第127屆波士頓馬拉松賽女子組選手將來自18國

 Global Medalists, National Record Holders, Olympians and Paralympians Among 127^th Boston Marathon Women’s Field

 

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) proudly announced today the women’s professional field for the 127^th Boston Marathon, featuring decorated Open, Wheelchair and Para Athletics Division athletes from 18 countries. Among the field are global medalists, national record holders, Olympians and Paralympians, as well as five Boston Marathon champions.

 

“Each year the B.A.A. welcomes strong, competitive, and talented fields to Hopkinton, with athletes ready to race for 26.2 miles,” said Mary Kate Shea, B.A.A. Director of Professional Athletes & Technical Support. “This year’s field is among the fastest and most decorated professional fields in history, and we anticipate an exciting race from start to finish on Patriots’ Day.”

 

A total of 16 women entered in the field have run the marathon under 2 hours, 21 minutes. Making their Boston Marathon debuts are three athletes who notched impressive breakthrough performances in 2022: Israel’s Lonah Salpeter, Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi, and Ethiopia’s Amane Beriso. Last year Salpeter earned a bronze medal at the World Athletics Championships Marathon then placed second at the TCS New York City Marathon. Lokedi, a former NCAA champion at the University of Kansas, claimed victory in her debut marathon in New York City last fall, while Beriso ran the third fastest marathon time in history – 2:14:58—to win Valencia and set a new national record in December.

 

“I am very excited to run the B.A.A. Boston Marathon this year,” said Salpeter. “It has always been my dream to run these streets one day and to experience the incredible atmosphere. I am extremely grateful to the organization for inviting me to run in their city. For now, I am focused on my preparation and I look forward to seeing all the fans along the course in Boston!”

 

Last year’s second and third place finishers in Boston, Ababel Yeshaneh of Ethiopia and Mary Ngugi of Kenya, both return with hopes of claiming the top spot on the podium. Yeshaneh came within four seconds of victory, while Ngugi has placed second and third in Boston. Also back is Joyciline Jepkosgei, a past winner of the New York City and London Marathons.

 

“Running Boston last year was an incredible experience, and I will never forget the crowd cheering down Boylston Street as I ran towards the finish line in an epic finish,” said Yeshaneh. “I can’t wait to return to race and hope to win that title that I lost by a few meters.”

 

“When it comes to Boston, for me it becomes more than a race,” said Ngugi. “The city is special, and special for me too. I have raced there so many times across different distances and the buzz from the fans all along the course is incredible and I even got married in Boston!”

 

Additional international standouts making their Boston Marathon debuts are Sheila Chepkirui of Kenya, who ran 2:17:29 for third in Valencia, and Ethiopia’s Hiwot Gebremaryam, runner-up in Berlin in 2021 and third at the B.A.A. Half Marathon in 2022.

 

Among the American contingent are Sara Hall, Aliphine Tuliamuk, Emma Bates, Nell Rojas, Dakotah Lindwurm, Laura Thweatt, Annie Frisbie, Sara Vaughn and Erika Kemp. Rojas has finished as the top American at Boston two years in a row (fifth in 2:27:12 in October 2021 and tenth, 2:25:57 in April 2022), while Hall and Bates finished fifth and seventh, respectively, at the 2022 World Athletics Championships Marathon in Eugene.

 

“I’m very excited to return to Boston once again,” said Rojas. “The excitement of the city and fans, quality of the professional field, and challenging course keeps drawing me back!”

 

Previously announced as competing in Boston this year are reigning world champion Gotytom Gebreslase as well as Boston Marathon champions Des Linden (2018), Edna Kiplagat (2017, 2021), and Atsede Baysa (2016).

 

Leading the wheelchair division field is four-time Boston champion Manuela Schär of Switzerland. Schär owns the Boston course record of 1:28:17, though will be challenged by Abbott World Marathon Majors Series XIV champion Susannah Scaroni (USA), Tokyo Paralympic gold medalist Madison de Rozario (Australia), and five-time Boston winner Tatyana McFadden (USA). A $50,000 course record bonus is available to any open division or wheelchair division athlete who breaks a course record.

