MAYOR WALSH BREAKS GROUND ON PHASE 1 OF THE LENOX/CAMDEN REDEVELOPMENT IN ROXBURY

MAYOR WALSH BREAKS GROUND ON PHASE 1 OF THE LENOX/CAMDEN REDEVELOPMENT IN ROXBURY

Phase One includes the renovation and preservation of 72 units of public housing on Camden Street, with plans to redevelop 285 adjacent units on Lenox Street BOSTON - Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston Housing Authority (BHA) Administrator Bill McGonagle today kicked off a $23 million redevelopment of 367 affordable housing units at the Lenox/Camden Housing Development. In Phase One, BHA's developer Beacon Communities, will improve and preserve 72 units of affordable public housing on Camden Street in Roxbury. Phase Two will include the renovation of the adjacent Lenox site, which is slated to begin next year. "This renovation marks an important new chapter for this historic development, and I am proud to begin our work together today to make his neighborhood stronger than ever," said Mayor Walsh. "This redevelopment will not only modernize these buildings to make them more energy efficient, safe and accessible, but will help us continue to set a national standard for quality public housing." The Camden development will undergo substantial renovations to all 72 of its apartment units, including new kitchens, bathrooms, paint, flooring, and windows. The project will modernize the building, bring energy-efficiency improvements, improve accessibility throughout the site, and create four fully handicap accessible units, as well as landscaping improvements. The Camden project is expected to create more than 60full-time jobs by the time of the project's completion in June 2020. "One of our top priorities at the BHA is to improve the quality of life of our residents and ensure that they can count on their affordable housing as long as they need it," said BHA Administrator Bill McGonagle. "This project will give our residents an upgraded site that is accessible, environmentally friendly, and vibrant, and it will protect the site's affordability for decades to come." "Beacon is proud of our long partnership with the Boston Housing Authority and grateful to the many city and state and federal agencies and other partners who made this transaction possible," said Beacon Communities CEO Dara Kovel. "The rehabilitation will allow for Camden Apartments to serve as a quality affordable housing resource for many years to come." Camden was one of the first city projects authorized under the Commonwealth Veterans Assistance program, allocated to support returning veterans after World War II, and the only housing development of its kind built in Lower Roxbury. Camden's history helped the site secure federal and state historic tax credits through the Massachusetts Historical Commission and the National Park Service. The planned renovations represent an investment of more than $23 million that will preserve Camden's long-term affordability through new operating subsidies and the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program. The state public housing subsidy will be replaced by 48 federal Project-Based Vouchers for low-income residents, and 24 subsidized vouchers that will be funded through the Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program. Funding partners for the project include MassHousing, the Department of Housing and Community Development, BlueHub and Federal Home Loan Bank of Boston. RBC Capital Markets is providing equity associated with the project's tax credits.   "We are proud to support the revitalization of the Lenox/Camden Housing Development with more than $15 million in direct funding and federal tax credit equity to preserve this important resource for Boston residents," said Housing and Community Development Undersecretary Janelle Chan. "Our partnership with the Boston Housing Authority and Beacon Communities will improve the quality of life for residents and ensure the building will remain affordable for future generations of families." The Camden/Lenox renovation strongly aligns with the City's housing goals outlined in Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. Mayor Walsh recently increased the City's overall housing targets from 53,000 to 69,000 new units by 2030 to meet Boston's population growth. These updated housing goals build on Mayor Walsh's commitment to increasing access to home ownership, preventing displacement and promoting fair and equitable housing access.

丹麥在波士頓設創新中心 科學部長Tommy Ahlers親來啟動

丹麥高等教育及科學部長Tommy Ahlers。(周菊子攝)

       (Boston Orange 周菊子劍橋市報導)丹麥高等教育及科學部長Tommy Ahlers昨(1月28)日親自來到麻州劍橋市，宣佈在波士頓成立丹麥創新研究中心。

             丹麥雖然是個人口只有580萬，土地面積16,573平方英里，國內生產總值(GDP)約3330億美元的小國，在美國境內只有五個領事館，但迄今已在全世界設立了八個創新中心，分別在巴西聖保羅，以色列台拉維夫，中國上海，韓國漢城，印度新德里/班加羅爾，德國慕尼黑，美國加州矽谷。昨日在麻州波士頓成立的這丹麥創新中心是美國的第二個，全世界的第八個。

波士頓丹麥創新中心負責人暨丹麥科學領事
Torben Orla Nielsen。(周菊子攝)

             Tommy Ahlers在致詞時先祝賀丹麥男子手球隊甫於1月27日贏得世界冠軍，接著表示，丹麥是個在研究上花用最多公家經費，在全世界最數位化的國家，收集有非常完整的醫療，就業，教育等等統計數據，近年還成立了國家基因測序庫，並和瑞典合作，在數據收集上為未來研究打下更好基礎。丹麥同時也會關注科技方面的道德倫理(ethic)問題。

丹麥駐華府大使Henrik Bramsen Hahn。(周菊子攝)

            他認為，要解決世界面對的環境，氣候，人類健康等問題，就應該推動國際間的創新科技交流，合作。丹麥來到波士頓設立創新中心，則是他的”在地之眼(Eyes on the ground)”理想。他認為在創新之地設據點，有助於丹麥實地實時了解創新動態，同時也讓人隨時找得到丹麥。

丹麥創新中心慶祝成立，舉辦了一場生物醫藥座談。
(周菊子攝)

             在波士頓的這丹麥創新中心將由大約二個月前抵達波士頓的丹麥科學領事 Torben Orla Nielsen負責。他表示，辦公室原本設在劍橋市主街101號的劍橋創新中心(CIC)大樓內，不過他們正在規劃逐漸擴大為八個人的團隊，或許會搬到劍橋創新中心新啟用的主街245號大樓內。創辦費用超過100萬美元。成立後將以促進丹麥和麻州境內的生物醫藥，人工智慧，機械人等領域的學術，研究交流為主要目標，同時也為想要了解最新科技動態的丹麥公司，或者有意到丹麥發展的企業服務。

