星期四, 9月 14, 2023

李氏颶風預定週六來襲降雨4吋 波士頓市長吳弭提醒居民防範

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES PRECAUTIONS AHEAD OF HURRICANE LEE

BOSTON - Thursday, September 14, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today issued precautions ahead of Hurricane Lee reaching Boston. The storm is expected to impact the Boston area overnight Friday, September 15 through Saturday, September 16. Hurricane Lee is forecast to pass offshore of southern New England on Saturday but its impacts will extend far from the storm’s center. The latest forecast indicates up to one to four inches of rainfall, with damaging winds, and potential for flooding in low-lying areas. The area will experience a peak storm surge of one to three feet. Residents are encouraged to stay indoors throughout the storm. For more information, visit boston.gov/hurricane.


Mayor Wu issued these precautions during a storm preparation press conference. She was joined by leadership from various Cabinets and departments including the Office Emergency Management; Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet; Boston Emergency Medical Services; Parks and Recreation Department; Boston Police Department; Boston Fire Department; Streets Cabinet; Operations Cabinet; and the Boston Water & Sewer Commission. 


“Our City departments have been preparing for every potential impact of this storm, and even as the projected path has moved further away from Boston, we are taking every step to be ready for the unexpected,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our top priority is to ensure the safety of everyone in our communities, so please plan ahead to stay indoors if possible on Saturday and check on your loved ones and neighbors.”


Extreme and intense rain events are becoming increasingly common in the Northeast, often dropping several inches of rain in a couple of hours. The city received over 20 inches of rain in just July and August; Boston typically receives a total of 44 inches annually. The City may experience combined sewer overflows during the storm and the public can track these via the BWSC and BPHC websites. BWSC and the City are preparing for the rain by clearing debris off of catch basins so the infrastructure is unimpeded during the storm. Boston is also improving stormwater management by building green infrastructure across the city to reduce the flow of stormwater into our stormwater system. Residents can install green infrastructure at home, including rain barrels and rain gardens that decrease the amount of stormwater that must be managed by the city’s stormwater system. 


BCYF centers will open for regular hours in case residents need support or shelter.


The City of Boston is urging the following precautions:


  • Put together an emergency kit, including a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, copies of critical information, and non-perishable food items.
  • Make a family emergency communication plan.
  • Turn on your TV and radio every 30 minutes to get the latest weather updates.
  • Charge your cell phone so you will have a full battery in case you lose power.
  • Hurricane winds can cause trees and branches to fall, so trim or remove damaged trees and limbs to keep you and your property safe. Report damaged or downed trees in the public right of way to 311.
  • Secure loose rain gutters and downspouts and clear any clogged areas or debris to prevent water damage to your property.
  • Avoid driving during the storm.
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
  • Clear street catch basins to prevent or reduce street flooding.
  • Check on neighbors who might need assistance. 
  • In the event of an emergency, call 911. 
  • For non-emergency issues, call 311.


General flood protection tips:

  • Sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston.
  • Know your zone! Know your evacuation zone and route and be prepared to evacuate as directed by public officials. 
  • Similarly, find out how vulnerable your property is to flooding. If your home is in a flood-prone area, contact the National Flood Insurance program to learn what mitigation measures you can take in advance.
  • Evaluate your insurance coverage once a year to make sure your home is fully covered.
  • If you live in a flood-prone area, keep these materials on hand: sandbags, plywood, lumber, plastic sheeting, trash bags, shovels, work boots and gloves.


In advance of a flood event:

  • Tie down or bring in outdoor objects (outdoor furniture, trash receptacles, etc.) that could be swept away or damaged during flooding.
  • Elevate items stored in your basement to prevent damage. If you have a sump pump, check that it is working. Remove hazardous household materials (e.g. paint, petroleum products) from basements and other areas that may flood.
  • Do not park your vehicle near the harbor, streams or rivers, especially during threatening weather conditions.
  • Follow any directives to turn off utilities. If you’re advised to switch off the main power source to your home, flip each breaker and THEN turn off the main breaker. You may also need to shut off the main valve for your home’s gas and water service.


