Governor Healey Welcomes F-35A Aircraft to Barnes, Marks New Era for 104th Fighter Wing

Governor Healey Welcomes F-35A Aircraft to Barnes, Marks New Era for 104th Fighter Wing

Transition strengthens long-term future of 104th Fighter Wing, supports Western Massachusetts jobs and national defense

WESTFIELD – Governor Maura Healey today joined the Massachusetts Air National Guard to welcome F-35A Lightning II aircraft to Barnes Air National Guard Base, marking a major milestone in the 104th Fighter Wing’s transition to the next generation of fighter aircraft.

Governor Healey joined Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon, Major General Gary W. Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard, Congressman Richard Neal, Westfield Mayor Michael McCabe and members of the 104th Fighter Wing for a ceremony celebrating the arrival of the new aircraft. Following a multi-year U.S. Air Force basing process, Barnes was selected for the F-35A mission, positioning the 104th Fighter Wing to remain a critical part of the nation’s defense for decades to come.

“The 104th Fighter Wing is a point of immense pride for Massachusetts, and today marks an exciting new chapter in its extraordinary history of service,” said Governor Maura Healey. “For generations, the men and women of the 104th have answered the call to defend our country and support our communities here at home. The arrival of the F-35A strengthens that mission for decades to come while supporting good jobs and economic growth across Western Massachusetts. From day one, our administration made supporting the future of the 104th a priority, invested in Barnes and worked alongside leaders at every level to help prepare for this moment. I’m grateful to every Airman and family who makes this mission possible.”

“As the mother of a member of the National Guard, I know the pride that comes with seeing the men and women of the Guard answer the call to serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The arrival of the F-35A is an investment in the future of the 104th, in our national defense and in Western Massachusetts. We’re going to continue supporting our Guard members and their families and making sure they have the tools, training and infrastructure they need, whether they are serving around the world or answering the call here at home.”

“Today is a great day for the family, friends, and community of the 104th Fighter Wing to celebrate the remarkable dedication and achievements that our proud Guardsmen demonstrate every day at Barnes Air National Guard Base,” said Congressman Richard E. Neal. “With the basing of the F-35s—a mission that I, our congressional delegation, Governor Healey, and our local elected partners championed for many years—Barnes will continue to have the tools and resources necessary to protect our nation, while remaining a powerful economic engine for Western Massachusetts for decades to come.”  

“On behalf of the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security, we congratulate the Massachusetts National Guard and thank the 104th for their outstanding service to our nation,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “This project illustrates the power of working together as a community to secure an enhanced military capability and create a generational engine of economic opportunity. We appreciate the leaders in Westfield and across the Pioneer Valley for their strong partnership and steadfast support for public safety.” 

"The acquisition of the F-35A Lightning II is a strategic investment that positions the 104th Fighter Wing at the forefront of our nation's defense for the remainder of the century,” said Maj. Gen. Keefe. “This platform ensures our Airmen will remain a ready, relevant, and lethal force, capable of meeting the challenges of a rapidly evolving global security landscape. We are not just getting a new aircraft; we are securing our role as a cornerstone of national security for the next fifty years and beyond."

Barnes Air National Guard Base and the 104th Fighter Wing have been part of Massachusetts’ aviation and military history for more than a century. Aviation began at the Westfield site in 1914, and the airport was formally established in the 1920s and named for local aviation pioneer Vincent E. Barnes. After World War II, the Massachusetts Air National Guard established its fighter presence at Barnes, with the unit that would become the 104th Fighter Wing holding its first meeting in 1946. 

Since then, generations of Massachusetts Airmen have flown and maintained a succession of combat aircraft—from the P-47 Thunderbolt and F-84 Thunderjet to the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, A-10 Thunderbolt II (“Warthog”), and F-15 Eagle. The 104th has evolved alongside the nation’s defense needs, from Cold War air defense to its post-9/11 mission protecting the Northeast and supporting operations around the world. 

The F-35A is a fifth-generation fighter aircraft with advanced stealth, sensor and avionics capabilities designed to operate in increasingly complex missions. The transition will provide the 104th with new capabilities while continuing its longstanding role in national and homeland defense.

Governor Healey has made supporting the long-term future of Barnes and Massachusetts’ military installations a priority. In 2024, the Healey-Driscoll Administration advanced the $32 million Taxiway B South project at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, the largest single infrastructure investment in the airport’s 100-year history. The project improved safety for civilian and military operations and prepared the airport for the transition to the F-35A. 

The administration has also strengthened statewide efforts to enhance and grow Massachusetts’ military missions and defense economy. Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll lead the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force, which brings together state, federal, military and local leaders to enhance missions, jobs and investments at Massachusetts’ six military installations. 

In 2025, Governor Healey launched the Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD) Strategy to strengthen Massachusetts’ leadership in national security and better connect the state’s military installations with its world-class companies, universities, researchers and workforce. Earlier this year, the administration released the SHIELD strategy, outlining a statewide roadmap to grow the defense economy, attract investment, create jobs and strengthen national security.   

Together, these efforts are designed to ensure that installations like Barnes remain strong for generations while creating economic opportunities for workers and communities across Massachusetts.

