EMS15人畢業 吳弭市長宣佈下屆實習生領全薪 朱敏妍晉升隊長

波士頓EMS長James Hooley (左一)和波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)
波士頓公共衛生局局長Bisola Ojikutu博士   (右一)   出席EMS 畢業典禮。
(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓市9月15日在芬紐廳 (Faneuil Hall) 為15名緊急醫療服務 (EMS) 實習生舉行畢業典禮，慶祝朱敏妍 (Michelle Chu) 等3人晉升為隊長。市長吳弭同時宣佈實施新計畫，下一批EMS實習生將和正職人員一樣，年薪69, 732元。

波士頓EMS有15人畢業。 (周菊子攝)

              波士頓緊急醫療服務 (EMS)是棣屬於波士頓公共衛生局的一個單位，目前共有約400人。波士頓市緊急醫療長James Hooley和波士頓公共衛生局局長Bisola Ojikutu博士這天都出席了畢業典禮。

              在15名實習生畢業之外，有Patrick Calter，James McCabe 和 朱敏妍(Michelle Chu)等3人晉升為隊長 (Captain)。

              雖然波士頓市緊急醫療服務部門有大約400人，但華裔屈指可數。在EMS服務已逾10年的朱敏妍，應是該部門歷來第一位華裔EMS隊長。

朱敏妍(中)晉升EMS隊長，父母朱家榮、葉凱珊同來祝賀。
(周菊子攝)

              升任隊長後，他們將做為主管，輔導並支持同僚。他們3人還都受過實地和派遣運作的訓練。

              波士頓市EMS招募學院 (Boston EMS Recruit Academy) 是全職有薪的培訓項目，參加培訓的學員需接受6個月培訓，以及各種危及生命緊急狀況的實地訓練，並取得州政府EMT證書，才能被派往救護車，以確保民眾在去到醫院前，可以得到最高品質的醫療護理。

              這些實習生在實習期間因應了2400次911緊急呼救。

              下一期學員將有35名學員，預計本月底開課，已開始接受報名。任何有興趣者，都可以上網查看相關資訊， www.boston.gov/ems，填表獲取培訓及就業機會。

              波士頓EMS是紐英倫地區最忙碌的市鎮緊急救護服務隊伍之一，去年回應了13萬4000次的緊急醫療事務。

第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽報名人數破記錄 逾3萬3千人

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽已於9月15日截止報名，波士頓體育會 (BAA)宣佈，在美國銀行開始贊助比賽的這第一年，有3萬3千人申請參賽，創下歷史紀錄，超過2019年的30485人紀錄。

              波士頓體育會董事長兼執行長費雷明 (譯音，Jack Fleming)表示，申請參賽人數破紀錄是路賽在世界各地受歡迎的佐證，也顯示了跑者願意接受挑戰，以贏取波士頓馬拉松賽資格為目標，得以踏在霍普金頓 (Hopkinton) 起跑點上的決心

              第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽將有來自127個國家的公民，以及全美50個州 (加上華府特區)的州民參賽。這些年齡在18歲至82歲的符合資格的運動員，憑藉著他們在全美及世界各地528場比賽的成績，取得波士頓馬拉松賽資格。

              由於比賽場地規模有限，並不是所有符合資格者都能獲得參加第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽的機會。在接受報名週遞交了報名表的符合資格申請參賽者，將依照跑步成績排列。波士頓體育會正在確認所有人的符合資格時間，並將在未來3週，以電郵通知報名者是否獲得參賽機會。

              波士頓體育會將不會預測第128屆波士頓馬拉松賽最後的參賽時間，但請申請者在驗證期間耐心等候，除非經由該會的服務團隊要求，不要向該會查詢申請狀態。

              波士頓體育會籲請未獲得馬拉松賽參賽資格者，經由美國銀行波士頓馬拉松賽官方慈善計畫的160個非牟利組織參加比賽。該會也鼓勵有意參加為慈善機構籌款者，直接和個非牟利機構接洽、查詢。

New Record Set for Qualifier Applications to 2024 Boston Marathon in First Year of Partnership with Bank of America

More than 33,000 qualified participants applied for entry during Registration Week

 

BOSTON – Qualifier registration for the 128^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America has closed at the end of Registration Week (Sept. 11-15) with a record-setting 33,000 applications received by the Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.). This is the highest number of qualifier applications received in Boston Marathon registration history, surpassing the previous record of 30,458 qualifier entries for the 2019 event. The record comes in the first year of the Boston Marathon’s presenting partnership with Bank of America. 

