星期三, 3月 19, 2025

麻州府慶祝農業日撥款570萬元支持農地保育

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Massachusetts Agriculture Day with $5.7 Million in Funding to Support Farmland Preservation

MDAR Announces New Class of Agricultural Youth Council to represent next generation of agricultural leaders in Massachusetts and declares 2025 as the “Year of Youth” in Agriculture

MDAR Commissioner Randle poses with students from the Massachusetts chapters of the 4-H and FFA program

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey declared March 18, 2025, Massachusetts Agriculture Day, a celebration of the hardworking farmers, growers, and agricultural groups who are vital to the state. The annual event, held at the State House, showcases the agricultural community’s contributions and crucial role in supplying food and other products while protecting farmland and maintaining our natural resources.

In recognition of this day, the Healey-Driscoll Administration announced over $5 million in funding that will permanently protect nearly 400 acres of farmland across eight farms through the state’s innovative Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program. Additionally, over $500,000 will help existing Massachusetts APR farmers restore land that was previously unsuitable for farming.

 

“We stand with our incredible farmers every day, and today we are proudly celebrating their hard work and resilience. Through every challenge they face, these farmers cultivate the crops that feed our families and strengthen our communities. Their dedication ensures that fresh, local food reaches every table,” said Governor Maura Healey. “At a time of immense uncertainty at the federal level, Massachusetts is fully committed to delivering the support, programs and resources that empower our farmers to grow, expand and succeed.”

 

“With over 7,000 farms across Massachusetts, our agricultural sector is an economic powerhouse in our rural economy and beyond,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We know how important it is to protect our farmland, and we are proud to offer our support through these grant programs. They’ll equip our farms with what they need to succeed and turn unused land into productive fields.”

 

Massachusetts Agriculture Day celebrates the diversity of the state’s agricultural industry. The event brings farmers, commodity groups, and other food system stakeholders from all over the state, giving legislators, and officials the chance to taste locally produced foods and learn about the important issues of farmers are facing.

 

“Massachusetts farmers are some of the strongest and most resilient people I’ve met,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Between extreme weather, high costs, and now a tariff war, our farmers deserve our support more than ever. Our programs are designed to keep existing farms strong and revive unused land for farming. This means better food security and a healthier environment for everyone in Massachusetts.”

 

Agriculture Youth Council

Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR) Commissioner Ashley Randle also announced the newest members of the Massachusetts Agricultural Youth Council. Now in its second year, the Council’s mission is to cultivate and foster the next generation of leaders in the agriculture industry in Massachusetts.

 

MDAR selected 15 high school students to serve on the Council. The group will meet monthly to discuss agricultural issues, hear from guest speakers from the agricultural industry, learn about the legislative process and workforce development opportunities, attend special events and tours, and enhance their professional skills. The next class of the Agricultural Youth Council members are:

  • Lauren Brooks - Easthampton (Smith Vocational & Agricultural High School)
  • Ray Budd - Haverhill (Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical High School)
  • Audrey Carvalho - Norton (Bristol County Agricultural High School)
  • Matilda Gervais - Sutton (Norfolk County Agricultural High School)
  • Beatrix Josephson - Melrose (Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical High School)
  • Elizabeth Kadzik - Huntington (Gateway Regional High School)
  • Hanna Kim - Brookline (Brookline High School)
  • Natalie Minster - Rehoboth (Bristol County Agricultural High School)
  • Natalee Peña - Amesbury (Essex North Shore Agricultural & Technical High School)
  • Eric Ross - Arlington (Minuteman Regional Vocational High School)
  • Miranda Sawyer - Millis (Norfolk County Agricultural High School)
  • Olivia Silvernail - Adams (Hoosac Valley High School)
  • Mason Tavares – Dighton (Bristol County Agricultural High School)
  • Lindel Tucker – Duxbury (Bristol County Agricultural High School)
  • Celia Yazwinski – Deerfield (Deerfield Academy)

 

Commissioner Randle also declared 2025 as the Year of Youth in Agriculture, emphasizing the importance of involving young people in farming as the current farming population ages. The declaration will provide opportunities to spotlight and elevate young adult voices in agriculture by leveraging resources, including events and partnerships with organizations like 4-H and FFA to inspire the next generation of agricultural leaders.

