波士頓市老人局為華裔老人辦點心宴 吳弭市長抱女打招呼 黃周麗桃送福字600張

波士頓市長吳弭抱著女兒Mira，在黃周麗桃陪同中逐桌和耆英打招呼。
（周菊子攝）

           (Boston Orange) 波士頓市老人事務局（Age Strong Commission）5月23日在帝苑大酒樓舉辦盛大點心宴，從各棟老人屋邀請，甚至出動巴士的載來600多人出席同歡，欣賞表演，飽餐一頓，還和市長合影，每人拿到一張黃周麗桃用毛筆寫的福字。

波士頓市老人事務局局長Emily Shea （左一）和黃周麗桃，
陪同耆英和波士頓市長吳弭合影。（周局子攝）

         波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu)這天特地出席，抱著才幾個月大的女兒Mira來到會場，向出席的老人家們問好，還在黃周麗桃的陪同中，逐桌和老人家們打招呼，合照。

        當天出席的耆英，幾乎全是來自各屋村的華裔耆英，難得有機會親自見到同為華裔的吳弭市長本人，還距離這麼近，不少人興奮的拿起手機一路跟拍。知道吳弭正在競選連任的人笑說，這下吳弭市長鞏固了不少票源。

         這場點心宴，由陳國航擔任司儀，謝婉兒及殷先彬翻譯，經由老人局華裔員工Sophia Wong

波士頓市老人事務局局長Emily Shea和中華耆英會白禮頓樓主任
梅莉梨與耆英們合影。（周菊子攝）

和黃周麗桃等人協商，安排有昆士小學舞獅，周美桃率紐英崙養生舞協會鼓隊以「男兒當自強」配樂的擊鼓表演，以雙扇表演的「太極乾坤扇舞」，紐英崙元極舞協會表演的「春滿人間」，君子樓舞蹈團表演現代舞等餘興節目。

        波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩等，現場有許多警察協助維持安全。

慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿漢慈濟服務的老人家們
與波士頓市長吳弭合影。（周菊子攝）

       中華公所的英文書記阮鴻燦，董事陳家驊，辦公室管理員鄺坤珍，台山鄉親聯誼會顧問黃官羨，鄺元傑，副會長黃漢湖，

         5月30日的早上10點至11點，吳弭市長的咖啡時間列車，也將開到Elliot Norton公園 （295 Tremont St., Boston），如果下雨就改在昆士高中舉行。 

波士頓市長吳弭和耆英們合影。（周菊子攝）

        早從2012年起就已擔任波士頓市老人事務局局長的Emily Shea表示，在波士頓市人口約654,423，60歲以上的約11萬多人，但只要55歲以上，住在波士頓市，就都是該局服務對象。該局致力提高老人家們的生活品質，讓老人家活得更豐富，快樂，有意義。

周美桃率隊表演擊鼓。（周菊子攝）

      波士頓市老人事務局因此辦有各種服務，無論是住房，交通，報稅，烹煮營養餐食，做健身運動，學畫畫，做手工藝，需要人照顧，想要做義工，或甚至想要找工作，該局都能協助。該局還每月發行耆英雜誌。五月份的耆英雜誌就寫明，該局針對55歲以上耆英，在南端的聯合教堂（UnionChurch）等社區中心提供健身、藝術，遊戲、社交等各種活動，（boston.gov/departments/age-strong-commission/events-and-engagement-older-adults.）。包括中華耆英會，波士頓市共有政府及非牟利機構經營的17個老人中心，為耆英服務。市府網站也有簡體中文版，讓英文不好的人，也能輕鬆查看市府的各種服務內容。

周美桃率隊表演善舞。（周菊子攝）

       波士頓市老人事務局今年還舉辦過一系列的耆英房屋稅減免講座，教擁有自購房屋的老人家們知道，在繳納房屋稅時，如何申辦耆英減免。由於波士頓市華埠內擁有自置物業的華人不多，所以老人局並未在波士頓華埠安排一場這講座。

       根據波士頓市府網站老人事務局網頁，一份2022年資料顯示，在波士頓市的23個分區中，波士頓華埠(Chinatown) 60歲以上老人家僅716人，其中男性218人，女性498人。男性85歲以上的有47人，女性85歲以上的有150人。

        波士頓市老人事務局麾下在東波士頓 （East Boston），布萊頓 (Brighton)，查理士城（Charlestown），多徹斯特（Dorchester）等地有4

吳弭市長和昆士小學醒獅隊小朋友們合影。（周菊子攝）

個由市政府經營的老人中心，加上分佈在全市各地，諸如中華耆英會的白禮頓樓等由非牟利團體經營的，共有17個為老人服務的機構。

昆士小學的醒獅表演。（周菊子攝）

State Health Officials Warn of Potential Exposure to Hepatitis A After Infection in Food Service Worker in Provincetown

 State Health Officials Warn of Potential Exposure to Hepatitis A After Infection in Food Service Worker in Provincetown

 

Customers who dined at The Red Inn between April 30-May 15 urged to contact their health care provider

 

BOSTON (May 24, 2025) — The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), Barnstable County Department of Health and Environment, and the Provincetown Board of Health are alerting anyone who dined at The Red Inn at 15 Commercial Street in Provincetown between April 30 and May 15 that they may have been exposed to hepatitis A and should contact their healthcare provider. 

