MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND THE REACH OF BOSTON'S COMMUNITY GARDENS WITH THE TRUSTEES AND TD BANK

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THREE-YEAR PARTNERSHIP TO EXPAND THE REACH OF BOSTON'S COMMUNITY GARDENS WITH THE TRUSTEES AND TD BANK

BOSTON - Wednesday, May 23, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a three-year partnership between the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics, The Trustees, and TD Bank to expand the reach and highlight the role of community gardens in Boston's neighborhoods with community-driven design projects, community-building events, and skill-building workshops planned for up to 40 gardens. In the first year, the City will seek ideas for  innovative design installations at three community gardensincluding: The Trustees' Nightingale Community Garden in Dorchester, Chilcott & Granada Community Garden in Jamaica Plain, and the Fenway Victory Gardens, owned by Boston Parks and Recreation and administered and maintained by the Fenway Garden Society. The installations may support community dinners, storytelling and community conversations, performances, and interactive play. In addition, The Trustees will hold 10 community-building events and skill-building workshops at its community gardens in Dorchester, East Boston, Jamaica Plain, Mattapan, Mission Hill, Roxbury, and the South End as part of the partnership with the goal being to allow the Trustees to expand garden programming by nearly 40% with larger community-building and wellness programs. (There are more than 20 activities through Seed, Sow & Grow that bring people together for skill-building workshops and events at City Natives in Mattapan and throughout Boston. You can find a list of community-building events and skill-building workshops here.) "I am proud that Boston is home to more than 10,000 gardeners and 200 community gardens spanning 50 acres across our city," said Mayor Walsh. "This City is lucky to have great partners like The Trustees, TD Bank, and dedicated members of our community to help advance the state of our public spaces by incorporating community driven design projects like this. Together, with our communities, we are making Boston a place where the gardening community can flourish." Over the next three years, the program aims to engage and enhance up to 40 community gardens in six neighborhoods in Boston, including the following: El Jardin de la Amistad, Roxbury Eagle Hill Community Garden, East Boston Berkeley Community Garden, South End Southwest Corridor Community Farm, Jamaica Plain Windermere Community Garden, Dorchester Paul Gore & Beecher Community Garden, Jamaica Plain Worcester Community Garden, South End Mission Hill Community Garden, Mission Hill City Natives, Mattapan Woolson Community Garden, Mattapan TD Bank will serve as the presenting sponsor of the Boston Community Gardens partnership, granting a total of $225,000 over three years. "TD Bank is committed to creating a more vibrant planet and enhancing urban green spaces that bring the community together," said Mark Crandall, Regional President, Southern New England, TD Bank. "As a company with deep roots in Boston, we are excited about our partnership with the Mayor's Office and The Trustees of Reservations to enrich our community gardens. Together, we expect this three-year collaboration to provide Boston with an array of cultural, educational, and environmental programs in gardens across the city for all people to enjoy." "We are excited to partner with TD Bank and the Mayor's office to create these unique community-focused experiences in Boston community gardens," said Vidya Tikku, General Manager for The Trustees' Greater Boston region. "We have a long history of working with public and private partners here in the City of Boston and around the state to advocate for green spaces and expand urban gardening, education, and community-building. This partnership will enable us to offer neighborhood residents new and creative ways to gather, learn, and enjoy our community gardens."

Project Selected to Bring Offshore Wind Energy to the Commonwealth

Project Selected to Bring Offshore Wind Energy to the Commonwealth

Selection Would Be Single Largest Offshore Wind Project in the United States

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that Vineyard Wind was selected by the Commonwealth’s Electric Distribution Companies to move forward to contract negotiations as part of the offshore wind energy procurement authorized byAn Act Relative to Energy Diversity, signed by Governor Baker in 2016. The ultimate procurement of 800 megawatts (MW) will represent the largest single procurement of offshore wind by any state in the nation. Today’s announcement is an important milestone for an initiative that will ultimately spur economic development along the coast, ensure a resilient energy future for the Commonwealth and secure progress toward greenhouse gas reduction requirements.

