BOSTON’S BEST SPELLERS CELEBRATED AT 17th ANNUAL CITYWIDE SPELLING BEE

BOSTON’S BEST SPELLERS CELEBRATED AT 17th ANNUAL CITYWIDE SPELLING BEE BOSTON - Saturday, March 15, 2025 - Family members, teachers, and friends were on hand today to support 24 Boston youth from across the City competing in Boston’s 17th annual BCYF Citywide Spelling Bee. Organized by Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency, and sponsored by the Boston Bruins Foundation, the winner, Sapna Malhota, now goes on to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington D.C. in May.     “Congratulations to all of our students who worked hard and made Boston proud at this year’s Bee,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The City of Boston is honored to celebrate you. Congratulations to Sapna for this accomplishment and all of Boston will cheer you on as you represent our city in the national spelling bee in Washington D.C.” Over 3,000 young people participated in Boston public and parochial school spelling bees to qualify for the BCYF Citywide Bee. The preparation helps young people improve their spelling, broaden their vocabulary, and build self-confidence.    "The dedication and skill displayed by our spellers today were truly inspiring, and we're immensely proud of each participant,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of BCYF. “We’re deeply grateful to the Boston Bruins Foundation for their ongoing partnership in bringing this enriching experience to our city's youth. We extend our sincere thanks to Yusufi Vali, Sebastian Stockman, and Kate Hennigan for their invaluable time and support as judges. We'll be enthusiastically cheering on Sapna as she represents Boston at the National Bee." Commissioner Rivera opened the speaking program and welcomed the spellers and their families. All spellers were given participation medals. The Bee was held in Rabb Hall at the Boston Public Library’s Copley Branch. Judges were Head Judge: Yusufi Vali, Deputy Chief of Staff, Boston Public Schools; Pronouncer: Sebastian Stockman; Professor of English, Northeastern University; and Records Judge: Kate Hennigan, Program Manager at Boston Centers for Youth & Families.   Sapna Malhotra, age 13, the winner of this year’s Bee, won by spelling "Senecio” correctly.  The second place finisher was Ruslana Roshchin, age 13, from Jamaica Plain and coming in third was Haylee Chen, age 11 from Brighton. The Bee went 16 rounds and one final and one championship round. The Scripps National Spelling Bee is the nation’s largest and longest-running spelling bee. This year’s Boston winner will now advance to compete in the 2025 Scripps National Spelling Bee.  The one and only national winner from Massachusetts was in 1939. In addition to the opportunity to advance to the National Bee, the BCYF Spelling Bee winner received the Samuel Louis Sugarman Award, a 2025 U.S. Mint Proof Set donated by Mr. Jay Sugarmann in honor of his father, a one-year subscription to Merriam-Webster Unabridged Online, a one-year subscription to Encyclopedia Britannica Online Premium, and a trophy. Second place and third place finishers received a $125 Amazon gift card and trophies.  Participating Spellers:

Winning words from the previous years of the Bee:

Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) is the City of Boston’s largest youth and human service agency. BCYF operates community centers in Boston that offer a variety of engaging and enriching programs for people of all ages created through community input and need. BCYF also oversees many citywide programs.

MIPIM2025波蘭「融合】贏評審特別獎 中國蘆洲天鏡得最佳休閒區獎

MIPIM大獎得獎人和評審合影。(周菊子攝)

           (Boston Orange 周菊子法國坎城報導) 在法國坎城舉行的國際房地產會議MIPIM， 3月14日揭曉2025年建築設計作品大獎，11名得主來自美國、中國、丹麥、德國、荷蘭、波蘭及葡萄牙等國家。

波蘭羅茲 (Łódź) 的融合 (Fuzja, Fusion)獲評審特別獎。(周菊子攝)

其中位於波蘭中心羅茲 (Łódź)，由Medusa集團建築師設計，Echo 投資集團開發的「融合 (Fuzja , Fusion)」，贏得評審團特別獎。

               這是一個綜合用途項目，座落在波蘭Łódź中心，把富有歷史的紡織區轉變成生氣蓬勃的鄰里社區。Fuzja展延8公頃，其中9萬平方米劃為住宅區，商業區和文化空間，內有22棟樓宇，包括15做翻新的傳統建物，把這個城市的工業核心轉變成一個15分鐘城市。

波蘭羅茲 (Łódź) 的融合 (Fuzja, Fusion)設計團隊領獎。(周菊子攝)