After a flood event:

  • If you have evacuated, return home only when authorities have indicated it is safe.
  • Do not go near any downed power lines especially if there is standing water nearby. Please report downed power lines to 911.
  • Avoid walking or driving through flood waters.
  • If your home experienced flooding, keep the power off until an electrician has inspected your system for safety.
  • Do not touch a circuit breaker or replace a fuse with wet hands or while standing on a wet surface.
  • Have an electrician inspect electrical appliances that have been wet and do not turn on or plug in appliances unless an electrician tells you it is safe. A trained professional may be able to recondition some devices while others will require replacement.
  • Photograph damage to your property to assist in filing an insurance claim.
  • Take necessary measures to prevent further damage to private property immediately following a flood event, as damage caused after a qualifying event may not be covered by insurance.
  • To report flooding, call the Boston Water & Sewer Commission at 617-989-7900.


Homeless Services:

The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter during weather emergencies. BPHC’s emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.


Flooding tips can be found here. For more information about emergency preparedness, visit here.


麻州中小學今後供應學生免費餐

 Governor Healey Joins Legislative Leadership to Celebrate Permanent Universal Free School Meals 

StudentsFaculty, Local Quincy Officials, and Community Advocates Emphasize Equity Impact of Universal Free Meals in Schools 


QUINCYGovernor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll hosted a press conference this morning at Snug Harbor Elementary School in Quincy, Massachusetts to celebrate her administration delivering permanent universal free school meals for K-12 students in MassachusettsThe Governor was joined at the celebration by House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano, Chair Aaron Michlewitzbill sponsors Representatives Tackey Chan and Bruce Ayers, and Erin McAleer, the President and CEO of Project Breadall of whom highlighted the impact the program is expected to have in addressing hunger and advancing equity for students across the state. 


We’re making school lunch and breakfast free for all students permanently in Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “By delivering universal free meals, this administration is making clear that nothing is more important than ensuring our kids are fed, healthy, and ready to learn and play and grow. 

Universal free school meals are an investment in childhood nutrition, ensuring each of our school-aged students has access to the healthy food they need to fuel their learning,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “This policy is also removing a source of stress from families and schools, leading to one less task for parents to complete in the morning, and making sure no student feels stigmatized or ashamed for accessing the food they need.”  

The fiscal 2024 budget that Governor Healey signed on August 92023 delivered $172 million in permanent state funding to provide universal free school meals for K-12 students. This funding, paired with federal reimbursement for eligible meals, means that all students who attend schools that participate in the National School Lunch and Breakfast programs are entitled to one free lunch and breakfast each school day. 

 

“During my 12 years as a teacher in the Quincy Public School System, I saw up-close just how important it is to ensure that a student’s ability to focus and ultimately succeed in the classroom is not affected by their family’s financial circumstances,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano. “I’m incredibly proud that Massachusetts will be one of the first 8 states to permanently provide free school meals for all students, a vital initiative that furthers the Commonwealth’s role as a national leader in education. I want to thank Chairman Michlewitz and my colleagues in the House, as well as the Healey Administration, our partners in the Senate, and the folks at Project Bread for recognizing the critical nature of this program, and for working to make it a reality.” 

 

 Making school meals free for students in Massachusetts will keep our young people focused on learning and provide financial relief for families who will save hundreds of dollars per student every year,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “It’s a proud moment for me—and for our entire Commonwealth—to know that our students and their families will have one less thing to think about before heading out the door for class every morning.” 


“Our families, schools and communities are stronger when kids don’t have to worry about where their next meal is coming from and when school staff don’t have to worry about whether their students are hungry,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas Koch. “We are honored to welcome Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Speaker Mariano to Quincy today to celebrate this policy that will have widespread positive impacts for our city.” 

"Making school meals free for all is a historic victory for Massachusetts families and children. It will have a lasting impact on the health and wellbeing of an entire generation. We are so grateful to Governor Healey, the legislature and the thousands of advocates across the Commonwealth who took action for our kids. It is an incredible example of the change that we can make when we all come together around a common purpose,” said Erin McAleer, President and CEO of Project Bread.  


Universal free meals began as a national program with federal funding during the pandemic, and Massachusetts continued it on a trial basis. With this year’s budget, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, along with partners in the legislature, are making the commitment permanent. From now on, free, nutritious meals will be available to all students without stigma  helping ensure that students are better prepared to learn. By being one of the few states continuing this transformative program, Massachusetts is leading the way in addressing child nutrition, child hunger, and taking a more holistic approach to student needs. 

