Governor Healey’s Applauds Governor’s Council for Approving Historic Cannabis Pardon

 Governor Healey’s Applauds Governor’s Council for Approving Historic Cannabis Pardon 

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s Council unanimously approving her request to pardon misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions in Massachusetts. This is the most comprehensive action by a governor since President Joe Biden pardoned federal marijuana possession convictions and called on governors to take similar actions in their states. 

“Massachusetts made history today. I’m grateful to the Governor’s Council for their due diligence in approving my request to pardon all state misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions,” said Governor Healey. “Thousands of Massachusetts residents will now see their records cleared of this charge, which will help lower the barriers they face when seeking housing, education or a job. I want to thank President Biden for his leadership on this issue, and I’m proud that Massachusetts was able to answer his call to action in this momentous way. I hope that other states will follow our lead as we work together to make our communities more fair and equitable.” 

The Governor’s Council’s approval came following a hearing in which legal experts, public safety officials, and impacted individuals testified about the ways in which this pardon would help people move forward in their lives and make criminal records better reflect current law. 

The pardon is effective immediately. The state will begin the process of updating records, but anyone who would likely to proactively request a marijuana pardon certificate can do so online.  

 The Governor’s Office has updated its FAQ to reflect the pardon’s approval. 

台灣星奇兒創藝協會上哈佛 自閉症藝術家畫作讓人驚豔

慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿(左三)和波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮
(右一)等人，在慈濟會所歡迎台灣星奇兒藝術協會創辦人陳穎君(
右三)，團長陳奕宏 (左六)。 (周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 台灣星奇兒創藝協會應哈佛大學社團邀請，3月30、31這兩日，在哈佛大學愛默生廳 (Emerson Hall) ，以30幅自閉症患者畫作，工作坊講座，唱歌、說故事的示範表演等，帶人們關注、認識自閉症。

             4月2日是國際自閉症日 (World Autism Awareness Day，簡稱WAAD) ，台灣星奇兒創藝協會走出台灣，來到哈佛，闡述藉由藝術，假以耐心，患自閉症的小孩，也可以過正常人生活，甚至上大學，當藝術家，將給許多家庭帶來新希望。

哈佛大學的王可心(右一)，David Kang (前右二)歡迎星奇兒創辦人陳穎君
(前左三)，以及嘉賓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(左一)，波士頓僑務委員
郭競儒(前右四)等人到場。(周菊子攝)

             根據美國疾病控制預防中心 (CDC) 於2023年公佈的2020年統計數據，每36名8歲孩童，就有1名染患自閉症。台灣中華民國自閉症基金會公佈的2022統計數據，臺灣患者約17,550人，而2021年的統計也已經是每44名兒童中就有1人。

             台灣星奇兒創藝協會創辦人陳穎君表示，這些統計數據讓人憂慮，染患自閉症的人數會持續上升，如何讓家長們知道，自閉症兒童，或已經成年的自閉症患者，都有機會改善症狀，似乎也變得更加急迫。

主辦單位和嘉賓們在畫展現場。(周菊子攝)

             陳穎君會創辦”星奇兒”這組織，其實也是因為兒子。原本是國際品牌設計部經理的她，於是成了國小資源班特教老師。在和黃迺翔(Huang Nai-Hsiang)等患有嚴重自閉症，從不開口講話的小孩相處，摸索出誘導他們學習，並和外界社會溝通的方法，知道了加入設計元素的藝術，可以打開自閉症患者心扉後，經由台新銀行文化藝術基金會董事長鄭家鐘的催生，她這才創立了”台灣星奇兒創藝協會”。

          

台灣星奇兒創辦人陳穎君(左一)，團長陳奕宏(右二)，和台灣慈濟師姐
李劉月琴(又一) 請波士頓僑務委員郭競儒(左二)協助介紹企業家，
宣傳該會理念。(周菊子攝)

              經過多年培育，台灣星奇兒創藝協會的星奇兒團隊已經成為台灣第一支自閉症設計團隊，可以在設定主題下集體創作。這些星奇兒的藝術創作，其實是星奇兒們的自我訓練成果。他們藉由發揮想像創意，啟迪大腦，訓練手眼協調，培養耐性，並學會靜下心來。陳穎君指出，星奇兒創意協會最令人驚豔的成果是該會星奇兒藝術家們，可以集體創作。

