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星期一, 8月 31, 2020

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FREE MOBILE TESTING SITE NOW LOCATED IN EAST BOSTON


MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES FREE MOBILE TESTING SITE NOW LOCATED IN EAST BOSTON

Testing is in partnership with East Boston Neighborhood Health Center




BOSTON - Monday, August 31, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the City of Boston's COVID-19 mobile testing site, in partnership with the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, will now be offering COVID-19 testing in East Boston's Central Square. This COVID-19 testing initiative will be available starting tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1 to Saturday, September 12 on Border Street at Liberty Plaza Shopping Center in East Boston. Testing will be available at no cost for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals. No appointment is needed but registration is required. To pre-register, please call 617-568-4500.

"Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have been dedicated to monitoring and making decisions based on the latest COVID-19 data. With the increase in cases in East Boston, we are expanding testing access there to ensure that all residents can get tested," said Mayor Walsh. "Thank you to the East Boston Neighborhood Health Center for your continued partnership in helping Bostonians stay safe and healthy."

The dates and hours of operation at Central Square Park in East Boston are: 

Tuesday, September 1st: 2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 2nd: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 3rd - Friday, September 4th: 2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

Saturday, September 5th: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Tuesday, September 8th: 2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday, September 9th: 9:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Thursday, September 10th - Friday, September 11th: 2:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. 

Saturday, September 12th: 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

This mobile site testing initiative was announced by Mayor Walsh back in May as a way to help fill any gaps in testing availability, prioritizing neighborhoods and populations that need dedicated testing efforts to create equitable access to testing. The site has previously been located in Roxbury, Allston, South Boston and Mattapan. In Mattapan, there were 927 COVID-19 tests ordered. Of 798 results received, less than 2.2% tested positive for COVID-19.

"East Boston has seen an alarming rise in COVID-19 rates and its critical that we take
immediate actions to stop the spread of the virus," said East Boston Neighborhood Health Center president and CEO Manny Lopes. "Testing is one of the most important infectious disease control tools in our arsenal and we are glad to be partnering with the City of Boston to provide pop-up testing sites throughout the city."

As of August 24th, 2020, East Boston is experiencing a 10.8% average positive test rate for the current week compared to the citywide average positive test rate at 2.3%. Bringing the mobile testing team is one step the City of Boston is taking to address the increase in the positivity rate in the neighborhood. The City is in communication with the State about finding temporary isolation housing so people can quarantine away from their families if they test positive for COVID-19. 

The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) has been mobilizing teams to provide care kits, information, and education to residents and businesses using the languages spoken in the neighborhood, including Spanish. They are distributing information at MBTA stations and key intersections, as well as neighborhood parks where people gather to play sports. Cross-departmental teams in the City of Boston, elected officials who represent the neighborhood, medical and social service providers in the community, union leaders who represent working people in the neighborhood, and Church officials and clergy have helped to get the message out.

In addition to the City's mobile testing sites, COVID-19 testing is available at over 20 locations across the city. Mobile testing sites also continue to be available at select locations, prioritizing neighborhoods and populations that need dedicated testing efforts to create equitable access to testing. Individuals can call the Mayor's Health Line with any questions using 617-534-5050. For a complete list of all testing sites, visit here

The City of Boston has been partnering with community health centers to increase access to testing, particularly in neighborhoods experiencing higher rates of COVID-19. As of Monday, August 24, 2020, there were 167,859 COVID-19 tests of Boston residents. Out of 167,859 total tests, 9.4% have tested positive, which is down from 10.1% reported through Monday, August 17. For all Boston residents, the positivity for tests decreased slightly from 2.7% for the prior week (August 11-17) to 2.3% for the current week (August 18-24). The latest numbers of cases from the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) by neighborhoods are available here.

Mayor Walsh and the Boston Resiliency Fund Steering Committee have dedicated over $1,720,000 to expand COVID-19 testing and conduct culturally appropriate outreach and education to community health centers across City of Boston neighborhoods, including Bowdoin Street Community Health Center, Codman Square Community Health Center, The Dimock Center, DotHouse Health, Mattapan Community Health Center, Uphams Corner Community Health Center, Whittier Street Community Health Center, Charles River Community Health, Fenway Health, Greater Roslindale Medical & Dental Center, Harbor Health, East Boston Neighborhood Health Center, Harvard Street Neighborhood Health Center, Southern Jamaica Plain Health Center, South Boston Community Health Center, NEW Health Charlestown, South End Community Health Center, and Brookside Community Health Center. The Fund has also supported telehealth services and equipment at those community health centers as well to connect testing to safe treatment options at home.

