波士頓市長吳弭與社區合作發放3200隻火雞助居民過感恩節

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）和社區成員一起在牙買加平原的 Nuevo Dia ADHC 派發感恩節大餐。（波士頓市府圖片， Jeremiah Robinson攝) （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市長吳弭和成人日間照護中心Nuevo Dia等60多個社區夥伴合作，由社區參與內閣（Community Engagement Cabinet）和文化事務辦公室（Office of Cultural Affairs）協助，在3天內發放了3200隻火雞和35,000磅食物給波士頓居民，讓弱勢家庭也能過個美好的感恩節。 吳弭市長表示，在聯邦政府的食物補助券(SNAP)福利一度停擺，延遲，坊間食物不安全問題更見嚴重中，波士頓市府竭力提供支持，以期更多家庭能在感恩佳節也有一餐溫飽。 為感恩節派送的食物，在火雞之外，還有大米，扁豆，以及罐頭等不易腐爛的食物。 參與合作，並捐贈食物的機構包括“停步購物超市（Stop & Shop）”、亞馬遜（Amazon）、TD球場（TD Garden）、紅襪隊（Red Sox）、波士頓傳承足球俱樂部（Boston Legacy Football Club），麻州廚房（Commonwealth Kitchen），Toast.org，聯合食品和商業工人聯盟（United Food and Commercial Workers Union），本地1445工會（Local 1445），護理服務（Care Access），羅氏兄弟超市（Roche Bros.）、Shaw’s連鎖超市，星市場（Star market），美國最大的西語裔食品公司Goya等的支持和捐贈。 波士頓市政府鼓勵需要糧食資源的居民電洽 311 或 617-635-4500。需要幫助的社區成員可以上網，從市長糧食正義辦公室 (OFJ) 和鄰里糧食行動協作組織 (Neighborhood Food Action Collaborative) 合作製作的 感恩節資源網頁，獲取多語言的感恩節資源。 如果需應付持續的糧食不安全問題，居民可上糧食正義辦公室的 糧食資源頁面（https://www.boston.gov/departments/food-justice/food-resources），或使用大波士頓食物銀行 (Greater Boston Food Bank) 的 食物銀行查找工具，或致電 麵包計畫（Project Bread）的食物資源熱線1-800-645-8333。 MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES INCREASED EFFORTS TO SUPPORT FAMILIES DURING THE HOLIDAYS, INCLUDING ANNUAL TURKEY DONATIONS

