波士頓慈濟辦講座強調親子教育重陪伴 學中文之餘要修品德

波士頓慈濟在僑教中心辦親子教育講座。（周菊子攝）

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿（左一）和慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳（右一）
感謝波士頓僑教中心主任高家富（中）和郭美芳（右二），王昭文（左二）
遠道來分享。（周菊子攝）

        （Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導）慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處8月24日舉辦講座，針對父母談親子教育的「相伴成長」，以中文學校老師為目標，闡述「教之以禮、育之以德」，向社區宣揚慈濟教育理念，推廣幸福校園。

        慈濟基金會這次的海外教育巡迴演講，由宗教處，海外事務室歐美非會務組，教聯會合作，派出專長幼兒教育，心理輔導，都曾獲優良教師獎，有30多年教學經驗的的王昭文，郭美芳來到麻州，新澤西州，紐約州分享。

         波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿向波士頓僑教中心主任高家富感謝僑委會在教育資源等各方面的支持之際指出，這次借用僑教中心場地舉辦「親子教育」講座，旨在宣揚“老師心，父母心，菩薩心”的慈濟教育理念。

慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳說明，慈濟希望把人文教育推進社區之中。（周菊子攝）

       慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳也說明，慈濟的教育注重人文，講究播下愛的種子，這次選擇在僑教中心辦「親子教育」講座，在慈濟牛頓市會所辦「教之以禮，育之以德」講座，也是希望接觸到更多不同人群，把愛與善的種子，播進社區，讓慈濟的幸福校園深入各人家庭，營造共善社區。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富介紹僑委會的六大訊息平台。（周菊子攝）

慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳（又起）和王昭文，郭美芳等2位老師聆聽提問。
（周菊子攝）

         郭美芳的講談主題是「陪伴….看見愛和希望」。她先請出席者一起玩一個“心口合一”的遊戲，接著以自己當年初為人母，心情惶恐，在身為母親，又是老師，妻子，父母的兒女等多重身份中，感受很多壓力為例，闡述她因為當慈濟志工，接觸到證嚴上人所說的“以菩薩的智慧教自己的孩子，以媽媽的愛心教別人的孩子”，了解到父母行為和子女感受之間的關係。她還舉例説父母有過度關注的“直升機”，為子女剷除一切障礙的“割草機”，了解並與子女保持良好互動的“參與型”等幾種類型，家長們不妨先覺察一下自己屬於哪種類型，再來思考如何改善親子關係。

慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳介紹慈濟出版的“有禮真好”繪本。（周菊子攝）

        郭美芳以心理學家Erich Fromm的話，“母愛的最困難處，不是撫養小孩子長大，而是協助孩子獨立出去”，以及人的頭腦有左腦管語言，邏輯，秩序，右腦管非語言，經驗，情感等人體結構為例，解釋人的情緒，需要有出口（流動），才能夠幫助小孩子生成自己應對狀況的力量。

         她還請出席者練習“好奇”的開放態度，以“不說道理，不給答案，不給建議”的方式和孩子溝通，並和孩子眼神交流，呼喚名字，互動，給孩子抒發情緒的窗口，在並不放任的原則中，以同理心信任孩子的做個孩子的“神隊友”。

出席活動者玩默契遊戲。（周菊子攝）

         王昭文的講談主題是「散播愛和善的希望種子」。她也請出席者以“感恩”，“尊重”，“愛”等3種手語，先玩一場默契大考驗的破冰遊戲。再以她個人在大家庭長大，同時享有爺爺、奶奶與父母的雙重疼愛，因而從小就學會分享的快樂，知道“施比受有福”為例，提醒人要先學會愛自己，照顧好個人身心，明白負面情緒對孩子的影響。她還以Alfred Adler

慈濟「親子教育」活動現場。（周菊子攝）

這位家庭心理學家的說法，認為孩子在家中的“出生順序”，會對性格產生影響，而且什麼事都有一體兩面，要懂得正向引導，適性發展。

慈濟紐約合心區執行長蘇煜升為品德教育講座開場。（周菊子攝）

    當天下午，波士頓慈濟還在牛頓市會所舉辦了一場「教之以禮、育之以德」講座。在慈濟宗教處精實企劃室文教推展組曹芹甄，海外事務室歐美非會務組江仙竺之外，慈濟全球總督導黃思賢，慈濟美國總會執行長李瓊薰，慈濟紐約合心區執行長蘇煜升，特地趕到波士頓慈濟牛頓會所探視。

         波士頓僑教中心主任高家富出借場地，支援人力，介紹「連結台灣，擁抱世界」的僑委會6大訊息傳播平台。（訂正錯字版）

慈濟全球總督導黃思賢（右起）和波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿

，陳裕逢等人茶敘。（周菊子攝）

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿（右二）接待慈濟美國總會執行長李瓊薰（右三）
等人到會。（周菊子攝）

Governor Healey Requests President Trump Lower Flags in Observance of International Overdose Awareness Day

  Governor Healey Requests President Trump Lower Flags in Observance of International Overdose Awareness Day 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey has requested that President Trump lower flags to half-staff on August 31, 2025, in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day and in remembrance of the millions of American lives lost to overdoses.  

