僑委會茶飲簡餐製作班 8/15 開課

2016年茶飲簡餐製作班

研習目的：

為應海外僑胞創業及轉業之需求，規劃適合在海外創業之茶飲簡餐實作技術課程，以協助僑胞厚植相關專業技能及提升經營事業之能力，並促進與國內業者之商機交流。

研習時間：2016年8月15日至8月26日（週日不上課）

報名截止日期：2016年6月12日

承辦單位：國立高雄餐旅大學（高雄市小港區松和路1號）

報到及研習地點：國立高雄餐旅大學

研習對象：20歲至65歲，通曉中文，有意學習茶飲簡餐實作技術在僑居地創業或開展新商機之海外僑胞。以海外相關僑營事業從業人員及近兩年未曾參加本會經貿研習班者為優先。

一、    研習課程內容及時數：

實際研習日程計11天，研習總時數至少77小時，邀請業界名師名廚教授運用臺灣特色菜以中菜西吃方式製作成套餐如新臺灣料理簡餐、臺式分子料理簡餐、養生蔬果套餐、臺式創意簡餐等及茶飲咖啡品鑑與創業基礎課程，並安排參訪相關知名企業。

二、    費用負擔方式：

（一）     本會負擔研習期間午餐（不含週日）、課程教材、師資及場地等學雜費用。

（二）     學員自行負擔自僑居地往返之交通費、研習期間之膳宿及書籍等個人費用；如需住宿安排，可洽由承辦單位國立高雄餐旅大學協助代訂住宿。

報名注意事項：

報名表件請以電腦繕打或正楷填寫，於簽名處親簽後，送往波士頓華僑文教服務中心報名，未經核轉逕向本會或承辦單位報名者，概不受理。報名表件請向波士頓華僑文教服務中心索取或逕自本會網站（www.ocac.gov.tw首頁/公告事項/開班）或全球僑商服務網（www.ocbn.org.tw首頁/僑商培訓邀訪/最新預告）下載。

波士頓華僑文教服務中心TEL:617-965-801

                                          Email:ocacbostonlib@gmail.com

僑商經營管理研習會7/18開班

僑務委員會2016年僑商經營管理研習會

僑務委員會為協助海外僑商掌握經營管理新知及促進海外僑臺商與國內績優企業交流互動，訂於105年7月18日至7月29日開辦「2016年僑商經營管理研習會」。該研習課程係以國內外Mini MBA核心學程為主，除由國內專家業者講授人力資源管理、領導與溝通、行銷管理與顧客行為、休閒產業行銷、組織行為、服務與營運管理、產業競爭分析、策略行銷與價值經營、實際案例解析及經驗分享等外，並安排參訪多家國內標竿經營之企業及文化創意產業；全程參與課程者將由僑務委員會發給中英文研習證書。

該研習課程之教材、師資及場地等學雜費用由僑務委員會負擔，學員須自付由僑居地往返之交通費用、研習期間之住宿費，有意參訓者請於105年6月13日前向波士頓華僑文教服務中心報名，並可至全球僑商服務網（www.ocbn.org.tw首頁/僑商培訓邀訪/最新預告）或至僑務委員會網站（www.ocac.gov.tw首頁/公告事項/開班）下載活動簡介及報名表。

波士頓華僑文教服務中心TEL:617-965-8801, Email:ocacbostonlib@gmail.com

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THREE NEW CARBON CUP PARTICIPANTS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THREE NEW CARBON CUP PARTICIPANTS

AvalonBay Communities, Sheraton Boston Hotel and Vertex Pharmaceuticals Join Greenovate Boston Mayor's Carbon Cup