               今年的評審特別重視改善建築物環頸的項目，期以因應社會責任目標。6項評審標準包括總體可持續性，概念原創性，建築品質，項目環境與社區的整合，使用者經驗品質，以及經濟貢獻。

各類別的得獎作品分別為:

最佳轉型項目: 德國漢堡的綠堡

最佳文化·體育及教育項目:丹麥Horsens的技藝(Crafts)學院。

最佳接待、旅遊及休閒項目: 中國蘆洲天鏡 (Sky Mirrors)。

最佳接待、旅遊及休閒項目: 中國蘆洲天鏡 (Sky Mirrors)。(周菊子攝)

最加工業及物流項目:美國紐約的野花電影工作室

最佳綜合用途項目:荷蘭烏德勒茲(Utrecht)的「神奇森林 ( Wonderwoods)」。

最佳住宅項目:德國漢堡的蜂巢 (The Beehive)。

最佳市區復興項目: 波蘭羅茲 (Łódź) 的融合 (Fuzja, Fusion)。

圖正中男子代表天鏡領獎。(周菊子攝)

最佳工作場所經驗: 荷蘭阿姆斯特丹的Booking.com城市校園

最佳新開發案: 荷蘭阿姆斯特丹的「蜂巢(The Hive ，thehive.amsterdam)」。

最佳大型新開發案: 葡萄牙里斯本的「田野之間 (Entrecampos)」。

評審特別獎: 波蘭羅茲 (Łódź) 的融合 (Fuzja, Fusion)。

最加工業及物流項目:美國紐約的野花電影工作室，BIG設計。 (周菊子攝)

美國紐約的野花電影工作室。 (MIPIM提供)

32歲男子被繼母關押20年 警方救出時僅68磅重

                  (Boston Orange 編譯) 康州Waterbury發生一宗駭人聽聞事件，一名56歲女子關押、虐待繼子20年，直到繼子蓄意縱火，逃跑，這事才揭露。

               Waterbury 警察長Fernando Spagnolo說這是他當警察33年見過的最悲慘事件。

               警方現已逮捕Kimberly Sullivan，控告他綁架、挾持繼子20年。現年32歲的這名繼子，從11歲開始忍受人們難以想像的虐待，飢餓，以及忽視。

               根據Waterbury警察局的案件記錄，2月17日受害者被發現時，頭髮非常髒，纏在一起，牙齒腐爛。受害者告訴警察，3歲時，因為飢餓，他晚上偷溜出房間找食物和水，被家人發現後，就開始就被鎖在房間裏。他還記得，因為一天只得到2杯水，他還會喝廁所水。

               那個時候，他還只有晚上會被鎖在房間內，但4年級時，因為學校發現他總是很呃，向其他人要食物，偷食物，有時還會從垃圾內找食物吃，通知了兒童及家庭局後，家人就不讓他上學了。

               從不能上學開始，他的日子變得更慘。起初只是被鎖在房間，後來被鎖在8X9英尺的空間裏，一天只有2個三明治可吃，2杯水可喝，只在要他做家務時，被放出來。警察也是在那8x9英尺的空間裏找到這名儘管5英尺9吋高，卻只有68磅重的受害者。調查者形容那個房間頂多是個收納空間，冬天沒暖氣，夏天沒冷氣。

               受害者逃跑，源於他決心尋求自由。現在他正接受醫療照顧及心理復健，還有被診斷出來的創傷後壓力症候群，嚴重的營養不良，以及其他的健康問題。

               根據警方記錄，受害者的父親身體狀況不佳，需坐輪椅。這名父親和受害者的2名繼姊妹都知道受害者經歷的情況。

               Kimberly Sullivan 面對的控罪包括綁架，攻擊，蓄意殘酷等。調查正在進行中，他的律師聲稱她維持無罪申訴。目前她因未能繳交30萬元保釋金在押。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $8.7 Million to Compliant MBTA Communities in Support of New Housing

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $8.7 Million to Compliant MBTA Communities in Support of New Housing 

MBTA Community Catalyst Funds Will Unlock Up to 2,332 New Housing Units, Lower Costs 

BOSTON – Today the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $8.7 million in MBTA Community Catalyst Funds to 10 fully compliant MBTA communities in FY25. 

Cities and towns across the state are working hard to develop housing for their residents in new multifamily districts created by the MBTA Communities Law. In recognition of this progress, the administration established the MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund competitive grant awards to support activities related to housing creation, from improving or expanding critical infrastructure, to funding the acquisition of land for new development. 

