State Energy Officials Announce $942,100 in Grants to Fund Seven Cleantech Innovations

State Energy Officials Announce $942,100 in Grants to Fund Seven Cleantech Innovations

BOSTON – February 8, 2017 – The Baker Polito Administration today announced $942,100 in funding to support early-stage clean energy, water technology and energy storage innovations in seven communities across the Commonwealth. The funding, awarded through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC)  InnovateMass program, will support projects in the communities of Amesbury, Dedham, Middleborough, Milford, Reading, Somerville, and Westford.

  

“Massachusetts is home to several cutting edge clean energy companies and one of the most innovative economies in the world,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The funding from this program will help support entrepreneurs as they develop cutting-edge solutions that support the Commonwealth’s energy goals.”

“Massachusetts has a proud history of innovation, and supporting local cleantech companies through this program will spur economic activity across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “This funding will help Massachusetts continue to lead the nation in clean energy innovation.”

The InnovateMass program funds technology prototypes and demonstration projects which are designed to field test the real world applications of innovations. InnovateMass bridges the funding gap for early-stage companies seeking to enter into or widen their presence in commercial marketplaces. Since 2013, the program has awarded $3.6 million to 29 companies and attracted public and private matching funding of more than $5 million for projects across the Commonwealth.

“Supporting local startups helps drive Massachusetts’ robust innovation economy while helping to create quality jobs,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “By enabling these entrepreneurs to pursue technology breakthroughs, we are fueling the local innovation economy and drawing private industry into the clean energy economy.”

“By making key investments in early-stage companies, we can help these local startups address persistent funding gaps and increase business opportunities,” said MassCEC CEO Stephen Pike. “Through continued assistance to help develop Massachusetts’ vibrant innovation sector, the Commonwealth is positioned to benefit from increased job creation, technology development, and economic activity throughout the state.”

The following companies are receiving funding:

Angstrom Advanced Inc. (Stoughton) – $150,000 – The funding will be used to develop a power storage system that uses solar energy to generate hydrogen.

AquaFresco Inc. (Somerville) – $150,000 – The funding will be used to develop a wastewater treatment and recycling technology for commercial laundry facilities. The company received a Catalyst award of $40,000 from MassCEC in 2015.

Brightspot Automation LLC (Westford) – $150,000 – The funding will be used to develop in-field solar panel testing equipment to detect cracks in solar cells pre-installation.

INroof Solar (Amesbury) – $42,100 – The funding will be used to develop roof-integrated solar thermal energy collection system for residential and commercial buildings.

IVYS Energy Solutions (Waltham) – $150,000 – The funding will be used to develop combined battery-electric and fuel cell vehicle fueling infrastructure integrated with a solar-based energy storage system.

MTPV Power Corporation (Medford) – $150,000 – The funding will be used to develop heat-to-electricity conversion technology for industrial manufacturing.

WattJoule (Devens) – $150,000 – The funding will be used to develop an advanced liquid energy storage system for utility peak shaving.

“I am excited to see MTPV Power Corporation and AquaFresco Inc. put these grants to good use to implement clean industrial energy and water technology, and am encouraged that Medford and Somerville are home to these innovative and forward-thinking companies,” said State Representative Christine Barber (D-Somerville). “I greatly appreciate the support and resources MassCEC offers to growing companies like these to incentivize the development of impactful clean energy technology in Massachusetts.”

“I am thrilled that the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has chosen WattJoule as a partner in their InnovateMass program,” said State Representative Jennifer Benson (D-Lunenburg). “This grant will allow WattJoule and MassCEC to continue working on finding innovative ways to improve our environment for generations to come. This investment in technology is essential toward finding a long term balance between our needs and the sustainability of natural resources.”

“I am pleased that a company in our district was awarded a grant as they continue to develop technology that will help to provide clean energy,” said State Representative Paul Donato (D-Medford).

