Governor Healey Ends State of Emergency Following Massive, Coordinated Storm Response

Governor Healey Ends State of Emergency Following Massive, Coordinated Storm Response 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey has ended the State of Emergency she declared ahead of the blizzard that hit Massachusetts earlier this week. This comes after a massive, coordinated statewide response that began well ahead of the storm and included assistance from 13 Massachusetts agencies, dozens of municipalities, three other states and Canada. 

“The people of Massachusetts always come together to help each other in our time of need,” said Governor Healey. “I’m deeply grateful to everyone who has worked around the clock for the past week to prepare for and respond to this storm. I also appreciate the strong support from our neighbors in New York, Vermont, Connecticut and even New Hampshire. This has been a hard week, especially for those in Southeastern Massachusetts, and the work isn’t done yet, but we are going to keep working together to recover and support one another.”  

Overall, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation deployed over 3,000 pieces of state and vendor equipment, MEMA responded to 200 requests for assistance, and 350 members of the National Guard assisted with recovery efforts. Interstate support was also critical to these efforts. The Vermont Agency of Transportation sent approximately 30 vehicles, a mix of front-end loaders and dump trucks, and more than 30 employees. The New York State Thruway Authority, New York State Department of Transportation and New York Power Authority deployed more than 50 pieces of equipment, including front end loaders, dump trucks and snow clearing machinery. The Connecticut Department of Transportation provided 45 pieces of equipment, including trucks and snowblowers, and 85 trained drivers and mechanics. 

With the support of additional out-of-state resources, including more than 2,000 line, tree and service crew workers as well as other operations personnel, the number of customers without power dropped to 940 on Friday afternoon, down from a high of 291,859.  

Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency 

Ahead of the storm, Governor Healey activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) located at MEMA headquarters in Framingham, where many of the state’s emergency support function partners supported the five-day activation, facilitating rapid communication and coordination among public safety, transportation, public health, utilities, fire services, environmental protection, sheltering and mass care operations, and others. 

 

MEMA’s Regional Emergency Operations Centers in Agawam, Franklin and Tewksbury were also activated, and MEMA personnel provided on-site support in the Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center. MEMA’s Local Coordinators made outreach to every city and town in the hard-hit eastern region to assess needs and deploy available resources, and the agency hosted daily statewide calls to ensure coordination among local emergency management directors before, during and after the storm. 

 

MEMA’s Recovery Unit has begun working with municipalities to conduct initial damage assessments, which will inform any federal support we may be able to pursue. 

 

Department of Fire Services 

The Department of Fire Services staffed Special Operations teams in three strategic regions statewide throughout the storm to assist local fire departments in the event that health and safety resources, communications and conferencing support, or other assets were required. On Thursday, a DFS Incident Support Unit lent communications assistance to a Public Safety Answering Point after a generator failure left it without power. 

Officials continue to ask residents to “adopt” their nearest fire hydrant if they’re able. Clearing the snow and ice for three feet on all sides of a hydrant and shoveling a path to the street can save firefighters precious minutes in an emergency. 

Similarly, residents are urged to keep the exhaust vents from furnaces, dryers, and other heating appliances clear of snow and ice. If snow blocks these vents outside, carbon monoxide can rise to deadly levels inside. 

Department of Environmental Protection  

 

To address the handling of excessive snowfall amounts, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides Snow Disposal Guidance to local governments and businesses. The online guidance assists with snow disposal site selection, site preparation and maintenance, and emergency snow disposal options that are protective of wetlands, drinking water, and waterbodies. MassDEP also has an online mapping tool to help communities identify possible snow disposal options locally. If a community or business demonstrates that there is no remaining capacity at upland snow disposal locations, local conservation commissions are authorized to issue Emergency Certifications under the Massachusetts Wetlands Protection Act for snow disposal in certain wetland resource areas.   

 

Department of Conservation and Recreation   

 

Staff from across the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) worked throughout the week to prepare for, monitor and safely clear the agency’s assets and properties from the blizzard, including parkways, roadways, parking lots, pedestrian pathways, bridges and more. The agency dispatched hundreds of pieces of equipment and prioritized clearing safe routes to schools and other essential areas along DCR roadways. DCR operations, engineering, forestry and fire control teams remained in close coordination with state, regional and local emergency response partners and deployed assistance to communities in need, including assisting with shelter setup in Harwich,  and tree removal/support in Orleans, Chatham, Brewster, and Fairhaven. DCR Fire and Ranger staff also provided critical incident management support functions at the Barnstable County Multi-Agency Coordination Center throughout the entire week.  

