人生一定要有的八個朋友：
推手(Builder)、
支柱(Champion)、
同好(Collaborator)、
夥伴(Companion)、
中介(Connector)、
開心果(Energizer)、
開路者(Mind Opener)、
導師(Navigator)。
chutze@bostonorange.com
*******************
All rights of articles and photos on this website are reserved.
前任交通部長趙小蘭(Elaine L Chao，左起)和加州聯邦眾議員 金映玉(Young Kim)，加州聯邦眾議員朴銀珠(Michelle Steel)
趙小蘭主持爐邊談話 - 培養領導力
前任交通部長趙小蘭(Elaine
L Chao)應邀主持爐邊談話，和加州聯邦眾議員金映玉(Young Kim)，加州聯邦眾議員朴銀珠(Michelle
Steel)對話，暢論亞裔女性參政之路，分享他們打破族裔、性別阻礙，在前人種樹，後人遮陰中傳承經驗，強調要發聲，要參與。鼓勵想要代表自己族裔發聲的年輕學子，可以從參與社區活動、關注親友需求為起點，積累實踐經驗，培養領導力。
聯邦眾議員Amata Catherine Coleman Radewagen
Amata Catherine Coleman Radewagen及Arizona 州財務長Kimberly Yee也致詞鼓勵亞裔社區。
Join the Greenway Conservancy & Boston Children's Chorusat We Sing: Chinatown this Saturday, July 24 at 2p! We invite community members of all ages and skill levels to join in singing, games, prizes, and socializing at Chin Park on The Greenway.
Can't make it this weekend? We Sing: Chinatown will return on the Chinatown Gate on August 15 at 2p.
MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES FIRST CONSTRUCTION CONTRACT UNDER CITY’S NEW SUPPLIER DIVERSITY PROGRAM
Malcolm X Park project first to have contract-specific goals
BOSTON - Friday, July 23, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced the release of the bid package for the Improvements to Malcolm X Park in Roxbury as the first contract planned for the City’s new supplier diversity program. Building on Mayor Janey’s commitment to addressing equity in City contracting, the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department will pilot participation goals for minority-owned businesses (MBEs) and women-owned businesses (WBEs) with the Malcolm X Park Improvement Project. The pilot will increase the number of contracts awarded to diverse businesses for planned renovations to the park including the basketball courts, tennis courts, playgrounds, and turf field, among many other improvements. The total construction budget is $7.7 million.
“Engaging with diverse contractors can have a powerful impact on our local economy,” said Mayor Janey. “The Malcolm X Park Improvement Project pilot seeks to quantify that impact and improve transparency in the procurement process, as we address the dire need for investment in Boston-based businesses owned by women and people of color. I am proud to work with the City of Boston Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, as well as the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, to expand access for entrepreneurs who are traditionally overlooked.”
These actions build on the City of Boston's commitments announced in February 2021 that followed the completion of a disparity study, including an Executive Order designed to support equitable procurement policies. The Executive Order recognizes the results of the disparity study and established spending goals of 25% for WBEs and MBEs, as well as establishment of a Supplier Diversity Plan to support diverse procurement.
“The Malcolm X Park project will revitalize a treasured community resource while also providing economic opportunities for area businesses owned by people of color and women,” said Celina Barrios-Millner, Chief of Equity and Inclusion. “We appreciate the hard work of the Parks Department to make this pilot possible, and have established a Supplier Diversity Program that will create opportunities for diverse contractors on all types of City contracts moving forward.”
The City has set an MBE goal of 2.4% and a WBE goal of 4.8% of the total budget for this project based on the availability of MBEs and WBEs for the work required for the renovations. Bidders must either achieve the goals through subcontracting commitments with MBEs and WBEs, or provide documentation with their bids specifically demonstrating good faith efforts undertaken to achieve the goals. Bidders must achieve both goals, as well as the City’s Boston Jobs Resident Policy goals.
