中國武術研究所慶創辦50週年 甄子青宣佈哈佛Schlesinger圖書館永久收藏麥寶嬋文獻

甄子青宣佈哈佛Schlesinger圖書館將永久收藏麥寶嬋文獻。（周菊子攝）

  （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）大波士頓地區第一位武術女師父麥寶嬋所創辦的「中國武術研究所 （Chinese Wushu Research Institute）」，7月25日在帝苑大酒樓，慶祝50週年。麥寶嬋的女兒甄子青宣佈，哈佛大學Schlesinger圖書館將永久收藏麥寶嬋文獻，供後世研究。

出席者舉扇合影。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）的華埠聯絡員林天琪，這晚也代表市長到場，頒給表揚狀，宣佈7月25日這天為「中國武術研究所 50 週年紀念日」。

（周菊子攝）

有著美國第一位現代武術教練之一，「黑帶」雜誌評為20世紀最有影響力武術家之一美譽的麥寶嬋師傅，曾在哈佛戲劇系，波士頓大學任教，1976年在波士頓華埠大同村創辦「中國武術研究所（CWRI）」，其後陸續搬遷至必珠街50號，林肯街130號等地。新冠病毒疫情爆發後，林肯街會址關門，徒弟們各在不同城鎮開課授徒，不定期聚會。

出於對麥寶嬋師父的敬重，Jean Luktish，黃修忻（Cecilia Wong），黃仁君（Rick Wong）等十餘名徒弟和麥寶嬋師父的女兒甄子青，從2025年4月就開始籌備慶祝「中國武術研究所」成立50週年，規劃了一系列活動。

表演者，左起Stephan Berwick，Charles Davis，Jean Luktish，黃修忻，
黃仁君，Siu Yin，Leda Elliott合影。（周菊子攝）

7月25日的這場「中國武術研究所50 週年晚宴」，由黃修昕和麥寶嬋師父的姪兒余亞倫做主要策劃，黃仁君和伍國光主持，在帝苑大酒樓舉辦。

甄雲龍、甄子青父女為哈佛Schlesinger圖書館麥寶嬋文獻感到欣慰。（周菊子攝）

甄子青放映了一段她剪輯的短片，慨言50年那麼長，回憶那麼多，即使她把原訂3到4分鐘的短片，延長到了10分鐘，也難以把50年歲月全都壓縮進去，但傳奇是活在人們心中的，她相信在美國研究女性歷史及性別平等權威機構的哈佛大學Radcliffe學院Schlesinger圖書館，確認將永久收藏“麥寶嬋文獻（Bow Sim Mak Papers）”後，人們將能夠看到麥寶嬋的一生種種。

林天琪（右起）代表波士頓市長吳弭送上表揚狀，Jean Luktish和甄子青代表接受。 
（周菊子攝）

甄子青指出，歷經8個月的籌備，Schlesinger圖書館永久收藏“麥寶嬋文獻”得以成真的幕後大功臣之一是她父親甄雲龍，無怨無悔的用文字、照片、錄影，記錄了麥寶嬋的每一次課程，每一場演出，還製作成印刷品，錄影帶的發行。

甄雲龍私下憶述，1975年他們一家從香港遷居美國波士頓，就參加了由關永齡博士擔任隨團翻譯，有石堅、李小龍掛帥的華林功夫學校全美巡演。後來在1990年代初期，他和關永齡還合作籌辦過少林寺來美巡演的武術界大事。他對光陰荏苒頗為感嘆，稱那些都已是好多年前的事。

甄子青（右）送給黃修忻一幅甄雲龍筆墨，以示感謝。（周菊子攝）

關永齡也指出，在50多年前的那個年代，女性普遍不受人重視，麥寶嬋師父最早參加的那場巡演，連名字都沒能印在海報上，這一路走來確實不容易。

甄雲龍給黃修忻博士的題字為“持恆修練，終生安康”。（周菊子攝）

7月25日晚，在帝苑大酒樓的慶祝50週年晚宴中，麥寶嬋的徒弟們先安排了7場示範表演，包括Chris Wong長拳，Leda Elliott雙扇，Stephan Berwick陳氏太極，黃修忻通背拳，Jean Lukitsh & Charles Davis推手，黃仁君太極拳精選套路（楊、孫、陳），Siu Yin的傅式太極第三段。

甄子青（右）送給Jean Luktish（左）一幅功夫電影海報。（周菊子攝）

麥寶嬋和甄雲龍夫婦的姪女甄碧鳳，侄子余雅倫，早年的大同村鄰居周樹昂，徒弟黃修忻，黃仁君，洪梅，Jean Luktish，George Mumford，Stephan Berwick等十餘人，各自講述了一段他們跟隨麥寶嬋師父學武術的故事，笑說她諄諄善誘，善良，關懷，教起功夫來一點也不馬乎的嚴謹。

包括黃修昕、黃仁君在內，好幾名麥寶嬋師父的徒弟都說，當年他們跟隨麥寶嬋學習，可都是拜會過許多武館，經過一番選擇的。

甄碧鳳（中）當年跟隨麥寶嬋師父學太極時，Jean Luktish（右）就坐在他的旁邊。
陳美霞（左）麾下的舢舨中英雙語雙週刊，早年編輯之一是甄雲龍。（周菊子攝）

黃修昕說，47年前，她一家一家的拜訪過大波士頓的許多武館，最後決定跟隨麥寶嬋師父，不只因為她是女性，在一眾功夫老師中顯得格外不同，更因為她的武學造詣十分廣博。本來她想著自己學功夫10年就已經夠長了，沒想到卻ㄧ學26年，直到麥寶嬋師父2005年退休後，再自行研修，如今真如麥師父所說，“太極是一輩子的學習”。

