星期四, 6月 05, 2025

波士頓華埠退伍軍人會行就職禮 前全國會長Comer稱支持台灣人民

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會出席者和就職儀式主持者合影。(周菊子攝)
        Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會61日在紐英崙中華公所禮堂舉行就職儀式。該會歷來第2位女會長Geni Boland繼續連任,歡迎新任副會長鄧建民,新會員kenneth Morin

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會新界幹部宣誓就職。(周菊子攝)
            就職儀式簡單隆重,在已辭世退伍軍人陳文浩遺孀陳余寶愛唱美國國歌,身為牧師的現任會長Genie Boland祝禱後,由曾任1987-1988全美退伍軍人會會長,1930年代在波士頓出生長大的Jake Comer主持就職典禮,紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝到場觀禮。

           Jake Comer在儀式結束後指出,這美國退伍軍人會就職典禮有多重要,他們又多幸運,每年都能作為其中一份子的來參加波士頓華埠退伍軍人會就職典禮。

美國退伍軍人會波士頓華埠328分會會長Genie Boland(左)宣讀祝禱詞。
右為曾任全美退伍軍人會會長的jake Comer。(周菊子攝)

Jake Comer說,美國有3個大的華裔退伍軍人會分會,一個在波士頓華埠,一個是紐約景樂 (美國退伍軍人協會劉錦紀念堂1291

分會),還有一個在加州。這就職典禮對美國退伍軍人會很重要的原因之一是,每年在美國退伍軍人全國大會上,會通過一項決議案,那就是「美國退伍軍人會支持台灣人民 The American Legion supports people of Taiwan)」。尤其是現在,美國和另外一個愚蠢的國家,中國,之間有那麼多問題。

右起,郭嘉良,司徒文信,伍振中,左起鄧建民,周暢,林銘浩就職。(周菊子攝)

唱美國國歌的陳余寶愛,紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝,都是這天的嘉賓。
(周菊子攝)
          他很幸運,就像每一屆的全美退伍軍人會會長一樣,在位時曾經訪問台灣,到醫院探望退伍軍人,他很喜歡這樣的參訪。他還到蔣介石墳前獻花。美國對台灣事務是參與極深 we are very involved)。他想要華埠退伍軍人們在參加完就職典禮離開時,能夠知道,這不僅僅是一個就職典禮,更是對美國,對協會,對中國及美國關係都很重要的一件事。

波士頓華埠美國退伍軍人會去年就任的的2024-2025幹部為,會長Genie Boland,副會長林銘浩(Kensley Lin),副官周暢(David Ching),財政郭嘉良(Eugene Luo),上士(Sergeant-at-arm)余國華,牧師歐靖儀,執行委員司徒文信、伍振中。今年全部留任,另增一名副會長鄧建民 (Danny Ong)

          今年幾乎全部留任。上述幹部中的余國華,歐靖儀這天未出席。

          當天還有巾幗醒獅隊創辦人陳清音的夫婿kenneth Morin。他在空軍服役4年,曾參與越戰。他是在華埠參加一個會議時,遇到周暢,應邀加入。

Commander-Genie Boland, Vice Commander-Danny Ong, Adjutant -David Ching, Treasurer - Eugene Luo, Sergeant of Arm -Warren Yee, Chaplain - Amy Au, Executive Members -Matt Seto, Peter Ng, and Genie Boland. (更新版)

Jake Comer說,美國退伍軍人會每年通過決議案,支持台灣人民。(周菊子攝)
周暢(又)介紹kenneth Morin入會。(周菊子攝)
波士頓華埠退伍軍人會的司徒焯榮(右起),黃國麟,陳志航等人歡迎新會員
kenneth Morin。(周局子攝)
右起,詹淑慧,鄺坤珍,黃周麗桃等人整理儀式後的餐點。(周菊子攝)

星期三, 6月 04, 2025

Governor Healey Calls on Trump Administration to Restore Youth Jobs Training Program

Governor Healey Calls on Trump Administration to Restore Youth Jobs Training Program  
Trump Administration recently halted operations at Job Corps Centers in Westover, Chicopee, Grafton and Devens, impacting 900 young people 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey is calling on the Trump Administration to resume operations at Job Corps, after the U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) abruptly halted this program that provides job training and housing to 900 young people in Massachusetts and employs hundreds of people. On Thursday, May 29, 2025, USDOL announced a “phased pause in operations” at Job Corps centers nationwide, effective June 30.  