“Far too many families have been devastated by overdoses, both here in Massachusetts and across the country,” said Governor Healey. “Lowering the United States and Massachusetts flags will serve as an important reminder for all of us to take time on this day to honor the memories of those who have lost their lives to overdoses and re-commit ourselves to doing the important work of combatting substance use disorder. We cannot afford to look away. I appreciate the President’s careful consideration of our request, and I’m grateful for the advocates who are leading this fight every day.” 

More than one million Americans have lost their lives to overdose since 1999, and the devastating consequences of the overdose crisis can be seen in every community across the country. In the past decade, more than 20,000 people have died from overdoses in Massachusetts alone. 

Under Governor Healey, Massachusetts has made important progress to increase access to prevention, treatment and recovery programs to combat substance use disorder and reduce overdoses. As a result, opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts decreased by 36.3 percent in 2024, falling to the lowest levels since 2013.  

But more work remains to be done to save lives. Last year, in partnership with the Legislature, Governor Healey signed a bill that makes treatment and recovery support more affordable and accessible for residents living with substance use disorder. The legislation expanded access to lifesaving opioid reversal medications like naloxone and ensures that they are covered by health insurance.  

August 31 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those who have lost their lives to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms. 

Governor Healey Issues Statement on Trump’s Turmoil at the CDC

 Governor Healey Issues Statement on Trump’s Turmoil at the CDC  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s destructive actions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including most recently firing CDC Director Susan Monarez and restricting access to COVID-19 vaccines. 

“What Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy are doing at the CDC is wrong and will cost people’s lives – firing the CDC Director, restricting access to lifesaving vaccines, and cutting billions in public health funding,” said Governor Healey. “Here in Massachusetts, we have the best health care in the world, and we invest in public health. We’re going to make sure that people get the vaccines they need – no matter what the Trump Administration does.”

Governor Healey has taken several steps in recent months to ensure that vaccines remain available in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, she proposed giving the state Department of Public Health (DPH) authority to set independent standards for vaccine recommendations rather than rely on the federal government’s recommendations. Massachusetts is also leading a bipartisan coalition of states to coordinate on vaccine recommendations. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND SUPERINTENDENT MARY SKIPPER WILL ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND SUPERINTENDENT MARY SKIPPER WILL ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

BPS will adopt the recommendations in Mintz Attorney Natashia Tidwell’s independent review of safety measures under the Boston Public Schools contract with Transdev, commissioned following the death of kindergartener Lens A. Joseph

BOSTON - Thursday, August 27, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Mary Skipper today shared the independent report by Mintz Attorney Natashia Tidwell following her review of safety policies and performance under the contracts with Transdev, and announced the City and BPS will adopt all of the report’s recommendations and will be implementing them as quickly as possible. The decision to initiate an independent review followed the tragic death of Lens A. Joseph, a kindergartener who was struck and killed by his school bus on Monday, April 28. While this review examines BPS and Transdev systems, it was not an investigation of the tragic events of April 28. There is a separate and ongoing investigation into the incident led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

“On behalf of the entire City and BPS, I want to express my profound condolences to Lens’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him. There are no words that can capture the pain of losing a child. We are determined to make sure that a tragedy like this never happens again,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I want to thank Attorney Tidwell and her team for their diligent work over these past three months. The City and BPS have reviewed the final report, and we will be adopting all of the report’s recommendations to strengthen our system to ensure the safety of every child who begins and ends their day on a BPS school bus.”

“The passing of Lens Joseph was a heartbreaking tragedy that will have an everlasting impact on our school community and city,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “Our thoughts remain with Lens’ family, friends, teachers, and all who loved him. Because the safety of our students is our highest priority, the Mayor and I requested the independent review to ensure that we are taking every measure possible to provide the safest experience for our students and families. We have begun taking steps with Transdev and within our own operations to strengthen safety policies, training, and oversight. Our commitment remains to act decisively on these recommendations and to ensure the highest standards of safety for the more than 20,000 Boston students who rely on school transportation every day.”

