麻州起步去碳化 撥款2735萬元資助10項深化房屋能源改造計畫

            (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (21) 日一早率高官政要，在布魯克蘭鎮 (Brookline) 宣佈，第一輪可負擔住宅深度改造計畫補助 (Affordable Housing Deep Energy Retrofit Grant Program) 的2735萬元，將撥給七個社區內的10個樓宇建築計畫。

            麻州政府認為要在2050年達到零排放這目標，州內現有樓宇的去碳化很重要。麻州能源資源處 (DOER) 負責承辦這補助計畫，資金中有2500萬元來自DOER的符合法規替代性款項 (Alternative Compliance Payments)，麻州環境、氣候保護及緩解信託 (Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Climate Protection and Mitigation Trust)的1850萬元，以及美國援救計畫的650萬元。

            第二輪經費的項目評估，預定2024年1月開始。

            這一計畫旨在撥款協助10個可負擔住宅建築項目的樓宇電動化，以及再生能源的在地製造。款項將用於協助更新設備、絕緣，以及其他的降低能源需求及去碳功能。

            這計畫的好處包括提供更佳的室內空氣品質，舒適感，讓樓宇住戶及可負擔住宅提供者的能源開銷持續更低，社區空氣更健康。

            麻州州長奚莉表示，這筆補助款有助於麻州家庭的每月能源費用更低，維持住可負擔住宅。這計畫體現了保存可負擔住宅，以及降低排放量的這兩大挑戰是如何處理的。

            麻州能源及環境事務廳廳長Rebecca Tepper表示，這些項目將聘用地方工人，為承租者降低開銷，並改善空氣品質。獲選項目將為其他發展商自己的去碳化項目提供最佳模式與案例。

            國會議員Jake Auchincloss表示，這是降低開銷與排放量的雙贏項目。

            獲得補助款的項目有:

塞冷市 (Salem)的塞冷好天氣 (Fairweather Salem)項目獲得508萬元，將在127戶可負擔住宅的現有外牆上，使用預鑄保溫板外牆，以取得節能減碳被動式房屋 (passive house) 認證。

奧斯頓布萊頓社區發展公司 (Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation)將獲得80萬元，用於奧斯頓的Hanno Homes項目，另獲得95萬元，用於布萊頓的Carol  Avenue公寓項目。Hanno Homes項目將執行整棟樓宇的去碳化，為15戶可負擔住宅，5戶市價住宅，以內藏式碳儲存，完整的系統電動化，及太陽能板來做整體改善。Carol 大道公寓項目則是修復一棟有29戶可負擔住宅及4戶市價單位樓宇，以升級絕緣及暖氣幫浦裝置來深化能源改造，預計可縮減55%的整棟大樓能源耗用。

火炬社區發展公司 (Beacon Communities Development LLC) 將獲得300萬元用於Easthampton的樹屋 (Treehouse) 項目。這是把55戶可負擔住宅，以及5戶市價住宅以暖氣及熱水完全電氣化，採用太陽能光伏，以及新的外牆絕緣體，密封空氣，三層窗戶等來深化能源改造的項目。這一創新社區為55歲及以上人士，以及照顧來自托養系統兒童的家庭提供公寓住宅。

社區建造者 (The Community Builders) 位於屋斯特 (Worcester)的多莓村 (Plumley Village)項目可獲得96萬元，在Greenfield的前Wilson百貨公司項目可獲得156萬元。多莓村項目包括為一棟重新維修大樓內的24戶可負擔住宅，電氣化暖氣、熱水，以及烹飪用能源。這項目旨在降低能源使用30%，並取得被動式房屋認證。前Wilson百貨公司項目則是適應性重新使用一棟歷史性樓宇，包括為39戶可負擔住宅做內部絕緣，改善空氣過濾。其中11戶單位是給收入在平均中位收入30%以下家庭的可負擔住宅。這項目的目標是取得被動式房屋認證，把能源費用降低60%到70%。

村落社區發展公司 (• Valley Community Development Corporation) 位於Northampton的繁榮地 (Prospect Place) 項目可得208萬元，以重新使用一棟頤養院，工程內容包括為60戶可負擔住宅安裝地緣熱泵系統，300千瓦的太陽能系統。