甄碧鳳坦言早年生病，父親讓她跟隨麥寶嬋師父學習，親身感受過學功夫沒那簡單。
（周菊子攝）

具有物理治療師身份的黃仁君透露，麥寶嬋師父懂得因人施教。也由於這因緣，讓他跟隨麥寶嬋師父學到了太極拳之外的“八卦掌”。

紐英崙余風采唐主席余雅倫的父親余景新是甄雲龍的姊夫。在這層姻親關係下，
小時候，他也跟隨麥寶嬋師父學過功夫。（周菊子攝）

Jean Luktish的發言，概述了麥寶嬋師父徒弟們，為慶祝CWRI50週年籌辦的一系列活動，包括2025年10月25日，世界武術搏擊聯盟（WFMAF）頒發「武術先驅終身成就獎」給麥寶嬋師父，2026年的4月10日，華夏文化協會頒發「50年傳承獎」，6月27日黃仁君和Jean Luktish 在Wakefield辦了一場太極拳研討會，7月10日及11日，在劍橋市哈佛廣場的布瑞托（Brattle）戲院，放映了3部麥寶嬋兒子，著名演員暨導演甄子丹參演的電影，7月24日Byron Jacobs在播客（Podcast）上，以「中國武術研究所（CWRI ）50 週年」為主題，訪問Stephan Burwick 和 Jean Lukish 。7月28日，黃仁君和Chris Wong兩父子為亞美社區發展協會青年團體辦研討會，開班傳授特技武打編排技藝。

在塔芙茨醫學院任教的關永齡博士當年和甄雲龍、麥寶嬋夫婦一起參加全美武術巡演。
（周菊子攝）

當天的晚會，最後在黃修昕率領麥寶嬋師父徒弟們打了一套太極起步，期許從此開創一個每年七月的某個星期六聚首一次的新傳統。

George Mumford（右）把從麥寶嬋那兒學來的功夫，運用到穩定監獄犯人的情緒上。

（周菊子攝）

黃修昕（前左）和麥寶嬋師父的徒弟們一起打太極拳起手式，為CWRI 的50週年慶
晚宴劃下句點。（周菊子攝）

甄雲龍透露，陳黃海蘭（左二）是麥寶嬋在他們家客廳收的第一個學生。
左起，梅錫銳，陳黃海蘭，陳建立，甄子青，甄雲龍，谷繼成。（周菊子攝）

中國武術研究所50週年慶由麥寶嬋師父的徒弟們籌辦。（周菊子攝）

海地TPS有效日到期 麻州長Healey再發信國會催促採取行動

麻州州長Maura Healey再次發信給國會，促請展延TPS日期。（圖片來自推特）

 (Boston Orange編譯) 麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）7月27日緊急呼籲聯邦參議院通過眾議院先前批准的法案，延長海地TPS身分，以防止該身分的工作許可在最高法院裁定的展延日到期後，對麻州醫療、長照與經濟造成重大衝擊。

根據聯邦政府辦法，TPS身份的終止，依法須在聯邦公報通知發佈後至少60天才生效，以確保有序過渡。所以TPS身份的真正失效日期還要藉國土安全部發佈的正式聯邦公報通知來確認。

奚莉州長早在今年的1月30日就發過信函給聯邦國土安全部長諾姆（Kristi Noem），要求延長海地TPS身分。後來又召集麻州企業領袖，評估聯邦移民政策對當地產業的經濟衝擊。 6月25日，當美國最高法院做出允許川普政府終止海地TPS身份時，奚莉州長和麻州總檢察長坎貝爾（Andrea Joy Campbell）及社區領袖召開聯合記者會，呼籲國會介入。

奚莉州長強調，強迫海地人返回充滿暴力與天災的國家違背了TPS的設立初初衷，麻州政府行政團隊正全力向聯邦爭取續約，並指導企業與受影響員工應對。

有研究數據指出，麻州現有4.5萬多名海地TPS持有者，長照機構估計，其中有高達2,000名護理人員，將因為喪失TPS身份而失去工作資格。從全美角度來看，海地TPS持有者每年為美國經濟貢獻約59億美元，全體TPS持有者的貢獻更高達290億美元，這些人還繳納78億美元稅款。

代表麻州的聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren、聯邦眾議員克拉克Katherine Clark和普萊斯利Ayanna Pressley都抨擊川普政府的終止TPS政策；麻州商業圓桌會議、東方銀行（Eastern Bank）及麻州高級護理協會等機構也警告，失去這些人將加劇麻州的勞工短缺窘境，增加企業營運成本。

美國聯邦政府是在2010年海地大地震後，把海地納入TPS政策，以為無法安全返國的海地人提供臨時庇護。川普政府上台後致力推動終止該政策，並引發長期訴訟。今年6月，美國最高法院裁決支持聯邦政府裁量權，聯邦眾議員雖然通過了法案，要延長TPS時限，但聯邦參議院未通過4814法案，以至於目前無法推翻川普政府的TPS決策。

根據國土安全部的聯合公報，在美國發給TPS身份的17個國家中，多數國家的TPS已終止或正在終止程序中。截至7月下旬，尚有黎巴嫩、薩爾瓦多、蘇丹、烏克蘭、委內瑞拉、緬甸、索馬利亞等國的保護狀態仍暫時有效，但生效期限各異，且受法院命令影響，狀態隨時可能變動。衣索比亞和南蘇丹的TPS終止令被法院暫停，沒有訂定任何新日期。