 

A food service employee of the restaurant who worked during those dates has a confirmed infection with hepatitis A virus. Customers who could have been exposed to the virus are being advised to contact their health care provider and receive appropriate medical treatment for a possible exposure to hepatitis A. Preventive measures such as hepatitis A vaccine and hepatitis A immune globulin are generally only effective at preventing hepatitis A infection if given within two weeks of exposure, prior to symptom onset.

 

The early signs and symptoms of hepatitis A are fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and jaundice (dark urine, yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes). The illness varies in severity, with mild cases lasting two weeks or less and more severe cases lasting four to six weeks or longer. Some individuals, especially children, may not develop jaundice and may have an illness so mild that it can go unnoticed. However, even mildly ill persons can still be highly infectious. People with illness suggestive of hepatitis should consult a health care provider even if symptoms are mild.

 

Hepatitis A virus is spread as a result of fecal contamination (fecal-oral route) and may be spread from person-to-person through close contact or through food handling. The virus can be spread by contaminated food and beverages.

 

Customers who dined at The Red Inn between April 30 and May 15 are urged to be particularly thorough in handwashing after toileting and prior to food preparation to avoid any potential further spread of disease. Handwashing should include vigorous soaping of the hands, including the back of the hands, wrists, between fingers and under fingernails. Hands should be thoroughly rinsed.

 

Hepatitis A vaccine has been recommended as part of childhood immunizations since 1991, so people 34 years and younger may have been previously vaccinated. Those who dined at the restaurant between April 30 and May 15 are urged to confirm their vaccination status with their provider.

 

Additional information is available by calling DPH’s Division of Epidemiology, available 24/7, at 617-983-6800.

麻州長Healey慶祝亞裔傳統月 表揚亞裔藝術家。憂慮美國又現仇外心理

麻州州長Maura Healey (中）在州政府大樓內慶祝亞裔傳統月。（周菊子攝）

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)  麻州州長奚莉 （Maura Healey）5月21日在大雨天氣中，和近百名出席者一起，假州政府大樓慶祝亞太裔傳統月，表揚4名亞裔藝術家，感嘆川普政府要終止麻州地區大學招收國際學生，呼籲人們攜手對抗反猶太主義，制止仇恨情緒。

MBTA總經理伍偉華（州長右手邊）等人都出席了簽署儀式。（周菊子攝）

            3歲隨父母從印度移民來美，落腳於伍斯特 （Worcester）的麻州國際貿易辦公室 （MOITI）執行主任Jeevan Ramapriya為這天的活動擔任司儀。他表示自己是美國夢的實踐者，他的父母當年絕想不到她能夠進入州政府，擔任一個這麼重要的職位。

麻州州長Maura Healey說明麻州有8萬多國際學生。（周菊子攝）

           吳哥窟（Angkor）舞蹈團，麻州東南亞聯盟太陽醒獅團（SEACMA Sun Lion Dance Team）表演後，麻州州長奚莉致詞，並頒發表揚狀給4名亞裔藝術家，以及前述2個表演團體。

麻州議會內有黃子安（左起）、陳德基、馬惠美等3名華裔眾議員。（周菊子攝）

          2023年就職，今年在位第3年，已宣佈明年將競選連任的麻州第73任州長奚莉，致詞時直言麻州人口十分多元，亞裔及太平洋島民的在職場兢兢業業工作，在社會中以各自獨特文化與藝術，豐富了麻州的文化與生活，對麻州貢獻良多。

鍾譽（中）是住在昆士市的藝術家，作品「穿紅衣的女孩」獲選
在州長辦公室接待區展出。（周菊子攝）

Tara T. Hong（左）是柬埔寨裔的新科麻州眾議員。（周菊子攝）

奚莉直言，沒有亞太裔的貢獻，麻州也不會那麼成功，在教育，創新，醫療健保，扶養家庭上都高居全美第一名。

不過，奚莉州長希望大家知道幾件事，一是前兩天在華府的以色列大使館門外，發生2名年輕人被槍殺的慘事，人們向猶太社區表達慰問之意，也同時強調，美國或者世界，都沒有反猶太主義的容身之地。人們必須團結起來，拒絕並唾棄這種仇恨行為。