波士頓安良工商會慶馬年新春 黃展唐、伍偉業要讓會務接地氣

波士頓安良工商會嘉賓和超武館師傅Timothy laVallee率領的安良醒獅隊合影。
（周菊子攝）

                （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導）波士頓安良工商會2月25日在帝苑大酒樓和來自紐約、芝加哥、邁阿密、羅德島等至少4地的安良兄弟與嘉賓，共約三百五十人同堂慶祝丙午馬年，寄望這60年一遇，有“赤馬紅羊”之喻的農曆新年平安順利。

麻州參議員Nick Collins（中）送上表揚狀，波士頓安良會長黃展唐（右）和伍偉業（左）
代表接受。（周菊子攝）

                  波士頓安良工商會是大波士頓地區最資深的僑團之一，過去這30年來，歷經前輩凋零，後輩驟逝等人事變遷，也出現過物業糾紛，官司訴訟等爭議，但在總部元老團抵埠調停，安良兄弟內部討論，陳仕維接掌大權後，就逐漸塵埃落定，還從陳偉民、伍偉業開始，會長年青化。

                  今年甫40出頭的黃展唐當選自治會長，年未滿50的伍偉業受命當聯選會長，讓波士頓安良得以持續年輕化，也開始動更多腦筋要在會務營運上，更接地氣的迎合社區民眾，地方商家的需要。

在波士頓本地的全美安良工商會元老陳仕維夫婦（左）招呼安良總理陳啟靈。
（周菊子攝）

                  黃展唐透露，少林洪家超武館和波士頓安良合作，每週日在安良會所免費教人學武術，舞獅，排出空檔供木蘭寨排練粵劇之外，他們還在研議如何讓安良會所發揮更大功用。

波士頓安良工商會今年的出席中華公所董事會代表，是陳仕維（右）和黃展唐（左）。
（周菊子攝）

                  25日晚的馬年春宴慶祝，倒是依舊很傳統。安良幫辦鄧北海夫婦和李天生坐鎮接待桌，辦理報到。會長黃展唐、伍偉業在全美元老陳仕維和全美洪門致公堂元老余麗媖及紐英崙中華公所雷國輝匆忙地從波士頓市長吳弭在費爾蒙柯普利廣場酒店的慶祝農曆新年籌款晚會趕回來後，一起負責迎迓出席嘉賓。

波士頓不分區市議員Erin Murphy(右）送上表揚狀，由黃展唐、伍偉業代表接受。
（周菊子攝）

                  典禮儀式由都是安良兄弟的中華公所英文書記阮鴻燦和華埠獅子會會長兼藝聯慈善社社長的湯偉雄擔任司儀，由甫辭世的胡炳超師父的大弟子Timothy LaVallee率領超武館，敲鑼打鼓，疊人舞獅的採青獻桔求祥瑞。

                  政要部分，今年來到波士頓安良工商會拜年，送表揚狀的有麻州參議員Nick Collins，麻州財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），波士頓市議員Erin Murphy，以及蜻蜓點水得趕場的愛德華費連（Ed Flynn）。

                  波士頓經文處有處長廖朝宏，組長黃耀良，以及波士頓僑教中心主任高家富到會祝賀。和陳仕維同是波士頓僑務委員的郭競儒也在嘉賓席中。

麻州眾議會財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz)透露他是馬年出生的。
（周菊子攝）

                  安良工商會的自己人，上有安良總部，來自紐約的美國安良工商會總理陳啟靈，來自芝加哥的元老團主席陳偉達，來自邁阿密的總理關永發，來自芝加哥的永遠名譽主席伍健生，來自羅德島州的元老胡英僚，來自紐約的秘書長陳炎銘，下有紐約總會會長陳逸民、曾志昂，芝加哥分會會長陳偉聖，和羅德島州的欖城安良會黃超炎。

