Governor Healey Announces $25,000 in Interest-Free Downpayment Assistance Now Available for More First-Time Homebuyers

Governor Healey Announces $25,000 in Interest-Free Downpayment Assistance Now Available for More First-Time Homebuyers   

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey and MassHousing announced that starting this week, more Massachusetts residents are now eligible for $25,000 in interest-free downpayment and homebuyer assistance to help them afford to buy their first home. Earlier this year, Governor Healey announced a $25 million investment to expand MassHousing’s homebuyer assistance program so that more people than ever before can lower their upfront costs and afford to become homeowners. 

“We are focused every day on lowering the cost of housing for people,” said Governor Healey. “This program lowers families’ upfront costs and their monthly payments so that more people can afford to buy a home and build their future right here in Massachusetts. Today, we’re bringing this assistance to a wider cross-section of the middle class who are being priced out of homeownership right now. We encourage any eligible first-time homebuyers to apply for this expanded assistance, and we’re going to keep using every tool at our disposal to lower costs for everyone.” 

“Making homeownership more affordable takes action on multiple fronts, and that is exactly what we are doing,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By expanding homebuyer assistance and supporting other tools that lower costs, we are helping more working families and middle-class residents take the first step toward buying a home of their own.” 

This program provides eligible buyers with up to $25,000 at 0 percent interest with deferred repayment terms to help cover a down payment, closing costs, prepaid mortgage insurance or reduce their interest rate. The program is available to first-time homebuyers who lock in their MassHousing mortgage between April 27 and July 31, 2026 and earn up to 135 percent of area median income, which includes many middle-class borrowers across the state. This assistance is available to people earning up to 135% of area median income – ranging from $205,335 in eastern Massachusetts, to $165,645 in Worcester County, to $137,565 in the Berkshires and $129,870 in Hampden County.   

Interested homebuyers can visit masshousing.com to learn more about eligibility criteria and application instructions. 

“For many families, the biggest obstacle to buying a first home is saving enough for a down payment,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “This expansion will help more Massachusetts residents become homeowners by tackling that barrier head-on.” 

“MassHousing is committed to expanding sustainable homeownership opportunities across Massachusetts and ensuring that homebuying opportunities remain within reach for working families,” said MassHousing CEO Chrystal Kornegay. “Homebuyer assistance, including down payment assistance, is critical to removing barriers to homeownership and ensuring that first-time homebuyers are positioned for long-term success. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s investment in Massachusetts families will deepen the impact of MassHousing’s homebuyer assistance program and accelerate the path to homeownership for middle-income families.” 

“We see owning our home like an investment for the future. We hope to grow our family and now we have something for us,” said Ilse Bellido, who with her fiancé, used MassHousing financing with down payment assistance to purchase their home in Lowell. “When I first walked into my house, honestly, it’s so beautiful, it’s new, and it’s mine.” 

MassHousing already offers up to $25,000 in down payment and homebuyer assistance loans to moderate- and middle-income households purchasing a first home in any Massachusetts community. Prior to the Governor's investment, this assistance was offered in the form of a 15-year second mortgage with interest rates ranging from 2 to 3 percent, depending on household income. With the new funding, that assistance is now available at 0 percent interest with deferred repayment, significantly lowering upfront costs for buyers.  

Since the beginning of 2023, MassHousing has delivered more than $1.9 billion in mortgage financing, helping over 5,900 households become homeowners. During that time, the agency has issued 4,757 down payment assistance loans, with four out of five mortgages supported by this tool. Over the past 18 months, nearly all first-time homebuyers using MassHousing have relied on down payment assistance to purchase a home. 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also advancing the Massachusetts Homeownership Tax Credit (HTC), created under the Affordable Homes Act and administered by MassHousing, to increase homeownership opportunities for moderate-income households through the development of new homeownership units. The HTC provides up to $10 million a year for five years through calendar year 2029 to support the production of new homeownership units. It is the first program of its kind in Massachusetts and one of only three programs nationally to use state tax credits to support homeownership production.  