“We are grateful for Mayor Janey’s and the Equity Cabinet’s leadership in reducing barriers for City suppliers,” said Parks and Recreation Department Commissioner Ryan Woods. “Requiring bidders to thoughtfully engage all available subcontractors will result in a high quality, diverse pool of companies on the project team and a better park project overall.”
The type of contracts required for the project include concrete and asphalt installation, playground equipment installation, electrical, plumbing, earthwork and grading, arborist and tree work, planting, and signage. WBEs and MBEs in these fields can access a list of potential bidders who have requested a copy of the plan, and reach out to them directly to pitch their services. Subcontractors are also encouraged to get certified as WBEs or MBEs. Certified contractors will be included in a list of diverse businesses that City of Boston and external organizations use for recruitment.
The construction bid (IFB) was released on Monday, July 19 and bids are due by August 19, 2021, at 2:00 p.m. Bids and specifications are available to be picked up at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 3rd floor. No appointment is necessary. For an up to date list of plan holders or for any questions please contact Lauren Bryant by email at lauren.bryant@boston.gov or by phone at 617-961-3019. Prospective bidders are highly encouraged to attend a virtual pre-bid conference on Tuesday, July 27, 2021, at 11:00 a.m. Boston time. To attend, use the video call link https://meet.google.com/nfq-gjia-twr or dial 319-820-2332 PIN: 158 648 917#.
ABOUT THE PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT
The Parks and Recreation Department creates and maintains clean, green, safe, and accessible public parks and open space throughout Boston. The department is responsible for 217 parks, playgrounds and athletic fields, two golf courses, 65 squares, 17 fountains, 75 game courts, 16 historic and three active cemeteries, urban wilds, four High School athletic fields, and approximately 125,000 trees, all covering 2,346 acres, 1,000 of which comprise the historic Emerald Necklace. Parks and Recreation is also responsible for more than 35,000 street trees.
ABOUT THE EQUITY CABINET
The Equity Office works to embed equity and racial justice into all City planning and operations. The Office focuses on dismantling systemic barriers to achieve racial, gender, health and socio-economic equality and works to ensure that an equity lens is placed on all programs, policies, and practices of local government. The Cabinet consists of numerous departments and agencies, including: Resilience and Racial Equity, Human Rights Commission, Women’s Advancement, Immigrant Advancement, Language and Communication Access, and the Economic Mobility Lab. The cabinet also oversees the Boston Resident Jobs Policy and the Supplier Diversity Program.
State Representative Tommy
Vitolo Endorses Michelle Wu for Mayor
Boston, MA - Today, State
Representative Tommy Vitolo announced his support and endorsement of Michelle
Wu for Mayor of Boston. Representative Vitolo represents the 15th Norfolk
District which covers the town of Brookline. He serves as Vice Chair of the
Joint Committee of Election Laws.
Representative
Vitolo said: "I’m proud to endorse my friend Michelle Wu to be the next
mayor of Boston. Michelle’s clear vision and regional collaboration has already
made her a leading voice across the Commonwealth on the issues we both
champion—a transportation system that works for everyone, housing
affordability, and climate justice. Her election as mayor will be
transformative for Boston and its neighbors."
“I am so grateful
to be endorsed by Representative Tommy Vitolo. He’s been a partner on the
climate, housing and transportation justice issues across our region—and a
fellow working parent advocating with a sense of urgency for all our families
to thrive,” said Michelle Wu.
Representative
Vitolo has served Brookline since November 2018 and is currently a member of
the House Committee on Steering, Policy and Scheduling, Joint Committee on
Elder Affairs, and Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts and Cultural Development.
He has long been an advocate for environmental justice and energy efficiency,
fighting against coal power plants and advocating for wind turbines and solar
farms. Recently, he sponsored many bills including H.953, to ensure charter
school transparency and public accountability and H.2390, to prohibit state
construction or renovation of fossil fuel heating systems.
