MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SPOOKY STREETS AND FALL & HARVEST GRANT

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES APPLICATIONS OPEN FOR SPOOKY STREETS AND FALL & HARVEST GRANT This funding builds on the Mayor’s efforts to create a fun and safe environment for kids and families to enjoy community with a mini-grant opportunity for neighborhoods to host Halloween and fall harvest block parties.

BOSTON — Friday, September 5, 2025 — Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Community Engagement Cabinet’s Office of Civic Organizing announced applications are now open for the Spooky Streets Grant Program. Residents and community groups who apply and get approved will receive a mini-grant for $300 to purchase items such as candy, pumpkins, decorations, and face paint, making it easier and more affordable for neighborhoods to host Halloween and Fall and Harvest block parties. This announcement builds on the Mayor’s work to make Boston a home for everyone and City efforts to create fun and safe programming for kids and families to build community and enjoy Boston neighborhoods. “I’m excited to bring back Boston’s very popular Spooky Streets program, which has helped families and neighborhoods safely celebrate Halloween and fall with their friends and community through lively block parties,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I look forward to seeing the creativity of our residents shine through their costumes and decorations this fall!” This summer, the Mayor’s Office of Civic Organizing provided 110 grants to residents and community groups totaling $61,700 across 18 neighborhoods in Boston through the City’s Block Party Grant Program. The Cummings Foundation provided funding to support the Mayor’s efforts to help residents activate their neighborhoods with events that bring unity and joy. “We’re excited to bring back the Spooky Streets Grant and expand its reach this year with the generous support of The Cummings Foundation,” said Director of the Office of Civic Organizing Nathalia Benitez-Perez. “These grants empower communities to celebrate together and create lasting memories for kids and families across Boston. The Spooky Streets Grant gives neighbors the chance to transform their streets into festive, traffic-free spaces and build new traditions during the Fall and Harvest season."  For residents interested in applying, please see below: Apply for the Play Street Closing Permit first here. Then you will be prompted to apply for the $300 Spooky Streets mini-grant. Applying for a permit does not guarantee a grant. You must apply for the mini-grant separately to be considered for the Spooky Street grant.  To be eligible, all block parties must be free and open to the public. Residents cannot sell or charge for anything at the event. Block parties cannot be hosted on parks or private lots, and must be on a public street. Block parties must be hosted the week leading up to Halloween from Friday, October 24 - Sunday, November 2. Block parties do not have to be Halloween-themed.  “Last year’s grant made it possible for us to bring our neighborhood together in a really special way. We were able to purchase food and favors for our neighbors, which made the gathering both welcoming and fun for everyone. The light-up Halloween favors we purchased with the grant helped keep all of our trick-or-treaters safe as the evening got darker. It also made the neighborhood very festive with children in bright necklaces, rings, and bracelets,”  said Philip Cheng, Dorchester resident. “Our block party definitely elevated our typical Halloween—it gave neighbors a chance to connect, enjoy public spaces and strengthen our sense of community. I hope to see the Spooky Streets Grant program for many years to create a sense of belonging that lasts well beyond the event itself.” "With Mayor Wu's support, block parties have become a vital part of Boston, uniting neighborhoods in a joyous way,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of the Community Engagement Cabinet. 'Spooky Streets and Harvest Season grants inspire residents to carry the joy of community into the fall.'" In partnership with the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM), the City of Boston has streamlined the block party permit application process to improve constituents' experience and speed up approvals. The City has also expanded what activities are allowed at block parties without additional permits, including potluck food, tables and chairs, 10 by 10 tents, and more. A Block Party Planning Guide is available to help explain the planning process of hosting block parties in neighborhoods. The deadline to apply for a Spooky Streets grant is Monday, September 22 at 5:00 p.m. The application can be found here (along with the necessary application for a Play Street Closing Permit), and residents and community groups can visit boston.gov/spooky-streets to learn more.   ABOUT THE OFFICE OF CIVIC ORGANIZING The Office of Civic Organizing is committed to collaborative partnerships and programs that promote engagement, awareness, and service in communities throughout the City of Boston.

