Governor Healey Details Public Safety and Public Health Preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup in Massachusetts

 

Governor Healey Details Public Safety and Public Health Preparations for 2026 FIFA World Cup in Massachusetts 

 
Preparations include emergency planning, training and exercises with local, state, and federal partners 

State launches Match-Ready Massachusetts online hub for World Cup information and resources at Mass.gov/WorldCup 

FRAMINGHAM – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today detailed Massachusetts’ extensive public safety and public health preparations underway ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including coordination across more than 70 agencies and the securing of nearly $76 million in federal funding to support safety, security, emergency and transportation planning efforts.  

With seven matches set to take place in Massachusetts between June 13 and July 9, 2026, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is leading a whole-of-government effort to ensure the tournament is safe, secure and well-coordinated for residents and participating teams. State officials are working in close partnership with federal, local, regional and private sector partners to plan for all aspects of the event, from transportation and crowd management to cybersecurity, public health, and emergency response.  

The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also launching the Match-Ready Massachusetts online hub where residents and businesses can access information and resources related to the FIFA World Cup in Massachusetts. The hub is available at Mass.gov/WorldCup. 

“The scale of this event requires preparation at every level, and Massachusetts is putting in the work to make sure we are ready,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are no strangers to hosting major events like the Boston Marathon and the Army Navy game, and we’re building on that experience by bringing together more than 70 agencies, securing $76 million in federal funding, and coordinating closely with partners across government to plan for every scenario. Residents and visitors alike can be confident that we are prepared to host a safe, secure and successful World Cup.”  

“This is a true whole-of-government effort, built on strong coordination and collaboration,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Public safety professionals, local leaders and partners across the region are working every day to make sure Massachusetts is ready to host this global event safely.” 

The preparations, by the numbers: 

• 70+ agencies participating in statewide public safety planning and coordination efforts 
• 14 specialized planning groups developing operational annexes and mission-specific plans for the World Cup Emergency Operations Plan 
• 2 Executive Steering Groups providing senior-level coordination on public safety and public health/ medical services across federal, state, local and private partners 
• 351 Massachusetts local emergency management directors have received briefings on anticipated statewide impacts, with additional briefings planned as tournament time approaches 
• 16+ training classes and seminars conducted since last summer for first responders, emergency managers, local officials and federal partners 
• 5 major exercises conducted or supported to rehearse emergency scenarios and operational coordination 
• Nearly $76 million in federal funding secured, including more than $46 million awarded through the FIFA World Cup Security Grant Program, $21.2 million through the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program, and $8.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration 
• $10 million in state supplemental funding appropriated for costs related to the World Cup matches 
• 7 matches scheduled in Foxborough at Gillette Stadium (designated “Boston Stadium” during the tournament) between June 13 and July 9 

The planning effort is being coordinated through the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency in partnership with the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS), the Massachusetts State Police, and the FIFA World Cup Boston26 Host Committee. 

To support this unprecedented planning effort, Massachusetts has secured nearly $76 million in federal funding for World Cup security and preparedness, including more than $46 million through FEMA’s FIFA World Cup Security Grant Program and an additional $21.2 million through the Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Grant Program. The funding is helping state and local partners strengthen staffing, training, equipment, planning and operational coordination for matches and related events across Massachusetts. Massachusetts has also been awarded $8.6 million from the Federal Transit Administration for public transportation. 

The state has also committed $10 million in supplemental funding to support costs associated with hosting World Cup matches in Massachusetts. Earlier this week, Governor Healey awarded $10 million in grants to 17 recipients through the Sports and Entertainment Events Fund Grant Program to support fan celebrations and community watch party events across Massachusetts celebrating the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Public Safety Preparations 

MEMA has worked with Boston26 to establish a Public Safety and Security Planning Governance Framework, which defines roles, responsibilities and coordination structures across the many public and private organizations involved in tournament operations. 

