City of Boston Funding update

 

The Funding Update   MassDevelopment, 1/15/2021  The Cultural Facilities Fund provides capital and planning grants for acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion, and construction of nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities.  LEF Foundation, 1/22/2021 Grants from the Moving Image Fund support work created by New England-based filmmakers that is provocative, heartfelt, and challenging in style and substance. The program supports long-form projects with running times of forty minutes or more in both the production and post-production phases. Grants range from $15,000 to $25,000. National Endowment for the Arts, 1/27/2021 The Big Read supports community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. National Endowment for the Arts, 2/13/2021 Grants for Arts Projects support public engagement with, and access to, various forms of excellent art across the nation, the creation of art that meets the highest standards of excellence, learning in the arts at all stages of life, and the integration of the arts into the fabric of community life. Grants range from $10,000 to $150,000 and require a 50% match. Foundation for Community Artists, Open Multiple grant opportunities. The Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture provides an Artist Resource Desk. The Creative Capital blog lists a variety of resources and opportunities. Applications for the Creative Capital Award open February 1, 2021. Check this page to register for information sessions.     With our best wishes for the New Year, The Funding Update will return on January 8, 2021. CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FUNDING UPDATE City of Boston, Open The Boston Resiliency Fund helps coordinate philanthropic efforts to provide essential services to Boston residents whose health and well-being are most immediately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Funding priorities: providing food to Boston's children, families, and seniors; providing technology to Boston Public Schools students for remote learning; and providing support to first responders, front-line workers, and healthcare workers so they can effectively do their jobs and promote public health. Applications Still Being Accepted: City of Boston, Open The Rental Relief Fund will help income-eligible tenants in the City of Boston who do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits, or because of the nature of their jobs, the unemployment benefits they will receive represent a significant reduction in their actual income. Application materials are available in multiple languages. WHAT TO DO WHEN FACING AN EVICTION Bob Barker Company Foundation, Open Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, support programs that prepare formerly incarcerated individuals for successful reentry into society. Office on Violence Against Women, 1/22/2021  Justice for Families grants improve the response of the civil and criminal justice system to families with a history of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, and stalking, or in cases involving allegations of child sexual abuse. OVW expects to make 23 grants in the range of $550,000 to $650,000.     Sodexo Stop Hunger Foundation, 1/22/2021  Grants of up to $500 will support youth leaders ages 5-25 across the U.S. to turn their ideas into action and make an impact on the issue of childhood hunger. New this year is an option for a fundraising match grant, which includes $100 for fundraising-related costs and a $400 matching grant to a local hunger relief organization of your choice.  National Science Foundation, 2/24/2021  The goal of Smart and Connected Communities is to accelerate the creation of new levels of economic opportunity and growth, safety and security, health and wellness, accessibility and inclusivity, and overall quality of life. A total of $23.5M is available. New England Grassroots Environment Fund, 3/15/2021 Seed Grants of $250 to $1,000 help volunteer groups launch and build their newly evolving projects. Requests for this program may be submitted throughout the year. Grow Grants of $1,000 to $3,500 enhance the ability of established groups to increase capacity, collaborate, and leverage impact. People for Bikes, 1/12/2021 Community Grants support bicycle infrastructure projects and targeted advocacy initiatives that make it easier and safer for people of all ages and abilities to ride. Max award: $10,000. Office on Violence Against Women, 2/2/2021 Legal Assistance for Victims grants ($600,000 to $800,000) support comprehensive services. OVW expects to award 56 grants to nonprofits. Emergent Fund, Open Funding priorities: Coalitions/Alliances; Mobilization; Organizing and Advocacy; Healing, Inspiration, and Liberation; Access for digital spaces and digital organizing. Population focus: Black, Indigenous and People of Color. Grants range from $10,000 to $30,000. Harry Chapin Foundation, Open Funding priorities: Arts-In-Education Programs, Community Education Programs; Agricultural and Environmental Programs. Funding focus: grassroots organizations with budgets up to  $500,000. Max award: $10,000. New this week: National Parks Service, 1/26/2021 Save America's Treasures grants help preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation's rich heritage to future generations. Two categories of funding: preservation projects and collections. Eligible properties must be either currently: 1) individually listed as a National Historic Landmark or be a contributing property within a National Historic Landmark district, or 2) individually listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Grants range from $125,000 to $500,000. New this week: New Earth Foundation, 2/1/2021 Grants support environmental initiatives aimed at eliminating pollution and saving the planet’s ecosystems, community efforts that create models of social sustainability, educational innovations that prepare youth to become the socially responsible leaders of the future, and strategies that offer economic improvement and opportunities. ********************************************************* Are you struggling with rent or mortgage payments because of COVID-19? There are resources available. You can also call 211. Talk to your landlord to create a plan. *********************************** Massachusetts Eviction Defense Guide Courtesy of Greater Boston Legal Services   City of Boston, Open The Reopen Boston Fund was established to help small businesses minimize risk and manage economic recovery. Eligible costs include Personal Protective Equipment, safety partitions for customers and employees, and managing outdoor space that’s approved for business use. The grants are for brick-and-mortar businesses, with fewer than 15 employees, where people work close to each other or to customers. Boston Local Development Corporation, Open The Standard BLDC Loan Fund is available for existing businesses, new ventures, and businesses relocating to Boston. Loans range from $25,000 to $150,000. The Backstreets Boston Back-up Loan Program provides financing of up to $250,000 for Boston companies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Also, BLDC recently received a $693,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant from the Economic Development Administration at the US Department of Commerce to capitalize and administer a Revolving Loan Fund to provide loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Boston. For more information, contact Bill Nickerson or Gisella Soriano.  