麻州有意放寬幼兒托收上限至12人 30機構獲選試辦

     （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）9月10日宣佈，幼兒教育與照顧局（EEC）啟動試辦計畫，將 30 家合格家庭托育（FCC）機構收托上限從 10 人放寬至 12 人，在維持高安全標準下，全州將增 60 個名額，緩解托兒照顧缺口。

    入選的 30 家機構遍及全州，均已通過許可紀錄、人力配置及實際空間等嚴格的初步篩選。教育部長茲里克（Steve Zrike）、EEC局長柯蕭（Amy Kershaw）及參議員路易斯（Jason Lewis）指出，EEC 將透過定期訪視，監管運作，並收集反饋意見，作為未來全州推廣與修法的依據。

    副州長Kim Driscoll強調，政府亦同步推出麻州史上首次專為家庭托育設計的資本補助計畫（capital grant program）以改善照顧空間，並透過「早期幼兒教育者獎學金」（Early Childhood Educator Scholarship）與州內首個幼教人員專屬學貸代償計畫，全面強化幼教人員的支援與留任。

Governor Healey Launches Pilot to Expand Access to Child Care

Pilot will allow participating 30 participating programs to serve up to 12 children, creating up to 60 additional child care seats while maintaining strong quality and safety standards

BOSTON– Governor Maura Healey today announced that 30 Family Child Care (FCC) programs across Massachusetts have been selected to participate in a new pilot aimed at expanding access to child care for families. Through the Department of Early Education and Care’s (EEC) Family Child Care Capacity Pilot Program, participating providers will be able to serve up to 12 children, compared to the current limit of 10, while continuing to meet high standards for quality, safety, and regulatory compliance.

The pilot has the potential to create up to 60 additional child care seats across participating programs. It will also help the state evaluate how expanding capacity at Family Child Care programs can create more options for families while supporting the educators and small business owners who provide care in their communities.

“Families across Massachusetts need more high-quality child care options, and we’re using every tool we have to create them,” said Governor Healey. “Family Child Care providers are trusted by families and deeply rooted in their communities. This pilot gives experienced providers the opportunity to safely serve more children while helping us learn what works and how we can continue expanding access for families across Massachusetts.”

 “Family Child Care providers know their families and communities, and they play an important role in helping parents get to work and children learn and grow,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re giving these small businesses an opportunity to serve more families while making sure quality and safety remain at the center of everything we do. This is another practical way we can work with providers to create more child care options in communities across Massachusetts.” 

The 30 participating Family Child Care programs were selected through an application process that considered licensing history, program experience, staffing capacity, physical space, and readiness to meet the pilot’s additional requirements. The selected programs represent communities across Massachusetts and will allow EEC to evaluate how expanded capacity works across different program settings and regions.

During the pilot, EEC will gather feedback from educators and families, monitor licensing and safety outcomes and collect information about program operations. The results will help inform future decisions about Family Child Care capacity, staffing, group sizes and licensing requirements.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to benefit from high-quality early education, and every family should be able to find care that works for them,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Family child care providers are trusted partners in communities across Massachusetts and essential to making that possible. This pilot will help us expand access for more families while continuing to deliver the safe, high-quality experiences that help children build a foundation for future learning.”

“Family Child Care programs are a critical part of our early education and care system, and key economic drivers within their communities — helping families work and children thrive,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “We look forward to learning with the providers in the pilot about how this approach can both expand access for families and better support economic success for these small businesses.”

“The legislature is committed to exploring every avenue to expand access to high-quality and affordable early education and childcare in Massachusetts, said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “I was proud to vote to allow this expansion of family childcare seats, and I hope that after a successful pilot program, this update will go statewide to increase capacity and lower the cost of care for young families.”

Under current EEC regulations, FCC providers are licensed to care for up to 10 children. Participating providers must continue to meet EEC licensing requirements and comply with additional conditions established for the pilot. EEC licensing staff will monitor participating programs throughout the pilot, including through regular licensing visits and ongoing review of program operations.

View a list of the 30 participating Family Child Care programs. 

The Family Child Care Capacity Pilot Program builds on Governor Healey’s  work to make child care more accessible for families and strengthen the early education workforce. The Administration has launched Massachusetts’ first-ever capital grant program specifically for Family Child Care providers, helping educators make improvements to the homes and spaces where they care for children. It has also expanded workforce supports through the Early Childhood Educator Scholarship and launched the state’s first loan repayment program dedicated specifically to educators and staff working in early education and care programs.

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll have made expanding access to affordable, high-quality early education and care a priority, with a focus on creating more child care options for families, supporting educators and strengthening the providers that families depend on in communities across Massachusetts.

Governor Healey Honors Memorial Drive Good Samaritan TJ Swenson with Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery

Governor Healey Honors Memorial Drive Good Samaritan TJ Swenson with Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery

 Annual award honoring Madeline “Amy” Sweeney’s legacy presented during Massachusetts’ 25th anniversary September 11 commemoration

BOSTON – On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Governor Maura Healey today presented the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery to Thomas Joseph “TJ” Swenson Jr. for his extraordinary actions to protect others during a shooting on Memorial Drive in Cambridge earlier this year.

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll presented the award during Massachusetts’ annual September 11 commemoration at the State House. Named in honor of Massachusetts native and American Airlines flight attendant Madeline “Amy” Sweeney, the award recognizes civilians who demonstrate extraordinary courage and put their own safety at risk to help save others in imminent danger.

