波士頓華埠燈籠節 天氣好 人頭湧 好熱鬧

波士頓華埠主街燈籠節活動吸引遊人圍觀，南派舞獅開場。(周菊子攝)

南派創辦人黃子安(右)和黃雅亭(左)為舞獅表演扯旗。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange) 波士頓華埠主街19日在華埠牌樓旁陳氏公園舉辦的第7屆「華埠主街燈籠節」，一整日安排有15項節目，共吸引數百遊人川流不息，十分熱鬧。

              波士頓華埠由紐英崙中華公所舉辦的中秋節聯歡會，已有51年歷史，今年的2021年在8月8日舉行，政要、群眾雲集。

華埠主街董事何遠光報幕當司儀。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓華埠主街這個在萬寧路(Tom Menino)市長時期成立，由市政府支持的民間機構，為促進波士頓華埠的商業經濟，繁榮景象，也曾舉辦主街聯歡節多年，七年前才改名燈籠節，以另一個名稱在暑假期間辦慶祝活動，增添熱鬧氣氛，吸引人潮進華埠，促進商機。

波士頓市長候選人Annissa Essaibi George應邀出席燈籠節。(周菊子攝)

              19日的「華埠主街燈籠節」由華埠主街創始董事之一的何遠光擔任司儀，轄區包括波士頓華埠的波士頓市第二區市議員愛德華費林 (Ed Flynn) ，波士頓市不分區市議員米糕法拉提 (Michael Flaherty) ，蘿絲甘迺迪綠路保護會主任Chris Cook等人都應邀出席。

              甫於9月14日在初選中贏得第二高票的波士頓市長候選人，目前仍身為波士頓市不分區市議員的Annissa Essaibi George，經支持者從中搓和，這天也應邀現身。在一分鐘的簡短致詞中，Essiaibi George表示要支持波士頓居民享有可負擔房屋，扶持小企業，關注公共安全，處理毒品、新冠病毒等公共衛生議題，一旦她當選市長，將和波士頓市華埠居民合作，致力於前述議題，並維護華裔文化。

左起，波士頓市議員米高法拉提(Michael Flaherty)，愛德華費林(Ed
Flynn)，綠路保護會主任Chris Cook)出席華埠燈籠節活動。(周菊子攝)

              愛德華費林在感謝華埠主街和波士頓市長辦公室在公民參與上的合作，為居民們帶來這麼豐富的節目之餘，很週全的逐一感謝米高法拉提，Chris Cook，麻州眾議員黃子安，波士頓市長亞裔聯絡員許麗莎等等人。

波士頓養生舞協會獻唱"明天會更好"之後，再舞扇，擊鼓，共表演了
3個節目。(周菊子攝)

              今年是波士頓的市級選舉年，愛德華費林無競爭對手，將同額當選。曾參選波士頓市長，擔任市議員多年的米高法拉提，日前在17選8的不分區市議員初選中，贏得最高票，11月2日成功連應毫無疑義。

              Chris Cook表示，由於前面兩位市議員的支持，綠路保護會將斥巨資改善華埠公園的燈光。他也呼籲遊人在欣賞燈籠節的節目後，別忘了走進華埠消費，以幫助這個在新冠病毒期間大受打擊的社區。

              2021華埠主街燈籠節安排的表演節目，邀請了金聲樂韻社，南派功夫，茉莉花舞蹈團，紐英崙養生舞協會，華林太極功夫，包氏體育舞蹈隊，跆拳道(Best Taekwondo)，洪家功夫舞師學院等從早上11點半至下午3點半，讓華埠公園熱鬧了一整天。

金門超市總經理胡運炤的夫人王文雅也在燈籠節中獻唱京劇。(周菊子攝)

來自昆士市的金聲樂韻社表演後合影。(周菊子攝)

茉莉花舞蹈團的小朋友們表演。(周菊子攝)

燈籠節在波士頓華埠陳氏公園舉行，黃國威(右起)，阮謝少珍協助
農貿市場擺賣。(周菊子攝)

麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang Diaz)宣佈支持吳弭

麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang Diaz，右)背書支持吳弭(Michelle Wu)當波士頓市長。
(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓市長候選人吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 才剛於14日贏得初選，立刻馬不停蹄為大選衝刺，18日在南端 (South End) 的維多利亞別墅貝當斯廣場 (Plaza Betances) 宣佈麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮 (Sonia Chang Diaz) 背書支持她。

陳翟蘇妮從2009年當選麻州參議員並連任迄今，已在位12年。今年6月23日時，她宣佈競選2022年麻州州長。她在致詞時說，認識她的人都知道，她對那些耍嘴皮，不做事的人沒有耐心，因為她所代表的人民沒時間玩這樣的遊戲。她說人民被告知要等待改變已經等得太久了。她的競選就要既有願景，也務實。

麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮(Sonia Chang Diaz，前左)在南端的維多利亞別墅被當斯廣場，宣佈
支持吳弭當下任波士頓市長。(周菊子攝)

陳翟蘇妮稱許吳弭是個可以跨越社區，把不同世代，多種語言，文化，族裔社區團結成聯盟的領袖，已經給波士頓市府員工帶來有薪家事假，給人民帶來了 “社區選擇(Community choice energy)”，而起在她提出免費交通這理念時，她就已經帶動了真正的改變。

她說她知道吳弭是個能夠和各級政府合作的人，既有遠見，也有實務知識，更有承擔起改變現有體系制度的抱負，正是波士頓市需要的市長。她為自己支持吳弭感到驕傲。

吳弭指出，維多利亞別墅的建成，正是人民把不可能變成可能，推動政府蓋可負擔住宅，打造社區的成功案例。他們現在也正以聚沙成塔，積少成多的功夫，一點一點地推動改變。她提出的「綠色新政」，也是要一點一點來做，譬如在波士頓市內最熱地區多植樹，就可改變波士頓市內最熱地區和貧脊無樹地區的溫度相差華氏10度。波士頓市也可以改變排水及汙水處理系統，來化解暴風雨可能造成的淹水，當年她和南端鄰居為解決排水問題，遭遇市政府推卸責任，而他們花費許多工夫把相關圖則一片一片拼湊出來，再和市政府理論，才了解到波士頓市有這些累積經年的基礎設施問題。

吳弭稱，無論是學校教育，公共安全，或是社會正義，這次的市長選舉就是個大家選擇如何運用公共資源的機會，人民可以選擇投資進可以把人民帶向未來世代的改變，或是在現有的破損制度上，繼續不斷地貼膏藥。

18日的背書支持活動，在麻州參議員陳翟蘇妮之外，2019年當選，現年僅42歲的麻州眾議員Tommy Vitolo也夾在站台支持者行列中。

華埠主街燈籠節聯歡日今(18)日早上10點至下午5點半

 

大學沙龍 - 轉型發展的中國模式 9/8

 

競選2021波士頓市長 吳弭、Essaibi George已各斥資逾百萬美元

初選過後，吳弭(Michelle Wu)在波士頓市政府前回答媒體提問。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導) 波士頓市長初選落幕，關心選情的人開始分析，得票率33%的吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和得票率22%%的Annissa Essaibi George這2人的激進派和守成派之爭，在11月2日大選時，鹿死誰手。

             波士頓市總人口694,295，其中白人佔53%，黑人25.2%，亞裔9.3%，西語裔18.8%，18歲以上有587,198人。9月14日初選時，只有108,181人投票，換言之有投票權人的出席投票率，比麻州州務卿威廉蓋文預測的10%高，但還不到20%。

             從得票數來看，在這次初選中吳弭得35.888票，Annissa Essaibi George得24,186。吳弭比Annissa Essaibi George多了12, 000多票，但這票數差距到11月2日大選，勢必有更多選民出席投票的情況下是否依然，就真的要看誰能鼓動更多支持者出席投票了。

