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星期四, 8月 02, 2018

波士頓僑界訂10月6日遊行慶雙十

左起,波士頓僑務委員梅錫銳,紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊,駐波士頓經文處處長徐佑典,紐英崙中華總會代表余麗媖,波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬主持慶祝雙十籌備會。(周菊子攝)


(Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓僑界728日召開慶祝雙十籌備會,底定今年活動大致為106日遊行,升旗,舉辦書畫攝影展,107日辦全僑餐會,並頒獎表揚最有特色遊行隊伍。
陳文浩(右一)提出意見。(周菊子攝)
波士頓僑界慶祝中華民國107年雙十生日的一系列活動,刻由紐英崙中華總會主辦,各僑團協辦。728日在紐英崙中華公所召開了籌備會。
駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典當天以嘉賓身分出席。今年四月五日才上任,來到波士頓還不滿三個月的徐佑典表示,這將是他在波士頓第一次參加慶祝雙十活動,已從主辦方那兒聽說,遊行,升旗等活動,規模會比華府的還盛大,他非常期待,也代表中華民國衷心感謝波士頓僑胞們的長年支持。
波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉說明去年有最佳造型獎等獎勵。(周菊子攝)
波士頓僑界慶祝雙十籌備會由紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊及中華總會余麗媖主持,兩名波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬,梅錫銳也都應邀坐在主席台,並致詞來。
會上討論了遊行出發時間,表演內容安排,還鼓勵僑團設計特別裝扮,爭取最有創意獎,最具特色獎等表揚。波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝,新英格蘭台灣商會前會長許炳煌,紐英崙中華公所財政陳文浩等,紛紛表達意見,提供參考看法。
會上介紹出席的資深僑領陳毓璇。(周菊子攝)
會內最終確定,慶祝雙十遊行將於106日上午9點半在華埠牌樓前集合,有意參加的僑團宜於925日前向中華總會及僑教中心報名,106日下午由波士頓中華書法會和紐英崙中華公所合作,舉辦書畫攝影展。107日晚6點半,將在帝苑大酒樓舉辦國慶全僑餐會,每桌餐費400元。
刊登全僑聯合慶祝雙十廣告部分,將由中國國民黨波士頓分部統籌,每一團體美金60元、個人美金30元,有意參加登廣告的團體或個人,也需在925日前登記,繳費。
會議出席者包括已高齡91歲的李伍綺蓮,即將89歲的陳毓璇,以及楊克敬,伍輝民等許多資深僑領,年輕一輩的有劍橋合唱團團長屠澤寬,新英格蘭台灣青年商會會長歐怡君,台大校友會會長吳杏玫,成功大學校友會會長張涵捷等,彰顯著波士頓僑界進行中的傳承。
波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭將負責刊登廣告事宜。(周菊子攝)
波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉在會中感謝波士頓僑胞支持中華民國政府,說明遊行時將提供可手持的中華民國國旗和刺青貼紙,也請僑胞活動後協助回收國旗,珍惜資源。
 來自台灣的6名僑委會台灣青年搭橋計畫學員,當天也由歐宏偉主任安排,在這籌備會議中列席,實地體會海外僑胞支持國家、政府的熱情。(圖片已於7月29日發表)
今年91歲的李伍綺蓮(右),89歲的陳毓璇(左)是籌備會中最資深僑領。
(周菊子攝)
             


現任伍胥山公所主席,波士頓安良工商會共同會長的伍輝民(右)和夫人
伍鍾美貞都是波士頓資深僑領。(周菊子攝)


劍橋合唱團團長屠澤寬是年輕一輩的僑胞。(周菊子攝)

潮州同鄉會會長楊克敬長年支持波士頓經文處活動。(周菊子攝)



今年的波士頓慶祝雙十活動,由余麗媖(右)代表紐英崙中華總會統籌。
到任還未滿三個月的經文處長徐佑典(左)則是第一次參與波士頓的
籌備。(周菊子攝)


波士頓榮光會理事長石家孝(中),池元真(左)夫婦和曾兆漢(右)。
(周菊子攝)