“The MBTA Communities Law is already paving the way for new housing for Massachusetts residents, and today we are proud to award the first round of MBTA Community Catalyst Funds in support of cities and towns that are working hard to bring down housing costs for their residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “From the start, our administration has been committed to working closely with communities to not only come into compliance with the law, but to also provide resources to help them turn their plans into reality. These funds will be crucial for supporting housing creation and infrastructure upgrades so that we can make housing more affordable across the state.” 

“The MBTA Communities Law is a crucial tool for making housing more affordable for all Massachusetts residents,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today’s Catalyst Fund awards will help compliant cities and towns invest in critical infrastructure improvements and land acquisitions to support the development of even more new units and lower costs.” 

The MBTA Community Catalyst Fund is a new funding source created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration available to fully compliant MBTA Communities and works in partnership with the MassWorks and HousingWorks competitive grant programs to provide funding for local infrastructure projects and improvements to help unlock housing production. The administration has capitalized the MBTA Catalyst Fund with $15 million. 

“The Catalyst Fund is yet another state funding source to help communities jumpstart housing production,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “Increasing the supply of housing helps lower costs for all residents and these grant awards give our communities a hand as they work to build the housing they need.” 

In total, awarded projects are expected to unlock up to 2,332 housing units in 3A districts, including units with affordability, by facilitating acquisition of land or funding infrastructure improvements, making future development possible. 

Community	Award Total	Project Description	Unit Potential Supported by Award
Arlington	$1,000,000	Arlington will pass through funds to Housing Corporation of Arlington (HCA) to acquire parcel adjacent to an existing project.	88
Chelsea	$1,000,000	Chelsea will design water and sewer improvements to serve its 3A district and support planned housing development projects.	780
Easton	$300,000	Easton will extend sewer to serve a new housing development in its 3A district	53
Grafton	$1,560,029	Grafton and Claremont Companies will construct and install an ADA-accessible ramp to the North Grafton commuter rail station.	233
Harvard	$1,145,000	Harvard will extend water and sewer utilities to its 3A district and leverage Minco Development Corporation’s construction of 220 new units.	220
Lincoln	$430,000	Lincoln will design phase II of water main extension servicing its 3A district	(3A district-wide project)
Revere	$1,000,000	Revere will pass through funds to The Neighborhood Developers (TND) to acquire a parcel to build up to 300 new units.	300
Salem	$1,000,000	Salem will improve water, sewer, and drainage infrastructure in its 3A district to support housing development projects.	123
Somerville	$1,000,000	Somerville will pass through funds to Somerville Community Land Trust to acquire a parcel and partner with Habitat for Humanity to build up to 5 affordable homeownership units in 3A district.	5 (affordable ownership units)
Westford	$300,000	Westford will conduct pre-development activities for critical transportation connectivity in its 3A district to leverage new development.	530

The 10 municipalities receiving a competitive award in FY25 are fully compliant with the law and submitted specific projects to be supported by the Catalyst Fund. When making awards, EOHLC reviewed each project’s location within a multifamily district, project readiness, financial feasibility, support for affordability, and total units to be supported by the project. Additional awards are expected in FY26. 

There are currently 50 fully compliant MBTA communities; 119 communities that have adopted zoning intended to comply with the law and over 3,700 housing units in the development pipeline thanks to newly created multifamily zoning districts. 

Governor Healey Visits Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility to Promote Plan to Stabilize MBTA Finances

 Governor Healey Visits Commuter Rail Maintenance Facility to Promote Plan to Stabilize MBTA Finances 

Governor’s Transforming Transportation Road Show is highlighting her $8 billion transportation plan that includes $1.4 billion in investments for the MBTA  

SOMERVILLE – Today, Governor Maura Healey continued her Transforming Transportation Road Show at the MBTA Boston Engine Terminal, a commuter rail maintenance facility in Somerville, to promote her plan to stabilize the MBTA’s finances. Joined by Transportation Secretary Monica Tibbits-Nutt and MBTA General Manager Phil Eng, the group toured the maintenance and storage facility, met with commuter rail maintenance workers, and highlighted Governor Healey’s proposed $1.4 billion in investments toward the MBTA included in her historic transportation plan. 

