Governor Healey Welcomes Astronaut Suni Williams, Local Students to the State House

 Governor Healey Welcomes Astronaut Suni Williams, Local Students to the State House 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey hosted a meet and greet with American Astronaut Suni Williams and local students at the State House. Williams, a NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy officer, is from Needham, Massachusetts. She is the first woman to fly on a flight test of an orbital spacecraft during the 2024 Boeing Crew Flight Test and recently returned from nine months in space. She was joined by students from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, British International School of Boston Middle School, Boys and Girls Club of Boston students and members of the Science Club for Girls. 

“It was great to welcome Suni Williams to the State House and back home to Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “Her resilience and dedication to service serves as an incredible model for young people across the state, reminding them that their potential is as limitless as outer space. We hope that some of the students who joined us today will be inspired to pursue careers in STEM and truly reach for the stars.” 

“As Chair of our STEM Advisory Council, I’m so glad that students across Massachusetts have such an amazing role model in Suni Williams,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We thank her for visiting the State House today and sharing her inspirational story with us all.” 

During the visit, Governor Healey also awarded Astronaut Williams with a Governor’s Citation in recognition of her dedicated service to her country and space exploration. 

PLANNING DEPARTMENT ADVANCES TWO NEW OFFICE-TO-RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION PROJECTS

BOSTON - May 15, 2025 - The Planning Department this month recommended approval of real estate actions related to public land in two locations in Roxbury, and of three new development projects to the BPDA Board. All were approved. The newly approved development projects represent approximately 108,806 square feet (SF), will create 155 new residential units, including 29 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 211 construction jobs and 179 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Real Estate Final designation awarded to the Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association to redevelop land into zen garden The Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association received final designation to redevelop Parcels S-20 and S-21 in Roxbury. These parcels will become a zen garden named for Alma Wright, a retired Boston Public School teacher and Roxbury pioneer. The vision is for this garden to be an area where students and staff from the nearby Trotter Elementary School and community members can enjoy nature and learn about their community. The zen garden will use design elements to relay the stories of pioneers rooted in the Roxbury neighborhood. The space will serve as an outdoor classroom, gathering space, and place to learn about local Roxbury history. Temporary performance venue to activate Blair Lot The Board approved a license agreement with the organization Afrikai, which will create a temporary installation known as the Ascension Pavillion on weekends to serve as a performance venue and center for community programming. Prior to construction beginning on the Nubian Ascends development project, the development team continues to activate the Blair Lot in Nubian Square with events that serve the community.  Development Projects Project at 16-18 Hawley Street, also known as 31 Milk Street, will convert offices to homes Downtown Housing: 110 units, 22 income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 94 construction jobs Community: Bringing more residents Downtown Sustainability: Compliant with Stretch Energy Code As part of the City’s Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, this project will renovate what is currently an 11-story office building into 110 new residential units, including 22 income-restricted units. The United States Postal Service, which operates on the ground floor, will remain.  This project is one of 15 applicants in Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to create 762 units from the conversion of 20 vacant office buildings.  123 N Washington Street project to convert North End office to housing Housing: 45 units, seven income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 37 construction jobs Community: Bringing more residents Downtown Sustainability: Compliant with Stretch Energy Code. Located in the North End, this project will convert what is currently a five-story office building into 45 new homes. Seven of these units will be income-restricted. The ground floor restaurant space will remain. This project is one of 15 applicants in Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to create 762 units from the conversion of 20 vacant office buildings.  Project at 120-134 Hampden Street to preserve historic building as self-storage, add on retail and office space Jobs: Approximately 80 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements, support for local organizations Sustainability: LEED Gold, all-electric Located in the Newmarket Innovation District in Roxbury, this project will preserve the existing historic structure by converting it into a self-storage facility. It will also add an addition which will include more self-storage as well as retail and office space. The new project will also add a pocket park to activate and landscape the existing street corner. PLAN: Newmarket and current zoning encourage warehouse use due to the positive economic benefits from job creation, and because warehousing can support a range of businesses. PLAN: Newmarket also emphasizes facilitating the adaptive reuse of existing structures. This project will improve the public realm with new crosswalks on site. As part of the community benefits, this project will contribute: $100,000 towards one year of free rent for a retail tenant, $20,000 towards the design and implementation of new artwork on site, $10,000 for a security camera, $60,000 of free self-storage for Boston based businesses, including providing self-storage units to ten new businesses in the Newmarket area at no cost for one year, and $90,000 to local schools and community organizations. In addition, this project will contribute $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system, and install a Bluebikes dock on site. In addition to these projects, the board approved: An amendment to the Boston University Institutional Master Plan to include a property they recently acquired at 13 Buswell Street. An update to a previously approved project at 521-523 Cambridge Street to increase the number of residential units. An update to the previously approved Alexandra Hotel project in Roxbury for an overall reduction in size. The disbursement of $150,000 from the Boston Garden Project funds to Boston Harbor Now to advance the Harborwalk 2.0 Program.

