波士頓揮毫迎蛇年新春 嘆見書法人才凋零

左起，劉裕鵬、何立彬、陳松均、黃周麗桃，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，
伍快榮，梅宇國、鄺坤珍、翁宇才等人展示迎春書法。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州綜合報導) 龍騰去，蛇舞來，大波士頓在駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處、波士頓華僑文教服務中心和紐英崙中華公所、紐英崙藝術學會、波士頓中華書法會等機構合作中，又一度揮毫迎春，鼓勵人發揚寫書法賀年的中華傳統文化。

              遵循近十餘年來的慣例，迎春揮毫，1月18日先在牛頓市的波士頓僑教中心會址辦一場，1月19日再在紐英崙中華公所辦一場。

蛇年吉祥春聯。(周菊子攝)

              中華書法會會長黃周麗桃和波士頓僑教中心合作，準備了喜氣洋洋的紅紙，應邀出席的書法家們，各自帶上自己慣用的筆墨，就在會場揮灑開來，在應景的蛇年吉祥話之外，還貼心地為求字民眾揮毫。

出席中華公所迎春揮毫活動者合影。(周菊子攝)

              在波士頓僑教中心這場，有波士頓僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬，書法會黃周麗桃、池元山，黃周麗桃書法老師之一的劉裕鵬，台山江門書法協會名譽會長陳松均，波士頓慈濟人文學校老師宋永麒，伍胥山公所宗親伍快榮等人，各據一桌的在會場即席揮毫。

              過去這幾年總是陪著黃周麗桃出席，創辦神筆小孩基金會的書法能手伍振中，今年因為正好做開心手術，不克出席。

             

廣教學校小朋友也在老師帶領下來現場揮毫。(僑教中心提供)

波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，政大校友會暨大波士頓急難救助協會會長林麗珠，紐英崙中華專業人員協會會長盧彥君，理事彭淑敏等人都特地出席盛會，和參加活動的波士頓海外青年文化大使們互動。

              每年例必到會的志工，鄭玉春、曾建泉、鄭雪卿，陳玉瑛等人也穿梭會場，協助到場民眾裁剪紅紙，研墨，送筆。

             

黃周麗桃在牛頓市僑教中心寫福字。(周菊子攝)

在波士頓的紐英崙中華公所會議廳這場迎春揮毫，興許天氣太冷，陸續到場的人共約廿、三十人。的最早的是黃周麗桃、劉裕鵬、陳松均等人，後來陸續加入寫字行列的有紐英崙藝術學會的梅宇國，來自西安的何立斌等人。

              波士頓詩人朱紹昌也特地到場，解釋了一番梅宇國揮毫，他為台山鄉親聯誼會撰寫的對聯。

目前做比特幣礦機維修的何立斌(左)應黃周麗桃(右)之邀，
帶著女兒到會場沾沾春節氣氛。(周菊子攝)

              這天由於紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝出差，不在城內，中華公所中文書記翁宇才代表接待到場眾人。會末，還有些廣教學校的學生們，由老師帶領來到會場揮毫。

朱紹昌(中)為台山鄉親聯誼會撰就一幅對聯，
請梅宇國揮毫而呈長軸。(周菊子攝)

              大波士頓早年有許多書法好手，包括伍育俊，張建勳，李蕙蓮，林卓培，吳紹營，甄雲龍，程嶺，郭天涵，王均，李厚正，周文熙，黃鏡明，陳綺怡等人，只是隨著時日消逝，這些書法家們，或搬遷，或辭世，或已跨入耄耋之年的行動不再利索，讓人為傳承擔憂。

              不過好消息之一是，平日不在本地書法界活躍的本地生物界創業家李威聯，獲選入東京書作展「選拔作家展2025」，作品將於2月5日至16日在東京國立新美術館展出，意味著大波士頓需要把書法人才發掘出來。

台山江門書法協會名譽會長陳松均應劉裕鵬之邀，參加揮毫活動。(周菊子攝)

劉裕鵬是黃周麗桃的書法老師之一。 (周菊子攝)

政大校友會會長林麗珠夫婦也出席了迎春揮毫活動。

波士頓僑務委員郭競儒(左)、波士頓僑務諮詢委員蔣宗壬(右)都特地出席揮毫迎春活動。
(周菊子攝)