 

“The B.A.A. admires the running community’s desire and determination to experience the 128^th Boston Marathon,” said Jack Fleming, President and CEO of the B.A.A. “Receiving a record number of qualifier applications is a testament to the strength of road racing around the world and speaks to runners’ commitment to taking on the challenge of earning a Boston Marathon qualifying time with the goal of reaching the start line in Hopkinton.”

 

Citizens of 127 countries and all 50 U.S. states (plus Washington, D.C.) were among the applicants for the 128^th Boston Marathon. Athletes qualified at more than 528 races across the United States and around the world, with applicants ranging in age from 18 to 82.

 

Due to field size limitations, not all qualifiers will be accepted into the 128^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America. Athletes who submitted qualifier applications during Registration Week will be ranked based on their qualifying performance. The B.A.A. is in the process of verifying all qualifying times and will email acceptances and non-acceptances within the next three weeks.

 

The B.A.A. will not predict the "cut-off" time needed to gain entry into the 128^th Boston Marathon and asks for athletes’ cooperation and patience during this verification process. Athletes are asked not to contact the B.A.A. to check on the status of their entry unless requested to do so by a member of our Athlete Services team.

 

For athletes who are not accepted, or those who do not have a Boston Marathon qualifying time, participation is still possible through the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program. All 160 non-profit and charitable members of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program have begun accepting applicants for next April’s event. Athletes interested in fundraising as part of a charity program are encouraged to contact the non-profit or charity organization directly for more information.

麻州長Healey 解除暴風雨緊急狀態

(Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (16)日中午12點左右，解除之前發佈的麻周進入暴風雨緊急狀態。

早前在 9 月 12 日至 15 日時，奚莉州長宣佈因天氣預報颶風 Lee 將帶來狂風暴雨，並造成淹水等狀況，因此宣佈麻州進入暴風雨緊急狀態。9月16日時，因氣象局已把颶風 Lee的嚴重程度降級為後熱帶暴風雨，因此宣佈解除緊急狀態。

麻州州長奚莉Maura Healey) 表示，讓人欣慰的是颶風 Lee 對麻州各地的影響很小。她很感謝公安人員在過去這星期中快速因應地方上的天氣及淹水狀況。由於數個社區的淹水及道路坍方情況嚴重，州政府相關人員將持續支援，協助地方恢復正常。她也感謝麻州人民的配合防範災害。

Governor Maura Healey Lifts States of Emergency 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey has lifted the states of emergencies she declared on September 12 and 15 related to severe weather and flooding. Hurricane Lee has been downgraded to a post tropical storm. 

“We’re relieved that the impacts of Hurricane Lee have been minimal across Massachusetts and grateful for the public safety officials who have been responding to and preparing for severe weather and flooding throughout the week,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Flooding devastated several of our communities this week and we will continue to support them as they move into the recovery phase. We thank the people of Massachusetts for their preparation and resiliency.” 

麻州農業資源局大E展即日起至10月1日

 Massachusetts Building at the Big E Fair Officially Open

Over 30 businesses and organizations set to represent and promote

Massachusetts’ Agriculture, Commerce, and Tourism Industries

 WEST SPRINGFIELD — The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) today announced the annual opening of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building during the 2023 Eastern States Exposition, better known as “The Big E.” This year, the 2023 Big E will run from Friday, September 15, 2023, to Sunday, October 1, 2023. 

The Massachusetts State Exposition Building opened in 1919 and is the oldest of the six original statehouse replicas representing each New England state located along the Avenue of States. The mission of the Massachusetts State Exposition Building is to showcase Massachusetts agriculture, culture, commerce, and tourism through informational, educational, promotional, and retail exhibits. 

"From clam chowder to maple syrup, the Big E is a tremendous opportunity for visitors to learn about Massachusetts’ diverse businesses and products,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “We’re excited to welcome everyone back to see what Massachusetts has to offer as the Healey-Driscoll Administration works to better position the state as an innovative leader in developing a local economy around agriculture.” 

Attendees of this year’s fair will be able to visit over 30 vendors inside and around the building including local artisanal small business owners, agricultural commodity groups, commercial vendors, and state agencies. Visitors can also expect to find a wide variety of products, including clam chowder, apples, Finnish pancakes, honey, maple syrup, candles, soaps, chocolates, jewelry, photography, dips, seafood, smoothies, sandwiches, and more. 