陳仕維（左）和雷國輝（右起）、胡英僚等嘉賓同桌。（周菊子攝）

                  嘉賓們的講話，大都是感謝社區民眾支持，嘉許僑團為社區服務。廖朝宏處長今年顯然多學了幾句廣東話，他特地用廣東話祝福僑胞“馬到成功，一馬當先”。

                  紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝則說，波士頓安良工商會已成立133年，歷史悠久，近年來和中華公所及華商會合作，為華人社區舉辦了桌球比賽，演唱會，夜市等不少康樂活動，也在區域重劃上為華埠社區和波士頓市政府協商。他代表中華公所感謝安良工商會為華埠社區做了許多事。

                  麻州眾議員麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz）和波士頓華人社區已有20多年交情。他笑說自己是馬年出生，但這天才聽人說，馬年對馬年出生的人來說，不見得很好，雖然聽到這感覺突兀，不知該如何反應，但他仍要祝福大家新年快樂，身體健康。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（左三起）和郭競儒，黃耀良和州市億元同桌。（周菊子攝）

                  波士頓安良工商會依慣例，送上新年利是紅包，支持中華耆英會、中華廣教學校、僑立中文學校，中華頤養院，以及波士頓亞裔青年會（YES）等5個社會服務組織為社區所做的服務。會上還有波士頓安良捐出的10份現金獎助興。

                  餘興節目部分，由譚達兒和麥澤衡負責，在外埠嘉賓夫婦也高歌一曲外，波士頓本地的陳仕維、余寶愛等人也紛紛上台獻唱。慶祝會最後又是在許多人一起上台高歌“朋友”中落幕。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏秀廣東話。（周菊子攝）

中華公所主席雷國輝稱安良歷史悠久，為華埠做了許多事。（周菊子攝）

欖城安良工商會原訂週二舉辦的春宴，因大風雪取消。這天由會長黃超炎（左一）
率隊來波士頓祝賀。（周菊子攝）

外埠嘉賓夫婦獻唱。（周菊子攝）

伍氏元老伍伯和（前左）和伍煥華（前右）等本地伍氏宗親，特地和來自芝加哥的
安良永遠名譽主席伍健生（前中）合影留念。（伍氏提供）

余風采堂宗親。（周菊子攝）

至德三德宗親。（周菊子攝）

黃氏宗親會主席黃鷹立（左起），黃兆祥，黃忠鴻，和余寶愛，陳晶年，鄺元傑，
黃紹培等台山鄉親，李氏出席中華公所代表李源沛（前右）合影。（周菊子攝）

三益公所主席江輝輝（左起）和黎亦置向同桌的遡源公所主席鄺滿雄（右起）
、顧問鄺元傑、主席雷昌凡敬酒。（周菊子攝）

譚達兒（左）和麥澤衡（右）攜手獻唱。（周菊子攝）

波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩（前右）和波士頓公共衛生局公安主任鄺健鋒，
陳文珊夫婦，以及黃天輝（後右一）等A-1區警察應邀出席，同慶馬年。（周菊子攝）

Ben Downing將出掌麻州清潔能源中心

Ben Downing to Lead Massachusetts Clean Energy Center

Downing is the current Chief Growth Officer at MIT’s The Engine, previously served as Senate chair of energy committee

BOSTON – The Board of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) voted to appoint Ben Downing as the next Chief Executive Officer. Downing is currently the Chief Growth Officer at The Engine, a nonprofit incubator and accelerator built by MIT to support climatetech, biotech, and advanced infrastructure startups. He also previously served as a State Senator representing the Berkshires and as Senate Chair of the Joint Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee.

"Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s leading climatetech companies, and many of their successes can be attributed to Ben Downing’s visionary leadership in the Legislature and the support he has spearheaded for startups at The Engine,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is deeply committed to growing our innovation economy. With strong support authorized under the Mass Leads Act, Ben will steer our climatetech industry and over 162,000 climatetech workers to its next chapter.”

“Today, Massachusetts’ climatetech and clean energy industry has deep roots in communities across the state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It’s unionized offshore wind workers on the South Coast, battery manufacturers in the Merrimack Valley, HVAC and solar installers throughout the state, and so much more. I know Ben will be looking out for those who will be building the solutions to climate change and lower energy bills in our communities.”

