台中市長盧秀燕訪美首站獲贈曼徹斯特市鑰 13日將拜會波士頓市長吳弭

新罕布夏州曼徹斯特市市長 Jay P. Ruais送市鑰給台中市市長盧秀燕。（台中市府提供）

         （Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導）台中市長盧秀燕率團訪問美國，3月12日抵波士頓，立即前往新罕布夏州拜會曼徹斯特（Manchester）姊妹市，意外獲贈鑲有她英文姓名的「市鑰」，為11天訪美行程，奠下「馬到功成」基礎。今（13）日一早，她將拜會波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）。

台中市長盧秀燕（前中）由波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏（前左四）陪同，拜會
曼徹斯特市市長Jay P. Ruais。（台中市府提供）

13日這天，盧秀燕等一行約15人的美國訪問團，將在紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，中華總會會長余麗媖，波士頓僑務委員陳仕維，波士頓華商會副會長陳文珊等人陪同下，先拜會波士頓市長吳弭，再參訪紐英崙中華公所，麻省理工學院，晚上預定在龍鳳酒樓和大約200僑胞餐敘。

盧秀燕從台中出發前就已宣佈，此行訪美，將在3月11日至21日的10天，走訪美國5州，9個城市，主要的三大任務為深化城市交流、關心僑胞，以及鞏固台美情誼，將探討「能源穩定」、「區域安全」與「全球貿易」等關鍵議題，了解美國觀點，既為台灣發聲，也為台灣帶回更精確的國際現況訊息。

此行，她還將和「北美台商會聯合總會」簽訂 MOU。

12日抵達波士頓後，盧秀燕和台中副市長黃國榮等人立即展開拜會行程，由駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，組長黃耀良陪同，前往新罕布夏州（ＮＨ），拜會已締交37年之久的姊妹市曼徹斯特（Manchester），和市長 Jay P. Ruais親切晤談，也晤見了該市經濟發展事務主任Jodie Nazaka和大曼徹斯特地區商會董事長兼執行Heather McGrail。

盧秀燕和Jay P. Ruais就針對居住正義、街友議題及犯罪防治等三大議題，交流經驗，談及如何平衡城市發展與市民的居住權益；如何有效整合資源來協助無家可歸者，以及城市層級的反毒政策與預防機制等議題，談得很是愉快。

盧秀燕特地介紹台中是風靡全球的珍珠奶茶發源地時，Jay P. Ruais回以曼徹斯特是美式炸雞柳發明地，讓一旁聽者無不莞爾。

盧秀燕表示，3年前，曼徹斯特前市長Joyce Craig曾親自造訪台中。這次她率團回訪，也當面邀請曼徹斯特現任市長Jay P. Ruais擇期訪問台中，促進雙方更進一步交流。

Jay P. Ruais市長隨後送給盧秀燕市長，烙印有她英文姓名的曼徹斯特「市鑰」做見面禮。盧秀燕也以台中特產回禮。

            根據台中市已公佈的訪問團行程，盧秀燕等一行人接下來將在3月14至16日訪問紐約，拜會當地中華公所，參訪交通建設及博物館，和大紐約僑界交流，還將參訪新澤西州的人工智慧創新中心NJ AI Hub及HELIX創新園區。3月17及18兩日到華府（DC）拜會馬里蘭州政府，和美國聯邦眾議員晤談，和北美台商聯合總會「三合一綠色通道」簽署合作備忘錄，也和僑界交流。3月19日將到華盛頓州拜會西雅圖市，探望姊妹市塔可瑪（Tacoma），然後搭機返台。

「大聲朗誦詩歌」賽Nia Cao贏得麻州冠軍 前五名有3華裔

2026 麻州“大聲朗誦詩歌”賽冠軍Nia Cao。 David Marshall攝

         （Boston Orange編譯）Dana Hall 學校11年級學生 Nia Cao（譯音，曹妮亞），3月8日贏得第21屆全美「大聲朗誦詩歌（Poetry Out Loud）」的麻州冠軍，將獲全額補助，參加4月27日至29日在華府舉行的總決賽，爭取總冠軍及獎金2萬元。

2026 麻州“大聲朗誦詩歌”賽前五名。David Marshall攝

「大聲朗誦詩歌」是國家藝術基金會（National Endowment for the Arts, NEA）主辦的全國性高中詩歌朗誦競賽，目的是讓學生透過記憶、朗誦經典與當代詩歌，提升公開演說能力、自信心，並加深對詩歌的欣賞與理解，這競賽從2005年開辦以來，已有超過450萬名高中生參加。全國總冠軍獎金最高可達 $20,000。