             曾經是YZB和Podio這兩家公司執行長的丹麥高等教育及科學部長Tommy Ahlers此行來波士頓，除了主持在波士頓的丹麥創新中心啟動儀式，還安排了參觀波士頓科學公司，麻省理工學院的科技基金"引擎(The Engine)"，"追尋智慧(Quest for Intelligence)”項目。在27號到30號這幾天之中，他還將和五所丹麥大學一起參訪，座談，並出席哈佛大學甘迺迪政府學院的活動。

            1月28日的波士頓丹麥創新中心啟動儀式，出席嘉賓還包括丹麥駐華府大使Henrik Bramsen Hahn，丹麥工業聯合會副會長Thomas Bustrup，在2013到2017年間任美國駐丹麥大使的John Rufus Gifford，以及促成丹麥到波士頓設立創新中心的丹麥駐波士頓榮譽領事Jacob Friis。

             麻州的波士頓、劍橋市，近年來已成世界各國的創新中心基地，丹麥是最新的一個，之前則有瑞士，荷蘭，法國等多個國家，甚至直接把領事辦事處和創新中心合而為一了。

City of Boston Funding update

The Funding Update

ARTS City of Boston Arts & Culture, 1/22 - 3/1/2019 The Digital Equity Fund supports local programs aimed at increasing the digital resources available to residents of the City of Boston. Grants range from $20,000 to $35,000. City of Boston Civic Engagement, 3/1/2019 The Love Your Block program helps transform physical landscapes with social programs that highlight the culture of a community. Grants range from $300 to $3,500. Massachusetts Cultural Council, 3/15/2019 Applications to the Festivals Program are reviewed on a "first-received, first-reviewed" basis. Regional diversity will be taken into consideration. Grant size: $500. Click Here to Subscribe to The Funding Update EDUCATION and WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT Hostelling International, 3/2/2019 The Explore the World Travel Scholarship provides $2,000 to support a trip that includes an educational/study abroad or service component. New America, 3/8/2019 The Partnership to Advance Youth Apprenticeship will support organizations in states and cities throughout the country that are collaborating to expand participation in high-quality youth (ages 18-24) apprenticeship programs and strengthening equitable outcomes for students, employers, and communities. Four to eight grants of up to $200,000 each will be awarded. Library of Congress, 3/10/2019 Immerse yourself in the practice of teaching with primary sources from the unparalleled collections of Library of Congress this summer. Apply to attend a week-long professional development program for K-12 educators in the nation's capital. The 2019 Summer Institute includes 1) Any subject area: July 8-12; July 29-Aug 2 and 2) STEM Focus: July 15-19 Federal grants are subject to availability of funds. Workday Foundation, No Deadline Impact Grants provide significant funds, deep employee involvement, and tight collaboration with grantees. Examples of funded projects include coding camps for girls and technical training for veterans. Boston Public Library, No Deadline Earn your Accredited High School Diploma through the BPL Career Online High School and career certification program. Scholarship are available. US Department of Education, 3/25//2019 Federal grants are subject to availability of funds. Fulbright Fellowships support Doctoral Dissertation Research in modern languages and area studies, and Group Projects Abroad. Ezra Jack Keats Foundation, 3/31/2019 Supports public school teachers and librarians presenting special projects that foster creative expression, cooperation and community. Maximum grant: $500. Center for Research & Policy Analysis, 3/31/2019 Supports programs that conduct effective interventions designed to enhance access to legal education for students from diverse backgrounds. Maximum grant: $125,000. Learning Disabilities Foundation of America, 4/15/2019 Funding priorities: research, public awareness, supportive services. HEALTH Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration, 3/25/2019 Targeted Capacity Expansion support and/or recovery support services for a specific population or area of focus identified by the community. Applicants must also develop a Public Health System Impact Statement. SAMHSA plans to issue 22 grants of up to $375,000 per year for up to 3 years. Federal grants are subject to availability of funds. Massachusetts Department of Public Health, 2/20/2019 An updated Q and A doc has been posted for the Gun Violence Prevention grant. All required attachments can also be found on the CommBUYS webpage. PUBLIC INTEREST Open Meadows Foundation, 2/15/2019 Funding focus: activism, political change, and empowerment directed by, and benefiting women and girls. Maximum grant: $2,000. Firehouse Subs Public Safety Foundation 2/27/2019 Provides lifesaving equipment and prevention education tools first responders and public safety organizations. Grants up to $25,000. Office on Violence Against Women, 2/13/2019 Grants support services by organizations that are uniquely situated to respond to the needs of sexual assault victims within culturally specific populations. Federal grants are subject to availability of funds. Charles Stewart Mott Foundation and Peace First, 3/31/2019 The Power of Youth Challenge was established to encourage and inspire young people to use their voices, skills, and talents to bring positive change to their communities. Young people who complete the submission process will have the opportunity to receive a mini-grant of up to $250 to make their project a reality, in addition to being eligible for a $5,000 acceleration grant next year. The Impact Fund, 4/9/2019 Funding priorities: advancing social justice in the areas of civil and human rights, environmental justice, and poverty law. Maximum grant: $25,000. George B. Henderson Foundation, 5/10/2019 2019 funding priorities: Boston-based permanent public art; outdoor spaces; historic preservation. Funding focus: neighborhoods that have not been well represented in previous grants, such as East Boston, South Boston, Mission Hill, Allston/Brighton, Charlestown, Chinatown, Mattapan, and Roslindale. THE RESOURCE TABLE Download a fee Donor Retention Toolkit, courtesy of Donor Perfect Everything you need to build an effective donor retention strategy, including: - The 10 components of an ideal thank you letter - A customizable thank you letter template - The elements of a successful donor retention system - An actionable checklist for stewardship - A donor engagement timeline to help you along the way Public Service Loan Forgiveness Help Tool Designed to help borrowers understand and determine their eligibility for loan forgiveness. Also, visit the Homeroom blog to avoid making 8 Common Public Service Loan Forgiveness Mistakes.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CRITICAL ACTIONS TO ACHIEVING CARBON NEUTRALITY IN BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CRITICAL ACTIONS TO ACHIEVING CARBON NEUTRALITY IN BOSTON