麻州長Maura Healey 賀雀喜市蟬聯“全美最佳城市”

麻州州長Maura Healey (前右三）和雀喜市議員們攜手慶祝該市一連兩年獲得
“全美最佳城市”榮譽。（周菊子攝）

  (Boston Orange周菊子麻州綜合報導) 麻州州長奚莉 （Maura Healey）和麻州參議員Sal DiDomenico，麻州眾議員Judith A. Garcia等人，7月25日聯袂到雀喜市（Chelsea），恭喜該市連續第2年，前後共4度贏得「全美最佳城市 （All American City）」頭銜。

雀喜市經理Fidel Maltez（中）送印有"Chelsea Way" 的T恤給麻州州長Maura Healey (右）。
（周菊子攝）

雀喜市經理Fidel Maltez（左起），麻州長Maura Healey和眾議員Judith A. Garcia（右一）。
（周菊子攝）

「全美最佳城市」獎是「全國公民聯盟（National Civic League）」從1949年開始，為鼓勵普通民眾與基層社區自主解決地方問題而舉辦的活動。由於「全國公民聯盟」本身是個創立於1894年，有著最悠久歷史的致力推動地方政府改革組織，而且至今仍然要求入圍決選的20個城市，自費組團，飛到科羅拉多州丹佛市，在評審面前做10分鐘的現場展示與簡報，再選出10個獲獎城市，因此儘管這獎項的獲獎者是從每年大約50到100個報名參加的全美各城市中挑選出來，仍被譽為美國地方社區治理的最高榮譽。

雀喜市人口4萬餘，是麻州人口密集度排第三，面積最小的城市，早年曾一度居民有一半都是猶太人，2020年以後，則成為了外國出生居民高達46%，移民最多，人口最多元化城市。

雀喜市經理Fidel Maltez（左起），麻州長Maura Healey等人。

早在1998年和2014年，雀喜市就得到過「全美最佳城市」榮譽，但Fidel Maltez市經理2024年上任後，雀喜市一連兩年的在2025及2026年贏得這頭銜，成為「全美最佳城市」70多年歷史中的罕有案例，備受矚目。

        Fidel Maltez在丹佛市的頒獎典禮上說，“當一個社區選擇以勇氣克服恐懼，以團結取代分化，以希望戰勝絕望時，奇蹟就會發生”。

設計推出“Build the Base"計劃的警察Damian Strait。（周菊子攝）

雀喜市在2025年得獎時，核心獲獎理由是環境正義與氣候韌性。那年雀喜市和波士頓大學及景觀設計師合作，在全市最熱街區植樹60餘株，把建築物的屋頂漆成反射白，以降低熱島效應，建置包含太陽能板與大容量蓄電池的微電網，確保在極端氣候災難中，關鍵性的公共設施不斷電，部署80多個空氣品質感測器，以多語言數位儀表，向居民實時公開空氣污染數據。

雀喜市警察局局長Keith E. Houghton致詞。（周菊子攝）

麻州眾議員Judith Garcia。（周菊子攝）

雀喜市的2026獲獎核心理由是建立信任與公民健康，包括建立以社區為導向的警政與信任制度，跨部門的結合非營利組織與醫療資源，協同解決精神疾病，無家可歸，以及多元移民社群的信任問題，透過「城中區工作小組（Downtown Task Force）」和「信任與藍色（Faith & Blue）」等活動，拉進警民關係，在Damian Strait發起創辦的「打基礎（Build the Base）」，利用體育健身活動，為12至17歲青少年建立正向管道與心靈寄託的計劃等。

麻州州長Maura Healey親自走到講台，幫麻州參議員Sal DiDomenico調整麥克風。
（周菊子攝）

在“全美最佳城市”的70多年歷史中，全美共有500多個社區曾經獲此榮譽。麻州共有19個市鎮得到的過，其中伍斯特市（Worcester）得到過最多次，共5次，其次為雀喜市，共4次，還十分罕見的在2025和2026連續兩年獲得。波士頓市在1949年這一獎項首次舉辦時就得到過，接著在1951和1962，前後共得過3次。

其他得過“全美最佳城市”獎的麻州市鎮有Somerville，Fall River，Fitchburg ，Lowell S，pringfield ，Barnstable， Blackstone Valley Region，Dennis ，Gardner， Haverhill Malden， Newbedford， Newton， North Adams ，Pittsfield ，Southbridge等。

麻州參議員Sal DiDomenico（左起），雀喜市議員Calvin Brown，麻州州長
Maura Healey，麻州眾議員Judith Garcia。（周菊子攝）

雀喜市前後共贏得過 4次 “全美最佳城市”頭銜。（周菊子攝）

緬因州「公雞大戰」意外引發跨國性聲援自閉症、質疑地方政府權限行動

     （Boston Orange 綜合編譯）緬因州奧甘奎特鎮（Ogunquit）一場因「巨型金屬公雞」引發的地方爭議，在短短數週內從地方新聞燒成全球運動，超過數百隻公雞從緬因州、佛羅里達（Florida）一路挺進紐西蘭（New Zealand），成為反對市政越權與關懷自閉症家庭的象徵。

    一切的起點，是鎮上「煎蛋捲工廠（The Omelette Factory）」餐廳老闆戴夫·勒布朗（Dave LeBlanc）為6歲養女派珀（Pyper LeBlanc）買的一隻6英尺高金屬公雞。