These initiatives complement existing programs that help expand access to homeownership through Massachusetts Housing Partnership’s (MHP) homeownership programs, including ONE Mortgage, ONE+ and ONE+Boston, which help eligible first-time buyers lower borrowing costs and access financial assistance. Since 1991, MHP has provided over $5.3 billion in below-market bank financing and made it possible for more than 26,000 low- and moderate-income families in Massachusetts to purchase their first home. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE THE GROUNDBREAKING OF THE SECOND BUILDING OF BUNKER HILL HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE THE GROUNDBREAKING OF THE SECOND BUILDING OF BUNKER HILL HOUSING REDEVELOPMENT  

The building is a part of the first phase of a large-scale master plan that will redevelop the entire Bunker Hill public housing community over the next decade, creating a total of 2,699 units of housing

BOSTON – Tuesday, April 28, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined the Charlestown Resident Alliance, the Boston Housing Authority (BHA), Leggat McCall Properties, and Joseph J. Corcoran Company to celebrate the start of construction of the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment’s second new apartment building (Building F). The building is a 9-story, 266-unit mixed-income building of 208 market-rate and 58 deeply affordable units located in Boston’s historic Charlestown neighborhood.

The building is a part of the first phase of a large-scale master plan to redevelop the entire Bunker Hill public housing community over the next decade, creating a total of 2,699 units of housing and replacing every existing public housing unit with a deeply-affordable replacement unit while also adding new market-rate homes to the Charlestown neighborhood. In addition to the sponsorship of Leggat McCall Properties and Joseph J. Corcoran Company, the capital required is being provided through the City of Boston’s Housing Accelerator Fund (equity), with a construction loan (debt) from the Cottonwood Group.  

“We’re thrilled to use the Housing Accelerator Fund, Boston’s first ever municipal revolving loan fund for housing production, to jumpstart 266 new homes,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we work to tackle the housing crisis and strengthen communities, this City-backed partnership to build a mixed-income housing development with majority public ownership will reshape what’s possible in Boston and beyond.”

 

The Housing Accelerator Fund, created by Mayor Wu is a revolving fund administered by the Boston Housing Authority that will invest in mixed-income housing development by both public and private entities, a pioneering model to address the Commonwealth’s housing crisis. Accelerator equity accepts a below-market return in order to complete financing in today’s difficult capital market environment, but the financial returns on these investments will ultimately revolve back to the fund, thereby allowing the Boston Housing Authority to invest those returns into further future housing development, including deeply affordable replacement units for public housing. 

 

“Housing is essential for our communities. This project proves that the public can take a bold, creative approach to get this essential public good built even under today’s challenging private market conditions,” said Kenzie Bok, Administrator and CEO of the Boston Housing Authority. “Today we’re celebrating breaking ground on a building which will not only provide 266 new homes, 58 of them for our public housing families, but will allow us to re-invest in future homes across the city for years to come. The BHA is grateful to the City, our private partners at Leggat McCall, Corcoran, and Cottonwood, the resident leadership of the Charlestown Resident Alliance, our labor partners at the Trades and the Carpenters, and so many other supporters for launching a new approach to building homes in Boston.”

“Ingenuity will continue to drive our development approach as we question and redefine conventional design, construction, and financing methodologies,” said Adelaide Grady, Executive Director of the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment and Senior Vice President & Partner, Leggat McCall Properties. “This mindset has enabled us to successfully leverage mass timber in our first building to improve the quality and speed of design and construction, while reducing life cycle emissions.”

“Innovative financial structuring is core to how we operate. When the opportunity arose to partner with the City of Boston on a new approach to affordable housing through our Labor & Housing Initiative, we did not hesitate to step in with impact-driven capital that also supports 100 percent union labor and prevailing wage practices,” said Alexander Shing, CEO of Cottonwood Group. “This public-private partnership is a strong example of what is possible when municipal, financial and development partners align to deliver meaningful community impact while upholding high labor standards.”

Utilizing an innovative construction approach of MassTimber/Cross-Laminated Timber (CLT) and pre-fabricated interior and exterior wall systems, the new Passive-House certified $176.2 million building will be constructed in 18 months. The first phase, including the completed first building of the redevelopment project, the “Stellata”, was enabled by a $30M infrastructure grant from the City. The “Stellata”, an all-affordable building, delivered 102-units in six-stories in January 2025 and is now fully occupied.

“I am thrilled to celebrate the groundbreaking of the second building in the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment in Charlestown. This is a momentous milestone for Boston, helping ensure residents have access to safe, dignified, and affordable housing while expanding our city’s housing stock,” said City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata. “I want to thank BHA residents and the Charlestown Resident Alliance, whose years of advocacy have been instrumental in moving this project forward. Thank you to Mayor Wu for her leadership and commitment to this critical investment.”