City of Boston to develop roadmaps to reduce carbon pollution in buildings and transportation, updating its Climate Action Plan in line with Paris Agreement

BOSTON - Tuesday, January 29, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the City of Boston's next steps in updating Boston's Climate Action Plan to further strengthen the City's ongoing initiatives to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The update includes a project beginning early next month to develop implementation roadmaps to significantly reduce Boston's carbon emissions. The roadmaps will identify critical action pathways for Boston's public and private building and transportation sectors, strengthening the strategies needed to achieve the City's long-term goal of achieving carbon neutrality by 2050, a priority underscored through the newly released Carbon Free Boston report by the Boston Green Ribbon Commission.   The update to the City's Climate Action Plan is set to be completed this year. The completion will signify Boston's full compliance with the Paris Agreement.   "As we enter a new era of our City's history, we're planning for storms, climate change, and the environmental threats the next generation will face," said Mayor Walsh. "We and our partners must be resilient and carbon neutral, from creating a Resilient Boston Harbor vision plan to moving forward with Community Choice Energy. I'm grateful for the partnership of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission and the experts at Boston University's Institute for Sustainable Energy. Their work will help us continue to lead, addressing the challenge of climate change."   "Moving to carbon neutrality is an opportunity to advance Boston's status as a national climate leader and global hub of innovation while creating a cleaner, healthier, more equitable Boston for all," said John Cleveland, Executive Director of the Boston Green Ribbon Commission. "This analysis demonstrates that we can reach our goal by 2050, but only through a coordinated and concerted effort among the public and private sectors - and we have to start now."   According to the Carbon Free Boston report, Boston will achieve its climate goals if it pursues three strategies simultaneously: reduce demand for energy by increasing efficiency, convert most fossil fuel use to run on electricity, and buy 100 percent clean energy. The City will convene key partners and stakeholders to identify how Boston can continue to equitably act on these strategies over the next several years. The group will specifically look at accelerating the following actions: Deep-energy retrofits and electrification programming, requirements, and incentives in Boston's existing buildings; Zero Net Carbon (ZNC) construction in Boston's new buildings; Electric vehicle adoption and installation of charging infrastructure, including for Boston's municipal fleet; and Integrating "new mobility" modes with Boston's legacy public transportation system including travel demand management.  Boston is one of the world's leading cities committed to urgently pursuing high-ambition climate action, according to the C40 Climate Leadership Group.   "Boston is setting the global standard for bold climate action. The science of climate change is clear, and there is no time to waste in delivering on the necessary ambition of the Paris Climate Agreement," said David Miller, North America Director, C40 Cities. "Cities across America and around the world will be inspired by the leadership of Mayor Walsh, the Green Ribbon Commission and the people of Boston."   As a leading city on climate action, Boston was recently named a winner of the Bloomberg American Cities Climate Challenge. The challenge will assist the City in strengthening and accelerating its progress toward reducing carbon pollution in Boston's building and transportation sectors. The City will receive a support package, valued at up to $2.5 million, and will apply that support to help advance the strategies in Boston's updated Climate Action Plan.   The two new climate-ready planning projects will deliver on strategies laid out in Mayor Walsh's Resilient Boston Harbor plan, which he announced at his annual Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce speech last year. It calls for investing in Boston's waterfront to protect against the impacts of rising sea level and climate change, and lays out strategies along Boston's 47-mile shoreline that will increase access and open space while better protecting the city during a major flooding event.   Last year, the Boston Planning & Development Agency (BPDA) adopted a Smart Utilities Policy that will ensure that new large developments are taking steps to create a more resilient city. The new policy, launched as a two-year pilot program, incorporates five Smart Utility Technologies into Article 80 Development Review, and BPDA Development Review Guidelines. The pilot calls for the adoption of technologies aimed at preparing Boston's utility infrastructure for the impacts of climate change, including increased flood risks, heat waves and stronger storms, reducing costs for end users, and reducing traffic congestion and roadway construction. The BPDA also has an E+ (Energy Positive) Green Building Program, which uses City-owned land to build high performance affordable housing.   In addition, the City currently requires that all new municipal buildings are built to a LEED Silver Standard, and that all new large buildings are built to a LEED-certifiable standard. The City is coordinating training for municipal building operators, through the Building Operator Certification program, to ensure buildings are running as efficiently as possible.    The Carbon Free Boston report underscores the importance of the 58 projects laid out in Go Boston 2030, the City's plan to create a safer, more equitable, and low-carbon transportation future. The recently completed bus-only lane in Roslindale is the first of many more to come. The City has adjusted parking fines and is piloting performance pricing at parking meters to improve curbside parking. Boston's Transportation Department is installing safe bike lanes in strategic corridors to enable low-stress bike rides. The City has also issued Public Realm Guidelines to reclaim surplus roadway space as people-friendly gathering spaces. The Neighborhood Slow Streets Program is designing more inviting streets for walking and biking for all, furthering our progress towards Boston's Vision Zero goals. The Boston Transportation Department is hiring 20 new staff to implement active and public transportation projects in Go Boston 2030, to develop a roadmap for mass-scale electric vehicle adoption in Boston and to reduce demand for car travel through commuter incentives and innovative new mobility. This work moves forward on the climate goals outlined in Imagine Boston 2030 and builds on Mayor Walsh's recently announced legislative agenda. The legislative agenda, announced earlier this month, proposed two environmental bills that seek to create a statewide vehicle to work on climate resiliency projects and explore market incentives to reduce pollution caused by natural gas leaks. Soon, the City will receive recommendations from its advisory committee on how to move toward zero waste and will begin two new district-level planning projects in Downtown and Dorchester to create solutions to protect from coastal flooding due to sea level rise.   For more information on the City's 2019 Climate Action Plan Update, visithttps://boston.gov/departments/environment/climate-action-plan.