鍾譽的作品。（周菊子攝）

           奚莉州長還透露，就在她來到活動現場前不久，川普政府宣佈要撤銷麻州大學院校（哈佛大學）招收國際學生的資格。她說，她想要說的是，大約有8萬到9問人從全世界各地來到麻州，進入高中，大學或研究所求學，做研究，這些人創新，開公司，贏諾貝爾獎。如果說到華裔學生，全美更沒有那個地方像麻州一樣，有那麼多的華裔學生。她認為以人均數量來算，麻州國際學生人數是不成比例的高。麻州和美國都因為有這些國際學生而更為豐富。

           她為美國又出現仇外心理感到非常擔心，呼籲美國人無論採取什麼行動，都要站出來對抗反猶太主義，反仇恨，支持多元化，支持亞裔太平洋島民，這也是為什麼要慶祝亞裔傳統月的原因。

奚莉州長在致詞環節中還點名感謝出席政要，包括退伍軍人服務廳廳長Jon Santiago，麻州地鐵(MBTA)總經理伍偉華(Philip Eng)，麻州眾議員黃子安，陳德基，馬惠美（Amy Mah Sagiolo），Tara T. Hong，Vanna Howard等人，以及來自華埠社區的華人前進會主席李素影，主任陳玉珍。

麻州東南亞聯盟太陽醒獅團（SEACMA Sun Lion Dance Team）表演舞獅。（周菊子攝）

            Jeevan Ramapriya在補充介紹出席嘉賓時，也特別介紹了駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處副組長許欽琮。

當天出席，來自華人社區的嘉賓還有哈佛大學費正清中心主任伍人英，以及羅元旭，包傳芳，周樹昂，李衛新，余慕蓮，陳青等人。（更新版）           

現場展示的亞裔藝術家作品。（周菊子攝）

吳哥窟舞團的舞蹈。（周菊子攝）

麻州州長Maura Healey和來自伍斯特的柬埔寨社區社團合影。（周菊子攝）

哈佛大學費正清中心主任伍人英也應邀出席。（周菊子攝）

川普政府豎威要不准哈佛招收國際學生。各界大震驚。哈佛提訴訟

            (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 川普政府瘋了？5月22日傍晚，美國國土安全部部長Kristi Noem宣佈，給出72小時限令，不遵從就撤銷哈佛大學招收國際學生資格。23日，哈佛提訴，波士頓聯邦法院法官頒佈臨時禁制令，阻止川普政府撤銷哈佛的資格。

這臨時禁制令是否可以延長，將待5月29日（週四）的聽證會決定。

川普政府宣佈要不准哈佛招收國際學生時，麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）正要在州政府大樓舉辦慶祝亞太裔傳統月活動。奚莉州長指出，麻州共有超過8萬名國際學生，川普政府這行動，對麻州有很大影響。阻止川普政府撤銷資格行動的聯邦法官Allison D. Burroughs 也說，哈佛大學坦承，一旦撤銷該校招收國際學生資格，將造成立即且無可挽回的傷害。

Kristi Noem在22日時發信給哈佛大學，立即撤銷哈佛大學享有「學生及交換學者計劃（Student and Exchange Visitor Program，簡稱SEVP)）」的認證資格，藉以懲罰哈佛在川普政府於4月16日索要有關國際學生參加抗議活動等詳盡資料文件及懲處資料時，拒絕繳交。Kristi Noem還在信中說，哈佛大學只有72個小時來回應繳交資料要求，如果哈佛不照做，就維持撤銷其招收國際學生資格的狀態。

這是川普政府針對哈佛大學一連串行動中最新的一波。之前，川普政府就指控哈佛大學的校園未能打擊校園內的反猶太主義，還藉由多元化努力，灌輸學生左翼思想，支持哈馬斯 （Hamas），來實施非法歧視，使校園環境不安全。川普政府還刪減了哈佛大學將近30億美元研究經費，要求哈佛大學接受聯邦監督。

哈佛大學稱自己遵守法令，4月時已起訴川普政府，指其所提要求和刪減經費行為違反了聯邦法令和他們受憲法保護的規定。

5月23日早上，哈佛大學在遞交給法院的訴狀中稱，川普政府的撤銷招收國際學生資格，明顯違反憲法第一修正案，正當程序條款。以及行政程序法，明顯是對哈佛大學行使第一修正案權益的報復行為。將對哈佛和大約7000名持有簽證者，造成立即且毀滅性的影響。

哈佛大學校長Alan Garber也發表了一封公開信，否認哈佛未遵守聯邦政府規定，稱哈佛已「依法回應了國土安全部的要求」。他說哈佛大學不會放棄學術獨立性，也不會在課程安排上向聯邦政府屈服，去非法控制教職員和學生。

