MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES ROXBURY BRANCH OF BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY TO BE RENAMED AFTER SARAH-ANN SHAW

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES ROXBURY BRANCH OF BOSTON PUBLIC LIBRARY TO BE RENAMED AFTER SARAH-ANN SHAW

Library to posthumously honor Roxbury resident and trailblazing Black television news reporter

BOSTON - Monday, June 23, 2025 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Public Library (BPL) announced the Roxbury Branch of the BPL will be renamed after Sarah-Ann Shaw, Boston’s first Black woman TV reporter. The Trustees of the Boston Public Library last week voted overwhelmingly in favor of the renaming, noting Shaw’s substantial contributions to the Roxbury community and to representation for Black female journalists in the television news industry. Shaw worked at WBZ-TV in Boston from 1969 to 2000 and was a lifelong resident of Roxbury. She passed away in 2024 at the age of 90. 

“Sarah-Ann Shaw paved the way for generations of journalists, storytellers, and leaders. Her passion for her Roxbury community and brilliance in reporting stories that otherwise would not have received the coverage they deserved reshaped Boston’s media landscape,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Throughout her career and long after her retirement, she dedicated herself to mentoring the next generation and creating opportunities for education and community to thrive—a mission intertwined with that of our public libraries. Her legacy will live on in this library branch that serves as a hub for the neighborhood. I’m grateful to all the community members who advocated for this naming, for all her family and loved ones, and the BPL for their work to honor Dr. Shaw’s legacy.”

"The family is very grateful to Mayor Wu and the Trustees of the Boston Public Library for this recognition of our matriarch, Sarah-Ann Shaw. As a Roxbury native, and a BPS graduate she would be pleased and humbled by this honor,” said Klare Shaw, daughter of Sarah-Ann Shaw. “Mom was committed to this branch. Whether pushing for empowerment with the Master Plan, or collaborating with her colleagues at the "Friends of the Library" to promote education, literacy, Black History, and culture-- she did the work. We are thankful to everyone who appreciated and loved her, and advocated for this moment. Hopefully, future generations will want to learn about her life and the values she held dear. Mom loved the community and treasured the affection she received in return."

"A trailblazing, beloved, and proud daughter of Roxbury, Sarah-Ann Shaw dedicated her life to educating and empowering her community and the entire City of Boston by unapologetically telling our stories, shattering concrete ceilings, and mentoring other Black journalists here and across the country,” said Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley. "Her lifelong commitment to shed light on the joy and brilliance of Boston’s Black and brown communities and lift up neighborhood grassroots movements is an inspiration to us all. To have known Sarah-Ann was to love her, and I’m grateful for her family, for Mayor Wu and the Boston Public Library, and for those who advocated for this library renaming as a powerful tribute to her mark on our home. May her legacy be forever honored in Roxbury, where so many of us recall seeing her building community at the newly renamed Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library at Nubian Square for decades and attempt to live up to the example she set through her words and deeds."

The City’s Public Facilities Commission (PFC) oversees the process for the renaming of municipal buildings. Last week’s vote by the BPL’s Board of Trustees, with 12 board members voting in favor, follows the process to rename a building in honor of an outstanding individual who has displayed exemplary civic service to the city. Any petition to rename a building under the care and custody of the BPL must include a vote by the BPL Board of Trustees and a petition by the BPL President. 

“Collecting and preserving stories of Boston communities is central to the work of the Boston Public Library,” said BPL President David Leonard. “We are pleased to be able to honor Sarah-Ann Shaw’s work as a groundbreaking journalist, who spent her career capturing and telling the untold and underrepresented stories of her city and culture, in addition to her advocacy and community organizing for her community, for Boston, and for the Library.”