Special days for the Massachusetts Building include Military Day on Friday, September 15^th, Massachusetts Day on Thursday, September 21^st and Harvest New England Day on Friday, September 29^th. Big E gates open at 8AM daily and the Avenue of States hours are 10AM to 9PM daily. Directions, parking, and ticket details are available online.

Below is a list of this year’s Massachusetts State Exposition Building vendors and exhibitors for the 17-day fair: 

Amy's All Natural Soaps *- Offers 35 unique varieties of goat milk soaps, unscented/natural shea butter, moisturizing lip lotion and gift baskets. Soaps are made locally using a family recipe which contains no artificial colorants, scents or synthetic materials. 

Andrew Gordon Jewelry * - Provides a passion for the craft of handmaking one-of-a-kind sterling silver jewelry, including rings, bracelets, earrings and charms. 

Bees Boards *- Locally sourced, handcrafted cribbage boards, cutting boards, clocks, charcuterie boards, barware, cheese slices signs, kitchen, home goods and custom orders.  

Common Ground Ciderworks* - Small batch, hand crafted, hard cider, wine and beer made in North Brookfield. 

Finn Cakes - What is a Finnish Pancake?  It is a sweet tasting egg pancake topped with Massachusetts Maple Syrup. It contains the same custardy taste from 50 years ago and it’s a one of a kind on the fairgrounds! 

Gibby's Gourmet Marshmallows - Locally sourced marshmallow products that are loaded with flavor and come in a variety of shapes and styles. All come in YUMMMY!!! 

Hampden County Beekeepers Association - Non-profit organization that provides a forum to educate the public and promote local honey products including liquid, creamed, comb, chunk and straws. Bee products including pollen granules, liquid propolis, moisturizer, lip balm, sip straws, and candy are available to purchase.

I Love Boston Sports * - Curates unique themed art-based products based on the rich history and athletic achievements of the New England sports teams.  These one-of-a-kind products are imprinted on t-shirts, sweatshirts, wall prints and novelty items.  

Impeckable - If you love to feed the birds, these one-of-a-kind bird feeders and houses will make a unique gift. Impeckable was created with the dual intention of being able to make you smile and give nature a helping hand. 

Joey's Deli & Market - The Biggest Little Deli - The deli cases are always changing with a variety of sweet treats, create your own dinners, sides, cold salads and more.

Koffee Kup Bakery * - Chicopee based bakery that offers top quality made-from-scratch baked goods including everything from cakes, breads, sweets and more. 

Macken's Sliders * - Family owned and operated mobile catering company that specializes in BBQ Cowboy, Garlic Bomb, Bacon Waffle, and Vegetarian Caprese Sliders.

Main Street Deli * - Enjoy delicious "Comfort Foods" such as homemade hot entrees like the Pilgrim Sandwich and the Thanksgiving Bowl, made-to-order sandwiches, Mac & Cheese, salads and delicious desserts. 

Massachusetts Dept. of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) - The Department’s mission is to cultivate a robust and equitable agricultural economy, promote a safe and resilient food system, and preserve a healthy environment for Massachusetts farmers, animals, and consumers.. Visit their website to find local farms, farmers markets and more!

Massachusetts Dept. of Conservation & Recreation (DCR) - Manages state parks and oversees more than 450,000 acres throughout Massachusetts. It protects, promotes, and enhances the state’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources. 

Massachusetts Department of Fire Safety (DFS) - Helps keep communities safe by providing firefighter training, public education, fire prevention, code enforcement, licensing, fire investigation, hazardous material response, and emergency response. 

Massachusetts Farmers Markets - Partners with farmers, consumers, and communities to improve the health of individuals, strengthen community vitality, and enhance local farm viability through farmers markets. Visits their website to find a farmers’ market near you!

Massachusetts Maple Producers Association – MMPA works with more than 250 producers across the Commonwealth to help them make delicious, all-natural, pure maple products. Visit your nearest sugarhouse, or order online! 

Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) - MOTT promotes the Commonwealth as a four-season travel destination. MOTT highlights Massachusetts’ culture, history, cuisine and outdoor resources and works closely with the 16 tourism offices across the state. To plan your Massachusetts getaway, visit www.visitma.com.