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 1, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced AvalonBay Communities, Sheraton Boston Hotel and Vertex Pharmaceuticals as the three newest participants in the Greenovate Boston Mayor's Carbon Cup. Their participation represents an aggressive commitment to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 35 percent by 2020. Mayor Walsh recognized their commitments at a Green Ribbon Commission meeting this morning. "I thank AvalonBay Communities, Sheraton Boston Hotel, and Vertex Pharmaceuticals for their partnership in helping Boston achieve our greenhouse gas reduction goals," said Mayor Walsh. "Boston is committed to being a leader in our efforts to address climate change, and those efforts would be impossible without these significant commitments from community partners." The Mayor's Carbon Cup, launched in April 2014, recognizes the major commitments of large organizations, including hospitals, universities and commercial building portfolios. To date, there are 10 participants in the Mayor's Carbon Cup, which have collectively committed approximately 23.9 million square feet to a 35 percent greenhouse gas emission reduction. "The GRC applauds AvalonBay Communities, Sheraton Boston Hotel and Vertex Pharmaceuticals for committing to the Mayor's Carbon Cup Challenge, which calls for reducing carbon emissions from buildings at an even faster pace than called for in the Boston Climate Action Plan," said John Cleveland, Executive Director of the GRC. "Commercial buildings comprise over half of the city's greenhouse gas emissions. Thanks to these business leaders, and the innovative policies, programs, and community engagement around climate preparedness by the Mayor's office, Boston is a global model for building strong cross-sector partnerships aimed at slowing the causes of climate changes." The three new participants each represent the first of their sector to enroll in the Mayor's Carbon Cup. Other Carbon Cup participants and winners are: Partners HealthCare-Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston University, Harvard University (within Boston city limits), Partners HealthCare-Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston Medical Center, Boston Properties, and the Federal Reserve Bank of Boston.   "We're excited to have Avalon, Sheraton, and Vertex step up as climates leaders in their respective sectors," said Austin Blackmon, Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space. "We hope to see others follow their lead." In order for the City of Boston to reach its citywide goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by 25 percent by 2020, large building portfolios will need to lead by aiming for a higher GHG reduction target. Those pledging to the Carbon Cup commitment must enroll at least 1 million square feet and commit to a 35 percent reduction in GHG intensity. Pledges may choose 2005, or the next earliest available year with energy data, as a baseline. The Building Energy Reporting and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO) establishes the reporting framework for easy participation in the Mayor's Carbon Cup. Through BERDO, the City will track year-over-year progress towards each portfolio's goal. The City of Boston welcomes new participants in the Cup. For more information, visit http://www.greenovateboston.org/carbon_cup. About The Green Ribbon Commission The Boston Green Ribbon Commission, formed in 2011 and now co-chaired by Mayor Walsh, is a group of business, institutional and civic leaders in Boston working to develop shared strategies for fighting climate change in coordination with the City's Climate Action Plan. Visit http://www.greenribboncommission.org for details. About Greenovate Boston Greenovate Boston is a community-driven movement to get all Bostonians involved in reducing the city's greenhouse gas emissions 25 percent by 2020 and 80 percent by 2050, as outlined in the City's Climate Action Plan. By laying out the necessary steps to reduce the causes of and to prepare for climate change, the Climate Action Plan gives Greenovate Boston a Framework for building a greener, healthier and more prosperous city. Visit http://greenovateboston.org for details.

Mayor Walsh, Superintendent Chang Honor Boston Public Schools 2016 Valedictorians

Mayor Walsh, Superintendent Chang Honor Boston Public Schools 2016 Valedictorians