 

“Youth engagement in agriculture has been one of our top priorities at MDAR so I’m delighted to welcome in a new class of leaders who will help shape the future of agriculture and especially want to thank our inaugural class for their contributions and involvement over the past year,” said MDAR Commissioner Ashley Randle. “While there are always challenges in farming and agriculture, I’m optimistic that our future looks bright with the amount of interest we’ve seen in our students who share the same values we all have in making sure we continue to grow and nurture a rich and diverse industry. Through our farmland protection programs, we’ll make sure that when the next generation of farmers take their place in shaping the agricultural landscape, they will have access to farmland here in Massachusetts so they can make their mark.”

 

Funding for Farmland Protection

Established in 1977 as the first-of-its-kind farmland protection program in the country, the Agricultural Preservation Restriction (APR) program is a voluntary program that enables farmers to access the financial value of their land without needing to sell it. Administered through MDAR’s Division of Agricultural Conservation and Technical Assistance, MDAR is able to pay farmers the difference between the “fair market value” and the “agricultural value” of their farms in exchange for a permanent deed restriction to retain the land for farming and preserve it solely for agricultural use for future generations. The APR program helps maintain affordable and accessible farmland for aspiring and experienced farmers. To date, the program has acquired 967 farm properties while protecting approximately 76,169 acres of farmland in Massachusetts.

 

“In Fiscal Year 2025, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Services through the Agricultural Conservation Easement Program - Agricultural Land Easements Program – ACEP-ALE provided payments of $2,028,000 to Massachusetts for APR completed projects representing 50% of the appraisal value of the farmland,” said Massachusetts State Conservationist for NRCS Dan Wright. “The MDAR and NRCS partnership ensures that Massachusetts' farmland is preserved and conserved for generations to come. USDA is committed to preserving our agricultural lands for the future generations. ACEP ALE is a perfect opportunity to partner with NRCS on preserving these lands and the value they provide to the residents of Massachusetts.”

 

Through MDAR, the administration also awarded $573,817 to 19 farms through the Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on APRs (SARA) Program. The program provides funding to restore active commercial farming on land that is in the APR Program. Awards will be used to remove debris, improve drainage, clear rocks and invasive species, and repair farm roads to improve access.

 

“Our Commonwealth must continue to invest in farms and farmers who contribute to the state's economy, food security, and who keep our valuable farmland in use as farmland,” said State Senator Jo Comerford (D - Northampton). “Through the Stewardship Assistance and Restoration on Agricultural Preservation Restriction Program, farms in Northampton, Deerfield, Hadley, and Amherst will receive much-needed funding to restore active commercial farming on otherwise inhospitable land. I am grateful that the Healey-Driscoll Administration is investing in the expansion and success of the Commonwealth’s agricultural sector, and I will continue working with my colleagues in the legislature to prioritize this work.”

 

“I am deeply grateful to be in public service in a state that clearly values the agricultural sector and works collaboratively together to support it,” said State Representative Natalie M. Blais (D – Deerfield). “Together, we have provided financial support farmers in the face of natural disasters; increased funding for land protection and infrastructure programs; and provided the tools to help build the next generation of farmers that will protect the future of our local food system.”

 

The following are the completed APR projects for the 2024 calendar year:

Farm Name

Location

Acreage

Description

Project Partners

Riddle Brook Farm

Douglas

7.52

The landowners run a diverse farm operation of tilled flowers, mixed vegetables, blueberries and a flock of laying hens. Ninety eight percent of the property is comprised of prime or farmland of statewide important soils.

USDA-NRCS

Michael P. Ferry, Inc.

Westport

32.02

The Ferry operation grows silage corn and triticale on the 32-acre property, which consist of 24-acres of prime farmland. This parcel is just one of the many parcels that the Ferry dairy operation owns or leases, along with the home property that is protected by an APR.

USDA-NRCS, and Westport Land Conservation Trust, Inc.

