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星期六, 8月 04, 2018

波士頓安良籌款助馮偉傑競選羅德島州長

左起,欖城安良工商會會長黃超炎,陳任卓,羅德島僑領葉超,波士頓僑領陳毓璇,羅德島州長候選人馮偉傑,全美安良總理陳仕維,波士頓僑領陳毓哩,羅德島僑領吳子平難得相聚。(周菊子攝)

                        (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)羅德島州克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉傑(Allan Fung)今年捲土重來,再度參選羅德島州長,民調支持率33%,已和在位州長打平,氣勢旺盛。波士頓安良工商會日前也特地聚會,籌款,為他助陣。
全美安良總理陳仕維(左)介紹羅德島州長候選人馮偉傑。(周菊子攝)
今年這2018年頗特別,破紀錄的同時有兩名華裔在美國州長選戰中角逐,還正好分處東西兩岸,猶如遙相呼應。西岸是2016年就已宣布參選的加州財政長江俊輝(John Chiang),東岸是2014年以些微之差飲恨,今年捲土重來的羅德島州克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉傑(Allan Fung)
美國建國242年,有50個州,迄今卻還只有一名華人,駱家輝(1997-2005)在華盛頓州當過州長。江俊輝和馮偉傑的參選,讓華人社區很期待。
年逾九十的二戰老兵,也來波士頓參加活動,支持馮偉傑。(周菊子攝)
不過,加州初選辦得早65日已有結果。5個黨派27人參選,江俊輝的競爭對手還包括已在位兩任的加州副州長,初選得票33.8%Gavin Newsom,這廝殺實在太激烈,江俊輝最終只拿到9%的選票,沒能擠進11月大選。
美國出現第二位華裔州長的希望,現在又只繫在馮偉傑一人身上了。
2014那年,馮偉傑有全美知名政客,當年的新澤西州長Chris Christie,以及曾經參選美國總統的前任麻州州長朗尼Mitt Romney出面支持,甚至開票途中,都有許多人一度以為他要當選了,最後卻以些微之差飲恨。
波士頓安良工商會大樓頂部涼亭,彰顯中國風味。(周菊子攝)
             今年,馮偉傑再度參選,有個全新競選班底。雖然羅德島州的黨派初選,訂在912日,他還沒正式成為代表共和黨的羅德島州長候選人。但由於3名共和黨參選者中,他的民調支持率為45%,遠高於另外兩人,支持率24%Patricia Morgan,以及支持率10%Joseph Trillo,羅德島媒體及一般民眾普遍認為,116日的羅德島州長大選,將是在位州長雷萌朵(Gina Raimondo)和馮偉傑再度交手之戰。
羅德島州長候選人馮偉傑(右)請陳毓禮(左)支持。(周菊子攝)
             GoLocal和哈佛大學甘乃迪政府學院的民意調查主任(Director of Polling)John Della Volpe合作,六月初公佈了羅德島州長民意調查結果,501名已登記選民面對如果州長選舉今天舉行,你會投票給誰?”這問題時,選擇馮偉傑和選擇雷萌朵的選民,竟然一樣多,都是33%。另外一名獨立參選人士,2016年川普競選總統時的地方樁腳Joe Trillo,民意支持率為16%,其餘的18%還沒決定。對羅德島經濟感到樂觀和悲觀的人,相差不大,依序為52%48%
             GoLocal在分析民意調查時指出,2014年時,雷萌朵得票率40.7%,馮偉傑得票率36.2%。溫和黨的Bob Healey得票率將近22%。大部分專家都相信,如果沒有這第三黨出現,那22%的選票都會投給馮偉傑。
欖城安良工商會會長陳任卓(右起)為馮偉傑安排到波士頓,爭取
陳毓禮等人支持。(周菊子攝)
             不少羅德島州居民說,且不論現任州長雷萌朵的執政成績如何,她的為人驕傲,被財團圍繞,已惹得許多人不高興,民調才會一路下滑。
            在美國的亞裔,近年因為大學評核入學有歧視亞裔嫌疑,多名華裔科學家無辜被控,又有男女同廁,亞裔細分等許多事件,已激發出積極參政的大氛圍。羅德島州華人支持馮偉傑的動作也更見積極。
             羅德島州欖城安良工商會的會長陳任卓、黃超炎和波士頓安良工商會甫從會長升任總理的陳仕維,也在這氛圍中,到波士頓為馮偉傑舉辦一場籌款會,馮偉傑特地全程以台山話致詞,和出席眾人拉近感情。
波士頓安良工商會的黃國健(右起),陳文浩,陳文棟(左一)都到場
協助辦理籌款會。左二為陳余寶愛。(周菊子攝)
                  羅德島資深僑領葉超,吳子平,波士頓資深僑領陳毓璇,陳毓禮兩兄弟,這天都應邀出席,期許年輕有為的馮偉傑,能為華人爭光。(圖片已於7月29日發表)
欖城安良工商會有十幾人到場助陣。(周菊子攝)