    派珀患有自閉症，從小就以一隻破舊絨毛公雞為安撫物。戴夫與妻子莎拉（Sara LeBlanc）發現，巨型公雞能為派珀創造「安全空間」，緩解不安，幫助她踏出門檻，從家中走進院子，接觸外界世界。

    隨著節日到來，勒布朗夫婦增加了在家門外安裝的公雞數量，還換上應景裝飾。

    沒想到今年4月初，鎮政府的法規執行部門認定，因爲勒布朗家的住宅與餐廳相連，這些醒目公雞屬於替餐廳宣傳的「未經許可廣告標誌」，違反招牌規定，裁定罰款，還不斷開罰單，罰款額後來累計到逼近1,000美元。

    勒布朗夫婦於是上訴。6月時，鎮上的區域規劃上訴委員會（Zoning Board of Appeals）以「殘疾差異（disability variance）」為由，裁定允許勒布朗夫婦在自家住宅入口欄杆處放置最多兩隻、高度不超過6英尺的公雞。

    沒想到，公雞是否附著在欄杆上的技術細節，竟可能成為爭議繼續的導火線。

    這故事傳開後，輿論一面倒的撻伐鎮政府「小題大作」、「為難自閉症孩童」。勒布朗夫婦創立的「奧甘奎特的公雞們（Roosters of Ogunquit）」臉書專頁，短短一個月吸引近5,000名粉絲，還發起「擺放公雞」聲援活動。從緬因州海岸到佛羅里達，甚至遠在紐西蘭的支持者紛紛在自家草坪豎起金屬公雞，聲援行動迅速蔓延全球。

    勒布朗夫婦已繳清罰款，正計畫成立慈善基金會，將這股意外竄起的聲量轉化為對自閉症、收養與寄養家庭議題的長期關注。鎮法規執行主任泰勒·麥克斯克（Tyler McOsker）則婉拒評論。

    一隻公雞、一張罰單、一個自閉症女孩，奧甘奎特小鎮的「公雞大戰」，點燃了一場跨越國界的公民運動。

海地人若失TPS身份 麻州長照業恐陷危機 波士頓市長，麻州副州長籲國會採取行動

近百人7月23日中午在波士頓市政府廣場前集會，聲援海地TPS持有人。（周菊子攝）

     (Boston Orange綜合報導) 波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）、麻州副州長Kim Driscoll，波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune等近百人，代表至少53個組織，7月23日中午聚集在波士頓市府廣場，呼籲國會通過4814法案，延長海地移民的「臨時保護身份（Temporary Protected Status，簡稱TPS）」。

波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeuneu要為所有TPS持有人爭取正義。（周菊子攝）

    本身為海地移民第二代的波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune發言時十分激動。她說，她很生氣，TPS持有人是大家的鄰居，是辛苦工作的人，為這社會增加了數以億元計的稅收。這個種族歧視的政府的這些行動是要人們責怪移民，而不去責怪億萬富翁，現在發生的事情，簡直就是恥辱，最高法院的決定，也是個恥辱。

波士頓市長吳弭強調，美國得維護原有的價值觀。（周菊子攝）

    麻州副州長Kim Driscoll呼籲華府國會拿出勇氣，採取行動。她說聯邦政府必須選擇慈悲，而非殘忍，選擇常識，而非政治。麻州不會背叛那些在這裡建立生活，為經濟做出貢獻，並壯大麻州家園的人。她還強調沈默對受壓迫者從來沒有益處，人們必須站出來表示關心這議題，“人們值得我們為之而戰（People are worth fighting for）”。

麻州副州長Kim Driscoll強調，國會得拿出勇氣，採取行動。（周菊子攝）

    波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）說，40多年前，她的父母離開台灣，來美國一睹他們的人生。作為移民家庭中的長子，她親眼見到父母經歷的許多掙扎與犧牲，但在他們走過的每一步中，她的父母都會說，他們抓對了機會，得到回報，美國成為他們的家，如今子孫都生活在地球上這偉大的城市，而移民就是波士頓市是地球上最偉大城市之一的原因。

Bryan Cave law firm 的 Geoffrey Pipoly 闡述他為TPS堤訴訟案緣由。（周菊子攝）

    吳弭指出，2017年時，是當年川普總統的國土安全局局長自己宣佈的，海地不是一個人們可以安全回去的地方，所以必須展延TPS的時效，而當年海地兄弟姐妹們所面對的非人殘酷與不正義情況如今更糟，讓我們整個社區面對那種程度的恐懼是殘酷與不公平的。

牧師高喊“這是恥辱”。（周菊子攝）

    吳弭強調，「我們不是在要求慈善，不是要求例外，我們的訴求很簡單：希望在各項決策中，仍能體現這個國家的價值觀，並顧及我們的海地裔社區成員，以及所有的移民和「臨時保護身分（TPS）」持有者。

支持海地TPS持有者站台。（周菊子攝）

    聯邦最高法院今年6月底裁定，允許川普政府終止海地與敘利亞人的TPS，意味著如果目前卡在聯邦參議院的4814法案不能通過，這2國的TPS於7月27日到期後，在麻州內的大約12,000到15,000名海地籍，以及大約數百名的敘利亞籍TPS持有人，將失去合法居留身份。面對EAD工作許可卡失效，雇主必須依法解僱，沒有了收入，醫療保險等困難，還可能隨時被移民及海關執法人員（ICE）逮補，拘留，遞解出境。

