特殊教育老師Luisa Sparrow贏得2025年度教師獎

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year 

Boston teacher Luisa Sparrow receives state’s top educator award  

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that Luisa Sparrow, a special education teacher for fifth- and sixth-grade students at the Oliver Hazard Perry School in South Boston, is the 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Governor Maura Healey, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston and Mayor Michelle Wu joined Superintendent Mary Skipper at the school to make the announcement during an assembly today.  

“My mom was a school nurse and my stepdad was a public school teacher, so I have a deep appreciation for the incredible work that our educators and staff do day in and day out for their students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It was so special to have the opportunity to congratulate and celebrate Ms. Sparrow today for her commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment that helps all of her students grow and succeed together.” 

“Ms. Sparrow is a great representative of the many amazing educators we have in Massachusetts,” Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said. “As we recognize her and the team at the Perry School, I hope people will take the opportunity to thank the inspirational teachers in their own lives.” 

The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Program is the state’s top award for educators and annually recognizes excellence in teaching across Massachusetts through the selection of a teacher who exemplifies the dedication, commitment and positive contributions of educators statewide. Over the coming year, Ms. Sparrow will have speaking opportunities within Massachusetts and will travel to California and Washington, D.C. to meet with teachers of the year from the rest of the nation. 

“Ms. Sparrow is an example of the exceptional educators we have in Massachusetts who go above and beyond to support all of their students and foster an inclusive learning environment,” said Education Secretary Tutwiler. “It’s a pleasure to celebrate with her, her dedicated team, students and school community today.”  

“Ms. Sparrow empowers her students, values the work of her colleagues and builds bridges across the school,” Acting Commissioner Johnston said. “Congratulations to her and to our finalists, Ms. Ferrari and Ms. Magas!”  

Ms. Sparrow, who has worked with colleagues to create inclusive opportunities for her students and the rest of the school, is the eighth Massachusetts Teacher of the Year to come from the Boston Public Schools. She is the 63rd recipient of this award and automatically becomes Massachusetts’ candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program. 

"I am grateful for the educators across Massachusetts and Boston who demonstrate an unwavering dedication to helping students reach their best and brightest futures,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Teachers like Luisa Sparrow go above and beyond to nurture our young people and build up our school communities, and I am proud to highlight this outstanding member of our BPS community as the MA Teacher of the Year.” 

The selection process for the 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year began in early 2024 with a call for nominations from administrators, teachers, students, parents and others. An initial review of each application led to the selection of eight semifinalists, who then submitted additional supporting material. Three finalists were selected and interviewed by a panel that included prior Massachusetts Teachers of the Year. That panel then recommended two names to Acting Commissioner Johnston, who made the final decision. 

“My students, just like all others with significant disabilities, deserve the opportunity to learn alongside their neurotypical peers not because they are able do many of the same tasks, but simply because everyone deserves a chance to belong,” Ms. Sparrow said. 

For the first time this year, the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year will be sponsored by Wellpoint, a health benefits company based in Woburn. Wellpoint is giving a $10,000 grant to Ms. Sparrow’s school and will also be honoring the two finalists. In addition to Ms. Sparrow, the finalists for 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year were Jennifer Ferrari, a visual arts teacher at Lane Elementary School in Bedford, and Kristen Magas, an engineering teacher at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin. 

“Wellpoint is proud to honor the hardworking educators in Massachusetts who inspire our next generation of leaders,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “In addition to supporting their whole health, we are committed to supporting educators’ work in the classroom and celebrating the Commonwealth’s outstanding educators. Congratulations to Ms. Sparrow, Ms. Ferrari, Ms. Magas, and their schools!”  

The semifinalists for this year’s award were: 

• Samantha Breen, an English language arts teacher at Hopkinton High School, part of the Hopkinton Public Schools; 

• Michael Haddad, a world languages teacher at Lynn English High School, part of the Lynn Public Schools; 

• Heather Lang, a special education teacher at Lynn English High School;  

• Ashley O’Neil, a special education teacher at Birchland Park Middle School, part of the East Longmeadow Public Schools; and   

• Susannah Remillard, an adventure education teacher at Nauset Regional Middle School, part of the Nauset Public Schools.  

About Luisa Sparrow 

Ms. Sparrow has been teaching for 16 years, eight of those at the Perry School, where she works with other educators in a self-contained classroom for students with intellectual disabilities. She serves on her school’s inclusion planning team and worked with other teachers to create the school’s inclusive Cooking Club. With grants from the Boston Public Schools Teacher Leadership Fund and other sources, groups from the school’s special education and general education classes meet every other week to cook and learn together. The activities are fun and lead to social interaction, and the club uses visual recipes in which each step is accompanied by a photograph, making the activities accessible for students with a wide range of reading abilities.  

