星期三, 5月 15, 2024

紐英崙婦女新運會探訪耆英慶母親節

左起,何洋、林黎輝、張青梅、李曹秀萍、伍劉小芸、李盧蓮卿、
梅伍銀寬、鄧陳秋華、張瀠今等人和耆英同慶母親節。(耆英會提供)
           (Boston Orange) 紐英崙婦女新運會510日組隊,攜糕點,帶備手工藝材料,前往中華耆英會康樂樓日間護理中心,和耆英們同慶母親節,獻上康乃馨,齊唱「世上只有媽媽好」的歡度一日。

李盧蓮馨(右) 和耆英。
                   紐英崙婦女新運會的現任會長李盧蓮馨、張青梅,以及梅伍銀寬,李曹秀萍,伍劉小芸,鄧陳秋華等歷任會長及幹部,在張瀠今何洋、林黎輝等人協助中,10日這天,帶備回收材料,和耆英會康樂樓日間護理中心的耆英們,拿起剪刀,彩筆,膠水,畫上喜愛的圖案,各自做出獨一無二的手提包,玩得很開心。

                   婦女新運會接著為每位耆英們獻上康乃馨,送上美味糕點,齊唱「世上只有媽媽好」。

                 中華耆英會康樂樓老人中心的負責人感謝的表示,希望將來能和婦女新運會有更多合作機會,為耆英們帶來更多歡樂。

李曹秀萍(右)和耆英。
紐英崙婦女新運會會長李盧蓮馨表示,該會致力推動婦女參與社會活動和公益事業。以提升婦女的社會地位和影響力,也支持、幫助弱勢群體,探訪耆英是該會的不定期活動之一,很高興這天能為耆英們帶來歡樂。 (所有圖片均為耆英會提供)




梅伍銀寬(左)和耆英。

張青梅(左)和耆英。

波士頓慈濟三節合一慶典 介紹四大志業 強調環保

慈濟波士頓三節合一禮臺佈置得莊嚴、瑰麗。(周菊子攝)
            (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 慈濟波士頓聯絡處512日在牛頓會所舉辦「浴佛節、母親節、全球慈濟日」的三節合一慶祝,有七十多人絡繹加入禮佛行列,唱誦佛經,回向功德,祝願世人脫離苦難,平安健康,在儀式結束後參觀環保攤位,品茶,享用蔬食。

浴佛禮會場眾人獻花。(周菊子攝)
今年的波士頓慈濟三節合一慶典,在司儀林彩彤宣佈儀式開始,陳裕逢敲擊大鼓後,拉開序幕。出席眾人在擺有水晶佛像,鮮花點綴的禮臺前唱誦出自「大智度論」的「讚佛偈」,列隊繞場回向功德,再分批向佛陀奉香湯,獻鮮花,捧心燈,完成浴佛儀式。

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿接著請到場嘉賓們分組參觀介紹慈濟志業的攤位,包括黃湘霏的球鞋回收活動闡述,齊明君的慈濟環保理念及行動解說,陳裕逢的茶道,黃素玲以靜思(淨斯)產品製作糕點等現場示範。

波士頓慈濟三合一慶典會場佈置。 (周菊子攝)
出席眾人對現場展示,全用回收材料製作,具環保阻燃功效,一分鐘就可搭建完成,能夠照顧災民個人隱私,配備有桌椅床及毯子的慈濟救災帳篷,尤感興趣。曾任新英格蘭大波士頓臺灣商會會長的許炳煌還特地進帳棚試躺了一下。

波士頓慈濟當天還由金花師姊率香積組準備了豐盛的蔬食大餐,邀出席者享用。慈青也自製全素小糕點,請出席者品嘗。

黃湘霏率慈青們加入服務陣容。 (周菊子攝)
波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮,前任波士頓僑務委員蔣宗壬,曾在俄亥俄州擔任當地一慈濟分會負責人的曾皇鈞,紐英崙客家鄉親會舞蹈老師余嘯渝,本身也是慈濟人的波克萊台灣商會創辦人游勝雄等,當天有不少嘉賓出席。

慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿透露,今年以來,波士頓慈濟忙碌非常,不但持續辦理波士頓中國城掃街,蔬果發放,為街友烹煮熱食等活動,還申請到政府經費補助,致力關懷銀髮族身心健康,未來還有增加服務據點計畫,希望能招募更多義工協力服務社會。

