星期三, 11月 12, 2025

麻州無人認領財產高達34億元 ㄧ名騙子拿走110萬元被捕

           (Boston Orange綜合編譯)靠著騙取無人認領財產,一名騙子竟然可以騙走了110萬元。波士頓環球報1110日報導了一篇這樣的故事。

           麻州有34億元無人認領財產,查詢很簡單,上網填名字就行,www.findmassmoney.gov。

一位名叫Diane Rothchild的女士,10年前去世,身後遺有一筆錢,61.5萬元,一直保留在麻州財政廳的無人認領財產部門。

      20239月,突然有個名叫Renaud Dutail的人,向麻州財政廳提供了駕照,以及證明他和Diane Rothchild有關係的法律文件,於是幾個月後,一張61.5萬元金額的支票,就寄到了他在亞特蘭大的家中。他也兌現了這支票。

幾個月後,Diane Rothchild的兩個兒子,聯繫麻州無人認領財產部門,表示經過一些延誤,他們現在準備領取遺產了,問麻州政府能否把錢寄給他們。

            Diane Rothchild的其中一個而子說,那時候麻州財政廳基本上是告訴他們,『我們已經寄出去了,對嗎?』。

            然而,這筆錢其實是寄給了一名專門盜竊州政府無人認領財產的慣犯,Shaka Stayman。麻州檢察官說,這騙子只是在麻州就騙走了至少110萬美元。州警調查人員描述的這起竊案手法大膽,涉及偽造、冒充他人,一系列的使用一次性手機、郵件轉接系統和匿名電話服務。

這宗案件,只是他長達二十年犯罪史中的最新篇章。

Shaka Stayman現年44歲,被控在多州詐騙,其手段通常包括身分盜竊,並且多次以死者為目標,正如Diane Rothchild案中所指控的那樣。他曾多次承認犯有欺詐或相關罪行。麻州總檢察長Andrea Campbell辦公室稱,已有十幾個州來詢問關於他的情況。

            2012年以來,提交給麻州法院和聯邦法院的數十頁文件將Shaka Stayman描繪成數位時代的經典騙子。他似乎也刻意如此稱呼自己,在一次詐騙活動中,他註冊的電子郵件地址是「Frank Abagnale」——電影《逍遙法外(Catch Me If You Can》中由李奧納多·迪卡皮歐(Leonardo DiCaprio )飾演的那位從騙子轉型為作家的角色。但和握手及迷人微笑不同的是,他的工具是帳戶密碼、虛擬郵箱和難以追蹤的即時通訊應用程式。

律師Robert Fisher説,「網路世界為人們打開了很多方便之門」。他曾擔任聯邦檢察官,專注於詐欺案件,如今在尼克森·皮博迪(Nixson Peabody)律師事務所擔任辯護律師,仍從事這方面的工作。 “不幸的是,要假設網路上的一切都是騙局。”

            來自亞特蘭大的Shaka Stayman八月被捕,週五在薩福克高等法院出庭。他被控25項罪名,包括洗錢和竊盜。Shaka Stayman身材矮小,濃密的鬍鬚中夾雜著灰白,他對每一項指控都表示“不認罪”,除此之外,他幾乎沒說話。

助理檢察長Shane O’Sullivan說,「被告在整個詐騙過程中,始終表現出冒充他人的能力」,他要求保釋金200萬美元。

            法官詹姆斯·布德羅同意了這項要求,表示因為被告可能拿得到的錢(會很多),有潛逃風險。

            據稱,Shaka Stayman用這些錢過著奢靡的生活;他在亞特蘭大擁有一套公寓和一輛保時捷。Shaka Stayman被捕時似乎正在搬家。檢察官稱,他以超過200萬美元價格賣掉了的那套公寓,連同那輛跑車都已被查封。

            曾經寫過一本關於詐騙書籍,長期在波士頓地區從事安全工作的專家Anthony Amore說, 「騙子們或許能短暫地過著奢靡生活,但很少人能富有的死去」。

史泰曼出生於1981年,從小性格內向,酷愛閱讀。他的一位律師曾寫道,他童年經歷了一些坎坷:父親早逝,他還患有幼年型關節炎。但他成長在一個由母親操持的「溫暖而充滿愛的家庭」。

 

