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星期四, 4月 30, 2015

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Renewable Thermal Grants to Public Schools

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Renewable Thermal Grants to Public Schools
Savings to Benefit the Mohawk Trail and Hawlemont Regional School Districts

BOSTON– April 29, 2015– The Baker-Polito Administration today announced grant funding for Heath Elementary School in Heath and the Hawlemont Elementary School in Charlemont to convert to highly efficient biomass boilers from their existing oil heating systems. Two grants totaling $355,375 are the third and fourth to be awarded for implementation from the Schools and Public Housing Integrating Renewables and Efficiency (SAPHIRE) Program.

“We are committed to working closely with municipalities across the Commonwealth to reduce energy costs, support local energy projects, and strengthen local economies through energy investments,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This program provides Massachusetts with the opportunity to allow school buildings to reduce costs and more efficiently manage their energy use.”

“By providing schools across the state with the tools necessary to reduce their reliance upon heating oil, the Commonwealth will take a pivotal step towards ensuring the further reduction of greenhouse gas emissions,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The conversion projects in Heath and Charlemont highlight Massachusetts’ commitment to minimizing climate change impacts, and I applaud these regional school districts for their proactive approach towards an efficient heating system.”

These investments together will save at least an estimated $30,000 annually by using a less expensive and cleaner fuel source. Both school buildings are also planning to add additional insulation and upgrade the lighting this summer with assistance from National Grid.

“With nearly one-third of total energy costs going toward heating our buildings, Massachusetts school districts are searching for more cost-effective and sustainable alternatives to heating oil,” said Department of Energy Resources Acting Commissioner Dan Burgess. “Installing renewable energy heating systems in schools demonstrate how these technologies can deliver significant energy cost savings, as well as provide learning opportunities and comfortable environments for students.”

The SAPHIRE Program helps Massachusetts public schools combine renewable heating and cooling with energy efficiency improvements to achieve deeper cuts in their energy costs. The program is administered by the Department of Energy Resources (DOER) in collaboration with the Massachusetts School Buildings Authority (MSBA). SAPHIRE offers feasibility studies, design and engineering studies and construction funding assistance to K-12 public school buildings pursuing renewable thermal technology, including biomass heating, solar thermal, and/or heat pumps.

"It's great news to see the Baker-Polito Administration making these important investments in our western Franklin County schools,” said State Senator Benjamin B. Downing, Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “These projects will serve to reduce the schools environmental impact and as a learning device for students.”

The program is funded by an allocation of approximately $1.7 million in Alternative Compliance Payment (ACP) funds and a $715,000 U.S. Department of Energy grant. ACP funds are paid by electric retail suppliers if they have insufficient Renewable or Alternative Energy Certificates to meet their compliance obligations under the Renewable and Alternative Portfolio Standard programs. The U.S. DOE grant provides staffing support.

Rep. Chu Disappointed by Prime Minister Abe’s Speech to Congress

Rep. Chu Disappointed by Prime Minister Abe’s Speech to Congress

Washington, D.C. – Today, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe became the first Japanese Prime Minister to address a joint meeting of Congress. Prior to his address, Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27) urged Prime Minister Abe to acknowledge Japan’s role in forcing women known as “comfort women” into sex slavery during World War II. Rep. Chu, who attended the speech, released the following statement:

“While I am grateful that the Prime Minister acknowledged the suffering of Asians at the hands of Japanese soldiers during World War II, I am incredibly disappointed that he failed to directly address the problem of comfort women. Despite numerous pleas from Members of Congress and many others around the world – including countries whose citizens were the victims of Japan’s war time program – I sat and listened to him once again ignore Japan’s responsibility for this particularly troubling and painful chapter. As the Prime Minister said, ‘Armed conflicts have always made women suffer the most.’ But healing these wounds requires honesty and an admission of responsibility. Shirking that responsibility and attributing it instead to the cost of war amounts to a pardon of those who made decisions to dehumanize these women and is license to future generations to use war as an excuse. The Prime Minister said that Japan’s eyes are always on the road ahead, but without responsibility and remorse, it is impossible to move forward.”
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全美中华青年联合会 www.aacyf.org     微信号:Richard3132