 (僑務電子報:   https://ocacnews.net/article/369254)

許炳煌試坐慈濟照顧災民隱私的簡易環保以及帳篷、床。(慈濟提供)
波士頓慈濟聯絡人長金滿(左) 邀曾在他州擔任慈濟據點聯絡人,
如今定居麻州的曾皇鈞參加三合一慶典。(周菊子攝)
陳裕逢(中)、宋永麒(右二)主持茶道分享。(周菊子攝)
長金滿(左一)歡迎在劍橋市推廣蔬食的簡藝(左二)到場。(周菊子攝)
吳明真(左)準備帶應邀出席的華人經濟發展協會董事長蔣宗壬參觀攤位。(周菊子攝)
波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(右)問候慈誠游勝雄(左)的身體康復狀況。(周菊子攝)

星期二, 5月 14, 2024

第45屆波士頓香港龍舟節 68 隊參賽6月9日舉行

伍振中(後右)夫婦和他輔佐的船隊之一在BDBF45週年慶中合影。(周菊子攝)
               (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 波士頓香港龍舟節 (BDBF) 今年跨入第45屆,日前在昆士市龍鳳酒樓設宴慶祝並籌款。籌委會主席汪剛柳宣佈,今年有將近70隊參賽,69日盼各界人士到波士頓市查理士河畔共襄盛舉。

狼群隊 (Wolfpack) 是BDBF 45周年慶中出席人數最多的隊伍。(周菊子攝)
              波士頓香港龍舟節是個歷史悠久的社區活動,創辦人包括曾任波士頓兒童博物館副總裁,領養有杭州女孩的史凌雲 (Leslie Swartz),數年前辭世的劉忠凱,Peter Murray及其妻趙禮斌等人。大波士頓中華文化協會的陳瑞虹早年也是龍舟節核心人物之一。

              在波士頓香港龍舟節的45週年慶晚宴上,史凌雲簡述了龍舟賽的歷史淵源。一名曾參加第一屆比賽的出席者感嘆,當年下水競划船隊屈指可數,如今參賽隊數竟逼近70的規模,令人欣喜。

波士頓香港龍舟節籌委之一趙夢荷(Jennifer Chiu,右) 等人請廣教學校
醒獅隊為BDBF 45週年助興。(周菊子攝)
              這些年來,波士頓香港龍舟節的確變化極大,早年是純粹民間組織,後來爭取到香港經貿辦支持,1997年香港回歸中國大陸後,贊助單位又9再增加中國駐紐約總領事館,現任駐紐約總領事黃屏也出席過不只一次。去年杭州市代表團到訪波士頓,還送出一艘船。

              根據波士頓香港龍舟節籌委會主席汪剛柳提供的名單,該會現任董事名單共12人,包括趙夢荷,Jim ConelleyKathy LoboKai Pong,陶凱,溫朱曼妮,汪剛柳,王碩平,黃梓均,黃漾娜,尹譯晗,鄭藍宇。

廣教學校醒獅隊走進人群中舞動吉祥。該校副校長余仲強
特地依照習俗,遞出一個洪封包。 (周菊子攝)
              每年都大力支持波士頓香港龍舟節,為該會修船,輔導船隊練習,今年出任紐英崙伍胥山公所主席的伍振中在回應本刊詢問時直言,他從來沒有加入過波士頓香港龍舟節籌委會,儘管該會曾多次邀約,但他實在太忙,既要輔佐癌症倖存者船隊划龍舟改善身體健康,要為他創辦的神筆小孩基金會製作、銷售藝術品,保持神筆小孩基金會作為自給自足公益團體地位,要從麻州擴及全美,更重要的是他還在籌辦龍舟博物館這更大的計畫。
波士頓香港龍舟節45周年慶約200人出席同歡。(周菊子攝)

              根據主辦單位日前陸續公佈的表演節目及參賽隊伍海報,今年的表演節目一樣從中午12點開始,預定有大波士頓中華文化協會 (GBCCA)的腰鼓隊為點睛儀式助陣,華林功夫太極學校為開幕式舞龍。接著有中國傳統音樂及扯鈴,柬埔寨舞蹈,中國武術示範,韓國舞蹈,韻律操,變臉,柬埔寨歌唱樂隊,中國舞蹈及芭蕾,日本太鼓表演等,估計下午5點舉行頒獎典禮。