“The Trump Administration has just pulled the rug out from under nearly 1,000 young people in Massachusetts who were doing the work to get the training and skills necessary to succeed in today’s economy,” said Governor Healey. “Job Corps trains the next generation of workers to fill in-demand roles in industries like carpentry, plumbing, electrical and pharmacy tech. But now, hundreds of young people are without the training and housing they were relying on, hundreds of employees are facing lay offs, and Massachusetts employers are being left without the talent they need. The Trump Administration must resume operations at Job Corps immediately.” 

“For decades, Job Corps centers have been a critical resource for young adults and at-risk youth in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We are currently assessing the full impact in Massachusetts resulting from this decision and will continue to engage with our partners in the Legislature, the Massachusetts Congressional Delegation, and our workforce partners to best support workers and employers in our state.”  

“The halt of Job Corps centers nationwide directly impacts Massachusetts with hundreds of vocational training and housing stability suspended for young people in addition job insecurity for those employed at each center,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development is connecting with each of the centers to understand the unique experience and needs of currently enrolled participants as well as the impact on Job Corps employees.”   

Since the 1980s, Job Corps has provided young people aged 16 to 24 years old with additional education, hands-on training, career readiness opportunities and workforce skills, in addition to housing. In Massachusetts, Job Corps typically serves approximately 900 students in a program year.  

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development is working to gather more details and assess the impact for students in Massachusetts, including for students currently enrolled in programming operated by the Westover Job Corps Center in Chicopee, Grafton Job Corps Center in North Grafton, and Shriver Job Corp Center in Devens. The MassHire Rapid response team is also working to support impacted employees. 

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO CRAWFORD STREET PLAYGROUND

MAYOR WU AND BOSTON PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT CELEBRATE IMPROVEMENTS TO CRAWFORD STREET PLAYGROUND

BOSTON – Wednesday, June 4, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu on Monday joined Chief Climate Officer and Interim Boston Parks Commissioner Brian Swett, elected officials, and Roxbury residents during the Roxbury Neighborhood Coffee Hour to cut the ribbon on the newly renovated Crawford Street Playground. The celebration marks an over $2 million investment including new play equipment, splash pad, and community gathering space. 


“The renovations to Crawford Street Playground will elevate this beloved space and its improved facilities for generations to come,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are excited to unveil these investments that keep Boston’s parks accessible to all residents across the City and promote recreation for park-goers of all ages.”


The updated park features a renovated little league field, a fully upgraded playground, new water play area, exercise equipment, and shade shelters. The park includes drinking fountains, permanent game tables, and a trike and walking loop in the lower terrace, supporting recreation for all ages. Additional features include upgraded site lighting, accessible entrances throughout, and a continuous accessible route connecting the playground and the fields. 


"We’re excited to celebrate this major investment at Crawford Street Playground just in time for the summer season,” said Chief Climate Officer and Interim Parks Commissioner Brian Swett. “From splash pads that help kids stay active and cool, to shaded structures that offer a break from the sun, this renovation reflects how climate-resilent design can enhance quality of life for all ages."


The design and development of Crawford Street Playground were driven by community feedback collected during several public meetings and surveys beginning in the fall of 2021. Residents asked for water play, drinking fountains, swings, as well as designated spaces for adult exercise and permanent game tables for neighbors who often use the park to play dominoes. Residents also advocated for a gathering space where people can watch the game, while keeping an eye on the playground at the same time, as well as creative use of the park's natural hillside. 


The $2 million project included $160,000 for design and $1,929,000 for construction, funded through the City’s five-year Capital Plan. Design work was led by CBA Landscape Architects, and construction was completed by Fleming Brothers, Inc.



Students and staff at the nearby Ellis Elementary School were active partners throughout the design process. Teachers shared insight on how the park could best serve classrooms full of children, while student input directly shaped the selection of play equipment as well as the color palette and oceanic theme of the playground. 


“On behalf of the David Ellis Elementary we wanted to thank the Parks and Recreation Department for allowing us the opportunity to help in the design and construction of the Crawford Street Playground”, said Lemuel Ivy, Principal of David Ellis Elementary. “Thank you for investing in the school community. The new playground is a fantastic addition that will benefit students for years to come, creating a space for joy, laughter, and growth.