              現年已33歲的黃迺翔，經過藝術學習的誘導，不但順利上大學，拿到真理大學觀光系數位媒體碩士學位，還擁有電腦丙級技術士證照，當上了信託資訊服務公司的電腦助理。他也是臺灣星奇兒創藝協會依團團長，該會的電腦圖片，視頻剪接幾乎都是由他製作的。

台灣星奇兒創辦人陳穎君指出，這次的畫展是星奇兒們
看了書法家的這些作品後，自由發揮創作的。(周菊子攝)

              陳穎君自己的兒子，也是自閉症患者經由教育體系外的藝術學習，得到啟發，走上正常人生的例子。現年28歲的陳弈宏，小時候被診斷為患有中度自閉症，智商只有70，但在陳穎君的諄諄善誘下，他不但學會拿筆繪畫，還能示範少林武術，參演話劇，唱歌，甚至講說外語。2023年，他還贏得國際扶輪社的碩士獎學金。

              陳穎君在2天的會期中，介紹了這些 "星奇兒”的經歷，以及她所採用，幫助自閉症患者走進正常社會的方法，包括「親子五感按摩」，「經由藝術啟動五官感知」、「經由創意表達改善大腦功能」，「社會化互動行為建立」、「同理心的長期建構」等。她強調，讓自閉症患者經由觸摸來學習，往往可以得到更好效果。

哈佛大學的王可心(左)、David Kang邀請台灣星奇兒藝術協會到哈佛辦展，
提醒人們關注自閉症。(周菊子攝)

              台灣星奇兒創藝協會的走出臺灣，邁進國際，始於在台灣，經向鳴德推薦，上了達拉斯亞美故事館的線上講座，得到一克拉基金會支持，先到德州達拉斯大學 (UTD) 展覽，再應邀到美國亞歷桑納州鳳凰城辦畫展。陳穎君在那兒遇見哈佛大學公衛學院的研究生王可欣，於是促成該會到哈佛一行。

              在哈佛的這場會議，由哈佛大學本科生部的「提高自閉症意識俱樂部」主席David J. Kang和哈佛公衛的王可欣聯合主辦。新北市蘆洲慈濟師姐李劉月琴和達拉斯的翁筱玲，都特地陪同支持。波士頓慈濟也全力支援，包括負責人長金滿，以及鄧淑芳，吳明真，林采彤，陳筠媞，宋永麒等慈濟師兄姐，都加入後勤部隊，協助佈展。

             在哈佛大學麻省總醫院

在哈佛大學麻省總醫院 (MGH)攝有自閉症實驗室的孔學君 (左)，特地到場
和陳穎君交流。 (周菊子攝)

(MGH)開辦了自閉症實驗室的孔學君博士，在會期中也特地到場，和陳穎君交流。

             波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，波士頓僑務委員郭競儒獲悉這一有意義的活動，也特地到場致意，出席支持。郭競儒聽了陳穎君的敘述後慨言，自閉症患者的父母實在太偉大了。 (二次更新版)

哈佛大學的王可心(右二)、David Kang (左二)送感謝狀給陳穎君(中)，
陳奕宏(右一)，以及翁筱玲(左一)等人。(周菊子攝)

陳穎君介紹星奇兒門的畫作。(周菊子攝)

陳穎君解說以星奇兒畫作印製的書。(周菊子攝)

紐英崙伍胥山宗親慶龍年 (黃定國圖片專輯)

 

波士頓城中心該蓋辦公大樓或住宅? Midwood 42萬英呎項目受矚目

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 在新冠病毒疫情打擊，波士頓城中心空置率高漲，波士頓市府想要重振地方蓬勃生氣，解決房荒危機，鼓勵發展商把大樓商轉住之際，發展商有意蓋23層高樓，建成41萬7千平方呎辦公室大樓的計畫，備受矚目。

              一來是大環境的遠距辦公模式，已使得辦公大樓需求銳減，二來是波士頓市府正在鼓勵發展商把城中區的辦公大樓，重新翻修成住宅，以紓緩房荒問題。

              這是總部設在紐約的投資發展商 Midwood ，正在向波士頓市政府申請，要在華盛頓街 (Washington)和Bromdield街交界處，蓋一座23層樓高，有41萬7平方呎的辦公大樓。