Resources and information about COVID-19 are available online. Resources available on boston.gov and through City departments include support for renters and homeowners; small businesses; free meals for Boston students; free toiletries for Boston students; support for older residents; information on homeless shelters; resources for those in recovery or those who have a substance use disorder; and mental health resources. More information on Boston's reopening can be found at boston.gov/reopening.

For additional questions or programs, please visit our coronavirus website or call 3-1-1, Boston's 24-hour constituent hotline. Text BOSCOVID to 888-777 to receive text alerts on a regular basis, available in 11 languages.

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波士頓市府提醒市民9月1日是2020年黨派初選日


CITY OF BOSTON ISSUES STATE PRIMARY REMINDERS




All in-person polling locations will be operated in accordance with public health guidelines

BOSTON - Saturday, August 29, 2020 - The City of Boston Election Department is reminding residents that Tuesday, September 1, 2020 is the State Primary election. The Primary includes the following races: Senator in Congress, Representative in Congress, Governor's Councillors, Senator in General Court, Representative in General Court, and Register of Probate. On Election Day, polling locations in Boston will be open from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. Individuals are encouraged to confirm their polling location for Election Day here.

Printed ballots will be available in English and Spanish, English and Chinese, and English and Vietnamese. For this year's State Primary, there are 420,345 registered voters in Boston. The Election Department has recruited and trained more than 1,800 poll workers to work at polling locations across the City that house 255 voting precincts. There are over 300 poll workers who are able to provide assistance in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese, Haitian Creole, Cape Verdean, Russian, and Portuguese. All poll workers have been trained on following the COVID-19 safety protocols.

Due to COVID-19, health and safety protocols on Election Day will be implemented at each polling location. All poll workers will receive face shields, face masks, gloves, disinfectant wipes, disinfectant spray and hand sanitizer. Cleaning will take place at each site every two to three hours. Voters waiting in line will be instructed to stand six feet away from others and wear a face covering. 

Voters who requested vote-by-mail ballots or absentee ballots must have their signed ballot returned to the Boston Election Department by 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday September 1, 2020 in order to be counted. Voters can track the status of their vote-by-mail ballots here. Vote-by-mail ballots can also be returned to the Election Department by dropping it off at the dropbox located on the third floor of Boston City Hall (City Hall Plaza entrance) between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, August 31 and between 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, September 1. If a voter brings a vote-by-mail ballot to their polling location, they will be provided with the opportunity to cast their vote in person. A poll worker will assist them in ensuring that their mail-in ballot is discarded before casting the in-person vote. 

Voters who have changed their mind about voting by mail and their ballot has not been received by the Election Department, may vote in-person at their designated polling location. Voters can find their polling location for Election Day here.

Additionally, in-person absentee voting is available until August 31, 2020 at 12:00 p.m. at the Election Department in City Hall. To qualify to vote absentee, registered voters must be absent from the City on Election Day, must have a religious belief which prevents them from going inside of a polling location, or have a physical disability which prevents them from going to a polling location. The application to request an absentee ballot can be completed in person at the Election Department in City Hall. Learn more about applying here

Voters are reminded there are 20 precinct polling location changes this election cycle:

WARD/PRECINCT
PREVIOUS LOCATION
NEW LOCATION
Ward 1, Precinct 15 and Ward 13, Precinct 3
Harbor Point Technology Center
15 Harbor Point Blvd
Dorchester, MA 02125
Corcoran Jennison Mullins Community Building
270 Mt Vernon St
Dorchester, MA 02125
Ward 4, Precincts 6 and 7
Morville House 
100 Norway St
Boston, MA 02115
Northeastern University, Matthew's Arena
238 St Botolph St
Boston, MA 02115
Ward 4, Precincts 5 and 8
Symphony Plaza East and West
334 Massachusetts Ave
Boston, MA 02115
Northeastern University, Matthew's Arena
238 St Botolph St
Boston, MA 02115
Ward 7, Precincts 1 and 2
BCYF Curley Recreation Center
1663 Columbia Rd
Boston, MA 02127
Joseph P. Tynan School
650 E 4th St
Boston, MA 02127
Ward 9, Precinct 5
Marcus Garvey Gardens
44 John Eliot Sq
Boston, MA 02119
BCYF Shelburne Center
2730 Washington St
Boston, MA 02119
Ward 11, Precinct 4
Amory Street Apartments
125 Amory St
Boston, MA 02119
Word of Life Tabernacle Church
120 Amory St
Boston, MA 02119
Ward 13, Precincts 1 and 2
Cardinal Medeiros Apartments
11 Woodcliff St
Boston, MA 02125
John Winthrop Street Elementary School
35 Brookford St
Boston, MA 02125
Ward 13, Precincts 7 and 8
Catherine Clark Apartments
915 Dorchester Ave
Dorchester, MA 02125
Saint Pope John Paul II Catholic Academy- Columbia Campus
790 Columbia Rd
Dorchester, MA 02125
Ward 17, Precincts 1 and 3
Roxbury Prep Lucy Stone Campus
22 Regina Rd
Boston, MA 02124
Codman Square Tech Center
450 Washington St
Boston, MA 02124
Ward 18, Precincts 12 and 19
Boston Trinity Academy
17 Hale St
Hyde Park, MA 02136
Hyde Park Municipal Building
1179 River St
Hyde Park, MA 02136
Ward 19, Precincts 10 and 13
BCYF Roslindale Community Center
6 Cummins Hwy
Boston, MA 02131
Washington Irving School
105 Cummins Hwy
Roslindale, MA 02131

Additionally, there are five voter entrance changes to polling locations this cycle:

WARD/PRECINCT
LOCATION
VOTER ENTRANCE
Ward 5, Precinct 1
41 Berkeley St
Boston, MA 02116
Berkeley Street side of the building
Ward 5, Precinct 3
24 Beacon St
Boston, MA 02133
Bowdoin Street through Ashburton Park
Ward 5, Precincts 7 and 8
700 Boylston St
Boston, MA 02116
Dartmouth Street side of the building
Ward 11, Precinct 2
BCYF Shelburne Center
2730 Washington St
Boston, MA 02119
Moved from the community room to the Gymnasium. Enter through the parking lot on Dale Street
Ward 18, Precinct 3
Mattahunt Elementary School
100 Hebron Street
Mattapan, MA 02126  
Moved from the small gymnasium in the Community Center Building to the Cafeteria in the School 

Media guidelines

Members of the media are reminded that certain rules must be followed in order to ensure a smooth voting process for voters. 
  • Interviews of voters are not allowed inside polling locations and must be done at least 150 feet away.
  • Interviews with election officers at the polling locations are not allowed. Interview requests for the Election Department should be directed through the Press Office at (617) 635-4461.
  • Photos and b-roll shots will be allowed under the supervision of each polling location's warden.
  • Photographers are reminded that zooming in on voter ballots and over-the-shoulder shots will not be allowed. Please respect every voter's right to a private ballot.
  • The City of Boston Election Department will also be available for b-roll shots starting at 7:30 a.m.
  • Unofficial results will be posted online at www.boston.gov after the polls close at 8:00 p.m.
  • Updates will be provided periodically via our Facebook and Twitter account: @BostonElections
  • Please do not call the Election Department for results. You will only be referred to the website.
For more information about the State Primary, please visit boston.gov/elections or contact the Boston Election Department 617-635-8683 or Election@boston.gov.


