波士頓市入冬 市長報告準備概況 (市府視頻)

MAYOR WU SHARES BOSTON’S WINTER WEATHER PREPARATIONS

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 29, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined City officials at the Public Works yard on Frontage Road to discuss winter preparations currently underway in the City of Boston and resources available to residents including older adults and individuals experiencing homelessness. “The City is ready to support Boston residents through inclement winter weather and in keeping energy bills down as temperatures drop,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our City departments are working around the clock to keep our communities safe, and I encourage Bostonians to utilize City services and look out for vulnerable neighbors.” The Public Works Department (PWD) currently has 44,000 tons of salt on-hand to treat City streets. PWD has 175 pieces of in-house snow clearing equipment and has the capability to place over 800 additional pieces on the roads during larger storms. As part of their neighborhood plowing operations during winter storms and to ensure the safety of riders following events, PWD allocates pieces of equipment to clear snow from Boston's dedicated bike lanes. The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) monitors forecasts and maintains open lines of communication with the National Weather Service. OEM also works across City departments and with external partners to ensure coordinated response plans are in place leading up to extreme weather events. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston, the City’s emergency mass notification system, notifications by phone, text, or email in the event a snow emergency/parking ban is declared. Safety tips on how to prepare for winter storms are on boston.gov. AlertBoston notifications are available in 11 languages. This year, two Boston-based minority-owned businesses will assist the Public Works Department during snow and ice control operations clearing City-owned stairways and footpaths. Both contracts are part of the City of Boston’s Sheltered Market Program to advance equity in procurement with direct outreach support from the Department of Supplier and Workforce Diversity. These contracts were awarded to A & M Home Services and Mass Trucking as three year contracts (the contracts awarded last year to minority-owned businesses were for a one year duration). Both A & M Home Services and Mass Trucking are owned by people of color and are located in Roxbury.  As temperatures drop and utility costs are expected to rise, Mayor Wu is reminding residents, small businesses, and local organizations to opt in to Boston Community Choice Electricity (BCCE). This City-run program gives residents three options for electricity pricing and renewable energy. On Monday, Mayor Wu announced the City of Boston has increased the default renewable energy content by an additional 15% beyond state requirements to support the transition to a regional clean energy grid. Since the beginning of the program, the BCCE Standard rates have been lower than Eversource Basic Rates. The average resident that uses 600 kilowatt hours of electricity a month on the BCCE Standard option is expected to save nearly $15 per month compared to the Eversource Basic Service Residential rate ($0.17251/kWh). Individuals interested in learning more should visit Boston.gov/BCCE to opt in, opt up, or opt out at any time.

