Department of Public Utilities Issues Order Focusing on Safety, Announcing Energy Rates

Department of Public Utilities Issues Order Focusing on Safety,

Announcing Energy Rates

After Public Process, Department Reduces Rates Initially Requested

BOSTON – September 28, 2018 – The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) today issued a final Order that will enhance pipeline safety, require accountability, upgrade information system platforms, and improve customer service while reducing the total rate increase request of Boston Gas Company and Colonial Gas Company, together doing business as National Grid by over $97 million annually. The action by the DPU follows a ten month investigation that included seven public hearings across National Grid’s service territory, twelve days of evidentiary hearings, and a review of more than a thousand exhibits. National Grid provides gas service to approximately 908,000 customers in 116 cities and towns in the Commonwealth.

In issuing the Order, DPU reduced Boston Gas’ revenue request by approximately $78 million – decreasing Boston Gas’ requested increase of $178 million by 43%. Under the company’s proposal, a typical Boston Gas residential heating customer would have experienced an annual bill increase of $178.81, or 16%.  After the Department’s Order, a typical residential heating customer will experience an annual bill increase of $88.22, or 8%. The Order reduces Colonial Gas’ base revenue request by $19 million — decreasing Colonial Gas’ requested increase of $36.6 million by approximately 52%.  Similarly, under the company’s proposal, a typical Colonial Gas residential heating customer would have experienced an annual bill increase of $123.15, or 13%.  After the Department’s Order, a typical residential heating customer will experience an annual bill increase of $38.31, or 4%. 

As part of these revenue reductions, the Order found that both Boston Gas and Colonial Gas, under National Grid’s management, had shown persistent disregard for federal and state pipeline safety regulations to the detriment of the Companies’ ratepayers, and, as a result, the DPU reduced National Grid’s proposed 10.5% return on equity to 9.5%.  This change decreased the rates that National Grid had requested by approximately $15 million annually. Today’s decision marks the first time that Boston Gas’ gas base distribution rates have changed since 2010, and the first time that Colonial Gas’ gas base distribution rates have changed since 2010.

“By significantly reducing the rate increases proposed by National Grid, the Order issued by the Department of Public Utilities will enhance safe and reliable natural gas service for ratepayers across the Commonwealth while minimizing financial impacts on customers,” said Department of Public Utilities Chair Angela O’Connor. “Additionally, the Order requires National Grid to pursue important investments in information systems platforms and builds upon the Department’s announcement of their intent to hire an Independent Evaluator to assess, out of an abundance of caution, the safety of pipeline infrastructure throughout the Commonwealth.”

In addition, the Order notes that, out of an abundance of caution, the DPU recentlyannounced their intent to hire an independent evaluator to conduct a statewide examination of the safety of the natural gas distribution system within the Commonwealth. The DPU’s Pipeline Engineering and Safety Division also has multiple ongoing investigations into National Grid’s safety practices.  As part of those investigations there is today a request for information regarding staffing, costs, and the services that National Grid has provided during the company’s current labor lockout compared to the same period in previous years.

The new rates contained within the Order will go into effect November 1, 2018.

Governor Baker and Merrimack Valley Local Officials Announce $1 Million Emergency Loan Fund for Impacted Merrimack Valley Businesses

Governor Baker and Merrimack Valley Local Officials Announce $1 Million Emergency Loan Fund for Impacted Merrimack Valley Businesses

Impacted businesses can apply for no interest and no payment loans for the next six months

LAWRENCE - Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Jay Ash, Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera, North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor and Andover Town Manager Andrew Flanagan to announce a $1,000,000 emergency loan fund for businesses directly impacted by the recent gas explosions in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover.

The fund will offer emergency loans to eligible businesses with no payments and no interest for the first six months. For businesses that extend beyond a six month period, market rates will apply and loans will be able to be extended or restructured for multi-year term loans. The fund will open October 1 and have an expedited application and approval process, with the goal of getting all applications processed within 24 and 48 hours. 