Boston, MA - June 1, 2016 - Boston Public Schools Superintendent Tommy Chang joined Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh and Boston School Committee Chairman Michael O'Neill at the BPS Annual Valedictorian Luncheon held yesterday at the Boston Harbor Hotel at Rowes Wharf in downtown Boston. "This is one of my favorite events of the year," said Mayor Walsh. "The Class of 2016 is a very special one. More than half of these students are the first in their families to attend college. More than half of them were born outside of the United States. Eight of the 37 valedictorians have been in the Boston Public School system since kindergarten. This group of scholars is a testament to the BPS, and each student should be proud of their success. These students enrich our communities, schools and the City of Boston. Congratulations to the valedictorians and their families on this great accomplishment."   This year's celebration marks the 18th annual recognition ceremony of the district's valedictorians. Callie Crossley, the host of Under the Radar on WGBH, emceed the event and introduced each valedictorian. "On behalf of the School Committee, I am so proud of each and every single one of these students," said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "These students have shown great dedication and deserve to be recognized for achieving their goals." "Congratulations to all of our students for achieving this remarkable accomplishment," said Superintendent Chang. "They make all of us so proud; they are hard workers, resilient, and they have an unwavering desire to succeed." The biographies for the 2016 valedictorians are as follows: Another Course to College: Joel Ortiz Allston Resident Joel has taken a challenging course of study, which includes two Advanced Placement (AP) and eight honor classes. Joel loves science and technology and hopes to pursue these interests in college. He was instrumental in the success of ACC's robotics team as the lead robot software programmer. He has taught the basics of software coding to students and has led efforts to teach computer science. Joel is fluent in Spanish and speaks conversational Chinese. Boston Arts Academy: Issel Solano-Sanchez Hyde Park Resident Issel is senior class president at Boston Arts Academy. She focuses on theater and has performed in three main stage productions - Grimm, In the Heights, and Inner City Blues - and was the stage manager for Romeo and Juliet. Issel is grateful for all the opportunities BAA has given her and is ready to move onto the next chapter of her life at Emerson College. Boston Adult Technical Academy: Jacelina Gonçalves Dorchester Resident Jacelina faced many obstacles in her life but nevertheless continues to strive to overcome life's challenges. Her goal is to be the first college graduate of her family and make a positive difference in the world. She aspires to use her success to help others but, most importantly, to serve as an example for others to prove that everything is possible when you believe and work hard. Boston Community Leadership Academy: Bilal Lafta Charlestown Resident Born in Baghdad, Iraq, Bilal is ambitious and hardworking as he has dreams of becoming a doctor someday. His home country was politically unstable and violently chaotic, making it difficult for his family to continue to live there. At the age of seven, his family was forced to separate and was sent to different refugee camps. Living with his father at a refugee camp, Bilal spent months without school, but his curiosity and passion for learning remained alive. He visited the local library to read as an escape from the harsh reality outside the library doors. Bilal's family was later reunited in Cairo, Egypt, where he lived for two years. Bilal and his family then immigrated to the United States, a place he can finally call home. He quickly learned English and performed exceptionally in his academic studies. A senior at Boston Community Leadership Academy, Bilal highly values community involvement and helping others to become leaders within their own community. Next fall, Bilal will study biomedical engineering at Brown University, where he hopes to make significant contributions to medical research. ABCD University High School: Mikhailla Colon Roxbury Resident Mikhailla is a hard working student driven by academic success. She is an all-around leader, and her positive energy is contagious. In the fall, Mikhailla will attend Northeastern University. EDCO Youth Alternative High School: Joshua Damas Mattapan Resident Joshua is a kind, intelligent, and observant young man who demonstrated deep resilience and self-motivation to get through high school. A skilled writer, his favorite discipline was science, particularly biology. Joshua will attend Norfolk State University in Norfolk, VA. He hopes to return to Massachusetts to attend Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences in pursuit of his goal of becoming a pediatrician. Boston Day and Evening Academy: Maritza Coren Dorchester Resident Maritza plans to study biology at Curry College. Her goal is to become a veterinarian. This spring, she volunteered at the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals-Angell Animal Medical Center. Maritza has also worked with several organizations in her community: STRIVE, United South End Settlements, Camp Hale, and Mission Safe. Boston Green Academy: Suraia Silveira MattapanResident Suraia is determined to excel and become a health care professional. This Cape Verdean immigrant is an organized leader who has made her mark on our community. She speaks four languages (Cape Verdean Creole, Portuguese, English, and Spanish) and has been savvy in utilizing her multilingual skills to communicate with different segments of the population both at home and abroad. Suraia has been a valuable contributor to Boston Green Academy through her participation in sports, displaying her heartfelt school spirit as a cheerleader and always representing BGA in the best possible light. Boston International High School: Tarannum Rahman Roslindale Resident Tarannum is a motivated, hardworking, and studious young woman of enormous potential who has exemplified the values of the school community. She has thrived in her transition from being a newly arrived immigrant student from Bangladesh to a young woman ready for college success. Boston Latin Academy: Mayerly Smith Mission Hill Resident Mayerly is a strong, moral, and ambitious young woman. She enjoys courses in biology and health sciences. As an intern at the Brigham and Women's Hospital's Student Success Jobs Program, Maya works in the Division of Infectious Diseases. She also volunteers her time tutoring students it the Homework Help Program at the Copley Library. Maya is truly passionate about helping others. In college, Maya hopes to decide on an academic major, travel, and expand her horizons. She is deciding between a scholarship at Harvard and Northeastern for the fall of 2016.     