MAYOR WALSH FILES ORDINANCE TO ENABLE SHARED MOBILITY SERVICES IN THE CITY OF BOSTON

MAYOR WALSH FILES ORDINANCE TO ENABLE SHARED MOBILITY SERVICES IN THE CITY OF BOSTON

Ordinance ensures expanded access to transportation options in Boston, clearing a path for an e-scooter pilot, with a focus on safety and accountability

BOSTON - Monday, January 28, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today filed an ordinance establishing minimum safety standards for shared mobility businesses, such as e-scooter companies, and authorizing the Boston Transportation Department (BTD) to pilot and license shared mobility companies that want to do business in Boston. "Our streets and sidewalks are public resources, and we want to ensure that mobility options in our city are safe, reliable, and equitable," said Mayor Walsh. "We're committed to creating a strong transportation network by investing in both short and long-term projects that will create greater transportation access for all users of our city's streets. This ordinance will help create a stronger, safer transportation network across Boston." The proposed ordinance would require shared mobility businesses, such as e-scooter companies, to have a license from the Boston Transportation Department in order to operate in the City. The ordinance establishes minimum requirements for licensure, such as prohibiting blockage of curb ramps, and authorizes the Department to set standards for data-sharing and distribution of vehicles. An Advisory Committee, comprised of representatives from the Disabilities Commission, the Environment Department, and the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics, will help inform regulations and policies as the industry evolves. "Over the last few years we have seen new mobility devices and businesses emerge in cities around the country giving more people ways to access what they need without a car," said Gina N. Fiandaca, Boston Transportation Commissioner. "The ordinance provides basic safety rules while also empowering our Transportation team to act nimbly to keep pace with a fast-moving industry. Our goal is for us to be ready for the next wave of innovation that hits our streets, and, in accordance with Go Boston 2030, to ensure safe and accessible roads for all users." The proposed ordinance would go into effect 90 days after passage and will complement the legislation filed by Representatives Moran and Hunt which will regulate these transportation options throughout the Commonwealth. This initiative is a collaboration between the Boston Transportation Department and the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics. This ordinance strengthens the Walsh Administration's work to efficiently support residents by providing investment in transportation infrastructure, reducing carbon emissions from motor vehicles, and providing for safer streets. In addition, in January, Mayor Walsh proposed four bills at the Massachusetts State House, furthing goals established in Go Boston 2030, the City of Boston's comprehensive transportation plan. Execution of the plan is well underway with action being taken on more than half of the 58 projects and policies identified. These initiatives work to reduce congestion, encourage travel by transit, bike and on foot, and ensure safety and access equitably for all users of Boston's streets. Examples of the Mayor's work include partnering with the MBTA to promote the use of public transit by establishing a dedicated bus lane on a section of Washington Street in Roslindale that serves eight different bus lines carrying thousands of passengers daily; incorporating new techniques and upgraded equipment into roadway projects to advance our Vision Zero goal of eliminating traffic fatalities and severe injuries in Boston by 2030; and working to build a network of low stress, strategically placed, separated or buffered bike lanes to allow for safe travel by bike throughout Downtown and Boston's neighborhoods.

FORMER QUINCY MAN SENTENCED FOR $1.9 MILLION REAL ESTATE FRAUD SCHEME

FORMER QUINCY MAN SENTENCED FOR

$1.9 MILLION REAL ESTATE FRAUD SCHEME

BOSTON – A former Quincy man, who had been a fugitive for more than 20 years prior to his arrest in April 2017, was sentenced today in federal court in Boston in connection with a $1.9 million real estate investment fraud scheme in Quincy. 

Scott J. Wolas, 69, was sentenced by U.S. District Court Judge F. Dennis Saylor IV to 81 months in prison, three years of supervised release and ordered to pay $1,949,813 in restitution to the victims of his fraud scheme. Judge Saylor also ordered Wolas to pay restitution of $69,768 to Social Security and Medicare and $318,266 to the IRS. In June 2018, Wolas pleaded guilty to seven counts of wire fraud, one count of aggravated identity theft, misuse of a Social Security number and tax evasion.

From at least 2009 through 2016, Wolas, using the name Eugene Grathwohl, operated a real estate business known as Increasing Fortune Inc. and worked as a licensed real estate agent for Century 21 in Quincy. From 2014 through 2016, he solicited investments for the development of the Beachcomber Bar property on Quincy Shore Drive and for the construction of a single-family home on the adjacent property. He collected more than $1.9 million from at least 24 investors and promised each of them a significant return on their investments. He further promised to pay out at least 125% of the profits related to the single-family home construction.  However, Wolas used the money mostly for personal expenses unrelated to development of the real estate projects.

Wolas was scheduled to close on the Beachcomber property on Sept. 15, 2016. A week before, however, he left Quincy and ceased all contact with his then-girlfriend, his co-workers, and his investors. Law enforcement then discovered that Grathwohl was actually Wolas, a former lawyer who had been a fugitive since 1997 after being charged with fraud and grand larceny in New York. The real Eugene Grathwohl resided in Florida and was known to Wolas.