波克萊台灣商會顧問游勝雄(右)和新英格來台灣商會前會長許炳煌
相識數十載。(周菊子攝)
黎雯(中)代表全美亞裔婦女會麻省分會參加籌備會。左為
中華公所主席陳家驊,右為經文處處長徐佑典。(周菊子攝)
來自台灣的6名搭橋計畫學員列席慶祝雙十籌備會。(周菊子攝)

台大校友會會長吳杏玫(左二),成功大學校友會會長張涵捷(右一)和搭橋
青年中的校友,左起陸羿成,吳英慈,許晰媛在波士頓相聚。(周菊子攝)

搭橋計畫青年和經文處官員即波士頓僑領合影。左起,波士頓僑教中
心主任歐宏偉,余麗媖,林文婷,馮文鑾,吳媖慈,郭競儒,陳家驊,
徐佑典,陸毅成,邱敏琳,許晰媛,梅錫銳,獎宗壬。(周菊子攝)

中華書法會辦正體漢字文化節 劉裕鵬闡述書法可養生

中華書法會在紐英崙中華公所會議廳舉辦"正體漢字文化節"講座。(周菊子攝)

中華書法會會長林卓培(左起),駐波士頓經文處處長徐佑典,
書法家劉裕鵬,紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊,中華書法會共同
會長黃周麗桃,波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉。(周菊子攝)
             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓中華書法會和紐英崙中華公所合作,728日在中華公所會議廳舉辦波士頓地區正體漢字文化節系列活動,邀書法家劉裕鵬以書法養生,寓康於樂為主題,分享練書法可養生理論。
             去年,劉裕鵬談的是正體字對中文發展的重要性,今年則以養生為主題,提醒眾人,其實練字,寫書法,不但可發揚中華傳統文化,還能延年益壽。活動當天在場的波士頓著名書法家吳紹營已年逾90,有如實證。
經文處處長徐佑典謙稱自己書法不行。左為中華書法會會長黃周麗桃。
(周菊子攝)
             網路上的一個健康網也稱,從漢朝以迄,無論古今,書法家的壽命平均都有8088歲。例如唐代的柳公權87歲,青末到民國齊白石90以上。
             當天的講座由中華書法會會長黃周麗桃主持,先請嘉賓們致詞。另一名會長林卓培擺出以毛筆寫就的般若波羅蜜多心經
             駐波士頓經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典謙稱自己舉起毛筆,就覺得吃立,很佩服那些能夠人字合一,揮灑自如寫毛筆字的人。
紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊期盼中華文化可藉書法傳揚。(周菊子攝)
            紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊開玩笑說,當年的毛筆字功課,都是女朋友代勞,看到活動主題為正體字,覺得感動,因為正即正宗,簡體字把中文簡化到讓人不知所云,實在令人唏噓,希望中華書法會能多辦這類活動,發揚中華文化傳統。
            波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉也強調,傳統中文應稱為正體字,只為和簡體字區別,就說繁體字,那是誤導。他也藉機感謝吳紹營等中華書法會成員的一向支持僑教中心。
             劉裕鵬指出,書法已被醫學界認定為養生的首要方法,揮寫不同字體,有不同作用。他還發給出席者每人一份圖文並茂的說明,簡述草棣楷行等四種字體,以及繪畫的劃出梅蘭竹菊松,各有什麼養生功效。
               例如楷書是工整字體,可調節人的心理狀態,舒緩焦慮,緊張,有冠心病,高血壓的人不妨多寫楷書。
波士頓僑教中心主任強調傳統中文是正體字。(周菊子攝)
               棣書筆畫沉重穩健,能穩定人的情緒,讓人氣血平和,也對高血壓,冠心病患者有好處,甚至能改善人的頭痛,失眠症狀。
               行書強調的是輕鬆自如,可帶動人的靈活性與應變能力,抒發心情          對患抑鬱症,有強烈自卑感,手腳麻痺,患腦血栓的人都有幫助。
            草書比起行書,是更放縱的字體,有風起雲捲,大起大落的氣勢,適合感到精神壓抑的人,藉以抒發。
書法家劉裕鵬表示書畫同源,都有養生功效。(周菊子攝)
             畫梅,因梅屬木,五臟屬肝,可煥發生機,調理內臟機能。畫蘭,則蘭屬火,五臟屬新,可令人心曠神怡,精神振奮。畫竹,竹屬木,五臟中屬肝,可排胸中怒氣,養肝護臟。畫菊,則菊屬金,可助年高之人滋潤肺腑。畫松,則松屬土,臟屬脾,腑屬胃,可助人得到海納百川的胸襟。

