波士頓洪門致公堂辦講座 細談醫療保險變化

波士頓洪門致公堂主席黎奕置（右起），胡振勝，元老余麗媖和講者Joy Cheney。
（周菊子攝）

            （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導）波士頓洪門致公堂9月6日下午在華人經濟發展協會大樓舉辦「醫療護理（Medicare）101你需要知道的」講座，邀來執照獨立保險經紀Joy Cheney，深入淺出的講解，出席者紛紛感嘆，學到好多。

波士頓洪門在華經會大樓辦醫療保險講座。

            波士頓洪門致公堂主席胡振勝（Ted Woo）和前主席黎奕置表示，在職場工作的人，一旦退休，就得自己處理醫療保險問題，但美國的醫療保險十分複雜，很多人都不清楚怎麼選擇才對自己最有利，他們因次特地舉辦這樣的講座，希望能對社區大眾有所幫助。

            Joy Cheney在麻州，緬因州，新罕布夏州，羅德島州，以及康州，佛羅里達州等共11州持有執照，和Aetna，Fallon Health， Tufts ，United Health Care， Harvard Pilgrim等22家醫療保險公司合作，提供諮詢服務，為人挑選適合各人不同狀況的醫療保險計劃。

Joy Cheney （右）是醫療保險獨立經紀人。

            她先說明，什麼樣的人有資格獲得聯邦醫療保險基本計畫（Original Medicare）。首先必須是美國公民，或者是持有綠卡的永久居民，年滿65歲，然後再看是否符合殘障條件，是否患有末期腎臟病，是否染患肌萎縮側索硬化症（amyotrophic lateral sclerosis）等。

朱耀星（右）為講座當翻譯。（周菊子攝）

            聯邦醫療保險基本計畫（Original Medicare ）是一種按服務收費的計畫，意味著各人可以看任何接受Medicare 的醫生或醫療機構，不需要指定家庭醫生或在特定的醫療網絡內。然而，它不包括處方藥、視力、聽力或牙科服務，這也是為什麼許多人會額外購買 Part D (處方藥計畫) 和 Medigap (聯邦醫療保險補充計畫) 來填補這些缺口。

            聯邦醫療保險基本計畫的每月保費包括由所得稅來支付的A部分，以及由個人支付的B部分。

醫生，藥品和費用是選擇醫療保險的考慮重點。

Ａ部分是住院保險，視乎個人或配偶支付醫療保險睡的時間長短，可以獲得價值285元或者518元的醫療保險，涵蓋住院費用、專業護理設施照護、臨終關懷和部分居家護理服務。大多數美國公民和合法居民只要繳納足夠的 Medicare 稅，通常不需要支付 Part A 的保費。

退休後的醫療保險有medigap 和Medicare Advantage兩種。

這A部分的醫療保險，有個自付額（deductible）門檻，在2025年內，各人須先支付了1,676元之後，醫療保險才開始接續付費，而且是從開始使用福利的那天起開始計算，保險最多支付60天的費用，譬如住院，如果在60天後得繼續住院，在第61天到第90天之間，每天有419元的自付額等，在第91天到第150天這被稱為“終身儲備日（Lifetime reserve days）”中，每天有838元自付額，超過150天後，所有費用都得自己支付。

2025年醫療保險處方藥的費用。

            Ｂ部分，涵蓋門診照護、醫生服務、預防性服務（如流感疫苗）、耐用醫療設備（如輪椅）以及其他醫療必需品。在2025年，以個人身份報稅，年收入在10萬6千元以下的人，平均需每月支付保費185元，另加附加費。年收入20萬元以上，50萬元以下的人，平均需每月支付保費591元。

            一旦看醫生，住院，採購醫療設備等，個人只需支付醫療費用帳單的20％，其餘的80%由保險公司支付。

聘用醫療保險經紀人的考慮重點。

在醫療保險費用中，有個「收入相關的每月調整金額（IRMAA (Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount，簡稱IRMAA)，是根據各人兩年前的所得稅收入申報來計算的。例如2026年的醫療保險保費（B部分和D部分）是否需要支付額外的IRMAA費用，要看2024年的所得稅收入申報。