榮氏發展公司 (Winn Development )位於Brookline的布魯克蘭村 (The Village at Brookline)項目可以獲得588萬元，在波士頓市的主要任務 (Mission Main)公寓項目可以獲得680萬元。這項目將完全電氣化暖氣及熱水系統，包括為147戶住宅，其中有40戶為市價單位的大樓，安裝138千瓦的太陽能光伏，過濾空氣到被動式房屋水平。能源需求估計可降低60%到70%。

波士頓房屋局 (BHA)在牙買加平原 (Jamaica Plain) 的Mildred C. Hailey項目可獲得636萬元，電氣化暖氣及烹飪用能源，更換現有的屋頂，升級窗戶，在159戶可負擔住宅的現有外牆上覆蓋新增絕緣體。估計可降低40%的溫室排放量40%，21%的能源開銷。

 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $27 Million to Decarbonize Affordable Housing Across Massachusetts 

 

First Round of Funding Under $50 Million Grant Program Will Lower Energy Costs and Improve Air Quality and Comfort  

 

BROOKLINE – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the first round of grants under its Affordable Housing Deep Energy Retrofit Grant Program, which the administration created earlier this year. A total of $27.35 million will be awarded to seven organizations for affordable housing projects. The grants will be used to fund deep energy retrofits and energy efficiency upgrades, building system electrification, and onsite renewable energy generation in 10 affordable housing developments in communities across Massachusetts. The announcement took place at The Village at Brookline. 

 

Grants will help 10 affordable housing properties in seven communities upgrade equipment, insulation, and other features to lower energy demand and decarbonize. Program benefits include higher performing buildings that offer residents better indoor air quality and comfort, lower ongoing energy costs for residents and affordable housing providers, the opportunity for affordable housing providers to upgrade their housing stock, and healthier air in the communities were housing is located.  

 

“Every day, I hear from residents who are struggling with the high costs of energy and housing. This grant program will lower monthly energy bills and maintain affordable housing for families across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Electrifying our buildings presents an important opportunity to drive down energy costs for our residents. We will continue to pursue smart, cost-effective strategies that make our state more affordable, while keeping us on the cutting edge of climate innovation.” 

 

“This initiative exemplifies how we can tackle the dual challenge of preserving affordable housing and reducing emissions,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m excited to see these projects move forward and directly benefit their cities and towns with lower greenhouse gas emissions, local clean energy workforce development, and a commitment from project developers to diversity, equity, and inclusion.” 

 

“Buildings contribute 35 percent of the state’s emissions. This program demonstrates how we can decarbonize this sector with an equity lens,” said EEA Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These projects will use local workers, bring down costs for renters, and improve air quality. With every investment, we right past wrongs and bring the benefits of the clean energy transition to those who have been denied climate justice.” 

 

“This program builds on our successful energy efficiency and decarbonization programs to preserve long-term housing affordability and equitably support the electrification of our existing building stock,” said DOER Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “The selected projects will help spur the growth of the deep energy retrofit sector in Massachusetts and provide a model and best practices other developers can use for their own decarbonization projects.” 

 

“Energy efficiency upgrades are a win-win: lower costs & lower emissions,” said Congressman Jake Auchincloss. 

 

The grant awardees are: 

• Preservation of Affordable Housing will receive $5,080,000 for its Fairweather Salem project in Salem. The project will use prefabricated insulated panel facade over existing exterior walls to improve efficiency for 127 affordable housing units. The project is planning for Passive House certification. 

• Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation will receive $800,000 for its Hanno Homes project in Allston and $950,000 for its Carol Avenue Apartments project in Brighton. The Hanno Homes project goal is a fully decarbonized building through envelope improvement with embodied carbon storage, full systems electrification, and solar PV for 15 affordable and 5 market rate units. The Carol Avenue Apartments project is the rehab of a historic building with 29 affordable and 4 market rate units through a deep energy retrofit with insulation upgrades and heat pumps are expected to achieve a 55% reduction in site energy use. 

• Beacon Communities Development LLC will receive $3,000,000 for its Treehouse project in Easthampton. This project is a deep energy retrofit with heating and hot water fully electrified, solar PV and new exterior insulation, air sealing, and triple-pane windows for 55 affordable units and 5 market rate units. This innovative community offers apartments for persons 55 years or older and families who are caring for children from the foster care system. 

