Governor Healey Kicks Off Seasonal Vaccines Public Awareness Campaign

 Governor Healey Kicks Off Seasonal Vaccines Public Awareness Campaign 

Governor urges residents to get flu and COVID vaccines to keep themselves and others healthy; Campaign follows Governor’s actions to ensure vaccines are accessible and affordable in Massachusetts 

LAWRENCE – Today, Governor Healey visited the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center to kick off the Department of Public Health (DPH)’s annual seasonal vaccine public awareness campaign. The Governor encouraged Massachusetts residents to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccines to keep themselves and others healthy. 

The launch of the public awareness campaign comes after Governor Healey took action to make sure that vaccines remain accessible and affordable in Massachusetts despite federal efforts to restrict access. Last month, she directed the Division of Insurance (DOI) and DPH to issue a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH. Commissioner of Public Health Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five years and older. DPH also issued evidence-based COVID-19 vaccine guidelines to ensure access for residents. Massachusetts is also working with other states across the northeast and the country to advance collaborative strategies for safeguarding public health. 

The DPH ad campaign, running in six languages, includes billboards, buses, emails, digital and social media, video streaming, and placements in grocery and convenience stores. This year’s campaign is focused on people over 65, people with health conditions that put them at higher risk, and pregnant people/parents of children less than two years old who may be most at risk of severe illness. Ads direct people to mass.gov/SeasonalVaccines for more information and to find a vaccine location near them. 

"While Donald Trump and RFK Jr. are undermining both public access and public confidence in science-backed health care, Massachusetts is standing up to protect the health of our residents,” said Governor Healey. “We’ve taken nation-leading action to ensure that vaccines – including the flu and COVID vaccines – are accessible and available for Massachusetts residents despite the attacks coming from Washington. We encourage everyone to get your vaccines as soon as possible to keep yourself and others healthy this flu season.”  

"This public awareness campaign is making sure that everyone knows that the vaccines recommended by our public health experts, backed by science, and given by trusted providers are available for all who want and need them,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “In Massachusetts, we won’t let anyone stand between patients and their doctors.”   

DPH recommends anyone over six months old receive the flu and COVID-19 vaccines to protect against seasonal influenza and COVID-19, as well as potentially severe consequences. In Massachusetts, vaccines are covered by insurance and are free, including through Community Health Centers and local public health. Per the Healey-Driscoll Administration's bulletins, insurance carriers in Massachusetts are continuing to cover vaccines recommended by DPH, including the COVID vaccine. The COVID vaccine is available at doctors’ offices, community health centers, local pharmacies, or through local health departments. Pediatricians’ offices and community health centers are the best option for accessing COVID vaccines for children, six months through 18 years of age.  

“Getting vaccinated not only minimizes the impact of viruses on you, but also protects those in your family and in your community whose medical issues make them more vulnerable to getting sick,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “By getting vaccinated you are also supporting our health care workforce, as more severe illness from these viruses leads to a greater strain on our emergency rooms and hospitals. Through this campaign we will connect more people with places to receive these important vaccines and reduce the number of severe cases we see this winter.” 

“Vaccines are one of science’s greatest triumphs,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD.  “Getting vaccinated for flu and COVID-19 is a simple, safe, and effective way to protect ourselves, our families, and our communities. The vaccines are here, they are convenient, and they are free. All that is left is to do is roll up our sleeves – that’s how we stay ready for the season ahead, protect the people we love, and keep Massachusetts strong and resilient.” 

 

“At the Greater Lawrence Family Health Center, our dedicated staff work tirelessly to care for our community when illness strikes. But prevention is just as critical. Vaccines remain our most effective tool in protecting public health,” said Greater Lawrence Family Health Center President & CEO Zandra Kelley, MD. “We stand alongside Governor Maura Healey and Department of Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein in encouraging flu and COVID-19 vaccines this season. By doing so, we safeguard not only ourselves, but also our families, neighbors, and the broader community.” 

Governor Healey, Senator Warren, Senator Markey, Congressman Keating Issue Joint Statement on Cape Cod Bridges

 Governor Healey, Senator Warren, Senator Markey, Congressman Keating Issue Joint Statement on Cape Cod Bridges 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator Ed Markey and Congressman Bill Keating issue the following statement in response to the White House Office of Management and Budget’s announcement that the Trump Administration is pausing $11 billion in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) projects, including for the Cape Cod Bridges. While neither the Healey-Driscoll Administration nor the Congressional delegation have received official notification about this action, the USACE has currently committed $350 million to the Sagamore Bridge and $250 million to the Bourne Bridge replacements.  

“While we are aware that the White House Office of Management and Budget tweeted that the Trump Administration is pausing $11 billion in U.S. Army Corps of Engineers projects, we have not received any information from the federal government regarding this action,” said Healey, Warren, Markey and Keating. “The Cape Cod Bridges are federally-owned assets that carry millions of travelers a year, and are essential for the safety of Cape Codders and visitors from across the country and the world. This project is moving forward with funding appropriated by a bipartisan Congress and lawfully awarded by the federal government. Our focus remains on rebuilding both bridges and delivering the safe, reliable transportation infrastructure that our residents, visitors and businesses deserve.” 