美侨学界社团联合致信全体国会议员 痛批安倍毫无道歉诚意

美侨学界社团联合致信全体国会议员 痛批安倍毫无道歉诚意
全美华人华侨隆纪念抗日战争胜利70周年委员会、美国华人公共外交协会、全美中华青年联合会、美洲中华青年促统会、美国华裔优秀青年联谊会、北美海峡两岸文化交流协会、美华国际青年商会、美国越柬寮华裔青年联谊会、北美深圳青年联合总会、南加州华人华侨联合会、纽约中华青年联合会、芝加哥一中会等全美侨学界知名社团429日晚向美国国会参、众两院的全体参、众议员办公室发出公开信函,痛批日本首相安倍晋三当天在美国国会发表的演讲,表示安倍晋三的讲话,唤起了全美亚太裔社区对历史的惨痛记忆,并对安倍晋三对日本发动侵略战争毫无道歉之意,提醒国会议员们不要忘记日本当年对美国的伤害,更不要被蒙骗。
信函指出,安倍晋三当天在国会的演讲中,虽然以文字游戏的方式表到了对战争的“悔意”,但是,一如既往,对于日本当年在亚洲国家的侵略暴行没有任何“道歉”之词,充分反映了日本政府对侵略战争的毫无“悔意”,以及一贯的阴暗心态。
信函提醒国会议员们,安倍在发言中提到自己的外祖父岸信介,在二战后被定为甲级战犯。虽然他对二战中的牺牲的美国士兵表示了忏悔,这只是他在利用美国政府的支持,实现自己的战略目标而已。你们可曾听到在他的发言中提及战争中令世人愤慨的“慰安妇”?可曾提及中国在战争中逝去的三千万生命?可曾提及对朝鲜半岛和台湾的殖民统治?可曾提及在东南亚各国的侵略暴行?
他更没有提及,对于亚洲国家多年来持续抗议日本政府一直以来对侵略战争认知,他自己又有如何的作为?相反,在他上任后,与亚洲各国的关系持续恶化,他在美国国会表现出虚伪的“谦卑”,完全没有诚信的基础。
信函也提醒国会议员们,全美各地的亚太裔社区,在安倍晋三访美期间,对于安倍的战争表态表达出了极大的愤慨,安倍当天在国会毫无诚意的发言,令亚太裔社区极度失望,发起了大量的抗议活动。希望美国国会议员们认清安倍对战争的一贯立场,关心和尊重亚太裔社区民众的历史情感, 更不要让“珍珠港”事件的翻版和幽灵,在国际社会中有任何的复活机会。(AACYF洛杉矶讯)

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Federal Funds for North Shore Boating Projects

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Federal Funds for
North Shore Boating Projects

BOSTON - April 30, 2015 – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced that more than $1 million has been awarded to the communities of Newburyport, Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program to construct facilities that will improve port access for transient recreational boaters. 

“These grants from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will significantly benefit the economies of these coastal communities by allowing for more access to transient boaters,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is pleased to partner with Newburyport, Gloucester and Manchester-by-the-Sea in our efforts to improve Massachusetts’ coastal infrastructure and tourist economy.”

“I would like to recognize the municipalities of Newburyport, Gloucester, and Manchester-by-the-Sea, along with the staff in our Division of Marine Fisheries, who worked so hard to secure these funds and make these projects possible,” said Department of Fish and Game Commissioner George Peterson. “These are great projects that will improve our recreational boating opportunities and greatly benefit these North Shore communities.”