• The Community Builders will receive $960,000 for its Plumley Village project in Worcester and $1,560,000 for its Former Wilson Department Store project in Greenfield. The Plumley Village project will include full electrification of heating, hot water, and cooking for 24 affordable units being rehabbed in a larger building. The project aims for a 30% reduction in energy consumption and Passive House certification. The former Wilson Department Store project is an adaptive reuse of a historic building that includes interior insulation and air infiltration improvements for 39 affordable units including 11 affordable for under 30% AMI. The project goal is passive house certification and an energy cost reduction of 60-70%. 

• Valley Community Development Corporation will receive $2,080,000 for its Prospect Place project in Northampton. This is an adaptive reuse of a former nursing home. The project will include the installation of a ground source heat pump system and planned installation of a 300 KW solar system for 60 affordable units. 

• Winn Development will receive $5,880,000 for its The Village at Brookline project in Brookline, MA and $680,000 for the Mission Main Apartments project in Boston. The project will fully electrify heating and hot water, includes 138 kw Solar PV, with air infiltration reduced to passive house levels for 147 units of which 40 are market rate. Energy demand is estimated to be lowered 60%-70%. 

• Boston Housing Authority will receive $6,360,000 for its Mildred C. Hailey project in Jamaica Plain. The project will electrify heating and cooking, replace the existing roof, upgrade windows and add new exterior insulation and cladding over existing masonry for 159 affordable units. A 40% reduction in GHG emissions and a 21% reduction in energy costs is projected. 

The decarbonization of Massachusetts’ existing buildings is a critical component of the Commonwealth’s strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Projects will improve energy efficiency, install solar panels, make improvements like roof repairs and electrical updates, and electrify buildings through ground and air source heat pumps and other electrical appliances. Applicants seeking over $1 million must commit to providing opportunities for the local workforce. The program will provide significant investments in the building sector, and leverage programs like Mass Save to help affordable housing developments lower emissions and energy use. 

 

The Department of Energy Resources (DOER) administers the program. Funding was derived from the following sources: 

• $25 million from DOER’s Alternative Compliance Payments 

• $18.5 million from the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection Climate Protection and Mitigation Trust 

• $6.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act 

The second round of project review for funding under this grant program is expected to begin in January 2024. The Program Opportunity Notice, available here, identifies private parties, non-profits, municipalities, or other public entities as eligible applicants for the funds. DOER will accept applications on a rolling basis until funds are committed. 

 

Awardee Statements: 

 

Chas Carey, Brookline Town Administrator: 

“Brookline is grateful to be one of the first communities to benefit from this innovative initiative. The Healey-Driscoll Administration clearly shares our Select Board’s commitment to building and maintaining affordable housing, combating climate change, and spurring equitable workforce development with well-paying green local jobs. We look forward to continued collaboration between state and local governments to achieve our shared goals and secure Massachusetts’ future.” 

 

Caitlin Robillard, Director of Real Estate Development, Allston Brighton Community Development Corporation: 

“We are grateful for DOER’s support on our two upcoming Deep Energy Retrofits in Allston and Brighton, which will reduce energy usage by an average of 60%!  The Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Decarbonization Grant Program is exactly what affordable housing developers like our CDC needed.  This DOER funding allowed us to close our financing gap on these critical preservation projects, ensuring these affordable housing units will be safe, healthy, and climate resilient for generations to come.” 

 

Kenzie Bok, Administrator, Boston Housing Authority: 

“Residents of the Mildred C. Hailey apartments will benefit tremendously from cleaner air, healthier homes and energy efficient heating and cooling. Thank you to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts for supporting a sustainable future for public housing communities.”  

 

Willie Pearl Clark, President, Mission Main Tenant Task Force:  

“The Mission Main Tenant Task Force applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for enabling energy efficiency and electrification in affordable housing. As a tenant led, non-profit organization, this funding is critical for implementing deep energy retrofit solutions in our community, and will generate cost savings for the Tenant Task force as well as lasting impacts for current and future residents.” 

