昆士高中有意促成開國標舞課 冠軍俱樂部10/17辦籌款會

昆士高中校長張可仁認為開國標舞課程是好事。（周菊子攝）

  （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導）在波士頓長期推廣國標舞，創辦了「冠軍體育舞蹈俱樂部（Champions Dance Sport Club）」的Judit Gaspar，將於10月17日在波士頓的昆士高中（JQUS）舉辦籌款舞會，期以湊足開辦國標舞課程費用，為昆士高中學生提供一項嶄新的課外活動。

籌款舞會海報。

在波士頓公校服務21年，擔任昆士高中校長也已十餘年的校長日可仁認為，國標舞（Ballroom Dance）可以為學生們提供一個接觸不同文化與社會階層的管道，甚至因此得以學會更迅速地融入不同的社群團體，從而拓寬了將來的人生旅途，該校也很歡迎開辦國標舞的想法，奈何近2年來，該校學生人數雖持續增加，但波士頓公校系統撥給該校的經費卻捉襟見肘，他也難以做無米之炊。

   經林遊嵐介紹才接觸了昆士高中的Judit Gaspar，因此決定舉辦籌款餐會，希望湊足試辦課程所需的大約三萬美元。

昆士高中是個有學生大約600多人的高中，搬進新建校舍，也才大約3年，目前伴有機器人與編成，摔角，乒乓球，網球，交響樂團，合唱團，辯論社等，不下三、四十種課外活動，但國標舞，一旦開辦，倒還真會是該校的課外活動創舉。

張可任校長透露，該校學生有70%來自低收入家庭，約四分之一從未搭過飛機，甚至還會擔心搭飛機安不安全，升讀大學時也因文化適應與社交安全感，傾向選擇位於大城市學校，在課外活動中增加國標舞這種一般學生幾乎從未接觸過的項目，將在能於運動之外，有拓展學生視野的功效，是件好事。

Judit Gaspar

只是近2年來，波士頓公立學校更改了預算分配方式，不再以學生人數為撥款依據，使得該校面對理論上應收款項比該收到的少了70~90萬元之數，該校參加國際文憑課程（IB）的高達12萬美元帳單，也迄今還未收到公校系統撥款。張可仁校長很無奈的表示，要開辦新項目，學校確實有經費困難。

根據大英百科全書，國標舞原本是男女雙人的社交舞，後來發展成為具備競技性質的雙人合作舞蹈，跳舞時雙方需要建立引導與跟隨的溝通默契，還帶有邀舞，感謝，端正體態等禮儀屬性，對跨越不同社會階層的交流，很有幫助。

昆士高中國標舞班籌款舞會，將於10月17日晚6點至9點，在昆士高中位於波士頓市華盛頓街900號的校址舉辦，籌得的款項將納入「明日的冠軍基金（Tomorrow’s Champions Foundation）」，用作開辦國標舞課程經費。報名參加籌款舞會可上網https://www.eventbrite.com/e/fundraiser-dance-party-for-josiah-quincy-upper-school-tickets-2001068924019?aff=oddtdtcreator。

張可仁介紹該校的音樂教室。（周菊子攝）

昆士高中禮堂。（周菊子攝）

機器人課程的3Ｄ印刷機。（周菊子攝）

波士頓選務局發佈選前提醒事項 招募投票站工作人員

CITY OF BOSTON ELECTION DEPARTMENT ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF STATE ELECTION, ISSUES CALL FOR POLL WORKERS

Early voting will take place at sites throughout the city starting Saturday, October 17 through Friday, October 30 

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 13, 2026 - The Boston Election Department is reminding voters that the State Election will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. This election will elect the Commonwealth’s Governor, a  United States Senator, members of the United States House of Representatives, members of the Massachusetts General Court, and other  local offices. This election will also feature nine ballot questions. Voters are encouraged to consider their choices before heading to the polls on Election Day.