“This renaming ensures that generations to come will walk through the doors of the Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library in Nubian Square knowing more about the story of a trailblazer, activist and champion of education and literacy.” said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations. “Sarah-Ann Shaw had a lifelong relationship of service and dedication to this library, Roxbury, and the City of Boston"

“The legacy of Sarah-Ann Shaw is one of activism, community uplift, and sharing of untold stories as a journalist,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “I can think of no better way to honor her contributions than renaming a library after her, especially in her home neighborhood of Roxbury.” 

“Sarah-Ann Shaw believed in the power of advocacy, community, and story telling to uplift. The Shaw-Roxbury Branch library in Roxbury’s Nubian Square will serve not only as a home for books, but as a living testament to her spirit and commitment to the neighborhood and library,” said City Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. 

“Sarah-Ann Shaw was a pioneer as the first Black female journalist on the news in Boston. She brought Black voices, and more importantly, Black women’s voices to the masses. She carried on the work of the women who came before her and paved the way for so many who came after,” said State Representative Chris Worrell. “There is no way more fitting of honoring her legacy than through the new Shaw-Roxbury Library that will serve thousands of children throughout Roxbury and Boston for years to come.”

The official name change of the Roxbury Branch of the BPL will be "Shaw-Roxbury Branch Library.” This proposal to rename the branch now goes to Mayor Wu and the Public Facilities Commission (PFC) for final approval. The PFC is expected to vote on the proposal on July 2, 2025.

The Roxbury Branch, located in Nubian Square, opened its doors in April 1978, replacing two smaller locations. The Mount Pleasant Branch opened in 1915 on Vine Street, while the Roxbury Branch, housing the Fellowes Athenaeum, opened on Millmont Street in 1873, and served patrons for more than 100 years. The two locations were merged into what is today the largest branch in the BPL system, serving the entire Roxbury community.  

The City also looks to recognize other significant contributors to the Roxbury Branch including civil rights activist Mamie (Mimi) Jones and Francine Gelzer, the first black librarian at the branch. Mimi was an instrumental figure in the history of both the Grove Hall and Roxbury Branches of the BPL. Mimi and Francine played crucial roles in uplifting community voices. They have left an unforgettable impact on the City of Boston and their legacies will continue to be honored.

"I am thrilled that Sarah-Ann Shaw's name will be included on the Roxbury Branch library building. She was very active volunteering at the library,” said Alma Wright, Roxbury resident. “For many years Sarah-Ann also visited schools in the area encouraging students to apply for Library Cards. As a teacher in the Boston Public Schools for 56 years, I have observed Ms. Shaw's dedication and support at the Roxbury Library."

“The use and increase of membership at the Roxbury Branch library was positively impacted when Sarah-Ann was alive," said Haywood Fennell Sr, community member. “I can vividly recall seeing her at the library speaking to folks sometimes about how proud they were as changes were made making our library what it has become, a place worthy to honor the dedication and commitment of Sarah-Ann Shaw.”

Summer Racing Shines at Boston 10K presented by Brigham and Women’s Hospital

 Summer Racing Shines at Boston 10K presented by Brigham and Women’s Hospital

 BOSTON (Sunday, June 22) – A quartet of familiar champions returned to the top spot of the podium at today’s Boston 10K presented by Brigham and Women’s Hospital, kicking off the summer season in style. Kenya’s Sharon Lokedi earned her second B.A.A. race win of the year, building upon her course record at April’s Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America, while Tanzania’s Gabriel Geay won his third Boston 10K men’s title since 2018. American Paralympic medalists and Boston Marathon champions Tatyana McFadden and Daniel Romanchuk were first across the finish in the wheelchair divisions.

 

The 6.2-mile event crossed the Charles River, showcased beautiful views of Boston and Cambridge, passed over the Boston Marathon finish line, and ultimately finished at Boston Common. Preliminary results are available here. A total of 7,633 athletes started today’s race.