 

“Boston is a very special place, home to fast times and many memories,” said Schär. “I look forward to returning to race again this year.”

 

Among the notable Para Athletics Division athletes returning to Boston are Lisa Thompson (T13/vision impairment) and Liz Willis (T63-64/lower-limb impairment), both of whom won division titles at last April’s race. Joining them is celebrated ultra-runner Jacky Hunt-Broersma, who timed 2:35:44 for the win at the 2022 B.A.A. Half Marathon and completed a record 104 marathons in consecutive days last year. For the third year, prize money is available for top finishers with vision, upper-limb, and lower-limb impairments within the Para Athletics Divisions.

 

“All of us at the Boston Athletic Association are eager to welcome every member of the 127^th Boston Marathon women’s professional field to Boston,” said Jack Fleming, President and Chief Executive Officer of the B.A.A. “Another chapter of Boston Marathon history will unfold on the roads of Hopkinton, Ashland, Framingham, Natick, Wellesley, Newton, Brookline and Boston as we crown champions in our open, wheelchair, and Para Athletics divisions.”

 

The 127^th Boston Marathon will be held on Monday, April 17, 2023 – Patriots’ Day in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts—and will feature 30,000 participants. The complete men’s professional field will be announced in the coming days. Since 1986, John Hancock has served as principal sponsor of the Boston Marathon.

 

BOSTON MARATHON PROFESSIONAL FIELD – WOMEN’S OPEN DIVISION

^ signifies Boston Marathon Champion

*signifies Masters (40+) athlete

 

NAME	COUNTRY	PERSONAL BEST
Amane Beriso	Ethiopia	2:14:58 (NR)
Sheila Chepkirui	Kenya	2:17:29
Joyciline Jepkosgei	Kenya	2:17:43
Lonah Salpeter	Israel	2:17:45
Angela Tanui	Kenya	2:17:57
Fancy Chemutai	Kenya	2:18:11
Gotytom Gebreslase	Ethiopia	2:18:11
Hiwot Gebremaryam	Ethiopia	2:19:10
Edna Kiplagat^*	Kenya	2:19:50
Celestine Chepchirchir	Kenya	2:20:10
Maurine Chepkemoi	Kenya	2:20:18
Mary Ngugi	Kenya	2:20:22
Nazret Weldu Gebrehiwet	Eritrea	2:20:29 (NR)
Sara Hall	USA	2:20:32
Ababel Yeshaneh	Ethiopia	2:20:51
Vibian Chepkirui	Kenya	2:20:59
Atsede Baysa^	Ethiopia	2:22:03
Desiree Linden^	USA	2:22:38
Viola Cheptoo	Kenya	2:22:44
Nienke Brinkman	Netherlands	2:22:51
Emma Bates	USA	2:23:18
Sharon Lokedi	Kenya	2:23:23
Dakotah Lindwurm	USA	2:25:01
Jessica Stenson	Australia	2:25:15
Laura Thweatt	USA	2:25:38
Nell Rojas	USA	2:25:57
Annie Frisbie	USA	2:26:18
Sara Vaughn	USA	2:26:23
Haruka Yamaguchi	Japan	2:26:35
Aliphine Tuliamuk	USA	2:26:50
Maggie Montoya	USA	2:28:07
Hanna Lindholm*	Sweden	2:28:59
Maegan Krifchin	USA	2:29:12
Militsa Mircheva	Bulgaria	2:29:23 (NR)
Jane Bareikis	USA	2:30:04
Sydney Devore	USA	2:31:07
Annmarie Tuxbury	USA	2:31:31
Kaitlin Goodman	USA	2:32:08
Kodi Kleven	USA	2:32:45
Jess Watychowicz	USA	2:33:09
Briana Boehmer*	USA	2:33:20
Nina Zarina	Russia	2:33:22
Jesse Cardin	USA	2:33:34
Savannah Berry	USA	2:33:42
Olivia Pratt	USA	2:34:22
Anne-Marie Blaney	USA	2:34:38
Mckale Montgomery	USA	2:35:01
Liza Howard	Canada	2:35:29
Esther Atkins	USA	2:36:32
Sylvia Bedford	USA	2:36:32
English Jackson Tomlinson	USA	2:36:51
Aisling Cuffe	USA	2:37:23
Rachel Coogan	USA	2:37:40
Claire McCarthy*	Ireland	2:38:26
Ann Centner	USA	2:38:30
Tennille Ellis	Australia	2:39:08
April Lund*	USA	2:39:23
Carmen Hussar*	Canada	2:39:51
Gina Rouse*	USA	2:41:19
Natasha Bliss*	Canada	2:43:28
Julie Lajeunesse*	Canada	2:44:49
Laurie Knowles*	USA	2:44:53
Jennifer Hughes*	USA	2:45:19
Jenny Hitchings*	USA	2:45:32
Hilary Corno*	USA	2:45:34
Rebecca Brown*	Australia	2:45:43
Erika Kemp	USA	Debut
Danielle Moreno	USA	Debut
Maria Coffin	USA	Debut