Boston Industrial Development Finance Authority, Open BIDFA and GreenerU have partnered to offer a financing program that helps Boston nonprofits lower their energy bills and reach the City’s greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets. Register here for the 12/9/2020 webinar on the Tax-Exempt Lease Program. Citizens Bank, 1/8/2021 Currently accepting applications from nonprofits seeking funding for financial empowerment programs that teach good financial practices in CT, MA, MI, NH, NY, OH, PA, RI, and VT. MassTech Collaborative, Open The Collaborative Research Matching Grant supports large-scale projects involving two or more research organizations that have the most potential to spur innovation, cluster development, new business formation, and job growth through industry partnerships in the Commonwealth. All Grant Applications must include collaboration amongst two or more universities or research institutions. New this week: Black Ambition HBCU Prize, 2/21/2021 Pharrell Williams has established a platform for eligible applicants to access growth capital, pitch feedback, and mentorship. The competition features two tracks: Business Concept and Early Business. Prizes range from $50,000 to $250,000. New this week: Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, 1/11/2021 The Elevate Initiative is designed to address structural and systemic barriers to economic opportunity and ensure equitable outcomes in the American workforce. Up to ten grants of between $100,000 and $300,000 will be awarded to nonprofit organizations nationwide that demonstrate a strong commitment to intersectional racial justice, and an ability to address economic disparities that affect Black and Brown workers as the result of structural racism. Apply by either text or video. ******************************************************************** Q&A About the Second Round of Stimulus Payments Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Monday that he expects people will start receiving their payments next week. ****************************************************************** The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development holds Virtual Office Hours on Wednesdays from 11AM to 1PM. Learn about becoming a City of Boston-certified Minority/Woman-Owned Business.   National Geographic, Open The COVID-19 Remote Learning Emergency Fund will distribute grants ranging from $1,000–$8,000 to individual educators to use the power of science, social studies, and/or geography to help students understand the challenges and impacts of critical issues. Brown Rudnick, Open Community Grants support front-line education workers in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Providence and Washington, D.C.  Fund for Teachers, 1/21/2021 Individuals may apply for up to $5,000 and teams may apply for up to $10,000 (while team members may be from different schools, districts or states, all members must meet the eligibility criteria). Fellowships should begin after the last day of school in the spring and be completed by the first day of school in the fall, with all fellowship related expenditures made by September 9, 2021. Health Resources and Services Administration, 1/19/2021 Nursing Workforce Diversity grants to nonprofit educational institutions provide support from enrollment to graduation. The grant term is 4 years, and the max award is $555,000 per year. New this week: US Education, 1/11/2021 The School Ambassador Fellowship is a one-year professional learning community designed to improve educational outcomes for students by leveraging the expertise of school-based practitioners in the creation, evaluation, and dissemination of information around national education initiatives. New this week: JAMS Foundation, 01/11/2021 Grants support Conflict Resolution Education and training for young people. The funding focus in 2021 is on CRE activities that increase resilience in youth ages 16 to 18 who are in foster care, homeless shelters, domestic violence shelters and youth correctional facilities. Grants range from $15,000 to $40,000 in the first year; and $20,000 if extended to a second year. New this week: United States-Japan Foundation, 1/15/2021 Funding focus: K-12 education. Grants support innovative education projects that help American and Japanese youth learn about each other’s society, culture, and country as well as learn to work together on issues of common concern. Multiple funding opportunities. New this week: US Education, 1/21/2021 Institute of Education Sciences Small Business Innovation Research provides up to $1.1M in funding in 2 phases: Phase I for $200,000 for 8-months for rapid prototype development and evaluation and Phase II for $900,000 for full-scale product development and evaluation. New this week: First Up, 1/29/2021 Terri Lynne Lokoff Teacher Awards acknowledge the critical role of childcare teachers in providing quality early care and education. Fifty selected teachers will each receive a $1,000 grant. Of those, one will receive the Helene Marks Award, which includes an additional $1,000 grant. New this week: American Honda Foundation, 2/1/2021 Funding priorities: STEM education for youth; the environment; job training; and literacy. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000.   GET THE TEST, BOSTON Check this page for mobile testing sites in Boston. Massachusetts Medical Society and Alliance, 1/15/2021 Letter of Intent Funding priorities: quality healthcare services for the un- and under-insured; behavioral health services when not available; improved access to healthcare; health promotion through proactive prevention, education, and outreach; and social determinants of health. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000. Tufts Health Plan Foundation, 1/22/2021 Funding focus: healthy aging and older people in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Rhode Island. Current funding opportunities include Systems & Best Practices and Collaboration & Community Engagement.   