In addition to her work with students, Ms. Sparrow supports Boston teachers who are pursuing National Board Certification as an on-call reader through the Boston Public Schools/Boston Teachers Union National Board Program and serves as a Teach Plus Senior Policy Fellow. Outside of school, she supports youth who are experiencing state custody through the foster care system and works with elders to document their life stories. She lives in Wilmington with her family.  

Ms. Sparrow holds a bachelor’s degree in human development from Cornell University, a master’s degree in education with a focus in language and literacy from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and National Board Certification as an exceptional needs specialist. 

Her goal as a teacher is to design spaces where students can all learn what they need to learn together.    

About Jennifer Ferrari 

Ms. Ferrari’s art classes are student-centered, and her room has multiple stations where students can work with digital tools, sculpt clay, make prints, or use a variety of other materials. She encourages students to follow their interests, and she also connects art projects to events beyond her classroom, such as when her students created pieces about wildlife conservation and displayed them at the local library.   

About Kristen Magas 

Ms. Magas became a teacher after working as a civil and environmental engineer. She individualizes her instruction for each student, offering them choices related to real-world problems, from ramps needed for a museum to NASA-related projects. Ms. Magas is currently part of a NASA crew on a 45-day simulated Mars mission in Houston and is expected to return in December.    

About Wellpoint 

Wellpoint is a health benefits company that has served Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members, retirees, and their families for more than 30 years. Wellpoint provides health benefits exclusively to people insured through the GIC, offering a variety of plan options that provide comprehensive medical benefits. Learn more at wellpointmass.com. 

To nominate a public school educator to be the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, please email educatorrecognition@doe.mass.edu.  

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON FAMILY DAYS, OFFERING FREE ACCESS FOR FAMILIES AT NINE INSTITUTIONS ACROSS BOSTON

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON FAMILY DAYS, OFFERING FREE ACCESS FOR FAMILIES AT NINE INSTITUTIONS ACROSS BOSTON

The Boston Family Days program includes twice monthly free access days for all Boston school-aged children and their families at premier Boston institutions; builds on 44,000 attendees that used BPS Sundays

