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| 太陽馬戲團謝幕。(周菊子攝) |
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| 「蛋」是這場室內巡迴表演的主題。 (公關公司提供) |
在過去這40年中，「太陽馬戲團」雖然大起大落，但該團把馬戲雜耍變成無論是服裝、音響或節目，都讓人耳目一新的藝術表演，給觀眾留下深刻印象，成為世界級的表演團體。
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| 表演者的身體柔軟度令人驚詫。(周菊子攝) |
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| 走鋼索的場景造型，設計得非常有藝術感。(周菊子攝) |
整場表演長達2小時，有中場休息，觀眾入場不能攜帶大於平板電腦尺寸的隨身物品。
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| 平衡表演是馬戲的重頭表演，太陽馬戲團的服裝服裝為表演加分。(周菊子攝) |
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| 太陽馬戲團:蛋的節目開場擺設。(周菊子攝) |
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| 太陽馬戲團OVO演出海報。(公關公司提供) |
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| 麻州副州長Kim Driscoll(左二)和支持海域發展的州議員們。(周菊攝攝) |
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| 麻州副州長Kim Driscoll(右二)和Hanson Milone的家人合影。(周菊子攝) |
麻州副州長Kim
Driscoll指麻州海岸線長，水上活動對麻州經濟及人民的生活品質，都有特殊貢獻。這遊船展去年在5天之內為麻州提供了372個工作機會，創造了1380萬元的勞動收入，為麻州的年度毛營收帶來2800萬元。
Driscoll副州長還特地指出，這天早上，她出席了麻州州長奚莉 (Maura
Healey)的簽署法令活動，其中包括撥款一億元給海港協會 ，藉以整頓、維修海域，改善環境安全與韌性，還簽了Hanson
Milone安全划船法，規定所有划船者必須取得駕船證照，藉以確保麻州水路安全。
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| 波士頓會議展覽中心正在展出各種遊艇。 (周菊子攝) |
8日晚的開幕接待會收入，將捐給拯救港口/拯救海灣協會( Save the Harbor/Save the Bay)，以支持海域活動。
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| 現場展出的船隻，以中小型船隻居多。(周菊子攝) |
會場的裝飾品之一。(周菊子攝) 
Steve Robinson原本是學校的歷史老師，退休後陸續買了幾艘小型遊艇，
開起遊艇出租生意，成為Buzzards Bay區少數的遊艇業者之一。(周菊子攝)
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在麻州，目前已有11個組織加入了「清白紀錄聯盟」，包括:
· The Clean Slate Initiative
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· Greater Boston Legal Services
· Justice 4 Housing
· Massachusetts Competitive Partnership
· Neighbor 2 Neighbor
· New England Community Project
· Progressive Mass
· Public Health Institute of Western Massachusetts
· Responsible Business Initiative for Justice
· Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts
Gorzkowicz, Michlewitz, Rodrigues Announce Consensus Revenue Forecast of $43.614 Billion for Fiscal Year 2026
Baseline state tax revenue growth expected to grow by 2.2 percent
BOSTON – Today, Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, House Ways and Means Chair Aaron Michlewitz, and Senate Ways and Means Chair Michael J. Rodrigues agreed on a consensus revenue forecast for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) of $43.614 billion, including the income surtax.
Excluding the income surtax, the baseline FY26 consensus revenue estimate totals $41.214 billion, an increase of 2.2 percent over the current FY25 benchmark. The three parties agreed to an income surtax estimate of $2.4 billion, as well as a spending threshold of $1.95 billion for FY26, reducing the amount of revenue available for budgeting to $43.164 billion. This spending threshold represents $650 million in additional surtax available for spending compared to the FY25 General Appropriations Act (GAA). The establishment of a spending threshold will ensure that surtax spending in the budget is sustainable.
“This consensus revenue estimate for Fiscal Year 2026 responsibly reflects our current economic environment. While our economy and revenues over the past couple years have continued to grow, the post-pandemic rate of growth has slowed and our budgeting must adjust accordingly. This agreement will enable us to build a budget that delivers on our goals and values without the risk of creating further structural problems in future fiscal years. The increase in available resources from surtax is also critically important, aligning our estimates with the strong performance we saw in FY24 in surtax and making it possible to continue to use this resource for transformative investment in our education and transportation systems,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “I want to thank Chair Michlewitz, Chair Rodrigues, and the Ways and Means teams for their collaboration as we developed this responsible revenue forecast that will ensure fiscal stability for Massachusetts in the years ahead and I look forward to continued partnership through the FY26 budgeting process.”