根據哈佛大學2024到2025學年資料，該校約6800名國際學生，佔全校學生總數的27%以上，一旦川普政府在5月22日宣佈的撤銷哈佛招收國際學生資格禁令生效，這些國際學生將被迫轉學，以保持在美國居留的合法身份。

由於哈佛約有1200名中國學生，學者，在國際學生人口中約佔18%，川普政府又指控哈佛大學和中國關係過於密切，包括致力與中國夥伴合作研究氣候變化，空氣質量，能源解決方案的「哈佛中國項目 （Harvard China Project）」，資助學者研究中國社會、政治、人文環境等各領域狀況的「哈佛中國基金」在內，甚至經由合作項目培訓中國共產黨準軍事組織成員，和與中國軍方有聯繫的清華大學、浙江大學、華中科技大學等大學合院校作研究，參與伊朗政府資助的研究等，川普政府的撤銷哈佛招收國際學生資格一舉，坊間普遍認為中國留學生、學者受到的影響最大。

稍早在5月19日時，3名共和黨籍眾議員John Moolenaar、Tim Walberg、Elise Stefanik也發信給哈佛大學校長Alan Garber，要求哈佛提交該校與中國關係相關的文件和通訊記錄。訂定6月2日為答覆截止日期。

坊間各界獲悉川普政府的撤銷高校招收國際學生資格一事後，各界人士大感震驚，普遍認為這是出川普政府在發出「令人不寒而慄的信號」對美國的學術自由，科研領先地位，都將造成嚴重打擊。

坊間也有人製作視頻，以前世界各地人才都搶著進美國做科研，如今在學術、科研界卓有成就者，紛紛轉向加拿大，英國，澳洲，新加坡等國家深造。

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND SUPERINTENDENT MARY SKIPPER ANNOUNCE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND SUPERINTENDENT MARY SKIPPER ANNOUNCE INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

Mintz Attorney Natashia Tidwell will lead independent review of safety measures under the Boston Public Schools contract with Transdev, following the death of kindergartener Lens A. Joseph

BOSTON - Friday, May 23, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Mary Skipper today announced that Mintz attorney Natashia Tidwell, a former federal prosecutor and police officer, who specializes in external investigations, will lead an independent review of safety policies and performance under the contracts with Transdev, the international transportation company that contracts with BPS to provide transportation services. The decision to initiate an independent review follows the tragic death of Lens A. Joseph, a kindergartener who was struck and killed by his school bus on Monday, April 28. Transdev, which operates transportation services throughout the United States, has been contracted by BPS since 2013 to hire, train, and manage the district’s approximately 750 school bus drivers and maintain and operate the district’s fleet of school buses. The investigation will include a review of existing safety policies and performance, including under the bus driver collective bargaining agreement, and make recommendations to strengthen safety measures. 

“We are heartbroken,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “No family should ever suffer the loss of a child, and the public deserves a full understanding of how this could have happened and what changes are needed. This independent review, separate from the investigation led by BPD and the DA’s office, will closely scrutinize the Transdev contract’s safety policies and performance. We have also asked Attorney Tidwell to deliver recommendations so that this horrible tragedy is never repeated.” 

“We are holding Lens Joseph and his family in our prayers and are doing everything we can to support them during this unthinkable time,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “My team and I fully support this independent investigation of safety policies and performance under the Transdev contract. The safety of all of our students is paramount and we will ensure that any findings and recommendations from this investigation are acted on and implemented to strengthen the safety of our transportation system and the services provided by our vendor Transdev.”

The independent review will begin as BPS continues to strengthen safety protocols. Since April 28, BPS has increased the frequency of regular meetings with Transdev safety leadership to a daily cadence to immediately review all crashes and safety incidents and Transdev’s response to each. There are approximately 400 incidents per year involving a BPS school bus, generally one or two per day across the fleet, most of which involve minimal damage. After learning that the driver, Jean Charles, had been operating since December of 2024 with an expired credential required to work as a bus driver, Transdev conducted an immediate audit of all drivers to ensure appropriate and valid credentials, and, out of an abundance of caution, pulled an additional seven drivers off the road until it was determined that their credentials were current. Transdev is also bringing in additional safety staff to accelerate regular refresher training of all drivers on pickup, drop-off, and crash protocols. As part of regular safety meetings, BPS Transportation will now require additional reports from Transdev on licensure, training renewals, and post-crash driver protocols.

On April 28, Transdev immediately placed Charles on leave and moved to terminate his employment. Charles resigned on May 14, prior to his termination hearing. Charles had been employed as a bus driver since May of 2023 and was assigned a regular daily route. Transdev has disclosed that Charles’ driving record over the last two years includes four minor incidents prior to April 28, including two earlier in April 2025, after which Transdev pulled Charles off the road for two days for retraining. These include contact with a parked vehicle (May 22, 2024), contact with another car’s rear tire (December 3, 2024), contact with another car’s bumper (April 9, 2025), and contact with another vehicle’s side mirror (April 14, 2025). 