Rules on clearing snow: Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet, and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If a storm will last over an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check ramps abutting their property for compliance.  Removal of snow and ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.  Failure to comply with the rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here. Parking during a declared snow emergency: If a snow emergency is declared, cars will be ticketed and towed if parked on a posted snow emergency artery.  Space savers must be removed within 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. Please note: space savers are NOT allowed in the South End and Bay Village. During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at some parking lots and garages for Boston residents. A list of discounted parking garages can be found here. Trash and recycling:  During severe snowstorms, recycling and trash collection may be canceled, but this is extremely rare. Most often, severe snowstorms can cause delays in service. Residents can download the free Trash Day App to view neighborhood recycling and trash schedules, locate a textile dropbox in their neighborhood, and to find out what items they can and can’t recycle. Crews have a difficult time reaching trash barrels and recycling carts placed behind snowbanks. Residents and business owners are asked to please clear an area at the curb for collection or place containers next to or in front of snowbanks. Caring for vulnerable populations: If you see homeless and vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies, and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Boston's emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees) amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City work closely with shelter providers in the city to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. Any person needing shelter should access shelter directly, any time of day or night. Providers and community partners looking to facilitate shelter access may call 617-534-4440, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m.- 9:00 p.m. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day.  Safety tips: If you are able, keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear of snow and debris. This will help prevent flooding and allow for access in the event of an emergency. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces. Dress for the weather: Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs. Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch for signs of frostbite: Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia: These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911. Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants: In accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through May 31. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68° between 7:00 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 64° between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. In cases of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately. If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, contact the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at (617) 635-5300 to file a complaint, or call 311.   Heating safety: Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.  Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually. Make sure all vents are clear of snow or any other debris. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color. It is a poison and is deadly. Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold: The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate a home's main water shut off valve, and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage. Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing. Circulate warm air around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open. Circulate a trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold to help prevent them freezing up. Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight. If pipes do freeze, slow thaw with a hair dryer. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.   Emergency home repair resources:  Income-eligible homeowners and Boston's residents over age 62 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, or leaking/frozen pipes. Grant and loan funding is available. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).    In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand new heating system before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Grant and loan funding is available. Eligible owners should also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details. Tips to increase home energy efficiency:  Disconnect the water hose from the home. Wrap or cover exposed spigots. Caulk or putty windows. Ensure kitchen and bathroom dampers close properly. Close all storm windows and doors. Apply weather stripping. Properly insulate all pipes that are exposed. Install insulated or heavy drapes to keep cold drafts from coming in. Close the damper to a wood burning fireplace after each use. Consider a chimney balloon if you don't have a damper. Tips for what to do before a power outage: Before a weather event prepare your home by: Ensuring that your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are working and have fresh batteries. Consider purchasing a generator to provide power during an outage. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and learn how to use it safely before an outage. Ensuring that you have sufficient heating fuel. Consider safe backup heating options such as fireplaces or woodstoves. Have a landline phone with a corded receiver. Fully charge your cell phone, laptop, and other electronic devices. If you have a water supply (such as a well-water pump system) that could be affected by a power outage, fill your bathtub and spare containers with water. The water in the bathtub should be used for sanitation purposes only. You can pour a bucket of this water directly into the toilet bowl to flush it. Keep your car’s gas tank full. Pumps at gas stations may not work during a power outage. Set your refrigerator and freezer to their coldest settings to keep food cold (but remember to reset them back to normal once power is restored). If you have life-support devices, such as home dialysis or breathing machines, or other medical equipment or supplies that depend on electricity: Talk to your health care provider about how to use them during a power outage. Contact your local electric company and equipment suppliers about your power needs. Some utility companies will put you on a "priority reconnection service" list. Let the fire department know that you are dependent on life-support devices. If you have medication that requires refrigeration, check with your pharmacist for guidance on proper storage during an extended outage. Tips for what to do during a power outage: Follow instructions from public safety officials. Call 9-1-1 to report emergencies including downed power lines. Call your utility company to report power outages and get restoration information. National Grid  800-322-3223 Eversource 1-800-592-2000 Stay away from downed utility wires. Always assume a downed power line is live. If a traffic light is out, treat the intersection as a four-way stop. Keep a fire extinguisher handy. Use generators and grills outside because their fumes contain carbon monoxide. Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. If possible, use flashlights instead of candles. If you must use candles, place them in safe holders away from anything that could catch fire. Never leave a burning candle unattended. Never go to sleep with candles burning. Unplug sensitive electronics to avoid power surges when power is restored. Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about four hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. Be a good neighbor. Check on family, friends, and neighbors, especially the elderly, those who live alone, those with medical conditions, and those who may need additional assistance. Tips for driving in a winter storm: Avoid driving during the worst part of the storm. If possible, only travel during daylight hours, don't travel alone, and stay on main roads instead of taking shortcuts. Consider taking public transportation. Clear snow and ice from windows, lights, hood, and the roof before driving. Don't try to out drive the conditions. Remember the posted speed limits are for dry pavement. Know the current road conditions. Call 511 from your cell phone or the following from either your cell phone or landline phone. Metro Boston: (617) 986-5511 Brake early and correctly. It takes more time and distance to stop in adverse conditions. Be wary of bridge decks. They freeze first, making them more dangerous than the approach road. Exit ramps sometimes have less anti-icing material than the main line. Be aware of this when exiting the highway. Don't use "cruise control" driving in wintry conditions. Even roads that look clear can have sudden slippery spots. Using your brake on these spots will deactivate cruise control, possibly causing you to lose control of your vehicle. Many 4x4 vehicles are heavier than passenger vehicles. This means it takes longer to stop than passenger vehicles. Be wary of your 4x4 vehicle's traction. Trucks are heavier than cars, making their brake time slower. Avoid cutting quickly in front of them. Don't crowd the plow. Leave room for maintenance vehicles and plows. Stay back at least 200 feet and don't pass on the right. Always wear your seat belt. Let others know your destination, route, and expected travel times. Allow for extra travel time. Drive with your headlights on at all times to see and be seen.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Statewide Coastal Resiliency Strategy