The nationally competitive grant program, administered in Massachusetts by the Department of Fish and Game’s Division of Marine Fisheries, awarded the Commonwealth with a total of $1,072,211. Eligible projects must construct, renovate or maintain boating infrastructure facilities and associated amenities for transient recreational boats at least 26 feet long.

The City of Newburyport was awarded $448,059 and will provide $232,000 in matching funds and services to construct a transient boater visitor’s center that will include showers, toilets, laundry facilities, dock space for dinghies, and six moorings.

The City of Gloucester was awarded $263,930, and will contribute an additional $263, 975 in matching funds in partnership with National Grid and the Seaport Advisory Council for improvements at Solomon Jacob’s Park. Gloucester’s project will create a new float system and include 144 feet of dockage for dinghies; 205 feet of dockage for passenger drop-off, pick-up, and short-term tie-up; an 80-foot gangway compliant with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards; and an arched aluminum access bridge.

The Town of Manchester-by-the-Sea was awarded $360,222. The town and local partners will provide $133,513 in matching funds and services. Manchester-by-the-Sea will use the funds to create transient boater access as part of a new float system at Reed Park, providing a new ADA compliant ramp and tie-ups for ten recreational vessels that are 26 feet or longer and their dinghies.

“Working with the Baker-Polito Administration, these three communities will leverage local contributions along with more than $1 million in US Fish and Wildlife funding,” said State Senator Bruce Tarr. “This partnership with local, state and federal officials will pay dividends for boating access which will ultimately enhance safety and promote recreational use.”

“I want to thank the Baker Administration for recognizing Gloucester Harbor as an important economic asset,” said State Representative Ann-Margaret Ferrante. “With these funds, Gloucester will be able to promote tourism, welcome transient boaters, and open the harbor up for residents and visitors alike.”

“This is an exciting opportunity for Manchester-by-the-Sea,” said State Representative Brad Hill.  “This grant funding will provide for improved access to recreational boating and will help to stimulate the local economy by drawing more tourists to the town and its waterfront area.”

MA Small Business Person of the Year announced

Small Business Person of the Year: 
Todd Snopkowski - Snapchef
BOSTON

Jeffrey Butland Family-Owned Small Business of the Year: 
Elaine J. Boone - PTS Truck-Trailer-Construction Equipment Supply
PALMER

Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year: 
Michael Chege & Raphael Bibiu - Ace Medical Services, Inc.
WORCESTER

Woman-Owned Small Business of the Year:
Debra Heims - H&S Environmental, Inc.
WESTBOROUGH

Microenterprise Business of the Year:
Matthew &Tina Phaneuf - BioSurfaces, Inc.
ASHLAND

Region 1 Prime Contractor of the Year:
Arthur Mabbett - Mabbett & Associates, Inc.
BEDFORD

Massachusetts & New England SBA Small Business Exporter of the Year: 
Lester Hensley & Bashar Moussallieh - EMSEAL Joint Systems Ltd.
WESTBOROUGH

Massachusetts & New England SBA Financial Services Champion:
Mary Katherine Mansfield - Bay Colony Development Corporation
WALTHAM

Massachusetts & New England SBA Small Business Development Center Excellence and Innovation Award: 
Keith Girouard - Massachusetts Small Business Development Center, Berkshire Regional Office
PITTSFIELD

Massachusetts & New England SBA 8(a) Graduate of the Year: 
Hector Sanchez - P&S Construction, Inc.
CHELMSFORD

Massachusetts SBA District Director Award:
Robert J. Viamari - Cape & Plymouth Business Magazine
YARMOUTH PORT

MAYOR WALSH INVITES RESIDENTS TO THE BOSTON HOME CENTER'S HOUSING EXPO

MAYOR WALSH INVITES RESIDENTS TO THE BOSTON 
HOME CENTER'S HOUSING EXPO

ONE STOP OPPORTUNITY FOR HOME BUYERS AND OWNERS TO LEARN ABOUT CITY RESOURCES

The City of Boston is inviting potential home buyers and current homeowners to the Boston Home Center’s Housing Expo at the Boston Teachers Union Hall in Dorchester on Saturday, May 2. Attendees will be able to talk with realtors, mortgage lenders, nonprofit housing councilors, City agencies and City of Boston Home Center (BHC) staff about homeownership and home repair opportunities.  Among other things, the main exhibit hall for the Expo will offer attendees information about residential properties available for purchase, mortgage and prequalification information, and the Boston Home Center’s first-time homebuyer and home repair programs. 