Boston Latin School: Terry Ni Jamaica Plain Resident Terry enjoys many  interests, whether taking walks around the city, managing the school newspaper. She also enjoys animals, swimming and playing the flute. She will attend Harvard College in the fall. Boston Latin School: Xuan Qin West Roxbury Resident Xuan has pursued a vigorous program of studies at BLS. She has successfully completed nine AP courses, ranging from Latin to economics. She is also involved with a non-profit dance company, Project Moves, and competes in mock trials. Brighton High School: Ebony Atwell Dorchester Resident Ebony was born in Brooklyn, NY, and came to Boston in August of her freshman year. She immediately took advantage of opportunities available to her at Brighton High School. She participated in Summer Search, where she had the chance to travel to North Carolina and Costa Rica for community service. She also tutored children in English, painted classrooms, and improved living conditions for communities abroad.This year, she became a member of the student council and the National Honors Society. Her efforts in serving her community directly led to her receiving the Boston University Community Service Scholarship. Jeremiah E. Burke: Flavia Freitas Dorchester Resident Flavia immigrated to the U.S. from Cape Verde at the age of 10. Flavia has been accepted to Northeastern University, Bentley University, UMass Boston, UMass Dartmouth, Gordon College, Bridgewater State University and more. Charlestown High School: Minting Chen South End Resident Minting came to the United States in September 2013. As a newcomer to the school, Minting excelled in all of her courses. Minting is a member of National Honor Society. She is one of the six juniors who received a College Book Award last year. She is a member of Charlestown High School's Chinese Club. Additionally, she was selected to work at Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as a student intern. Minting volunteers at the Chinese Immigrant Student Leadership program. She is attending UMass Amherst next fall. Community Academy: Steven Rodriguez Jr. Brighton Resident Steven is a charismatic, respectful, and strong student. He has emerged from difficult life circumstances to become a young man with unlimited potential. His resilience and passion for success are noted by his family, peers, and the entire staff at Community Academy. Community Academy of Science and Health: Darphens Rene Mattapan Resident Darphens was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti in 1999. He moved here with his family after the earthquake in Haiti in March 2010. He attended the Mildred Avenue Middle School and then enrolled at Community Academy of Science and Health in the fall of 2012. During his high school career, Darphens has been involved in numerous activities including varsity soccer, community service projects, and the National Honor Society. He has a strong interest in science and math and competed in the state science fair as well as the Blue Lobster Bowl competition at MIT while a student at C.A.S.H. He plans to major in mechanical engineering at Northeastern University in the fall. Dorchester Academy: Nerciany Gomes Dorchester Resident As a first generation college student who moved to the United States only six years ago from Cape Verde, Nerciany has worked hard to accomplish high levels of academic achievement. She has volunteered at the Catholic Charities Teen Center and plans to attend Bunker Hill Community College in the fall. East Boston High School: Albert Suanders IV East Boston Resident Albert William Saunders IV participated in baseball, hockey, football, and the National Honors Society. He was awarded first place in the school-wide science fair for three years. He has accepted the Northeastern University Valedictorian Scholarship and will be pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. English High School: Diosaris Leonela Lorenzo Dorchester Resident Diosaris was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to the United States when she was 11 years old. She was involved in various clubs and organizations and plans to attend Framingham State University to study nutrition and wellness. Excel High School: Minh Nogc Le Dorchester Resident Minh has been a hardworking and caring leader throughout her four years at Excel High School. Born in Vietnam, Minh immigrated to the United States in 2011, where she has been dedicated to her education. Her role as president of the National Honor Society and her participation in BuildOn, the Environmental Club, and orientation for new students, demonstrates her initiative and diligence to making her a community a better place. She enjoys playing with numbers and listening to music. Minh has received the four-year John and Abigail Adams scholarship, and will be attending UMass Boston in the fall. Fenway High School: Chelsea Contreras South End Resident Chelsea's favorite subject is math. She is a member of the softball and step teams. She volunteers at Room to Grow, an organization that provides help to students who need support. Chelsea will study biology in college and plans to become a pediatrician. Greater Egleston High School: Joy Young Dorchester Resident Joy plans to study psychology, and sociology, and likes to create artwork. She plans to attend Pine Manor College in the fall. Henderson K12 Inclusion School: Joe-Freddy Francois Allston Resident Joe is dedicated and passionate, and is thrilled to be top of his class