麻州乾旱情況更加嚴重了

 Risk of Wildland Fires Increases as Drought Persists

Conditions Worsen in Cape Cod, Islands, and Western Regions

 

 BOSTON — With the risk of wildland fires increasing due to below average precipitation across the state, Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Beth Card today declared that the Cape Cod Region will join the Connecticut River Valley, Southeast, Northeast, and Central Regions as a Level 3-Critical Drought. Additionally, the Islands and Western Regions will also elevate to a Level 2-Significant Drought. As outlined in the Massachusetts Drought Management Plan, a Level-3 Critical Drought and a Level 2-Significant Drought calls for the convening of an inter-agency Mission Group, which has already began to meet, to more closely coordinate on drought assessments, impacts, and response within the government. These efforts are in addition to Level 1-Mild Drought actions, which recommends detailed monitoring of drought conditions, close coordination among state and federal agencies, and technical outreach and assistance to the affected municipalities.

 

“Massachusetts continues to experience drought conditions in all regions of the state, which is not only depleting public water supplies, but is also elevating the risk of wildland fires,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “It is critical that we all practice water conservation methods and adhere to local requirements to decrease the stress on our water systems and ensure essential needs, such as drinking water, habitats and fire suppression, are being met.”

 

“The impact of the current drought conditions are being felt throughout the commonwealth, from damaging wildfires to dry riverbeds and wells,” said MEMA Acting Director Dawn Brantley. “The recent rains help but won’t end the drought so it is more important than ever to prevent wildfires and for residents to conserve water in our day-to-day activities.”

 

From August 1, 2022, to August 22, 2022, rainfall ranged mostly between 0.5 inch to 1 inch across the state, with a few localized higher and lower totals. Precipitation numbers are trending below average for the month of August. The Cape Cod, Islands, and Western Regions of the state were most impacted by the lack of precipitation. Additionally, since the onset of the drought, regions are experiencing between a four and ten inch deficit in precipitation. Streamflow has also been the most affected index with extreme low flows all across the state, where dry streambeds, increased ponding, higher temperatures in rivers, and increased nutrients and algal blooms are occurring. Furthermore, groundwater levels are declining in each region of the state.

 

Caution is also advised as fire activity has increased across the state as drought conditions have set in, and wildfires in remote areas with delayed response are now burning deep into the organic soil layers. Drought induced fire behavior can result in suppression challenges for fire resources and result in extended incidents. As a result of fire conditions, the Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has implemented a temporary ban on all open flame and charcoal fires within state park properties. During the temporary ban, which is in effect until further notice, small portable propane grills are still allowed at campgrounds and recreation areas where grilling is permitted.

 

Currently, there are over 12 wildfire incidents across the state that are active and require daily mop up and monitoring. This year’s fire season has been extended due to dry conditions. Since the start of the fire season, there have been over 840 wildfires, burning approximately 1,432 acres of land. It is critical that everyone remains aware of how the drought has increased the risk of wildland fires in the state, and the public is asked to exercise extreme caution when using grills and open flames to ensure fires are properly and completely extinguished.

 

The agricultural sector also continues to experience impacts resulting from the ongoing drought, which includes some depletion of water sources and production acreage, irrigating crops on a more consistent basis due to current precipitation deficits, high temperatures, low soil moisture, and significant increase in operating costs due to increased labor, maintenance of equipment, and increased irrigation. Consumers are encouraged to purchase fresh fruits, vegetables, and other products at local farm stands and retail stores throughout the Commonwealth.

 

On August 15, 2022, United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Vilsack announced the designation of nine Massachusetts counties as primary natural disaster areas and three counties as contiguous disaster areas due to the 2022 drought. A USDA Secretarial disaster designation makes farm operators in the primary and contiguous counties eligible to be considered for assistance from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), such as FSA emergency loans, provided eligibility requirements are met. Farmers in eligible counties have eight months from the date of the disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans. The nine primary counties are: Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester. The three contiguous counties are: Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire. For more information, please visit the USDA’s Disaster Assistance Programs’ webpage.

 

It is important to note that the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority (MWRA) water supply system is not experiencing drought conditions, as defined within its individual plan. Private wells, local streams, wetlands, vernal pools, and other water-dependent habitats located within MWRA-serviced areas are being impacted by drought conditions while water quality in ponds can deteriorate due to lowering of levels and stagnation.

 

Below are recommendations for communities and individuals living and working within a Level 3 – Critical Drought, Level 2 – Significant Drought and Level 1 – Mild Drought region, including those utilizing a private well. Residents and businesses are also asked to check with their local water system in case more stringent watering restrictions are in place.

 

For Regions in Level 3 – Critical Drought

Residents and Businesses:

• Stop all non-essential outdoor watering.
• Minimize overall water use.

 

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 3 restriction calls for a ban on all nonessential outdoor water use.
• Provide timely information on the drought and on water conservation tips to local residents and businesses.
• Enforce water use restrictions with increasingly stringent penalties.
• Strongly discourage or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
• Establish or enhance water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.

 

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication.
• Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
• Prepare to activate emergency inter-connections for water supply.
• Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.

 

For Regions in Level 2 – Significant Drought

Residents and Businesses:

• Minimize overall water use.
• Limit outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m.
• Follow local water use restrictions, if more stringent.

 

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought; Level 2 restriction calls for limiting outdoor watering to hand-held hoses or watering cans, to be used only after 5 p.m. or before 9 a.m. If local restrictions are more stringent, continue to keep them in place during the course of the drought.
• Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
• Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use.

 

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication.
• Provide timely information to local residents and businesses.
• Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply.
• Develop or refine your local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.

 

For Regions in Level 1 – Mild Drought

Residents and Businesses:

• Toilets, faucets and showers are more than 60% of indoor use.  Make sure yours are WaterSense efficient.
• Limit outdoor watering to one day a week (only from 5:00 pm – 9:00 am), or less frequently if required by your water supplier

 

Immediate Steps for Communities:

• Adopt and implement the state’s nonessential outdoor water use restrictions for drought.
• Limit or prohibit installation of new sod, seeding, and/or landscaping; watering during or within 48 hours after measurable rainfall; washing of hard surfaces (sidewalks, patios, driveways, siding); personal vehicle or boat washing; filling of swimming pools.
• Establish water-use reduction targets for all water users and identify top water users and conduct targeted outreach to help curb their use. 

 

Short- and Medium-Term Steps for Communities:

• Establish a year-round water conservation program that includes public education and communication.
• Provide timely information to local residents and businesses.
• Implement or establish drought surcharge or seasonal water rates.
• Check emergency inter-connections for water supply.

• Develop a local drought management plan using guidance outlined in the state Drought Management Plan.

 

Practicing water conservation now will greatly help reduce water use to ensure essential needs, such as drinking water and fire protection, are being met, habitats have enough water to support their natural functions, and to sustain the Commonwealth’s water supplies in the long-term. State agencies will continue to monitor and assess current conditions and any associated environmental and agricultural impacts, coordinate any needed dissemination of information to the public, and help state, federal and local agencies prepare additional responses that may be needed in the future. Furthermore, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) will continue to provide technical assistance to communities on managing systems, including emergency connections and water supplies assistance.

 

“The need for conservation of water has never been greater,” said Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Commissioner Martin Suuberg. “Citizens are again encouraged to conserve water and follow the conservation measures established by their local water suppliers.”

 

The Drought Management Task Force will meet again on Wednesday, September 7, 2022, at 1:00PM. For further information on water conservation and what residents can do, please visit EEA’s drought page and water conservation page. To get the most up-to-date information on the drought indices, go to the state’s drought dashboard page.

麻州選定Leggat McCall 公司翻修Charles F. Hurley大樓 10億元項目

 COMMONWEALTH SELECTS PARTNER FOR TRANSFORMATION OF HURLEY BUILDING  

$1B+ Project Will Activate an Underutilized Site in Downtown Boston with  

Life Sciences & Mixed-Use Redevelopment, Solving Decades of Site Challenges 

 

BOSTON- Today, the Baker Polito Administration announced the designation of Leggat McCall Properties (LMP) as the Commonwealth’s partner to redevelop the Charles F. Hurley Building. The project will catalyze substantial economic development on the underutilized and uninviting site with a new life-sciences building, renovated state offices, ground-floor retail, improved public open space, and 200 units of mixed-income housing as part of a dynamic mixed-use development which will enliven and reactivate 5 acres in Downtown Boston.  

 

Building on the Commonwealth’s world-class life sciences sector, the planned development will add good-paying jobs in research and development in state-of-the-art lab space, while contributing to the local ecosystem of innovation and technology. The site is positioned to be an economic driver for the city, state, and region, leveraging its location on Cambridge Street with direct access to the Kendall Square biotech corridor and the Mass General Hospital medical cluster.  

 

"This transformative redevelopment partnership will not only revitalize the Hurley building site, but will also improve the surrounding neighborhood, add much-needed housing, and boost the Commonwealth’s world-class life sciences sector,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to working with LMP and local partners on this project which will add open public space and improve the pedestrian experience throughout the neighborhood.” 

 

“With the selection of LMP, the Commonwealth is taking the next step in a redevelopment process that will enhance public space, create jobs, and better utilize state assets,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “In selecting Leggat McCall Properties, the Commonwealth has secured a partner that brings valuable expertise in complex urban projects to help us cost-effectively renovate the Hurley building site and better serve the needs of the public.” 

 

LMP will deliver new state office space to the Commonwealth at no upfront cost to help meet the Baker-Polito Administration’s Future of Work standards. The Hurley building currently faces approximately $225 million in deferred maintenance needs, including major energy efficiency upgrades. This project will leverage the value of the proposed life sciences building to offset the Commonwealth’s costs, resulting in a space that is more energy efficient and better suited to modern work standards. The project will be LEED Gold certified and promote decarbonization through energy reduction and recovery.  

 

“This redevelopment represents a substantial cost savings to the Commonwealth,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan. “Leveraging the value of state-owned real estate through a public-private partnership allows us to reduce capital expenditures, address deferred maintenance, improve our public realm, and plan for a more sustainable and prosperous future.”  

 

LMP has proposed substantial restoration and preservation of the Hurley Building, including retaining and complementing large portions of the existing structure while transforming the interior to accommodate new state office space. Overseen by renowned historic preservation architects Beyer Blinder Belle, whose past work includes the revitalization of Grand Central Terminal and the Lincoln Center, the preservation approach honors the mid-century architectural elements of the site while improving its outdated public interfaces.   

 

“This redevelopment offers inspired design solutions and thoughtful adaptations to modernize a site with significant flaws and unlock its full potential as a vibrant destination at the heart of our city, state, and region,” said DCAMM Commissioner Carol Gladstone. “We are excited to be partnering with Leggat McCall Properties to make the most of this generational opportunity to reimagine our urban environment for the benefit of the Commonwealth.”   

 

LMP’s proposal includes a strong plan to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion at the site, and the project team includes women and people of color at all levels, including leadership. The project is expected to include the largest minority capital raise in Boston history at $59 million, led by Alinea Partners. Leggat McCall Properties will offer 14,000 square feet of retail space to Lab Central’s Ignite program which provides skill-building and training opportunities for populations that are underrepresented in the biotech industry. This contribution, valued at $6-$8 million, will take advantage of partnership opportunities with the adjacent life science uses at the redeveloped property and continue the site’s legacy of providing workforce training programs for Commonwealth residents.  

 

“Alinea Capital Partners is pleased to participate in the redevelopment of this iconic real estate asset and establish an unprecedented level of diverse equity participation in the Project,” said Duane Jackson of Alinea Capital Partners, a creator and champion of the ‘Massport Model’ to promote diversity in state procurement. “The Hurley Project establishes a new standard of participation and performance for women and minority-owned firms doing business in the City of Boston and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.”  

 

The improved site will include ground-floor retail along Staniford Street, significant upgrades to the central plaza, and a new mid-block portal allowing for pedestrians and the public to access and pass through the block more easily. The central plaza, designed by award-winning landscape architecture firm Mikyoung Kim Design, will be transformed into a 21st-century civic space that enhances the city’s walkability, promotes sustainability and environmental resilience, and encourages both passive and active use.   

 

“We’re humbled to be chosen to work with the Commonwealth on this landmark project and look forward to continuing DCAMM’s work with the community to deliver a vital mix of commercial and cultural uses along with improvements and activation to the public realm,” said William Gause, Executive Vice President and Partner of Leggat McCall Properties. “The magnitude of positive impact this project will have on the Commonwealth, the City of Boston, and the surrounding neighborhoods underscores the importance of exceeding the City’s sustainability and resiliency goals for the benefit of future generations.  Leggat McCall Properties is truly proud to be part of such a critical public-private endeavor.” 

 

Situated at the crossroads of the West End, Beacon Hill, and Government Center, the 5.5-acre disposition site encompasses the Hurley building and much of the surrounding open space. The Hurley building was completed in 1971 to house labor and workforce development programs as part of the Boston Government Service Center and remains architecturally significant due to its unique mid-century design. The adjacent Lindemann building will not be part of the disposition, although the open spaces throughout the complex will be improved through this project, including Merrimac Plaza. 

 

To inform this RFP process, DCAMM engaged in extensive community outreach, including conversations with local civic associations, public meetings, input from a community advisory group, engagement with historic preservation advocates, and collaboration with state and local officials. Public comment largely focused on the need for street-level activation, human-scale urban design, improved open spaces, sustainability, and a balanced approach to historic preservation. While this proposal addresses each of these elements, it is anticipated that the development will continue to be shaped by public comments and engagement through the City of Boston’s Article 80 review, as well as further state permitting through the Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act. 

 

The proposal will now go through regulatory review and permitting and is expected to break ground in 2025.  

羅德島州龍舟賽訂9月3日舉行 頭獎5000元

 

羅德島州龍舟賽官網圖片。

             (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導) 羅德島州每年一度的「羅德島州龍舟賽暨臺灣日節慶」，因新冠疫情停辦2年後，今年恢復舉辦，訂9月3日 (週六)上午9點至下午5點，時在羅德島州普塔吉市（Pawtucket）普塔吉河畔（Pawtucket River）的節慶碼頭 (Festival Pier) 舉行。

今年羅德島州龍舟賽的獎品。 (波士頓經文處提供)

                     根據主辦單位網站，今年將有22隊分別從賓州、紐約、麻州及羅德島州趕來參賽。來自麻州的有哈佛引擎9、海洋噴霧造浪 (Ocean Spray Wave Makers) ， One Racing，健康戰士 (Wellness Warriors) ，波士頓台灣龍舟隊太陽神隊 (Titans)，華人青年會 (CYPN) 暴風雨隊 (Storm)等6隊。

                         主辦單位的駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處和羅德島州黑石谷旅遊局為豐富活動內容，將在龍舟於普塔基河競比時，在岸上安排趣味競賽、民俗技藝表演、還有台灣童玩、手工藝創作等攤位，以及各種台灣美食。

                    今年的龍舟賽獎項豐富，划龍舟比賽頭獎美金5千元，趣味競賽則有長榮航空提供的美國-臺北來回機票1張，以及助波士頓台北經文處提供的10個台灣杯及10個頸枕等。

羅德島州龍舟賽暨台灣日自舉辦迄今，已跨入第21個年頭，每年從各地吸引成千上萬人到場觀賽，欣賞表演，參加活動，早已成為羅德島州的年度盛事。據悉，今年連州長辦公室都將派員組隊參加一場特別賽。普塔基市和中央瀑布市也都各組有市政府隊。

                    比賽地點在Festival Pier, Tim Healey Way, Pawtucket, RI 02860。查詢詳情，可上活動網站：www.dragonboat.ri.com，或電洽401-724-2200詢問。 (更新版)

麻州公佈第37屆番茄賽贏家

 State Agricultural Officials Announce Winners of 2022 Massachusetts Tomato Contest

Farmers from Concord, Montague, and Sharon take top honors at 37^th event

  

BOSTON – Today, Massachusetts agricultural officials joined tomato farmers from across the state on the plaza of the Boston Public Market for the Commonwealth’s 37^th Tomato Contest. Designed to increase awareness of locally grown produce, this year’s contest drew 95 entries from 18 farms across the state. The contest is sponsored by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, and Mass Farmers’ Markets, and was hosted by the Boston Public Market Association. After the entries were judged by a panel of food writers, chefs, produce experts, and state officials on flavor, firmness/slicing quality, exterior color and shape, MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux announced that the top prizes went to farmers from Concord, Montague, and Sharon.

 

“It has been my distinct pleasure to host this annual contest to bring attention to one of the most beautiful and varied crops here in Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner John Lebeaux. “The quality and variety of the tomatoes on display here today speaks to the skill and ingenuity our hardworking farmers possess in growing these summertime favorites. As always, we thank our partners, the New England Vegetable and Berry Growers Association, and Mass Farmers Markets for their help in putting this event on and the Boston Public Market for hosting.”

 

“At the Boston Public Market, we countdown to tomato season all summer long and we’re thrilled to work with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources to host the Tomato Contest once again,” said Cheryl Cronin, CEO of the Boston Public Market. “We’re honored to host our region's local farmers in this competition as they showcase the fruits and flavors of their labor.”

 

Of the 7,241 farms in Massachusetts, 517 farms annually produce more than 6.7 million pounds of tomatoes on 569 acres with a value of approximately $14 million. An additional 16.8 acres of tomatoes are grown in greenhouses with an approximate value of $4.1 million. Consumers can find farmers’ markets, farm stands and other opportunities to buy local produce here.

 

2022 Massachusetts Tomato Contest Winners

 

Slicing Category-

1. 1^st Place – Verrill Farm, Town of Concord, with a Big Beef Tomato
2. 2^nd Place – Langwater Farm, Town of North Easton, with a BHN 589 Tomato
3. 3^rd Place – Ward’s Berry Farm, Town of Sharon, with a BHN 589 Tomato

 

Cherry Category-

4. 1^st Place – Red Fire Farm, Town of Montague, with a Starlor Tomato
5. 2^nd Place – Siena Farms, Town of Sudbury, with a Sungold Tomato
6. 3^rd Place – Red Fire Farm, Town of Montague, with a Sun Peach Tomato

 

Heirloom Category-

7. 1^st Place – Falls Farm, Town of Montague with, a Cherokee Purple Tomato
8. 2^nd Place – Russell Orchards, Town of Ipswich, with a Black Prince Tomato
9. 3^rd Place – Verrill Farm, Town of Concord, with a Rose Tomato

 

Heaviest Category-

10. 1^st Place – Ward’s Berry Farm, Town of Sharon, with a Black Krim Tomato weighing 3.83 lbs.
11. 2^nd Place – Verrill Farm, Town of Concord, with a Buffalo Sun Tomato weighing 2.49 lbs.
12. 3^rd Place – Langwater Farm, Town of North Easton, with a Striped German Tomato – 2.23 lbs.

波士頓慈濟慶吉祥月為眾生祈福

慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿 (左起)接待駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處
處長孫儉元，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮兩位貴賓。 (周菊子攝)

                                        (Boston Orange)    慈濟波士頓聯絡處8月20日早上在牛頓會所慶祝吉祥月，一眾師兄師姐以佛經裡”法華七諭“為主題，精心設計、佈置出火宅、醫子喻，祈福、六瑞相，藥草，全球共善等6個不同場區，廣邀慈濟人與大眾一起領略與佛對話，心生善念的喜悅。

             慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿表示，農曆七月在中國民俗中是鬼月，在佛教卻是佛陀的歡喜月、吉祥月、孝親月。全球慈濟人每年七月都會舉辦吉祥月活動，藉以喚起人們慈悲心念，集聚善意，為天下苦難眾生祈福，造福。

左起，長金滿，高金花師姊等人在全球共善區為眾生祈福。(周菊子攝)

             駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元，組長洪麗玲，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮這天也特地撥冗出席，為眾生祈福。

            波士頓聯絡處的師兄、師姐們當天在牛頓市會所的佈置，從大門入口就開始了，出席祈福眾生，進門前就先看到安字剪紙，蓮花，和上人法語卡，感受到證嚴法師對弟子修行及行菩薩道的叮嚀。

黃素玲師姐在祈福區請到訪民眾點燈祈福。(周菊子攝)

             踏進慈濟會所後，從敲鐘，為自己、家人或世界祈福，聆聽開經偈，觀看志工演示入經藏，感受千手觀音人間菩薩的祥和，進而更進一步的了解吉祥月意義，人類肆虐大地多年後對環境造成的傷害，以及慈濟正在積極推廣的環保觀念與行動。

             慈濟會所外，有主要由年青志工負責的”火宅區“，強調環保回收的重要，還擺出二手衣物與會眾結緣，展示湘霏師姐與兒子收集舊球鞋回收的成果。”醫子喻區“鼓勵人們茹素護生。

楊美宜師姐在祈福區解釋口說好話，誦經，念靜思語的慈濟做法。 (周菊子攝)

慈濟會所內，設有黃素玲及楊美宜師姐駐守的”祈福區“，讓到訪眾生與佛對話，點燈祈福。六瑞相區，則是透過《六瑞相》的音樂，請到訪者閉目，聆聽大地聲音，感受祥和與平靜的氣氛，找到各自內心深處的平安。在中醫院進修的陳慧盈師姐為”藥草區“備有不同茶飲，以枸杞、黃芪、紅棗養生茶，抹茶、金萱茉莉茶，以及慈濟本草飲等不同茶飲，來呈現人生的不同滋味和體驗。

             全球共善區設在會所內的講經堂，以“靈鳩山說法”演繹示範，也邀到場者參加演繹，感受慈濟人入人群，行菩薩道，身體力行同行共善的精神。

             祈福活動結束後，全體出席者在”醫子喻”區享用午膳，品嚐高金花師姊主廚，烹製的美味素食，包括滷海帶、豆干，粽和蔬菜，醃黃瓜，西米露綠豆湯，冬瓜茶，以及另一名師姊帶來的紅豆年糕等美食，在輕鬆氣氛中強調茹素既對身體健康有益，也有助益環保，挽救地球。 (部分內容轉自僑務電子報，https://ocacnews.net/article/318251)

六瑞相區一片祥和。(周菊子攝)

六瑞相區。

火宅區主要由年輕志工駐守。(周菊子攝)

波士頓慈濟人為眾生祈福。(周菊子攝)

波士頓座談僑務 僑胞建議成立聯合校友會

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元(前左四)和部分僑團代表們合影。( 周菊子攝)

                                                                                                                                                                                     (Boston Orange) 波士頓僑教中心8月20

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(右起)宣佈波士頓地區僑務工作座談會開始，請波士頓
僑務委員郭競儒，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元，波士頓僑務委員陳仕維
，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝和僑團代表座談。 (周菊子攝)

日晚在牛頓市會址召開僑務工作座談會。潘昭榮主任報告十分豐富，三、四十名出席的僑團代表也發言踴躍，尤其在成立聯合校友會，集結僑團力量，加強連結年輕一代，鋪陳機會上，建議最多。

              波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮在會中還說明了，僑委會預定今年底推出，以虛擬形式提供數位資源整合功能的「i僑卡」，8月22日起試營運，僑胞們可自行上網申辦。將來僑胞們返台參加各種活動，就不需要每次都得填寫許多表格。

波士頓僑務委員陳仕維(左)認為僑胞也應關心居住地政治。(周菊子攝)

              僑委會111年的全球僑務委員會議，訂11月1至4日在台北圓山飯店舉行，主題為「超越90，創新實踐」。波士頓僑教中心特地在8月20日，邀請僑團代表分別就僑胞/僑團，僑教/僑生，以及僑商/僑務通訊這3大面向，提案建言。

              當晚會議由波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮擔任司儀，駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元主持，率波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，陳仕維，以及紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝與出席僑團代表們座談。

波士頓僑務委員郭競為9月8、9兩日舉行的台灣美食節打廣告。 (周菊子攝)

              在座談之前，潘昭榮主任先匯報了9項僑務工作，包括說明童振源委員長上任以來的施政理念，僑務電子報，官方粉絲專頁，i橋卡及特約商店，牛頓台灣日，返國參加10月慶典，iTaiwan窗口，目前推動的重要僑商服務工作，僑教及僑生工作等。

             潘主任仔細說明了童振源委員長上任後的僑務工作4大目標，2項戰略，5項策略，依序分別為運用新科技與模式擴大服務全球僑胞，深化全球僑胞與台灣在各領域的連結與合作，發揮台灣優勢協助全球僑胞在僑居地生根茁壯，匯聚全球僑胞能量壯大台灣；僑委會扮演槓桿支點，撐起台灣，撐起僑界，建立單一聯絡窗口與整合平台；僑務工作數位化，資源整合平台畫，政府與民間合作雙贏，以僑胞需求為服務導向，僑務改革創新與活絡資源。

宋玉琴(左) 這次是以美洲臺灣客家聯合總會總會長身分出席。李苡惠卸任新英格蘭台灣
商會會長後，這次代表台大校友會出席。 (周菊子攝)

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝 (右)第一次以中華公所主席身份參加僑務工作座談。左為
前任國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭。 (

              潘主任的報告還包括波士頓僑教中心每年都舉辦元旦升旗，寫揮春迎新年，支持台灣加入世衛組織，牛頓台灣日，搭僑計畫，歡迎僑胞返國參加10月慶典，旅遊、觀光等活動。波士頓僑教中心已舉辦數場針對年輕人的「iTaiwan窗口」活動，台灣政府非常重視性別及職業平等，要求駐外單位宣導等。僑委會為方便僑胞，在line群組之外，還編輯發行了紙本及電子版的僑胞服務手冊，台商服務手冊，並且製作了僑委會的推特官方帳號，Taiwan Plus，全球僑台商農業服務方案，全球僑台商農業技術服務平台，僑委會90週年慶高階健檢方案等一系列的QR Code，，要搭起世界的「僑」樑，以匯聚僑力，共創國家繁榮。

             座談部分，當晚討論的主題包括鼓勵僑青加入僑社服務網絡，推動智能僑委會，加強華語文學習中心的輔助機制，推廣正體字教學及台灣多元文化，發展僑生人才大聯盟，借助各地僑台商資金、人脈、技術與商務網路，協助台灣產業向國際發展，推廣僑務電子報系列新聞平台等。

慈濟人文學校校長彭淑敏(左)建議充分利用台灣資源，成大校友會會長陳婉如(右)建議成立
聯合校友會。 (周菊子攝(

              出席僑團代表中，成功大學校友會會長陳婉如，慈濟人文學校校長彭淑敏，新英格蘭玉山科技協會會長許益祥，紐英崙中華專業人員協會董事長周萬欽，曾任波士頓僑務委員的蔣宗壬，僑務促進委員馮文鸞，新英格蘭台灣商會會長王志維等人紛紛發言，討論最多的是成立聯合校友會，與新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會連結，充分利用前輩人脈資源來輔佐年輕人，在聚餐、聯誼之外，舉辦更多有意義的活動，為年輕人創造更好發展機會，將來留在波士頓成家，立業，壯大波士頓台僑的聲勢與力量。

波士頓市今年新增16個投票站 MFA是其中之一

https://fb.watch/f4Y0vM2aOV/

吳弭市長撥款20萬元支持12人為Strand劇院創作新演出

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES $200,000 AWARDED IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT PRODUCTIONS AT STRAND THEATRE IN DORCHESTER

BOSTON - Tuesday, August 23, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture today announced the City of Boston has awarded $200,000 in grants to 12 individuals and organizations to support productions at the Strand Theatre in Upham’s Corner. “The Strand Theatre has been an iconic landmark in the Dorchester neighborhood for more than a century, and it’s great to see such a diverse group of presenters sharing their work at the theater over the next year,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This grant program provides us with a unique opportunity to support those presenters, while also making these productions more accessible to the surrounding community.” This grant aims to assist presenters with mitigating costs to produce events at the Strand. The grant was open to all forms of performances, including dance, music, theater, film, and video. The City of Boston has set aside three five-week blocks on the Strand Theatre calendar throughout the next year for these productions. “We’re thrilled to be able to help bring exciting, new programming to the Strand with this grant program and give small and emerging producers a chance to bring their visions to life,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston.  The Strand Theatre grantees include: Boston Bhangra, which will produce two dance events promoting Bhangra, a form of traditional Indian folk dance. MAPOU Entertainment Inc., which will produce an event highlighting Haitian artists and vendors.  FaceMeStudios, which will produce its first collaborative project, FaceMe Body Gallery, a three-day event and gallery focused on sharing the stories of the women and their experiences with self-esteem and body dysmorphia. 4 Star Dance Studio, which will produce an event celebrating the organization’s 20th anniversary of serving the community.  The Boston Modern Orchestra Project, which will produce the five-year series As Told By: History, Race, and Justice on the Opera Stage, starting with the New England premiere of X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X. CUSAV Entertainment, which will produce Mega Show, an annual event featuring Cape Verdean artists with proceeds benefiting children in Cape Verde. Tony Williams Dance Center, which will produce a multimedia piece that tells the story of African slavery in America and includes dancers and spoken word.  OrigiNation Cultural Arts Center, which will produce the annual musical theater production of Our Story! Celebrating the African and African-American Experience through Spoken Word, Music & Dance, which takes place during Black History Month. Roxbury Center for the Performing Arts, which will produce its 26th performance of Nubian Nativity, a nativity show focused on African-centered themes with an all-Black cast, in November 2022. ANIKAYA/Akhra, Inc., which will produce The Women Gather, a ritual of healing performed by seven local and international ensemble members and a cohort of local dancers, singers, and performers. Robby Thomas, who will produce “We Move in Color”, a musical revue that seeks to capture the African American narrative through music, poetry, dance, and visual art, with 300 tickets donated to the community for the event. Company One Theatre, which just completed a four-week production of the new play can i touch it?, with all tickets being Pay-What-You-Want. “This grant gave us the opportunity to reinforce our mission—amidst a pandemic—by returning to the Strand with a story focused on its own community, told by a writer who calls both Roxbury and Dorchester home," said C1 Co-Founder and can i touch it? director Summer L. Williams. "Over four weeks of performances, we partnered with over a dozen local community-driven organizations connecting artists, activists, entrepreneurs, teens, families, and more—all coming together around a truly local piece of art which will continue to make an impact far beyond Boston, with future productions already scheduled in Los Angeles and Cleveland, as well as a digital capacity to introduce this neighborhood and the Strand to the world. We are so grateful to partner with the City in creating meaningful performances at the Strand!" Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $80,000 and were based on the scope of the production and grantees’ budget sizes. Productions must take place at the Strand, and the funding can be used for any production expenses, with the exception of the four-wall building space. Grantees receiving grants of at least $25,000 are required to make their productions Pay-What-You-Can or provide a required percent of free tickets to the community. Applications for the next round of Strand Theatre grant funding will open in the fall of 2022. More information will be posted on boston.gov/strand.