This funding builds upon the Baker-Polito Administration’s ongoing efforts to support the Commonwealth’s vibrant clean energy innovation sector including recent investments announced in clean heating and cooling, energy storage and electric vehicle technologies. In August 2016, Governor Baker signed bipartisan comprehensive energy diversification legislation that promotes the administration’s commitment to reducing energy costs while strengthening the state’s clean energy economy and progressing towards Massachusetts’ greenhouse gas reduction requirements.

InnovateMass is funded through MassCEC’s Renewable Energy Trust, which was created by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1997. The trust is funded by municipal electric departments that have opted to participate in the program, along with a systems benefit charge paid by electric customers of investor-owned utilities in the state.

羅德島克蘭斯頓市發佈暴風雪停車禁令

CRANSTON, RI—Cranston Mayor Allan W. Fung is urging residents to be prepared for a winter storm on Thursday that could lead to significant snowfall.

The city will institute a parking ban beginning at midnight Wednesday and it will remain in place until midnight Thursday.

Waste Management will not be picking up trash or recycling on Thursday and service will delayed by one day for the rest of the week. Residents who normally are serviced on Thursday should put their bins out on Friday and residents typically served on Friday will see pickups on Saturday.

The city’s Public Works Department preparing for full-scale snow removal operations and expects to pre-treat roads overnight.

Mayor Fung is asking residents to avoid driving on snow-covered roads and to complete storm preparations as early as possible.

“If you don’t have to go out during this storm, stay in,” commended Mayor Fung. “Our city workers will be working hard to plow the streets and everyone’s cooperation is appreciated.”

麻州財政長發佈動漫教人商議薪資

TREASURER DEB GOLDBERG RELEASES ANIMATED VIDEO ON SALARY NEGOTIATION BASICS

New Video Provides Tips on Successful Salary Negotiation for Women

BOSTON – Treasurer Goldberg and the Office of Economic Empowerment have released a new animated video on the basics of salary negotiation. Approximately one minute long and geared towards women, this video contains four helpful tips on how to successfully negotiate one’s salary and other benefits. Salary negotiation plays an integral part in closing the gender wage gap between men and women in the workplace. This video is part of Treasurer Goldberg and the Office of Economic Empowerment’s ongoing efforts to achieve equal pay for all through a comprehensive digital engagement strategy. 

Last year, Treasurer Goldberg and the Office of Economic Empowerment hosted several Women’s Economic Empowerment Series workshops for women in the cities of Quincy and Newton, focusing on salary negotiation and other topics. These workshops will continue through this year starting in March in the city of Worcester, with more locations to be announced.

The video can be viewed HERE.

On day one, Treasurer Goldberg created the Office of Economic Empowerment (OEE), led by a deputy treasurer with the deliberate goal of incorporating a range of economic empowerment initiatives, including financial literacy, college affordability and programming to support wage equality. On April 12, 2016, Treasurer Deborah B. Goldberg and OEE launched EqualPayMA.com, the first website of its kind dedicated to providing citizens and businesses with the tools and resources they need to close the gender wage gap.

For more information on the Office of Economic Empowerment, please visit http://www.mass.gov/treasury/empowerment/.

波士頓市議會通過吳弭提案 重新成立人權委員會

           (Boston Orange)波士頓市議會今(2月8)日無異議通過了市議會議長吳弭(Michelle Wu)的成立人權特別委員會命令。吳弭任命市議員查金(Josh Zakim)出任該委員會主席。

            波士頓市議會以前有人權及民權委員會，2014到2015年時由市議員查金出任主席，但該委員會去年撤銷了。

            吳弭表示，在2016年1月，訂立委員會架構時，她說得十分清楚，每一個政策委員會都必須把人權，民權考量包括在內，才為重整資源及重心，決定撤銷了特定委員會。但是過去這兩星期，世界變了，她們從選民那兒知道，現在是比任何時期都重要的時候，要由城市來保衛民眾的人權。市議員查金在這方面一直是一名真正的領袖，她很高興查金能擔任這委員會的主席。

