星期五, 9月 25, 2026

紐英崙養生舞協會學員歡聚 晤美西訪客切磋功夫

紐英崙養生舞協會創辦人周美桃(右二)喜見美西學友孟昭妍(中)來訪,
與丈夫馬偉輝(右一),解解周麗桃(左二)及姊夫黃國麟(左一)一同接待。
(周菊子攝)
  (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 「此地一為別,孤蓬萬里征」。古月派養生舞美國東西岸兩位老師,美西的孟昭言和美東的周美桃,日前在波士頓相聚,互約來日異地再見,為遙距友誼留一段佳話。

紐英崙養生舞學員們同賀孟昭言(前中)退休。(周菊子攝)
孟昭言和周美桃都是武濤、胡改雁所創辦古月派養生武舞的老師,各在自己居住的地區傳授心得,帶隊練舞,修養身心。他們兩人是2011年到台灣台北受訓時認識,同年3月又一起去了武夷山學習新套路,從而結為好友。

2人此後雖然時有聯絡,但到底路途遙遠,這些年也沒碰過很多次面,只是各自都很認真的繼續學習,再傳授出去。

紐英崙養生舞協會歡迎遠道來客。(周菊子攝)
新冠病毒疫情發生時,全美各地都停止聚會,面對面的教學也自然停頓。孟昭言透露,她的帶團教學工作也是從那時開始放下的。現在,她退休了,即將遷居回台灣,住進養生村,這才決定在離美之前,探望老友。

孟昭言到訪那天,特地到中華公所參觀周美桃的教學,排練,和養生舞學員們歡喜相聚,一起在帝苑大酒樓用午餐後,才由周美桃帶著去參觀了一下哈佛大學,麻省理工學院。

以茶代酒,互祝友誼長存,別後珍重。(周菊子攝)
孟昭言説,周美桃是她見過最認真的一位養生舞老師,不但不斷自修,精進,還一點也不懈怠的督促學員,深得人心。

根據古月派養生武舞官網,這是個以武舞養生健身為宗旨的組織,以中華傳統武術和中國古典武舞為動作基礎,以意境高雅的原創民族音樂為韻律,按照中醫脈象學和經絡學的基本原理,做肢體及氣血導引,以強身健體,修心養性。

從湖北蓮花山搬到深圳南山的古月派養生武舞,在胡改雁和武濤的主持下,固然有其要求,但在台灣、美國各地的“養生舞”如何經辦,基本上完全看主持人如何帶領。紐英崙養生舞協會是周美桃持之以恆的堅持,以及丈夫馬偉輝和姊姊周麗桃,姊夫黃國麟的全力支持,帶出大家庭氣氛,學員們相處十分融洽,以至於儘管新冠病毒疫情造成不小打擊,學員人數一度銳減,但迄今仍有廿、三十名學員忠誠追隨,從「慧海福緣」,「福滿乾坤」,到「武舞功夫扇」,「武舞養生劍」,都學得不亦樂乎。

紐英崙養生舞協會每週三,五的早上在中華公所禮堂練習,下午再到黃氏宗親會練習。查詢可洽周美桃,黃周麗桃。

麻州又增 3 宗人類感染西尼羅病毒案

State Health Officials Announce Three Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

 

WNV risk levels remain moderate in most of the state

 

BOSTON (September 25, 2026) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced three additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The cases include a male in his 60s who was exposed in Suffolk County, a male of unknown age likely exposed in Suffolk County, and a male in his 90s exposed in Middlesex County. The risk from WNV will continue until the first hard frost.

 

Most of the 11 human cases of WNV this year were exposed in areas of Middlesex and Suffolk counties at high risk for WNV. Risk levels for WNV are currently 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. 

 

DPH announced the state’s first WNV-positive mosquitoes this year on June 16. Since then, a total of 338 mosquito samples has tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. No animal cases of WNV have been reported this year. 

 

Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) continues to be detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 26 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 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, 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. 