The Sagamore and Bourne Bridges are federally owned assets, operated by the USACE, and provide the only means of vehicular access and emergency evacuation from Cape Cod to the Massachusetts mainland. They are nearly 90 years old, functionally obsolete, and nearing the end of their usable life. Governor Healey and the Congressional delegation have secured a total of $1.72 billion in federal funding for the project, including $350 million from the USACE. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has pledged double that amount –more than $700 million in state funding – to rebuild these federally-owned bridges. The state also previously signed an agreement with the U.S. Department of the Army and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to transfer the $350 million from the USACE to FHWA and move forward with rebuilding the Sagamore Bridge. 

波士頓羅根機場掛出Renegades球隊旗幟

麻州州長Maura Healey慶祝Renegades隊旗幟掛進波士頓羅根機場。（周菊子攝）

 

波士頓耆英居家護理中心慶50週年 頒社區倡導獎表揚李素影

波士頓市長吳弭為波士頓耆英居家護理中心頒獎給李素影。（CPA提供）

            （Boston Orange）波士頓耆英居家護理中心（Boston Senior Home Care）以「領導力傳承（Legacy of Leadership）」為主題，10 月16日傍晚在凱悅酒店（Hyatt Regency Boston）慶祝50週年，邀得波士頓市長吳弭（Ｍichelle Wu）出席，頒獎表揚李素影和John E. McDonough 博士。

         創辦於1974年的波士頓耆英居家護理中心是麻州24個為耆英服務的機構之一，目前有19個服務地點。該中心執行長Margaret Hogan表示，波士頓耆英居家護理中心的創立宗旨是秉承公平，韌性原則，實踐為社區的服務承諾，致力賦予老年人和殘障人士獨立生活的力量，並為維持他們的尊嚴而努力。近年來自公家機關的經費大幅縮減，對該機構的營運的確造成影響，社區機構及個別熱心人士的持續支持，尤其讓人感謝，也所以他們試圖從各方為著手，加強服務，甚至還推出了祖父母扶養孫子女計劃，以為所有照顧親屬者提供服務。            

李素影（前右）和John E. McDonough 博士（左三）領獎。（CPA提供）

            這晚，該中心頒發社區倡導獎給李素影（Suzanne Lee），表揚她的畢生致力扶持波士頓華人社區，為移民家庭和教育公平發聲，頒發the Patricia A. Lynch公共服務卓越獎給哈佛大學陳曾熙公共衛生學院衛生政策與管理系公共衛生實踐教授John E. McDonough 博士，表揚她在擴大弱勢群體醫療保健服務上所發揮的關鍵作用。

            這場50週年慶祝會，包括波士頓市長吳弭，共有300多人參加，為該中心籌得29萬餘元，將用於支持該中心為有需要者提供基本服務，包括營養餐，個人護理，交通，以及醫療門診等。

李素影發表得獎感言。（CPA提供）

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Voting Protections for Communities of Color

 Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC Urges Supreme Court to Uphold Voting Protections for Communities of Color  

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On October 15, civil rights groups, including Asian Americans Advancing Justice – AAJC (Advancing Justice – AAJC), rallied at the steps of the Supreme Court as arguments began for Louisiana v. Callais. The outcome of the case will decide the rights of Black Louisianans to have meaningful civic representation, and to be protected from discriminatory redistricting. However, the implications of the anticipated decision will affect communities of color nationwide. The gathered coalition of civil rights organizations represented the diversity of voters: communities of color, women, and religions.  

John C. Yang, President and Executive Director of Advancing Justice – AAJC, addressed attendees on behalf of Asian American voters: 

 

“As the Supreme Court hears the oral argument of Louisiana v. Callais, we know that this fight is about more than one single case. From curtailing our ability to elect candidates of choice to language access and mail-in voting, we are witnessing a coordinated assault on our hard-won protections under the Voting Rights Act. But we know from history that we are stronger when we stand together to build a fair and equitable society for all.    

 

“As Asian Americans, our communities have benefited from the struggles of African American civil rights trailblazers like Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis, Fannie Lou Hamer, and others who paved the way for the passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Asian Americans, too, stood side-by-side with civil rights leaders to demand protections for all communities of color. As we watch the hard-won protections of the Voting Rights Act under siege, we as Asian Americans are reminded that for much of our history in this country, our political voice was also silenced. For decades, laws barring Asians from immigrating to the U.S., becoming naturalized citizens, and even testifying in court prevented our communities from real participation in the democratic process. Without the Voting Rights Act, Asian Americans would still be a silenced minority, disenfranchised by literacy tests and language barriers.    

 

“Today, we stand united to say: we won’t go back. We will move forward together—not only to defend our hard-won voting rights but to expand them. Today, we may still be seen as perpetual foreigners. But the ballot box is how we assert our place in America. That is a right we will continue to fight for, not just for Asian Americans but for all our communities.” 