Additionally, through Massachusetts’ leadership in competitively soliciting for offshore wind energy, the State of Rhode Island today announced it will enter into contract negotiations with Deepwater Wind to procure 400 MW of offshore wind energy. By collaborating regionally on efforts to lower electricity costs, increase reliability, improve fuel security, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Massachusetts and Rhode Island are working to bring a total of 1,200 MW of clean, local offshore wind to New England’s electric grid.

“Today’s announcement brings the Commonwealth one step closer to achieving our administration’s goals of creating a clean, reliable and cost-effective energy future for Massachusetts residents, and significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “By positioning Massachusetts as a hub for the emerging offshore wind industry, this competitive procurement will ensure the Commonwealth continues to lead the nation in innovation and renewable energy generation.”

“The procurement of competitively priced and locally produced offshore wind energy will help the Commonwealth reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create economic growth while addressing the needs of our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This selection will allow Massachusetts to capitalize on the economic benefits of an emerging industry, creating high-quality jobs and providing cost-effective power for ratepayers.”

The Vineyard Wind bid was selected for contract negotiation based on criteria established under a Request for Proposals (RFP) previously subject to public comment, and reviewed and approved by the Department of Public Utilities. Criteria used in the evaluation of the bids included an economic evaluation of the benefits for ratepayers, the project’s ability to foster employment and economic development in the Commonwealth, and the project’s environmental impacts and the extent to which a project demonstrates that it avoids or mitigates impacts to natural resources and tourism. As a result of a stringent review, Vineyard Wind was determined to provide the greatest overall value to Massachusetts customers by delivering approximately 800 MW of offshore wind capacity per year while providing substantial ratepayer benefits.

“The procurement of 800 MW of offshore wind energy will significantly help the Commonwealth transition to a diversified energy portfolio and achieve the emissions reductions targets set forth by the Global Warming Solutions Act,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “This nation-leading announcement is an important milestone in our procurement process to secure the largest amount of renewable energy in Massachusetts’ history, reducing energy costs and strengthening the state’s clean energy economy.”

The deployment of offshore wind will also have a benefit on the Commonwealth’s economy and workforce. A recent report by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center  found that the deployment of 1,600 megawatts (MW) of offshore wind is estimated to create between 2,270 and 3,170 job years - defined as one person working full-time for one year - during construction over the next ten years and generate between $675 million and $800 million in direct economic output in Massachusetts. 

In order to ensure the development of offshore wind off the Massachusetts coast does not negatively impact the environment and the Commonwealth’s fishing industries, the Baker-Polito Administration has supported several offshore wind-related studies and continues to work with a Fisheries Working Group (FWG) created to ensure the commercial and recreational fishing industries are able to provide input into the federal permitting process related to offshore wind. Additionally, the Administration has communicated directly with the Department of the Interior and the Bureau of Ocean Energy Management that the siting process for wind turbines in federal waters must include consideration of natural resources and important marine ecosystems and industries. Furthermore, the Administration will work with federal agencies to establish a Southern New England Fisheries Science Panel on Offshore Wind.  The panel would be comprised of respected scientists from New England assist in the development, collection, evaluation, and peer review of scientific information relevant to the development and operations of the wind and fishing industries; identify key informational needs; and make recommendations regarding studies, surveys and monitoring that will assess key environmental and industry interaction issues.

Per statute, a competitive solicitation was announced through issuance of the RFP on June 29, 2017 for 400MW to 800MW per year, which represents approximately 2.7-3% and 5.5-6% of Massachusetts’s total annual electric load. Today’s selection of projects concludes a thorough review by the Department of Energy Resources, Eversource, National Grid and Unitil, which was closely monitored by an Independent Evaluator, jointly chosen by the Department of Energy Resources and the Attorney General, who was responsible for overseeing the process to ensure that all proposals were evaluated in a fair and nondiscriminatory manner.  