 

波士頓基金會社區基金贊助 余翠梅開課教亞裔自衛

余翠梅師傅率領自衛課學員紮馬步，出拳姿態。 (余翠梅提供)

華林功夫太極學校創辦人余翠梅傳授自衛術。 (周菊子攝)

           (Boston Orange 周菊子昆士市報導) 華林功夫太極學校創辦人余翠梅 (Mai Du) 經由波士頓基金會的亞裔社區基金贊助，1月7日下午在中華頤養院開了一堂免費的自衛術課程，教20幾名婦女在遇到壞人時該怎麼反擊，爭取逃跑時間。

                       自從新冠病毒疫情爆發，許多美國人認為亞裔是病源，2021年又發生喬治亞州按摩院槍擊案，6名亞裔女子被射殺等事件以來，亞裔社區揣揣不安，已有頗長一段時間。

余翠梅示範扯頭髮，不會太痛，但能藉此控制對手。她不好意思扯志工的頭髮，於是把
自己的兒子叫上台來示範。 (周菊子攝)

那些時日，大多數案件都發生在加州、紐約，住在麻州的人，雖然有點緊張，但總體感覺還好。可是2021年，僅只是昆士市就發生好幾宗亞裔被搶，無故被暴打的新聞，1名92歲受害者甚至還傷重得頭部縫了9針。

2022年底，昆士市又一連發生2宗亞裔受害罪案，1宗是駭人聽聞的26歲男子綁架、強暴64歲說台山話婦女，1宗是77歲老翁對著亞裔飆罵” 滾回中國” ，罵完還不解氣，竟開車撞人，還撞了2次。

中華頤養院創辦人之一的陳秀英親自出席，參加社區自衛課。 (周菊子攝)

這些事故，不但讓亞裔社區再度感到不安，也更加感到學會自衛的重要。於是有了波士頓基金會亞裔社區基金贊助余翠梅師傅舉辦4場自衛術課程，北安多福鎮也有施志敏等一群人，參加了槍證班，學習與槍有關知識，取得申請持槍執照的基本資格。

余翠梅的第一堂自衛課，1月7日下午在位於昆士市的中華頤養院舉行。中華頤養院創辦人之一的陳秀英，執行長Bill Graves，新任董事會董事長曲振生的夫人奚珍，都親自出席，還跟著練習。

中華頤養院執行長Bill Graves (右二)也上場當志工，讓余翠梅講解人體有哪些部位
比較脆弱。(周菊子攝)

余翠梅在二個多小時的課程中，教了擒拿，以拳重擊，以腳踩敵人腳趾等功夫，還示範四指內捲，姆指外包的握拳，以手臂把拳頭甩出時，手腕及手臂需呈直線，才能加重力道。余翠梅笑說人體從頭到腳，包括眼、耳、鼻、喉，後腦杓，胳肢窩，肋骨，側膝蓋等的不同部位，各有脆弱之處，該怎麼樣攻擊敵人，該怎麼自我防衛，才能為自己爭取逃跑時間等。

當天上課的幾乎全是女生，年紀不等，起初都覺得一旦遇到壞人，就糟糕了。上完課後，都很興奮，紛紛表示，這些自衛招數好像並不太難，尤其是有些人體部位，給了女生取巧的方便。