 

Rachana Crowley, Senior Director of Real Estate Development, The Community Builders (TCB): 

“The Community Builders is immensely grateful to the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) for the funding of clean energy and decarbonization efforts at The Putman in Greenfield and Plumley Village in Worcester through its Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Decarbonization Grant Program. With DOER’s support and environmental stewardship, TCB can explore greater energy efficiency and resiliency and enhanced, cleaner living for residents in these communities.” 
  
Christina McPike, Director of Energy and Sustainability, WinnCompanies: 

“This critical funding further demonstrates the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s steadfast commitment to climate and housing; two imperatives that the Commonwealth consistently prioritizes. We and our residents are extremely appreciative of the Department of Energy Resources’ leadership and support for decarbonization and efficient electrification at The Village of Brookline. 

 

William Womeldorf, Project Manager, Valley Community Development Corporation Real Estate: 

“Valley Community Development is thrilled to receive this award from the Department of Energy Resources to support adaptive re-use of a 70,000 square foot former nursing home to create 60 affordable apartments in Northampton. Because of this DOER grant, we will convert from existing fossil fuel systems to all-electric systems primarily powered by alternative energy sources. New geothermal will fuel heating, cooling, and hot water, while PV will support other electricity needs. Alternative energy such as geothermal is the key to keeping rents affordable amidst rising electricity costs and has untapped potential. We hope this project will catalyze new ways to look at decarbonization in multi-family affordable housing.” 

波士頓僑團改選 梅氏原班人馬 余氏新主席立昌、雅倫 黃氏延期選舉

梅氏公所新屆職員。前排右起，梅麗梨、梅伍銀寬、梅炳鈿、梅少彬夫婦。
(梅市公所提供)

               (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 歲月荏苒，一年又過，大波士頓僑團陸續開始幹部改選、交接。已知完成改選者有梅氏公所，余風采堂，延期至12月10日者有黃氏公所。

              梅氏公所於11月5日完成了宗親會的內部職員改選，2024年度職員，基本不變。主席梅麗梨表示，公所正在維修會址，事務繁多，宗親會內部決議，2024年不辦春宴，待一切底定，再敦請宗親們聚會。

余風采堂新屆職員合影。前排右起，余寶愛，余國華，
余積堯、余超群、余立昌，余定邦，余厚利。 (余風采堂提供)

              2024年度梅氏公所職員為:

              主席梅麗梨、梅少彬，元老梅炳鈿、梅錫銳、梅偉文，出席中華公所代表梅錫銳。法律顧問梅志華，英文書記梅凱生、梅梁小娟、梅李若莎，中文書記梅翠瑜、梅官秀娟、梅芬芳，財政梅伍銀寬、梅李若莎、梅子聰、梅敬文 (David Moy)，康樂梅絮常、梅掌珠、梅關秀娟、梅芬芳、梅劉素嬋、梅宇國。

              紐英崙余風采堂於11月19日清晨向外發佈改選結果。

              2024年度余風采堂職員為:

              主席余立昌、余雅倫，中文書記美玲、秀琴，英文書記紹強、柏豪，財政美媚、厚利夫人，核數宗濤夫人，康樂瑞蘭，婁燁主任宗濤，交際佩英，小芸，出席中華公所代表立昌、積堯，婦女組主任艷玲、艷清，婦女組書記寶玉，法律顧問達明、文博，幹事寶愛，網站主任藹欣，元老超群，總理文博。

              曾歷任主席，現升級為顧問者有超群、文博、厚利、積堯、建興、景新、寶愛、共才、宗濤、麗媖、國華、定邦、積炎。

                              紐英崙余風采堂訂12月3日中午在華埠乞臣街 (Hudson)會址舉行就職典禮。

              黃氏宗親會原定11月19日改選，但傳出內部爭議，有宗親拿出一份關於2009年在昆士市發生的一宗火災，導致3人死亡命案的新聞稿，要求宗親會慎重推舉下屆職員人選。黃氏宗親會隨後由2名主席具名，發出暫停選舉緊急通告，通知宗親們選舉延期至12月10日投票，凡入會已足六個月會員，屆時繳清會費，參加選舉投票。

              黃氏宗親會另訂於12月3日開會，討論議決職員參選人名單。

              紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳文珊表示，該公所職員一任2年，今年不需辦理選舉。

麻州政府撥款46萬餘元資助學校防止仇恨犯罪

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New Statewide Initiatives to Combat and Prevent Hate Crimes