On Nov. 17, 2016, law enforcement officers interviewed Wolas’ ex-wife, Cecily Sturge, of Delray Beach, Fla., who stated that she had not been in contact with her ex-husband for approximately 15 years. Sturge continued to say that this was so, despite evidence of contact between her cell phone and one known to belong to Wolas that demonstrated more recent communication between the two.

After further investigation, Wolas was arrested on April 7, 2017, at a condominium he was renting in Delray Beach, Fla. Investigators learned that Wolas had first rented a room in the condo from Nov. 12 through Nov. 21, 2016, through an online rental website in the name of Cecily Sturge. Messages exchanged between the condo owner and Sturge depicted a photo of Sturge and messages claiming that Wolas (using the name Cameron Sturge) was Sturge’s brother and a retired paleontologist in need of a place to stay. The owner of the condo told authorities that Sturge and Wolas arrived at the condo together in the same car on Nov. 12, 2016, five days before Sturge’s interview with law enforcement.  

            Sturge was divorced from Wolas in 2001 by default judgment in Palm Beach County, Fla. In February 2017, Sturge filed a petition to modify the judgment in order to obtain the contents of Wolas’ retirement account, which had a balance of approximately $647,000, from the New York law firm where he worked prior to being indicted in 1997 by New York authorities. In pleadings filed in February and March 2017 regarding that matter, Sturge swore that Wolas’ whereabouts were unknown to her, despite telephone records showing frequent contact between the two. In addition, copies or drafts of documents filed in the Florida proceeding, along with a thumb drive, were found in the room where Wolas was arrested. Wolas later admitted that he drafted the pleadings that Sturge filed. The United States previously obtained a court order freezing the retirement account pending the resolution of the criminal proceedings.

Sturge previously pleaded guilty to making a materially false statement to a federal agent and was sentenced in May 2018 to one year of probation.

United States Attorney Andrew E. Lelling; Joseph R. Bonavolonta, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; Kristina O’Connell, Special Agent in Charge of the Internal Revenue Service’s Criminal Investigation in Boston; Scott Antolik, Special Agent in Charge of the Social Security Administration, Office of Inspector General, Office of Investigations, Boston Field Division; and Quincy Police Chief Paul Keenan made the announcement today. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Sandra S. Bower of Lelling’s Criminal Division and David G. Lazarus of Lelling’s Civil Division prosecuted the case

CAPAC Members on Second Year Anniversary of Trump’s Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban

CAPAC Members on Second Year Anniversary of Trump’s Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Members of the Congressional Asian Pacific American Caucus (CAPAC) released the following statements to mark the second anniversary of Donald Trump’s signing of Executive Order 13769 on January 27, 2017, which restricted travel to the U.S. from several Muslim-majority countries and prohibited refugees from entering the country.  

Congresswoman Judy Chu (CA-27), CAPAC Chair:

“Two years ago, President Trump issued his hateful executive order banning travel to the U.S. from a number of Muslim-majority countries and blocking out refugees entirely. I will never forget the chaos and pain created by the first Muslim Ban. Nor will I forget the crowds of lawyers and families who came to protest at airports. The Muslim Ban – now in its third iteration, but wrong in any form – is just one of the weapons Donald Trump is using to foment xenophobia and bigotry and drive wedges in our communities. It is simply un-American. We do not create policies based on religious animus and we do not target people because of who they worship. That is bigotry at its worst, and it is part of the reason we have seen an increase in hate crimes and violence since Trump started his campaign. This is why today, Sen. Murphy and I reintroduced the No Federal Funds for Muslim Ban Act to block any federal funds from going towards the implementation of the Muslim Ban. Together, we will stand up to bigotry and put an end to this hateful ban.”

Senator Tammy Duckworth (IL):

“It’s been two years since Donald Trump issued his discriminatory Muslim travel ban, preventing thousands of travelers, vetted refugees and their families from entering the United States. Since then, the Trump Administration has stopped at nothing to wrongfully characterize entire countries, faiths and peoples to further his xenophobic and hateful policies. Families are fearful of flying home to see their loved ones, refugees and asylum seekers wait endlessly in dangerous situations and the strength and integrity of our democracy is hurt every passing day. Turning people away from our country because of where they were born or the religion they practice is wholly un-American and betrays our nation’s values.”

Congresswoman Grace Meng (NY-06), CAPAC First Vice Chair:

“Exactly two years ago, President Trump divided our country with the introduction of his discriminatory Muslim travel ban. Although I immediately introduced legislation to defund it, the Trump Administration continued to embrace similar un-American values that led to a disappointing decision by the Supreme Court. From the Muslim ban to family separations at the border to the prolongation of the government shutdown for a wall, the Trump Administration constantly underminesAmerican unity and diversity. As a nation of immigrants, we must come together to advocate for one another and stand up against these efforts to discriminate.”

Congressman Mark Takano (CA-41), CAPAC Second Vice Chair:

“Two years ago, President Trump allowed bigotry to trample our Constitutional protections by implementing his dangerous and Islamophobic Muslim Ban. His Executive Order was not only discriminatory, but a danger to our national security and to our standing in the world. This deeply un-American action led by President Trump will forever be a moral stain on our country’s history. Although certain parts of this discriminatory ban were upheld by the Supreme Court, it is up to us to continue to denounce it and stand with the Muslim community against all forms of hate. Congress must never allow something as horrible and harmful as this to ever happen again.”

Congressman Ed Case (HI-01):

“I am proud to represent a state that helped lead the fight against this unjust executive order targeting travelers from seven predominately Muslim countries.  We fought the ban because in Hawaii our diversity and Aloha spirit define us, welcoming all who come to our shores no matter their religion, ethnicity, color or country of origin.  That Aloha spirit, matched by so many throughout our country, was at the core of our challenge to the ban, and on this anniversary we recommit ourselves together with so many others to that same spirit that welcomes all those who wish to visit our country or long to call America their home.”   