this year. He looks forward to pursuing the next chapter of his academic career and plans to attend Massachusetts College of Art and Design. Edward M. Kennedy Academy for Health Careers: Boihitta Thomas Roxbury Resident Boihitta Thomas was born in Olney, Maryland to parents both from Sierra Leone, West Africa. Boihitta has taken AP English Language and AP Biology in junior year and this year, she is taking AP courses in English, psychology, and history. In May 2015, Boihitta enrolled in a Japanese class at the Orchard Gardens Community Center in Roxbury. Boihitta is a member of the National Honor Society, is an anchor for EMK TV, and works after-school in the Bio-Medical Engineering Department at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Boihitta plans to become a cardiologist and intends to be on the Pre-Med track. She plans to attend Northeastern University on a full scholarship. Mary Lyon Pilot High School: Andrea Flores West Roxbury Resident Andrea serves as a leader and mentor in and out of school, working summers as a camp counselor at the Jackson Mann Community Center where she supervises kids and organizes their activities. Her hobbies include listening to music, drawing, skateboarding, playing the guitar and video games, which she does frequently in the company of her friends. Andrea will attend the School of Visual Arts in New York City. Madison Park Technical Vocational High School: Evelise Moreno Dorchester Resident Evelise is a hard working young woman who has excelled tremendously in academics, vocational and extracurricular activities. During her time at Madison Park, she has demonstrated the qualities of a person who has the potential to make an extraordinary difference in this world. She is involved in many school and community activities. Evelise will be traveling to Rwanda as part of a community service project, working with homeless children. Evelise will be attending Bridgewater State University in the fall. She is the recipient of Madison Park CV Friends and Family Scholarship. McKinley Preparatory High School: Denise Britt Dorchester Resident Denise has continually demonstrated perseverance and growth throughout her academic career and personal life. Faced with the adversity and struggle of becoming a mother and raising her daughter, Denise worked to provide for her family while balancing her academic focus. McKinley South End Academy: Juan Lopez Roxbury Resident Juan participates in athletic events, cultural activities, and school wide initiatives. In classes, he is always the first to offer a hand to others to help all students achieve their fullest potential. Academically, Juan loves science and hopes to pursue a job in this field and travel. Margarita Muñiz Academy: Estephanie Ramirez Hyde Park Resident Estephanie immigrated to the United States at the age of five along with her family. She was a student at the Hernández Dual Language Elementary School and continued her studies at Muñiz Academy. She will be the first in her family to attend college and is interested in pursuing a health science career. She plans to attend UMass Amherst in the fall. New Mission High School: Natalia Phillip Dorchester Resident Originally from Dominica, Natalia and her family immigrated to the United States when she was 13. She tutors her peers and helps others however she can. She will be attending Bryn Mawr College by ways of the Posse Foundation Scholarship. John D. O'Bryant: Ina Dodoveci Roslindale Resident Ina moved to the United States from Albania. Despite language barriers, Ina gained admission to O'Bryant for her sophomore year. She will be attending Boston University in the fall. Quincy Upper - Josiah Quincy Upper School: Johnny Fang South Boston Resident Johnny Fang is a resilient young man who triumphed over an unstable childhood that included time in foster care. Johnny was selected to participate in Harvard's Crimson Summer Academy where he found his voice through expository writing and computer coding. He also participated in dual enrollment at Bunker Hill Community College to expand his math skills. Johnny is passionate about his volunteer work with his church and his academic and computer literacy tutoring with younger students. Johnny is a recipient of the Christian A. Herter Memorial Scholarship and will major in Computer Science and English at Harvard College on full scholarship. He is the first JQUS student to be admitted to Harvard. Snowden International School: Venus Pimentel Roslindale Resident Venus has a strong passion for community service. Most recently, Venus attended a service learning trip in Jamaica. There she volunteered at an orphanage and taught classes at a primary school. Venus has also raised money to buy school supplies for the primary school in Jamaica. Venus continues to give back to her community. Currently she volunteers at Friendship Works. She teaches English to medical personnel. Next year, Venus will attend Northeastern University on a full scholarship. Tech Boston Academy: Jacqueline Huynh Dorchester Resident Jacqueline was a founding mentor of Tech Boston's Asian Students Association this year. She also participates in many community service activities, including Summer Search. Jacqueline will be attending Northeastern University in the fall as a student in the Bouve College of Health Science. Urban Science Academy: Michael Brown Mattapan Resident Michael is a hard working young man who has attended Boston Public Schools since kindergarten. He joined Urban Science Academy during his senior year (due to the restructuring of Dorchester Academy, his former high school for three years). Completing challenging AP courses in government and statistics, he earned his place as valedictorian out of 146 seniors. He will attend UMass Boston in the fall. West Roxbury Academy: Gesar Naksi Roslindale Resident Gesar has played on the soccer team, and served as a member of both the student government and the National Honors Society. Gesar has completed two years of college courses at both Fisher College and Benjamin Franklin Institute of Technology. He will be enrolled in the Bouve College of Health Science in hopes of graduating with a degree in biology and continuing his education in the medical field.