低收入人士可以得到額外補助。

至於登記參加醫療保險計劃的時機是，首次登記（IEP）應該要在年滿65歲的前3個月和後3個月之內。每年一次的註冊(AEP)，要在10月15日至12月7日之間，開放註冊其則是每年的1月至1日至3月31日之間，特殊登記註冊日期，則是在任何一場符合資格的活動之後，撥打1-833-551-0565來登記。另外，如果沒有在第一次符合資格十登記，可以在每年的1月1日到3月31日之間，登記參加A和B部分。

購買醫療保險時還可以考慮加保，購買保費較高，沒有共同付款，可自由選擇醫生，不需轉介，不包括一些例行檢查，在美國任何地方都有效的MediGap，或是保費較低，但需共同付款，可能有醫院選擇限制，看專科醫生可能需要轉介，可能包括眼科，聽力及健身等額外福利的Medicare Advangage。

Joy Cheney表示，各人在挑選醫療保險服務商時，有所謂的3D關鍵考慮，分別是自己最多能自掏腰包支付多少錢（dollar），需要看什麼樣的醫生(doctors)，得服用哪些藥(drug)。

至於D部分的處方藥醫療保險，2025年內的自付額上限為590元，要為保險計劃內包括的藥物支付最高25%的共同付費，最多會花2,000元。災難性承保階段在達到自掏腰包上限的2000元之後，所有在計劃內的藥物費用    由保險全額支付。

            Joy Cheney告訴出席者，像她這樣的保險經紀，可以選擇任何一家醫療保險供應商，而且她們每年客戶免費做評估。

            洪門致公堂元老余麗媖表示，參加這講座，她學到了好多自己以前沒注意到的醫療保險細節，最讓她覺得窩心的是，這樣的獨立保險經紀，可以不受任何一家保險公司限制，還免費提供諮詢。

波士頓世衛協進會秋季匹克球聯誼 （謝開明圖片輯）

波士頓世衛協進會9月6日打匹克球健身。

波士頓世衛協進會創會會長蘇鴻昌（右）和現任會長Riva Chen(左二）主辦。

波士頓世衛財務長陳玉瑛（前中）夫婦都是匹克球愛好者。

波士頓世衛協進會創會會長蘇鴻昌（右）和現任會長Riva Chen (左）主辦。

開打前先組隊。

會長 Riva Chen準備發球。

蘇鴻昌教練發球英姿。

EIink高管林朝仲也來健身。

紐英崙中華專協隊由董事長游子揚（中）帶隊。

蘇鴻昌（右）歡迎紐英崙中華專協董事長游子揚夫婦組隊參加活動。

胡文冀。

夏承賢。

教宗良十四世冊封15歲電腦神童為“聖人”

            (Boston Orange 摘譯) 第267任教宗，也是歷年來首位來自美國的教宗良十四世（Pope Leo XIV）今（7）日在聖彼得廣場（St. Peter's Square）宣佈，15歲的電腦神童Carlo Acutis是天主教第一位千禧世代聖人，讚許他用科技傳教，還贏得“神的影響者”稱號。

教宗良十四世從2025年5月8日就任後，這是第一次舉辦封聖彌薩，他在聖彼得廣場，當著數萬名千禧世代年輕人，以及帶著年幼子女夫婦的信徒們面前，冊封2006年去世的Carlo Acutis，以及另一名很受歡迎但早逝的年輕人，Pier Giorgio Frassati為聖人。

梵蒂岡說，有36名紅衣樞機主教，270名主教，以及數以百計的牧師們，登記了參加這場彌薩，可見“封聖”對主教團和普通信徒都有很大的吸引力。

封聖儀式原本安排在今年更早之前舉行，但教宗方濟各（Francis）4月辭世，“封聖”儀式因此延後。方濟各曾經狂熱推動“封聖”，說服教堂需要以“封聖”來吸引年輕的天主教徒。