余翠梅事後也在臉書上貼文，稱上課的女生們，在課堂一開始時，都說一旦遭遇壞人，面對實際身體威脅，恐怕都不知道該怎麼辦，上完課，卻都信心滿滿，認為自己將來一定不會淪為受害者。

余翠梅接下來的幾堂自衛課將是1月14日到羅爾市，2月25日到屋斯特 (Worcester)，還有一場在摩頓市 (Malden)，日期未定。

K2-3年級波士頓公校學生家長1/31前開設兒童儲蓄帳戶可多得25元獎勵

             (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 今 (9) 日宣佈，1月31日前第一次上網為子女開設「兒童儲蓄戶口 (CSA)」的波士頓公校幼稚園到3年級學生家長，可在開設波士頓儲蓄 (Boston Saves) 帳戶得50元之外，再多得25元獎勵。

              波士頓儲蓄 (Boston Saves)是賦權工人 (WE)內閣和波士頓公校合作的項目。

               波士頓公校總監Mary Skipper表示，波士頓儲蓄 (Boston Saves)項目是為兒童的學業及專業未來做準備的最好方法。參加永遠都不嫌遲。

            波士頓儲蓄 (Boston Saves)是工薪家庭為子女將來上大學，或者接受職業培訓做準備的儲蓄計畫。波士頓市政府為波士頓公校幼稚園2年級學生的家庭，自動提供50元開戶獎金，開啟獲得其他福利的第一步。約有1300個波士頓公校家庭，經由去年1月提供的這獎勵計畫，共獲得32,825元。

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON SAVES JANUARY INCENTIVE AND ENCOURAGES ELIGIBLE BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS FAMILIES TO TAKE ADVANTAGE OF FINANCIAL BOOST

 

BPS families who log in to the Savings Center for the first time by January 31, 2023 will earn an extra $25 for their child’s savings account

 

BOSTON - Monday, January 9, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced an incentive to encourage families of Boston Public Schools (BPS) K2-3rd graders to take advantage of Boston Saves, the City of Boston’s children’s savings account (CSA) program. BPS K2 - 2nd grade families who log in to the program’s online savings platform for the first time by January 31, 2023 will earn an extra $25 for their child’s account. This money, plus the $50 provided in every Boston Saves account and any additional incentives families earn, can be used to pay for their child’s future college or career training, providing a financial boost to their child's future. Boston Saves is a collaborative effort between the Worker Empowerment Cabinet (WE) and Boston Public Schools.   “Boston Saves is part of our efforts to connect Boston’s young people and families with every economic opportunity possible,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This collaborative program provides families with a chance to plan early and save even more for their children’s future. As we start 2023, I encourage all of our newly participating families to log in to Boston Save’s online savings platform and take advantage of this incentive.”  “The Boston Saves program is one of the best ways to prepae for your child’s academic and professional future,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “It’s never too early, or too late to participate, and the January promotion is the perfect time, if possible, to invest a little bit extra into your children’s future. We encourage all of our families to take advantage because data shows students who are enrolled in the Boston Saves program are more-likely to enroll and attain a degree in college or a career-training program.”  Boston Saves is a tool for working families to save and plan for their children’s future college or career training by providing every BPS K2 kindergartner with a CSA automatically seeded with $50. The incentive encourages families to take a crucial first step towards unlocking the program’s many benefits. More than 1,300 BPS families earned a total of $32,825 for their children’s futures through last year’s January incentive.   When a family logs in to the Savings Center, they can: ·       See the money in their child’s Boston Saves account ·       Link their own financial account to the Savings Center to track all their savings for their child in one place ·       Earn more money for their child’s Boston Saves account by taking simple steps like reading with their child, or saving regularly   Additionally, Boston Saves motivates families to earn more money for their child through regular incentives, and provides financial education and resources that make saving easier and helps families get ahead. Since the program began, Boston Saves has provided funds more than $1,040,000, including $113,000 in family-earned incentives, to more than 18,580 students.  Research shows that the mere presence of savings can motivate post-secondary success. In one study, low-income children with less than $500 in an account dedicated to higher education were three times more likely to enroll in college and four times more likely to graduate from college.   “Boston Saves is a great initiative from the City of Boston to help families learn about the importance of saving,” said Erin DiCarlo, parent of two Boston Saves’ students at the Adams Elementary School. “With financial literacy often lacking in schools, this program helps teach families to have their children begin saving for their future at a young age. It also gives students an incentive to read!”  The Boston Saves incentive will be applied to the accounts of all students whose families have logged in to the Savings Center for the first time since November 2022, when the platform first became available to current K2 kindergarten families. Currently, all K2-3rd grade students in BPS have Boston Saves accounts. Families of students in select older grades may also have accounts (and thus be eligible for the promotion) if they were part of the Boston Saves pilot program or joined a pilot cohort. Families that have eligible children should have received an email from bostonsaves@boston.gov with a direct link to log into their child’s account. Parents/guardians who believe their child is eligible (K2-3rd grade BPS students) but did not receive an email can contact the Boston Saves team at bostonsaves@boston.gov with their child’s name, grade and school. Find more information about Boston Saves including eligibility requirements at BostonSavesCSA.org.