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches Statewide Coastal Resiliency Strategy  

 

A new Chief Coastal Resilience Officer will lead the ResilientCoasts initiative, which will establish new Coastal Resilience Districts based on climate change impacts 

 

BEVERLY – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the launch of the ResilientCoasts initiative, a holistic strategy for addressing the impacts of climate change along the coastline of Massachusetts. In collaboration with the state’s 78 coastal communities, ResilientCoasts will pursue a multipronged approach to identify regulatory, policy, and funding mechanisms to develop focused long-term solutions. Notably, the initiative will be led by a new Chief Coastal Resilience Officer within the Office of Coastal Zone Management. Working with communities, this team will establish Coastal Resilience Districts based on their unique climate impacts. The development of a coastal resilience strategy is a priority action within the state’s ResilientMass Plan. The announcement took place at the Carriage House in Beverly. 

 

"Climate change poses a very real threat to our coastal way of life, but it also presents a unique opportunity for us to build communities that are safer and more equitable for years to come,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This is a matter of fiscal responsibility. Our coastal cities and towns have been weathering erosion, sea level rise, and extreme storms without a holistic state strategy. Homeowners, small businesses, and municipal governments deserve a regional approach to this problem. Our ResilientCoasts initiative will allow us to bring the full powers of the state to deliver real solutions to our coastlines.” 

 

“Governor Healey and I both hail from coastal communities and we feel strongly about the need for both strong statewide support and local collaboration,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As Mayor of Salem, our city saw a need for state, regional, and local collaboration on tough coastal issues. ResilientCoasts will provide this framework to harness the expertise of our communities to implement a long-term vision for our coasts.” 

 

“We’re not going to stand by while a major storm wrecks people’s homes, or coastal erosion pulls down seawalls out from under our small businesses,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We have some tough questions ahead – where will it be safe to build? How can we preserve our historical landmarks? What infrastructure will withstand ever worsening weather? We’re taking on some of the difficult aspects of coastal resiliency, and we’re doing it in partnership with municipalities, lawmakers, academics, and advocates to build consensus along the way.” 

 

“Now is the time for action,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “This initiative will allow us to make prudent cost-saving investments that protect our communities and coastal ecosystems. The state’s 2022 Climate Assessment identifies reduction in state and municipal revenues as an “urgent impact” of climate change with a “major level of consequence.” As we pull out all the stops to reduce emissions, these investments will help municipalities and the state save on climate response costs in the long term.”  

 

Massachusetts is planning for sea level rise by up to 2.5 feet by 2050 compared to 2008 if global emissions are not significantly reduced. Both tidal and storm-related flooding are projected to increase. By 2070, statewide annual average damages to coastal structures could be more than $1 billion per year. The total value of structures within the floodplain for the current 100-year return period coastal storm is about $55 billion, of which about $40 billion is residential, $12 billion is industrial, and $2.5 billion is commercial. The number of vulnerable infrastructure assets and anticipated loss will grow over time as rising seas expand the coastal floodplain. Of the nearly 2.5 million people that live within the 78 coastal communities in Massachusetts, approximately 55 percent of the population lives within Massachusetts-designated Environmental Justice Block Groups, representing communities of color, low-income populations, and/or communities facing language barriers. 

 

Governance Structure 

 

The Office of Coastal Zone Management (CZM) will lead the ResilientCoasts initiative. A newly created Chief Coastal Resilience Officer position will oversee this effort and provide cross-agency coordination. CZM’s unique experience and expertise with technical assistance, funding, partnerships, and regulatory review to address coastal threats will allow the administration to act swiftly in mitigating the impacts of climate change.  