 

 

PLANNING DEPARTMENT ADVANCES CITYWIDE NEEDS ASSESSMENT, UPDATES TO DEVELOPMENT REVIEW PROCESS

BOSTON - October 16, 2025 - The Planning Department this month recommended approval of new flood protection measures and improvements to the Article 80 development review process, and advanced a Citywide Needs Assessment. Staff also recommended approval of two new development projects representing approximately 166,241 square feet (SF). All were approved. The newly approved development proposals will create 159 new homes, including 129 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 157 construction jobs and 78 permanent jobs. The plans and projects advanced today will help make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Planning & Zoning Citywide Needs Assessment moves forward The Board awarded a contract to Karp Strategies to produce a Citywide Needs Assessment. The Assessment will be focused on public facilities and essential services to proactively address the City’s growth and help make Boston a home for everyone. The Needs Assessment will focus on: growing the city’s population, including adding more families, increasing housing affordability, increasing access to city services and open space, creating economic opportunities and growth, preparing for climate change, and improving mobility citywide. It will also identify citywide capital and mitigation priorities that can be implemented through short and long term planning.  Direct Displacement Disclosure to be piloted during development review process As part of the City of Boston’s Anti-Displacement Action Plan, A Place To Thrive, Planning staff will begin piloting a new policy requesting a Direct Displacement Disclosure from developers. Developers will be asked to notify any current tenants on site of their proposed project 30 days before filing the project with the City, and to notify the City of any possible direct displacement of residential, commercial or cultural tenants that may occur as a result of their project. Displacement impacts will be reviewed and, in certain cases based on the unique circumstances of each project, the City may suggest mitigation measures as part of the project’s overall mitigation strategy. This will be piloted for the next year as part of the modernized Article 80 development review process. Staff will evaluate the impact of this new policy, share results, and refine as needed. Staff to begin incorporating improvements to Article 80 engagement  Staff presented an informational update to the Board on Article 80 Modernization and new engagement tools which are currently being implemented. These include: an early engagement toolkit for developers, new training and ethics standards for Advisory Groups, signage on the site of a proposed project to better inform the public about new development in their community, and improvements to public meetings to make them more clear and concise. These actions are based on recommendations from the Article 80 Action Plan released last year, which had broad community support. Once implemented, staff will continue to examine the impact of these improvements and refine them. Real Estate Board awards Final Designation of Parcel 8 The Board awarded Final Designation to NUBA LLC to redevelop Parcel 8 in Roxbury as part of the ongoing work to implement the goals identified by the community in PLAN: Nubian Square. Originating from a Request for Proposals process in 2021, this project will turn a long vacant publicly owned parcel into a mixed-use development with 109 income-restricted units which will be a mix of homeownership and rental. The ground floor will include commercial space for use by live-work tenants, and a National Center for Afro-American Arts. The project will also deliver a public park that respects the archaeological significance of the site. Coastal Resilience Delivery Team advances deployable flood protection systems The Board approved two Invitations for Bids (IFBs) to identify a partner to construct interim deployable flood protection systems in Charlestown and South Boston. While long term, permanent solutions are planned or have been implemented to close off 2030, 2050, and 2070 anticipated flood pathways, certain areas of the City require these interim flood protection measures sooner. These are intended to protect communities and assets that have already begun to, or will soon start to experience flooding on a more frequent basis before these long term protections are in place. One of these deployable systems will address the flood pathway on Main Street in Charlestown, and the other will address the flood pathway at Martin’s Park in Fort Point. Development Projects Redevelopment of Austin Street Lots in Charlestown begins with approval of Planned Development Area and first of four buildings Housing: 705 units; 123 income-restricted units in first phase Jobs: Approximately 1,200 construction jobs across all phases of the Master Plan Community: Recreation center, childcare space, public open space, artist live/work space, bikeshare station Sustainability: All-electric, Passive House, LEED Gold Identified for redevelopment in the Citywide Land Audit and PLAN: Charlestown, this publicly-owned site will produce 705 new units of housing in Charlestown. The PDA Master Plan approved today includes four mixed-use buildings with housing, arts and culture space, early childhood education space, indoor recreation space, and open space including athletic fields. Mitigation for this project will include new street trees and public realm improvements including updates to sidewalks and the streetscape on New Rutherford Avenue, and improved accessibility to a crosswalk in the vicinity. In addition to approving the PDA for the entire site, the Board approved the first phase, known as Building B, which will produce 123 income-restricted units. Each subsequent phase will be reviewed independently and go through its own community process before seeking Board approval. 80 Gardner Street project brings new homes to Allston Housing: 36 units, six income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 100 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements, bike parking Sustainability: All-electric heating and cooling Located in Allston, this building will consist of 36 new units, including one studio, three one-bedroom units, 16 two-bedroom units, and 16 three-bedroom units. Six of these will be income-restricted. The project will maintain the existing six-story building on site, which has 28 units. This project will be all-electric in support of the City’s carbon neutral goals. As part of the public realm improvements, this project will add new open space, widen the sidewalks, and preserve street trees. In addition, this project will contribute $36,000 to the Parks and Recreation Department for maintenance of nearby green space. In addition to these projects, the board approved: An update to a previously approved project at 290 Tremont Street to reduce the size of the project and change the unit makeup from a mix of rentals and condos to just rental units. The renewal and five-year extension of the Emerson College Institutional Master Plan. A grant agreement with the Environmental Protection Agency for the award of $4 million for environmental remediation of the Chain Forge site in Charlestown.