Newly Created Massachusetts State Police Unit to Strengthen Statewide Hate Crime Response, Support Victims, and Enhance Community Resiliency  

 $462,000 in Hate Crime Prevention Grants Going to Schools to Reduce Incidents of Bias  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the launch of a new statewide initiative to confront and deter hate crimes, support victims, and foster community resiliency across Massachusetts. As part of the administration’s steadfast commitment to promoting inclusivity and safeguarding diverse communities, the Massachusetts State Police (MSP) has formed the Hate Crimes Awareness and Response Team (HART), a new unit dedicated to enhancing federal, state and local partnerships and liaising with community leaders to strengthen statewide response to hate crimes and hate-based incidents. The administration is also delivering $461,920 in Hate Crime Prevention grants designed to support or expand programs that help educators, staff, administrators, and students reduce incidents of bias in schools. 

As part of the new unit’s mandate, the HART team will enhance statewide data collection and information-sharing to identify statewide, national, and global patterns and trends; increase stakeholder collaboration and educational outreach; develop advanced training in coordination with the Municipal Police Training Committee to equip law enforcement with best practices for hate crime response; and streamline coordination between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies. HART is comprised of 4-5 sworn members of the MSP, each serving as the primary point of contact for local law enforcement, community, and religious groups in a specific geographic area.  

“With hate crimes on the rise across the country and here in Massachusetts, it is essential that we bring people together to advance proactive solutions and support our communities. We are proud to launch the Hate Crimes Awareness and Response Team, which will play an essential role in addressing and preventing hate crimes, supporting survivors, and strengthening our communities. We are also dedicating $460,000 to school districts that far too often are on the frontlines of confronting bias-motivated incidents and can be instrumental in preventing hate and creating safe environments for students and their families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Here in Massachusetts, we stand firmly against hate – and we are backing up that commitment with resources and investments.” 

“Our administration remains deeply committed to ensuring that communities and organizations have the tools and resources needed to create safe, inclusive, and protected environments,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This new statewide initiative is another step toward strengthening Massachusetts’ ability to uphold our values and celebrate our diversity. We will continue to confront intolerance with the determination that this moment demands.”  

“Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and I know that no singular person, office, or organization should have to address incidents of hate alone. I want to thank the Healey-Driscoll Administration for building a strong coalition and implementing a holistic, statewide strategy to tackling these critical issues,” said Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell. “My office and I will continue to support these efforts, while using our own enforcement tools to allow everyone in Massachusetts the right to live free from hate and discrimination.” 

The Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) recently published the 2022 Hate Crime Report for Massachusetts, which recorded 440 reports of hate crime incidents statewide, up from 406 in 2021 and the highest reported since 2002. In 2022, like years past, prejudice against race and ethnicity or national origin was the most widely reported bias motivation, representing 53.2 percent of the total, down from 59.3 percent in 2021. Bias against religious groups surpassed bias against sexual orientation with 21.1 percent, up from 18.2 percent in 2021.   

“No organization or community can stand alone when it comes to public safety. In Massachusetts, our partnerships are strong, and the level of coordination is unprecedented. The MSP’s new HART Unit will build upon those connections and strengthen our shared resolve to ensure that hate has no place in our communities,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Terrence Reidy. “Together, we will stand united against the rise in bias-motivated threats, harassment, and violence to create a safer and more inclusive Massachusetts for all its residents.” 

“Recent events at home and abroad provide a tragic and urgent reminder that no community is immune from the unpredictable and devasting impact of a bias-motivated event,” said Massachusetts State Police Interim Colonel John Mawn, Jr. “As our nation continues to grapple with a concerning increase in unlawful acts of hate, the State Police will meet this moment with a robust strategy and sustained commitment to confronting bias and intolerance by strengthening law enforcement partnerships, enhancing community engagement, and delivering advanced training and education to stakeholders.”   

As part of the administration’s deep commitment to fostering safe and inclusive learning environments for all students and educators, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education awarded Hate Crime Prevention grants to ten school districts across the state. Funding will support educator professional development, community engagement and other costs associated with tackling the reduction of acts of bias and hate crimes in Massachusetts. The investment will promote school partnerships and collaboration with local law enforcement and local community organizations, including local human rights organizations that have ongoing local relationships and expertise in promoting equity, building positive school climates, preventing hate crimes and addressing bias-motivated incidents. A second round of funding is now available and districts are encouraged to apply.   