“On this 25th anniversary, we remember the lives taken from us on September 11 and the extraordinary courage of people who stepped forward when others needed them most,” said Governor Maura Healey. “TJ Swenson showed that same kind of leadership on Memorial Drive. In a terrifying and rapidly unfolding situation, he put himself at risk and helped protect the people around him until first responders arrived. His courage, selflessness and willingness to act represent the very best of Massachusetts, and I’m proud to honor him with an award that carries Amy Sweeney’s legacy forward.”

“TJ was confronted with a terrifying and dangerous situation, and in that moment, he chose to help the people around him,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, chair of the Sweeney Award Selection Committee. “That kind of courage is at the heart of the Madeline ‘Amy’ Sweeney Award. Twenty-five years after September 11, TJ reminds us that Amy’s legacy of selflessness and service continues in the actions of people who step forward when others need them most.”

On May 11, 2026, Swenson encountered a dangerous and rapidly unfolding shooting on Memorial Drive in Cambridge in which multiple people were injured. Recognizing the immediate danger, Swenson warned people nearby and took action to help protect members of the public until law enforcement arrived and secured the scene.

Swenson’s actions, together with the response of Massachusetts State Police Troopers, Cambridge Police Officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and hospital staff, helped protect members of the public and allowed first responders to provide critical medical care to those who were injured.

“On the twenty-fifth anniversary of September 11, we recognize that millions of Americans have no lived memory of the events of that day. Yet the values embodied by Madeline Amy Sweeney – selflessness, courage in the face of danger, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others – remain as relevant today as they were a quarter century ago,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “TJ Swenson's actions remind us that ordinary citizens are still capable of extraordinary acts of bravery. In risking his own life to save complete strangers, he has honored the legacy this award was created to preserve.

“TJ Swenson found himself in an extraordinarily dangerous and rapidly unfolding situation and made the courageous decision to help protect those around him,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “His bravery and concern for others exemplify the qualities recognized by the Madeline ‘Amy’ Sweeney Award. We are proud to join in honoring TJ for his actions that day.”

“The events on Memorial Drive deeply affected our community, and TJ Swenson responded when people around him needed help,” said Cambridge Police Acting Police Commissioner Pauline Wells. “Today, we recognize TJ while also thanking the police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and medical professionals whose coordinated response helped protect and care for those affected.”

Madeline “Amy” Sweeney was an American Airlines flight attendant for 14 years and lived in Acton with her husband, Michael, and their two children. On September 11, 2001, Sweeney was working aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane hijacked by terrorists and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In the final minutes of the flight, she contacted the airline’s ground services crew and relayed critical information about the hijackers and what was happening aboard the plane.

The Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was created to honor her extraordinary heroism and the courage of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Each year, the award recognizes a Massachusetts civilian who, without regard for their own personal safety, demonstrates exceptional bravery in an effort to save others from imminent danger.

The award presentation is part of Massachusetts’ broader commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11. Governor Healey ordered flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff and called on residents, schools, businesses and organizations across Massachusetts to observe a statewide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The State House is also being illuminated red, white and blue on the evenings of September 10 and September 11.

Governor Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll joined Massachusetts 9/11 families for the annual State House commemoration and reading of the names of victims with ties to Massachusetts under this year’s theme, “Massachusetts Remembers: United We Stand.” Commemorations continue throughout the day with the annual wreath laying at the Boston Public Garden 9/11 Memorial and the 25th anniversary of the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at Ashburton Park.

Massachusetts students are also meeting with 9/11 family members at the State House to hear their stories and help ensure that, as a new generation learns about September 11 as history rather than lived experience, the lives that were lost and the lessons of that day continue to be remembered.

The Huntington劇院斥資2.5萬元 招徠藝術家為新東翼大型牆面創作藝術品

     （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓的亨廷頓劇院（The Huntington）9月11日發佈招標書（RFQ），為該院訂秋季啟用的新東翼（East Wing），徵求中生代與資深藝術家創作大型牆面藝術品。獲選者將獲得經費 2.5 萬美元，並在2027 年 8 月底前完成作品安裝，以配合秋季開幕。

        這是亨廷頓劇院歷時十年擴建計畫的最終章。全新東翼座落於亨廷頓大道（Huntington Ave）264號的「天琴座」（The Lyra）大樓一、二樓，內部規劃有新表演場地、酒吧與戶外陽台。評選將採匿名審查，獲選作品將擺設於大廳核心位置。

        亨廷頓劇院藝術總監羅雷塔·格雷科（Loretta Greco）與執行總監克里斯·曼內利（Chris Mannelli）表示，希望透過這件公共藝術作品吸引更多民眾走進文化空間。

        亨廷頓劇院成立於 1982 年，是波士頓本地代表性劇團，完整徵選規定可上官網（huntingtontheatre.org/gallery-submissions）查詢。

麻州又添一宗人類感染西尼羅病毒案 累計7 宗

State Health Officials Announce Season’s Seventh Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

WNV risk levels now elevated to moderate in most of the state

BOSTON (September 11, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today is releasing updated West Nile virus (WNV) surveillance and case numbers for the week, including the state’s seventh human case of WNV this year in a man in his 60s exposed in Worcester County.

As a result of this case and increased WNV activity this season, risk levels for WNV were elevated to moderate in most of the state. Only Dukes and Nantucket counties, as well as Provincetown and Truro in Barnstable County remain at low risk. Risk levels remain high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop.