“I am thrilled to join MassCEC to lead this next, critical chapter and grateful to the Board, Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Tepper for the opportunity,” said Downing. “My experience has taught me that Massachusetts can be the place where the solutions to climate change are invented, built, and deployed. Doing so affordably requires activating all of the state’s resources. I’m excited to help MassCEC do just that with our partners in the Healey Administration, the Legislature, the clean energy and climatetech sectors and more. Let’s get to work.”

“Ben impressed me with a bold vision with tangible next steps for MassCEC,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper, who chairs the MassCEC board. “Ben has deep knowledge of our offshore wind industry and port communities, personal relationships with our climatetech companies, and, as a Berkshire County native, a commitment to advancing economic growth statewide. I also want to thank Dr. Jennifer Le Blond for her steady leadership as we made this transition. I’m glad she will continue to be an important part of the MassCEC team leading work with Massachusetts climatetech startup companies.”

Downing is the Chief Growth Officer at The Engine, working hands on with climatetech and biotech startups. In that capacity, he supported, advised, and worked with some of the most promising and impactful teams from Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Form Energy, VEIR, Sublime Systems, Lydian Labs, Atlantic Quantum, Vaxess, Foundation Alloy, Cellino Bio, Robigo, and many more. He helped them secure hundreds of millions in federal awards, build significant connections, and make significant investments across Massachusetts.

Prior to this role, he was Vice President of New Market Development for Nexamp, a clean energy company focused on community solar and lowering customer utility bills. Downing led strategic expansion working nationally with a specific focus in Midwest and Mid-Atlantic. Beginning in 2007, Downing served as State Senator representing his home district in the Berkshires. As the Senate Chair of the Joint Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee, he helped shape Massachusetts’ clean energy and climatetech policy, including authorizing the first offshore wind procurement, investments in the New Bedford Marine Commerce Terminal, support for workforce development, and energy affordability initiatives to rein in costs. He committed to term limits and departed the Legislature in 2017. He was a candidate for Governor in 2022. Downing lives in East Boston with his wife and two sons.

“Ben brings a rare combination of policy experience, hands-on startup leadership, and deep relationships across the climatetech ecosystem,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “At a time of growing global competition in climatetech, Ben is the right leader to help MassCEC strengthen our innovation pipeline, support companies as they scale, and ensure this industry continues to deliver economic growth across Massachusetts.”

“It’s been a pleasure to lead the agency during this transition period, and I’m looking forward to continuing to work with Ben in his new role,” said MassCEC Interim CEO Dr. Jennifer Le Blond. “Massachusetts’s climatetech industry continues to expand. MassCEC staff work hard every day to make Massachusetts the state where climatetech companies stay and grow.”

Downing’s tenure will begin in April 2026. He will take over for Dr. Jennifer Le Blond, who has served as interim CEO since November 2025. Le Blond will return to her role leading the Emerging Climatetech Team at MassCEC.  

 

Statements of Support:

Alicia Barton, CEO, Vineyard Offshore:

“I’m thrilled to see Ben Downing take the helm of MassCEC at this critical moment for Massachusetts’ energy future. Ben has already made a transformational impact on the Massachusetts economy by helping craft the legislation that launched the offshore wind and climatetech industries. Ben understands that rapidly deploying clean energy is the best way to ensure that energy stays affordable and reliable, and I know he will chase every opportunity to drive economic growth in every corner of the state.”

 

Zaid Ashai, CEO, Nexamp:

“I’ve had the privilege of working alongside Ben Downing and seeing his leadership firsthand. As a Massachusetts-based clean energy company, Nexamp has experienced the impact of strong public-private partnership in building this industry, and Ben has been a meaningful part of that progress. He understands how to connect smart policy with real economic growth, job creation, and clean energy deployment. His deep commitment to affordability and access, combined with his experience in both industry and public service, makes him exceptionally well-suited to lead MassCEC. We look forward to partnering with Ben and his team to continue strengthening Massachusetts’ position as a national clean energy leader.”