AARP Honors Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Hero Award Winners

AARP Honors Asian American & Pacific Islander Community Hero Award Winners Left to right: The 2016 AARP Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Award Winners are Shiao-Lin D. Hui, Chinese Community Center Free Clinic at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Chicago (CCBA) in Chicago, IL; Julie Kimiyo Hubbard, Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service in San Jose, CA; and Dongwoo “Joe” Pak, Korean-American Seniors Association of Orange County in Garden Grove, CA. Download images here. WASHINGTON, D.C., June 1, 2016 – AARP is proud to announce the winners of its inaugural Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Awards that were created to acknowledge the hard-working staff and volunteers of non-profit organizations serving AAPIs age 50-plus. “We’re proud to recognize Julie, Shiao-Lin, Dongwoo ‘Joe’ for their outstanding contributions and dedication to our seniors,” said Daphne Kwok, AARP Vice President of Multicultural Leadership, Asian American and Pacific Islander Audience Strategy. “They tirelessly devote their time, talents, and passion to provide an invaluable service to our community. We hope that they inspire others to work or volunteer for our older adults.” The three AARP Asian American and Pacific Islander Community Hero Award winners and their organizations will each receive a $1,000 cash prize: Shiao-Lin D. Hui, Chinese Community Center Free Clinic at the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Chicago (CCBA) in Chicago, IL For 15 years, Shiao-Lin Hui has dedicated her time and energy to running a free medical clinic every Sunday for seniors and the under-served population in Chicago’s Chinatown. Although the Chinese Consolidated Benevolent Association of Chicago (CCBA) provided basic medical advice through volunteer medical professionals for the community in the 1990s, it could not provide laboratory services and medications until Ms. Hui took charge of expanding its services. She partnered with the Chicago Mercy Hospital Medical Center (MHMC) to underwrite laboratory services and organized medical practitioners in the Chinese community to establish a clinic to provide free medical care for Chinatown’s seniors. As a nurse practitioner, she also cares for patients directly. Her tireless efforts have helped many seniors who otherwise would not have received acute or preventive care or be screened for cancer, hepatitis, and other diseases. Julie Kimiyo Hubbard, Yu-Ai Kai Japanese American Community Senior Service in San Jose, CA As Yu-Ai Kai’s Activities Coordinator for the past 12 years, Julie Kimiyo Hubbard is the hub of much of the planned events for its senior members. Yu-Ai Kai serves 3,000 seniors and their families annually and has two facilities to help the growing senior population in San Jose, CA maintain an independent lifestyle. Yu-Ai Kai offers caregiving and bereavement support groups, a nutritious lunch program, Senior Day Services, bilingual case management, and health screenings. Her commitment to keep seniors active in mind and body motivated her to recruit volunteer instructors and develop new programs. She empowers and nurtures instructors to teach and often makes it a point to check in on classes to provide encouragement to everyone. “The seniors at Yu-Ai Kai are my family,” says Ms. Kimiyo Hubbard, and her current role is “the most fulfilling position I’ve ever had.” Dongwoo “Joe” Pak, Korean-American Seniors Association of Orange County in Garden Grove, CA Dongwoo “Joe” Pak has been volunteering for the Korean-American Seniors Association of Orange County (KASAOC) since 1999. Established in 1977 to provide leadership for Korean seniors, KASAOC fosters respect for elders, promotes the spirit of mutual assistance, and provides cultural events to enhance cross-cultural understanding among diverse residents of Orange County. Since many of its members are monolingual, it was very difficult and challenging to navigate the fixed route public transportation system run by the Orange County Transit Authority (OCTA). Led by Mr. Pak, KASAOC started a Senior Mobility Program with grants from OCTA and the City of Garden Grove in 2003 to help seniors get to markets, hospitals, pharmacies, ESL classes, and US Citizenship exam preparation classes. Mr. Pak also helps fundraise and garner support for KASAOC from major corporations and organizations, including California’s Office of Aging. Finalists were selected from 77 submissions AARP received from around the country including California, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Nevada, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, DC. The stellar nominees included executive directors, staff, and volunteers who work in healthcare, social services, education, technology, and the arts. The public visitedfacebook.com/AARPAAPICommunity to cast their vote during Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month in May. About AARP AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million, that helps people turn their goals and dreams into real possibilities, strengthens communities and fights for the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare, employment and income security, retirement planning, affordable utilities and protection from financial abuse. We advocate for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name as well as help our members obtain discounts on a wide range of products, travel, and services.  A trusted source for lifestyle tips, news and educational information, AARP produces AARP The Magazine, the world's largest circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin;www.aarp.org; AARP TV & Radio; AARP Books; and AARP en Español, a Spanish-language website addressing the interests and needs of Hispanics. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates.  The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.

