第45屆波士頓香港龍舟賽 68隊角逐 Wolfpack奪冠

黑狼隊(Wolfpacks)今年奪得波士頓龍舟賽冠軍。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 第45屆波士頓香港龍舟節在經歷滂沱大雨，艷陽高照的兩種極端天候中，圓滿落幕。68隊分10組進行，約1500人參加的比賽，由成軍甫三年餘的黑狼群競賽協會 (Wolfpack Racing Club Black) 以2分零7秒41成績奪得協會組 (club) 冠軍。

2024波士頓龍舟賽亞軍Boston ! Premier。 (周菊子攝)

              波士頓香港龍舟節委員會董事趙夢萍和王碩平在比賽結束時宣佈的結果，協會組亞軍為Boston 1 Premier，2分8秒06，季軍為波士頓台灣龍舟聚人黑熊隊，2分9秒05。

              走過45年，將近半世紀後，波士頓香港龍舟節委員會 (BDBF) 逐漸年輕化，贊助廠商及機構更多，就連龍舟也因CVS捐贈而數量增加至15艘，因海南航空及Trapology出資而有2艘翻新。

波士頓台灣人龍舟隊贏得季軍。(周菊子攝)

               9日這天，麻州劍橋市的查理士河畔在雨過天青後，表演舞台及文化攤位，食物餐車前，遊人川流不息，非常熱鬧。

              嘉賓們各別撐傘或穿雨衣的在碼頭完成龍舟點睛儀式，來到表演舞台前參加開幕式時，出現小插曲。

波士頓台灣人龍舟隊在查理士河畔合影。(周菊子攝)

                        海外香港華人民主人權促進會創辦人之一的謝中之，單槍匹馬，在麻州眾議員陳德基致詞完畢，中國駐紐約總領事館文化參贊尚繼媛，香港駐紐約經濟貿易辦事處新處長何美智，應波士頓龍舟節委員會主席汪剛柳之請，陸續發言時，從觀眾席中站起來，扯出寫有「時代革命，光復香港」字樣的黑底白字布條，面對舞台的高聲抗議，要求釋放在香港及中國境內的政治犯。

群眾們等頒獎，好興奮。(周菊子攝)

              會場一名年輕工作人員走到謝中之面前，低聲請他離開。勸阻無效後，貼身站在謝中之面前，張開手臂，試圖阻擋字樣顯現。尚繼媛和何美智則以視若無睹方式因應，在台上語不停歇的發言。會場內所有觀眾倒也展現真正民主風範，任由台上發言與台下抗議對峙。

              今年的波士頓龍舟賽，依然分成集團、金融、醫保、大學、大學校友、社區、協會 (Club)，女子，青少年，以及癌症倖存者等10個組別。包括黑狼群( Wolfpack)、波士頓台灣人龍舟隊(BTBC)，新英格蘭北大校友會，東方銀行，談繼欣率隊的牛頓高中獅虎隊等，都派出不下2組船隊參賽，彰顯出大波士頓地區投入划龍舟運動的企業、社團，越來越多。

華林派表演舞龍。(周菊子攝)

              中國大陸大專院校的校友隊，最近這幾年時分熱衷於組隊參賽，自己學校湊不齊一艘龍舟得有的22人，採取合併措施，南京大學就和中國藥科(CPU)大學，復旦和同濟及上海財經 (SHUFE) 就分別攜手組隊。北大近年更是熱衷程度超過清華，今年索性組了2隊參賽。其他的校友隊有孫逸仙、交通、浙江、武漢大學等。

              今年新參賽船隊，至少有2

麻州眾議員陳德基致詞。(周菊子攝)

，一是棣屬於波士頓台灣龍舟隊麾下的波士頓媽媽划船協會，儘管隊員中有一半是新人，一週頂多練習一次，卻出師告捷，贏得女子組第2名。另一隊則是香港駐紐約經茂辦事處的駕龍者隊。