Shaker Farm

Richmond

7.582

The historic Shaker Farm property is currently utilized by the abutting Malnati APR owner for hay production. Soil on the APR parcel consists of 60.57% prime and statewide important farmland.

USDA-NRCS

Padula/ Sterling Realty Trust

Sterling

21.49

This property is utilized by a local APR farmer with approximately 12 acres used for hay production, while the remaining land is forest or wet. Roughly fifty five percent of the soils are classified as prime or farmland of statewide importance.

USDA-NRCS

Lauzier Farm

South Hadley

204.9

The open farmland had been rented to local dairy farms for forage corn and hay production. Once protected the property and associate farmstead were purchase by a former tenant dairy farm. The property consists of approximately 68% prime or statewide important soils.

USDA-NRCS, Town of South Hadley, and Kestrel Land Trust

Yellow Stonehouse Farm

Westfield

15.251

The farm is a USDA Certified Organic Vegetable operation in Hampden County. The farm sells organic vegetables to its CSA members on approximately 14.2 acres, consisting of 100% prime farmland soils.

USDA-NRCS, and City of Westfield

Whittier Farms, Inc.

Sutton

79.6

Whittier Farms, Inc. is a 5th generation dairy with a headquarters located in Sutton. The farmland consists of 34 acres of hay, 3 acres of oats and 6 acres of corn. The remainder is unmanaged woodland. Fifty four percent of the land is prime/state important soils.

Town of Sutton

Hamel Family Farm, LLC

Southampton

29.845

The farmland is in an active agricultural area, abutting the Fournier APR, and is used for forage crops including hay, pasture, and corn. Also, a portion of the property is used for vineyard stock.  Soils on the property consists of 56 % prime and statewide important farmland.  

Town of Southampton and Kestrel Land Trust

 

 

 

The following are the SARA grant recipients for the 2025 fiscal year: 

 

Farm Name and Location

Project Type

Award

Day Farm LLC - Northampton

Roadway drainage repair, trash disposal, field edge clearing

$35,000.00

Bloody Brook Farm – South Deerfield

Drainage tile

$35,000.00

Stillman Quality Meats, LLC - Hardwick

Replacement bridge installation

$34,000.00

Porter Family Farm, LLC – Ashfield

Drainage installation and field edge clearing

$31,875.00

Old Oak Farm LLC - Monson

Clearing fields of grown in brush, seed & fertilizer

$13,722.00

Drew Farm - Westford

Drainage in orchard

$26,801.42

Chicoine Family Farm - Easthampton

Drainage in pasture

$29,155.00

Meadowsweet Farm - Hawley

Cleanup of old foundation, shed and debris

$35,000.00

Tangerini's Spring Street Farm - Millis

Farm road repair

$35,000.00

Hartsbrook Farm - Hadley

Cleaning ditches and tile drainage

$25,500.00

Pine Hill Properties - Westport

Removal rock piles, rock wall and brush

$16,893.75

Devine Brothers Farm LLC - Hadley

Removal stored tires & storage bunker

$30,105.14

Fletcher Farm – Southampton

Drainage and culvert repair

$35,000.00

East Village Farm - Amherst

Drainage ditch clearing

$35,000.00

Dick’s Market Garden Inc. - Lunenburg

Invasives species and brush removal

$35,000.00

Crystal Brook Farm - Sterling

Replace/repair drainage lines

$35,000.00

Windswept Farm - Cummington

Invasives species and brush removal

$22,950.00

Samantha & Hale Staebner - Webster

Drainage installation and reseeding

$33,150.00

Slocum King Farm Inc. – South Dartmouth

Restoring pasture

$29,665.00

 

###

 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Hosts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism in Springfield

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Hosts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism in Springfield 

Annual Conference Features Discussions on Upcoming Massachusetts 250 and FIFA Events, Presentation of Awards to Industry Leaders 

SPRINGFIELD – The 2025 Massachusetts Governor’s Conference on Travel & Tourism officially kicked off today at the MassMutual Center in Springfield. This annual event brings together industry leaders, tourism professionals, and state officials to celebrate the success of Massachusetts’s tourism industry and explore strategies for future growth. 