海地人在活動開場前跳舞。（周菊子攝）

    由於麻州是全美第三大海地移民聚居地，根據麻州耆英照顧協會（Mass Senior Care Association）等機構估計，麻州的長照機構，護理之家，身障輔導中心，以及居家照護等單位，約有2,000到5,000名第一線員工是TPS持有者。聯邦參議員Ed Markey、Elizabeth Warren，聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley聯合發佈的「照顧危機（Care in Crisis）」國會調查報告指出，在麻州長照人手匱乏率已高達15%到20%之際，再失去這批TPS持有人，尤其是其中許多人已在長照業工作多年，經驗難以被取代，麻州恐將出現「長照崩潰危機」，許多長照機構可能被迫關門，拒收新病人，高齡患者無法轉入長照機構，醫院病房嚴重堵塞等危險。

近百人來到波士頓市府廣場，聲援海地TPS持有人。

    根據普林斯頓大學研究人員依人口普查數據估算，麻州約有1.9萬名海地TPS持有者；移民研究中心（Center for Migration Studies）指出，其中五分之一持有者的子女為美國公民，意味著一旦川普政府的TPS終止令生效，麻州將有許多家庭面對分裂危機。

聲援海地TPS持有人活動開場前，現場演奏。（周菊子攝）

    麻州檢察長坎貝爾（Andrea Campbell）已鼓勵移民尋求其他合法居留途徑，並建議家長為子女指定監護授權人，藉以預防一旦遭遇遣返可能面對的家庭混亂。

    包括大波士頓法律服務機構，許多移民律師正在緊急通知海地TPS持有人在7月27日前提出個人政治庇護（Form I-589）申請。

麻州長派遣10名野地消防員前往明尼蘇達州協助滅火

Governor Healey Sends Crew of Wildland Firefighters to Help Battle Minnesota Fires 
DCR and DFG are deploying a 10-person crew of firefighters to help battle blazes this weekend 

 

CARLISLE — Governor Healey announced that she is sending a crew of wildland firefighters from the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) and Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game (DFG) Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife) to Northern Minnesota to assist in battling wildfires that have contributed to recent air quality issues in New England. The 10-person crew, known as a Suppression Module, will join an international cohort of firefighters working to contain blazes across the U.S. and Canada.  

 

They are expected to depart this weekend. Details of their departure will be made available as soon as possible. 

 

The ongoing fires in Minnesota are part of a larger group of fires spanning the U.S. border into Canada. Smoke from these fires has drifted east in recent weeks, contributing to poor air quality in Massachusetts this summer. Governor Healey has also offered assistance to Canadian officials. 

 

“Massachusetts is proud to stand with our partners across the country and Canada to combat rising wildfires. When communities are in need, we have a responsibility to step up and help,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Thank you to our brave, highly skilled firefighters for answering this call, just as they answer every call here in Massachusetts. Their courage and service keep our state safe, and today they are keeping other parts of the country safe.”  

 

“Massachusetts firefighters understand the importance of service and working together.” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “What we are seeing in Minnesota and Canada requires a cooperative effort, with people from across the country and our neighbors in Canada coming together to keep communities safe from harm.” 

 

Minnesota is currently experiencing several wildfires near the Canadian border that are each at various stages of containment. This includes the Fort Frances 13 fire, which crosses the border into the province of Ontario and is among the series of fires covering nearly 2 million acres stretching all the way into Central Ontario. There are currently six large wildfires totaling 68,550 acres, with an additional eight new fires in the last few days all started by lighting. Smoke from these fires has drifted into Massachusetts in recent weeks, changing the color of the sky and reducing air quality to levels that are unhealthy for sensitive groups, including those with asthma, lung or heart disease, and older adults. 

 

Massachusetts’ fire crew is a 10-person wildfire suppression module of specially trained firefighters who meet the National Interagency Standards of Fire and Fire Aviation Operations through the US Wildland Fire Service for hand crews. This crew will be working directly on the front lines for approximately 14 days, doing critical tasks like building fire breaks, securing fire perimeters, containing fires, and protecting structures. All firefighters are federally qualified for the work, having passed a 40-hour federal wildland firefighting class and physical fitness test. Through the mutual aid agreement of the compact, the requesting state or province pays all expenses of the out-of-state crews, including salary, transportation, lodging, and food. 

 

“Massachusetts’ firefighters are dedicated to protecting our residents and our natural resources throughout the year. That could mean fighting a brush fire close to home or assisting with a major wildlife response thousands of miles away,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Their expertise, professionalism, and willingness to serve make them an invaluable partner whenever and wherever they’re called.”   

 

“As wildfire seasons become longer and more intense, the expertise of our wildland firefighters has never been more important,” said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. “Our crews are among the best in the country, and time and again they’ve answered the call to help communities facing some of the most challenging fire conditions. Whether they’re protecting people and natural resources here in Massachusetts or deploying across the country and continent, they bring extraordinary skill, professionalism, and commitment to every assignment. I’m incredibly proud of this team and the way they represent the Commonwealth while gaining valuable experience that will strengthen our wildfire response here at home.” 

 

“The wildfires across Canada and Minnesota are devastating for both people and wildlife. We are extremely grateful for the dedicated staff from DCR and MassWildlife who have stepped up to contribute their hard-earned skills to this important cause," said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “As climate change brings more frequent, long-lasting drought and extreme heat, wildfire seasons are intensifying across North America. We are committed to continuing to stand by our partners across the region to protect the public, our forests, and biodiversity." 