GrantStation offers a searchable database of COVID-19 funding. W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 1/28 to 2/25/2021 Racial Equity 2030 is a $90 million global challenge to drive an equitable future for children, families, and communities across the world. Solutions may tackle the social, economic, political, or institutional inequities we see today. Applications must embrace and reflect the values of racial equity and justice, and proposed solutions should be led by an experienced team that includes communities closest to the issue as part of leadership in the project. Teams of visionaries, change agents, and community leaders from every sector are invited to join. Robert F Schumann Foundation, 2/28/2021 Funding priorities: environmental sustainability, education, the arts and humanities.  Agnes M. Lindsey Trust, Open Funding priorities: Health, Education, Homeless Shelters and Food Access. Applications for Camp Scholarships are due March 1, annually. Grants range from $1,000 to $5,000 and support nonprofits in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Vermont. Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Open Funding priorities:entrepreneurs of color, affordable housing, early childhood education, and workforce development. Yawkey Foundation, Open Funding priorities: health care, education, human services, youth and amateur athletics, arts and culture, and conservation and wildlife. Categories: Program & Small Capital Grants – up to $100,000; Strategic Investment Grants – up to $1 million, typically payable over multiple years; Transformational Capital Grants – up to $5 million, typically payable over multiple years. Peace Development Fund, 12/29/2020 DeColores Rapid Response Fund grants (average $5,000) support grassroots, power-building organizations that are aligned with PDF’s four pillars of grantmaking: Organizing to Shift Power; Working to Build a Movement; Dismantling Oppression; and Creating New Structures. The Impact Fund, 1/12/2021 Recoverable grants in the range of $10,000 to $50,000 are awarded to legal services nonprofits, private attorneys, and/or small law firms who seek to advance justice in the areas of civil and human rights, environmental justice, and/or poverty law. National Trust for Historic Preservation, 1/15/2021 The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund is designed to advance ongoing preservation activities for historic places such as sites, museums, and landscapes. Grants support Capital Projects, Organizational Capacity Building, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation. Awards range from $50,000 to $150,000.  Les Paul Foundation, 1/15/2021 Grants support music innovation and engineering, as well as medical research on hearing loss. Looking Out Foundation, 2/1/2021 Funding priorities include disadvantaged youth; health; community development; women/gender equality; the environment; the arts; human and civil rights; and the hungry and the homeless. Grants range from $1,000 and $5,000. Amgen Foundation, Open Funding focus: Science Education and Community Life. Local grants range from $5,000 to $50,000. Hearst Foundations, Open Funding priorities: Culture, Education, Health, Social Services.The most common first grant size is $75,000. Cruise Industry Charitable Foundation, Open Funding priorities: Civic and Community Development, Education and Training, Environment, Public Health. Funding focus: economically disadvantaged populations. Grants range from $2,500 to $15,000. New this week: Save America’s Treasures, 1/26/2021 The Save America's Treasures Grants program helps preserve nationally significant historic properties and collections that convey our nation's rich heritage to future generations. The program has separate applications for preservation projects (for properties listed on the National Register of Historic Places for national significance or listed as a National Historic Landmark) and for projects involving collections (including artifacts, museum collections, documents, sculptures, and other works of art)  Boston Foundation, 02/21/2021 New and existing nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston that are not currently aligned with the strategies, goals and approaches pursued in the Foundation's five Impact Areas to  consider Open Door Grants for support of their efforts to meet existing needs or test new ideas and innovations that address the most critical challenges and biggest opportunities facing our community. Open Door Grants are especially focused on organizations serving and building power in communities historically excluded from institutional philanthropy and whose leadership reflects the communities they serve.  New this week: Truist Foundation, 3/31/2020 Funding priorities: leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Grants support one-time needs that are sustainable and don’t commit funds to recurring expenditures. Capital requests will be considered when the campaign is 60% complete toward its fundraising goal. New this week: Santander Bank Charitable Foundation, 1/2/2021 - 10/15/2021 Funding priorities: Financial Empowerment, Small Business and Entrepreneurship, Affordable Housing, and Healthy Neighborhoods. Max award: $30,000. Quarterly funding decisions. THE RESOURCE TABLE CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FUNDING UPDATE Webinar: Four Fundraising Trends for 2021 and Beyond Courtesy of Nonprofit Tech for Good + Classy 1/12/2021 at 1PM Eastern Register Here __________________________ Tech Networks of Boston Now accepting applications for the Black Lives Matter Nonprofit Accelerator. Get support with filing the 1023-EZ, applying for technology and advertising grants, and hosting for email and productivity apps. _______________________________________ Ten Website Design Best Practices for Nonprofits Courtesy of Nonprofit Tech for Good __________________________ COVID-19 Resource Guide Courtesy of the Suffolk County DA’s Office __________________________ ONLINE LEARNING: Time Management for Grantwriters Courtesy of GrantStation __________________________ Connecting Communities to Opportunity Courtesy of Winn Companies Use CONNECT to search for free and reduced cost services like food, healthcare, job opportunities, benefits enrollment, rent assistance and more. ________________________________________ Family Resources Emergency Childcare Good Neighbors Coping Skills for Youth __________________________ Microsoft Digital Skills Center for Nonprofits - a collaboration with TechSoup Courses ________________________________________ Mel King Institute Expand your knowledge on community development topics through virtual training courses. __________________________________________________________________________ Visit the Intergovernmental Relations Resource Page for a wide variety of  fundraising tips, along with back issues of The Funding Update. Can’t see the email? Display this email in your browser Boston City Hall, 1 City Hall Square, Boston, Massachusetts 02201, United States Hours & Directions Want to change how you receive these emails? You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list

