紐英崙客家鄉親會夏日野餐會 (謝開明圖片輯)

 

紐英崙中華公所大樓7月起部分恢復辦公 7月16日為孫儉元處長辦惜別午餐會

               (Boston Orange) 紐英崙中華公所預定7月10日起部分大樓空間恢復使用，以處理中秋節相關事務，另訂7月16日中午舉辦孫儉元處長惜別會，7月19日博愛樓破土動工。

              紐英崙中華公所因大樓除鉛，更換冷暖氣及消防警報系統等工程，從6月7日起，整棟大樓暫時封閉，所有活動停止，職員遠距辦公。

              中華公所主席雷國輝6月28日宣佈，由於工程已大致完成，部分樓宇空間已可開放使用，為方便社區及公所籌備中秋節聯歡會事宜，7月10日起，中華公所大樓部分恢復辦公。

              跨入7月份，中華公所有2項大活動。一為7月16日（週日）中午，假中華公所大樓對面的中華廣教學校禮堂，舉辦歡送波士頓經文處處長孫儉元的惜別午餐會。

              孫儉元處長於2020年８月初到任，即將於７月底返台，升任外交部國際司司長。據悉，波士頓政大校友會也為同為校友的孫處長安排了一場歡送會。

              中華公所刻正施工中的博愛樓，也就是位於夏利臣街288號的大同村南停車場，訂７月１９日（週三）舉辦破土動工儀式，廣邀政要參加，藉以慶祝中華公所在為華埠社區增加可負擔住宅的路上，又邁進一步。

波士頓公共衛生局籲民眾關注 2022有325人死於鴉片類藥物過量 增幅7%

 BPHC Reminds Residents About Dangers of Opioids After 7% Increase in Fatal Overdoses in Boston  

New state data: 352 people in Boston died of opioid overdose in 2022   

BOSTON -- Wednesday, June 28, 2023 –– Following the release of preliminary state data for 2022 on opioid-related overdose deaths, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) is reminding residents about the dangers of opioid use and its harmful impacts on our communities, as well as the presence of fentanyl in the drug supply.   

New data released by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health last week noted that 352 people died from opioid overdoses in Boston in 2022, a nearly 7% increase from 2021 (330 total deaths). From 2019 to 2022, Boston experienced a 36% increase in opioid related deaths, more than twice the statewide rate of increase (16%) over the same time period.    

A key factor for this increase is the role of fentanyl, a highly potent synthetic opioid, involved in more than 90% of opioid-related deaths in both the state and among Boston residents in 2022. Xylazine, known as “tranq,” an animal tranquilizer has also been increasingly found in the drug supply and increases the risk of overdose through oversedation.  

“This ongoing tragedy requires increasing our focus on overdose prevention throughout our city,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health and Executive Director of the Boston Public Health Commission. “We must respond by scaling up evidence-based interventions that decrease the harm associated with drug use and keep people alive. We must also address pervasive inequities and ensure that lifesaving prevention, care, and treatment are available to all.”   

The 2022 data show that opioid-related overdoses have disproportionately impacted Black and Latinx individuals in Boston: 30% of all opioid overdose deaths in Boston were among Black individuals and 21% were among Latinx individuals. Opioid overdose deaths among Black individuals in Boston increased by 29% from 2021-2022, and deaths among Latinx individuals increased by 9% from 2021-2022.   

From 2020-2022 combined, the average annual opioid overdose mortality rate for Black and Latinx residents was 66% and 31% higher than white residents, respectively. The rate of overdose death for Black residents from 2020-2022 is a 130% increase from the rate observed from 2017-2019. Data compiled by BPHC in its recent Health of Boston Report show the leading cause of premature deaths among male Black and Latinx residents for 2017 through 2021 combined was accidents, with opioid overdoses accounting for most of these deaths. These data emphasize the need for increased attention to equitable access to harm reduction prevention, and treatment services in Boston.  