 

Coastal Resilience Districts 

 

Massachusetts has more than 1,500 miles of coastline, spanning salt marshes, beaches, rocky shores, dunes, ports and harbors, and residential and commercial areas along the shores of 78 cities and towns. These geographic differences, along with variations in development, habitats, and other factors, underly the need for a regional approach to coastal resilience. A key component of ResilientCoasts will be the delineation of Coastal Resilience Districts, geographic regions that share similar landscape characteristics and face similar climate hazards. This initiative will delineate these districts in 2024 and then collaborate with communities to implement tailored resilience policy and regulatory strategies and leverage multiple state and federal funding opportunities. 

 

Resilience Strategies 

 

The ResilientCoasts initiative is a priority within the state’s 2023 ResilientMass Plan. It will identify resilience strategies for both statewide implementation and strategies tailored to each region’s unique vulnerabilities. Statewide, CZM will work with relevant state agencies to evaluate building standards, financing strategies, and scientific best practices, among other pursuits. The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency will lead an evaluation of a statewide buyout program. In addressing the concerns of each Coastal Resilience District, CZM will work with communities to assess strategies such as nature-based solutions, dredging, coastal nourishment, roadway elevation, and managed retreat. 

 

Financing & Federal Funding 

 

A key aspect of ResilientCoasts will be identifying innovative new financing mechanisms for climate resilience projects. New infrastructure and changing approaches to development will require reliable funding streams that are structured to incentivize coastal resilience. Already, CZM has led the effort to pursue federal funds through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge. The application requests $73 million and was developed in partnership with 55 community partners. The administration will work with the Legislature on any recommended approaches.  

 

Modern Regulatory Framework 

 

Massachusetts has the nation’s oldest coastal and waterways protection program. In order to support potential resilience strategies, CZM will work in parallel with relevant agencies to identify updates to state wetlands, waterways, the building code, and Massachusetts Environmental Protection Act regulations to better address the climate challenges of today. The agencies within the EEA will evaluate changes that will:  

· Support nature-based solutions for coastal erosion and flood protection and resilience; 

· Streamline the permitting process for coastal restoration and resilience projects; 

· Ensure that permitting and regulatory processes consider projected future sea level rise and precipitation levels that are based on the latest science and accurately reflect the changing climate. 

 

Cross-Government and Stakeholder Engagement 

 

Community engagement will be critical to the development of ResilientCoasts. A Coastal Resilience Task Force with representation from communities, businesses, scientists, community-based organizations, and environmental advocates will be created as part of the team to support the development of a strategy that effectively and equitably meets the needs of coastal communities. State agencies will engage in the effort through the state’s inter-agency ResilientMass Action Team.  

 

Statements of Support 

 

Adam Chapdelaine, Executive Director, Massachusetts Municipal Association: 

 

The MMA applauds the Healey-Driscoll Administration for launching this bold and timely effort and looks forward to representing the needs and interests of local government as this critical initiative gets underway." 

 

Bud Ris, Senior Advisor, Boston Green Ribbon Commission: 

 

“The Commonwealth’s Resilient Coast strategy comes as a welcome initiative at a critical time – just as we need to move more briskly from planning to implementation. It can build off of the good work done already through the Climate Ready Boston program and the Municipal Vulnerability Plans (MVPs) developed by other coastal communities up and down the coast. Hopefully, we’ll get a clear set of priorities for the decades ahead, along with various strategies to implement them.” 

 

Kathy Abbott, President and CEO, Boston Harbor Now: 

 

“By providing leadership and coordination at the highest levels, ResilientCoasts is a critical milestone in the Commonwealth’s efforts to accelerate implementation of climate adaptation. We look forward to continued partnerships with EOEEA, CZM, and the new Chief Coastal Resilience Officer on policy, governance, and funding initiatives while creating a healthier, more resilient and inclusive coast.”  

 

Katie Theoharides, President and CEO, The Trustees: 

 

“As the stewards of 120 miles of Massachusetts coastline, the Trustees see first-hand the impact of increasingly powerful storms and coastal erosion and has been working to pilot nature-based solutions that build resilient coastal ecosystems. We applaud this effort by the Healey-Driscoll administration to work with communities and partner organizations to better prepare and respond to the growing threat posed by climate change, and we look forward to partnering with the new Chief Coastal Resilience Officer to promote nature-based solutions to help communities become more resilient to climate impacts.”   