Governor Healey, Colonel Noble Announce Results of Recent Enforcement Efforts to Deter Illegal Street Takeovers

Governor Healey, Colonel Noble Announce Results of Recent Enforcement Efforts to Deter Illegal Street Takeovers 

Two recent operations with state and local police resulted in arrests and seizures across Eastern Massachusetts 

Administration awards $14 million in traffic safety grant awards to 200+ local police departments 

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey and Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble announced that, following a directive from the Governor, statewide operations to prevent illegal street takeovers are having their intended impact.  

On Saturday, October 11, the State Police organized an operation to conduct strategic enforcement across Eastern and Southeastern Massachusetts. Troopers working in teams across the region achieved significant results with the support of intelligence and the Air Wing, including: 232 civil citations, 74 warnings, 20 criminal summons, 7 arrests, 15 tows, 2 seizures under the Controlled Substances Act, 1 stolen car recovery. Most importantly, there were no street takeovers in Massachusetts over the weekend. 

Additionally, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is today awarding $14 million in safety grants to cities and towns to support traffic enforcement and stop illegal activity. Recipients of this funding include more than 200 local police departments and 10 state agencies. 

“These illegal street takeovers cause public disorder, damage property, and pose a significant threat to the safety of both area residents and police officers. That’s why I declared a zero-tolerance policy and directed State Police to dedicate any necessary resources to support local police with deterring and responding to them,” said Governor Healey. “Thanks to the strong collaboration between state and local law enforcement, we saw none of the street takeovers like the ones that have been disrupting communities in recent weeks. We’re going to continue to do everything we can to prevent this illegal activity and protect public safety, including by delivering funding directly to local police to enhance roadway safety. I’m grateful for the leadership of Colonel Noble and the brave men and women in law enforcement for everything they are doing to keep our communities safe.” 

“I commend the Massachusetts State Police and local partners for their continued collaboration to keep communities safe and ensure safe roadways,” said Interim Public Safety and Security Secretary Susan W. Terrey. “This targeted grant funding strengthens that work in hundreds of communities statewide and is essential to advancing the training, technology and outreach that deliver real results.”    

“The Massachusetts State Police remain committed to addressing street takeovers with sustained community engagement, visible deterrents, and lawful enforcement focused on organizers,” said Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “While we never underestimate the enormous complexity of these challenges, we remain confident in our ability as state and local partners to develop solutions guided by the vision of the Healey-Driscoll Administration. The alignment between law enforcement and our community service partners is unmistakable, and it gives me great confidence in our ability to build safer communities.” 

The State Police’s coordinated field, investigative and homeland security resources use intelligence from the Commonwealth Fusion Center. The team identified potential hotspots, located potential meet ups in real time, and applied targeted enforcement through deployed saturation patrols to deter and disrupt illegal street activity. This proactive approach advances the State Police’s Excellence Initiative goal to promote safer communities through crime prevention and violence reduction. 

The October 12 operation follows successful prior action in Brockton. On September 24, Governor Healey convened local and state law enforcement in Brockton to learn about the issue and strengthen our partnerships. Soon after, State Police received a request for assistance from Brockton Police to develop a plan to augment enforcement and strengthen quality of life in the city. Working together, Troopers and Officers deployed fully marked, low profile and unmarked vehicles for patrol as well as the State Police Air Wing. On Thursday, October 2, the coordinated patrols resulted in more than 200 motor vehicle stops and 33 tows, including 5 illegal scooters and off-road vehicles. Within the larger effort, State Police Investigators also arrested an individual on cocaine and fentanyl trafficking charges. 

What residents need to know about street takeovers:  

• These events may be illegal. Participating in, organizing, promoting, or spectating in the roadway may violate state laws and local ordinances. 

• Real consequences apply. Troopers and local officers may impound vehicles on scene. Violations can lead to fines, license consequences, criminal charges, and, when violence occurs, felony charges. 

• Do not attend or share these illegal activities. Do not drive toward takeover locations and do not repost invitations or videos that promote these illegal activities. 

• Report planning or activity. If you see posts promoting a takeover or observe a gathering forming, report to State or Local Police and call 911 if it is an emergency. 

• Choose legal alternatives. Car culture belongs at permitted, supervised venues and track nights, not in active roadways. 

“Our office is committed to supporting the Massachusetts State Police and our local police departments in their tireless efforts to maintain public safety in our communities,” said Plymouth County District Attorney Timothy Cruz. “Street takeover events have escalated to become more than just public nuisances, but incidents with the potential for violence to break out. PCDAO will do our part in these suppression efforts by aggressively prosecuting offenders that break the law, and affect the quality of life of everyone.” 

“Coordinated street takeovers like we’ve recently seen require coordinated law enforcement responses because public safety across jurisdictions comes under direct threat. We’re glad to work together to hold all offenders accountable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Kevin Hayden.  

“We're grateful for the strong partnership with the Massachusetts State Police and all of our law enforcement allies who joined us in these coordinated enforcement efforts,” said Brockton Police Chief Brenda Perez. “These joint operations bring more visibility to our neighborhoods and help us address traffic and safety concerns. By collaborating with our partners, we’re able to focus on high-impact areas through targeted patrols, traffic enforcement, and quality-of-life initiatives.” 