BPHC and the City of Boston remain committed to responding to this crisis in collaboration with the state, clinical, and community partners through a public health approach that expands access to lifesaving treatment, harm reduction services, prevention, and recovery support. In addition to providing harm reduction tools like syringes and safe smoking supplies, BPHC’s AHOPE (Access, Harm Reduction, Overdose Prevention and Education) program offers drug testing services to drug users to identify the presence of fentanyl, xylazine, or other substances. Access to treatment services is also available through the PAATHS (Providing Access to Addictions Treatment, Hope and Support) program. To contact PAATHS, please call 1-855-494-4057. Anyone in the City of Boston can call 311 anytime to access treatment services or care.     

Expanding access to Narcan (naloxone) is another critical aspect of the response to overdoses. BPHC distributed nearly 15,000 doses of Narcan to residents and community partners in 2022, and outreach workers reverse up to five overdoses a day. Boston EMS responded to 4,245 narcotic related incidents in 2022 and administered Narcan to 2,181 patients. Not only do these heroic actions save lives, but they also help build all-important relationships with clients to that help engage them and link them to services. Naloxone is available over the counter at pharmacies across Massachusetts. BPHC offers free training on how to respond to overdoses and administer naloxone.  

In 2022, BPHC began funding two day-spaces in Roxbury and Back Bay that serve as safe environments where individuals can get connected to clinical care and services and get meals, basic amenities, and build trust with our providers. As more and more individuals come to Boston for treatment and resources, BPHC and the City support Governor Healey's commitment to increase harm reduction capacity in cities and towns across the Commonwealth.  

BPHC urges the city to remain vigilant for signs of overdose. Common signs of an opioid overdose include slowed breathing, blue lips, and unresponsiveness. If you encounter someone who you believe has overdosed, call 911 immediately, perform rescue breathing, and administer naloxone.  

麻州政府新推兩計畫擴大小企業、LGBT和殘障人士所創辦事業

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands State Spending Benchmarks to LGBT and Disability-Owned Businesses 

Supplier Diversity Office launches new interactive online map to connect state agencies, cities, towns, bidders and contractors with diverse business partners 

 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced two new initiatives aimed at expanding opportunities for diverse and small businesses to provide goods and services to state agencies and local governments. The administration is updating the Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) to include spending benchmarks for LGBT-owned Business Enterprises (LGBTBE) and Disability-owned Business Enterprises (DOBE) in the Commonwealth’s Supplier Diversity Program (SDP) for the first time. It is also implementing a new interactive online map that will help state agencies, cities, towns, prime bidders and contractors identify certified diverse business partners.  

 

“Massachusetts is home to so many wonderful diverse and small businesses who are truly the backbone of our communities and our economy. Our administration is committed to increasing opportunities for them to do business with the state, which will not only help their businesses grow but will also support the state’s equitable economic development,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are proud to be expanding the state’s spending benchmarks to include businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ individuals and individuals with disabilities, as well as implementing a new tool to make it easier for organizations to connect with diverse business partners.” 

 

“As a former Mayor, I saw firsthand how our local economy thrived thanks to the hard work and contributions of diverse and small businesses,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is proud to be taking this important and long overdue step to codify spending benchmarks for businesses owned by LGBTQIA+ individuals and individuals with disabilities, as well as launching a new online tool that we believe will be critical to helping us meet these goals.”  

 

“The state has been a leader in expanding opportunities to diverse communities and now is the time to set clear goals around purchasing from certified LGBTBE and DOBE businesses,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz. 

 

New Benchmarks  

 

The Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) promotes equity of opportunity in the procurement and purchase of goods and services by State Executive Agencies for DOBEs, LGBTBEs, Minority (MBE), Women (WBE), Veteran (VBE) and Service-Disabled Veteran (SDVOBE) owned businesses. However, LGBTQBE and DOBE are currently the only categories without established benchmarks.  

 

As of July 1, state agencies will work towards purchasing $18 million from LGBT-owned businesses and $18 million from businesses owned by individuals with disabilities during Fiscal Year 2024. After evaluating purchasing against these benchmarks over the next year, the Administration will set new goals for Fiscal Year 2025. 