Several of the recommendations are consistent with improvements already underway as BPS prepares for the first day of school next week. After April 28, BPS Transportation made immediate changes to improve safety, and those changes will be permanent. 

• BPS Transportation and Transdev leadership have added a daily meeting with Transdev safety leads, and the leadership teams collectively review all accidents or safety incidents from the prior day and the follow-up steps being taken. 
• BPS Transportation leadership are now attending all Accident Review Committee meetings with Transdev and the bus drivers union. 
• BPS worked with Transdev to enhance the training that all drivers receive. Four months ago, Transdev introduced a new Professional Operator Development Program ( PODP) to supplement required training for school bus drivers, and it is now being fully implemented. BPS worked with Transdev to increase the number of driver trainers Transdev has in Boston, to accelerate the implementation of the PODP training for all Boston school bus drivers. All Boston school bus drivers are fully credentialed and have received all required training to be driving a school bus in Massachusetts. 

BPS’s implementation of the Tidwell Report recommendations will further strengthen safety provisions established under the new vendor contract with Transdev, which took effect on July 1, 2023. The new contract introduced performance incentives and liquidated damages for non-performance that did not exist in the prior contract. The new contract also added extensive reporting requirements and oversight mechanisms. BPS Transportation’s active management of Transdev has helped achieve meaningful, sustained improvements in on-time performance and operations, which have benefited our students and families.

Tidwell Report Recommendations that BPS will adopt:

• BPS Transportation will bolster existing accountability structures with increased oversight and auditing of Transdev’s licensing and compliance functions. This work has already begun. In the immediate aftermath of the April 28th accident, Transdev conducted an audit of all drivers and confirmed that all drivers on the road had valid and up-to-date licenses and certifications. This summer, as an additional check, Transdev has required all drivers to bring in a hard copy of their credentials. No driver will be allowed to drive this school year until they fulfill that requirement, even if Transdev already has a copy of their valid credentials on file. 
• BPS will also be requiring Transdev to provide a full, updated driver roster with each driver’s credentials prior to the start of the school year, which will allow BPS to conduct additional checks to monitor compliance—including paper reviews and increased auditing of driver files and credentials during unannounced visits to bus yards. 
• BPS will strengthen driver training by adopting the recommendation to increase the number of safety trainers. The new contract required Transdev to more than double the number of safety trainers for drivers from four to 11. This summer, BPS has increased the number of safety trainers from 11 to 15 full-time trainers, and will work with Transdev to maintain that number moving forward. BPS will also closely study whether any additional staffing increases are warranted.
• The Tidwell Report recommendations also highlighted opportunities to strengthen safety provisions in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with drivers, parts of which are decades old. BPS will closely review the recommendations regarding CBA amendments to improve student safety, and will work with Transdev and The Boston School Bus Drivers’ Union to act on those recommendations.

BPS also fully supports the recommendations to streamline Transdev’s electronic record-keeping. BPS will work with Transdev to make it easier to access and update driver files, and will increase ongoing auditing to ensure compliance. The district is pleased that as preparations advance for the first day of school, every role on the Transdev safety team in Boston is staffed. BPS Transportation will work closely with Transdev to immediately address any vacancies with qualified safety professionals.

Boston Public Schools is committed to providing safe, reliable, and on-time transportation for the more than 20,000 students who ride the school bus every day. The “Driving Change: April 2025 Transportation Progress 2022-2025” report documented the on-time performance improvements that have benefited students in recent years, as well as plans for continued, sustainable system improvements. As students prepare to return to the classroom next week, families are encouraged to download the Zum app to view their bus assignment, track their student’s rides, and receive real-time notifications when their student is picked up and dropped off. Families are encouraged to reach out to the BPS Transportation Hotline, at 617-635-9520, with any questions about their student’s transportation.

紀念紫心勳章軍人的Yarmouth 紀念大橋上國旗2度遭人撕損 麻州長Healey譴責促民眾協助調查

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 2個月來第2次，在西亞矛斯路（West Yarmouth）紀念橋上，表揚獲頒紫心勳章下士William Joseph Donovan Jr.的美國國旗，被人撕毀了。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（27）日發文譴責。

            亞茅斯警察是在週一清早接獲舉報，說是William Joseph Donovan Jr.下士紀念橋上，有數面美國國旗又被人損壞了。那些國旗是William Joseph Donovan Jr.下士的父親，上週五才掛上去的，以取代7月時被人破壞了的旗幟。

