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| 紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝(前右三起)和公所英文書記阮鴻燦，中文書記翁宇才 和老師及學生們合影。(中華公所提供) |
紐英崙中華公所為服務社區，經麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz)協助，爭取到10萬元補助，為社區大眾開辦免費英文班，幫助移民更快融入美國本地社會。
中華公所第一期英文班從4月9日至6月13日，為期10週，學員們上課前都先做過測試，由老師依其英文能力分成四班後，每週二至週五的早上8點半至10點半，到中華公所上課。
中華公所主席雷國輝在結業典禮中簡短致詞，恭喜學員們各自努力不懈，在老師的循循善誘中學習的時間雖然不長，從大家的滿臉帶笑，他相信各人都學有所成，中華公所同仁們也都為大家感到高興。
雷國輝表示，中華公所的成立宗旨之一，就是要服務社區，免費英文班只是中華公所為社區服務再起步的開始，希望將來中華公所可以陸續為社區提供更多免費服務，提升整個華人社區。
洽詢詳情可致電中華公所617-542-2574。(更新版)
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| 波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu)(前右四)和波士頓MOIA主任 Monique Tu Nguyen (前左五)和得獎者合影。(周菊子攝) |
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| MOIA 主任Monique Tu Nguyen(左一)和吳弭市長(右一)，藍十字藍盾 企業發展副總裁Michele Courton Brown (右二)，企業公民副總裁Jeff Bellows (左二)頒發公共服務領袖獎給波士頓市政策顧問Ajay Singh(中)。(周菊子攝) |
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| 教育領袖獎得主”無畏教育者 (Unafraid Educators)”。 (周菊子攝) |
波士頓移民進步辦公室主任Monique
Tu Nguyen這晚特地安排巾幗醒獅隊舞獅，為晚會開場。她也特地向巾幗醒獅隊創辦人陳清音致敬，指出陳清音是26年前由萬寧諾
(Tom Menino)任命的首位波士頓市移民辦公室主任。
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| 青年領袖獎。(周菊子攝) |
今年秋天，MOIA將舉辦首屆"移民進步論壇
(Immigrant Advancement Forum)”，預定2025年使波士頓成為獲得”歡迎認證”的城市。
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| MOIA 主任Monique Tu Nguyen (右)向首位主任陳清音(左)致意。(周菊子攝) |
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| 陳清音(右一)和巾幗醒獅隊。(周菊子攝) |
6月12日晚的慶祝會，MOIA還請吳弭市長和藍十字藍盾企業發展副總裁Michele Courton Brown，企業公民副總裁Jeff Bellows一起，頒發企業領袖獎給1 More Rep Athletics，社區領袖獎給”現在及未來公平 (Equity Now & Beyond)”，教育領袖獎給”無畏教育者 (Unafraid Educators)”，跨宗教信仰領袖獎給Bethel AME，公共服務領袖獎給波士頓市政策顧問Ajay Singh，以及參加移民青年進步項目的3名傑出青年。
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(Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市的「歡迎家 (Welcome Home)」計畫，6月13日推出第2階段，將在多徹斯特 (Dorchester) 和麥特潘 (Mattapan) 蓋出70戶新共管公寓。
「歡迎家」是波士頓市市長2022年11月宣佈，要動用6000萬元聯邦政府新冠病毒經費，來建造收入有限置住宅，並提供財務援助，幫助波士頓居民買房屋的計畫。去年推出時預定有4個階段，要把過去30年來未充分利用的市有土地，改建成供中低收入家庭可購買的房屋，增加波士頓市內可負擔住宅數量的計畫，也幫助這些家庭在自己的家鄉創建世代財富。
波士頓市長吳弭
(Michelle Wu) 在6月13日宣佈第2階段，有6家新的，全是有色人種，或女性、退伍軍人所擁有的發展商加入，分別為Ambry
發展集團，撥士頓鄰里社區土地信託會/ 共有一切(Boston
Neighborhood Community Land Trust /Co-Everything)，Codman
廣場鄰里發展公司，KNG 地產公司，KZ 建商(Builders)，以及建立公平的有遠見投資者/ 麻州建築及管理公司(Visionary Investors Building Equity/Mass
Construction and Management Inc.)。
第一期是從去年10月開始的，在多徹斯特蓋了72戶住宅。波士頓市府希望今年秋天為第一階段施工，接著2025年末為第二階段開工，然後這二個階段都在2026年竣工。
這第一及第二階段的房屋，都將是全部用電的共管公寓
(condo)，以期對環境更友善。
這些住宅將經由聯邦政府規定的抽籤(
lottery)方式，讓家庭收入在區域中位收入80%及100%以下的家庭購買，也就是一個四口之家，11萬8720元到14萬8400元之間的年收入
一旦屋主決定出售其所擁有的可負擔住宅，其售價將根據屋主擁有該房屋的年期及市價訂出上限，從而限制屋主出售房屋所可賺取的金錢。在翻新房屋的開銷上，例如翻修廚房，也有限制。如果原始屋主持續擁有房屋30年，這些限制就不再延續。
根據美國人口統計局數據，波士頓人擁有房屋的比率約為35%，麻州人的比率則為62%。若以族裔來看，波士頓都匯區內的白人家庭，68%都擁有自己的房屋，黑人家庭則只有34%，亞太裔51%，西班牙裔28%。
這項計畫的發展商之一，Ambry
發展集團共同創辦人Willie Bodrick 二世表示，當麻州之內的鄰里、社區及家庭流離失所時，流失的豈僅只是有著精采故事的人們。
MBTA General Manager Provides Update on Progress of South Coast Rail Project, Milestone Reached with New Testing Phase
Agency urges public to exercise
caution around railroad crossings;
passenger service anticipated for spring 2025.