Poll Worker Recruitment

The Election Department is recruiting poll workers for the upcoming State Election on Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Poll workers are paid a stipend ranging from $160-200 in addition to payment for required training. Being a poll worker is a meaningful way to give back, participate in democracy, and help neighbors vote in elections. Residents can request to be assigned a location close to their home. Bilingual applicants are strongly encouraged. 

Residents can apply or get more information at boston.gov/pollworkers, by emailing the Election Department at pollworkers@boston.gov, or by calling 617-635-0905.

Voter Registration

The voter registration deadline for the State Election on November 3 is Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Voters may register:

• In person: At the Boston Election Department, 1 City Hall Square, Room 241, Boston, MA 02201, by Saturday, October 24, 5:00 p.m.
• Online: At voteinma.com by Saturday, October 24, 11:59 p.m.
• By mail: Registration forms must be postmarked by October 24

In-Person Early Voting

In-person early voting will run for two weeks from Saturday, October 17 through Friday, October 30. Registered Boston voters can vote at any early voting location.

Boston City Hall will serve as the primary early voting site, with voting on:

• Mondays, October 19 and 26; Wednesdays, October 21 and 28; and Fridays, October 23 and 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Tuesdays, October 20 and 27; and Thursdays, October 22 and 29 from 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

Voters are encouraged to enter Boston City Hall using the North side entrance on Congress Street (across from the Haymarket T-Station). 

Additional early voting locations are available in neighborhoods throughout the city on the following dates:

• Saturday, October 17 and Sunday, October 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• Tuesday, October 20, and Thursday, October 22 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 
• Saturday, October 24 and Sunday, October 25 from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. 
• Tuesday, October 27, and Thursday,October 29 from 12:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. 

All early voting sites are equipped with electronic poll books for voter check-in. Early voting locations will be well-staffed with poll workers and interpreters. All sites are fully accessible to voters with disabilities.

Vote By Mail Application

The vote by mail application deadline is Tuesday, October 27 at 5:00 p.m. Voters may apply for a vote by mail ballot through the Secretary of the Commonwealth’s website, by visiting the Election Department in room 241 at City Hall, or by mailing an application. Voters should not place applications in ballot drop boxes as this will delay processing.

Voters can track vote-by-mail or absentee ballot at trackmyballotma.com. Completed Vote by Mail Ballots must be received by the Election Department no later than November 3rd, or by 5 p.m. November 6 if postmarked by November 3. As that day approaches, it is best to deliver them to one of the City of Boston Ballot Boxes that can be found across the City and emptied daily. A map of those locations can be found on this website. 

Accessible Voting

The Accessible Electronic Voting System allows voters who are unable to independently read, write, hold, or physically manipulate or mark ballots to submit their ballot via a secure electronic delivery system. Voters who qualify for an Accessible Electronic Ballot may apply online. The deadline to apply for an accessible ballot is Tuesday, October 27, at 5:00 p.m. To get access to the electronic ballot, voters will need to provide their email address.

Poll Pads Electronic Check-in

Poll Pads will be used to check-in voters at each Early Voting location. The voting process for voters remains the same: voters will check in with a poll worker, receive a paper ballot and envelope, mark their vote, seal it in the envelope, and return it to be counted on Election Day or processed in advance at an authorized facility.

Central Tabulation

On Monday, October 26, the City of Boston will begin processing mail-in and in-person early voting ballots cast in the State Election for all 275 precincts. Ballots will be removed from their envelopes and fed into a tabulator at Boston City Hall, One City Hall Square, Room 801, Boston, MA 02201. 

Only ballots received prior to Friday, October 30, 2026, will be removed and deposited in Room 801.

Advance Processing Schedule

Ballot removal and processing will occur daily from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., beginning on Monday, October 26 through Tuesday, November 3, 2026, with processing beginning at 7:00 a.m. on November 3 (if necessary) and continuing until all ballots have been processed.