 

In 2015, the SDO expanded to include Veteran (VBE), Disability (DOBE), and Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBTBE) owned businesses, which made Massachusetts the most inclusive state supplier diversity program in the nation. At the time, no benchmark was set for DOBE or LGBTBE spending as those certification categories were new, and the Commonwealth needed to develop certified vendor capacity.  

 

In FY2016, the SDO began recognizing DOBE and LGBTBE certifications issued by reputable third-party certification organizations, such as Disability:IN and the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC), which resulted in the recognition of more than 100 DOBEs and LGBTBEs. 

 

The SDO has previously implemented benchmarks for Minority Business Enterprises, Women Business Enterprises, Veteran Business Enterprises, and Small Businesses. 

  

New Online Map  

 

The Administration also unveiled the Massachusetts Certified Business Map, a new interactive online map that will help state agencies, cities, towns, and prime bidders and contractors locate certified diverse business partners based on location as well as other criteria.  

 

Users can search by in-state and out of state, county, city or town, certification type, and by business name. This can be especially helpful for projects needing subcontractors who do business in a certain area of the state. Displayed information includes Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) business count, State business count, and counts by certification type, for-profit and non-profit, and business nature type. 

 

The map is the SDO’s latest innovation to increase equity in state purchasing. Since becoming a new agency in 2021, the SDO has introduced the Supplier Diversity Hub, a powerful network that streamlines communication between state agencies, cities, towns, prime contractors and diverse and small businesses, the Resources Webpage for Diverse and Small Businesses, the Municipal Supplier Diversity Playbook and the SDO Means Business model, which provides resources and tools to eliminate barriers and uplift diverse and small businesses. 

 

These announcements come after the SDO issued their FY2022 Annual Report, which reported growth in spending with diverse and small businesses and the number of certified businesses as well as other new programs and initiatives.  
 

About the Supplier Diversity Office 

 

The SDO promotes diversity, equity, and inclusion in state contracting for businesses owned by minorities, women, Portuguese, veterans, service-disabled veterans, those with a disability, and LGBT individuals, as well as small Massachusetts businesses. It certifies these historically disadvantaged businesses and manages several programs and provides resources that help their marketability when bidding on public contracts. To learn more about Supplier Diversity Office certification, programs, and resources, go to www.Mass.gov/SDO.  

 

Statements of Support 

 

Grace Moreno, Executive Director, Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce 

“The LGBTQ+ community has long been a contributing important part of the Commonwealth’s economy.  We look forward to working with the Healey-Driscoll administration to make the state’s procurement of goods and services more fair and equitable. Governor Healey recognizes that an important way to lure businesses to Massachusetts is to show that our state is a welcoming place to do business for all people, including those identifying as LGBTQ. This announcement is yet another step in that direction. It helps LGBTQ businesses grow and thrive in Massachusetts while helping to expand our economy. Yet again, Governor Healey is walking the walk, not just talking the talk to advance the interests of LGBTQ businesses.”  

 

Joe Bellil, Vice President of Public Affairs and Youth Services, Easterseals Massachusetts  

“Establishing a spending benchmark for Disability-owned businesses in Massachusetts is a key step towards creating a more equitable and inclusive economy. By supporting these businesses, the Commonwealth is investing in the talents, skills, and potential of individuals with disabilities.” 

 

Charles Carr, Legislative Liaison, Disability Policy Consortium 

“With a 30% unemployment rate in the disability community, this is a huge boost for those who are employed and desperately need new business. Furthermore, it will encourage people with disabilities who are leaning toward self-employment to make the move knowing that there will be support in the Healey/ Driscoll administration regarding benchmarking funding to open a business.” 

 

Bill Henning, Executive Director of the Boston Center for Independent Living (BCIL) 

“I commend this initiative. Greater inclusion in the state’s economic engine builds an underpinning for inclusion in society at large for persons with disabilities.” 

 

Jill Houghton, President and CEO, Disability:IN 

“Self-employment is a pathway to economic independence for many people with disabilities, and we’re proud to have certified over 500 Disability-Owned Business Enterprises to date. We applaud the Driscoll/Healey administration for establishing new spending benchmarks for Disability-Owned businesses and for their commitment to supplier diversity programs that will generate revenue for diverse businesses for decades into the future.” 