“Massachusetts is committed to leading the nation in creating a clean, affordable and resilient energy future while being a leader in the U.S. offshore wind industry,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Judith Judson. “This project reduces our dependency on fossil fuels while boosting the local economy.” 

The final acceptance of the bid and award of contract is conditional upon successful contract negotiations between the parties and the regulatory approval at the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU). At the time of contract filing with the DPU, a public report will be provided by the soliciting parties that details the evaluation process.  Separately, the Independent Evaluator will prepare and submit a detailed public report on the evaluation process and outcome.

If the bid selected to advance to contract negotiation at this stage does not successfully negotiate contracts, it may result in other bid(s) being selected to advance to contract negotiations.  Final project selection as a result of successful contract negotiation will be made public following submittal for regulatory approval. More information on the selected project, process, and timeline can be found here.

This announcement builds upon the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing efforts to grow the Commonwealth’s clean energy economy and meet our greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. In August 2016, Governor Baker signed into law bipartisan comprehensive energy diversification legislation requiring utilities to competitively solicit and contract for approximately 1,600MW of offshore wind and approximately 1,200MW of clean energy. Under Governor Baker’s recently filedenvironmental bond bill, DOER would be directed to create a new clean peak standard for electricity suppliers to increase the usage of clean energy during periods of high, carbon intensive, and expensive electricity demand. The administration’s new solar incentive program, Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART), will support an additional 1,600 MW of solar in Massachusetts, nearly doubling the amount installed as of today at half the estimated pricing of existing programs.

千禧世代的 亞太裔家庭照護者付出更多時間照顧親屬

AARP樂齡會報告：千禧世代的

亞太裔家庭照護者付出更多時間照顧親屬

AAPI Millennial Family Caregivers Spend More Time

Providing Care, AARP Report Finds

Click here to download the infographic.

【華盛頓哥倫比亞特區2018年5月23日訊】— AARP樂齡會最新報告《千禧世代：新一代的家庭照護者》（Millennials: The Emerging Generation of Family Caregivers）指出，美國將近4,000萬的家庭照護者中有四分之一是屬於千禧世代的年青人，報告突顯出這一代人必需承擔更大的父母、祖父母、朋友或鄰居基本生活和醫療支援，因此面臨著獨特的經歷和挑戰。根據報告，千禧世代也有更多人需要照顧罹患精神健康或情緒問題的親友，比例達到33%，而較年長的照護者這項比例僅為18%。總的來說，精神健康照護人員面臨著更高的情緒、身體和財務壓力。

除此之外，年輕照護者在工作場所也面臨挑戰，因為主管和經理對他們的理解不足。他們除了每週平均要花20多個小時照護親友外，這一代的家庭照護者大多同時身兼一份工作（73%）。然而，超過一半受訪者表示他們的照護角色對工作影響很大。

「人們常常對千禧世代有一種自我意識強烈的迷思，並構成刻板印象，使得千禧世代的照護者難以得到他們應有的認同和幫助。」AARP樂齡會多元文化領導部門亞太裔受眾副總裁郭為婉（Daphne Kwok）說：「當照顧家庭的重責落在年輕人身上時，尤其是當人際關係和專業網絡正在形成的時候，這對他們的生活造成十分關鍵的影響。」

根據該報告，大多數千禧世代照護者（65%）正在照顧一位父母或祖父母，而且超過一半照護者是家中唯一提供照護的支柱。千禧世代也是迄今為止最多元化的家庭照護者群體。

• 大約百分之八的千禧世代家庭照護者是亞太裔，但他們卻佔所有亞太裔照護者總數三分之一（30%）。
• 大多數的亞太裔照護者是女性（64%）。
• 同樣是屬於千禧世代的一群，亞太裔家庭照護者比其他人付出“更多時間” 照顧親友（每週提供護理時間超過20小時），亞太裔家庭照護者此項的比例為31%，一般家庭照護者僅26%。