City and community partners distributed more than 3,200 turkeys and 35,000 pounds of food to residents  BOSTON - Monday, November 24, 2025  - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu gathered with partners at Nuevo Dia, an adult day health center located in Jamaica Plain, to distribute turkeys to older adults ahead of Thanksgiving. This year, residents have faced unprecedented challenges because of the effects of the federal government shutdown, which caused a delay in SNAP benefits. Community organizations that work to eliminate food insecurity have also experienced challenges keeping food pantries stocked to support residents who rely on the resources. The annual turkey distribution is a continued effort by the City of Boston to ensure families have a warm meal during the holidays. The turkey and food distribution was a three-day operation led by the Community Engagement Cabinet and the Office of Cultural Affairs, who delivered more than 3,200 turkeys and 35,000 pounds of food to Boston residents in need.  “During an unprecedented period of growing food insecurity, it is more important than ever to come together this Thanksgiving,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am so grateful to our city departments and community partners for their coordinated efforts, reducing barriers for residents and their families to access the food they deserve to enjoy a stress-free holiday. This annual effort builds on our work to build a stronger food system for our community, making Boston a more accessible home for every resident.” Turkeys and bags of non-perishable foods including rice, lentils, canned corn, beans, pasta, and more were hand-delivered to over 60 partners including local community and cultural organizations, churches, and Boston Housing Authority sites that then distributed to residents to help families celebrate the holidays with a fulfilling meal. “The Community Engagement Cabinet’s annual turkey distribution is a key priority to ensure Boston residents have access to food in neighborhoods during the holiday,” said Brianna Millor, Chief of the Community Engagement Cabinet. “In these difficult times, it is important now more than ever to provide food to our neighbors in need, so they understand that the City of Boston has their back. I am grateful to our partners who helped us feed more than 3,200 families in our city.” “Food has always been a powerful way to bring people together; it connects us to our roots, our families, and our culture,” said Alexandra Valdez, Executive Director of the Mayor's Office Cultural Affairs. “Through the Office of Cultural Affairs, we’re proud to amplify that power by ensuring families can enjoy meals that reflect who they are. This is our third year bringing culturally meaningful food to residents’ tables, and we are so thankful for the partners who stand with us and make this work possible.” The City partnered with companies and community based organizations to source turkeys and food, including Stop & Shop, Amazon, Roche Bros., Shaw’s and Star Market, Red Sox, TD Garden, Boston Legacy Football Club, Commonwealth Kitchen, Toast.org, United Food and Commercial Workers Union, Local 1445, Goya, and Care Access.  "Amazon is honored to partner with the City of Boston to support families during the Thanksgiving season," said Jerome Smith, Head of Community Engagement for New England and Canada at Amazon. "Addressing food insecurity remains central to our community focus, and we're thankful to work alongside the Community Engagement Cabinet to bring joy and support to Boston residents this holiday season." “TD Garden is proud to support our neighbors in the City of Boston, especially during the holiday season," said Glen Thornborough, President of TD Garden and COO of the Boston Bruins. "Our donation to the City's annual turkey drive, along with our Table of Friends dinner on the arena floor, are just a few of the ways we can help to provide a warm meal to those who need it most. We thank Mayor Wu for her leadership and dedication to the community all year long.” “We’re proud to once again join Mayor Wu and the City of Boston to make sure families across our neighborhoods can enjoy a Thanksgiving meal together,” said Sam Kennedy, President & CEO of the Boston Red Sox. “This time of year is a reminder of what it means to come together and give back, and we’re thankful for the Mayor’s partnership and the chance to carry on this great Boston tradition.” “Boston Legacy FC is proud to partner with the City of Boston to support our neighbors during the holiday season,” said Jennifer Epstein, Controlling Manager of Boston Legacy Football Club. “As we look ahead to calling White Stadium our home in 2027, it means so much to us that this effort is rooted in the neighborhoods closest to where we’ll play. This time of year reminds us how powerful it is when we come together to support one another and give back.” Boston’s emergency food system faced unprecedented demand during the pandemic and remains strained today, exacerbated by the delay in SNAP benefits. As food prices continue to soar, and Boston faces some of the highest grocery prices in the country, the City has taken coordinated action to support residents in need.  "At Roche Bros. Supermarkets, giving back to the communities we serve is central to our values," said Tristen Kendall-Barros, Vice President of Marketing at Roche Bros. Supermarkets. "We are honored to partner with the Mayor's Office again this year to ensure that more Boston families can gather around the table and share a Thanksgiving meal. Supporting this annual turkey drive is a meaningful way for us to demonstrate our commitment to our neighbors during the holiday season." “The holiday season is a time when we bring people together, and it’s especially important that we support communities who may be facing hardship,” said Rafael Toro, National Director of Public Relations for Goya Foods. “Even a small gesture—like a warm meal—can make a meaningful difference. Goya is proud to stand with Boston in ensuring that every family feels cared for and supported during this holiday season."  "At Toast, we are dedicated to building a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable world, with a focus on combating food insecurity. The increased demand on organizations fighting hunger and food insecurity is significant this holiday season, and our commitment to supporting our communities remains strong,” said Jackie Martin, Global Head of Social Impact at Toast. “We are delighted to partner with the City of Boston during Toast’s 5th Annual Season of Giving to support the City of Boston’s turkey drive.” In addition to seasonal Thanksgiving Food distribution, the City of Boston ensures communities have access to fresh, healthy, culturally relevant, and affordable food all year long. This begins in schools, where all BPS students receive fresh, culturally-affirming meals at no cost. To support families and healthy habits, many Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF)  also provide after school meal programs and food assistance. Boston shoppers benefit from locally grown food at over 20 farmers markets as well as discounts through the Double Up Food Bucks Program, which makes fresh fruit and vegetables more affordable at participating neighborhood stores. The Age Strong Commission provides older adults with nutrition support and counseling, ensuring they have access to the quality food necessary to live healthy and strong lives. At over 40 dining sites across Boston’s neighborhoods, seniors, and their spouses can share a nutritious meal with others. Individuals who cannot leave their homes because of illness, disability, or frailty, or who have significant difficulty preparing meals, are also eligible to receive home-delivered meals. The City of Boston encourages residents in need of food resources to call 311 or 617-635-4500. Community members in need can find multilingual Thanksgiving resources made in partnership with the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice (OFJ) and the Neighborhood Food Action Collaborative at their  Thanksgiving Resource webpage. To address ongoing food insecurity, the Office of Food Justice has a  Food Resource Page, residents can visit the the Greater Boston Food Bank’s food pantry finder or call Project Bread’s Food Source Hotline at 1-800-645-8333.

Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian American Justice Center (Advancing Justice – AAJC) issues the following statement in response:

 Asian Americans Advancing Justice – Asian American Justice Center (Advancing Justice – AAJC) issues the following statement in response: 

“We denounce the Department of Homeland Security’s decision to terminate temporary protected status (TPS) for Burmese immigrants. Burma was first designated for TPS in 2021 in response to the country’s human rights violations and political unrest. TPS for Burmese nationals was extended and redesignated, most recently in March 2024, due to the prevailing political turmoil, targeting of ethnic minorities, and mass displacement.  

 

“Burma continues to suffer from hazards that make returning to the country dangerous for TPS holders. In March, Burma experienced an earthquake amidst its ongoing civil war which exacerbated the already dire conditions. The life-threatening circumstances under which TPS was first designated for Burma are still present. Rather than terminate TPS for Burma, we urge the administration to redesignate and extend TPS to protect Burmese TPS holders currently in the U.S. from inhumane conditions. It is needlessly cruel to give Burmese TPS holders only 60 days to leave the U.S. and return to a country still in crisis. 

 

“This decision is another reckless termination of TPS from the administration. DHS has already shown their disregard for immigrant communities by ending TPS for hundreds of thousands of people from countries such as Nepal, Afghanistan, Syria, Venezuela and others. In terminating TPS for Burma, this administration fails to uphold their commitment to protect vulnerable populations from humanitarian emergencies. We call on Congress to pass relief for Burmese TPS holders and other TPS holders in response to the administration’s negligent, oppressive agenda.”  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Invests $4.1 Million for No-cost Workforce Training and Education