             查金表示，在這人們對人權，自由有著不確定及恐懼感之際，他很榮幸能再次擔任這重要委員會的主席。

             重新成立的這特別委員會旨在關注波士頓所有居民及到訪者的民權，將尤其注意平等獲取教育，住宅，就業及醫療服務的權益。這委員會將有權處理和市府，州府和聯邦政府禁止歧視法的有關事務。該委員會也將著重探討，研擬能確保所有市民，以及市府經濟安全的做法或擬訂法案，倡導市府機構在不論種族，膚色，原本國籍，祖籍，性別，性向，性徵，年齡或殘障等原則中，和非政府機構及個人的合作。

           成立新委員會需要三分之二市議員的同意，才能通過。波士頓市議會今日無異議通過了市議長吳弭的成立新政策委員會，關注人權的提案。

           該委員會在查金出任主席外，其他成員有副主席r Andrea Campbell，以及委員 Annissa Essaibi George, Sal LaMattina,以及 Matt O’Malley，共5人。

BOSTON CITY COUNCIL VOTES UNANIMOUSLY

TO ESTABLISH SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON CIVIL RIGHTS

New policy committee to be chaired by District 8 City Councilor Josh Zakim

BOSTON – February 8, 2017 – Today the Boston City Council voted unanimously to approve City Council President Michelle Wu’s order to create a new City Council policy committee, the Special Committee on Civil Rights. President Wu has appointed City Councilor Josh Zakim as Chair of the Special Committee.

The City Council had previously had a Committee on Human Rights and Civil Rights, most recently chaired by Councilor Zakim in the 2014-2015 term, but this was discontinued last year.

“In setting the committee structure in January 2016, I made clear that every single policy committee has a mandate to include human rights and civil rights as part of its charge, so we discontinued the specific committee as part of our reorganization based on resources and focus,” said President Wu. “However, the world has changed in the last two weeks, and we’ve heard from our constituents that it’s more important than ever for cities to take action guarding civil rights. Councilor Zakim has been a true leader on these issues, and I’m pleased that he will chair this revamped committee with a proactive focus on bringing all voices into the conversation.”

Commenting on his new role, Councilor Zakim said, "During this time of uncertainty and fear around issues of civil rights and liberties, I am proud to again chair this important committee. Today, the Boston City Council has taken another affirmative step towards protecting and defending all Bostonians. I look forward to working with city agencies, non-profit organizations, and all members of our diverse community to create legislative and policy solutions that guarantee the welcoming and inclusive spirit of our city."

The order outlines the special committee’s charge:

The purpose of the Special Committee shall be to concern itself with matters relating to civil rights for all residents of Boston and visitors to the city, specifically: The committee shall concern itself with matters relating to equal access to education, housing, employment and health care services. The committee shall have jurisdiction over matters relating to city, state, and federal laws prohibiting discrimination. The committee shall concern itself with exploring the development of programs and/or legislation to ensure that all are able to safely and fully participate in the civic life of our city and our economy. The committee shall explore opportunities for city agencies, non-governmental organizations, and individuals to work together to protect the civil rights and civil liberties of all Bostonians. The committee shall concern itself with promoting equal and fair access to public and private services and facilities for all residents, regardless of race, color, national origin, national ancestry, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age or disability.

The creation of a new committee required an affirmative 2/3 vote of the Council to pass. Later in the meeting, Councilors voted to approve a separate order filed by President Wu, which assigned the new committee to host a policy briefing series focused on civil rights.

In addition to Committee Chair Josh Zakim, the voting members of the Committee will include Vice Chair Andrea Campbell, as well as Councilors Annissa Essaibi George, Sal LaMattina, and Matt O’Malley.