MassArt 頒發 2026 公益獎表揚 6 名藝術家

2026 MassArt Common Good Awards Celebrate Artists, Educators, and Creative Leaders Advancing the Public Good

MassArt recognizes six honorees - renowned artists and passionate advocates - whose creative work enriches communities across Massachusetts and beyond

BOSTON – Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) President Mary K. Grant, PhD, announced today the recipients of the 2026 MassArt Common Good Awards, recognizing artists, educators, cultural leaders, and innovators whose work demonstrates the power of creativity to strengthen communities and create meaningful change across the Commonwealth and beyond.

Now in its fourth year, the MassArt Common Good Awards shine a light on individuals and organizations who put art and design to work in service of others—expanding access to creative opportunities, enriching public life, championing diverse voices, and imagining new possibilities for their communities.

“The annual MassArt Common Good Awards remind us that creativity is not only a means of expression, but a powerful force for connection, understanding, and positive change,” says President Mary K. Grant. “Through their art, teaching, advocacy, and leadership, this year’s honorees have used their creative gifts to open doors, bring people together, and strengthen the communities around them, serving the common good in ways that inspire us all.”

The 2026 honorees represent a range of creative practices and civic commitments. Together, they demonstrate how art and design shapes more vibrant, inclusive, and connected communities through education and mentorship, public art and cultural programming, advocacy, storytelling, or innovative approaches to civic life.

The honorees will be celebrated at a joyful ceremony on Saturday, December 5, 2026 at 12pm in MassArt’s Design and Media Center, 621 Huntington Avenue, Boston. The event is free and open to the public, with advance registration recommended. Following the ceremony, honorees, guests, and attendees alike are all invited to stay for a celebratory light lunch.

Each honoree will receive a custom-made work of art by sculptural glass artist MassArt alumnus Adam Waimon BFA ‘06 Glass.

For more information about the MassArt Common Good Awards, visit massart.edu/massart-common-good-awards.

2026 Common Good Awards Honorees

2026 Honorees, clockwise from top left: David Greenberger, Silvina Ibanez,
Fine Arts Work Center, Josh Simpson, Candelaria Silva-Collins, and Ekua Holmes.
DAVID GREENBERGER
Distinguished Alumni Award

David Greenberger BFA ‘78 Painting, is an artist, writer, musician, and storyteller whose multidisciplinary work explores memory, aging, identity, and the unexpected poetry of everyday life. Born in Chicago and raised in Erie, Pennsylvania, he moved to Boston in 1974 to attend MassArt. Beginning in 1979, he created The Duplex Planet, a publication inspired by conversations with residents of nursing homes. What began as a periodical evolved into an expansive body of audio recordings, performances, drawings, books, and collaborations with musicians, creating a deeply human portrait of aging that challenges conventional ideas about memory and identity. His work approaches aging not as a diminished state, but as a vital and continually evolving experience. A musician as well as an artist, Greenberger was a longtime member of the band Men & Volts and has collaborated with musicians and performers throughout his career. His work has been adapted into comic books, short films, and plays, and he has been the subject of four documentaries, including Beyond the Duplex Planet which had its world premiere at SXSW in March 2026. His essays and performances have been featured on National Public Radio, and he has served as a keynote speaker at universities, museums, and conferences focused on aging. He lives and works in upstate New York.

SILVINA IBANEZ
Frances Euphemia Thompson Award for Excellence in Teaching

Silvina Ibanez is a professional visual artist, Registered Expressive Arts Therapist (REAT), licensed mental health counselor, art educator, and community arts advocate dedicated to expanding access to the arts as a tool for healing, empowerment and social change. She is also a teacher at the William Carter School, a Boston Public School providing specialized education for students with significant cognitive disabilities and complex medical needs. Her work centers on the power of creativity to foster connection, healing, and change, and with more than 25 years of experience in the arts, she has worked with individuals, groups, and communities in the United States and abroad. She holds a BFA from the Universidad Nacional de las Artes in Argentina, an MFA from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, and a Master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling with a specialization in expressive arts therapy from Lesley University. As a teaching artist and educator, Ibanez facilitates art classes and workshops for people of all ages and abilities, and as an expressive arts therapist, she specializes in working with individuals living with neurocognitive and neurodegenerative disorders, as well as people with severe or intensive disabilities. Grounded in a humanistic, compassionate, person-centered approach, her practice uses the arts to encourage self-expression, creativity, communication, and connection, making the arts accessible and meaningful for diverse communities.

