波士頓慈濟慶25週年 5月14日辦愛心蔬食宴拍賣籌款

        (慈濟波士頓訊) 波士頓聯絡處預訂5月14日(週六)下午6至9點，在昆士市龍鳳大酒樓舉辦「感恩慈善愛心蔬食宴」，向歷年支持慈濟的大德，表達感恩謝意，同時拍賣古物藝術品，舉辦籌款晚會。

慈濟波士頓聯絡處成立25年來，這是第一次舉辦籌款愛心宴。慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿指出，決定這麼做是因為有一對從台灣移民來美的善長仁翁夫婦，身後遺留的千餘件古董、玉器及字畫等藝術精品，全都捐給了慈濟基金會。

陳彬仁及王淑慧這對夫婦1970年代從台灣移民來美。他們邊打拼事業，邊收藏東方藝術精品，幾十年下來，事業經營有成，收藏品也越積越多。因緣際會的，王淑慧在1998年認識慈濟，1999年又和慈濟志工許京芷一起為台灣921大地震募款，接著2004到2009年，王淑慧染病，許京芷和慈濟志工們常去探望，陪伴，關懷，她們一家就和慈濟結緣更深了。

義賣品之一。

                    這對夫婦的大兒子在父母辭世後，念及他們對慈濟的信任與情誼，決定把紐約居所的逾千件收藏品捐給慈濟。

慈濟因而決定拍賣這批精美收藏品，給喜愛藝術人士一個收藏機會，也為慈濟籌集更多佈施大愛資源。

在紐約分會三十週年時，成功義賣出大部份藝術品，剩餘約兩百件古物藝術品經慈濟志工耗費許多精神、心力整理後，波士頓慈濟已製作一份拍賣手冊，放在網上，供人選購。同時也在牛頓市夏日街的會址，及波士頓服務站陳列部分藝術精品，供人預先鑑賞。

預定於5月14日舉辦的波士頓慈濟「感恩慈善愛心宴」，除了定價一桌10席一千元的晚宴之外，還邀請各界以隨喜、實心、信心、正心、誠心、悲心、榮董名義等做不同額度捐款，以四分之一版100元，全版500元等不同尺寸的晚宴手冊廣告來贊助活動。晚宴現場將在表演節目之外，安排拍賣約8件藝術精品。

「感恩慈善愛心蔬食宴」訂5月14日晚6到9點在昆士市龍鳳酒樓舉行，地址為237 Quincy Ave., Quincy, MA 12169。購票或查詢可洽慈濟波士頓聯絡處，tzuchi.us/boston/gala，捐款可在網上捐贈或寄至波士頓聯絡處 Boston Service Center， 15 Summer St., Newton, MA 02464。(更新版)

5/15 亞裔傳統月慶祝及遊行: 促進統合、團結及歸屬感

          (Boston Orange) 麻州多個亞裔團體合作，將於5月15日 (週日) 早上11點至下午2點，在波士頓廣場柏文樂台 (Parkman Bandstand)前舉辦「亞裔傳統月慶祝及遊行: 促進統合、團結及歸屬感」活動。

         當天將先有亞裔馬拉松跑者到場，接著全體出席者繞波士頓廣場走一圈，以示亞裔社區的團結，接著將有講話與文藝表演。

 

領得超額失業金需申請豁免償還 華人前進會籲民眾注意規定改變

             (Boston Orange) 麻州政府在今年初發現，超額發放了高達43億元的失業救濟金。麻州和美國勞工部協商後，已獲准讓超額領取失業金的人，可以豁免償還超額領取的一部分，但領取者必須填寫申請豁免表格。華人前進會呼籲華人社區民眾注意相關規定的改變。