麻州新州長Healey辦作文比賽 辦公室掛哪個州長肖像請學生挑

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Launch Portrait Essay Contest for Students  

BOSTON –Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll today launched a portrait essay contest for Massachusetts students. It’s a tradition that each new Governor and Lieutenant Governor select a portrait of a former Massachusetts Governor to hang in their offices at the State House.   

Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll are asking Massachusetts students to research and suggest a former Governor who inspires them and should be featured in their offices. The winners will be invited to the State House to meet with Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for the unveiling of their chosen portraits. 

“The State House is the people’s house, and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and I want our future leaders to have a voice in the symbols and messages we choose to highlight,” said Governor Healey. “This is an exciting opportunity for Massachusetts students to learn more about our state’s history and determine for themselves what makes a great leader. We can’t wait to review the submissions.”  

“Governor Healey and I will be looking at these portraits every day while we are making important decisions that impact the lives of all Massachusetts residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Each time we see the portraits, we’ll be reminded of the lessons we learned from these student essays. We hope that all students will participate in this unique opportunity to shape our state’s future.”  

The contest is open to all Massachusetts students. Essays should be less than 600 words and should answer this question: Which former Massachusetts governor inspires you the most, and why should their portrait hang in the Governor or Lieutenant Governor’s office? Students should also include at least 1-2 sentences about how they researched their chosen governor. Essays are due on Friday, January 27, 2023, at 11:59 pm. Additional details and submission instructions can be found here.  

“Massachusetts has a long history of impressive governors who have left a lasting mark not only on our state but on our entire country. Students are going to learn a lot about our history and government through this contest, and maybe it will even spark the interest of a future governor,” said Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler. “We’re asking school administrators, educators, community groups and families to help us get the word out about the portrait contest to all students, including those who attend public or private school and those who are homeschooled.” 

波士頓僑胞元旦升旗 迎接2023邁向兔年

波士頓僑胞團聚迎新年。 (周菊子攝)

僑胞們在波士頓僑教中心戶外場地舉行元旦升旗典禮。 (周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士 頓報導) 跨入2023年的第一天早上，逾百名僑胞從各地趕到波士頓僑教中心參加升旗典禮，仰看青天白日滿地紅國旗冉冉上升，祝願中華民國與天同昌，大波士頓華人社區團結、和諧，共同繁榮。

              僑委會這天也趁高興，頒發感謝狀給所有協助僑委會慶祝成立90週年的僑團及代表。

波士頓榮光會會長袁建業(右)，國民黨波士頓分部常委江文玲(左)展開國旗。 (周菊子攝)

              整個升旗典禮儀式，簡單隆重。會場中的僑胞們，既有年逾90的波士頓榮光會會員劉有成、華人經濟發展協會前行政主任陳志清，年逾80的創辦波克萊台商會人游勝雄，也有海外青年文化大使 (FASCA)許凱菲等還在念高中的青少年，老中青同聚一堂，漸有傳承。