              在參賽隊伍方面,印在傳單上的共66隊,其中約9個校友隊,清一色來自中國大陸,包括復旦及同濟,孫逸仙、交通、清華,浙江,南京等大學的校友隊,武漢聯隊,北京大學校友甚至組成2隊參賽。

              實力最強的俱樂部隊 (club),也至少有7隊,其中的波士頓台灣人龍舟隊 (BTBC)和主要由在大波士頓本地出生亞裔所組成的狼群 (Wolfpack)隊,各派出2隊參賽。過去數年來經常派有2隊參賽的華人青年會隊 (CYPN),今年只派出暴風雨 (Storm)隊。

              波士頓台灣人龍舟隊近年表現極佳,去年10月打進北美龍舟賽前五名,取得今年9月到義大利,代表美國參加世界錦標賽的資格。

              45屆波士頓龍舟賽已定69(週日),從早上8點起開賽,中午12點開始文娛表演。活動地點在劍橋市的JFK和西方大道橋之間紀念大道 (Memorial Drive) 旁的查理士河畔Weeks Footbridge。查詢詳情可上網https://www.bostondragonboat.org/

波士頓市和奧林匹克泳將推出一系列國際水上安全日活動

CITY OF BOSTON HOSTS OLYMPIC SWIMMERS, KICKS OFF INTERNATIONAL WATER SAFETY DAY EVENTS

BOSTON - Tuesday, May 14, 2024 - Today, the City of Boston was joined by Olympic swimmers Cullen Jones and Janelle Atkinson to kick off a series of events to raise awareness of International Water Safety Day, an annual day of recognition to bring global awareness about drowning prevention. The morning reception kicks off two days of events that will include visits to two Boston Public Schools, a technique clinic for youth at the BCYF Flaherty Pool in Roslindale, and a water safety festival and swim lesson at the BCYF Mattahunt Community Center in Mattapan. This series of events is the latest in the City of Boston’s Swim Safe campaign that strives to improve water safety by making swim lessons and water access top priorities. 


Learning to swim is one part of Mayor Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore, her commitment to the city’s youth to ensure they have the resources and opportunities to thrive and explore their passions. This is an important step to make Boston a home for everyone.


“With summer approaching, our children should be able to experience the joy of being in our water and pools, with their families knowing that they are doing so safely,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful for our community partners that are emphasizing the importance of water safety to ensure that Boston is the most family-friendly city.”


During the event, Olympic swimmers Cullen Jones and Janelle Atkinson McClave shared their experiences of learning to swim and rising to the highest levels of competitive swimming. 


“USA Swimming is proud to help raise awareness of water safety and swimming programs across the country by expanding our community support of International Water Safety Day to four locations,” USA Swimming Managing Director of Sport Development Joel Shinofield said. “As we prepare to name our next Olympic team in June, we are reminded that every athlete starts by first putting their goggles on and learning how to swim.” 


Chief of Human Services José F. Massó unveiled a new City-run water safety public information campaign that will be posted on social media, city billboards, and MBTA bus shelters this summer with the goal of encouraging residents, and especially caregivers of young children, to take steps to keep their children safe around water this summer. The City also announced a new round of grant awards totalling $150,000 to support free lessons at the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, West End House, and Dot House Health. 


“We want all families in Boston to have a safe, fun summer,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “With the help of our partners, we’re spreading the word about water safety and giving residents the tools they need to keep themselves and their kids safe around water this summer.”


The City’s efforts to expand swim lessons is a public health issue. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children and that the risk of drowning is higher for children of color. Black children are more than twice as likely as white children to die of drowning. For every child who dies of drowning, there are seven non-fatal drownings, which are traumatic and can lead to health issues later in life. Swim Safe Boston seeks to improve water safety in Boston, address the public health threat posed by drowning, and increase access to swimming for Boston families.


“As summer approaches, we are thrilled to partner with the City of Boston and Swim Safe to bring the joy of swimming to every child,” said Jeff Bellows, Vice President of Corporate Citizenship and Public Affairs at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. “By investing in water safety education, we’re promoting fun and healthy activities, addressing systemic inequities and ensuring all community members have the opportunity to safely enjoy Boston’s pools and beaches.”