千禧世代被定義為出生於1980年至1996年的人群。該報告中所使用的數據主要基於2015年的美國照護研究。

詳閱報告請瀏覽網站：https://www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2018/millennial-family-caregiving.html

查詢更多關於家庭照護的資源及信息、以及AAPI樂齡會的照護準備指南請瀏網站： www.aarp.org/caregiving。

WASHINGTON, DC, May 23, 2018 — One-in-four of the nearly 40 million family caregivers in America is a millennial. AARP’s latest report, “Millennials: The Emerging Generation of Family Caregivers,” spotlights the unique experiences and challenges this generation faces as more support a parent, grandparent, friend or neighbor with basic living and medical needs. According to the report, millennials are more likely to care for someone with a mental health or emotional issue — 33 percent compared to 18 percent of older caregivers. Overall, mental health caregivers face higher emotional, physical and financial strain.

Younger caregivers also face challenges in the workplace because they are less understood by supervisors and managers. On top of spending an average of more than 20 hours a week in their caregiving role, this generation of family caregivers is the most likely to be employed (73 percent). More than half say their caregiving role affected their work in a significant way, says the report.

“The myth that millennials are self-involved is a stereotype that makes it challenging for millennial caregivers to get the recognition and help they need,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “When the responsibilities of caring for family falls on its younger members, it impacts them at a pivotal point in their lives when personal relationships and professional networks are being formed.”

According to the report, most millennial caregivers (65 percent) care for a parent or grandparent and more than half are the only one in the family providing this support. Millennials are also the most diverse group of family caregivers to date.

• About eight percent of millennial family caregivers are AAPI, but they make up about three-in-ten (30 percent) of all AAPI caregivers.
• The majority (64 percent) of AAPI millennial family caregivers are women.
• AAPI millennial family caregivers are more likely to be a “higher hour” caregiver (providing care more than 20 hours a week) than the average millennial caregiver, 31 percent compared to 26 percent.

Millennials are defined as those born between 1980 and 1996. Data from the report is based primarily on the 2015 Caregiving in the U.S. study.

To read the full report, visit: https://www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2018/millennial-family-caregiving.html

Visit www.aarp.org/caregiving for more resources and information on family caregiving, including AARP’s Prepare to Care Guides.

CAPAC Chair Chu Applauds Publication of National Park Service’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Theme Study

CAPAC Chair Chu Applauds Publication of National Park Service’s Asian American and Pacific Islander Theme Study

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In 2013, Department of Interior Secretary Ken Salazar led the endeavor of developing a theme study focused on the historical and cultural contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in America. Today, the U.S. Department of Interior hosted an event with Asian and Pacific Islander Americans in Historic Preservation to celebrate the completion of this publication entitled Finding a Path Forward: Asian American Pacific Islander National Historic Landmarks Theme Study, which will serve as a guiding document to preserve Asian American and Pacific Islander cultural and historic sites of national significance. Congresswoman Judy Chu, Chair of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC), released the following statement:

“At a time where America’s national monuments, preservation sites, and landmarks are under increased scrutiny, it is important now more than ever to protect and preserve areas that reflect and celebrate the diversity of America’s rich culture and history.  That is why I am so proud to celebrate the much-anticipated publication of the National Park Service’s Asian American and Pacific Islander theme study during Asian Pacific American Heritage Month.

“The sites identified in this theme study reflect the rich history and cultural contributions of the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, from historic temples and schools to World War II Japanese American confinement sites. They tell the tale of individual experiences that simply cannot be told in words, and memorialize specific times in history that shaped who we are as a nation.

“I commend the National Park Service, Dr. Franklin Odo, and all of the individuals involved in this multi-year effort to shed light on critical AAPI sites that are integral to our nation’s diverse history.”

Finding a Path Forward: Asian American Pacific Islander National Historic Landmarks Theme Study can be found on the National Park Service website.