僑胞們在波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮宣佈儀式開始後，和駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元，在牛頓高地社區中心外的旗竿前，向波士頓榮光會會長袁建業，國民黨波士頓分部常委江文玲展開的國旗行注目禮，在國歌聲中看著波士頓龍舟隊教練盧信瑋和隊長李鴻宇把國旗冉冉升到旗桿頂端，飄在美麗的藍天白雲中。

波士頓經文處處長的母親達黔英，處長孫儉元(右三起)和波士頓僑務委員陳仕維夫婦，
波士頓僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬等和僑胞們一起參加升旗典禮。 (周菊子攝)

              波士頓經文處處長孫儉元，牛頓高地社區發展協會主委John Rice，波士頓僑務委員陳仕維，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，波士頓僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬在僑胞們回到高地社區中心體育館坐下後，一一致詞。

波士頓經文處處長孫儉元代表僑委會頒發感謝狀給協助僑委會慶祝成立90週年的僑團
及代表。 (周菊子攝)

              孫儉元處長先感謝僑胞們參加中華民國開國112年的元旦升旗典禮，接著以波士頓在12月31日晚還陰雨綿綿，1月1日一大早就風和日麗做比喻，稱台灣也度過重重難關，破除了新冠病毒等陰霾，捱過了中國的武力威脅，還得到經濟成長率比許多國家好很多的亮麗成績，新年之後，必將開拓新局。他也感謝僑胞們一直以來給經文處的支持，並趕在1月22日兔年來到前，向僑胞們拜早年，祝願僑胞們事事順心，兔年吉祥。

              牛頓高地社區發展協會主委John Rice稱牛頓市和波士頓經文處合作多年，關係極佳，「牛頓台灣日」更是從2007年創辦以後，越辦越好，整個社區遊樂場都得挪出來辦活動，他很期待今年盛況再現。

              波士頓僑務委員陳仕維以廣東話、英文，祝福僑胞們有個快樂，健康，繁榮的新年。

波士頓經文處處長孫儉元在元旦升旗禮中致詞。 (周菊子攝)

              紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝以英文、廣東話憶述去年華人社區和經文處合作，在波士頓市府廣場舉行了盛大雙十國慶升旗典禮，今日再在牛頓市看到中華民國的國旗徐徐升起，不但高興，更覺驕傲，他祝願中華民國國運昌隆，所有僑胞身體健康。

              波士頓僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬提醒僑胞們，今年5月還會辦「牛頓台灣日」，請大家踴躍參加。

              元旦升旗典禮最後在中華民俗藝術工作坊的精彩擊鼓、舞龍、舞蹈、扯鈴，以及洪青體育會的舞獅表演中圓滿落幕。  (所有圖片，周菊子攝)

波士頓僑務委員陳仕維致詞。

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝致詞。

波士頓僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬致詞。

牛頓高地社區發展協會主委John Rice致詞。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(右)主持元旦升旗活動。

中華民俗藝術工作坊擊鼓表演。

波士頓榮光會秘書長蘇麗萍(左一)與會員劉有成(中)等人拉開會旗，氣勢十足。

波士頓華埠美國退伍軍人會會長司徒文信(右一)與資深會員周暢、陳志航也來參加
元旦升旗典禮。

中華民俗藝術工作坊的扯鈴表演一向很受歡迎。

波士頓僑教中心志工鄭雪卿(左起)、陳玉瑛等人協助準備感謝狀。

中華民俗藝術工作坊舞龍。

中華民俗藝術工作坊的旗海飄揚舞蹈，舞得人心振奮。

麻州眾議員麥家威和波士頓市長吳弭合作 爭取到2500萬元建北端新社區中心

MAYOR WU & HOUSE WAYS AND MEANS CHAIR AARON MICHLEWITZ ANNOUNCE $25 MILLION IN STATE FUNDING FOR A NEW NORTH END COMMUNITY CENTER

 

City of Boston also launching facilities assessment to ensure every neighborhood has a state-of-the-art community center

 