This year’s conference program includes a dynamic lineup of breakout sessions covering key topics such as experiential marketing, AI tools for tourism, international visitor engagement, strategies for leveraging major global events, and an update on the state’s Massachusetts 250 initiative commemorating Massachusetts’ role in the founding of the country.  

"With the historic milestones of the country’s 250th anniversary on the horizon, many of which took place in Massachusetts, this is a critical time for tourism leaders across the state to come together with energy and purpose,” said Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey. “By working together, we're creating experiences that make people want to keep coming back to Massachusetts again and again.” 

The conference also includes a Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism Awards Ceremony recognizing individuals and organizations for their outstanding contributions to the state’s tourism industry. 

“To our esteemed awardees, congratulations on your exceptional service to the state,” said Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Your contributions are vital as we collaborate and share ideas to strengthen Massachusetts's position as a top destination and create lasting connections through our stories and experiences.” 

Award recipients include: 

  • Diane Burnette will receive the Larry D. Meehan Lifetime Achievement Award for her nearly 30 years of leadership at the Johnny Appleseed Visitors Center, positioning North Central Massachusetts as a premier destination. 
  • Don Packer will receive the Film Industry Achievement Award for his decades-long career in film editing and his role in establishing the Massachusetts Production Coalition. 
  • Dr. Robert Krim will be honored with the Award of Appreciation for his work in documenting Massachusetts’ innovation history and creating the Innovation Trail. 
  • Suzanne Taylor will receive the Revolutionary Achievement Award for her work with the Freedom Trail® Foundation, preserving and promoting Boston’s revolutionary history. 

“The success of this event is a testament to the collaborative spirit of the Massachusetts tourism community, and we are particularly grateful to the City of Springfield for their outstanding hospitality,” said Kate Fox, executive director at the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism. “As we look ahead, we are committed to strengthening our marketing efforts and fostering teamwork to ensure that the Massachusetts story resonates with all, welcoming both visitors and residents to be a part of our shared success.” 

The conference will continue on Wednesday, March 19 with an opening plenary focused on Massachusetts’ tourism performance and future outlook. Kate Fox, along with leaders from TripAdvisor and Massport, will present a comprehensive update on 2023–2024 travel data, highlighting the state’s recovery and growth. Massachusetts welcomed more than 52 million visitors in 2023, generating $23.6 billion in visitor spending and supporting over 154,000 jobs statewide. 

A key focus will be the success and growth of the "Made Possible" campaign, which highlights Massachusetts' unique stories and destinations. The campaign has boosted visitor engagement and inspired more exploration across the state.  

Wednesday’s sessions will cover multicultural tourism, agritourism, and culinary travel, with insights on sustaining growth and leveraging global events in 2026. For more information, visit https://massgovernorsconference.com/.

TD 銀行將在全美關38家,麻州關閉6家分行

                (Boston Orange 編譯) 在麻州共有149間分行的TD 銀行,318日表示,將在全美關閉38間分行,其中16家在新英格蘭區,6家在麻州。

               美國總部設新澤西州Cherry HillTD 銀行,最近向美國貨幣監理署(US Office of the Comptroller of the Currency)遞交了相關文件。

               TD銀行發言人Thomas Rigg表示,這6家預定於65日關閉的麻州TD銀行,分別座落在East Longmeadow, Tewksbury, Holyoke, Framingham, Haverhill, and Methuen等市鎮。

               在新罕布夏州 (NH)TD 銀行將關閉位於Bristol, Wilton, HamptonHopkinton4家分行。TD銀行還將在緬因州關閉4家銀行,在康州 (CT) 關閉2家分行。

               Thomas Rigg說,該公司定期評估分行營運,並視顧客需要及生意機會調整分行佈局。

               20249月,TD 銀行已經在麻州關閉了7家分行,其中包括在畢肯丘 (Beacon Hill)和郵政廣場 (Post Office Square)的這2家。

               不過儘管TD銀行有這一連串的關閉銀行行動,TD銀行卻打算今年5月在Bubian廣場開張一家新分行。Thomas Rigg說,這是為了帶動投資進低至中等收入社區。

               TD銀行的這一系列關閉銀行,調整營運行動,源自金融界面對數位經濟發達,顧客已不需要更多實體銀行服務,以及2024年聯邦檢察官稱該公司的營運安全措施鬆懈,容許罪犯在數年間透過該行洗錢數億美元後,該行與司法部達成協議,須賠償30億美元。