• All ballots advance processed by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, October 30, 2026, will be centrally tabulated.
• All other ballots received by 2:00 p.m. on Election Day (Tuesday, November 3, 2026) will be delivered to their respective precincts for processing.
• All other ballots not delivered to the polls that arrive on Election Day on November 3, 2026, will be tallied on Saturday, November 7, 2026 (schedule to follow), provided they meet one of the following deadlines:
• Received by 8:00 p.m. on November 3, 2026; or
• Postmarked by November 3, 2026, and received before 5:00 p.m. on November 6, 2026

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Endorses Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu Endorses Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts

Tuesday, October 13, Boston – Today, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu endorsed the Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts campaign, the effort to maintain Massachusetts’ lifesaving 2024 gun safety law. 

“In Boston, when our public safety and public health teams are working hand in hand with residents, faith leaders, and community partners to keep our neighborhoods safe, we all rely on strong gun safety laws that set the standard for the nation,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Massachusetts’ critical protections against untraceable ghost guns, dangerous machine gun conversion devices, and other serious threats to public safety have made a big difference, and I’m proud to support the Yes on 9 campaign to continue driving down gun violence and building up our community.” 

The 2024 law, An Act Modernizing Firearms Laws, responded to changing technology and emerging threats to our communities by requiring previously untraceable ghost guns to be serialized and registered; outlawing conversion kits that transform semi-automatic weapons into machine guns; expanding Extreme Risk Protection Orders that help educators and health professionals prevent gun suicides and mass shootings; creating a public dashboard to help track firearms used in crimes; and much more. Opponents of the law – backed by the gun lobby and the state affiliate of the NRA – subsequently launched a repeal effort, placing the issue before voters on the November 3rd ballot.   

“Throughout her career in public service, Mayor Wu has been a dedicated advocate for the safety of every Boston resident,” said Ruth Zakarin, Chair of the Vote Yes on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts campaign. “Leading a major city like Boston brings you face to face with the consequences of gun violence, and Mayor Wu understands that strong policies are foundational to keeping Boston communities safe. The 2024 gun safety law is a critical building block in the effort to drive down rates of gun violence in Boston, and in every city and town in Massachusetts, and we’re grateful for Mayor Wu’s support of our campaign to keep this essential law in place.

During her time in office, Mayor Wu has prioritized community-based violence prevention through City investments and coordinated public safety initiatives. In 2025, her administration expanded the Boston Public Health Commission's Office of Violence Prevention, while Boston public safety agencies reported removing 673 firearms from city streets.

On Election Day, November 3, voters in Massachusetts will have the choice between maintaining lifesaving gun violence protections or eliminating those protections and leaving our communities less safe. A YES vote will keep the current law in place; a NO vote will repeal it in its entirety. Vote YES on 9 For a Safe Massachusetts. 

Governor Healey Calls on Transmission Utilities to Immediately Refund $1.5 Billion Owed to Customers

Governor Healey Calls on Transmission Utilities to Immediately Refund $1.5 Billion Owed to Customers

Demands immediate refunds and answers on when Massachusetts customers will receive their money

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today called on Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil to immediately return Massachusetts customers’ share of the estimated $1.5 billion in excessive profits owed to electric customers across New England. In a letter sent Tuesday, Governor Healey urged the utilities to stop delaying refunds and provide a clear timeline for getting money back to customers, rather than waiting until the federal deadline next May.

The refunds follow a March 2026 decision by the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), which lowered the profits New England transmission utilities are allowed to earn on their investments after more than a decade of advocacy by the Attorney General’s Office under then-Attorney General Healey and Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. FERC ordered the utilities to refund customers for excessive profits paid by customers for more than a decade.

“Massachusetts families have been paying too much for too long, and they shouldn’t have to wait another winter to get their money back,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As Attorney General, I fought these excessive rates, and now federal regulators have ordered the utilities to pay customers back. I'm calling on these companies to stop the delays and return every cent owed to our residents. We’re going to keep standing up for customers and fighting to lower their energy bills.”

“As the state’s ratepayer advocate, my office works to protect Massachusetts residents from excessive utility costs, including utility profits. This office has fought for years to secure this ruling, and now it’s time for customers to get their money back. I support Governor Healey’s call for utilities to return this money without further delay,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. 