10名州市議員呼籲波士頓市長簽法令限警察使用胡椒噴霧、催淚瓦斯

            (Boston Orange編譯)八名波士頓市議員，二名麻州議員促請波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)簽署法令，大幅度限制波士頓警察局使用胡椒噴霧，催淚瓦斯和橡皮子彈。

                       波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)在12月22日的疫情會報中表示，市議員們沒有先和他商量，就推出這一法令要求。他認為警察們許多時候面對的情況非常危險，也需要有適當的執法能力保障。他必須和警察們進一步討論後，才能回應此事。

這是議員們針對波士頓警察局警員在今年早前抗議活動中的穿戴相機(body-cam)視頻流傳出來後，波士頓市警察局的反應，推動要求的。

該段穿戴相機視頻顯示警員用胡椒噴霧來噴把雙手舉起來的抗議者。

八名市議員及其他人員在週一(21日)寫給馬丁華殊的文件中表示，”隨附的視頻片段讓人深感不安，也顯示了需要有這法令所訂的規定”。”如果在這些示威行動發生時，有這法令，那就會有清楚規定防止這些被記錄下來的濫權”。

波士頓市議會上週以8比5票通過了限制對抗議者使用化學藥劑，例如胡椒噴霧，催淚瓦斯，以及包括橡膠子彈在內的動力方式。

這法令是由Andrea Campbell 及Ricardo Arroyo這兩名議員提案，並簽署了致市長信。吳弭(Michelle Wu)、Kim Janey、Julia Mejia、Lydia Edwards、 Liz Breadon以及 Kenzie Bok等其他六名市議員就信件投了贊成票。

麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang Diaz)，麻州眾議員Russell Holmes，以及薩福克郡遺囑認證官阿若約(Felix Arroyo)也都簽名支持。

他們的文字指這些武器曾造成威脅生命的傷勢，包括眼瞎了，創傷後壓力失調，鈍器外傷，甚至死亡。

“一個重要的考慮點是那些武器無選擇力，無法限制這些武器的使用結果只發生在所針對的特定群體或個人身上”。

波士頓市警察局強烈反對市議員們的提案，指稱那些新貴定會嚴重限制他們處理肆無忌憚群眾所造成危險情況的能力。

五名波士頓市議員，Frank Baker、Annissa Essaibi-George、米高法拉提(Michael Flaherty) 、愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)，以及Matt O’Malley投反對票。