FINE ARTS WORK CENTER
Common Good Award

The Fine Arts Work Center in Provincetown has nurtured artists, writers, and the broader Outer Cape Cod community for more than five decades, providing time, space, and creative connection since its founding in 1968. Best known for its acclaimed Fellowship Program, FAWC awards seven-month residencies each year to 20 emerging writers and visual artists. More than 1,000 Fellows have participated in the program, going on to receive Pulitzer Prizes, National Book Awards, the Nobel Prize in Literature, and MacArthur Fellowships, and to present their work at leading institutions including the Venice Biennale, the Museum of Modern Art, MASS MoCA, and the Whitney Museum of American Art. Today, the Work Center extends its mission through year-round programs that connect artists and audiences across generations and disciplines. Offerings include the open-enrollment Summer Workshop Program, FAWC Online, writing and visual arts workshops, residencies for mid-career artists, and programs for public school students and seniors. Its robust calendar of exhibitions, performances, readings, and other cultural events welcomes more than 10,000 visitors each year, making the Work Center an enduring creative hub on the Outer Cape and a community arts organization elevating the common good.

EKUA HOLMES
Common Good Award

Ekua Holmes BFA ‘77 Photography is an award-winning visual artist, illustrator, educator, and community advocate whose collage-based practice draws on family histories, childhood memories, faith, hope, and self-determination. A lifelong Roxbury resident and proud member of the neighborhood’s tradition of image-makers, Holmes finds inspiration close to home, transforming cut and torn papers into vibrant, layered reflections on identity, relationships, and lived experience. She has dedicated her career to supporting creative expression and expanding access to the arts. She has led workshops, served as a visiting artist and lecturer, and held residencies at institutions throughout New England, and serves as Associate Director of MassArt’s Center for Art and Community Partnerships, where she oversees sparc! the ArtMobile, bringing art and artmaking out throughout the Boston community. In 2016, she launched the Roxbury Sunflower Project after receiving a Boston Triennial Public Art Accelerator Fellowship, bringing together community members to plant 10,000 sunflower seeds throughout her native Roxbury. Holmes is also an acclaimed illustrator of children’s literature. Her honors include a Caldecott Honor and multiple Coretta Scott King Awards, including recognition for Voice of Freedom, Out of Wonder, and Stuff of Stars. She is the recipient of the MassArt Distinguished Alumni Award and a Brother Thomas Fellowship from The Boston Foundation. 

CANDELARIA SILVA-COLLINS (posthumous)
Common Good Award

Candelaria Silva-Collins was a consultant, writer, children’s book author, and community leader whose work helped shape Boston’s cultural landscape and strengthen the connection between arts and community. As founding director of ACT Roxbury, the cultural economic development program of Madison Park Development Corporation, she helped create programs including the Roxbury International Film Festival, Roxbury Open Studios, the Roxbury Literary Annual, Roxbury in Motion, and the Danette Jones Business of Culture Series, providing new opportunities for artists, filmmakers, writers, and cultural entrepreneurs. She also played a pivotal role in the creation of the Roxbury Center for Arts at Hibernian Hall and spearheaded audience development efforts at the Huntington Theatre Company. Candelaria’s last public roles were as grant manager for the Boston Public Library’s Fellowes Athenaeum Trust Fund at the Shaw-Roxbury Branch and Chair of the Board of Designators for the George B. Henderson Foundation. As an author, she wrote three children’s books featuring Stacey Huggins, an imaginative Black girl whose adventures celebrate childhood, family, and joy. Her writing also appeared in publications including The Boston Globe, Ebony Jr., The Horn Book, and School Library Journal. A passionate mentor and advocate, she served on numerous nonprofit boards and received honors including the Roxbury Puddingstone Award and the Arts and Community Leadership Award from the Arts & Business Council of Greater Boston. Her legacy reflects a lifelong commitment to arts, community, and the power of creative expression.