Boston Centers for Youth & Families also offer free lessons at their pools. There is currently no charge for membership or programming but visitors need to create a membership at Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration.


“It's such a unique opportunity and incredible honor to partner with elite swimmers and institutions on Boston's effort to promote swim safety throughout our city," said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. "In a waterfront city like Boston, it's imperative that all youth have the tools to safely enjoy all that Boston has to offer in the summer- including our pools and beaches."



“We are incredibly proud to host Olympic swimmers at a number of our schools this week to share their important message about water safety with our kids,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “Learning to swim and having access to pools is so important for Boston’s young people, and hearing this message from elite athletes who are spending quality time with our students has a powerful impact. We are proud of our ongoing collaboration with BCYF, City Hall, and others to ensure that our kids can safely enjoy our pools all summer long.” 


The Mayor’s commitment to swim access is seen in many neighborhoods across the city. Because of a collaboration between Boston Public Schools, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the Public Facilities Department, and the Property Management Department, investments of City funding, and improved facilities assessment, the City is on track to have more pools open this year than in previous summers, including the BCYF Clougherty, Draper, Hennigan, Marshall, and Perkins pools. BCYF Marshall Community Center pool opened in fall 2023 and the BCYF Mattahunt opened recently. The Draper, Hennigan, and Perkins are expected to be open this summer as is the Clougherty Pool, which is undergoing a two-year renovation. This fiscal year, Mayor Wu allocated $34.3 million in the FY24-FY28 capital plan for repairing and renovating the city's pools.

星期一, 5月 13, 2024

Massachusetts Named Most Environmentally-Friendly State in Nation by Forbes

Massachusetts Named Most Environmentally-Friendly State in Nation by Forbes 

Image ID: Electric Meter, Water Sprinkler, Solar Power Worker 

BOSTON - Forbes has ranked Massachusetts as the most environmentally-friendly state in the nation. All 50 states were evaluated using a Sustainability Index that utilized three metrics- water use, energy use, and solar friendliness to determine their commitment to protecting the environment. Massachusetts ranked second in water usage with a total of 200.57 gallons per day diverting less water from rivers and bays and fifth in energy usage with 192.2 million Btu used per year, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Massachusetts was also rated one of the most solar-friendly states in the country, based on its current solar infrastructure, the number of solar jobs, and the costs of installing new solar infrastructure. Taken together, Massachusetts received the top rating from Forbes.  

“Massachusetts has a long-standing history of being a global leader in sustainability, and our administration is committed to lengthening our lead,” said Governor Maura Healey. “From our Mass Leads Act to our Solar for All program, we are setting the example for an equitable transition to clean energy, which not only benefits our environment but also our economy.”  

“It is an honor to be named the most sustainable state in the nation. State and local partnerships like the Green Communities program have propelled clean energy innovation across Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. We are grateful for the hard work being done by our cities and towns to address climate change and protect public health. Local action is vital to reducing Massachusetts’ carbon emissions.”  

“Massachusetts’ sustainability efforts stood out during our data analysis.” said Samantha Allen, Managing Editor at Forbes Home. “The state ranking second for the least water usage per capita, coupled with almost 20% of its energy being run on solar, showed Massachusetts’ commitment to conserving energy and using renewable resources, helping them land at the #1 spot overall.”  

“Sustainability in Massachusetts means lower energy costs, cleaner air, and more just communities,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We have invested in solar and energy efficiency programs that have produced remarkable results and will continue building on this work to provide a cleaner and greener future. This achievement would not have been possible without the support of our clean energy workforce, municipalities, advocates, and our agencies.”   

“We are proud of the programs that make Massachusetts a national leader in energy efficiency and enabled our northern state to be a front-runner in solar development. The important work done by dedicated agency staff results in lower energy use and costs for residents and businesses, air pollution reductions, and healthier, more comfortable spaces to live and work in,” said Department of Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “We’re excited to continue our work and implement programs that will help historically underserved communities enjoy the benefits of solar, advanced heating technologies and efficiency measures.”  

“Water Conservation is a top priority at the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority. We work closely with our customer communities to ensure that we are using our most precious resource in a responsible manner, said Massachusetts Water Resources Authority Executive Director Fred Laskey. MWRA ratepayers use approximately 140 million gallons less of water every day than when the Authority was created nearly 40 years ago. Only through strong local partnerships was this made possible. We are proud of this progress and the Authority will continue to work to identify ways to become even more efficient in the future.”    

