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| 麻州長Maura Healey在TD Garden位遊民分發感恩節大餐。 (圖片來自州長IG) |
(Boston Orange 綜合報導)麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)和波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)11月27日和一眾家賓在TD 球場，為一千多名無家可歸人士切火雞，備大餐，過好節，讓第28屆「朋友桌 (Table of Friend)」成為波士頓有史以來規模最大的感恩節活動。
這第28屆「朋友桌」感恩節活動由TD 花園鄰里慈善會 (TD Garden
Neighborhood Charities)主辦，準備了800磅火雞，500多磅的南瓜派，以及數以百磅計的附餐，還另外捐款5千元給「住房啟動基金 (Housing
Start-Up Fund)」，期以幫助無家可歸者成為有殼蝸牛。
包括波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox等，許多政要都參加了這場感恩大活動。
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| 波士頓市長吳弭(中)和聯邦參議員Ed Markey (右)在松街克債切火雞。 (讀者提供) |
(Boston Orange綜合報導) 從感恩節開始，波士頓市進入迎接新年節慶模式，市政府安排有開放紐百利街 (Newbury )、聖誕列車進社區，波士頓廣場聖誕樹點燈等一系列假日節慶活動。
麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)和第一夫人Joanna Lydgate則12月4日下午5點，在州政府大樓前舉辦年度聖誕節亮燈儀式，邀請Hamilton-Garrett青年合唱團表演。
波士頓市府為讓民眾在年節前更能享受輕鬆逛街、買禮物的節慶氣氛，訂12月1日和8日這兩個週日，開放紐百利街成為行人徒步區。如果遇雨，改12月15日開放。
波士頓市府的聖誕列車，今年跨入第28年，由美國銀行贊助，將於12月7日及8 日，帶著聖誕老人到16個地點拜訪民眾，舉行聖誕樹點燈儀式，為民眾帶來節慶氣氛。
聖誕列車拜訪華埠夏利臣街
(Harrison Ave.) 的時間排在12月8日的下午3點。
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活動現場將有由藍捷航空、H.P.
Hood，新英格蘭咖啡，Harry
Potter，展覽，以及舉起手杖(Raising
Cane)等提供的試吃、贈品及茶點。
晚上7點開始，WCVB 第5號頻道將直播由該頻道"編年史 (Chronicle)”節目主播Anthony
Everett 和Shayna
Seymour主持的現場表演。美國作者
( American
Authors)，以及出身自伯克利音樂學院的5x
白金唱片藝術家，2x葛萊美獎獲提名者將演唱”我一生中最好的日子(Best
Day of My Life)、“聖誕卡拉OK (Christmas
Karaoke)”等歌曲。在現場演唱者還將包括Halifax流行樂歌手Ria
Mae，麻州莎士比亞公司演唱聖誕頌歌(A
Christmas Carol)，民謠藝術家及提琴手Morgan
Toney表演米克馬克深情的旋律，還有波士頓的爵士樂及福音歌曲傳奇歌手，波士頓兒童合唱團等的表演。
波士頓市長吳弭當晚將親自出席，並點亮聖誕燈。查詢詳情可上網boston.gov/boston-common-tree-lighting。 (更新版)
聖誕列車開進社區的日期和時間為:
Enchanted Trolley Dates and locations
Saturday, December 7
11 a.m. - Hastings Lot, West Roxbury
12 p.m. - Wolcott Square, Readville
1 p.m. - Mattapan Square
2 p.m. - Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain
3 p.m. - J.P. Monument, Jamaica Plain
3:45 p.m. - Brigham Circle, Mission Hill
4:30 p.m. - Bolling Building, Roxbury
5:45 p.m. - Blackstone Square, South End
6:45 p.m. - Oak Square, Brighton
Sunday, December 8
12 p.m. - Codman Square, Dorchester
1 p.m. - Adams Corner, Dorchester
2 p.m. - M Street Park, South Boston
3 p.m. - Beach Street and Harrison Ave, Chinatown
4 p.m. - Paul Revere Mall, North End
5 p.m. - Winthrop Square (the Training Field),
Charlestown
6:15 p.m. - Maverick Square, East Boston
55th NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING TO BE OBSERVED IN PLYMOUTH, MA
AT 12 NOON ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024
United American Indians of New England (UAINE) has called for the 54th National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 12 o'clock noon. Participants will gather by the statue of Massasoit on Cole's Hill above the Plymouth waterfront.
