FIFA 2026足球世界盃波士頓啟動「一年倒計時」

麻州州長Maura Healey（左）和Boston 26 執行長Mike Loynd誓言合作，辦好
足球世界盃在麻州的系列活動。（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 國際足球總會（FAFA）的2026 年世界盃，訂6月11日在墨西哥城阿茲特克（Estadio Azteca）體育場揭幕。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）應Boston 26 之請，這天為波士頓開始「一年倒計時 （One Year to Go）」，興奮表示，麻州「將會有200萬遊客，太棒了」。

麻州州長Maura Healey強調，FIFA 2026 世界盃將為麻州帶來200萬遊客，
10億美元經濟效益。（周菊子攝）

                  Boston 26是為波士頓市被選為FIFA 2026世界盃（FIFA World Cup 2026）16個主辦城市之一而成立的非牟利組織，負責協調比賽，安排相關慶祝活動。6月11日這天，加入各地的「一年倒計時 （One Year to Go）」行列，在波士頓大學Nickerson球場舉辦活動，為大波士頓已排定將從2026年6月13日起在Foxborough的吉列球場（Gillette Stadium）舉辦，包括5場分組賽，1場32強賽，1場8強賽等的7場比賽做準備。

麻州州長等人與麻州青年足球會球員合影。（周菊子攝）

                  麻州州長奚莉，美國足球基金會執行長Ed Foster Simeon，足球前進基金會（Soccer Forward Foundation ）執行主任Lex Chalat等人在千里達和托巴哥 （Trinida & Tobago）國家隊的前任守門員，也是ESPN足球分析元的Shaka Hislop擔任司儀中，一一致詞。

                  奚莉州長笑說，她這天特地穿了雙綠球鞋（借喻美鈔綠背）到場，因為承辦FIFV足球世界盃，意味著將會吸引200萬名國際遊客，為麻州帶來大約10億美元的經濟效益，那將「太棒了 （awesome）」。

美國足球基金會執行長Ed Foster Simeon致詞。（周菊子攝）

                  她感謝麻州青年足球會（ＭMassachusetts Youth Soccer ）和Boston 26遍踏麻州，廣邀青少年參與盛事，尤其是明年，美國就要慶祝建國250週年，和更多年輕人互動就更有意義。

                  奚莉州長還笑說，許多人知道她打籃球，但她其實還踢過足球，當過中後衛(Center Half)。

足球前進基金會（Soccer Forward Foundation ）執行主任Lex Chalat。
（周菊子攝）

                  Boston 26執行長Mike Loynd表示，他們將和美國足球基金會，以及麻州州政府合作，一起找適當場地，在麻州各社區舉辦20場迷你賽。

                  FIFA 2026足球世界盃將是首次由美國、加拿大、墨西哥三國聯合主辦的足球世界盃，將從2026年6月11日起至7月19日，在美國的11個城市，墨西哥的3個城市，以及加拿大的2個城市舉行。開幕賽在墨西哥的阿茲特克體育場，閉幕賽將在美國新澤西州的大都會人壽體育館。

                  參賽隊伍將從往年的32隊，增加到48隊，分成12個小組，每組4隊的進行分組賽，會有32隊晉級淘汰賽。因為參賽隊伍大增，整個比賽場數將從往年的64

波士頓FIFA 2026世界盃波士頓一年倒計時活動現場。（周菊子攝）

場，增至104場，整個比賽也將延長至39天才能賽完。

                  目前除了美加墨這3個主辦國自動進級進淘汰賽之外，已有日本、紐西蘭、伊朗、阿根廷、烏茲別克、南韓、約旦、澳洲、巴西、厄瓜多等國家通過資格賽，鎖定了晉級名額。最後都有哪些國家擠進決賽，還要等今年12月才知道。

                  查詢FIFA相關活動，可上網，https://www.fifa.com/en/tournaments/mens/worldcup/canadamexicousa2026，查詢FIFA在波士頓的相關活動，可上Boston 26網站，https://bostonfwc26.com/。

波士頓FIFA 2026世界盃波士頓一年倒計時活動現場。（周菊子攝）

麻州長Maura Healey和青少年足球員合影。（周菊子攝）

波士頓古樂節首邀台灣參演 清華木笛團6/15 喬丹廳見

        （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）清華大學音樂系木笛團應邀參加波士頓古樂節，繼6月11日在波士頓大學舉辦一場「台灣之聲」音樂會之後，將於6月13、15兩日依序在舊南教堂和新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳演出。

木笛（recorder），又稱直笛或豎笛，是源自歐洲，盛行於十六至十八世紀的一種木管吹奏樂器，也是巴洛克時代標準獨奏樂器，和中國的簫，笛都很不一樣。

曾就學於波士頓大學，浪琴(Longy)音樂學校，新英格蘭音樂學院，並取得博士學位，目前在清華大學音樂系擔任副教授的陳孟亨，創辦了清華大學木笛團，並於去年8月和新竹縣政府合作，舉辦了首屆「台灣國際直笛音樂節」。