 

After hitting halfway in 16:01, Lokedi, Gladys Kwanboka (Kenya) and Emily Sisson (USA) began to quicken the tempo. Ultimately, they’d run the second half of the loop course in 15:38, leading to a sensational sprint down Charles Street towards the finish. Lokedi crossed first in 31:39, with Kwanboka a step behind in 31:39 and Sisson third in 31:42. Kenya’s Jesca Chelangat (32:00) and American Maggie Montoya (32:04) rounded out the top five.

 

“We got to four miles and at that point, I thought it was time to go, time to work,” said Lokedi, who joins Caroline Kilel (2011) and Hellen Obiri (2023) as the only women to win the 10K two months after their respective victories at the Boston Marathon. When she hit Kenmore Square and the marathon’s route, she got flashbacks to April. “[I said] I know where I am, and I just got the momentum from the downhill [on Boylston Street] and picked it up all the way to the finish… It felt really good.”

 

Sisson, the top American women’s finisher, tried hard to match Lokedi and Kwanboka’s late moves. “Overall I’m pleased and happy to be racing again,” said Sisson. “I tried to close as fast as I could but didn’t pick up anyone at the end.” 

 

Gabriel Geay etched his name in the history books, becoming the only man in history to claim the Boston 10K top spot three times. Running over the Longfellow Bridge and into Cambridge, a lead pack of 13 men developed and held strong through halfway (14:23), including Geay and Americans Joe Klecker and Andrew Colley out front. Crossing over the Harvard Bridge on Mass. Ave and running through Kenmore Square in the third and fourth miles, Geay pulled away with what would ultimately be the winning move. 

 

“I feel good and happy to win again at the Boston 10K. This is my third time to win Boston, and this is why I come back to Boston,” said Geay, who’d prevail in 28:14, four seconds up on Zouhair Talbi and seven seconds ahead of Great Britain’s Patrick Dever. “I was thinking of moving after seven kilometers and saying let me see how the crowd is moving with me.”

 

Talbi, the runner-up, is a U.S. Army Reserve who represented Morocco at the 2024 Olympic Marathon. “I’m happy with the result. I haven’t run a 10K in a very long time so didn’t know what to expect, but also knew I had very good training the last couple of months. So, I had the confidence coming in here, but I also know that there were a lot of good runners with me.”

 

The wheelchair division victories were decided in the early miles, as experienced road racers McFadden (five Boston Marathon titles) and Romanchuk (two Boston Marathon wins) added to their Bay State racing resumes. Passing over the Boston Marathon finish line with less than a mile to go, both could savor the final stretch around Boston Public Garden. McFadden’s winning time was 26:48 while Romanchuk’s crossed in 21:27.

 

“It feels great to be back,” said McFadden, who recently set a world record on the track at 400 meters. “It’s a really fast course which was kind of fun to be on. Even though it was a little bit wet, it was still relatively fast. Always nice to be back in Boston – the marathon didn’t go quite my way this year but it’s nice to be back and do this race.”

 

“It was not as hot as we were maybe expecting, a little more wet, but overall still a great morning,” said Romanchuk, who also won the Boston 10K and set a course record 20:17 in 2019. 

 

A list of today’s champions can be found below, as well as a collection of race notes. Event records were set within the Para Athletics Division by Thomas Cantara (34:50, T20); Brian Reynolds (38:40, T42-T44/T61-T64); Daniel Buckelew (50:01, T35-T38); and Lisa Maciel (50:24, T45-T47). Reynolds’ time also is a pending world record for lower-limb impairment classification.

 

Considering the heat and humidity, the B.A.A. offered entrants an opportunity to defer their spot on the starting line to next year’s race if uncomfortable running in today’s conditions. A shorter course was also available if athletes preferred an abbreviated course considering the heat. 

 

The day began with a moment of remembrance for Nina Kuscsik, the Boston Marathon’s first Women’s Division champion and a pioneer in the women’s running movement of the 1960s and 70s who passed away recently. Nina was a determined running advocate and celebrated icon who helped elevate women’s athletics –in particular marathoning— into the Olympic spotlight. To the B.A.A., she was a friend who will always be remembered for her kindness, smile, and memories made at races near and far.