            抵達現場的一名警察發現，有8面國旗被人從圍籬上拔了下來。旗幟的索環已被扯掉，而且至少有三面旗幟的接縫處被撕開。亞茅斯警方正積極調查，並促請任何知情人士和亞茅斯警察局的警官 Nicholas Giammarco聯絡，508-775-0445 x2136，ngiammarco@yarmouth.ma.us。

            警方表示，William Joseph Donovan Jr.下士是在海軍陸戰隊的阿富汗戰爭「持久自由行動」中受傷，獲得兩枚紫心勳章。麻州政府為此頒發嘉獎令，並把橫跨6號公路這座大橋，冠上他的名字。2015年9月，時年27歲的他在一宗摩托車交通意外中死亡。

麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今日發文表示，“破壞美國國旗是對所有為保衛國旗而戰的人的侮辱，這種行為是絕對不能容忍的。William Joseph Donovan Jr.是一位英雄，我的心與他的親人同在。我將永遠與我們的退伍軍人及其家人站在一起”。

奚莉州長已指示麻州警察和亞茅斯警察局密切合作，調查這事，包括加強監控，以防止將來再次發生類似犯罪事件。麻州政府也敦促任何知曉這起破壞行為的人聯繫雅茅斯警察局或馬薩諸塞州警察局。”

波士頓至德三德宗親辦籌款會 支持波士頓市長吳弭競選連任

周麗桃（右）請吳弭市長（左）發言。（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)波士頓市居民將在9月9日的初選中投票，決定11月4日的大選，將由哪2名候選人對決。紐英崙至德三德公所為支持波士頓市在位市長吳弭（Michelle Wu），日前特地在波士頓龍鳳酒樓二樓辦籌款會，為宗親拉票。

至德三德公所支持宗親吳弭市長競選連任。（周菊子攝）

                  吳弭市長透露，如果一切順利，11月後她能連任，波士頓市府打算在市府以外地方設辦公室，以便和社區有更親近的聯繫。他們正在和波士頓華埠夏利臣街33號，以前是裁縫工人工會所在地的「在這兒團結（United Here）」本地分部洽談租約。

黃周麗桃（左），黃國麟（又）夫婦要擊宗親，支持吳弭市長競選連任。
（周菊子攝）

                  至德三德公所是由吳、周、蔡，翁，曹這5個姓氏組成的宗親公所，在波士頓歷史悠久，由每個姓氏各派一名代表擔任主席的主席團人選，這些年來都是吳皓，周麗桃，翁宇才與曹品慈。這次的籌款會主委團隊，除了前述幾位主席，還增加了Jack Ng，和近年來在社區中頗為活躍，加入了波士頓華埠獅子會的周伯堅。

林志琰（前左二）等人應邀出席籌款會。（周菊子攝）

                  在籌款會開場時，周麗桃稱讚吳弭是至德三德公所最出色，最引以為傲的女兒。周樹昂說，吳弭市長自上任以來就把可負擔住宅當作重要政策之一，支持紐英崙中華公所建成有85戶的博愛樓之後，將繼續在喜露街50號中國超市那兒再建117戶住宅。亞美社區發展協會（ACDC）位於R1地段的樓宇，也即將破土動工。吳弭市長還支持建圖書館，捍衛波士頓市的庇護城市地位，在國會作證時，誓言保護移民的基本權益，要讓波士頓市成為每一個人的家。

                  周樹昂還細數吳弭從政以來打破的各項歷史紀錄，包括當選為波士頓市第一位亞裔女性市議員，最年輕市議會議長，以及第一位亞裔、女性市長等。吳弭還是波士頓市第一位在任內產子的市議員和市長，第一位在辦公室擺放鋼琴，第一位彈鋼琴和波士頓管弦樂團，波士頓流行樂團合奏的市長。

來自台灣的陳彥麟，康麗雪，盧彥君，黃顗薏等人應周麗桃（左一）之邀，
也來支持波士頓市長吳弭（右三）競選連任。（周菊子攝）

            吳弭感謝至德三德公所宗親，以及社區大眾的支持，笑說她這天拿到了至德三德公所的宗親別針。

吳弭感慨的說，她父母當年來美，先踏進了芝加哥華埠，她家的故事和華裔社區的很多人都很相似，大家有著共同歷史，譬如她上過中文學校，母親在華埠圖書館工作過，她很小就得為父母做翻譯，面對過語言、文化障礙與歧視，後來她到哈佛上學，在舊龍鳳酒樓辦婚禮，過農曆年，以及生命中最快樂的日子，努力工作，為家族披荊斬棘的懷抱希望，夢想未來。