以鼓吹欣賞中世紀及巴洛克時代早期音樂為宗旨，1980年創辦，兩年舉辦一次的「波士頓古樂節（The Boston Early Music Festival，簡稱BEMF)」因此注意到台灣的木笛音樂發展，特地邀請陳孟亨的清華大學木笛團，到波士頓參加從6月8日到15日舉行的2025年波士頓古樂節。

在清華大學和春之文化基金會等機構贊助下，陳孟亨率領由16位主修木笛的碩士與學士組成的清華大學音樂系木笛團，以及新竹縣關西國中直笛藝才班學生，新竹直笛合奏團指導老師，共28人，來波士頓做3場演出。

6月11日，清華大學音樂系木笛團在波士頓大學的馬什（Marsh ）教堂舉辦「聲音之旅：台灣木笛之聲（Sonic Journeys: Taiwan's Recorder Sounds）」專場音樂會。陳孟亨還在木笛團伴奏中，和她當年在波士頓大學的老師Aldo Abreu合奏了一曲安東尼奧·維瓦爾第（Antonio Vivaldi）的格羅索（Grosso）協奏曲中第3個作品集的第8首樂曲。

清華大學音樂系木笛團此行，還有另外2場表演。

6月13日的早上10點到下午2點，在舊南教堂（Old South Church, 645 Boylston St., Boston），參加「美國木笛協會接力音樂會（ARS Relay Concert）」，演出30分鐘。

           6月15日 的早上10點至11點半，在新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳參加「波士頓古樂節超越邊界音樂會（BEMF Beyond Borders Concert）」，和來自其他國家的青少年音樂家一起演出，以展現音樂文化的交流與融合。清華大學音樂系木笛團在這場音樂會中將有20分鐘的獨立表演。

          陳孟亨表示，木笛音樂一度沉寂，1900年代才又受人喜愛，德國甚至把木笛列入中小學課程，之後日本也流行起來，台灣則是最近這廿、三十年，不但把木笛納入中小學音樂課，還衍進到頒授木笛碩士學位，讓台灣的木笛音樂受世界重視。清華大學音樂系木笛團自成立以來，也已在國際舞台上展現卓越才華，屢獲大獎。這次應邀來波士頓表演，是又一次的向世界展示，台灣在木笛音樂發展上的成就。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Hosts Civics Project Showcases Across Massachusetts

Healey-Driscoll Administration Hosts Civics Project Showcases Across Massachusetts 865 students from 61 districts participated at events in Dartmouth, Springfield, Worcester, Boston      BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration hosted four Massachusetts Civics Project Showcases in collaboration with Generation Citizen between May 27 and June 6 in Boston, Worcester, Springfield and Dartmouth. At these regional “science fairs for civics,” students from 61 districts shared real-world action they are taking on community issues such as teen mental health, road safety, housing and homelessness, and educational equity. These events provide students with the opportunity to share their civics projects with local community advisors and each other, receive feedback on their work, and be recognized for their civic engagement. “Civics Project Showcases are a great opportunity for students to meet their peers from other communities and share their passions with each other,” saidGovernor Maura Healey. “These students identified issues and presented solutions, and I’m grateful we are able to provide a forum for them to learn from one another.”  “We are so proud of these students, who have built awareness of challenges within their local communities and identified potential solutions,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m excited to see them all continue to grow as leaders and make real change for their friends, families and entire communities.” Approximately 865 students in total participated in the 2025 showcases. 21 schools were represented at UMass Dartmouth on May 27, 21 schools at the MassMutual Center in Springfield on May 28, 34 at the DCU Center in Worcester on June 2, and 41 at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute on June 6. “Learning about community issues others are passionate about and taking action on inequities is part of being a member of society,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler, who attended the Boston showcase at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute and participated in a panel discussion facilitated by student Karina Moya of Everett High School on youth civic engagement. “I am inspired by these young residents of the Commonwealth, their level of awareness within their communities and their desire to take action.” The Massachusetts Civics Project Showcases began in 2023. At each Showcase, volunteer community advisors have short conversations with students about their projects, asking questions and offering feedback based on their own expertise. Given the wide range in project topics, advisors come from a diversity of backgrounds: community organizers, legislators, business and non-profit leaders, educators, healthcare workers, and more. Community advisors nominate student-led civics projects for commendations, which represent exemplary projects. The 2024 civics project commendations are available online. “I am always inspired by these showcases because they show how much students care about what’s going on in their communities and about learning how to try to make change to improve their community. That’s what this is all about,” said Dave Buchanan, who served as a community advisor at the 2025 Worcester Showcase and coordinates the Massachusetts Civic Learning Coalition. An Act to promote and enhance civic engagement, approved in 2018, incorporated civics projects into eighth grade and high school. Projects can be done by individuals, small groups, or entire classrooms. The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education also supports districts to engage students in civics through their 2018 History and Social Science Frameworks.

Mayor’s Garden Contest Submission Deadline is July 10

 Mayor’s Garden Contest Submission Deadline is July 10

BOSTON - Wednesday, June 11 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced the launch of the 29th annual Mayor’s Garden Contest, celebrating the creativity and dedication of Boston’s urban gardeners. The contest recognizes residents who help beautify neighborhoods through their flowers, trees, shrubs, and landscaping efforts, making Boston a more vibrant, green, and welcoming city.