At the center of this framework is an Executive Steering Group composed of senior leaders from federal, state, local and private sector partners who have decision-making authority for planning and operations. Supporting this effort is a multi-agency Joint Planning Team, which is developing the FIFA World Cup Boston26 Emergency Operations Plan. Fourteen mission-specific planning groups provide subject-matter expertise and are responsible for developing detailed operational plans covering areas such as transportation, public health, cybersecurity, crowd management and emergency response. 

Massachusetts and its partners are also advancing a coordinated Human Trafficking Preparedness Plan to address the unique risks of sex and labor trafficking associated with the tournament. This trauma-informed, survivor-centered effort strengthens prevention, frontline training, coordinated response, public awareness, and access to victim services through collaboration among state and local agencies, law enforcement, public health partners and community organizations. 

Since summer 2025, MEMA has conducted more than 15 training sessions to strengthen readiness for a large-scale, multi-week international event. Training topics have included crowd management, venue evacuation, and large-event security planning. 

The state has also completed five major preparedness exercises, including an MBTA Commuter Rail evacuation drill, a host-cities cybersecurity tabletop exercise with the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency, and an Executive Decision Group tabletop exercise designed to test senior-level coordination during complex scenarios. Additional training and exercises are scheduled for this spring. 

“Preparing for an event like the World Cup takes a tremendous amount of coordination, and I’m grateful to the public safety professionals, emergency managers, local leaders and partner agencies who have been at the table doing this work together,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “Their collaboration and commitment have been critical from the start, and that work will help ensure Massachusetts is ready to host a safe and successful tournament.” 

“As the Commonwealth’s designated emergency coordination agency, MEMA plays a central role in comprehensive large-event planning and complex multi-agency coordination,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “This work involves detailed preparedness efforts across all phases of an event, including planning, resource coordination, operational readiness, and real-time response. By bringing together state, local, federal, and private-sector partners, Massachusetts is well positioned to anticipate, manage, and respond to challenges that may arise with an event of the scale and complexity of the World Cup.”  

“Every member of the Massachusetts State Police embraces the enormous responsibility of this moment to ensure the safety of the Word Cup and all of the Commonwealth’s large events this year,” said State Police Colonel Geoffrey Noble. “We do so guided by the leadership of the Healey-Driscoll Administration who understands the complexity of this work and has delivered critical resources to state and local officials preparing for this moment. With confidence in our partnerships and the public’s cooperation, we stand ready to welcome the world to Massachusetts.” 

Public Health Preparations 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) has been engaged in extensive planning and coordination to protect public health during the World Cup. With both prevention and readiness in mind, DPH is prepared to handle a wide range of potential health and safety challenges, such as illnesses, unexpected events or emergencies, and weather-related hazards. 

“Our goal is to promote and maintain a healthy environment so that everyone who comes here for the World Cup or who lives in the Commonwealth can enjoy the festivities comfortably and safely,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Our close collaboration with a variety of partners — from Boston 26 to health care providers and emergency services to local health departments — positions us to do just that.” 

With both prevention and readiness in mind, DPH is prepared to handle a wide range of potential health and safety challenges. 

DPH is leveraging its robust incident command capabilities, enhanced data-sharing and disease surveillance systems, and refined public health protocols, environmental health strategies, and medical surge planning. DPH will also provide resources — including the Unhealthy Heat Forecast and related guidance — that will help everyone attending and participating in the World Cup celebrations understand how to stay healthy and how to access medical care while in Massachusetts. 

Interstate and International Collaboration 

In addition to matches in Foxborough, the World Cup will include an official Fan Festival at Boston City Hall Plaza and team base camps in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, requiring coordinated planning across the broader region. Rhode Island public safety and emergency management leaders are among the local, state and federal partners who come together for monthly Public Safety Task Force meetings in Massachusetts, while representatives from MEMA and B26 have participated in and provided briefings for safety and security meetings coordinated by the Rhode Island Emergency Management Agency. 

Massachusetts officials are also coordinating nationally with other host states and cities. Earlier this year, public safety leaders attended a World Cup security summit at U.S. Northern Command in Colorado Springs alongside representatives from the other U.S. host cities. MEMA leadership is also leading a World Cup 2026 Task Force within the National Emergency Management Association focused on complex emergency management issues associated with the tournament. 