              失業援助局 (DUA)是在今年4月更改了規定，有資格申請豁免，也就是不必償還，或只須償還部分的人少了，但申請手續簡化了。

              華人前進會和大波士頓法律事務援助處合作，提醒民眾，上網查核。

早前曾申請豁免償還超額領得的失業救濟者，可登入失業援助局，查詢自己帳號內的信箱，是否有”批准通知”，如果是新冠病毒大流行失業援助 (PUA)，就要查看是否有”豁免超額發放決定通知”的信件。

還沒有申請豁免的人，可以檢查自己帳號主業上是否有"你適合簡化手續豁免”的訊息，也可以到”管理債務”的標籤下，選擇”要求豁免債務”。DUA就會問需要的是哪種公共援助。

如果是已經退還部分的超額失業救濟，又是用直接儲存方式繳付的，DUA將還款到那個銀行帳戶。如果是用記帳卡繳付，申請人就必須上網把環款方式改為郵寄。

簡化的豁免手續只適用於某些超額領得失業救金者。申請者可上網或致電失業救濟局877-626-6800。失業救濟局會詢問申請人的目前薪資，開支。

如果已經用失業救濟金支付了一大筆不尋常的開銷，例如買了一輛車，或償還了信用卡債等，DUA可能會批准你的豁免申請。

如果你在獲批准取得失業救濟金時，放棄了很有價值的權利，例如終止了社會福利，或是食物券等，DUA可能會批准你的豁免申請。

Des Linden To Return For 2022 B.A.A. 10K on June 26

 Des Linden To Return For 2022 B.A.A. 10K on June 26

2018 Boston Marathon Champion to race in America’s fastest 10K; Registration remains open at baa.org

BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today that 2018 Boston Marathon champion and two-time Olympian Des Linden will return to compete in the 2022 B.A.A. 10K, presented by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, on Sunday, June 26. The B.A.A. 10K is the second event of the 2022 B.A.A. Distance Medley, a three-race series which also includes April’s B.A.A. 5K and November’s B.A.A. Half Marathon.

Earlier today, Linden announced on Instagram her participation in the upcoming event.

In 2018 Linden won the Boston Marathon, the first time an American woman claimed the open division title in 33 years. She has placed in the top five at the Boston Marathon five times and last ran the B.A.A. 10K in 2018 when she ran among the masses and finished hand in hand with B.A.A. runner Katsuhiro Togami.

Registration for the 2022 B.A.A. 10K, presented by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, is currently open through the B.A.A.’s online platform Athletes’ Village. All participants who enter will receive an adidas participant shirt, unique bib number, and finisher medal. Additional participant information can be found on baa.org. The race will start at 8:00 a.m. ET on Sunday, June 26 on Charles Street adjacent to Boston Common and Boston Public Garden.

Athletes interested in supporting Brigham and Women's Hospital, the B.A.A. 10K’s presenting sponsor and exclusive fundraising partner, are encouraged to visit www.runbwh.org/10k. Since 2016, more than 2,100 runners and 180 teams have raised $1.2 million to fuel life-giving breakthroughs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital.

Linden will also be participating in the first-ever B.A.A. 10K Fest & Field Day on Saturday, June 25, one day prior to the race. From 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Boston Common, 10K Fest & Field Day will feature youth fitness activities, games, appearances by professional athletes, running clinics, and more. Participants will also be able to pick-up their participant shirts and bib numbers at 10K Fest. Additional details will be available on baa.org in the coming weeks.

陳翟蘇妮通過1萬人支持簽名門檻 正式成為州長候選人

Sonia Chang-Díaz first woman of color to pass signature threshold for MA Governor’s ballot

Campaign collected over 17,000 signatures 

Sonia Chang-Diaz (left) and her campaign policy director
Sam Hyun. (Photo by Chutze Chou)

BOSTON, MA - Senator Sonia Chang-Díaz reached the signature threshold for the Massachusetts Governor’s ballot Thursday, with town clerks reporting over 10,000 certified signatures less than 48 hours after the deadline. In total, the campaign collected over 17,000 signatures and many more are expected to be certified in the coming days. 