波士頓馬拉松賽2025年慈善籌款成績破紀錄5040萬元

Record $50.4 million raised for charitable causes at 2025 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America

Hundreds of organizations benefit as part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program

BOSTON (June 4, 2025) — The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) announced today the total funds raised through the 2025 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America reached a record $50.4 million -- surpassing last year’s single-year record of $45.7 million.

This year’s $50.4 million total combines funds raised through the 176 non-profit organizations in the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program, as well as other donations and fundraising from race participants. Total charitable fundraising since the official charity program’s inception in 1989 now stands at over $600 million.

“Every year, participants and community members raise the bar and elevate the fundraising impact for meaningful causes throughout the community,” said Nicole Juri, Director of Development for the B.A.A. “Their uplifting effect extends well beyond the 26.2-mile racecourse of the Boston Marathon. Athletes take pride in adding meaning to every step of their marathon journey, and together set new records in 2025.” 

Bank of America amplified fundraising runner stories through the My Marathoner campaign, showcasing the perseverance and determination of athletes who are part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program.

“The power of the Boston Marathon is evidenced by its positive impact on hundreds of organizations and the causes they support, and the hundreds of thousands of people who benefit from the good work they do every day,” said David Tyrie, President, Marketing, Digital and Specialized Consumer Client Solutions at Bank of America. “The fundraising total shows anything is possible when athletes from around the world, volunteers, local businesses, supporters and many more unite in the spirit of determination, selflessness and giving.”

The Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program comprises nearly 10% of the Boston Marathon field size, with selected organizations utilizing their entries to recruit athletes who pledge to raise funds for their cause. A full list of organizations who were part of the 129th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America can be found HERE

To further support participants’ fundraising efforts, Boston Marathon Giving Day took place on March 20 – just over one month out from race day – where incentives were offered throughout the day. A single-day record $1.87 million was raised through this year’s Boston Marathon Giving Day. In addition, 2018 Boston Marathon champion Des Linden led a run to build momentum and encouragement for fundraising runners and Bank of America employees.

The B.A.A. had its own team as part of the official charity program, raising funds to support the organization’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. Gives Back Marathon Team raised more than $384,000 for the B.A.A.’s year-round youth and community programing, which includes more than a dozen events geared toward supporting runners at all points on their running journey. In addition, the inaugural B.A.A. Climate Crew team raised $83,000 geared towards the Boston Marathon’s ongoing sustainability initiatives.

Details on how to apply to be part of the Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program for 2026 can be found on the B.A.A. website.

The Bridge Project Expands to Boston, Bringing Groundbreaking Support to Moms and Babies

 The Bridge Project Expands to Boston, Bringing Groundbreaking Support to Moms and Babies

BOSTON – The Bridge Project – the nation’s largest unconditional cash program focused exclusively on providing support to low-income mothers and their babies – is expanding to include the City of Boston. 


With this launch, The Bridge Project extends its proven model to expectant and new moms in the Boston area. Participants will receive unconditional cash assistance from pregnancy through the first 1,000 days of their baby's life—a crucial period with lasting effects on a child's development. The support includes a one-time prenatal stipend of $1,125, followed by monthly payments of $750 for the first 15 months, and $375 for the final 21 months. These payments can be used on whatever a baby needs, offering families the flexibility, stability, and dignity to meet their needs.


In partnerships with leaders in philanthropy, the nonprofit has already secured over $5 million in private contributions to support the Bridge Boston launch. Bridge Boston will accept program participant applications in partnership with nonprofit partners across the area.


“We are so encouraged by the response among local policy-makers, philanthropists, and nonprofit leaders. Supporters are excited about the potential for unconditional cash to provide flexible support for families dealing with Boston’s high cost of living, particularly housing costs,” said Holly Fogle, founder of The Bridge Project. “We believe that if you trust moms and provide them with consistent, no-strings-attached financial support, they will make the best decisions for their babies. This is about breathing room, stability, and the long-term well-being of children and families. For these new moms, being entrusted with decision-making fuels cycle-breaking behaviors and beliefs.”


Boston Mayor Michelle Wu said, “As the mom of a baby girl, the work of The Bridge Project has particular meaning for me. Those early years are crucial for a child’s development and we are delighted to welcome the energy and impact of The Bridge Project to Boston.”