The Expo will also include seminars and information sessions for homeowners and homebuyers on specific topics, led by BHC staff and partners.  Offerings include “Options for Reducing Your Mortgage Payment” and “Post- Winter Home Maintenance”. Attendees can register ahead of time on the BHC webpage: www.bostonhomecenter.com  

WHERE: Boston Teachers Union Hall, 180 Mount Vernon Street, Dorchester

WHEN: Saturday, May 2, 2015 10:00AM - 2:00PM

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CITY OF BOSTON JOINS THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND'S CLIMATE-START CITIES PROGRAM

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CITY OF BOSTON JOINS THE TRUST FOR PUBLIC LAND'S CLIMATE-START CITIES PROGRAM 

Partnership supported by a $500,000 MacArthur grant for green infrastructure projects

BOSTON - Thursday, April 30, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston has started work with The Trust for Public Land’s Climate-Smart Cities™ Program to help Boston achieve climate mitigation and preparedness goals set forth in the Greenovate Boston 2014 Climate Action Plan Update. The Trust for Public Land’s Climate-Smart Cities effort helps cities meet the climate challenge through conservation and design--from protecting waterfront parks and wetlands to creating green alleys and “water smart” playgrounds.

“I thank the Trust for Public Land and the MacArthur Foundation for their partnership that will help us reach the ambitious goals laid out in our climate action plan," said Mayor Walsh. "Through effectively using the resources that support our environment, we have the opportunity to create a healthy, thriving and more innovative Boston."

The goal of this partnership is to help the City of Boston implement green infrastructure as a strategy to better connect people, keep Bostonians cool, absorb stormwater, and protect the city, its buildings and its people. Through this partnership, The Trust for Public Land will help the City and its partners integrate these four objectives into green infrastructure development by creating a Geographic Information System (GIS) decision support tool, conducting research, and developing projects.
"We are thrilled to be working with a great city like Boston as part of our Climate Smart Cities program," said Will Rogers, president and CEO of The Trust for Public Land. "We know that coastal cities like Boston are particularly vulnerable in a changing climate and we applaud Mayor Martin J. Walsh and his staff for tackling this problem with solutions that provide multiple benefits."

As a result of the partnership, by late 2016 the City will have new research on climate impacts and an interactive online mapping tool. The Trust for Public Land will also assist Boston with creating green infrastructure design interventions such as flood mitigation and reducing the urban heat island effect.
Studies have shown that bringing natural features into urban environments can cool summer nights, absorb rainstorms, protect against coastal flooding, and help connect residents to mass transit and pedestrian corridors. These natural features, or "green infrastructure," like street trees, biking corridors, urban farms, and waterfront parks can keep neighborhoods of all kinds safe and livable when weather turns bad.

“Green infrastructure is an important tool that will help Boston both reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and also prepare for the impacts of climate change,” said Austin Blackmon, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space. “I look forward to working with the talented team at The Trust for Public Land to develop this resource and identify pilot projects in Boston.”

The partnership includes participation from multiple City of Boston departments and agencies including the Environment Department, the Department of Innovation and Technology, the Boston Transportation Department, the Boston Redevelopment Authority, the Boston Water and Sewer Commission, and the Boston Public Health Commission. Additionally, the state and community organizations are involved, including the Commonwealth’s Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, The Boston Harbor Association, Charles River Watershed Association, Metropolitan Area Planning Commission, and Livable Streets Alliance.