The World Cup is among several global events, including Sail Boston and the 250th anniversary of the United States, that will take place in Massachusetts this summer. As such, foreign consulates and stakeholders have also been engaged in this planning process. 

Thursday’s Friendly Match 

Officials are also encouraging fans attending Thursday’s match to plan ahead and take simple steps to support a safe and enjoyable event. Drones are strictly prohibited in and around Gillette Stadium, and attendees should review the Stadium’s entry policies before arriving, allow extra time for travel, follow directions from stadium staff and public safety personnel, and stay aware of their surroundings. Anyone who sees suspicious activity should report it immediately to 9-1-1 or onsite authorities. 

To ensure a safe and smooth event experience, access to the stadium on match day is limited to individuals with a valid ticket. It is strongly encouraged that only ticket holders make their way to the stadium on Thursday. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF FIFTH POWERCORPS BOSTON COHORT

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today celebrated the graduation of PowerCorps Boston's fifth cohort, the largest in the program’s history. PowerCorps Boston is the City’s green industry workforce development program that prepares young adults for high-quality careers that address Boston’s most pressing environmental challenges. The 38 graduates spent the past 10 months learning about various green industries and acquiring skills in urban forestry, urban greening, and energy-efficient building operations and maintenance. This graduation builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone. 

 

“Congratulations to this record-breaking cohort of PowerCorps Boston graduates, who have dedicated the past ten months to building skills, strengthening our neighborhoods, and advancing Boston’s climate future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Programs like PowerCorps are critical in expanding opportunity, developing a skilled green workforce, and ensuring Boston remains a city for everyone.”

 

A joint program of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet and the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet, PowerCorps Boston is a “learn and earn” program that pays Boston’s young adults aged 18-30 to participate in hands-on training while providing career readiness support and connections to employers in the green industry. According to the Climate Ready Workforce Action Plan, Boston will need approximately 67,000 workers across 45 occupations each year over the next 25 years to design, build, and operate a thriving green economy. Workforce development programs like PowerCorps Boston are a critical part of Boston’s 2030 Climate Action Plan, an implementation roadmap to achieve the City’s climate mitigation and resilience goals, as well as achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The final draft of the plan will be released later this spring. 

 

“The Wu Administration prioritizes career pathway jobs in all growth industries in Boston,” said Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment. “PowerCorps graduates receive industry-recognized credentials and experience that positions them for a wide range of options post graduation including obtaining good paying jobs, pursuing advanced training, and/or enrolling in post-secondary education through our partnerships.” 

 

“PowerCorps demonstrates how climate action and economic development go hand in hand,” said Oliver Sellers-Garcia, Environment Commissioner and Green New Deal Director. “Achieving our 2030 and 2050 emissions goals will benefit every neighborhood in Boston through good paying jobs, less pollution, and improved public health. We are so proud of this year's graduates for reaching this impressive milestone and giving back to their communities.”

 

PowerCorps Boston collaborates with over 60 Boston-based non-profits, higher education institutions, and private sector organizations to offer participants job training, classroom learning, and wrap-around services. Over the past 10 months, the 38 graduates committed to an immersive experience that included two phases. The first phase, Foundations, included four-months of training where they focused on workforce-readiness skills, an introduction to green industry careers, and received necessary support services to complete the program. The second phase, Industry Academy, was a six-month training where participants chose to specialize in one of the three tracks: Urban Forestry, Urban Greening, or Building Operations. 

 

“As we celebrate the graduation of our fifth and largest Power Corps Boston cohort to date, I’m inspired by the determination, growth, and leadership of our members,” said Davo Jefferson, Executive Director of PowerCorps Boston. “Their self-determination and commitment to their communities has undoubtedly strengthened the fabric of Boston, making it a more sustainable and equitable city”.

 

The participants in Urban Greening and Urban Forestry have made a significant impact across the environment. In Cohort 5, they planted 110 trees to increase urban greening and improve air quality, assisted the urban farming efforts in growing 25,000 lbs of produce to support local food security, removed two tons of invasive materials to improve the health of local ecosystems, conducted 2,000 feet of trail maintenance, and planted 28,000 square feet of grass seed and 94,000 tulip bulbs all contributing to a greener, healthier Boston for the communities that need it most.

