麻州經濟發展廳撥款300萬資助23組織辦理首次購屋教育、防止貸款贖回權被取消

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州政府銀行部撥款約300萬元給全州23 個組織，資助辦理首次購房教育計劃和預防中止贖回貸款(foreclosure) 諮詢中心。

這些款項是經由旨在援助面對財務困難屋主，以及保護正在決定購屋是否正確的買屋者所制定的州法第 206 章撥出的。

              麻州經濟發展廳消費者事務及企業法規處下的銀行組負責辦理這項目，以及相關的貸款辦理人牌照費用。今年的補助款共發給10個區域的取消貸款贖回權教育中心，以及13個消費者輔導組織。

              消費者事務和商業監管辦公室次長 Layla R. D'Emilia 說：“在消費者踏上成為屋主這條路時，這些補助款及項目將賦予消費者能力，有助於他們建立長期，可持續的財富”。

              銀行處處長Mary L. Gallagher 說，”該處很高興經由第206章項目，可以支持財務教育，幫助全州各地居民對相關事務有更深了解，在做個人財務決定時更有信心。

              獲得 2023 年第 206 章撥款的組織如下：

 區域性的中止貸款贖回權教育中心

• 波士頓市鄰里發展局 - 225,000 美元

• Codman 廣場鄰里發展會 - 200,000 美元

• Merrimack Valley 家庭保護聯盟 - 252,417 美元

• 可負擔住宅鄰里 (Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Inc.) - 140,000 美元

• NeighborWorks 住房解決方案——150,000 美元

• NewVue 社區公司 - 311,014.28 美元

• South Middlesex Opportunity Council Inc. - 45,874 美元

• 麻州中部的東南亞聯盟 - 105,000 美元

• Urban Edge Corporation - 225,000 美元

• Way Finders Inc.——385,476 美元

            消費者諮詢組織如下:

• ACT Lawrence Inc. - 110,000 美元

• Allston Brighton 社區發展公司——50,000 美元

• 亞美社區發展協會 (ACDC) —60,000 美元

• 伯克夏爾郡區域房屋局——72,000 美元

• 秋河 (Fall River) 教區的天主教慈善機構——44,239 美元

• 雀兒喜 (Chelsea) 修復公司——106,766 美元

• 普世 (Ecumenical)社會行動委員會公司 - 35,000 美元

• 高羅士打(Gloucester) 房屋局 - 25,000 美元

• Lawrence Community Works Inc. - 91,544 美元

• Merrimack Valley 住宅夥伴公司 - 151,000 美元

• 昆士社區行動計劃公司 - 25,000 美元

•    尚莫維爾(Somerville)社區公司 - $50,000

• Valley 社區發展公司 - 80,000 美元

               自 2008 年啟動贈款計劃以來，銀行處已撥出共2400多萬元給各組織，幫助了 90,000 多名消費者。

Boston, MA – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Division of Banks awarded nearly $3 million in grants to 23 organizations across the state to fund first-time homeownership education programs and foreclosure prevention counseling centers throughout Massachusetts. The funds were awarded through the Chapter 206 Grant Program, which assists homeowners who are experiencing financial hardship and prospective homebuyers who are determining if homeownership is right for them.
 
The Division of Banks within the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation administers this grant program with fees associated with the licensing of mortgage loan originators. This year’s grant recipients include 10 regional foreclosure education centers and 13 consumer counseling organizations.
 
“These grants and the programs they support will empower consumers as they embark on their homeownership journey and help them build long-term, sustainable wealth,” said Layla R. D’Emilia, Undersecretary of the Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation. “We’re proud to play a role in helping to expand economic opportunity for Massachusetts residents through this program.”

“We are pleased to support financial education efforts through the Chapter 206 program,” said Commissioner of Banks Mary L. Gallagher. “First-time home buyers and foreclosure counseling sessions around the state will help Massachusetts residents become better informed about and confident in their personal financial decisions.”
 