“This Fiscal Year 2026 consensus revenue figure will allow the Legislature and the Healey-Driscoll administration to collectively construct a reasonable and suitable budget for the upcoming fiscal year. By being ever watchful of the Commonwealth's finances and basing the budget on a judicious consensus revenue figure, we will be able to make fiscally sound decisions over the next few months as we work to make the critical investments that our constituents deserve,” said House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston). “I want to thank Chair Rodrigues and Secretary Gorzkowicz for their partnership in working to reach this agreement. I look forward to continuing to work closely with both of them as we work towards a final budget for fiscal year 2026.”
“Rooted in sound fiscal decision making, the Fiscal Year 2026 consensus revenue estimate reflects our ongoing efforts to tighten our belts and further align state spending growth with tax revenue growth in response to increasing post-pandemic spending obligations and the challenges ahead. With this agreement, we are laying the groundwork for a balanced FY26 budget that prioritizes our state’s economic health, promotes stability and continues to shape a more affordable and sustainable path for the Commonwealth, “said state Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. "I want to thank our partners in the House, Chair Aaron Michlewitz and his team in the House Committee on Ways and Means, and in the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz and his team in the Executive Office for Administration and Finance for their continued collaboration. I look forward to working closely with both of them and their respective teams as we strive to build a responsible and fiscally sound budget plan for FY26.”
The consensus revenue forecast is the basis on which the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the House, and the Senate will build their respective FY26 budget recommendations. Pursuant to Section 5B of Chapter 29 of the General Laws, the Executive and Legislative branches convene every year to establish a joint revenue forecast. This process was informed by testimony given by the Department of Revenue, the State Treasurer’s Office, and independent, local economists from area foundations and universities during a public hearing held by the Secretary and Chairs on December 2, 2024.
Of the forecasted $43.614 billion in FY26 state tax revenues, an estimated $2.327 billion is projected to be capital gains tax revenue of which $666 million will be statutorily transferred to support long term liabilities, such as the Stabilization Fund, pension costs and retiree health insurance expenses.
The agreement also includes several off-budget transfers that are mandated by current law, including:
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$4.933 billion to be transferred to
the pension fund, a $432 million increase over the FY25
contribution that keeps the Commonwealth on schedule to fully fund its pension
liability by 2036
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$1.426 billion to support the
operations of the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA)
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$1.265 billion for the Massachusetts
School Building Authority (MSBA), which will support school construction
projects across the Commonwealth
· $27 million for the Workforce Training Fund to support the Commonwealth’s workforce and business productivity and competitiveness
The Executive Office for Administration and Finance and the House
and Senate Committees on Ways and Means also determined the potential gross
state product (PGSP) growth benchmark for calendar year 2025, as required by
M.G.L. Chapter 29 Section 7H ½. The PGSP growth benchmark informs the
Commonwealth’s health care cost growth benchmark, established by the Health
Policy Commission each year. The three bodies have reached agreement that the
PGSP figure for calendar year 2025 will remain 3.6 percent. PGSP is a measure
of the “full employment” output of the Commonwealth’s economy and reflects
long-term trends in the economy rather than fluctuations due to the business
cycle and, as a result, is meant to be fairly stable from year to year.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Secures $10 Million in
Federal Funds to Prevent Flooding on MBTA Blue Line
MBTA flood mitigation project to support protection of the Blue Line Tunnel, a critical segment of public transportation infrastructure
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration has secured more than $9.9 million in federal funding through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program. The funding, administrated by the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), will support the Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) in preventing flooding impacts, strengthening the administration’s efforts to mitigate climate change effects, and build a more climate resilient transit system.
“Protecting our infrastructure and implementing new and innovative ways to mitigate and respond to the ever-changing effects of climate change is crucial to providing safe, and reliable public transportation,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We know that Blue Line riders have had to endure frequent flooding for years, and these funds will help put a stop to those service disruptions. We’re grateful to FEMA for recognizing the significance of this work and congratulate MEMA and the MBTA for their efforts to secure this funding.”
“People rely on the Blue Line to commute to work and school, visit Boston’s most famous attractions, and connect with the world through Logan Airport,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These infrastructure upgrades will improve flood resilience and help prevent water leaks and corrosion to protect this route for years to come.”
The project will fund a series of improvements to the Blue Line Tunnel portal, which connects the tunnel to the airport, to protect the transit line from flooding impacts.