樂高美國新總部落地波士頓 未來10年員工增聘至800人

樂高集團執行長Niels B. Christiansen舉大剪刀剪綵。（周菊子攝）

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 全球玩具巨擘樂高集團（LEGO group）的新美國總部，今（15）日在麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey) 和波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu)蒞臨剪綵中，正式啟用。樂高集團宣佈，未來2年將捐款500萬元，讓更多波士頓兒童享受玩耍，未來10年員工增至800餘人。

樂高集團美國總部大樓內展示用樂高出來的模型。（周菊子攝）

            樂高集團還將在6月11日，到波士頓的蘿絲甘迺迪綠路上慶祝「世界玩耍日(World Play Day)」，藉以響應聯合國2024年推出的國際玩耍日(International Day of Play)。

        樂高集團是一家丹麥公司，在全世界120個國家營銷，過去50年來美國總部一直設在康州Engield。2023年奚莉州長上任，同年1月24日，樂高宣佈將把美國總部遷至麻州波士頓市。

呼應波士頓公園內的“母鴨帶小鴨”，這兒有個樂高版。（周菊子攝）

            樂高美國新總部座落在後灣區的波約斯頓街(Boylston)街1001號的6至11樓，佔地15.7萬平方英尺。這是棟高20層，用麻州收費公路（Ｍass Turnpike）上空權蓋出來的樓宇，租戶包括去年已入駐的「汽車大師Car Guru」」。

樂高員工用樂高做了一個麻州州長模型。（周菊子攝）

            麻州州長奚莉和波士頓市長吳弭，丹麥駐美國大使Jesper Møller Sørensen都應邀出席，和樂高集團執行長Niels B. Christiansen，副總裁暨波士頓項目主管Skip Kodak，商務長Colette Burke一起剪綵。

            樂高集團執行長Niels B. Christiansen表示，樂高美國新總部遷至波士頓是該公司在美國這重要市場的長期投資，吸引人才的重要策略之一，以為已有93年歷史，以寓教為樂為宗旨的樂高公司鋪陳將來的創新、發展道路。

樂高員工還做了一個波士頓市長吳弭的樂高模型。（周菊子攝）

              Niels B. Christiansen透露，樂高正在美國維琴尼亞州建造最先進的工廠，以迎合美國市長的需要。上星期樂高宣佈了再為琴尼亞州設一個區域配送中心，上個月則宣佈了在清奈增設一個新的消費者和購物者互動團隊，將來會繼續在美國各地增設分店。

樂高美國總部設在波士頓是第八選區，市議員Sharon Durkan不僅出席，
還在樂高總部開幕這天，為分委區耆英安排了一場參觀活動。（周菊子攝）

             Colette Burke回顧樂高當年在康州設立美國總部時，只有24名員工，如今該公司在美國共有3500名員工，150家分店，還藉由樂高玩耍（Lego Play）這教育性活動和數難以計的兒童互動，在全世界有31,000名員工。她自己在美國待了20多年後，也在2003年成為美國公民。

            Colette Burke在致詞時還提及，樂高集團向來重視“玩耍的力量（Power of Play）”和波士頓兒童博物館，波士頓科學博物館長年合作，今後還將在未來2年內投資100萬元，和波士頓公共圖書館的所有26個分館合作。

             麻州州長奚莉形容麻州之於美國，有如丹麥之於歐洲，地位同等重要。麻州不但是美國最適宜生兒育女的州，在創新上也名列前矛。她還知道樂高在和麻省理工學院的媒體實驗室合作，研發機器人及其他領域的科學、技術、工程、數學 （STEM）學習策略。