              今年的波士頓龍舟賽擺攤部分，和往年差不多。大波士頓中華文化協會的資深會員陳瑞虹、葛幼梅，新人梁雅惠等，分別在現場教遊人包粽子，做手工藝品。波士頓太極拳社掌門人林湛濤在草地上率弟子示範打太極。舞台上則有楊書旺父子表演變臉，華林功夫派師傅Bob Rosen親自上場介紹弟子舞龍。還有跳腰鼓舞等表演。

中領館文化參贊尚繼媛發言時，謝中之在台下舉旗抗議，
呼籲釋放香港中國政治犯。(周菊子攝)

中國駐紐約總領事館今年派尚繼媛代表出席波士頓香港龍舟賽。(周菊子攝)

香港駐紐約經貿辦事處新處長何美智第一次來波士頓參加龍舟賽活動。(周菊子攝)

大波士頓中華文化協會的粽子香包攤位圍滿了人。(周菊子攝)

民俗舞蹈表演。(周菊子攝)

楊書旺父子同台演出變臉。(周菊子攝)

波士頓香港龍舟節委員會主席汪剛柳。(周菊子攝)

波士頓香港龍舟節委員會擁有的龍舟越來越多。(周菊子攝)

劍橋中國文化中心副董事長陶凱也是龍舟委員之一。(周菊子攝)

海南航空美國總經理梁璞玢特地到波士頓為龍舟點睛。(周菊子攝)

麻州眾議員陳德基已是波士頓香港龍舟節的必請嘉賓。(周菊子攝)

波士頓京劇協會創辦人劉瑋珊也來大波士頓中華文化協會
的攤位幫忙。(周菊子攝)

二胡專家林湛濤創辦了剝士頓太極拳社。(周菊子攝)

曾經參選麻州眾議員的談繼欣為牛頓高中培訓龍舟隊。 (周菊子攝)

大波士頓中華文化協會陳瑞虹(右)今年再度到攤位幫忙。(周菊子攝)

伍振中(左)已成大波士頓划龍舟的骨幹，當教練，修船，樣樣都來。(周菊子攝)

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, UMASS BOSTON PRESENT INAUGURAL FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP TO GRADUATE OF BCLA/MCCORMACK

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, BOSTON PUBLIC SCHOOLS, UMASS BOSTON PRESENT INAUGURAL FULL RIDE SCHOLARSHIP TO GRADUATE OF BCLA/MCCORMACK  Scholarship launches new dimension of the City’s university-assisted community hub school partnership, strengthening ties between UMass Boston and BCLA/McCormack (to be renamed the Ruth Batson Academy)