Healey-Driscoll Administration Invests $4.1 Million for No-cost Workforce Training and Education  EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that they are awarding $4.1 million to 12 adult education organizations to support the organizations’ work helping adults enroll in college or find employment in high-growth industries. The funding will be used to provide training, education and wrap-around services to approximately 700 adults to help them pursue jobs such as medical interpreters, certified nursing assistants and community health care workers.     “This investment reflects Massachusetts’ deep commitment to expanding access to high-quality training programs that equip people with the skills and credentials they need to enter growing industries, advance their careers and support their families,” said Governor Maura Healey.  “Adult education students are some of the hardest working people in Massachusetts, and this initiative is designed to help improve the programs that serve them,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.   “Adult learners strengthen both our communities and our economy,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Adult and Community Learning Services has long built bridges between classroom and career, and this investment is a clear display that workforce readiness remains a priority.”  “Educational organizations, like today’s awardees, play an important role in our efforts to attract, retain, and develop talent by expanding access to the training and skills our workers need,” said Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones. “These grants highlight the collaborative effort between the state, employers, workforce training providers, and academic partners to improve employment outcomes, deliver a more equitable workforce, and strengthen the state’s economic competitiveness.”   “We are proud to invest in innovative models that meet the needs of adult learners and the evolving demands of Massachusetts employers,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “The addition of Fair Share funds will help more residents gain access to life-changing opportunities for economic advancement.”  “As we work to meet the growing demand for health care services, investments like this are essential,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano of Quincy. “Supporting adult education programs that prepare residents in Quincy and the surrounding area for careers in health care creates pathways to economic stability and strengthens the system of care that serves families across our community. The House was proud to support this funding and thanks the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its partnership in strengthening our workforce.”  This funding expands the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education’s (DESE) Pay for Performance initiative from five to twelve adult education programs. Pay for Performance, an innovative funding model, is designed to compensate providers based on measurable outcomes in employment, college enrollment, or industry-recognized credentials. The funding comes from a combination of the fiscal year 2026 state budget and Fair Share supplemental budget.   “These grants will enable many more adults to receive critical workforce training and support services to continue their education and find jobs in high-demand fields,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Investing in adult education helps employers to find qualified employees and helps residents to build their careers and support their families.”  “This investment in education and workforce training supports both our adult students and our employers,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “It helps individuals advance their careers while strengthening our workforce in high-demand industries.”  “I'm deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for its sustained investment in career-connected learning programs, which open doors for thousands of students to gain real-world experience, earn college credit, and prepare for meaningful careers,” said Senator Jo Comerford, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Higher Education. “Higher education is both an equity and economic engine for the Commonwealth, and these programs strengthen our workforce, our people, and our economy.”  "Investing in adult learners is investing in the backbone of our workforce," said Senator Jake Oliveira, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. "These programs open doors for residents who are eager to build new skills, enter high-demand fields, and secure good-paying jobs. By connecting education to real career opportunities, we're not just strengthening our workforce, we're empowering families and communities across the Commonwealth."  “Investing in adult education and workforce training is one of the most effective ways the Commonwealth can strengthen the economy and expand opportunity,” said Representative Paul McMurtry, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Labor and Workforce Development. “These programs open doors for adults to gain the skills for high-demand industries while helping employers meet their growing workforce needs.”  The recipients are as follows:   Boston Education, Skills and Training Program: $67,500  Services: Hospitality (pipeline to unionized hotel employment)  Cape Cod Community College: $398,000  Services: Certified Nursing Assistant and Medical Interpreter  Catholic Charities (El Centro): $370,000  Services: College Preparation (pipeline to Franklin Cummings Tech biotechnology degree program and internship)  City of Quincy - Quincy College: $193,500  Services: Community Healthcare Worker  Greenfield Community College: $180,000  Services: Certified Nursing Assistant  Holyoke Community College: $766,000  Services: Internationally Trained Professionals Program, Culinary (ServSafe Managers), Certified Nursing Assistant, and Workforce and College Preparation   Jewish Vocational Services: $1,000,500  Services: Healthcare (Certified Pharmacy Technician, Certified Sterile Processing; Certified Nursing Assistant), Workforce Readiness, and Bridges to College  Jewish Vocational Services: $500,000  Services: Bridges to College  Julie's Family Learning Program: $86,500  Services: Workforce and College Readiness  More Than Words: $100,000  Services: Workforce and College Readiness  Mujeres Unidas Avanzando: $205,000  Services: Certified Medical Assistant and Home Health Aid  The Notre Dame Education Center - Lawrence: $85,000  Services: Adult Education English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Teacher Training  YMCA of Greater Boston: $150,000  Services: Workforce and College Readiness

柯普利廣場聖誕樹12/1亮燈

 CITY OF BOSTON TO HOST COPLEY SQUARE TREE LIGHTING AND GRAND RE-OPENING OF COPLEY SQUARE PARK ON DECEMBER 1

The Boston Parks and Recreation Department will host the annual Copley Square Tree Lighting from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Monday, December 1, presented in partnership with the Friends of Copley Square, Sasaki, BXP, Encore Global, and Fairmont Copley Plaza. This year’s celebration will also mark the grand reopening of the newly improved Copley Square Park, welcoming residents and visitors back to one of Boston’s most iconic public spaces.

The celebration will feature appearances by Santa Claus and Rudolph, along with an exciting lineup of holiday entertainment, including performances by the Boston Children’s Chorus, Emerson College’s soulful a cappella group Symphonic, and Joelle James, Grammy Award–winning songwriter and Berklee College alum. 

Visitors can also enjoy holiday arts and crafts led by local artists. After the event attendees are invited to enjoy cookies and pictures with Santa in the Fairmont Copley Plaza. In addition to seasonal festivities, Sasaki will be on site from 4-5 p.m. offering guided tours of the newly renovated park. This free event is made possible with support from Drake’s Cakes. 

The City of Boston celebrates the lighting of Boston’s official 2025 Christmas tree from Nova Scotia on Boston Common on Thursday, December 4, beginning at 6 p.m. This year’s tree is a 45-foot-tall white spruce donated by Ronald and Claire Feener of Lunenburg County, Nova Scotia.  The celebration will be immediately followed by the lighting of the trees on Commonwealth Avenue Mall at Arlington Street and Commonwealth Avenue at 8:15 p.m.