時任美國司法部長的Merrick Garland當時表示,這是美國史上承認犯洗錢罪的最大銀行。

               TD銀行是由2家成立於19世紀加拿大銀行,1855年創立的多倫多銀行和1869年創立的自治領地 (Dominion)銀行合併,19552月正式成立的Toronto-Dominion銀行,簡稱TD銀行。在美加兩國共有約2200分行,2005年進入麻州營運。

星期一, 3月 17, 2025

波士頓老人局3/28辦「物業稅減免」講座

物業稅抵免講座。
(Boston Orange) 波士頓市老人局 (Age Strong Commission)將於328 (週五)早上11點至下午3點半,在波士頓市政府大樓,舉辦「物業稅門診 (Property Tax Clinic)」活甕,為耆英業主提供面對面的申請援助諮詢。

參加門診活動的波士頓市居民,可以查察自己是否有資格獲得稅項減免,延緩交稅,以及其他的潛在省錢福利,例如耆英阻斷器抵稅減免 (Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit)SNAP、燃油援助,以及更多的項目。

查詢詳情,居民可洽波士頓市老人局 617-635-4366,或上網預約boston.gov/prop-tax-clinics

Boston's Age Strong Commission is hosting a Property Tax Clinic in City Hall on Friday, March 28th, 11am to 3:30pm, where Boston's older home owners can get free in-person application assistance. At the clinic, residents can also find out if they're eligible for tax exemptions, tax deferrals, and other potential savings like Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit, SNAP, Fuel Assistance, and more. Residents can contact Age Strong at 617-635-4366 to set up an appointment or visit  boston.gov/prop-tax-clinics for more information.



Governor Healey Visits Boston Children’s Hospital, Highlights Harm Caused by Cuts to NIH Funding, Medicaid

Governor Healey Visits Boston Children’s Hospital, Highlights Harm Caused by Cuts to NIH Funding, Medicaid 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey and First Lady Joanna Lydgate visited Boston Children’s Hospital, a world leader in pediatric health care, to highlight how the Trump Administration’s cuts to National Institutes of Health (NIH) funding and Congressional Republicans’ proposal to cut Medicaid funding would negatively impact the care that Boston Children’s provides to sick children and the innovative research they conduct to save lives. The Governor and First Lady toured the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Cardiac Intensive Care Unit (CICU), where they met with clinicians, patients and families. 

“Massachusetts is proud to be home to the best health care system in the country, and that’s because of our incredible hospitals like Boston Children’s that deliver lifesaving care and innovative research every day. Joanna and I greatly appreciated the opportunity to see this work in action today and to talk directly to clinicians and families about the importance of NIH and Medicaid funding,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Right now, the Trump Administration and Congressional Republicans are trying to gut NIH and Medicaid funding, which would take away health care from babies, pregnant women, seniors and people with disabilities and halt clinical trials at Boston Children’s and institutions across the state. These actions will have real harm on the health and wellbeing of our children and will prevent doctors and researchers from doing their jobs.” 

“We were deeply inspired by the strength and optimism of the families at Children’s Hospital, who remind us all what’s at stake in this moment,” said First Lady Joanna Lydgate. “Our children are so fortunate to live in a state with the best health care in the country and to be cared for by amazing doctors and nurses at hospitals like Boston Children’s. That care is at risk right now, and we will do everything in our power to protect it.”  

“At Boston Children’s, our mission is clear – to improve and transform the lives of children through compassionate care, groundbreaking research, and unwavering commitment to every child, no matter their circumstance, because we believe that care is a right, not a privilege,” said Dr. Kevin Churchwell, Chief Executive Officer of Boston Children's Hospital. “That conviction drives our work every day.” 