Since 1970, hundreds of Native people and non-Native allies have gathered annually in Plymouth on U.S. Thanksgiving Day.
According to UAINE co-leader Kisha James, who is Aquinnah Wampanoag and Oglala Lakota and the granddaughter of Wamsutta Frank James, the founder of National Day of Mourning, “Native people have no reason to celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims. We want to educate people about the true origins of the first Thanksgiving, which were far bloodier than the ‘Pilgrims and Indians’ story in the Thanksgiving myth. The first official day of ‘thanksgiving’ was declared in Massachusetts in 1637 by Puritan Governor Winthrop to celebrate the massacre of over 700 Pequot men, women and children on the banks of the Mystic River in Connecticut. Wampanoag and other Indigenous people have certainly not lived happily ever after since the arrival of the Pilgrims. To us, Thanksgiving is a Day of Mourning, because we remember the millions of our ancestors who were murdered by the Pilgrims and subsequent generations of settlers. Today, we and many Indigenous people around the country say, ‘No Thanks, No Giving.’"
James explained that much of the day will also be devoted to speaking about contemporary issues. “More than 400 years after the arrival of the Mayflower, Indigenous people are still denied basic human rights and full control of their own homelands. Change is long past due. We are still facing many of the issues that our elders talked about in 1970 at the first National Day of Mourning. We call on non-Native people to listen to Indigenous voices, especially about how to address the climate crisis, and to join us in trying to stop the continued destruction of our homelands and waterways by greedy corporations. Native lands must be returned to our control in order to ensure a future for all of life on earth.”
UAINE co-leader Mahtowin Munro spoke about some of the current issues that affect Indigenous communities. “Participants in National Day of Mourning this year will speak about many things. We will mourn and honor the thousands of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit (#MMIWG2S) and other Indigenous Relatives. We will join the thousands demanding the identification and return of the remains of thousands of Indigenous children from the residential schools and boarding schools that were sponsored by Canada and the US in order to ‘kill the Indian’ in the children and destroy Indigenous communities. From Peru to British Columbia, from Boston to the Amazon, Indigenous peoples are defending their sovereignty, calling for land back, and insisting that nothing should happen on their lands without their freely given consent. Indigenous solidarity and resistance are international. We stand in solidarity with all the Indigenous nations opposing pipelines, mines and megadams. And I’m also sure that many of those in attendance will support the call of millions around the world to end the genocide in Gaza.”
North American Indian Center of Boston president Jean-Luc Pierite spoke on community and coalition building among the relocated and displaced Indigenous peoples within the context of American imperialism, “The history of urban Indian centers in the United States follows the legacy of termination by Congress and forced assimilation through relocation. Since 1969, Boston Indian Council and North American Indian Center of Boston foster space and time for Native organizing, cultural and social services, and Indigenous resistance through continued presence. Our membership has joined with United American Indians of New England since the first march. Today, the relocation to urban centers is not exclusive to federal Indian policy. We now see our relatives in all places touched by American imperialism. Regardless of whether we are Indigenous to Turtle Island or displaced from homelands by wars, climate change, and extractive economies, we will strive to foster community with all relations. Together, we know that now more than ever the world needs Indigenous peoples.”