「他身材矮小,個性有些靦腆,但一旦熟悉了環境,就會變得熱情開朗,」律師寫道。 “他熱愛學習,酷愛閱讀。斯泰曼本質上是一個顧家的人,毫無疑問,他得到了家人的愛與支持。”

1981年出生的Shaka Stayman2007年第一次被捕,當時檢方說那是 “情節較簡單的”詐騙案,他最終被判緩刑。

一位檢察官在多年後以後,Shaka Stayman首次因聯邦指控被捕後寫道,「顯然,那次『警鐘』並沒有對被告的行為產生必要的影響,反而促使他從事更加複雜的犯罪計劃,使他得以逃避偵查和起訴多年」。

2007年,Shaka Stayman和其他幾人透過一名中間人獲取了他人的個人財務帳戶信息,而該中間人的信息則來自一名「內部人士」。他們透過電話、傳真和電子郵件聯繫金融機構,存取並竊取帳戶資金。他們精心挑選目標:一名居住在國外的女子、一名精神失常的男子,以及一些已經過世的人。

20124月,聯邦當局在紐約州和北卡羅來納州起訴他。隔年,他對兩項指控都認罪。

一位檢察官在量刑備忘錄中寫道,「顯然,被告犯罪的動機不僅是為了生存,更是出於貪婪」。

他的律師說他已被關押兩年多。

「他深感悔恨,而且是真心的,」他的律師寫道。 “他決心向自己和家人證明,他值得他們的愛和支持。他不會再讓他們失望了。”

法官判處把他關進聯邦監獄七年。

在獄中,他遇到了一個志同道合的Matthew Crupi,一個2015年犯龐氏騙局罪的人。Matthew Crupi打著房地產公司名號,以高額回報為誘餌,騙取投資者數百萬美元,然後用新投資償還先前的資金。

根據法庭文件,Shaka StaymanMatthew Crupi2018年雙雙獲釋後,「兩人一直保持聯繫」。Shaka StaymanMatthew Crupi合作各種詐騙計畫,包括信用卡和休眠帳戶。

2022年,亞特蘭大警方注意到Shaka Stayman的銀行帳戶有詐欺活動後逮捕了他,指控他用盜竊來的身份資訊從一個家庭信託基金中詐騙了70.6萬美元。這些州級指控最終導致了阿拉巴馬州的聯邦指控。

202312Shaka Stayman以無抵押債券保釋。有關當局稱,那時候他已經開始著手下一個目標:麻州的無人認領財產部門。

20239月開始,Shaka Stayman在也來自喬治亞州的67歲保釋擔保人Dwight Tucker協助下,涉嫌開始向麻州財政部提交虛假的無人認領財產申請。這些財產存放著三年多無人使用過的帳戶和保險箱中的物品。

塔克對8月被捕後不認罪,已安排於本週稍後提審。

在麻州,有個網上平台,方便人們申請或查詢無人認領的財產。

通常情況下,以這種方式認領財產的人必須提供帶照片的身份證明、簽名、社會安全號碼以及一些證明其與該財產有適當關聯的文件。

據當局稱,Shaka Stayman在每次案件中都「精心且一絲不苟地」偽造文件。警方調查人員記錄顯示,他使用了多個電子郵件地址和郵件轉發服務,以及即時通訊應用程式和預付費電話。

麻州財政廳辦公室表示,他們有一套系統來標記可疑的無人認領財產申請。該系統旨在記錄電子郵件是否為新建立或特別長,IP 位址是否來自其他州,或者同一台電腦是否被用於為不同人的財產提交多份申請。每項都會為申請增加一些分數,如果總分夠高,就會被標記為可疑。在本案中,麻州財政廳的稽核發現了這些問題,並通知了州警分局。

檢察官表示,他們已與其他州的執法部門(包括內布拉斯加州、密西根州、德拉瓦州和佛蒙特州)談過,Shaka Stayman可能做了的類似騙局。他已在阿拉巴馬州的案件中認罪,將於12月被判刑。

他的律師Daniel Reilly上週五在法庭上說,“他肯定會坐牢,他自己也清楚這一點。”