“Street takeovers pose a significant danger to the public and threaten the quality of life in our community,” said Fall River Police Chief Kelly Furtado. “Through enhanced intelligence sharing, regional collaboration, and proactive enforcement, we are identifying those who organize and participate in these unlawful events. Their fluid, organized nature demands a multi-agency approach, and together, we remain committed to ensuring public safety and holding offenders accountable. We appreciate the quick response and continued support from the Governor and her team in helping to address this statewide issue. From major cities to small rural towns, every community deserves the right to live in peace and safety." 

The $14 million in traffic safety grants that the administration is awarding today come from funding awarded to Massachusetts by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). These grants are managed and administered in Massachusetts by the Office of Grants and Research (OGR). 

Grant awards include: 

• $6.2 million through the Municipal Road Safety Grant Program for 210 local police departments. 

• $7.1 million through the State Agency Traffic Safety Grant Program for nine state agencies. 

• $613,900 through the State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements Program to strengthen crash data collection and reporting. 

In addition, the Office of Grants and Research (OGR)’s Child Passenger Safety Education and Assistance Program provided 78 organizations with 3,440 car seats with a combined value of more than $322,000, which the organizations will distribute to families in need.  

A full list of awardees can be found here. 

Anyone with information about suspicious or illegal activity should report it to State or Local Police. You can share information with the Commonwealth Fusion Center by emailing fusion@pol.State.MA.US  or calling 508-820-2233. Anyone found organizing takeovers, obstructing roads, or conducting illegal activity in Massachusetts will face criminal prosecution to the fullest extent of the law.  

Remembering Kent Wong: Mentor, Organizer, and Champion for Asian American Empowerment

From APIAVote: Remembering Kent Wong: Mentor, Organizer, and Champion for Asian American Empowerment

Washington, DC – APIAVote joins countless others in mourning the passing of Kent Wong, a beloved friend, mentor, and champion for justice. Kent Wong was a visionary labor leader, educator, and organizer whose life’s work transformed the landscape of immigrant rights and worker justice.  Kent believed that justice knows no borders. He dedicated his life to building solidarity across movements and causes, always lifting the power of unity and nonviolent action.  As a founding leader of the Asian Pacific American Labor Alliance (APALA), Kent championed the participation of workers and immigrant communities in the voting process to ensure their voices were represented in national conversations. Under his leadership, APALA partnered with the Organization of Chinese Americans (OCA) to launch the 1996 National Asian Pacific American Voter Registration Campaign (NAPAVRC), which gave birth to what we now know as APIAVote. His leadership at APALA forged a lasting bridge between the labor movement and civic mobilization. “I first met Kent in 1993 as a student organizer at the Midwest Asian American Students Union (MAASU) conference at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. While Kent’s oratory and clarion call to action were as captivating as any labor or civil rights leader, his unique Asian American voice moved me to participate in my first march, where he led hundreds of students across campus, demanding resources and recognition for Asian American students. Kent spoke with conviction and power. His leadership and passion inspired us to organize on our campuses, to advocate for Asian American studies, confront anti-Asian hate, to work in coalition with other communities of color and socioeconomic needs, and build a stronger community. His words and example continue to guide me,” said Christine Chen, Executive Director of APIAVote. “Kent was always there in moments of crisis — whether standing with Dreamers, defending working families, or supporting workers on the frontlines. His legacy reminds us that the fight for dignity and justice is never over, and we will continue to carry forward his work and the voices he championed.” As Director of the UCLA Labor Center for over three decades, Kent built one of the most influential institutions in the country for labor education and advocacy. Under his leadership, the Center grew exponentially, launching groundbreaking programs that empowered students, workers, and communities. He helped establish the first Dream Resource Center and the Dream Summer Fellowship, creating life-changing opportunities for undocumented youth to lead with courage and conviction.  Kent was also a founding member of the United Association for Labor Education (UALE) and served as a professor of Labor Studies and Asian American Studies at UCLA, mentoring generations of changemakers. To his family, loved ones, students, and colleagues — we send our deepest condolences and solidarity. Your grief is shared by so many. May you find strength in the love, respect, and movement Kent inspired across our communities.

第17屆波士頓亞美電影節今晚開幕放映「偽造（Forge)」

         （Boston Orange綜合報導）波士頓亞美電影節（BAAFF）今晚（10/16）7點揭幕，將在Coolidge Corner Theater，放映Jing Ai Ng執導，今年3月9日才全球首映，探討身份認同，真偽，人類野心與慾望的「偽造（Forge）」一片。

2025年的這第17屆波士頓亞美電影節，將從10月16日進行至26日。其中16日至19日，在布魯克蘭鎮（Brookline）的Coolidge Corner Theater電影院，以及波士頓市的愛默生派拉蒙中心（Emerson Paramount Center），共放映6部長片，以及「跨越鴻溝」，「愛，華埠」2個系列的短片。17日至26日，在網上放映6個系列的短片。