Representative
Vitolo’s endorsement adds to the Michelle for Mayor campaign’s enthusiastic
coalition of multigenerational, multicultural grassroots supporters including
leaders Senator Elizabeth Warren, Boston City Councilor Lydia Edwards, State
Senator and Assistant Majority Leader Sal DiDomenico, former State
Representative and Assistant Majority Leader Byron Rushing; unions Teamsters
Local 25, New England Joint Board of Unite Here!, Alliance of Unions at the
MBTA, MBTA Inspectors Union Local 600, OPEIU Local 453; environmental
organizations Sunrise Boston, Sierra Club, the Environmental League of
Massachusetts, 350 Mass Action; Progressive West Roxbury/Roslindale; Ward 4
Democrats; Ward 5 Democrats; and fellow municipal elected officials from across
Greater Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. For all of Michelle for
Boston’s endorsements, visit michelleforboston.com/endorsements.
MAYOR JANEY NAMES LORENA LOPERA AND
RAFAELA POLANCO GARCIA TO BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE
Two new members sworn-in to serve Boston’s
diverse public school district
BOSTON - Thursday,
July 22, 2021: Today, Mayor Kim Janey announced the appointment of
Rafaela Polanco Garcia and Lorena Lopera to the Boston School Committee.
The move follows her commitment in June to fill two vacancies and move
the committee forward with greater equity, opportunity and
accountability. Polanco Garcia is a Boston Public Schools (BPS) parent
and serves as Director of Parent Engagement and Organizing at St.
Stephen’s Youth Programs. Lopera is also a BPS parent and Executive
Director of Latinos for Education. Mayor Janey selected Polanco Garcia
and Lopera from a slate of candidates presented by the Boston School
Committee Nominating Panel, which worked independently to conduct the
public application and interview process that attracted 23 applicants.
Both women were sworn-in by Boston City Clerk Maureen Feeney right before
the mayor’s announcement.
“Ms. Polanco
Garcia and Ms. Lopera bring incredible depth of knowledge and lived
experience to the Boston School Committee,” said Mayor Janey. “I am
thrilled to appoint these talented new committee members, who represent
so many of the residents in our city. They will both help to fill the
pages to this new chapter of equity and opportunity for Boston Public
Schools students and families.”
“On behalf of the
school committee, I am pleased to welcome Ms. Rafaela Polanco Garcia and
Ms. Lorena Lopera as our newest colleagues and thank them both for their
commitment to the children and families of Boston and to serving on this
committee,” said Boston School Committee Chair Jeri Robinson. “As both
parents in the Boston Public Schools and community activists, their voice
and expertise will be welcome additions as we work to continue to create
true involvement of the multicultural communities across the city and
commend Mayor Janey for their appointment.”
“I am thrilled to
welcome Ms. Lopera and Ms. Polanco Garcia as our newest members on the
Boston School Committee. In the last year, the Committee and I have
worked together to pass important policies around student information
sharing, retention, grading, graduation standards, and exam school
admissions,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Brenda Cassellius.
“We remain committed to closing opportunity gaps and examining current
and future BPS policies through an antiracist lens to advance student
outcomes. I know that both Ms. Lopera and Ms. Polanco Garcia join us with
the professional experience and community perspective necessary to
contribute positively and effectively to our shared goals of equity,
opportunity and excellence for every BPS student.”
Polanco Garcia is
an immigrant who lives in public housing in South Boston and has a
background in law and bilingual advocacy. Her activism on behalf of the
Latinx community in education includes working on the No on 2 campaign in
2016, helping to pass a sanctuary schools resolution, and passing the
Student Opportunity Act. Since 2015, she has served as the Director of
Parent Engagement and Organizing at St. Stephen’s Youth Programs in the
South End.
“As an Immigrant
from the Dominican Republic, it is a great honor for me to represent
English Language Learner families on the Boston School Committee,” said
Polanco Garcia. “As a single mother of a Boston Public Schools student, I
feel committed to my community. I know that many families will be able to
identify with me and together we will be a voice in the school district.”