“I’m happy to be here today as we break ground on this historic second phase of the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment,” said State Representative Daniel Ryan. “This state of the art building will continue our neighborhood vision of providing modern mixed income living space on public lands. While the world is scratching their heads trying to address the high costs of living, here in Charlestown, we are working together to innovate and create new opportunities to address the national housing crisis for our current resident and this future resident who choose to make our neighborhood their home. Thank you to Mayor Wu, The BHA and Resident Alliance as well as The Corcoran Company and Leggat-McCall for your vision and perseverance.”

"It is great to see the groundbreaking for this second Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment building that will create beautiful homes for hundreds of families looking for affordable and market rate housing," said State Senator Sal DiDomenico. "I am proud to support this transformative development that will preserve existing public housing, create mixed income housing, and build a new community of people who will get to enjoy our vibrant neighborhoods together."

 

The public housing tenant organization, the Charlestown Resident Alliance (CRA), has been at the center of planning and implementation for this project over the course of the last decade, with the CRA, BHA, and Leggat McCall sharing decision-making authority in a contractual “tri-party” arrangement. 

 

“We are excited to see this reimagined community moving forward for all our Bunker Hill residents,” said Karla Wert, President of the Charlestown Resident Alliance. “New homes will bring a fresh start and outlook to many families and benefit Charlestown for generations to come.”

Over the course of the project, the redevelopment is expected to create approximately 1,785 jobs, including 185 permanent retail and property management jobs. The tri-party team, in partnership with YouthBuild Boston, will continue a paid summer internship program for high school students to explore careers in real estate, architecture, and construction. The project will also continue to support Building Pathways, a longstanding pre-apprenticeship partnership of the BHA with the Boston Building Trades.

 

Site preparation has been ongoing with foundation completion and vertical construction to move quickly in the coming weeks. Leggat McCall Properties will lead permitting and oversight of the construction effort with Suffolk Construction of Boston serving as general contractor and Stantec as architect of the project. The construction will also proceed under a Project Labor Agreement in partnership with the North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and the Boston Metro Building Trades Council, with significant goals for participation from low-income residents and Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs).

About the Boston Housing Authority

Boston Housing Authority provides quality affordable housing for low-income families and individuals through the public housing and Section 8 rental assistance programs. BHA fosters vital communities that are essential to Boston’s economic diversity and way of life. As the largest housing provider in Boston, BHA brings stability, opportunity, and peace of mind not only to the thousands of low-income families it supports, but to the city as a whole. Learn more at www.bostonhousing.org.

 

About the Bunker Hill Housing Redevelopment Project

Built in 1940 as federal public housing, the Bunker Hill redevelopment project brings new investment and revitalization to the community. Through a public-private partnership between the Boston Housing Authority, Leggat McCall Properties, Joseph J. Corcoran Company, and Declaration Partners, over the next decade the existing 42 buildings will be replaced with 15 new residential buildings, retail and community space, as well as green spaces and connections to the surrounding community. All 1,110 existing public housing units will be replaced with deeply affordable units, with 1,010 units built onsite and 100 to be built offsite in Charlestown in partnership with BHA and the City of Boston. All Charlestown families who are relocated will have the right to return to a new affordable unit on site. The redevelopment of the Bunker Hill public housing community is the result of a resident-driven process over the course of the last ten years.

新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會與北美台商攜手辦就業博覽會 1700個職位造福300求職者

主辦單位及嘉賓和出席者合影。（周菊子攝）

           (Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導)新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會（TCCNE）與北美洲台灣商會聯合總會合作，4月26日在麻省理工學院（MIT）Stata Center舉辦「2026台商就業博覽會與職涯創新論壇」，邀得廣達、緯創、英業達、鴻海等至少4家大企業出席，拋出1700個職位機會。

主辦單位及嘉賓合影。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會會長賴怡音表示，這場論壇不僅是資訊分享會，更是把人脈聯繫轉化為實質機會的平台。該會在北美洲台灣商會聯合總會(TCCNA)的協助下，邀得鴻海（Foxconn）、緯創(Wistron)、英業達(Inventec)、廣達（Quanta）等在AI、先進製造與創新上都走在業界前端的企業到現場，為求職者提供了十分難得的機會。

右起，李典璋，蔡明機，蔣宗壬，史美芳，張富傑，歐陽露，
高家富，廖朝宏，賴怡音，蔣序龍，邱萬鈞，蔣序龍夫人，林晏平。（周菊子攝）

賴怡音強調，TCCNE的使命就是要建3座橋樑，連接台灣與美國的台美之強，結合產業需求與人才的產才之橋，以及連結今日抱負與明日成功的時空之橋。

北美洲台灣商會聯合總會是在蔣序龍推動下，成立了北美學人與台商資源媒合工作委員會，從去年迄今，在洛杉磯、達拉斯、亞特蘭大和波士頓，共舉辦了4場台商就業博覽會。擔任主任委員，創辦Beet的蔣序龍指出，這活動既因應了台商為滿足客戶要求來美設廠而產生的人才需求，也為來自台灣學子拓展就業機會，擴大了台灣在美影響力。