 

Food security is essential for learning, which is why the Healey-Driscoll administration has delivered $17million for universal school lunch in our first budget,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “It’s related to a hierarchy of need—students can’t be focus on their lessons in the classroom if they continue to be hungry. Aligned with our goals to stabilize, heal, and transform our education system, this funding will ensure that students can focus on their classes in school, instead of where their next meal is coming from.” 

 

“Thank you to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, Speaker Mariano, and Chairman Michlewitz for the leadership in enacting this very important legislation for our students and families,” said Quincy Public Schools Superintendent Kevin Mulvey. Since the inception of this universal meals program, Quincy Public Schools has seen a 25% increase in the number of meals served. The funding will help us improve the overall quality and freshness of our meals by expanding purchasing of food items grown locally 


The universal free school meals program will cover the cost of one lunch and breakfast including fruit, vegetables and whole grains, as per the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. School cafeterias might also choose to offer “a la carte” items for a fee. These items might include milk (if purchased alone) or an extra slice of pizza, and students must pay for those. Students must also pay if they want a second lunch or breakfast on the same day. Students’ first complete breakfast and lunch each day is covered. 

麻州長簽行政命令成立青年顧問會 10/14前接受申請

麻州州長Maura Healey。 (檔案照片,周菊子攝)
            (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 914日簽署了行政命令第617號,成立州長青年顧問委員會 (Governor’s Youth Advisory Council) ,就諸如參與、教育、環境、居住,以及青年暴力等影響麻州的重要議題,向正副州長及麻州政府提供意見。

                         凡是年滿16歲至21歲的麻州居民,都可申請加入這州長的青年顧問委員會。報名截止日期為1014日。

                        奚莉州長表示,那些她曾經遇到過,讓自己的聲音被人聽見,在麻州所面對的最急切問題上,要求高層做得更多的年輕人,讓她深感鼓舞,覺得這些年輕人在決策桌上應有一席之位。她認為年輕人在對抗氣候、教育、心理健康、槍支暴力等問題中成長,對這些議題有獨特立場,更何況現今政府所訂的政策也對他們的未來影響最大。

                      奚莉州長鼓勵麻州各地年輕人申請參加這委員會,協助政府迎接時代,使麻州成為更可負擔,更有競爭力,對所有人都公平的州。

                     這委員會將包括每個郡 (county)至少1人,任期2年,將每季和正副州長見面一次。

                      麻州教育廳廳長Patrick Tutwiler 認為年輕人都很想要加入這公民參與活動,親自試試會影響他們及同儕的政策制定。他很高興將有機會和委員會合作並提供支援。

查詢更多信息,可上網mass.gov/youthcouncil

Governor HealeSigns Executive Order Establishing Youth Advisory Council  

Applications available through October 14 

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura T. Healey signed Executive Order #617 establishing the Governor’s Youth Advisory Council to advise the Governor, Lieutenant Governor and the entire administration on critical issues impacting Massachusetts, such as civic engagement, education, the environment, housing, and youth violence.   


Applications to join the Youth Advisory Council will be available through October 14 for Massachusetts residents aged 16-21.  


I’ve been so inspired by the young people I’ve met who have been making their voices heard and demanding more from their leaders on the most pressing issues facing Massachusetts. They deserve a seat at the table,” said Governor Healey. “Young people are uniquely positioned to advise us on policies related to climate, education, mental health, gun violence and more – because they’ve grown up confronting these issues and it’s their futures that will be most impacted by the decisions we make today. encourage young people across Massachusetts to apply for the council and help us meet the moment to make Massachusetts more affordable, competitive and equitable for all.  


“This is a great opportunity to bring together the innovative ideas and inspiring energy of young people across the state to deliver results for Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We want all voices in Massachusetts to be heard, because we are all impacted by the decisions government makes. We look forward to working with this council to address the issues of today and the future together. 

The Council will include at least one from each county. They will be appointed to two-year terms and will meet with Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll quarterly.  


“The innovation and creativity of our Massachusetts youth are unmatched,” said Secretary of Education Patrick TutwilerThey’re all eager to be involved in civic engagement and have a hand at creating policies that will impact them and their peersI am excited to work with and support this council to amplify the perspectives of our students and to conquer what matters most.”