紐英崙朱沛國堂迎羊年 大秀宗親文武雙全

紐英崙朱沛國堂四月廿五日晚在喜臨門大酒樓席開四十二桌,以歌聲,詩意,琴韻,彰顯宗親才子佳人多;藉頒獎朱振舜,表揚宗親藝高不忘助鄉里。
            會上還送出新年利是給中華頤養院,中華耆英會,廣教學校,僑立學校,已是朱氏尊重敬老,勵學的中華傳統。
            朱沛國堂的詩人暨前主席朱紹昌,當晚擔任司儀,特地寫了一幅對聯“朱門崇德義,勝友如雲,沛國聚賢良,高朋滿座”,為大會增添雅氣。
            現任主席朱健威,朱添達,分別致歡迎,答謝詞時,也由朱添達獻詩一首“君是海棠花熳爛,繁枝錦簇吐芬芳,他日花卉綻放日,願為綠葉作陪襯”,聊以輝映的向到會宗親及嘉賓表心意。
            今年從紐約來的宗親道賀團,格外龐大,有三十多人,其中包括青年組組長朱英強,副組長朱芊親。紐約朱氏主席朱永益指出, 他們是應紐英崙主席朱健威邀請,特地來和波士頓年輕朱氏宗親交流的。希望兩地年輕一代朱氏,能體會上一輩人苦心,從交流中擴展人際關係,累積人生經驗,學習領袖才能,將來攜手服務社會,光宗耀祖。
駐波士頓經文處處長賴銘琪,副處長陳銘俊,波士頓華僑文教中心主任郭大文等人也以嘉賓身份,用廣東話一一致詞。賴銘琪稱許朱氏多才子,虛懷若谷的歡迎僑社指導。郭大文感謝僑界支持政府,透露八個月後,他就將任滿返台。陳銘俊效法朱紹昌的也獻詩一首。
經文處新聞組組長朱永昌忝為朱氏宗親,當晚也應邀出席。
波士頓市議員吳弭派代表王芳菲,送給朱氏一份表揚狀。
紐英崙朱沛國堂當晚自己頒發一塊獎牌,表揚高齡八十三歲,創辦了朱振舜太極功夫會的宗親朱振舜,稱許他“武學超群倫人稱師傅“,感念他資助鄉梓的”辛勞寄沛國我敬鄉賢”。另一名獲表揚的宗親朱自律,當晚因事,未能出席。
文娛節目部分,由健威夫人,植武夫人主持,符克華樂合唱團演唱“炮竹一聲,大地回春”,“歡樂中國年”拉開序幕。經文處處長賴銘琪,副處長陳銘俊,僑教中心主任郭大文接著有如“三劍客”般,聯袂合唱。昭倫公所主席譚達兒不但獨唱,扭舞,還“招兵買馬”,拉了一伙昭倫宗親及好友,在台上邊唱邊跳,為迎春慶會帶出更多歡樂氣氛。
紐英崙朱沛國堂今年的職員包括,主席健威,添達;中文書記,星發,西文書記蘇珊;財政瑞生;核數平臻;總務佑務,玉漢;康樂組建威夫人,植武夫人;法律顧問蘇珊,出席中華公所代表紹昌,婦女組主任平臻夫人,紹昌夫人,樓業組長紹昌,樓業委員會瑞生,平臻,星發,自律。
  
圖片說明:

            朱振舜,李足蘭(左三,四)夫婦,在兒子朱國昌(左一),徒弟司徒宗達(右二)陪同下,上台接受紐英崙朱沛國堂主席朱健威(左二),朱添達(右三)頒給表揚獎牌。(菊子攝)

            紐英崙朱沛國堂職員與嘉賓向出席者敬酒。(菊子攝)

            左起,朱星發,朱紹昌,朱添達,朱健威(右一)等人在會中合影。(菊子攝)