 

2025 BOSTON 10K CHAMPIONS:

The following athletes won their respective divisions at today’s race:

 

Men’s Open – Gabriel Geay, Tanzania, 28:14

Women’s Open – Sharon Lokedi, Kenya, 31:39

Men’s Wheelchair – Daniel Romanchuk, USA, 21:27

Women’s Wheelchair – Tatyana McFadden, USA, 26:48

Men T11/12/13 (Vision Impairment) – Irwin Ramirez, USA, 41:59

Men T20 (Intellectual Impairment) – Thomas Cantara, USA, 34:50 (Event Record)

Men T35-T38 (Coordination Impairment) – Daniel Buckelew, USA, 50:01 (Event Record)

Men T45-T47 (Upper-limb Impairment) – Atsbha Gebremeskel, ETH, 40:57

Men T42-T44/T61-T64 (Lower limb Impairment) -- Brian Reynolds, USA, 38:40 (Pending World Record)

Women T11/12/13 (Vision Impairment) – Jennifer Herring, USA, 48:36

Women T35-T38 (Coordination Impairment) -- Cristina Burbach, USA, 58:38

Women T45-T47 (Upper limb Impairment) – Lisa Maciel, USA, 50:24 (Event Record)

Women T42-T44/T61-T64 (Lower limb Impairment) – Tatsiana Khvitsko-Trimborn, BLR, 50:08

 

TEAM BRIGHAM: Brigham and Women's Hospital, the Boston 10K’s presenting sponsor and exclusive fundraising partner, fielded a team of 600 runners who raised $350,000. Since 2016, more than 2,500 runners and 180 teams have raised $1.6 million to fuel life-giving breakthroughs at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Learn more and register on our website.

 

 

RACE NOTES: Citizens of 97 countries, residents of 40 U.S. states (plus Washington, D.C.), and 8,708 athletes from Massachusetts were registered for the Boston 10K. The youngest entrant is 12 while the oldest entrant is 83 years old.

 

This year’s race featured an updated Boston 10K course which included scenic views of the Charles River and finished at Boston Common. Crossing both the Longfellow and Mass. Ave bridges, and running alongside the Charles River and Memorial Drive, runners experienced 6.2-miles of fun. In the final mile, runners went over the Boston Marathon finish line on Boylston Street before proceeding to the Boston 10K finish on Charles Street adjacent to Boston Common. 

 

RESULTS & SPLITS: Leaderboards and searchable results are available athttps://bstnmar.org/25Boston10KResults while leader mile splits are available athttps://bstnmar.org/25Boston10KSplits. A special media leaderboard and results link is available at https://bstnmar.org/2510KTopResults.

 

NEXT EVENT: The next community event on the B.A.A. calendar is the B.A.A. Neighborhood Fitness Series presented by Boston Children’s Hospital on Saturday, July 19 in Franklin Park. This free, fun event will feature a 1 and 2 mile run/walk. Pre-registration is available now at baa.org.

 

The next mass-participatory event on the B.A.A. racing calendar is the Boston Half presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund on Sunday, November 9. General Registration will open July 7, while Boston 10K finishers have the opportunity to register beginning today within the B.A.A.’s online platform Athletes’ Village.

 

ABOUT THE BOSTON ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (B.A.A.) 

 

Established in 1887, the Boston Athletic Association is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running. The B.A.A. manages the Boston Marathon, and supports comprehensive charity, youth, and year-round programming. The economic impact of the 2024 Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America produced $509 million in state and local economic activity. The 129th Boston Marathon took place on Monday, April 21, 2025, while the 130^th Boston Marathon presented by Bank of America will be held on Monday, April 20, 2026.  