新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會顧問蔡明機（左起），會長賴怡音，
副會長彭聲翔。（周菊子攝）

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏應邀為大會致詞。他指出，由於台商的世界級技術及專業，不僅台美雙邊貿易額去年創歷史新高，台灣也持續被帶上世界舞台。相信座中年輕人，無論將來會到亞利桑那州或德州發展，終有一天會把各人的全球經驗帶回台灣，為台灣先開新篇章。

4家企業代表也在大會開幕式中ㄧ一介紹各自的公司。

北美台商的北美學人與台商資源媒合工作委員會主任委員蔣序龍
指出，台灣廠商近年因應客戶要求，紛紛來美設立分支機構。（周菊子攝）

廣達（Quanta）電腦工程服務主任鍾啟豪說明，該公司在美國設廠已有幾十年，目前的核心業務是Ai伺服器，人才需求也主要在這一領域，目前在美國田納西州廠區和加州Fremon5廠區，依序個有4000及3000員工，這次招聘職位依序多達800及400。

英業達（Inventec）IUE CPU營運部工廠主任說明，該公司成立於1975年，目前在德州休士頓的廠房約45萬平方英尺，有90到100個人才缺口，預定在未來3年內招滿400人。由於公司正致力AI化管理。若人才符合要求，就算沒有經驗，公司也會提供3到6個月的培訓。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏讚許台商貢獻。（周菊子攝）

緯創（Wistron）SMS資訊企業執行總監黃國泰說明，緯創是財星500強企業，全世界有25個據點，約5萬名員工，在美國提供服務已有30多年歷史，全美約有1500名員工，但今年因應客戶要求，還是首度在美開廠，設址德州Fort Worth，共有2棟廠房，第一棟已經完工，正在試產，預計下個月開始正式量產。目前全美約有1500名員工，主要在德州的職缺人數約為100，重點對象是工程師。

華經會主席蔣宗壬分享在美發展經驗。（周菊子攝）

鴻海集團下富士康威斯康辛州的IT助理主任蔡沅真和助理工程經理宋超輝說明，當地現有員工約2000人，IT部門的開發，網路，系統管理，項目管理等單位要招聘10到20人，工程團隊要招聘20到30人。今年該廠正在做歷來規模最大擴張，估計到2028年時，需要增加200到300人。他們心目中的理想人選是有經驗，應聘後可以馬上工作，是否名校畢業反而不重要。

廣達電腦工程服務主任鍾啟豪（右起），加州主任林石貴和人才專員
Jack Mali在波士頓為廣達招才。（周菊子攝）

當天的開幕大會由麻州檢察長辦公室兒童正義組助理檢察長張富傑主持，波士頓華人經濟發展協會會長蔣宗壬應邀做嘉賓講者，合作單位的台美菁英會波士頓分會會長林文鴻，新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會會長李典璋各組織了1場分論壇，邀請講者分享在人工智慧軟體業打造公安未來，生技業的職業發展，建立人脈，美國移民簽證3步驟，AI供應鏈的地緣經濟風險，在美國做為獨立顧問的發展之路等方面的經驗。

TCCNE會長賴怡音（左起）歡迎英業達德州katy的Plant Director潘耀宗，
全球營運中心處長蔡任遠，人事部資深經理陳志勇到博覽會設攤位。（周菊子攝）

FTSANE的分論壇，有CSI科技集團企業計劃管理辦公室（EPMO）主任張苑芯（Verola Chang）談「利用AI與智慧軟體建構公共安全的未來」，居里生物（Curie Bio）蛋白質科學及結構生物學資深副總裁Xin Huang談「生物科技業職業發展」，行政主管教練Erica Mattison談「自信的對話：為有意義的聯繫做準備」，TLA律師事務所創辦人林志濤談「美國簽證及移民，OPT，Ｈ1B 和綠卡」的三步過程」。