Congressman Gil Cisneros (CA-39): 

“Two years ago, the President enacted the Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban, marking the beginning of an anti-immigrant agenda that has set the tone of his administration. The Ban does nothing to strengthen our national security, nor does it address any of the issues underlying our immigration system. Meanwhile, President Trump continues to implement discriminatory policies against our nation’s immigrant communities and those seeking refuge and asylum in our country. When I and the thousands of our country’s veterans enlisted to serve our nation, these hateful policies were not values that we chose to uphold and defend. I will keep fighting for comprehensive immigration reform, and for fact-based travel and immigration policies that do not discriminate against people based on religion or nationality.”

Congressman Jimmy Gomez (CA-34):

“The United States has always stood as a symbol of hope for those who seek refuge and opportunity. Two years ago – with the unveiling of the Muslim travel ban – President Donald Trump tried to change that. January 27 shouldn’t be remembered as the day he began to implement his agenda of fear and ignorance, but rather as the day Americans rose up in resistance against it. From airports and city streets to courthouses and places of worship, Americans made it clear that our nation never has – nor ever will – shy away from our aspiration to be a beacon of tolerance and justice across the globe.”

Congressman Ro Khanna (CA-17):

“Two years ago today, the travel ban based on religious affiliation was announced by President Trump. This policy was un-American at its core. Without diversity Silicon Valley would not exist and thrive, as an economic power house globally.” 

Congressman Barbara Lee (CA-13):

“In the two years since President Trump imposed his Muslim Ban, this xenophobic and racist policy has torn countless families apart. My colleagues and I are fighting this ban in Congress, so we can unify families and end this baseless, hateful policy. The fight is not over!”

Congressman Scott Peters (CA-52):

“Two years ago President Trump issued the first of many rash and hateful executive orders. His Muslim Ban betrays our values as Americans and unfortunately, the Supreme Court’s affirmation emboldens the president to continue to enact discriminatory policies. America has always been a shining beacon of opportunity, and we must preserve these founding principles.”

Congressman Adam Smith (WA-09):

“Two years since the President’s executive order banning refugees, this xenophobic and prejudice policy continues to go against our country’s values. We are a nation of immigrants and refugees, and our policies should reflect that strong heritage – not project fear and prejudice. I will continue to fight to end this ban and ensure our country protects the core American value of religious freedom.” 

Congressman Juan Vargas (CA-51):

“Two years ago, President Trump kicked off his administration with an unconstitutional and discriminatory Muslim and Refugee Travel Ban. The ban had nothing to do with national security; it was an excuse to promote discrimination and perpetuate harmful stereotypes. Since then, he has pushed forward policy after policy based on hatred, fear, and malice. We will continue to fight to ensure all people are treated humanely in this country, regardless of their faith or nationality.”

豬年行大運 摩頓賀新春

摩頓市長葛帝生(Gary Christenson，右三)頒發表揚狀
給華夏文協，由會長洪梅(前右四)代表接受。

 (Boston Orange) 2019年1月26日，摩頓市。
冬日暖陽，冰雪消融，春意乍現。摩頓高中學校禮堂內鑼鼓喧鬧，人聲鼎沸，在近千民眾期待的目光注視中，伴隨著華林功夫學校精彩的舞獅表演，一年一度的“華夏之春”中國新年聯歡會盛大開幕！

摩頓市長葛帝生(Gary Christenson)穿龍袍，向市民拜年。

這不僅是慶賀中國農曆春節的一場聚會，更是摩頓市華人社區與當地政府、民眾的重要交流活動，摩頓市葛帝生市長身著著中國傳統服飾龍袍，手捧多福多財的賀歲金豬，在華夏文化協會洪梅主任以及一干摩頓各界政要的陪同下，為中國豬年和摩頓市及全美華人送上了深深的祝福。

主持人(右起)馬勇，黃納斯，叢曉雲。

這隨俗的祝福蘊含了無限的深意。自2010年華夏文化協會與摩頓高中聯手創辦“華夏之春”中國新年聯歡活動以來，迄今已是整整十年，在摩頓市政府以及當地華人華僑的大力支持下，旨在發揚光大華夏文明，推廣普及中華文化的“華夏之春”，已逐漸深入民心並獲得喜愛，影響力漸甚，且內涵漸深。華夏協會面向社區，拓展文化服務的多項措施已頗見成效，得到了摩頓市政府的認同和關注。
聯歡會的活動精彩紛呈，既有內容豐富的文藝節目表演，也有風格迥異的各類文化交流。參加活動的的民眾熱情高漲、興趣盎然。最受人矚目的，還屬摩頓讀書會推出的主題講座---來自云南的普洱茶茶道表演，中華民族建築特色推薦演講，無微不至的社區關懷服務，妙趣橫生的遊園活動，寫春聯，貼春聯，捏泥人，猜燈謎，大人、小孩各取所愛，現場人流不斷，笑聲陣陣，真可謂良辰美景，春光無限，好一個令人嘖嘖稱道的聯歡。
聯歡活動總策劃劉小梅女士，自2009年開始創辦華夏藝術團以來，嘔心瀝血，為歷屆晚會作出了巨大貢獻，本屆活動她雖人在中國，但仍盡心盡責，事事操心。籌備節目、聯絡導演、撰寫台詞、調整節目編排、乃至宣傳媒體的落實，她都親自過問，用洪梅主任的話說，劉小梅是“華夏之春”活動的最大功臣。
包括摩頓市華林功夫學校，華夏歌舞團，夕陽紅時裝隊，鄉土舞蹈團，摩頓老年活動中心，康乃馨舞團，諾華製藥公司舞團，玉河舞蹈團，以及摩頓高中舞獅隊等團體及個人參加了聯歡表演，節目包括獨唱、合唱、扇舞、朝鮮歌舞、韓國街舞、吉他演奏、二胡獨奏、時裝表演、京劇彩唱、小提琴演奏等眾多內容。經驗豐富的馬勇、李嘉音、黃納斯、叢曉雲等人專業而又風趣的中文、英語、粵語三語主持，博得了陣陣掌聲。台上載歌載舞，台下歡聲笑語，演員開心，觀眾高興，其樂融融，好不熱鬧。
 將活動推向高潮的，是華夏文化協會主任洪梅主持的“豬年郵票發行儀式”。一年一生肖，美國郵局的中國生肖郵票發行進入最後一個輪迴，單張或成套收藏均顯得特別珍貴，追逐者甚眾。
年年春光，歲歲春風，感恩華夏文化協會，感恩摩頓高中亞裔俱樂部，感謝摩頓讀書會，更感謝為“華夏之春”聯歡活動作出貢獻的眾多民眾、參與者，期盼著活動更進佳境，華人社區得到更多的實惠，讓不同文化、習俗成就多彩社區，讓摩頓市成為一個優秀的多元城市。
如此甚幸，期盼民眾福祉，豬年大吉！(圖文由摩頓之友提供)