杭亭頓劇院邀你 2/23 和導演座談

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             

CONTACT: Desiree Barry, dbarry@huntingtontheatre.org / 617 273 1518

HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS FREE COMMUNITY EVENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH TOPDOG/UNDERDOG ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 AT THE STRAND THEATRE WITH DIRECTOR BILLY PORTER AND WCVB-TV’S KAREN HOLMES WARD

WHAT:  Topdog/Underdog community event at the Strand

WHEN: Thursday, February 23 at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm)

WHERE: Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Boston

                TICKETS: Free and open to the public. RSVP

(BOSTON, MA) – Huntington Theatre Company in partnership with Dorchester’s Strand Theatre presents a free community event on Thursday, February 23 at 7:30pm in conjunction with the Huntington’s upcoming production of Topdog/Underdog.

The evening will feature a discussion about Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play Topdog/Underdog and its powerful resonance for contemporary audiences with director and Tony Award-winning artist Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) and Karen Holmes Ward, Director of Public Affairs and Community Services and WCVB-TV’s host and executive producer of “CityLine.” A scene from the production will also be performed by Matthew J. Harris (Booth)and Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (Lincoln).

The evening is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged.

The upcoming event continues the Huntington’s longstanding tradition of bringing its work beyond its homes on the Avenue of the Arts and in the South End to Boston’s neighborhoods and communities, including past events at the Strand Theatre (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner in 2014; A Raisin in the Sun in 2013; Breath, Boom in 2003), Hibernian Hall (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in2012), and Roxbury Community College (Gem of the Ocean in 2004; Radio Golf in 2006; Fences in 2009).

The Huntington Theatre Company’s production of Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks plays March 10 – April 9, 2017 at the Avenue of the Arts / BU Theatre. Tickets start at $25. More information athuntingtontheatre.org/topdog-underdog.   

ABOUT THE SHOWTopdog/Underdog is a darkly comic, deeply theatrical fable about family wounds and healing bonds. Lincoln and Booth are brothers: best friends and bitter rivals. Lincoln, a former 3-card monte hustler, works as a Lincoln impersonator in a shooting gallery; Booth is an aspiring grifter. He tempts his brother to get back in the game, but the consequences could be deadly. The New York Times says Topdog/Underdog is a “thrilling comic drama. Dazzlingly written,” and Entertainment Weekly says “Topdog/Underdog is demandingly smart and resonant!”

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Karen Holmes Ward (Host) is the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services as well as host and executive producer of “CityLine,” WCVB-TV’s award-winning weekly magazine program which addresses the accomplishments, concerns, and issues facing people of color living in Boston and its suburbs. Many notables including Oscar winners Lupita Nyong’o, Octavia Spencer, Lou Gossett, and Denzel Washington as well as Oscar nominees Chiwetel Ejiofor, Oprah Winfrey, and Quvenzhane Wallis have been interviewed by Ms. Holmes Ward for “CityLine.” “CityLine” has been a recipient of the Associated Press Massachusetts/Rhode Island ‘Best’ Public Affairs Program and numerous Emmy Award nominations. Ms. Holmes Ward also oversees WCVB’s public service and community outreach efforts including the station’s work on Extreme Makeover: My Hometown, raising awareness about the need for affordable housing in the Greater Boston area, and WCVB’s first-of-its-kind web-based initiative, Commonwealth 5. This online project promotes philanthropy by matching viewer-donors with non-profits via the Internet. CommonWealth 5 was nominated for a National Emmy Award. WCVB’s community service efforts during and following the Boston Marathon attack were honored with a National Association of Broadcasters ‘Service to Community in Television’ award. A graduate of Boston University’s School of Public Communications (now COM), Ms. Holmes Ward has received numerous awards for her work in the community including the Boston Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Award; National Association of Black Journalists Region I Journalist of the Year; Big Sister of Greater Boston Achievement Award; Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts President’s Award; and Women of Courage and Conviction Award from the Greater Boston Section National Council of Negro Women, Inc. among others.

