中華表演藝術基金會8月辦協奏曲比賽、15場夏日音樂會

(Boston Orange) 中華表演藝術基金會今年起停辦"胡桃山音樂營"，但將於8月17日舉辦協奏曲比賽，8月7日至24日在新英格蘭音樂學院安排有一系列15場免費音樂會。

從1990年開始在麻州胡桃山音樂學校舉辦的胡桃山音樂營，每年錄取50多名來自台灣，香港，中國及美國各地的優秀音樂學生，給他們接受世界級音樂大師薰陶的機會，歷屆校友中的朗朗(Lang Lang)，陸逸軒(Eric Lu)，宋悅雲(Yeol Eum Son)，劉珒(Kate Liu)等人，都已享有國際聲譽，成為了職業音樂演奏家。

中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵表示，很不幸的，礙於場地租金今年陡增三倍，該會不得不非常遺憾地宣佈，胡桃山音樂營畫了休止符。

不過每年與胡桃山音樂營同時期推出的協奏曲比賽，免費音樂會，經該會努力，仍將繼續舉辦，只是地點改在交通更方便些，位於波士頓市內的新英格蘭音樂廳舉行。                             譚嘉陵指出，波士頓最大的古典音樂雜誌，”Boston Music Intellengencer”，每年都全面報導胡桃山音樂營的音樂會演出，甚至把這系列音樂會命名為”南邊的岩港音樂節(Rockport Music Festival South)”，給了這系列音樂會非常難得的高度讚譽和肯定。

今年的協奏曲比賽，一樣不限國籍、地域，凡是30歲以下者皆可參加，指定演奏曲目是勃拉姆斯鋼琴協奏曲D小調地1號作品15。入選者將獲邀於8月24日在新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳和2010年贏得美國管弦樂演奏獎冠軍，指揮是余建寧 (Channing Yu) 的水銀(Mercury)交響樂團合奏，得到獎金3000美元，還將於2020年8月獲邀舉辦個人獨奏音樂會。

目前已知，協奏曲參賽者來自美中台英及印尼等地，評判有新英格蘭音樂學院的Bruce Brubaker，台灣國立台南藝術大學的鍾曉青，曼哈頓音樂學院的Philip Kawin，王寅飛，中國武漢音樂學院的徐洪等人。

                        獲選入半決賽的10人中，有8人已確認會來波士頓，將於8月17日下午1點，在新英格蘭學院威廉音樂廳，參加第一場決賽，個演奏15分鐘自選曲，以及5分鐘指定曲段。這8人為Xu Guo (中國)、Sahun Hong (美國)、Brian Z. Le (美國)、Jiarong Li (中國)、Zhiye Lin (中國) 、Randy Ryan (印尼)、Jun Sun (中國),及Yun Wei (中國) 。

               8月18日晚7點，優勝的前三至四名，將在威廉廳演奏完整的協奏曲，進行決賽。這兩場比賽評審相同，分別為波士頓音樂學院的Jonathan Bass，新英格蘭音樂學院的Wha-Kyung Byun，麻省理工學院的David Deveau，新英格蘭音樂學願和克利夫蘭音樂學院的Haesun Paik，以及水銀交響樂團指揮Channing Yu。

8月7日至8月24日在新英格蘭音樂學院的音樂會時間如下：

所有音樂會均免費，建議捐款10美元。 6歲以下的兒童不允許入場。

8月7日星期三，7:30 pm ,Burnes Hall: 鋼琴家 涂翔 (Hsiang John Tu)獨奏

8月8日星期四，7:30 pm ,Burnes Hall: 大提琴家 歐維聖(Sam Ou)和鋼琴家 吳紀禛(Chi-Chen Wu) 二重奏

8月9日星期五，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: 鋼琴家 駱奇偉(Chi Wei Lo) 獨奏

8月10日星期六，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: 大提琴家 Jiyoung Lee 和鋼琴家Victor Cayres 二重奏