 

Alli Gold Roberts, Senior Director, State Policy, Ceres: 

 

"Investors and other financial actors have long recognized the severe risks facing coastal communities from climate change. Massachusetts residents and business owners are experiencing those risks first-hand, and more intensely with each passing storm. Ceres commends the Healey administration for prioritizing the challenges facing the Commonwealth's coastline, and looks forward to the innovative solutions the ResilientCoasts initiative promises to deliver." 

 

Alison Bowden, Interim State Director, The Nature Conservancy: 

 

“With its proactive approach to addressing climate concerns on a state level, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is becoming a standout nationally for climate policy that addresses issues holistically, creatively, and equitably. This latest announcement focuses on coastal resiliency which has statewide implications for Massachusetts. By creating a new Chief of Coastal Resilience and a task force that includes the voices of science, the administration clearly has a vision for robust outcomes. Leaning into partners to collaborate is essential to transforming resilience policies, funding, and strategies. And, by focusing on nature-based climate solutions to protect intact habitats, shorelines, and ecologically vital landscapes, we can make a significant difference in protecting our coastal areas against sea level rise and erosion so they can endure and be more resilient.” 

波士頓華埠退伍軍人會募兒童玩具 12月2、3兩日繼續

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會會員在華埠牌樓前
為兒童募捐玩具。 (軍人會提供)

        (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會上週末在波士頓華埠牌樓前擺出紙箱，展開每年一度的為兒童勸募玩具活動，包括波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn，各界人士響應熱烈。

                下週末的12月2、3 這兩天，在早上10點至下午2點之間，該會將繼續在華埠牌樓前為年紀在5歲到12歲的兒童，勸募未包裝的全新玩具。該會也歡迎各界捐贈獻金，由該會代購全新，適合兒童的玩具。

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會歡迎波士頓市議會
議長Ed Flynn到場支持。 (伍振中提供)

               11月25、26這兩天，儘管大波士頓天氣頗冷，氣溫甚至低至華氏30、40多度，退伍軍人會328分會的會員們，輪流站班，從會長司徒文信，前會長余國華，以及周暢，黃國麟、伍振中、陳志航，黃元輝等人，不論年紀已逾七十，還是才過四十，都整齊的穿著藍色軍帽與夾克，一列排開的站在波士頓華埠牌樓前，很有氣勢。

               黃周麗桃、陳建立、陳黃海蘭、姜家等社區聞人，也都在這兩天中專程到現場捐贈玩具，聊表愛心，以示支持。

               該會會會長司徒文信表示，過去這10年來，該會在包括俞國華、陳文浩，以及他自己的歷任會長率領中，為社區兒童共募集了不下2000件玩具，交由華埠組織來捐給兒童，讓更多家庭得以歡度聖誕、新年。

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會歡迎
黃周麗桃(左三)與朋友來捐玩具。(伍振中提供)

               今年的為兒童募捐玩具活動，該會秉持同樣原則，提醒熱心民眾，不要捐贈玩具槍等含有暴力意味的玩具。待12月2、3兩日收集活動結束後，該會將做整理，再擇日把所有的玩具送往中華廣教學校及僑立學校，交由兩校轉贈給兒童們。

陳黃海蘭、陳建利夫婦到場支持募捐玩具活動。
(軍人會提供)

還沒到下午2點，華埠退伍軍人會的玩具收集箱就已經裝滿了。
(周菊子攝)

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $800,000 in Grants to Buy Local Organizations

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $800,000 in Grants to Buy Local Organizations

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded $800,000 in grants to support the efforts of ten regional Buy Local organizations that work to help generate consumer awareness and demand for locally grown food products. Stretching from the Berkshires to the Cape, the organizations connect local farmers to their communities, helping them sell locally grown products to buyers and fostering long-term relationships between growers and consumers.

 

In addition to supporting the important work of regional farmers, Buy Local groups will leverage this funding to support environmental justice communities. These communities are racially and ethnically diverse, low-income neighborhoods that also may face language isolation. Due to systemic discrimination and racism, these communities have historically felt disproportionate environmental burdens. With this funding, Buy Locals will address food security needs, enhance access to local, culturally relevant foods, and engage with and support historically underserved farmers.

 

“Nourishing and healthy food is grown right here in Massachusetts, but not all of our residents have access to these local farms,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This funding will help bridge that gap by investing in our Buy Local organizations, farmers, and environmental justice communities. Everyone, regardless of race or income, deserves access to fresh, local products.”