波士頓華埠8 月驚聞 博愛樓民宅有人擅闖 唐朝餐廳凌晨遭爆竊

鄺寶蓮（中）請黃天輝報告上個月罪案。（周菊子攝）

        （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導）波士頓華埠居民會(CRA) 9月3日晚在昆士小學飯堂召開月例會，警察匯報博愛樓，唐朝餐館發生擅闖入室，偷盜案件，尊尼閣9號屋主報告翻修計劃。華埠居民會還提醒居民們，9月9日是初選投票日。

鄺寶蓮提醒居民，波士頓市9月9日初選，請大家記得出席投票。（周菊子攝）

9月份的波士頓華埠居民會，由於黃國威、Kate DeBeul這2位共同主席都請假，會議由華人前進會組織員鄺寶蓮主持。

波士頓A-1區警察黃天輝（Frank Wong）在會中報告了Ｘ宗案件。

8月17日，乞臣街（Hudson）97號居民家有包裹被人偷走了。受害者查看監視錄影後發現，是隔壁鄰居偷的。

尊尼閣9號業主Armia Azadian（後左）和建築師Timothy Burke （右）
出席華埠居民會越會，說明翻修計劃。（周菊子攝）

9月1日下午4點15分，夏利臣街（Harrison Ave.）288號的博愛樓發生一宗疑似神智不清女子，擅闖大樓，摸進一戶大門未關民宅，在屋內東走西走，甚至疑似要洗個澡。當警察抵達時，該名女子坐在浴室的地板上，看起來像似受藥物影響，精神不清醒。警察當場捉著他，送往醫院評估。並非大樓居民的該名女子已因非法入侵罪被法院傳喚，結果如何還有待查知。

黃天輝表示，這是一個很好的案例，提醒住在公寓大樓的居民們，出入小心，別讓陌生人跟隨在自己身後，進入大樓，也別以為大樓內都是鄰居，就不關自家大門。應凡事小心，避免類似情況發生在自己身上。

華埠土地信託會主任駱理德代表該會，以鄰居身份表達擔憂排屋結構受損。
（周菊子攝）

另一宗案件發生在乞臣街14號，8月21日凌晨3點20分，一名嫌犯走到唐朝餐廳門口，想要開門進入，但是大門打不開，於是他繞到大樓側邊，拉扯撬門，然後從側門進入，直接走到收銀機那兒，偷走了裡面的現金和信用卡。警察從監視錄影上已掌握到嫌犯影像，並交給了警探處理，跟進調查。

坦承自己經營房地產公司的Armia Azadian表示，他有翻修後自己住進去的想法。
（周菊子攝）

8月23日凌晨一點，受害者從華埠往大同村方向走，準備回家，要進屋時，一名黑人男子靠近他，講了一些很不尋常的種族歧視語句，受害人於是轉身要走開，沒想到嫌犯竟邊罵邊掏出疑似槍枝的物件出來。受害人趕緊跑開，還打了911電話，只是當警察趕到現場時，見到受害人，但是找不到嫌犯。受害人說嫌犯是往南端(South End)方向逃跑的。警察將把此案交給民權小組警察去調查。

黃天輝強調，警察局有翻譯，也有幾名會講中文的警察，民眾報警，不必擔心言語不通，另外打911電話也都有翻譯服務。

尊尼閣7號業主李先生表示因為鄰居房屋的問題，他已收過好幾張罰單。
（周菊子攝）

鄺寶蓮接著表示，居民們投訴，華埠鼠患猖獗，希望大家不要拿糧食或飯粒，撒在地上的餵食鳥雀，以免吸引老鼠，海鷗翻撿垃圾。希望相關單位能製作中文告示牌，提醒民眾、遊客。

華埠土地信託會主任駱理德建議，由華埠居民會出面邀請波士頓是公共工程局，稽查局(ISD)等單位派人出席華埠居民會月例會，聆聽民眾意見，商議解決問題辦法。尤其是Maple Place，尊尼閣（Johnny Court），溫莎餅家一帶，有人直接把垃圾袋丟在街邊，不丟進垃圾桶的情況很嚴重，也有人亂丟床墊，舊傢俱等等。

本身是程式設計師的出席者，好奇探問尊尼閣9號的翻修計劃。（周菊子攝）

            尊尼閣9號屋主Armia Azadian帶同建築師Timothy Burke到會，向居民說明，他在大約1年半以前，買下這棟已丟空至少10年的排屋，目前打算翻修，並在房屋後面加蓋，以美化房屋。他自己也打算將來搬進去住。

                  建築師Timothy Burke表示，去年他們就向波士頓區域規劃上訴委員會(ZBA)申請翻修，並獲批准，現在因為考慮在樓後加蓋，增加一個睡房，拆掉現有的壁爐，並整修整棟樓宇的外觀，所以需要另外再申請批准。新的翻修計劃將為這棟排屋增加額外空間，目前的想法是翻修成有兩戶三睡房單位，但如果社區希望有更多單位，他們可以考慮改建成有三至四戶。