The following organizations are receiving Chapter 206 grant awards for 2023:
 
Regional Foreclosure Education Centers

· City of Boston Department of Neighborhood Development - $225,000

· Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation - $200,000

· Home Preservation Coalition of the Merrimack Valley - $252,417

· Neighborhood of Affordable Housing Inc. - $140,000

· NeighborWorks Housing Solutions - $150,000

· NewVue Communities Inc. - $311,014.28

· South Middlesex Opportunity Council Inc. - $45,874

· Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts - $105,000

· Urban Edge Corporation - $225,000

· Way Finders Inc. - $385,476

Consumer Counseling Organizations             

· ACT Lawrence Inc. - $110,000

· Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation - $50,000

· Asian Community Development Corporation - $60,000

· Berkshire County Regional Housing Authority - $72,000

· Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Fall River - $44,239

· Chelsea Restoration Corporation - $106,766

· Ecumenical Social Action Committee Inc. - $35,000

· Gloucester Housing Authority - $25,000

· Lawrence Community Works Inc. - $91,544

· Merrimack Valley Housing Partnership Inc. - $151,000

· Quincy Community Action Programs Inc. - $25,000

· Somerville Community Corporation - $50,000

· Valley Community Development Corporation - $80,000

Since the inception of the grant program in 2008, the Division of Banks has awarded more than $24 million to organizations that have assisted more than 90,000 consumers.

波士頓移民進步辦公室訂5/19舉辦「我們是波士頓」年度慶祝會

            CITY OF BOSTON AND MAYOR’S OFFICE FOR IMMIGRANT ADVANCEMENT LAUNCH IMMIGRANT HERITAGE MONTH WITH

WE ARE BOSTON 2023: VISIONARY COURAGE

What: We Are Boston 2023: Visionary Courage

When: Friday, May 19 from 5:30-8pm

Where: Blue Cross Blue Shield Office at 101 Huntington Ave. Boston

RSVP required for security clearance

BOSTON - The City of Boston Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement (MOIA) is launching Immigrant Heritage Month with We Are Boston, a reception that honors the contributions immigrants have made to our City. We Are Boston 2023: Visionary Courage is on Friday, May 19 from 5:30-8pm at the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Office at 101 Huntington Ave in Boston. The media is invited to attend but must RSVP for security clearance by emailing paien.yu@boston.gov. 

During the reception, the 2023 “Community Leadership Award” will go to the Driving Families Forward Coalition for their decades of advocacy to pass the Driver’s License Law. The “Business Leadership Award” will go to Melodias Restaurant in East Boston for their generosity in providing hot meals to recently-arrived migrants seeking shelter; and the “Civic Leadership Award” will go to Clare Louise Okalany, the Chief Operating Officer of ACEDONE, for supporting African communities in Boston by building entrepreneurship among immigrant women.

The reception will also have a musical performance by Boston Music Project, an ensemble of Boston Public School middle schoolers, and a salsa performance and dance lesson by Salsa y Control Dance Company. This is MOIA’s first in-person We Are Boston since 2019, and government officials, local immigrant-serving nonprofits, corporate sponsors, and the public are all invited to attend by RSVP. After the speaking portion, there will be time for dancing, mingling, and refreshments courtesy of the generous support from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. 

Corporate sponsorships fund We Are Boston, and proceeds go to immigrant-serving nonprofits in the form of grants. This year’s funding will go toward enhancing the well-being and mental health of immigrants in Boston through non-clinical and culturally sensitive ways. Funding will also be for multicultural community building during Immigrant Heritage Month in June. The events will be open to the public and listed on boston.gov/we-are-boston.

吳蠻、黃心芸「弦之靈」音樂會 樂評讚編排創新、樂音驚人

吳蠻 (左)和黃心芸(右) 的「弦之靈」音樂會圓滿落幕。 (周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange綜合報導) 琵琶大師吳蠻和著名中提琴演奏家黃心芸的一場“琵琶與中提琴”對話，5月6日晚在新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳 (Jordan Hall)，讓300多名觀眾激情鼓掌，大讚名師出手，那樂音就是不一樣。

波士頓音樂情報(The Boston Musical Intelligencer)樂評，會後也撰文盛讚，這場演出，編排創新，成果驚人。

演奏會結束，仰慕者紛紛送上鮮花。 (周菊子攝)