 

Applications are due by 11:59 PM on October 14, 2023. For more information visit mass.gov/youthcouncil. 

首屆「波音旺來」音樂會 觀眾冒雨聽歌表演嗨

「波音旺來」波士頓台灣音樂祭圓滿落幕,參與演出及工作人員歡喜留影。 (周菊子攝)
「波音旺來」波士頓台灣音樂祭開幕前,一起加油。(周菊子攝)
波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮 (左起) 、駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長
廖朝宏嘉許黃崇校和顧宗浩為僑社舉辦一場聲勢浩大的音樂會。
(周菊子攝)
              (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 
「波音旺來」這大波士頓第一場由台灣人策畫,籌辦,有逾千人報名的大型音樂會,
99日傍晚,在牛頓市海德社區公園創下挺過閃電、打雷,大風雨,觀眾們穿上雨衣,打起雨傘,都要把表演看完的破天荒記錄。

大波士頓在音樂會開場前,烏雲密佈,後來一度閃電,打雷,
颳大風,下大雨。
(周菊子攝)
              這是場奠基於You & Me Music 建立起的社區基礎,再揉合年輕人的熱情,以及伯克利音樂學院等專業音樂人才華,取鳳梨又稱波蘿,寓意旺來的諧音,舉辦的「波士頓台灣音樂祭」音樂會。

You & Me Music 創辦人黃崇校從5月份發想,為音樂會徵求活動名稱開始,接著從南加大電腦系畢業,進伯克利音樂學院主修音樂製作的顧宗浩挑起活動總召任務後,他們就一起如火如荼的籌辦起來,還隨著時間推移,規模越來越大。

觀眾們穿雨衣,撐傘,繼續看表演。(周菊子攝)
                          曾任新英格蘭台灣商會青年商會會長的歐怡君,新英格蘭台灣同學聯合會前會長廖珮妤等人相繼加入宣傳行列,顧宗浩和楊智晴,以及在伯克利音樂學院修表演和編曲和朱冠蓉,四處做表演嘉賓,把「波音旺來」音樂會印入人們腦中。

            哈佛、波士頓等的大學同學會,台大、政大及北一女的校友會,波士頓台灣影展協會、劍橋合唱團,波士頓台灣龍舟隊,波士頓台灣基督教長老教會,新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會等社團,也全都允諾到活動現場擺攤助陣,這音樂會的聲勢就開始滾雪球了。

             
主持人蔡宜軒來自紐約,既是喜劇說書人
( Stand Up Comedian) ,還創辦了Asian Creative
Foundation的蔡宜軒。(You & Me Music 提供)
然而這還沒完,顧宗浩接著動用他個人臉書上就有將近
2500名好友的人脈資源,加上朋友的朋友的朋友,許多人二話不說地就加入義工行列,分頭承擔接受報名,發放抽獎券,看守攤位,出售紀念品等工作。顧宗浩還找來專業人才做海報及影片攝製,社交媒體廣告設計,在臉書、IG等社交媒體上每日更新資訊,讓人看得目不暇給。

                      11人份大同電鍋組 (包含內鍋、內鍋夾、食譜) 、迷你大同電鍋、「甦」五香紅油、古早味手工柴燒醬油清、波音旺來特製衣服、帆布袋以及手工皂、潛水體驗課程、波士頓台灣影展兩日票券,以及功夫茶禮品券等等只要報名出席音樂會,就有機會抽中的獎品,都讓這音樂會成為它節目介紹詞說的那樣,是一場fantastic (非常棒的)活動。

                    當然,音樂表演才是這場音樂會的真正重頭戲。駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏應邀上台簡短致詞,稱許黃崇校、顧宗浩等人耗費心力,為社區製作一場這麼盛大的音樂會。僑教中心主任潘昭榮也在幕後支持。

波士頓You & Me樂團演奏,陳瑩璇演唱。(周菊子攝)
                   當晚的表演,由來自紐約的Duolingo產品設計師暨亞裔創意基金會 (Asian Creative Foundation)創辦人蔡宜軒主持,Shinariya   擔任DJ,共分4個部分,第一部分由地主隊波士頓You & Me   Music   演出,由於下雨,他們的演出曲目縮減了一半,陳瑩璇演唱了「好膽你就來」,「女爵」,劉雙洲演唱了「山丘」,然後他們兩人合唱了「愛很簡單」、「飄向北方」。