Boston Marathon Champion Ambassadors Announced for 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience


BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) and Boston Marathon principal sponsor John Hancock have announced that reigning wheelchair champion Daniel Romanchuk, 2018 winner Des Linden, five-time wheelchair champion Tatyana McFadden, and 2014 victor Meb Keflezighi will serve as Champion Ambassadors for the 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience.
“Boston Marathon champions represent the hard work, sacrifice, and determination it takes to reach the finish line,” said Tom Grilk, B.A.A. C.E.O. “As we approach September’s Boston Marathon Virtual Experience, we look forward to connecting our dedicated runners with race champions to further enhance their virtual run.”
Romanchuk, Linden, McFadden, and Keflezighi will inspire and encourage participants in many ways throughout race week. All will participate in a Boston Marathon Champions Panel presented by John Hancock, where they’ll provide insights on what it’s like to win in Boston and tips on covering the marathon distance.
In addition, each champion will be featured on a segment of Boston Marathon Live presented by Amazon and WBZ-TV, a daily race-week show produced by WBZ-TV and streamed online on CBSBoston.com from September 7 through 13. Romanchuk and McFadden will highlight the various elements of wheelchair racing, from equipment to advancements in the sport, while Linden and Keflezighi will detail how they’ve reset their running during the pandemic.
All four champions have also been named as members of this year’s Honorary Boston Marathon Team, which highlights 26 stories of individuals who represent the resilience and community spirit of the Boston Marathon. The team is comprised of community leaders, frontline workers, volunteers, Para athletes, youth ambassadors, and champions, and is being highlighted across the Boston Marathon’s social media channels in the lead up to race week.
Of the four champions, Romanchuk intends to also complete the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience, covering 26.2 miles on race week. Romanchuk hosted a virtual zoom push for wheelchair racers from around the world earlier this year on Patriots’ Day in honor of what would have been 2020 Boston Marathon race day.
“Having won my first Boston Marathon last year, I’m excited to join thousands of participants and cover 26.2 miles as part of the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience,” said Romanchuk. “The community spirit around the Boston Marathon is always strong, and that will stay true this year.”

“The Boston Marathon is a special race, with lots of history and meaningful moments,” said McFadden. “This year’s Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will be a new chapter in race history that I’m honored to be a part of as a Champion Ambassador.”

“The determination and strength of Boston Marathoners is unmatched, and it will definitely be on display around the world for this year’s Boston Marathon Virtual Experience,” said Linden. “While we may not be in Boston, we’re still united in spirit, and as a Champion Ambassador I’ll be supporting from start to finish.”

“Boston Marathoners are determined, and always finish Boston strong,” said Keflezighi. “Training for many months, they’re about to reach the finish of the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience, and as a Champion Ambassador I’m eager to celebrate their journey.”
In addition to the Champion Ambassadors, other race champions, running legends, and John Hancock Elite Athlete Team members will cover miles within their communities in support of the Boston Marathon and virtual marathoners around the world.
Among those who plan to run 26.2 miles recreationally at home include Canadian Olympian Dylan Wykes, U.S Army elite Elkanah Kibet, and Kenyan standout Felix Kandie.
Olympic medalists, national record holders, and professional runners from around the world will also unite as friendly relay teams to cumulatively tally 26.2-miles together on race week. Among Boston Marathon champions to take part include Keflezighi, Lawrence Cherono, Lelisa Desisa, Edna Kiplagat, Yuki Kawauchi, Geoffrey Kirui, Uta Pippig, and Bill Rodgers, as well as American record holder Deena Kastor, two-time Olympic medalist Galen Rupp, and top Americans Jordan Hasay and Emma Bates. Each will log miles in the spirit of the Boston Marathon Virtual Experience from their neighborhoods.
The 124th Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will be held September 5–14 in neighborhoods around the world. Nearly 18,000 participants from 100 countries are entered, and will have ten days to cover 26.2-miles in one continuous run to earn their B.A.A. unicorn medal and be recognized as a Boston Marathon finisher. The 2020 Boston Marathon, originally scheduled for April 20 and postponed to September 14, was ultimately cancelled in May due to the coronavirus pandemic.
ABOUT THE BOSTON MARATHON VIRTUAL EXPERIENCE
The Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will bring Boston to the world, with participants completing 26.2-miles within their neighborhoods from September 5 through September 14. The B.A.A. will present more than a week’s worth of content that can be accessed digitally worldwide. Boston Marathon Live will air September 7 through September 13 on CBSBoston.com. The Boston Marathon Virtual Experience will conclude with the Mile 27 Post-Race Party presented by Samuel Adams on Monday, September 14.