“After spending time with impacted business owners, we came up with this fund as a critical tool to help get folks back on their feet in the wake of the gas explosions,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Local businesses are the bedrock of our economy and are in dire need of solutions to make sure they can stay in business and continue to provide good paying jobs, and we are grateful for the regional lenders that have come together to support this important effort.”

“As we work to provide resources for the impacted businesses in Greater Lawrence, we are grateful to the many lenders who have stepped up to contribute to this emergency loan fund,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to work together to find ways to effectively provide assistance to those impacted by this terrible disaster.”

"Businesses in Lawrence, Andover and North Andover find themselves in a situation they did not create but nonetheless are victims of,” said Lawrence Mayor Daniel Rivera. “With this fund being created, we don't intend to solve all of their problems, but we hope this provides some much needed relief.  I'd like to publicly thank the Governor Baker’s team, MCCI and the 10 banks that have stepped up to help business in the three communities with the creation of this fund.”

“Andover’s downtown and several other business districts are in the affected area. This program will provide our businesses with the resources to make the investments needed to reopen and get their employees back to work,” said Andover Town Manager Andrew P. Flanagan. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our community and critical to our local economy.  I’m pleased that we are in a position to help them reopen.”

"The foundation of the economy of North Andover and the broader Greater Lawrence area is built on the success of our local small businesses,” said North Andover Town Manager Andrew Maylor. “This fund will help ensure that these small businesses will have access to the capital they need to meet their challenges, succeed, and grow."

The fund is the result of the collective effort of Mass Growth Capital Corporation, Lawrence Partnership, the ten lenders involved with the Lawrence Venture Loan Fund and Mill Cities Community Investments (MCCI).

Mass Growth Capital Corporation contributed $500,000 to the fund, with another $500,000 committed by the Lawrence Venture Loan Fund, with equal participation from the following regional lenders:

·       Enterprise Bank

·       Eastern Bank

·       TD Bank

·       Merrimack Valley Federal Credit Union

·       Jeanne D’Arc Credit Union

·       DCU

·       Pentucket Bank

·       Align Credit Union

·       The Savings Bank

·       Reading Cooperative Bank

A $250,000 loan loss reserve for this fund has been contributed by Columbia Gas.

“We are proud to contribute to the recovery of the small businesses of Lawrence, Andover and North Andover,” said Mass Growth Capital Corporation President Larry Andrews. “Through this emergency loan fund, impacted businesses will be able to access capital quickly and accelerate their recovery so that they can serve their customers and employees by providing their essential products and services.” 

“This is a unique opportunity to bring together ten financial institutions, historically competitors, but are working together as collaborators with a common cause,” said Lawrence Partnership Executive Director Derek Mitchell. “The leadership they’ve shown to align resources, support core community needs is to be celebrated in what they’ve accomplished and how they’ve done it.”

“This emergency loan fund will bring some temporary financial relief to many small businesses negatively impacted by the gas incident in the region,” said Frank Carvalho, Executive Director, Mill Cities Community Investments. “As of Monday October 1, businesses will be able to begin a streamlined process to get to funds that will help them continue to be an ongoing business concern through this very adverse conditions.”

MCCI, a registered Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) will be the lender of the fund, which will be launched on Monday, October 1.

For assistance, visit: www.wearelawrence.org/lawrencegasresponsebusiness.

Loan Relief Loan Fund Details

WHO QUALIFIES: Any business that has been impacted by the recent gas disaster will qualify for the funds, including businesses from Lawrence, Andover, and N. Andover.

TERMS/RATES: this fund is being offered with no payments and no interest for the first 6 months.  For businesses that extend beyond a 6 month period, market rates will apply and loans can be extended or restructured for multi-year term loans.  Businesses can apply for up to $50,000.   There is no minimum loan amount.

APPLICATION PROCESS AND REQUIREMENTS: The fund is designed to create an expedited application and approval process, with the goal of getting all applications processed within 48 hours. 

For a full listing of required documentation go to www.wearelawrence.org/lawrencegasresponsebusiness.