              Midwood公司其實很有耐心，這已經是該公司為這塊地，第3次向波士頓市政府提交發展計畫了。該公司早從1990年代就已在該地段投資，大約20年前，更直接買了下來。起初，他們想蓋住宅大樓，卻遇到了經濟大蕭條。接著提出來被稱為One Bromfield的住宅計畫，又因為人們對停車場的關切，相鄰街道都有車輛進出限制被擱置一旁。那時候，那附近也蓋起了兩座豪華住宅大樓，2009年啟用的45 Province，以及2016年啟用，就在Bromfield對面，一度被稱為「費林洞 (Filene’s Hole)」的千禧塔 (Millennium Tower)。

              2020年3月，Midwood再次向波士頓計畫發展局 (BPDA) 提出發展計畫，這次要蓋的是辦公大樓，而且沒有停車場。但這次的提案時機，卻糟得不行。

              逼於新冠病毒疫情，許多公司已經在遠距辦公，或是採行實體、遠距各半的作法。商業地產經紀公司Colliers最近發表的報告也說，城中區約3650萬平方英尺的辦公室空間，現在有四分之一都在招租。整個波士頓市至少有50棟大樓，約有一半的空間都空著可租，比四年前高了5倍有多。

              只是業界對那些漂亮的新建大樓，需求似乎仍然很高。才剛蓋好的國會街一號 (One Congress)和Winthrop中心，就有道富集團( State Street)和德勤公司(Deloitt)搬了進去。

              Midwood也在去年11月的會議中引用了JLL經紀公司的數據，稱城中心2009年以後建成的樓宇，空置率低於8%，而比較舊的樓宇，空置率就高達18%。Midwood還說，一旦他們蓋成的辦公大樓完全租出去，可以為那個角落增加1700個工作機會，500多萬元的物業稅收。而且新蓋的這棟樓會是碳中和大樓，還不會高得像45 Province那樣。

              波士頓市府提供稅項減免，鼓勵發展商把城中區辦公大樓改成住宅的計畫，礙於近來金融市場的利率高漲，進展不大。據說，波士頓市政府迄今只收到總共要改建220個單位的6份申請案。波士頓市府已批准，要蓋總共2萬3000個單位的發展計畫，都還沒有動工。

國會眾議員William Delahunt辭世 麻州長下令降半旗致敬

William Delahunt (左一起)是代表昆士市的國會議員。旁為國會議員Steven Lynch，
麻州參議員John Kennan，昆士市市長Tom Koch，麻州眾議員陳德基。
(檔案照片，周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 曾任麻州聯邦眾議員的狄拉罕 (William Delahunt) 3月30日，在麻州昆士市家中辭世，享年82歲。麻州州長Maura Healey 今 (4月1) 日發文悼念，下令麻州降半旗致敬。

當年的美國能源部部長朱棣文(前)到麻州送大禮，撥經費給麻州建風測中心時，
William Delahunt (右一)和麻州州長Deval Patrick等人一起歡迎。
(周菊子攝，檔案照片)

             William Delahunt在昆士市是一名備受人民喜愛的從政者，當年他為了協助奧巴馬總統通過其立法目標，還特地言其退休，留在華府繼續奮鬥。

             麻州州長奚莉在簡短悼文中說，國會議員狄拉罕是一位傑出公僕，在地方，州，以及聯邦層次，尤其是麻州東南部，都推動了麻州的改變。他是當我們把人們帶到一起，就能有進步的例證。他為人們長久的留下正直、同情及合作的榜樣。許多人一定都會想念他。

狄拉罕從1997到2011年，代表麻州第10國會選區，在美國眾議院服務了14年。在1973到1975年擔任麻州眾議員後，他從1975年到1996年，擔任諾福克郡地方檢察官

昆士市市長Tom Koch (左五)當選第三度連任時，和
William Delahunt及華裔居民一起慶祝。 (周菊子攝，檔案照片)

狄拉罕的家人上週六發佈了一份聲明，說他走得很平和，不過並未透露他的確切死因。

代表麻州的美國聯邦參議員Ed Markey稱許狄拉罕在國會，以及擔任地方檢察官的長期服務。

委內瑞拉總統Nicolás Maduro也在推特 (X) 上發表了一段悼文。根據一份新聞報導，狄拉罕在擔任國會議員時，於2005年和當時的委內瑞拉總統Hugo Chavez達成過協議，為麻州低收入居民取得暖氣用油。2013年3月，Hugo Chavez在Caracas的葬禮，狄拉罕也去參加了。