星期二, 11月 11, 2025

波士頓台灣人生物科技協會迎新 楊志祥、廖怡恩接任會長

經文處科技組組長蔡孟勳(左二)和波克萊台灣商會會長陳奕如(右一),
恭喜楊志祥(左一),廖怡恩接任會長。(周菊子攝)
                   (Boston Orange 周菊子麻州劍橋市報導) 波士頓台灣人生物科技協會(BTBA118日下午,在哈佛大學主校園的Lehman廳迎新,由新任會長楊志祥,廖怡恩介紹新一屆團隊幹部,還請來學界,業界2名前輩分享經驗,暢談「剛開始的90天」,為新人撒出“定海神針”。

BTBA在哈佛Lehman聽舉辦迎新會。(周菊子攝)
                  應邀出席的嘉賓,有駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏,科技組組長蔡孟勳,秘書楊明儀,波克萊台灣商會(BTCC)會長陳奕如,以及波士頓台灣人醫師協會(BTPA)會長謝宜瑾等人。

出席嘉賓包括,左起順時針方向,廖朝宏處長,蔡孟勳組長,麻大助理教授吳孟儒,
科技組秘書楊明儀,波士頓台灣人醫師協會會長謝宜瑾,波克萊台灣商會會長陳奕如。
(周菊子攝)
            廖朝宏處長稱許BTBA如今已是大波士頓地區最專業,最有影響力的團體。她直言這都要感謝從第一任會長(陳昇宏)起的歷屆會長,幹部,攜手努力,把BTBA做得越來越大,越來越好。他希望BTBA的成員們在工作上,學業上有任何需要的時候,或者想要和台灣連結的話,可以隨時和經文處聯絡,找科技組的蔡孟勳組長,楊明儀秘書提供專業諮詢。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏稱許BTBA已經是個很有影響力的社團。(周菊子攝)
            蔡孟勳組長原本是台大生物科技研究所所長, 3年前才被國科會借調,出任波士頓經文處處長。他還記得自己當年剛下飛機,就和BTBA的會長見了面,3年來討論過很多議題,包括生技代工,人工智慧(AI)等等。雖然進來大家好像覺得生技不像以前那麼熱了,但他一直相信這領域會有很好的發展。12月初,科技組會有一個2030攬才計畫,歡迎大家上線旁聽。

BTBA新任共會長楊志祥是Biocytogen體內藥理科學家
in Vivo Pharmacology Scientist)“。(周菊子攝)
            BTBA22025-2026新任會長,分別是在Biocytogen擔任體內藥理科學家(in Vivo Pharmacology Scientist” 的楊志祥,和在Novartis擔任“生物標誌物(biomarker development.)開發資深科學家”的廖怡恩。

BTBA新任共會長廖怡恩是Novartis的“生物標誌物
biomarker development.)開發資深科學家”。(周菊子攝)
          他們倆簡潔扼要的介紹,BTBA緣起於一群博士後在2012年交流,聯誼,然後團結成立的組織。2013年辦了第一次年會,如今走進第14個年頭,已促成美國的密蘇里州,德州,加州,以及日本,歐洲相繼組成了台灣人生物科技協會(TBA)。希望將來有更多人參與籌辦年會,並藉由BTBA這品牌,邀請知名的專家,學者來交流,分享。

          麻州大學陳氏醫學院助理教授吳孟儒(Meng-Ju Wu)博士,Vertex製藥首席研究員蔡函庭(Phoebe Tsai),這天在「剛開始的90天(The First 90 Days)」的主題下,分享他們剛進入一個新環境時,如何因應陌生人與事的經驗。


波士頓台灣人醫師協會會長謝宜瑾(左)介紹該會。(周菊子攝)
            BTBA在大波士頓,其實算是一個相對年輕的社團,但幹部團隊之龐大,讓很多社團豔羨不已。

           楊志祥和廖怡恩這天在會上介紹該會的每年活動,基本上安排有七或八月十的年會。今年10月團建,11月迎新,12月辦2030跨世代年輕學者方案線上講座,推出KOM輔導者項目,其他暫定有2月慶祝農曆新年,6月軟實力工作坊等。


波克萊台灣商會會長陳奕如這天以贊助商身份出席。(周菊子攝)
            該會的組織架構分年度節目規劃,後勤支援,營運等3大塊,下面各分34個小組,包括科學創新,業界職涯,領導力與潛能培養,活動交流,以及宣傳,資訊科技,美術設計,「生技來一刻」的播客(Podcast),以及募款,秘書,財稅務等,每組各有24人。其中還有人是身在他鄉,卻不惜以遠距方式加入服務行列,佐證了BTBA如今已是個吸引力十足的組織。