"We're so excited to see The Bridge Project launching here in Boston," said Alison Carter Marlow, Executive Director of Jeremiah Program Boston. “As neighbors, coaches and advocates who walk alongside families every day, we understand just how much a little financial breathing room can mean—especially during pregnancy. Whether it’s helping moms get to their checkups, buy fresh groceries or make sure their baby has a safe place to sleep, direct cash support can make a real difference. We're delighted to partner with The Bridge Project to uplift our communities and help Boston families thrive."


Since launching in 2021, The Bridge Project has supported over 2,000 mothers across six states: New York, Connecticut, Wisconsin, Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Now in Boston, the organization will work closely with local partners to ensure its support complements the city’s existing efforts to combat child poverty and support early childhood development. 


Historically, the City of Boston has been home to some of the largest income inequality gaps in New England. Research from the program and other guaranteed income pilots shows that unconditional cash leads to better outcomes in maternal health, infant development, housing stability, and workforce participation. Unconditional cash support enables immediate and long-term benefits. On average, our moms:


  • Saw a 242% increase in savings in the first 6 months.
  • 80% are working full or part time within 18 months.
  • 90% reported improved mental health or stress levels after just one payment. 

 

To learn more about The Bridge Project or explore partnership opportunities in Boston, visit bridgeproject.org.

美商務部長要把人工智能安全機構改成標準和創新中心

 Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on Transforming the U.S. AI Safety Institute into the Pro-Innovation, Pro-Science U.S. Center for AI Standards and Innovation

WASHINGTON – Under the direction of President Trump, Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick announced his plans to reform the agency formerly known as the U.S. AI Safety Institute into the Center for AI Standards and Innovation (CAISI).

AI holds great potential for transformational advances that will enhance U.S. economic and national security. This change will ensure Commerce uses its vast scientific and industrial expertise to evaluate and understand the capabilities of these rapidly developing systems and identify vulnerabilities and threats within systems developed in the U.S. and abroad.

“For far too long, censorship and regulations have been used under the guise of national security. Innovators will no longer be limited by these standards. CAISI will evaluate and enhance U.S. innovation of these rapidly developing commercial AI systems while ensuring they remain secure to our national security standards,” said Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick.

CAISI will serve as industry’s primary point of contact within the U.S. Government to facilitate testing and collaborative research related to harnessing and securing the potential of commercial AI systems. To that end, CAISI will:

  • Work with NIST organizations to develop guidelines and best practices to measure and improve the security of AI systems, and work with the NIST Information Technology Laboratory and other NIST organizations to assist industry to develop voluntary standards.
  • Establish voluntary agreements with private sector AI developers and evaluators, and lead unclassified evaluations of AI capabilities that may pose risks to national security. In conducting these evaluations, CAISI will focus on demonstrable risks, such as cybersecurity, biosecurity, and chemical weapons.
  • Lead evaluations and assessments of capabilities of U.S. and adversary AI systems, the adoption of foreign AI systems, and the state of international AI competition.
  • Lead evaluations and assessments of potential security vulnerabilities and malign foreign influence arising from use of adversaries’ AI systems, including the possibility of backdoors and other covert, malicious behavior.
  • Coordinate with other federal agencies and entities, including the Department of Defense, the Department of Energy, the Department of Homeland Security, the Office of Science and Technology Policy, and the Intelligence Community, to develop evaluation methods, as well as conduct evaluations and assessments.
  • Represent U.S. interests internationally to guard against burdensome and unnecessary regulation of American technologies by foreign governments and collaborate with the NIST Information Technology Laboratory to ensure U.S. dominance of international AI standards.
CAISI will continue to operate within NIST and regularly collaborate and coordinate with other organizations within NIST, including the Information Technology Laboratory, as well as other bureaus within the Department of Commerce, including BIS

麻州長 Healey稱「光明法案』將為麻州創造2萬工作機會,現代化高教校園

(Boston Orange 編譯麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey)今(4)日提出《光明(BRIGHT) 法案》,要投資25 億美元升級麻州大學(UMass)各校區、州立大學和社區學院的建築和設施,期以更新、維修校園,支持新建設項目,並創造2萬個建築工作崗位,推動麻州經濟。

《光明(BRIGHT )法案》的全稱是「建設彈性基礎設施以促進高等教育轉型法案」,旨在解決長期以來,許多麻州公立大學校舍建築始於20 世紀 70 年代,如今都已明顯老舊,維修成本不斷增加,目前州府資金不足應付的問題。執行「光明法案」的經費,將來自選民已批准的「公平份額修正案 (Fair Share)」。