Massachusetts is a national leader in energy efficiency due to its award-winning Mass Save® program, building energy codes, and energy efficiency measures. Since 2010, Massachusetts has been named one of the most energy-efficient states in the nation by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE). Energy efficiency improvements help homeowners and businesses save money and reduce emissions. Mass Save has reduced greenhouse gas emissions by 3.7 million metric tons, and has invested more than $1 billion in improvements for low-income households. For 2022-2024 programs, Mass Save increased investments and benefits to historically underserved communities – specifically renters, language-isolated customers, environmental justice municipalities, and small businesses. Massachusetts also saw a record number of heat pump installations in 2023.  

Massachusetts’ solar programs have contributed to advancing the state’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050, bolstering the cleantech workforce, and creating hundreds of businesses. Since 2010, over 140,000 solar projects, representing more than 4 gigawatts of clean energy, have been installed across the state through the Department of Energy Resources (DOER). In April, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Massachusetts $156 million through its Solar for All competition. This funding will support the deployment of 125 megawatts of solar capacity, provide a 20 percent reduction in energy costs to more than 31,000 low-income and disadvantaged households, support 2,800 clean energy jobs, and decrease annual carbon emissions by 70,500 tons.  

Conserving water is critical to protecting natural resources, reducing the amount of energy needed to treat, pump, and heat water, and saving residents money. The Massachusetts Water Resources' (MWRA) Water Conservation and Efficiency programs help maintain regional water demand comfortably below the water supply system’s safe yield. MWRA provides water-efficient retrofit kits that include low-flow shower heads, faucet aerators, and leak detection dye tablets at no cost to residents and property owners to conserve and protect water resources. Water conservation also helps support regional wastewater flow below the required permit limit at the Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant and contributes to MWRA’s reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. 

波士頓市長吳弭啟程赴羅馬 將晤教宗出席氣候峰會

MAYOR MICHELLE WU TO ATTEND CLIMATE SUMMIT AT THE VATICAN TO SHOWCASE BOSTON’S LEADERSHIP ON CLIMATE ACTION TO GLOBAL AUDIENCE

 BOSTON - Monday, May 13, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today shared the events she will participate in while attending a climate summit at the Vatican, hosted by Pope Francis, “From Climate Crisis to Climate Resilience.” Mayor Wu will give remarks for a discussion called “Governance, Energy,” as part of Vatican Summit Session VII - Best Practice in Governance and co-chair a discussion called Session XI - Financing Resiliency. As a participant at the summit, Mayor Wu will showcase Boston as a champion on climate action, while learning from other global leaders about best practices. A key part of Boston’s Green New Deal is ensuring that the City’s work supports the climate, livability and opportunity of Boston’s neighborhoods for residents, taking action to address environmental protection while also enhancing public health, housing affordability, better public transit options, and access to green jobs. 

While in Italy, she will also meet with the Mayor of Rome and visit towns with ties to Boston’s heritage and that of her own family. The Mayor will visit Sulmona, a town with strong ties through immigration to Boston’s North End; and attend a commemorative event in Coreno Ausonio, where her children will see the hometown that their great great-grandparents emigrated from. Two students from Boston Public Schools’ BCLA-McCormack will also be attending the Vatican summit. They will be two of eight young people from around the world to participate in Session XII - Voices of the Youth 

“As the climate crisis takes on growing urgency across the globe, communities must come together to take collective action for a safer, brighter future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Boston is proof of what’s possible for cities tackling the climate crisis while creating green jobs and healthier communities. I’m honored to represent Boston at this important convening led by Pope Francis, and look forward to shining a spotlight on our community’s work and also bringing home solutions from innovative cities around the world.”

Mayor Wu is champion of climate action for Boston. The City’s leadership has delivered results through growing its PowerCorps green jobs program and Boston’s Community Choice Electricity program, transitioning to electric school buses and vehicles, decarbonizing existing buildings and adopting green building standards for new construction, launching networked geothermal energy in public housing, enhancing Boston’s green spaces and building green infrastructure to protect against flooding, bolstering electric vehicle infrastructure, and aggressively fighting for federal funding. Mayor Wu has set an ambitious agenda. 