波士頓市開放四個市營室內游泳池


MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES OPENING OF FOUR CITY INDOOR POOLS OPENING

Pools will be operated and used in accordance to public health guidelines

BOSTON -- Monday, August 31, 2020 -- Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that four indoor swimming pools, BCYF Curtis Hall Pool in Jamaica Plain, BCYF Draper Pool in West Roxbury, BCYF Flaherty Pool in Roslindale and BCYF Mason Pool in Dorchester will open to the public on Wednesday, September 2. These pools join the City of Boston's two outdoor pools, the BCYF Clougherty Pool in Charlestown and the BCYF Mirabella Pool in the North End, in providing Boston residents with a place to enjoy aquatic activities and cool off during the summer. The indoor pools are open year round, while the outdoor pools will be open through Labor Day. 

"As we head towards the end of summer, I am pleased we are able to open up indoor swimming options for our residents," said Mayor Walsh. "BCYF has spent a lot of time making sure that safety protocols are in place so that we can open these additional recreational facilities within the current COVID-19 guidelines. I encourage residents to take advantage of these options and continue to take all the precautions: wearing face coverings when out, keeping your distance from others, and washing your hands." 
    
BCYF Draper Pool, Flaherty Pool and Mason Pool will be open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. The BCYF Curtis Hall Community Center pool will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. As of now, pools will offer only lap swim to the public. Additional aquatics programming will be added as it's finalized. Due to the COVID-19 public health emergency, there are several new protocols in place at all BCYF pools: 
  • Visitors must register for a swim time slot at Boston.gov/BCYF-registration as walk-ins will not be allowed. Registration will open tomorrow, Tuesday, September 1. Pool capacity has been reduced to one swimmer per lane for lap swim and roughly 10 percent capacity for youth programming.
  • Registration will go live 24 hours before the following day's sessions and will remain open until all spots are taken or until the session begins, whichever comes first. 
  • Lap swim sessions of 45 minutes each and sessions where youth can register for various aquatics programming will be offered. 
  • When registering for a session, visitors will be asked COVID-19 screening questions. The screening questions will be asked again when checking to the pool for the registered session.
  • Cleaning and disinfecting will occur at opening and closing and between each swim session.
  • Visitors must come dressed to swim as locker rooms/changing areas will be closed. Restrooms (if access is required) can be accessed through a locker room, but visitors cannot use the lockers or changing area.
  • Face coverings (covering the nose and mouth) must be worn at all times when not in the water.
  • Swimming lessons, which would require close physical contact, will not be offered.
  • Social distancing of at least 6 feet is required for all individuals outside of a household group and applies to deck areas, bathrooms, wading areas, the water, and the pool deck.
  • Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. 
  • Three children under 12 are allowed per adult. 

星期日, 8月 30, 2020

張越麒為波士頓台大、北一女校友免費開Zumba課

張越麒教人跳土風舞。(圖片取自張越麒網頁)

            (Boston Orange)新型冠狀病毒疫情持續不消,怕人在家悶久了會生病,波士頓台大校友會和北一女校友會照顧校友們的身體健康,將請持有金牌教師證書張越麒帶校友們跳Zumba
            張越麒當年在台大上學時,大二就當上土風舞社副社長,此後又學了國標舞,還當起了老師。定居波士頓後,他也經常在社團活動中帶人跳土風舞。2010年前他開始學跳Zumba,竟一跳就愛上這對他來說算新的舞種,20189月還拿到教師執照,之後20193月又再晉級,成為Zumba金牌及教師,於是開始趁著午飯時間,在馬伯洛夫(Marlboro)的公司教人跳Zumba,一年多後,他搬到新罕布夏州塞冷市。今年6月初起,為服務社區,他還開始透過zoom,在塞冷市的石橋物業(Stone Bridge Estates)教人跳Zumba,跳國標舞,廣受好評。
在台大校友催促下,張越麒的服務社區教學,現在也要開始讓台大校友受益。波士頓北一女校友會知道了校友鄭慧玲的夫婿要免費開課,當然不能放過機會,於是在會長吳萍萍情商下,波士頓北一女校友也可以一起上課了。
有意上課者可發電郵報名,ychang99@gmail.com,查詢教師資訊可上網Profile: https://www.zumba.com/en-US/profile/yueh-chi-chang/1534762