奚莉州長此舉是為了把公立學校帶進21世紀,在維修就建築之際,還要建新的實驗室,現代化的教室,為學生創造更好學習環境。

這項法案還鼓勵採用新技術的項目,例如改進的線上或混合學習空間,也支持住房開發,允許州政府協助大學支付出售土地以用於新住房建設的相關費用。

麻州州長奚莉,副州長Kim Driscol,以及包括多名廳長在內的其他州政府領導人,都堅決支持該法案。他們強調,優秀的公立高等教育對麻州的經濟競爭力和勞動力發展至關重要。這法案可促進校園現代化,為學生畢業後的就業做更充分準備。


Governor Healey: BRIGHT Act Will Create 20,000 Jobs, Modernize Higher Education Campuses 

Governor Healey’s BRIGHT Act proposes $2.5 billion to upgrade infrastructure at UMass, state universities, and community colleges 

Boston — Today, Governor Maura Healey testified before the Legislature in support of her higher education bond bill, the BRIGHT Act, which would make historic investments to modernize Massachusetts’ public higher education infrastructure while creating nearly 20,000 construction-related jobs. 

Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Adam Baacke, Department of Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega, higher education presidents and chancellors, students, labor leaders, and construction industry leaders also supported the bill through testimony before the Joint Committee on Higher Education.  

In January, Governor Healey filed An Act to Build Resilient Infrastructure to Generate Higher Education Transformation (the BRIGHT Act)which would use funding from the voter-approved Fair Share amendment to unlock $2.5 billion in new capital funding to improve UMass, state university, and community college campuses across the state. The investments authorized in the bill will modernize facilities, including new labs, classrooms and mental health spaces, address deferred maintenance and enable major capital projects.  

“Massachusetts is the number one state for education, and it is our core competitive advantage. Our public higher education campuses play a critical role for students, communities, workers, employers, and our economy – but our campuses are not in great shape and investments are long overdue,” said Governor Healey. “The BRIGHT Act will modernize our campuses, expand access to 21st-century skills for students, and create welcoming new spaces for students and community events. Importantly, it will also create 2015,000 good construction jobs that are badly needed right now. We appreciate the Legislature’s consideration of this critical proposal.”   

“As a proud graduate of Salem State University, I know firsthand the value our public colleges bring to our economy – 75 percent of public higher education graduates stay in Massachusetts and contribute to their communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “The BRIGHT Act will make sure that we can modernize our campuses and help them stay competitive so they can support the next generation of our workforce, while also creating thousands of new construction jobs right now.” 

Many facilities on Massachusetts public higher education campuses were constructed in the 1970s, and the cost to address this aging infrastructure is rising due to increased construction and material prices, regulatory requirements, and labor shortages. As a result, there is not enough traditional capital funding sources to keep up with rising campus maintenance needs. The BRIGHT Act proposes a solution by using Fair Share resources to support new borrowing for capital projects.  

The bill will support construction of new labs, classrooms, and training facilities that meet the needs of today’s research and applied learning methods, as well as improvements to facilities for student health, mental health, wellness and safety. The BRIGHT Act also incentivizes technology capital projects, such as improvements to online or hybrid workspaces, and supports housing development by authorizing the state to help higher education institutions pay costs associated with selling off land and buildings for new housing production. 

"By leveraging Fair Share revenues to unlock new bonding capacity, our administration has already made long-overdue investments in Massachusetts’s transportation system. The BRIGHT Act envisions expanding that proven approach to our public higher education system and provides the authorization we need to modernize and decarbonize our campuses across the state to give students the facilities they need to learn and succeed,” said Administration and Finance Secretary Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “We are grateful for the Legislature’s partnership and eager see the BRIGHT Act pass so that we can make transformative investments in Massachusetts’s future.”  

“The BRIGHT Act investments will enable students to learn in more modern, greener, safer and innovative high-quality environments,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This funding will go a long way toward transforming our higher ed campuses and facilities to ensure that Massachusetts remains the best place to pursue a two or four-year degree.” 

“The new capital resources made available by the BRGHT Act represent a generational investment in the Commonwealth’s public higher education campuses,” said Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance Commissioner Adam Baacke. “DCAMM supports 29 institutions, and this level of funding will greatly expand our ability to modernize and decarbonize facilities, in addition to addressing considerable deferred maintenance needs.” 