BOSTON – The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) provided an update on the progress of the South Coast Rail project, including a new milestone reached that brings the project closer to completion. The project, which spans across six stations, Middleborough, East Taunton, Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford, will start running test trains on Monday, June 17, 2024. When complete, the project will restore rail service between Boston and the South Coast for the first time in over 70 years.
The MBTA and MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng hosted two public meetings on Thursday, June 13, 2024, to update residents on the South Coast Rail project – one at Bristol Community College in Fall River and the other at the Whaling Museum in New Bedford. General Manager Eng provided an update on the South Coast Rail project’s current progress and future plans.
“The MBTA is deeply committed to delivering the South Coast Rail project while upholding the highest standards of quality and safety before launching passenger service,” said General Manager Eng. “We recognize this project is especially important for the Fall River, New Bedford, and Taunton communities, and the surrounding region. Through testing and quality control measures, we are dedicated to providing the public with a reliable and dependable railroad system they can count on.”
After a review of the project, General Manager Eng determined that new project leadership was needed to ensure the success and safety of the project. The timeline adjustment to spring 2025 for passengers allows for more resources and attention to make South Coast Rail reliable on the first day of service and beyond. Nationally, these projects are highly specialized and complex, requiring specific expertise, with the system testing phase being one of the most challenging aspects to ensure seamless integration of all components.
“It’s clear how important South Coast Rail is to southeastern Mass. communities, and since taking over the Program, I’m more determined than ever to deliver on that commitment,” said MBTA South Coast Rail Program Executive Karen Antion. “Safety is our top priority for the project. Test trains, which start on Monday, will travel up to 79 miles per hour, and I urge our Taunton, New Bedford, and Fall River neighbors to stay clear of track areas and abide by all warning lights and signs at grade crossings. Together, we can finish the testing period as safely as possible.”
Construction and Equipment
Four locomotives have undergone a comprehensive overhaul and are now prepared to provide the necessary pulling power to operate the trains efficiently. Additionally, 16 modern bi-level coaches have been specifically acquired to serve passengers on South Coast Rail. Bi-level coaches offer increased passenger capacity with comfortable seating arrangements on two levels, ideal for commuter routes.
Four stations are now complete: Fall River, Freetown, Middleborough, and Church Street. Two stations are nearing completion:
· New Bedford is 97% finished and expected to be fully
complete by July 2024. The contractor is currently finalizing minor details
(punch list work).
· East Taunton is 75% complete and anticipated to be finished in August 2024. Construction crews are focusing on completing the elevator installation and paving work.
Multi-Phased Testing to Ensure System Integration and Safety
Following the successful completion of Automatic Train
Control (ATC) testing and the transfer of
dispatch to Keolis, the South Coast Rail project will progress to Positive
Train Control (PTC) system testing. ATC acts as the foundation for PTC, like a
traffic control system for trains. It communicates with trackside signals and
automatically regulates a train’s speed to ensure safe stopping distances. PTC
is a safety technology that acts as a digital guardrail for trains. It can
automatically prevent collisions, stop trains from entering unauthorized work
zones, ensure they don’t proceed through misaligned switches, and enforce speed
limits. This federally mandated testing will begin in August and continue
through January.
MBTA Undergoes FRA’s “New Starts” Process Ahead of Passenger Service
Once all components – stations, layover facilities, tracks, ATC, and the PTC system – are built, tested, and approved, the project will move to the final phase of “New Start” implementation with the Federal Railroad Administration (FRA). This phase involves certifying train operators, final inspections, and running demonstration services without passengers. The timeline for this final stage depends on the FRA’s review and requirements. This intensive, multi-phased process designed specifically for first-time rail activation projects to achieve compliance with Federal regulations governing the movements of passenger trains over new territory ensures railroad operators meet the prescribed regulatory standards prior to the commencement of new Commuter Rail service.