麻州政府撥款160萬元支持商事漁業因應氣候

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.6 Million in Grants to Support Massachusetts’ Commercial Fishing Industry and Build Climate Resiliency 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $1.6 million in grants to support innovative approaches to enhance Massachusetts commercial marine fisheries and the seafood industry. Twenty Massachusetts businesses and organizations are receiving funding through the Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program, supplemented by the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The grant program will fund projects that work to mitigate economic barriers resulting from climate change and promote sustainable, local fisheries development in Massachusetts.   

“Massachusetts is a leader in protecting the health of our fishing industry, and this funding shows our commitment to keep the industry thriving by utilizing cutting-edge technology and the latest scientific research,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is taking a holistic approach to combating climate change, which includes supporting our fisheries, advancing green energy, and enhancing the state’s blue economy.”  

“Having served as mayor of a coastal community, I know how much the fishing industry contributes to and impacts a city’s economy, character, and food security,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “Massachusetts’ commercial fishing and processing industries were hit hard and changed forever by the pandemic. This funding will support innovative, environmentally friendly efforts to grow the industry and support critical food production in Massachusetts.”  

The Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program is administered by the Department of Fish and Game’s (DFG) Division of Marine Fisheries (DMF). The grant program aims to develop, utilize, and promote innovative approaches that enhance environmental benefits and encourage increased economic activity in Massachusetts commercial marine fisheries and the seafood industry. Project outcomes, developed technologies, and data will be shared with the relevant industries and local and state natural resource managers to help grow and support critical food production.   

“The fishing industry is on the front lines of climate change, and it’s critical we make meaningful, long-term investments now to ensure the sustainability and resiliency of our marine fisheries,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This funding is two-fold in that we are helping fishers and their families recover from the pandemic while supporting new approaches that will safeguard our valuable marine resources from climate harm.”  

“Our coastal cities benefit from a successful and vibrant fishing industry, and supporting these projects will give fishers, growers, and processors the tools to promote sustainably harvested local seafood,” said DFG Commissioner Tom O’Shea. “By investing in innovation, research, and technology, we’re building a more resilient workforce in the fishing industry.”   

“Today's funding announcement represents a significant investment in the future of our blue economy. This funding will support innovative approaches to enhance the marine environment, combat climate change, and promote sustainable, local fisheries development,” said State Senator Susan Moran (D-Falmouth). “I commend the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their commitment to supporting our fishing industry and coastal communities, which play a vital role in our economy, local culture, and food security. This grant funding will help the industry recover from the challenges posed by the pandemic and promote critical food production right here in Massachusetts.”  

“Fishing is at the core of our cultural identity as well as the local economy in New Bedford,” said State Senator Mark Montigny (D-New Bedford), who has long championed state programs to support fishermen and their families. “The extraordinary researchers at SMAST have been an invaluable resource for this industry, and this latest grant funding will help our fishermen maximize their time while out at sea.”  

 “We are excited that the Healey-Driscoll administration has continued its support for our fishing industry here in New Bedford,” said State Representative Chris Hendricks (D-New Bedford). “This ARPA money for SMAST will provide additional support to our fisheries and give them accurate real-time information that will help New Bedford remain the most profitable fishing port in the United States.”  

The Massachusetts Environmental Economic Innovation and Resiliency in Marine Fisheries Grant Program awards up to $100,000 per project. The following businesses and organizations are receiving grant awards:   