該視頻是”上訴(The Appeal)”上週五公佈的，引出波士頓警察局的內部調查，以及薩福克郡地方檢察官Rachel Rillns的揚言調查。

波士頓巡邏警察協會(The Boston Police Patrolman’s Association)週六時在一份聲明中批評該視頻是無頭無尾的摘要，不能描繪出警察們當晚所面剁的危險。(更新版)

昆士市免費新冠病毒檢測 12/29起連續八週每週二下午

            (Boston Orange 編譯)昆士市長柯奇(Thomas P. Koch)今日宣佈，昆士市和滿能(Manet)社區健康中心合作，將從12月29日起，連需八週，每周二的中午至下午4點，在市府未來的特殊教育學習中心(180 Old Colony Avenue)，為居民擴大辦理免費的新冠病毒檢測。

檢測免費，不須保險資訊，任何昆士居民都可參加。建議先預約，但並不規定必須這麼做。登記，請洽774-406-5400。

滿能將和博德機構(Broad Institute)實驗室合作，執行這檢測，估計24到48小時候可有檢測結果。檢測方法由滿能醫療團隊做臨床督導，參加檢測者自行用拭子取樣。

柯奇市長表示，” 在這病毒大流行期間，滿能及其團隊在許多方面一再加強，並那麼快的擴大本地檢測能力，只是該機構對這社區有著與眾不同承諾的又一例證”。”市府希望居民們，尤其是和醫療護理系統可能沒那麼多互動的年輕人，可以利用這簡單又免費的機會，幫助昆士市對抗目前新冠病毒個案大增情況”。

滿能執行長Cynthia H. Sierra表示，”我們真的很榮幸有市府確保居民能及時，方便的得到檢測。作為一個社區健康中心，我們的使命就是把醫療護理擴大進病人居住的社區及鄰里。無論是做新冠病毒篩檢，或是很快就要做的新冠病毒疫苗接種，或是面對面，或是任何其他的支援性醫療服務，我們都致力為所有需要我們的人確保醫療護理及服務的完善及品質。

門診地點是在原本屬於東拿薩仁學院(Eastern Nazarene College)的辦公室及教室大樓。在柯奇市長計畫把這地方翻修成為昆士市特殊教育學生的學習中心後，昆士市府年前買下了這地方，預定2021年後開始施工。這地點有很多停車位，而且離地鐵紅線華樂斯頓中心(Wallaston Center)站和巴士站很近。

City of Quincy, Manet Community Health Center to Partner On Free Testing Clinic

QUINCY, MA – December 22, 2020 Mayor Thomas P. Koch announced today that the City of Quincy and Manet Community Health Center will partner to bring expanded COVID-19 testing to residents beginning Tuesday, December 29, from noon to 4 p.m. at the future site of the City’s special education learning center at 180 Old Colony Avenue.

The testing is free, does not require insurance information, and is open to any Quincy resident. Pre-registration is recommended but not required. To register, call 774-406-5400.

The testing will run on Tuesdays at the same time for at least the next eight weeks.

Manet is partnering with the laboratory at the Broad Institute to process test, and results are expected to be returned within 24 to 48 hours. The test is a self-administered swab but will be clinically supervised by Manet’s medical team.

“Time and again, Manet and its team have stepped up in so many ways during this pandemic, and coordinating this expansion of our local testing capacity so quickly is just another example of an extraordinary commitment to the people of this community,” said

Mayor Thomas P. Koch. “We hope our residents, particularly our young people who may not have interacted much with the health care system, will avail themselves of this easy and free opportunity to help us fight the current surge in COVID-19 cases.”

Added Manet Chief Executive Officer Cynthia H. Sierra:

“We are truly honored with the City to ensure that residents have access to timely and convenient access to testing. As a community health center, we are compelled by our mission to extend care out into the community and the neighborhoods where our patients live. Whether it is through COVID screening and testing – and soon our COVID vaccination program – or our in-person and telehealth primary care, addiction medicine, behavioral health services or any of our other supportive health services, we are committed to ensuring quality, comprehensive health care and services for all who need us.”