“The people of Massachusetts rely on our transportation system to get them to work, school, doctor’s appointments, the grocery store, family and friends’ homes safely and on time. Our transportation plan will make historic investments to upgrade our roads, bridges and public transportation all across the state – especially on the MBTA,” said Governor Maura Healey. “General Manager Eng and his team have proven that, when given the resources they need, they will deliver safer, more reliable service for T riders. Their success removing slow zones through the Track Improvement Program last year is a great example of that. Now, it’s on us to continue providing the funding they need to stabilize their finances for the long term and improve the system top to bottom. That’s what our transportation plan will do.” 

"Investing in transportation means investing in people. Our transportation plan puts dollars into ensuring people across the state can get to where they need to go when they need to be there, and the investments in public transportation further our commitment to making the T safer and more reliable,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re grateful to GM Eng and his team for all the work they’ve done improving the MBTA, and we look forward to our continued partnership as we work to make our public transportation system even stronger.” 

“As we tackle the challenges of climate change and adapt to evolving travel patterns shaped by remote work and other factors, the Healey-Driscoll administration remains committed to making strategic investments that maintain and expand public transportation across the state,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “The administration’s proposed Fiscal Year 2026 budget prioritizes improvements across all modes of travel—particularly setting the MBTA on a path for long-term, transformative infrastructure upgrades.” 

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s commitment to transportation across Massachusetts is unprecedented, improving quality of life for all. This $8 billion investment will allow us to continue rebuilding our workforce to deliver a best in class mass transportation system that the Commonwealth deserves,” said MBTA General Manager and CEO Phil Eng.  “This historic increase to our operating budget will provide us the stability we need as we continue to deliver improved service to meet the needs of today while we build for the future.  I’m blessed and proud to be part of Team Massachusetts as we deliver a more reliable, efficient, and resilient system for years to come, benefiting the communities and visitors who depend on the T." 

"Governor Healey’s continued investment in the MBTA is a critical step toward a stronger, more sustainable future for our region. Here in Somerville, we see firsthand how transit investments improve daily life," said Somerville Mayor Katjana Ballantyne. "It connects residents to jobs, schools, and opportunities while reducing congestion and emissions. We’re grateful for the state’s leadership and proud to partner in building a transportation system that truly serves the people who rely on it every day." 

“A successful 21st century MBTA is the linchpin for the regions vibrant and thriving economic future. The key to meeting our current and future challenges in housing, education, jobs, and quality of life is the investment we make toward that goal,” said MBTA Board Chair Thomas McGee. “Governor Healey and her administration’s strong support in bringing these dollars to the MBTA builds on the progress the agency has made under Phil Eng’s leadership and toward our shared vision of a world class transportation system.” 

The Governor’s transportation plan proposes an $8 billion investment over the next 10 years to improve the state’s roads, bridges and regional transportation system and immediately stabilize the finances of the MBTA. The plan includes a $1.4 billion in investments at the MBTA for new commuter rail coaches, Red and Orange Line cars, station accessibility and resilience, track improvements and power system resiliency.  

It also maximizes existing Fair Share Funds to more than double support for the MBTA’s operating budget to $687 million in FY26 and immediately address the agency’s budget shortfall, putting the MBTA on a path of long-term stability. This increase comes after the Governor’s doubled the operating budget to $314 million in FY25. The plan also includes $10 million for the MBTA Workforce Academy, $400 million to address workforce and safety initiatives identified as necessary by the Federal Transit Authority, and $25 million for Regional Transit Authority workforce recruitment and retention. 

Last month, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll kicked off the Transforming Transportation Road Show at the Brockton Area Transportation’s Intermodal Transportation Centre to promote the ways in which the plan will support the state’s 15 Regional Transit Authorities, and at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 4 in Medway to highlight the ways the plan will create up to 140,000 jobs across the state.  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches “Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies” Education Project in Celebration of Massachusetts 250

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches “Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies” Education Project in Celebration of Massachusetts 250  

Announcement made during Civic Learning Week; students encouraged

to submit story of a Massachusetts ‘revolutionary’  

 

PLYMOUTH – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today launched “Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies,” where students in K-12 schools across Massachusetts are encouraged to submit a project of their choosing that tells the story of a particular ‘revolutionary’ figure from Massachusetts. Students are encouraged to highlight stories that have not often been told in the state’s history. Entries can take whatever format best fits the student or group of students’ voice(s) and talents, including a visual product like artwork with brief description, a narrative essay, a brief documentary video or a performance piece. 

 

This announcement was made during Massachusetts Civic Learning Week at Manomet Elementary School in Plymouth, where Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler and other state and local officials observed a 5^th grade Investigating History lesson. The theme for this year’s Civic Learning Week is “Civic Learning for a Strong Democracy.” 