Gardeners have until 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, July 9 to submit their entries. This year’s contest introduces a new category for Pollinator Gardens, highlighting gardens that support biodiversity by incorporating native species and creating habitats for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators.

Gardeners, or those nominating their favorite local gardeners, may submit photos through the online application boston.gov/garden-contest  (preferred method). To request a paper application, participants may email their name and mailing address to gardencontest@boston.gov. Paper applications are available in English and ten additional languages can also be found at boston.gov/garden-contest. 

Finalists will receive a visit from contest judges during the week of July 28. Once the votes are tallied, first-place winners in each category will be honored by Mayor Wu with the coveted “Golden Trowel” award, while second and third-place winners will receive official certificates.

Gardeners who have won three or more times in the last ten years will be inducted into the Hall of Fame. While Hall-of-Famers are no longer eligible to compete, they are invited to return as contest judges.

First-place winners are eligible for a drawing for a JetBlue Grand Prize consisting of two (2) round-trip travel certificates for travel to/from JetBlue cities (excluding transatlantic). Travel certificates cover the base fare of the flight; government taxes and fees are the responsibility of the winner. Terms, conditions, and blackout dates apply.  Mahoney’s Garden Centers donates gift certificates to the top three winners in each category, as well as gift certificates for the 2025 Hall of Fame winners.

To stay up to date with the Mayor’s Garden Contest as well as news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

Governor Healey Nominates Hon. Jennifer Allen to the Appeals Court

 Governor Healey Nominates Hon. Jennifer Allen to the Appeals Court 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey nominated Judge Jennifer Allen to serve as an Associate Justice to the Massachusetts Appeals Court. Judge Allen will now move forward to the Governor’s Council for confirmation. If confirmed, all existing vacancies will have been filled on the Appeals Court. 

“Judge Allen has proven to be an effective judge on the Probate and Family Court, and I know her knowledge and experience will be a positive contribution to the work of the Appeals Court,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful to the Governor’s Council for their review of her nomination.” 

“I look forward to working with the Governor’s Council as they consider filling the final seat on the Massachusetts Appeals Court with Judge Allen, who is high-qualified for the role,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.  

The Appeals Court is the state’s intermediate appellate court. The Appeals Court is a court of general appellate jurisdiction, which means that the justices review decisions that trial judges from the several Departments of the Trial Court have already made in many different kinds of cases. The Appeals Court also has jurisdiction over appeals from final decisions of three State agencies: the Appellate Tax Board, the Industrial Accident Board and the Commonwealth Employment Relations Board. The Appeals Court consists of a Chief Justice and 24 Associate Justices. 

For more information about the Appeals Court, visit its homepage. Governor Healey has previously nominated Associate Justice Amy L. Blake as Chief Justice , Associate Justice Gloria Tan, Associate Justice Chauncey Wood and Associate Justice Robert E. Toone. 

About Judge Jennifer Allen 

Judge Jennifer M. Allen currently serves as an Associate Justice of the Probate and Family Court where she presides over a wide array of cases including divorces, custody and parenting disputes, support actions, adoptions, and parentage actions. Judge Allen has served in this role since 2019, serving 5 years in Middlesex County and one year in Norfolk County. She is a frequent lecturer to law students, lawyers, and new judges on all matters related to the Probate and Family Court, including Alimony, Business Valuations, Evidence, Mental Health examinations, and Ethical Considerations. Judge Allen is a former board member of the Massachusetts Probate and Family Inn of Court, and presently a member of the SJC Subcommittee on Judicial Wellbeing. Prior to her appointment, Judge Allen was in private practice, specializing in divorce, custody, alimony, and guardianship actions, serving as a special master and guardian ad litem, and supporting other members of her firm, Catanzaro and Allen, in commercial and residential real estate transactions, land use planning, estate matters, and civil litigation. As an attorney, Judge Allen served on the Board of Directors of MetroWest Legal Services. Judge Allen earned her B.A. cum laude from Brandeis University and her J.D. from Boston College Law School. 

第46屆波士頓龍舟賽獲各隊英姿 （圖片）

波士頓清華大學校友隊。

波士頓清華大學校友隊乾練划槳。

中科大波士頓校友隊。

金龍隊

這一隊只顧自拍。

東北大學中國學生學者聯合會隊。

一得獎隊伍，派專人等候結果領獎牌。

純女子的波士頓diva隊。

Ohana New England隊。

波士頓暴風雨隊。

波士頓北大校友會有2隊，一隊由房地產商王奕飛贊助，
一隊由律師潘雅然贊助。

波士頓狼群隊贏得至少2塊獎牌。

住紐約香港經貿辦事處今年也組有船隊。

Salesforce隊。

東方銀行隊。

世紀龍舟隊。

通用電子航空隊。

Ｂ組第一也是Boston 1。

Ohana new England得公開賽季軍。

狼群隊（ＷWolfpack)得亞軍。

Boston 1 Premier 隊奪得公開賽冠軍。