2011年1月時，狄拉罕卸任美國聯邦眾議員。他那時候說，他原本考慮退休，但是灣州參議員Edward M. Kennedy說服了他，留下來幫助通過奧巴馬總統的立法倡議。在奧巴馬參選總統時，狄拉罕是第一批站出來支持他的人。

2010年3月宣佈退休時，他說Kennedy的在那年過世，促使他興起要在餘生多花時間和家人、朋友再一起的念頭。

狄拉罕的追思會將於週五的下午2點到7點，在昆士市的聯合第一教區教堂 (United First Parish Church)舉行。葬禮訂週六早上11點，在多徹斯特的Saint Gregory教區。

麻州政府要做會展業調查分析 發包招標

Healey-Driscoll Administration to Conduct Comprehensive Market Analysis of Convention Industry to Inform Future

Vision for MCCA 

Study will examine need, opportunities and affordability for expansion at Massachusetts Convention Center Authority facilities across the state  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll administration will be conducting a full market analysis of the convention industry to study ways to best position the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority (MCCA) and its facilities to drive economic activity across Massachusetts.  

On Friday, the Executive Office for Administration and Finance issued a Request for Proposals to hire an independent consultant to analyze current and projected industry conditions and what they mean for the future of MCCA facilities and offerings.   

This study will include an examination of how existing assets – including the Boston Convention and Exhibition Center, the Hynes Convention Center and the MassMutual Center – match the needs and priorities of current and future customers, as well as how best to position the MCCA to compete in the modern convention and meeting industry.   

“It’s important to take a comprehensive look at how we can best utilize the convention space we have and position the MCCA through expansion or other improvements to drive economic activity and better the communities and neighborhoods that surround our facilities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “The MCCA plays an integral role in our business, tourism and cultural economy and we look forward to learning more about how our administration can best support the MCCA to advance our equity, climate and competitiveness goals immediately and into the future.”   

“We know that a lot has changed in the convention industry since the COVID-19 pandemic. This analysis will not only inform how we think about expansion of our existing facilities and future development of MCCA properties, but also the affordability of potential projects and what it will require to meet our climate and diversity goals across our MCCA campuses,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, a member of the MCCA board. “We are committed to full transparency throughout this process and working with our partners at the MCCA to solicit a thorough analysis that will inform our administration’s and the MCCA board’s vision for the future.”  

The economic analysis and planning study sought by the administration should analyze the needs of the state’s economy and what the state requires for public convention and meeting assets, including a range of revenue and expense scenarios for the Authority.  

The selected vendor will also be asked to assess the capital asset maintenance and modernization needs of all MCCA facilities, including decarbonization and accessibility. This includes an analysis of near- and long-term usage and demand data for MCCA venues; the cost and impact of climate resilience efforts at MCCA facilities; MCCA employment policies and strategies, including equity and diversity goals and how to establish benchmarks for performance in those areas; and strategies to expand opportunities for small and diverse businesses to do business in MCCA facilities.  

Additionally, the chosen vendor will be asked to consider how to maximize MCCA’s role as a catalyst for economic growth throughout the state, an ambassador of Massachusetts to visitors, neighbors, and guests, and develop ideas for better leveraging the Authority’s impact as an employer, neighbor, purchaser of goods and services, and participant in the tourism and cultural sector of the state’s economy. This includes an assessment of MCCA’s community engagement strategies.  

The administration expects to have a completed market analysis by Fall 2024. 

波士頓地區近10年來百萬富翁多了55%

               (Boston Orange綜合編譯) 波士頓商業期刊 (BBJ) 的一篇報導稱，根據投資分析公司Henley & Partners公佈的報告，波士頓內百萬富翁人數，10年來增加了55%。

              在Henley & Partners的報告中，11個美國最大都會城市的百萬富翁人數增長率差不多，不過波士頓比其他城市的62%成長率，低了一點。

                          在2023年內，波士頓的百萬富翁人數約有4萬2900，比Braintree市整個市的人口還要多，和Arlington鎮差不多。

                                                            不過波士頓這百萬富翁人數，在未來幾年可能會有變化，至少是在一旦所謂的麻州”百萬富翁稅”開始生效之後。麻州居民在2022年的公投中，以52%的投票率通過了”百萬富翁稅”這新法令，凡是收入超過100萬元的部分，要增收4%的附加稅，然橫每年依照通貨膨脹率調整。反對者已經警告的說，這可能促使麻州內最有錢的居民們，遷往低稅率的州。贊成者則稱，政府需要從那些能夠負擔得起人那兒收更多稅，以支持教育及交通所需經費。