Lopera is a
Jamaica Plain resident and veteran of local organizations focused on
expanding educational access for Latinx youth and students of color,
including Roxbury-based Sociedad Latina, La Vida, Inc., and Building
Excellent Schools, as well as national organizations such as City Year
and the Posse Foundation. Most recently, she was the Executive Director
at Latinos for Education, New England, the first Latino-founded and led
national organization dedicated solely to creating leadership pathways
for Latinos in education. She is currently co-chair of the Hurley K-8
School Site Council.
“My own
educational experience and my experience as a Boston Public Schools
parent is what will guide my decisions on the Boston School Committee,”
said Lopera. “I’m honored by this opportunity, and ready to roll up my
sleeves to co-design solutions with families, educators, and community
members so all students within Boston can succeed.”
In addition to the
member appointments, Mayor Janey announced plans to extend Racial Equity
and Leadership (REAL) training to all members of the Boston School
Committee.
“REAL training,
which is also being provided to all City of Boston staff, will be a first
step toward setting new rules of engagement among School Committee
members, families and all those with a stake in our schools,” said Janey.
More than 40
percent of Boston Public Schools students identify as Latinx, while
approximately 10 percent of enrolled students live in Boston Housing
Authority developments. Mayor Janey’s appointments expand representation
for these communities and were met with enthusiasm and support from
community stakeholders.
“I am thrilled to
learn about Mayor Janey’s selection of Lorena Lopera and Rafaela Polanco
Garcia as members of the Boston School Committee,” said Dr. Vanessa
Calderón-Rosada, chief executive officer of Inquilinos Boricuas en
Acción, a corporation dedicated to empowering individuals and community
development. “Both Lorena and Rafaela bring an unwavering commitment to
equity in Boston Public Schools, both as parents and as advocates; and as
immigrants, both of them will bring an important perspective to the
School Committee deliberations. I am grateful to Mayor Janey for bringing
these two strong Latina leaders to the Committee!”
"These are
two very thoughtful choices by Acting Mayor Janey that ensure that new
voices and new perspectives are represented on the School Committee,”
said John Riordan, the Boston
Municipal Research Bureau representative on the School Committee
Nominating Panel. “In Ms. Polanco
Garcia, she’s selected a BPS parent who has been a champion of parent
engagement and has the ability to reach parents who may not feel
connected to the school system. In Ms. Lopera, she’s selected a BPS
parent and longtime advocate who will bring important experience in
pushing the school system to make continued improvements."
“I am thrilled by
Mayor Janey's nominations of Rafaela Polanco Garcia and Lorena Lopera to
the Boston School Committee. Both are dedicated Latina leaders who are
parents with young children in BPS, and have been long-standing advocates
for educator diversity and education equity and excellence,” said Betty
Francisco, Chief Legal Advisor for Compass Working Capital, a Non-profit
that assists low-income families with finances. “Rafaela reflects the
unique experience of immigrant families who depend on our school system
for culturally and linguistically competent services. Through her work at
Latinos for Education, Lorena has been a leading voice on educator
diversity and leadership development. They make a powerful combination
and will bring important perspectives that reflect the diversity of the
Latino families in BPS.”
“I am ecstatic
about the news of Lorena Lopera and Rafaela Polanco Garcia ascending to
the Boston School Committee, and I imagine Boston’s Latino community
rejoices, as well,” said Samuel Acevedo, executive director of the Boston
Higher Education Resource Center. “The loss of Alex Oliver-Dávila and
Lorna Rivera from the BSC was inestimable. But succeeding them are a
set of Latinas who are both BPS parents, and have both been – for years -
tireless advocates for our community’s children. Lorena y Rafaela:
Dios las bendiga. ¡Les deseamos todo éxito!”
The new members
will attend their first School Committee meeting on August 4, 2021.