            吳弭市長則強調麻州及波士頓是自由、經濟繁榮，以及歡迎所有人社區的火炬，永遠也不會退縮。（更新版）

麻州長Healey宣佈凍結州政府人事 占停招聘

 Governor Healey Announces Executive Branch Hiring Freeze  

Hiring controls put in place in response to federal economic uncertainty and disruption to protect critical state program funding and implement a final Fiscal Year 2026 budget  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced that she would be implementing a hiring freeze across the Executive Branch in response to widespread economic uncertainty at the national level and a tightening budget outlook for Fiscal Year 2026. 

The hiring freeze, which will take effect May 27, is a proactive step being taken by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to manage spending as the state prepares for the start of the new fiscal year. With further anticipated federal funding cuts and spending pressures created by ongoing inflation and demand for services, hiring controls are one tool the administration plans to use to ensure the state can continue to invest in essential services and safety net programs for people and families. 

“The people of Massachusetts expect us to protect and maximize their tax dollars, and that’s exactly what we’re doing,” said Governor Healey. “Tariffs and funding cuts from Washington are causing so much economic damage and instability. We are taking this step to prepare for more uncertain economic times, protect taxpayer dollars, and move our state forward while ensuring funding will be available for the vital services people need.”  

“Challenging fiscal times require tough choices at all levels of government. I know this firsthand from my time as a mayor and now Lieutenant Governor,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It’s also important to be prepared when you see clouds gathering. Our administration deeply appreciates the work our public employees perform on a daily basis, and while we don’t take this step lightly, we believe it’s necessary to ensure we can all continue that critical work moving forward." 

“As we navigate the close of FY25 and prepare for the start of the new fiscal year in July, the Governor’s action to implement a hiring freeze across the executive branch will give us added flexibility in the budget to respond and react to unforeseen program needs and other deficiencies that may arise. Our uncertain economic future in FY26 has been made less predictable by the threat of federal funding cuts and recent market upheaval. While we hope for the best, it is both prudent and responsible to be prepared and take control of what we can now,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. 

The hiring controls will apply to all Executive Branch agencies and departments. While in effect, agencies and departments will not be able to hire new employees and there will be no formal waiver process. Consistent with common practice during past hiring freezes, exemptions will be made for certain positions, including public safety officers and direct care providers. 

The administration will reevaluate the effectiveness and need for ongoing hiring controls once the FY26 General Appropriations Act has been signed and implementation is underway. 

Governor Healey Calls on Congress to Reject Federal Cuts to Food Assistance for One Million Massachusetts Residents

 Governor Healey Calls on Congress to Reject Federal Cuts to Food Assistance for One Million Massachusetts Residents  

Proposed changes to SNAP could cost Massachusetts $710 million annually  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey sent a letter to the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry and the House Committee on Agriculture urging them to reject changes proposed by Congressional Republicans to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP is a federal program that provides food to more than one million Massachusetts families, including children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities. 

“This budget proposal from Congressional Republicans will force Massachusetts families to go hungry and take away business from local retailers and farmers,” said Governor Healey. “More than one million Massachusetts residents, including children, seniors, veterans and people with disabilities, rely on SNAP to keep food on the table, and it injects nearly $3 billion into the Massachusetts economy through more than 5,500 Massachusetts businesses. States do not have the resources to make up for these federal cuts. We’re grateful to our Massachusetts Congressional delegation for standing firm in opposition to this proposal, but we need Congressional Republicans to do the right thing and fund the SNAP program.” 

“SNAP is a lifeline for so many families and businesses across our state and the nation,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The proposals we’ve seen from Republicans in Congress would make this vital food program impossible for states to administer and impossible to understand for people who need it. It pulls the rug out from under states who have worked in good faith partnership with the federal government for decades. Congressional Republicans know that no state can make up such a devastating funding cut like this. This proposal will force kids to go hungry and hurt our economy.” 