“Mosquitoes remain active, and West Nile virus continues to spread,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Because some risk will continue until the first hard frost, I want to encourage everyone to keep using mosquito repellent and take other protective measures, such as wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin when spending time outdoors.”

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this year were announced on June 16. Since then, 307 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There have been no animal cases of WNV reported this year.

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has also been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 14 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.

DPH will update the public on WNV cases in Massachusetts via weekly press releases each Friday. Surveillance information, including case updates, will continue to be updated daily and posted online at the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update web page. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay informed on risk levels in their community and around the state.

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.

José Mateo芭蕾舞劇院12月公演《胡桃鉗》9/19-20 試鏡兒童演員

     （Boston Orange編譯）荷賽·馬特奧芭蕾舞劇院（José Mateo Ballet Theatre, JMBT）第 38 季《胡桃鉗》（The Nutcracker）將於 12 月 5 日至 20 日在多切斯特（Dorchester）的史特蘭劇院（Strand Theatre）登場，訂 9 月 27 日開始排練，現於 9 月 19 日及 20 日在劍橋市（Cambridge）的工作室試鏡，公開招募兒童舞者。

    本次試鏡打破傳統舞團限制，開放 6 至 18 歲非本校學員報名。入選者將飾演女主角克拉拉（Clara）、派對賓客（Party Guests）、鼠王大戰中的老鼠（Mice）與士兵（Soldiers）、薑餅媽媽（Mother Ginger）裙擺下歡快躍出的小丑（Polichinelles），以及引領克拉拉前往糖果王國的天使（Angels）等角色。

    獲選者將在 12 月公演中參與 5 至 10 場演出。演出與教育副總監瑪麗·湯普森（Mary Thompson）指出，排練與登台歷程對青少年的藝術與社交發展具實質效益。

    試鏡將依年齡分時段進行：6 至 12 歲組安排在 19 日上午，13 至 18 歲组在 20 日下午。

    JMBT 是一個由古巴裔編舞家荷賽·馬特奧（José Mateo）於 1986 年所創辦的芭蕾舞蹈劇院，從1988 年推出《胡桃鉗》以來，這齣劇就成為大波士頓地區不可或缺的年度盛事，2020年更獲《波士頓雜誌》（Boston Magazine）評為最適合闔家觀賞的演出。

    查詢更多試鏡及演出詳情，可上劇院官網：http://www.ballettheatre.org/

十鼓擊樂團聲震入天 敲響波士頓2026雙十國慶序幕

十鼓擊樂團和嘉賓合影。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）來自台灣，作為慶祝中華民國115年雙十國慶文化訪問團的十鼓擊樂團，9月7日在昆士高中（JQUS）禮堂演出，鼓聲震撼，既傳統，又現代，不少觀眾直言很少看到這種表演，紛紛報以熱烈掌聲。

新英格蘭中文學校協會會長馮文鸞（左起）感謝雙十國慶文化訪問團團長邱太三，
璞石文化工作室會長黃明嘉夫婦，波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，諮詢委員陳家驊等人支持。
（周菊子攝）

        這場演出由新英格蘭中文學校協會、紐英崙中華總會及璞石中華文化工作室主辦，郊區及華埠僑胞不下400人捧場，會場幾乎座無虛席。其中來自姓氏公所及華埠僑團的觀眾，大多因為紐英崙中華總會余麗媖大力推薦，這才撥冗出席。

十鼓擊樂團演員謝幕。（周菊子攝）

        新英格蘭中文學校協會會長馮文鸞為開場致詞表示，「雙十國慶文化訪問團」睽違波士頓已近10年，這次雖由該會承辦，全靠紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，紐英崙中華總會會長余麗媖，波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，陳仕維，諮詢委員陳家驊等人的支持，衛斯理豐田汽車董事長柯乃南，劍橋市常熟餐廳的贊助，以及波士頓海外青年大使(FASCA)等義工的協助，才能順利舉辦。

邱太三和黃明嘉互贈禮物。（周菊子攝）

雙十國慶文化訪問團團長邱太三指出，僑委會每年挑選國內知名文化表演團體到世界各地巡演，旨在感謝海外僑胞長期以來對政府的支持與熱愛。今年邀請的是成立於西元2000年，在台灣台南打造了專屬文化園區，曾獲金曲獎、葛萊美獎、美國獨立音樂獎等大獎提名的「十鼓擊樂團」，以「台灣躍動」為主要核心，注入原住民音樂文化與在地宗教信仰的等統民俗元素，還把「手鼓」打擊樂和現代搖滾樂做了跨界結合，成為在美國極為罕見的演出型態，極具視覺與聽覺張力。

紐英崙中華總會會長余麗媖（右起）和中華公所主席雷國輝感謝常熟餐廳Lily Chen
贊助活動。左一為至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍。（周菊子攝）

雙十訪問團團長邱太三（左二）和麥德福市議員曾御宸（左一）及其父母喜相逢。
（周菊子攝）

以嘉賓身份應邀上台致詞的麥德福（Medford）市議員曾御宸（Justin Tseng）從他個人角度出發，直言對於在美出生長大的台裔/華裔（ABC/ ABT）青年來說，如何建立與祖國及原生文化的連結，並將之融入自己在美國的日常生活，是他們這一代非常重視且常討論的話題。他為自己有幸在波士頓親眼見到十鼓擊樂團這樣令人振奮的文化團體演出，感到無比榮幸，認為這樣的養出，不只為波士頓年輕一代的台裔僑民建立起與家鄉更緊密的情感紐帶，也會對自己成長背景的文化源頭，有更深刻了解。