                  出席居民有人問，現有的房屋內是否有危險材質，翻修是否會對周遭社區有影響，得做些什麼來防止危險等。

                  華埠土地信託會主任駱理德表示，該會擁有尊尼閣3號，會場還有尊尼閣7號業主李先生，他們都很擔心，如果9號業主把地下室的樓層高度向下降低，會損害建築結構，影響到整排樓宇其他房屋的安全。他們希望知道，9號業主有沒做穩固地基工程，尤其是這地區已經面對著地下水造成的地基下陷問題。

                  Timothy Burke表示，這些樓宇都是建造在有20到30英尺深的木樁之上，目前的計劃只是把地下室樓層降低12英寸，不會暴露木樁，所以只是微小改變。

                  尊尼閣7號業主李先生表示，整排5棟房屋共用一條防火巷，防火梯，下水道，無論那棟房屋做些什麼，其他房屋肯定會受影響。他記得以前也有人提供類似的翻修建議，但沒貨批准，他不明白，怎麼會又出現加蓋申請。

                  Armia Azadian則指出，5棟排屋中，有一棟已經在後面加蓋，他們將基本上照那個方式加蓋，希望能讓屋內的居住面積容許更好品質的生活。

                  出席者中有2名專業城市設計及建築的女子，也分別提出問題。屋主最後表示將和駱理德，尊尼閣7號業主等鄰居進一步溝通。

麻州地鐵將為愛國者球隊4場主場比賽增開第2趟來回車

               (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州地鐵（MBTA）將為新英格蘭愛國者隊在9月7、21 、28日，以及 12月 14日的4場主場比賽時，首次提供波士頓南車站和foxboro球場之間的第2趟來回班車。

             新增的波士頓火車將於早上10點從南車站出發。之前宣佈的火車，會在早上10點45分從南車站，以及早上10點15分從Providence出發。所有的火車都將在比賽結束30分鐘後，從吉列球場（Gillete Stadium）出發。

             新增的第2班波士頓火車，將容許額外的1200名乘客在9月份時來回吉列球場看比賽。

                所有的火車票即日起可在mTicket這應用程式上購買。來回票的票價是20元。

             查詢更多資訊，請上網mbta.com，或在推特上以X@MBTA聯繫，臉書為/TheMBTA，IG是@theMBTA，Threads @thembta,，或者抖音@thembta。

BOSTON – As we continue to improve service, the MBTA is pleased to offer, for the first time, a second round-trip train between Boston’s South Station and Foxboro for four New England Patriots home games on September 7, September 21, September 28, and December 14.   

  

The newly added Boston train will depart South Station at 10:00 AM. The previously announced trains will depart South Station at 10:45 AM and Providence at 10:15 AM. All trains will begin departing Gillette Stadium 30 minutes after the game ends.  

  

The addition of the second Boston train will allow an additional 1,200 passengers to travel to and from Gillette Stadium for games in September.  

  

Tickets for all trains are on sale now on the mTicket app. The ticket price is $20 for a round trip.  

  

For more information, please visit mbta.com or connect with the T on X @MBTA, Facebook /TheMBTA, Instagram @theMBTA, Threads @thembta, or TikTok @thembta.

麻州有錢人多半住在後灣區 02116

        (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州的有錢人都住在哪兒？波士頓商業雜誌（Boston Business Journal）今（4）日公佈一份區域號碼排行榜，指後灣區（Back Bay）最富裕。

            新數據顯示，整體而論，麻州最富裕區域是大波士頓。

            分析發現，在最富裕的10個區域號碼中，一戶典型住家的價值超過88萬元。那幾乎是在Zillow上住家價值指數全國平均值的兩倍。在後灣區和布魯克蘭區（Brookline），典型的住宅價格，超過110萬元。

            南端（South End）儘管在富裕區域排行榜上名列第二，卻同時有著24%以上的貧窮率，彰顯了這一社區內長期以來的貧富差距。想反的，查理士城（Charlestown）在10個最富裕區域號碼中，貧窮率最低，僅略高於6%。

            Dover在波士頓商業雜誌2024年的最昂貴區域號碼排行榜上名列第一，但那時的分析沒把今年的許多數據包括進去。今年有許多區域號碼的排名也和最昂貴豪華住宅的區域號碼排行榜相重疊。值得注意的是，波士頓的金融區和海港區—一些最高成本豪華公寓開發案的所在地—在最新排名中並未名列前茅。