波士頓慈濟人文學校9月5日辦開放日

              (Boston Orange) 波士頓慈濟人文學校將於95日為幼稚園及各年級新生舉辦開放日,歡迎家長帶子女出席,了解詳情。

             由於新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)疫情尚未完全消除,波士頓慈濟人文學校2020秋季班將以線上教學方式進行。該校相關人員為因應家長及學生的可能需求,822日下午趕到慈濟基金會波士頓會所,為學生們準備教材包,安排各項事務。
             慈濟在美國共有25所人文學校。波士頓的慈濟人文學校創立於1998年,秉持慈濟基金會四大志業與八大腳印,發揚教育功能。現任教職員包括校長彭淑敏,副校長齊君明,教務處主任王月娥,輔導主任謝宜芳,防疫安全組陳裕逢等,從幼中班到8年級各有老師任教之外,還有靜思語,手語唱遊,美勞,素食,棋藝,茶道,舞獅,生活藝術花道,靜思人文課程,文化舞蹈,弟子規,書法,國畫,扯鈴,羽毛球,瑜珈等各種課外活動。
             波士頓慈濟人文學校強調該校師資陣容強大,教師助理溫柔細心,致力提升小朋友的中文素質,學習興趣,並培養良好品德。
             該校現已開放幼稚園及各年級新生報名,95日下午1點至2點,將在波士頓慈濟會所(15 Summer St., Newton, MA 02464  )舉辦開放日,歡迎家長們網上報名http://www.tzuchiacademyboston.org/,查詢可洽tcaboston@gmail.com   phone: 6502888792    。(圖由波士頓慈濟提供)

星期五, 8月 28, 2020

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND IS SUPPORTING BOSTON LYRIC OPERA PARTNERSHIP TO PRODUCE CLEAR-FRONT FACE MASKS FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITY


MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON RESILIENCY FUND IS SUPPORTING BOSTON LYRIC OPERA PARTNERSHIP TO PRODUCE CLEAR-FRONT FACE MASKS FOR THE DEAF AND HARD OF HEARING COMMUNITY

BOSTON - Friday, August 28, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that through a grant provided by the Boston Resiliency Fund, Boston Lyric Opera (BLO) will work with its local costume shop partner, CostumeWorks, to initially produce over 1,800 lip-reading-friendly clear-front face masks to support Boston's Deaf and Hard of Hearing communities, and others who rely on facial expression to communicate. BLO will manage distribution of the face masks in partnership with the Mayor's Commission for Persons with Disabilities. The masks produced will be donated, or sold at a discounted rate. 

"We know that wearing face masks is one of the most effective ways to stop the spread of COVID-19," said Mayor Walsh. "It is critical that our residents are able to access face masks, and I am pleased that through the Boston Resiliency Fund we are able to support Boston Lyric Opera's unique partnership to create needed face masks for our Deaf and Hard of Hearing residents as well as others who rely on lip-reading and facial expressions to communicate." 

"Accessibility is about more than just ramps. This is another example of Mayor Walsh's commitment to ensuring access and inclusion of all persons with disabilities throughout the city's reopening after COVID-19," said Boston Disability Commissioner Kristen McCosh. "I would like to thank the BLO for their hard work and dedication in producing these clear masks. Our city thrives because of successful public-private partnerships like this."

"Who could predict that a pandemic would bring to us an opportunity like this -- to serve a new community," said Bradley Vernatter, Boston Lyric Opera's Chief Operating Officer.  "Along with the production staff at BLO, the artists at CostumeWorks took great care in designing and delivering a simple, elegant product to help potentially thousands of Boston's Deaf and hard-of-hearing citizens.  At the same time, it puts hard-hit artists back to work, which is a goal we prioritize even if we can't perform live for the time being. We are delighted and thankful to the Boston Resiliency Fund for making this effort possible."  

"The pandemic has changed the way all of us communicate but for people who are Deaf or DeafBlind like myself, the pandemic has caused us to do a double adaption - adapting to the way we adapted to communicate with hearing people which was to lip-read or read facial expressions" said Kerry Thompson, Executive Director of Silent Rhythms Boston. "The clear mask has been instrumental for me trying to reintegrate into our society's new normal."