8月11日星期日，7:30 pm, Brown Hall: 鋼琴家 陳宏寬 (Hung-Kuan Chen) 獨奏

8月14日星期三，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: 鋼琴家 陳涵 (Han Chen) 獨奏

8月15日星期四，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: X + YZ樂團： 小提琴 袁泉 (Quan Yuan),女高音 張婉哲(Wanzhe Zhang)，鋼琴 施珈 (Jia Shi)，長笛 Sue-Ellen Tcherepnin，男中音Vladimir Andric

8月16日星期五，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: 鋼琴家 Larry Weng 獨奏

8月17日星期六，1 pm, Williams Hall: 協奏曲比賽 第一場 獨奏曲目

8月18日星期日，7 pm, Williams Hall: 協奏曲比賽決賽

8月19日星期一，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: 小提琴家 于翔 (Angelo Xiang Yu)，鋼琴家 牛豐 (Feng Niu) 二重奏

8月20日星期二，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: 鋼琴家 Andrew Li獨奏

8月21日星期三，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: 鋼琴家 方壯壯 (Peter Fang) 獨奏

8月22日星期四，7:30 pm, Burnes Hall: 鋼琴家 Ji Yong Kim 獨奏

8月24日星期六，7:30 pm, Jordan Hall 協奏曲比賽得獎者與水銀交響樂團合作演出

8月在新英格蘭音樂學院夏季音樂會系列的時間表及詳情請見：

http://www.chineseperformingarts.net/contents/summer/2019/index.html

科技部部長陳良基三訪波士頓 強調育才 推廣創新創業

科技部部長陳良基(前右二)率團訪波士頓。前排左一為司長黃心雅，
駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長徐佑典，前排右一為波士頓
科技組組長謝水龍，後排左起為各地科技組組長，加拿大林寶玉、
休士頓李君浩、洛杉磯張揚展、華府曾東澤、舊金山葉志誠。
(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)科技部部長陳良基在7月17至19日間再訪波士頓，視察新設科技組業務，參訪拜會創新創業機構，宣導博士創新之星(LEAP)，海外人才橋接方案(LIFT)等計畫，強調為台灣科技長期發展的人才培育與國際化努力。

             陳良基從2017年2月8日上任科技部部長迄今，至少到訪波士頓3次，一次來接受美國國家發明家學會(NAI)院士頭銜，並和麻省總醫院簽約，為台灣培養智慧醫療人才；一次與教育部部長率11名大學院校校長同行，聯袂來訪，宣導5億元台幣攬才計畫，這次來訪，主要是率團到華府參加美國國家衛生研究院(NIH)的年會，並順道視察休士頓，波士頓的科技組業務。

             陳良基表示，近年來台灣和美國在科技上持續深化合作，今年六月底，他就為台美歷年來最大科技合作案，衛福七號的發射，再度訪問美國。這次到華府參加美國國家衛生研究院(NIH)年會，為未來五年的雙邊科技合作，太空計畫等，討論新一期計畫細節。
             陳良基此行，也順道視察休士頓，波士頓兩地新組長到任後工作概況。

             談及休士頓時，陳良基說這座全美第四大城市，不但是全美電子電機重鎮，近年科技發展快速，全美排名第一的安德森癌症研究中心也座落在那兒。這是他第一次到休士頓參訪，看到德州大力建置新創基地，規模比台灣的TTA大四、五倍，積極推動醫療器械和醫院診療的結合創新，和台灣政推動的新創策略方向不謀而合，已利用機會邀約當地人才與台灣連結。

             到波士頓，則是視察新設立的波士頓科技組在謝水龍組長領導下，還有哪些業務需要科技部協助，也希望在生物科技，人工智慧方面，藉波士頓現有基礎，推動台灣向前邁進。最近台灣已從波士頓邀得TechStars到台灣和科技部設立的創新創業園地TTA(Taiwan Tech Arena)合辦活動，生醫加速器SmartLab將進駐竹北生醫園區。”生命科學國(Life Science Nation)”也將於11月到台灣舉辦大型國際會議。