在生物醫藥界工作的劉帥(左)應黃周麗桃之邀，參加揮毫迎春活動。

紐英崙中華專業人員協會會長盧彥君小試牛刀，戀戀放下多年的毛筆。(周菊子攝)

波士頓慈濟人文學校老師宋永麒在僑教中心揮毫。(周菊子攝)

參加揮毫活動者寫的毛筆字。(周菊子攝)

曾建泉(右)等志工在現場幫忙裁紅紙。(周菊子攝)

梅宇國揮毫寫出朱紹昌撰就的對聯。(周菊子攝)

翁宇才幫忙把出席者揮毫寫就的毛筆字貼到牆上。(周菊子攝)

Healey-Driscoll Administration Files Historic Bill to Modernize Public Higher Education Campuses in Massachusetts

Healey-Driscoll Administration Files Historic Bill to Modernize Public Higher Education Campuses in Massachusetts 

Transformative, $2.5 billion bill represents the largest proposed investments in capital improvements for UMass system, state universities, community colleges in decades 

BRIGHT Act will modernize campuses across system, create approximately 15,000 construction-related jobs 

BRIDGEWATER – Representing the largest proposed infrastructure investments in Massachusetts’ public higher education system in decades, Governor Maura Healey today filed historic investments to transform and modernize the UMass system, state universities, and community colleges.  

The investments were announced as part of a bond bill filed today – An Act to Build Resilient Infrastructure to Generate Higher Education Transformation (the BRIGHT Act) – that will leverage Fair Share surtax to unlock significant new funding for capital improvements. The investments will help modernize campuses, including new labs, classrooms and improved mental health facilities – to ensure Massachusetts’ public higher education system can best serve students and keep the state economically competitive. The bill will also create approximately 15,000 construction-related jobs. 

Governor Healey made the announcement at Bridgewater State University after touring their Cyber Range, where students learn in-demand cybersecurity skills. The Governor pointed to the Cyber Range as an example of the state-of-the-technology and facilities that this bill will support at colleges and universities across the state. 

“Our public university and college campuses have suffered from historic underinvestment since they were built in the 1970s. We refuse to kick the can down the road any longer when it comes to educating our kids and training our workers of tomorrow,” said Governor Maura Healey. "With these transformative infrastructure investments, we will give students a cutting-edge education in our affordable public universities and colleges, create thousands of good-paying jobs for our workers and keep our state economically competitive for years to come.” 

“By providing critical resources to modernize and upgrade campuses, the plan we are unveiling today will better position our public higher education institutions to offer Massachusetts students cutting-edge educational opportunities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We look forward to putting these investments into action and seeing the benefits for generations to come.”    

Among the improvements the investments will make include: 

• Infusing new resources into proven programs that address deferred maintenance, modernize and decarbonize facilities, and construct major capital projects.  

• Creating labs, classrooms and training facilities that meet the needs of today’s research and applied learning methods, such as web development, robotics and automation, advanced manufacturing, construction management and building trades, and more. 

• Improving facilities for student health, mental health, wellness, and safety.  

• Encouraging regional secondary and higher education partnerships that strengthen our workforce. 

• Incentivizing technology capital projects, such as improvements in online or hybrid workspaces.  

• Continuing the successful Workforce Skills Capital Grants program. 

• Supporting housing development by providing for higher education institutions’ costs associated with the disposition of land and buildings. 

Much of the infrastructure on public higher education campuses in Massachusetts was built in the 1970s and is increasingly unable to meet the evolving needs of students. Yet addressing this aging infrastructure is increasingly expensive given rising construction costs, decarbonization mandates, regulatory requirements, labor shortages and material price increases. As a result, campus infrastructure needs are growing well above what traditional capital funding sources can accommodate.   

Governor Healey’s forthcoming House 1 budget proposes to leverage $125 million in Fair Share revenues from Fiscal Year 2026 to support an estimated $2.5 billion in new borrowing for higher education infrastructure over the next 10 years. The BRIGHT Act works in tandem with this proposal, authorizing up to $3 billion in investments for campuses, ensuring the administration has the authorization and flexibility it needs to address public higher education capital needs. 