HOW TO APPLY: Mill Cities Community Investments will receive all applications for this fund and will process internally.  They can be contacted by phone, email, or in-person at:

50 Island Street, Suite #103

Lawrence, MA 01840

978-258-277

三協會合辦健康講座10/13

浙江出版傳媒波士頓融媒體中心成立

浙江出版聯合集團董事長鮑洪波(前左)和東西互聯文化中心董事長
汪剛柳簽約合作。(周菊子攝)

(Boston Orange周菊子麻州屋本市報導)浙江出版聯合集團9月26日來到麻州屋本市希爾頓酒店，和東西互聯北美文化中心簽下協議，成立”浙江出版傳媒波士頓融媒體中心”，將先從兒童圖書著手，推動兩地的圖書譯介出版、文化展演交流。

浙江出版聯合集團是個成立於2000年12月的省政府直屬國有獨資出版企業集團，也是中國最大的地方出版集團之一。根據官網簡介，該集團麾下有5家全資子集團，11家出版單位，以及投資公司，法人單位等共130餘家企業，8200多名員工。

鮑洪俊(左)和汪剛柳(右)握手換約。(周菊子攝)

原任浙江日報總編輯的鮑洪俊今年4月接任浙江出版聯合集團董事長後，面向世界，積極拓展集團版圖，經多方接觸後，選定波士頓為出發點，並於9月26日率領浙江教育出版社集團董事長何成梁，浙江人民出版社總編輯虞文君，浙江少年兒童出版社總編輯邵若愚，浙江期刊出版總社社長蔣傳洋，浙江出版聯合集團對外合作部副主任徐寧，翻譯陳曦等人到波士頓，參觀哈佛大學，麻省理工學院等學術機構，和成立於2010年的東西互聯北美文化中心簽訂合約，攜手成立”浙江出版傳媒波士頓融媒體中心”

浙江少年兒童出版社總編輯邵若愚(左)和汪剛柳換約。(周菊子攝)

東西互聯北美文化中心董事長汪剛柳透露，他們將重點開發漢語教育圖書和文化類的英語翻譯出版，將積極推薦美國的優秀文化，教育，少兒圖書在中國出版。波士頓兒童博物館資深副總裁Lesle Swartz和Nina Simonds合作出版的” 月光，餃子和龍舟(Moonbeams, Dumplings And Dragon Boats)”，有關中國年節15天的傳統習俗童書，很受歡迎。他們正在考慮從這本書著手合作，將來以圖書為紐帶，開發各種文化交流，包括互訪，文化展覽，語言和出版培訓等。

浙江少年兒童出版社總編輯邵若愚也在會上和汪剛柳簽了合作協議，要出版全套國學經典啟蒙少年版。

部分出席者合影。(周菊子攝)

當晚有許多嘉賓出席，包括劍橋中國文化中心董事長紀虎民，麻州大學波士頓分校孔子學院院長孫百鳳，作家張鳳等人。

紐英崙中華公所31票通過聘朱蘇珊為行政主任 年薪13萬元(圖片)

朱蘇珊(中)在眾人鼓掌中回到中華公所會議室。(周菊子攝)

中華公所主席陳家驊(中)報告。

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Groundbreaking for Berkshires Life Sciences Innovation Hub

Baker-Polito Administration Celebrates Groundbreaking for Berkshires Life Sciences Innovation Hub

Berkshire Innovation Center to support region’s small- and mid-sized enterprises in life sciences and advanced manufacturing

PITTSFIELD – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined state and local officials to break ground on the $13.7 million Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC), which will catalyze and accelerate innovation and growth of new and existing companies that will spur economic growth and job creation in Western Massachusetts.

The BIC will provide advanced capabilities to manufacturers in the Berkshires, primarily small and medium-sized companies in life sciences, the life sciences supply chain, advanced manufacturing and technology. The 20,000 square-foot facility will include training facilities, biotech wet lab space, clean rooms, office and event space for small to medium-sized life sciences companies to support economic growth, jobs and private investment in the region.

The Baker-Polito Administration has committed nearly $12.5 million towards the project through a $12 million allocation from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center and the approval of $450,000 from MassDevelopment. This funding leverages an additional $1 million commitment from the City of Pittsfield and $300,000 from the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority.