 

The Boston Marathon is part of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, along with international marathons in Tokyo, London, Sydney, Berlin, Chicago, and New York City. For more information on the B.A.A., please visit www.baa.org.

麻州長提醒民眾注意本年度第一波熱浪來襲

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Shares Hot Weather Safety Tips for First Heat Wave of the Year 

BOSTON – Due to the extreme heat expected through Tuesday, the Healey-Driscoll Administration urges Massachusetts residents and visitors to plan ahead and practice extreme heat safety. 

The National Weather Service has issued an Extreme Heat Warning for most of the state through Tuesday evening. Heat indices between the mid-90's through 100 degrees are expected through Tuesday and hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat-related illnesses to occur. 

“Given that this is our first heat wave of the year, we want to ensure Massachusetts residents take action to stay safe – including keeping hydrated, limiting strenuous activity and finding a cool place to stay indoors if possible,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Hot weather can sneak up on us, especially after a cool and rainy spring, but planning ahead is essential. We encourage people to cool off at DCR’s waterfronts, beaches and splash decks, or check out the cooling centers near where you live.” 

To reduce the risks of heat-related illness including heat stroke and heat exhaustion, residents should:  

·                Minimize time spent outdoors, especially during the hottest parts of the day.  

·                Stay hydrated by drinking lots of cool water every 15-20 minutes and avoiding alcoholic or caffeinated beverages. Do not leave pets outside for extended periods of time. 

·                Seek out air-conditioned buildings like libraries and community centers to spend time in. Call 2-1-1 to find locations of cooling centers or shelters near you.  

·                Never leave children or pets in the car alone – the temperatures will rise to unhealthy levels within minutes.  

·                Check in on neighbors who may need assistance making a plan, including the homebound, elderly, or disabled.    

·                Dress for the heat by wearing a hat, light-colored, loose fitting, and breathable clothing 

·                As always, call 9-1-1 in an emergency.  

“With extreme heat impacting much of the Commonwealth, we urge all residents to take this warning seriously. If you can, stay indoors in air-conditioned spaces, limit strenuous activity, and avoid prolonged exposure to the sun. For those who must be outside, stay hydrated, take frequent breaks in the shade, and wear lightweight clothing.” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Director Dawn Brantley. “Extreme heat can be dangerous - even deadly - especially for older adults, young children, people with chronic medical conditions, and individuals without access to cooling or shelter. If you fall into one of these higher-risk groups, or care for someone who does, it is especially important to take precautions: stay cool, stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if you begin experiencing signs of heat-related illness. Don’t underestimate how quickly high temperatures can affect your health.” 

"With the extreme heat hitting Massachusetts this week, we want to remind our residents and visitors that they can head to a DCR beach, pool or spray deck near them to cool down,” said DCR Commissioner Brian Arrigo. “DCR pool and waterfront safety staff will be taking extra precautions to watch out for our visitors and each other during this oppressive heat and humidity.” 

Residents and visitors can cool off at the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s (DCR) 79 waterfronts, 24 swimming pools, and 20 spray decks across the state. Lifeguards are on duty seven days a week at agency-managed swimming pools and 31 guarded waterfronts. For a list of DCR’s saltwater ocean beaches visit here, for the freshwater inland beaches visit here, and for a list of beaches that are accessible to people of all abilities visit here. All DCR swimming pools have chair lifts to provide access to the water. Several pools have ramps into the water or offer zero-depth entry and select pools and spray decks also have beach wheelchairs for use.    

Check DCR’s Park Alerts site for the most up-to-date information on any DCR facility closures or changes in park hours.  

MBTA riders should consult the Extreme Weather guide, subscribe to T-Alerts and follow @MBTA and @MBTA_CR on social media for updates on weather-related service impacts and call the customer support line at 617-222-3200 with any concerns. 