            麻州今年的「大聲朗誦詩歌」比賽，由亨廷頓教育局（The Huntington Education Department ）和麻州文化協會（ Mass Cultural Council ）合作舉辦，共有來自麻州各地高中的12名選手參加決賽，在波士頓市的舊南會議廳（Old South Meeting House）競比。Nia Cao以優異表現贏得冠軍，為她自己贏得200元獎金，4月底前往華府參加全國總決賽的全額補助，同時為學校圖書館贏得500元採購詩集基金。

            在麻州的「大聲朗誦詩歌」比賽中，獲得前5名的其他學生，依名次順序為，勒星頓（Lexington）高中11年級的Jason Yang，法蘭克林(Franklin)高中9年級的Marina Zaki，以及神秘谷（Mystic Valley）區域特許學校12年級的Iris Zhao，新人（Newman）學校12年級的Mia Brillantes。

            根據公開資料，亞裔或華裔在「大聲朗誦詩歌」中，一直表現極佳，2024年的冠軍，波士頓拉丁學校的Ailin Sha，從姓名看也是華裔。今年，2026年，不但冠軍Nia Cao是華人，前五名中，共有3人為華裔，讓人看到華裔/亞裔不是只有數理好的一面。

文協雲鶴社慶10週年 90餘人為豐富人生歡聚

文協雲鶴社新任社長楊哲修、吳萍萍夫婦。（雲鶴社提供，林遊嵐攝）

           (Boston Orange)大波士頓區中華文化協會（GBCCA）麾下的雲鶴社，3月11日中午在Natick 鎮Sora 壽司海鮮自助餐廳，慶祝成立10週年，來自四面八方的近90人歡聚一堂，享用美食，欣賞歌舞表演，既回顧過往，也展望將來。

龍俐麗回顧歷史。

          文協會長吳德惠這天應邀專程出席，為雲鶴社成員陳企平頒發文協的“社區服務獎”，表揚他利用專業知識，提升文協的寬頻網路（WIFI）系統，為文協設計了現代化的開門系統，這麼多年來一直無私奉獻的為社區提供許多服務。

大波士頓區中華文化協會（GBCCA）會長吳德惠出席頒發社區服務獎給陳企平。

         雲鶴社的首屆社長是龍俐麗。她在雲鶴社新任社長楊哲修、吳萍萍夫婦的介紹中，為出席眾人補習歷史，指出當年有一群剛退休的人覺得，GBCCA的很多活動，不大適合歲數已經不小的人，讓他們無法像年輕時那樣，有那麼多文協活動可以參加，有點遺憾。於是一群熱心的文協會員起而策劃，在文協體制內新增一個社團，並在2016年三月九日這天正式成立了，還推選她出來擔任第一屆社長。

龍俐麗說，10年下來，雲鶴社辦得越來越有聲有色，全靠歷屆幹部的努力付出，讓人十分感謝。

歷年來為文協雲鶴社付出許多心力的湯耀武、薛正璇夫婦，以及周一男，吳渝接著介紹雲鶴社曾經舉辦過的活動，例如紐約行、華府行，排舞班，每月專題討論餐會，自由談等。

薛正璇。

           他們指出，在2020-2024年 間，由於新冠病毒疫情的關係，排舞班，專題討論，自由談等活動，都轉以雲端聚會（ Zoom）方式舉行，疫情後才再改為一年實體聚會四次，，近年還新成立了健行組，設立了雲鶴聊天室Line群組，以及雲鶴社公告欄群組，加強會員間的溝通。

湯耀武。

雲鶴社新社長楊哲修和吳萍萍接著主持歌舞表演。節目包括張揚明高歌茶花女歌劇中的飲酒歌，女高音吳萍萍唱「我要為你歌唱」，楊哲修唱「卡拉永遠OK，3人的獨唱表演。

這天的特別節目是王樹臣教授演唱京劇「空城計」。

            雲鶴社10週年慶祝會最後在全體合唱「杜鵑花」與「Do-Re-Mi」這兩首大家熟悉的老歌，余嘯渝老師率排舞班學員表演西班牙舞、現代拉丁舞後，帶領全場出席者再跳了兩首排舞後，所有人才在滿心歡喜中盡興而歸。（更新版）

陳企平獲文協社區服務獎。

吳渝介紹雲鶴社活動。

周一男介紹雲鶴社活動。

余嘯渝率排舞班表演。

接待台。

趙小怡（左）和吳國志（右）。

龍麗俐（右起），陳玉瑛、譚先哲合唱。

李小玉夫婦（左）。

右起，胡世沛、吳渝、徐宗玲，姜銓等人同桌。

2

會場佈置得十分有氣氛。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES SUMMER SWIM SAFE GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

MAYOR MICHELLE WU  ANNOUNCES SUMMER SWIM SAFE GRANT APPLICATIONS ARE NOW OPEN

BOSTON - Thursday, March 12, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu and the Human Services Cabinet, in partnership with Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), today announced the opening of applications for the Swim Safe Boston Summer Grant. This grant will provide $150,000 to support organizations working to expand access to swim lessons during the summer months. The funding comes from the BCYF and Human Services FY26 Operating budget.  