                        中華表演藝術基金會安排的這場「弦之靈」音樂會，不但邀得目前在柯蒂斯 (Curtis)和茱莉亞 (Julliard)這2所音樂學院執教的著名中提琴演奏家黃心芸，更請來早於2000年就曾和馬友友一起應邀到白宮表演，2021年獲得新英格蘭音樂學院榮譽博士，今年 (2023) 再獲國家藝術基金會 (National Endowment for the Arts)傳統藝術遺產獎，享有中國音樂使者與琵琶音樂代言人美譽的琵琶大師吳蠻來聯袂演出，讓中提琴與琵琶難得的同台合鳴，演繹出一段段古今少聞的中西方樂器重奏樂音。新英格蘭音樂學院的 Meraki弦樂四重奏還在她倆演奏改編的中國傳統曲調“春江花月夜”時，也參加了演出。

譚嘉陵 (中)創辦的中華表演藝術基金會把吳蠻(右)、
黃心芸(左)這2位優秀音樂家帶到波士頓人面前。 (周菊子攝)

                             琵琶與中提琴，分別是中國和西方的弦樂器，各有其文化背景與特殊音色。在這次的「弦之靈」音樂會中，吳蠻和黃心芸等人現場演奏的曲目，從Ligeti、華彥鈞、周文中、盛宗亮到Ahmed Adnan Saygun的作品，還有曾獲Grawemeyer大獎的梁雷接受委約，專為琵琶和中提琴創作的新曲「母親的歌」，以及年輕作曲家歐陽貞真把琵琶古曲改編成六重奏的”春江花月夜”，把跨越時空與文化的樂曲、樂風，展現得淋漓盡致。

波士頓的著名小提琴家張萬鈞夫婦也來向吳蠻、黃心芸致意。
(周菊子攝)

                         波士頓音樂情報(The Boston Musical Intelligencer)樂評說，”弦之靈”讓他沉浸在一場很不一樣的”東方遇見西方”聲音之旅，結合了黃心芸中提琴的熱情與自信與吳蠻琵琶的超凡脫俗與響亮。他形容吳蠻的四弦多品琵琶，撥弦彈奏手法獨特，快速重複單個音符 (或柔音)，有如以布魯斯音樂般的語言，講述一個充滿詩意的異國情節，令人興奮。在這場音樂會上，他還見證了作曲家梁雷把現代風格和傳統歌曲組合起來，讓「大浪淘沙」和「春江花月夜」這樣的曲目，從獨奏、二重奏和弦樂四重奏的如花飄盪出多樣性，卻從不曾失落其樂音精華。

                      中華表演藝術基金會表示，5月6日的這場「弦之樂」音樂會錄影，將於近日上傳Youtube，供大眾免費欣賞。聆聽，網址為https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUDuiQiOzZI_M7iDNXWXEDA/videos。關注中華表演基金會，可上 Instagram: @ cathychanfcpa。

麻州文化協會文化設施基金撥款766萬資助94團體

Mass Cultural Council & MassDevelopment Celebrate 94 New Cultural Facilities Fund Awards Totaling $7.66 Million