             演講結束後,黃氏婦女部的養生太極學員們還協助分派糕點,讓出席者,又聽講座,又享美點,心情暢快。(圖片已於29日發表)




書法家吳紹營已高齡90,仍活躍社區。(周菊子攝)




中華書法會會長黃周麗桃說明劉裕鵬是她的書法老師。(周菊子攝)


會末大合影。(周菊子攝)

會場展示林卓培的書法作品。(周菊子攝)

會場展示林卓培的書法作品。(周菊子攝)

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT STEPS TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICE WORN BODY CAMERAS, SHARES FINAL REPORT

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES NEXT STEPS TOWARDS IMPLEMENTATION OF POLICE WORN BODY CAMERAS, SHARES FINAL REPORT
BOSTON - Thursday, August 2, 2018 - Building on his commitment to prioritizing public safety and continuing to build strong police-community relations, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, together with the Boston Police Department and in partnership with Dr. Anthony Braga and Dr. Jack McDevitt of Northeastern University, has released the final report on Boston's body-worn cameras pilot program. The overall findings of the report indicate the small, but meaningful benefits that the placement of body cameras have on encounters between residents and police officers. As a next step, the City of Boston plans to expand the body-worn camera program through a phased-in approach and the City is engaging in conversations with the police unions.

"Boston is a model city in our nation for having strong police-community relations, and our goal is to continue building trust and positive relationships between law enforcement officers and community members," said Mayor Walsh. "This study shows the potential value that body cameras can have as part of our overall strategy for strengthening ties between law enforcement and the residents they serve. I am proud that we will be moving forward on this, and look forward to seeing how this program will further support the transformative progress we have made in community policing."

"I'm proud of our officers for taking this pilot seriously and for continuing the hard work they do every day," said Police Commissioner William B. Evans. "The results from this study show there is positive impact in the use of the body cameras. While the numbers in Boston are low, there is always room for improvement. If using technology like body cameras can help further improve the way we police, I'm happy to see the City's commitment to full implementation."

"The Body Worn Camera Pilot process and study have been very important in understanding firsthand what members of the community believe will help the city move forward and how technology can play a role," said Boston Police Superintendent in Chief William Gross. "I look forward to the opportunity to lead our officers in adding this program to our community policing strategy and strengthening relationships across this city."

The findings indicate that body cameras generate small but meaningful benefits to police-citizen encounters, specifically in terms of officers receiving fewer complaints (approximately one fewer complaint per month), and fewer use of force reports (slightly less than one use of force report per month).

Importantly, in the years prior to the pilot program, citizen complaints and use of force reports have been decreasing. From 2013 to 2017, the number of complaints against officers decreased 46 percent, from 350 complaints in 2013 to 189 complaints in 2017. Additionally, use of force reports generated by BPD officers between 2013 and 2017 decreased by 52.3 percent, from 107 reports in 2014 to 51 use of force reports in 2017.

These declining numbers can be attributed to robust training in unconscious bias and de-escalation. BPD recruit classes have been participating in fair and impartial training since 2016 and an Effective Communication training since 2017. In 2016, the BPD Academy also provided in-service training on Police Response to Mental, De-Escalation, and Use of Force Review, as well as a department-wide E-learning course on Bias Free Policing.

"The findings of the randomized controlled trial suggest that the placement of body worn cameras on Boston Police officers generate small but meaningful benefits to the civility of police-citizen civilian encounters," said Dr. Anthony Braga, Northeastern University researcher. "The study finds that officers wearing cameras received fewer citizen complaints and generated fewer use of force reports relative to officers who did not wear cameras. The presence of the cameras seem to de-escalate the potential for confrontations between police and citizens."