“Our administration is focused on boosting the Commonwealth’s thriving life sciences sector in every corner of the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker.“Investing in the Berkshire Innovation Center will help expand the capacity and capabilities of this region’s entrepreneurial community to drive job creation, retention and outside investment in Western Massachusetts.”

“This investment will provide new opportunities for the people and businesses of the Berkshires by unlocking new economic and educational potential,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We will continue to partner with municipalities and support public-private partnerships across the Commonwealth to build a world class talent pipeline and remain a global innovator and leader in the life sciences.”

Governor Baker and Lt. Governor Polito were joined by Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash, Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan, MassDevelopment President & CEO Lauren Liss, Pittsfield Mayor Linda Tyer, Congressman Richard Neal, members of the state legislative delegation and Berkshire County business, education and community leaders to celebrate the BIC’s next major milestone at the future site of the life sciences innovation hub.

“The Berkshire Innovation Center will serve as an anchor institution for the Western Massachusetts region, strengthening connections between the life sciences and advanced manufacturing industries and education institutions, creating jobs and shaping the next generation of homegrown innovators,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash. “The Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to the BIC has been a watershed moment for a project that was many years in the making and in keeping with economic development investments made in the region since 2015. We are pleased to be part of this moment and look forward to seeing the BIC’s impact on our innovation economy.”

“This new center represents the promise of new jobs and economic growth in Western Massachusetts; new support for life sciences innovation, training and advanced manufacturing; and the expansion of the Commonwealth’s life sciences talent pipeline,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “As an Administration, we make it a priority to invest our capital dollars in growth-oriented programs and initiatives – those that promise a strong return on the Commonwealth’s investment over the long term. The Berkshire Innovation Center fits that profile nicely.”

“A cornerstone of our mission as we enter the next generation of the Life Sciences Center is to remain steadfast in our support of the growth and development of the life sciences throughout Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Life Sciences Center President & CEO Travis McCready. “Our investments in the Berkshire Innovation Center and across Western Massachusetts will enable the region to leverage dynamic programming and innovative infrastructure and make its own mark as part of the Commonwealth’s thriving life sciences ecosystem.”

"MassDevelopment was proud to join a partnership of agencies supporting the development of the Berkshire Innovation Center," said MassDevelopment President and CEO Lauren Liss. "This institution will accelerate the work of companies in key industries in western Massachusetts, such as advanced manufacturing, technology and life sciences, and we look forward to seeing all that is accomplished through the work of this landmark innovation hub."

“Today marks the beginning of many good things to come in our community. In the Berkshires, we are home to a growing and thriving advanced manufacturing industry. The Berkshire Innovation Center at the William Stanley Business Park in Pittsfield will change the landscape for advanced manufacturing R&D and increase the pipeline of highly trained employees,” said Mayor Linda M. Tyer. “We’re deeply proud of the city’s role in further catalyzing advanced manufacturing in Pittsfield and throughout the county. I am exceedingly grateful to Governor Baker, Lt. Governor Polito, Secretary Ash and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for their unwavering support and commitment to furthering an endeavor that will continue to grow a powerful and rising sector of our local economy.”

Nearly 5,000 jobs in Berkshire Country are in the manufacturing sector, making it the fifth largest industry in the region.  Manufacturing represents a key industry base in Berkshire County and is comprised of small and mid-sized enterprises (SMEs), which play a critical role in maintaining and growing the manufacturing strengths of Massachusetts economy.

The BIC will bring advanced capabilities to its member companies including shared access to cutting-edge research and development, prototyping equipment, customized training programs, student internship programs and collaborative opportunities with the BIC’s research and education partners.

“I’m thrilled to be breaking ground with so many engaged BIC Stakeholders,”said BIC Chairman Stephen Boyd. “The leadership of the Baker-Polito Administration has fostered our community to becoming a significant part of the statewide innovation ecosystem and this milestone marks another significant step forward in our realizing its promise. The start of construction of the BIC facility signals the beginning of a new chapter that pairs our programmatic and building design and advances our mission.  Now the BIC can really start to make an impact and accomplish our vision to spur innovation across the region and within our community.”