波士頓安良工商會準備了豐盛糕點。(周菊子攝)

羅德島至孝篤親公所主席陳毅文(左)和波士頓這兒的至孝篤親元老陳仕維
有宗親之誼。(周菊子攝)





星期五, 8月 03, 2018

羅德島華協夏日野餐會 改期8/11 遷至India Point 公園舉行

本週六華協郊遊因天氣原因取消。
改在下週六(8/11/18)在INDIA POINT PARK (201 India Point St. Providence, RI 02903) 舉行。                    
RIACA Summer Picnic has been canceled due to the severe weather.        
It is rescheduled on 8/11/18 (Next Saturday) at INDIA POINT PARK (201 India Point St. Providence, RI 02903)


新英格蘭台灣商會 8/3, 5教台語


                        (Boston Orange)新英格蘭台灣商會與大波士頓台大校友會,紐英崙昭倫公所合作,將於83日晚,以及85日白天一整天,在波士頓僑教中心舉辦吃喝玩樂學台語活動,邀俄羅斯科學院文學研究所博士何信翰執教。
新英格蘭台灣商會會長歐陽露表示,這場台語研習會是為所有熱愛台噢,有志從是華語文、台語(閩南語)教學者所策劃的活動,安排有30個免費名額,並特地邀來現在中山醫學大學台灣語文學系教學,獲有俄羅斯科學院文學研究所博士學位的何信翰主講。
課程安排為83日晚上69點,講談三個主題,從地名看臺灣歷史台語俚語俗語意義台語文的語法特色 及 相關資源應用85日則為從早上9點半至下午4點的一整天課程,內容包括台語文創, 觀光在台灣嘴講父母話,電腦寫臺語文 (台語輸入法及線上資源)”台語歌謠與遊戲中學台語,並特邀嘉賓到現場演唱台語歌謠,最後做綜合討論,舉行結業式。
查詢相關詳情,可洽台商會長歐陽露,或僑教中心陳美樺,電話617-965-8801,電郵ocacbostonedu@gmail.com。報名可上網 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/47541522975
上課地點在波士頓華僑文教服務中心,90 Lincoln St., Newton MA 02461

天氣太熱 波士頓市長提醒居民注意安全

MAYOR WALSH ENCOURAGES RESIDENTS TO STAY SAFE DURING HOT WEATHER; OPENS BCYF POOLS TO ALL RESIDENTS STARTING AT NOON
BOSTON - Friday, August 3, 2018 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh is reminding residents to take precautions during the very hot and humid weather that is forecasted for today, with the highest temperatures expected in the afternoon and early evening. To help residents stay cool this afternoon, Mayor Walsh has declared that, starting at noon today until close, residents can swim at one of the City's pools operated by Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) free of charge.

The City of Boston's two outdoor pools, BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown and BCYF Mirabella Pool in the North End and the City's "Family Friendly Beach" at BCYF Curley Community Center in South Boston are open seven days a week through Labor Day. BCYF also operates 16 indoor pools. Please check with your local BCYF center for all hours of operation.  A full list of centers including hours of operation is available here.

The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips for all members of the public:
  • Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats.
  • Older adults young children and those with chronic medical conditions, especially respiratory conditions, are more susceptible to the effects of heat.
  • Check in on the elderly and family or neighbors who may be at risk of heat exhaustion or heatstroke as temperatures climb.
  • Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of times.
  • If you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint, stop all activity and immediately find shade or a cool area to rest. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately.
  • Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's UV radiation is strongest.
  • Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
  • Homeless individuals can become dehydrated rapidly due to a lack of access to water or shelter from the heat. If you observe someone who appears to be in distress, call 911 immediately.
  • If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. Information about low-cost window guards for Boston residents can be found here.
  • Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications.

Playground Safety:  

Children should always wear shoes on playgrounds because surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even splash pads and spray decks.

Outdoor Fires and Grilling:

No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas and bonfires.

Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave unattended. When done, dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out.

Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home.

Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

Mosquitoes and Ticks:

If you are in a grassy or wooded area, apply a DEET containing repellent that will protect against mosquitoes AND ticks. Always check yourself, children and pets for ticks after returning indoors and remove attached ticks immediately using tweezers. Mosquito bites can spread West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), while attached ticks can spread Lyme disease.

Wear long sleeve shirts, long pants and socks to prevent mosquito bites. Limit your time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and apply an approved mosquito repellent.

To prevent mosquitoes from breeding, residents should limit places around the home where standing water can collect.  People should turn over unused flower pots, buckets, wheelbarrows, and garbage cans; remove leaves and other debris that can clog gutters and trap water; dispose of or cover old tires; and cover swimming pools when not in use.