 

The Building Operations participants have interned at seven large building sites over six months, working on energy-efficient general maintenance and operations, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work. This work, and these jobs, are critical to facilitating compliance with the City’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which aims to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from Boston’s largest buildings, accounting for 40 percent of the city’s carbon emissions. BERDO requires these buildings to report their annual energy and water use to the City and reduce their emissions over time, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

 

Urban Greening and Urban Forestry participants have earned three college credits in Arboriculture from UMass Amherst’s Mount Ida campus and the Building Operations participants have earned multiple industry-recognized credentials including OSHA 10 Construction Safety & Health Certification, Building Science Principles (BPI) Certification, Green Professional Training (GPRO) Certification, EPA Section 608 Certification, ‘Hot Works’ Certification for MA, and Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Building Operations (FEEBO) Certification.

 

As employers actively recruit from PowerCorps Boston's skilled, diverse talent pool, they fill vacant jobs in emerging industries and create new opportunities for the participants. Most graduates secured green industry job placements with employers like the City of Boston Parks and Recreation, Transportation Department, Potted Up, Parterre Gardens, Peabody Properties, Run Wise, C& W Service, Burgess Pest Control, and Related Beal. They will be undertaking various roles as Tree Equipment Operators, Gardner, HVAC Apprentices, Facilities Technicians, and more with competitive wages that reflect the value they bring to their respective organizations. Participants of the Urban Forestry and Urban Greening track have secured job placements with an average salary of $21.85/hr. Participants of the Building Operations track have an average salary of $27.20/hr. 

 

“To be very honest, my PowerCorps experience was something that will have an impact on me until my times up,” said Ian L. Barnes-Classen, PowerCorps 2026 graduate. “The members in this cohort, the staff, and all the partners we encountered, I’ll be cherishing the knowledge, experience and companionship that I gained. I will be forever grateful and look forward to what’s next!”

 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF FIFTH POWERCORPS BOSTON COHORT

 

Record-breaking cohort of 38 graduates as City continues to invest in strengthening Boston neighborhoods, developing skilled, green workforce, and connecting young people to opportunity

"Starting with PowerCorps on public city projects gave me a great foundation in green building and conservation,” said Monica Chiu, PowerCorps 2026 graduate. “That led right into the next phase where they covered my Building Operations certifications and helped me build the networking and internship experience I needed to move into facilities."

 

“Working with the PowerCorps team was an absolute joy. They came prepared, motivated, and full of thoughtful questions,” said Ryan Corrigan, Director of Ecological Services-Boston Parterre Gardens. “While it was rewarding to watch the team build their horticultural and restoration skills, it was even more inspiring to see everyone unite around a shared commitment to restoring green spaces in their community. Mattahunt Urban Wild is an incredible place because of this team.”

 

PowerCorps Boston is now accepting applications for the May 2026 cohort. Referrals can also be submitted. To be eligible, applicants must be 18-30 years old; be a Boston resident; have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED/HiSET); be unemployed or underemployed and not in college or on a career track; and have an interest in outdoor, hands-on training. Priority populations include residents from environmental justice communities, returning citizens, court-involved residents, youth who have experienced homelessness or housing instability, youth who have been in foster care, and other marginalized communities. For questions about the program, contact PowerCorpsBOS@boston.gov.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Literacy Launch Grant for Instructional Materials

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Literacy Launch Grant for Instructional Materials

Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) II funding will help school districts implement high-quality early literacy instruction 

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is accepting applications from school districts, collaboratives, and partner community-based preschools for the second cohort of the Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) II grant program.

Part of Governor Maura Healey’s Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative, PRISM II helps schools evaluate, select, purchase, launch, and implement high-quality instructional materials in pre-K through third grade in order to strengthen early literacy instruction.

"Reading is the foundation for every child’s success in school and in life,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through Literacy Launch and programs like PRISM, we are helping school districts bring strong reading instruction into classrooms and giving more students the tools they need to thrive.”