 Annissa Essaibi George在華人微信群中也有一批支持者。(周菊子攝)

             10月13日選民登記截止
           根據波士頓市選務局資訊，住在波士頓，年紀滿18歲的有資格投票者，如果還未登記成為選民者，只要在10月13日前辦妥登記，11月2日那天都可以投票。

             吳弭在人們眼中是激進派，在波士頓市的22個選區中，有11個選區她的得票數最高，而且沒有一個選區她的得票數是落到第三以下。換言之吳弭在波士頓市各個地區的支持度都很高。

             Annissa Essaibi George在人們眼中是中間派，得到的票主要來自比較白，比較保守的鄰里，來自黑人社區的就很有限。她在22個選區中，有8個選區她的得票率最高或第2，在11個選區中她的得票率排第四，第五位。

吳弭在第3選區第8投票站的得票率超過50%。

             吳弭在包括畢肯丘(Beacon Hill)，後灣(Back Bay)，南端(South End)，華埠(Chinatown)等地的第1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 11, 13, 19, 21, 22這11個選區中，得票數排名第一。其中包括奧斯頓/布萊頓(Allston/Brighton)的第21，22這兩選區，得票率更高達50%以上。在第3, 4, 5, 11, 19這5個選區中的得票率也都在40%以上。吳弭得票率最低的選區是第14區，14.4%，只得569票，其次為第17區的17.4%，842票。

             Annissa Essaibi George在南波士頓、西洛士百利，多徹斯特一帶的第6, 7, 16, 20這4個選區中的得票數排名第一，其中第16區得票率超過50%，第6, 7兩區的得票率各有46.8%。她在某些選區的得票率實在不太漂亮，其中Kim Janey大勝的2個選區，第12，14選區，Annissa Essaibi George依序僅得4%，112票，以及5.1%，200票。在她得票率低於10%的7個選區中，其餘選區為第11區5.8%，僅266票，第8區僅6.6%，第9區僅7%，第19區8.8%，第10區僅9.7%。

           波士頓市代市長Kim Janey相比之下，卻有7個選區的得票數排名第一，分別為第8，9，12，14，15，17，18這些選區。其中包括麥特潘 (Mattapan) 的Nubian廣場到Morton街，以及藍衫大道迴廊的第 12，14選區，她的得票率更是依序為56%，50%，但她在第20選區的得票率僅只6.6%，落差十分大，以至於她的總得票數還是比Andrea Campbell少了275票。

"選票百科(Ballotpedia)"列出各市長候選人的籌款及花費金額。

波士頓市初選各參選人共花600多萬元  

           在這次初選中花錢最多的Andrea Campbell，從2016年才開始當第4區市議員，儘管她總共花了大約160萬元，但也只幫她爭取到比享有代市長優勢的Kim Janey多275票。她和Annissa Essaibi George的得票數差距，也只有2,965票。

             根據麻州競選經費辦公室和”選票百科( Ballotpedia)”的資料，在這次的波士頓市長初選中，截至今年8月31日，籌款總額最高的是波士頓代市長Kim Janey，共約148萬元，而且她花的也不少，共花了132萬元，籌款額次多的是吳弭，共籌得134萬餘元，她也花得相當多，共花了132萬餘元。目前她手頭上還有55萬4千餘元現金。Annissa Essaibi George共籌得約132萬元，花了113萬元，目前手頭現金有大約30萬元。

             在候選人自己的競選團隊之外，有不少政治團體募款支持各自的候選人。 ” 選票百科”列出來的就有不下6個政治行動委員會，分別支持3名候選人。” 更好波士頓獨立開支 (Better Boston Independent Expenditure)” ，以及酒店工人 (Hospital Workers) 獨立開支政治行動委員會” 共花了148萬餘元支持Andrea Campbell。” 波士頓人支持真正進步(Bostonians for Real Progress)獨立開支政治行動委員會"和”真正進步波士頓(Real Progress Boston) 獨立開支政治行動委員會”共花了52萬餘元支持Annissa Essaibi George。” 波士頓出來投票計畫 (Boston Turnout Project) 獨立開支政治行動委員會” 和"麻州環保聯盟行動基金 (Environmental League of Massachusetts Action Fund) 獨立開支政治行動委員會” 共花了40萬5000餘元支持吳弭。