            翁宇才(前右起),謝如鍵,鄺坤珍等人大合唱。(菊子攝)
            紐英崙朱沛國堂主席朱添達(左起),朱健威,以及顧問朱紹昌(右三)送出利是給四機構,由梅伍銀寬,曾秀芬,江輝輝,阮奕雲代表接受。(菊子攝)

            昭倫公所主席譚達兒(左一)拉著副主席謝如鍵(右一起),李氏公所主席李源沛,紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦,中華公所財政翁宇才等人合唱。(菊子攝)

            經文處處長賴銘琪(右起),副處長陳銘俊,特地起身向朱振舜(左二)致意。(菊子攝)


            經文處副處長陳銘俊(左起),處長賴銘琪,僑教中心主任郭大文,有如三劍客,聯袂合唱。(菊子攝)

中華耆英會講座 吳皓解答骨髓疏鬆疑難

中華耆英會與十健康(Ten Health),紐英崙婦女心運會合作,昨(廿九)日中午在帝苑大酒樓辦“骨骼強健宣導會”,請吳皓醫師向150多名出席者講解如何預防骨質疏鬆。
            中華耆英會在宣傳單上指出,年滿五十歲以上的中年女性,每兩人中就有一人會因為骨質疏鬆症而骨折,昨日的講座,討論停經後骨質疏鬆症,以及造成骨折的高風險因素。
            吳皓昨日表示,其實男性年過五十後,也會有骨質疏鬆的危險。要察覺自己是否已出現骨質疏鬆症的最佳方法,就是量身高。如果身高減少了一英吋或以上,或者出現過骨折情況,很可能就是已經在不知不覺中得了骨質疏鬆症。
        要預防骨質疏鬆,可以曬曬太陽,增加身體維他命D,多攝取鈣,減少攝取鈉和咖啡因,適度增加運動量,例如不行,打太極,爬樓梯,不要抽煙等等。吳皓建議正在服用藥物的人,先諮詢醫師,再採取防止或治療骨質疏鬆的步驟。
            如果做了運動,改變了飲食內容,也服用了維他命,還是不夠時,就得用處方藥來輔助了。其中一種處方藥是Prolia,一年只需注射兩次,但是這藥也有引起嚴重副作用的可能,應該先諮詢醫師,說明各人是否正在服用其他藥物,有沒其他病症,使否正在懷孕或授乳等。
            在使用處方藥上,許多人沒注意的是,頂多吃上三到五年,就應該停止服用,找醫生諮商。至於保險包不包,各種保單要求不同。據吳皓所知,有三、四家保險公司包,甚至有些公司還不需要另外辦申請手續。
            吳皓指出,由於飲食習慣不同,亞洲飲食往往缺鈣,亞裔又個頭較小,骨質密度也低,還大約90%成年亞裔有乳糖不耐症,難以從食物中攝取鈣,因而是骨質疏鬆症及骨折的高危險群。為此,他會視情況建議甚至年紀還輕的中國女性,都採取措施,改善骨質疏鬆情況。
他也提醒出席耆英,藥通常都是繼有好處,也有壞處,可以醫治這病,卻同時可能會因副作用,讓人得另外一種病,所以選擇藥物,關鍵在於衡量那種藥帶來的好處比較多。以鈣來說,多吃固然對骨頭好,對心血管卻不好。

圖片說明:

            紐英崙婦女新運會會長湯鳳鳴(左二起),呂錦芳,中華耆英會行政主任梅伍銀寬(左三),十全健康策略主任陳愛玲(右三),耆英會醫療主任張青梅等人邀請吳皓醫師(右四)講解骨質疏鬆症。(菊子攝)

            吳皓醫施拿出脊椎骨模型,輔助說明。(菊子攝)

            吳皓解釋骨刺和骨質疏鬆的不同。(菊子攝)

            一百五十多名耆英,聽得很投入,會後紛紛提問。(菊子攝)