Massachusetts Secretary of State – The Secretary of State’s Office is the chief record-keeping, public information, securities regulator, and elections officer of the Commonwealth. Their office is responsible for the maintenance of public records, administration of elections, storage of historical data, preservation of historical sites, registration of corporations, and the filing and distribution of regulations and public documents.

Massachusetts State Grange - Are you interested in agriculture and leadership?  If so, the Massachusetts State Grange creates opportunities for leadership and community improvement through its commitment to expand agricultural education in order to raise the quality of life for all. Check out their website for a Grange location near you. 

Massachusetts State Lottery * - Feel like a winner? Try your luck at the Massachusetts State Lottery!  Each year, the Massachusetts State Lottery returns net profits to the Commonwealth for distribution of essential unrestricted local aid to all 351 cities and towns. 

Massachusetts State Treasury - Paid out over $225 Million over the last 2 years and has over $3 Billion dollars in unclaimed property.

Maureen's Sweet Shoppe * - True candy boutique that offers the finest handmade chocolates which are made in small batches to assure freshness. Caramel is made on site to ensure only the finest ingredients in their products. In addition to fine chocolates, they offer over 50 bulk candy choices including the world's best gummies. 

Moeshmallows - Creating treats that bring the humble marshmallow into the limelight and let it be the star of the show. Nostalgic in nature, Moeshmallows will bring out the kid in you, sure to make you smile.

My Main Squeeze * - Get your squeeze on by visiting My Main Squeeze juice bar. A place where cold-pressed juice can help to supplement a healthy lifestyle and no matter what you purchase (even sweet treats!) you will know it's good for you (no processed or refined ingredients and no additives). Visit their website for the best smoothies, protein balls, acai bowls, and superfood mix you will ever have.  

Nantucket Wild Fish - From their Boats to Smoke to Table- try fish in a new way- smoked in either a tuna wrap, whole in a croissant or in a stuffed quahog. 

New England Apple Association - With more than 120 varieties grown in New England, you are sure to find a perfect apple for any occasion. Visit website to find an orchard near you!

Patrick Zephyr Nature Photography * - See all the beauty the world has to offer in a picture. Patrick Zephry is a nationally known artist and instructor whose works are available through print, notecards, calendars, wooden puzzles, coaster and more. Visit the Patrick Zephyr Nature Photography website to see his amazing works. 

Rustic Wood Flags by Wedge* - Hand crafted customized wooden agricultural, military, and patriotic flags, themed cutting boards, challenge coin holders and so much more!

S & P Foodies Hub*- Using Massachusetts products, Thai fries are fresh cut potatoes with a dry rub seasoning topped with cheese, spicy honey aioli and a habanero lemon basil aioli then covered with such toppings as bacon bits, gluten free chicken, and cheese. Yum!! 

Simply Dip-Licious * - From bread to dips to desserts, Simply Dip-Licious is committed to offering you the finest and freshest ingredients that you will taste in every bite. They offer a large variety of gourmet dips and olive oil blends for all your dipping occasions.   

Sniffs of Adventure​​​​​​​ - Our products tell a story of adventures which are attributed through their smells. Our candles are whimsical and should transport you to a time and place that brings back a nostalgic memory. Our candles are 100% soy infused with natural fragrance oils, which are made in our Newbury Street and Provincetown store locations. 

Springfield Thunderbirds * - Calling all hockey fans. The Springfield Thunderbirds are a minor league professional ice hockey team in the American Hockey League that began playing during the 2016–17 season. Show your Springfield pride by visiting their website to see their amazing apparel or to purchase game tickets. 

Valley Malt * - Have you ever wondered where malt comes from? Valley Malt is bringing the Malthouse back by offering artisanal malts from locally grown grains for craft and home brewers. Check out their website for growing and brewing partners.

Worcester Red Sox * - The Worcester Red Sox (nicknamed the Woo Sox) is a professional minor league Triple-A Affiliate baseball team for the Boston Red Sox. The Woo Sox began playing at Polar Park in Worcester in April 2021. 

* Denotes a businesses that offers products or is open year-round.