科技部長陳良基和出席青年合影。右一，二為波士頓台灣人生物科技
協會共同會長朱治齊，鄭永志。(周菊子攝)

             陳良基認為，科技人才培養，不但眼光要放遠，還要因人適才，科技部因此訂立多項計劃，不但鼓勵台灣學生，學者出國，也設法吸引優秀的中西海外人才到台灣服務，藉以落實國際科技交流，奠定台灣在科技發展上的國際競爭力。陳良基還在離波返台前的記者會中透露，未來數年將以數位醫療，人工智能為優先關注領域。

科技部長陳良基和出席餐敘者合影。左起為林芳邦，謝水龍，莊偉哲，
以及陳明智(右二起)，凌美秀，錢一之，徐佑典。(周菊子攝)

             陳良基此行到波士頓，還參訪了劍橋創新中心(CIC)，麻州生命科學中心，TechStars波士頓分部，駐波士頓加拿大科技加速器，麻省理工學院的媒體實驗室，城市科學實驗室，並和麻州住宅及經濟發展廳麾下的創新、科技暨創業助理廳長Damon Cox，企業發展廳助理廳長范文南(Nam Pham)餐敘，晤談，交換意見。

             科技部在全世界設有17個據點，北美6個，加拿大之外，美國有5個科技組，分別設於洛杉磯，舊金山，華府，休士頓，以及2018年12月設立的波士頓。以色列的科技組也是去年新設的。

             陳良基這趟到波士頓，在前述活動之外，還和來自波士頓，費城，紐約等地的科技社團代表餐敘，舉辦了一場人才培育整體構想交流座談會，也召集了北美6個科技組組長，和隨行參訪的生命科學研究發展司，國家實驗研究院院長、主管開會，商討台灣科技未來發展方向。(7月22日更新版)

科技部長陳良基(中)和來自美東的科技團體代表合影。右一為波士頓
科技組長謝水龍，右四為波士頓經文處處長徐佑典，右五為新澤西
科技大學交通系主任錢一之。(周菊子攝)

科技部長陳良基與學生學者交流人才計畫。(圖片來自科技部網站)

科技部長陳良基(左七)率團，在波士頓經文處處長徐佑典(右五)
陪同下，與麻州科技、創新助理廳長Damon Cox(左六)及
企業發展助理廳長范文南(Nam Pham，右六)餐敘交換意見。
(圖片來自科技部網站)

非中華民國國民也可當僑務委員? 波士頓有僑胞提議放寬資格

波士頓僑務委員會議說明會部分出席者合影。(周菊子攝)

(Boston Orange 周菊子牛頓市報導)持有中華民國護照，才能當僑務委員? 7月13日在波士頓僑教中心舉行的「僑務委員會議說明會」中，這問題成為討論重點。

左起，紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊，波士頓僑務委員梅錫銳，波士頓
僑教中心主任歐宏偉，波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬，全美安良工商會總理
陳仕維等人分別簡報，致詞。(周菊子攝)

波士頓僑教中心為加強波士頓僑民與僑委會經辦僑務情況的了解，7月13日下午特地舉辦「僑務委員會議說明會」，請5月份回台灣參加僑務委員會議的僑務委員蔣宗壬，以及紐英崙中華公所主席陳家驊、全美安良工商會總理陳仕維等3人出席做簡報。

僑教中心主任歐宏偉在會中一再強調，僑胞們對該次僑務會議有任何問題，都歡迎提出，討論。

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉強調中華民國護照只有一種。

由於一任三年的僑務委員預定一年半後換屆，根據僑委會規定，持有中華民國護照者才有資格出任，但波士頓老僑社區有這護照者，屈指可數。陳仕維在簡報之外，因此提出可否放寬資格的建議。

港澳之友社社長余麗媖因此提問，在美居住華人，是否可申請中華民國護照?