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 12, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu, Boston Public Schools (BPS) and UMass Boston (UMB) today announced an inaugural scholarship to a graduate of the BCLA/McCormack, to be renamed the Ruth Batson Academy. The new scholarship – the Robert and Ruth Starratt Endowed Scholarship – is UMass Boston’s largest endowed scholarship fund. It underscores the deep partnership among the City of Boston, Boston Public Schools, and UMass Boston to build collaboration to foster college-level opportunities for high school students. A $1.9 million donation from lifelong educators Robert and Ruth Starratt to the UMass Boston College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) will fund this scholarship program for students from the BCLA/McCormack who plan to pursue a career in education in the Boston Public Schools. This announcement builds on Mayor Wu’s State of the City announcement to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with UMass Boston to make the BCLA/McCormack BPS’ first University-Assisted Community Hub School. Johanna Peña, 17 and of Roslindale, received the inaugural scholarship last night at her graduation ceremony. “As a City, we continue to deliver on our commitment to opening doors to college and career-connected learning for every student,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful for our partnership with Boston Public Schools and UMass Boston, rooted in our collective mission to promote student success, and I am so proud of our students that will be the future leaders and educators of our City.” “This scholarship will provide an additional pathway to college and will undoubtedly be life-changing for our students who want to make an impact through education in Boston,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “We are so proud of Johanna and her accomplishments and I’m sure she will make a fabulous educator. I hope to see her back here at BPS teaching, nurturing, and guiding the next generation of students.”  “Robert and Ruth Starratt’s singular act of generosity supports a life-changing scholarship that will enable exceptional BCLA/McCormack graduates to pursue an education degree at UMass Boston and give back powerfully to the Boston Public Schools,” said UMass Boston Chancellor Marcelo Suárez-Orozco. “Indeed, this scholarship is the perfect embodiment of UMass Boston’s commitment to community-engaged education, to holistic student success, and to the values we cherish.” The $1.9 million gift is intended to provide need-based partial scholarships (up to the total cost of attendance) for undergraduate students who enroll in the College of Education and Human Development to prepare for careers in education with the intention of working within the public schools of Boston. The scholarship will benefit students each year, and will be renewable for up to four years. Starratt Scholars will be asked to return to the BCLA/McCormack to share their experiences to promote education as a career choice to other students. The scholarship recipients will also receive mentoring and other support as a CEHD student. It will provide a “last-dollar award” that will supplement other forms of student grant aid to ensure that the Starratt Scholar graduates from UMass Boston debt-free and ready to work in BPS. “The Starratt Scholarship is an investment in the talented young people whom we encounter every day at the Batson Academy,” said Tara Parker, dean of UMass Boston’s College of Education and Human Development. “I’m overjoyed that we can offer these resources to students who, in graduating debt-free from UMass Boston, will have the tools to return to our city’s public schools as strong advocates and social justice educators.” The MOU signed in January between BPS and UMass Boston intends to create access to college coursework and resources, partner educators from both institutions, and create a seamless pathway into UMass Boston for graduates. As a University-Assisted Community Hub School, UMass will serve as a center for educational and community support services, fostering a holistic approach to student development. It will have a range of enrichment and social services for students, families, and community members, such as academic support and college readiness, health and wellness programs, out of school time activities and internships with community partners, parent and community engagement initiatives, and counseling services. Also as part of the MOU, BCLA-McCormack students will have access to coursework on the UMass Boston campus, including early college and dual enrollment, as well as university-centered opportunities and resources on the UMass Boston Campus. The Early College program in Early Education launched this school year. BPS teachers and staff will receive professional development opportunities.  “This is a true, seamless partnership with UMass Boston,” said BCLA/McCormack Head of School Ondrea Johnston. “Moving forward, whenever you hear our school's name, you will associate it with UMass and UMass will be associated with us as well. And they're showing that every day with the work that they do. This scholarship, through the UMass College of Education and Human Development, is for a bright, dedicated future educator and intends to return back to Boston Public Schools just like Johanna. We are so proud of her and I can’t wait to welcome her back to BPS.”  Peña became interested in teaching after working as a camp counselor. She would like to teach elementary school. “I always dreamed of becoming a teacher and making a difference in the lives of people in my community,” said Robert and Ruth Starratt Endowed Scholarship recipient Johanna Peña. “Because of this scholarship, I now have the opportunity to pursue my dreams without worrying about how I will pay for college. This scholarship has made it really easy  to pursue my education for free and I am just really grateful.”  The BPS and UMass Boston partnership has already provided opportunities for students this school year. Recently, UMass Boston sent two BCLA/McCormack students to participate in a climate summit hosted by Pope Francis at the Vatican. Mayor Wu also participated at this summit that convened leaders from around the world to talk about climate solutions. While in Rome, the students visited sites in the city, met the Pope to present letters from middle schoolers, toured a preschool with Mayor Wu, and spoke on a youth panel about climate change. Additionally, BCLA/McCormack students were visited by writer and poet Nikki Giovanni, while she visited UMass Boston for a talk. At the BCLA/McCormack, she spoke with students and teachers, and some students had the opportunity to read their poetry.  The City of Boston is committed to the renovation of the BCLA/McCormack campus. The City submitted a statement of interest this spring to the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA) for financial support.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Details 9-Month Length of Stay Policy at Emergency Assistance Sites

Healey-Driscoll Administration Details 9-Month Length of Stay Policy at Emergency Assistance Sites 

First notices to families expected to go out in early July  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced details of the new nine-month length of stay policy for the state’s Emergency Assistance Family Shelter System (EA). The policy was passed by the Legislature and signed by the Governor at the end of April.   