On April 28, Charles was assigned an additional route as a substitute driver to cover an early release from the Up Academy Dorchester. During the route, Charles hit another vehicle and failed to notify a Transdev safety supervisor, who would have decided whether the driver would complete the route or be replaced, in violation of protocol. Instead, Charles continued on the route without notifying Transdev. Charles missed the turn onto Glenwood Avenue, where Lens Joseph lived, and instead arrived at the intersection with Glenwood Avenue by turning onto Washington Street, where the tragedy occurred. BPS will continue to cooperate fully in the ongoing investigation led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, with the support of Boston Police Department.

Working Group Issues Final Report Outlining Strategies to Increase Housing Production in Devens Report Recommends Zoning Amendment to Allow for Development of New Housing Units

BOSTON – The Devens Housing Working Group released its final report outlining a strategy for increasing housing production in Devens, a former army base that has transformed into a mixed-use destination for residents and companies in the technology, advanced manufacturing, and life sciences sectors. The Working Group, established in 2024 through the Mass Leads Act to determine a strategy for increased housing production in Devens, recommends amending local zoning bylaws to allow for the reuse of existing buildings and the production of a range of housing types within the community.   “Over the past three decades, Devens has transformed into a home for innovative, cutting-edge companies and a vibrant residential community,” said Interim Secretary of Economic Development Ashley Stolba. “We are excited about the potential for future development in Devens and thank the Working Group for laying the foundation for increased housing production in the community.”   "Congratulations to the Devens Working group for delivering a clear vision to expand housing production at Devens," said Secretary of the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. "Devens is primed with existing infrastructure to add new homes to support the region's growing economy. This puts new housing close to jobs and services that already exist. The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities is proud to provide funding to enable the technical studies outlined in this report to move forward."  The Working Group was led by the Executive Office of Economic Development and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, and comprised of representatives from Towns of Harvard, Ayer, and Shirley; MassDevelopment, the state’s quasi-public development finance agency and land bank; the Devens Enterprise Commission, the local regulatory and permitting authority for the community; and the Devens Committee, an advisory group of Devens residents. The full report is available on the Executive Office of Economic Development website.  Since January 2025, the Working Group has held five meetings and collected public feedback to inform the recommendations in the final report. As directed by the Legislature, the Working Group focused its attention on strategies to promote housing production within Devens’ Innovation and Technology Center (ITC) zoning district, a 90-acre area that is currently zoned for commercial uses but not housing, and includes the historic Vicksburg Square, a former army barracks complex. The final report supports the need for a zoning amendment that would permit housing within the ITC zoning district, including the development of a range of housing types, such as rental and for-sale units, multi- and single-family housing, and a mix of commercial uses that complement residential properties.   "The deliberate, inclusive work of the past few months is an important step to unlock Devens' full potential," said Senator John J. Cronin. "I look forward to collaborating to expand housing at Devens to build a vibrant economic future for the region."  “The Devens Housing Working Group marked a major step forward in planning for the future of Devens. With the ongoing housing crisis, it’s important that we explore all options to expand access to housing,” said Representative Danillo A. Sena. “I’m proud of the work that this group accomplished and the dedication of members of the working group, the Executive Office of Economic Development and my colleagues in the legislature to finding solutions that support Devens and the surrounding communities”   Devens was created by the Legislature in 1993 to provide an orderly and expeditious conversion and development of a portion of the federal military base Fort Devens into a non-military-use area. Devens comprises land within the historic boundaries of the Towns of Ayer, Harvard, and Shirley. MassDevelopment owns and manages the redevelopment of Devens and provides all municipal services to businesses and residents.   Zoning bylaws in Devens are approved by the three towns and MassDevelopment and may be amended through either a “super town meeting” held simultaneously in the Towns of Harvard, Shirley, and Ayer with the approval of MassDevelopment, or by a special act of the Legislature.  “Our team at MassDevelopment has been proud to lead the redevelopment of Devens from a former Army base to a thriving mixed-use community of residential neighborhoods, innovative businesses, nonprofit organizations, open space and recreation, as well as ongoing use by the Army Reserve as a training facility,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “We were glad to see the Mass Leads Act remove the cap on the number of housing units allowed in Devens and establish this working group of state and local leaders. These steps have set the stage for building much-needed additional housing that meets the needs of Devens and the surrounding region moving forward.”  “Getting to consensus is not always an easy task. The expertise, community involvement, and regional collaboration that led to the development of this report was a critical component to this process,” said Devens Enterprise Commission Director Neil Angus. “I look forward to seeing the recommendations of this report implemented and for the opportunity to do our part to help solve the state’s housing crisis in an innovative and sustainable way that is Devens.”   Devens currently has 256 units of residential and senior housing and approximately 950 residents.  Housing development in Devens was limited to no more than 282 units until last year when the Legislature removed the housing cap through the Mass Leads Act.   Devens is located in the Montachusett Regional Planning Commission region, which has the highest concentration of manufacturing jobs in the state and critically low housing vacancy compared to the state as a whole. This creates intense demand for the homes that are available and pushes prices higher. Communities in the Montachusett region, including Devens, reported issuing building permits for just 3,505 new homes between 2013 and 2023. Current, EOHLC estimates indicate the region may need 6,300 new homes from 2025 to 2035.   For more information about the Devens Housing Working Group, please visit www.mass.gov/orgs/devens-working-group.