Additional information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on Twitter.

ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION COMPANY PAYS $160,000 IN RESTITUTION AND PENALTIES FOR WAGE VIOLATIONS

ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTRUCTION COMPANY PAYS $160,000 IN RESTITUTION AND PENALTIES FOR WAGE VIOLATIONS
160 Massachusetts Instructors to Receive Nearly $80,000 in Restitution
BOSTON – EF Language Schools, Interstudy, Inc. (EF), an online English language instruction company based in Cambridge, paid $160,000 in restitution and penalties for Wage Act violations against its employees, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

The AG’s Office issued three citations against the company for non-payment of wages, failure to make timely payment of wages, and misclassification of employees as independent contractors.
  
The AG’s Fair Labor Division began an investigation after receiving complaints from instructors employed by EF to teach online English courses. The investigation revealed that between March 2014 and May 2017, the company did not pay instructors for trainings or orientations and unlawfully deducted wages as a penalty for tardiness and other infractions.

According to the AG’s investigation, the company misclassified instructors as independent contractors in 2015 and 2016 and failed to contribute its share of FICA and Medicare taxes for these employees. Further, teachers who sought work with the company were required to sign a consulting services agreement that restricted them from seeking employment with other online English-learning services.
           
In Massachusetts, a worker performing any service for a company is presumed to be an employee and may not be classified as an independent contractor unless the worker is free from the control and direction of the employer; performs a service outside the usual course of business of the employer; and the worker is customarily engaged in an independent trade or business. Employees, unlike independent contractors, have a right to the state minimum wage, overtime wages, and weekly or bi-weekly payments.
           
As a result of the AG’s investigation, the company has made restitution payments to 160 former and current employees, reclassified its Massachusetts-based teachers as employees, and paid a penalty to the Commonwealth. EF also agreed to revised its pay practices to comply with the law.

Workers who believe that their rights have been violated in their workplace are encouraged to file a complaint at www.mass.gov/ago/wagetheft. For 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 Division Chief Cynthia Mark, Assistant Attorney General Karla Zarbo, and Investigator Yolanda Kruczkowski, all of AG Healey’s Fair Labor Division.

台灣搭橋青年訪波士頓 滿載而歸

搭橋計畫青年與接待家庭合影。前排左起,林瑩玉,歐陽姍,蔣宗壬,郭競儒,梅錫銳,鄭增壽夫婦。後排右起,馮文鸞,許昕媛,邱敏琳,謝如鍵,歐宏偉,吳英慈,陸羿成,劉耘,林文婷。(周菊子攝)

搭僑學生送紀念品給波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉(中)。左起,
許新媛,劉耘,吳英慈,林文婷,陸羿成,邱敏琳。(周菊子攝)
              (Boston Orange 周菊子牛頓市報導) 僑委會搭橋計畫挑選的6名大學生,724日起在波士頓參訪一週,跨越2州,拜會不下20個機構後,30日揮別做總結,指新英格蘭人文薈萃,故事好多,homehome媽超讚,僑胞好熱情,僑務工作人員都是超人。
               僑委會為拓展台灣青年國際視野,加強海外僑胞與台灣互動的這搭僑計畫,2017年開辦,效果很好,今年擴辦,挑選了將近200名大專院校在學青年,在7月到8月間,分送到美國、加拿大、日本、菲律賓、泰國、馬來西亞、印尼、英國、德國、法國、紐西蘭及澳大利亞等國家的25個城市見習。
同為台大學生的陸羿成(左),吳英慈(右)代表作報告。(周菊子攝)
來到波士頓的6人是台灣大學的陸羿成,吳英慈,成功大學許昕媛,雲林科技大學林文婷,嘉義大學邱敏琳,台灣科技大學劉耘。
波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉依照僑委會構想,為搭僑計畫青年安排了郭競儒,馮文鑾,林瑩玉,謝如鍵,鄭增壽等絕佳的住宿接待家庭,以及參訪僑團,參加僑社活動行程。6名搭橋青年730日中午在僑教中心做總結報告時,滿心歡喜,讚不絕口。
歐陽姍(中)應邀做嘉賓,和搭橋青年分享自己學台語經驗。(周菊子攝)
6名搭僑計畫青年23日抵達波士頓,24日開始就馬不停蹄,先到僑教中心聽簡介,再到牛頓市府參訪,見市長,參觀市議會,市圖書館。
25日有經文處處長徐佑典陪同,他們到羅德島州,參觀州政府,黑石谷旅遊局,布朗大學,羅德島華人協會,欖城安良工商會,還透過當地僑領葉超,吳子平安排,晤見了台灣旅美棒球手,已加入紅襪隊的林子偉,還看了一場球賽。
郭競儒(中)接待兩名搭僑學生,林文婷(左),陸羿成(右)。(周菊子攝)
26日,他們拜會波士頓市議會,晤見議長Andrea Campbell、市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn),以及父母都來自台灣的市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu),暢談波士頓市政、華裔第二代參政,以及美國民主發展等話題。當天下午再拜會駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處,了解外交人員在海外的工作。
27日,他們一行人參觀佛光山三佛中心,會晤覺謙法師,再轉往參觀哈佛大學懷德納圖書館,聽泰坦尼克號郵輪故事。下午轉往參觀Terason科技公司的超音波醫療器材公司,因為公司總裁史美芳是波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬之妻,搭橋青年們得到總裁親自講解的優待。
吳英慈(左)要求home媽馮文鸞擺姿勢拍照留念。(周菊子攝)
               28日,搭橋青年們由歐宏偉主任,以及home 爸,home媽陪同,參加了在紐英崙中華公所舉辦的慶祝雙十籌備會,波士頓中華書法會正體漢字文化節等活動。下午,轉往參觀古色古香的麻州州政府大樓,走了一段波士頓歷史古蹟的自由小徑。
               29日,搭橋青年們早上在僑教中心參加紐英崙中華專業人員協會的座談,下午參訪波士頓慈濟聯絡處。
30日,他們早上在波士頓僑教中心簡報過去一週心得,下午才偷空逛一下這兒的購物商場。
Home爸鄭增壽讚搭橋青年許新媛乖巧。(周菊子攝)
在總結報告會中,這6名搭橋青年分述感想,不但開心闡述見聞,還大讚歐宏偉語言能力強,開車技術好,僑務促進委員謝如鍵請一星期假的來全程陪同接待,郭競儒每天準備豐盛早餐,連水果都有五種,鄭增壽才剛做完手術出院,還承擔接待重任,馮文鸞,林瑩玉分享見聞,經文處長徐佑典,兩名僑務委員蔣宗壬,梅錫銳,中華公所主席陳家驊,波克萊台灣商會顧問游勝雄等人輪流請他們吃大餐,凡此種種都讓他們感到溫馨無比,收穫滿滿。(圖片已於7月31日發表)