 

“Learning to swim is a critical life skill that helps our young people safely enjoy Boston’s pools and beaches,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “With applications now open for the Swim Safe Boston Summer Grant, we’re expanding access to high-quality swim instruction and water safety education to keep our community safe. I encourage community organizations to apply and join this effort to support Boston’s youth.”

 

The Swim Safe Summer Grant is designed to reduce drowning risks and eliminate barriers that prevent children and families from learning critical water safety skills. Swim Safe Boston is a coordinated effort dedicated to expanding equitable access to high-quality swim instruction and drowning prevention education for Boston youth. 

 

“Our Swim Safe grants continue to strengthen Boston’s commitment to ensuring every child has access to this essential life skill,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “Our partners reflect our shared commitment to protect and empower our communities.”

 

By partnering directly with trusted community organizations, the program delivers structured beginner swim lessons to young people who may otherwise face barriers to access. Through these partnerships, participating organizations are able to provide their constituents with critical life-saving skills while strengthening youth development programming within their communities.

 

“We are proud to continue our investment in water equity with this latest round of grants,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. “By providing free and inclusive access to swimming, BCYF and our partners are removing barriers and ensuring that high-quality aquatics programming is available to every family in our city, regardless of their zip code.”

 

"For years, water access has been part of the Boston Explorers summer experience, but this year, thanks to the Swim Safe grant, we were able to take this a step further. In addition to offering beach and pool experiences throughout the summer, we integrated structured swim lessons that helped to develop swim skills and water safety awareness in partnership with the YMCA,” said Christine Dixon, Executive Director of Boston Explorers, Inc. “We saw some campers advance levels over the course of the summer, and even more powerful, we watched young people who once hesitated at the edge of the pool grow in confidence and joy. Swim Safe didn’t just support recreation - it helped equip our youth with life-saving skills and the foundation for a lifelong love of the water."

 

The grant period runs from June 1, 2026 through August 31, 2026, and all applications must be submitted by Monday, March 23, 2026 at 4:00 PM. Funding is available only for programs that provide free swim instruction to Boston youth. Other aquatics programming, including intermediate, advanced, or adult swim lessons are not eligible for funding under this grant.

 

ABOUT THE HUMAN SERVICES CABINET

The Human Services cabinet oversees six departments that provide direct services to Boston residents: Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Boston Public Library, Age Strong Commission, Office of Youth Engagement & Advancement, Office of Returning Citizens and the Office of Veterans’ Services. The mission of the Human Services cabinet is to provide equitable access to high quality services, resources, and opportunities so that every Boston resident - especially those with the greatest needs - has what they need to thrive. In pursuit of this mission, the departments in the Human Services Cabinet meet residents where they are - in their homes, neighborhoods, and communities - to break down barriers to critical resources.

波士頓市第二屆年度鴨子船挑戰賽訂4/11舉行

 （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓公園與娛樂部（Boston Parks & Recreation Department）將於4 月 11 日（週六），上午 11:00 至下午 3:00，在波士頓公園 (Boston Common)舉辦第二屆年度鴨子船挑戰賽（Second Annual Duck Boat Challenge）。

這是個由 10 人組成的小組競賽，挑戰在規定時間內拖動一輛重達 21,000 磅的波士頓鴨子船 (Boston Duck Tours)，為波士頓的免費青少年體育與健身計畫籌措資金。

凡是年滿16 歲及以上人士，均可報名參加，報名可上網boston.gov/duck-boat-challenge，截止日期為2026年 3 月 26 日。

 

Boston Parks & Recreation to host Second Annual Duck Boat Challenge on Boston Common 

BOSTON – March 12, 2026 – The Boston Parks and Recreation Department is thrilled to announce the second annual Duck Boat Challenge, set to take place on Saturday, April 11 at 11:00 a.m. on the Boston Common. This one-of-a-kind event, hosted in partnership with Boston Duck Tours, will challenge teams of 10 to race against the clock as they pull a 21,000-pound duck boat across a designated course on Boston Common—all in support of Boston’s free youth sports and fitness programs.