“Cutting SNAP at this scale is reckless and dangerous,” said Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh. “In Massachusetts, one third of SNAP recipients are children, nearly one third have a disability, and one quarter are older adults. In my time at Boston Medical Center and at EOHHS, I've seen up close how SNAP and food assistance programs lead to better health outcomes and lower health care costs. To hack away at SNAP is bad policy, plain and simple.”

“These proposed cuts fundamentally misunderstand how SNAP actually works," said Department of Transitional Assistance Commissioner Jeff McCue. "Massachusetts already has skin in the game, splitting administrative expenses equally with the federal government, adhering to strict quality control standards, and facing financial penalties when errors occur. This isn't a one-sided arrangement. States already invest significant time and funding into running efficient, compliant programs. Slashing federal support now would devastate our most vulnerable residents and undermine decades of collaborative work to help families achieve economic stability. The impact would ripple through our communities, affecting children's development, seniors' health, and our state's economic vitality.” 

The current proposal from Congressional Republicans is estimated to cost Massachusetts an additional $710 million annually. No state budget can cover that significant of a cost. As a result, families across the state could lose access to the program they rely on to keep food on the table. The emergency food system is already overwhelmed with demand and will be unable to fully meet the needs of millions of people across the country who will go hungry because of these policy changes. The proposal will also hurt Massachusetts businesses, as the program brings nearly $3 billion to over 5,500 Massachusetts businesses. Every dollar in SNAP benefits generates up to $1.50 in local economic activity. SNAP supports thousands of Massachusetts jobs in every community across many different industries, including farmers, grocers, manufacturers and delivery drivers. 

SNAP cuts would harm Massachusetts’ almost 7,000 local farmers and the agricultural economy by removing a critical income stream that flows through farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs, and local grocery purchases. Rural communities and family farms, which are already facing economic challenges, would experience further financial strain if this significant market for their products shrinks. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Limits Deductibles and Co-Pays to Control Health Costs for Patients

  Healey-Driscoll Administration Limits Deductibles and Co-Pays to Control Health Costs for Patients 

This is the first time the state has taken action to require insurers to limit this health cost driver 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey and her administration are taking action to limit the cost of health care deductibles and co-pays that patients are required to pay. 

Commissioner of Insurance Michael Caljouw issued regulatory guidance that requires insurance companies to limit the growth of deductibles and co-pays for patients at the rate of medical inflation (approximately 4.8 percent). Over the past two years, deductibles charged to patients have gone up by nearly 23 percent in the merged market – resulting in increased costs of over $200 per patient.  

This is the first time the state has taken action to limit deductibles in this way, as it is the result of legislation signed by Governor Healey in 2025 that increased the Commissioner’s consideration of affordability during a review of the merged market. The limit on deductibles and co-pays will go into effect in January 2026. 

“Massachusetts families across the state are struggling with high health care costs,” said Governor Healey. “Deductibles and co-pays are a significant health cost driver, so we are taking action to limit those costs that come right out of the pockets of patients and families.”  

“Massachusetts is home to the greatest health care system in the world, but we need to make it more affordable for people,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This directive is one tool in our toolkit to lower costs for people and prevent large spikes in deductibles and co-pays.” 

“Deductibles and co-pays have been growing too fast – now outpacing wages and salary growth for our residents,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “Today’s announcement is an important first step to protecting our residents from these difficult costs.” 

Health care costs are one of the biggest strains on Massachusetts household budgets. CHIA’s most recent Annual Report on the Performance of the Massachusetts Health Care System found that cost-sharing is one of the main drivers of high health care costs and has been growing faster than statewide wages and salaries.  

"Massachusetts ranks first in the country for health care coverage, however many residents can't afford the medical care they need,” said Health Care For All Executive Director Amy Rosenthal. “Health Care For All hears from thousands of callers on our free HelpLine who are struggling to pay their deductibles and co-pays, and those who skip necessary appointments altogether to save money. This directive is a meaningful step in addressing our state’s health care affordability challenges.” 

This action builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s efforts to lower heath care costs. Earlier this year, Governor Healey signed two bills that lower health care costs, cap prescription drug costs at $25, and improve access to primary care and increase oversight of the health care industry to protect patients and providers. She also expanded affordable health care coverage to 260,000 more people in Massachusetts through ConnectorCare. She also signed a bill to increase access to breast cancer screening and early detection treatments for little to no cost and made prenatal vitamins and over the counter (OTC) oral contraceptives free for MassHealth members and Health Safety Net (HSN) patients. 