Baker-Polito Administration
Announces $4 Million to Support Trail Improvements Across the Commonwealth
MassTrails Program Funding 52
Projects to Enhance Massachusetts’ Trail Network
SANDWICH – Building on
efforts to enhance access to natural resources and recreational opportunities
for residents across the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration today
announced nearly $4 million in grant funding to support 52 trail projects
across the Commonwealth as part of the MassTrails Grant Program. The grants
will assist the construction, maintenance, and improvements for a variety of
public trails across the Commonwealth, including hiking trails, bikeways, and
shared-use paths. The announcement was made by Governor Charlie Baker and
Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito, who joined Energy and Environmental Affairs
Secretary Kathleen Theoharides, Department of Transportation Secretary Jamey
Tesler, Department of Conservation and Recreation Commissioner Jim Montgomery,
and state and local officials at the Army Corps of Engineers Cape Cod Canal
Visitors Center in Sandwich.
“Massachusetts
has a vast network of public trails which
connect communities and regions together, providing recreation,
exercise, and tremendous access to the natural
world, and this funding offers an excellent opportunity to continue building
and expanding that network and support new opportunities for outdoor
recreation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We continue to see
residents taking a greater interest in the great outdoors, and through our plan
to put federal relief funding to immediate use in cities and towns across the
Commonwealth, our Administration is proposing to direct $100 million in parks
and open spaces, including the expansion of Massachusetts’ long distance trail
network.”
“Trails
are important community resources that improve quality of life
by offering access to parks, reservations, forests, and
beaches throughout the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor
Karyn Polito. “The MassTrails Grant
Program is providing critical funds for projects from the Berkshires to
Cape Cod, enabling our local partners to continue their efforts to improve
trail infrastructure by creating new segments and enhancing existing
trails for the public to enjoy.”
The MassTrails Grant Program supports projects
that build public-private partnerships to maintain
and improve existing trails and construct new ones across the state.
This year’s projects will help communities address trail drainage, develop new
trails, expand universal access, support the construction of boardwalks and
bridges, design and install new signage, acquire new land for trails, and
expand and maintain biking trails.
“We’ve
seen an explosion of interest in the great outdoors throughout the COVID-19
pandemic, with residents and families across the Commonwealth exploring our
parks, trail networks, and open spaces,” said Energy and Environmental
Affairs Secretary Kathleen Theoharides. “These MassTrails projects are just one example of the
significant investments that could be made to expand and improve access to
outdoor recreation and open space through the
Administration’s federal ARPA spending proposal, especially for
residents in communities hit hard by the pandemic.”
“MassTrails grants
support the Baker-Polito Administration’s commitment to providing a safe and
equitable transportation network to advance the Commonwealth’s transit,
economic, climate and public health goals,” said Acting Transportation
Secretary and CEO Jamey Tesler. “Grant money will go toward placemaking
projects which offer new opportunities for economic development and connection
in downtowns or community centers – including new and expanded outdoor spaces
for dining, gathering and mobility.”
The MassTrails Grant Program is
funded through the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation’s
(DCR) capital budget, and from the motor fuel excise tax on off-road vehicles,
including ATVs and snowmobiles, which is provided by the U.S. Department of
Transportation and the Federal Surface Transportation Act, in coordination with
the Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT).
“The
Department of Conservation and Recreation is proud to be the steward
of nearly half-a-million acres of public land that encompass hundreds
of trails stretching for thousands of miles,” said DCR Commissioner Jim
Montgomery. “The Baker-Polito Administration actively seeks to foster
strong relationships between the state, local leaders, and organizations
through programs and initiatives like the MassTrails Grant Program to further
advance priorities that have positive impacts on local communities and
regions.”