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu，右二)和麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz) 爭取 到2500萬元經費，為北端 (North End) 建新社區中心。(周菊子攝) BOSTON- Friday, January 6, 2023- Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and House Ways and Means Chair Representative Aaron Michlewitz together announced state funding for a new Boston Centers for Youth and Families (BCYF) North End Community Center, replacing the current BCYF Nazzaro Community Center. The new center will be located adjacent to the BCYF Mirabella Pool on Commercial Street in the North End. The City will also be launching a facilities assessment to ensure access to high-quality BCYF spaces and programming for residents across the City and that facilities are being maintained at the level that families deserve.   At a press conference in the North End, the Mayor and Representative Michlewitz announced the City is receiving $25 million in state funding to support the new North End center, of which $5 million will support renovations to the current BCYF Nazzaro Community Center building to repurpose it for community uses.   “Boston has a legacy of public spaces that have created family, community and connection,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Spaces like the BCYF Nazzaro Center are critical infrastructure for our city and community members so that we can truly have neighborhoods where people live, work, play, and grow together. Every neighborhood deserves modern spaces that reflect the full needs of our communities. I’m thankful to Representative Michlewitz for securing funding for a brand new center in the North End.”  “I was proud to secure this State funding for the City of Boston,” said House Ways and Means Chairman Representative Aaron Michlewitz. “These funds will not only help to build a brand new and much needed Community Center for the North End, but it will also help preserve the old Nazzaro Center site and ensure it continues to be an asset for the neighborhood.”  The City engaged in a community process from 2017 to 2019 led by the Public Facilities Department to envision the future of a community center in the North End due to the neighborhood’s needs, outgrowing the existing Nazzaro building. The result was the recommendation to build a new center next to the BCYF Mirabella outdoor pool on Commercial Street and repurpose the existing BCYF Nazzaro building for community uses. The full cost of the new project is estimated to be $50 to $60 million.  The building that now houses the BCYF Nazzaro first opened in 1906 as a gym and bathhouse. BCYF acquired the property in 1985 and converted it into a community center.  In late spring 2023, the City will begin designing the new community center on Commercial Street and will engage the community to ensure resident’s needs are met.   “I am so grateful for the leadership of Mayor Wu and our state delegation in choosing to make this substantial investment in our city’s community centers,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “Boston residents deserve safe, accessible, updated public facilities and this administration has made that a top priority.”  "As Chairman of the North End Athletic Association we are in full support of the proposed New North End Community Center which is long overdue,” said Ted Tomasone the Chairman of the North End Athletic Association (NEAA). “The addition of this center and the renovation of the Nazzaro center will continue to make the North End one of the most exciting neighborhoods in the City of Boston. Chairman Michlewitz continues to be a dynamic leader for the North End and the City of Boston."  Additionally, the City will soon begin a Citywide BCYF facilities assessment, which will ensure that assets are repaired and replaced proactively. The assessment will inform a comprehensive plan to better anticipate needed capital investments and plan for regular maintenance that will prevent sudden closures and the need for emergency repairs.   Boston Public Schools (BPS) has already begun an assessment of its facilities as part of the Green New Deal for BPS, which includes the BCYF facilities that are co-located in schools. BPS is prioritizing those facilities that house pools managed by BCYF for assessment. The assessment of the City’s remaining facilities will prioritize BCYF facilities and will also include recommendations for the appropriate staffing levels for maintenance.  “Our Community Centers and swimming pools are important resources that all Bostonians cherish and rely upon,” said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations. "We are excited to receive such generous support from the state, thankful for Representative Michlewitz’s advocacy, and committed to partnering with the Human Services Cabinet to build, renovate, and maintain these facilities going forward.”  “This investment in a new North End Community Center is one of several major renovations and new builds that will ensure that Boston’s residents have high-quality, green community centers with modern features that meet the needs of today’s families,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families.     The Nazzaro Center will stay open until the new community center is complete. In the coming years, as the new community center enters construction, the City will engage with North End residents about the future of the Nazzaro building.  The Nazzaro Center and facilities assessment announcements build off of recent investments and ongoing work, including centers across the City that have recently reopened, facilities under renovation that will open soon, and new projects entering design. In November, Mayor Wu announced the opening of the East Boston Senior Center, which is operated by the City’s Age Strong Commission and managed by the Property Management Department. In October, Mayor Wu and BCYF announced the site of the first full service BCYF community center in Grove Hall.