波士頓慈濟浴佛節為蒼生祈福

波士頓慈濟和嘉賓一起浴佛。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange 周菊子牛頓市報導) 慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處5月10日早上在牛頓市會所舉行佛誕節、母親節、全球慈濟日的『三節合一』儀式，數十名師兄姐和社區人士，在會場為全球苦難眾生祈福，攜手向世界傳遞希望與溫暖。

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿（右二起）邀波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，組長
黃耀良，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（右一）等嘉賓參加浴佛節。（周菊子攝）

            駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，組長黃耀良，以及波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，專程出席，同為天下蒼生祈福，還在林采彤，黃偉祥，黃湘霏，林毓雅等人的解說中，和當天的社區出席者一同欣賞了，從佛陀足跡，佛教八大聖地，佛陀誕生在藍毘尼等講起的『佛陀的故鄉』展覽。

            慈濟波士頓聯絡處指出，浴佛節是個回歸真正佛教的典禮，以最虔誠尊敬的心，雙手放在『福慧足』上，躬身禮敬，藉以淨化自心，慈濟在這天廣邀各界民眾參加，旨為促使人們以天下蒼生為念，發心助人解除苦難。

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿（右二起）邀波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，組長
黃耀良，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（右一）等嘉賓參加浴佛節。（周菊子攝）

     10日這天下雨，參加祈福浴佛儀式的人比往年少些，慈濟師兄姐精心籌劃的活動流程，饒有特色，跟著司儀謝宜芳主持的流程，鳴鐘鼓，讚爐香及讀佛偈，列隊輪流上前向佛祖行禮，再一起在誦念無量義經中，還雙掌合十，雙臂高舉的朝天禮拜，邊誦經文邊跺足，和往年的肅立在原地禮拜，頗為不同。

師姐、師兄們列隊上前祈福。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓慈濟聯絡處負責人長金滿在會末告訴廖朝宏處長等人，波士頓慈濟近年來陸續在牛頓市、波士頓市，以及劍橋市設立服務站，舉辦各種活動，豐富社區民眾生活，照顧貧困，救助急難，宣揚吃素環保愛地球觀念。慈濟還申請到波士頓市政府經費，安排過許多次帶耆英採蘋果，逛博物館等活動，擴大耆英們的生活圈，為許多人的生活帶來歡樂。

          長金滿指出，慈濟基金會也是個不計較各人宗教派別，強調入世濟人的機構，歡迎有心為社區服務的人加入，共襄盛舉。

師姐、師兄們列隊上前祈福。（周菊子攝

林采彤姐說佛陀緣起。（周菊子攝）

林采彤姐說佛陀緣起。（周菊子攝）

黃偉祥師兄為「佛陀的故鄉」做導覽。（周菊子攝）

每年浴佛節，波士頓慈濟都會請出透明經營的佛像，接受禮拜。

林毓雅師兄深入講述「鹿野苑」是佛陀第一次宣道的地方。（周菊子攝）

黃湘霏姐解說佛陀在靈鳩山蔣介妙法蓮華經的因緣。（周菊子攝）

Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell Remind Borrowers of Resources and Rights as Trump Administration Reinstates Involuntary Collection on Student Loans

 Governor Healey and Attorney General Campbell Remind Borrowers of Resources and Rights as Trump Administration Reinstates Involuntary Collection on Student Loans  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey and Attorney General Andrea Campbell are sharing resources and reminding student borrowers about their rights as the Trump Administration restarts involuntary collection on federal student loans in default through the Treasury Offset Program. This means the Treasury is starting to collect these debts by garnishing certain federal payments, including federal tax refunds, Social Security benefits, and certain retirement benefits. Federal collections are expected to impact upwards of 100,000 borrowers in Massachusetts. 

To help residents, the state is recommending that all borrowers, including those who know their loans aren’t in default, check on the status of their federal student loans and stay informed on the options available. Borrowers should also be aware of student loan debt relief scams, including phone calls, emails, notices, and/or texts from companies that charge fees to help borrowers pursue debt relief, access more affordable payment plans or resolve defaulted loans.  