“Our proposed strategy to borrow against Fair Share revenues is modeled on an approach we have successfully deployed in the transportation sector through the Commonwealth Transportation Fund,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew Gorzkowicz. “The bill we are filing today puts these new resources to work to ensure our campuses can address their significant deferred maintenance backlogs and decarbonize their infrastructure while also modernizing to meet the needs of today’s students and workforce. I am grateful to the Higher Education Working Group for their guidance as we developed this strategy.”  

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration has made significant investments in higher education affordability in partnership with the Legislature, which has boosted enrollment at community colleges and increased enrollment at 4-year institutions for the first time in over a decade,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “These capital investments will ensure that students can learn in more modern, green and innovative spaces, setting them up for success in today’s workforce.” 

"With the support of the Legislature, this unprecedented investment in higher education facilities will enable DCAMM to support the Commonwealth’s campuses as they modernize to meet the educational needs of today’s students, decarbonize to limit impacts to a changing climate , and address significant deferred maintenance backlogs due to aging infrastructure.” said Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Adam Baacke. 

“This bond bill meets the moment. Enrollment at our two and four-year institutions is surging after years of declines,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “This historic investment will transform our public campuses and ensure students and faculty have the absolute best environments to learn, grow and thrive.”  

The BRIGHT Act is informed by a report from the Higher Education Capital Working Group that was established in Massachusetts’s Fiscal Year 2025 Budget. The report, which is being released in tandem with the filing of the BRIGHT Act, summarizes the capital needs of the public higher education institutions and confirms the viability of leveraging Fair Share revenue to unlock new capital dollars. The report, and additional information on the BRIGHT Act can be found here. 

Under this administration, Massachusetts has doubled state spending on financial aid, adding over $200 million in two years to make community college free and public four-year colleges and universities more affordable for working families. Massachusetts now has one of the most accessible, equitable and comprehensive free community college programs in the country for full-time and part-time students, regardless of income. This has led to a projected 14% increase in community college enrollment this fall. Further, the administration made four-year colleges and universities tuition- and fee-free for Pell-eligible students, while halving out-of-pocket costs for middle-income students. Enrollment at public four-year colleges in Massachusetts increased for the first time in over a decade this year. 

波士頓推出「獲得法律諮詢試點計畫」 將撥款30萬元預計2025幫助120戶人家

(Boston Orange編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 今 (21) 日宣佈推出 “獲得法律諮詢試點計劃 (Access to Counsel Pilot Program)” ，支援家有學齡兒童，面對驅逐困境的家庭。

波士頓市將撥款30萬元，由住房穩定辦公室（OHS）牽頭，與波士頓公立學校（BPS）的無家可歸者早期介入計畫 (Early Homelessness Intervention Program，簡稱EHIP)，和波士頓家庭援助 (FamilyAid Boston)，以及大波士頓法律事務援助處 (Greater Boston Legal Services ，簡稱GBLS)合作，為有需要的家庭堤共幫助，估計2025年內至少可協助120戶家庭。

波士頓市府表示，在2024年內，OHS和合作夥伴至少防止了423宗逼遷案。

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES ACCESS TO COUNSEL PILOT PROGRAM TO HELP FAMILIES FACING EVICTION

New program will build on City’s ongoing work with partners to prevent evictions, which resulted in 423 evictions prevented in 2024

BOSTON - Tuesday, January 21, 2025 - Building on the City’s work to make Boston a home for everyone, Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the Access to Counsel Pilot Program, a new initiative to support families with school-aged children facing eviction. The program, led by the Office of Housing Stability (OHS) in partnership with Boston Public Schools (BPS) and local legal aid organizations, provides free legal representation to eligible families needing help preventing housing displacement.

“The upheaval and uncertainty that comes with eviction can disrupt every aspect of a family’s life, especially for children who need stability to succeed in school. This program is about helping families get the support they need to stay in their homes and stay connected to their communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Housing stability is essential for our families, schools, and neighborhoods. We are proud to take this step forward to support our most vulnerable residents and explore solutions that work for our entire city.”

The Access to Counsel program works through Boston Public Schools’ Early Homelessness Intervention Program (EHIP), in partnership with FamilyAid Boston, which serves as the central hub for connecting families to legal assistance and other critical resources to help mitigate eviction. School homelessness liaisons will identify families at risk of eviction, and FamilyAid Boston will coordinate with Greater Boston Legal Services (GBLS) to support families in navigating the eviction process and addressing related needs. For more information regarding GBLS services and eligibility for free, full legal representation, please visit GBLS’s website.