In addition to quantitative data, the report also offers a descriptive analysis that includes perceptions of the body camera program from the perspective of officers, advocacy groups and members of the public. This analysis offered insight on the many different components involved in a body camera program, including overall attitude towards cameras, quality of police community interaction, improve investigations of police misconduct, privacy, training, review of video, quality of audio and video, use of video in officer training, dealing with individuals in crisis and use of video in court. As a result of the findings, the report suggests that:
  • A process should be developed to make the public aware of any implementation process;
  • A review process should be established to assure that videos exist in all appropriate cases, and that documentation exists in cases where a video was not recorded;
  • A formal process should be developed for transferal of videos from police to prosecutors, and from prosecutors to defense attorneys.
"I'm grateful to BPD and Northeastern for thoroughly reviewing the pilot program, and to the Mayor for committing money to implement a permanent body camera program, a technology that not only serves our officers but also the community, and has real potential to build more trust between the two," said City Council President Andrea Campbell.

Based on preliminary analysis of the pilot program, Mayor Walsh proactively included a $2 million investment in this year's budget for the adoption of police-worn body cameras, covering start-up costs and the purchase of up to 400 cameras. This builds off the initial $500,000 set aside in FY18 for the body camera pilot program. Program costs for the first three years are estimated at $8.5 million, with annual recurring costs after FY21 estimated at $3.3 million, however final costs will be dependent on several factors and are subject to change.

Building on the BPD's commitment to transparency and strengthening the relationship and level of trust between officers and community members, 100 officers participated in a year-long body-worn camera pilot program that concluded this past September. As part of the one-year pilot program, BPD officers outfitted with body cameras generated roughly 38,200 videos that covered more than 4,600 hours of police work in Boston neighborhoods.

Mayor Walsh, Commissioner Evans and members of the Boston Police Department have shown a way forward in police-community relations with part one crime falling by 18%, and arrests being down 23%. In addition to appointing the most diverse police leadership in Boston's history, Mayor Walsh has committed to building a diverse talent pipeline for Boston Police by reinstituting the cadet program to train and recruit candidates from all backgrounds for the police academy.

As a way to further strengthen police-community relations, in June 2017, Mayor Walsh announced reforms to the Community Ombudsman Oversight Panel (CO-OP Board) and Complaint Mediation Program to provide a neutral location for the public to file complaints (Civic Engagement Cabinet). These reforms have led to an increase in the number of cases reviewed (from 10 percent to 20 percent) and automatically refer cases for immediate review that involve allegations of discrimination or use of force resulting in serious bodily injury.

星期三, 8月 01, 2018

WINCHESTER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY PAYS $121,000 FOR FAILING TO PROPERLY PAY WORKERS ON MEDFORD PUBLIC PROJECT

WINCHESTER CONSTRUCTION COMPANY PAYS $121,000 FOR FAILING TO PROPERLY PAY WORKERS ON MEDFORD PUBLIC PROJECT
Company and its Owners Barred from Public Construction for 10 Years