科學創新組由廖庭尉,朱怡德,黃奕傑,郭宏哲等人統籌。(周菊子攝)

業界職涯組的黃如君,孫阿卡,胡念文。(周菊子攝)
            當天在會上介紹的幹部團隊,包括科學創新組的朱怡德,黃奕傑,郭宏哲,廖庭尉。業界職涯組的黃如君,孫阿卡,胡念文。領導力與潛能培養組的薛翔尹,吳淑瑋,張婷雅,李意涵。活動交流組的蘇彥竹,陳品瑋,黃郁婷。宣傳組的黃瀞瑩,張皓程。資訊科技組的黃嚴樞,謝宗霖,陳筠媞。美術設計組的趙敏妤,廖芳楟,吳欣舫。募款組的楊珺婷,李浩槿,錢正芬。秘書組的梁馨文,林其諭。財稅務的陳君瑋,林琪蓁。生技來一刻的彭郁茹,林茂然。

   多名BTBA的前會長,包括蔡明儒,何逸雲,羅維中,胡金儒,林致中等人,這天也都熱心出席,繼續支持BTBA的活動。


領導力與潛能培養組的薛翔尹,吳淑瑋,張婷雅,李意涵。(周菊子攝)
                楊志祥,廖怡恩兩名會長,會後很體貼的還把活動中所提到連結,發了出來,包括活動後調查 & 小幫手報名:https://forms.gle/avBdRTmSkXD5SokM712/02 國科會青穗計畫說明會:https://forms.gle/vMSamamYhbaaRF1a712/14 Mentor-Mentee Programhttps://forms.gle/gYWNCYpZJmtsty8f8。(訂正人名版,蔡函庭,廖庭尉,薛翔尹)

活動交流組的蘇彥竹,陳品瑋,黃郁婷。(周菊子攝)
資訊科技組的黃嚴樞,謝宗霖,陳筠媞。(周菊子攝)
財稅務組有陳君瑋,林琪蓁。(周菊子攝)
何逸雲代表”生技來一刻“做介紹。(周菊子攝)
吳孟儒(右)和蔡函庭(左)分享”第一個90天“經驗。(周菊子攝)
BTBA上屆會長胡金儒(中)和本屆幹部黃郁婷(左),Erica等人
一起繼續服務。
(周菊子攝)
BTBA的迎新派對,出席踴躍。(周菊子攝)
美國已至少成立了4個台灣人生物科技協會,日本,歐洲也各有一個。(周菊子攝)

Healey-Driscoll Administration Honors Massachusetts Veterans and Families at Annual Veterans Day Ceremony

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Honors Massachusetts Veterans and Families at Annual Veterans Day Ceremony  

From the Governor's office
BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll, Treasurer Deborah Goldberg and Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago today joined veterans, service members, and Gold Star families at the Annual Veterans Day Ceremony inside the Hall of Flags at the Massachusetts State House. 

The event brought together state and local leaders to honor those who have served and to recognize Massachusetts’ ongoing commitment to veterans through expanded programs, stronger partnerships, and record investments in care, housing, and support. 

“Massachusetts is home to generations of heroes who have defended our freedom and strengthened our communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Today we honor their service and reaffirm our administration’s promise to ensure every veteran receives the services and support they deserve, whether through housing, employment, or health care.” 

From the Governor's office

“As the daughter of a Navy veteran, I know how deeply military service shapes families,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our administration is committed to honoring that legacy by building a state where veterans and their loved ones are supported every step of the way.” 

“It was extraordinarily meaningful to welcome Mary Brigham and her three sons, whose father and grandfather, Sgt. Thomas P. Flynn of Worcester, was a World War I veteran and Purple Heart recipient,” said Treasurer Goldberg. “Our Unclaimed Property team had recently found 6 Purple Hearts in safety deposit boxes. Sgt. Flynn’s medal was one of them. We are so grateful to him and all veterans for their sacrifices on behalf of us and our country.” 

From the Governor's office

“Veterans Day reminds us that service never ends,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “It lives on in the way we care for one another, build community, and honor the people who wore the uniform. I feel humbled to serve those who served us and proud of the progress we continue to make together.” 