Residents working outdoors should remember these words: “Water. Rest. Shade.” Additional resources at OSHA’s Heat Illness Prevention, DLS’s MASSsafetyWorks! resources and DIA’s The Workplace Safety Grant.Massachusetts residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor weather forecasts for the most up-to-date information. For the latest updates, follow the National Weather Service Boston/Norton and MEMA on Facebook and X, formerly Twitter.

波士頓市宣佈熱浪來襲 6/22-24 開放BCYF冷卻中心

 MAYOR WU DECLARES HEAT EMERGENCY JUNE 22 THROUGH JUNE 24 AND OPENS BCYF COOLING CENTERS TO ALL RESIDENTS  

BOSTON - Saturday, June 21, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today issued a heat emergency for the City of Boston beginning tomorrow, Sunday, June 22 through Tuesday, June 24 due to the upcoming weather forecasts. Temperatures are forecasted to be in the mid 90’s with ‘feels like’ temperatures of up to 100 degrees. The City of Boston heat emergency threshold is 2 days or more of 95 degrees heat index, sustained for 2 or more hours per day. 

“With this heat emergency coming as we kick off the summer season, we ask our community members to please take care and prepare accordingly for the extreme heat,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “City staff are working to ensure that all residents can have a safe and enjoyable summer. Be sure to stay hydrated, take breaks from working outside and regularly check in on neighbors, friends, and family.”

“Extreme heat can pose significant health risks to individuals,” said Chief Adrian Jordan, Chief of Emergency Preparedness. “It is important that we all take the necessary steps to protect ourselves and look out for our neighbors.”

The City of Boston is taking critical immediate action to provide heat relief, including short-term, actionable steps toward relief during heat waves. The City of Boston has been engaging in a variety of projects to support extreme heat mitigation and improved health for residents. Anyone, regardless of their medical conditions, can feel the impacts of extreme heat. During a heat wave, Boston Emergency Medical Services typically experience an 10-15% increase in calls to 9-1-1 for people of all ages. 

Splash pads are open at various parks and playgrounds throughout the city. Several city pools are also available for swimming. Find splash pad locations, and pool locations and operating hours at Boston.gov/splash. Learn more about how to create a membership and register for a swim session at Boston.gov/BCYF-registration. Select Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers are open as Cooling Centers. On Sunday, a list of available centers can be found at Boston.gov/Heat. All centers will be available Monday and Tuesday during their normal operating hours.

Boston Public Library locations are also available for residents to seek relief from the heat. Patrons are always welcome to participate in BPL’s summer programming for kids, teens, and adults.

Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on X. Residents can sign up for AlertBoston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email, or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available City services.

The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips:

• Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time.
• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine.
• Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans. More tips for cooling down at home can be found here.
• If you can’t avoid being outside, it’s critical to take breaks in the shade, drink water constantly — even if you’re not thirsty — and watch for warning signs like dizziness, nausea, or confusion.
• Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 9-1-1 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the U.S. and can exacerbate underlying illnesses.
• Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing including long sleeve shirts and hats.
• If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six. 
• Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications.
• If you are heading to a beach, lake, or pool to beat the heat, swim where lifeguards are present. Always watch children near the water and make sure they’re wearing a U.S. Coast Guard approved life jacket.
• Please call or check on neighbors, especially older adults and people with disabilities.
• Please keep pets indoors, hydrated, and cool as asphalt and ground conditions are significantly hotter and unsafe during heat.

Helping Individuals Experiencing Homelessness:

• If you notice individuals who seem unable to move or disoriented, or families living in vehicles, please ask them if they need help and call 9-1-1 immediately.
• The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St (men’s shelter) and 794 Massachusetts Ave (women’s shelter). These facilities are air conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Amnesty will be called at temperatures of 90 degrees or above, so those with non-violent restrictions can access shelter out of the heat.
• The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat.
• Street outreach teams providing recovery services remain operating as normal during summertime weather. Outreach teams are providing water on outreach routes.