緯創資通SMS美國服務事業總經理黃國泰（右二）和陳陽振（右一）等同仁
參加TCCNE的就業博覽會。（周菊子攝）

TAP的分論壇，有東北大學金融教授邱萬鈞談「地緣經濟風險及ＡI供應鏈」，Westin Copley和W Boston 大樓總經理暨波士頓旅遊目的地市場行銷區主席Gurki Singh和富達（Fidelity）投資和道富集團（State Street）前主任暨台美菁英會波士頓分會會長林文鴻談談「身為移民在美國企業界闖蕩」，世界金融集團資深市場主任陳愛蓮、波士頓經紀房地產創辦經濟Andrew Lin和主街家庭貸款公司經濟邱明慧做第2場的「身為移民在美國企業界闖蕩」分享。MAGN 7創辦人及投資長李嘉展談「台裔創業者之路」。

富士康威斯康辛廠有工程助理經理宋超輝（右起），王瑛，IT助理主任蔡沅真，
以及Mckenzie Daoyns，Matt Haye等5人到會。（周菊子攝）

TCCNE會長賴怡音會後表示，這次的就業博覽會，造福了大約300名出席求職者，廠商們對招聘結果也很滿意，大讚參加這次活動的人才水平很高，甚至有廠商趕著發出招聘邀請，怕動作一慢，人才就被搶走了，讓人感到十分欣慰。她希望將來能夠持續為大波士頓來自台灣的學子們，提供更多機會。

新澤西州的CSI科技公司派出EPMO主任張苑芯等人來波士頓招才。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭台學聯有，左起，王昱文，李佳曄，張芷瑜，邱愷雯，粘宇和，李典璋，
和余心樂農場創辦人郭延鐸等人支援就業博覽會。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭大波士頓台商會副會長彭聲翔（右二）和歐怡君（前坐者）
為到場者辦理報到。（周菊子攝）

現場攤位。（周菊子攝）

TCCNE會場賴怡音（左）感謝台美菁英會波士頓分會會長林文鴻（右）
成辦一場分論壇。（周菊子攝）

擅長主管人員培訓的Erica Mattion （左）應邀出席。（周菊子攝）

Vineyard Wind Contracts Lower Electricity Prices for Massachusetts Customers

Vineyard Wind Contracts Lower Electricity Prices for Massachusetts Customers 

With the Activation of the Vineyard Wind Contracts, Nation’s First Utility-Scale Project will Save Massachusetts Customers $1.4 Billion 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today is announcing the activation of the Vineyard Wind contracts, which ensure stable, affordable prices for 20 years and save Massachusetts customers a projected $1.4 billion on electricity bills over the next 20 years. 

 

“Vineyard Wind is a key part of our all-of-the-above strategy to lowering energy prices,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Throughout one of the coldest winters in recent history, Vineyard Wind turbines powered our homes and businesses at a low price and now that price goes even lower with the activation of these contracts. Especially as President Trump is taking energy sources off the table and increasing prices with his war in Iran, we should be leaning into more American-made wind power to lower costs, create jobs, and make our country more energy independent. Massachusetts is uniquely positioned to lead on this and deliver major savings to our residents.” 

 

“Offshore wind is a homegrown Massachusetts industry, and we’re going to keep supporting these important projects,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Vineyard Wind shows us what’s possible: lower prices, more jobs, and reliable power when we need it the most.” 

 

This past winter, Vineyard Wind lowered electricity prices by competing in wholesale electricity markets, consistently offering lower prices than other sources of electricity. Today’s activation of the utilities’ contracts on behalf of Massachusetts customers further lowers the price of electricity generated by Vineyard Wind. These contracts are expected to provide customers in Massachusetts an average of 1.4 cents/kWh in direct bill savings – at a price that’s less than half of peak pricing we saw this winter. The project has created nearly 4,000 jobs, and delivered $1.94 billion in total economic output. It will reduce carbon emissions by more than 1.6 million metric tons per year, the equivalent of taking 325,000 cars off the road annually or burning more than 3.7 million barrels of oil. 

 

“The activation of the Vineyard Wind contract is an important milestone on the road to lower energy prices and a strong offshore wind industry,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Today also demonstrates the value of these long-term contracts, which are carefully vetted to maximize customer savings, bring on the supply we need, and get projects off the ground. I appreciate the support of the Legislature for the long-term vision for an offshore wind industry we are now seeing in action.” 

 

“This is a historic day in Massachusetts’ energy journey,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “This plentiful resource right off our coast provides residents and businesses with clean, low-cost electricity that is essential to meet our growing demand. During this past winter’s extreme cold, we also saw how the project provided needed power reliability for Massachusetts and New England.” 