10月17日晚，將在愛默生派拉蒙中心（Emerson Paramount Center）放映本屆影展核心影片，一共4部短片，以及1部紀錄片。

「愛，華埠（Love, Chinatown）」是長18分鐘的紀錄片，敘述華埠居民余麗瓊（Cynthia Yee）抱開放心態，邁步遊逛波士頓具有歷史的華埠時，熱情歡迎新來鄰居，同時在一位意想不到的本地同胞，一名本科生Gwen的幫助下，勇敢面對社區的過去創傷。

在亞美社區發展協會（ACDC）贊助下，「愛，華埠（Love, Chinatown）」將在10月18日下午4點半，在愛默生派拉蒙中心加映一場，並安排有和電影製作人問答環節。

「回答（土地）TEB Chaw (Land)」，長11分鐘，由Joua Lee Grande執導，描繪在寮國秘密戰爭後，明尼蘇達州成為美國苗族難民最多的州之一，而務農的苗族難民們，改變了當地飲食習慣。

「悲傷之美 （Beauty of Sorrow）」，片長14分鐘，敘事片，由Josh Park執導，影片內容是一名農婦在照顧病重母親時，講述了3名男子造成韓國舉國悲痛的故事。

「親愛的華生維樂（Dear Watsonville）」，17分鐘長的多媒體紀錄片，由Sandra Lucille執導，從子女的視角，回看第一代菲律賓移民大規模抵達美國的“男人世代（manong generation）”生活，影片分為三個不同片段，分別聚焦於三個菲律賓家庭的移民故事和日常生活。

「小鳥（Little Bird）」，片長15分鐘，敘事片，由Oanh-Nhi Nguyen執導。影片內容描述1980年代洛杉磯，一名心情沮喪，肩負驅逐難民重任的越南女子Linh Tran，揭露了越南難民同胞被迫流離失所的殘酷現實。她在要保住工作，還是要和那些她應該要驅離的人站在同一陣線之間掙扎。在她和一名越南女孩成為朋友後，她在這情困中的道德困境也愈發深刻。

17日晚9點，將接著放映「玫瑰，回到我身邊（The Rose: Come Back to Me）」，片長85分鐘，由Eugene Yi執導，記錄「玫瑰（The Rose）」樂團從一支不起眼的韓國獨立樂團到風靡全球的經歷。這部紀錄片透過感人肺腑的瞬間和真誠的反思，記錄了每位成員如何愛上音樂，以及他們在韓國流行音樂體系中經歷的挑戰。

10月18日下午1點起，在愛默生派拉蒙中心，放映3部影片。

1點放映的是「再見之間（Between Goodbyes）」，96分鐘長的紀錄片，由Jota Mun執導，敘述一名被人收養的韓裔酷兒，在首爾（Seoul）晤見他的親生母親時，潛藏已久的遺憾和文化誤解，在溫柔，幽默之中，浮現出來。

4點半將再次放映「愛，華埠」。

8點放映「Rosemead」，97分鐘長的敘事片，由林文德（Eric Lin）執導，取材自真實事件，描述一名身患重病女子與時間賽跑，發現自己的青少年兒子有暴力傾向，深受打擊，不得不竭力保護兒子，同時保護其他人。

10月19日，中午12點起，在愛默生派拉蒙中心放映6部短片。

12點放映以「跨越鴻溝（Across the Divide）」為主題，共長83分鐘的系列短片，包括長9分鐘，Shane Chung執導的「請檢查（Check Please）」，長17分鐘，Kelly Luu和Kevin Luu執導的「技師（Technicians）」，長4分鐘，由Jessica Stutman執導的「Bakunawa」，長18分鐘，由Julian Doan執導的「龍氏的久違了的迷你超市（Long’s Long Lost Mini Mart）」，片長19分鐘，由Anthony Ma執導，「神佛是朋友(God & Buddha Are Friends)」，以及片長16分鐘，由Erin Ramirez執導的「聖安德魯（Saint Andrews」。

下午3點，放映「貓年（Year of the Cat）」，長98分鐘的紀錄片，講述導演Tony Nguyen為解開50年前，父親在西貢淪陷的混亂中失蹤之謎而展開的深度探索，呈現了難民子女所受戰爭影響，以及人們面對過去所付出的情感代價。

晚上6點半，放映波士頓亞美電影節閉幕片「鬍子（Mustache）」，長84分鐘，2023年西獲得SXSW觀眾獎的敘事片，由Imran J. Khan執導，講述一名從10歲就開始留鬍子的14歲巴基斯坦裔美國人，1990年代中期，在矽谷被迫離開私立的伊斯蘭學校，轉學進公立學校的不適應遭遇。

波士頓亞美電影節還將在10月24日（週五）晚上7點，假科學博物館（Museum of Science）特別放映「我可以找目擊證人嗎？（Can I Get a Witness?）」，片長110分鐘，由Ann Marie Fleming執導。影片放映後將有導演Ann Marie Fleming，演員Keirra Jiang出席的問答環節。

波士頓亞美電影節的短片部分，共分6個類別，包括「跨越鴻溝（Across the Divide）」，「打造我們的歷史（Building Our Histories）」，「我自己最糟糕的敵人(My Own Worst Enemy)」，「夜視（Night Visions）」，「酷兒和這兒（Queer & Here）」，「尊敬長輩(Respect Your Elders)」」，將從10月17日起至10月26日，在網上以”應要求放映“方式，供有興趣者購票觀賞，https://baaff.org/2025-fest。

麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華即日起兼任麻州交通廳廳長

MBTA總經理伍偉華（Philip Eng)即起兼任麻州交通廳長。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

          （Boston Orange綜合編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（16）日宣佈，麻州交通廳廳長Monica Tibbits-Nutt即日卸任，轉以顧問身份持續領薪的服務至今年年底。麻州地鐵（MBTA）總經理伍偉華（Philp Eng）將兼理麻州交通廳廳長一職。

麻州州長Maura Healey(右起）和今日卸任的麻州交通廳廳長Monica Tibbits-Nutt
（中），即起代理的麻州地鐵總經理伍偉華（Philip Eng)。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

         麻州交通廳高速公路行政長Jonathan Gulliver升任交通廳次長。

            奚莉州長稱伍偉華是一位受人信任的領袖，有數十年的交通經驗，在過去的3年半中，也展現給人看他是一名非常棒的經理。因為他的領導力和管理，地鐵營運準時了，很多事也發生了。她相信在目前這這階段，伍偉華是帶領麻州交通廳廳長的正確人選。         

             伍偉華在回應他能否同時做好2份工作的時，從容表示，如果他覺得自己無法勝任，就不會同意接掌這一工作。他知道這聽起來行不通，但他打算以同樣心力經營麻州交通廳和麻州地鐵，何況2機構的員工們，各自知道自己應該做些什麼，並不需要他事事親力親為，所以只要有需要，他願意一直兼顧2份工作。

                  Monica Tibbits-Nutt是奚莉州長任內的第2位麻州交通廳廳長，2023年接替突然離任的Gina Fiandaca時，被人視為崛起的政壇新星，也成為麻州交通廳有史以來第一位黑人同性戀女廳長。

                  在當交通廳廳長之前，Monica Tibbits-Nutt曾任麻州交通廳董事會的財務管理與控制委員會副主席，128商會執行主任。

                  波士頓環球報（Boston Globe）稱Monica Tibbits-Nutt在很多交通議題上，都很大膽表達她自己的立場，例如誓言終止Allston多式聯運計畫中，用於停放和維護柴油火車的中轉站，以爲人們和地方發展騰出空間。有一次，她還誓言她共同領導的一個工作小組會嚴肅考慮在來往新罕布夏州和麻州的公路邊界，向駕駛人徵收過路費。

                  Monica Tibbits-Nutt的收過路費說法，促使奚莉州長在接受電台訪問時迅速消音，稱那不是麻州做事的方法。

                  波士頓前鋒報（Boston Herald）指麻州政府領導層的這一整頓，源自麻州交通廳正在處理的高速公路服務廣場經營商招募出狀況，贏得標案的經營商在利益衝突的指責中選擇退出。政治觀察者們為此迅速地要求Monica Tibbits-Nutt離任。

                  波士頓前鋒報繼而指出，在奚莉政府任內，Monica Tibbits-Nutt並不是第一個離任的內閣高官，之前還有健康及人民服務廳廳長Kate Walsh，以及經濟發展廳廳長郝伊平，然後是公安廳廳長Terrence Reidy退休了，退伍軍人服務廳廳長Jon Santiago也預定在今年稍後離職。

                  根據麻州政府薪資紀錄，伍偉華作為麻州地鐵總經理的2024年薪資是47萬2,033元，而Monica Tibbits-Nutt則是19萬6248元。

Governor Healey Appoints MBTA General Manager Phil Eng as Interim Transportation Secretary 

Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver promoted to Undersecretary of Transportation 

Interim Secretary and GM Eng to hold media availability today at 11 am at 10 Park Plaza
 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey announced today that she has named Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) General Manager Phillip Eng as Interim Transportation Secretary. Monica Tibbits-Nutt has made the decision to step down from her positions as Secretary of the Department of Transportation and CEO of MassDOT effective today and has agreed to continue as an advisor through December 31, 2025 to ensure a smooth and efficient transition for MassDOT. Secretary Tibbits-Nutt plans to return to private industry. 

Eng will serve as both Interim Secretary and General Manager during this time. Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver has also been promoted to Undersecretary of Transportation. He will retain his role as Highway Administrator while also taking on expanded responsibilities as Undersecretary.  

Eng will hold a media availability at 11 a.m. today to discuss his new role at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation Headquarters, 10 Park Plaza, Conference Room 1, Boston.  

“As General Manager of the MBTA, Phil Eng has overseen a transformative period for public transportation in our state and delivered the results that the people of Massachusetts have needed for a long time when it comes to safety and reliability. He is a trusted leader with decades of transportation experience, and I know that he is the right person to lead MassDOT during this period,” said Governor Healey. “Jonathan Gulliver is the longest serving Highway Administrator in MassDOT’s history for a reason – he knows how to deliver major, complex projects while also supporting our cities and towns’ needs when it comes to their roads and bridges. He is well deserving of this promotion.” 