1991年5月3日在倫敦出生，之後隨父母遷居回義大利米蘭的Carlo Acutis，會在聖餐前花禱告幾小時，卻限制自己每週只花一小時玩電子遊戲。由於他建了一個專門記錄天主教會所認可聖體奇蹟的網站，贏得「神的影響者」這綽號。他在2006年10月，僅只15歲時，被診斷出染患急性白血病，幾天後去世了。

Carlo Acutis去世後，他穿著牛仔褲，運動鞋的遺體，安葬在Assisi的一個玻璃棺內，數以百萬計年輕天主教徒湧往Assisi探望，並冒出許多他的遺體為什麼能保存得那麼好的疑問，尤其是他的心臟的一部分，還作為遺物的巡迴世界。

另一名獲封為聖人的是1901出生，1925年因小兒麻痺症而去世的義大利人Pier Giorgio Frassati。他出生於一個顯赫都靈（Turin）家族，熱衷於為窮人服務，做善事，向朋友傳道。

根據網路資料，方濟各教宗是最熱衷“封聖”的教宗，他冊封的“聖人”有942人。在天主教的“聖人”行列中，有81名已辭世教宗也獲封為”聖人“。

美國司法部9/4遞案控告波士頓市長吳弭等人妨礙執法

波士頓市長吳弭在9月1日的勞工節大遊行中，強調波士頓是絕不像暴政低頭。
（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

           (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 9月1日勞工節大遊行時，波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）向數千民眾說“我們絕不退縮”，波士頓將維持「庇護城市」政策。 9月4日，美國司法部遞案，控告波士頓吳弭市長，警察局長Michael Cox，市政府和警察局等妨礙聯邦人員執法。

波士頓市長吳弭在勞工節大遊行中發言。（檔案照片，周菊子攝）

           這項編號1:25-cv-12456的訟案，由美國司法部民事組提出，以美國經由簽名律師代表為原告，提起民事訴訟，指波士頓市的「庇護城市」政策違憲，罔顧聯邦政府據美國最高權力之事實，以波士頓市2014年通過的「波士頓信任法案（Boston Trust Act）」來違反法律，指示波士頓市執法人員向聯邦政府隱瞞被拘留者的基本資訊，阻礙聯邦人員執法，造成國土安全危機，要求聯邦法院禁止波士頓市執行「信任法案」。

          美國司法部總檢察長Pam Bondi宣稱，波士頓的政策允許危險罪犯從被監督環境中釋放出來，不過訟案並未給出範例。Bondi聲稱，波士頓市的政策明確的是設計來破壞執法，保護非法外國人不受法律制裁。

          波士頓市長和其他的市府官員強烈的為「信任法」辯護，稱這訴訟完全沒必要，還說早前芝加哥也面對類似訟案，並未成功。麻州最高法院在2017年時，也曾裁決地方執法人員不能只是因為違反民事的移民法就羈押人

          包括聯邦參議員Elizabeth Warren，聯邦眾議員Ayanna Pressley都批評這訟案。他們便稱城市有憲法賦予的角力，限制執行聯邦移民法事務，

          美國司法部在波士頓市之外，還起訴了紐約的紐約市，加州的洛杉磯，以及新澤西州的幾個城市。

麻州公共衛生廳又發現兩宗人類感染西尼羅病毒個案

 State Health Officials Announce Additional Human Cases of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts

 

WNV risk levels now elevated in eight more communities

 

BOSTON (September 5, 2025) – The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced two additional human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) in Massachusetts this year. One is in a man in his 40s who was likely exposed to the virus in Hampden County and the other is in a man in his 80s with exposure in Middlesex County.

 

These cases bring the total number of confirmed WNV infections this season to four. As a result, risk levels for WNV have been elevated to high in Ashland, Framingham, Marlborough, Natick, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, and Wayland.