"Nearly half of all children in Massachusetts rely on MassHealth – our state Medicaid and Children’s Health Insurance Program – for their health care coverage. It's critically important that their access to care continues so we can give kids the healthiest possible start in life," said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kate Walsh. "Cuts to funding for things like medical research and grants for graduate medical education at children's hospitals are really creating a no-win situation, not only impacting research teams but harming our Massachusetts economy (which is a net contributor to the federal budget), undermining the US's world leadership in medical research, and depriving patients and families of life-saving innovations." 

Boston Children’s Hospital is dedicated to improving and advancing the health and well-being of children around the world through its life-changing work in clinical care, biomedical research, medical education and community engagement. Boston Children's is ranked the #1 pediatric hospital in the world by Newsweek and among best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report. It is home to the world's largest pediatric research enterprise. It is the primary pediatric teaching hospital for Harvard Medical School. Boston Children’s treats more children with rare diseases and complex conditions than any other hospital.  

Boston Children’s is the leading recipient of pediatric research funding from the National Institutes of Health, with more NIH awards than any other children’s hospital. They receive more than $200 million in NIH funding per year, including $230 million in 2024. The Trump Administration’s cuts would cut that funding in half. 

Congress recently passed a budget resolution that would require severe cuts to Medicaid, which approximately two million Massachusetts residents and nearly half of the children in the state rely on for health care. Approximately 46 percent of Boston Children’s patients are covered by MassHealth, including 60 percent of patients with the most complex medical needs. 

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Denounces President Trump’s Attempt to Invoke the Archaic Alien Enemies Act of 1798

Asian Americans Advancing Justice Denounces President Trump’s Attempt to Invoke the Archaic Alien Enemies Act of 1798

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Asian Americans Advancing Justice, a network of four independent Asian American civil rights organizations, applauds the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia  for temporarily blocking President Trump's attempt to invoke the Alien Enemies Act (AEA), an archaic and discriminatory law incompatible with our nation's foundational principles of liberty, equality, and justice for all.  

Trump's recent efforts to revive this abuse-prone wartime law under the false pretense of a "migrant invasion" represents a dangerous escalation in an ongoing anti-immigrant agenda. We commend the judiciary's swift and decisive intervention to halt this misuse of power.  

Originally enacted in 1798, the AEA grants sweeping authority to detain or deport noncitizens from nations labeled as "enemy" states during war or "invasion." The AEA was last used during World War II to incarcerate 120,000 Japanese Americans based on false claims of military necessity. The internment of Japanese Americans represents a severe injustice and a dark chapter in American history that should not be repeated. This injustice is now echoed in the labeling of migrants fleeing violence and hardship as invaders, and it is factually incorrect, legally unfounded, and morally reprehensible. Furthermore, the AEA provides no safeguards for lawful permanent residents, refugees, or even children. The court's decision properly recognizes that migration, driven by humanitarian crises, is not an act of war. We commend the court for recognizing this historical misuse and acting decisively to ensure it is not repeated today. 

Invoking the AEA is not about national security—it is about the politics of fear and xenophobia, racial profiling, and authoritarianism, which we firmly reject.  

Asian Americans Advancing Justice urges continued vigilance and calls on Congress to repeal the Alien Enemies Act once and for all. Its history and current misuse prove that it’s not compatible with our laws and values. To repeal this act entirely will prevent this administration and others from challenging the courts. No administration should be permitted to weaponize such outdated laws against immigrants and communities of color ever again. 