EA is for families with children or pregnant women experiencing homelessness. Last year, Governor Healey announced the system reached capacity at 7,500 families. Approximately half of the families in EA are newly arrived immigrants and half are long-time Massachusetts families.  

“This policy is a responsible measure to address the capacity and fiscal constraints of our state’s emergency assistance system,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As Congress has repeatedly failed to act on this federal problem, Massachusetts has been going above and beyond – helping thousands of immigrants get work authorizations, jobs and ESOL classes. We’ve enhanced our workforce development and rehousing programs, which have resulted in a steady increase in families leaving the shelter system in recent months. This new length of stay policy will strengthen those efforts to connect families with the resources and services they need to move into more stable housing and contribute to our workforce. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their partnership.” 

In guidance published today, the Healey-Driscoll administration outlined the details of the new policy. Notices will begin going out on a rolling basis and will not affect all families immediately, starting with approximately 150 families in early July, to ensure that families receive adequate support in their transition out of EA. Notices will be made available in multiple languages and will tell families the following: 

• Their shelter benefit is expiring, and they are required to leave shelter within 90 days. 

• Whether they are eligible for a first 90-day extension.  

• How to find out whether they are eligible for a second 90-day extension. 

Extension criteria include employment, training program participation, veteran status, disability status, school enrollment, imminent risk of harm due to domestic violence, imminent placement in housing and additional criteria outlined in the guidance. Families who have utilized both extension options and/or do not qualify for extensions may re-apply for EA.  

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) is working closely with providers to address questions, establish resources and facilitate effective messaging to families. EOHLC will also provide informational resources in multiple languages to support families as they work towards exiting the EA program and achieving housing stability.  

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) also issued guidance on authorized training programs for qualified trainees currently residing in EA shelters. The supplemental budget appropriated $10 million for workforce training programs administered by EOLWD, which will be used to strengthen the administration’s current programs and reach even more EA residents. 

Additionally, the Department of Revenue issued guidance today on the administration of a tax credit for company-sponsored job training programs. The Temporary Authorized Training Tax Credit for Emergency Assistance is available to various types of businesses and corporations that provide training to an individual residing in Emergency Assistance family shelter who is enrolled in an authorized training program.      

The Healey-Driscoll administration has prioritized work authorizations, job training and placement, ESOL classes, and rehousing assistance to help families leave EA sites for more stable housing. Since November 2023, the administration has helped 3,716 immigrants apply for work authorizations, and it is expected the vast majority have been approved. Additionally, 1,063 immigrants are enrolled in ESOL classes. Overall, 1,114 EA residents have gotten jobs in the past few months. The number of families leaving the EA system has steadily increased each month, with more than 331 families leaving in May. 

The administration also recently implemented a 30-day engagement requirement at the state’s safety-net sites. These sites are for families on the EA waitlist and currently serve approximately 190 families in Chelsea, Lexington and Cambridg

麻州政府撥款1300萬元改善交通

 Healey – Driscoll Administration Delivers More Than $13 Million in Fair Share Funds for Transportation Improvements   

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll administration today announced that it is delivering more than $13 million for 14 projects to support local transportation infrastructure and other needs. The awards come from revenue generated by the Fair Share Amendment and are matching funds for projects and initiatives eligible for federal discretionary grants offered by the U.S. Department of Transportation. 

 

These matching funds are part of a total of $476.5 million in Fair Share dollars made available for transportation investment in the FY24 Massachusetts Budget.    