Jay Teba, a representative of Albuquerque-based The Red Nation, said “National Day of Mourning is a counter-narrative that cuts through colonialism. It is sensible for the settler state to create the national holiday of so-called Thanksgiving because it is the white lie that blankets the genocide of Indigenous Peoples and perpetuates our erasure. In a world where the ruling class uses mainstream media narratives to perpetuate genocide without consequence and where education is cut to serve the idealogy of the settler state, our power is in our truth and presence. The Red Nation is traveling to so-called Massachusetts to witness the resistance of Wampanoag people and to stand hand in hand in solidarity. We wish to share this feeling with the world and make our way to amplify the truth that National Day of Mourning provides.”
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces over $600,000 in Grants to Support Greater Food Access in Massachusetts
Funding will expand urban farms, community gardens, and food infrastructure improvements across the state
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $600,000 in funding to support greater food access to residents in underserved Massachusetts communities by expanding urban farms, community gardens, and food business operations in the state. The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) is awarding grants through the Urban Agriculture Program and the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program to 16 organizations including urban farms and community gardens that will help strengthen the local food system and address food insecurity. The two programs are essential to increasing the production of locally grown food, expanding retail and distribution channels, and distributing healthy, nutritious, local food to underserved communities across Massachusetts.
“These two MDAR grant programs make our local food system more resilient by lessening our dependency on outside food production,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “More local food production in our urban neighborhoods will ensure that residents have greater access to fresh produce, improving their well-being. Providing resources to help food enterprises grow enhances their ability to feed their communities.”
The Urban Agriculture Program supports urban agriculture initiatives in cities of all sizes in Massachusetts. The grants will fund projects to urban farms and community gardens to increase their capacity for food production, allowing them to provide more fresh, healthy, local food to low- to-moderate income communities.
The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program helps increase food access by funding processing infrastructure, distribution channels, and retail outlet strategies at local food enterprises. Awardees will receive funds for capital expenditures ranging from specialized equipment needed to scale up food production to food packaging and commercial kitchen/incubator space. These projects will also foster job creation and expansion of food access and distribution in low- to moderate-income areas.
“Investing in urban agriculture and food ventures is not just about increasing food access; it’s about empowering
communities to build healthier, more resilient futures,” said Senator Robyn Kennedy (D - First Worcester). “These funds will help close the gap in food equity by supporting innovative solutions that bring fresh, local food to neighborhoods that need it most through programs at REC, SECMA, and Common Ground.”
“I’m thrilled to see Eastie Farm and other local organizations benefit from the incredible support of the Healey Administration and its commitment to strengthening our food systems,” said State Representative Adrian C. Madaro (D – East Boston). “These grants will support critical food access in communities across the Commonwealth and address food insecurity.”
The following are the Urban Agriculture Program grant recipients for 2025:
Organization Name | Project Type | Award |
REC | Purchase of farmland | $60,000 |
Codman Square NDC | Building of retaining walls on urban farm | $46,500 |
Eastie Farm | Build-out of mushroom production center | $40,011 |
We Grow Microgreens | Build-out of permanent farm stand | $39,500 |
Groundwork Southcoast | Raised beds, tools for community garden | $19,800 |
The Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts | Infrastructure for mushroom production | $11,472 |
Mill City Grows | Soil, fencing | $20,000 |
Trustees of Reservations | Irrigation, soil | $20,000 |
Groundwork Lawrence | Soil, tools | $12,923 |
City of Salem | Tools, equipment, and small greenhouse | $6,754 |
Mattapan Food & Fitness Coalition | Small greenhouses, food production equipment | $10,655 |
Worcester Common Ground | Building insulation and equipment | $12,382 |
The following are the Massachusetts Food Ventures Program grant recipients for 2025:
Organization Name | Project Type | Award |
Franklin County CDC | Blast freezer, equipment | $89,423 |
Boston Area Gleaners | Build out of loading dock | $125,000 |
Eastie Farm | Electric Vehicle | $42,000 |
Chatham Light Fisheries | Refrigerated delivery van | $56,015 |
Massachusetts Leads U.S. in Growth of Outdoor Recreation, Contributing Over $13 Billion to Massachusetts Economy
States Outdoor Recreation Economy Rose by 13.3% last year, providing over 103,600 jobs
BOSTON- New figures from the U.S. Department of
Commerce’s Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) emphasizes the significant
expansion of Massachusetts’ outdoor recreation economy. According to the BEA’s
Outdoor Recreation Satellite Account, the sector generated $13.2 billion in
value added to the state’s economy in 2023 and created 103,600 jobs.