出席者中來自香港的鄒姓夫婦則稱，他倆曾經從波士頓經文處那兒申請到中華民國海外護照。

歐宏偉主任回應表示，配偶持有中華民國護照者，也可申請。據他所知，中華民國護照只有一種，希望鄒姓夫婦能把他倆所說的護照給他看一下，將可代為查證。

蔣宗壬表示，這次回台開會，沒發帽子，到裝甲兵學校參觀時，才拿到
一頂"支持國防，熱愛國家"，繡有中華民國國旗的帽子。(周菊子攝)

第一次出席僑務會議的陳仕維，對這次會議發給每名出席者一塊平板，所有的會議通知，議程，相關資料及討論內容，都藉平板傳達，實質的召開了一次無紙會議，以行動保護環境，很是印象深刻。

陳仕維也讚許僑委會推動設立海外急難救助協會，還見證這次開會，有唱國歌環節。

僑居美國數十年，三年一任的僑務委員職位，也已做到第二任一半的蔣宗壬，在會上不忌諱地埋怨，到台灣出席僑務會議，很多時候都覺得，台下聽的人可能比台上講的人還懂得多，有點浪費時間。他直言，講廣東話的老僑和講國語的新僑，背景各不相同，處事做法有異，想要水乳交融，並不容易。他還記得幾十年前他初到波士頓，曾經和大波士頓中華文化協會的人一起進華埠服務，不少老僑卻以為他們去搶地盤，對他們的態度非常不好，類似這樣的新僑，老僑隔閡，其實在台灣的大官們，根本不清楚。

蔣宗廷認為。年紀大些的僑胞，不太計較藍綠，只要對國家好，就都支持。但是他近年觀察到，在僑務會議中，年輕僑領站邊站得很厲害。這種顏色之分，新僑，老僑之分，有人支持台獨，有人只要不提中華民國就可以，有人堅決支持中華民國等等的立場，使得”我們”的僑社比其他國家的僑社分化得更厲害許多，如何團結僑胞，凝聚僑心，會是很重要的課題。

會末，歐宏偉鼓勵僑胞踴躍組團回台灣，參加十月國慶、使用自費體驗的優質醫療服務，鼓勵加入僑務電子報讀者群、使用僑胞卡及特約商店等等。

波士頓北一女校友吹汽球，嗑瓜子 夏日同樂

波士頓北一女校友會夏日郊遊合影。(周菊子設)

波士頓北一女校友們合影。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子艾克頓鎮報導)波士頓北一女校友會七月十三日在艾克頓鎮(Acton)的Nara公園野餐，七、八十名校友與家人，在藍天白雲綠草原，明媚陽光好天氣之中，閒話家常，交流敘舊，還歡迎3名第一次出席的校友，為剛好當天生日的校友龍熙平唱生日快樂歌。

波士頓北一女校友會本屆幹部合影。後排左起，林遊嵐，吳萍萍，
會長李欣，前任會長江佩蓉，饒雨涵，許聰玲，龍熙平，前排右起，
李建，林麗珠，李以惠，張冕。(周菊子攝)

               波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉當天應邀出席，利用機會頒發僑委會謝函，表揚狀給前任會長江佩蓉，現任會長李欣。波士頓經文處處長徐佑典因接待到訪的總統府祕書長陳菊，未克出席。

               會長李欣和本屆幹事吳萍萍、李建、林麗珠，龍熙平、李以蕙，張冕、林遊嵐、施粲粲，饒雨涵，甫卸任的前會長江佩蓉，以及幹事們的先生等等，很早就開始分工合作，從採購餐點，辦理登記，安排餘興節目，現場布置，指派專人拍照，花了不少心思與力氣，連會場內的每張桌子，都鋪上了象徵北一女的綠色桌布。

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉(右起)頒發表揚狀給波士頓北一女校友會
會長李欣，前會長江佩蓉。(周菊子攝)