“The Duck Boat Challenge is a unique Boston way to bring our community together in support of young people,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We’re excited to bring it back for a second year and celebrate the teamwork and energy that make our city special. Thank you to our wonderful Parks and Recreation team and partners for continuing to create fun, family-friendly opportunities for residents.”

Teams of 10 participants ages 16 and up will compete to pull one of Boston’s iconic duck boats across the finish line in the fastest time. The event highlights the grit and team work of participants while showcasing the important role parks play as spaces for recreation, connection, and community pride. Boston Parks and Recreation’s free youth sports programs, including leagues, tournaments, and fitness initiatives, serve more than 20,000 young people annually, helping to foster healthy lifestyles and create positive opportunities for Boston’s youth.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the Duck Boat Challenge for a second year,” said Interim Boston Parks and Recreation Commissioner Cathy Baker-Eclipse. “It’s an unforgettable experience for participants and spectators and a great example of how our parks can host creative events that engage our community. This event also helps sustain the youth sports and recreation programming that takes place in our parks year-round, creating opportunities for Bostonians of all ages to stay healthy, active, and connected.” 

Award-winning WCVB Channel 5 sports reporter and producer Alexis Beckett will return to emcee the Challenge, bringing her enthusiasm to the day’s festivities. Residents are encouraged to form a team or join us on April 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.  to cheer on competitors and enjoy the excitement on Boston Common.

To register your team, select a Team Captain and visit boston.gov/duck-boat-challenge. The registration deadline is March 26, 2026 and teams are encouraged to sign up early to guarantee their spot. 

Businesses and organizations can also get involved by sponsoring the event. For more information or sponsorship inquiries, please contact Tiffany Clark at Tiffany.Clark@boston.gov or (617) 233-2305.

波士頓耆英局訂3/23-27舉辦省錢諮詢會

     （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市耆英服務局（Age Strong Commission）將於3月23日（週一）至3月27日（週五）上午10點至下午3點，在波士頓市政廳舉辦本季最後一場省錢諮詢會。 

    55歲及以上的波士頓居民可能有資格申請一些項目，以幫助他們降低日常開支，例如燃油補貼、房屋維修、水費/污水處理費折扣、房產稅減免、SNAP（補充營養援助計劃）、老年人稅收抵免等。 

    耆英局的志工將在現場幫助波士頓的老年人了解他們可能符合哪些省錢計畫的資格。

    如需預約現場諮詢，請致電耆英局：617-635-4366，或造訪bit.ly/senior-cost-saving-clinics以了解更多資訊。

Age Strong will be hosting its final Cost Savings Clinics of the season at Boston City Hall from Monday, March 23 through Friday, March 27, 10am to 3pm. Boston residents age 55+ may be eligible for programs that help lower everyday expenses like fuel assistance, home repair, water/sewer discounts, property tax relief, SNAP, Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit & more. Age Strong advocates will be on site to help Boston's older adults find out what programs they may qualify for to help them save money.

 

To make an in-person appointment, call Age Strong at 617-635-4366 or visit bit.ly/senior-cost-saving-clinics for more information. 

Governor Healey, 18 Other Governors Urge Congress to Block President Trump’s Illegal, Costly Tariffs

Governor Healey, 18 Other Governors Urge Congress to Block President Trump’s Illegal, Costly Tariffs 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey joined Colorado Governor Jared Polis, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Delaware Governor Matt Meyer, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, Maine Governor Janet Mills, Maryland Governor Wes Moore, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill, New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, North Carolina Governor Josh Stein, Oregon Governor Tina Kotek, Rhode Island Governor Dan Mckee, Washington Governor Bob Ferguson and Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers in a letter to Congressional leadership urging them to reject any efforts to codify President Trump's costly and illegal tariffs. The Governors are instead calling on Congress to act to rein in the President’s power to single-handedly enact tariffs, which are increasing costs for farmers, manufacturers, small business owners and families across the country. 

The Governors write, in part:  

“Since the imposition of broad tariffs under the claimed authority of [the International Emergency Economic Powers Act], our states have seen the consequences ripple through every sector of our economy. Families and consumers are paying dramatically more for everyday goods, with independent economic analyses estimating that these tariffs have cost the average American family hundreds to over a thousand dollars per year in higher prices. Those dollars represent real sacrifices, such as fewer groceries, deferred medical care, and reduced savings. By late 2025, two-thirds of Americans had expressed concern about the impact of these tariffs on their finances.” 