Candelaria died of cancer in March 2026. Hers will be the first posthumous MassArt Common Good Award. 

JOSH SIMPSON
Common Good Award

Josh Simpson is an internationally acclaimed glass artist whose five-decade career has been marked by extraordinary imagination, technical innovation, and generosity to the creative community. Inspired by Tiffany and Steuben glass in his grandparents’ home, he discovered his calling while at Hamilton College, eventually building his own furnaces and establishing his studio in Shelburne Falls, Massachusetts. His richly detailed Planets, New Mexico Glass, Tektites, Saturns, and other works have been exhibited internationally and are held in major collections, including the Smithsonian’s Renwick Gallery, Corning Museum of Glass, and Yale University Art Gallery. His work has even traveled into space with his wife, NASA astronaut Cady Coleman. Beyond the studio, Simpson has been a tireless advocate for the creative community of western Massachusetts. He purchased the historic Salmon Falls Building in 1992, helping ensure the continuation of Salmon Falls Gallery, which exhibits and sells the work of scores of regional artists. Throughout his career, Simpson has also devoted considerable time and energy to supporting the broader craft community. He is a longtime supporter of Snow Farm Craft School, helping secure the school’s permanent home in Williamsburg, Massachusetts. He co-founded the Craft Emergency Relief Fund and was its first board president. He has also served as president of the Glass Art Society. He currently serves on the board of the American Craft Council. He has taught at Penland, Haystack, and Corning and has received numerous honors, including honorary doctorates from Hamilton College, Bay Path University, and Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts.

BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS SUPPORTING RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS

BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION CELEBRATES 40 YEARS OF WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMS SUPPORTING RESIDENTS EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS
BPHC celebrates the graduation of 78 residents from its Homeless Services Bureau’s workforce development program to mark this milestone
BOSTON – Friday, September 25, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) today celebrated the graduation of 78 clients from BPHC’s Homeless Services Bureau’s workforce development program. The Serving Ourselves (SOS) Program, a partnership between BPHC and Friends of Boston’s Homeless (FOBH), is an essential aspect of the City’s efforts to make homelessness in Boston rare, brief, and one-time by giving residents experiencing homelessness the skills and opportunities for gainful employment to help end their homelessness. Today’s graduation celebrates 30 years of the SOS Program and 40 years of BPHC’s workforce development programs. 
“Ending homelessness means more than access to stable housing, it requires strong support systems and a steady income,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Job training opportunities can be transformational in helping residents and families gain a sense of purpose and transition from relying on public safety nets to maintaining their housing independently. Congratulations to all the graduates and thank you to the Boston Public Health Commission and all of our employer partners for your dedication to supporting our residents.” 
“At the Boston Public Health Commission, we are committed to making homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring," said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. "I am grateful to our Homeless Services staff and partners for helping residents gain the skills, support, and opportunities they need to secure meaningful employment and move out of homelessness with dignity. To our SOS Program graduates: You should be incredibly proud of all you have accomplished over the past six months. Congratulations on your graduation. We look forward to seeing what you achieve in this next chapter." 
Boston Public Health Commission runs two of the city’s largest shelters where people can access meals and receive clinical, social, and housing services. The Serving Ourselves Program is a paid 6-month job training program for people staying at BPHC’s shelters. Participants receive vocational training and mentorship that helps guide them in becoming a strong candidate when applying to jobs. BPHC staff offer support with resume writing, mock job interviews, and job certifications, such as for serving food or obtaining a driver’s license. In addition, participants receive case management, health and mental health care, substance use disorder counseling, and workforce experience all while earning a minimum wage and health benefits. Upon the completion of the program, graduates are prepared to find gainful employment in community. The Serving Ourselves Program graduates between 50-70 people a year and has supported thousands of graduates over the past 30 years. Approximately one-third of graduates are employed after completing the program. 
“We could not be prouder of our graduates and Homeless Services staff for all their work and dedication leading up to today’s celebration,” said Gregory Grays-Thomas, Homeless Services Bureau Director at Boston Public Health Commission. “We’ve seen how instrumental workforce development programs are in transforming the health and well-being of our clients. It’s not just the skills and the paycheck, but also the dignity and confidence of completing the program and pursuing a new path in life.” 
Fifteen of today’s graduates have already been hired by employers across the city and the state. These graduates have earned employment at Boston Public Health Commission, Olympic Systems Corporation, Sheraton Hotel, Uber Eats, Encore Boston Harbor, and more.  
“Serving Ourselves, a work training program run by the City of Boston, is not just a program. It’s a family of the community coming together to help one another to help individuals succeed to their futures,” said Dianna Maguire, SOS Program Graduate.