 

“Given how many mosquitoes have been found carrying West Nile virus this summer, we expected that there would be human infections this year,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “Infections can continue to occur until the first hard frost of the season, which is likely still many weeks away. We are encouraging everyone to continue to take the necessary steps to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including by using mosquito repellent, wearing long sleeves and pants to reduce exposed skin, and to drain anything that may be collecting water outside your home.”

 

The first WNV-positive mosquitoes in the state this year were announced on June 17. Since then, 376 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There has also been one animal case of WNV this year in a goat.

 

The risk for WNV is now high in 28 municipalities in Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and Worcester counties and moderate in 175 cities and towns in Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties.

 

In addition to WNV, Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) has also been detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 21 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.

 

Starting next week, DPH will update the public on WNV cases in Massachusetts via weekly press releases each Friday if new cases are confirmed. Surveillance information, including cases, will continue to be updated on a daily basis and posted online at Massachusetts Arbovirus Update. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay up to date on risk levels in their community and around the state.

 

People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.

 

Avoid Mosquito Bites

Apply Insect Repellent when Outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.

 

Be Aware of Peak Mosquito Hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.

 

Clothing Can Help Reduce Mosquito Bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.

 

Mosquito-Proof Your Home

Drain Standing Water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.

 

Install or Repair Screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.

 

Protect Your Animals

Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools – especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent West Nile virus (WNV) and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.

 

Learn more about mosquito-borne diseases, including all WNV- and EEE-positive results on DPH’s Arbovirus Surveillance Information page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW RESOURCES TO MAKE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MORE AFFORDABLE

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES NEW RESOURCES TO MAKE FRESH FRUITS AND VEGETABLES MORE AFFORDABLE City has expanded Boston’s Double Up Food Bucks Program to two new grocery stores in Dorchester and Roxbury, increasing families access to fresh, affordable, and healthy food.