MAYOR WU AND THE OFFICE OF RETURNING CITIZENS ANNOUNCE $900,000 IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT REENTRY

 MAYOR WU AND THE OFFICE OF RETURNING CITIZENS ANNOUNCE $900,000 IN GRANTS TO SUPPORT REENTRY

BOSTON - Friday, May 23, 2025 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu, in collaboration with the Mayor’s Office of Returning Citizens (ORC), announced the award of over $900,000 to community organizations through two grant programs funded through the City’s annual operating budget that will provide funding to support reentry in Boston. The two grant programs together focus on increasing access to services that individuals need as they return home from prison or jail, including job training, housing, and the overall health and well-being for formerly incarcerated residents. This is the third year the City has facilitated the grant programs.

“Boston welcomes returning citizens to have a smooth and supportive transition back into our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “The City appreciates the work of our partners and will continue to facilitate programs that attend to all residents’ needs to thrive in Boston.”

“With these grants, we're not just investing in our returning citizens' services, but helping to rewrite narratives, restore dignity, and turn second chances into lasting opportunities,” said Ruthzee Louijeune, City Council President. 

The City has awarded $607,000 in Returning Citizen Support Grants (“RCS”) to 38 organizations. Funded organizations will offer job training opportunities, housing support, peer mentoring, food assistance, and community integration services. These grants will fund a broad range of reentry services for individuals returning to Boston from federal, state, or county correctional facilities. 

“So much of what we do in the Human Services Cabinet relies on the strength of our partner organizations,” said José F. Massó, Chief of the Human Services Cabinet. “With these two grants we are able to ensure that our partners providing reentry and reintegration services are able to increase access to the returning citizens in our community.”

In addition to the RCS Grants, the Office of Returning Citizens will also release a total of $300,000 to seven nonprofit organizations through the Returning Citizen Housing Support Grant program. These funds are allocated to organizations with a strong track record of providing housing stability services for individuals returning from incarceration. These organizations will use the funding to assist with transitional housing, and other supportive housing-related services. 

“This grant opportunity goes beyond financial support—it sends a powerful message that returning citizens are seen, valued, and supported as essential members of our community,” said Ashley Montgomery, Executive Director of the Office of Returning Citizens. “With this investment, we’re able to expand critical services like housing, job training, mentorship, and access to basic needs, helping individuals take meaningful steps toward stability, dignity, and long-term success.”

"The Office of Returning Citizens’ housing stabilization funding has been one of the most essential resources we’ve ever had for supporting our returning citizens. Securing stable housing is a catalyst for success in every other area of life—from employment to health to family stability. Thanks to this funding, we’ve been able to place 19 returning citizens in permanent housing, making it one of the most valuable investments in our work to date,” said Lori D'Alleva, Program Director of Charlestown Adult Education, Workforce and Reentry. 

"Haley House is ecstatic to be a recipient of the Returning Citizens Grant from the Mayor's Office of Returning Citizens,” said Reginald Jean Executive Director for Haley House.  “This grant will allow us to continue our work in providing free meals, job training, community resources, and stipends to the returning citizens that participate in our Life Foundations Training (LiFT) program. Our LiFT program has provided a transformative experience for our participants, and the funds secured from this grant will allow us to continue to enhance our programmatic efforts in the reentry community.”

"This is an exciting opportunity to contribute additional resources to support our community justice initiatives and the people we serve,” said Iva Comey, Executive Director of Commonwealth Land Trust. “This funding will directly support our clients who are trying to rebuild their lives. We are grateful to Mayor Wu and the City of Boston for being a committed partner in our mission to preserve neighborhoods and prevent homelessness.”

“Together, we're not just reducing recidivism, we're restoring hope and creating the opportunity for those coming home to have a life after prison,” said Mike Curry, Executive Director, Life After Prison.