“Supporting strong reading instruction early in a child’s education makes a lasting difference,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “PRISM II gives districts the resources and support they need to implement high-quality literacy instruction and help more students succeed.”

PRISM II is designed to empower educators with hands-on support, evidence-based instructional materials, and expert guidance to help schools implement inclusive and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy learning experiences for every student.

Grants to the first cohort of PRISM II recipients have already supported 31 districts representing 98 schools statewide, including 65 schools that are implementing high-quality instructional materials and 33 other schools that are preparing to implement new materials during the next school year.

“PRISM II supports districts not only in adopting high-quality materials, but also in building the routines, structures, and collaborative leadership needed for successful implementation,” said Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw. “This work strengthens coherence across classrooms and ensures early literacy instruction is inclusive, rigorous, and aligned with evidence-based practices.”

“High-quality instructional materials are a key part of improving early literacy outcomes,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “The funding for the second cohort of PRISM II will help additional districts implement strong, standards-aligned literacy curricula and help address disparities in access and achievement.”

PRISM II is intended for districts that are ready to purchase high-quality instructional materials or to engage in a comprehensive process to evaluate and select materials aligned to DESE’s IMplement MA guidance. Applicants can apply to one of two tracks:

• Track 1 recipients will receive one year of funding to support the purchase of selected curricular materials and optional publisher-provided professional development.
• Track 2 recipients may receive up to two years of funding and hands-on technical assistance, including participation in DESE’s IMplement MA: Evaluate and Select High-Quality Instructional Materials Network to evaluate and select materials.

DESE will prioritize applicants that demonstrate a commitment to addressing early literacy achievement disparities and strengthening systems that support multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income communities.

The request for proposals (RFP) for PRISM II Cohort 2 is available through DESE’s Literacy Launch website. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11.

CITY OF BOSTON, UNION LEADERSHIP REACH AGREEMENT TO MANAGE GROWING HEALTH CARE COSTS, GENERATING AN ESTIMATED $10.6M IN SAVINGS

CITY OF BOSTON, UNION LEADERSHIP REACH AGREEMENT TO MANAGE GROWING HEALTH CARE COSTS, GENERATING AN ESTIMATED $10.6M IN SAVINGS

BOSTON - March 25, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Public Employee Committee (PEC) today announced an agreement to curb growing health care costs, generating an estimated $10.6 million in savings for the City and its employees through the implementation of utilization management. 

“Amid one of the most challenging budget environments in recent years, this agreement reflects the strength of our labor-management partnership and what’s possible when the City and our unions work side by side,” said Mayor Michelle Wu and PEC Chair Elissa Cadillic in a joint statement. “Together, we are taking steps to responsibly manage rising costs while protecting the health care coverage that our workforce depends on, and the high-quality core City services that our residents deserve.” 

 

Like municipalities across the Commonwealth, Boston is facing mounting inflationary pressures and significant cost increases heading into FY27. While revenues are projected to grow by only 1.5%-2.5% over FY26, costs—especially health care expenses—are rising significantly, driven in part by increased use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. This imbalance presents a major budgetary challenge for the City.  

 

Under the agreement, which the PEC voted to pass with unanimous consent, the City’s Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan will implement utilization management, an industry-standard cost containment tool that ensures prescription drugs are only prescribed when clinically appropriate. 

 

This reform is expected to save approximately $10.6 million for the City budget and employee premiums. The City committed to reinvesting the resulting employer savings to minimize the impacts of any targeted reductions driven by the overall budget challenges facing the City in the upcoming fiscal year.

麻州長提名Robert E. Manning, Jr.出任法院書記長

 Governor Healey Nominates Robert E. Manning, Jr. as Clerk Magistrate 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced her nomination of Robert E. Manning, Jr. to serve as Clerk Magistrate of the Edgartown District Court. The nomination will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“Robert Manning is an accomplished attorney and dedicated public servant who I am proud to nominate as the next Clerk Magistrate of the Edgartown District Court,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He has dedicated his career to public service, and I am confident he will bring sound judgment, strong leadership, integrity, and a steady commitment to serving the Court.” 