“Special thanks to BPHC and my dear friends at the SOS program. These women and men showed me that rock bottom can be the solid foundation on which I could rebuild my life,” said Jason O’Doherty, SOS Program Graduate.

“The SOS program works if you want the help. Since being in the program, the help and support that I received was amazing. My favorite person is my case worker. She devoted her time to helping me with my resume. She showed me how to send out job applications and even heard some of my family issues. Two weeks before I completed the SOS program I got a new job. Thank you to the SOS crew you were all awesome,” said Ronnie Fernandes Jr., SOS Program Graduate.  

Workforce development programs, like the Serving Ourselves Program, offer people another pathway to ending their homelessness while building their confidence and self-esteem. The skills and training provided help participants find gainful employment, which then opens doors to getting an apartment, paying bills, and staying stably housed. Some may also choose to buy a car for more opportunities to get to work, healthcare appointments, and more.

This program is supported through BPHC’s partnership with Friends of Boston’s Homeless. In 1995 FOBH used grant funding and private donations to build a commercial kitchen and laundry service to serve shelter residents while providing guests the opportunity for paid training in marketable job trades. In 2016 FOBH again provided funding to open the SOS Program Career Center located at 1010 Massachusetts Avenue and continues to fund the center each year.

"FOBH is proud to partner with BPHC,” said Carrie Coughlin, Executive Director of Friends of Boston’s Homeless. “For 40 years, from Long Island Shelter's farm to 112's new "Alternative Pathways", we have worked together to help those in need meet and overcome obstacles in challenging times. We are incredibly honored to support the current graduates and look forward to hearing about their next steps, beyond shelter."
BPHC’s Homeless Services Bureau is committed to helping individuals with challenges that lead to homelessness and offers a spectrum of care, services, and support to people experiencing homeless in Boston. Through BPHC’s low-barrier shelters, the Homeless Services Bureau uses evidence-based, trauma-informed care and restorative justice to help residents quickly end their homelessness and stay stably housed. Staff provide hands-on job training, housing assistance, and behavioral health services for clients in BPHC shelters while affirming the dignity and human rights of every person.
To find services for people experiencing homelessness and ways to volunteer with BPHC, visit boston.gov/homeless-services.

波士頓市長宣佈街區派對補助開放申請

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR BOSTON BLOCK PARTY GRANT PROGRAM, SUPPORTED BY NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH ELEVATE CITIES 

BOSTON - Friday, September 25, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu, the Human Services Cabinet and the Office of Neighborhood Services today announced that applications for Boston’s fall block party grant program are now open. Residents and community groups who apply and get approved will receive grants up to $500 to purchase materials for block parties, making it easier and more affordable for residents and families to host events, get together and celebrate this fall.  


This announcement builds on the Mayor’s work to make Boston a home for everyone through fun and safe programming. By bringing together different departments, the City is making it easier for more residents and community organizations to host fun, welcoming and family-friendly events. Boston’s fall block party grant program is funded by a new partnership with Elevate Cities, a non-profit organization committed to sparking joy, belonging, and civic pride in cities around the world. 


“We’re working every day to make Boston a beautiful, welcoming, family-friendly home for everyone—and that means creating every opportunity to connect and build community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston’s block party program supports residents hosting their own gatherings to bring people together and create lasting memories and bonds. This year, with support from Elevate Cities, we are making it easier for even more residents to host block parties and turn our streets into joyful community spaces.”