“Customers have waited too long for this refund, they shouldn’t have to wait a day longer,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “People are struggling. The transmission utilities need to get serious about the financial realities of their customers and give them their money back.”

In the letter, Governor Healey called on the utilities to work with ISO New England and other transmission owners to begin issuing refunds immediately. She also requested that Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil provide the following information by October 27, 2026: 

A clear accounting of the refunds owed to Massachusetts customers;

A schedule for when those refunds will be returned; and 

An explanation of how customers will receive their funds.

FERC initially ordered transmission owners to complete refunds within 30 days of its March 19, 2026 decision. After the utilities and ISO New England requested more time, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit denied the companies’ attempt to delay the refund. FERC ordered the refunds to be complete by no later than May 20, 2027, but customers should not have to wait any longer for money that must be returned to them. 

The utilities have also sought to increase their allowed profits going forward, filing a separate request with FERC to raise their base return on equity from 9.57 percent to 11.39 percent. Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell have opposed that proposal, and Governor Healey joined the governors of all six New England states in calling on FERC to reject the increase.

Today's action builds on Governor Healey's ongoing work to lower energy costs for Massachusetts residents. Last week, Governor Healey declared a State of Energy Emergency and announced nearly $150 million in winter energy bill relief, including new heating assistance for middle-class families, increased benefits for low-income households and the removal of charges from electric bills. Governor Healey has also delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in direct energy bill relief, including cutting residential electric bills by 25 percent and gas bills by 10 percent for two months last winter; brought new sources of lower-cost energy online, including hydropower expected to lower bills by about $50 million each year; activated Vineyard Wind contracts projected to save customers $1.4 billion; opposed utility rate increases and unnecessary charges; and filed energy affordability legislation projected to save residents and businesses more than $13 billion. The administration will continue pursuing every available tool to lower energy costs and put money back in people's pockets. 

波士頓慶祝慈濟60週年 波士頓 You & Me 和台灣「波士頓派」攜手獻演

波士頓You & Me 樂隊，波士頓派樂隊和波士頓經文處代處長黃耀良（後左四），
科技組組長李國榮（右二），僑教中心主任康雅雄（後左二），音樂會結束後合影。
（吳宇懷攝）

    (Boston Orange 特約記者吳宇懷麻州報導)  十月十日（週六）下午兩點，波士頓慈濟會館洋溢著溫馨與感動。逾百名僑胞與音樂愛好者齊聚一堂，來參加慈濟六十週年慈善音樂會。在悠揚樂聲與滿滿祝福中，為慈濟六十年來堅持慈善、關懷與人文精神的歷程，獻上最真摯的祝福。

慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人鄧淑芳（中）請波士頓經文處代處長黃耀良（右）致詞。
左為司儀謝宜芳。（吳宇懷攝）

    包括駐波士頓經文處代處長黃耀良、科技組組長李國榮、僑教中心主任康雅雄，這天有許多僑界領袖出席。

    音樂會開場前，慈濟師姊先向現場觀眾簡介慈濟的創立緣起，指出從一個小小的竹筒，到無數人日復一日的善念與付出，慈濟將涓滴愛心匯聚成助人力量，也是的這種「日存善念、點滴行善」的竹筒精神，讓人感受到慈善的最純粹初衷——心存善念，從身邊做起，讓愛在每個人的生活中持續流轉。

Boston You & Me歌手在董運昌（後右），黃崇校（後左）的吉他伴奏中演唱。
（吳宇懷攝）

這場音樂會特別邀請遠道而來的台灣「波士頓派」吉他彈指大師董運昌，以及新銳爵士吉他手 Jing Lin 林美均來和波士頓在地音樂團體「Boston You and Me」的多名音樂愛好者攜手演出。來自不同世代、不同音樂背景的演出者，以精湛的琴藝與真摯的情感，為觀眾帶來一場豐富多元、充滿生命力的音樂饗宴。