Emily Knight, CEO & President, The Engine:

"Ben has been an extraordinary leader at The Engine for the past four years, helping Tough Tech startups move from prototype to pilot to production across Massachusetts, particularly in the energy and climate sectors, from fusion to sustainable fuels. He understands firsthand the challenges of scaling breakthrough technologies and how critical early public-private partnerships are to de-risking first-of-a-kind deployments. His leadership at MassCEC will help provide founders across the Commonwealth with a partner who knows how to connect startups, industry, national labs, and state agencies to support transformative companies building and scaling here in Massachusetts. We are deeply grateful for his contributions to The Engine and look forward to continuing to work closely together to support the next generation of Tough Tech companies."

 

Dan Goldman, Managing Partner, Clean Energy Ventures:

“Congratulations to Ben Downing on his appointment as President of MassCEC. We commend Governor Healey on this appointment and for her continued leadership in strengthening Massachusetts’ clean energy economy. At Clean Energy Ventures, we’ve valued MassCEC as both a thought partner and a co-investor in scaling promising climate technologies, and we look forward to working with Ben, who brings extensive policy, finance and market perspectives on this industry, to support the next generation of innovators across the Commonwealth.”

波士頓市公佈第一份針對健康不公所做的黑人壽命報告

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION ANNOUNCE FIRST BLACK LIFE EXPECTANCY REPORT AND EFFORTS TO ADDRESS LONGSTANDING HEALTH INEQUITIES 

City and partners are investing $2 million to address health disparities faced by Boston’s Black communities 

BOSTON - Friday, February 27, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the first-ever report analyzing life expectancy among Black residents in Boston as a part of the Boston Public Health Commission’s (BPHC) Live Long and Well Agenda. This will be the first in a series of reports addressing the health needs of diverse populations in Boston. Closing the Gap: An Examination of Life Expectancy Among Black Residents in Boston shows that Black residents continue to have the lowest life expectancy of any racial or ethnic group in the city.

From 2013 to 2024, the life expectancy gap between Black residents and their neighbors doubled, increasing from 3.3 years to 6.6 years. Between 2022 and 2024, Black women had an average life expectancy of 80.1 years, about 6.4 years fewer than their counterparts. During that same period, Black men had an average life expectancy of 71.8 years, 9.3 years fewer than other men in Boston. This represents the lowest life expectancy of all groups included in this analysis. Projections for the next ten years show that if no additional and meaningful action is taken to address the inequities Boston’s Black communities face, the life expectancy gap will remain the same through 2035.

To address the health disparities outlined in this report, the City and Boston Public Health Commission are announcing new partnerships and initiatives, including:  

·       A $1 million investment from BPHC’s annual operating budget to fund organizations working to improve Black men’s health. 

·       A new partnership with Dana-Farber Cancer Institute to invest $1 million in cancer prevention, treatment, and other community-based initiatives that tackle the key drivers of premature mortality.  

·       The Black Men’s Health Activation Summit will bring together local leaders to discuss the challenges facing Black men and make recommendations on priorities for BPHC’s investment.  

·       The Mayor’s Live Long and Well Advisory Council will help City leaders implement the Live Long and Well Agenda and support the work being done to address health disparities in Boston.  

“Every Boston resident deserves the opportunity to thrive in their city. This report makes clear that we have more work to do, and we’re acting with urgency — launching new partnerships with healthcare leaders and investing in community-based organizations, focusing specifically on improving Black men’s health and strengthening prevention efforts across our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through our Live Long and Well Agenda, we’re bringing together residents, advocates, and institutions to confront these inequities head-on and build a healthier future for everyone in our city.”

“Our life expectancy report reveals data that are stark, jarring and longstanding in our city. We are committed to addressing racial health inequity and ensuring that all Bostonians live long, healthy lives,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “This report underscores the importance of our Live Long and Well Agenda, a multi-sector partnership aimed at raising awareness and developing new strategies to address the root causes of health inequities experienced by Black Bostonians. Together, in partnership, we can and we will do better.” 

“Boston cannot call itself a healthy city while Black residents continue to die years earlier than their neighbors. This widening life expectancy gap is the result of systemic inequities, not individual choices, and it is preventable, said City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune (At Large). “We have seen progress when we invest intentionally in equity-centered solutions. Now we must act with urgency and sustained commitment to ensure every Bostonian has the opportunity to live a long and healthy life.”