“I am so grateful for our team and the PEDA board for the years of hard work and dedication in advancing the Berkshire Innovation Center from concept to reality,” said Mick Callahan, Chairman of the PEDA board. “This exciting project will bring the most advanced manufacturing technology to Pittsfield and advance the opportunities for existing businesses to grow and create new jobs. The BIC will also advance educational opportunities for young adults to train for jobs in the advanced manufacturing sector, further the region’s ability to attract new entrepreneurial businesses and ultimately improve the overall economy in Pittsfield and the Berkshires.”

“Berkshire Community College is so proud to partner with the Berkshire Innovation Center and celebrate this momentous day,” said Ellen Kennedy, President of BCC. “The BIC will allow our region to retain its high-quality manufacturing jobs while also creating new job opportunities for the students and residents of the Berkshires.”

Numerous federal, state, and local leaders were on hand for the BIC project launch and joined in the chorus of praise to celebrate this important milestone:

“The life sciences industry in Massachusetts is booming, and with the establishment of the Berkshire Innovation Center, the western part of the state will be able to claim their stake in this great field,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “I am excited to see the shovels in the ground today. The potential for future growth for Pittsfield and the entire region is astronomical. Congratulations to all those involved.” 

“Reinventing and reinvigorating our regional economy requires strategic investments,” said State Senator Adam G. Hinds. “This innovation center is just what we need to support local businesses, attract new companies and position the Berkshires for further growth in a modern economy.”

"The Commonwealth's investment in the Berkshire Innovation Center comes after years of work bringing together the many stakeholders,” said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier. “This Center will be fertile ground to the seeds of collaboration and innovative that are the hallmark of the Berkshires."

“The Berkshire Innovation Center represents a hub of opportunity for our Commonwealth and I want to congratulate all those involved in helping the project get to the finish line,” said Representative Smitty Pignatelli. “As a co-sponsor of the original $6.5 million earmark included in Governor Patrick’s life sciences bill almost 10 years ago, it’s incredible to look back on the journey this project has taken to see where we are now. I am looking forward to the city of Pittsfield and all of Berkshire County to benefit from what’s to come.”

“I am pleased to see this long-awaited project get underway,” said Representative Paul W. Mark. “Upon completion, the state-of-the-art BIC will display the economic and technological ingenuity of our region, which is incredibly important as our legislative delegation continues to search for ways to reduce the economic isolation we often face in the Berkshires.”

“Today marks the beginning of what will be the catalyst which will drive the Berkshire economy forward for many years to come,” said Representative John Barrett III.

Consigli Construction Co., Inc. is leading the construction of the custom 20,000-square-foot Berkshire Innovation Center, which is expected to be completed by winter 2019.

This past June, Governor Baker signed An Act providing continued investment in the life sciences industry in the Commonwealth to invest up to $623 million in bond authorization and tax credits over five years in education, research and development and workforce training. This legislation will serve to reinforce the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to ensuring Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences sector.

哈佛大學費正清中心前後主任穿特製T恤吃月餅慶中秋

轉載自哈佛大學費正清中心臉書

哈佛大學副校長歐立德(右)和費正清中心主任宋明怡(左)。

哈佛大學費正清中心慶祝2018年中秋節，別出心裁。前後任費正清中心主任，歐立德(右)和宋明怡(左)穿上誌記哈佛大學建校元年的1636年，正好是

大明崇祯九年，也是大清崇德元年的特製T恤，一起吃月餅。

Happy Mid-Autumn Festival! 中秋節快樂🎑! We celebrated with mooncakes and special-edition t-shirts marking Harvard's founding in 1636 as both the ninth year of the Ming Emperor Chongzhen and/or the first year of the Qing Emperor Chongde (modeled here by Michael Szonyi and Mark Elliott). 
大明崇祯九年建校
大清崇德元年建校