“Evictions disrupt families, uproot children from their schools, and create ripple effects that can last for years,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “This program offers a real opportunity to stabilize families, keep children in their classrooms, and build stronger, more resilient communities across Boston. By addressing housing instability head-on, we are investing in the long-term well-being of our families and our city.”

“In the midst of our current affordability crisis, we must use every tool at our disposal to keep Boston a welcoming place for families,” said City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. “As a former housing attorney representing residents facing eviction, I know that the Access to Counsel Pilot Program is a powerful statement of our city’s commitment to the well-being of families who call Boston home, recognizing that stable housing is at the heart of stability and student success.”

"Providing access to counsel for Boston families in eviction proceedings is the right thing to do," said District 6 City Councilor Ben Weber. "The pilot will allow families more time to find replacement housing, prevent vulnerable kids from having to experience eviction, and will save public resources which would have to go to a shelter and busing for kids who are located far from their communities. I want to thank the Mayor, my Council colleagues, and the Mayor's Office of Housing for making this a reality."

The Access to Counsel program is part of Boston’s comprehensive eviction prevention strategy, which includes providing emergency rental assistance to help families stay in their homes, housing search services to support those in need of stable housing, and an established presence at housing court to facilitate early intervention and mediation between landlords and tenants. With these interventions, in 2024, OHS staff along with their partners prevented 423 evictions. These eviction prevention efforts are designed to address the root causes of housing instability and prevent displacement.

By prioritizing families with school-aged children, the program seeks to reduce educational disruptions that can have long-term impacts on academic performance and emotional well-being. Additionally, it aims to stabilize family environments, recognizing that housing insecurity can profoundly affect children’s physical and mental health, future opportunities, and overall quality of life.

"Access to stable, safe, and healthy housing is a basic need for every child and a cornerstone of equity and justice in our City; yet, right now, less than five percent of families facing eviction have legal representation,” said Hed Ehrlich, Managing Attorney of the Housing Unit at Greater Boston Legal Services. “This program is a bold step toward addressing that inequity, significantly expanding legal services to protect our most vulnerable community members, and hopefully a foundation for a future where every tenant has a right to counsel."

With legal representation and access to other critical resources, the program offers a comprehensive approach to housing stability. This latest effort, in partnership with FamilyAid Boston and Boston Public Schools, allows for expanded support to families and reinforces the City’s commitment to lowering eviction rates and addressing systemic inequities in housing.

“We are proud to be part of this impactful initiative as it reflects a collective commitment to addressing the needs of the whole child and supporting their well-being,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “There is no doubt that stable housing is essential for student success and the Access to Counsel Pilot Program is a critical step in ensuring that our families have the support needed to stay in their homes so that our students have the stability they need to thrive in school and beyond.”

The pilot program is backed by $300,000 in funding included in the City’s FY25 annual operating budget and distributed by the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet. The funding is expected to assist at least 120 households during 2025. Data collected through the program will help the city evaluate its impact on housing stability and educational outcomes.

“Keeping residents and families in their homes and stabilized in their communities is key to making Boston a home for everyone,” said Chief of Equity and Inclusion Mariangely Solis Cervera. “The Equity and Inclusion Cabinet is grateful for the partnership across City departments and looks forward to this new pilot connecting families with school-aged children at risk of eviction to legal services.”

Legal representation under the Access to Counsel Pilot Program will begin this month. Families in need can connect with school liaisons or contact the Office of Housing Stability for more information. For more information, visit the webpage here.