                                        在2013到2023年間，百萬富翁人數增加最多的城市是在陽光地帶城市，德州奧斯汀( Austin)最多，還有加州灣區的舊金山。

                                                    在灣區之外，高稅率的州，例如加州、伊利諾州、麻州及紐約州，儘管百萬富翁的總數很高，但富翁成長率都比較低。

                       Tampa Bay商業期刊的Chris Erikson在報導中稱， 德州Austin的百萬富翁人數成長率全美最高。過去10年來，成長率110%。亞利桑那州的Scottsdale排名第二，成長率102%，其次為佛羅里達州西棕梠灘的棕梠灘 (Palm Beach)，93%。以全美來說，在2013年到2023年間的富翁成長率，平均為62%，比全球的38%高得多。

波士頓市宣佈聘用3名新任鄰里聯絡員

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES NEW NEIGHBORHOOD LIAISONS FOR JAMAICA PLAIN, SOUTH END/BAY VILLAGE, AND ALLSTON-BRIGHTON

BOSTON - Monday, April 1, 2024 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced new staff in the Office of Neighborhood Services, including Sarah Sharpe as the South End and Bay Village Liaison, Kevin L’Herrou as the Allston-Brighton Liaison, and Caroline Peters as the Jamaica Plain Liaison. The Office of Neighborhood Services is integral in connecting residents to City services and resources, facilitating resident input in all aspects of local government, ensuring the appropriate City departments respond to constituent service requests, attending neighborhood meetings, and responding to emergencies such as fires to help displaced residents.  “Sarah, Kevin, and Caroline all have unique skills that will be well suited for the neighborhoods they represent,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Neighborhood liaisons are a direct channel to City government, and I’m so grateful for their service and dedication to our communities. I look forward to working closely with these three additions to such an essential City office.”

Sarah Sharpe

Prior to joining the Mayor’s Office of Neighborhood Services, Sarah Sharpe worked as the Development Officer for the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. She also served on the 2023-2024 SPARK Boston Council for the City of Boston. She majored in International Relations and Sociology at Brandeis University, and earned her Master’s in Public Administration from Northeastern University. In her role as the South End/ Bay Village neighborhood liaison, Sharpe looks forward to utilizing her experience in cultivating partnerships and engaging with constituents. "I am excited about building close relationships with residents, civic organizations, and local businesses. To be effective in this role I know I must establish a foundation of trust,” said South End/Bay Village Liaison Sarah Sharpe. “I am looking forward to immersing myself into the greater neighborhood community, celebrating wins, and tackling challenges as a united front in the South End and Bay Village."

Kevin L’Herrou

Kevin L’Herrou grew up in Florida and attended the University of South Florida. He worked as a community organizer before moving to Brighton in 2019 and graduated from Boston University with a Master’s in International Affairs. In Boston, L’Herrou counseled international students studying at local high schools and community colleges and helped them apply to college. He immediately noticed the welcoming sense of community in Allston-Brighton and was determined to stay and seek out ways to give back to the neighborhood. “I strongly believe in the importance of being physically present in the community. I plan to meet regularly with residents to understand their concerns and be actively involved in events throughout Allston-Brighton,” said Allston-Brighton Liaison Kevin L’Herrou. “I look forward to being a community advocate. I love Allston-Brighton and want our community to continue to be a fantastic place to live.” Caroline Peters

Caroline Peters majored in Spanish at Macalester College and received a Fulbright English teaching assistantship grant in Colombia after graduating. Upon returning to the U.S., Peters pursued student-facing roles at local universities in Boston including Boston University’s Center for English Language and Orientation Programs where she supported international students from over 60 countries. Peters is passionate about language accessibility and education, and earned a certificate in Spanish/English translation from UMass Boston.  “I’m excited to get to know the city and neighborhood I love through a new lens, not only as a Jamaica Plain resident but also as an extension of City Hall,” said Jamaica Plain Liaison Caroline Peters. “The opportunity to contribute to efforts small and large in JP and help deliver on Mayor Wu’s goals is a privilege I take seriously and look forward to embarking on.” “Neighborhood liaisons are the bridge between City Hall and neighborhoods in Boston,” said Executive Director Beata Coloyan. “Liaisons are constituents' biggest advocates to ensure communities are aware of what is happening in their city, are connected to essential resources, and have a partner to help them navigate city services.”