“These Hate Crime Prevention grants will allow our schools to tackle the difficult concepts of bias and hate crimes to create safe and nurturing school environments that allow every student to feel supported,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “It’s an honor to partner with EOPPS and Secretary Reidy in efforts to reduce hate crimes across the communities of Massachusetts.”  

Today’s announcement builds upon the many initiatives put forward to ensure Massachusetts can embrace its diversity and live up to its principles. As many diverse communities across the country are experiencing an increase in hate crimes, Massachusetts continues to advance the following initiatives:  

· To date, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded over $7 million in state and federal grants to help Massachusetts nonprofits, including faith-based organizations, improve physical security and protect against attacks. The Office of Grants and Research distributes millions annually through the Commonwealth and Federal nonprofit security grant programs. Faith-based and other recipients use these funds for infrastructure improvements or security personnel to support their preparedness plans.   

· Next month, the Massachusetts State Police Fusion Center will host its 5th Annual Faith-Based Organization Safety and Security Seminar. The seminar convenes over 300 stakeholders to discuss security issues critical to faith-based organizations, including grant opportunities to fund safety initiatives, threat reporting, and an overview of hate groups. 

· The legislative Task Force on Hate Crimes, co-chaired by Secretary Reidy and President of Kraft Family Philanthropies Josh Kraft, continues advising the administration on issues relating to the prevalence, deterrence, and prevention of hate crimes.  

· As part of the administration’s commitment to emergency preparedness and community resiliency, EOPSS adopted a statewide standard for a proactive, integrated active shooter and hostile event response. Massachusetts is the first state in the country to establish a standardized response. Massachusetts is the first state in the country to establish a standardized response.  

波士頓市府宣佈發出2000隻火雞助民眾過感恩節

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EFFORTS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS, INCLUDING ANNUAL TURKEY DONATIONS  City distributed 2,000 turkeys to help residents struggling with food insecurity.

 

BOSTON - Monday, November 20, 2023 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced that the City of Boston is helping families during the holiday season through its annual Thanksgiving turkey distribution, delivering 2,000 turkeys and 5,000 pounds of food to Boston residents in need. This year, the City doubled the number of turkeys donated to community members and organizations compared to last year. The turkey drive is led by the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services (ONS) with the support of its neighborhood liaisons to hand deliver turkeys to more than 40 partners including local community organizations, churches, and Boston Housing Authority sites who then distribute to residents experiencing food insecurity. The City is also encouraging residents to participate in the recently launched Nourish Our Neighbors initiative, connecting residents to local volunteer opportunities promoting food justice. Today, Mayor Wu joined liaisons at CommonWealth Kitchen to help pack and prepare the turkey donations. The City received support for turkeys from Stop & Shop, Amazon, and UFCW 1445.  “As we celebrate the special traditions and connection of the holidays, we want to ease the burden for Boston families in need to enjoy a wonderful Thanksgiving meal,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to continue our annual tradition of partnering with community groups to get turkeys out to families, and will continue working for food access across all our neighborhoods year-round.”  ONS liaisons and City staff helped deliver turkeys across Boston on Friday, November 17 and Monday, November 20.  “Today, all of these turkeys here mean an awful lot to the residents in our development who can really use an extra pick me up during the holiday,” said Lisa Frazier, Manager at Boston Housing Authority. “I just say thank you to everyone who made this possible for our residents here at South Street. We, the South Street community, appreciate you and say thank you.”  “The City’s Thanksgiving turkey donations is one of our most crucial community centered events of the year. It provides the City an opportunity to extend a warm and direct gesture of giving in the lives of residents in need,” said Office of Neighborhood Services Executive Director Beata Coloyan. “No family in need should go without a nutritious meal on their table in our city any day, but especially during the holiday season.”  “CommonWealth Kitchen is proud to support Mayor Wu's efforts to feed families across the City this Thanksgiving,” said Jen Faigel, Executive Director of CommonWealth Kitchen. “For CWK, it's a natural continuation of our CommonTable meals initiative, which distributed nearly 300K meals for families in need throughout the pandemic, and continues today through our member businesses who are involved in feeding immigrants and refugees all across eastern Massachusetts. As we like to say, ‘if you have more than you need, build a longer table, not a higher fence.”  The Thanksgiving turkey distribution is one of the City of Boston’s efforts to ensure community members have access to fresh, healthy, and affordable foods. The City of Boston’s Office of Food Justice and Office of Civic Organizing recently launched their Nourish Our Neighbors initiative, a call to action encouraging community members to help receive, sort, pack, and deliver groceries to their neighbors throughout the City to help bridge food access gaps. The Nourish Our Neighbors initiative provides opportunities for residents to volunteer their time in support of community-based food access initiatives throughout the City. Residents can get connected to volunteer opportunities in their neighborhood by completing this form.   “While this time of year brings food insecurity to the forefront for many, the City of Boston and its community partners are committed to ensuring our residents have equitable access to fresh, nutritious, culturally-relevant foods every day of the year,” said Aliza Wasserman, Director of the Office of Food Justice. “I am grateful to our partners for their steadfast commitment to centering equitable food access that is rooted in community needs.”  The City of Boston encourages residents in need of food resources to call 311 or 617-635-4500. Community members in need can find multilingual Thanksgiving resources at the Office of Food Justice partners’ Thanksgiving Resource Guide. To address ongoing food insecurity refer to the Greater Boston Food Bank’s food pantry finder or call Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