 

Offshore wind is a critical energy resource in the Northeast and is uniquely positioned to meet the New England region’s winter peak demand for electricity. Offshore wind has its highest output in the coldest winter months when the New England grid is most constrained. A recent report from Acadia Center found that, during the week-long deep freeze earlier this year, wind generation peaked, hitting near-record performance levels. The report explained that offshore wind would have saved New England ratepayers at least $400 million in utility bill costs during the winter of 2024/2025, lowering energy market prices by 11% and insulating ratepayers from expensive, volatile natural gas markets. 

 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to work on many fronts to bring more energy into Massachusetts to lower energy bills and meet the rising demand for electricity. Last month, the Governor issued an executive order to add 10 gigawatts of new energy resources by 2035, which will lead to an estimated savings of $10 billion for Massachusetts residents and businesses. Governor Healey filed the Energy Affordability, Independence, and Innovation Act to lower energy bills and bring more supply into Massachusetts, including enhanced state energy procurement authority, which could help support more cost-effective projects like Vineyard Wind. She also took $180 million off people’s gas and electric bills this winter, bringing the total savings to $300 million over two years. 

 

Vineyard Wind is an 806-megawatt project located 14 miles off the coast of Massachusetts. It has been producing power since January 2024. The project began construction in late 2022. Massachusetts was the first state in the country to move forward on a utility-scale offshore wind project. 

第35屆全美加青少年國畫書法比賽 5/1-31收件

往年參賽作品。（中華表演藝術基金會提供）

(Boston Orange)中華表演藝術基金會第35屆 (2026) 全美加青少年國畫書法比賽，依年齡分4個組別，訂5月1日起收件，5月31日截止 。凡是居住在美國和加拿大的 22歲及以下學生，不限國籍，均可參加。

中華表演藝術基金會提高海外華裔青少年學習中國傳統文化的興趣，鼓勵青年學習傳統中國國畫書法，將之培養成終身愛好，費心舉辦國畫書法比賽，迄今己連續34年，2023 年起，才轉為在線上舉辦。

過去這些年來，有為數不少學生在申請大學時，用參加這比賽的成績，作為申請材料中的才藝資料，頗受重視。

比賽的4個年齡組別分別為，9 歲及以下、10 至 13 歲、14至 17 歲、18 至 22 歲。有意參賽者，每人可提交2幅國畫或書法作品，或兩者皆可，最多4幅。不論提交作品數量，報名參賽費用每人10元。

比賽結果將於2026 年 6 月 25 日，獎金可高達250美元。

今年（2026）的比賽，已訂邀請蔣宗壬博士，朱蓉博士，杜瑋醫生，林浩宗，劉曉勇和馬清雄等藝文界書畫專家擔任評委。

             比賽簡章，報名表，以及1999 - 2025年間的入選優秀作品，可在網上看到﹕
https://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/competition/painting/2026/index.html。        

May 1st, start accepting entries to the 35th Annual (2026) All-American and Canada Chinese Brush Painting and Calligraphy Competition. All students in US and Canada, regardless of nationalities, up to 22yr as of May 31, 2026 are invited to participate.

Four age groups: 9 and under, 10 to 13, 14 to 17, 18 to 22. Age refers to the Application Deadline May 31, 2026. Each student could submit 2 pieces of either brush painting or calligraphy, or both, up to 4 pieces total. Application Forms and Art Works Specification:
https://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/competition/painting/2026/index.html

Application Fee: USD $10 per person for up to 4 pieces of artworks
submission.
Application Deadline: May 31, 2026
Results Announced: June 25, 2026
Cash Award up to USD $250

This competition has been held continuously for 34 years. Since 2023, it has been transitioned to an online format.  It aims to enhance the interest of overseas Chinese youth in learning traditional Chinese painting and calligraphy, fostering a lifelong passion. Many students who participated in this competition have valued for their university applications.

Esteemed experts in the arts and calligraphy have been invited to serve as judges, demonstrating the seriousness of the competition. 2026 Jury Panel: Dr. Edward Chiang 蔣宗壬, Dr. Doris Chu 朱蓉, Dr. Wei Du 杜瑋, Mr. Ho-Chung Lam 林浩宗, Mr. Xiaoyong Liu 劉曉勇, Mr. Qingxiong Ma 馬清雄 Details of the competition regulations, application forms, and images of award-winning art works from 1999 to 2025 can be viewed online at:
https://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/competition/painting/2026/index.html