現場觀眾戴上手指燈在歌聲中環繞現場。（吳宇懷攝）

演出曲目橫跨不同年代與音樂風格，既有高亢激昂、令人心潮澎湃的旋律，也有輕柔婉約、觸動人心的抒情歌曲。國語、日語、台語等不同語言的歌聲交織其間，喚起人們對青春、故鄉與美好時光的回憶。現場多把吉他交織出的爵士樂音，則展現出自由奔放的節奏與細膩迷人的音樂層次。每一段旋律、每一次和弦的交會，都讓現場觀眾沉浸其中，也讓音樂跨越語言與年齡的界線，將人與人之間的情感緊緊連結。

當音樂會來到尾聲，安可曲〈明天會更好〉的旋律響起，現場氣氛更是高昂。慈濟義工與熱情觀眾紛紛戴上手指燈，隨著熟悉的歌聲揮舞雙手，點點燈光在會場中閃爍，彷彿一顆顆承載希望與祝福的星光。隨著眾人在樂聲中環繞會場，形成歌聲、掌聲與燈光交織的動人畫面，彷彿一起唱出對未來的期盼，為這場充滿溫情的音樂會留下難忘的句點。

這場音樂會是為慶祝證嚴上人創辦慈濟60週年。（吳宇懷攝）

    音樂會結束後，慈濟志工們熱情地守候在會場出口，親手送上精美的紀念品與美味的蔬食飯盒，讓每位離場的觀眾都能帶著一份溫暖與感恩滿載而歸。

    這場音樂會從活動前的竹筒善念分享，到台上動人的音樂演出，再到活動後細緻周到的款待，慈濟將慈善與人文精神融入每一個環節，讓愛不只停留在歌聲裡，更落實於日常生活的點滴關懷之中。

六十年，是一段以愛為起點、以善為道路的長遠旅程；一場音樂會，則是讓愛心與祝福再次相聚的美好契機。波士頓慈濟六十週年慈善音樂會不僅為僑界帶來一場動人的藝術饗宴，更透過音樂凝聚人心，傳遞善念。正如〈明天會更好〉所唱出的希望，只要人人心中有愛、願意付出，點滴善行終將匯聚成改變世界的力量，讓明天因為彼此的關懷而更加美好。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES RETURN OF HUB ON WHEELS

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES RETURN OF HUB ON WHEELS 

Beloved car-free bike ride on Storrow Drive and festival on City Hall Plaza to return October 3, 2027 bringing residents, families, and visitors together to bike, build community, and celebrate Boston’s neighborhoods 

BOSTON - Monday, October 12, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the return of Hub on Wheels, a family-friendly bike ride starting on a car-free Storrow Drive and highlighting many parts of the City that aims to build community and celebrate Boston neighborhoods. All routes will conclude at a festival on City Hall Plaza, bringing riders together for a day of community, celebration, and fun.  The return of Hub on Wheels is made possible in part due to the multi-year title sponsorship of Wayfair. 

For more information and to sign up for updates, residents can visit this webpage. The Mayor made this announcement at the City’s Ride & Chill event, a free, family-friendly day of biking and activities throughout Franklin Park sponsored by Wayfair and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone.

“We are thrilled to announce a reimagined Hub on Wheels that will bring people together for a day of biking and community, with a car-free Storrow Drive, a ride through 13 neighborhoods, and a festival for all ages on City Hall Plaza,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m thankful to Wayfair for partnering with us to create more opportunities for our community members to get active, celebrate the unique beauty of our neighborhoods, build community, and create lifelong memories. We are excited to welcome back this cherished tradition, updated with the support of incredible community partners to reflect the diversity of everyone biking in Boston today.”

“Hub on Wheels presents an amazing opportunity to see Boston from a new vantage point,” said Chris Osgood, Interim Chief of Streets. “Traveling throughout the city, the routes offer a day of exploration, celebration, and adventure for the whole family. I want to thank Wayfair for their support of this event and the bike advocacy community for their partnership in helping us expand access to biking.”