Visit boston.gov/holidaylights for more information about the season’s festivities. To stay up to date with news, events, and improvements in Boston parks visit boston.gov/parks, call (617) 635-4505, join our email list, and follow our social channels @bostonparksdept on X, Facebook, Instagram, and @parks.boston.gov on Bluesky.

BU台灣學生會和台學聯攜手感恩節聚餐 台北市長蔣萬安遙送祝福

波士頓大學台灣同學會共會長黃景軒、葉宇愷和新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會
會長李典璋合作舉辦感恩節餐會。（周菊子攝）

             （Boston Orange周菊子麻州劍橋市報導）波士頓大學台灣學生會(BUTSA)和新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會（FTSANE）合作，11月22日在哈佛大學Lehman Hall舉辦感恩節餐會，70多名各院校學生，吃美食，玩遊戲，抽大獎，玩得不亦樂乎，最特別的是竟播了一段台北市長蔣萬安的祝福視頻。

波士頓大學台灣學生會主辦的感恩節餐會有70多來自各校同學參加。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓大學台灣學生會會長，主修電腦科學的葉宇愷表示，感恩節其實是個西方的節日，但來自台灣的學生們正好趁此時機，體會，了解西方感恩節的意義與氣氛。例如他十分感恩哈佛大學台灣學生會會長暨新英格蘭台灣同學會聯合會會長李典璋的大力支持這「感恩節聚餐」活動。

波士頓大學同學會會長葉宇愷表示辦感恩節餐會，讓同學們熟悉一下西方節日。
（周菊子攝）

            在新英格蘭地區各大專院校中，若以來自台灣學生人數計，波士頓大學多年來不是第一，就是第二。只是受新冠病毒疫情影響，該校台灣學生會一度形同解散，今年9月前，才成功重組。葉宇愷希望今後能和台學聯，以及其他各校合作，提供更多交流機會。讓同學們在海外也感覺溫暖。

新英格蘭台學聯會長李典璋表示，12月將辦聖誕節餐會。（周菊子攝）

            葉宇愷另外透露，鑑於波士頓大學座落在波士頓市內，而波士頓市和台北市早在1996年就簽訂為姊妹市，所以他特地委託在台灣的朋友，向蔣萬安市長邀約祝福。他個人對蔣萬安市長能夠撥冗，為波士頓學子製作這段視頻，感謝十分，也讚許蔣萬安市長在祝語中的勉勵同學們人在海外，不僅代表自己，也代表台灣，同學們的努力與成就，可以讓世界看到充滿自信，勇敢與任性的台灣小孩。

            根據波士頓大學校方國際學生學者辦公室的2023年統計，該校共有來自145個國家及地區的12853名國際學生及學者，其中依序來自中國，印度，南韓及台灣的人數最多。2020年的統計顯示，有277名國際學生來自台灣，2023年也大約有279人。

波士頓大學幹部主持節目。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓大學的這場感恩餐會，只安排了用餐和猜謎，抽獎等活動，但同學們喝著「飯糰外賣」贊助的珍珠奶茶，小點心，吃著從2名布朗大學MBA新鮮畢業生所創辦「Chop Chop Eats」訂來的私廚菜餚，以及每桌一隻，從店舖買回來，用旋轉烤肉架製作的烤雞（rotisserie），圍桌而聚的熱絡尬聊，競猜謎題，看誰抽中Owala水壺，JBL耳機，一輛腳踏車等獎品。

            李典璋在應邀致詞時表示，哈佛大學台灣學生會年底將改選幹部，歡迎有興趣為同學服務者報名參選。新英格蘭台灣同學會聯誼會預訂12月22日舉辦聖誕節聚餐活動，讓聖誕節期間留在波士頓，沒有回家的同學們，也有機會感受熱鬧的節日氣氛。

台北市長蔣萬安應邀為波士頓大學同學們錄製了一段祝福視頻。（周菊子攝）

布朗大學MBA的沈俊熹（左）和余劭羱（右），3個多月前才正式推出
“Chop chop Eats"這私廚菜訂購，運送平台，如今已有25名私廚供老饕訂菜。
（周菊子攝）  