BOSTON – Today MassDevelopment and Mass Cultural Council, two state agencies that jointly administer the Cultural Facilities Fund (CFF), announce the 94 recipients of the FY23 CFF grant round, investing a total of $7,661,000 into cultural facilities and projects throughout the Commonwealth. “Massachusetts is fortunate to be home to many museums, theaters, and other arts and culture-based destinations, and the Cultural Facilities Fund provides an important avenue for the Commonwealth to co-invest in their upkeep and expansion,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Dan Rivera. “These institutions are core to our economy – driving tourism, creating jobs, and educating and inspiring countless visitors. MassDevelopment is proud to administer this fund together with the Mass Cultural Council, and thanks the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Legislature for their support.” The CFF provides capital and planning grants to nonprofit organizations, colleges, and municipalities that own or operate facilities primarily focused on the arts, humanities, and sciences. CFF awards invest in the acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion, and construction of nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities. All CFF awards are subject to a 1:1 matching requirement. Funded annually through the Governor’s Capital Spending Plan, this round of CFF grants is supported by a $10 million capital bond appropriation approved in 2022. The Healey-Driscoll Administration has also proposed a $10 million appropriation in its second supplemental budget to support an additional round of the program. “The Cultural Facilities Fund is such a wonderful partnership – created by the Legislature, funded annually by the Administration, and jointly managed by Mass Cultural Council and MassDevelopment – all parties working together to ensure that cultural infrastructure has a public source for maintenance and support in Massachusetts,” said Michael J. Bobbitt Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “These facilities are an important part of the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector, hosting public events, meetings, concerts, and classes, allowing creatives to engage with members, visitors, and audiences. It’s so important – for safety, for access, and for our state economy – to invest in and take good care of these gathering places, so that we can all engage and partake in the power of culture.” There are three types of awards available through the Cultural Facilities Fund: Capital Grants, which support the acquisition, design, construction, repair, renovation, rehabilitation or other capital improvements or deferred maintenance of a cultural facility. Feasibility & Technical Assistance Grants, for costs and expenses related to overall planning and feasibility for a proposed eligible project. Systems Replacement Plan Grants (SRP), a specific type of Feasibility and Technical Assistance Grant specifically designed for organizations without full-time maintenance staff. The SRP is a 20-year capital needs assessment of the building and its mechanical systems. In this 15th grant round, a total of 179 applications were received: 137 proposals for capital projects; 31 for Feasibility and Technical Assistance grants; and 11 for SRP grants. Seventy-six, or 42% of these applications were submitted by first-time applicants to Mass Cultural Council, and 16, or 9% of the applications were submitted by organizations who self-identify as BIPOC-centered organizations. A total of 94 awards worth $7,661,000 was approved by a vote of the MassDevelopment Board of Directors on May 11, including: 59 Capital Grants - totaling $6,894,000. 25 Feasibility and Technical Assistance Grants - totaling $668,000. 10 Systems Replacement Plan Grants - totaling $99,000. “Mass Cultural Council has adopted an Agency-wide recruitment and outreach strategy to ensure creative and cultural sector stakeholders from every artistic discipline and community are aware of our resources,” said Bobbitt. “I am pleased to welcome these 76 new cultural organizations and hope they will continue to engage with our programming. A complete list of the Cultural Facilities Fund grant recipients is available online; below are five examples of capital projects receiving an award: Otis Historical Commission, Otis - $200,000 for the renovation and repurposing of the historic St. Paul’s Church to become the Otis Cultural Center. Creative Hub Worcester, Inc., Worcester - $200,000 to support the transformation of a historic 1914 community building into the future Creative Hub Community Arts Center. Love Art Collective, Springfield - $174,000 for the acquisition of a new commercial space to create a community center named Block Art Studio. The Sandwich Historical Society, Sandwich - $140,000 for structural renovations, fire/health safety and energy efficiency improvements. Puppet Showplace, Inc., Brookline - $138,000 for new lighting, sound, and projection systems, accessible ramps, and exterior façade renovations. About the Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund The CFF was created by an act of the Legislature in 2006 to achieve the following goals: Enhance Massachusetts’ creative economy through financing for acquisition, construction, expansion, renovation, and repair of cultural facilities. Increase employment, entrepreneurialism, and tourism in the regions where these facilities are located, especially drawing new visitors from outside the Commonwealth. Stimulate further investment in the arts, heritage, and sciences by preserving cultural resources. Since 2007 the CFF has awarded $162,013,646 to 1,398 projects across the Commonwealth, employing more than 35,444 architects, engineers, contractors, and construction workers. The nonprofit organizations engaged in this work expect to add 2,992 new permanent jobs after completing their projects. The CFF’s impact extends beyond the nonprofit cultural sector in ways that benefit Massachusetts’ broader economy. The organizations awarded grants generate millions in annual economic activity through direct spending on everything from supplies to energy and advertising. They are popular tourist destinations: prior to the COVID-19 pandemic more than six million people visited these sites, one-third from out of state. The CFF has also spurred private investment, leveraging about $2.9 billion in spending from the funded projects. Finally, CFF grants contribute to cultural preservation by helping to restore and expand many of our nation’s most treasured historical landmarks. About Mass Cultural Council Mass Cultural Council, an independent state arts agency, is charged with bolstering the Commonwealth’s creative and cultural sector. The Agency’s efforts advance economic vitality, support transformational change, and celebrate, preserve, and inspire creativity across all Massachusetts communities. About MassDevelopment MassDevelopment, the state’s development finance agency and land bank, works with businesses, nonprofits, banks, and communities to stimulate economic growth across the Commonwealth. During FY2022, MassDevelopment financed or managed 356 projects generating investment of more than $1.69 billion in the Massachusetts economy. These projects are estimated to create or support 11,080 jobs and build or preserve 1,778 housing units.