In celebration of Good Neighbor Day, Elevate Cities is providing $25,000 to help the City support more resident-led events that bring neighbors together. This new partnership advances Good Neighbor Day’s programming and goal of strengthening neighborhood connections and marks Elevate Cities’ expansion to Boston, following its launch in Miami in 2025. 


“What a joy it is to bring Elevate Cities to Boston, a city with such a deep commitment to community and belonging,” said Kim Coupounas, CEO of Elevate Cities. “Mayor Wu and the City have made it a priority to build a Boston where everyone feels they belong and can take part in civic life. We’re thrilled to come alongside that work and help create more opportunities for neighbors to meet, celebrate their communities and strengthen the bonds that make this city so special.”


With this support from Elevate Cities, residents can also apply to receive funding from the City’s Spooky Streets and Fall Harvest block party grants, which are all aimed at making it easier and more affordable for neighborhoods to host events this fall.


Applications for the Fall Block Party Grants are now open on the City’s website until the deadline on Friday, October 23 at 5:00 p.m. The City will review applications on a rolling basis. Good Neighbor mini-grants are available for up to $500 for residents to purchase items such as food, entertainment, and face paint. 


Residents interested in applying should review the following steps: 


  1. Apply for the Play Street Closing Permit here. Once the application is filled out, applicants will be prompted to apply for City’s block party grants program. Applying for a permit does not guarantee a grant. You must also apply for the grant online at boston.gov/blockparty
  2. To be eligible, all block parties must be free, open to the public and take place on public streets. Residents cannot sell or charge anything at the event.
  3. Block parties do not have to be Halloween-themed
  4. Residents must apply for grant funding at least three weeks prior to their proposed event.


To celebrate the September 28 National Good Neighbor Day, a day of recognition celebrating the everyday acts of kindness and connection that strengthen our neighborhoods stronger, the City is encouraging residents to nominate neighbors who go above and beyond to ensure their communities are a place of belonging and a home for everyone. Additionally, the Boston Public Library will offer small kits at their branch locations for residents to pick up. The kits are designed to encourage residents to connect with another and will include bingo cards, bookmarks, and handmade trinkets.  


“Good Neighbor Day is a reminder that the heart of our city lies in our neighborhoods and the people who care for them,” said José Massó, Chief of Human Services. “With the launch of the Good Neighbor grants program, we are putting resources directly into the hands of residents to turn their creative ideas into action. Whether it’s hosting a party or organizing a neighborhood clean up, these grants are designed to activate local spaces, foster meaningful connections, and empower our neighbors.”


“Boston residents epitomize being good neighbors,” said Mohammed Missouri, Executive Director, Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services. “This fall, our neighborhoods will come alive with festivities celebrating the diverse cultures and communities that make Boston a home for everyone. We’re grateful for partners like Elevate Cities who share our commitment to making cities fun and welcoming for all.”

For grant applications, nominations, updates and event details, please visit boston.gov/good-neighbor. 


ArtsEmerson 10/28~11/1 推出「惡魔都在這裡」展演莎劇反派精華

Patrick Page。(公關公司提供,Julieta Cervantes攝)
     (Boston Orange編譯)曾獲葛萊美獎的百老匯巨星Patrick Page,將於10月28日至11月1日在《Emerson Paramount Center》(愛默生派拉蒙中心)演出6場獨角戲《All the Devils Are Here》(惡魔都在這裡),一人分飾十多名經典反派,帶觀眾深入探看莎士比亞筆下的邪惡演變與人性微光。

    美國劇場文化界最具代表性的戲劇與表演藝術月刊雜誌/出版機構《Playbill》,曾稱 Patrick Page 是「百老匯最佳反派」。他曾經憑藉《冥界之城》(Hadestown)中的 哈迪斯(Hades) 一角入圍東尼獎,並拿下葛萊美獎。他在莎士比亞戲劇領域耕耘數十年,曾飾演過馬克白(Macbeth)、伊阿古(Iago)、克勞迪斯(Claudius)及李爾王(King Lear)等重量級角色。