House Passes Bill to Prohibit Gender-Identity Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation

House Passes Bill to Prohibit Gender-Identity Discrimination in Places of Public Accommodation

Legislation will enhance Massachusetts’ legacy as a civil rights leader

(BOSTON) – Today the Massachusetts House of Representatives passed legislation that provides legal protections against discrimination related to gender identity or expression in public accommodations. The 2016 legislation - which builds off of the 2011 Massachusetts Transgender Equal Rights Act prohibiting discrimination in employment, housing, education, credit, and hate crimes - includes the right to use the restrooms and locker rooms that match an individual’s gender identity.

“Today’s vote extends key civil rights protections to vulnerable residents of the Commonwealth who are so rightfully deserving of the same rights as all of our citizens,” said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo (D-Winthrop). “I’m incredibly proud that the House worked tirelessly to foster a serious conversation which we hope will enable this bill to become a law, not merely a symbol, and I thank those who lent their expertise and shared their personal experiences.”

"Access to public accommodations is the bedrock of discrimination protections," said Representative John V. Fernandes, Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary (D-Milford). "The legislation passed today will help to give businesses and the transgender community clear guidelines on how to implement policies regulating equal access to public accommodations."

“Once again the Massachusetts Legislature has listened to a group of our citizens affected by discrimination and said ‘no more,’” said Representative Byron Rushing, Assistant Majority Leader (D-Boston). “This is government at its best. Over half of transgender persons report discrimination. It is life-compromising and sometimes even life-threatening. These rights are human rights; trans people have them because they are human. Today the Massachusetts government promises to guarantee and protect those rights. We all now live in a more just Commonwealth.”

To provide clarity to businesses and help mitigate harassment of transgender individuals, the bill directs the Massachusetts Commission Against Discrimination (MCAD) to adopt and promulgate policies to regarding the implementation of the law, including how and when gender identity may be evidenced. 

This legislation also directs the Attorney General’s Office to provide guidance on which agency complaints regarding the assertion of gender identity for an improper purpose should be directed, if that circumstance arises.

Under the bill, public accommodations include places such as hotels, restaurants, retail stores, taxis and trains, bathrooms, parks and entertainment venues.

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH

STATEMENT FROM MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 1, 2016 - Today, Mayor Martin J. Walsh released the following statement: "I commend Speaker DeLeo and the Massachusetts House of Representatives for passing the transgender public accommodations bill today. My former colleagues have shown true leadership in actively opposing discrimination and providing equal protection under the law for transgender individuals. I am proud, as Mayor of Boston, to continue promoting inclusion by opening City Hall's first gender-neutral bathrooms and adding coverage to the City's health insurance plans for gender reassignment services and procedures. The City of Boston has guaranteed equal protections, regardless of a person's gender identity, since 2002 without incident. I look forward to this bill soon becoming law statewide."