Mayor Wu’s commitment to climate action advances sustainability, resilience, and environmental justice. Last month, Mayor Wu shared her FY25 Budget which included groundbreaking investments in climate action and adaptation. These investments range from new personnel investments, such as a park administrator and six new maintenance staff to maintain Franklin Park, to transformative Capital investments, such as a new $75 million City fund that leverages State and Federal climate resilience grants. Under Mayor Wu’s leadership, the City will enhance climate resilience across Boston to prepare for climate change while supporting the lives of Boston residents. 

The international conference is organized by the Pontifical Academy of Sciences and the Pontifical Academy of Social Sciences under the leadership of UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco and Ram Ramanathan, Distinguished Research Professor at UC San Diego and climate solutions scholar at Cornell University. Pope Francis will preside over the summit

麻州加入17州行列 推廣戶外娛樂經濟

Massachusetts Joins National Coalition to Cultivate Local Outdoor Recreation Economy  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Joins Confluence of States 

From Left to Right: Katherine Andrews, Director, Arkansas Office of Outdoor
Recreation Carolann Ouellette, Director, Maine Office of Outdoor Recreation,
Karina Armijo, Director, New Mexico Outdoor Recreation Division,Sandi Olek,
Director, Maryland Office of Outdoor Recreation Patrick Harrington, Director,
Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation, Paul Jahnige, Director, Massachusetts
Office of Outdoor Recreation, Nathan Reigner, Director, PennsylvaniaOffice of
Outdoor Recreation, Jackie Dagger, Director, Vermont Outdoor Recreation Economic
Collaborative Brad Garmon, Director, Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry,
Conor Hall, Director, Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office, Jason Curry,Director,
Utah Division of Outdoor Recreation Maribel Castañeda, Manager, Confluence of States 

BOSTON – Today the Healey-Driscoll Administration joined the Confluence of States (COS), a bipartisan national coalition of state governments, dedicated to growing the outdoor recreation economy and championing conservation. The Massachusetts Office of Outdoor Recreation (MOOR) joins 17 other state departments at COS dedicated to advancing and embodying the central pillars of the alliance: conservation and stewardship, education and workforce training, economic development and public health and wellness. Massachusetts and Pennsylvania signed the Confluence Accords, a multi-state agreement to advance outdoor recreation and protect wild areas, inducting them as new members of the Confluence of States. As a member, MOOR will regularly collaborate with other state outdoor recreation offices to identify and solve challenges through innovative research and information sharing on best practices. 

“Outdoor recreation is an essential part of living and visiting Massachusetts, and we are thrilled to join our state partners as a new member of the Confluence of States,” said MOOR Director Paul Jahnige. “Massachusetts is blessed with vibrant trail systems, diverse wildlife, and outdoor adventures of all kinds. Through the Confluence of States, we look forward to amplifying our collective voice to advance outdoor recreation and protect our natural resources.”    

"We are thrilled to welcome Massachusetts as the 18th member of the Confluence of States. Their commitment to enhancing outdoor recreation, conserving our natural landscapes, and fostering economic growth aligns perfectly with our four pillars," said Katherine Andrews, 2024 Chair of the Confluence of States and Director of the Arkansas Office of Outdoor Recreation. "As a state renowned for its historical significance, diverse landscapes, and innovative spirit, Massachusetts brings a wealth of knowledge to our bipartisan coalition. From the rolling hills of the Berkshires to the shores of Cape Cod, Massachusetts' unique contributions will be invaluable in our pursuit of cultivating a strong outdoor recreation economy and getting more people outdoors."   

“Pennsylvania’s and Massachusetts’ formal commitment to the Confluence of States is a testament to the groundswell of support for outdoor recreation as a driver of resilient state economies, connector of communities, and boon to public health,” said Chris Perkins, Vice President of Programs at Outdoor Recreation Roundtable. “The $1.1 trillion outdoor recreation economy is better off with robust state leadership for outdoor recreation initiatives and investments and we are proud to have showcased these directors and the Confluence of States at our National Outdoor Recreation Executive Forum.” 