6個政治行動組織分別支持3個候選人，已斥資逾200萬元。(圖片來自選票百科)

           波士頓環球報在一篇報導中也指稱，一向支持共和黨的製鞋公司老闆，New Balance (新平衡)的主席Jim Davis捐了將近50萬元來支持Annissa Essaibi George。

             在波士頓環球報的報導中，政治顧問老手，也是公關公司Melwood Global合夥人的David Guarino認為，11月的大選，只有2名候選人，選票流向會所變化。

             這2名候選人在初選落幕後，也都立刻進入第二輪備戰狀態。Annissa Essaibi George發訊息稱吳弭的租金控制，免費交通政綱不切實際。吳弭對應的說選民不應該安於現狀。

             初選後，有評論者分析認為，根據麻州公司(Mass Inc.)、薩福克大學和波士頓環球報在初選前做的民意調查，都顯示Kim Janey和Andrea Campbell等人的支持者在他們原本支持的候選人未能打進大選後，更傾向於支持吳弭。

吳弭及其競選經理Marylou Akai Ferguson 和Annissa Essaibi George及其競選經理Cameron Charbonnier，在這不到45天的未來中如何攻防，游說選民，將是波士頓市決定未來走向的依據。(標題於9月19日更新)

波士頓市將有100萬元補助食物項目 USDA、波市各撥款一半

MAYOR JANEY CALLS ON NEIGHBORHOOD BODEGAS AND CORNER STORES TO JOIN DOUBLE UP FOOD BUCKS PROGRAM  The Double Up Food Bucks program is looking to expand to more stores and neighborhoods to increase the buying power of SNAP recipients for fresh fruits and vegetables.   BOSTON - Friday, September 17, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey and the Mayor’s Office of Food Access (OFA) today announced that OFA has been awarded $500,000 through the USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program (GusNIP) grant to continue and expand the Boston Double Up Food Bucks program throughout the City. The Mayor's Office of Food Access will also contribute $500,000 in funds and in kind, totalling $1 million in support to expand equitable access to affordable fruits and vegetables. As part of the expansion plan, the City of Boston is calling on all bodegas and corner stores to apply to be a part of the Double Up Food Bucks program For more information about the program, residents and store owners can visit here.  “Everyone deserves access to affordable, nutritious meals,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “Especially during the pandemic, the health of our residents is paramount. This program helps Boston residents, while also aiding our small businesses. I encourage any eligible store owner interested to apply and take advantage of this opportunity.” The Double Up Food Bucks program is a SNAP incentive program offered at local corner stores and bodegas. The goal of the program is to incentivize and increase access to fresh fruits and vegetables. SNAP beneficiaries who shop at participating stores and use their EBT to pay for fresh fruits and vegetables can get a 50 percent discount of up to $10 on their produce purchase per day.  As part of the Double Up Food Bucks expansion plan, the City of Boston is looking to partner with more small grocery stores, bodegas and corner stores to bring affordable, fresh produce to their community. Through this partnership, participating stores will receive technical assistance, including one-on-one training, monthly visits and calls, program performance report, and program coaching. Participating stores have noticed positive changes in their sales and customers’ purchasing habits. “I have regular customers that always ask for the incentive and see the benefit of eating healthy,” said Juana Martinez of Monumental Meat Market in Dorchester.  Currently, Double Up Food Bucks is available at nine stores in Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, Jamaica Plain and Mattapan. Since the program began in 2018, customers participating in the program have redeemed over $500,000 worth of fruit and vegetable incentives at participating stores. The program has allowed families with SNAP benefits to buy more healthy foods, help grocers gain new customers, and keep more food dollars within the local economy.  For more information, please call 617-635-3717, email, or visit here.

ESSAIBI GEORGE 獲灑水安裝員工會支持

ESSAIBI GEORGE ENDORSED BY SPRINKLER FITTERS LOCAL 550

Boston, MA — Following a preliminary win that will advance her to the November 2nd Mayoral Election, At-Large City Councilor Annissa Essaibi George was today endorsed by Sprinkler Fitters Local 550. The union represents approximately 800 skilled members in the Greater Boston area. 

“Annissa Essaibi George has shown up and stood up for Boston’s hardworking families and residents time and time again—not just during campaign season. Now we’re proud to support her in her candidacy for Mayor of Boston,” said Peter Gibbons, Business Manager of Sprinkler Fitters Local Union 550. “Annissa shares our belief that to build a strong middle class we must invest in apprenticeship programs and bolster our local workforce. We know she’ll prioritize all of us as our next Mayor of Boston.”

“I want to thank Sprinkler Fitters Local 550 for their support in this race. This campaign is about building coalitions across our neighborhoods, industries and workforce. Unions like Local 550 and their members play a critical role in that work and will always have a seat at the table under an Essaibi George Administration,” said Councilor Essaibi George. 

Essaibi George’s economic justice and workers’ rights policy plan includes the creation of the first-ever City of Boston Department of Economic Justice and Workers’ Rights, headed by a cabinet-level chief who will report directly to the Mayor and have a seat at the policymaking table to assess the potential impact proposed policies and initiatives may have on Boston’s working families. 

Additionally, Essaibi George has been a strong advocate for improvements to Madison Park Technical Vocational High School and vocational programs in the Boston Public Schools to provide students with career readiness after graduation. 

講座: 藥技中心技術服務能量及對生技製藥產業的服務 10/1

新英格蘭大波士頓臺灣商會主辦,波克萊臺灣商會協辦的一場醫藥生技產業相關說明會,誠摯邀請您一同參與,期待與您線上相見~~

主題 : 藥技中心技術服務能量及對生技製藥產業的服務

主講人 : 財團法人醫藥工業技術發展中心 楊智強博士

時間 : 10/1 (Friday) 8PM-9PM

Webex Meeting Link

Meeting number : 170 072 4397

Password : 20211002

關於MBTA: 吳弭"該免費"，Essaibi-George"要研究"

吳弭(Michelle Wu)。(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市長初選落幕，兩名打入大選市長候選人的政見差異，開始更明顯浮現，尤其是”麻州灣區交通局(MBTA)”該如何營運。

             有觀察團體警告，到2024會計年度時，MBTA這交通系統的財政將陷入困境。

             吳弭(Michelle Wu)談到MBTA時，認為應該它免費，聲稱”公共交通系統應該是公益服務-就像圖書館和公園一樣”。

             Annissa Essaibi-George認為，讓公共交通系統免費，只會使得危機更糟糕。”我們無法藉由讓所有的東西都免費來拯救一個關鍵的，瀕臨財務危機的交通系統”。她在一份聲明中補充道，這個城市需要考慮得更周詳的方法。

Annissa Essaibi-George。(周菊子攝)

             吳弭在一份聲明中表示，波士頓需要”在我們爭取地鐵免費以增強鄰里經濟，連接社區的同時，有聯邦、州及地方投資改善交通系統”。

             麻州納稅人基金(Massachusetts Taxpayers Foundation)的一份報告預計到2024會計年度時，MBTA會面對2億元的預算落差，到2026會計年度時，這差額可能擴大到5億元。到時候MBTA除了裁員，刪減服務之外，能有的選擇很少。這份報告指出，更多的要求降價呼聲可能使得情況更糟。

             該報告指出，在維持同樣的服務及營運開銷之際，新冠病毒大流行造成的車費收入大減，已加劇了MBTA現有的營收危機，更何況未來10年，MBTA還需要準備250億元資金來做基本維修，還要因應持續增大的氣候變遷威脅，那大概得準備70億元。

             儘管將近20億元的聯邦補助，現在可以讓MBTA平衡營運預算，MBTA將在開支多過營運收入成長的營運落差每年擴大下，很快遭遇無法逾越的坎。

             一名MBTA發言人承認MBTA面對著財務挑戰，表示將投資數以十億元計的資金更新基礎設施，購買新車廂，以使得MBTA更為可靠，吸引人們回頭搭車。

             麻州交通局(MTA)呼應該報告的說法，指”我們還沒有一個專門的，有足夠州政府經費的計畫來支持” 服務公眾”所需的公共交通系統投資及營運。他也呼籲州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，議員及MBTA趕快採取行動。

             另一個倡議團體，”振興麻州(Raise Up Massachusetts)”表示，這危機可藉由公平份額修訂案(Fair Share Amendment)，或是已在麻州提出的”百萬富翁稅”來解決。

吳弭的聲明:

 “We need  federal, state and local investments in transit improvements at the same time as we fight for a fare-free T to supercharge neighborhood economies and connect our communities. We can start by piloting fare-free access to key bus routes, whose fares only make up a small fraction of the MBTA’s revenue stream. Public transit should be a public good—just like libraries or parks.”

UPCOMING SCHEDULE FOR WEBINARS AND TRAININGS HELD BY AG HEALEY’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIVISION

 UPCOMING SCHEDULE FOR WEBINARS AND TRAININGS HELD BY AG HEALEY’S COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT DIVISION

Webinars and Trainings are Free and Open to the Public and the Media; Next Week’s Trainings will Cover Assistance Available to Immigrants and Refugees, and COVID-19 Scams & ID Theft

 

Monday, September 20, 2021

 

What:             Fall AGO Assistance to Immigrants and Refugees Webinar

Who:               Oumou Cherif, Outreach Coordinator, Community Engagement Division

Details:           In honor of Hispanic/Latinx month, this webinar will cover the rights of immigrants and refugees, as well as an overview of resources that are available to them.

When:             2:00 PM – 3:00 PM

Where:           Members of the public can RSVP here.

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

 

What:             Fall COVID-19 Scams & ID Theft Webinar

Who:               Yarlennys Villaman, Outreach Director, Community Engagement Division

Details:           This webinar will cover the different types of COVID-19 related fraud and scams, general facts surrounding ID theft, and resources and tips on how to protect oneself.

When:             10:30 AM – 11:30 AM

Where:           Members of the public can RSVP here.

麻州發現第7宗人類感染西尼羅病毒案例

State Health Officials Announce Seventh Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts Residents urged to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites  BOSTON (September 16, 2021) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced an additional case of West Nile virus (WNV) in the state this year. WNV infection was identified in a woman in her 30s who was exposed to WNV in Bristol County. This is the seventh human case of WNV this year.  Previously, since September 1, DPH has announced six human cases and one animal case of WNV in Massachusetts. Twenty-seven communities in Essex, Middlesex, Brookline and Suffolk counties are at high risk and forty-nine communities are at moderate risk. Based on mosquito findings and the new human case, eleven additional communities are being raised to moderate risk. Those communities are: Fall River and Seekonk in Bristol County; North Andover in Essex County; Bridgewater, East Bridgewater, Halifax, and Plympton in Plymouth County; and Blackstone, Hopedale, Milford, and Millville in Worcester County. As overnight temperatures get cooler, mosquito activity right around dusk and dawn may be more intense. “This is our first West Nile virus case this year in someone under the age of 50,” said Acting Public Health Commissioner Margret Cooke. “This is a reminder that although people over the age of 50 are at greater risk from West Nile virus, all ages can be affected. Risk from West Nile virus will continue until the first hard frost and people should remember to take steps to prevent mosquito bites anytime they are outdoors.” In 2020, there were five human cases of WNV infection identified in Massachusetts. WNV is usually transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. While WNV can infect people of all ages, people over the age of 50 are at higher risk for severe disease. Most people infected with WNV will have no symptoms. When present, WNV symptoms tend to include fever and flu-like illness. In rare cases, more severe illness can occur. People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes. Avoid Mosquito Bites Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with DEET (N, N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-menthane 3, 8-diol (PMD)], or IR3535 according to the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30% or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning. Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wear long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors to help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. Mosquito-Proof Your Home Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by either draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty any unused flowerpots and wading pools, and change the water in birdbaths frequently. Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all of your windows and doors. Protect Your Animals Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE). If an animal is diagnosed with WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources’ (MDAR) Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795 and to the DPH by calling 617-983-6800. More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at www.mass.gov/MosquitoesandTicks or by calling the DPH Epidemiology Program at 617-983-6800.

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES 2021 CITY OF BOSTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND AWARDEES

 MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES 2021 CITY OF BOSTON SCHOLARSHIP FUND AWARDEES

 

BOSTON - Thursday, September 16, 2021 - This fall, Mayor Kim Janey and the City of Boston Scholarship Committee awarded 19 Boston students up to $10,000 in scholarships to help fund their higher education. Nearly 100 students currently receive an annual scholarship of $2,500 through the fund for the duration of their undergraduate education. In total, the fund will distribute nearly $240,000 in scholarships this year, making college more accessible for Boston residents.  “I’m thrilled to award these deserving students with the financial tools for success,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “Education is key to a bright, equitable future for Boston’s residents and the City as a whole, and no one should be barred from pursuing higher education because of cost. I know this year’s recipients will represent Boston in a positive light for years to come.” The City of Boston Scholarship Fund was established in 1994 to provide assistance to residents who plan to pursue a two- or four-year undergraduate program in Massachusetts. Applicants must be residents of Boston and must have graduated from high school by the time the students are selected for the scholarship program in June.  "The City of Boston Scholarship will help me continue the pursuit of my nursing degree in a better financial position than I started and envisioned,” said Temitope Akitikori, a student from Dorchester who is attending Laboure College. “To say winning this scholarship ushers in a fresh breath of financial ease is an understatement. Thank you, City of Boston! I hope to make you proud by making it through nursing school and joining the team of our superheroes saving lives unreservedly!"  Among the 19 City of Boston Scholars this year, 12 are high school seniors, six are current college students and one is an adult learner returning to school to finish his degree. A profile of the new 2021 City of Boston Scholars is included below:  ·    They represent eight neighborhoods across the City;  ·    They are attending 12 different colleges and universities across the Commonwealth; ·    On average, they have a financial need gap of $5,210 per year, as determined by the city’s partners at uAspire; ·    100% identified as people of color; (68% identified as Black/African-American, 32% as Latino/a, 16% as Asian/Pacific Islander) ·    26% were born outside the United States; ·    26% are the first in their family to attend college; ·    100% of seniors attended Boston Public Schools; ·    47% will be attending public colleges and universities. The City of Boston Scholarship Committee has awarded over 1,000 students scholarships since 1995. This year, the Scholarship Fund celebrated the nineteenth year of an endowed scholarship donated by the Rosen Family in memory of Jeffrey Dunipace Rosen. The Fund celebrated the sixth year of the Community Development Scholarship, established in remembrance of Mayor Thomas M. Menino, and a Community Spirit Scholarship in memory of former public servant and City of Boston Scholarship awardee, Dawn Jaffier. Funds for the scholarships are made possible from contributions made by residents and corporations. This year’s scholarships were supported by generous donations from Arbella Insurance Foundation, Jonathan and Margot Davis, Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Herb Chambers Foundation, Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Lewis Family Foundation, Santander, and Rapid7 as part of their ongoing commitment to Boston’s students.  Residents who fit the criteria are encouraged to participate in the next application process, which will begin in early 2022. For more information on the City of Boston Scholarship, visit Boston.gov/scholarship or send an email to cobscholarship@boston.gov. Additional resources for residents pursuing higher education can be found on the City’s Higher Education Resource page.