波士頓市長吳弭（中）透露，她的婚禮，當年就是在如今由梅佩凡（右）
和梅沛傑打理的龍鳳酒樓舉行的。（周菊子攝）

             移民們來到美國這個國家，不惜犧牲的辛苦奮鬥，都是懷抱希望，有著夢想，要讓後代能夠分享在美國的機會。

           吳弭說自己小時候，得為英語不流利的父母當翻譯，體會過語言及文化障礙，以及至少幾十年前，在美國中西部都還很盛行的歧視。她父母也從未想過女兒有天會從政，更想不到她會當市長，但在歷代開荒者的努力下，大家如今都是這個國家的一份子。

甄碧鳳（前右起），余文博，余寶愛等人都來支持吳弭競選連任。
（周菊子攝）

            她要為華埠而戰，要和所有的華埠先驅攜手，為每一個波士頓人所珍惜的城市而戰，要保護這個城市的安全，為華埠建圖書館，蓋可負擔住宅，實現大家的美國夢，還希望波士頓市成為美國最適合成家立業，有最清潔空氣，最優良水質，最環保，有最好工作機會的地方。

       當年曾在華人經濟發展協會為社區服務的許強（左），這天也特地出席
支持吳弭市長競選連任。（周菊子攝）

                她在位的這段時間，推出了免費逛博物館計劃，讓波士頓市的每一個小孩，都能在家長陪伴下免費參觀博物館，看藝術表演，波士頓是還設立了自行車道，為青少年提供免費的游泳課，藝術班，以及體育活動，老年人可以免費學編程，努力的要讓每一代波士頓人生活得充實，健康，快樂。

            吳弭提醒當天出席籌款會眾人，波士頓市今年選舉的初選投票日是9月9日，只剩不到2

包傳芳（前）讚賞吳弭從善如流。（周菊子攝）

星期，她非常需要大家的支持，幫助，因為在這次的波士頓市長選舉中，有一位候選人持有無限的資源，銀行戶頭裡的錢，數以億元計，而且已經為這次的選舉花了幾幾萬美元，發佈了負面攻擊性的廣告。在人們辛苦工作回到家後，看到這些廣告，可能會覺得政治怎麼這麼麻煩，那麼醜惡，就打算不參與市政府層次的選舉，不去投票了，想著等到選總統時再說，但他想要提醒人們，真正能做事，對人們日常生活最有影響的就是市級選舉，她需要大家站出來幫助她確保波士頓市是個不出賣的城市，不管面對什麼壓力，都會堅強地向前看。她希望大家9月9日投票給她，支持她繼續為波士頓市做更多事。

                  在當天的出席者中，1960年代來美，也是波士頓華埠社區中心（BCNC）包氏文藝中心幕後支持者的的包傳芳表示，吳弭能力強，口才好，還從善如流，簡化了波士頓市建築法令，假以時日，必有更大成就。

3rd CineFest Latino Boston starts from Sept. 24th to 28th

CineFest Latino Boston Returns for its 3rd Annual Festival Highlighting Latino Films September 24 – 28, 2025  

(Boston, MA – August 26, 2025) —  CineFest Latino Boston recently announced its third annual festival, which will take place September 24 – September 28, 2025. Following two years of growing success, the festival returns with a diverse lineup of narrative, documentary, and short features, filmmaker Q&A’s, and community-centered programming.

To kick off this year’s festival, CineFest will host a free community screening on Thursday, September 18 at Zumix in East Boston, featuring a series of shorts. The event is made possible by a grant from the Boston Cultural Council and is free and open to the public.

Comparsa (directed by local filmmakers Vickie Curtis & Doug Anderson, Documentary Feature, Guatemala/USA) will launch the festival on Wednesday, September 24 at the Coolidge Corner Theatre, followed by a Q&A with the filmmakers.

“Through cinema, we capture moments in time and often uncover deeper truths. This year, our mission is clear: we will not allow our stories to be erased. Instead, we aim to amplify them — stories that reflect the heart of our community. These are stories that unite, not divide. Stories of joy, resilience, hard work, deep love for culture, country, and family. Stories that show who we are. As storytellers, we are called to quietly and persistently document our realities. We are the keepers of our narratives, shaping how the future remembers us. No nos quedaremos callados…” - Founder & Executive Director Sabrina Avilés. 

For the first time, CineFest Latino Boston will present a family-friendly shorts program at the Boston Public Library’s Rabb Hall (Copley branch) on Saturday, September 27. The event is free and open to the public. The festival is proud to continue partnerships with Coolidge Corner Theatre, Museum of Fine Arts (MFA), ArtsEmerson at the Emerson Paramount Theatre, and the Boston Public Library. Audiences will again vote for their favorite films and Audience Awards will be provided to the winning films.