“I look forward to working with the Governor’s Council to confirm Attorney Manning so he can serve the Court with distinction,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll 

Governor Healey has previously nominated Ann Dawley, Bill Larkin, Lori Leavitt Wheeler, Robert Palumbo, John P. Riordan, Dana Rutherford, Padraic Rafferty, Scott Rathbun and John Stocks to serve as Clerk Magistrates. 

About the Nominee: 

Robert E. Manning, Jr. currently serves as the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Barnstable Superior Court, a role he has held since 2019. In this position, Attorney Manning is responsible for managing the daily operations of the office, overseeing criminal and civil sessions, and helping ensure the efficient administration of court proceedings. He works closely with judges, attorneys, and court personnel to support the fair and timely resolution of cases. 

From 2013 to 2019, Attorney Manning served as a public defender through the Committee for Public Counsel Services, representing clients in a broad range of criminal matters in the District and Superior Courts.  Prior to joining CPCS, Attorney Manning maintained a private legal practice, where gained significant trial experience litigating both civil and criminal matters. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis & Clark College and a Juris Doctor from Southern New England School of Law. 

波士頓榮光會慶馬年新春韓國瑜送禮 劉慶元華府遠道來賀

劉慶元（左起），鄭增壽，陳新友，張明燦，楊思聖合唱「九條好漢
在一班」。（周菊子攝）

           （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）波士頓榮光聯誼會3月22日中午借用波士頓國民黨會址，慶祝馬年新春，有退輔會長官，僑教中心主任，中華公所主席和神秘嘉賓出席同賀，近50名會員及親友，邊享用專人送到面前的美食，邊唱軍歌，抽大獎，好不愜意。

退輔會駐美組長劉慶元少將首次訪波士頓。（周菊子攝）

         波士頓榮光會今年的這場“春宴”，在理事長鄭增壽和理事會決議採用訂餐，安排人分菜，逐一送到出席會員面前的安排中，秘書長沈慶雲製造氣氛，邊頭綁圈帶插羽毛，扮山地原住民，遙距為台灣立委高金素梅打氣，邊在介紹嘉賓，主持節目時，舌燦蓮花的串場下，顯得格外熱鬧。

 

榮光會馬年春宴嘉賓，右起雷國輝，高家富，劉慶元。（周菊子攝）

            更難得的是，這天的嘉賓，不但有國軍退除役官兵輔導委員會駐華府組長劉慶元少將，開車8小時的遠道來賀。紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝也罕見的出席，和波士頓僑教中心主任高家富一起和榮光會員們慶祝新年。

波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽（又）和秘書長沈慶雲（左）互相誇讚。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽表示，往年該會慶祝新年，都是到餐廳，飯吃完，人就散了。今年感謝波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭，出借會址，讓榮光會得以換個方式來慶祝新年，也給了會員們更充裕時間同樂。他還指出，其實很多榮光會會員也是國民黨黨員，兩會有如家人，希望藉著這次的大家一起唱歌，敘舊，再次融為一體。他還進一步地說，波士頓每年都有很多遊行，但真正能扛得起中華民國國旗的，第一個是榮光會，第二個是國民黨，第三個是大陳同鄉會。這3個組織在波士頓永遠舉著中華民國國旗。

            畢業於美國維琴尼亞軍校，從少將軍銜退役的劉慶元，甫於去年1月接替倪邦臣，成為退輔會第二任駐美退伍軍人事務組組長。他笑說自己40年前來過一趟波士頓，這趟則是他第一次來參加波士頓榮光會的活動，見到李先這位曾3度出海征戰的海軍，見到官校26期，和他自己相隔31

僑教中心主任高家富代表立法院院長韓國瑜送出禮物給中獎的江嫡華。
（周菊子攝）

期的老學長劉成，都八、九十歲了都還很健康，讓人十分高興。

            劉慶元表示，退輔會軍人事務組的工作重點，就是為榮光會等退伍軍人前輩服務，宣達政策，促進與美國退伍軍人社團的交流。

沈慶雲介紹嘉賓，中華公所主席雷國輝。（周菊子攝）

            劉慶元重點談及榮民養老。他指出，美國的退伍軍人之家，頤養院，費用可能貴到八、九千元，甚至過萬美元一個月，但台灣有16個的榮民之家，只要400多美金一個月，就可以拎包入住，台灣的榮民總醫院也在全世界排名第208，全台灣排名第一，醫療照護都很方便，歡迎榮光會員們常回台灣看看。