麻州州長Healey譴責美國疾病管制中心網站訊息不實

           （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（24）日發表聲明，強烈譴責美國疾病管制與預防中心（CDC）經衛生及公共服務部部長小羅伯特·F·甘迺迪（Robert F. Kennedy Jr.）指示，在網站上增添加關於疫苗與自閉症之間存在關聯的不實資訊。

奚莉州長指出，CDC此舉是破壞公共衛生基礎，令人深感不安與悲傷。她批評這是意識形態凌駕於科學與數據之上的危險之舉。她強調，「科學是真實的：疫苗是安全、有效和救命的」，數十年的科學研究和壓倒性證據均表明疫苗與自閉症之間沒有關聯。她認為散播謊言和質疑已證實的科學，對公眾健康構成嚴重威脅，她還舉例列出CDC近期發佈的其他誤導性資訊，包括關於懷孕期間使用泰諾的錯誤說法、新冠疫苗建議的無根據轉變，以及飲用水中氟化物的謊言。

奚莉州長與公共衛生局局長羅比·戈德斯坦（Robbie Goldstein）博士堅決拒絕聯邦網站上的錯誤資訊。她建議麻州居民對這些內容保持警惕，並鼓勵他們依賴麻州公共衛生部（DPH）等州級來源所提供的誠實、循證且值得信賴的健康資訊。麻州政府將繼續以可靠的科學和醫學專家的專業知識為指導。

Governor Healey Condemns Federal Misinformation about Vaccines and Autism 

“The science is real: Vaccines are safe, effective and lifesaving" 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement regarding the CDC adding inaccurate claims about links between vaccines and autism on its website at the direction of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. 

“It is disturbing and sad to witness the federal government undermining the very foundation of public health based on conspiracy theories and false information. But that's what’s been happening. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – once the world’s foremost source of evidence-driven public health guidance – has taken another step down a dangerous path shaped by ideology rather than science and data.  

“The posting last week on CDC’s website – at the direction of Secretary Kennedy – insinuating a link between vaccines and autism is the latest troubling installment. This claim is wrong and directly contradicts to decades of scientific research involving millions of people.  

“The science is unequivocal, and the evidence is overwhelming: there is no connection between vaccines and autism. Vaccines are safe, effective and lifesaving. They are the backbone of modern disease prevention and the well-being of our communities. Putting false information out there puts people at real risk. Parents need honest, accurate information that will give their kids the best start in life and keep them healthy and safe.    

“Claims that spread lies and cast doubt on proven science pose a serious threat to that health and safety. We have seen this before. In recent months, the CDC has issued guidance and promoted information that is baseless and misleading. This includes false claims about the dangers of Tylenol during pregnancy, unsupported shifts in COVID-19 vaccination recommendations, lies about the safety and effectiveness of fluoride in drinking water and deliberate efforts to remove or suppress vital information because it conflicts with the opinions of the Secretary.  

“Massachusetts is home to some of the best health care, the strongest public health system, and the most groundbreaking biomedical research in the world. That is why today, I stand firmly with Public Health Commissioner Dr. Robbie Goldstein and our Department of Public Health in rejecting in the strongest possible terms the misinformation now appearing on federal websites – including CDC’s. We advise Massachusetts residents to approach this content with caution because we no longer feel confident in or comfortable with the quality and accuracy of the information. Instead, we encourage Bay Staters to rely on health information provided by DPH and other state sources that are honest, evidence-based, and worthy of the public’s trust. Our residents deserve nothing less.    

“We will continue to be guided by reliable science and by the expertise of those on the front lines of medicine and public health. And we reject false claims that are rooted in ideology rather than evidence.”  