Yesterday, Governor Healey sent a letter to Treasury Secretary Bessent demanding a $1,745 refund to every Massachusetts household for the financial harm caused by President Trump’s illegal tariffs. Even after the Supreme Court deemed them illegal, the President doubled down and proposed a new 10 percent tariff on global imports. 

Since the tariffs were announced, Governor Healey has spoken out against them. In an effort to curb the impact in Massachusetts, her administration launched the Massachusetts Tariff Response and Business Operations Support Initiative to align state resources to aid Massachusetts businesses, convened Massachusetts business leaders to discuss how tariffs were impacting them, and invited six Northeastern Governors and six Canadian Premiers to the State House to discuss regional collaboration.  

The full letter can be read here. 

Governor Healey Nominates Judges to Serve on Juvenile Court and Boston Municipal Court

 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:    

March 11, 2026 

  

CONTACT:   

Jacqueline Manning, jacqui.manning@mass.gov, 617-823-8307 

 

 

Governor Healey Nominates Judges to Serve on Juvenile Court and Boston Municipal Court 

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey nominated Michelle Licciardi to serve as an Associate Justice of the Boston Municipal Court and Kristin Michaud to serve as an Associate Justice of the Juvenile Court. Both nominees will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

  

“I am proud to nominate Michelle and Kristin to serve as Associate Justices. With decades of legal experience, they bring the knowledge, judgment and steady temperament that our judicial system depends on," said Governor Maura Healey. "I am confident they will approach the bench with integrity and care, and that they will work every day to ensure that justice is administered thoughtfully and fairly for everyone who comes before them." 

  

“I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council to advance these nominees and help ensure that our residents continue to have thoughtful, fair, and highly qualified judges serving on our courts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 

The mission of the Juvenile Court is to protect children from abuse and neglect, to promote opportunities for children to reside in safe, stable, permanent family environments, to strengthen families, to rehabilitate juveniles, and to protect the public from delinquent and criminal behavior. The Juvenile Court Department has jurisdiction over civil and criminal matters including delinquencies, youthful offender cases, care and protection matters and children requiring assistance cases. It has 42 judges, including the Chief Justice, sitting in over 40 courthouses. For more information about the Juvenile Court, visit its homepage. Governor Healey has previously nominated 13 judges to the Juvenile Court: Jamie Bennett, Jennifer Currie, Andrew Don, Tiffanie Ellis-Niles, Mary Gallant-Cote, Nibal Raheb, Andrew Hoffman, Audrey Murillo, Jeannie Rhinehart, Benjamin Mann, LaKeshia Parker Small, Fabiola White and Karin Wilinski.  

The Boston Municipal Court Department serves the City of Boston and the Town of Winthrop, handling both criminal and civil matters while maintaining a commitment to the rule of law, and protecting human dignity through respect, compassion, correction, and the fair resolution of cases. The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges in 8 court divisions. For more information about the Boston Municipal Court, visit its homepage. Governor Healey has previously nominated six judges to the Boston Municipal Court: Rebeca G. Figueroa, Vanessa Vélez, Steven S. Kim, Connor Barusch, Nicholas Brandt, and Dana Pierce. 

About the Nominees: 

Michelle Licciardi is an experienced trial lawyer who has practiced law in the Commonwealth for over 27 years. For the past 22 years she has run a solo practice focused on criminal defense and a wide array of civil litigation matters. Since 2004, she has also served as a Bar Advocate representing indigent clients in criminal matters in the Juvenile, District, Boston Municipal, Superior, and Appeals Courts. From 2001-2003, she served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, where she represented the Commonwealth at all stages of criminal prosecution in the District Court. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Suffolk University and a Juris Doctor from Suffolk University Law School. 

Kristin Michaud has served as an Assistant Clerk Magistrate at the Somerville District Court since July 2021. In this role she conducts probable cause hearings, reviews and issues arrest and search warrants, and presides over small claims, civil motor vehicle infractions, and municipal ordinance matters. She also serves as Chair of the Somerville District Court Education Committee. From 2009-2021, Attorney Michaud was a private attorney and mentor on the Children and Family Law Panel, representing children and parents in care and protection, children requiring assistance, and guardianship proceedings in the Juvenile and Probate and Family Courts, and serving as a Guardian ad Litem in Juvenile Court proceedings. From 2006-2009, Attorney Michaud served as an Assistant District Attorney in the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office where she prosecuted a wide range of cases in the District and Juvenile Courts. Prior to earning her law degree, she served for four years as a Victim Witness Advocate at the Middlesex District Attorney’s Office, where she assisted victims and witnesses in navigating the complexities of the court system. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from Fairfield University and Juris Doctor from Northeastern University School of Law.