“Our public higher education students, and the entire Commonwealth, will be better served with modernized facilities that match the high quality of teaching happening on our campuses,” said Commissioner or Higher Education Noe Ortega. “Improving physical spaces on our public campuses will help Massachusetts prepare students not just for today's careers, but for the rapidly evolving demands of tomorrow's economy.” 

星期二, 6月 03, 2025

波士頓舉燭光悼六四 36年 潘志生提「香港法治倡議」

出席者點燃蠟燭,悼念六四。(謝中之視頻截圖)

        Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)時隔36年,波士頓華埠牌樓的「天安門紀念碑」前,又一度有數十人聚集,分享經驗,高歌自由,遙想1989年的驚心動魄場面。潘志生博士宣佈,下星期他將發起「香港法治倡議 (Hong Kong Rule of Law Initiative)」,呼籲香港人站出來發聲。

            36年來,大波士頓的六四悼念會,時盛時衰。在1990年代初期,包括王丹,柴玲,吾爾開希,王軍濤,周舵,徐文立等早年的民運明星,名列廣場四君子的高新,侯德健,曾任趙紫陽助理的朱嘉明,以及郭羅基教授等人曾在哈佛大學的科學樓,Paine Hall,燕京圖書館,懷德納圖書館,以及甘迺迪政府學院大門前,紐英崙中華公所會議廳內,波士頓華埠牌樓旁等許許多地點,或激動,或哀傷,或滿懷期許的悼念過六四。

潘志生博士將發起「香港法治倡議」。(周菊子攝)
今年的悼念六四,還放了一段天安門母親申訴影片。(周菊子攝)
高秉浩醫師發表感言。(周菊子攝)                  
      然而,36年到底不是一段短時間,在波士頓華埠街頭輕唱「海闊天空」、「Do You Hear the People Sing」、「長城」、「自由花,毋忘六四」等歌曲,點燃燭光遙祭的人,已換了一大批。當年堅持悼念,一直以來主辦六四悼念會的香港海外民主人權促進會,既有前主席李潤明,謝家鼎已辭世,學者陸惠風因身體不適,已好幾年不能來到現場,也有許多人因為擔心個人行為會危及仍在香港親友的安全,今年都退了出來。悼念會現場的人們還紛紛戴上了口罩,整體氛圍不太一樣。

            今年的波士頓六四悼念,由曾經組織白紙運動,當年是螢火蟲負責人的Ashley,以及Kai Chan2名年輕人挑主持大樑。高秉浩醫師,麻省理工學院博士潘志生先做分享,再有張海,藍陽等出席者發表感言。

許多出席悼念會的人,都戴上了口罩。(周菊子攝)
            近年針對香港司法多有論述,還發表公開信,致9名現任,以及海外非常任終審法院法官,指「香港47人案」越權違憲的麻省理工學院退休科學家潘志生博士,這天比喻的指稱,1989年的坦克車,壓扁了中國人民的言論自由,2000年的國安法鏟平了香港人的言論自由,他計劃下星期發起「香港法治倡議(Hong Kong Rule of Law Initiative)」,呼籲所有香港人站出來發聲,要求恢復法治賦予人民的權利。

            一直是波士頓悼念六四主力,今年也已年過70的謝中之,這晚再次分享波士頓天安門紀念碑的由來,安裝費在老闆給予優惠中,僅只400元等歷史。他揚言,68日將再度到駐紐約香港經貿辦事處所贊助的波士頓香港龍舟節現場,舉牌抗議。

            謝中之表示,曾是波士頓香港人的許穎婷,邵嵐,因為在華府為人權機關工作,遊說美國國會,通過制裁香港的法案,刻正被香港政府懸賞100萬元追緝。

            謝中之爲自己堅持36

謝中之在天安門紀念碑前擺上花束獻祭。(周菊子攝)
年,如今仍在為追求中國人的民主自由努力,感慨萬分,撰詩一首:增生華髮銀光耀,歷史創傷忘不掉,喜逢英𠎀同策劃,毋懼陰霾薪火燃。

             