邱敏琳(左)稱讚home爸是暖男,開車技術超棒。(周菊子攝)


劉耘(左)感謝home媽林瑩玉照顧週到。(周菊子攝)







僑教中心主任歐宏偉(右)知道歐陽姍(左二)是搭橋青年林文婷(左),
劉耘(右二)的偶像後,特地請她到總結報告會場做嘉賓。(周菊子攝)
搭橋青年做總結報告。(周菊子攝)
搭橋青年做總結報告。(周菊子攝)

星期四, 8月 02, 2018

AARP和中華公所、耆英會8/7 請看電影" Super Rich Asians"


                 (Boston Orange)麻州樂齡會(AARP)和紐英崙中華公所,中華耆英會合作,將於87(週二)6點半,請社區大眾到AMC 波士頓廣場電影院,免費看電影”超富亞裔(Super Rich Asians)”。
             有意出席欣賞者,需先上網登記,還可為一名同伴註冊。由於座位有限,主辦單位強調先到先得。
             電影將在AMC Boston Common 19放映,地址為175 Tremont St., Boston, Massachusetts 02111
             麻州樂齡會在這活動的網頁上說明,超富亞裔的故事是關於一名紐約客朱蕾邱陪已交往很久的男朋友楊尼克到新加坡,參加男朋友最好朋友的婚禮。她一方面為即將第一次去亞洲,感到很興奮,同時也未將和楊尼克的家人碰面而緊張。她在一點心理準備都沒的情況下知道,男友一直忽略不提,他不僅是新加坡最富裕家庭之一的繼承人,還是最多人追求的王老五。挽在尼克的手臂上,讓她成為社交名媛的妒忌對象,也成為不贊成尼克和她交往的尼克母親的對付目標。然後,很快就清楚了,錢買不到愛,卻絕對可以讓事情複雜。
             以下資訊陳建立提供:
AARP Massachusetts' Free Screening of CRAZY RICH ASIANS - Boston

This film is brought to you with support from the Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center and Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of New England.

Tuesday, August 7, 2018 -  6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
at AMC Boston Common 19
175 Tremont St.
Boston, Massachusetts 02111

The registration link for “Crazy Rich Asians” is live!  Here is the link: https://aarp.cvent.com/CRA_Boston

It is open to non-AARP members. Please register online directly.  Seats are limited and registration could be closed very soon.

You might recall I share the below news/pictures with you before including the award to AARP Massachusetts State Director Michael Festa.  Mike took the initiative to work more closely with organizations in the Chinese/Asian American communities in the Greater Boston area.

Peter

台灣六龜山地育幼院兒童合唱團 8/11 羅德島華人教會演唱