BOSTON - Friday, September 5, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu announced new initiatives to support low-income residents, including the 143,000 Boston residents who participate in the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), and expand access to affordable and fresh fruits and vegetables at sites across the City of Boston. As the federal government imposes new restrictions that attempt to limit Boston residents’ access to crucial nutrition programs, City departments have expanded Boston’s Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program to two new grocery stores: Nubian Markets in Roxbury and the Dorchester Food Co-op in Dorchester. Additionally, the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) and Office of Food Justice (OFJ) launched a citywide marketing and outreach campaign about farmers market programs, ensuring residents facing constrained grocery budgets can count on city and state resources to help make fruits and vegetables more affordable.  “No one should face barriers when it comes to feeding their family nutritious food,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Thanks to our partners at the Boston Public Health Commission and Office of Food Justice, we’re able to expand these critical programs to improve access to fresh fruits and vegetables across the city. With this diverse set of initiatives, we’re building a stronger food system for our community and making Boston a more accessible home for everyone.” According to the City of Boston and the Boston Public Health Commission’s Live Long and Well population health equity agenda, one of the leading causes of early death in Boston is cardiometabolic disease, and access to fresh, healthy, affordable, and minimally processed food is essential for cardiometabolic health. According to recent data analysis by the Boston Public Health Commission for the 2025 Boston Community Health Needs Assessment, nearly 19% of adults in Boston reported that, within the past 12 months, the food they bought did not last and they could not afford to buy more food.  This data underscores the importance of nutrition assistance programs such as the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and the Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP). According to the 2025 Boston Community Health Needs Assessment Report, nearly 19% of households receive SNAP benefits, with the highest participation rates in Dorchester, Hyde Park, Mattapan, Roxbury, and the South End. The City of Boston and BPHC are encouraging residents to shop at farmers markets. Starting September 1, 2025, all Massachusetts residents paying for fruits and vegetables with a SNAP EBT card at farmers markets will automatically receive up to $40-$80 a month back on their EBT card, depending on household size. To encourage SNAP participants to shop at farmers markets, the City of Boston and BPHC are sharing multilingual, culturally relevant messages through advertising on buses, posters, newspaper and radio ads, mail, and social media to promote this campaign citywide. Residents can find their neighborhood farmers market at boston.gov/farmersmarkets. For information on where HIP can be spent across Boston and Massachusetts, go to https://dtafinder.dtadash.ehs.mass.gov to find farmers markets, mobile markets and farmstands. "We are advancing our health equity goals by helping families access affordable, nutritious food that supports both physical and mental well-being,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “As we continue to advance our Live Long and Well health equity agenda, we are addressing the root causes of health disparities so people can live healthier lives.”  The DUFB program, managed by OFJ, provides customers paying with SNAP a 50% discount on fresh fruits and vegetables. This year, DUFB has expanded to Nubian Markets in Roxbury and the Dorchester Food Co-op in Dorchester, joining existing grocery store participants: East Boston’s La Union Market and Butchery, Bella’s Market, and El Valle de la Sultana, and Davey’s Super Market of Roxbury. In order to receive the discount at the point of purchase, customers simply need to pay for their fresh fruits and vegetables with their EBT card and ask for the Double Up discount.  “Building a more resilient and sustainable Boston means ensuring all our residents have access to healthy, locally sourced food,” said Brian Swett, Chief Climate Officer. “These programs not only address critical food security needs but also strengthen our local food system, reduce our environmental footprint, and invest in the economic health of our neighborhoods. It's a powerful example of how environmental and social goals go hand-in-hand.” “We are working to ensure residents can count on local resources to help them weather changes to the landscape of affordable food access,” said Aliza Wasserman, Director of the Office of Food Justice. “There are major ripple effects of every SNAP dollar spent, and these programs leverage those benefits to keep dollars in the pockets of local farmers and support locally owned grocery stores, while helping make fresh fruits and vegetables more affordable.” “Access to nutritious foods is a critical public health tool, leading to healthier lives and happier families,” said Shelly Yarnie, DTA Associate Commissioner for Food Security and Nutrition. “We applaud the City of Boston on this expansion of the Double Up Food Bucks program, and encourage Boston residents to participate to maximize the food purchasing support available – along with SNAP benefits and HIP benefits that are available.” On August 14, Nubian Markets held a community launch event with OFJ to celebrate residents' access to DUFB. Boston’s DUFB program started in 2018 through a national grant, before receiving funding from the USDA Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, known as GusNIP, in 2021. The program supports the City’s goals of increasing access to fresh, affordable, and healthy food for residents, as well as supporting small, community-oriented grocers by incentivizing shoppers paying with SNAP to visit their stores.  The City's Office of Food Justice provides funds from its operating budget, which are then matched by USDA GusNIP grant funds. Every dollar the city invests is amplified, making healthy food more accessible and affordable for families in Boston while supporting local businesses. Since the start of Boston's Double Up Food Bucks program, SNAP shoppers have purchased more than $1.6 million in fresh fruits and vegetables at local grocery stores. Over $850,000 of this amount came from the DUFB program discounts, which was made possible through the city's investment and GusNIP funds. Furthermore, preliminary surveys show the program is encouraging healthy habits, with 62% of participants reporting that they now purchase more fresh produce. Both DUFB and HIP are available for all SNAP beneficiaries/EBT cardholders buying fresh produce at participating Double Up stores or HIP vendors. For any questions and more program information, please visit boston.gov/doubleup or email food@boston.gov. "Our mission to build a hub for food access in Roxbury that builds connections to the African diaspora is bolstered when we can ensure fresh food is affordable to residents at all economic levels” said Nubian Markets cofounder and general manager Yusuf Yassin. “We have been excited to offer the Double Up Food Bucks program to our customers at Nubian Markets, and neighbors are excited to purchase more healthy food to make their SNAP benefits go farther." These campaigns are supported by the Boston Public Health Commission and the City of Boston Mayor’s Office of Food Justice, with funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Racial and Ethnic Approaches to Community Health (REACH) Program and the Gus Schumacher Nutrition Incentive Program, project award no. 2021-70030-35762, from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture.

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.