麻州長首度簽署公告 訂五月為猶太裔傳統月 (圖片)

 

波士頓房屋局協助75戶人家成為有殼蝸牛

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES 75 FAMILIES ARE NEW HOMEOWNERS WITH SUPPORT FROM CITY New ARPA funding allowed residents to purchase homes in 11 neighborhoods

BOSTON - Tuesday, May 16, 2023 -  Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City has assisted 75 Boston families to become homeowners through new funding which supported a combination of a discounted interest rate and enhanced down-payment and closing cost assistance programs. These are the first home sales made possible through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), which provided funds to help Boston residents purchase homes in the city. A total of $1,384,432 was given in down payment assistance. A total of $669,843 has been provided in interest rate subsidies. Of the 75 home buyers purchasing homes, 71 percent were Black, Indigenous, and/or people of color. Helping Boston residents of color purchase homes is an important step in the administration’s goal of increasing generational wealth and building stable, diverse communities. Homes were purchased in 11 different neighborhoods in Boston, demonstrating the widespread impact of the program and contributing to the growth and development of Boston's neighborhoods. The homes were purchased in West Roxbury, the South End, Roxbury, Roslindale, Mattapan, Jamaica Plain, Hyde Park, East Boston, Dorchester, Allston-Brighton, and Downtown. "Homeownership is crucial to building generational wealth and long term stability for residents and families across Boston’s neighborhoods," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "As we work to make sure that Boston is the best place to live and raise a family, we are proud to support these 75 families in purchasing their homes. Boston’s down payment assistance program is one important way we are working urgently to build generational wealth and stabilize communities in every neighborhood." “Housing stability is crucial for residents to live and thrive in our city, and homeownership is one of the surest ways for our families to achieve this stability and create generational wealth,” said City Council President Ed Flynn. “This ARPA funding not only helped 75 residents in purchasing their homes, but it also helped our city in ensuring that our communities remain vibrant and diverse. I look forward to working with everyone to ensure that the City of Boston continues to provide resources for homeownership and affordable housing.” "Down payment costs are one of the most significant hurdles that first-time homebuyers are faced with, especially for marginalized communities that have been historically and systematically disenfranchised from such opportunities. Utilizing ARPA funds to secure 75 new homes largely for marginalized communities is indicative of the City of Boston's commitment to creating equitable housing opportunities for all,” said Councilor Kendra Lara. “As Chair of the Housing and Community Development Committee, l am committed to stabilizing our neighborhoods from displacement and further gentrification.” "This funding is a crucial opportunity to build generational wealth and tackle the racial wealth gap," said Councilor Brian Worrell. "I was proud to partner with Mayor Wu to make this assistance a reality for these families, and I look forward to continuing to further policies that ensure Boston is an affordable place to live for all of our residents." Of the housing purchased, 31 were condos, 9 were single-family homes, and the remaining were multifamily housing. This range of housing helped to provide affordable options for families of all sizes.  “The City has made a significant amount of its ARPA funding available to assist Boston families buy their first home,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “This funding has allowed us to provide larger down payments and better mortgage products to our residents, helping offset the high cost of housing.  We remain committed to increasing the rates of homeownership in Boston, as a strategy to build intergenerational wealth and stabilize neighborhoods. We are excited to see the positive impact that these new homeowners will have on our City.” The interest rate subsidy and down payment assistance programs are an important part of the Mayor's Office of Housing's efforts to encourage homeownership in Boston. Owning a home is one of the most important ways to build and preserve wealth and open access to other financial benefits. These programs help to reduce the financial burden of purchasing a home, making it more accessible to residents. The interest rate subsidy helps to reduce the overall cost of homeownership, making it more sustainable in the long term. “We have been trying to buy a place off and on for almost 35 years,” said new homeowners Julieta Lopez and Julien Williams. “We had to stop because of many trials and tribulations. This was going to be our last shot. We thank the Office of Housing so much for their assistance and most of all their patience.” "We are thrilled to be a part of this amazing program and to see the impact it has had on the lives of Boston residents," said Bob Driscoll, Senior Vice President and Director of Residential Lending at Rockland Trust Bank. "The combination of discounted interest rates and enhanced down-payment and closing cost assistance has made it possible for 75 Boston families to achieve their dream of homeownership. We are grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a meaningful program and to support our community in this way. We look forward to continuing our work with the City of Boston and our partners to help even more residents achieve their dream of homeownership in the years to come." The Mayor's Office of Housing encourages all Boston residents who are interested in purchasing a home to explore the options available through the programs hosted by the Boston Home Center. The homeowner programs are designed to help residents of all backgrounds and are a valuable resource for anyone looking to achieve the dream of homeownership. For more information about the down payment assistance program and other affordable housing options in Boston, please visit the Mayor's Office of Housing website. The Office of Housing supports Boston residents in their journey toward homeownership. By creating more affordable housing options and reducing financial barriers, the office hopes to help build a more equitable and inclusive Boston.