 

Massachusetts firefighting personnel have been deployed to multiple wildfires across the country in recent years, including fires in Montana, Idaho, California, Oregon, Arizona, as well as Canada. Most recently, DCR and DFG sent a 20-person crew to Fairbanks, Alaska in 2025, for a two-week deployment. In each case, Massachusetts firefighters are able to apply the unique skills they have learned in service at home and acquire new techniques and expertise they can bring back to address future fires.  

 

Since 1985, DCR’s Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry, in partnership with U.S. Forest Service and the Northeast Forest Fire Protection Commission, has been sending crews to fight fires across several states, including Alaska, Florida, Virginia, and Quebec.    

 

In the fall of 2025, Chief Fire Warden Dave Celino and the DCR wildland firefighters received the Fire Marshall’s award at the 36th annual  Firefighter of the Year awards in recognition of the experience, expertise and firefighting resources they contributed to state’s efforts to combat the historic fires that burned 4,000 acres across Massachusetts during the 2024 wildfire season.  

 

The responding Massachusetts firefighters are:  

 

Name	Home	Agency
Liard, Jr. Roy J	Millville	DCR
Mayer, Brian J	Groton	DCR
Mazzei, Benjamin A	Pelham	MassWildlife
Nash, Declan A	Groton	DCR
Nawrocki, Joseph P	New Salem	DCR
Huling, Christopher W	Braintree	DCR
Arrington, Brady S	Westport	DCR
Consolmagno, Glen J	Franklin	DCR
Holm, Riley P	Worcester	DCR
Poitras, Zachary A	Webster	DCR
Smeaton, Cody S	Westport	DCR

麻州長Healey簽署2新法保護性侵案受害者 有DNA就可追訴 16歲自願也不免責

麻州州長Maura Healey (前右）簽署保護倖存者法案。（周菊子攝）

     （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（24）日簽署兩項保護性侵倖存者新法案，一是有DNA為證時，強暴案可不受15年追訴期限制，一是明確規定成年人不得以16、17 歲未成年人「自願」，或彼此權勢關係已結束為理由，豁免刑罰。

麻州州長Maura Healey簽署新法案，只要有DNA證據，性侵案不受追訴期15年限制。
（周菊子攝）

    這2項法案都已納入麻州2027會計年度預算案，即日起正式生效。

倖存者簡述當年還是學生，不懂如何應付師長輩的要求。（周菊子攝）

    奚莉州長強調她自己曾任檢察官，親眼見過在法律保障不足下，倖存者多絕望，受到的創傷多重。她很欣慰，在麻州參議員Joan B. Lovely長年奔走推動關閉權勢性侵漏洞、參議員Mark Montigny提案修訂DNA追訴期之外，又有眾議員John Lawn、Leigh Davis、Adam Scanlon等人共同努力，以及霍爾小姐學校（Miss Hall's School）性侵案受害人勇敢站出來，麻州終於可以為性侵案倖存者提供更多保護。

    這2項法案之所以能夠順利推動，和麻州近年的2大重案有關。

麻州參議員Joan B. Lovely長年奔走推動關閉權勢性侵漏洞。（周菊子攝）

第一起案件是私立女子高中霍爾小姐學校（Miss Hall's School）的前教師馬修·拉特利奇（Matthew Rutledge）在長達數十年的教學生涯中利用職權性侵多名女學生。由於這些受害者在案件發生時已年滿16歲，也是麻州法律原本認定的有能力同意年齡，地檢署一度表示「並不違法」，無法提起刑事訴訟。性侵案倖存者梅麗莎·法雷斯（Melissa Fares）和希拉蕊·西蒙（Hilary Simon）後來勇敢的站出來公開指控，才促使社會注意到16歲、17歲這年齡點造成的法律漏洞。

麻州眾議員John J. Lawn發言。（周菊子攝）

在霍爾小姐學校性侵案中，更令人震驚的是該校前校長珍妮·諾里斯（Jeannie Norris）在任內多次接獲馬修·拉特利奇（Matthew Rutledge）不當行為的報告，卻不僅未依法通報或採取措施，反而選擇隱瞞包庇。甚至建議由拉特利奇擔任法雷斯的大學申請顧問，讓受害者繼續留在加害者影響範圍內；後來有一名高年級學生因討論拉特利奇與國際學生的關係，竟遭停學處分並被迫向拉特利奇寫道歉信，校方甚至召開集會警告學生「不要八卦」。

這也使得拉特利奇得以長期利用“老師”，“顧問”的權勢地位及影響力，和梅麗莎·法雷斯（Melissa Fares）長期維持不當性關係，直至她32歲。新法案因此還附帶，即使犯案成年人和受侵害者的權勢關係後來結束了，其刑責仍可被追究的條文。

    霍爾小姐學校前校長珍妮·諾里斯（Jeannie Norris）已於2026年7月22日被伯克夏郡大陪審團以「魯莽危害兒童罪」起訴，馬修·拉特利奇（Matthew Rutledge）則在2026年4月被正式起訴三項強姦罪，案件審理中。

    第二起案件是化名「露易絲（Louise）」的女性遭性侵案。2005年時，露易斯被強暴、刺傷，警方直至2022年才因為DNA技術的進步，比對出嫌犯，但此時距離案發當時，已超過15年追訴期，檢方最終只能撤銷起訴，讓等待已17年的倖存者無法獲得審判正義。