麻州政府新成立戶外娛樂處公佈報告110億元經濟貢獻

New Report: Outdoor Recreation Contributed Over $11 Billion to Massachusetts Economy 

The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s new Office of Outdoor Recreation will help grow these opportunities 

 

BOSTON — New figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) demonstrate the strength of the outdoor recreation economy for Massachusetts. The Massachusetts outdoor recreation economy grew 17% in 2022, contributing more than $11.7 billion in value added to the Massachusetts economy and creating 102,687 jobs.   

 

Recognizing the importance of outdoor recreation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) in September 2023, which works across agencies to promote Massachusetts as a welcoming, inclusive, diverse, and accessible place to play outside.  

 

“Every Massachusetts resident deserves easy access to safe outdoor spaces with clean air and water,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “By providing opportunities for fun outside, especially for kids, we create the next generation of environmental stewards. Our new Office of Outdoor Recreation will help our administration get more residents outside and enjoying our beautiful natural resources.”

  

“Massachusetts has some of the most amazing natural assets, from Mount Greylock to the Cape Cod seashore and everything in between,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT). “MOTT and MOOR are working together to promote these amazing places to visitors and residents alike to grow this sector even more.”  

 

“When residents have access to safe parks and trails, they are 21 percent more likely to be physically active,” said Paul Jahnige, Director of MOOR. “Green spaces also reduce heat island impacts, cool neighborhoods, and provide significant ‘green’ mental health benefits including lessening stress, anxiety, and depression.” 

 

In Massachusetts, top sectors ranked by economic value include boating and fishing, hunting and shooting, RVing, climbing/hiking, tent camping, skiing, snowshoeing, motorcycling, ATVing, and bicycling. The fastest growing sectors in Massachusetts include sailing, snow activities, climbing/hiking, recreational flying, and guided activities. 

 

“Recognizing the critical importance outdoor recreation plays, we are pleased to celebrate the recently announced recreational numbers for the state of Massachusetts,” said Randall Lyons, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Marine Trades Association. “The recreational boating industry in Massachusetts contributes over $5 billion to the state economy and employs over 17,500 men and women within the state. For every $1 spent on transient dockage it equates to close to $4 to the local community where the visiting boater is docked. Boaters are helping to fuel the economy by spending money on shopping, restaurants, lodging, fuel and more.” 

 

“Massachusetts has a tremendous variety of beautiful outdoor spaces and recreation offerings, which benefit our communities, our well-being, and our economy,” said Heather Clish, Appalachian Mountain Club Vice President, Conservation and Recreation Advocacy. “Today’s news that the outdoor recreation economy grew so well last year is a strong sign that the outdoors is a critical and increasingly important part of our lives.” 

 

Full BEA data available here. Paul Jahnige, Director of the new Massachusetts Office of Outdoor 

Recreation, is available for interviews on this topic.