家庭年收入20萬美元以下學生 上哈佛免學費

               (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 只要被錄取,就能免費上哈佛。從20252026的這學年開始,哈佛大學17日宣佈將擴大財務援助辦法,凡是年收入20萬美元以下家庭的學生,可免繳學費,年收入10萬美元以下家庭,連雜費等所有帳單都免繳。

               哈佛大學表示,此舉旨在彌平負擔能力差距,也是追趕其他有大量捐款學校近年來的做法,例如麻省理工學院 (MIT)去年11月宣佈了類似財務援助計畫,幫助那些儘管符合資格申請財務援助,卻為高昂學費開銷掙扎的中等收入家庭。

私立大學的學費對於有足夠財力支付學費的富人來說基本上是可負擔的,而許多貧困學生有資格獲得高額財務援助,但中產階層卻常常難以承擔。

               通常,也只有最有錢的那些家庭才會支付全額學費,那些年收入在15萬元到20萬元之間,在大波士頓算是中等收入家庭中收入較高的那些家庭,卻估計每年需支付 3 萬美元以上,而且根據學校的不同,學費可能會更高。

               哈佛大學因此推出新政策,讓所有獲准入學,但來自年收入20萬美元以下家庭的學生,免繳學費,還有資格申請額外補助,以支付食宿費。

               那些來自年收入10萬美元以下家庭的學生,哈佛將承擔包括學費的所有帳單開銷,還會為生活開銷、醫療保險及出行等,提供額外補助。

               那些年收入在20萬美元以上的家庭,哈佛將以個案方式,個別評估。

哈佛還將給新鮮人發2000元的啟動補助金。金庫內有著500億美元捐贈款的哈佛大學,估計下學年的財務援助預算,將累計至27500萬元。

               在實施新辦法之前,哈佛大學讓年收入低於85000元的家庭免繳學費。

波士頓榮光會慶蛇年新春 「9條好漢在一班」歌聲嘹亮

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏(中)、僑教中心主任高家富(左)頒發感謝狀,
總統賀詞等給給波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽(右)。(榮光會提供)
               (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 波士頓榮光聯誼會
波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏展示外交部長林佳龍送的酒。(鄭鄒壽提供)
316日中午在新月宮餐廳慶祝蛇年新春,60多人享美食,抽大獎,高唱「9條好漢在一班」,歡喜相聚的場面格外溫馨。理事長鄭增壽還送出「陸軍官校100週年紀念」帽,感謝4名特別辛勞會員。

               這場2025的榮光會新春慶祝會,在楊思聖、楊英嬰搭檔的妙語橫生主持,鄭增壽等人細心籌備,佈置場地,陳世隆負責音響中,氣氛活潑非常。

                                楊思聖還特地簡述了一下,波士頓榮光會創立於19874月,在麻州註冊為非營利機構,19894月加入紐英崙中華公所,開始派代表出席中華公所董事大會,一起服務紐英崙華人社區,兼行拓展國民外交使命的歷史。

波士頓榮光會2025春宴現場。(榮光會提供)
               這天出席嘉賓眾多,有波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏,僑教中心主任高家富,紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝,紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍,國民黨波士頓分部常委張韻蘭,美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會會會長Genie Boland,顧問黃國麟,台山鄉親聯誼會會長黃紹培等,前4人還一一致詞講話。

               廖朝宏處長當天因接待來到波士頓參加北美最大海產展的台灣水殖業者協會,在致詞環節的最後趕到現場。他首先感謝榮光會多年來支持中華民國,配合僑務工作,再謝謝理事長鄭增壽帶領榮光會的熱心與努力,接著送上總統賀電,還在抽獎環節中代表外交部,把外交部長林佳龍送贈的限量版金門高粱酒交給抽中獎品的美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠分會會長Genie Boland

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠分會會長Genie Boland抽中外交部大獎。
(榮光會提供)
               波士頓僑教中心主任高家富也為波士頓榮光會帶來,僑務委員會委員長徐佳青發給的參與籌備雙十國慶感謝狀。波士頓市退伍軍人服務局也發給波士頓榮光會一份表揚狀,感謝該會參加退伍軍人節遊行。

               副理事長蘇麗萍則在慶祝會開場時報告,今年新春聚會,有來自中華民國輔導會委員長、外交部長、僑務委員長、駐美代表、空軍司令、陸軍官校校長、波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏、僑教中心主任高家富,以及榮光會各理事、監事和會友們,共捐贈50多個抽獎品,出席者幾乎人人有獎。有眼尖出席者指出,各僑團新春慶祝會就榮光會的來自官方機構獎品最多,有知情者打趣道,那都是理事長鄭增壽奔波,為會員邀來的福利。