Playground Safety:  

• Shoes should be worn outdoors, including playgrounds and turf athletic fields, as surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even on splash pads and spray decks.

Outdoor Fires and Grilling:

• No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires.
• Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave grills unattended. Dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out.
• Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home.
• Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.

The City of Boston’s work is guided by the Heat Resilience Solutions for Bostonframework to prepare for hotter summers and more intense heat events. The Heat Plan presents 26 strategies that will help build a more just, equitable, and resilient Boston. Visit boston.gov/heat regularly to learn more about the latest strategies for staying cool and to access the most up-to-date resources available. Each individual, family, and community’s plan may look different: from accessing one of Boston’s public pools or parks, or requesting a pop-up cooling kit for use at an outdoor event. You can read more about the strategies to stay cool this summer in the Summer Cooling Guide. In all extreme heat situations, please look out for your community, specifically heat-sensitive residents like elders, children, or unhoused people. 

麻州是全美第一個把7月4日定為公共假日的州 MA250今夏活動多

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 一年一度的7月4日美國國慶即將來到，麻州250這個為麻州籌備，要在2026年慶祝美國建國250週年的組織提醒人們，麻州是全美第一州，把7月4日訂為正式公眾假日，並大肆慶祝，麻州在歷史中有著不可小覷的美國第一地位。

美國的「獨立宣言」是1776年簽署的，但那時美國的獨立戰爭還一直持續著。到1781年時，麻州議會率先把7月4日定為公共假日，使麻州成為了全美第一個州，合法紀念美國獨立週年紀念日。這行動彰顯了麻州在獨立戰爭的最終勝利還未來到之際，已堅信並認定，會一個支持民主自由的新國家誕生。

麻州是波士頓大屠殺慘案、波士頓茶黨事件，以及勒星頓 （Lexington）、康可(Concord)、雀喜溪(Chelsea Creek)、邦克丘 (Bunker Hill)戰役等一系列美國革命關鍵事件的發生地，有著約翰·亞當斯（John Adams）、塞繆爾·亞當斯(Samuel Adams)、保羅·里維爾(Paul Revere)和阿比蓋爾·亞當斯(Abigail Adams)等為自由奔走呼號的關鍵人物，也都來自麻州。

1781年訂定7月4日定為公共假日之後，麻州各地開始以遊行、公開宣讀《獨立宣言》和各種活動來慶祝7月4日，其中波士頓的年度宣讀「獨立宣言」更成為著名的傳統。

2025年七月四日，麻州的主要慶祝活動包括：

• 波士頓大眾管弦樂團煙花匯演（Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular）： 這場標誌性的免費音樂會將在艾斯普拉納德（Esplanade）的哈奇露天音樂廳（Hatch Memorial Shell）舉行，最後以查爾斯河上空璀璨的煙花匯演達到高潮。大門於中午開放，音樂會於晚上7點開始，煙花約於晚上9點40分燃放。
• 波士頓港灣節（Boston Harborfest）： 從7月2日開始，一直持續到7月4日，這個節慶活動將在波士頓各個標誌性地標舉辦數百場適合家庭參與的活動。活動內容包括隆重的剪綵儀式、歷史重演、現場音樂表演，以及7月2日在波士頓港上空舉行的煙花匯演。傳統的《獨立宣言》朗讀活動也將如期舉行。
• 普利茅斯七月四日慶典（Plymouth 4th of July Celebration）： 美國的“故鄉”（America's Hometown）將舉辦一場難忘的慶典日，包括5公里賽跑、上午9點從科爾代奇公園（Cordage Park）出發的盛大遊行、晚上7點30分在DCR朝聖者紀念公園（DCR Pilgrim Memorial State Park）舉行的普利茅斯愛樂樂團免費海濱音樂會，以及晚上9點15分左右在普利茅斯港上空的盛大煙花匯演。
• 劍橋美國建軍250週年紀念活動： 除了波士頓大眾管弦樂團和港灣節的核心活動外，鄰近的劍橋市也將紀念喬治·華盛頓將軍接管大陸軍250週年（7月3日在劍橋廣場）。
• 各城鎮慶祝活動： 麻薩諸塞州許多城鎮，如羅爾（Lowell）、牛頓（Newton）、塞冷（Salem）和弗里敦（Freetown），也將舉辦各自的遊行、音樂會和煙花匯演，展現豐富的當地傳統。例如，塞勒姆將提供聚焦其在革命中獨特作用的導覽，牛頓則將舉辦兒童早晨活動，包括愛國服裝遊行。