“This partnership with the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute for the health of our Black communities is more than collaboration — it’s a declaration that our communities have the right not just to survive, but to thrive, said City Councilor Henry Santana (At large). “I’m proud to stand with the dedicated public servants at the Boston Public Health Commission and the frontline healthcare workers who show up every day for our residents. Together, we are breaking down barriers to care, confronting health disparities head-on, and building a future where quality healthcare is not a privilege — it is a promise. Because health equity isn’t optional, it’s justice.”

"Black boys and girls, Black women and men deserve to grow old. And if we’re serious about that, then our policies and investments have to undo the conditions that keep these disparities in place. This report lays out, plain as day, the exact fault lines we need to confront as a city if we want Black Bostonians to have the same shot at a long, healthy life as anyone else,” said City Councilor Brian Worrell (District 4). “That means targeted solutions for our residents who are more likely to die earlier from cancer, heart disease, and overdoses. But it also means we zoom out and do the systemic work: investing in access to health care, fresh food, safe spaces to move our bodies, and the kinds of neighborhood conditions that make healthy living possible in the first place.”  

“As chair of the Civil Rights Committee, I believe this report reminds us that civil rights must be understood broadly. On the last Friday of Black History Month, we have honored over the last few weeks, and rightly so, the pillars of the movement — voting rights, housing rights, and equal opportunity. But health, longevity, and quality of life for everyone are civil rights issues too,” said City Councilor Miniard Culpepper (District 7). “The investments announced today through the Live Long and Well initiative are an important step forward. And together, we can build a Boston where a person’s life expectancy is not determined by their race or their zip code”

The Black Life Expectancy Report indicates three leading causes of premature mortality for Black people in Boston are unintentional overdose, cancer, and cardiometabolic disease. For Black men specifically, the fourth highest cause of death is homicide. To help address these disparities, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute is partnering with BPHC and providing $1 million in funding for cancer screening and prevention for Boston’s Black residents. This investment is one of several Live Long and Well Agenda partnerships. In July 2024, BPHC and the Boston Community Health Collaborative began utilizing a $10 million investment from Atrius Health Equity Foundation to support community-led efforts to improve financial well-being in neighborhoods with poor cardiometabolic health, directly addressing the root causes of heart disease and diabetes.

"We know from the data produced by Boston Public Health Commission, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and our partners that we have pervasive inequities in cancer outcomes," said Dr. Christopher Lathan, Chief Clinical Access Officer for Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. "The barriers to access are high in our communities, and Dana-Farber is thrilled to participate in this bold collaboration to reduce the cancer burden in the city of Boston. This effort will accelerate the progress of achieving true equity in cancer prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care.” 

The Mayor’s Live Long and Well Advisory Council will bring together diverse leaders representing the city’s healthcare, nonprofit and community organizations. This Advisory Council aims to ensure efforts that address health disparities are shaped by people with professional expertise and lived experience advancing equitable health outcomes. The 30-member group will develop initiatives that reflect the cultural, social, and economic realities of Boston’s diverse communities, foster cross-sector collaboration, and serve as ambassadors representing the Live Long and Well mission in their institutions and communities.   

“As a member of the Mayor’s Live Long and Well Advisory Council, I have seen firsthand the City’s commitment to confronting the root causes of inequities that shape health across a lifetime. Life expectancy is not simply about health care — it reflects whether our communities have access to stable housing, quality education, economic opportunity, safe neighborhoods, and culturally responsive care,” said Dr. Elsie Taveras, Chief Community Health and Equity Officer at Mass General Brigham and Chair of the Boston Board of Health.

“The Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement stands firmly in partnership with the Boston Public Health Commission to confront the health disparities of Black men, boys, and families across Boston,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office of Black Male Advancement. “BPHC’s efforts to close gaps in life expectancy among Black residents is guided by community voice and grounded in data with a focus on developing long term solutions through collective action. It is critical that we continue to build a comprehensive plan to improve quality of life and ensure every resident has the resources to live long and well in the City of Boston.”