The “New Start” process is comprised of many key components, including the requirement to implement a System Safety Program, a rigorous qualification program for personnel who will be engaged in the operations of the railroad, adherence to industry design and construction standards, and a comprehensive safety certification process all completed and approved prior to the start of passenger service. Additionally, a robust Quality Assurance and Quality Control program will be implemented to ensure operations run smoothly.
As the South Coast Rail project advances through the “New Start” process, the MBTA will continue to prioritize safety and quality in the development of this new rail system, working diligently to meet the regulatory requirements set forth by the FRA. The successful completion of the “New Start” process is a critical step in bringing the South Coast Rail project to fruition and providing improved transportation options for the communities of the South Coast region.
The testing phase will involve a comprehensive array of safety measures, including track testing, signaling system testing, integration testing, and safety inspections. During this time, residents may notice increased train activity along the South Coast Rail corridor. These MBTA trains will not carry passengers and are being operated solely for testing and training purposes. They will reach speeds of up to 79 miles per hour, up from the current 30 miles per hour limit for freight trains. This certification was completed through a rigorous safety process put in place by the MBTA and approved by the FRA.
With the track safety certification in place, the focus has shifted to testing the signal system. Initial testing was conducted at slow speeds of 25 miles per hour, and the results have been successful. The next phase involves testing the railroad crossings, ensuring that the gates function properly within the guidelines set by federal regulators. These tests will be conducted at multiple speeds, in both directions, and on all routes.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the public for their patience and understanding throughout this process,” said General Manager Eng. “As we continue to progress, I urge the community to remain vigilant and exercise caution near railroad crossings. It is crucial to obey all warning signs, signals, and gates, and never attempt to cross the tracks when a train is approaching. Safety is our priority, and we rely on the cooperation of the public to help safely transform the way people travel and connect in the region.”
In addition to testing, the MBTA will focus on qualifying train operators, maintenance personnel, and other staff on the new rail line’s specific characteristics and safety protocols. The MBTA will continue its public awareness campaign to educate the community about rail safety and the upcoming service. The commencement of revenue service will depend on successfully completing the testing phase and achieving performance and safety clearances as outlined in the “New Starts” process. The MBTA will continue to work closely with the FRA and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and successful launch of passenger rail service.
Safety Reminders Issued for Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Drivers
The MBTA strongly emphasizes the crucial role of residents and visitors in the South Coast region in helping ensure safety around railroad crossings. With increased rail activity during the testing phase, pedestrians, cyclists, and motorists must remain vigilant and adhere to all safety guidelines and signals at crossings.
Since April 2023, the MBTA has made efforts to enhance safety at its 246 surface grade crossings, including improvements to road infrastructure as well as technology partnerships with companies like Waze. Crews have added features such as new lane and fog lines, reflective bollards and road markers, and brighter LED lights on crossing gates intended to make crossings more visible to drivers. The MBTA has also collaborated with Waze so that Commuter Rail crossings now appear on the Waze application’s maps. Drivers using Waze are alerted in advance when they are approaching a railroad crossing. These efforts improve visibility and driver awareness around Commuter Rail grade crossings.
South Coast Rail Fares: Zone 8
After careful consideration of factors such as trip distance, competitiveness, operating costs, quality of service, access, and affordability, the MBTA has determined that the fare structure for all South Coast Rail stations will be priced in Zone 8. This means that passengers will pay a full fare of $12.25 and a reduced fare of $6. The decision to place these stations in Zone 8 aligns with the existing fare structure of the Commuter Rail, which is organized into zones ranging from 1A (the core metro area) to 10 as well as Interzone fares for trips that do not enter Zone 1A.
The placement of the new Middleborough Station and the similarly distanced East Taunton Station in Zone 8 is consistent with the current Zone 8 designation of the Middleborough/Lakeville Station, which will be replaced by the new Middleborough Station. Furthermore, a comparison of the straight-line distances of the new stations (Freetown, Fall River Depot, Church Street, and New Bedford) with existing Commuter Rail stations across various lines supports their placement in either Zone 8 or 9.
Setting fares for new service is at
the discretion of the General Manager who has taken into account the principles
of trip distance, competitiveness, operating costs, quality of service, access,
and affordability in making this decision. The MBTA remains committed to
providing a fair and equitable fare structure for all passengers while ensuring
the sustainability and efficiency of South Coast Rail service.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Distributes $5 Million in Disaster Relief Funds to Communities Impacted by Severe Storms
Residents and businesses reminded to apply for FEMA assistance by July 15 at disasterassistance.gov
BOSTON–The Healey-Driscoll Administration has distributed nearly $5 million of state disaster relief funding to 13 communities that were impacted by severe flooding and weather last September. This is the remaining funding from the $15 million in disaster relief provided by the supplemental budget signed by Governor Maura Healey in December 2023.