            並不是所有最富裕區域號碼都座落在波士頓市。阿靈頓就排名第八，劍橋市也有許多區塊排名第6、9、10。

            在波士頓市以外，同樣佔據主要地位的有牛頓村瓦班（Newton village Waban）排名第11位，牛頓維爾（Newtonville）排名第12位。

            排名前三的區域號碼為，02116， 02118 ，02446。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $3 Million in Adult Education and Workforce Training Grants

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Nearly $3 Million in Adult Education and Workforce Training Grants 

Funds help over 600 residents gain the language skills they need to succeed in in-demand jobs, connect to career pathways, and fully participate in the state’s economy 

 

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they have awarded $2.86 million in grants to 24 community organizations, public schools and higher education institutions to enable over 600 adult learners to learn English, earn a high school credential, or earn industry-recognized credentials this school year in areas such as advanced manufacturing, healthcare, information technology and more.  

These grants fund MassSTEP programs, which provide concurrent adult education, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training in in-demand industries. The programs create partnerships among education providers, occupational skills training providers, employers, and workforce partners, and focus on setting adult learners up for success in high wage/high demand career pathways. 

“By offering high quality adult education instruction simultaneously with rigorous occupational skills training, we’re helping more students be ready to gain employment in occupations that pay family-sustaining wages,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Grants like these are a win for our students, workforce and state economy.” 

“Adult education programs help families and our economy succeed. We are pleased to award these grants, continuing critical models that tie education and workforce together in support of families’ economic mobility and reflect current in-demand jobs,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.  

Guided by state’s workforce agenda to attract, retain, and develop talent, providers of adult education and English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) classes collaborate with local MassHire Workforce Board and Career Centers on recruitment, career services and job placement activities. Through these collaborations, the MassSTEP programs focus on career pathways identified in priority occupations through local Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) plans. 

“These grants will help hundreds of Massachusetts residents strengthen their English skills, gain confidence, and open doors to good jobs in high demand industries,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “This investment is about equity, empowerment, and ensuring everyone can contribute to and share in our state’s economic success.” 

“These programs are often marketed to the parents of children in our K-12 schools. The programs offer adults the opportunity to earn a high school credential, acquire English language skills and earn an industry-recognized credential,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. 

“This grant funding reflects the administration’s priorities outlined in the state’s workforce agenda and shared across the Workforce Skills Cabinet,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “MassSTEP combines education and training resources, helping to reduce barriers to employment and closing the skills gap among our untapped talent ready to work in Massachusetts.”  

These grants are part of the administration’s strategic workforce development investments to remove barriers to employment for work-authorized individuals and connect them with jobs and training in sectors such as health care and human services, hospitality, and manufacturing. The administration’s Workforce Skills Cabinet is working to create a coordinated statewide ESOL strategy, in addition to securing $10 million in state dollars to expand access to workforce training programs for 3,000-3,500 residents and to reduce the waitlist for ESOL services.  

“These grants will provide life-changing educational opportunities for adult learners,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I’m proud of the investments the Commonwealth has made in support of this vital program, and thank all the grantees, including Quincy Community Action Programs for their strong record of delivering adult education, job training, and family supports that help residents succeed in the classroom and beyond.” 

“I’m thrilled the Healey-Driscoll administration, in partnership with the Legislature, has allocated $2.86 million in critical adult education and workforce training grants. These highly impactful grants will help prepare individuals to meet the skill set requirements that industries like health care, hospitality, and manufacturing centers across the Commonwealth specialize in. These job training grants to Bristol Community College, the Bristol Sheriff’s Office, and UMASS Dartmouth will greatly assist constituents of my district to stand ready to meet the demands of an ever-changing global economy,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.   

“These grants will enable many more adults to receive a high-quality education in English and in in-demand fields which will help employers find qualified employees and help people to support their families,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Thank you to the Healey administration for continuing to support adult education and other initiatives that help build up our workforce.” 

“This is a win-win situation,” said Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “It is good for our students, for our workers, for our employers and therefore for our overall economy.  It is an example of how the government can be there to provide help where most needed.” 