Massachusetts has distinguished itself as a leader in outdoor recreation,
achieving a growth rate of 13.3 percent from 2022 to 2023, the highest among
all U.S. states. This growth marks a 73 percent increase since 2012.
“This incredible growth in our outdoor recreation economy
highlights our communities’ strong commitment to promoting outdoor activities,”
said Governor Maura Healey. “Massachusetts is leading the
charge nationwide, delivering substantial economic value and creating jobs that
grow our local economies.”
“Local communities are the backbone of our outdoor
recreation economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Their
passion for preserving our natural spaces and encouraging active lifestyles is
key to our success. We are proud to watch towns and cities across Massachusetts
transform into vibrant hubs of outdoor activity, while boosting jobs.”
“Since launching our Office of Outdoor Recreation, we have
made it our mission to ensure that the outdoors is accessible and inclusive to
everyone,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca
Tepper. “Our approach is fueling local economies and empowering
communities and organizations. This report demonstrates that we can drive
business growth and foster connections with our natural resources at the same
time.”
“Outdoor Recreation is a vital part of Massachusetts
economic future,” said MOOR Director Paul Jahnige. “This data
emphasizes the importance of outdoor recreation, not just for individuals, but
for our communities as a whole. Continuing to invest in the accessibility of
our outdoor spaces, is planting a seed for economic growth in our rural towns
and strengthening our states public health.”
"Massachusetts' outdoor recreation is a key component
of our tourism industry," said Executive Director at the
Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Kate Fox. "Our breathtaking
coastlines, lush forests, and vibrant parks draw visitors worldwide, boosting
local economies and creating unforgettable experiences. This data underscores
the importance of investing in our outdoor spaces for economic growth and is a
testament to Massachusetts' beauty and spirit."
Established in December 2022, MOOR collaborates with agencies and private partners to
promote outdoor activities across the state, including hunting, fishing,
horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Last
year, BEA reported that outdoor recreation contributed over $11 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs, and
boosting tourism.
“With over $1.2 trillion in economic output and
generating over 5 million jobs, this marks another year of growth for the
outdoor recreation economy, underscoring its resilience and importance across
the nation,” said Outdoor Recreation Roundtable (ORR) President Jessica
Turner. “The new BEA data highlights outdoor recreation as a
cornerstone of our economy, generating jobs, supporting small businesses, and
providing essential opportunities for Americans to engage with the outdoors for
health, connection, and quality of life. This new data should signal to
policymakers that investing in outdoor infrastructure and access must remain a
national, bipartisan priority."
Outdoor recreation continues to solidify its position as a
critical sector in the Massachusetts economy. BEA’s new report demonstrates the
outstanding growth of outdoor recreation over the last decade as residents have
flocked to the outdoors, seeking benefits to their health and wellbeing. The
positive economic impact of outdoor recreation highlights the industry’s value,
particularly for rural communities in Massachusetts- supporting job creation
and boosting tourism. Additionally, outdoor recreation infrastructure
investments in urban and rural communities and improvements to accessibility
build resilient and diversified economies, connect residents, and improve
public health. The industry’s contributions are essential to the economic
vitality and social health of Massachusetts’ towns and cities.