Billy Porter (Director) returns to the Huntington having previously directed The Colored Museum. He is the 2013 Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Lola in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots. He was recently seen on Broadway in Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed. Mr. Porter’s one-man show Ghetto Superstar (2005 GLAAD Media Award nomination, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Performer of the Year 2003–2004) debuted at The Public Theater in conjunction with City Theatre of Pittsburgh. His other directing credits include Company; HAM: A Musical Memoir with Sam Harris; The Wiz; Being Alive: The Soul of Sondheim; Twilight in Manchego; Once on This Island (NAACP Theatre Award winner for Best Direction); The Soul of Richard Rodgers; Five Guys Named Moe; Altar Boyz; Rent (Associate Director, Off Broadway revival); Patina Miller Live at The Delfonte Room (London); and Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Music of Stevie Wonder (starring Chaka Khan). His Broadway album, Billy’s Back on Broadway (Concord Records) was released in 2014. His single Edelweiss: #blessourhomeland was released on Inauguration day and the full album, Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers will be released in April of 2017. Some of his film and television work includes The Broken Hearts Club, The Humbling, Billy Porter: Broadway & Soul (PBS), “Law & Order,” and “The Get Down.” As a playwright, Mr. Porter was represented Off Broadway in 2014 with the premiere of While I Yet Live starring S. Epatha Merkerson (Primary Stages). A Pittsburgh native, he received his BFA in drama from Carnegie Mellon University. He is also a graduate of UCLA’s professional program in screenwriting. The Huntington will honor Mr. Porter with the Wimberly Award alongside Mayor Martin J. Walsh at this year’s Spotlight Spectacular gala on Monday, April 24, 2017.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Matthew J. Harris (Booth) recently appeared in Kirsten Greenidge’s Milk Like Sugar at the Huntington. He has regional credits that include In the Heights (Walnut Street Theatre), A Comedy of Errors (Theater at Monmouth), and Twelfth Night (Shakesperience Productions, Inc.). Some of his New York credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Classical Theatre of Harlem), Macbeth (Pulse Ensemble Theatre), She Calls Me Firefly (New Perspectives Theatre), and Trouble (New York Musical Theatre Festival). His television credits include “Blindspot” and “Person of Interest.” He can also be heard and seen in commercials for Coke Zero, Verizon, Zaxby’s, Footlocker, Bounty, and more. Mr. Harris is also a hip-hop dancer, teacher, and choreographer at Man in Motion. maninmotionnyc.com. matthewjharris.net.

Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (Lincoln) previously appeared in Blues for an Alabama Sky at the Huntington. He has also appeared in Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk on Broadway. His Off Broadway credits include Rancho Viejo(Playwrights Horizons), The America Play, Two Noble Kinsmen, and The Tempest (The Public Theater/NYSF), The Piano Lesson (Signature Theatre), and The Public Sings (New York City Center). His regional credits include Aubergine and Intelligent Homosexuals Guide… (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), WAR, The Winter’s Tale, and The Piano Lesson (Yale Repertory Theatre), Jitney (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Radio Golf (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Romeo & Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, and Julius Caesar (Shakespeare Theatre Company), and Angels in America (Alliance Theatre and Dallas Theatre Center). His television credits include “Elementary,” “House of Cards,” “Orange is the New Black,” “Unforgettable,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Following,” “Suits,” and “Law and Order.” He is the recipient of the Dallas Theater Critics Award (Leon Rabin) for Featured Actor in Angels in America. Mr. Henderson is the founder of Quick Silver Theater Company. QuickSilverTheater.com. TyroneMitchellHenderson.com.

Governor Baker Announces State Office Closures for Non-Emergency State Employees

Governor Baker Announces State Office Closures for Non-Emergency State Employees

BOSTON – Tonight, Governor Charlie Baker announced that state offices will be closed tomorrow for non-emergency, executive branch state employees. Due to the upcoming winter storm, the Baker-Polito Administration is urging everyone to stay off roadways if possible, allowing crews to clear snow that will accumulate across the state throughout the day.

“Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to create hazardous driving conditions across many parts of the Commonwealth. To prioritize public safety, we are asking everyone to stay off the roads to allow crews to safely clear snow or use public transportation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Please assist us by shoveling driveways and sidewalks in your communities, and be sure to lend a hand to neighbors in need.”

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, MassDOT and State Police to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. The MBTA Storm Desk will continue to monitor rail service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at MBTA.com/winter.

State Office Closures: State offices will be closed for all non-emergency, executive branch state employees on Thursday, February 9, 2017.

Highway Travel: Commutes and travel will be significantly impacted with snow covered roads, low visibility and possible white-out conditions.  Motorists should stay off the roads and use public transit when possible. If you must drive, please exercise caution, “don’t crowd the plow”,  and stay behind snow removal equipment on the roadways.

MBTA: The MBTA, including the commuter rail, is preparing to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow plenty of time for travel and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter or @MBTA on Twitter for real-time updates.

Public Safety: Please clear home and auto exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide exposure and avoid downed utility wires. Also, please assist in keeping sidewalks, and fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood clear.

The State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham will be activating tomorrow morning to provide situational awareness and coordinate any requested assistance to cities and towns

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY FOR WINTER STORM NIKO

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY FOR WINTER STORM NIKO Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow emergency regulations

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced preparations for tomorrow's winter storm, Niko, which is anticipated to bring eight to 14 inches of snow to Boston. The National Weather Service has issued a weather storm warning, in effect from 6 am to 8 pm Thursday. Temps will be bitterly cold, falling to 17˚ by 5 p.m., low of 9˚ later at night. High wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph in the afternoon. There will be a windchill of -7˚. Mayor Walsh has declared a snow emergency, beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 9th. Residents can park in designated discounted garages two hours before the snow emergency takes effect. A full list of garages is available at boston.gov.   The Boston Public Works Department (PWD) will have 600 pieces of equipment on the roads. PWD will start pretreating roads early morning before snow starts. Street cleanup crews will remove flex posts on Mass Ave. to maintain bike lanes during snow removal. "We are encouraging residents to use caution when traveling, assist the elderly and disabled, and keep up with the shoveling of their property throughout the storm tomorrow," said Mayor Walsh. "The City offers a number of resources geared towards keeping residents safe and aware of current conditions. I encourage everyone to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize our 311 call center for non-emergency related issues." To find out more information about resources and services available to residents, please visit boston.gov/snow. Rules on Clearing Snow Property owners must clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight. Failure to comply will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow. Safety Tips Shoveling snow requires significant exertion, please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers, please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer. Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces. Public Libraries & Community Centers All Boston Public Libraries and Boston Centers for Youth & Families Community centers will be open during normal business hours. Please check their schedules here. Helping the Homeless If you see homeless individuals out  in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelters through 112 Southampton Street, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City are working closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. Residents are encouraged to sign-up for AlertBoston to receive emergency alerts and to call 311, download the BOS:311 app, or tweet at @BOS311 with questions or concerns. Follow @CityofBoston and boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

愛國者隊贏超級盃 波士頓球迷瘋狂慶祝

              (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合整理) 波士頓華埠居民黃周麗桃說，2月7日 可真是見識到了甚麼叫做水洩不通。數以萬計的民眾，冒著飄雪，全擠上街，向剛奇蹟式贏得超級盃冠軍的新英格蘭愛國者隊遊行隊伍歡呼致意，情緒高昂得不得了。

                           麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)在遊行進行時，甚至激動地宣佈，2月7日是愛國者隊日。

                           所有談到愛國者隊贏球經過的人，都要連用好幾個驚嘆號，還覺得不足以表達他們的認為這是歷來最棒的一次超級盃球賽。球迷們一大早就呼朋引伴搭車進城，要趕去為愛國者隊的慶功遊行助陣，一邊興奮的談論球賽經過，直說簡直讓人不敢相信。