The ceremony featured performances by the Ancient and Honorable Artillery Company, the Lynn English High School Marine Corps JROTC, and Boston Police Officer Kim Tavares, who performed the national anthem. 

Two honorees received this year’s Veterans Day awards: 

  • Andrew Biggio, U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Boston police officer, and author of The Rifle: Combat Stories from America’s Last WWII Veterans, received the Captain Thomas Hudner Jr. Valor Award for exemplifying extraordinary courage and service to the veteran community. 
  • Soldier On, a Pittsfield-based nonprofit organization dedicated to ending veteran homelessness, received the Captain Thomas Kelley Community Engagement Award for its decades of leadership providing housing, support, and stability for veterans across Massachusetts. 

The 2025 ceremony also highlighted the End Veteran Homelessness Campaign, a signature initiative of the Healey-Driscoll Administration that has placed over 1,000 veterans in permanent housing since its launch in 2024. The campaign, led by EOVS in partnership with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, combines data-driven outreach, coordinated care, and historic investments to ensure every veteran in Massachusetts has a safe, stable home. 

The ceremony further recognized the 2025 Acts of Service Campaign, part of Massachusetts’ Semiquincentennial commemoration, which uplifts stories of community service and encourages residents to give back to those who have served. 

Since its establishment in March 2023, the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) has transformed how Massachusetts delivers care to veterans. Under Secretary Santiago’s leadership, both the Massachusetts Veterans Homes at Chelsea and Holyoke achieved full state and federal licensure and certification; the HERO Act was signed into law expanding benefits and protections; and the state launched its largest-ever investment in housing and services for veterans and their families. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES EXPANDED MILITARY LEAVE BENEFITS FOR THE CITY WORKFORCE

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES EXPANDED MILITARY LEAVE BENEFITS FOR THE CITY WORKFORCE

BOSTON - Tuesday, November 11, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the City of Boston’s Office of Human Resources today announced updates to the City’s Military Leave Policy to strengthen support for employees who serve in the United States Military. The updates, which take effect on November 11, 2025, introduce expanded paid leave for Active Duty service and streamlines the leave request process.


“These updates will make it easier for our service members to take the time they need to fulfill their duties, with clear protections and compensation, while reinforcing Boston’s deep respect and gratitude for those who serve,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful to all our city employees working double duty for both the City of Boston and serving their country. Their devotion to others is inspiring and deserving of benefits that fully support and respect their work.”


The changes build on the City’s long-standing commitment to honor, protect, and support employees who serve—whether in routine training, national emergencies, or active deployments—and aim to ensure fair, consistent, and streamlined administration of military leave across departments. Approximately 600 City employees will benefit from the updated policy. 


Currently, the City of Boston’s Military Leave Policy provides job and compensation protection for employees who are called to military service. All employees are entitled to unpaid leave under the Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA), a federal law that protects the employment rights of service members. In addition, benefits-eligible, full-time and part-time City employees receive paid leave and, when applicable, differential pay depending on the type and duration of military service. Military leave can be taken for:

  • Annual training, drills, and parades
  • Active Duty service
  • Emergency missions under Massachusetts law


The City’s policy also outlines the process for taking and returning from leave, and ensures continued access to benefits like health insurance and vacation accrual during eligible paid leave. Employees are guaranteed reinstatement to their positions under USERRA guidelines.


Mayor Wu today announced the following revisions to the Military Leave Policy to better serve our employees:

  • New Paid Benefit for Active Duty Service: For the first time, the City is offering 40 days of fully paid leave per federal fiscal year (October 1 – September 30) to employees called to Active Duty, followed by differential pay (if applicable) once those days are exhausted. This new benefit ensures financial stability for service members and aligns compensation for Active Duty with existing benefits for training and emergency deployments.


  • Improved Request Process for Employees: To improve the experience for employees and to ensure consistency across departments, the City has launched a centralized Military Leave Request Form through the City’s employee portal. This ensures all leave is properly recorded and administered, and reduces administrative burdens on departments and employees. 


“When employees serve in the military, they’re serving all of us,” said Chief People Officer, Alex Lawrence. “These policy updates make sure that when our staff are called to duty, whether for training or national service, they can go with confidence that their job, pay, and benefits are protected.”