波士頓台灣夜市因天氣延至 9/17 舉行

波士頓大陳同鄉慶中秋祝大壽期盼大陳文化之旅

大陳同鄉會會長梁娜玲(前右一)和同鄉們合影。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 大陳同鄉會9月12日在波士頓華埠新月宮餐廳舉辦近4年來第一次的實體聚會，順道為9月壽星過生日，不下60人在杯筷交錯中寒暄、敘舊，探問別後種種，感嘆時光流逝，歡喜享用盛宴。

大陳同鄉會會長梁娜玲夫婦(右一、二起)和她父母，以及游勝雄夫婦，
吳孟啟，謝謝嘉賓波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽，波士頓
僑教中心主任潘昭榮等出席。(周菊子攝)

              接任大陳同鄉會會長約10年了的梁娜玲坦言，最近這幾年，許多大陳同鄉年紀漸長，陸續出售各自經營的餐館，或放下工作，開始串門子，遊世界，過起退休生活。

九、十月的壽星，左起，梁有德、周仙梅、
吳孟啟和游勝雄夫婦，以及嘉賓鄭增壽合影。(周菊子攝)

梁娜玲在波士頓大陳同鄉會中，算是年輕一輩，2013年把她位於阿靈頓的外賣餐館關了，才接任會長，為大陳同鄉服務。她透露，自己的祖父輩是1955年跟隨蔣經國從大陳島遷徙到臺灣的最後一批人之一。他們大陳人大都講台州話，離鄉背井到台灣後，人數既少，又語言不通，生活不容易，於是有些人選擇移民美國，又再經歷一次在異國他鄉打拼的辛苦。就是在這種特殊經歷下，他們同鄉之間的彼此團結互助，凝聚力之強，當年在波士頓可是很出名，幾乎人人都知道，得罪一個大陳人，就等於得罪了所有大陳人。

周仙梅還保留著1990年大陳同鄉會在
州政府註冊立案的證書。(周菊子攝)

1990年在麻州州政府註冊，正式創立波士頓大陳同鄉會的周仙梅回憶當年，好不風光。他從康州來到大波士頓後，先進游勝雄開設的樂宮樓餐廳打工，後來在駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處開館處長林水吉任內，成立了大陳同鄉會。成立那天在華埠漁村酒家設宴，有300多人出席，盛極一時。大陳同鄉會也從那時起，和波士頓經文處結緣，大陳同鄉需要辦證件，就透過他找經文處，每到雙十國慶遊行，他們大陳同鄉會總有逾百人參加，聲勢之大，儼然遊行隊伍中之最。

只是這麼多年過去後，許多大陳人都退休了。9月12日這天，他們環顧一圈，發現在參加聚會的人中，竟然只剩下現年已75歲的吳孟啟還在經營餐館。不過他也說，曾經擁有的七、八家餐館都賣了，只剩下Winchester的「中國天 (China Sky)」餐廳還開著，全因為兒子想留著。

由於當年有許多大陳同鄉在游勝雄開設的許多家餐館中打過工，會長梁娜玲特地邀請游勝雄夫婦和波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮出席做嘉賓，和2名9月壽星，吳孟啟、梁有德同坐主桌，沾點喜氣。

              梁娜玲透露，整個社會現在逐漸恢復正常，大陳同鄉們也將恢復聚會，希望將來有機會組團回台灣，也來一次大陳文化之旅。

( 僑務電子報:   https://ocacnews.net/article/350228)

這天有60多名大陳同鄉出席中秋節暨9月慶生會。(周菊子攝)

波士頓吳弭市長宣佈9月15日至10月15日慶祝拉丁傳統月

MAYOR MICHELLE WU KICKS OFF LATINX HERITAGE MONTH The celebration runs September 15 - October 15

BOSTON -  Friday, September 15, 2023 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston celebrate the start of National Latinx Heritage Month, which runs today through October 15. The City will be providing a variety of programming and events in honor of Latinx cultures and communities that contribute to the vibrancy of Boston. “Our Latinx residents are an essential part of Boston’s cultural fabric, and we honor their contributions during Latinx Heritage Month and beyond,” Mayor Michelle Wu said. “I’m thrilled to announce our Latinx Heritage Month programming, where Boston residents can celebrate and learn about the diversity of Latin American culture and communities all month long.” Ahead of the official start of Latinx Heritage Month, the City’s Equity and Inclusion Cabinet and Latinx Employee Resource Group (ERG) co-hosted their annual Mexican Independence Day Celebration on September 14 at 12 p.m. They will also host a Central American Celebration event on September 17 at 11 a.m. to recognize the independence day of Guatemala, El Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. Both events will take place at City Hall Plaza. On September 19, the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet and Latinx ERG will co-host a Latinx Heritage Month celebration party. The celebration will take place on City Hall Plaza from 4 p.m. through 7 p.m. and feature food, music, dance, and other resources. “The City of Boston’s Latinx Employee Resource Group believes in the power of our unity across our various Latin American identities and honors our cultural similarities as well as differences,” said Luz Johanna Pérez, Chair of the Latinx ERG. “Our annual Latinx Heritage Month celebration will showcase the cultural diversity within our city’s Latinx diaspora. We hope you will join us and experience this culturally vibrant event.”  “Latinx Heritage Month is our moment to be loud and proud of our culture and communities,” said Gladys Oliveros, Latinx Cultural Liaison, Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. “I look forward to celebrating with the Latinx community in City Hall and throughout Boston neighborhoods all month.”   The Boston Public Library will also be hosting resources and programming throughout Latinx Heritage Month to expand opportunities for residents to celebrate and learn about Latin American culture. A full list of events and resources is available on the BPL website.