BOSTON – A Winchester construction company has paid more than $121,000 in wages and penalties for violating the Massachusetts prevailing and minimum wage laws by failing to properly pay workers on a Medford public works project, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.
            “This company and its owners gained an unfair advantage by cheating their workers out of the wages they earned,” said AG Healey. “With this settlement, we are sending a message that there are serious consequences to breaking our laws.”
When our state invests in public works projects, we expect the companies working on them to pay their employees fairly,” said AG Healey. “We will take action against companies that violate the law and cheat workers out of wages they are owed.”
J. Donlon and Sons Inc., owner Joseph M. Donlon Sr., and his two sons, Joseph M. Donlon Jr. and Sean Donlon, were cited for intentionally failing to pay prevailing wage, failing to submit true and accurate certified payroll records, failing to pay the state minimum wage and failing to maintain true and accurate general payroll records from January 2012 through December 2016. As part of the settlement, the company and all three corporate officers are prohibited from bidding or working on any public works construction project in Massachusetts for 10 years.
The AG’s Fair Labor Division began investigating J. Donlon and Sons after a former employee submitted a complaint alleging he was not paid the proper prevailing wage rate for work performed on a City of Medford utility trench patching public works project. The AG’s Office determined that employees on the project were paid far less than the established prevailing wage rate. During one three-year period, for example, employees were paid an hourly rate of between $8 and $20 when they should have been paid between $51.35 and $54.10 per hour.
The company also submitted certified payroll records to the City of Medford during certain years that listed only members of the Donlon family as having worked on the project and omitted other employees. The investigation found that general payroll records were also inaccurate, and two employees were paid less than the applicable minimum wage. 
J. Donlon and Sons Inc., which was awarded the City of Medford utility trench patching contract for 12 consecutive years from 2004 to 2016, has previously been cited for violating the state’s prevailing wage laws while working on this project. In 2006, the company and Joseph M. Donlon Sr. were issued two intentional citations for failing to pay the prevailing wage and failing to submit true and accurate certified payroll records
The AG’s Office has prioritized wage theft in the construction industry. In fiscal year 2018, the AG’s Fair Labor Division issued 97 citations against 45 employers in the construction industry for a total of nearly $1.1 million in assessed restitution and penalties impacting more than 331 workers.

Under the Massachusetts Prevailing Wage Law, contractors and subcontractors engaged in public construction projects must pay their employees a special minimum wage. The required wage rate is based on the occupational classification for the type of work the employees perform.

AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division is responsible for enforcing state laws regulating the payment of wages, including prevailing wage, minimum wage, earned sick time and overtime laws.
Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace are encouraged to file a complaint at www.mass.gov/ago/wagetheftFor information about the state’s wage and hour laws, workers may call the Office’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465 or go to the Attorney General’s new Workplace Rights website www.mass.gov/ago/fairlabor for materials in multiple languages.
This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Barbara Dillon DeSouza and Inspector Brian Davies, both of AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division.