「點將令」一幕。（周菊子攝）

曾出訪5大洲24國102座城市的十鼓擊樂團，這趟來美由第二代的謝懷玨、謝家茗率領10餘名團員擔綱演出，整場70分鐘，共演出12個節目，包括展現台灣民間八家將巡差意象的「點將令」，改編自原住民鄒族的「手鼓連奏拍手歌」，以鄉間公雞為素材的「吹牛雞」，以孫子兵法八卦陣圖儀形換位，來詮釋內鬥起義壯舉的「憶想之門」，挑戰感觀神經的「雷霆再現」，以及「We are Cross」，「Side by Side Cry」，「天煞孤星」，「浮浪者」，「Shut it All Down」，「Be the Fireworks」，「大開聲」等，團員們既打鼓，也彈電子琴，吉他，吹嗩吶，橫笛，還唱英文歌，舞步和甩頭髮的動作，甚至讓人感覺是正在欣賞年輕人擔綱的現代演唱會。

「大開聲」。（周菊子攝）

    余麗媖在演出後表示，要謝謝昆士高中校長張可仁，這次才能在這麼新穎、完善的場地演出。雷國輝透露，他曾經在十鼓擊樂團的大本營看過表演，場面之盛大，燈光變化之美，礙於場地，都未能全面展現，也算可惜。

        十鼓擊樂團在波士頓場演出結束後，轉往紐約州長島、貝賽，馬里蘭州，喬治亞州亞特蘭大，以及德克薩斯州休士頓等地，繼續巡迴演出。

點將令。（周菊子攝）

拍手歌。（周菊子攝）

彈電子琴。（周菊子攝）

唱歌。（周菊子攝）

「大開聲」。（周菊子攝）

吹橫笛。（周菊子攝）

在電吉他，電子琴伴奏中演唱。（周菊子攝）

這姿態和現代音樂會沒兩樣。（周菊子攝）

現場滿座。（周菊子攝）

會場佈置很有雙十氣氛。（周菊子攝）

至德三德公所元老黃周麗桃在會場和老友打招呼。（周菊子攝）

陳嬿禎（右起）和陳玉瑛等人這天當接待。（周菊子攝）

十鼓擊樂團在昆士高中禮堂演出後合影。（周菊子攝）

麻州唱名，獻花圈，向殉職消防員敬禮 911悼念25週年

麻州正要在州政府大樓前紀念911。（Mayor’s Office Photo by John Wilcox）

 （Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導）25年前的9月11日，2架飛機從波士頓羅根機場出發，撞上紐約110層樓高世貿中心雙塔，近3000人殞命。麻州、波士頓政要們從此每年這天紀念，早上在州府大樓前朗讀名字，下午在波士頓公園獻花圈，傍晚向殉職消防員致敬。

波士頓市長吳弭（前）和麻州州長Maura Healey（中）等人，在波頓公園獻花圈。
(Mayor's Office Photo by Isabel Leon)

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）及第一夫人Joanna Lydgate，副州長Kim Driscoll，聯邦參議員Ed Markey，聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley，波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu），財政廳廳長Deb Goldberg，稽核長Dianna DiZoglio，州務卿William Galvin，總檢察長Andrea Campbell，MBTA總經理伍偉華，麻州公安廳廳長Gina Kwon，退伍軍人事務廳廳長Eric Goralnick等人，分別參加了不同的紀念活動。

麻州殉職消防員紀念會在Ashburton公園舉行。（周菊子攝）

在州政府大樓前朗讀逝者姓名，在波士頓公園（Boston Public Garden）911紀念碑前獻上花圈的儀式，都很莊嚴肅穆。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）説，由於事件中的2架飛機都是從麻州羅根機場出發的，911事件也因此和麻州關係尤為深切。

當年在飛機上打電話向地面通報飛機遭劫持的有2個人，一個是在第一時間從美國航空11號班機上，警告地面人員「飛機已被劫持」的華裔空姐鄧月薇（Betty Ann Ong），以及描述劫機者在客艙內行動的同機空姐，也是麻州居民的Madeline Amy Sweeney。

主持人Jay Colbert (左起）和出席的麻州州長Maura Healey，
副州長Kim Driscoll，財政廳廳長Deb Goldberg，稽核長Diana DiZoglio，
總檢察長Andrea Campbell，以及州務卿William Galvin等人。（周菊子攝）

麻州因此設立「Madeline Amy Sweeney 平民勇敢獎（Madeline Amy Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery）」。麻州州長奚莉今年把這獎項頒給了美國海軍陸戰隊退伍軍人Thomas Joseph "T.J." Swenson Jr.。

下午一點在波士頓公園（Boston Public Garden）911紀念碑前獻花圈後，下午三點半，麻州政要們在州政府大樓的Ashburton公園，舉行了像麻州殉職消防員致敬典禮。

州民感謝麻州長Maura Healey延續911紀念活動。（周菊子攝）

主持人Jay Colbert在致辭中指出，911事件當天有343名消防員殉職，而麻州237個消防員工會，人數更多的，只有波士頓和伍斯特這，可見損害多嚴重。今年5月，波士頓市有退伍軍人Robert Kilduff Jr.不幸在出任務時殞命，這天的儀式，也特別向他致敬。