The return of Hub on Wheels is part of the City’s broader efforts to create family-friendly streets, and provide free programming that builds community, expands access to biking, and connects residents and families with city services and resources. Hub on Wheels started in 2005 with hundreds of participants, after community advocates including Steve Gag, Steven Miller, Ed Demore, and Jeff Rosenblum built support for a citywide bike ride.. The annual event later became a critical program supporting Boston Bikes, a department launched in 2007 by Mayor Menino. After its launch, Hub on Wheels occurred every year through 2019 when it was paused by the City. Boston Bikes’ work continues today, expanding access to biking, managing the City’s public bike share system and helping thousands of residents build skills and confidence on a bike. 

"I’m excited Hub on Wheels is returning to Boston in 2027. The City’s work to create family-friendly streets and expand access to biking makes this event especially meaningful. I’m proud Wayfair's support of Hub on Wheels can help bring that vision to life for Boston residents,” said Steve Conine, Co-Founder and Co-Chairman, Wayfair.

“We’re thrilled to support the return of Hub on Wheels to Boston and the opportunity to bring people together to safely bike through the city’s diverse neighborhoods," said Alexi Conine, President of the Conine Family Foundation. “Through our HubLuv initiative, we heard from people and organizations across the Greater Boston biking community about what they want to see in the event’s future. We’re excited to see the City embrace that input and reimagine Hub on Wheels for 2027”

There will be three routes that participants are able to choose from with all starting and ending on City Hall Plaza. Each route will highlight various neighborhoods across the City. More information will be posted on this webpage at a later date. People interested in receiving updates can sign up at this link.

“The return of Hub on Wheels is a fantastic step forward for Boston,” said Elijah Evans, Chief Executive Officer of Bikes Not Bombs. “By creating safe, car-free spaces, this event invites residents to see our city from a new perspective and celebrates the vibrant biking culture we have built together. We are beyond excited to be part of this tradition and look forward to getting Boston riding in 2027.”

"The event builds community by providing an opportunity for everyday residents of Boston to experience the diversity of neighborhoods by bike,” said Maha Aslam, Transit and Streets Project Manager for Livable Streets.

“Hub on Wheels gave Boston something rare: a day when streets were truly people-centered. Kids on training wheels, grandparents, neighbors, and families all got to experience the joy of riding together. Hub on Wheels was a day to uplift bike joy,” said Tiffany Cogell, Interim Executive Director of the Boston Cyclists Union. “That's an experience that should live in every neighborhood, in the ride to school, the trip to the corner store, the evening loop around the block. But joy alone can’t make cycling a real choice. People will only ride if they feel safe, and that takes a connected network of protected bike lanes that links our neighborhoods. Hub on Wheels shows Boston what that future feels like. Bringing it back is a chance to center the people most at risk on our streets and to build the infrastructure that lets every Bostonian choose to ride, every day of the year.”  

During Ride & Chill, residents and families participated in free, safe, and family-friendly opportunities to learn, practice and ride bikes in and around Franklin Park. In addition, the City hosted a festival at the Shattuck Picnic Area with free programming, including but not limited to dance and fitness classes, a bike repair clinic, a local DJ, live music, and local food vendors. Festival sponsor Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts made Bluebike credits available to ensure broader access to biking, and engaged young people at the event in designing Bluebike wraps for future designs. 

“DCR is committed to providing free, family friendly programming at our parks and properties across the state to help foster a love of the outdoors," said DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle. "Hub on Wheels is a great opportunity to enjoy the outdoors and connect with friends and neighbors that make up the Boston community.”

To learn more about City’s bike programming and additional events, visit boston.gov/bikes.