“When a City of Boston employee is called to active duty, they are not stepping away from public service—they are expanding it,” said Commissioner of Veteran Services, Robert Santiago. “Our obligation as a municipal government is just as clear: when they serve our country, we serve them and their families.”


The City will continue to honor its responsibilities under federal law, while also offering stronger local protections and resources to City workers. In addition to the new paid Active Duty benefit announced today, the policy also provides: 

  • Up to 40 paid days per federal fiscal year for training, drills, and parades
  • Up to 30 paid days per mission for emergency deployment under Massachusetts law
  • Job reinstatement protections and decompression time after military leave
  • Ongoing accrual of vacation and sick time during paid military leave consistent with applicable CBAs and employer benefit policies
  • Access to group health benefits during military service


Employees who are currently on military leave as of November 11, 2025, will remain covered by the previous policy until their return.


To explore job openings or learn more about working with the City, visit boston.gov/jobs.

Governor Healey Unveils Art Exhibition by Massachusetts Veterans

 Governor Healey Unveils Art Exhibition by Massachusetts Veterans   

BOSTON – Today, in honor of Veterans Day, Governor Maura Healey unveiled a temporary art installation featuring works created by veterans living in Massachusetts. The exhibition, presented in partnership with the Mass Cultural Council, showcases the work of Peter J Damon, Hector René Membreño-Canales, and Francis Olschafskie and will be on view in the Governor’s Reception Area through December 12. 

“Our veterans have sacrificed and contributed so much to our state and our nation, and this exhibition is an opportunity to honor their service and showcase their many talents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It invites the thousands of visitors who come through the State House to pause, reflect and connect with Peter, Hector, and Francis’s work. I’m deeply grateful to each of them for sharing their art with us.” 

“I want to thank the Mass Cultural Council and all three artists for helping us bring this meaningful exhibition to the People’s House,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Our veterans embody the values that define us, and it’s an honor to celebrate their service and creativity here in our capital.” 

Under Governor Healey's leadership, veterans services in Massachusetts have been transformed. She appointed the first-ever cabinet level Veterans Services Secretary, Jon Santiago, signed the most comprehensive veterans’ legislation in state history with the HERO Act, helped more than 1,000 veterans get housing through the End Veteran Homelessness campaign, opened a state-of-the-art new facility at the Chelsea Veterans Home and broke ground on the new Holyoke Veterans Home. 

Since taking office, Governor Healey sought to expand diverse art on display in the Governor’s Executive Office Suite by adding Black Tie by Robert T. Freeman and At the Tremont Street Car Barns by Allan Rohan Crite, which are on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts. She has also displayed other temporary exhibitions in the Governor’s reception area, including celebrating Black History, Climate Month, Pride Month, the Cape & Islands, Hispanic Heritage MonthWestern MassachusettsNative American Heritage Month and Women Veterans. The office also has on loan from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, Early Summer by J. Appleton Brown, Spring Hillside by J. J. Enneking, George Washington by Francis Alexander, Landscape by Leslie Prince Thompson and Showery May Morning, by J. Appleton Brown. 

 

Additional information about the temporary installments: 

Peter J Damon is an artist, catastrophically injured Iraq War Veteran, and co-owner of True Grit Art Gallery in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Alongside his wife, Jenn, he operates this vibrant space, representing over 25 artists from across Southern New England and establishing it as a key cultural venue for Southeastern Massachusetts and beyond. 

After suffering traumatic amputations of both arms in 2003 while serving in Iraq for the Massachusetts National Guard, Damon channeled his resilience into art as a profound source of meaning and purpose. He paints primarily in oils, drawing inspiration from his working-class roots in Brockton, Massachusetts, where he grew up. His work captures the simple yet evocative colors, shapes, lines, and textures found in the humble architecture of Brockton and the surrounding areas, including Middleborough, where he now resides. Through his art, Damon explores themes of grit, recovery, and everyday beauty, inviting viewers to find depth in the ordinary. His pieces reflect not only personal triumph but also a deep connection to the landscapes and communities that shaped him. His work “Parade Day” and “Canal Drawbridge at Dusk” are on display in the Governor’s Reception office. 