               李欣還特地點名感謝許聰玲，雖然已卸任幹部職務，照樣幫忙打點許多事，三，四月時就預定活動場地，還製作校友名牌。

               這天有龍熙平，許聰玲，田禾等至少三名校友，攜家帶眷的三代同堂，或是孫輩帶到會場，天倫之樂，羨煞不少人。三名第一次出席的校友，是輾轉口耳相傳後，才聯袂來參加的。原來是施粲粲告訴忠班同學邵婉如，然後邵婉如告訴她的台大醫學院同班同學，高中念恭班的蔡璐璐，然後蔡璐璐又告訴住在費城，正好來波士頓探望女兒的恭班同學林晨暉，於是一個帶一個，這場校友聚會也就更熱鬧了。

右起，邵婉如，蔡璐璐，張冕，王凌雲，邱西薔參加吹汽球比賽，
看誰吹得最大。(周菊子攝)

               李欣開心的說，希望校友們以後多把配偶、子女，孫子女都帶來，把身邊的校友都找出來，可就人多更歡樂了。

               這次的北一女校友夏日郊遊，餘興節目有吳萍萍安排的吹氣球，嗑瓜子遊戲，唱卡拉OK，江佩蓉帶跳排舞(line dance)。

               吹氣球遊戲有邱西薔，王凌雲，張冕，蔡璐璐，邵婉如參加，由張冕贏得冠軍。嗑瓜子比賽的五名參賽者中，范美蓉和潘安母女上陣競比。有趣的是，南瓜子似乎不容易嗑，遊戲要求嗑20顆瓜子，楊哲修計時了將近3分鐘，都還沒人嗑完。

左起，吳萍萍主持嗑瓜子比賽。(周菊子攝)

               這天收穫最多的應該是校友家屬賴政宏。目前擔任慈濟人文靜思學校校長的他，在郊遊活動中認識了內科醫生袁春生，從波士頓市公校外語部主任一職退休的林遊嵐，找不到足夠醫生辦義診，想找更好方法把家長培訓成教正體中文老師的這困惱他許久的兩大難題，一下子都有了解決途徑。

               波士頓北一女校友會的下一場大活動，將是年底的年會。查詢該會活動，可上臉書專業https://www.facebook.com/BEINUBoston/。

創會會長趙小怡，第二任會長吳國志，現任會長李欣，以及吳萍萍，
張冕。(周菊子攝)

龍熙平(左二)這天生日，和家人同樂。(周菊子攝)

范美蓉，潘克誠，潘安，全家出席，和北一女校友們同樂。(周菊子攝)

從餐館訂了自助餐，好豐盛。(周菊子攝)

  

市長宣佈波士頓7/19-21進入熱浪緊急狀況 氣溫華氏96-102度

MAYOR WALSH DECLARES HEAT EMERGENCY, OPENS BCYF COOLING CENTERS & POOLS TO ALL RESIDENTS

BOSTON - Thursday, July 18, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that in anticipation of the hot and humid weather that is forecasted for this weekend, the City of Boston has declared a heat emergency, beginning Friday at noon through Sunday evening. Temperatures are expected to be between 96 and 102 degrees with a real feel temperature of between mid 90s to 112 degrees.  To help residents stay cool, Mayor Walsh has declared that cooling centers will be open at Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers and residents can swim at the City's pools free of charge. A full list of centers including hours of operation and a brief form to fill out before swimming is available here. Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on Twitter. Residents can sign up for Alert Boston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available city services. The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips for all members of the public: Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time. Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing, including hats. Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's UV radiation is strongest. Keep cool with showers, shade, and ventilation. If you need help finding a place to cool off, call 311. The City of Boston operates outdoor and indoor pools, splash pads and spray decks, and several beaches in Boston at which you can cool off.  Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately. If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications. Please check on neighbors, especially older adults, and people with disabilities. Community partners are encouraged to share information on preparedness, safety, and resources within their networks. Additional tips and resources can be found at boston.gov/heat, including information sheets translated into 10 languages.  Helping the Homeless: If you see homeless individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please call 911. Please ask them if they need assistance. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. These facilities are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, and a cool respite from the heat. Street outreach teams providing recovery services, including the Engagement Center behind 112 Southampton St., remain operating as normal during summertime weather. Playground Safety:   Children should always wear shoes on playgrounds because surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even splash pads and spray decks. Outdoor Fires and Grilling: No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires. Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave unattended. When done, dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out. Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home. Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area. Mosquitoes and Ticks: If you are in a grassy or wooded area, apply a DEET containing repellent that will protect against mosquitoes AND ticks. Always check yourself, children, and pets for ticks after returning indoors and remove attached ticks immediately using tweezers. Mosquito bites can spread West Nile virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE), while attached ticks can spread Lyme disease. Limit your time outdoors between dusk and dawn when mosquitoes are most active and apply an approved mosquito repellent.