    麻州在這次修法前，是全美少數對成人強暴案設有嚴格追訴期限制的州。由於DNA技術的進步，各界發現警方以往未能徹底調查的陳舊性侵案件，現在都有可能偵破，近年來美國有47州已陸續放寬或廢除相關追訴期限。麻州的制定新法，是在追趕全美腳步。

    在DNA檢測上，麻州一直面對嚴峻挑戰。根據麻州州審計局2024年報告，州警犯罪實驗室曾清查出一批超過6,500件過去未檢驗的性侵害檢體，經審核後仍有約4,000件符合檢驗資格，其中超過2,600件至2022年底仍在等待DNA分析。同時，州法雖規定檢體須在30天內完成檢驗，但波士頓警察局犯罪實驗室在2023會計年度收到186件檢體，但因人手不足，仍有一半（93件）未檢測。新法上路後，是否有更多舊案的真相能夠水落石出，仍待人們關注。

Governor Healey Signs New Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors into Law 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today held a ceremonial signing for two new laws in the FY27 Budget that strengthen protections for young people, support survivors of sexual assault and hold offenders accountable. These include a proposal from Governor Healey to eliminate the statute of limitations for rape cases when new DNA evidence identifies a suspect, as well as a provision to close a loophole that allowed adults in positions of authority to exploit 16- and 17-year-olds. 

“As a former prosecutor and Attorney General, I spent years working alongside survivors of sexual violence. I saw firsthand the trauma they carry, and the extraordinary courage it takes to come forward. I also saw the devastation caused when our laws don’t do enough to protect survivors and hold offenders accountable,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These new laws close dangerous loopholes, strengthen protections for children, and make sure survivors have a better opportunity to seek justice. While no law can change what survivors have endured, we can take action to make our laws fairer, our communities safer and help survivors get the justice they deserve.” 

“Securing justice in sexual assault cases should not be hindered by laws with loopholes that protect offenders,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are grateful to the survivors who shared their stories and to the advocates who continued to fight for these necessary changes that are long overdue. Their courage has helped make Massachusetts safer for future generations.” 

“These two provisions are about protecting vulnerable residents, and about ensuring accountability and justice — two of government’s most fundamental responsibilities,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank the advocates, survivors, and public officials who worked tirelessly to get these reforms to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

"This is what it looks like when we listen to survivors and act. Closing these loopholes means predators can no longer hide behind our laws instead of facing them," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "Because of this budget, we now have the power to hold accountable anyone who has abused a position of trust to harm kids, and to get survivors the justice they deserve. I applaud the Governor for signing these provisions into law, and I'm grateful to Senator Lovely for her unwavering leadership in getting this done."  

The first law, which was proposed by Governor Healey in January, allows prosecutors to bring rape charges when DNA evidence identifies a suspect after the standard 15-year statute of limitations has expired. The law allows criminal cases to move forward when advances in forensic science identify an offender years or even decades after an assault. 

The second law closes a loophole that allowed adults in positions of authority, such as teachers, coaches, police officers, social works, and other mandated reporters, to claim that a 16- or 17-year-old consented to sexual conduct. The new law makes it clear that minors under the age of 18 cannot legally consent to any type of sexual conduct with someone who has exercised authority over them. The law also makes clear that an offender cannot avoid prosecution simply because that position of authority has ended. 

Since taking office, Governor Healey has prioritized strengthening protections for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. She criminalized sexual assault by fraud of a medical professional, expanded the definition of abuse to include the term “coercive control”, banned revenge porn and expanded protections against abuse and exploitation. Her administration has also invested in domestic assault and sexual assault services and continues to support organizations that help survivors.  

 

Statements by Survivors: 

Melissa Fares, Survivor:  

“I’m really proud to be here today. Proud of everyone who fought for this. Proud that we kept going, even and especially when it was hard. Proud that we didn’t shut up. But mostly, I’m here today because I want 16-year-old me to know that this is a big deal. I want her to know that none of this was for nothing. I was failed. Failed by Massachusetts. Failed by the adults who were supposed to protect me. For a long time, the law failed kids like me, too. Today, it doesn’t. 

This law doesn’t erase what happened. It doesn’t give survivors back what was taken from them. But it closes a loophole that never should have existed to begin with, and because of that, children in Massachusetts will be safer. 

Over the last few years, I’ve realized how important it is to fight for the parts of yourself that others tried to dismiss—and not let anyone else decide what your story means. 

Thank you to Governor Maura Healey, Representative Leigh Davis, Senator Joan Lovely, District Attorney Timothy Shugrue, everyone who worked to make this happen, and of course my partner in fighting crime, Hilary Simon. I couldn’t have done this without you. 

To every survivor: I know how much it can cost to tell the truth. But I also know what can happen when you do. I am so sorry for what was done to you. I hope today reminds you that you’re far more powerful than you’ve been led to believe. And I hope you know you were always worth protecting. Thank you.” 

Shannon Hogan, Survivor: 

“Hello, my name is Shannon Hogan and I am a survivor. Since 2022 I have had the privilege of working with Representative Scanlon's office to advance this bill.  

At the time, I served as the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Program Director with the Boston Police Department, where I helped build a multidisciplinary team dedicated to investigating unsolved sexual assaults that posed the greatest threat to public safety. In less than two years, our team identified 5 serial offenders and brought some type of closure to more than 30 survivors. However, due to the statute of limitations, charges were dropped for one of the alleged perpetrators, and he was unable to be prosecuted. 