麻州總檢察官辦公室調查波士頓警察局幫派小組

Andrea Campbell (檔案照片)

              (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell 的辦公室表示，收到波士頓警察局幫派及幫派數據庫小組在執法時有種族歧視後，正在進行調查。

              Andrea Campbell辦公室在一份聲明中說，” 民權小組正在審閱「打擊青年暴力部隊 (Youth Violence Strike Force) 」，以及其幫派評估數據庫” 。該辦公室收到的指控稱，從2018年到現在，可能存在著執法有種族歧視的模式。他們得到波士頓警察局全面配合，正在調查，還沒有任何發現獲結論。

              「打擊青年暴力部隊 (Youth Violence Strike Force) 」就是一般人認知的警察局幫派小組。波士頓警察局在網站上稱這小組旨在經由直接的，以及基於社區的執行警務策略，來減少觸法青少年的犯罪活動，以及反社會行為。

              2020年的警察改革法給了麻州總檢察長辦公室權力，調查警察在執行警務時，是否模式性的種族歧視。當年這警察改革法制定時，最為人知的市成立了「和平警察標準及培訓委員會 (The Peace Officer Standards & Training Commission)」，一個能夠把指控交給麻州總檢察長辦公室的警察監督小組。不過根據新規定，麻州總檢察長也可以主動發起調查。

              Campbell的辦公室稱之道有一張印有總檢察長辦公室標誌，宣佈這調查的傳單，但發言人稱那張傳單是假造的，既不是該辦公室印製的，也不是他們發出去的。

              幫派數據庫一直是人們關注的重點，倡議份子稱那個數據庫太著重於黑人及西班牙裔年輕男子，在他們身上烙下難以撼動的印記，導致警察基於不足夠，甚至有時錯誤的資訊而執勤過度。包括數名市議員在內的批評者，希望完全廢除這數據庫。

              支持這分名單的人則說，那是對市內已知的幫派份子及暴力罪犯動態，保持了解的重要工具。截至去年，該名單上有3000多個人名。

              Andrea Campbell曾連任數屆波士頓市議員，也當過市議會議長，公安委員會主席。2021年時她參選波士頓市長，政見包括改革並刪減波士頓警察局預算，減少特別小組警員人數，把諸如幫派小組遷出各實體機構，回歸巡邏做法。