3年內有10名科學家死亡或失蹤 FBI揚言正帶頭調查

           （Boston Orange編譯）美國聯邦調查局（FBI）4月21日公開表示，正在主導調查，以釐清近年至少 10 名科學家死亡或失蹤的案件，彼此間是否存在「惡意聯繫（sinister connection）」。MIT 著名生醫學者Robert Langer Jr.呼籲以科學統計分析，釐清這些案件是否確實超乎常態。

由於這些科學家分別掌握核武秘密或火箭技術，意味著美國國家與機密人員的安全，可能受到嚴重威脅，眾議院監督委員會共和黨主席詹姆斯·科默（James Comer）和眾議員Eric Burlison，4月20日發函，要求美國國家航空暨太空總署（NASA）、國防部及能源部等聯邦機構，提供相關人員調查資訊，研議如何保護持有安全許可（Security Clearances）的科學家。

不過有學界與部分官員仍對「陰謀論」持高度懷疑。前研究安全官員Cole Donovan指出，麻州的2名學者，MIT 核融合專家洛雷羅（Nuno F.G. Loureiro）去年12月在布魯克蘭鎮的家中被槍殺一案，警方已證實和個人恩怨有關。去年12月在威克菲爾德（Wakefield）失蹤，遺體於今年 3 月尋獲的劍橋諾華製藥研究員Jason Thomas，雖然死因尚未確認，但麻州地方檢察官辦公室已於週三表示，目前沒有謀殺嫌疑。

FBI正在調查，身份已證實的其他科學家還有2023 年死亡，曾長期在麻州居住，後來在加州工作的前NASA 噴射推進實驗室（JPL）科學家Michael David Hicks，2025 年 6 月在 加州 健行時失蹤，至今下落不明的NASA 科學家Monica Reza，以及2026 年 2 月 攜槍從 新墨西哥州 阿布奎基（Albuquerque）家中失蹤，至今下落不明的退役空軍准將William Neil McCasland。

其他還待細查的科學家有2人是洛斯阿拉莫斯國家實驗室相關人員，1人是核武設施政府承包商。

哈佛大學教授Sheila Jasanoff警告道，在缺乏確鑿證據下搜尋案件聯繫，可能加劇社會對科學的不信任，進而削弱民主體制。

東北大學追溯波士頓龍舟賽歷史 Ohana 八月一日辦東方龍舟賽為青少年籌款

Ohana 共同創辦人吳美麗（Veera Mahadomrongkul）介紹龍舟。（周菊子攝）

             （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導）東北大學駐地藝術家日前舉辦「喚醒巨龍」工作坊，介紹該校關於龍舟「隱藏的歷史」檔案，助力Ohana New England龍舟隊宣傳，籌款幫助青少年隊員實現今秋遠赴台灣花蓮鯉魚潭參加第15屆IDBF 世界龍舟俱樂部錦標賽 (CCWC)的宏願。

Ohana 共同創辦人黃義勤（右起），龍舟博物館創辦人伍振中，
董事長司徒文信出席工作坊。（周菊子攝）

              預訂於今年8月1日舉辦的「東方巨獸龍舟經典賽（Beast from the East Dragon Boat Classic）」，就既是Ohana的年度大活動，也是Ohana精心策劃，爭取社區支持，希望為去年10月在佛羅里達州舉行的美國國家錦標賽中贏得資格，將代表美國參加國際龍舟聯合會（IDBF）所組織第15屆世界俱樂部錦標賽的「神奇小孩（Wonder Kids）」們，籌募遠赴台灣旅費的活動。

龍舟博物館創辦人伍振中闡述願景，（周菊子攝）

           Ohana共同創辦人吳美麗指出，Ohana的創隊宗旨是「降低門檻」，她們希望很多來自基層家庭的青少年隊員們，不致於因為家裡沒錢，錯失代表美國到台灣參賽，做一趟文化尋根之旅的機會。

龍舟博物館董事長司徒文信介紹昆士市龍舟博物館。（周菊子攝）

            東北大學的「追溯歷史計劃（The Reckonings Project）」，日前邀請2名駐地藝術家，擅長結合影像與社區參與的Joanna Tam 和擅長跨媒體敘事的Lania Asunción，和Ohana New England龍舟隊，以及龍舟博物館（DBM）合作，舉辦了一場「喚醒巨龍：角色扮演指南（Awakening the Dragon: Role Playing Guide）」工作坊，追溯波士頓龍舟賽的傳統與歷史，說明相關展覽將於8月底在東北大學360藝廊展出。