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Boston Family Days, an expansion of the successful BPS Sundays pilot program, which gave Boston Public Schools students and their families free access to several cultural institutions throughout Boston. With today’s announcement, Mayor Wu has expanded this free access experience to include all Boston school-aged children and their families and added three new participating cultural institutions: the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and the Museum of African American History. Starting in January 2025 and until December 2026, on the first and second Sundays of each month, every student living in Boston enrolled in grades K-12 or Boston Pre-K will get free admission along with up to two guests to Boston Children’s Museum, the Franklin Park Zoo, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and the Museum of African American History. This builds on the Mayor’s work to make Boston the most family-friendly city in the country.  “The City’s pilot program provides transformative opportunities to our students and their families, and we’re proud to share that over 44,000 students and family members have been able to visit Boston’s cultural institutions free of charge through this program,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “To expand this opportunity to as many young people in our community as possible, we are overjoyed to welcome all Boston school-aged children and their families to utilize Boston Family Days. Through exploration in these world-class cultural institutions, we hope to nurture curiosity and encourage lifelong learning in our city.” Students and families will gain free admission to participating institutions on the first two Sundays of each month from January 2025 to December 2026 by showing their Program Pass, which the City will send each week before each month’s program. Due to the popularity of the program, families are encouraged to pre-register and reserve tickets online.  To participate in Boston Family Days, families must sign up directly with the City. The enrollment platform will launch later this month. Families can fill out this form to be the first to know when they can sign up. For children currently enrolled in Boston Public Schools or Boston Pre-K, they will be automatically enrolled in this program. BPS families will receive their Boston Family Days pass directly via email from BPS. "We are thrilled to see the incredible success of the BPS Sundays pilot program expand into Boston Family Days, opening the doors to even more students and families across our city," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. "Access to these premier cultural institutions provides opportunities for our young people to explore, learn, and connect with the world in meaningful ways. These experiences not only enrich their education but also inspire their creativity and curiosity. We are grateful for Mayor Wu's leadership and the partnership of our cultural and philanthropic community in making Boston a place where every family feels welcome and empowered to thrive." "As a young person, having access to local arts institutions gave me the tools to dream, create, and understand the world around me in a new way. I am incredibly proud that over the past 10 months, we have introduced so many young people to our city’s cultural institutions—many of whom had never had the chance before. Expanding this program to reach even more students and additional institutions is a crucial step to making the arts a vital part of every young person’s journey," said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts & Culture.  “The Archdiocese of Boston Catholic School's Office is excited to celebrate the success of the initial pilot program and grateful to all of the benefactors who made it possible for the expansion of the program to include students in Boston Catholic Schools and to Mayor Wu and her team for recognizing Boston's museums as a learning space for our students and their families,” said Eileen McLaughlin, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston. “We're grateful that this opportunity is being extended to all children and families who reside in the City, regardless of which school they attend,” said Tim Nicolette, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association. “Free access to these institutions will create experiences for children to learn, explore, be inspired and have fun. We’d like to thank Mayor Wu, her staff, funders and the cultural institutions for providing this access to children and families who may otherwise miss out on the extraordinary learning and cultural opportunities these institutions provide.” The BPS Sundays pilot program was first launched in February. The successful first iteration of the free program saw 44,000 participants use the program and attracted many first time visitors to Boston’s cultural institutions. At the Boston Children's Museum 41% of visitors were new, and at the Institute of Contemporary Art 55% of visitors had never been before. The city’s data shows more than half of student program participants were economically disadvantaged. Students from all grade levels have taken advantage of the program, demonstrating the effectiveness in engaging a wide age range. “The kids and I have had a wonderful time at the Children's Museum. Being able to experience this has been great,” said Kacthary Sanclemente of East Boston whose child attends kindergarten. “Going to museums can be pricey so normally my family and I never come here. Being able to do this through the BPS Sunday program has made this a possibility for my family and I to enjoy just another great place here in Boston.” “We believe in the empathetic and creative community where all people can experience the arts. The Gardner has been a leader in lowering economic barriers; the Museum began offering free admission to Boston Public School (BPS) students in 1935. Today, we honor that history by offering free general admission to children 17 and under and teachers participating in the Museum’s Thinking Through Art (TTA) program, among other forms of free-admission. Joining the second phase of the Mayor’s initiative is a natural continuation of this legacy,” said Peggy Fogelman, Norma Jean Calderwood Director of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. “Connection to art and each other is imperative now, and for our collective futures. We care deeply about ensuring access to art and look forward to joining the Mayor in welcoming our community to the Gardner Museum.” “We are excited and honored to join with Mayor Wu in making Boston’s cultural community accessible to Boston Public School students and their families,” said Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO of the Museum of African American History. “The history that is all around us is as rich and diverse as the city itself. And sharing stories about people, ideas, and events that occurred in Boston’s early Black community allows visitors of every age and background to see themselves reflected in this history. This program is a natural extension of our ongoing efforts to form deeper alliances with area schools and teachers and inspire even the youngest students and their families to learn, ask questions, and grow.” "The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is pleased to join with the Mayor's office program BPS Sundays, on the first two Sundays of each month starting in January. We are grateful and excited to welcome Boston families to explore the importance of civic engagement and public service by learning about President Kennedy’s legacy,” said Alan Price, Director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum.  For any questions, families can email bostonfamilydays@boston.gov. “BPS Sundays was a highlight for our whole family. We were able to use the passes almost every first and second Sunday of the month, so much so that our children started calling it ‘museum Sundays,’” said Rebecca Ward, a West Roxbury resident with a child in K2. “As an educator, I understand the importance of exposing children to a variety of cultural experiences to learn, explore, wonder and grow. As a busy mom, it's hard to know when and how to make the time (and have the money!) to provide my children with such experiences. BPS Sundays met us right where we were. Thank you for giving our family the gift of BPS Sundays!” “Once, a classmate organized their birthday party at the zoo for the whole class since everyone had free access. Another time at the Museum of Science, we ran into two classmates coincidentally. It is an awesome way to promote connectedness outside the classroom. And, it encouraged us to utilize these institutions more than we would have normally,” said Leigh Ann Haydon, a Fenway resident with kids in 2nd and 4th grade at the Rafael Hernandez School.  “Every student in our city deserves the chance to unlock their curiosity and passion—to pursue that ‘aha’ moment that ignites their love of science,” said Tim Ritchie, president of the Museum of Science. “The expansion of the Boston Family Days program will spark so many more of those moments for Boston students and their families—precisely what it takes to build a global community of scientifically curious learners and doers.” “Programs like Boston Family Days that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity at cultural institutions are invaluable for young people. The New England Aquarium is honored to continue this partnership with the City and welcome students and families throughout Boston to form a deeper connection to the ocean and the importance it has in our lives,” said Vikki N. Spruill, president and CEO of the New England Aquarium. "Boston Children’s Museum (BCM) is thrilled to participate in the City of Boston’s expanded Boston Family Days program. We have welcomed thousands of children and their families through the BPS Sundays program. With all our many hands-on learning experiences, we know we are creating lifelong memories that make a difference in children’s lives. More than 40% of our annual visitors access the Museum through free or discounted programs, underscoring the ongoing need for affordable educational opportunities for young learners throughout the Commonwealth. We are extremely glad to see this important program expand to include all of our Boston kids,"  said Carole Charnow, President & CEO, Boston Children's Museum. “The ICA’s doors are open and free to Boston youth and families all the time,” said Jill Medvedow, Ellen Matilda Poss Director of the ICA. “The museum offers free admission for youth and teens every day of the week, free museum membership through our +1 program, and a robust schedule of arts education programming. We are pleased to continue our participation in Boston Family Days with more opportunities for Boston’s families.”   “Since the launch of this wonderful program, we have welcomed more than 12,000 program guests to Franklin Park Zoo, each of whom have had the opportunity to create meaningful connections to the natural world, all while learning and creating lasting family memories,” said John Linehan, President and CEO of Zoo New England. “With the expansion of the program, we look forward to welcoming more Boston schoolchildren and their families for a day of STEM-focused learning, adventure and fun.” “This is a remarkable program that provides an invitation for students to experience the wonder of arts and culture across our city,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the Museum of Fine Arts. “It’s inspiring for all of us at the MFA to see families in our galleries, discovering new worlds through art across all time periods and cultures. We look forward to expansion of the program and applaud Mayor Wu’s dedication to provide truly meaningful experiences for our community.”   This two-year program expansion is supported through a public-private partnership between the City of Boston and civic, corporate, and philanthropic partners. Supporters include Amazon, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Barr Foundation, Bob and Michelle Atchinson, and Jim and Cathy Stone. “With over 44,000 Boston students and family members participating in the pilot phase earlier this year, Barr is privileged to support the expansion into 2025 and 2026, for many thousands more Boston students and families to know they are welcome and to be inspired by these cultural treasures in their hometown,” said Jim Canales, President & Trustee, Barr Foundation. "At Amazon, we believe in the power of curiosity and learning, and we're proud to play a part in expanding Boston Family Days," said Jerome Smith, head of Community Engagement for New England at Amazon. "As the program grows to include all K-12 students and three more renowned institutions, we're thrilled not just to support access, but to invest in the cultural education and inspiration of Boston's children." More information about Boston Family Days can be found here.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU HOSTS THE 28TH ANNUAL ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR

MAYOR MICHELLE WU HOSTS THE 28TH ANNUAL ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment today announced that the 28th Annual Enchanted Trolley Tour will take place this Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8.  "We are thrilled for this year's annual holiday trolley tour and tree lightings across the City," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate together. I'm grateful to Bank of America and all our partners for ensuring that we are able to bring the joy of the holidays across our neighborhoods. I encourage residents and families to attend this weekend's exciting events."  The Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees and Santa visits throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. This event is presented by Bank of America, and supported by CityView Trolley Tours. The Enchanted Trolley tour features visits from Santa, Mayor Wu, Office of Neighborhood Services staff, and more. “The Enchanted Trolley Tour captures the magic of the holiday season, creating memorable experiences for Boston residents and visitors alike. Bank of America is excited to join Mayor Wu and the City of Boston in celebrating the festive spirit of the holidays by supporting the 2024 Enchanted Trolley Tour and Tree Lightings," said Miceal Chamberlain, President, Bank of America Massachusetts. Dates and times are as follows: Saturday, December 7 11:00 a.m. — Hastings Lot, West Roxbury  12:00 p.m. — Wolcott Square, Readville 1:00 p.m. — Mattapan Square 2:00 p.m. — Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain  3:00 p.m. — J.P. Monument, Jamaica Plain 3:45 p.m. — Brigham Circle, Mission Hill 4:30 p.m. — Bolling Building, Roxbury 5:45 p.m. — Blackstone Square, South End 6:45 p.m. —  Oak Square, Brighton   Sunday, December 8 12:00 p.m. — Codman Square, Dorchester 1:00 p.m. — Adams Corner, Dorchester 2:00 p.m. — M Street Park, South Boston 3:00 p.m. — Beach Street and Harrison Ave, Chinatown 4:00 p.m. — Paul Revere Mall, North End 5:00 p.m. — Winthrop Square (the Training Field), Charlestown 6:15 p.m. — Maverick Square, East Boston

波士頓公佈第三輪空間補助款名單 華埠區Eat Pho名列32家之一

Mayor Wu Announces the Third Round of SPACE Grant Awardees, Benefitting 32 Entrepreneurs Across the City

In this final round, $2,875,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding will support businesses in commercial districts throughout our neighborhoods.

Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the awardees of the third round of the Supporting Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) Grant, celebrating 32 small businesses that recently opened or are about to open. Through this program, the City has supported over 90 businesses, using over $10.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help them with expenses related to new lease agreements. For round three, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion received over 250 applications.  

“Over the past few years we’ve seen this grant program change lives, bring vibrancy back to our neighborhoods, and transform Boston’s economic landscape,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “To make Boston a home for everyone we have worked hard to provide the crucial support that our small and local businesses need. I am grateful to our Economic Opportunity & Inclusion Cabinet for their consistent efforts to bring life back to vacant spaces across our City.

The first and second rounds distributed over $7.3 million to over 60 entrepreneurs, which will help to create more than 600 new jobs for residents. This final iteration will distribute $2,875,000 to the following 32 grantees:

• 1 more rep athletics (Roxbury)
• Apex Bar and Lounge Inc. (Downtown)
• The Bay State Banner (Roxbury)
• Blue Mountain Jamaican Restaurant, LLC (Mattapan)
• Bondij Clothing (Dorchester)
• Brassica Kitchen and Cafe (Jamaica Plain)
• cacao South End, LLC (South End)
• Cha Feo (Downtown)
• Cuffs & Collars (Downtown)
• Don Tequeño y Doña Arepa (Jamaica Plain)
• Downtown Boston BID (Downtown)
• DJ's Market (Dorchester)
• Eat Pho LLC (Chinatown)
• Esther's Garden Childcare Inc. (Dorchester)
• Fit to Function (Roslindale)
• Georgie's Wine Bar (Downtown)
• Genelys Early Learning Center (Jamaica Plain)
• Haley House Bakery Cafe (Roxbury)
• Hebron Market (Mission Hill)
• The Hummus Shop (Beacon Hill)
• Ink Source LLC (Roxbury)
• Jenny's Pizza (Charlestown)
• Leche y Miel, LLC (South End)
• The Little Cocoa Bean Company (Jamaica Plain)
• Murl's Kitchen LLC (Dorchester)
• Neighborhood Wash (Dorchester)
• Noir Essence Studios, LLC (Dorchester)
• Nubian Notion (Roxbury)
• Rozzie Bound Co-op, Inc. (Roslindale)
• Silver Dove Afternoon tea (Downtown)
• SJ's (Downtown)
• Sorrel & Lime (Dorchester)

Mayor Wu and the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion developed the SPACE Grant program as a direct result of recommendations made by small business owners. Of all of the SPACE round grantees, 34 are now open and operating, 30 have signed a lease, and the remainder are in lease negotiations. The City is continuing to support all grantees with technical assistance, connections with developers and landlords, and with business-serving organizations for site selection support. Many SPACE Grantees have also applied and received low interest small business loans from the Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC). 

The program provides opportunities for small business owners to open their new or next storefront location in major commercial districts like Downtown and Back Bay, bring vibrancy to all City neighborhoods, and help close the racial wealth gap. 

Across the three rounds, 75 percent of SPACE grantees are entrepreneurs of color and over 65 percent are women business owners. In the past three months, SPACE grantees have opened storefronts throughout the city, including Dani’s Queer Bar in the Back Bay, sweeties in Roslindale, and Boardeaux in the Financial District. 

“The third round SPACE grantees are dynamic businesses that will strengthen both Downtown and Boston’s neighborhoods,” said Segun Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “The awardees exude creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Boston will benefit from the growth of both these companies, as well as those previously awarded grants through the SPACE program.”

“We have enjoyed celebrating grand openings and ribbon-cuttings for many of our SPACE Grantees, and we look forward to not only seeing more of these businesses open, but also continuing to support their growth as entrepreneurs,” said Alia Hamada Forrest, Director of Business Strategy for the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. 

In addition to awarding businesses grants to open brick-and-mortar locations, the City is providing each business with wrap-around services to assist with lease negotiation, accounting, taxes, regulatory compliance, marketing, and employee-ownership to ensure long-term success. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM), and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) also offer grantees free memberships to their organizations. 

Grantees are also supported with small business resources through local financial institutions including the Boston Local Development Corporation and Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and tenant improvement contributions offered by participating landlords. Wraparound services are provided by the Small Business Technical Assistance Program through the City of Boston’s Office of Small Business.

“We are incredibly grateful for this support from the City. The SPACE Grant will help us create a space that brings people together, supports local jobs, and adds to the neighborhood's culinary vibrancy,” said Tran Le, Owner of Eat Pho, a restaurant about to open in Chinatown. 