Throughout Latinx Heritage Month, the City will also launch Fiesta en la Plaza, a series of Latinx-centered cultural activities that will take place over four weekends on City Hall Plaza. The series is produced by Ágora Cultural Architects, a production and consulting firm founded and directed by Latin American women, with the support of the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture.  Welcome Fiesta - September 17, 2023 at 12 p.m. This event will celebrate the start of Latinx Heritage Month and feature a comparsa and performances from various Latin American artists residing in Boston, including Jorge Arce, Agua, Sol y Sereno, Eguie Castrillo, Veronica Robles, and Claudio Ragazzi. Cuatro & Poetry - September 22, 2023 at 7 p.m. Artists such as Yara Liceaga and Fabiola Méndez will perform during this celebration of Afro-Antillean rhythms and Latin women's voices. Salsa Night - September 23, 2023 at 5 p.m. Residents can learn Salsa through dance classes on City Hall Plaza and enjoy performances by Clave & Blues and guests. CineFest Latino Boston - October 5, 2023 at 3 p.m. This event will feature two Latin films for a movie night celebrating Latinx culture. Closing Fiesta - October 14, 2023 2 p.m. The final event of the series will include a discussion on Afro-Latin arts and cultures, a performance from the Hyde Square Task Force youth dance group, and a musical closing with Venezuelan harpist Eduardo Betancourt and Newman Fellow Cristela Guerra. “Boston is home to so many incredible Latinx artists, and we look forward to highlighting their cultural legacies through song, dance, film, spoken word, and more during Fiesta en la Plaza,” said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts & Culture. “Fiesta en la Plaza will be a celebration of art, joy, and community para todos!” “Fiesta en la Plaza invites us to meet friends and families to celebrate everything that unites us,” said Principal and Co-Founder of Ágora Elsa Mosquera-Sterenberg. “With Fiesta en la Plaza, we evoke that traditional community meeting space that our parents and grandparents had in their towns of origin.”

麻州公衛廳提高3社區東部馬腦炎危險程度

State Health Officials Raise Risk from EEE to High in Three More Communities 

Residents should take precautions to prevent mosquito bites 

BOSTON (September 15, 2023) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced that Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has been detected in an additional mosquito sample collected on September 13 in Brimfield. This finding raises the EEE risk level to high in Brimfield, Sturbridge, and Holland and to moderate in Wales. 

This is in addition to the six communities already at high risk for EEE: Douglas, Dudley, Oxford, Southbridge, Sutton, and Webster. Auburn, Charlton, Grafton, Millbury, Northbridge, and Uxbridge are at moderate risk. 

“The forecast is for cooler temperatures which will start to reduce mosquito activity,” said Dr. Catherine M. Brown, State Epidemiologist. “However, the risk for spread of EEE virus from mosquitoes to people is still present. Everyone in these moderate- and high-risk areas should take the recommended steps to prevent mosquito bites; this includes avoiding outdoor activity between dusk and dawn in the high-risk communities.” 

EEE is a rare but serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect people of all ages. EEE is generally spread to humans through the bite of an infected mosquito. There were 12 human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2019 with six deaths and 5 human cases with one death in 2020. There were no human cases of EEE in Massachusetts in 2021 or 2022. No human or animal case of EEE has been detected in Massachusetts so far this year. 

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes. 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient (DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), oil of lemon eucalyptus [p-Menthane-3,8-diol (PMD)] or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age. 

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk. 

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long-sleeves, long pants, and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin. 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently. 

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors. 

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week during the summer months to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800. 

More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, can be found on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page at Mosquito-borne Diseases | Mass.gov, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.