惹對寺首名洋住持Nicholas Vreeland訪劍橋慈濟分享達賴喇嘛超越宗教理念

頗具傳奇色彩的藏傳佛教僧人Nicholas Vreeland，在慈濟劍橋外展中心弘揚佛教精神。
（周菊子攝）

             （Boston Orange 周菊子麻州劍橋市綜合報導）波士頓慈濟劍橋外展中心11月21日舉辦讀書暨座談聚會，邀最古老藏傳佛教惹對寺（Rato Dratsang）首名洋主持Nicholas Vreeland，闡述第14世達賴喇嘛所撰的「超越宗教：全世界的倫理」一書，談到輪迴轉世，強調佛教利他精神。

慈濟劍橋外展專員喬琥（右）獻哈達，送感謝狀給Nicholas Vreeland。（周菊子攝）

慈濟波士頓負責人長金滿（左三）等人感謝Nicholas Vreeland和麻州麥德福市Kurukula中心
具格西資格的常駐教師Geshe Ngawang Tenley。(周菊子攝）

            Nicholas Vreeland是一名頗具傳奇色彩的藏傳佛教僧人，1954年在瑞士出生，父母是美國外交官，祖母曾是知名時尚雜誌Vogue的主編Diana Vreeland。他自己13歲開始學攝影，成為了紐約時尚圈攝影名人，但他卻剃度出家，學習藏傳佛教13年，1998年通過“格西（Geshe）”考試，取得藏傳佛教格魯派中有如佛學博士，得以出任住持，以及作為佛學導師的資格。他從1999年迄今，擔任紐約的西藏中心主任，兼管在新澤西州（South Orange）的閉關中心，同時在2012到2016年間，經達賴喇嘛欽點為惹對寺（Rato Dratsang）住持，成為作為密宗學院，培養西藏政治和宗教最高指導者的這南印度寺院最高行政及宗教、管理機構有史以來的第一位西方人住持。

部分出席者合影。(周菊子攝）

Nicholas Vreeland應邀到慈濟劍橋外展中心交流佛學。（周菊子攝）

            今年（2025）7月，他回到印度北部的達蘭薩拉（Dharamsala），參加第14達賴喇嘛的90歲生日之後，依循藏人行政中央和其他組織把達賴喇嘛 90 歲壽辰年定為「慈悲年」的倡議，鼓勵信眾推廣達賴喇嘛所倡導的普世價值、慈悲心和跨信仰和諧。9月，他也到台灣的台北，秀水，鹿港等地，做藝術，文化，佛教的訪問交流。

            自從卸任惹對寺住持後，Nicholas Vreeland的工作重心轉移回紐約西藏中心，但他仍是惹對寺的終身導師和顧問，因此長年來回兩地，同時經常應邀到世界各地演講，教導佛學，辦攝影展，擴大弘法。

            這也是Nicholas Vreeland這次接受慈濟劍橋外展中心邀約，辦讀書會的原因，藉以推廣第14世達賴喇嘛在2011年出版的「超越宗教：全世界的倫理（Beyond Religion：Ethics for a Whole World）」一書，強調佛教修練自我，弘揚利他的精神，探討達賴喇嘛所主張，真正的道德基礎植根於人類追求幸福，避免痛苦的本能，以及包含慈悲、關懷與互相理解等人性特質的「基本人類價值」。

            Nicholas Vreeland在回答出席者提問時還表示，他認為儘管所有宗教在“利他”上或有共同處，基督教和佛教的最大區別之一是基督教有神的存在，而佛教則強調人人都可自我修練成佛。

            由於第14世達賴今年已高齡90，藏傳佛教又有靈童轉世這傳統，席間有人探問了達賴喇嘛有沒透露過未來轉世的消息。不過達賴喇嘛近年曾數度公開表示過自己身體很好，甚至可能活到113歲，將來的轉世者一定會出生在自由世界。

            21日的這場聚會由慈濟劍橋外展中心外展專員喬琥主持。慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿，負責劍橋外展中心活動的陳筠媞、宋永麒和香積組的金花師姐等人特地準備了蘿蔔糕，炒米粉，藍莓，香瓜等美食，招待出席者和講者。活動結束時，喬琥還向Nicholas Vreeland獻“哈達”，以表尊敬及祝福。

            大波士頓和西藏人，以及藏傳佛教其實頗有淵源。第14世達賴喇嘛本人在1979到2014年間曾6度訪問波士頓，2011年他決定政教分離，辭去所有政治職務後，西藏流亡政府產生了第一位完全民選的首席噶倫（Kalon Tripa，後更名為司政 Sikyong）。哈佛大學法學博士洛桑森格（Lobsang Sangay）在2任10年，依法不得再次連任司政後，回到哈佛大學法學院擔任資深訪問學者。大波士頓地區從1965年之後開始有藏人定居，根據波士頓藏人協會（TAB）數據，大波士頓約有600名西藏人。（更新版）