This was devastating, as one of the survivor’s had been waiting 17 years for that moment. In spite of this tragedy, she was determined to tell her story so others would not endure the same fate. I hope that today she is able to find solace in knowing we would not be here without her. Similar to the cases I worked during this time, my personal experience was also the result of a serial offender. A man adept in using the system to his advantage to escape facing his crimes. However, continued successful prosecutions of cold cases prove that the truth cannot remain buried forever. 

Today, I stand before you as both a law enforcement professional and a survivor to affirm that, even in our darkest moments, we cannot lose hope or faith that the light will ultimately prevail. Truth does not expire—and with the passage of this bill today, neither will justice.” 

Rosanne Sliney, Survivor 

“As a survivor and advocate, I know that justice is often delayed by silence, power, and time. These reforms strengthen protections for young people and make clear that DNA evidence should never be disregarded simply because years have passed. I am grateful to Governor Healey and the Legislature for taking this important step toward accountability. Survivors deserve laws that recognize a fundamental truth: justice should not expire.” 

 

Statements by Legislature: 

State Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means (D-Westport) 

"Advances in DNA technology offer assault victims a new opportunity for justice, employing methods not available previously to hold those accountable for their actions, even after exceeding the statute of limitations. I worked closely with the Healey-Driscoll administration to incorporate this important provision in the Fiscal Year 2027 budget. We also worked to strengthen protections for minors by increasing the age of consent, safeguarding adolescents who are coerced into an improper relationship with a person of authority. With the Governor signing this legislation into law, we now expand the scope of past offenses and better deter potential improper relationships from happening in the future.”   

Senator Joan B. Lovely (D-Salem) 

“For too long, our laws have allowed adults in positions of authority and trust to exploit the very children they are supposed to protect and then hide behind a claim of consent. That ends now. No figure of authority should ever be able to groom or assault a young person and walk away without accountability. Closing this loophole has been one of the most personal and important fights of my career, and I am proud that we got it done for the children and families of the Commonwealth.”   

Senator Mark Montigny, sponsor of legislation to allow prosecutions for sexual assault beyond the standard statute of limitations and cosponsor of the legislation to close the age of consent loophole (D-New Bedford) 

“Far too many victims, survivors, and their loved ones have endured unbearable pain and injustice. Together, these laws will finally help to ensure that those perpetrating these monstrous crimes can no longer evade criminal responsibility in the Commonwealth and I hope that provides survivors with some assurance that their voice matters and they have been heard.” 

Representative John Lawn (D-Watertown) 

"People in positions of power should never have the authority to exploit children. Weaponizing trust for sexual exploitation is abuse, not consent. I am proud of the progress made by closing the age of consent loophole, and our fight to strengthen protections and ensure justice for children and survivors continues. Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Speaker Mariano, Senate President Spilka, Senator Lovely, Representative Higgins, and every survivor and advocate whose partnership and courage made this possible." 

Representative Adam Scanlon (D-North Attleboro) 

“Today is a great day for justice.  I am very grateful to the Governor for her support and for her signing it into law, as well as to my colleagues, including my co-filer Rep. Kane, as well as Chair Day, Chair Michlewitz, and the Speaker. I am also grateful to law enforcement for their support, and to advocates, like at the organizations RAINN and the Joyful Heart Foundation.  And mostly, I am honored to have worked with all the survivors who came forward to tell their stories and push for this change, starting with my friend and constituent Katelyn and including all the other survivors who were such strong advocates in this process.  You can be very proud of what you have accomplished, helping law enforcement get dangerous perpetrators off the streets and helping survivors get justice.” 

Representative Leigh Davis (D-Great Barrington) 

“When I took office, I made strengthening protections for students one of my first legislative priorities because I believed Massachusetts had to do better. I wasn’t the first person to recognize this gap in our law, but I was determined to help move years of advocacy across the finish line. I’m deeply grateful to Governor Maura Healey for signing this important legislation into law; to Melissa Fares and Hilary Simon for their extraordinary courage; to Berkshire District Attorney Tim Shugrue, whose early guidance helped shape my understanding of this issue; to Senator Joan Lovely and Representative John Lawn for their years of leadership; and to the many advocates, educators, prosecutors, and colleagues whose dedication made this day possible. Today, Massachusetts sends a clear message: power is not permission. We owe survivors our gratitude. We owe young people our protection. Today, Massachusetts delivers both.” 

Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury) 

“I am thrilled that the DNA exception bill has become law. Removing the statute of limitations when there is a DNA match with a rape kit will get sexual predators off the streets, keeping the public safe and helping survivors see justice. I am grateful for the work of the advocates for this legislation, for Rep. Scanlon's partnership and leadership in advancing this statute change, and to the Governor and my colleagues in the House and Senate for including the DNA exception bill in the FY27 budget.” 

Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator for the Third Suffolk District and Chair of the Joint Committee on the Judiciary (D-Boston). 

"This legislation closes a critical loophole and sends a clear message: survivors deserve every opportunity to pursue justice, no matter how much time has passed. Advances in DNA technology have transformed what is possible, and our laws should reflect that reality. By strengthening these protections, we're giving survivors another path to accountability while helping ensure those responsible for these violent crimes can be brought to justice. Signing this into law is an important step toward building a justice system where survivors are believed, supported, and empowered." 

Representative Michael S. Day (D-Stoneham) 

“I am very happy to see these measures, which will provide survivors and the Commonwealth itself with more avenues to seek justice, signed into law. I thank my colleagues and Governor Healey and her team who worked with me on these issues. I applaud the survivors who bravely shared their stories with us. They not only made today possible, they made our justice system better and fairer for future generations.”