This year’s festival artwork features the mural deLIGHT by Boston- and Dominican-based artist Silvia López Chavez. Originally commissioned in 2020 and displayed at the Prudential Center, the piece radiates joy, creativity, and resilience. “deLIGHT is a celebration of the little things in life that bring joy and gives us hope when we need it the most. With so much happening out of our control right now, even the smallest act, a ray of light, a memory can lift us up…” says López Chavez.

Tickets for CineFest Latino Boston will go on sale in September starting at $15 for adults, while senior citizen and student tickets are discounted; please check specific venues for full pricing details.  Information about the full lineup and how to purchase tickets will be available at cinefestlatino.com. 

For more information on Cinefest Latino Boston, visit cinefestlatino.com 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Approves $75.6 Million in Health Insurance Rebates for Consumers and Small Businesses

Healey-Driscoll Administration Approves $75.6 Million in Health Insurance Rebates for Consumers and Small Businesses 

Rebate is $24 million higher than last year, will benefit 350,000 people 
 

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey’s Division of Insurance announced today that five of the state’s health insurance carriers will return $75.6 million to over 350,000 people covered by individual and small employer plans in Massachusetts under the state’s enforcement of the Massachusetts health laws.  

Massachusetts has the country's strictest Medical Loss Ratio (MLR) law, requiring the state’s health insurance carriers to spend at least 88 percent of premiums on health care services for individuals and small groups—setting a higher bar than the federal standard of 85 percent. When an insurance carrier's average MLR over a three-year period falls below the required threshold, it is required to rebate a portion of premium payments to individuals and small employers. The rebates reflect a portion of the difference between what the insurance carriers charged in premiums and what they actually spent on health care costs. The rebates may be paid directly as a check or credited on future premium payments.

“Massachusetts has strong laws in place to make sure that the money that you are paying for health care actually goes to covering high-quality services,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why we are able to approve over $75 million back to consumers and businesses. This is just the latest action we are taking to lower the cost of health care, housing and energy that people are facing every day.” 

“These rebates are more than just numbers—they’re dollars back in the pockets of families and small business owners across the Commonwealth,” said Division of Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “The enforcement of this law is part of our larger strategy of protecting Massachusetts health care consumers and encouraging insurers to be more efficient, reduce administrative overhead and focus on cost-effective ways to deliver care.”  

The exact amounts of the 2025 rebates depend on the carrier and the premium paid by individual and small group purchasers. The amount to be refunded this year is $24 million more than the 2024 rebate of $51.6 million.      

Today’s announcement comes closely on the heels of the Division of Insurance’s regulatory review of filed rates for 2026 that are projected to save Massachusetts consumers more than $77 million in future premium costs. Carriers will begin refunding amounts to policyholders starting in September. The five carriers providing rebates are Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Massachusetts HMO Blue, Inc., Fallon Community Health Plan, Inc., Harvard Pilgrim Health Care, Inc., Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Inc., and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. Together, these insurers are issuing rebates to over 350,000 people covered in individual and small employer plans in Massachusetts.  

第24屆羅德島州龍舟賽暨台灣日 21隊8月30日普塔基市見真章

羅德島州龍舟賽暨台灣日海報。（黑石谷旅遊局海報）

                   (Boston Orange 周菊子新英格蘭綜合報導) 第24屆羅德島州龍舟賽暨臺灣日即將於8月30日（週六）的早上8點半至下午3點半在羅德島州普塔基市的節慶碼頭舉行，將有21隊龍舟競逐，來自台灣的特技團表演，路加基金會等贊助的吃餃子比賽，還有會後派對。

                  羅德島華人協會和黑石谷旅遊協會合作創辦的“羅德島州龍舟賽暨臺灣日”，今年跨入第24年，儘管有靈魂人物之一的黑石谷旅遊協會會長Bob Bilington即將卸任，退休的變動，在駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處和波士頓僑教中心的積極支持中，僑委會仍將派出慶祝中華民國114年雙十國慶文化訪問團的特技團「台灣。未來藝境」到場表演，會場也將有手工藝展示，亞洲食品餐車。

                  路加慈善基金會等贊助的吃餃子比賽，優勝者將可贏得250元以上的獎金。

                     主辦單位今年安排的龍舟賽時程，預定為早上8點半，龍舟賽開場，9點15分，乳癌慈善支持者競賽，10 點河上獻花儀式，10點15分開幕式，11點15分起台灣特技團表演，12點45分起，吃餃子比賽，2點半起，頒獎儀式。