“When we empower city and town leaders to address their unique infrastructure needs, we are helping them achieve a better quality of life for their residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re proud to partner with the Legislature to dedicate Fair Share funding to critical initiatives like these, which will help make our state’s transportation network safer and more robust – and our municipalities more interconnected.” 

 

“The communities selected for these Fair Share awards have shown that they know how to put infrastructure money to good use,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “We look forward to seeing the improvements they will deliver for their residents with this funding. 

  

“Local leaders are knowledgeable and proactive when it comes to improving the transportation infrastructure their constituents rely on, and I want to congratulate the winners from this round of Fair Share funding,” said Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “We look forward to seeing the projects come to fruition to improve transit, create safer streets and expand transportation options.” 

  

“The revenue from Fair Share funding is reserved for projects that can truly enhance the quality of the transportation and education systems that our communities rely on for a better future,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “These award recipients have demonstrated the potential for their transportation projects to make a difference for users and we are proud to play our part.”  

  

Among the projects receiving these Fair Share funds are: 

·         Lynnway Multimodal Corridor, in Lynn: $6,750,000 for multimodal and safety enhancements. 

·         Inland Route, along various municipalities in central Massachusetts: $3,000,000 to support track, signal, grade crossing and bridge improvements.  

·         Springfield Area Track Reconfiguration, in Springfield: $1,750,000 for preliminary work for track, signal, and infrastructure improvements around Springfield Union Station. 

·          Demonstration Grant, for Brockton: $47,120 for the planning and implementation of a systemic safety pilot at three intersections. 

A number of regional planning agencies are also receiving Fair Share funds for safety action plans. These plans will cover multiple regions throughout Massachusetts, including: 

·         Greater Boston: $540,109  

·         Hampden and Hampshire Counties: $250,000 

·         Southeastern Massachusetts, including Fall River, New Bedford and Taunton: $220,000 

·        North Central Massachusetts, including Leominster:$187,500 

·         Worcester County: $120,000 

·         Franklin County, Martha’s Vineyard, and Nantucket: $115,000 

·         Northeast Massachusetts, including Lowell: $93,808 

·         Southeastern Massachusetts, including Brockton: $80,000  

·         Cape Cod: $60,000 

·         Berkshire County: $49,649 Safety action plans use a data-based approach

to improve roadway safety for all users. 

  

The $476.5 million of Fair Share funds included in the FY24 budget supports a variety of projects and initiatives in addition to matches for federal discretionary grants awards. Fair Share line items fund bridge construction, preservation, and repair and supplemental aid for municipalities for local roads and bridges. For transit, Fair Share funds support MBTA capital investments, the exploration of means-tested fares for the MBTA, operating assistance for ferry service, and regional transit authority improvements.

麻州地鐵董事會通過5年96億元投資計畫

 MBTA Board Approves Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029 

The Fiscal Years 2025-2029 MBTA Capital Investment Plan includes all planned capital investments over the next five years. 

BOSTON – The MBTA Board of Directors today unanimously approved the Fiscal Years 2025-2029 MBTA Capital Investment Plan (FY25-29 MBTA CIP). The FY25-29 MBTA CIP includes over 640 unique capital projects to modernize, expand, and increase the safety and reliability of the MBTA transit network with a programmed spend of $9.6 billion over the next five fiscal years, including $843 million in new funding. 

“As a framework that steers how the T makes critical investments in the system, the MBTA’s five-year CIP establishes a foundation for improving service today while also guiding how we build toward the future of the system,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “The CIP continues to be vital in directing how we renew, improve, and maintain our capital assets. I am grateful to the Board for approving the CIP, and I thank the public for being part of the conversation and providing their feedback on capital investments they’d like to see the MBTA prioritize. As a fiscally constrained plan, the CIP only includes projects for which we have available funding.” 