To learn more about supporting Boston’s returning citizens visit here. For more information about other grant opportunities with the City of Boston, visit here.

Senate Votes to Empower Cities and Towns to Issue Alcohol Licenses

Senate Votes to Empower Cities and Towns to Issue Alcohol Licenses 

Legislature would no longer be required to approve new licenses 

(BOSTON—5/22/2025) Today the Massachusetts Senate adopted an amendment to their Fiscal Year 2026 budget that would allow cities and towns to set the number of alcohol licenses that would be available for restaurants and bars within their communities. 

 

It would empower cities and towns to determine how many off-premise licenses they can issue, including seasonal licenses, and ensure local licensing decisions are no longer capped by outdated population-based formulas set by the state, a practice that originated in 1933. 

 

“Local officials understand their communities and local economies better than Beacon Hill does,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “By empowering cities and towns to determine their own licensing, we can streamline the approval process and help restaurants continue to serve as the economic and community engines we know they are.” 

 

"This is about empowering our cities and towns to take charge of their economic future. Communities know their needs best,” said Senator Jacob Oliveira (D-Ludlow). “By returning control of liquor license decisions to municipalities, we're giving our cities and towns another tool to support small businesses, revitalize main streets, and streamline the process. It's a common-sense step to support economic development across the Commonwealth.” 

 

Municipalities looking to add licenses would be required to adopt a local plan approved by the mayor, city council, or select board; have at least one public hearing; and give notice to the Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC). 

 

New licenses would be non-transferable, meaning communities would issue the licenses to specific businesses at specific locations. The Commonwealth would still retain regulatory supervision of licensees via the regulatory process of the ABCC. 

 

The current process requires municipalities to petition the Legislature for additional licenses.

 

The Senate continues to debate the Fiscal Year 2026 budget. Debate is available via livestream at https://malegislature.gov/Events/Sessions/Detail/7464.

麻州亞裔律師會表揚本地22位亞裔法官

出席活動的亞裔法官們。（陳海恩提供）

                   (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)麻州亞裔律師協會 (AALAM) 5月21日下午在海港區的John Joseph Moakley美國法院聚會，表揚麻州亞裔法官，藉以慶祝亞裔傳統月，坦然指陳亞裔在美國處境仍然不易，亞裔仍須團結發聲。

                  根據維基百科等的網路搜尋資料，麻州共有約300到400位法官。2011年在哈佛大學東亞法律系表揚亞裔法官活動中，點名了8位亞裔法官。21日在會中發言的法官之一指出，麻州現有亞裔法官22

陳宇庭法官（左起）的父母，陳森，薛壁如，姊姊陳海恩，
都來支持表揚亞裔法官的活動。（陳海恩提供）

人，分別在美國麻州地方法院，美國第一巡迴上訴法院，麻州審判法院，遺囑認證及家事法院等機構擔任法官。

                  麻州亞裔律師協會這天在會場外擺出佈告板，介紹了這些法官。他們分別是麻州審判法院遺囑認證及家事法分院副法官Michelle Yee，Manisha Bhatt，George Phelan，麻州審判法院地區分院副法官余達明(Paul Yee)，陳宇庭 (Jason Chan)，麻州審判法院地方分院首席大法官 Tejal Mehta，麻州審判法院房屋分院首席大法官Neil Sherring，麻州審判法院高等分院副法官Deepika Shukla，Sarah Kim，Catherine Ham，Maynard M. Kirpalani，陳鉅超（Richard J. Chin），呂友漢(John (‘Jack”) Lu)，麻州上訴法院副法官Sookyoung Shin，Sabita Sinch，陳遠芳 （Gloria Tan）。麻州審判法院波士頓市分院副法官Eleanor Sinnott。Steven S. Kim，麻州最高法院副法官杜菲莉 （Fernande (‘Nan”) Duffly），麻州美國聯邦地區法院法官Indira Talwani， Myong J. Joun，Angel Kelley。

                  其中的陳鉅超，呂友漢，余達明，以及曾任麻州最高法院副法官的杜菲莉 （Fernande (‘Nan”) Duffly）都已從2019年起陸續退休。

                  目前在位的華裔法官有陳宇庭，陳遠芳，Michelle Yee。

Michelle Yee是今年1月，陳遠芳是今年2月，由麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）親自主持了宣誓就任儀式，陳宇庭則是2022年由時任麻州州長的查理貝克（Charlie Baker）提名，其後上任。

現年39歲的陳宇廷，目前應仍是麻州最年輕的亞裔法官。他2000年從東北大學畢業，2007年取得新英格蘭法學院法律博士學位後，成為屋斯特 （Worcester）地方檢察官辦公室的助理檢察官，並在2009年以前就審理過50宗案件。2013年起他成為Seed, Chan and Associates合夥人及律師，在麻州及聯邦法院中做刑事辯護。