The Black Men’s Health Activation Summit will take place on June 3, 2026. The Summit’s goals are to identify priorities for BPHC’s $1 million investment in organizations that support and uplift Black men’s health. The Summit will bring together leaders, advocates, providers, and community partners to generate sustainable solutions that advance health and opportunity. Participants will engage in four discussions: Strengthening Systems, Equity, Access, and Economic Mobility; Advancing Prevention, Wellness, and Holistic Health; Centering “Behavior & Health” in Behavioral Health; and Building Community, Strengthening Connection, and Mobilizing Collective Action. 

"Black Bostonians have long known that health and longevity are often out of reach, but these findings show just how harmful systemic racism is to the lives of Black people,” said Michael Curry, President and CEO of the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers. “While this report will be a revelation to many, I appreciate the City of Boston and the Boston Public Health Commission for shining a light on this hard truth and taking action to address it. For the past 60 years, Boston’s community health centers have focused on overcoming the social factors that make people sick, and we are eager to continue our work with partners across the city to end this crisis.”

Structural racism and marginalizing social conditions, such as housing instability, lack of economic mobility, food insecurity, chronic stress, and limited access to quality healthcare, are significant factors driving premature mortality. Addressing these root causes requires both sustained investments in the conditions that shape health and interventions that reduce harm and improve access to care. The Live Long and Well Agenda provides the framework to align policy, funding, and cross-sector action aimed at changing the systems that perpetuate health disparities. More information about the Live Long and Well agenda can be found on boston.gov/live-long.  

Healey 州長簽法案，設立塔斯克基飛行員紀念日

Governor Healey Signs Bill Establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day  

BOSTON – Yesterday, Governor Maura Healey ceremonially signed An Act Establishing the Fourth Thursday in March as Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, formally recognizing the service, sacrifice, and contributions of the African American military aviators known as the Tuskegee Airmen. The Governor was joined at the signing by Brigadier General Enoch “Woody” Woodhouse and Dr. Harold May, both Massachusetts veterans and Original Tuskegee Airmen, as well as Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick, MD,MS, Major General Gary Keefe, Senator Cindy Friedman and Representative Michelle Ciccolo.  

  

“This law honors and pays tribute to the extraordinary bravery and patriotism of the Tuskegee Airmen who served our nation with distinction and shaped our history,” said Governor Healey. “By establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day in Massachusetts, we ensure that future generations understand their role in advancing equality and excellence in our service. Thank you to Senator Friedman and Representative Ciccolo and all of the veterans and their families for advocating for this important bill.” 

 

“This important commemoration ensures that the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen remains a permanent part of our shared history,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It tells the full story of their service and recognizes the Tuskegee Airmen as an example of patriotism, excellence and perseverance.” 

 

Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, a bill sponsored by Senator Cindy Friedman and Representative Michelle Ciccolo, requires the Governor to issue an annual proclamation on the fourth Thursday in March. The observance provides an opportunity for Massachusetts to honor the legacy of the Tuskegee Airmen and reflect on the lasting impact of their service on the nation’s military and civil rights history. 

 

The Tuskegee Airmen were the first African American military pilots and aircrew in United States history, trained as part of a groundbreaking program during World War II at Tuskegee Army Air Field in Alabama. Between 1941 and 1946, nearly 1,000 pilots graduated from the program, and more than 14,000 men and women served as pilots, navigators, bombardiers, mechanics, instructors, nurses and support personnel. Today, fewer than a dozen Original Tuskegee Airmen are believed to remain living nationwide. 

 

"Establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day ensures that their achievements and unwavering commitment to our nation will be remembered for generations to come," said Secretary Goralnick . "It was a great honor to stand alongside Brigadier General Woody Woodhouse and Dr. Harold May — heroes whose lives embody the very best of our Commonwealth and our country.” 

 

“The Tuskegee Airmen embodied courage and an unshakable belief in a country that did not always believe in them," said Senate President Karen Spilka (D-Ashland).  "By establishing Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day, Massachusetts affirms that their service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and that their fight for equality is inseparable from our ongoing work to build a more just Commonwealth. We are deeply honored to recognize their extraordinary legacy.” 