 

Hector René Membreño-Canales is a Honduran American artist, educator, and researcher whose work explores the intersections of military experience, identity, and visual culture. A former U.S. Army Public Affairs Officer, he served for over a decade with deployments and assignments in Iraq, El Salvador, Poland, Germany, and Canada. In 2022, he completed the Smithsonian Institution’s inaugural U.S. Army Monuments Officer Training, continuing his commitment to preserving cultural heritage in conflict zones. Currently based in Massachusetts, Membreño-Canales is the Francis C. Robertson Instructor of Visual Studies and Photography at Phillips Academy Andover and a Lecturer in the Art, Culture, and Technology (ACT) Program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). 

Membreño-Canales’s earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the School of Visual Arts and a Master of Fine Art in Art and Art History from Hunter College, City University of New York.  He has received awards and grants from The Eddie Adams Workshop, Red Bull Arts, Magnum Foundation, and Harvard University. His photograph Soldier in Kevlar is currently on display in the Governor’s Reception area. 

Francis Olschafskie is a photographer, educator, and media artist, and a 2025 Mass Cultural Council Grants for Creative Individuals recipient. His work explores the intersections of photography, media, and technology, reflecting decades of artistic and academic engagement. 

Olschafskie holds an undergraduate degree in Photography from the Massachusetts College of Art and a graduate degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Media Lab. He has taught in the photography programs at New York University, the School of Visual Arts, the International Center of Photography, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst. 

His photographs have been widely exhibited across the United States and Europe, including at the Walker Art Center, Museum of Modern Art, Isentan Museum, Greek Ministry of Culture, Tisch School of the Arts, Robert Hull Fleming Museum and the Photographic Resource Center.  

 His work Flowers is currently on display in the Governor’s Reception area. 

紐英崙伍胥山公所主席來年不換人 伍振中、伍偉業對調正副職位

紐英崙伍胥山公所2名主席伍振中(右),伍偉業(左)。(周菊子攝)
               (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙伍胥山公所119日在波士頓華埠泰勒街會址聚會,宣佈本屆職員合作無間,在宗親們無異議中,來年將由在位主席伍振中、伍偉業續任主席一職。只是為彰顯來年是新屆任期,他們兩人原本的正副主席位置將對調。

右起,伍慧儀,伍偉業,伍振中,伍艷梨,伍仁甫,伍玉娟,伍少維,
伍詹淑慧(左一)等伍氏公所職員。(周菊子攝)
              已於2023年升任元老的伍煥華,這天擔任主持人,和歷屆顧問,伍紹仁、伍樂仁,伍侃滋,伍樹俊,以及甫卸任美東副總長一職,回歸伍氏顧問行列的伍輝民,還有伍氏宗親等不下40人,共聚一堂,底定未來一年大局。

左起,伍侃滋,伍煥華元老,伍樂人,伍偉業和伍振中主席,伍輝民,伍紹仁,伍樹俊
等顧問合影,(周菊子攝)

                 伍煥華表示,伍氏公所2名現任主席,伍振中和伍偉業的用心,用力,宗親們有目共睹,無異議的敦請2人連任。

                伍振中將轉任正主席。他創辦有龍舟博物館,並同時擔任華人醫務中心及中華書法會理事,明年還將擔任紐英崙中華公所核數,能者多勞的身兼多職。

               伍偉業轉任副主席,他現在還具有波士頓安良工商會會長身份。

伍樹俊稱許主席做得好。(周菊子攝)

               伍煥華在會中細數過去一年來,公所主席、幹部們任勞任怨的為宗親服務,儘管事務繁瑣,卻事無分大小,都安頓得十分妥當。2名主席親力親為,任何一個環節有需要,立馬頂替上陣之外,財政伍仁甫,伍豔梨得處理所有公所水電保險,大小用品採購,會勘製作印刷等的費用繳納,為婚慶喜喪等人情世故支出禮金等的收支票據,還得懂得使用電腦,試算表,電子簽名等現代化工具來做詳細記錄,核數伍玉娟樓得一筆筆對帳,業主任伍慧儀得面對水管,窗門,地板等各種修繕,絞盡腦汁,因應保險公司新提出的各種投保要求,以及保費大幅上漲等情況,尤其辛苦。