波士頓經文處訪春田台灣同鄉 介紹發放僑胞卡

【僑胞卡申辦服務到家 波士頓僑教中心行動發卡】

駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典(前中)、夫人杜麗雲(前右)
和僑教中心主任歐宏偉(前左)9月22日參加春田市麻州西部臺灣鄉親會
中秋聯歡活動，介紹、發放「僑胞卡」。

中華民國僑務委員會發行的「僑胞卡」於9月19日在波士頓地區開始提供發卡服務，凡符合申領資格的中華民國僑胞及臺灣鄉親，都可以在上班時間攜帶「美國護照」或「中華民國護照及美國綠卡」正本前往波士頓僑教中心申辦，經審核無誤者即可當場領取，十分方便！

為了讓僑胞鄉親更方便申領「僑胞卡」，駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典和僑教中心主任歐宏偉特別規劃以「行動僑務」的方式，於9月22日及23日前往麻州西部春田市和勒星頓中文學校，為大家提供簡便的申辦手續及發卡服務，目前已有150餘人領到僑胞卡。

勒星頓中文學校校長陳盈杰(右)現場申領「僑胞卡」，
與波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉(左)合影。

歐宏偉表示，未來將視僑胞鄉親朋友的需要，持續主動服務到家，尤其是佛蒙特州、緬因州、新罕布夏州和羅德島州等外州地區的僑胞，如果有急需申領「僑胞卡」達20人以上，僑教中心將儘可能安排行程，前往當地提供發卡服務。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供)

State Program Offers Free Shade Trees in sections of Germantown, North Quincy & Wollaston.

State Program Offers Free Shade Trees in sections of Germantown, North Quincy & Wollaston.

September 24, 2018 - Home and business owners, in sections of some Quincy neighborhoods, have been getting free shade trees for their property through the Greening the Gateway Cities Program (GGCP), a joint effort of the state’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) and the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR). To qualify, a property must be located in the area bounded by Sea and Lind Streets and the water in Germantown; or Hancock Street, Billings Street, Cheriton Road/Vassal Street, and Quincy Shore Drive in North Quincy and Wollaston. The areas were chosen for their high population density and their thin existing tree canopy. Trees are being planted to help reduce household heating and cooling energy use by increasing tree canopy cover in urban residential areas, with funding from the Department of Energy Resources (DOER).

According to Peter Tam, program director of Quincy Asian Resources, Inc. (QARI), which is doing local outreach for GGCP under the state’s contract, roughly 800 trees—one third of the GGCP’s goal for Quincy--have already been planted on 50 private properties and several Quincy Housing Authority sites. 

Tam encourages residents to sign up for the program. Shade trees, he explains, make an attractive addition to a property, “especially during hot summers like this past one, when trees help cool your house and save energy. And, by buffering winds, they offer protection during storms. Economically speaking, they make a lot of sense because they can also increase your property’s value.”

By saving energy and removing carbon dioxide and other pollutants from the air, trees also help combat climate change and respiratory ailments such as lung cancer and asthma, says David Reich, board chair of Quincy Climate Action Network, which supports the program.

“The Greening the Gateway Cities Program has allowed communities like Quincy to experience the benefits of a healthier, more vibrant urban tree canopy, while allowing the Commonwealth to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said DCR Commissioner Leo Roy. “Connecting residents with the nature around them promotes environmental stewardship and outdoor recreation, and I look forward to seeing more trees planted in the Massachusetts’ Gateway Cities.”

Property owners who sign up for free shade trees, by calling 617-626-1570, will be contacted by the DCR. Then a DCR forester will do a site inspection, make recommendations, and with the owner’s permission, arrange for appropriate trees to be planted.

“Overall,” says Ahron Lerman, Urban Forester at the DCR, “we have available over 80 different varieties of trees from which to choose. They’re not always available every season – so on some of the less common trees, it’s really first come, first served. Some of the commonly available trees we plant include pin oaks, American elms, and lindens, while some of the less commonly available trees we like to plant are pagoda trees, bald cypress, and Kentucky coffee trees. We have a tree for every place.”