Since launching in March to help Boston residents most affected by COVID-19, the Boston Resiliency Fund has distributed over $25.7 million to 340 nonprofit and local organizations and there is $7.6 million in funds remaining.  Fifty-four percent (54%) of grantee organizations are led by a person of color. Fifty-seven percent (57%) are led by women, and 27 percent are immigrant-serving organizations. A map and a list of every organization that has received funding from the Boston Resiliency Fund can be found here

Since its founding in 1976, Boston Lyric Opera has led the way locally and regionally in celebrating the art of the voice, through innovative programming and community engagement initiatives that redefine the opera-going experience. BLO is the largest and longest-lived opera company in New England. In its 44 years, the company has staged world premieres, U.S. premieres, co-productions and co-commissions of note with artists and organizations from across the country and around the world. Under the leadership of Stanford Calderwood General & Artistic Director Esther Nelson, who recently celebrated a decade with the company, BLO has each year served more than 25,000 people and employed 350 artists and other professionals. It also has strengthened connections to leading local cultural institutions, including the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, and the Boston Public Library. Engaging the strengths of nimbleness and creativity it has gained in the last five years -- as an itinerant company that creates unique opera experiences in both traditional and found spaces -- during the coronavirus pandemic, BLO has pivoted smoothly to the digital realm with its online platform, and continues to innovate in the industry.

星期四, 8月 27, 2020

波士頓市已收到2.5萬份提早及郵寄的選票


             (Boston Orange整理報導)波士頓市長馬丁華殊在826日匯報疫情時,除了說明確診個案新增57,累計15,320,死亡人數新增0,累計752之外,還闡述了檢測站,供餐,數位應用,使用公家電腦等各種狀況。
            波士頓市長馬丁華殊指出,在822日結束的這一週,波士頓市的7天確診平均率,從早前的2.7%降至2.3%。累計確診率和病毒大流行開始相比已降至10%左右。確診個案的平均每日新增數也維持在4049之間。最近這幾週新增確診個案數增加較多,部分原因是檢測人數增加了很多。
             上週,波士頓市做的檢測,數目又增加了,平均達到一天2028人。現在整個波士頓市,包括流動性的,共有20個檢測站,其中多個檢測站不收費用。波士頓市的流動檢測站直到829日都將停在麥特潘(Mattapan)Jubilee基督教教堂前,免費開放,無論是否有新型冠狀病毒症狀,都可在哪兒做檢測。查詢檢測站資訊,可上網boston.gov/coronavirus
             上星期,除了東波士頓的平均確診率攀升到11.4%之外,波士頓市其他各地區的確診率都在3.5%以下。波士頓是公共衛生局正在檢視數據,做接觸追蹤,以找出感染源頭,制定干預方式。91日波士頓市的流動檢測站將開到東波士頓鄰里健康中心去。
            波士頓是公共衛生廳也已派出流動小組,提供民眾維護安全用品,並以多種語言提供防禦病毒的相關說明。
             馬丁華殊指出,美國農業部已把青年餐食站的日期展延到918日,所以波士頓公校及其夥伴可持續安全的為青少年供餐。
馬丁華殊指出,波士頓房屋局(BHA)為約等於波市人口9%的大約58,000人提供住宅。現在波士頓住宅局和地方企業及非牟利機構合作,將充分利用CARES法案提供的250萬元補助,為貧困居民提供高達23萬份餐食,給4100戶低收入家庭。其中170萬元將和位於洛士百利,多徹斯特的麻州廚房(Commonwealth Kitchen)Nubian廣場的Haley屋,以及洛士百利的大波士頓青年會合作,用於支援波士頓房屋局的家庭餐食計畫。另外的73萬元用於和Ethos合作,支持為大約3000名耆英、殘障人士送餐上門計畫。波士頓彈性基金(Boston Resiliency Fund)將撥款50萬元支持這一活動。
在選舉上,波市選務局已收到9萬份郵寄選票要求,正從826日開始處理。以郵寄選票提早投票者,可以到市政府大樓的兩個收票箱投擲選票。迄今,波士頓市已收到24600份填妥的選票,其中包括6000份提早投票,18,500份郵寄選票。查詢可撥打311或親自到boston.gov/elections 獲取資訊。