 

“We know that a strong democracy starts with people, especially our young people, who are informed, engaged and empowered. I was proud to sign a proclamation making this week Massachusetts Civic Learning Week,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our new Revolutionaries project aims to inspire students to explore the stories of our state’s historical leaders and carry these legacies into the future, as well as inspire them to make their own legacies here in Massachusetts.” 

 

“The 250th anniversary is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to bring people together and showcase what makes Massachusetts revolutionary,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re excited to engage students who are our next generation of leaders to celebrate our history and continue making change into the future.” 

 

In September, the administration launched Massachusetts 250, a statewide initiative to celebrate 250 years of America’s independence and Massachusetts’ revolutionary legacy. The initiative highlights the state’s rich history and amplifies untold stories of the Revolution through hundreds of cultural and community events over the next two years. Today’s announced education project is part of Massachusetts 250’s initiatives to get young people involved in learning from Massachusetts Revolutionary history so that they can be the leaders of today and tomorrow, carrying forward these incredible legacies. 

 

“As a former history teacher, I am thrilled to open up this opportunity during Civic Learning Week for students across Massachusetts to learn about our state’s rich history,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Our students today are our leaders tomorrow, and I encourage them to get involved with local and state governments on projects like this because when they get involved, they can make a difference, not only for themselves, but for their communities.” 

 

DESE’s freely available Investigating History curriculum, which Manomet Elementary uses, provides Massachusetts students in grades 5–7 with high-quality, civically relevant social studies learning. Investigating History represents one of the first times a state education agency has taken on the work of developing a comprehensive social studies curriculum. The curriculum is currently used in over 125 districts across Massachusetts. 

 

“Investigating History is designed to engage students more fully in their learning,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston. “Asking students to identify and research revolutionary historical figures is a great way to make the 250^th anniversary of our nation more meaningful.” 

 

“Through inquiry-based learning and real-world experiences, the Plymouth Public School district aligns its learning approach with the Massachusetts History and Social Science Framework, ensuring that students are not only learning about civics, but living it,” said State Representative Michelle Badger. 

 

“A strong society is built on engaged citizens who understand their history and their power to shape the future. The ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ initiative gives students the chance to explore the people and movements that have defined Massachusetts,” said State Senator Dylan A. Fernandes. By investing in civic education, we are not just teaching history, we are preparing the next generation to lead. As we commemorate Massachusetts 250, Plymouth is the perfect place to reflect on where we’ve been and inspire young people to shape what comes next.” 

  

“Massachusetts 250 is the perfect time to dive into the stories that shaped our state—and the ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ project invites students and families to both discover those stories and experience them firsthand,” said Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Executive Director Kate Fox. “From historic sites and museums to walking tours and reenactments, there are so many ways to explore Massachusetts’s revolutionary past. This project gives young people a chance to connect with that history in a fun, creative way—and maybe even leave their own revolutionary mark along the way.” 

 

After reviewing submissions over the summer, the Executive Office of Education will announce a series of statewide winners, culminating in a celebration in tandem with MA 250 in the Fall of 2025. Students should submit their entries by June 30th at Massachusetts250.org.  

 

“As Superintendent of Plymouth Public Schools, I want to thank Secretary Tutwiler for visiting our amazing community today. It was an honor to host them during such an exciting time for our state and students. The ‘Massachusetts Revolutionaries: Bold Stories, Bright Legacies’ project is a great opportunity to inspire our students to explore Massachusetts' rich history and engage with underrepresented stories. At Plymouth Public Schools, we are committed to civic education, empowering all students to understand and shape their future. This initiative helps reinforce that mission, encouraging students to actively participate in our democracy,” said Plymouth Public Schools Superintendent Christopher Campbell. 

 

“The Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition (MCLC) is excited to join the Healey-Driscoll Administration in announcing this new initiative as we believe that for all students to become active and informed participants in our democracy, they must have a firm grasp of the history of the nation and frequent practice with the skills that make thoughtful engagement possible. MCLC is a non-partisan coalition of over 60 nonprofits, educators, universities, and other partners committed to renewing our democracy by ensuring that all students gain the knowledge and experience of civic engagement to become thoughtful and active participants in building a better tomorrow. We believe that civic education has a vital role to play in the health of democracy and that everyone has a stake in the civic life of our communities, state, and nation,” said Massachusetts Civics Learning Coalition Director David Buchanan.