MAYOR WU TO HOST BOSTON COMMON TREE LIGHTING ON DECEMBER 5 “Every holiday season we celebrate a special tradition with our friends in Nova Scotia to commemorate the warm and meaningful connection between our two communities dating back more than a century,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I want to thank Hugh & Liz Ryan and Nova Scotia for donating this beautiful treasure that will shine brightly throughout the holiday season in Boston. The Boston Common Tree lighting brings our residents together through compassion and holiday cheer each winter, and we’re excited to continue the tradition.” WCVB Channel 5’s Chronicle co-anchors Anthony Everett and Shayna Seymour will host Channel 5’s live broadcast of the event beginning at 7:00 p.m. American Authors, 5x platinum recording artists, and 2x Grammy nominees who got their start in Boston at Berklee College of Music, will headline with hit songs like “Best Day of My Life” and “Christmas Karaoke”. This year’s entertainment includes Halifax pop singer-songwriter Ria Mae, songs from A Christmas Carol performed by the Commonwealth Shakespeare Company, the soulful melodies of Mi’kmaq folk artist and fiddler Morgan Toney, the legendary vocals of Boston-based jazz and gospel icon Renese King, a heartwarming performance by the Boston Children’s Chorus, and more. The official holiday season kick-off in Boston includes the lighting of the City of Boston's official Christmas tree with approximately 5,000 lights, and the lighting of more than 50,000 lights throughout the Boston Common and Public Garden. This year’s tree is a 48-year-old, 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Liz and Hugh Ryan of Mattie Settlement, Nova Scotia. The holiday lights throughout both parks will light up in sequence shortly before 8:00 p.m. when Mayor Wu is joined onstage by Santa Claus and Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer. The show will close with a pyrotechnic display by Pyrotecnico. The event is supported by title sponsor Province of Nova Scotia, presenting sponsor Amazon, signature sponsors JetBlue and Meet Boston, community sponsors Bank of America and Constellation, and media partners WCVB Channel 5 and The Boston Globe. A sampling village will feature giveaways and refreshments from JetBlue, H.P. Hood, New England Coffee, Harry Potter, The Exhibition, and Raising Cane’s while supplies last. Sponsors of the “Make the Common Glow for the Holidays” who make the lighting of the Common and Public Garden possible include The Lynch Family Foundation, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, the Friends of the Public Garden, and Gilbane Building Company. Immediately following the celebration on the Boston Common, the Friends of the Public Garden and the Committee to Light Commonwealth Avenue Mall will flip the switch to light up Commonwealth Avenue Mall in the Back Bay. This event marks the second year that the lights on Commonwealth Avenue Mall will extend all the way to Kenmore Square. Please call (617) 635-4505 or visit boston.gov/boston-common-tree- |
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Boston Athletic Association Update in Support of Clean Athletes
BOSTON – The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has elected to issue voluntary payments to athletes who were adversely affected by doping offenses at B.A.A. events.
“While the multi-step process to reclaim and redistribute prize money has been complex and time consuming for all involved, we have worked – and continue to work—diligently towards a resolution that supports clean athletes while still holding all athletes accountable,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the B.A.A. “Athletes will receive the prize money they rightfully earned at our races with these payments.”
The B.A.A. is identifying and contacting athletes whose results were re-ranked due to a disqualification within prize money placings since 1986, when prize money was first offered.
The B.A.A. is working to ensure voluntary payments are received by impacted athletes. For any athlete whose finishing place among the prize money positions was adversely affected by the ultimate disqualification of another athlete, the B.A.A. will issue a voluntary payment for the difference the athlete did not receive due to re-ranked results.
The B.A.A. continues to attempt to re-claim prize money that has been paid out in the past. The process of identifying all affected athletes has begun. Athletes can find additional information and apply for voluntary payments at baa.org/prize-money-voluntary-
“We are supporting athletes who competed in our events, and who believed they would be rewarded for their top finishing place,” said Fleming. “We are doing what we can to ensure fair competition among athletes, and we will always seek to play host to the fairest of playing fields at all of our events.”