愛潑斯坦案持續發酵 哈佛學生要求學校撤銷前校長Larry Summers的終身教職

哈佛大學前校長薩默斯（Larry Summers）>
(圖片來自網路）

             （Boston Orange編譯）哈佛大學前校長薩默斯（Larry Summers）和性侵犯愛潑斯坦（Jeffrey Epstein）曾長期保持聯繫的醜聞，引發各界沸沸揚揚議論，導致他辭去所有職務，打算只當哈佛教授之際，一些哈佛學生站出來要求哈佛校方取消薩默斯的終身教職。

            薩默斯上週說，在哈佛校方調查他和已辭世的愛潑斯坦之間關係時，他立即卸任教職。哈佛校方是在一個美國國會議員委員會所公佈的電子郵件，顯示這2人直到2019年愛潑斯坦被捕前一直互通訊息後，開始調查。薩默斯已經說他後悔曾經這樣通信。

            現在，哈佛校園內有些人說，學校應該更近一步的讓薩默斯永遠的遠離學生。

            組織者說，哈佛校園內現在流傳一份，包括和哈佛有關或無關，有數百人簽名的請願書，把薩默斯形容為“在哈佛教書是不適任，也不安全”，要求學校取消他的終身教授資格，並對被發現和愛潑斯坦有實質接觸的任何其他人，做同樣懲處。

            散發請願書的 “哈佛女性主義者聯盟（Harvard Feminist Coalition）”的一名成員暨學生說，“我們真的很高興贏了，讓薩默斯下台”，“但這當然還不夠”。

金刻羽。（圖片來自網路）

            薩默斯從1983年起在哈佛任教，曾於2001年至2006年擔任哈佛校長，離職前還是哈佛甘迺迪政府學院Mossavar-Rahmani企業和政府中心的主任。撤銷終身教職，將是對這位有影響力的經濟學家的一個震撼譴責。

            撤銷終身教職也會是哈佛幾乎從未採取過的行動。

            今年稍早前，哈佛商學院道德教授Francesca Gino被控在學術論文中捏造數據，哈佛大學因此撤銷了她的終身教職。Francesca Gino否認這些指控。

            一名哈佛大學發言人在5月時表示，這是該校近幾十年來第一次這麼做。根據哈佛校報大概從1940年以來，就沒有其他的教授曾失去終身教職。

            最近公佈的電子郵件讓人對薩默斯和愛潑斯坦之間同志情誼的程度之深，有了新見解。在薩默斯和愛潑斯坦的交流中，薩默斯為了和一名“門生”的浪漫關係，向愛潑斯坦徵求意見。他也到愛潑斯坦在加勒比海擁有的一個小島旅行了幾次，其中一次是他和他太太2005年到那兒度蜜月。

            包括報章，Youtube等許多媒體，已爭相報導，薩默斯是為了追求中國前財長的女兒，目前在倫敦政經學院任教的金刻羽，向愛潑斯坦取經

            愛潑斯坦還為薩默斯的太太促成一筆款項，來擴大她的學術研究，這不包括在哈佛大學關於愛潑斯坦和該校長達20年關係，為該校及教職員捐款數百萬元的2020年報告。

終身教職是許多大學教授追求的崇高榮譽，因為它賦予持有人極高的地位，通常能確保他們能在機構中任職直到他們想要的時間。

根據網路上的哈佛大學手冊，終身教職是「保留給在研究、教學、指導、輔導及服務/公民意識方面表現卓越，並有能力對其系所做出重大且持久貢獻的一等傑出學者」的一種榮譽，通常能確保獲得資格者在所工作科系保留教職，一直待到他們希望待的時候為止？。

            在薩默斯卸任教職前，上星期他說自己會從美國進步中心和Open AI的董事會等公職上卸任。

            最近薩默斯飽受外界嚴厲批評，包括美國聯邦參議員，也是哈佛大學前任法學院教授的Elizabeth Warren上週說，這顯示了薩默斯不可信任。“