The FY25-29 MBTA CIP is available at mbta.com/cip and includes an overview of the Authority’s capital planning process, summaries of investment programs, and the full list of capital projects in the approved five-year CIP. The presentation provided to the MBTA Board also includes examples of projects and initiatives for which funding was requested, but were not included given limited financial resources. Major investments as part of the FY25-29 CIP include full funding for the North Station Draw 1 Bridge Replacement project, which is critical for Commuter Rail service and handles the Haverhill, Lowell, Newburyport/Rockport, and Fitchburg Commuter Rail lines. Additional investment highlights include a 20-minute decarbonized service along the Fairmount Commuter Rail Line. For a complete list of projects, please visit mbta.com/cip for more information. 

The CIP is the five-year financial plan that funds all the MBTA’s capital projects, which are investments or activities related to acquiring, renewing, constructing, improving, or maintaining capital assets, including project planning and design. The CIP is updated annually to ensure that the MBTA continues to:  

· Focus on the MBTA’s key investment objectives, including safety, reliability, modernization, accessibility, sustainability, resilience, and equity.

· Address our most critical asset needs as we strive to bring the system to a State of Good Repair, and

· Prioritize projects that keep the agency on a path to better safety, service, and sustainability. 

The MBTA’s mission, affirmed by the Agency’s 2023 Strategic Plan, is to serve the public by providing safe, reliable, and accessible transportation. Accordingly, the FY25-29 MBTA CIP includes over 640 unique capital projects to modernize, improve, and increase the safety and reliability of the MBTA transit network. 

As part of the funding for the FY25-29 CIP, the Boston Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) is funding a total of $26.6 million in the CIP for six projects including rail modernization early action items and improvements at Nubian Square station in Boston. The MPO programs transportation investments using a mix of federal and state funding sources. 

For more information, visit mbta.com/CIP or connect with the T on X (the site formerly known as Twitter) @MBTA and @MBTA_CR, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta

香港駐紐約新經貿處長何美智首度訪波 晤波士頓華人投資協會探討生醫機會

香港駐紐約經貿處處長何美智(中右)和BCIC創辦人易敏(中左)和生醫創投人晤談。
(BCIC提供)

               (Boston Orange) 香港駐紐約經濟貿易代表處處長何美智6月9日來波士頓參加香港龍舟節，10日拜會波士頓市府官員，介紹香港，並與波士頓華人投資協會餐敘，為促進香港與大波士頓的合作打基礎。

              何美智去年8月才到任，這還是第一次參加波士頓香港龍舟節，就遇上先大雨、再豔陽的特殊天候。

              曾在香港負責處理基層醫療健康發展、策劃等業務的何美智，接任駐紐約香港經貿處處長一職後，察知麻州為國際生物醫藥重鎮，特地藉這次到訪波士頓的機會，在例必參加的波士頓香港龍舟節之外，10日另外拜會波士頓市府，和波士頓市長的合作夥伴關係高級顧問陳綽敏，經濟機會與包容長Segun Idowu等人晤談，研討雙方的合作機會。

              透過波士頓華人投資協會主席易敏的安排，何美智在10日這天還和大波士頓本地的幾位生物科技初創企業家，投資家座談，探討如何加強彼此在生物技術領域的監管協調，相關企業的孵化培育與支持，包括降低市場門檻，推動法規接軌，搭建資金及人才、技術的孵化、流通平台。

              出席座談人士在何美智和波士頓華人投資協會 (BCIC) 主席易敏之外，還有紐約站的投資香港負責人Ranjit Unnithan，Wailliam Johnson, Goodwin律師合夥人兼波士頓華人投資協會（BCIC）高級顧問崔粲律師，連續創業和投資人William B.Johnson，波士頓華人投資協會（BCIC ）主席易敏，BCIC生物醫療團隊投資&BD負責人藺濤博士，Sunvax創始人兼BCIC高級顧問李應中博士，Full Circle創始人Howard Wu，DoriVac創始人Claire Zeng。