Jay Colbert指出，近年來，陸續有數百名第一線人員因為當年暴露在灰塵毒素中，染上癌症及肺病的職業病，也是因公殉職，他們因此特地擴建了第二個紀念消防員的榮譽環，藉以悼念因罹患職業病或心理創傷離世的消防員。

麻州州長Maura Healey直言，911的2架飛機都是從麻州出發的，
麻州感受的衝擊不亞於紐約。（周菊子攝）

像殉職消防員致敬儀式。（周菊子攝）

麻州政要一起向今年5月殉職的Robert Kilduff Jr.致敬。（周菊子攝）

消防員有靠終生傳遞消息的傳統。（周菊子攝）

地面上的美國旗，象徵著911那天殞命的各人。（周菊子攝）

Rendon集團為中小學生設計了很有意義的紀念911活動。（周菊子攝）

致敬儀式開始前，領隊捧著消防員帽踏步。（周菊子攝）

Rendon集團把中小學生們寫下來的祝願，製成展示布條，傳達希望。（周菊子攝）

Rendon集團把中小學生們寫下來的祝願，製成展示布條，傳達希望。（周菊子攝）

波士頓公園911紀念碑上刻有鄧月薇的英文名字，Betty Ann Ong。
(Mayor's Office Photo by Isabel Leon)

（周菊子攝）

（周菊子攝）

（周菊子攝）

第四屆波士頓拉丁影展訂 9/30~10/4 在六地舉行

    （Boston Orange編譯）第四屆波士頓拉丁影展（CineFest Latino Boston）訂9月30日至10月4日在波士頓與劍橋共六個場地放映劇情片、紀錄片與短片。開幕片為《美國帕丘科：路易斯·瓦爾德斯傳奇》，閉幕片為網飛（Netflix）的《黑球》（La Bola Negra），9月24日將在東波士頓Zumix舉辦免費社區短片放映。

    本屆影展放映場地包括波士頓美術博物館（MFA）、庫里吉角戲院（Coolidge Corner Theatre）、波士頓公共圖書館Rabb Hall、愛默生派拉蒙劇院（Emerson Paramount Theatre），在劍橋藝術協會補助下首度新增的麻州劍橋市布瑞托戲院（Brattle Theatre），以及由波士頓文化委員會補助的在東波士頓Zumix放映。

    開幕片「美國帕丘科（American Pachuco）」由大衛·阿爾瓦拉多（David Alvarado）執導、El Planeta贊助，講述路易斯·瓦爾德斯（Luis Valdez）從農工成為革命藝術家、創辦El Teatro Campesino、催生《Zoot Suit》與《La Bamba》的歷程。開幕夜另放映「加拉加斯仍是夜晚（Aún es noche en Caracas）」，由瑪麗安娜·隆東（Mariana Rondón）與瑪麗特·烏加斯（Marité Ugás）執導，描述Adelaida在瀕臨崩潰的加拉加斯埋葬母親後，公寓遭政權相關女性佔據，她躲入鄰宅卻發現鄰居屍體，陷入幽閉恐懼，最終必須放棄身分才能求生，映後有導演問答。

    焦點影片《Runa Simi》由秘魯導演奧古斯托·塞加拉（Augusto Zegarra）執導，講述29歲庫斯科聲優費爾南多·瓦倫西亞（Fernando Valencia）身兼原住民運動者、畫家與單親父親，以「Quechua Clips」將動畫場景配成克丘亞語（Quechua，又稱Runa Simi），並與8歲兒子Dylan自製錄音室，立志將迪士尼《獅子王》配成克丘亞語，雖屢遭拒絕與自我懷疑，仍化為語言正義與文化復振呼聲的故事。

    閉幕片「黑球 （La Bola Negra）」由坎城獲獎導演哈維爾·卡爾沃（Javier Calvo）與哈維爾·安布羅西（Javier Ambrossi）執導，改編自康內赫羅（Alberto Conejero）舞台劇「La Piedra Oscura」，橫跨西班牙歷史關鍵時刻，講述Carlos（Milo Quifes飾）、Sebastián（Guitarricadelafuente飾）與Alberto（Carlos González飾）三代男性的痛楚、慾望與愛。卡司包括Miguel Bernardeau、Lola Dueñas、潘妮洛普·克魯茲（Penélope Cruz）、葛倫·克蘿絲（Glenn Close）與Julio Torres。該片於2026年坎城影展世界首映獲20分鐘起立鼓掌，導演雙人組獲最佳導演，這次是波士頓首映。

    影展創辦人薩布麗娜·阿維萊斯（Sabrina Avilés）表示，這些作品僅是當前眾多非凡創作的一小部分，多數在日舞、Hot Docs、SXSW等影展首映，部分跳過波士頓院線，此次可能是唯一放映機會。她強調，影展盼向創作者與觀眾證明波士頓歡迎多元聲音與視覺敘事，同時擴大使命，教育觀眾、挑戰刻板印象與誤解，並慶祝文化遺產的豐富與多樣。

    門票價格，成人票15美元起，老年與學生票有折扣，各場館票價不同，詳情請見cinefestlatino.com。CineFest Latino Boston有意以電影力量打破刻板印象、團結文化與社群，揭示影響美國拉丁裔及拉丁美洲與西班牙社群的複雜議題。