Much of the MBTA's Blue Line is below sea level and at increasing risk of coastal and stormwater flooding. Portals like the Airport Tunnel Portal are large entry points for flood waters, which can then damage the Blue Line and connecting subway tunnel systems and disrupt service while repairs are made. The Blue Line Tunnel runs underneath the Boston Harbor from East Boston to downtown, carrying thousands of passengers each day and serving communities in the East Boston area.
Specifically, the project will include the installation of flood doors that will close off the two tunnel portal openings during a flood event. Work will include updates on the track, traction power, signal and pump rooms to accommodate the new flood doors. The project proposal accounts for increased flooding events related to climate change and is designed to provide protection against impacts as far out as 2070.
"The Healey-Driscoll administration has been proactive in taking steps to address the challenges of climate change, and this federal funding will position the Blue Line to withstand some of the worst weather that leads to flooding in the corridor area,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Our vision for the MBTA is to build infrastructure that supports reliable and resilient service, and this grant will help us protect assets, safeguard the fleet, and keep service running for customers.”
“At the MBTA, we are committed to making transportation infrastructure more resilient and adaptive to ensure that our transit system can continue to serve communities despite the growing challenges posed by climate change. This funding will not only help us protect the Blue Line Tunnel, a vital corridor connecting East Boston to downtown and Logan Airport, but it will also strengthen our long-term efforts to create a safer, more sustainable transit network,” said General Manager Phillip Eng. “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, FEMA, and MEMA for their partnership in securing these critical resources needed to help us maintain service for all and future proof the T.”
“As the state agency charged with administering BRIC grants, MEMA recognizes the importance of utilizing these funds to help cities, towns and the state mitigate risks to community lifelines such as transportation,” said MEMA Director Dawn Brantley. “The technical assistance and guidance that MEMA’s Mitigation Unit provides for these grant applications has been instrumental in successfully moving these grant projects forward in a nationally-competitive selection process. The team managed more than $300 million in hazard mitigation grant projects during 2024, which represents a single-year record for the agency.”
“BRIC is more than a grant program; it’s a commitment to strengthening our nation’s ability to withstand and adapt to the challenges of tomorrow, empowering communities to build a safer, more sustainable future,” said FEMA Region 1 Deputy Regional Administrator Jarrett W. Devine. “This grant award highlights the strength of teamwork and collaboration between federal, state, and local partners, coming together to create innovative solutions—such as safeguarding the MBTA Blue Line from flooding—that make our communities stronger and more resilient.”
As detailed in the state’s hazard mitigation and climate adaptation plan, ResilientMass, the MBTA has completed climate change vulnerability assessments and flood screening reports of its entire operations to better understand the risks and vulnerabilities to natural disasters and take measures to increase resilience. This project advances implementation of one of MBTA’s priority actions in the ResilientMass Plan, the Tunnel Flood Mitigation program.
The cost for construction of the Blue Line Tunnel project is estimated at $13.4 million. The BRIC grant will cover approximately 75% and the state will contribute $3.3 million. The total project cost is $20.7 million. The project has also received a $1 million grant for design through EEA’s ResilientMass Implementation Funding.
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES 2025 MAYOR’S YOUTH SUMMIT The City of Boston will host the 2025 Mayor’s Youth Summit on February 22 – featuring entertainment, food, celebration, and youth performances – for teens ages 14-19. |