WGBH慶亞裔傳統月邀成功亞裔企業家分享經驗(圖片)

Celebration of Asian Pacific American Culture 

Tues., 5/22, 7pm–9pm at WGBH Studios.

Join us for WGBH’s 10th annual celebration of Asian Pacific American culture with specially selected films and programs airing this month on WGBH 2, WGBX 44 and World, our national documentary and information channel. 

This year, the event will spotlight Asian American entrepreneurs who have risen to the top of their respective industries and remain civically engaged in their communities. Leaders from a variety of sectors will share their personal experiences and journeys to professional success with the event attendees. 

Liz Cheng, general manager of WGBH Television and the World Channel, will moderate the discussion with panelists Yvonne Hao, COO and CFO of Pill Pack, Mohamad Ali, President and CEO of Carbonite and Ian So, CEO, co-owner and co-founder of Chicken and Rice Guys. Panelists will offer real-world advice to event attendees.

安良工商會慶祝陳仕維當選全美總理(圖片)

嘉賓合影。(波士頓安良工商會提供)

欖城安良工商會組團來賀。(周菊子攝)

MBDA Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

MBDA Celebrates Asian Pacific American Heritage Month

Agency Hosts 2018 National AAPI Business Summit with White House and Commerce Officials, Panels and More

WASHINGTON (May 22, 2018) — The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) celebrated Asian Pacific American Heritage Month (APAHM) with a day-long celebration Tuesday, May 15 featuring remarks from White House officials, panels focused on supplier partnerships and procurement, as well as discussions on the successes and challenges for millennial Asian American and Pacific Islanders (AAPI).

Karen Dunn Kelley, Under Secretary for Economic Affairs, performing the nonexclusive duties and functions of the Deputy Secretary of Commerce, delivered a keynote address at the 2018 National AAPI Business Summit that discussed the many contributions AAPI-owned businesses have made to the U.S. economy. Kelley noted that from 2007 to 2012, Asian-owned businesses in the U.S. increased 24 percent, while the number of Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander-owned businesses expanded 45 percent.

“Secretary Ross and this administration believe minority-owned businesses play an important role in communities and in creating jobs and growth in the American economy,” Under Secretary Kelley said.

Under Secretary Kelley also highlighted two standout Asian-owned businesses supported by local MBDA business centers: Leasa Industries, a Miami-based bean sprout and tofu company, and Mellish Island, a sea cucumber processor and exporter to China with a U.S. headquarters in San Dimas, California.

After remarks from Holly Ham, Executive Director for the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders, and Mercedes Schlapp, Assistant to the President and Senior Advisor for Strategic Communication, MBDA National Acting Director Edith McCloud joined Ham on stage to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to support and advocate for AAPI-owned businesses.

Two of the most notable Asian Americans serving in U.S. government also gave remarks at the National AAPI Business Summit: Elaine L. Chao, the U.S. Secretary of Transportation, and the highest-ranking Asian American cabinet member, and Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), Chair for the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus.

MBDA closed out the National AAPI Business Summit with a celebration by celebrity Asian chefs. The aroma of Chinese, Filipino and Indonesian cuisine filled the air, as the Department of Commerce lobby transformed into a bustling food court. Chef Widjiono (Yono) Purnomo of Yono’s Restaurant in Albany, New York, Chefs Michael Chen and Rusong Dai of New China Taste in Alexandria, Virginia, and Chef Patrice Cleary of Purple Patch in Washington D.C., prepared sample dishes for attendees, showcasing a variety of Asian dishes.