“Secretary Tibbits-Nutt has led our entire statewide transportation system and a workforce of more than 12,000 employees,” continued Governor Healey. “Under her leadership, we made significant progress on some of the most complex and consequential infrastructure investments in state history, including the Cape Cod Bridges, West/East Rail, and the Sumner Tunnel Restoration. During her tenure, MassDOT secured more than $1.8 billion in federal transportation funding – the highest in state history – and she was instrumental in advancing equitable fare policy across the state. Even before she joined MassDOT, she was advocating for fare free regional transit and, as Secretary, she delivered the state’s first fully funded statewide fare-free transit program for our 13 Regional Transit Authorities. At the same time, she supported the establishment of a groundbreaking low-income fare program for the MBTA. These programs have already made transportation more affordable for millions of Massachusetts residents. We are grateful for Secretary Tibbits-Nutt's hard work and dedication to MassDOT and for her willingness to continue to serve as a resource for our administration.” 

“A well-balanced multimodal transportation network is essential. MassDOT and the MBTA work hand-in-hand to make sure our transportation system is safe, reliable and modernized,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng. “I look forward to taking on this interim role with MassDOT and working even more closely with Undersecretary Gulliver and their great team to deliver the world-class transportation system that the people of Massachusetts and our visitors deserve. I’m grateful for the partnership of Monica Tibbits-Nutt these past few years and her strong support of the reforms we have made at the T. It is an honor and privilege to serve every community across Massachusetts as part of Governor Healey's Administration." 

"I’m proud of the progress we have made at MassDOT, and I want to thank my team at the Highway Division who I’ve had the privilege of leading for over eight years,” said Undersecretary of Transportation Jonathan Gulliver. “This is an exciting moment for the future of Massachusetts’ transportation infrastructure, as we have the opportunity to make transformative upgrades and deliver for our people and our economy. I’m grateful to Monica Tibbits-Nutt for her many contributions these past few years, and I look forward to getting to work with Interim Secretary Eng and the entire team.” 

About Phil Eng 

Governor Healey appointed Phil Eng as General Manager of the MBTA in March 2023. Since then, he has overseen a transformative period at the nation’s 4th largest public transit system, enhancing safety, reliability, accessibility and service. Under his leadership, the MBTA eliminated all subway speed restrictions for the first time in over 20 years, opened South Coast Rail to deliver rail service to Southeastern Mass for the first time in 65 years, continuing the highest return to ridership rate in the nation on commuter rail with all day frequent train service, delivering new modern Orange and Red Line cars while accelerating modernization of the signal system on those lines, and hiring thousands of labor workforce to rebuild the MBTA to better serve the riding public, communities and businesses with shorter travel times and more frequent service.   

Eng started his career at the New York State Department of Transportation beginning in 1983 as a Junior Engineer. Over the course of three decades Eng held many roles including planning, in-house design, bridge inspection including the 4 East River Bridges (Brooklyn, Williamsburg, Manhattan and Ed Koch Queensboro Bridges), Maintenance and Operations. He ultimately served as Executive Deputy Commissioner and Chief Engineer from 2013-2017, delivering many signature and transformative projects, including the Mario M. Cuomo Tappan Zee Bridge and Kosciuszko Bridge. He then served as Chief Operating Officer of the Metropolitan Transportation Authority where he oversaw successful efforts to improve performance and efficiency across all agencies, including the NYC Transit Authority, Metro-North Railroad, Long Island Rail Road and MTA Bridges and Tunnels.   

Eng was then tapped to serve as Interim President of NYC Transit, where he led a workforce of 50,000 employees and was integral to initiating and implementing the $836 million Subway Action Plan to fix aging infrastructure and improve performance across the system.  

From 2018-2022, Eng served as President of the MTA Long Island Rail Road, where he managed a system of 7,600 employees and a $1.6 billion operating budget. He then served as Executive Vice President of the LiRo Group, where he advised public and private sector clients on engineering, transportation and infrastructure projects.  

About Jonathan Gulliver 

Jonathan Gulliver has served as the State Highway Administrator at the Massachusetts Department of Transportation since 2017 and is the longest serving administrator in the department’s history. He oversees the daily operations of the state highway system and leads a team of nearly 2,800 staff responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of the Commonwealth’s roadway infrastructure. He has dedicated nearly three decades to public service, beginning as a construction inspector in heavy construction and infrastructure and has successfully advanced several of the state’s most transformative projects. He has overseen major projects such as the Sumner Tunnel Restoration Project, the North Washington Street Bridge Replacement Project, and the Commonwealth Avenue Bridge Replacement Project. Under his leadership, municipal grant funding has expanded from $20 million to $65 million across programs such as the Local Bottleneck Reduction, Small Bridge, Municipal Pavement, Complete Streets, and Shared Streets and Spaces. He is responsible for the annual delivery of MassDOT’s $2 billion plus capital program and has held multiple leadership positions within MassDOT.  

Administrator Gulliver is active in several professional organizations and has served on numerous advisory boards and national committees focused on innovation, safety, and infrastructure delivery. He is the recipient of several industry honors, including the Honorable Ray LaHood Award from WTS Boston (2022) and the Professional Manager of the Year in Transportation from the American Public Works Association (2025). He holds a degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute.