波士頓急難救助協會開講座 教人防範憂鬱症

               (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導) 「今晚我們來談” 心” 」。美國波士頓急難救助協會9月27日晚在網上舉辦講座，從心理諮商角度申論憂鬱症，以幫助人們把可能發生的急難狀況化解於無形。

               波士頓急難救助協會會長翁逸虹這天是邀請諮商心理師李文倫，來分享她的專業知識及經驗。

               畢業於國立東華大學諮商與臨床心理系研究所，持有諮商心理師執照的李文倫，在台灣時曾經營謚時光心理諮商所，作為張老師、生命線等的合作心理師，在美國鉅微管理顧問公司當特約諮商心理師，專長伴侶、親子、人際關係，情緒壓力及身心症等。

               李文倫以10月10日是世界心理健康日為引地指出，全世界有將近3.5億人患有憂鬱、焦慮等常見的身心症，在15到29歲之間的人群中，自殺竟是第二大死因，估計到2030年時，憂鬱症會成為全球疾病主因。

新冠病毒疫情爆發後，人們的生活作息大受影響，無論改為居家上班的工作模式變化，和其他人接觸、互動機會的大幅降低，都讓人們生活得更有壓力，甚至逐漸引發身心病症狀。人們該如何更敏感的辨識憂鬱症，了解使用心理諮商的時機和議題，於是變得更為重要。

波士頓急難救助協會會長翁逸虹。 (檔案照片)

               李文倫說，「憂鬱心情」和「憂鬱症」不同。如果是一連2週，持續地在生理上出現失眠，注意力減退，思考變慢，失去活力，容易疲累等狀況，情緒變得容易焦慮、感到無助，覺得自己沒價值，一整天都很悲傷，甚至有傷害自己的念頭，而且做什麼都提不起興趣了，以前喜歡的活動也變得很無所謂了，那就很可能是得了憂鬱症。

              要確認自己是否得了憂鬱症，可以定期幫自己的「情緒」量血壓，又稱為「心情溫度」。以有沒覺得緊張不安，容易苦惱或動怒，感到憂鬱及心情低落，覺得比不上別人，或者難以入睡，容易醒的甚至想自殺等5個類別題目，來問問自己在過去一個星期中的感覺，並以0到4分來標記這些感覺是否嚴重，如果分數加起來有10分以上，大概已有中度情緒困擾，李文倫建議這時就應該找諮商師談談了。

李文倫。 (主辦單位提供)

               由於每個人對憂鬱的認知不同，李文倫建議大家如果遭遇伴侶，·人際、原生家庭及親子關係問題，感到焦慮、憂鬱，沮喪或罪惡，在人生不同階段中遭遇適應問題，在學習或工作上遭遇變動，或是經歷了創傷事件時，都可以找心理諮商師談。

               當天出席講座者，還有人提供了998這個美國的防止自殺熱線電話，有些人則指出，有的企業位員工提供EAP (Employee Assistance Program)的緊急心理諮商服務，讓不想和家人、朋友述說的人，有個說話對象。有心理諮商需求者可以查看自己的保險提不提供TeleDoc，這一網路心理諮商服務很能是免費的。

               今年4月才接任急難救助協會會長的翁逸虹表示，上任以後，她主動和大波士頓地區其他社團聯繫，鞏固互助關係，期間處理過有人車禍受傷，該會協助尋找，聯絡及安排資源，天氣過熱時，為沒有冷氣的中文學校送冰塊，給學生降溫等，還參加過台灣夜市活動，希望讓更多人知道該組織的存在，遭遇困難時，多一個求助對象。

               波士頓急難救助協會的後續活動，將探討急難和財務規劃之間的相互關係。 (部分內容轉載自僑務電子報:   https://ocacnews.net/article/321474?cid=2 )

華埠土地信託會2022年會 呼籲社區支持爭取公共空間

左起，鄭繼良，黃國威、李素影，湯建華等人歡迎波士頓房屋長Sheila A. Dillon出席年會。
(華人前進會提供)

                 (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 華埠土地信託會 (CCLT) 日前在信義大廈社區室舉行2022年會，闡述該會核心使命，報告目前工作進展，呼籲社區爭取更多開放空間，要求由社區來主導黃述沾公園和25號地段未來發展，倡議組織居民推動政府政策依歸民意。

               華埠土地信託會成立於2015年，歷經7年營運，不但在各界捐助支持下，已成為年收入約68萬元的非營利組織，員工人數也由1擴張至4。

華埠土地信託會主任駱理德闡述該會宗旨。 (周菊子攝)

               9月24日一早，該會7名董事中的李素影，鄭繼良，黃國威，阿圖羅 (Arturo Gossage) 和波士頓房屋長狄倫 (Sheila Dillon)，以及約20名華埠居民，一起檢視了該會過去一年多來的進展。

華埠土地信託會董事李素影 (右)提醒華埠居民關注相關議題。 (周菊子攝)

               華埠土地信託會主任駱理德說明，該會從土地出發，核心工作有5大領域，包括爭取永久性可負擔住宅，收購並修繕排屋，組織反對逼遷；以文化計畫，移民足跡史，華埠工人雕像等來建設華埠歷史文化保護區；成立華埠微電網，普及能源知識，爭取綠化及減少空屋等地倡議能源正義；爭取建華埠圖書館公園，主導黃述沾紀念公園及第25號地段成為交由華埠社區控制的公共空間；同時爭取政府通過政策，制定華埠總體發展計畫，設立排屋區域規劃，推動由租到購法案，限制短期租貸，以及收購機會基金擴增至2100萬元等。

               在爭取永久性可負擔房屋上，華埠土地信託會目前已斥資買下乞臣街95號，屋街29號這2棟樓與共7戶單位，面積從459到902平方英尺不等，售價在16萬7千元至22萬8千餘元的單位。將繼續努力爭取資金，尋覓合適的可收購物業。

鄭繼良、李素影等人向波士頓市房屋長解說該會工作。(華人前進會提供)

               在爭取設立排屋保護區上，華埠土地信託會希望在夏利臣街 (Harrison Ave.)和屋街 (Oak)交界處，以及乞臣街 (Hudson)和哈佛街 (Harvard)交界處，設立2個新的排屋保護區，另外設立自由樹，華埠歷史，以及必珠街(Beach)、聶街 (Knapp)等保護區，以保護華埠的華人文化特色。

               包括徐乙漾的移民歷史足跡項目，曾文棣華埠工人雕像計畫，都是保持華埠文化傳統工作的一部分。

               由於華埠座落的位置，就在高速公路旁，面對著地下水流失，水位低陷，噪音大，氣溫高等狀況，還有91%的居民不知道社區中的緊急避難所在哪兒，華埠土地信託會還在推動由華埠主導的能源網計畫，以穩定區域內的能源供應。

               駱理德指出，該會還希望民眾能夠遊說R1地段旁的私人業主，把土地賣給政府或華人社區，以俾亞美社區發展協會在R1地段上蓋出約100戶住宅及將來的華埠圖書館時，旁邊的土地可建成公園綠地。黃述沾公園和相鄰的25號地段，該會也打算推動政府，交給民間社區用作開放空間與綠地。

               根據華埠土地信託會當天發給現場民眾的說明，該會理事共7人，除前述4人外，還有梅清嫣，莊穎詩，以及黃願明。該會職工包括駱理德，徐乙漾，吳晰，乙及Sari Kayyali。

NEW BEDFORD MAN INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH APARTMENT RENTAL SCAM ON THE SOUTH COAST

 NEW BEDFORD MAN INDICTED IN CONNECTION WITH APARTMENT RENTAL SCAM ON THE SOUTH COAST

Defendant Targeted Prospective Tenants in Spanish-Speaking and Immigrant Communities

 

            BOSTON – A New Bedford man has been indicted in connection with a rental scam that defrauded prospective tenants in Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities looking for affordable housing, and for threatening the life of a witness, Attorney General Maura Healey announced today.

 

            Victor Tiu Lopez, age 35, was indicted by a Bristol County Grand Jury on the charges of Larceny over $1,200 (11 counts), Larceny under $1,200 (4 counts), and Witness Intimidation (2 counts). Lopez will be arraigned in the Fall River Division of the Bristol County Superior Court on October 3.

 

The AG’s Office alleges that between February and April 2022, Lopez falsely presented himself as the owner, or soon-to-be-owner, of affordable apartments for rent in New Bedford and collected $22,050 in rental deposits from 15 unsuspecting prospective tenants. It is also alleged that Lopez threatened to kill a community organizer, who had been assisting victims of his rental scam, if the organizer reported the scam to local authorities.

 

            Lopez targeted Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities by posting advertisements for apartments on social media and on a local community chat group. The AG’s Office alleges that after prospective tenants gave him cash deposits for the apartments, Lopez came up with excuses as to why the tenants could not move in, including telling them that the apartments were still undergoing renovations and would repeatedly push out the move-in date, or telling them someone else ended up renting the apartment and offer to show them other ones. Lopez would also sometimes ask for additional money from prospective tenants, before ultimately failing to return their calls, or simply disappeared.

 

            These charges are allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

 

Individuals who think they may have been a victim of Lopez’s actions can call AG Healey’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division at 617-963-2929.

 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Mary L. Nguyen, of AG Healey’s White Collar and Public Integrity Division, Special Assistant Attorney General Jennifer Schmidt, Financial Investigator Patrick Cooney of the AG’s Financial Investigations Division, and Massachusetts State Police assigned to the Attorney General’s Office. Assistance was also provided by the New Bedford Police Department and Bristol County District Attorney’s Office.

摩頓市政府撥款5萬元支持華夏文化協會服務社區

摩頓市政府臉書截圖。

The City of Malden recently announced the award of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds in the amounts of $50,000 to the Chinese Culture Connection (CCC) and $25,000 to The Food Drive. Following an application and review process, the awards were recommended by the City’s ARPA Subcommittee on Non-Profit Support which includes City Councillor Craig Spadafora, Library Director Dora St. Martin, and longtime resident Linda Zalk. The requests for funding were enthusiastically supported and approved by Mayor Gary Christenson.

“Organizations such as The Food Drive and Chinese Culture Connection have had a tremendous impact on our community as we face the challenges of COVID-19 and its aftermath,” said City Councillor Spadafora. “Throughout the pandemic and as we recover, food banks work tirelessly to provide healthy food to families in need while programs like the CCC continue to assist families with access to resources and supports through their programming. Dora St. Martin, Linda Zalk and I were pleased to be able to assist both of these non-profits.”

The Food Drive is located in Melrose and its mission is to promote food access, food justice, and climate action. They partner with commercial and community sources to rescue wholesome food that would otherwise go to waste and deliver it directly to our local pantries and programs. The Food Drive has delivered 100,500 pounds (over 50 tons) of food to recipients in Malden, including Bread of Life, Housing Families, the Malden Warming Center, and the Housing Families individual shelter at the OYO Hotel.

The Chinese Culture Connection, well-known to the Malden community since 1999, works to promote intercultural harmony and build bridges between American and Chinese people. They offer an array of cultural programs and resources for both children and adults. As a result of the pandemic, there has been an extraordinary increase in the demand for their services, and the funds will be used to restart expand programming.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO STREAMLINE APPROVAL OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXECUTIVE ORDER TO STREAMLINE APPROVAL OF AFFORDABLE HOUSING

BOSTON - Thursday, September 29, 2022 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced that she will sign an executive order designed to speed up the production of affordable housing in the coming days. She made the announcement during her speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce at their annual Government Affairs Forum. This executive order is a response to the challenges facing Boston’s housing market in order to remove barriers and make the process for developing affordable housing easier across the city.  The current process to approve affordable housing can take as long as 337 days. This executive order aims to reduce that time in half. "Building a Boston for everyone means ensuring that all of our residents and families have access to safe, affordable housing across our communities," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "By streamlining the timeline on affordable housing projects we’ll identify ways to make our processes more predictable for all projects to keep our city green and growing. I'm grateful to the Mayor's Office of Housing and the BPDA for their leadership and look forward to accelerating our efforts for affordability across our neighborhoods." “This executive order will require City departments to prioritize the review of affordable housing developments and create new processes that will streamline our work and the work of our development partners,” said Chief of Housing Sheila Dillon. “We know that access to affordable housing helps stabilize the lives of those who receive it – giving them predictability in budgeting, and allowing them to put down roots in our neighborhoods. This prioritization is the right thing to do.” The executive order consists of five components designed to increase the speed by which affordable housing projects are approved for development:  Create a more efficient path for Article 80 development review and approval Study and address zoning challenges to affordable housing development Prioritize affordable housing in the development review processes Create a system to track affordable housing reviews and approvals Establish a governance structure to ensure effective implementation The order directs the Boston Planning and Development Agency (BPDA) to recommend changes to Article 80 of the Boston Zoning Code to establish an alternative path for the review of affordable housing developments. The new process will include community engagement and thorough agency review, but also establish clear and accelerated timelines. The order directs that any currently required review processes not take place if there was previous community engagement during the disposition of City- or BPDA-owned land that is proposed for affordable housing development. “The BPDA is looking forward to creating a process that streamlines review and approval of affordable housing developments,” said Chief of Planning Arthur Jemison. “These projects are critical to boosting our city’s housing supply and making Boston more affordable – one of the BPDA’s top three priorities, along with resilience and equity.” To eliminate barriers to affordable housing development, the BPDA will study and address zoning challenges to affordable housing development. Within 120 days, the BPDA will issue a report on potential Boston Zoning Code changes that would incentivize the creation of affordable housing while minimizing the need for variances or other permitting burdens for these projects.  The order directs the relevant agencies, boards, and commissions of City government to immediately give affordable developments priority status on any and all meeting schedules. It also directs these agencies to evaluate existing review requirements to identify those that can be done concurrently and those that are potentially unnecessary. These agencies include the following: Boston Planning and Development Agency  Mayor’s Office of Housing Boston Civic Design Commission  Boston Zoning Commission Inspectional Service Department Boston Landmarks Commission Boston Parks Commission Public Improvement Commission Boston Transportation Department “We greatly appreciate Mayor Wu’s outstanding leadership to increase affordable housing options in the City of Boston,” said Aaron Gornstein, President and CEO of Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH).  “This new executive order will make an enormous difference in expediting new affordable housing proposals, enhancing coordination among key city agencies, and reducing overall costs.  We look forward to working closely with the Mayor and her leadership team on implementing these measures so that we can help more low income households as quickly as possible.” “In the face of an unprecedented crisis in housing, it is very meaningful that Mayor Wu is taking actions to implement a review process for affordable housing development that emphasizes expedited and coordinated review while balancing accountability and community engagement, “ said Leslie Reid, CEO Madison Park Development Corporation. “This proposed ordinance is a critical tool to ensure that we can continue the important work of fostering vibrant, healthy neighborhoods that support well-being for all.” The order also requires the City of Boston form an Affordable Housing Development Review Advisory Committee to evaluate the actions being taken to prioritize and lessen the time associated with the development review and permitting of affordable housing developments. This committee will have representatives from City agencies that are critical to the review process and external organizations that are knowledgeable of the review and permitting process. During this review, the City will look to identify ways to make the approvals processes more predictable for all development projects moving forward. The City will establish the committee within 90 days following the Mayor signing The order builds on Mayor Wu’s initiatives to address Boston’s housing affordability, including investing $380 million in housing affordability through the City’s Operating budget, the Capital budget, and federal recovery funds, filing a Home Rule Petition relative to real estate transfer fees and senior property tax relief, signing an Executive Order relative to affirmatively furthering fair housing, convening a Rent Stabilization Advisory Committee to inform future legislative proposals, hiring the City’s first Chief of Planning, and announcing the results of the Citywide land audit.

第四屆波士頓台灣影展 10/1-2 AMC Boston Common 揭幕

          (Boston Orange) 第四屆波士頓台灣影展將以「裂縫與光（Crack & Light）」為主題，訂10 月 1 、 2兩 日在波士頓 AMC Boston Common電影院，放映8部影片，邀3名台灣導演來波士頓座談，和觀影人探討，生命中的缺憾如何帶給人力量，又如何讓人重拾勇氣，迎向未來。

大約20多人組成的波士頓台灣影展（Taiwan Film Festival of Boston）籌備組，經新北市政府，波士頓遠見地產，綠楓法律事務所等的協助與贊助，共取得6 部電影及 2 部短片的放映權。

其中2部紀錄短片，《通道》、《苦 伶的臉譜》由新北市政府提供，6部影片中的《魔法阿嬤》由波士頓遠見地產冠名贊助，《我的兒子是死刑犯》由綠楓 法律事務所（Green Maple Law Group）贊助，其他影片為《尋找神話之鳥》、《聽見歌在唱》、《老鷹之手》、《乘著光影旅行》。

今年的波士頓台灣影展，在籌備團隊努力下，《魔法阿嬤》王小棣、《尋找神話之鳥》梁皆得，以及《我的兒子是死刑犯》李家驊等3名導演，將特別從台灣飛來波士頓出席導演座談，與觀眾面對面對話。

               哈佛大學商學院副教授黃樂仁 (Laura Huang)，哈佛比較動物學、博物館學與鳥類博士 Scott Edwards，以及 15 年來在美 國麻州州立監獄與青少年感化院擔任電腦及科學教師的 Sandy Liang，將分別主持這3場導演座談，帶觀眾和導演近距離交流。

               第四屆波士頓台灣影展團隊認為裂縫象徵生命的不完美，而填滿裂縫的光，代表著契機與希望，而這影展可讓人看見裂縫，看見光。

               查詢影展影片、詳情或購票，可上網https://www.tickettailor.com/events/taiwanfilmfestivalofboston/742152。

中華公所、安良及華僑協會10月辦雙十盃乒乓球賽

          (Boston Orange) 紐英崙中華公所、安良工商會和波士頓華僑協會合作，將於10月3日及9日，在紐英崙中華公所舉辦「雙十國慶盃乒乓球賽」，以慶祝中華民國僑委會成立九十週年，中華民國111歲生日。

這場乒乓球賽將以奧運會的團體賽形式舉行，3人為一隊，總分數5100，單人2100以下，由USTTA認可，若無分數，必須在18日前先報上名，由主辦方評分后再組隊。

比賽的初賽時間為10月3日 (週一)的下午6到10點，決賽時間為10月9日 (週日)的下午4點至10點，決賽結束立即舉行頒獎典禮。

前三名可獲獎盃及獎金，分別為第一名：$300加奬杯三個，第二名：$200加奬杯三個，第三名：$100加奬杯三個。

乒乓球曾經是華人社會中最受歡迎的體育活動之一，1971年甚至還出現了乒乓外交一詞。近來在麻州，打乒乓球有更漸風行現象，北昆士市的Faxon公園和歡迎青年遊樂園，新添了一張全天候的乒乓球桌，既能2人，也能4人對打。摩頓市還有桌球俱樂部呢。

去年 (2021) 3月，昆士市還傳出有隻貓很會打乒乓球的視頻。

查詢或報名，可洽紐英崙中華公所。

波士頓市府廣場臨時啤酒花園 9/28 起重開

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES THE REOPENING OF TEMPORARY BEER GARDEN ON CITY HALL PLAZA  67 Degrees Brewing, a Black, woman, and veteran-owned craft brewery out of Franklin, MA, has been selected to operate the temporary Beer Garden