                           球迷們全都陶醉在奇蹟式贏得超級盃的喜悅中，儘管天下著微雨，飄著雪，沿著波士頓廣場到波士頓市政府廣場的路上，全都是攜家帶眷，擠上街頭，爬上樹梢，攀著窗戶的球迷們，拿著手機，拼命拍照。管他經過的是球員，教練，球隊東家，還是倫巴地獎盃(Lombardi Trophy)，一個不漏。

                         有球迷帶著一塊標語，寫著”我媽愛湯姆布萊迪多過愛我”。其他球迷笑說，在這天，沒人會怪那個媽媽。

                            湯姆布萊迪(Tom Brady)在2月5日這天，為波士頓帶來自2012年以來的第5個超級盃冠軍，也為他自己在這每年最大的比賽中，又贏得一次年度表現最佳球員，讓愛國者隊贏得超級盃歷史上第一次的在延長賽中奪冠紀錄。

                           2月7日，球迷們一點不受天氣影響，儘管很冷，地面又濕，全都擠上街頭向湯姆布萊迪喊著GOAT，意味著歷來最佳的GOAT (Greatest of all Time)。

這次的比賽，在亞特蘭大雄鷹(Falcons)隊以28比3領先時，愛國者隊看來簡直就是沒希望了。沒有人想到，愛國者隊後來竟能拿下31分，最後以34比28贏得了不可能的勝利。

從2000年以來，這其實是新英格蘭第10次慶祝勝利，5次是愛國者隊(Pats)，3次是紅襪隊，1次式賽爾特隊(Celtics)，1次是Bruins。(所有圖片黃周麗桃提供)

波士頓街頭歡迎愛國者隊人群

波士頓9日可能降雪14吋

(Boston Orange) 當大波士頓還正沉浸在慶祝愛國者隊贏得超級盃冠軍的瘋狂歡喜中，享受著2月8日將近華氏60度的氣溫時，天氣預報竟然就說9日會有暴風雪，而且可能降雪14吋。

波士頓環球報指出，由於南部的春暖和北部的冷鋒差異，二月份經常是大波士頓風雪最大的時候。2月7日週二下午，華府，巴爾地摩有些地方的氣溫就將近華氏70度，但南緬因州的氣溫卻才十幾度，就是這種氣溫差異的例子。

週四這場風雪將會很嚴厲，移動得很快，大約落日時分來到，持續到週五。週四時會有大約12小時的暴風雪，讓波士頓一帶積雪8到14吋。

週五的天氣會是冷，亮，氣溫大約華氏20多度，所以雪不會融化。

波士頓是全美第八最佳居住城市

            (Boston Orange) 美國新聞及世界報導雜誌最近把波士頓列為全美第八個最適宜居住都會城市。

            美國新聞及世界報導的年度最佳居住地點名單，是用就業市場，生活開銷，包括犯罪率，醫療護理，教育，健康，交通等的生活品質，人們希望在那兒住的程度，有多少人搬去那兒了等因素來評估全美最大的100個都會，才排出來的。

            評估方法是綜合了人口統計數據及調查，得出1到10的評分。波士頓的綜合總分為7.1。

            波士頓獲得高評分的領域包括就業市場，8.9分，受歡迎程度8.2分。波士頓的生活品質及移居人數得分為6.7。得分最低的領域是價值，5.8分。   

            美國新聞及世界報導指出，波士頓都會區不只是房屋貴，住宅的中位價格高達321,436元，而且諸如醫療費用，雜貨等生活必須項目，都比全國平均數高15%到18%。

            波士頓市的排名，在德州奧斯丁，加州丹佛、聖荷西，華府，阿肯薩州Fayetteville，西雅圖，以及北卡羅萊納州的Raleigh，Durham。