蒙提派森音樂喜劇「火腿騎士（SPAMALOT）」訂10/6~11回到波士頓

公關公司提供

         （Boston Orange編譯）曾獲東尼獎（Tony Award ®）的音樂劇「火腿騎士（SPAMALOT）」將於 2026 年 10 月 6 日至 11 日重返波士頓，在王氏劇院（ Boch Center Wang Theatre ）登場，這是改編自「蒙提派森與聖杯（Monty Python and the Holy Grail）」喜劇經典的近二十年來首度回到波士頓。

公關公司提供

        「火腿騎士（SPAMALOT）」由 Eric Idle 負責劇本與歌詞，John Du Prez 與 Eric Idle 共同作曲，以創新的舞台調度、設計與出色演出，再次印證蒙提派森式英式幽默與喜劇才華歷久不衰。

        今天發布這項消息，恰逢《蒙提派森與聖杯》上映週年紀念，也向這部喜劇史上最具影響力的作品之一致敬。

公關公司提供

        這齣音樂劇應有盡有，從飛天乳牛到殺人兔，從英國皇室到法國嘲諷者，還有跳舞女郎、橡膠灌木，更少不了湖中女神，堪稱「劇場裡的最佳騎士」。「火腿騎士（SPAMALOT）」收錄多首膾炙人口的歌曲，包括“永遠看人生的光明面 （Always Look on the Bright Side of Life）”、“就是這種歌（The Song That Goes Like This）”、“尋找你的聖杯（Find Your Grail）”等等，早已成為音樂劇經典曲目。

        「火腿騎士（SPAMALOT）」於 2005 年首度登上百老匯，獲14項東尼獎提名，並拿下3項大獎，包括最佳音樂劇獎。華盛頓郵報劇評人 Peter Marks 盛讚：「讓我笑成這樣太不公平了！火腿騎士（SPAMALOT）是一輛塞滿小丑的車，全速駛向音樂劇的天堂！」

        「火腿騎士（SPAMALOT）」今年的9場巡演，將有2場在麻州，分別是10月2至4日在伍斯特（Ｗorcester）的The Hanover Theatre for the Performing Arts，以及10月06至11日在波士頓的Boch Center Wang Theatre。

        這齣戲全長2 小時 15 分鐘，含 15 分鐘中場休息，查詢詳情或購票，可上Boch Center Wang Theatre官網，https://www.bochcenter.org/events/detail/spamalot。

Governor Healey Honors Memorial Drive Good Samaritan TJ Swenson with Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery

 Governor Healey Honors Memorial Drive Good Samaritan TJ Swenson with Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery

 Annual award honoring Madeline “Amy” Sweeney’s legacy presented during Massachusetts’ 25th anniversary September 11 commemoration

BOSTON – On the 25th anniversary of the September 11 terrorist attacks, Governor Maura Healey today presented the Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery to Thomas Joseph “TJ” Swenson Jr. for his extraordinary actions to protect others during a shooting on Memorial Drive in Cambridge earlier this year.

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll presented the award during Massachusetts’ annual September 11 commemoration at the State House. Named in honor of Massachusetts native and American Airlines flight attendant Madeline “Amy” Sweeney, the award recognizes civilians who demonstrate extraordinary courage and put their own safety at risk to help save others in imminent danger.

“On this 25th anniversary, we remember the lives taken from us on September 11 and the extraordinary courage of people who stepped forward when others needed them most,” said Governor Maura Healey. “TJ Swenson showed that same kind of leadership on Memorial Drive. In a terrifying and rapidly unfolding situation, he put himself at risk and helped protect the people around him until first responders arrived. His courage, selflessness and willingness to act represent the very best of Massachusetts, and I’m proud to honor him with an award that carries Amy Sweeney’s legacy forward.”

“TJ was confronted with a terrifying and dangerous situation, and in that moment, he chose to help the people around him,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, chair of the Sweeney Award Selection Committee. “That kind of courage is at the heart of the Madeline ‘Amy’ Sweeney Award. Twenty-five years after September 11, TJ reminds us that Amy’s legacy of selflessness and service continues in the actions of people who step forward when others need them most.”

On May 11, 2026, Swenson encountered a dangerous and rapidly unfolding shooting on Memorial Drive in Cambridge in which multiple people were injured. Recognizing the immediate danger, Swenson warned people nearby and took action to help protect members of the public until law enforcement arrived and secured the scene.

Swenson’s actions, together with the response of Massachusetts State Police Troopers, Cambridge Police Officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and hospital staff, helped protect members of the public and allowed first responders to provide critical medical care to those who were injured.

“On the twenty-fifth anniversary of September 11, we recognize that millions of Americans have no lived memory of the events of that day. Yet the values embodied by Madeline Amy Sweeney – selflessness, courage in the face of danger, and an unwavering commitment to protecting others – remain as relevant today as they were a quarter century ago,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “TJ Swenson's actions remind us that ordinary citizens are still capable of extraordinary acts of bravery. In risking his own life to save complete strangers, he has honored the legacy this award was created to preserve.

“TJ Swenson found himself in an extraordinarily dangerous and rapidly unfolding situation and made the courageous decision to help protect those around him,” said Massachusetts State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “His bravery and concern for others exemplify the qualities recognized by the Madeline ‘Amy’ Sweeney Award. We are proud to join in honoring TJ for his actions that day.”