Josh Kraft傳2月宣佈參選波士頓市長

圖片來自維基百科。

             (Boston Orange綜合編譯) 波士頓環球報稱，根據接近當事人的2個消息來源，新英格蘭愛國者球隊東主Robert Kraft的小兒子，Joshua Kraft已決定角逐市長大位，估計2月份時會正式宣佈。

跨入2025年，波士頓市的市長選舉，真的開始敲鑼打鼓了。先是傳聞已久，有意步其父後塵，要爭市長大位的波士頓市議員愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn)在1月10日傳出消息，不選了。

現在是1月21日，1966年左右出生，擔任非牟利機構高管已30餘年，2024年成為全國城市聯盟 (National Urban League)麻州東部分會董事會主席，從威廉斯學院 (Williams College)畢業， 研究院唸哈佛教育系的Joshua Kraft，傳說2月會宣佈參選市長。

以前，Joshua Kraft住在波士頓市外的Chestnut Hill，2023年10月，他麾下公司在北端 (North End)斥資200萬元，買下一戶共管公寓，還在去年捐款給薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden時，把這地方列為他的住址。Joshua Kraft的顧問，也被人看到在Nubian Square找競選總部。

英文報章稱，作為億萬富豪，新英格蘭愛國者球隊東主Robert Kraft的小兒子，Joshua Kraft將有數難以計的競選經費，而且做為非牟利主管，他也有點知名度，儘管在波士頓市的歷史中，還沒有哪一個在位市長競選連任失利的，Joshua Kraft肯定能和吳弭市長打場硬仗。

去年11月18日已正式宣布競選連任的波士頓市現任市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) ，1月13日才生下第3個小孩，女嬰Mira，1月14日還慶祝了40歲生日。

吳弭的優勢包括她不但是在位市長，還締造歷史，是波士頓市有史以來的第一位民選的女市長，有色人種市長。過去3年多來，她在政治上一直很活躍，迄今擁有本地223分會，在這兒團結本地26分會，以及SEIU本地888分會，AFSCME93協會等勞工團體的支持，她站台擁護的政治人物，絕大多數當選了，她的競選財庫截至2024年12月，還有170萬元。

只是，吳弭近來推動的一些政策，包括要和女子職業足球隊合作重建白體育館 (White Stadium)，推動在全市建自行車道，計畫把波士頓市最多元化的考試學校John D. O’Bryant，從黑人區搬白人較多地區的西洛士百利 (West Roxbury)，到申請州議會通過法案，要支持市府營運的房地產稅賦，更大比例的放到商業房地產上，都激使一部分人民不滿意，可能讓她的競選連任之路，走得不那麼輕鬆。

Senator Jason Lewis Files New Legislation to Revisit School Funding Formula

 Senator Jason Lewis Files New Legislation to Revisit School Funding Formula 

BOSTON—State Senator Jason Lewis filed new legislation last week to create a special commission to revisit the K-12 public school funding formula. The commission is tasked with making recommendations to the legislature for necessary updates and changes to the funding formula in order to ensure adequate and equitable funding for all school districts in Massachusetts. 

Senator Lewis was a strong advocate for the creation of the Foundation Budget Review Commission in 2014, and then helped lead the effort to pass the Student Opportunity Act (SOA) that was signed into law in 2019. The SOA is being implemented over seven years and once fully implemented will increase state funding for public K-12 education by more than $1.5 billion (in real dollars). 

Although the SOA is making a significant difference in closing equity gaps in funding and enabling school districts that serve large numbers of low-income students to make important new investments, many districts are facing fiscal challenges due to a variety of factors, including: the end of federal pandemic relief funds; high inflation in previous years; and the escalating cost of special education, student transportation, and other services.  

In her 2025 Inaugural Address earlier this month, Senate President Karen Spilka said, “At the K-12 level we have maintained our commitment to the Student Opportunity Act, providing record levels of funding to our public schools. But it has been some time since we closely examined some aspects of K-12 funding and policy, and so I hope to tackle that this session.” 

An Act to ensure adequate and equitable funding for public education (SD.1912) creates a special commission composed of a wide variety of education stakeholders and financing experts, and charges them with examining both the foundation budget and the local contribution components of the Chapter 70 school funding formula. The SOA requires that the foundation budget be revisited at least every 10 years. 

“The importance of public education and having high-quality, well-funded public schools for all our children is what first motivated me to run for elected office,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “I’m proud of the Student Opportunity Act and everything we’ve done in the legislature to support public education, but it is time to once again revisit the school funding formula and ensure that it continues to accurately and fairly reflect the needs and fiscal capacity of school districts and municipalities across the Commonwealth.” 

The commission will solicit public input from hearings held throughout the state and will publish a report with their findings and recommendations by the summer of 2027, which is when the SOA is expected to be fully implemented.