紐英崙中華公所將甄聘行政主任 研議成立常務董事會

紐英崙中華公所五名職員主持會議,右起雷國輝,朱蘇珊,陳家驊,
陳文浩,周樹昂。(周菊子攝)
             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華公所目前坐擁資產2600多萬元,一旦三大土地發展案順利推動,勢必更富。公所主席陳家驊在731日的本年度第四次董事大會中,動議聘行政主任,討論組成15人常務董事會,以期未來專業管理,確保長期造福社區。
紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊說明喜露街50號未來發展計劃。(周菊子攝)
                 紐英崙中華公所財政陳文浩在董事大會中提交的財務報告顯示,在中華公所的現有資產中,流動資產約350萬元,不動產包括價值約143萬元的樓宇,以及約值1,034餘萬元的土地,價值大約1700萬元。一旦中華公所順利推動喜露街50號,大同村南停車場,泰勒街78號等在籌備,研議中的土地發展案,蓋出數百戶住宅單位,中華公所擁有的資產額度將更驚人。     
             陳家驊在主席報告時指出,無論是經辦土地發展案,或管理未來的龐大物業,以中華公所現有義務職,兼職員工的人力,物力,恐怕都無法勝任。要有效率的妥善經營,最好能聘請具專業能力的專職人員,估計支出為年薪十萬元,另加約等值30%的各項福利。這筆費用應可來自土地發展案的發展費。
紐英崙中華公所中文書記雷國輝(右),英文書記朱蘇珊(左)。(周菊子攝)
            此案在會議上由黃國威提案,余麗媖、蔣宗壬附議,將交由中華公所財務小組,物業小組成立聯合委員會,承辦草擬職稱,職務說明,招聘,面試等事宜,再於九月份第五次董事大會中提出推薦人選,交由董事大會做最後決定。
               紐英崙中華公所是個非牟利機構,共有5名職員,41名董事。目前每二個月召開一次全員出席的董事大會,一年至少開會六次。
紐英崙中華公所財政陳文浩。(周菊子攝)
                物業小組召集人,也是中華公所英文書記朱蘇珊在匯報喜露街50號發展案時說明,中華公所與戴維斯公司,波士頓華人佈道會合作申請的”指定計畫區域(PDA)”,已初步獲得波士頓鄰里發展局支持,預定九月份由區域劃分(zoning)委員會審批,再交給市長簽署定案。屆時中華公所可蓋高150呎,分14層樓的最多313個單位,若包括戴維斯公司放進中華公所發展案中的額度,中華公所建造的喜露街50號大樓,估計有39%能夠劃歸可負擔住宅。
喜露街50號和戴維斯公司,波士頓華人佈道會的發展計劃預定地
彼此相連。(周菊子攝)
中華公所主席陳家驊指出,由於大同村南停車場發展案已有亞美社區發展協會(ACDC),榮氏公司(Winn),畢肯(Beacon)等三家公司競標,籌備工作等於已經開展,中華公所又有機會在波士頓市政府支持下,取得泰勒街78號的發展權,這些發展案湊在一起,不但工作量驚人,會讓中華公所需要聘請專人承辦,還會有許多事務需要中華公所董事會更有效率的討論,做決定。以中華公所有董事46名,二個月才開一次會的現實,恐怕無法因應。
選舉小組召集人,也是中華公所中文書記雷國輝在會上報告,該小組在六月廿六日,七月三日都開過會,提出是否成立一個15人的常務董事會,其中5席為中華公所職員,另外10席,敦請出席中華公所代表人數多於一人的安良工商會,至孝篤親公所,黃氏宗親會,李氏公所,余風采棠等僑團,各指派一名代表進入常務董事會,其餘5個席位由董事大會從其他僑團中推選。這常務董事會將每月開會,必要時再開特別會議。非常務董事會的董事們,就改為半年或一季開一次會。
三機構預定發展地點的示意圖。(周菊子攝)
選舉小組還將討論修改章程,討論以後公所職員是否有權投票,職員席位是否可以連選連任,有無限制,執行辦法,中英文章程內是否應完全一致等議題。
中華公所還在這次的董事大會中通過了改聘朱汝聰(Adam Chu)為中華公所律師,修改羅燕玲的顧問合約內容,鑒於她的已為中華公所爭取到兩筆補助款,把付給她的顧問費,從12,000元提高為20,000元。中華公所也授權物業小組支出最多五萬元,翻修地板,修理或製作新黑板,油漆二,三樓數間教室的牆壁等。
紐英崙中華公所董事們開會。(周菊子攝)
中華公所預定821(週二)7點,召開特別會議,討論喜露街50號,以及大同村南停車場發展計劃。中華公所將於812日上午10點至下午5點,在華埠舉辦中秋節聯歡會。華埠社區議會將於87日下午3點,在大同舉辦 公園舉辦警民聯歡會(National Night Out)”。波士頓市長預定出席。
甄氏宗親會派馮甄若素做出席代表。(周菊子攝)
紐英崙中華公所董事大會現場。(周菊子攝)

波士頓華商會鼓勵耆英關注政治 陳毓禮憶舊事道感謝

前排左起,韓佑文,陳建立,余麗媖,陳家驊,Emily K. Shea,陳黃美蘭,單鳳琴,陳毓禮,林汝蘭,陳文棟,陳文珊,後排左起,卡普阿諾(Mike Capuano), Greg Henning,愛德華費林(Ed Flynn),麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz),徐丹晨,麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)。(周菊子攝)