Payments will commence in January 2025. Any athlete who believes they were adversely affected and who has not been contacted by the B.A.A. by the end of 2024 are encouraged to contact the B.A.A. at voluntarypayments@baa.org.
Top finishers at all B.A.A. events are tested in accordance with the guidelines set forth by World Athletics, USA Track and Field, the World Anti-Doping Agency, the United States Anti-Doping Agency, and the Athletes Integrity Unit.
If an athlete has ever been sanctioned for anti-doping offenses (before, during, or after the re-ranking of B.A.A. event results) then they are not eligible to receive any voluntary payment. If an athlete who is provided with a voluntary payment is later disqualified, the B.A.A. will seek to recoup the payment.
(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 11月26日遞出上任以來第50位法官提名，一旦州長委員會 (Governor’s Council) 確認，麻州眾議員 Jerald Parisella就可真除地方法院副法官。
奚莉州長表示，Jerald
Parisella擔任州議員，作為美國陸軍退伍軍人超過30年，是一位名符其實的公僕，知道為麻州人民服務的意義，相信他有這知識、熱情及經驗來做好地方法院的工作。麻州眾議會議長Ron
Mariano也說，Jerald Parisella對事物有深入了解，是眾議會的無價資產。
麻州副州長Kim
Driscoll也指出，Jerald Parisella在與人合作，致力使得麻州人民生活更好上，有跡可循。他們很感激他能持續展現領導力。
地方法院的刑事管轄權涵蓋所有可判處最高五年徒刑的重罪，以及許多其他可能受到更重處罰的特定重罪、所有輕罪以及所有違反城鎮法令和附則的行為。
在民事案件中，地方法院審理損害賠償金額不太可能超過
50,000 美元的案件，以及最高 7,000 美元的小額索賠案件。地方法院遍布全州
62 個法院。
奚莉州長迄今已提名了 12 名地方法院律師：Heath Antonio, Leo Fama, Francis V. Kenneally, Courtney C. Linnehan, Marjorie
P. Tynes, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Krippendorf, Frederick DeCubellis, Gregory Teran, Amanda Ward, Stuart Hurowitz and Polly Phillips等人。
麻州眾議員
Jerald Parisella從2011年起擔任Essex第6選區眾議員，起草過許多法案，包括體育博彩合法化，設立有利於退伍軍人的項目。他是麻州議會經濟發展及新興科技聯席會議的眾議會主席，也是Cherry
Tree Title and Law的律師，專注於住宅及商業房地產權轉讓，區域規劃和總體遺產規劃等業務。最近他從服務了29年的麻州國家陸軍衛隊退休，官至中校，是一位法官辯護及陸軍律師。2011年時，他因為在伊拉克戰爭服役獲得銅星獎。他畢業於愛默生學院新聞系，還是新英格蘭法律學院的法學博士
(J. D. )。
(Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 美國國會正在審議「生物安全法 (Biosecure Act)」，很可能大幅限制美國生命科學公司和中國生物科技共應商合作，即將就任的川普總統態度如何，備受人矚目。
「生物安全法」已於9月在眾議院中以306對81票通過了，但代表麻州，來自牛頓市的國會眾議員Jake Auchincloss，反對目前通過的這版本。
這法案將禁止拿取聯邦經費的美國公司和某些中國生物科技公司合作，包括一些著名大廠，生物研發製造商無錫藥明康德 (WuXi AppTec)，以及基因測試公司華大基因 (BGI)。此法一旦通過，許多波士頓地區的生命科學公司都將被迫轉換合約商。
支持此法的國會議員們認為必須這麼做，以保護國家安全，但有些麻州生物科技領袖則說，生物安全法將無可避免的延宕創新，因為要在美國找高品質，大規模的生物科技合約商很難。
眾議院版本的生物安全法給和那些和中國公司簽有合約的公司8年期限，轉換合作對象，不過這期限很可能會被縮短，美國的企業及病人將形成一定風險。