Massachusetts borrowers who have a complaint against a student loan servicer or need help navigating their repayment options are encouraged to contact the Attorney General’s Student Loan Assistance Unit, here. 

“This is yet another example of the Trump Administration making life harder and more expensive for people. But here in Massachusetts, our focus remains on making higher education more affordable and accessible for all students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “As part of that, we want to be sure that students are aware of their rights and get the assistance and relief they deserve.” 

“As the Trump Administration resumes aggressive student loan collections, I want Massachusetts borrowers to know that this office is here to protect your rights, connect you with trusted resources, and fight back against predatory practices,” said Attorney General Andrea Campbell. “If you’re struggling with your loans or facing unfair treatment, the Attorney General’s Office stands ready to help you understand and navigate the available options.” 

“Massachusetts is committed to making sure that borrowers find the repayment options that work best for them and aren’t scammed into situations that push them deeper into debt,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration will continue to support Massachusetts borrowers who are looking for student loan help.” 

“We have a national student debt crisis, and restarting federal loan collection efforts right now is going to disproportionately impact low-income borrowers and increase already expanding wealth inequality. I encourage all borrowers to check their federal student loan status and explore options available to help,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “In Massachusetts, we remain steadfast in our efforts to make higher education more affordable and accessible because we believe in its potential to enable all students to realize their dreams.” 

“Student loan borrowers have rights and options, even if they are in default. I encourage all borrowers to verify their loan repayment status and review the state resources made available for additional guidance,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “Massachusetts has made historic progress on college affordability. As the state works to protect borrowers, we are also telling those considering college about the financial aid programs that do not need to be paid back, like free community college and MASSGrant Plus, which applies at public four-year universities. These programs can reduce the debt burden, and for some students, avoid the need for student loans altogether.”   

The Healey-Driscoll Administration and AG Campbell’s office offered the following information for student borrowers looking for support:  

How can I ensure I get communications about my federal student loans? 

Update your contact information in your studentaid.gov account, including your email address. This is the U.S. Department of Education’s main website for federal student aid and serves as a vital tool for managing federal student loans. 

Borrowers are also encouraged to set up an online account with your loan servicer. Keep in mind that your loan servicer may have changed since the pandemic. If you previously opted to received electronic communications, then bills and other notices are only posted to your online account with your servicer – not sent by regular mail. 

What do I do if I have a federal student loan to repay? 

Borrowers that are in repayment status should receive multiple notifications of their student loan amount owed and repayment plan options, including income-driven repayment options, from their federally contracted loan servicer.  

To check an outstanding federal student loan balance, learn about loan repayment and loan forgiveness options, or make a payment, visit the U.S. Department of Education website: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/repaying-101 

How can I find out if my federal loans are in default?  

Borrowers who have not made a required payment in more than 270 days may have their loans in default. You can check on the status of your loan by reaching out to your student loan servicer: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/repayment/servicers  

How do I get my federal student loans out of default?  

Borrowers in default should contact the U.S. Department of Education’s Default Resolution Group and make a monthly payment, enroll in an income-driven repayment plan, or sign up for loan rehabilitation.  

To learn more about the federal student loan rehabilitation program and consolidation, visit StudentAid.gov/manage-loans or call 1-800-621-3115. 

What is Treasury offset? 

The U.S. Treasury can take your federal tax refunds and a portion of your Social Security payments or other federal benefits to pay a defaulted federal student loan. This is called Treasury offset. On May 5, 2025, the Trump Administration resumed Treasury offset for defaulted federal student loans. 

What do I do if I receive a notice of Treasury offset? 

Typically, before Treasury offset begins, you will receive a written notice. 

• You must take action by the deadline specified in the notice to prevent offset. 

• For most borrowers, the easiest way to avoid offset will be consolidation or rehabilitation out of default, but action must be taken quickly. 

• To prevent offset, a consolidation application must be submitted, or a rehabilitation agreement must be finalized and the first rehabilitation payment received before the deadline in the offset notice (typically 65 days from the notice date). 

In some cases, borrowers may want to make an objection to the offset. You can learn how to make an objection on the U.S. Department of Education’s website. 

How do I avoid scams? 