麻州衛斯理豐田汽車代理商柯乃南是這天的神秘嘉賓。（周菊子攝）

                  紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝推卻不果之後致詞，坦言自己不會說Mandarin （國語），台語也不行，台山話還可以。最後他以廣東話發言，週到的稱呼各人，表示大家都是好朋友，時時見面，一直以來他都支持中華民國，他在波士頓50多年，一直都關心中華民國的事。過去十多年來，他們和中華總會一起辦雙十遊行，國慶晚會，大家都很支持。在這馬年新春之際，感謝眾人的支持。

金庶安是富陽艦第5任艦長，這天陪同妻子柯亞玲出席。（周菊子攝）

                  波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，這天特地把他的代替立法院院長韓國瑜買的春節禮物iPod帶到現場。他先代表波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏致歉，說明他因事不克出席致歉，接著說要特別感謝理事長鄭增壽所率領的榮光會，每年都手持中華民國國旗，精神抖擻的參加美國退伍軍人遊行，在這個波士頓地區的大活動中，讓麻州政要，大波頓居民無法不看見中華民國台灣。感謝之餘，他祝福所有榮光會員們健健康康，生活幸福。

波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽送給劉慶元一頂紅襪隊球帽。（周菊子攝）

              這天出席榮光會春宴的，還有一位稀客，衛斯理豐田汽車代理商創辦人柯乃南。他這天和姊姊柯亞玲，曾任富陽軍艦第5任艦長的姐夫金庶安聯袂出席。他笑說，許多榮光會會員都和他爸爸柯芝芬很熟，他自己以前是忙於工作，今後一定多出席榮光會的活動。

         嘉賓致詞後，回到這天的正題，慶祝馬年新春。在陳新友邀來的美女團分菜，裝碟，逐一送到出席各人面前之中，波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽邀退輔會劉慶元組長和財政張明燦，以及陳新有，楊思聖等人合唱「九條好漢在一班」、「夜襲」等軍歌，楊麗雪主持抽獎。

 

波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭（左）這天是榮光會會員，幫忙接待
劉慶元的另一半陳瑞香。（周菊子攝）

         當天堆在現場的獎品有許多，韓國瑜院長的iPod大獎由買了5張彩券，有3張中獎的江嫡華抽中。鍾園餐廳老闆娘喬達翔，這天在門口接待桌服務的陳世隆，分菜美女之一黃淑心等許多人也都抽中了獎品。這場歡迎中華民國退伍陸海空勤憲響預官及眷屬、親朋好友參加的榮光會馬年“春宴”，出席種人一直玩到將近下午四點才散。

楊麗雪這天主持抽獎。（周菊子攝）

秘書長沈慶雲介紹理事長鄭增壽。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽（左起），陳新友，張明燦，楊思聖帶頭唱軍歌。
（周菊子攝）

鄭增壽，陳新友，楊思聖，沈慶雲唱軍歌。（周菊子攝）

陳世隆（左）和張明燦（又）駐守接待桌。（周菊子攝）

鄭增壽代表榮光會送給龍太太一個紅包，祝福新年吉利。（周菊子攝）

這天的飯菜從外面訂回來。（周菊子攝）

幫忙分菜的美女還中獎了。（周菊子攝）

蘇麗萍（右起），鄭增壽，楊思聖，江嫡華處理彩券。（周菊子攝）

李先曾3度登上出征戰艦。（周菊子攝）

劉慶元（又）和劉成（中）都是官校畢業，相差31期。（周菊子攝）

鄭增壽（左）和蘇麗萍（右）曾搭檔多年。（周菊子攝）

這天有將近50人出席。（周菊子攝）

現場眾人很投入。（周菊子攝）