    《 All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain》(魔鬼都在這裡:莎士比亞如何塑造反叛)這齣戲,由Patrick Page一人,在 85 分鐘無中場休息的緊湊節奏中,交替演繹十多名莎劇反派,剖析這些角色背後的內心創傷、野心與慾望,探討他們如何一步步走向殘忍這既可怕又無比真實的人性演變。

    這齣劇在外百老匯演出期間大受好評,一舉斬獲 Drama Desk 獎、Lucille Lortel 獎以及 Outer Critics Circle獎等多項戲劇大獎,由華盛頓莎士比亞劇院(Shakespeare Theatre Company)藝術總監 Simon Godwin 執導,並由知名製作公司 Octopus Theatricals 操刀製作。設計團隊也集結百老匯頂尖陣容,包括獲得東尼獎提名的舞台設計 Arnulfo Maldonado、燈光設計 Stacey Derosier,以及獲得東尼獎與奧比獎雙重肯定的音效設計師 Darron L. West。

    《All the Devils Are Here: How Shakespeare Invented the Villain》(魔鬼都在這裡:莎士比亞如何塑造反叛)這齣戲,將在2026年10月28日(週三)至11月1日(週日)之間,共演出6場,演出時間分別為10/28 (三) 19:30,10/29 (四) 19:30,10/30 (五) 20:00,10/31 (六) 14:00,以及11/01 (日) 13:00 和 17:00。

    演出地點在Emerson Paramount Center (Robert J. Orchard Stage),地址為559 Washington St, Boston, MA 02111。門票 $27.50 美元起,10人以上團體可享最高7折優惠。可至官網 ArtsEmerson.org 24小時線上購票,或致電專線 617-824-8400。

波士頓市府匯報預防東北風暴概況 (市府視頻)

COASTAL STORM PRESS CONFERENCE


Mayor Michelle Wu will join City officials to provide an update ahead of tomorrow’s forecasted coastal storm and share information about the City’s preparations.


Press conference will be livestreamed on boston.gov

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF PHASE ONE OF EQUITY STUDY ON BLACK MEN AND BOYS

CITY OF BOSTON ANNOUNCES COMPLETION OF PHASE ONE OF EQUITY STUDY ON BLACK MEN AND BOYS


Community needs assessment grounded in the voices of 2,659 Black men and community stakeholders

BOSTON - Friday, September 25, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Black Male Advancement, and the Black Men and Boys Commission today announced the completion and release of the Phase 1 brief of the Black Male Equity Study—a comprehensive, community-driven assessment examining the lived experiences, barriers, and opportunities for Black men and boys across Boston neighborhoods. The full Phase 1 brief is publicly available here.


​"This report marks an important milestone by documenting the voices and experiences of our residents to guide priorities across departments,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I'm grateful to the Office of Black Male Advancement, the Black Men and Boys Commission, the Tury Institute, and every resident who contributed to this critical effort. We look forward to continuing our work together to build on Boston's progress."


Launched in August 2024, the study delivers one of the most robust, data-informed, and community-grounded analyses to date on inequities impacting Black males in Boston. Conducted in collaboration with the Tury Research Institute, the assessment spans housing, health, education, and economic equity, combining citywide survey data, stakeholder interviews, deliberative engagement sessions and community outreach with over 2,000 Boston residents. 


“Phase 1 of the Equity Study represents a critical milestone in our commitment to advancing equity for Black men and boys in Boston. By centering community voices alongside rigorous data, we now have a clearer understanding of both the barriers and the opportunities ahead," said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office of Black Male Advancement. “This is not just a report, it is a roadmap. Our focus moving forward is to translate these insights into targeted strategies, stronger partnerships, and real outcomes that expand access, build trust, and create pathways to prosperity.”


“As a Roxbury native and former City Councilor, I’ve long believed that Boston must take a hard, honest look at the inequities facing Black men and boys, and act on what we find," said Tito Jackson, former Chair of the Black Men and Boys Commission. “During my time as Chair of the Commission, advancing this Equity Study was about building accountability and grounding our work in the lived experiences of our community. Phase 1 delivers on that vision.” 