波士頓居民會談 9 個選票問題 前進會 4 題有立場

波士頓居民會10月例會約70人出席。（周菊子攝）

  （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）波士頓華埠居民會日前在昆士小學飯堂召開10月份例會，重頭戲是講解選票問題，加上其他等4項議程，近70居民聆聽報告，發表意見，開會近1個半小時才結束。

華人前進會員工鄺寶蓮（中）和莫如善講解選票問題。右為居民會主席黃國威。
（周菊子攝）

即將於11月3日舉行的今年麻州大選，共有9個選票問題，數量之多，歷年少見。10月7日週三晚的波士頓華埠居民月例會，也因此花了最多時間來做說明。

華人前進會的莫如善以簡報片，把9個問題擺在居民面前，直接了當的表示，這9個問題中，華人前進會僅對其中4個問題抱有立場，籲請居民支持，其他5個問題，居民們可隨個人心意投贊成或反對票。

Ａ1區警察黃天輝（Frank Wong，右）報告案件，莫如善翻譯。（周菊子攝）

這9個問題，華人前進會將之簡化為，1. 擴大公共記錄法，2.讓公共辯護律師獲得集體談判權，3. 州選舉無當派初選，4. 選舉日登記投票，5. 州稅收上線，6. 設立自然資源保護基金，7. 單獨住宅土地使用法規，8.禁止零售銷售成人娛樂用大麻，9. 槍枝管制。

炸雞店老闆鄭鈺權（左）請居民支持他延長營業時間。（周菊子攝）

莫如善指出，華人前進會只對第2（支持），4（支持），5（反對），9（支持）號這4個選票問題有立場，希望居民支持該會立場。在未來的不到一個月內，該會也將繼續為居民解說這些選票問題。

    波士頓A1區警察黃天輝（Frank Wong）這晚報告了上個月內發生的3宗案件。

愛默生Cutler大劇院代表說明該院有意升級成全酒牌。（周菊子攝）

    第一宗是9月2日下午4點，一名受害者到A1區警察局櫃檯，申報郵政局（UPS）送到屋街（Oak Street）33號的一份Costco包裹被偷了。他還出示了追蹤號碼，並說明監視錄影拍到了嫌犯影像。

第二宗是9月22日下午5點02分，巡邏警察在華埠牌樓，乞臣街（Hudson）2號那兒，發現一名女慣犯，拿著許多購物袋，從中掏出炒菜油，遞給坐在公園桌子旁的男性亞裔耆英。由於法院已經發出傳召令，勒令這名女子出庭應訊，警察詢問案情後，把傳召令交給了這名女子。

EMS代表說明上個月共有90宗報案電話，約50宗需要送醫院。（周菊子攝）

第三宗是9月21日，週一晚上10點54分，夏利臣街（Harrison）136號有人偷開一輛黑色BMW車的車門，盜取車內物品。Ａ1區警察接獲舉報趕過去時，在現場附近的塔芙茨大學警察已經逮補了嫌犯。

居民余佩英等人支持炸雞店延長營業時間。（周菊子攝）

    A1區警察走回夏利臣街，查看車輛時，發現車內一片狼籍，駕駛座上有支票本，乘客座上一堆酒瓶。警察試圖找車主，但沒找到，因而不能確定是否有物品被偷，然而警察後來搜索嫌犯時，查到嫌犯右口袋藏有一個小布袋，內有香水，勞力士錶，眼鏡，LT別針，耳機，電池，鑰匙，帽子等許多物品。警察收走了所有這些東西，登記為證物，病將控以多項偷盜罪。

居民提問。（周菊子攝）

    當天的其他3項議程，分別為愛默生Cutler大劇院代表為該院申請酒牌升級陳情。急救醫療服務局（EMS）報告，9月1日至10月6日，共接獲90宗報案電話，其中50宗需要送到醫院，2宗和毒品有關。還有尼崙街（Kneeland）28號炸雞店「Boston Fry House」的店東鄭鈺權（Yu Kuen Cheng），政申請把營業時間延長為從早上11點直至晚上12點，比他的前任店東開門時間長些，居民們當場同意了支持。

波士頓市長的華埠聯絡員林天琪說明10月13日起，75歲以上無車老人可憑
居民證申請搭乘地鐵及巴士免費的票證。（周菊子攝）

華人前進會為居民列出 9 個選票問題。（周菊子攝）

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON EMS CELEBRATE EMT GRADUATES AND RECENT PROMOTIONS

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON EMS CELEBRATE EMT GRADUATES AND RECENT PROMOTIONS

Ceremony marks the completion of Boston EMS Recruit Academy for 20 new EMTs and recognizes 12 members advancing in their careers

BOSTON – Saturday, October 10, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu yesterday joined Boston Emergency Medical Services (Boston EMS) and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) at historic Faneuil Hall to celebrate the graduation of 20 new EMTs and the promotion of 12 Boston EMS members to new roles within the department. The graduates successfully completed the Boston EMS Recruit Academy, an intensive training program that prepares recruits to deliver high-quality prehospital care across the city. The new class strengthens Boston EMS’s ability to meet growing demand for 9-1-1 ambulance and dispatch services.