All MassTrails Grant Program applications
are reviewed in consultation with an inter-agency MassTrails Team and
the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB). The program
provides important funding for project development, design, and
construction of shared-use pathways, which facilitate connections to where
people live, work, and recreate. These funds are focused on construction
and maintenance of recreational trails of all types and uses, including both
motorized and non-motorized activities, such as hiking, mountain biking,
horseback riding, cross-country skiing, paddling, snowmobiling, and
recreational off-highway vehicle riding.
“Sandwich
has been working for more than a decade to design and construct a shared use
pedestrian path along Service Road from Exit 2 off the mid-Cape highway to the
Barnstable town line,” said Sandwich Town Manager George Dunham. “This
path will ultimately connect to the Cape Cod Rail Trail and to the Cape Cod
Canal. Our MassTrails grant
will help us plan the most difficult section connecting the Canal pedestrian
path to Route 130 and will eventually allow for safe, pedestrian access from
the Cape Cod Canal to Provincetown. We can’t thank the Department of
Conservation & Recreation and the Governor’s Office enough for their
support and funding.”
“I
am thrilled to learn that the Town of Sandwich has been selected as a recipient
of a 2021 MassTrails grant,”
said State Representative Steven
Xiarhos (R- Barnstable). “The ability to be able
to safely walk, run, bike, and exercise outdoors is so
important; particularly after the last year when it was difficult for many
to leave their homes. I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and the
Department of Conservation and Recreation for including our community in this
round of grants.”
“With this round of
MassTrails grants, my communities will be able to continue to develop our local
trail system and allow more of our residents to participate actively in the
outdoors while also opening up new areas for the public to enjoy,” said
State Senator Susan L. Moran (D-Falmouth). “This funding is vital to
using a shared path from Route 130 to Cape Cod Canal Bikeway that will allow
bikers and walkers to use this trail in a safe way. Thank you to the Town of
Sandwich and the Sandwich Bikeways & Pedestrian Committee for their
tireless work and who have advocated to make this a reality.”
This
year’s MassTrails Grant projects are
located in the following municipalities: Adams, Arlington,
Athol, Barre, Becket, Belchertown, Bernardston, Brewster, Buckland, Colrain,
East Boston, Easton, Everett, Fall River, Foxborough, Franklin, Freetown,
Gardner, Gill, Granville, Great Barrington, Hardwick, Harvard, Hawley,
Haydenville, Holden, Hubbardston, Lakeville, Lawrence, Lee, Leicester, Lenox,
Leyden, Malden, Medford, Medway, Middleton, North Adams, North Brookfield,
Northampton, Norwell, Orange, Pittsfield, Plainfield, Sandisfield, Sandwich,
Savoy, Shrewsbury, Southampton, Springfield, Sturbridge, Sunderland, Templeton,
Ware, Washington, Westborough, Westfield, Westford, Williamsburg, Windsor,
Winthrop, Woburn, Worcester, Wrentham. For a full list and brief description of
each of the 52 projects receiving funding, please visit the MassTrails Grants webpage.
In June 2021, the
Baker-Polito Administration re-filed its plan to immediately put to use part of
Commonwealth’s direct federal aid from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to
support key priorities including housing and homeownership, economic development
and local downtowns, job training and workforce development, health care, and
infrastructure. As part of the Administration’s proposal to jump-start the
Commonwealth’s economic recovery and support residents hardest-hit by COVID-19,
such as lower-wage workers and communities of color, Governor Baker would
direct $900 million to key energy and environmental initiatives, including $100
million for parks, recreation, and open spaces. These funds would support
investments in public lands, as well as lands specifically conserved for public
access including parks, lakes, rivers, trails, beaches, fishing piers, boat
ramps, and other waterways. Funding would be dedicated to projects that expand,
enhance, and modernize the Commonwealth’s park facilities to steward and
conserve natural resources, and to improve the resilience of natural and
working lands, plants, and wildlife in the Commonwealth.
ILF今年這場企業與領袖高峰會，Facebook
and Youtbue至少有1000多人上網參加，在Youtube上回放https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gZu02ZK-_24。