This makes the senator the first woman of color in the Commonwealth’s history to pass the signature threshold necessary to make it on the ballot. 

“I want to thank every single volunteer whose commitment and hard work brought us to this moment,” said Chang-Díaz. “You have shown that when working people come together, we can make history. Together, we can turn our Commonwealth into a beacon that we can truly be proud of.” 

Chang-Díaz emerged in the past month as the most progressive candidate in the Democratic primary and was endorsed in early April by Our Revolution Massachusetts. She is the only candidate to reject donations from the fossil fuel industry and to support progressive priorities such as single-payer healthcare, debt-free public college, and a Green New Deal that includes fare-free public transit.

Before officially getting on the ballot, Sonia Chang-Díaz must get 15% of delegates to vote for her at the Democratic Party convention in early June and drop off all certified signatures with the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s office. Despite the insider-nature of the convention, the campaign says they are confident that they will be able to clear this threshold. 

麻州州長候選人 Healey 宣佈秋河市政要支持 強調經濟發展很重要

Healey Announces Endorsements and Emphasizes Economic Development in Fall River

File photo by Chutze Chou

FALL RIVER – Massachusetts gubernatorial candidate Maura Healey visited the Fall River City Pier today. In conversations with local elected officials and community leaders, Healey emphasized the need for investments in public transportation and neighborhood revitalization in Gateway Cities to spur equitable economic growth. 

Following the tour, Healey announced the endorsements of several Fall River leaders: Fall River Mayor Paul Coogan, State Representatives Carol Fiola, Pat Haddad, Paul Schmid, and Alan Silvia. 

“The Fall River Pier is a clear example of how we can invest in our Gateway Cities to spur equitable economic growth,” said Healey. “In what was once inaccessible space to the public, we now see the makings of a thriving waterfront neighborhood. That didn’t happen overnight – thanks to the advocacy of Fall River officials and investments in transportation and greenspace, economic development is coming to Fall River. I’m grateful to earn the support of so many of these leaders in our campaign for Governor.”

As Governor, Maura will prioritize expanded public transportation, including West-East Rail and Regional Transit Authorities. Her Climate Agenda called for an increase in investments in port infrastructure to $200 million, a rapid expansion of the offshore wind industry, and support for community greenspaces, particularly in Gateway Cities.

The Fall River Pier is an important example of the kind of economic development Healey will foster across Massachusetts. The city will soon benefit from the expansion of South Coast Rail and the planned redesign of Route 79. The Pier itself is being transformed into a publicly accessible greenspace with parking, where the city plans to host community events. The surrounding neighborhood is poised to become a thriving waterfront business community. Fall River will also benefit from the growth of the offshore wind industry along Massachusetts coastlines.

“Maura has stood up for Fall River as Attorney General by investing in our opioid recovery services, protecting our workers, and advocating for economic development all along the South Coast,” said Mayor Paul Coogan. “I know she is the right person to lead our city and state forward. I’m proud to endorse her for Governor today.”

"Communities along the South Coast have different needs than Boston and Maura understands the kinds of support and resources our region needs in terms of public transportation, economic development, housing, arts, and culture,” said State Representative Carol Fiola. “I know Maura will be a Governor for our entire state and be an advocate for smart, equitable growth.”

“For years, Maura has taken on powerful interests to protect our communities,” said State Representative Pat Haddad. “She’s been a great partner in our fights for reproductive freedom, worker’s rights, and clean energy in Massachusetts, and I know she’s the leader we need for this moment. I’m proud to endorse her for Governor.”

“Through these difficult years of the pandemic, Maura was a strong advocate for public health and protecting our communities,” said State Representative Paul Schmid. “As we look ahead, we need a Governor who will lift up our Gateway Cities, invest in people, and grow our state in an equitable way. That’s why I’m glad to endorse Maura’s campaign for Governor.”