台灣特技團將在羅德島州龍舟賽暨台灣日中表演。

                     接著在下午4到6點，在幻影農場釀酒廠（Phantom Farms Brewing，30 Main St., Cumberland, RI），還有官方的會後派對，現場供應為這場龍舟賽特製的啤酒。

                  黑石谷旅遊局鼓勵當天參加活動的遊人，看完龍舟賽後，晚上7點，接著看球賽，到河對面的Centreville Bank Stadium看Rhode Island FC 和 Charleston Battery對決。

                  根據黑石谷旅遊局公佈在網站上的資料，今年將有21隊龍舟隊參賽，其中羅德島州有羅德島華人教會隊（CCCRI），精通武術隊（Mastery Martial Arts）等11隊，來自外州的，麻州有7隊，北大校友隊，Ocean Spray Wave Makers隊，Harvard Engine 9，波士頓暴風龍隊，龍娃隊（Dragon Divas），中山大學-中國藥科大學（SYSU-CPU）校友隊，清華大學校友組成的清青快船隊（Qingqing Fast Boat）等。另外有紐約2隊，新澤西州1隊。

                  自從組隊後年年參賽的波士頓台灣龍舟隊（BTBC），今年陰錯陽差，報名未果。來自BTBC的消息是主辦方在早鳥報名截止後，就關閉了報名，BTBC晚了一天，排在等候名單，之後雖透過各種管道努力爭取，卻都未能如願，目前情況是今年賽事可能向隅。

                  北大校友會日前在該會會刊中報喜，該會龍舟隊雅然號在2025年哈特福河畔龍舟賽暨亞洲節中，以2分26秒奪得俱樂部組總決賽第五名。清華校友會的清青快船隊7月19日在春田市龍舟賽中奪得季軍。

麻州長恭喜全球咖啡公司總部設在麻州伯靈頓鎮

（Boston Orange 編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey) 今（26)日發文，祝賀 Keurig Dr Pepper 收購 JDE Peet’s，並把全球咖啡公司（ Global Coffee Co ）的全球總部設在麻州伯靈頓鎮（Burlington)。

奚莉州長說，「恭喜Keuring Dr. Pepper為麻州的企業，員工和客戶再創佳績」，「收購JDE Peet's為這兩家成功的公司提供了一個激動人心的機會，讓他們能夠在麻州發展業務。在他們推出這將會為麻州增加新工作，創新，以及機會的全球性事業之際，我們期待和他們合作」。

 

Keuring Dr. Pepper是選擇在麻州開業，遷址，或成長的最新的一家公司。今年早前有樂高（LEGO)公司在波士頓設立其美國總部，支持了800個工作機會，百健（Biogen)計畫在劍橋市的肯德廣場（Kendall）設立新的全球總部和創新樞紐。中東最大，最完整的醫療中心-Sheba醫療中心，最近也宣布將在麻州設立他們在美國的第一個醫療護理新創加速器。

 

根據Keurig Dr Pepper和JDE Peet’s在麻州伯靈頓，德州FRISCO，以及阿姆斯特丹（Amsterdam)發出的消息，KDP和JDE達成大約184億美元現金的協議，並在2026年完成併購後，分成2家上市公司，一家是總部設在麻州伯靈頓鎮的全球咖啡公司（Global Coffee Co.)，合併KDP和JDE Peet's的國際咖啡和茶生意。一家是聚焦北美飲料生意的飲料公司（Beverage Co.)，包括諸如Dr. Pepper，Canada Dry，7UP，Snapple，以及正在增長中的能量飲料等受歡迎品牌。這家公司的總部將設在德州Frisco。

 

根據財富500的2023年資料，有至少17家大企業總部設在麻州，包括：

• American Tower (Boston)
• Analog Devices (Wilmington)
• Biogen (Cambridge)
• BJ's Wholesale Club (Marlborough)
• Boston Scientific (Marlborough)
• Eversource (Boston)
• General Electric (Boston)
• Global Partners (Waltham)
• Keurig Dr Pepper (Burlington)
• Liberty Mutual Insurance Group (Boston)
• MassMutual (Springfield)
• Moderna (Cambridge)
• State Street (Boston)
• The TJX Companies (Framingham)
• Thermo Fisher Scientific (Waltham)
• Vertex Pharmaceuticals (Boston)
• Wayfair (Boston)

其中的GE公司，在2024年時分裂成3家上市公司，分別為GE Vernova, GE Aerospace, and GE HealthCare。其中GE Vernova的總部設在麻州劍橋市，GE Aerospace則是在Evendale。