BOSTON - Wednesday, September 28, 2022 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the reopening of the temporary Beer Garden on City Hall Plaza, in partnership with the Office of Economic Opportunity & Inclusion (OEOI) and the Property Management Department. The City has selected 67 Degrees Brewing, a Black, woman, and veteran-owned brewery located in Franklin, MA, as the operator for the duration of the program.  Reopening the City Hall Plaza Beer Garden in partnership with 67 Degrees Brewing is part of the City's ongoing efforts to bring vibrancy back to Downtown Boston.  This partnership between OEOI and Property Management is another piece of the Wu Administration’s plan to revitalize our Downtown and activate city-owned spaces throughout the neighborhood. 67 Degrees Brewing will operate the Beer Garden starting Wednesday, September 28 from 12:00PM - 7:00PM (There is a private event from 5:00 - 7:00 PM on September 28). The hours of operations will be Wednesdays through Sundays from 12:00PM to 7:00PM until early November, weather conditions permitting. Food trucks will also be on site during operating hours. The City will be releasing an RFP later this fall to select a longer term vendor to take over operation of the Beer Garden starting in the spring.  “City Hall Plaza is a space to bring people together and build community,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to 67 Degrees Brewing and excited to welcome residents, workers and visitors to join us at the newly reopened Beer Garden at Fischer Park on City Hall Plaza.” “The City Hall team, residents, tourists, and workers are excited to have this space available again on City Hall Plaza as we build on our commitment to support small businesses by bringing people together and giving people another reason to come and enjoy the area,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “This is yet another opportunity this Administration is providing to welcome residents, workers, and visitors back to Downtown Boston to enjoy the fall season with friends and neighbors.”  “I’m thrilled that we’re able to activate the Beer Garden again at City Hall,” said Chief of Operations Dion Irish. “It’s a pleasure to be able to use City property to contribute to the vibrancy of downtown Boston and support a local black-owned business while doing so.” Founded in 2020, 67 Degrees Brewing is a Black, woman, and veteran-owned brewery based in Franklin, MA. 67 Degrees Brewing participated in a competitive application process to identify a vendor that would activate City Hall Plaza during the fall season for workers, residents, and tourists. 67 Degrees Brewing's commitment to social impact, diversity and inclusivity and use of local ingredients stood out in its proposal to partner with the City of Boston to create a welcoming space in Downtown Boston on City Hall Plaza. "We are particularly stoked to share our Mara Belgian Ale with Passion Fruit, which is a delicious beer with amazing tropical character," said Olivier Edouard, Founder of 67 Degrees Brewing. "It is one of our biggest sellers and throughout the month of October proceeds from its sale will go to an organization that provides support services to breast cancer patients. It is amazing to have an opportunity to serve in front of City Hall, we have some cool event ideas planned between now and November. Weather permitting, we look forward to connecting with the community over some brews, art and musical events." “67 Degrees Brewing is very excited to make its way to Boston City Hall! A number of our founders have their roots in Boston, and we can't wait to pour our beers in the city," said Laury Lucien, Partner and Legal Advisor of 67 Degrees Brewing. "We want to be known for the quality of our beers, which is why we make every effort to use the finest local ingredients New England has to offer and use time-honored methods to guarantee the best pour for our customers. We look forward to meeting the Boston Beer enthusiasts this Fall!" The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted Downtown and its businesses, and the Wu Administration remains committed to its Downtown Revitalization plan, announced in April 2022 to address decreased foot traffic and consumer spending. As the City aims to welcome people back to its commercial centers, the City is moving forward bold initiatives to increase consumer confidence and support small businesses. Downtown is integral to the economic standing of the City of Boston. While Boston aims to activate spaces in all of our neighborhoods, the City is also seeking to ensure its Downtown core is flourishing. In June 2022, Mayor Wu announced the launch of Boston Together Again, a series of weekday cultural, food, and wellness events in Downtown running from mid-July to mid-October. From yoga in Copley Square, to music and dancing on City Hall Plaza, and movie nights on the Rose Kennedy Greenway at Dewey Square. In partnership with Boston-based Rosemark Production, Boston Together Again was designed to bring and keep Bostonians together in community while also driving foot traffic and customers to the City’s Downtown business districts to support our small business community. These events are free and open to the public and run through mid-October.  To learn more, please visit: https://www.boston.gov/news/temporary-beer-garden-now-open-city-hall-plaza