松街客棧近百人培訓畢業 吳弭市長出席鼓勵

吳弭市長為松街客棧就業培訓班畢業生授證。（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 近百名松街客棧 （Pine Street Inn）就業培訓班學員，今（20）日從波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）手中接過畢業證書，為他們即將告別流離失所，在這不確定年代中，對未來可以有希望，感到興奮、欣喜。

代表畢業生致詞的Efrain感謝松街客棧給了他一個新的人生。（周菊子攝）

                  松街客棧是個總部設在波士頓市南端（South End），創立於1969年的非牟利機構，如今在麻州波士頓、布魯克蘭鎮等39個地點，經營管理1100多個住宅單位，以及服務據點，每日接待2000多人，每年大約服務9000人。

                  為了幫助無家可歸者，在社會中重新站穩腳步，松街客棧早從1900年代就開始辦理就業培訓服務。歷經多年發展，松街客棧的就業培訓，在食品服務業之外，還增加了家政過渡就業計劃（Housekeeping Transitional Employment Program），創立「我備餐就業培訓計劃（iCater job training program

波士頓市長吳弭鼓勵松街客棧畢業生。（周菊子攝）

）」這個品牌，培訓課程也從早期的10星期課程，漸漸演進成為24週的有薪培訓，為參加培訓的人提供基本的制定預算，信用管理等金融知識，現代化的使用電腦，電郵，上網等搜尋工作技能，教他們工作場所禮儀，準時，團隊精神等專業態度，還每8週辦一次招生計劃。

                  如今，松街客棧每年約為130人提供就業培訓。今日有大約93人戴上方帽，穿上長袍，參加了畢業典禮。其中的Ｍadgala還獲得Robert Heard獎學金。代表畢業生致詞的Efrain

Madgala榮獲Robert Heard獎學金。（周菊子攝）

坦言自己因為精神狀態問題，一度陷入流浪漢行列，松街客棧的培訓項目不但救了他，還讓他順利進入自己一直以來想要進入的餐飲業。

松街客棧送出一件小Ｔ恤，感謝吳弭市長出席。（周菊子攝）

                  松街客棧的董事長暨執行主任Lyndia Downie做開場講話後，吳弭市長發表大約10分鐘的鼓勵談話，頒發畢業證書，獎學金，以及「好鄰居獎」給波士頓租戶聯盟（Boston Tenant Coaltion）的Kathy Brown，麻州眾議員 Sam Montano，‘最後再由松街客棧董事會主席Lorn Davis做總結，畢業生和出席嘉賓享用“麵粉烘培店及餐廳（Flour Bakery + Café）”提供的餐點，才為這場畢業典禮劃下句點。

                  根據多個聯邦及州，市政府的統計數據，麻州2024年的無家可歸者人數激增，從17,975人增至29,360人。為其中大約三分之一人服務的松街客棧，今年3月和“社區建造者（The Community Builders）”合作，剪綵啟用了在牙買加平原(Jamaica Plain)的”The Lyndia”，這棟有202戶單位，140個保留給脫離無家可歸狀態者的可負擔樓宇，固然是個令人高興的發展，但麻州無家可歸者增長的幅度之大，排名已躍升至全美第七，令人憂慮

松街客棧就業培訓班畢業禮有逾百人出席。（周菊子攝）