 

General Electric: In April 2024, GE completed its separation into three independent, publicly traded companies: GE Vernova, GE Aerospace, and GE HealthCare. While GE's corporate headquarters was formerly in Boston, the new companies have their own headquarters. GE Vernova's global headquarters is now in Cambridge, Massachusetts, while GE Aerospace's headquarters is in 俄亥俄州的Evendale,。

Governor Healey Congratulates Burlington-Based Keurig Dr Pepper for JDE Peet’s Acquisition    

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey is congratulating Keurig Dr Pepper for acquiring JDE Peet’s and basing the global headquarters for their Global Coffee Co in Burlington, Massachusetts. 

“Congratulations to Keurig Dr Pepper for brewing up another win for Massachusetts businesses, workers and customers,” said Governor Healey. “Their acquisition of JDE Peet is an exciting opportunity for these two successful companies to grow their business right here in Massachusetts. We look forward to working with them as they launch this global venture that will fuel new jobs, innovation and opportunity for our state and beyond.” 

Keurig Dr Pepper is the latest company to choose to start, relocate or grow in Massachusetts. Earlier this year, LEGO opened its new U.S. headquarters in Boston, supporting 800 jobs. Biogen is planning a new global headquarters and innovation hub in Kendall square. Sheba Medical Center, the largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, recently announced their decision to launch their first U.S. health care startup accelerator in Massachusetts.

Roche’s US subsidiary Genentech breaks ground on state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Carolina, USA

 Roche’s US subsidiary Genentech breaks ground on state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Carolina, USA

• The $700 million project is part of Roche’s $50 billion investment in US manufacturing, infrastructure and R&D.
• The facility will create more than 1,900 jobs and support the production of next-generation metabolic medicines, including treatments for obesity
• These investments underscore Roche’s commitment to innovative manufacturing, designed to bring life-changing treatments to patients faster

Basel, 25 August 2025 - Genentech, a member of the Roche Group (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY), today broke ground on its newest US manufacturing site in Holly Springs, North Carolina. This significant development marks the establishment of Genentech’s first manufacturing facility on the East Coast. The 65,000 m² facility is strategically designed to support production of the company’s future portfolio of metabolic medicines, including next-generation treatments for obesity.

Genentech’s initial investment in North Carolina is estimated at more than $700 million and is part of Roche’s $50 billion commitment to invest in US manufacturing infrastructure and R&D. The facility will create more than 1,900 jobs.

Roche Group CEO Thomas Schinecker:

“I am proud to break ground on our new state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in North Carolina, which will support the production of our next-generation obesity treatments. This $700 million project is an integral part of our broader $50 billion commitment to further expand our already significant presence in the United States, building on our 120-year legacy of driving innovation and creating jobs across America. I am excited about the impact this facility will have on delivering life-changing medicines to patients in the US and around the world.”

The company selected Holly Springs in North Carolina, a growing hub for biopharmaceutical innovation, for its highly skilled local workforce, strong academic institutions and proximity to other leading life science companies.

The new facility is expected to be completed and operational by 2029, incorporating modern biomanufacturing technologies, as well as advanced automation and digital capabilities. The 400,000 m² lot includes space for future expansion.

Designed for high-volume, efficient, and sustainable production, the new facility will increase Roche’s manufacturing capacity and enhance supply chain resilience. It complements Roche’s manufacturing sites around the world, including in Europe and Switzerland, to efficiently serve patients where they are.

About Roche
Founded in 1896 in Basel, Switzerland, as one of the first industrial manufacturers of branded medicines, Roche has grown into the world’s largest biotechnology company and the global leader in in-vitro diagnostics. The company pursues scientific excellence to discover and develop medicines and diagnostics for improving and saving the lives of people around the world. We are a pioneer in personalised healthcare and want to further transform how healthcare is delivered to have an even greater impact. To provide the best care for each person we partner with many stakeholders and combine our strengths in Diagnostics and Pharma with data insights from the clinical practice.

For over 125 years, sustainability has been an integral part of Roche’s business. As a science-driven company, our greatest contribution to society is developing innovative medicines and diagnostics that help people live healthier lives. Roche is committed to the Science Based Targets initiative and the Sustainable Markets Initiative to achieve net zero by 2045.

Genentech, in the United States, is a wholly owned member of the Roche Group. Roche is the majority shareholder in Chugai Pharmaceutical, Japan.

For more information, please visit www.roche.com.

All trademarks used or mentioned in this release are protected by law.