From left to right: George Mui, MBDA, Chef Widjiono (Yono) Purnomo, Chef Patrice Cleary of Purple Patch, Jan-Ie Low, Golden Catalyst, LLC and Celebrity Chef event organizer, Chef Michael Chen and Chef Rusong Dai of New China Taste

東方銀行5/24慶祝麻州婦女領袖

In honor of Asian Pacific Heritage Month and National Small Business Month, the Asian American Professional Employees Collective of Eastern Bank in partnership with TiE Boston, The Commonwealth Seminar and the Asian American Commission of MA invite you to join us in celebrating the success of Asian American leaders in Massachusetts. This year's theme highlights the contributions of Asian American Women in the business and pubilc sectors. The two discussion panels and keynote speaker will cover the contributions of these women leaders and highlight how they are creating more opportunities for future business and public sector leaders in Massachusetts.

AGENDA

3:00 – 3:30pm: Registration

3:30 – 5:00pm: Business Workshops

5:00-5:15pm: Lion & Dragon Dance performance from US Dragon & Lion Dance Federation

5:15- 5:20pm: Welcome Mistress of Ceremony, Pam Randhawa, MPM Founder and CEO Empiriko

5:20- 5:30pm: Welcome Remarks from Quincy Miller, President of Eastern Bank

5:35-6:00pm: Key Note Speaker, Liz Cheng, General Manager of WGBH

6:00- 8:00pm: Cocktail/Networking Reception

WORKSHOP DESCRIPTIONS

Workshop A: Women Leading In Business

Panel experts will share their experiences in business and provide strategies on how to address challenges and take advantage of opportunities in the business arena. You'll leave this workshop with insights into strategies for success in advancing your career or business!

PANELISTS:

• Dr. Aparna Rao, Founder and CEO of eCARE Vault
• Asa Kalavade, General Manager of Amazon Web Services
• Sifu Mai Du, Founder of Wah Lum Kung Fu
• Karen Diep, Owner of Soleil Tan & Spa, Atlantic Kitchen & Van’s Restaurant
• Nam Pham, Assistant Secretary of Business Development & Trade
• Ryan Van Luling, Eastern Bank Wealth Relationship Manage

Moderator: Robert Nelson, MA District Director of U.S. SBA

Workshop B: Shaping the Political and Public Future in Massachusetts

Enthusiastic about public services and want to learn what's happening to shape the Massachusetts public sector? Come hear from public sector women leaders who are shaping policy and public organizations to make a positive impact in Massachusetts.

PANELISTS:

• Lisa Wong, Deputy Director of AACA and Former Mayor of Fitchburg
• Nina Liang, Councilor-At-Large City of Quincy
• Diana Hwang, Founder and Executive Director of Asian-American Women’s Political Initiative
• Jason Cincotti, Cence Cincotti Strategies

KEYNOTE SPEAKER BIO

General Manager for Television

Liz Cheng is WGBH’s General Manager for Television, overseeing local channels WGBH 2, WGBX 44, WGBY 57 Springfield, WGBH Kids, Create, Boston Kids & Family TV as well as the critically acclaimed, national public media, nonfiction service – WORLD Channel.

Cheng came to WGBH from WCVB-TV Channel 5, the Hearst-owned ABC affiliate, where she served as Vice President as well as Director of Programming and Communications; she also oversaw the programming of WMUR-TV in Manchester, NH. Cheng’s WCVB Channel 5 projects received two National Association of Broadcasters Awards, two National Association of Television Programming Executives honors, three Gabriel Awards, an Action for Children’s Television Award, a Parents’ Choice Award, a Christopher, a National Prime-time Emmy nomination and many New England Emmys.

Cheng graduated with honors from Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island.

Eastern Bank Celebration of Women Leaders in Massachusetts

Featured Speaker: Deborah Goldberg, State Treasurer  Featuring Special Guests: Quincy Miller, President of Eastern Bank  Nam Pham, Assistant Secretary of Business Development and Trade Robert Nelson, MA District Director of U.S. SBA Jason Cincotti, Cence Cincotti Strategies Ryan Van Luling, Eastern Bank Wealth Relationship Manager Ian So, Chicken and Rice Guys DATE AND TIME Thursday, May 24, 2018 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM EDT  LOCATION Aloft Boston Seaport District 401-403 D Street Boston, MA 02210

RSVP  »