JACKPOT OF $250,000 GUARANTEED FOR RED SOX FOUNDATION’S 50/50 RAFFLE DURING UPCOMING RED SOX-YANKEES SERIES

JACKPOT OF $250,000 GUARANTEED

FOR RED SOX FOUNDATION’S 50/50 RAFFLE

DURING UPCOMING RED SOX-YANKEES SERIES

One Fan Will Win Half the Jackpot;

Remaining Proceeds to Benefit the Red Sox Foundation’s Home Base Program

BOSTON, MA – To celebrate 10 successful years of the Home Base Program and the 10^th Annual Run To Home Base event at Fenway Park, the Red Sox Foundation, in partnership with Ascend Fundraising Solutions, is guaranteeing a $250,000 jackpot for the 50/50 Raffle taking place during the upcoming Red Sox-Yankees series.

Fans will have a chance to purchase raffle tickets over a 9-day period online atredsox.com/5050 from July 19-27. Fans attending the Red Sox-Yankees series taking place July 25-27 will have the opportunity to purchase raffle tickets at Fenway Park. The raffle will close at the end of the 6^th inning of the July 27 game, and a single winning number for the entire 9-day raffle will be posted online in the middle of the 7^th inning of that game. 

The 50/50 Raffle is a fundraising tool for the Foundation and is available during every Red Sox home game at the ballpark, as well as online for fans located in Massachusetts. Half the net proceeds generated from the raffle go to the winning ticket holder. The other half goes to the Red Sox Foundation to support their charitable programs, partners, and grants programs. A portion of the proceeds from the $250,000 jackpot will directly benefit Home Base, a Red Sox Foundation and Massachusetts General Hospital program serving veterans suffering from PTSD and other invisible wounds of war.

In addition to being available online and at the ballpark during the Yankees Series games, raffle tickets may be purchased in person at Fenway Park on July 19 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and from July 22-26 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at the Red Sox Foundation offices located at 4 Jersey Street.

To participate, fans must be in the State of Massachusetts and at least eighteen (18) years of age. Please see official rules for full details.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE NEW MORTGAGE PROGRAM FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES INNOVATIVE NEW MORTGAGE PROGRAM FOR FIRST-TIME HOMEBUYERS