The study finds that Black males in Boston face interconnected, systemic challenges, rooted in inequitable conditions that shape health and opportunity. Residents consistently identified the following:


  • Economic mobility barriers, including limited access to living-wage jobs, workforce pathways, and entrepreneurship opportunities
  • Housing instability and affordability pressures, with access to affordable housing, homeownership pathways, and gentrification mentioned repeatedly 
  • Education inequities, including school quality, low expectations for Black boys, lack of Black male educators, and the school-to-prison pipeline
  • Health disparities and mental health access challenges, with cost, stigma, and lack of culturally responsive care cited as major barriers
  • Low program awareness and trust, with more than half of respondents unaware of available services


In addition to the challenges outlined above, the study also provides a community-grounded baseline of priorities for action with eleven clear community needs across all four methods:


  1. Living-wage jobs, workforce pathways, and career mobility
  2. Housing affordability, stability, anti-displacement, and homeownership pathways
  3. Practical access burdens, including affordability, transportation, time, and childcare
  4. Education quality and equitable supports for Black boys
  5. Mentorship, role models, guided pathways, and networks
  6. Trust, cultural fit, racism, civic voice, and belonging
  7. Community safety, violence exposure, and trauma burden
  8. Criminal legal exposure, including CORI and reentry barriers
  9. Mental health supports that fit Black men’s lived experiences
  10. Physical health access, prevention, and health literacy
  11. Program visibility, navigation, and “knowing where to start”


“Tury Research Institute is proud to have partnered with the Office of Black Male Advancement on this consequential project that centers the lives, experiences, and needs of Black male residents in Boston,” said Bindu Kalesan, CEO, Tury Research Institute. “We hope the findings will inform and move the needle towards accountable action toward structural equity.”


“This study puts real voices and real experiences at the center, and what we’re hearing is clear: our communities are navigating systems that weren’t built with them in mind,” said Maddrey Goode, Chair of the Black Men and Boys Commission. “As the new Chair, my focus is on building on the progress of my predecessor. How do we close the gaps, rebuild trust, and make sure Black men and boys can actually see and feel the impact of this work in their daily lives? That’s the standard we're holding.”


“Black men help build, lead, and strengthen Boston every day. They deserve a city that invests in their success. This equity study has been years in the making and will help us better understand the barriers Black men face and where the city needs to do more,” said City Councilor Brian Worrell, District 4. “I’m grateful to the Office of Black Male Advancement for this work. Now we have to turn these findings into action—with policies, funding, and accountability that create real opportunities for Black men and their families.”


"I’ve long said that policy has to be done with people, not to them. This Phase 1 report demonstrates how critical it is to center the experiences of Black men across our city, while acknowledging that the Black male experience in Boston is not monolithic,” said Reverend Miniard Culpepper, District 7 City Councilor. “Data tells only part of the story, as the real depth lies in the nuanced, lived experiences of our residents. I'm grateful to the Office of Black Male Advancement, the Black Men and Boys Commission, the Mayor’s administration, and all the residents who supported the first phase of this vital initiative."


“Phase 1 of the Equity Study shows that problems which all Bostonians face, like the need for good-paying jobs and affordable housing, affect our Black male residents more severely,” said City Councilor Henry Santana, At-Large. “I look forward to using the findings of the Black Male Equity Study in my policy work, including to advocate for more job opportunities for young Black men.”


Over the next year, Phase 2 of the Black Male Equity Study will build on Phase I’s findings through a comprehensive citywide resource guide, covering 150 City resources across 50 city departments, a centralized data dashboard showcasing data from City departments that serve them, and an asset map related to services for which Black male residents in Boston are eligible. The assessment will also involve a review of program records, a review of the legal framework on which disparity studies are based, and evaluate partnerships and collaborations, identifying opportunities for enhanced coordination with various city departments, employers, business associations, community groups, and the Black Men and Boys Commission. Additionally, the project will deliver a detailed set of recommendations based on the factual predicate information developed in the study.