The awardees include: 

· Ascentria Community Services, Inc.: $100,000 

· Boston Public Schools: $191,344 

· Bristol Community College: $180,000 

· Bristol County Sheriff's Office: $98,390 

· Brockton Adult Learning Center: $168,191 

· Cambridge Community Learning Center: $100,000 

· Community Action, Inc.: $59,187 

· Hampden County Sheriff's Office: $80,000 

· Holyoke Community College: $195,188 

· International Institute of New England, Inc.: $100,000 

· Jamaica Plain Community Center: $100,000 

· North Adams Public Schools: $39,852 

· North Shore Community Action Programs, Inc: $90,000 

· North Shore Community College: $150,000 

· Notre Dame Education Center-Lawrence: $98,346 

· Pathways Adult Education & Training, Inc: $100,000 

· Quincy Community Action Programs, Inc.: $143,520 

· Quinsigamond Community College: $239,587 

· Randolph Community Partnership, Inc.: $76,328 

· University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth: $100,000 

· Valley Opportunity Council: $184,560 

· Worcester Public Schools: $86,920 

· YMCA of Greater Boston: $90,000 

· YMCA of Greater Boston–Woburn: $90,000 

Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks

Governor Healey Announces Immediate Steps to Ensure Vaccine Availability in Massachusetts Amid Trump, RFK Rollbacks 

Healey Administration takes first-of-its-kind action to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced a series of immediate measures to ensure that vaccines remain available to Massachusetts residents of all ages, while President Donald Trump and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. restrict access to vaccines and make cuts to public health across the country. 

“Massachusetts has the best health care in the world,” said Governor Healey. “We won’t let Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy get between patients and their doctors. When the federal government fails to protect public health, Massachusetts will step up. The actions we are announcing today will make sure people can continue to get the vaccines they need and want in Massachusetts.” 

Today, the Governor announced three steps to protect vaccine access in Massachusetts. 

First, at Governor Healey’s direction, the Division of Insurance (DOI) and Department of Public Health (DPH) issued a bulletin that requires insurance carriers in Massachusetts to continue to cover vaccines recommended by DPH and not rely solely on CDC recommendations. Massachusetts is the first state in the nation to guarantee insurance coverage of vaccines recommended by the state. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans all support this action. This will ensure that Massachusetts residents can afford the vaccines they need and want to keep themselves and others healthy, even if the federal government issues narrower recommendations. These include respiratory virus vaccines, like COVID, flu and RSV, and routine vaccines for children, like measles, chickenpox, and Hepatitis B. This action follows legislation filed by Governor Healey last month that would give DPH authority to set independent standards for vaccine purchasing and recommendations. 

“We are so fortunate to live in Massachusetts where we prioritize science and support patients,” said Secretary of Health and Human Services Kiame Mahaniah, MD, MBA. “With Governor Healey's leadership and collaboration between DPH and DOI, those who want to get vaccinated will be able to without added cost or confusion because of decisions made at the federal level.” 

“As an infectious disease physician, I have seen the extraordinary impact vaccines have had in saving lives and preventing serious illness. Limiting access to vaccines is not just shortsighted – it is reckless,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Massachusetts will not allow ideology to override evidence. We must continue to be guided by science and data. And we must do what is right, even when it is hard, because protecting public health is not optional, it is a responsibility – a promise – we make to every resident of our Commonwealth. Today we are keeping that promise.” 

“Today’s action ensures that everyone who should get a vaccine will get one and their insurance will cover it,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “Our collective commitment – state government working with our health insurance companies – is important as we enter the fall season.” 

Second, Governor Healey’s administration has also taken steps to ensure that Massachusetts residents who want to receive the COVID vaccine can do so at pharmacies. Last week, it was reported that CVS and Walgreens could not offer the COVID vaccine in multiple states, including Massachusetts, because the federal government was no longer recommending it for adults. In response, DPH Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein issued a standing order to allow pharmacies to continue to provide COVID vaccines to Massachusetts residents aged five and older. Children under five can receive the vaccine through their pediatrician. Additionally, this morning, DPH updated its vaccine administration policy to permit the DPH Commissioner to determine which routine vaccines can be administered by pharmacists in Massachusetts, instead of limiting them only to vaccines recommended by the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP). As a result of these actions, CVS and Walgreens are working to make COVID vaccine appointments available in Massachusetts as soon as possible. 

Third, under Governor Healey’s leadership, Massachusetts is also leading efforts to create a public health collaboration with states in New England and across the Northeast committed to safeguarding public health as the federal government backs away from its responsibilities. This multi-state collaborative is focused on developing evidence-based recommendations on vaccinations, disease surveillance, emergency preparedness and supporting state public health labs.