近600耆英濟濟一堂。(周菊子攝)
右起,波士頓華商會會長陳文棟,麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker),
陳文珊,陳文浩,聯邦眾議員卡普阿諾(Mike Capuano),余麗媖,
陳毓禮。(周菊子攝)
             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓華商會731日在帝苑大酒樓舉辦敬老感恩茶會,邀來麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker),聯邦眾議員卡普阿諾(Mike Capuano)等不下七名政客,和將近600名耆英晤面,還在會上協助耆英登記成為選民,期許加強華埠影響力。
麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)(右一),陳文珊(前中)和青少年
義工們合影。(周菊子攝)
麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)展示四年前他拿到的幸運小紅包。
(周菊子攝)
               波士頓華商會會長陳文棟表示,辦這敬老感恩茶會,源於人稱法蘭克叔叔的陳毓禮,想要辦個飲早茶活動,感謝耆英們過去這麼多年來的支持。波士頓華商會接手承辦,則是希望藉此機會,讓耆英們了解波士頓華商會取之於社會,用之於社會,與居民攜手,繁榮華埠的宗旨與心願。他很感謝華商會會員和一群青年義工們分工合作,讓耆英們歡度一午。
               在茶會中,陳毓禮以台山話致詞,指出50年前,麻州政客沒人踏進波士頓華埠,50年後,想要順利當選的政客,卻幾乎沒人敢忽視華埠力量,這都要歸功於耆英們的支持與助力。
               陳毓禮還記得,1970年代,中華民國政府送給波士頓華埠蓋牌樓的建築材料,但華埠社團自己沒有足夠的錢,只好把材料暫存在倉庫裏。華埠人士拜見當年的波士頓市長懷特,希望政府支持,沒想到懷特第一句話問的是,華埠有多少張選票。
               陳毓禮,陳毓璇兩兄弟和波士頓耆英就結下了不解之緣,華埠居民的選票也從屈指可數,增加到300多張,然後增加到近年的大約1000多張(不包括南端(South End)。
               陳毓禮表示,波士頓華商會成立也有幾十年了,是華埠社區的重要組織,和華埠的經濟是否繁榮,有著不可分割關係,支持了許多服務機構的生存。他希望耆英們能積極參與政治,出席投票,也能夠支持華商會,支持中華公所,攜手促使波士頓華埠成為更美好社區。
陳毓禮(左)和聯邦眾議員卡普阿諾(Mike Capuano)。(周菊子攝)
               麻州州長查理貝克在陳建立做即席翻譯中,從西裝口袋中掏出一個小紅包,告訴在場耆英們,四年前在波士頓華埠中秋節聯歡會活動上,有人給了他這小紅包,告訴他,會給他帶來幸運。當選以後,他心懷感念,每天都把這小紅包帶在身邊。今年他競選連任,希望可以繼續得到幸運之神眷顧。
競選薩福克郡地方檢察官的Greg Henning(左)和波士頓市議員
愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)。(周菊子攝)
               查理貝克還說,他有三點要和耆英們分享,一是他要感謝耆英們對社區,社會的貢獻,二是他希望大家知道,樂齡會(America Association of Retired Persons,簡稱AARP)在全美國只挑選了兩個對年齡友善的州,在紐約州之外,就是麻州。他將和州、市議員合作,在麻州內建造更多對年齡友善的耆英住宅,以及可負擔住宅,要讓大家有更多機會在波士頓市自己的社區之內,居住,工作,玩耍。他期待在即將到來的華埠中秋節聯歡會上和大家再見面。
               聯邦眾議員卡普阿諾原本市尚莫維爾市市長,1999年迄今,擔任聯邦眾議員,今年也要競選連任。他在茶會中並未多說,但用中文唱了一首兩隻老虎跑得快的兒歌,博得台下一片掌聲。
               這天出席敬老感恩茶會的政要,還有麻州眾議員麥家威(Arron Michlewitz),波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn),波士頓市老人局局長Emily K. Shea,波士頓市政府亞裔聯絡員徐丹晨,競選薩福克郡地方檢察官的Greg Henning等人。
麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)。(周菊子攝)
           愛作詩的陳建立,為這茶會做了一首詩,華埠商會願創新,敬老茶會共感恩,州長官員來多謝,選舉投票為社群,白眼看人歷史真,牌樓興建智勇仁,三千六百多條票,有數可計勝金銀。(更新版)
右起,波士頓市亞裔聯絡員徐丹晨,波士頓市老人局局長Emily K. Shea,
紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊。(周菊子攝)