“The events on Memorial Drive deeply affected our community, and TJ Swenson responded when people around him needed help,” said Cambridge Police Acting Police Commissioner Pauline Wells. “Today, we recognize TJ while also thanking the police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel and medical professionals whose coordinated response helped protect and care for those affected.”

Madeline “Amy” Sweeney was an American Airlines flight attendant for 14 years and lived in Acton with her husband, Michael, and their two children. On September 11, 2001, Sweeney was working aboard American Airlines Flight 11, the first plane hijacked by terrorists and flown into the North Tower of the World Trade Center. In the final minutes of the flight, she contacted the airline’s ground services crew and relayed critical information about the hijackers and what was happening aboard the plane.

The Madeline “Amy” Sweeney Award for Civilian Bravery was created to honor her extraordinary heroism and the courage of those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. Each year, the award recognizes a Massachusetts civilian who, without regard for their own personal safety, demonstrates exceptional bravery in an effort to save others from imminent danger.

The award presentation is part of Massachusetts’ broader commemoration of the 25th anniversary of September 11. Governor Healey ordered flags at state buildings to be lowered to half-staff and called on residents, schools, businesses and organizations across Massachusetts to observe a statewide moment of silence at 8:46 a.m., marking the time the first plane struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center. The State House is also being illuminated red, white and blue on the evenings of September 10 and September 11.

Governor Healey, First Lady Joanna Lydgate and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll joined Massachusetts 9/11 families for the annual State House commemoration and reading of the names of victims with ties to Massachusetts under this year’s theme, “Massachusetts Remembers: United We Stand.” Commemorations continue throughout the day with the annual wreath laying at the Boston Public Garden 9/11 Memorial and the 25th anniversary of the Massachusetts Fallen Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at Ashburton Park.

Massachusetts students are also meeting with 9/11 family members at the State House to hear their stories and help ensure that, as a new generation learns about September 11 as history rather than lived experience, the lives that were lost and the lessons of that day continue to be remembered.

波士頓藍山大道1.63億重劃案麥特潘公聽會 近半出席居民嗆聲反對

藍山大道1.63億美元重劃按公聽會。 （周菊子攝）

        （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）波士頓市府和麻州地鐵（MBTA）的藍山大道（Blue Hill Avenue）1.63 億美元重劃案，12日（週四）晚在洛士百利（Roxbury）晨星浸信會教堂（Morning Star Baptist Church）召開公聽會，數百居民與商戶出席，強烈質疑該計畫損害商家權益並恐引發貴族化。

波士頓市長吳弭強調要聽取民意。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）與麻州灣交通局（MBTA）總經理伍偉華（Phil Eng）這晚親自出席，聆聽民意，回答提問，說明政府規劃需綜合各方面因素。

MBTA總經理伍偉華親自出席公聽會。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓市府街道長Chris Osgood和MBTA代表稱，根據3000多人次的意見調查，他們已經修改了計劃案，不只把停車位從 675 個增加至 717 個、減少部分自行車道，並保留 14 英里中的 11 英里車道，還會植樹 200 株，更新照明設施，以改善該路段平均每三天即發生一次需急救車禍的安全問題。

        由於計畫方案仍堅持保留「路中央公車專用道」（center-running bus lane），市府認為每日約 4 萬名 的乘客，可因此獲益，很多出席民眾卻持反對意見，認為尤其是上下學的小孩子，經常會衝跑的穿越街道去搭乘巴士，很不安全。

吳弭市長解釋公車專用道路線情況。（周菊子攝）

        不少人質問，波士頓市府到底有沒問過住在晨星浸信會教堂附近的人，民意調查問的那3000人到底都是誰，意見怎麼和他們完全不一樣。

藍山大道計劃仍在聽取民意。（周菊子攝）

        也有來自敘利亞民眾及非洲國家移民質問，連開發中國家都在興建現代化的火車，甚至高鐵，為什麼波士頓市卻從1950年代拆除該地區路面電車道之後，再無重大建設，既不建高鐵，捷運，也沒提供比公車更有效率的交通途徑。

        教堂主教請反對者起立時，全場約半數民眾站了起來。出席商戶如 American Food Mart 老闆等，則憂心街道施工與車道變動將嚴重衝擊他們的生意；不少居民則控訴市府長期忽略黑人社區，強推政策恐將引發貴族化（Gentrification）現象。

藍山大道重建案規劃概要。（周菊子攝）

        現場僅有 5 位居民與自行車團體代表支持計畫。自行車倡議者托尼·巴埃斯（Tony Baez）指出，開車的人或許會因為車道變動，在路上多花幾秒鐘，但搭公車的人卻可能因為這公車專線，節省不下15 分鐘。

公聽會在晨星浸信會教堂（Morning Star Baptist Church）召開。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓市議員沃雷爾（Brian Worrell）與庫佩珀（Miniard Culpepper）在會中呼籲評估把橘線地鐵（Orange Line）延伸至地下等替代方案。

        波士頓市府官員指出，地鐵開挖需耗時多年且花費逾十億美元，伍偉華則表示，目前開闢公車專用道，不等於排除未來的討論其他交通辦法。

        波士頓市府預計於 9 月 22 日及 30 日繼續舉辦公開說明會與市民大會。