波士頓台山鄉親慶雙親節 中華公所主席雷國輝呼籲反對成人娛樂夜總會當鄰居

台山鄉親聯誼會主席、顧問,職員及嘉賓們合影。前排左起,陳余寶愛,
翁宇才,黃國威,鄺坤珍,阮鴻燦,李樹靄,黃漢湖。後排左起,
雷國輝,鄺元傑,黃周麗桃,陳晶年。(周菊子攝)
        Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓台山鄉親聯誼會61日在帝苑大酒樓慶祝雙親節,200多人歡聚一堂,享用點心,寒暄敘舊,溫馨非常。中華公所主席雷國輝籲民眾注意,遇ICE查詢如何應對,請反對成人娛樂場所擴建。

中華公所主席雷國輝呼籲台山鄉親注意安全,加入反對成人娛樂業當鄰居行動。
(周菊子攝)
          波士頓台山鄉親聯誼會現任會長黃紹培強調,他和黃偉健,黃漢湖,陳晶年,李樹靄等4名副會長,以及鄺元傑,黃國威,黃周麗桃,阮鴻燦等不下20多名顧問,都心懷鄉親,努力的在各方面提供服務,幫助鄉親們在美國這他鄉異地,生活得更順利、快樂。

台山鄉親聯誼會會長黃紹培(右起)和同學們一起歡迎他們當年的台山一中
老師李冰來參加活動,和同學敘舊。(周菊子攝)
             黃紹培笑說,在中國兒童節的六月一日辦雙親節,正好讓人返老還童一下。這天他除了請鄉親們支持,鼓勵交流,還為該會在雙親節這天收到不少香油,新添好幾名會員,感到高興。他透露,早前還有一名鄉親在中華頤養願見到他們表演,竟主動拿出40元,請他代交香油,繳會費,讓他為台山鄉親聯誼會得到鄉親認可而自豪。

台山鄉親聯誼會會長黃紹培(左)笑說要和中華公所主席雷國輝(右)拉攏關係,
以其該會得到中華公所的支持。(周菊子攝)
               這天另外一件令人高興的事是他的台山一中老師李冰,正好來波士頓參加孫輩畢業典禮,特地來參加台山雙親節活動,和當年學生敘舊。慶祝雙親節一下子變成了師生會。現場有好些人都曾是李冰的學生,紛紛擠了過來的和老師打招呼。

            紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝這天特地宣講2件事,籲請鄉親關注,以保護同胞們的生命安全,華埠居民的生活品質。

             雷國輝指出,上週末有聯邦移民局(ICE)人員踏進波士頓華埠,在排屋之間巡走,時而敲門探問。人們並不清楚ICE的行動目的,或有何計劃,也未收到有任何人在華埠被抓走消息,不過有鑒於美國境內近來氛圍,中華公所希望提醒大家查察重要的移民權益,希望人們熟記在心,遇到ICE
台山鄉親們圍桌聚餐。有些鄉親,一年才具這麼一次。(周菊子攝)
移民局攔截查問時,知所應對,保護自己和家人,鄰居的安全。

            這些應對準則包括在街上遇到ICE查問時,要記得自己有權保持沈默,可以反覆表達“我不同意”,或“我不懂英文”,還要保持冷靜,別拔腳就跑的惹人疑竇。

            如果是在自己家裡,或在工作場所遇到ICE來敲門詢問,千萬別開門,因為除非ICE人員持有法官簽名的逮捕令,否則未經人民同意,依法不可擅闖民宅。

             如果是在華埠見到ICE
台山鄉親雙親節有200多人參加。(周菊子攝)
蹤跡,或疑似移民局行動,要保持冷靜,在安全距離處觀察,拍照或錄音,撥打電話
617-370-5023,和麻州移民正義聯盟LUCE聯絡,匯報看到的情況。

             雷國輝特地把這些移民權益訊息印成單張,發給台山鄉親們,呼籲鄉親們遇到可疑情況,可立即聯絡中華公所(617-542-2574),華人前進會(617-433-8522),華美福利會(617) 426-9492,亞美社區發展協會(857-449-7127,華埠社區中心(617-249-2995等為華人服務的社區機構。

               
譚錫壯(前)等台山鄉親圍桌而聚。(周菊子攝)
籲居民反對成人娛樂場所擴建一事,是關於史都華街(
Stuart27-29號的申請變更用途。中華公所主席雷國輝拿出一份波士頓市稽查局(ISD)所發出,波士頓市上訴委員會 Board of Appeal)將於63日,為Michael Sheehan所代表的史都華街(Stuart27-29號投資公司,申請變更該一地址土地用途,在網上舉辦公聽會。