• Aquaculture Research Corp, Dennis: $98,896 to expand nursery operations to provide as much shellfish seed as possible to farmers and municipalities, especially in Massachusetts. 
• Blue Stream Shellfish LLC, Ware: $100,000 to design and construct an alternatively powered work barge for use at oyster farms.  
• Chatham Harvesters Cooperative, Chatham: $100,000 to increase the resiliency of local and regional fishing industry by expanding consumer access to healthy Massachusetts seafood through innovating new direct markets and creating value-added products from dogfish, skate, and monkfish. 
• Cuttyhunk Shellfish Farms, Concord: $57,290 for capital infrastructure improvements in farm equipment, business operating infrastructure, and business operating technology. The investment will support jobs, employee training, and environmental stewardship for the next generation of oyster farmers and Cuttyhunk residents by utilizing and establishing best business, management, and farm practices. 
• CVision AI, Inc., Medford: $100,000 to build an underwater stereo camera system and algorithms for counting, identifying, and measuring New England groundfish.  
• F/V Marissa & Julie, Gloucester: $79,909 to fund the purchase and installation of an automatic saltwater ice making machine system on the deck of the FV Marissa & Julie, of Gloucester. 
• Friends of South Shore Seafood Development, Scituate and Cohasset: $77,840 to purchase tracking software (QR Code, point of sale verification of catch origin, video streaming of vessel at sea); develop a website to include information on products, fishery management, and environmental impacts; develop a social media presence; and increase processing capacity to enable an average of 10 percent of catches to be handled locally. 
• Homarus Strategies, LLC, Brunswick, ME: $60,000 to establish a nonprofit organization in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts called CyanoBank that will be structured to house a capital facility providing low-cost revolving loans for emissions reductions projects, low-and zero-carbon repower projects, and the installation of zero-emission technologies to businesses involved in the commercial fishing and seafood industries in Massachusetts. 
• Honeysuckle Oyster Farm, LLC, Edgartown: $57,785 will enable Honeysuckle Oyster Farm to use the Oyster Transfer Barge to transfer shellfish and gear between different farm sites so that it may continue to farm and sell shellfish when adverse environmental conditions are present at its current farm site. 
• Lobster Foundation of Massachusetts, Scituate: $100,000 to market American lobster, the most valuable marine species harvested in Massachusetts waters, and to educate consumers about the Massachusetts commercial lobster industry’s conservation efforts on behalf of the North Atlantic Right Whale. 
• Lone Tree Creek Sea Farm, Yarmouth Port: $24,896 for the sail rigging, hull, and electric motor-- to replace fading fossil fuel outboards currently in use-- as well as fund subject matter experts for in-kind work on construction, sail training, and labor to assemble the project. 
• Martinos Seafood, LLC, Oak Bluffs: $27,202 to help aquaculture farms across the region successfully transition their oyster containers to bay scallops while generating an eco-friendly, protein- rich, high- in-demand product for the marketplace. 
• Michael T. Carroll, Charlestown: $92,150 to provide the Massachusetts retail, processing, and distribution industry with lobster sourcing strategies that minimize Right Whale entanglements. 
• On The Water, LLC, East Falmouth: $100,000 for an extensive marketing project that will support the commercial fishing, seafood, and aquaculture industry in Massachusetts through the creation of content designed to be distributed across social platforms. 
• Red's Best, Boston: $68,549 to maximize the environmental benefits of the clam shells that are the by-product of processing operations. 
• St. Ours & Co., LLC, East Weymouth: $49,980 to work with a network of harvesters and seafood processors across Eastern Massachusetts to determine the best method of capture, containment, transport, and storage of live green crabs. 
• The Martha’s Vineyard Fishermen’s Preservation Trust, Menemsha:  $98,763 to build a Martha’s Vineyard Seafood Collaborative brand and local seafood labeling campaign to help consumers connect directly with the stories of their local fishermen. Also, to establish a pilot program to create value-added seafood products (such as black sea bass chowder) to be sold in local grocery stores and other outlets. 
• Wellfleet Shellfish Company Inc., Eastham: $100,000 to help offset capital costs associated with the installation of a solar array for its ability to promote resilience against the impacts of climate change.  Installation of the Enphase Energy Monitoring Unit will help track energy performance, production, and usage in real-time. 
• School of Marine Science and Technology, UMass-Dartmouth, New Bedford: $99,290 to create a system that will give fishermen real-time information of the fish entering their net so that they can terminate a trawl immediately if they encounter fish they wish to avoid catching. 