第二部份的演唱者Jenny Fan (范慈耘) 點名顧宗浩為音樂會付出許多心力。
顧宗浩連忙起立,雙掌合十回謝。
(周菊子攝)
Jenny Fan (范慈耘)演唱,一副明星款。(周菊子攝)
                            第二部分是Jenny Fan (范慈耘)演唱英文歌,「How deep is your love」、「Best lover」、「Future love」、「The way you move」、第三部分是JC Alula(朱冠蓉) 演唱經過她自己重新編曲的中文流行歌,包括盧廣仲的「魚仔」, 由Myra Choo編曲,她自己的原創歌曲「超越極限」,由Bryan lu編曲,以及「光良的童話」,由Jack Chen 編曲。第四部份是「范特西浪潮   
(Fantasy Wave) : 向周杰倫致敬」,由伯克利音樂學院的多名音樂家把近年來已在亞洲形成現像的周杰倫歌曲,包括Kevin Lin的「千里之外」、李梓菡的「稻香」,胡凱傑和Bryan Lu的「霍元甲」、Ethereal LinMojitoYiqin 的「雨花臺」、「周杰倫組曲」等重新編製後,再演唱出來。

JC Alula(朱冠蓉)演唱自己創作的「超級極限」。(周菊子攝)
                          You & Me   Music 創辦人黃崇校指出,原本安排每一部份各有78首歌,結果受天氣影響,全都減半。但是他們非常感動,許多觀眾竟然堅守陣地,完全不理會老天下雨,還留在現場繼續聽歌、看演出。他希望喜歡You & Me   Music的人,916日下午能到波士頓華埠的「台灣夜市」去,繼續支持,欣賞他們的演出。

顧宗浩為這場音樂會感到既開心,又感動,覺得自己幸運,能把台灣音樂跟文化,藉由波音旺來呈現給更多人,還讓身處異鄉的台灣人們多了個認識新朋友、連結老朋友的平台。最最令他和所有人難忘的是,觀眾們風吹雨打不動,一路相陪,留到最後。

(9月16日更新版,臺灣夜市因天氣關係改期9月17日舉行。)

(僑務電子報 :   https://ocacnews.net/article/350126?cid=2  

查詢波士頓You&Me Music 資訊,可上網https://www.youtube.com/@bostonyoumemusic2645/community,或https://linktr.ee/bostontaiwanmusicfestival?fbclid=IwAR0EHR34xYyECy1fTdMtNJ_A24X1gAN4rO1NsUGTNX49hPljlAgRKLT9zgg)

JC Alula(朱冠蓉)演唱自己創作的「超級極限」。(周菊子攝)
從紐約來的胡凱傑 () Bryan Lu () 等人演唱周杰倫的歌曲。(周菊子攝)
以春聯祈求別下雨了。(周菊子攝)
劍橋合唱團支援「波音旺來」,參加擺攤。
波士頓台灣龍舟隊現場示範划龍舟。
波士頓北一女校友會副會長林麗珠(右)和校友梁雅(左)
擺攤展示校友會製作的精美手工藝。
波士頓台灣人基督教長老教會也來擺攤支持「波音旺來」。
波士頓台灣影展協會很有心,設計出的套圈遊戲,讓更多人認識台灣。

觀眾們在聚攏在牛頓市海德公園社區。
右起,楊智晴、顧宗浩,林美均,黃崇校坐在第一排為台上表演者歡呼。
朱冠蓉演唱自己創作的"超越極限"。
在周杰倫組曲中的表演者。
周杰倫組曲表演者。
周杰倫組曲表演者。
「波音旺來」音樂會的演出分4部分。
主辦單位準備了很多以鳳梨為主題的商品,襯托「波音旺來」的音樂會名稱。
觀眾入場報到。 (周菊子攝)
支持者購買了鳳梨圖案地毯,開場前鋪在草地上,享受野外聽音樂會的樂趣。
波士頓台灣影展協會大批義工出動,宣傳9月23、24兩日放映6部影片。
(周菊子攝)