Look out for companies asking you to pay “enrollment,” “subscription,” or “maintenance” fees to enroll you in a federal repayment plan or forgiveness program. Borrowers do not have to pay to receive help with loan services, including consolidating federal student loans or applying for an income-driven repayment plan. Your student loan servicer can help you with this for free.  

Never give your personal information (like your FSA ID and password, social security number, bank account information) or money to unidentified callers, or to a link provided via text or email. If you are suspicious of a company contacting you, contact your loan servicer or the U.S. Department of Education’s Default Resolution Group at 1-800-621-3115. More tips on spotting scammers can be found on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau’s fraud and scams page. 

劍橋合唱團春季音樂會 以多元藝術呈現「流光歲月」

劍橋合唱團演出『流光歲月』音樂會。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 劍橋合唱團5月11日以『流光歲月』為主題，在麻省理工學院Kresge禮堂舉辦2025年春季音樂會，以歌聲，樂器演奏，還有獨白朗誦配舞台默劇的豐富多元表演，讓逾百出席者讚嘆，原來合唱團音樂會還可以這麼辦。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（左二）恭喜指揮顏毓芬，團長陳韋同
和副團長林泓安成功舉辦音樂會。（周菊子攝）

5月11日這天適逢母親節正日，劍橋合唱團精心挑選的12首歌曲，把留學生長大成人，出國留學後，從初抵異鄉的青澀，求學期間的努力，陷入愛戀的掙扎，到學有所成後對未來的期盼，都以歌聲唱了出來，劍橋合唱團副團長劉姮秀、林泓安等人配合黃郁婷等人詩朗誦般的「時光日記」獨白做舞台默劇表演，讓這場音樂更為豐富，活潑。

指揮顏毓芬和曾任劍橋合唱團團長的丈夫陳立英，這天和兒子一起過母親節。
（周菊子攝）

12首歌曲從蒙古民歌改編的「牧歌」，臺灣童謠「天烏烏」，泰雅族民謠「收割歌」，到周杰倫編曲的「Mojito」，，「千里之外」，「菊花台」，方文山作詞的「青花瓷」，動感十足的「忠孝東路走九遍」，許美靜「城裡的月光」到張雨生的「我期待」等，包括其中萬芳的「猜心」，梁靜茹的「勇氣」，有許多首是由經典流行歌曲改編的合唱曲，

劍橋合唱團副團長劉姮秀配合演出默劇。（周菊子攝）

劍橋合唱團團長陳韋同在「團長的話」中表示，8年前，他孤身來到波士頓，進MIT讀大學本科，是創辦於1992年的劍橋合唱團陪他走過難熬的求學生涯，讓他在身處異鄉，面對孤寂時，感到溫暖，也讓如今已升讀研究所的他，有動力每週參加練唱。

劍橋合唱團原本是MIT麾下的一個學生社團，2021年獨立成為劍橋地區民間社團後，這還是第一次回到Kresge大禮堂表演。陳韋同形容這讓人感覺有如回家。

大提琴手葉子萱現場演奏。（周菊子攝）

這場音樂會還讓大波士頓愛樂人士看到許多本地音樂人才，包括伊利諾大學音樂藝術博士，現為劍橋合唱團音樂總監兼指揮，大波士頓合唱協會理事的顏毓芬，在波士頓音樂學院主修鋼琴的當晚鋼琴伴奏劉昕甯，伯克利音樂學院畢業的大提琴手葉子萱，吹單簧管的徐暄勛，曾獲法國拉威爾大獎賽特別獎的小提琴演奏家王樂晴等人。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富這天特地出席音樂會，以示支持，並恭喜指揮顏毓芬，團長陳韋同等人，稱這場音樂會辦得很成功。

小提琴家王樂晴。（周菊子攝）

周晌昀領唱一首歌的最前面幾句。（周菊子攝）

副團長林泓安配合演默劇。（周菊子攝）

陳盈融朗讀時光日記。（周菊子攝）

Ryan朗讀時光日記。（周菊子攝）

高齡78的王北芃今年又回到劍橋合唱團。（周菊子攝）

逾百觀眾出席聆聽劍橋合唱團的2025春季音樂會。(周菊子攝）

劍橋合唱團回到MIT的Kresge禮堂表演。（周菊子攝）