波士頓榮光會唱軍歌,情緒高昂。前排右起,鄭增壽,劉成、
張明燦、楊思聖、陳家驊等。(榮光會提供)
               理事長鄭增壽最後致答謝詞,感謝眾人出席中華民國114年的波士頓榮光會春宴,祝福座中各人身體健康、事事如意之外,他還拿出陸軍官校校長捐贈的「陸軍官校100週年紀念」帽,送給蘇麗萍、陳家驊、楊思聖、楊英嬰等特別辛勞會員,聊表感恩之意。

李先(右一)、劉成(右三)等年逾90的榮光會員,唱起軍歌,感觸最深。 
(沈慶雲提供)
               這天最感人的環節是大合唱「9條好漢在一班」、「夜襲」、「我愛中華」等歌曲,讓高齡逾90的李先、劉成等年事已長的會員們恍如時光倒流,回想起諸多往事,夢縈故鄉。

                 曾任波士頓榮光會理事長,但已多年未參加活動的鄭增華,這天也在家人陪同下全程參與,還現場泡製他個人自用的養生紫蝶豆花茶,給不少榮光會員帶來驚喜。  (更新版)

曾任波士頓榮光會理事長的鄭增華(右三)難得回來參加波士頓榮光會活動,
和弟弟鄭增壽夫婦(右四、五),以及右起,雷國輝、李先、僑教中心主任高家富合影。
(沈慶雲提供)
沈慶雲(左)協助鄭增華(右)斟上紫花養生茶給人嚐。(沈慶雲提供)
波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽(右起)感謝張麗雪、張明燦、楊思聖、楊英嬰等人協辦春宴。
(沈慶雲提供)
紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍(右)也抽中一個大獎,由僑教中心高家富頒發。
台山同鄉聯誼會會長黃紹培(中)和其他會長等人聚談。
榮光會蛇年春宴在月宮。

星期日, 3月 16, 2025

麻州長Healey採取更多措施加強緊急庇護系統安全、減少開支

Governor Healey Takes Additional Steps to Enhance Safety, Lower Cost of Emergency Shelter System 

New regulations disqualify individuals convicted of serious crimes from shelter placement 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today took additional steps to enhance safety at state family shelter sites and lower the cost of the system to taxpayers. At Governor Healey’s direction, all adults applying for Emergency Assistance (EA) shelter are required to undergo a CORI check, in addition to SORI and warrant checks. Under new regulations effective Friday, individuals will not be eligible for EA if they fail to consent to a CORI check or if they have been convicted of a serious crime, like murder, arson, kidnapping, rape and felonies against children. 

In accordance with the supplemental budget recently signed by Governor Healey and recommendations from former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis, all families must have their identities and familial relationships fully verified prior to placement. 

“These changes will empower our team to keep families, staff and communities safe by enhancing our criminal background check process and disqualifying anyone who has been convicted of a serious crime,” said Governor Healey. “Additionally, we are making real progress when it comes to lowering the cost of this system to taxpayers – and we are on track to hit all of our goals by the end of the year. Massachusetts is managing this federal problem, but Congress needs to act on meaningful immigration reform instead of making Massachusetts taxpayers foot the bill for their failures.” 

In addition to the new CORI regulations, the administration is updating the state’s Emergency Declaration to reflect that the EA system’s capacity is now at 5,800 families, a more than 20 percent reduction from its peak in 2024. This change aligns with the funding provided by the supplemental budget and is a result of the administration’s successful efforts to reduce caseload and cost by tripling the number of families exiting shelter to stable housing each month, diverting more families from entering shelter in the first place, and closing hotel shelters. The administration is on track to reduce caseload to 4,000 families and close all hotel shelters by the end of the year. Caseload is currently at its lowest point since August 2023, the number of hotel shelters has already been reduced by half and currently 75 percent of families seeking shelter are long-time Massachusetts families. 

The administration plans to release further guidance and enact the additional policy provisions from the supplemental budget, including changes to the eligibility process. The administration is also continuing to work with former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis and his team to implement recommendations from the Shelter Safety and Security Report

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.