吳美麗和黃義勤示範划龍舟。（周菊子攝）

            Ohana New England龍舟隊共同創辦人黃義勤（Allen Huang）、吳美麗（Veera Mahadomrongkul），在活動中介紹了划龍舟運動的技術、訓練，Ohana龍舟隊的創辦緣起和特色，致力為更多青少年及有心人提供接近水域，划龍舟機會的心意，以及他們預定今年9月率2組青少年隊，1組成人隊，共3組龍舟隊遠赴台灣花蓮鯉魚潭，參加第15屆IDBF 世界龍舟俱樂部錦標賽 (CCWC)的未來動向。

東北大學駐地藝術家Joanna Tam（右） 和Lania Asunción（左）
說明「喚醒龍」工作坊。（周菊子攝）

            龍舟博物館的創辦人伍振中（Peter Ng），以及董事長司徒文信(Matt Szeto)則在活動中簡述了龍舟博物館的建造初衷和願景。

工作坊現場。（周菊子攝）

            駐地藝術家Joanna Tam 和Lania Asunción目前在東北大學的「追溯歷史計劃（The Reckonings Project）」中做研究。她們從東北大學圖書館的「特別收藏(Special Collections)」檔案中，發現波士頓龍舟節與華埠（Chinatown）之間，早從1979年起，就有許多不為人知的故事，促使他們著手追溯划龍舟這文化傳統活動與社區組織，社會運動之間的關係，也發掘被時間遺落的“隱藏歷史”。

            Ohana New England龍舟隊共同創辦人吳美麗（Veera Mahadomrongkul）這天介紹該隊歷史，闡述划龍舟知識，還由黃義勤用市內划槳模擬器（Ergs）現場示範如何划龍舟。

工作坊開幕。（周菊子攝）

            吳美麗指出，划龍舟是面向終點「划槳（Paddling）」，動力來自全身同步，用核心肌群扭轉，真正推力來自背部和腰部，「划船（Rowing）」則是背向終點，動力極大程度來自腿部推力和手臂拉力，所以說「划龍舟」時，千萬要記得用Paddling這個字。

            吳美麗本人在夏威夷和沖繩長大，小時候頭部曾淹沒水中，對水有恐懼感，直到2005年在紐約接觸划龍舟，才學會用意志力克服恐懼，從此划龍舟成就為她生命中一部份。和丈夫黃義勤創辦龍舟隊之前，她曾長達3年的經常靜看龍舟划過河邊夕陽，心深觸動，促使她們選擇了夏威夷語中意味著家人，沒人有會被遺忘的Ohana做隊名。

            Ohana隊員年齡從12到80多歲都有。吳美麗笑說Ｏhana有如一個跨越年齡，族裔與社會地位的大家庭，大家在一條船上同進退。她和黃義勤創辦龍舟隊，志在讓所有想要接近水域，嘗試划龍舟的人，都有機會接觸這種具文化底蘊，有實際體能訓練，團隊精神培訓的活動。

            龍舟博物館的創辦人伍振中（Peter Ng），以及董事長司徒文信(Matt Szeto)這天在活動中簡述了龍舟博物館的建造初衷和願景。

            司徒文信說明「龍舟博物館」座落在昆士市中心，全由發起人伍振中親手改建，把原本是牙醫診所的場地，裝修成寬敞明亮的展覽廳，並以之為雛形，為廣大民眾展示將來要建造真正龍舟博物館願景。

            既是書法家，又因出生於香港長洲，從小深受當地龍舟賽影響的伍振中坦言，他和波士頓龍舟賽的關係，始於波士頓龍舟節的船隻需要維修，他出手相助，接著發現波士頓龍舟節既無船塢，也無冬季訓練場所，或存放器材空間，這才生出打造龍舟博物館，弘揚在中華傳統文化中已有悠久歷史，既能培訓團隊精神，又具助人健康功效活這動的念頭。

            伍振中心中的理想是要建造一座能結合龍舟文化與休閒產業的永久性龍舟博物館，不但要有訓練技術場所，展示文化歷史，強身健體的空間，更要有供做商業化營運的餐廳，咖啡廳，婚宴場所等，以期龍舟博物館可以成為一個自給自足的非牟利組織。他甚至已經構思出以昆士市為初步據點，達成這目標的六大支柱。

            「東方巨獸龍舟經典賽（Beast from the East Dragon Boat Classic）」的報名網址為：https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfYwNJpoWnBIGQHXqCkznTVKxlQ2ez2WVH593y2HzS7C9Ynzw/viewform。查詢Ohana詳情，可上網https://www.ohananewengland.org/，查詢龍舟博物館可洽伍振中。