"The SPACE Grant has been instrumental in supporting our business and enriching our community. It’s an invaluable resource, and we extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Boston and its dedicated staff for their unwavering support," said Kurt Mclaughlin, Owner/Partner of Sorrel & Lime, a new modern event space opening soon on Blue Hill Avenue in Dorchester.

The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion first announced the SPACE Grant program at the end of 2022, following the release of the City’s Downtown Revitalization Plan. A total of $9 million was budgeted for the SPACE program. An additional $1 million of ARPA funding was re-appropriated to the SPACE Grant Program by the Boston City Council in early October 2024. For more information about the SPACE Grant program, visit the program website. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU GIVES $110M TO BILLIONAIRE FINANCIER WHILE PROPOSING TO INCREASE TAXES TO HOMEOWNERS

MAYOR MICHELLE WU GIVES $110M TO BILLIONAIRE FINANCIER WHILE PROPOSING TO INCREASE TAXES TO HOMEOWNERS   

• Charlestown residents were not informed of this Instagram performance by Mayor Wu “15% back when they sell" condos that were not designated as condos.  Bunker Hill Housing apartment has always been rental.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDFkJTfuZ9P/?igsh=MTB4emR2NTBnb2F6bA==

·        Mayor Wu DID NOT disclose the truth: BHHD tenants will need to pay their electric utilities in these new buildings which eliminates affordability to existing tenants. What low-income resident has a surplus of hundreds of dollars monthly?  The developer and the City have misled the BHHD residents.  

• The project creates massive heat islands. On a 99 degree day, this project was 125 degrees, increasing the risk of heat stroke, with more 100 degree days annually. This is NOT climate resilience. 
• The project destroys 17 acres of courtyards and greenspace, while more than doubling the population. 
• There will be a mere 2.7 acres of slivers and patches of green space for 6,200 BHHD residents on 27 acres, the densest concentration of public housing in the City.
• Mayor Wu is approving segregated public housing, not mixed income housing.
•  Mayor Wu is eliminating required community engagement by: a) segregating low income residents into elevator buildings instead of  MIXED income buildings as was promised to the community before construction, and b) forcing the BHHD residents to pay utility costs when the community was promised the utility cost would be included in the rent as it had always been prior to construction.
• Mayor Wu, the developer, and the financier are destroying the environment by ripping out established green infrastructure and tearing out 288 century-old, full canopied trees.    

https://www.bostonherald.com/2024/12/02/boston-mayor-wus-tax-shift-bill-blocked-again-this-time-in-the-senate/

波士頓華埠退伍軍人會聚餐慶聖誕

由左至右，司徒文信、周麗桃、黃國麟、陳志航、郭嘉良(Eugene Lu，
財政）、Genie Boland珍妮保倫（會長）、Ed Flynn、李錦棠、廖認寬、
司徒卓榮、區靖儀、余寶愛、余國華， (周麗桃提供)

              (Boston Orange) 美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會日前在紐英崙中華公所慶祝聖誕節，十餘名老中青會員歡聚一堂，還請到轄區包括華埠的波士頓市第2區市議員愛德華費林出席，歡度一午。

               波士頓華埠退伍軍人會328分會於1949年正式成立，今年6月才剛慶祝了成立75週年。

               由於年節將近，不少人出遊在外，還有些人因年事已高，不便出門，這天在現任會長珍妮保倫 (Genie Boland) 之外，出席者大都曾任會長，包括司徒文信、歐靖儀、黃國麟，余國華、陳志航、司徒卓榮等人，以及一向熱心的李錦棠，年輕一輩，現任財政的郭嘉良 (Eugene Lu)，還有會員家屬周麗桃、余寶愛、廖認寬等人一起圍桌而坐，享用大餐，聊聊今年11月/23、24、30和12月1日這天為小朋友收集玩具過程，聊盡心意的以實際行動幫助更多人享受節聖誕歡樂。

應邀出席的波士頓市議員愛德華費林，也嘉勉波士頓華埠退伍軍人會心懷社區，積極奉獻。

麻州長Healey、波市長吳弭感恩節奔波送溫暖

麻州長Maura Healey在TD Garden位遊民分發感恩節大餐。
(圖片來自州長IG)

             (Boston Orange 綜合報導)麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)和波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)11月27日和一眾家賓在TD 球場，為一千多名無家可歸人士切火雞，備大餐，過好節，讓第28屆「朋友桌 (Table of Friend)」成為波士頓有史以來規模最大的感恩節活動。