“We’re welcoming 20 new EMTs to Boston EMS and honoring those who have been promoted into new leadership roles,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Every day, the skill, professionalism, and compassion of Boston EMS make a difference in every neighborhood across our city. We’re proud to welcome this new class and celebrate the important role of Boston EMS in serving the people of Boston.”

“Graduating from the Boston EMS Recruit Academy is an important accomplishment, and the start of an important new chapter in your career,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “You’ve spent months learning how to assess patients, make critical decisions, work as a team, and remain focused in some of the most challenging circumstances imaginable. This new class is joining a department with a long tradition of excellence and a responsibility to be there for people when they need us most. We’re proud of what you’ve accomplished and excited to see the impact you will have in our city.”

The Boston EMS Recruit Academy is a full-time, paid program that combines classroom instruction with field training to prepare EMTs to respond to a broad range of medical emergencies and complex situations, including mass casualty incidents, hazardous materials exposures, and other high-risk calls. During their training, the graduates collectively responded to more than 2800 9-1-1 calls, treating patients experiencing everything from cardiac arrests and behavioral health crises to respiratory illnesses, overdoses, and serious traumas.

“Emergency medical services are an essential part of a healthy and resilient city,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Boston EMS brings life-saving medical care directly to people when and where they need it most, often under incredibly difficult circumstances. Congratulations to the new EMTs beginning their careers with Boston EMS and to EMS personnel who have been promoted. Your knowledge and commitment strengthen our ability to care for our residents every day.”

During the ceremony, the department also recognized four EMTs who were recently promoted to the rank of Paramedic following their successful completion of an intensive paramedic program, departmental promotional exams, and a demanding three-month field internship.

Promoted to Paramedic
• Meghan Keough
• Baird Lashley
• David Rossi
• Andrew Shea

Additionally, the department recognized the promotion of two individuals to the rank of Captain and six individuals to the rank of Lieutenant. 

Promoted to Captain
• Rachel McPherson
• Michael Regan
Promoted to Lieutenant
• Jessica Finn
• Kevin Franck
• Greg LaPlant
• Ryan McLoughlin
• Michael Walker
• Rachel Williams

These eleven members collectively contribute more than 160 years of combined service and leadership experience to the department’s supervisory ranks.

“Leadership at Boston EMS is earned through experience, judgment, and a commitment to the people we serve,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “The members recognized in this ceremony have demonstrated those qualities throughout their careers, and these promotions reflect the trust we place in them to lead their colleagues and help shape the future of this department. Congratulations to our newly promoted Paramedics, Lieutenants, and Captains.”

Boston EMS is the largest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 141,000 emergency medical incidents each year. 

慶祝中華民國115年國慶

 

麻州出現第13宗人類感染西尼羅病毒個案

State Health Officials Announce 13th Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

 

Some risk will continue until the first hard frost

BOSTON (October 9, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the 13th human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The individual is a woman in her 40s who was likely exposed in Middlesex County. 

 

Risk levels for WNV continue to be high in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop. Most of the rest of the state is at moderate risk. The risk from WNV will continue until the first hard frost. 

 

DPH announced the state’s first WNV-positive mosquitoes this year on June 16. Since then, 344 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) continues to be detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 27 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.

 

Surveillance information, including case updates, is 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 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, is available on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   CONTACT Omar Cabrera Omar.Cabrera@mass.gov State Health Officials Announce 13th Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts   Some risk will continue until the first hard frost