紐英崙中華專業人員協會2019年1月會刊

	New England Association of Chinese Professionals 紐英崙中華專業人員協會
	Website: http://www.neacp.com               Email: 2neacp@gmail.com

2019年1月專業會訊

專協慶祝春節猜謎活動

專協將於二月九日(星期六)中午舉行慶祝春節猜謎餐會，希望大家攜帶家人參加。地點是Sanyo - Asian Cuisine (以前的楊子江), 25 Depot Square, Lexington, MA 02420。如去年一樣，我們也邀請了許多來自台灣的社團參加，大家一起慶祝新年並聯誼，另專協請到袁尚賢博士主持猜謎，專協及各團體也準備了一些抽獎禮物，請大家在Eventbrite報名。詳情如下:

時間 (Date/Time)：February 9, 2019 (Saturday) 12:00pm – 2:30pm

地點 (Place)：Sanyo- Asian Cuisine, 1833 Massachusetts., Lexington, MA 02420

            (formerly Yangtze River) 781-861-6030

報名費用(Registration/Fee)：

Lunch for NEACP and co-sponsor members: $25

Child: 6 to 18 years old: $10; under 6 years old: free

Please register at Eventbrite: https://2019cnyluncheon.eventbrite.com

FB Link: https://www.facebook.com/events/2460234744048678/?ti=as

聯絡 (Contact): 彭淑敏會長 Shumin Peng Yang shuminpy@gmail.com;

               康雅雰副會長Yafen Kang  ycain@hotmail.com

協辦單位(Co-Sponsors)：(Co-sponsors as 1/24)

BEINUAA: 波士頓北一女校友會
CCCI: 華夏文化協會
GBAANTU: 大波士頓地區台大校友會
GBCCA: 大波士頓區中華文化協會
GBCKHSAA: 波士頓建中校友會
NEACS: 新英格蘭中文學校協會
NEHA: 紐英倫客家 鄉親會
NCKUAA: 新英格蘭成功大學校友會
MJNE: 新英格蘭玉山科技協會
TCCNE: 新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會
NTNUAANE: 臺灣師範大學紐英崙校友會

專協一月十九日侯慶辰律師演講

專協邀請到台灣慶辰律師事務所創所律師與執行合夥人侯慶辰(James Hou)律師演講，講題是 Bio-Pharm Companies' Winning Strategy in China from Perspective of Intellectual Property，Dr. Yu-Feng Wei擔任moderator。侯律師擁有台大法律碩士、政大商學碩士與美國賓州大學(University of Pennsylvania)法學碩士學位，以及中國北京大學法學博士學位。精通台灣、美國與大陸的法律並擁有美國與台灣雙律師資格及台灣專利師證照。迄今執業逾十年，專精於公司法、證券交易法、企業併購、資本市場、稅務訴訟、智慧財產權。

演講當天座無虛席，許多朋友站在後面，共約三十多人參加，演講非常精彩受歡迎，詳情請看副會長專協康雅雰Yafen Kang所準備的 Press Release 及 web links to media。

Links to media articles:

https://www.bostonorange.com/2019/01/blog-post_20.html

https://bostonese.com/2019/01/dr-hou-lectures-about-ip-strategy-in-china-at-cambridge-innovation-center/

Press Release

On January 19, 2019, New England Association of Chinese Professionals (NEACP) invited Ching-Cheng (James) Hou to deliver a speech “Bio-Pharm Companies’ Winning Strategy in China from the Perspective of Intellectual Property” at Cambridge Innovation Center, Cambridge MA. This is a full-house event, attracted about thirty people in 18 seating conference room; and the event attracted different backgrounds, MD, entrepreneurs, Phd. Students, professors and government officials, etc. Yafen Kang, VP and Professor Chung Hwa, Board members, of NEACP attended the event. Dr. Yu-Feng Wei is the moderator of the event. 

James came to the US this time because he was invited by Columbia Law School to be a Visiting Scholar. James Hou is a young growing star in IP both in Taiwan and China. He is founding partner of Ching-Cheng Attorneys at Law (Taipei) and founder of China Intellectual Property Information and Consulting Co.(Nanjing, China). James has three master degrees: LLM from National Taiwan University, MBA from National Chengchi University and LLM from University of Pennsylvania; he obtained his PHD from Peking University (China) in 2017.  He is barred in Taipei and the New York State, USA.

