望在這方面做更進一步的努力。
就職典禮所在地Cutler Majestic Theatre,古色古香。(周菊子攝)
•             在幫助無家可歸者上,波士頓市府宣佈和美國銀行,松街客棧(Pine Street Inn)合作,推出波士頓的回家路,要在波士頓已經為無家可歸者建造了4514個單位的基礎上,再籌募1000萬元,為長期無家可歸者建200個單位。美國銀行已捐款25萬元,馬丁華殊希望有更多機構加入行善行列。
               由於波士頓人口預計到2030年時會增至70萬人,住宅將是個大問題。馬丁華殊初上任後,已提出到2030年時,要因應各種收入階層,建造53,000個住宅單位的計畫。迄今,波士頓已建成13,551個新住宅單位,還有8,412個單位正在興蓋中,估計至少再可容納25,000人。
愛德華費林(右)是波士頓前市長雷費林(Ray Flynn)之子,
也是新當選,代表華埠的波士頓第二區市議員。(周菊子攝)
               為了解決住的問題,馬丁華殊去年還和大波士頓的多名市鎮長結盟,推出了包括14個社區的區域性住宅計畫。
               馬丁華殊還打算推出新的24小時311熱線,為戒毒,戒菸酒者提供各種醫療,住宅,就業支援。
               2014年因為安全問題,馬丁華殊下令封閉了長島橋。在第二任就職典禮中,馬丁華殊表示將重建長島橋,估計費用在4000萬到一億元之間。

麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)也出席就職典禮。他在1月1日這天,共
出席了4個城市的市長就職典禮。其中包括牛頓市新任市長。(周菊子攝)
               11日的馬丁華殊就職典禮中,馬丁華殊也為13名市議員主持了就職典禮。在李超榮等人支持的東波士頓律師Lydia Edwards;阮鴻燦,關麗莎等不少華人支持,住在北端(North End)的保釋官(probation officer)愛德華費林(Ed Flynn),以及轄區大都在落士百利的Kim Janey3名新人加入後,波士頓市議會今年共有6名女性,全是有色人種,反映出波士頓政治景觀的變化。其中的Andrea Campbell稍後當選為今年的市議會議長。







13名市議員在馬丁華殊主禮中,宣誓就任。(周菊子攝)

波士頓市長馬丁華殊強調,第二任,他要給中產階級更多機會。
(周菊子攝)

波士頓經文處、僑教中心元旦升旗 數百人歡聚

祝波士頓經文處處長賴名琪(前右八)與協辦雙十國慶活動有功團體代表合影。(周菊子攝)


升旗典禮由臺裔第二代青年譚鼎翰(右)及譚宇廷(右)
以及榮光會理事長石家孝(右四)、國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭
共同擔任升旗手。(僑教中心提共)
               (Boston Orange 周菊子牛頓市報導) 大波士頓僑界11日一早,冒著華氏個位數字的氣溫,匯聚波士頓僑教中心會址,升起中華民國青天白日滿地紅國旗。數百人互祝年好的慶祝2018年元旦,場面盛大,熱絡。
升旗典禮由臺裔第二代青年譚鼎翰(左二)及譚宇廷(左三),以及
榮光會理事長石家孝(左一)、國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭(右三)
共同擔任升旗手。(僑教中心堤供)
這場中華民國107年元旦升旗典禮由波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉策畫,在駐波士頓經文處處長賴銘琪上任以來的強調和年輕世代接軌的主軸中,特地安排了臺裔第二代,一男一女的譚鼎翰,譚宇廷,和波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝,國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭擔任升旗手。活動中還頒發感謝狀給協助辦理雙十國慶活動有功的團體、個人,送僑委會月曆,中華民國國旗圍巾給出席者。
波士頓兩名僑務委員蔣宗壬,梅錫銳,中華公所中文書記雷國輝,財政陳文浩,以及眾多僑團首長都出席了元旦升旗盛會。

               經文處處長賴銘琪致詞時透露,他奉派出國17年中,有9年駐守波士頓,這裏有如他的第二個家,波士頓所有僑胞有如他的家人,這天看到有這麼多人來出席元旦升旗典禮,他很感動。
經文處處長賴銘琪夫婦(中)與副處長陳銘俊(左)等人一起帶動跳。
(周菊子攝)
               在致詞中,賴銘琪回顧了過去一年來,有挫折,也有成就的台灣外交大事。挫折有去年5月是台灣8年來第一次無法參加世界衛生組織大會,以及6月份中華民國失去一個重要邦交國,巴拿馬,以致邦交國只剩下20個。成就有護照連簽證,落地簽,之前有164個,現在有167個,也就是說在全世界190多個國家中,有超過80%的國家,都可以讓持用中華民國護照者免簽證,或落地簽的入境,便利性排名全世界第28;還有去年111日,台灣成為第12個美國全球入境計畫成員,只要事先申請,核准後,可使用美國設在機場的安全通關系統,入境不再需要排隊。
波士頓北一女校友會會長江佩蓉(前左起),波士頓國民黨委員韓幼文
等人一起,跟著陳秀惠老師做帶動跳。(周菊子攝)
               賴銘琪處長強調過去這一年,台美關係也一直在升級當中。台灣是美國的第十大貿易夥伴,美國則是台灣的第二大貿易夥伴,雙邊貿易約有660億美元,間接或直接的為美國創造了35萬到40萬個就業機會,其中約13,000個是在紐英崙地區。
               他指出,在美國50州中,之前有19州和台灣簽有駕照互換協定,去年增至25州,麻州從前年3月簽約到去年12月,共有1000多名僑胞、留學生順利的不須再考試,就換到了麻州本地駕照。
陳秀惠老師(右)做帶動跳。(周菊子攝)
               賴銘琪的講話,還談及經濟,社會等多方面的台灣現狀,包括已然有如國安問題的少子化,老齡化,因為去年2月,台灣的老年人口就已經大於年輕人口,預計老年人口會在今年超過14%,屆時台灣將正式進入高齡社會。此外,勞資對立,貧富差距,兩岸關係的不穩定等等,都是台灣政府需要克服的問題。
               波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉特地轉達了僑委會委員長吳新興的新年問候。
               在元旦升旗典禮中,華林派醒獅團的舞獅,中華民俗藝術工作坊的台灣戰鼓,舞龍,扯鈴,民俗舞蹈,以及Nia舞蹈班陳秀惠老師的帶動跳,都讓出席者看得很投入,跳得很開心。穿著黃色背心的僑教中心志工團,任勞任怨的在會場服務,佈置含有波士頓及台灣地標的舞台布幕,安裝投影布幕,照相專區,分發自助餐,擺放及收拾椅子,也都博得所有與會者稱許。

波士頓這天實在太冷,波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬(左)從
父親那兒傳承來的毛襖,終於派上用場。(周菊子攝)

經文處處長賴銘琪夫婦(中)和志工團合影。(周菊子攝)
中華民俗藝術工作坊表演者謝幕。(周菊子攝)
左起,雷國輝,余麗媖,張韻蘭都是嘉賓。(周菊子攝)