ONE+Boston Mortgage permanently reduces interest rate in partnership with the City of Boston and housing advocates  BOSTON - Friday, July 19, 2019 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh yesterday announced the City of Boston has finalized details for an enhanced mortgage program for first-time homebuyers. This project represents the culmination of efforts by Mayor Walsh's Barriers to Homeownership Working Group, which works to create more homeownership opportunities for low- and middle-income families and families of color. The ONE+Boston mortgage product will be offered by the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP) and was supported by the Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance (MAHA) and Greater Boston Interfaith Organization (GBIO), long-time advocates for innovative and creative programs that address need and remove barriers.  "The ONE+Boston Mortgage will expand the purchasing power for Bostonians interested in becoming first-time homebuyers. This is a great use of Community Preservation funds and an investment in Boston's future that strengthens homeownership and gives residents a chance to buy a home in the neighborhoods they love," said Mayor Walsh. "I commend the Barriers to Homeownership Working Group, MAHA and GBIO for their leadership and advocacy in creating this product, and thank MHP and the participating lenders for their partnership and commitment to innovation in the mortgage marketplace." The new ONE+Boston mortgage will utilize $3.8 million in Community Preservation funds previously announced this spring. These City of Boston funds generated from the Community Preservation Act will finance a permanent reduction in the interest rate of a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage for income-eligible Bostonians buying their first home within the city limits. This interest-rate reduction means the new homebuyer could afford a larger mortgage at a monthly payment that is still affordable to them, and ultimately, translates into more buying power for the new homebuyer.  "Our homebuyer graduates need good news and this new program certainly qualifies," said Symone Crawford, Mattapan resident and director of Homeownership Education at MAHA. "We are thrilled to be partnering with Mayor Walsh and his housing team, MHP, and participating lenders to assist more first-time homebuyers in Boston's neighborhoods. For nearly 30 years, ONE Mortgage has done more to close the racial homeownership gap, and with this important enhancement, we can do even more."   ONE+Boston will enhance Massachusetts Housing Partnership's (MHP's) ONE Mortgage Program for first-time homebuyers earning less than 100% of Area Median Income (AMI), or $90,000 for a two-person household, to permanently buy-down interest rates. This interest rate write down may be combined with additional financial assistance from the City of Boston through the Boston Home Center. Homes purchased through this mortgage product may be market-rate, or income-restricted. The total amount a borrower can receive between the write down and BHC downpayment/closing cost assistance is $50,000.  "Thanks to the City of Boston's leadership, ONE+Boston will substantially expand the impact of the ONE Mortgage Program, which has enjoyed strong support from the Baker-Polito administration and has helped more than 5,000 families become successful first-time homeowners in the City of Boston," said Clark Ziegler, executive director of the Massachusetts Housing Partnership (MHP), the quasi-public organization that helped create and administers ONE Mortgage. "The ONE Mortgage Program has been an incredibly impactful lending program for the community, empowering thousands of Massachusetts residents to purchase a place to call home," said Nancy Monbouquette, Vice President and Home Mortgage New England regional manager at Citizens Bank, a ONE+Boston participating lender. "We are pleased to continue working with such outstanding organizations like the City of Boston, Massachusetts Housing Partnership and Massachusetts Affordable Housing Alliance. Through these partnerships and this innovative expansion of the ONE Mortgage Program, we will be able to help even more Bostonians reach their homeownership goals." The ONE+Boston mortgage product will be available at Citizens Bank, the City of Boston Credit Union, Eastern Bank, Rockland Trust, Boston Private Bank, Cambridge Trust, and Santander Bank beginning this fall. These seven lenders are the top current ONE lenders in Boston, and routinely work with Boston Home Center first-time homebuyers, often utilizing MHP's ONE Mortgage. The demonstration project will likely be scaled up to include other lenders in the future.  ABOUT HOUSING A CHANGING CITY: BOSTON 2030 In 2018, Mayor Martin J. Walsh updated his comprehensive housing strategy,  Housing A Changing City: Boston 2030 to increase the City's overall housing goal to 69,000 new units by 2030, to meet Boston's faster than expected population growth. These 69,000 new units include 15,820 new income-restricted units, which would elevate Boston's income-restricted inventory total to 70,000, or one in five of all housing units. In addition, the 2018 Update set a goal to preserve 85 percent of Boston's most at-risk privately-owned affordable units, to purchase 1,000 units of rental housing stock from the speculative market and income-restrict it for perpetuity, and to help 5,000 Bostonians become first time homebuyers.  ABOUT THE COMMUNITY PRESERVATION ACT (CPA) After Boston voters adopted the CPA in November 2016, the City created a Community Preservation Fund. This fund is capitalized primarily by a one percent property tax-based surcharge on residential and business property tax bills that began in July 2017. The City uses this revenue to fund initiatives consistent with statewide CPA guidelines: affordable housing, historic preservation, and open space and public recreation. The funding of any project requires a recommendation from the Community Preservation Committee and appropriation by the City. For more information, please visit the Community Preservation webpage.