The Massachusetts Fishermen’s Partnership, Gloucester: $58,000 for a project to expand awareness, increase the scope and accessibility of business development, and develop technical 

美國最高法院裁決拜登學生貸款免還案不可行 麻州長Healey有話說

Governor Healey Responds to Supreme Court Ruling in Biden v. Nebraska 

 

BOSTON – Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey issued the following statement in response to the Supreme Court’s ruling in Biden v. Nebraska finding that the HEROES Act does not authorize President Biden’s student debt relief plan. 

“Our administration is deeply disappointed with the Supreme Court’s decision to invalidate President Biden’s student loan relief plan that would have benefitted millions of student borrowers and our economy as a whole. We will continue our efforts to make higher education and job training more affordable and accessible in Massachusetts and support federal efforts to provide relief to borrowers who are being crushed by the student debt crisis.” 

 

Background: 

· The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s FY24 budget included a historic funding increase of $370.9 million (23%) over FY23 to expand college affordability, support campuses, and provide extensive wraparound services to students. That historic investment includes $20 million for the creation of MassReconnect, a new program supporting residents 25 years and older with free associate degrees and high-quality certificates from public community colleges, with the goal of reengaging students in their education and closing the skills gap in our economy.   

· Governor Healey has made significant increases to MASSGrantPlus, which along with MASSGrant, serves as the largest driver of state scholarship aid to students. Under Governor Healey’s budget, MASSGrant Plus was funded at $128.1 million, which is a 165% increase compared to the previous year.   

· The administration has also proposed $18 million for the Community College SUCCESS fund, a critical funding program that helps the most vulnerable students access the systemic support and resources they need to thrive at their community college.   

· The Healey-Driscoll Administration is also making it easier for current high school students to access higher education debt-free. Governor Healey’s budget includes $46.9 million for Early College and Innovation Career Pathways, a $14.4 million expansion over fiscal year 2023.  

o The Early College program under this budget would provide approximately 18,122 students in the 2023-2024 school year the opportunity to earn up to 12 college credits completely for free before graduating. The Innovation Career Pathways will enroll approximately 10,194 students in hands-on, applied coursework across priority industries including IT, engineering, healthcare, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and newly announced clean energy pathway.  

The Innovation Career Pathways also include internship options in the priority sector of their choice, as well as the option to earn industry –recognized credentials at no-cost.   

創劇院獲選為波士頓藝術中心為期三年的駐院劇團

 

創劇院在華埠公園表演。 (BCA提供)

         (Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓藝術中心 (BCA) 6月30日宣佈，華裔創辦的「創劇團 (Chuang Stage) 」將從7月1日起入住，成為該中心「發射台劇院 (Launchpad Theatre)」，2023至2026，為期3年的駐院劇團。

波士頓藝術中心的「發射台劇院(Launchpad Theatre)」支持波士頓地區表演藝術的新興藝術家及組織成長，或者是劇院，舞蹈，音樂公司或組合，都可以。這多年的駐院計畫，為獲選者或團隊提供資源，進一步發展優化藝術，組織成長，以及和觀眾的互動。

創劇院(CHUANG Stage)成立於2018年，是全美第一家以華語及英語為主要語言的雙語、雙文化劇團。創劇院栽培歡愉及具挑佔的亞美故事，在藝術中帶動新倡議。在他們駐院3年期間中的第一年，創劇院已經在製作2個故事，預定2023年秋有第一場首演。

在2023到2024的表演季，波士頓藝術中心也創作了一個新的「發射台延伸( Launchpad Extension )」項目。這新項目是設計來支持劇院組織持續成長，將為已經在運行中的「發射台劇院」，針對他們駐院最後一年之後的需要，提供幫助。這一項目的第一個參加者是2020年到2023年的「發射台院院」駐院劇團「新鮮墨水劇院 (Fresh Ink Theatre Co.)」。這2個劇團將有一年的交會時間。

                    「創劇院」是源出愛默生學院的學生劇場計畫，「創實驗室 (CHUANG Lab)」主要成員為來自中國的年輕劇場藝術家，過去幾年來和包氏文藝中心的波士頓本地機構，有過許多合作。該劇團網站為https://www.chuangstage.org。在網站上的執行主任為Alison Yueming Qu。