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BOSTON - Friday, January 10, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Office of Youth Engagement (OYEA) today announced free tickets are now available for the 2025 Mayor’s Youth Summit (MYS), an annual, citywide celebration of the contributions of young people to Boston’s culture. With support from many local, youth-serving partner organizations and City departments, the 2025 Summit will be held 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22 at the Artists For Humanity EpiCenter, a vibrant arts center for youth, located in South Boston. The Mayor’s Youth Summit, which resumed last year under Mayor Wu’s leadership, builds on her commitment to making Boston a home for everyone and ensuring our city’s youth have the tools to reach their fullest potential. “Boston’s future is in our young people, and we’re lucky to have their leadership and energy to build a city for everyone. We were so excited to bring back the Mayor’s Youth Summit last year for the first time in decades, and this year we will be expanding it based on high demand,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I look forward to another exciting summit held in partnership with local organizations doing great work with our youth.” The 2024 Summit, which was held by the City for the first time in 20 years and marked 30 years since its inception, brought over 200 youth attendees from around the city. This year, the Summit is expanding to 500 free tickets available for teens ages 14-19 and 100 tickets for adult providers in the youth work space. It will feature free food, speakers, giveaways, and live performances from local youth of Beat the Odds and 617Speaks, among others. “The Mayor's Youth Summit is more than just a gathering—it's a platform to celebrate young people, showcase their talents, and build connections,” said Pedro Cruz, Executive Director of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement. “Together, we are shaping a city that reflects the dreams and ambitions of our future leaders.” “This annual event is a testament to the power and potential of Boston's young people and I’m thrilled that we are able to expand our capacity this year,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “We invite every young person to join us and enjoy the space, while helping drive the change they want to see in Boston." Two awards will be given at the 2025 Summit. The Youth Leader Award will honor two Boston residents between the ages of 14 and 19 years old who demonstrate high levels of leadership among their peers and/or a commitment to civic engagement. The Youth Organization Award will be given to two organizations who demonstrate exceptional dedication to empowering and supporting Boston's youth. "We are honored to offer Artists for Humanity as the venue for this important annual event, which celebrates and brings together youth voices and leadership. We hope the space inspires creative collaborations,” said Anna Yu, Artists for Humanity Executive Director. “We are so grateful that the City of Boston continues to invest deeply in youth engagement and youth employment." To learn more about and reserve free tickets for the 2025 Mayor’s Youth Summit, please visit boston.gov/youth-summit. |
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| 黃偉健升任全美黃氏副總長。(周菊子攝) |
早從1980年代開始，波士頓黃氏宗親會有不少宗親獲得全美黃氏認可，進入全美黃氏宗親會服務，歷任總長等職，包括九龍餐廳創辦人黃偉炎，帝苑大酒樓創辦人黃官羨，僑聲音樂社創辦人之一的黃君裕，摩頓市一家餐廳共同創辦人的黃煜棠，曾任波士頓安良工商會會長的黃立輝，曾任黃氏宗親會主席的黃仁宇，以及現任僑聲音樂社社長的黃國威等人。
當過全美總長後，升任全美元老的有黃偉炎、黃官羨、黃君裕、黃煜棠，黃國威等人，其中黃偉炎、黃煜棠，黃君裕已辭世。當到總長的黃仁宇，也在二年前揮別人世
波士頓黃氏宗親會目前在世的全美級人馬，只有黃官羨、黃國威、黃立輝。
在台山出生，台中一中畢業後，1985年隨父遷居香港，1992年才來美國的黃偉健在黃氏公所算是新紮師兄。
黃偉健回憶當年，笑說太太黃蔡碧菁先跟家人移民來美，自己是隨著老婆腳步，才來美國的，可以說是「過埠新郎」了。
來美後，他先做裝修，再應朋友之請，轉行進餐館工作，做到2000年後，和朋友一起經營餐館，就這樣勤勤懇懇的工作到2022年退休，從此展開全新人生。
參與黃氏公所的宗親服務，倒是早從2013年就開始了，陸續擔任過核數等職位，然後做了2屆主席，無論是協辦春宴，在懇親大會時接送宗親，反正事無大小，有需要他就幫忙，現在也是宗親們給他機會服務，這才升任副總長。
黃偉健透露，在波士頓僑社中，他還參與過仙藝曲藝社，僑聲音樂社，台山鄉親聯誼會。他自己原本是喜歡唱卡拉OK的，還學跳國際舞，認識了仙藝曲藝社的人，在該社有需要時就去幫忙，後來是社長梁小玲說缺少男歌手，他這才開始學唱粵曲。
現在他既是台山鄉親聯誼會副會長，加入了僑聲音樂社，如果木蘭寨表演需要人時，也會支持。黃偉健笑說，如今退休，力有所及，能夠服務社區是他的榮幸。(更新版)
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| 波士頓經文處長廖朝宏(左三)送賀狀給當選全美黃氏副總長的黃偉健(中)。 (周菊子攝) |
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| 黃伍一家親，黃伍兩氏互賀已是多年傳統。(周菊子攝) |
紐英崙伍胥山公所延續”黃伍一家親”傳統，這天也有全美元老伍煥華，美東副總長伍輝民，主席伍振中、伍偉業，曾任主席的伍紹仁，婦女部主任伍詹淑惠等多人組隊到賀。
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| 黃氏宗親帶後輩出席新屆職員就職典禮。(周菊子攝) |
由於黃氏宗親會職員一任兩年，今年是任期第二年，除了主席黃偉健升任美東副總裁，主席職位減少一人外，其餘職位照舊，向祖先牌位上香、敬酒，獻金豬，進財帛，三鞠躬等禮節之外，這次的就職典禮相對較簡單。
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| 波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏(右)稱許黃周麗桃服務熱心。(周菊子攝) |
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