The clinic site is an office and classroom building that was owned by Eastern Nazarene College until it was purchased by the City earlier this year as part of a plan by Mayor Koch to create a learning center for the City’s special education students. Construction to retrofit the building is scheduled to begin later in 2021. There is ample parking at the site, and it is in close proximity to MBTA bus routes and the Wollaston Center Red Line station. (updated version)

摩頓市撥款25萬元協助市民繳房租 市長簽行政命令禁驅逐

             (Boston Orange 報導)麻州摩頓市(Malden)市長葛帝生(Gary Christenson)為協助面對驅逐威脅市民，推出2協助步驟，一為簽署行政命令，12月21日起禁止驅逐(eviction)；一為撥款25萬元，協助市民繳租。

              摩頓市府官員表示，市長在12月17日以公共健康緊急狀況為理由，簽署了禁止驅逐令，並從12月21日起生效，但這只能制止法院暫緩執行驅逐令，並不能禁止房東向法院提出驅逐申請。房客仍然必須繳交房租。

            25萬元的協助繳租經費，將經由摩頓市重建局(MRA)和非牟利機構合作辦理，以先到先得方式，為那些在3月到12月間，因新冠病毒大流行，經濟衰退而大受打擊，無力付租的符合資格市民。

            申請截止日期為12月28日，查詢或索取申請表，應和”家居(Housing Families)”這單位聯繫，電郵地址為probonolegalteam@housingfamilies.org ，電話號碼為781-322-9119分機146 ，或上網housingfamilies.org。需要協助避免被驅逐市民，可上市府網站cityofmalden.org/eviction。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊匯報疫情 12/22 (附視頻)

            (Boston Orange 整理)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)在12月22日的記者會中，綜述過去一週以來多市內狀況。

             12月17日的大雪，降雪量破紀錄，13英寸。在風雪最大時，波士頓市府共派出700輛鏟雪車清掃街道，市民很快就能如常活動了。他要感謝200名公共工程局員工在風雪中工作，持續清掃各鄰里的街道。市府311熱線共收到3300通求助電話。

             本週四及週五的聖誕夜及聖誕日，天氣預報會下雨一英寸，請市民注意預防街道淹水，協助清理消防栓。週五晚溫度會下降，路面可能結冰，市民出外要小心，市府公共工程人員會出動除冰。

             波士頓市的新冠病毒(COVID-19)疫情，22日新增253人確診，累計36,476人。新增3人死亡，累計975人。麻州情況為新增3293人確診，累計318,143，新增43人死亡，累計11,549人。

             截至12月13日，波士頓市平均每天有5212人做病毒檢測，這數據並不包括大學院校做的檢測。目前波士頓市的確診率為8%，比上週的7.2%高。多徹斯特(Dorchester)、東波士頓(East Boston)，以及海德公園(Hyde Park)仍然是波士頓市內確診率最高的地區。波士頓市的確診數令人憂慮，住院人數也還是多，市府會密切關注。

             包括免費向任何人開放的流動檢測站在內，目前波士頓市內共有30個病毒檢測站。在聖誕節日間，流動檢測站的服務時間有縮減，有意前往做檢測的民眾，最好先打電話確認。查詢可上網boston.gov/coronavirus，或打電話311。

             馬丁華殊市長鼓勵市民做病毒檢測，這樣市府才能更清楚病毒對波士頓市到底有甚麼影響，也才能更精準的把資源分配到最需要的地方去。

             馬丁華殊也談及國會剛通過9000議員新冠病毒紓困法案，但強調國會必須給美國人更多援助，幫民眾重新站穩腳步。

             馬丁華殊還特別提到市府在這節慶期間發揮創意，想出新的服務市民方法。耆英有力局(Age Stong Commission)往年是在市政府大樓為耆英舉辦”假日電話(Holiday Calls)”，讓耆英免費打長途電話到世界各地，向親友賀節，今年則有AT&T捐款3萬元給”科技到家(Tech Goes Home)”，為耆英提供設備及科技訓練。

             馬丁華殊也鼓勵耆英和波士頓市府的”耆英有力(Age Strong Commission)”聯絡，以獲悉在新年期間和人保持聯繫的方法。

             為協助須處理精神健康問題，因應病毒大流行期間感到孤立無援的民眾，波市府籲請市民撥打311電話，或把Samaritans 24/7 Helpline這短訊，發送到877-870-4673這號碼去。面對家庭暴力或虐待等問題者，應立即撥打911電話求助。

趙羨藻攝影藝術展"昔年" 在廣州跨年展至2021年1月20日

 

麻州縮緊防疫規定 企業營運降至25% 聚會限制戶外25人室內10人

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)剛剛宣佈，12月26日起縮緊防疫規定。在為期約二週的時間內，絕大部分企業營運需降至正常的25%，所有活動的群聚人數，限戶外25人，室內10人以下。

             新規定將從12月26日起生效，直至2021年1月10日止。

             查理貝克再次強調，源自感恩節經驗，為防止聖誕節、新年假期造成更多人感染新冠病毒(COVID-19)，希望所有州民遵守新規定，以遏制病毒散佈，好讓醫護系統及學校，社區可以保持開放。