 

“Our Commonwealth has a strong dedication to recognizing and honoring the service of our veterans — and the Tuskegee Airmen should be no exception considering the remarkable bravery and fortitude these service members possessed,” said Senator Cindy Friedman (D-Arlington). “I am incredibly proud of the work that the New England Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen – specifically the work of my constituent, Sean Osborne – does to shine a light on stories of residents who, while lesser-known, make up the rich history of Massachusetts and our nation. I thank Sean for working with me and Representative Ciccolo to bring attention to our Tuskegee Airmen and for getting this bill to the Governor’s desk.”  

"I was immensely proud to file this bill on the House side, especially as we witness repeated attempts to erase Black history throughout the country,” said Representative Michelle Ciccolo (D-Lexington). “Thank you to the advocates who brought this issue to my attention. This timely bill's passage will ensure that we recognize and remember the Tuskegee Airmen's history and legacy of excellence." 

 

“The Tuskegee Airmen are forever legends in American history,” said Representative Joe McGonagle, House Chair, Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs (D-Everett). “I am eternally grateful for their sacrifice and service. I am also incredibly proud of Governor Healey and my colleagues in the Legislature for taking the initiative to cement their legacy in Massachusetts; to be honored year after year. This is what true patriotism looks like.”  

  

"As Tuskegee Airmen Commemoration Day approaches, Senator Velis and our office are grateful that Governor Healey has signed this important legislation into law today. Establishing this day of recognition ensures that Massachusetts will continue to honor the courageous Tuskegee Airmen whose bravery, service, and achievements broke barriers and paved the way for future generations of Black servicemembers," said a spokesperson for Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), who is currently on active duty with the National Guard.  

 

In March 2023, Governor Healey created the Executive Office of Veterans Services to serve veterans of all branches, eras, and backgrounds, supporting them from the moment they leave military service through every stage of civilian life. Through this work, the Administration has focused on expanding access to benefits, improving care at the state’s veterans homes, and strengthening mental health and suicide prevention services. 

 

藝術愛默生訂3/5-8演出奇幻偶戲「滅絕如渡渡鳥（Dead as a Dodo）」

Adam Kissick for APAP.

            (Boston Orange編譯)藝術愛默生                            （ArtsEmerson）將於3月5日至8日在愛默生卡特勒大劇院（Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre）搬演5場國際知名劇團Ｗakka Wakka去年在紐約「雷達下藝術節(Under the Rader Festival )」中大放異彩的偶戲視覺劇「滅絕如渡渡鳥（Dead as a Dodo）」。

Ｗakka Wakka劇團曾獲戲劇桌獎（Drama Desk Award）提名，2024年在芝加哥國際偶戲節首演「滅絕如渡渡」這齣戲，2025

Richard Termine攝

年到紐約演出時，獲「紐約時報」盛讚為給人視覺震撼且充滿想像力傑作，結合了戲偶與原創音樂，把觀眾帶進一個關於生命與任性的奇幻世界。這回來麻州做波士頓的首演。

劇名中的“渡渡（Dodo）”是曾經生活在印度洋島嶼上，但不會飛行的奇特鳥類，在17世紀就已徹底滅絕，因而在西方文化中，「Dead as A Dodo」已經成為形容“徹底消失，無可挽回”的經典成語。

這齣戲也以此為引，講述一隻本應已“滅絕”的渡渡鳥和一名骷顱男孩，在一個古怪的地下世界，每日不斷挖掘骨頭，在這隻渡渡鳥意外重新長出羽毛，引發一場在冒險中自我轉變的逃亡。創作這藉著這樣的架構，以天馬行空的視覺創意，探討人類與遺失物種間的情感連結，感受混亂美學。

「滅絕如渡渡鳥（Dead as a Dodo）」獲有挪威藝術委員會、吉姆漢森基金會、挪威外交部、FFUK 和 Sea-Cargo AS等機構及組織的贊助。

David Zadig攝

       5場演出時間為，2026 年 3 月 5 日（週四） 19:30， 3 月 6 日（週五） 20:00， 3 月 7 日（週六） 14:00， 3 月 7 日（週六） 20:00， 3 月 8 日（週日） 14:00。演出地點在天滿街219號(219 Tremont St, Boston)的Emerson Cutler Majestic Theatre 。演出日期為2026 年 3 月 5 日 – 3 月 8 日（共五場演出），門票$27.50 起（10 人以上團體購票享 7 折優惠）。購票可上網ArtsEmerson.org ，或電洽 617-824-8400 。