Established in December 2022, MOOR collaborates with state and private agencies to promote activities across Massachusetts, including hunting, fishing, horseback riding, paddling, swimming, and more. Outdoor recreation is vital to Massachusetts contributing $11 billion to the economy, creating over 102,000 jobs, and boosting tourism. MOOR looks forward to working closely with the Confluence of States to implement strategic initiatives that drive economic growth, promote equitable outdoor access for all, and improve public health in Massachusetts.  This announcement follows the hiring of Paul Jahnige as the state’s first Director of Outdoor Recreation in 2023, as well as the launch of the Massachusetts Inclusive and Accessible Events Grants Program, created to advance equity and belonging across Massachusetts' recreation opportunities. 

麻州公衛廳訂11年撥款190萬元資助19社區機構預防自殺

 State Public Health Officials Award $1.9 Million for Statewide Suicide Prevention Services

Funding to support 19 community organizations across the state until June 2035

BOSTON (May 13, 2024) – The Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced $1.9 million in annual state funding over the next 11 years awarded to 19 community organizations to provide suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention services across the state. 

Now entering its tenth year, this funding allocation is part of DPH’s Suicide Prevention Program, which seeks to reduce the incidence of suicidal ideation, behavior, and deaths in Massachusetts through investments in community organizations that provide suicide prevention services that are accessible, culturally responsive, and trauma informed. Funded organizations will provide services to people at increased risk of suicidality, communities impacted by suicide, and underserved and historically marginalized populations. 

“Every day, but especially as we honor Mental Health Awareness Month, we work to reduce stigma associated with mental health challenges and suicidal thoughts,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “Through initiatives like suicide prevention services funding and the Roadmap for Behavioral Health Reform, it is our hope that anyone who struggles with their mental health know where to access services, and that it is OK to talk to someone and seek help.” 

“Our primary goal with this funding and our ongoing work is to reduce the incidence of suicidal ideation and behavior, and stop these preventable deaths across the Commonwealth,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Too many people are struggling with behavioral health issues that can contribute to an increased risk of suicide for some. Suicide is preventable, and DPH has made it a priority to provide funding and reduce barriers to evidence-based interventions so residents can access the help they need when and where they need it.” 

Suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and suicide deaths among Massachusetts residents are a significant and preventable public health issue. For every suicide death among adults ages 18 and older nationwide, an estimated 38 people attempt suicide, 75 people make a suicide plan, and 265 people seriously consider suicide. In 2021, there were 596 suicide deaths in Massachusetts, a rate of 8.5 per 100,000, with 22 percent of suicides resulting from firearms, according to data from the Massachusetts Violent Death Reporting System. 

This latest round of funding represents an increase of approximately $600,000 over previous investments. Since 2014, more than $13 million has been awarded through the Suicide Prevention Program to community organizations across the state. 

Using a public health framework, the Suicide Prevention Services procurement will support a comprehensive array of programs and services, including increasing awareness, training for professionals and caregivers, support groups, local outreach to suicide survivors, and safer suicide care across the state. 

This funding builds on additional investments made by DPH’s Suicide Prevention Program, including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network, workforce development initiatives, data surveillance, coalition building, and partnerships with other state agencies that serve veterans, older adults, and those with mental illness. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline network is available 24/7, 365 days a year via phone, chat, and text to provide free and confidential emotional support to those experiencing emotional distress and/or thoughts of suicide. Information about the Massachusetts 988 Lifeline network is available at www.mass.gov/988. 

Funding for the 19 community organizations will begin July 1, 2024, and continue until June 30, 2035, through state appropriations. Priority was given to organizations in which a majority of volunteers, staff, and leadership represent the community they serve; those serving areas with suicide rates above the statewide average; and those with expertise in trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and accessible suicide prevention services for youths and adults. 

Suicide Prevention Services procurement recipients:

•            BAGLY, Boston

•            Bay State Community Services, Quincy

            Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield

            Dee Dee’s Cry, Boston

            Duffy Health Center, Hyannis

            Fairwinds, Nantucket

            Families for Depression Awareness, Waltham

            Family Servies of Merrimack Valley, Lawrence

            Fenway Health, Boston

            Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Waltham

            LUK Crisis Center, Fitchburg

            Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe, Mashpee

            Riverside, Dedham

            Samaritans on Cape Cod and the Islands, Mashpee

            Tapestry Health, Springfield

            The Transformation Center, Boston

            United Way of TriCounty, Framingham

            Vietnamese American Civic Association, Boston

            Western Massachusetts Training Consortium, Holyoke