             這第28屆「朋友桌」感恩節活動由TD 花園鄰里慈善會 (TD Garden Neighborhood Charities)主辦，準備了800磅火雞，500多磅的南瓜派，以及數以百磅計的附餐，還另外捐款5千元給「住房啟動基金 (Housing Start-Up Fund)」，期以幫助無家可歸者成為有殼蝸牛。

             包括波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox等，許多政要都參加了這場感恩大活動。

波士頓市長吳弭(中)和聯邦參議員Ed Markey (右)在松街克債切火雞。
(讀者提供)

             感恩節對美國人來說，是個比聖誕節還重要的全家團聚大日子。為照顧無家可歸者在這節假日也得享溫暖，奚莉州長和吳弭市長在11月初還和麻州副州長Kim Driscoll，麻州財政廳廳長Deb Goldberg等人出席過波士頓食物銀行的年度送火雞活動「給予鍊 (Chain of Giving)」，共送出46,000隻火雞。11月28日，吳弭市長又趕到松街客棧，和聯邦參議員Ed Markey等人一起為遊民切火雞，讓更多人能夠過個溫馨的感恩節。

波士頓聖誕列車訂12月8日開進華埠 麻州長Healey 訂12月4日點亮聖誕燈

              (Boston Orange綜合報導) 從感恩節開始，波士頓市進入迎接新年節慶模式，市政府安排有開放紐百利街 (Newbury )、聖誕列車進社區，波士頓廣場聖誕樹點燈等一系列假日節慶活動。

                                                                   麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey)和第一夫人Joanna Lydgate則12月4日下午5點，在州政府大樓前舉辦年度聖誕節亮燈儀式，邀請Hamilton-Garrett青年合唱團表演。

               波士頓市府為讓民眾在年節前更能享受輕鬆逛街、買禮物的節慶氣氛，訂12月1日和8日這兩個週日，開放紐百利街成為行人徒步區。如果遇雨，改12月15日開放。

               波士頓市府的聖誕列車，今年跨入第28年，由美國銀行贊助，將於12月7日及8 日，帶著聖誕老人到16個地點拜訪民眾，舉行聖誕樹點燈儀式，為民眾帶來節慶氣氛。

               聖誕列車拜訪華埠夏利臣街 (Harrison Ave.) 的時間排在12月8日的下午3點。

               波士頓市每年迎接來自加拿大新斯科細亞省 (Nova Scotia) 聖誕樹的點燈儀式，今年跨入第83屆，日期訂在12月5日的下午6點至8點，照例在波士頓廣場遊客資訊中心旁舉行 (139 Tremont Street) 。贊助這活動的機構包括加拿大新斯科細亞省，亞馬遜 (Amazon)，藍捷航空公司 (Jet Blue)，遇見波士頓(Meet Boston)，以及美國銀行， Constellation，還有WCVB 第5號頻道，波士頓環球報(The Boston Globe)等。

               活動現場將有由藍捷航空、H.P. Hood，新英格蘭咖啡，Harry Potter，展覽，以及舉起手杖(Raising Cane)等提供的試吃、贈品及茶點。

               晚上7點開始，WCVB 第5號頻道將直播由該頻道"編年史 (Chronicle)”節目主播Anthony Everett 和Shayna Seymour主持的現場表演。美國作者 ( American Authors)，以及出身自伯克利音樂學院的5x 白金唱片藝術家，2x葛萊美獎獲提名者將演唱”我一生中最好的日子(Best Day of My Life)、“聖誕卡拉OK (Christmas Karaoke)”等歌曲。在現場演唱者還將包括Halifax流行樂歌手Ria Mae，麻州莎士比亞公司演唱聖誕頌歌(A Christmas Carol)，民謠藝術家及提琴手Morgan Toney表演米克馬克深情的旋律，還有波士頓的爵士樂及福音歌曲傳奇歌手，波士頓兒童合唱團等的表演。

               波士頓市長吳弭當晚將親自出席，並點亮聖誕燈。查詢詳情可上網boston.gov/boston-common-tree-lighting。 (更新版)

               聖誕列車開進社區的日期和時間為:

Enchanted Trolley Dates and locations

Saturday, December 7

11 a.m. - Hastings Lot, West Roxbury 

12 p.m. - Wolcott Square, Readville

1 p.m. - Mattapan Square

2 p.m. - Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain 

3 p.m. - J.P. Monument, Jamaica Plain

3:45 p.m. - Brigham Circle, Mission Hill

4:30 p.m. - Bolling Building, Roxbury

5:45 p.m. - Blackstone Square, South End

6:45 p.m. - Oak Square, Brighton  

Sunday, December 8

12 p.m. - Codman Square, Dorchester

1 p.m. - Adams Corner, Dorchester

2 p.m. - M Street Park, South Boston

3 p.m. - Beach Street and Harrison Ave, Chinatown

4 p.m. - Paul Revere Mall, North End

5 p.m. - Winthrop Square (the Training Field), Charlestown

6:15 p.m. - Maverick Square, East Boston 

新英格蘭美洲印第安人聯合會2訂11月28日舉辦第55屆全國追悼日

                   55th NATIONAL DAY OF MOURNING TO BE OBSERVED IN PLYMOUTH, MA 

AT 12 NOON ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 2024

United American Indians of New England (UAINE) has called for the 54th National Day of Mourning in Plymouth, Massachusetts on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at 12 o'clock noon. Participants will gather by the statue of Massasoit on Cole's Hill above the Plymouth waterfront.

 Since 1970, hundreds of Native people and non-Native allies have gathered annually in Plymouth on U.S. Thanksgiving Day. 

 According to UAINE co-leader Kisha James, who is Aquinnah Wampanoag and Oglala Lakota and the granddaughter of Wamsutta Frank James, the founder of National Day of Mourning, “Native people have no reason to celebrate the arrival of the Pilgrims. We want to educate people about the true origins of the first Thanksgiving, which were far bloodier than the ‘Pilgrims and Indians’ story in the Thanksgiving myth. The first official day of ‘thanksgiving’ was declared in Massachusetts in 1637 by Puritan Governor Winthrop to celebrate the massacre of over 700 Pequot men, women and children on the banks of the Mystic River in Connecticut. Wampanoag and other Indigenous people have certainly not lived happily ever after since the arrival of the Pilgrims. To us, Thanksgiving is a Day of Mourning, because we remember the millions of our ancestors who were murdered by the Pilgrims and subsequent generations of settlers. Today, we and many Indigenous people around the country say, ‘No Thanks, No Giving.’"

James explained that much of the day will also be devoted to speaking about contemporary issues. “More than 400 years after the arrival of the Mayflower, Indigenous people are still denied basic human rights and full control of their own homelands. Change is long past due. We are still facing many of the issues that our elders talked about in 1970 at the first National Day of Mourning. We call on non-Native people to listen to Indigenous voices, especially about how to address the climate crisis, and to join us in trying to stop the continued destruction of our homelands and waterways by greedy corporations. Native lands must be returned to our control in order to ensure a future for all of life on earth.”

 UAINE co-leader Mahtowin Munro spoke about some of the current issues that affect Indigenous communities. “Participants in National Day of Mourning this year will speak about many things. We will mourn and honor the thousands of Missing & Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, Two-Spirit (#MMIWG2S) and other Indigenous Relatives. We will join the thousands demanding the identification and return of the remains of thousands of Indigenous children from the residential schools and boarding schools that were sponsored by Canada and the US in order to ‘kill the Indian’ in the children and destroy Indigenous communities. From Peru to British Columbia, from Boston to the Amazon, Indigenous peoples are defending their sovereignty, calling for land back, and insisting that nothing should happen on their lands without their freely given consent. Indigenous solidarity and resistance are international. We stand in solidarity with all the Indigenous nations opposing pipelines, mines and megadams. And I’m also sure that many of those in attendance will support the call of millions around the world to end the genocide in Gaza.”

 North American Indian Center of Boston president Jean-Luc Pierite spoke on community and coalition building among the relocated and displaced Indigenous peoples within the context of American imperialism, “The history of urban Indian centers in the United States follows the legacy of termination by Congress and forced assimilation through relocation. Since 1969, Boston Indian Council and North American Indian Center of Boston foster space and time for Native organizing, cultural and social services, and Indigenous resistance through continued presence. Our membership has joined with United American Indians of New England since the first march. Today, the relocation to urban centers is not exclusive to federal Indian policy. We now see our relatives in all places touched by American imperialism. Regardless of whether we are Indigenous to Turtle Island or displaced from homelands by wars, climate change, and extractive economies, we will strive to foster community with all relations. Together, we know that now more than ever the world needs Indigenous peoples.”

Jay Teba, a representative of  Albuquerque-based The Red Nation, said “National Day of Mourning is a counter-narrative that cuts through colonialism. It is sensible for the settler state to create the national holiday of so-called Thanksgiving because it is the white lie that blankets the genocide of Indigenous Peoples and perpetuates our erasure. In a world where the ruling class uses mainstream media narratives to perpetuate genocide without consequence and where education is cut to serve the idealogy of the settler state, our power is in our truth and presence. The Red Nation is traveling to so-called Massachusetts to witness the resistance of Wampanoag people and to stand hand in hand in solidarity. We wish to share this feeling with the world and make our way to amplify the truth that National Day of Mourning provides.”