                  該一變更用途申請,是想把座落在具史蹟意義,1868年啟用,曾是全美第2最老餐廳Jacob Wirth 餐廳旁的史都華街27-29號,從原有的商業房地產用途,更改成為商業/夜總會,包含成人娛樂分類用途,把現有的5層高商業樓宇,改建成多層樓,可容納246人的成人娛樂夜總會,還為因應未來租客需求,另外申請加建電梯許可。

                  中華公所主席雷國輝表示,波士頓華埠花了好多年工夫,好不容易才把紅燈區從華埠趕了出去,這地點的改變用途申請,有把紅燈區重新帶回華埠旁的危險,希望關心華埠環境的人都能關注,積極出席公聽會或發送電郵到zbapublicinput@boston.gov,或是直接寄信給上訴委員會(Board of Appeal, 1010 Massachusetts Avenue, 4th floor, Boston, MA 02118)。

                  根據市府資料,波士頓市的上訴委員會主席是華埠社區議會(CNC)共同主席之一的曾雪清,但同為CNC共同主席的雷國會是在這一公聽會的預定舉行日期之前23天才知道,這才趕緊趁著台山鄉親聯誼會舉辦雙親節的場合,籲請民眾注意。

麻州經濟排上全美最佳

Massachusetts Ranked Best State Economy in the Country 

Latest national ranking from WalletHub gives Massachusetts top marks for its investments in innovation, research and education  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll are celebrating that Massachusetts was recently ranked the best state economy in the country, citing the state’s dominance in industry and academic research and development, as well as its unmatched talent. 

WalletHub compared state dynamics across 28 relevant metrics, including unemployment rate, change in GDP, exports per capita and start-up activity. Massachusetts was praised in particular for having the highest share of jobs in high-tech industries, the highest share of jobs in high-tech industries, the second-most invention patents per capita and the third-highest share of STEM professionals. 

“Massachusetts is number one for education, health care and innovation. We’re the best state to be a woman, to have a baby and to be a working parent. So, it’s no surprise that we also have the best state economy,” said Governor Healey. “This recognition is a testament to the incredible businesses, universities and research institutions that drive our innovation economy and to the top-notch talent that continues to choose Massachusetts as the place to grow their careers and their futures. As Governor, I’m going to continue to work every day to maintain our top spot by lowering costs, growing our leadership in cutting-edge industries like applied AI, life sciences and climatetech, building more housing, and supporting workforce development.” 

"Governor Healey and I are all about Team Massachusetts, and this team just keeps on winning,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “It’s great to see a national organization acknowledging the strong economy we have built here, driven by talented innovators and entrepreneurs all across our state. We know there is still more work to do to make our state more affordable and competitive, and we’re getting after it every day.” 

From day one, Governor Healey has prioritized making Massachusetts more affordable, growing the state’s economy and increasing competitiveness. Last year, she signed the Mass Leads Act to make Massachusetts a global leader in emerging industries like climatetech and applied artificial intelligence (AI), while also building on the success of the state’s renowned life sciences sector. This economic development bill will create jobs, support business growth, expand workforce development programs and invest in rural and regional economic development initiatives. 

Just last month, Boston was highlighted in Dealroom’s 2025 Global Tech Ecosystem Index report for its leading technology ecosystem, particularly in areas such as Deep tech and AI. 

Governor Healey has also directed historic funding to Massachusetts schools, especially colleges and universities that drive the state’s innovation and research-based economy. She has increased financial aid at public four-year colleges and universities, made community college free, and expanded workforce development opportunities, including through career and technical education schools, Early College and apprenticeships. 

Governor Healey also recently eliminated a series of regulations to save businesses and business owners time and money, making it easier to do business in the state. 

Since Governor Healey took office in January 2023, the number of Massachusetts residents who are employed has grown strongly – up 3.5 percent as of April 2025. This growth is much faster than the U.S. average and is the seventh highest of any state in the nation. Massachusetts has also had the 5th fastest growth in the labor force, which has grown by 174,802 in that time period, with a Labor Force Participation Rate at 66.7 percent, which is the ninth highest in the U.S. 

Massachusetts has also been ranked the number one state for educationinnovationhealth care, working moms and dads, and women, as well as the best state to live into have a babyraise a family and retire