Settlement Reached in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Class Action Case

 Settlement Reached in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Class Action Case

 

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that a settlement has been reached between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit related to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in the spring of 2020.

 

“The COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home was a terrible tragedy. While we know nothing can bring back those who were lost, we hope that this settlement brings a sense of closure to the loved ones of the veterans,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

 

The agreement is subject to approval by the federal district court for Massachusetts and totals $56 million. The terms of the settlement will cover veterans who lived at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home at any time between March 1, 2020 and June 23, 2020 and who became ill or died from COVID during that period.  Former U.S. Attorney Donald K. Stern will serve as the settlement claims administrator and will make awards to participating claimants based on his review of each claimant’s individual circumstances. Estates of deceased veterans would receive a minimum award of $400,000 and veterans who contracted COVID but survived would receive a minimum of $10,000. The fund will also provide for payment of court approved attorneys’ fees for the plaintiffs.

 

This settlement, when approved, will resolve all potential claims relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 during the covered period. Claimants will receive further details on the settlement directly from their attorneys and through a court approved process.

 

Governor Baker plans to file legislation seeking $56 million for the claims fund in the coming weeks.

 

“There is no amount of money that can compensate our clients for the loss of their loved ones.  But our clients are grateful that the Commonwealth has acted to resolve this matter without the need for protracted litigation by agreeing to compensate both the families of those who died of COVID, as well as the veterans who survived.  The settlement is fair and just,” said Plaintiffs’ lawyer Tom Lesser.

 

Since 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration has focused on strengthening the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, and since that time, the Home has passed all required federal inspections. In August 2021, the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke received accreditation from the Joint Commission following the most recent survey of the facility, with no deficiencies cited in the report. The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke is also certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Annual surveys are conducted by the VA to maintain certification. Holyoke received VA certification in 2021 and is awaiting final certification following its 2022 inspection.

Settlement Reached in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Class Action Case

 Settlement Reached in Holyoke Soldiers’ Home Class Action Case

 

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced that a settlement has been reached between the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and plaintiffs in a class action lawsuit related to the COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home in the spring of 2020.

 

“The COVID-19 outbreak at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home was a terrible tragedy. While we know nothing can bring back those who were lost, we hope that this settlement brings a sense of closure to the loved ones of the veterans,” said Governor Charlie Baker.

 

The agreement is subject to approval by the federal district court for Massachusetts and totals $56 million. The terms of the settlement will cover veterans who lived at the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home at any time between March 1, 2020 and June 23, 2020 and who became ill or died from COVID during that period.  Former U.S. Attorney Donald K. Stern will serve as the settlement claims administrator and will make awards to participating claimants based on his review of each claimant’s individual circumstances. Estates of deceased veterans would receive a minimum award of $400,000 and veterans who contracted COVID but survived would receive a minimum of $10,000. The fund will also provide for payment of court approved attorneys’ fees for the plaintiffs.

 

This settlement, when approved, will resolve all potential claims relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 during the covered period. Claimants will receive further details on the settlement directly from their attorneys and through a court approved process.

 

Governor Baker plans to file legislation seeking $56 million for the claims fund in the coming weeks.

 

“There is no amount of money that can compensate our clients for the loss of their loved ones.  But our clients are grateful that the Commonwealth has acted to resolve this matter without the need for protracted litigation by agreeing to compensate both the families of those who died of COVID, as well as the veterans who survived.  The settlement is fair and just,” said Plaintiffs’ lawyer Tom Lesser.

 

Since 2020, the Baker-Polito Administration has focused on strengthening the Holyoke Soldiers’ Home, and since that time, the Home has passed all required federal inspections. In August 2021, the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke received accreditation from the Joint Commission following the most recent survey of the facility, with no deficiencies cited in the report. The Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke is also certified by the U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Annual surveys are conducted by the VA to maintain certification. Holyoke received VA certification in 2021 and is awaiting final certification following its 2022 inspection