波士頓市長吳弭提醒市民本週防寒 注意風雪

 MAYOR WU URGES CAUTION AS BITTERLY COLD WEATHER ARRIVES THIS WEEK; ISSUES REMINDERS AHEAD OF SNOWFALL THIS EVENING  

BOSTON - Sunday, January 19, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a cold weather advisory and winter safety tips ahead of the bitterly cold temperatures forecast for Tuesday, January 21 - Thursday, January 23. According to the National Weather Service (NWS), the forecast for Boston includes wind chills that will reach below zero Tuesday-Thursday. Sub-zero temperatures are expected, with the lowest occurring between midnight and 6 a.m. during the cold weather advisory. Additionally, Boston is preparing for an anticipated six to eight inches of snowfall Sunday evening, continuing through the overnight hours, according to the NWS. Due to the anticipated frigid cold weather that will follow the snowfall, it’s important to clear snow before it freezes to avoid dangerous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians. Mayor Wu is issuing these recommendations following a citywide meeting she held with the Office of Emergency Management Sunday morning to coordinate departments across the city to ensure proper preparedness ahead of the storm.  

The City of Boston will have approximately 650 pieces of snow equipment throughout the storm treating roadways before snowfall begins, as well as plowing during and after the storm. Operations will continue through the overnight hours so the streets can be clear by morning. 

“As temperatures drop and winter weather arrives, I urge all residents to take necessary precautions to stay vigilant, prioritize their safety, and look out for your neighbors,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Our teams are working around the clock to prepare the city, and we advise our residents to help protect each other during these harsh conditions. With snow expected tonight, we are reminding property owners to please remember to shovel sidewalks, especially before the bitterly cold weather arrives and snow freezes over.” 

Due to the anticipated weather, please see below the rules for clearing snow:

• Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet, and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends, or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If the storm lasts for an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check and clear ramps abutting their property. 
• Removal of snow and ice from private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited. 
• Failure to comply with these rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found online.
• Residents are encouraged to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston. Please follow @CityofBoston and visit boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

Safety tips for shoveling:

• Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. You can assist in keeping hydrants clear of snow so the Boston Fire Department can access them quickly in case of emergency.
• Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to signs of overexertion. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheadedness, nausea, or vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly.
• Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for pedestrians and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility.
• Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes (e.g. gas exhaust for heating systems or dryers) and vehicle exhaust pipes of snow.
• Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders, and be mindful of slippery surfaces.

Due to the anticipated forecast next week, the City is issuing a cold advisory. The City of Boston issues a cold advisory when there is one day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill. Due to the low temperatures and strong wind gusts, there is an increased risk of hypothermia and frostbite, especially for those experiencing homelessness, older adults, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk individuals.

Mayor Wu is advising residents to take precautions, reminding them to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If you see an individual experiencing homelessness and individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, they are encouraged to call 911 as well. 

While the temperature forecast does not reach the threshold for declaring a cold emergency, Boston Centers for Youth & Families’ (BCYF) community centers will be open during their normal operating hours Tuesday - Thursday. The Boston Public Library will be open during normal operating hours Tuesday - Thursday and will be available for people in need of a place to warm up. 

The Boston Public Health Commission’s Southampton Street Shelter and Woods Mullen Shelter will remain open 24/7 for those experiencing homelessness. Amnesty is in effect and anyone with a non-violent restriction may come in. Other overnight shelters and day spaces can be found online at this link or by calling 311.

The Boston Police Department (BPD) will make announcements on every shift for officers and all personnel to be on the lookout for people on the streets. BPD will conduct wellness checks or assist with transportation to available shelters and coordinate with emergency medical personnel for unsheltered homeless persons in distress. The BPD Street Outreach Unit will be available as a resource to assist the districts, outreach providers, and 911 dispatch as needed.  

Boston Public Schools (BPS) is reminding families to dress their students appropriately so they are safe and comfortable traveling to and from school. Anyone in need of winter clothing items can reach out directly to their school’s Family Liaison and School Leader. The BPS Facilities team will also monitor school building temperatures to ensure that classrooms are warm throughout the week.