             麻州副州長白莉朵(Karyn Polito)進一步說明，餐館，戲院，表演場所，個人服務，賭場，辦公室，教堂或崇拜所，零售店，駕校，飛行學校，高爾夫球場，圖書館，健身房，博物館等等，全都適用於新規定，

             不過餐館，個人服務，教堂，諸如雜貨店等零售地點的營運工作人員，不包括計算在這25%，以及戶外25人，室內10人的限制中。

             麻州公共衛生廳廳長Marylou Sudders表示，新的臨時限制，將也適用於醫療業。除非會對病人造成極大危險，麻州內所有醫院必須推遲或取消所有非必要，可選擇的住院手術。 

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Further Measures to Stop the Spread of COVID-19

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced further restrictions to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in the Commonwealth, including new capacity and gathering limits. These measures will go into effect on Saturday, December 26 and will remain in effect until noon on January 10, 2021.

Read a summary of the restrictions here.

Read the emergency order here.

Capacity Limits

Effective Saturday, December 26, most industries in Massachusetts will be subject to a 25% capacity limit including:

• Restaurants (based on permitted seating capacity)

• Close Contact Personal Services

• Theatres and Performance Venues

• Casinos

• Office Spaces

• Places of Worship

• Retail Businesses

• Driving and Flight Schools

• Golf Facilities (for indoor spaces)

• Libraries

• Lodging (for common areas)

• Arcades and Indoor Recreation Businesses

• Fitness Centers and Health Clubs

• Museums, Cultural Facilities and Guided Tours

Workers and staff will not count towards the occupancy count for restaurants, places of worship, close contact personal services, and retail businesses.

All other rules and restrictions in each sector-specific guidance will remain in effect.

Gatherings Limit

Effective Saturday, December 26, the gatherings limits will be updated. Indoor gatherings will be limited to 10 people. Outdoor gatherings will be limited to 25 people outside.

The gatherings limit applies to private homes, event venues and public spaces.

Elective Surgeries

The Department of Public Health released updated guidance to hospitals around nonessential, elective invasive procedures. To preserve health care personnel resources, effective 12:01am on December 26, all hospitals are directed to postpone or cancel all nonessential inpatient elective invasive procedures in order to maintain and increase inpatient capacity. Hospitals shall make every effort to preserve their inpatient capacity by cancelling nonessential electives and redeploying staff. 

Patients are reminded to still seek necessary care at their hospital or from their health care provider

Boston Athletic Association to Launch Athletes’ Village, Virtual Community for Runners of All Levels

 Boston Athletic Association to Launch Athletes’ Village, Virtual Community for Runners of All Levels

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced the upcoming launch of Athletes’ Village, a virtual community for runners of all levels and abilities. Athletes’ Village will be a virtual hub for free monthly challenges as well as paid training programs, and will serve as a central location for participant and volunteer history, official race results, race updates, and race registration. The B.A.A. seeks to engage with 125,000 athletes worldwide through the online Athletes' Village in honor of and leading up to next year's 125th Boston Marathon.

 

“Whether you are an accomplished marathoner, looking to increase your physical activity in the new year, or brand new to the sport of running, Athletes’ Village will provide a space for you to achieve your fitness goals and celebrate your accomplishments with a global community,” said Tom Grilk, President & C.E.O. of the B.A.A.

 

The online community will formally launch on Tuesday, January 5th with a free, six-week Winter Warm-Up training program designed for new runners, runners recovering from injury, and anyone looking to be more active in 2021. Created by Mark Carroll, B.A.A. High Performance coach and two-time Olympian for Ireland, the Winter Warm-Up will provide structured weekly goals to increase participants’ aerobic abilities and build endurance for a spring 5K. Athletes looking to take on an additional challenge can conquer the January challenges: logging 125 miles or completing a total of 125 minutes of activity throughout the month. Additional challenges for Athletes’ Village will be announced every month. Participants must create a free account to access content on the platform.

 

“January is a perfect time to plan your fitness goals for the year. Whether those goals include running your first or fastest 5K, we’ve designed training plans and monthly challenges that will push you to achieve your goals,” said Carroll.

 

Athletes’ Village will also feature message boards for participants to connect with one another and build a virtual community. Those enrolled in training programs will be able to access program-specific message boards featuring training tips, exercise videos, and insight from the B.A.A.’s High Performance team runners and coaches. Runners and volunteers can create accounts in Athletes’ Village throughout the year.

 

“Athletes’ Village will challenge the most experienced runners, introduce the sport to new runners, and be a platform for all to benefit from running and living an active lifestyle,” said Grilk.