                  陳宇庭在麻州社區也很活躍，歷任新英格蘭華美協會（OCA），麻州亞裔律師協會（AALAM），以及中華廣教學校理事，在亞裔民權會議，波士頓大學亞裔法學院學生會擔任志工。

            陳宇庭的姊姊陳海恩，最近才卸任新英格蘭華美協會會長一職，專心擔任麻州新科亞裔眾議員馬惠美（Amy Mah Sangiolo）的助理，重回麻州議會工作。

            根據麻州亞裔律師協會網站，該會和波士頓律師基金會(Boston Bar Foundation)合作，捐款5萬元給波士頓基金會麾下的亞裔社區基金 (ACF)，藉以向該基金創辦人，也是麻州亞裔律師協會首位會長李保華（Paul Lee）致敬。

            麻州亞裔律師協會將於6月12日在波士頓龍鳳酒樓舉辦年會，頒發創辦人獎給Greenberg Traurig律師事務所的Chinh Pham ，社區服務獎給麻州財務網的Peggy Ho，年度盟友獎給Ropes & Gray 律師事務所，同時表揚第28屆麻州亞裔律師協會和譚金源基金會的獎學金獲得者。

Governor Healey Celebrates First-Ever Military Appreciation Day at the Massachusetts State House

Governor Healey Celebrates First-Ever Military Appreciation Day at the Massachusetts State House 

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey today joined Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago, Senate President Karen Spilka, General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.) and members of the Legislature to celebrate the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the House Chamber at the Massachusetts State House. Hosted by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) in collaboration with the Massachusetts Legislature, the event recognized the contributions of veterans, active-duty service members and military families from across Massachusetts.

Military Appreciation Day was created by the Healey-Driscoll Administration to establish a lasting annual tradition that brings together local, state and community leaders to honor those who proudly serve both our country and community. Each legislator was invited to nominate a member of their local military community—whether a veteran, active-duty service member, National Guard, Reservist or military family member or advocate—to be honored during the ceremony. More than 125 individuals were recognized and presented with an official Governor’s citation and a challenge coin in appreciation for their service. 

"We created Military Appreciation Day at the State House to honor these heroes—veterans, active-duty service members, and military families—whose courage, strength and commitment to service continue to shape our state and our nation for the better,” said Governor Healey. “It’s great that Military Appreciation Day is now a Massachusetts tradition, and we’ll proudly carry it forward each year to show our gratitude to those who have served our country.” 

“Massachusetts is home to one of the most vibrant, committed military communities in the country,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This day is about uplifting the contributions of those who have sacrificed so much and showing that their service will never go unrecognized.” 

“Every day, I meet veterans and military families who continue to lead, serve, and inspire,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “As we approach Memorial Day, and during a month dedicated to honoring our military, this event reflects what makes Massachusetts special: a deep respect for service, and a commitment to those who wear the uniform—and those who stand beside them.” 

“My father’s service in the United States Army defined his life and deeply shaped my own — and I know the same holds true for thousands of service members and their families across Massachusetts,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “It is a privilege to honor those residents who have dedicated themselves to serving our country, and I am profoundly grateful for their unwavering commitment and sacrifice.” 

“It is an honor to host the inaugural Military Appreciation Day in the historic House Chamber,” said Speaker of the House Ronald Mariano. “This new tradition reflects our deep appreciation for the veterans, service members, and military families who strengthen every corner of our Commonwealth.” 

The keynote address was delivered by General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff and 36th Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps. A Massachusetts native and one of the most distinguished military leaders in recent history, General Dunford spoke about the legacy of service, leadership, and community and the importance of honoring those who serve across generations. 

“It’s an honor to return home to Massachusetts and stand alongside a community so deeply committed to those who serve. Military Appreciation Day reflects something I’ve long believed: that service is not just what we do in uniform—it’s a lifetime of leadership, character, and sacrifice,” said General Joseph F. Dunford, Jr. (Ret.), 19th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. I’m proud to join the Commonwealth in recognizing these remarkable individuals and the values they represent.” 

The program also featured a powerful performance of the National Anthem by Springfield native and NBC’s The Voicefinalist Michelle Brooks-Thompson. Following the ceremony, honorees and guests were invited to a lunch reception generously donated by the Military Friends Foundation, a Massachusetts nonprofit dedicated to providing support and emergency assistance to military families and families of the fallen. 

Military Appreciation Day culminates a week of statewide activities recognizing our military community, including events at local veterans’ organizations and partner agencies. Observances will conclude on Monday, May 26, with formal Memorial Day ceremonies at the Massachusetts Veterans Memorial Cemeteries at Agawam and Winchendon. 

To view the full list of 2025 Military Appreciation Day honorees, click here.