 

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) works year-round with the regional Buy Local organizations to help generate consumer awareness and demand for locally grown food products and strengthen the marketing potential of agricultural businesses in different regions of the Commonwealth.

 

“MDAR values the ingenuity that the Buy Local organizations instill in their own regional and collective work, with many collaborating to enhance their initiatives,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle.  “Each of the organizations have the pulse of the needs of their farmers/producers in their respective areas. We’re proud to partner with all of them in advancing our shared goals of increasing the purchase and consumption of locally grown food by our consumers in the Commonwealth.”

 

“The Buy Local organizations on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket are essential to maintaining a solid relationship between our farmers and our community,” said Senator Julian Cyr (D- Cape and Islands). “Locally grown food bolsters our health, advances food security, preserves our environment, and promotes our local economy. I am thankful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for supporting Buy Fresh Buy Local, Sustainable CAPE, Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society, and Sustainable Nantucket with MDAR grants that will maintain the essential bridge between the Cape and Islands’ agricultural industry and Cape Codders and Islanders.”

 

“I am thrilled that this funding will empower Central Mass Grown to continue their invaluable work fortifying our region’s agricultural backbone and fostering awareness of locally grown products,” said Representative Meghan Kilcoyne (D – 12^th Worcester). “Central Mass Grown has always played a critical role in supporting our local farmers and I am excited that this funding will further promote the vitality of local agriculture and help connect more people with local fresh food within the 12th Worcester District and across Central Massachusetts.”

 

The following ten projects have been funded for Fiscal Year 2024: 

 

Organization	Town	Amount	Project
Buy Fresh Buy Local Cape Cod	Barnstable	$94,865	In collaboration with the Cape Cod Cooperative Extension and community partners, BFBLCC will promote Cape Cod grown land and sea farmers.
Central Mass Grown	Worcester	$91,740	The funded project will increase demand for local food through direct-to-consumer sales and wholesale purchases of Worcester County-grown products.
Sustainable CAPE	Truro	$73,570	The goal of the ”Local Chefs - Local Food!” and coordinated “Harvest Highlight - Buy Direct!” campaigns is to increase direct-to-consumer sales for Barnstable County farmers and fishers via a comprehensive community initiative to share information about local food access via a broad consortium of regional partners while strengthening the region’s Farmers Market Coalition and farmers markets’ ability to accept SNAP/HIP and other nutrition incentives.
Berkshire Grown	Great Barrington	$91,477	Berkshire Grown will strengthen collaborative initiatives that address food security in the Berkshires and increase connections between Berkshire farms and non-traditional community partners to make locally grown food available to all members of the Berkshire community.
Martha’s Vineyard Agricultural Society	Tisbury	$61,882	Funds will be used to support the operation of the island’s mobile poultry processing unit and to expand efforts to support farmers with grant writing and marketing. Funds will also be used to advertise farms and markets on the island, especially those that accept SNAP/HIP.
Sustainable Business Network (SBN)	Cambridge	$87,434	The program’s goal will be to provide a stepped ladder of support for local farms, fisheries, and food makers, connecting them with broader and new consumer markets and introducing them and expanding their wholesale connections.
Essex Ag Society – Northeast Harvest	Topsfield	$87,071	Northeast Harvest will promote, support, and strengthen local agriculture and fisheries by providing Local Food Guides (online and print), participation in the Food Pantry CSA Project, outreach, and support for the Buy Local Statewide Mobile App; continuing social media and updates on their website; participating in tabling at promotional events; and hosting an annual agricultural conference.
Southeastern MA Agricultural Partnership (SEMAP)	Dartmouth	$85,250	This project will increase farmer revenue by expanding and assessing the promotion of agriculture, farms, and crops in Southeastern Massachusetts, and increase farmer business proficiency through education and business assistance.
Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA)	South Deerfield	$84,737	Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture (CISA) will connect local farms to consumers of all income brackets in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, build demand for local food, and increase sales for local farms.
Sustainable Nantucket	Nantucket	$41,974.	This project will build on the success of previous grants to promote island farmers and fishers, helping them to raise their profile and profits through advertising and promotion efforts.