伍煥華(右二起),伍詹淑慧,伍慧儀,伍仁甫聆聽宗親發言。(周菊子攝)
              曾任主席的伍樹俊也花了不下9分鐘的舉例敘述,包括處理下水管淤塞,二、三樓公所物業出租等問題,直言他加入公所廿多年來,覺得本屆主席做了最多事。

               伍煥華表示,其實包括中文書記的伍鍾美貞等人,公所的每一位幹部成員都十分熱誠,為宗親服務不落人後。待新年度來到,明年一月辦理交接儀式時,將再落實新一屆的服務幹部團隊。 (訂正版,伍仁甫為財政之一)
伍胥山元老伍煥華(左二)向宗親報告公所事務。(周菊子攝)
李伍碧香(右)說宗親們都很熱心,自己做了許多甜點,佳餚帶來分享。(周菊子攝)
伍氏宗親們開完會,享用餐點。(周菊子攝)
元老伍煥華描述公所幹部們都做了些事。(周菊子攝)

Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of School Breakfast

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of School Breakfast 

Education Secretary Tutwiler visits Springfield Public Schools
to see ‘Breakfast in the Classroom’
 
 

SPRINGFIELD – The Healey-Driscoll Administration visited Springfield Public Schools today to highlight the importance of school breakfast. Participation in school meals continues to climb after Massachusetts made state-supported universal free school meals permanent. School breakfast participation increased by 78,000 students from 2019 to 2024, a 36 percent increase. However, the number of students who eat lunch each day is still about double the number who eat breakfast. In fall 2024, 292,000 students ate breakfast daily while 595,000 ate lunch.  

 

The administration is committed to increasing school breakfast participation to make sure students have the fuel they need to stay alert and focused throughout the school day. It is also a focus of Governor Maura Healey's Anti-Hunger Task Force’s work to mitigate against President Trump’s cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and adopt long-term solutions to hunger. 

 

Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler and Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Director of the Office for Food and Nutrition Programs Rob Leshin visited the Rebecca M. Johnson School today to see breakfast in the classroom firsthand and tour Springfield’s Culinary and Nutrition Center, a 62,000-square-foot, full-service, commercial kitchen. In partnership with Sodexo, this center prepares meals cooked from scratch for the districts’ cafeterias. The district was able to open this center with funds collected from increased revenues from school breakfast reimbursement. Today, 26 percent of Springfield Public Schools food service purchasing is of local products.   

 

“It was wonderful to be in Springfield today to see the impact of Breakfast in the Classroom firsthand. Springfield is a model for meeting children where they are, sustaining high breakfast participation, and incorporating local products with meals made from scratch,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Now more than ever we know how important healthy school meals are to student wellbeing and learning, as well as supporting families’ overall grocery budget and ability to put food on the table.”  

 

“I’m proud that Massachusetts has committed to universal free school meals that give students access to healthy food twice a day,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Learning is a struggle for students who are hungry, and I’m glad to see the increased number of students eating school breakfasts.”  

 

Since Springfield Public Schools implemented Breakfast in the Classroom, breakfast participation increased from 44 percent in 2015 to 85 percent as of May 2025. After implementation, nurse visits due to hunger decreased 26 percent across the district.  

 

Research consistently finds that students who eat breakfast, including at school, do better academically and are more engaged. Students also display decreased behavior and social-emotional problems and have lower rates of absenteeism. Importantly, students are more food secure, and school breakfast can increase the amount of nutritious food students eat and protect against obesity and other negative health outcomes.  

 

“Springfield Public Schools greatly appreciates the partnerships that have made Breakfast in the Classroom a success.  We are honored to be recognized as a model in the state for this program,” said Springfield Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Sonia Dinnall. “We’ve been providing breakfast in the classroom throughout our district since 2015, and it has had a positive impact on attendance as well as behavior. It does a great deal to build community as well as reinforce a feeling of belonging.  We all can attest to the fact that good nutrition and high-quality education are inextricable, and a nutritious breakfast is the best way to start a day of learning.” 

 

When the state made universal free school meals permanent, it required all schools participating in the federal National School Lunch Program to also provide breakfast for their students. Under state law, schools where 60 percent or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program must offer all students a school breakfast after the beginning of the instructional day. This can happen through a variety of models, including breakfast in the classroom, “grab and go” breakfast, and “second chance” breakfast in the cafeteria. The administration works with districts to help them find the model that works best for them.