 

The 125th Boston Marathon was postponed from April to Fall 2021; a date has not yet been established. Race updates will be shared when available in the Athletes’ Village platform in addition to www.baa.org and across Boston Marathon social media platforms.

國會通過第二波紓困法案每人發600元 待川普總統簽字

             (Boston Orange 編譯)美國國會終於達成協議，在2020年結束前通過，等待川普總統簽字的金額9000億元新冠病毒(COVID-19)紓困法案，以及14萬億元的綜合支出法案，但還有稅務，能源，教育及醫療保險其他法案尚未完成等。

其中的新冠病毒紓困方案，內容包括失業保險(1200億元)。恢復聯邦政府在病毒大流行期間，原定3月14日到期的補充性失業福利，不過金額將從600元降為每週300元，截止日期也展延到7月。打零工者(gig workers)的失業福利，則是把州政府支付失業福利的最長期限，展延至50週。

直接付出的款項預計有1660億元。年薪75,000以下者，或年薪加起來不超過15萬元的夫婦，每人可得600元，每有一名子女，可另得600元。

薪資保護計畫(PPP)預定有2840億元。符合資格企業可以不用償還的這薪資保護計畫，將容許遭遇打擊最嚴重的企業第二次收到薪資保護計畫補助。

用於疫苗，檢測及醫療護理提供者的約690億元。將分發300億元給各州政府用於購買疫苗及治療費，囤積相關物資。用於檢測，追蹤，減緩的經費為220億元，發給醫療護理提供者的經費為90億元，用於精神健康的經費為45億元。

學校及大學約820億元。分發540億元給受病毒大流行影響的幼稚園到12年級公立學校，給大專院校230億元，給各州長的緊急教育舒緩基金40億元，撥給美國土著學校約10億元。

租金援助約250億元。將為許多有史以來第一次的聯邦租金援助項目提供經費，分發給州及地方市鎮政府，以幫助遲繳租金，面對逼遷威脅的民眾。

食物/農業援助約260億元。將增加印花稅福利15%，為期6個月，為食物銀行，流動餐食，以及其他的食物援助項目提供經費。為農夫及畜牧者提供同樣數額的經費，約130億元。

托兒經費約100億元。提供約100億元給托兒發展指定補助款，幫助有托兒開銷負擔的家庭，幫助承辦這類服務者支付增加了的營運開銷。

郵政服務約100億元。在早前紓困法案中借給郵政服務的100億元貸款，可以不必還了。

紐英崙中華公所派發禮物袋 大同村、華福樓居民慶聖誕

左起，紐英倫中華公所主席鄭慧民，董事黃國威，波士頓市議員
Ed Flynn，公所董事阮謝少珍等人為居民派發禮物袋。(CCBA提供)

             (Boston Orange) 紐英崙中華公所聖誕送歡樂。主席鄭慧民與義工當聖誕老公公，12月16日逐戶拜訪，親自把270餘袋禮物送給大同村，華福樓居民，在新冠病毒(COVID-19)疫情仍然嚴峻中，讓居民們發出衷心微笑。

             波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)及其助理盧善柔，這天也應邀出席，祝賀華埠居民聖誕快樂。

             紐英崙中華公所是在11月底的本年度最後一次董事大會中通過，今年礙於新冠病毒疫情，無法在中華公所大樓內為華埠居民舉辦聖誕聯歡會，但將以送上禮物方式，把歡樂帶給華埠居民，撫平人們困於疫情已緊鎖多時的眉頭。

紐英倫中華公所主席鄭慧民(左三)，董事黃國威(佐四)和義工們
把聖代禮物袋逐一送到居民門口。(CCBA提供)

          12月16日，一大早10點，紐英崙中華公所主席鄭慧民和住在大同村的公所理事黃國威，以及代表僑聲音樂社的理事李伍碧香等人代表紐英崙中華公所，在管理大同村的Winns管理公司大同村主任翁麗芳，既是大同村居民，也是中華公所董事的阮謝少珍，以及司徒焯榮等人協助下，把裝有餅乾，巧克力，水果，兒童玩具，手部清潔消毒液等等禮品的禮物袋，一一發送給大同村及華福樓居民。

             紐英崙中華公所主席鄭慧民表示，今年和往年的確太不一樣了，不過他很榮幸，能夠代表中華公所在寒冬中為居民送上溫暖，感謝波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)及其辦公室今年都捐贈了禮物。

波士頓市議員助理盧善柔(左)和
中華公所董事李伍碧香抱著禮物
包裝袋，為發禮物做準備。
(CCBA提供)

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn(中)和紐英崙中華公所主席鄭慧民(右)，
董事黃國威(左)一起派發聖誕禮物給大同村居民。(CCBA提供)