Tree planting is done in the Fall and the Spring.  The whole process, from initial contact to planted trees, has been taking about a week to ten days, according to Tam. Owners must commit to watering the trees for their first two years.  After that, tree roots are generally deep and well established, although trees will still benefit from watering during drought conditions.

While the owner must sign off before a property can get the trees, renters can apply directly to QARI, which will help them contact their landlord, says Tam.

To sign up for the program, contact DCR at 617-626-1570, or for more information QARI at 617- 472-2200. 

張競訪波士頓 談南海論台獨 稱台灣命運握在人民手中

全美台灣同鄉聯誼會會長馬滌凡(右)送紀念品給講者張競。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) ”台灣的命運在我們自己手中”，”如果台灣做了好榜樣，中國大陸也許今日已經民主治國”。中華戰略協會研究員張競在波士頓台灣同鄉聯誼會舉辦講座中的發言，讓五，六十名出席者頻頻爆笑，又感嘆不已。

             海軍官校畢業，曾任中華民國海軍中權艦艦長，獲有英國赫爾大學政治博士學位，目前在大學教國際關係，開有專欄針貶時政的張競，此行應邀訪美演講，臨時增加了在紐英崙中華公所會議室舉行的波士頓這場。

             應主辦單位要求，張競的講談有兩個重點，一為南海局勢，一為台灣鄉情。

張競指南海航行自由是謊言。(周菊子攝)

             在南海局勢上，張競以”南海航行自由”為重點，指南海的西沙，南沙群島，並沒真正石油，也無漁可補，但越南，菲律賓，馬來西亞，印尼等國家和中國，台灣，以其海域戰略位置，早就各自布局經營，建設。美國用以加入爭權行列的”南海航行自由”，純粹是謊言。

             在台灣鄉情上，張競以”圍點打援，阻援打點”做比喻，指台灣指望美國人來阻止中國大陸武統，不切實際。他也侃侃而談民主政治的弱點，指與論影響力太大，政治人物常常”睜著眼睛說瞎話，昧著良心過日子”，不誠心面對問題。

台灣鄉情講座，台胞關心。(周菊子攝)

             張競認為，今日時局有很多東西是思維轉換問題，如何把握，端看個人。台灣的改課綱，去中國化，把中華民族的傳統史觀從年輕人的思想中抽離，引進皇民化意識，才是可能造成台灣敗亡的最可怕因素。台灣政府的治理能力，在台灣目前的政治環境中向負面發展，政客為求獨立，背叛了自己的文化，更是令人憂心。

張競在波士頓國民黨黨部留影。(周菊子攝)

                   張競在演講完畢後，應波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭之邀，拜訪黨部會址，在’支持九合一選舉後援會”旗幟前留影，還透露了當初國民黨遷台做對了帶走南京檔案館第二館館藏史料等三件事。

張競拿到一件印有KMT字樣的T恤，很是高興。(周菊子攝)

            

夏日星辰"在林中"藝展(圖片)

"幸福路上"波士頓場爆滿 歷史鄉愁觸動遊子心(圖片)

"幸福路上"波士頓場爆滿。(周菊子攝)

魏禹嫻提問。

波士頓台灣同鄉會會長王志傑(右)，以及杜荷州。(周菊子攝)

波士頓關懷救助協會會長王志維提問。(周菊子攝)

幸福路映畫社導演特助張斯庭(右)和魏德聖(左)現場回答提問。(周菊子攝)

魏德聖說明自己將於六年交出三部片。(周菊子攝)

魏德聖的下一部片將是"豐盛之旅"。劇本他18年前就寫好了。

來自中國大陸的學生(左)要求和魏德聖(中)合影。

魏德聖(前中)，張斯庭(前右)和波士頓台灣同鄉會的歐陽瑞琳(後左一)，李中偉(後右一)等一家人合影。(周菊子攝)

魏德聖(前中)，張斯庭(右四)和"幸福路上"放映會義工們合影。

魏德聖(右)和第一個安排他的電影到波士頓放映的人，康麗雪合影。
(周菊子攝)

左起，王志傑，魏德聖，康雅雰。(周菊子攝)