This funding is being distributed after Governor Maura Healey successfully appealed to President Joe Biden to provide federal disaster aid for businesses and eligible homeowners and renters who incurred storm-related repair costs in September 2023. The President authorized a Major Disaster Declaration for Individual Assistance that covers Bristol and Worcester counties. However, the Governor’s appeal for Public Assistance for Hampden and Worcester counties, which would provide reimbursement for eligible storm-related expenses incurred by state agencies and municipalities, was not approved. As a result, the administration is now distributing the remaining $5 million in state aid that it had set aside while the appeal was pending.
“The Lieutenant Governor and I saw firsthand how last year’s severe weather devastated residents, businesses and communities across the country,” said Governor Maura Healey. “While we were proud to have successfully appealed to the President for federal assistance for resident and businesses, we know our municipalities need help too. That’s why we are delivering this $5 million directly to them to help with their efforts to rebuild. We’re grateful to the Legislature for their partnership to make these funds available.”
“It’s important for us to help local communities recover and make sure they have the infrastructure to withstand these severe storms,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As a former Mayor, I know how much municipalities rely on state and federal assistance when disaster strikes, and I’m confident this funding will make a difference for them.”
"It’s important that communities see strong partnership among federal, state, and local governments in preparing for and responding to severe weather events,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. “I’m grateful for Governor Healey’s leadership in pursuing federal assistance to supplement the state’s recovery efforts, and for the dedication of FEMA Region 1 and the team assigned to this Individual Assistance declaration.”
The towns receiving funds are: North Attleboro, Chicopee, Springfield, Middlefield, Pepperell, Westford, Bridgewater, Scituate, Leominster, Lunenberg, Princeton, Sterling and Worcester.
The Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) recently established a webpage at mass.gov/recover to centralize information from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on available federal assistance and address frequently asked questions. The site provides information on Individual Assistance available to residents and businesses in Bristol and Worcester counties through FEMA, which benefits survivors of a disaster by directly assisting those who have uninsured or under-insured necessary expenses and serious needs. Those eligible should apply for assistance by July 15,2024 atdisasterassistance.gov. The webpage also provides information on low-interest personal and business loans available through the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).
(Boston Orange 編譯) 大波士頓商會 (GBCC) 基金會日前公佈今年的引領潮流供應商多元化計畫，在2023年內促成引領潮流者 (Pacesetters) 和麻州內有色企業的生意往來額增加了5.2%，在全美增加了9.7%。
在2022年內，引領潮流買家花了3億2200萬元和麻州的MBE做生意，花了50億元和全國性的MBE做生意。2023年，這些引領潮流買家花了3億3900萬元和MBE做生意，花了55億元和全國性MBE做生意。
大波士頓商會基金會董事長James
E. Rooney表示，2018年該會創設這”引領潮流者計畫"時，該會在這第一次的大規模供應商多元化行動中，帶領大波士頓企業社區。每年他們都可看到”引領潮流買家”們實踐承諾，促進公平的購買實務，和更多的有色企業成為夥伴。就如”引領潮流者數據”所展示的，企業執行長，採購專員，以及許多其他人，都在為更為包容、賦能的未來商業領路。
2024年的引領潮流者獎，獲得年度企業獎的公司是RTX，獲得年度推動者獎 (Champion of the Year)的是麻州大學採購長David
Cho，獲得年度夥伴獎 (麻州) 的是道富集團 (State Street)及系統客製顧問公司(
System Custom Consulting)，獲得年全國年度夥伴獎的是道富集團和橘子實驗室媒體
(Orange Lab Media)。
引領潮流者包括伯克夏爾銀行(Berkshire
Bank)，貝斯以色列雷西健康 (Beth Israel Lahey Health)，麻州藍十字藍盾，波士頓兒童醫院，波士頓計畫發展局，公民、康卡斯 (Comcast)，Consigli，達納法伯癌症機構，東方銀行，愛默生學院，Encore波士頓海港，波士頓聯邦儲備銀行，穫多利，Gilbane，大波士頓商會，Greylock聯邦信用社，John Hancock，自由互惠保險公司，麻州賭博局，麥肯錫顧問公司，全國電網，Nitsch工程公司，東北大學，Nutter，P&G 吉列公司，Point 32健康，RTX，賽諾菲 (Sanofi)，道富集團，薩福克大學，麻州大學，Vertex，企業協會夥伴，麻州企業圓桌會，麻州生物協會 (MassBio)，麻州競爭力夥伴
(MACP)，麻州NAIOP，企業領導力聯盟，西麻州經濟發展協會，屋斯特
(Worcester) 區域商會。
Chamber Foundation Announces Pacesetters Data & Pacesetters Awards
Pacesetters Increase MBE Spend 5.2% in Massachusetts & 9.7% Nationally