In the speech, James shared his insights about four aspect: the value of Chinese patents, the IP environment in China now and future, the must-knows for foreign bio-pharm companies that want to enter into Chinese market, the trend of Chinese bio-pharm patents. Compared to traditional IP lecturers, James’ speech put IP into the larger business context, which reflects James’ belief that IP’s value will be realized only when IP can be appreciated by capital market and IP can be the weapon to exploring certain markets. This is also China Intellectual Property Information and Consulting Co.’s unique business model.

During and after the speech, there were a lot of audience asking questions to James. James’ topic really arose people’s interests. James is also considering expanding his business in the US. NEACP is willing to see our members to have cooperation with him. After the event, NEACP hosted James’ family and guests to lunch at Mulan. 

專協理事董事聯合會議

專協一月五日在僑教中心舉行理事董事聯合會議，回顧與檢討過去一年的活動，報告財務狀況，並規劃今年活動及年會。會後並與新到任的台北經濟文化辦事處新設立的科技組組長謝水龍博士便當午餐。

專協參與的活動

·     專協會長董事長及多位理事及董事參加一月一日在僑教中心舉辦的中華民國元旦升旗活動。

·       新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會訂2月2日下午2點至7點，在70 Pacific St. Cambridge舉辦新年園遊會，歡迎大家參加，專協也備有禮物給學生抽獎。https://www.facebook.com/events/1936696266386014/

·       專協將有二十多位會員參加2月2日大波士頓區中華文化協會(GBCCA)的年會。

·       新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會的Career Fair資料，希望專協會員及大家能幫忙mock interviews or resume critiques，請在下網址註冊: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdlRS9CGnOGaOQSy_WxchTE1OnBsfPNa9ikfCvj1JCP1zyZHg/viewform

Date & Time: March 23rd, 2019 (Saturday) 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Venue: Harvard University, Northwest Science Building (52 Oxford St, Cambridge, MA 02138) 

Registration for the Career Fair: https://bit.ly/2QIq3dm

台灣科技動態(華府科技組提供)

CES 2019科技部TTA國家館傳捷報!8項新創大獎及國際大廠挹注資源

https://www.most.gov.tw/folksonomy/detail?subSite=&l=ch&article_uid=ade133e8-0981-4257-aedd-1b21844599cb&menu_id=9aa56881-8df0-4eb6-a5a7-32a2f72826ff&content_type=P&view_mode=listView  

Taiwan Tech Arena Pavilion at Eureka Park CES 2019 – Taiwan’s Startups Draw International Attentions

https://www.most.gov.tw/folksonomy/detail?subSite=&l=en&article_uid=92ae203f-d703-495d-bcd3-923e65baaea5&menu_id=eb9eb136-4319-40d6-abd3-0788bea0d3a8&content_type=P&view_mode=listView

科技部領 TTA 44 家科技新創 挑戰 CES 40億全球新契機

https://www.most.gov.tw/folksonomy/detail?subSite=&l=ch&article_uid=56e97591-04e4-432e-85f2-c452af53cc19&menu_id=9aa56881-8df0-4eb6-a5a7-32a2f72826ff&content_type=P&view_mode=listView

The MoST Leading 44 Startups to CES2019, 8 won Innovation Awards

https://www.most.gov.tw/folksonomy/detail?subSite=&l=en&article_uid=e7fcd802-b21a-498f-86e1-77ad93ed2c0c&menu_id=eb9eb136-4319-40d6-abd3-0788bea0d3a8&content_type=P&view_mode=listView

中央研究院2019年「TIGP國際研究生學程」開始受理申請

https://www.most.gov.tw/dc/ch/detail?article_uid=0ff26318-36ab-4159-b1be-9940cb789d0d&menu_id=2a8162a5-fdbd-4e3c-8c88-6456164f7e5c&content_type=P&view_mode=listView

Over 100 Funded and World-Class PhD Scholarships Available at Academia Sinica, Taiwan

https://www.most.gov.tw/dc/en/detail?article_uid=9c8398c2-5e2b-4926-b0a3-5c15c263ab4e&menu_id=352dc589-ce5c-436e-b056-bceeb014b0e3&content_type=P&view_mode=listView

TTA科技新創獲歐美大廠青睞 CES 2019奪55億商機

https://www.most.gov.tw/folksonomy/detail/?subSite=main&article_uid=11a38ee3-b274-45b1-9572-7d0304abf56f&menu_id=9aa56881-8df0-4eb6-a5a7-32a2f72826ff&content_type=P&view_mode=listView

Taiwan 44 Startups Reached NT$ 55 Billion Business Opportunity at CES

https://www.most.gov.tw/folksonomy/detail?subSite=&l=en&article_uid=430151ce-f23d-456e-972a-2e48e178d117&menu_id=eb9eb136-4319-40d6-abd3-0788bea0d3a8&content_type=P&view_mode=listView

紐英崙中華專業人員協會簡介

紐英崙中華專業人員協會的宗旨是促進會員間科學知識與人文觀點的交流、提升及運用，並促進台灣與美國的學術、技術、科學和社會文化的交流。協會於一九七八年在波士頓成立，迄今已有四十一年的歷史。當初由曾經參加中華民國『國家建設研討會』之學者專家組成，後為廣泛延攬人才，會員並不限於參加國建會的人士，舉凡學有專精的學者、教授、專家及學生皆可入會。協會的會員分布於紐英崙六州：Maine, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont。

專協歡迎來自台灣的學者、教授、專家、學生及專業人士入會。會費每年$20，永久會員$150。會員可享有活動費用的減免，活動優先報名，收到活動通知，並享有投票的權力。專協制度完善亦是美國政府登記的非營利團體，捐款可減稅，歡迎大家參加我們舉辦的各項演講、座談、研討會及年會。詳情請見http://www.neacp.com。

 

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紐英崙中華專業人員協會

New England Association of Chinese Professionals

http://www.neacp.com/

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