Cold weather safety tips:

Dress for the weather:

• Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.
• Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.
• Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.
• Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.  
• Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.
• Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Watch for signs of frostbite:

• Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

Watch for signs of hypothermia:

• These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:

• Following the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.
• In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately.
• If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint.

Heating safety:

• Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or any other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can quickly cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 
• Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.
• Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, but it is poisonous and can be deadly.
• Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people.
• Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed.

Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:

• The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their home's main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.
• Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing.
• Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also help prevent them from freezing up.
• Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight.
• If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.  

Emergency home repair resources: 

• Income-eligible homeowners and Boston residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).   
• In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income-eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand-new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.   

For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. More information can be found on boston.gov/snow and boston.gov/cold.

州政府官員懷疑禽流感影響到鵝和其他野生動物

(Boston Orange) 麻州政府環保及健康官員懷疑，一種高致病性禽流感 (HPAI) 是導致普利茅斯 60 多隻加拿大鵝、天鵝和其他鳥類死亡的原因。

麻州漁業及野生動物署 (MassWildlife)、麻州農業資源局 (MDAR)，以及麻州公共衛生廳 (DPH)忠告大眾，避免接觸病鳥或死鳥。

最近在普利茅斯比靈頓海爆發的疫情影響了 60 多隻加拿大鵝、天鵝和鴨子。最近幾週，該州其他地區報告了疑似 HPAI 的較小疫情，每個地點影響不到 15 隻鵝。官員們迅速做出反應，正在收集、檢測和安全處理死鳥。公眾及時報告病鳥和死鳥，將與多年來一直監測 HPAI 的州和聯邦合作夥伴合作，加快檢測和診斷。

州政府官員表示，人類很少感染高致病性禽流感，但與受感染鳥類密切接觸的人則有風險。寵物，尤其是貓，應飼養在室內，以避免接觸。

民眾如有疑慮，可訪問 DPH 的禽流感網頁，或致電 617-983-6800 聯繫流行病學部門（24/7 全天候可用）。

State Officials Suspect HPAI Outbreak Impacting Geese and Other Wildlife 

PLYMOUTH — State environmental and health officials are informing the public that Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI), which very rarely infects humans, is suspected to be the cause of over 60 deceased Canada geese, swans, and other birds in Plymouth. The Division of Fisheries and Wildlife (MassWildlife), the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), and the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) are advising the public to refrain from handling birds or other animals that are dead or appear sick. 

 

• Reporting wild birds:  The public should report observations of sick or deceased birds if 5 or more birds are found at a single location using this simple form at mass.gov/reportbirds. 

• Reporting domestic birds: The public should report sick or dead poultry or other domestic birds by calling MDAR’s Division of Animal Health at (617) 626-1795. 

• Handling birds and other wildlife: The public should strictly avoid handling any sick or dead birds or other animals. Report sightings as indicated above or call the local Animal Control Officer.

• Keeping pets safe: Pets should always be kept away from wildlife. Cats are highly susceptible to HPAI and may die from an infection. Cat owners in affected areas should keep their pets indoors to prevent them from being exposed to infected wildlife. 

• Hunting geese: While eating wild game meat is generally considered safe, licensed hunters can minimize risk from wildlife diseases by following best practices when handling and processing game.    

The recent outbreak at Billington Sea in Plymouth has impacted over 60 Canada geese, swans, and ducks. Smaller outbreaks of suspected HPAI impacting fewer than 15 geese at each location have been reported in recent weeks in other parts of the state. Officials responded quickly and are collecting, testing, and safely disposing of dead birds. Prompt reporting of sick and dead birds by the public will expedite testing and diagnosis in cooperation with state and federal partners who have been monitoring HPAI for several years.  

Both wild and domesticated birds can become infected with HPAI. Raptors, waterfowl and other aquatic birds are most at risk for infection, although any bird species should be considered susceptible. Birds may be infected with HPAI without showing any signs of illness. Wild mammals, especially those that scavenge on birds such as foxes, can also become infected.  

Humans are rarely infected with avian influenza viruses. Humans that have prolonged close contact with sick or dead birds infected with HPAI are the most at risk of becoming infected. People with questions about the public health impact of HPAI can visit DPH’s Avian influenza webpage or call the Division of Epidemiology (available 24/7) at 617-983-6800.  

For more information about HPAI, please visit MDAR’s Avian Influenza webpage.