星期三, 12月 17, 2025

Governor Healey Delivers $50 Million for Road Paving to Enhance Safety, Improve Travel

Governor Healey Delivers $50 Million for Road Paving to Enhance Safety, Improve Travel 

Funding provided to 34 communities to pave approximately 217 miles of roads  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is awarding $50 million to 34 municipalities to pave 217 miles of roads to enhance safety and improve travel. The funds come from the Municipal Pavement Program and are available for municipally owned state numbered routes, with an emphasis on National Highway System (NHS) roadways. 

“This investment in municipal paving is about delivering significant improvements that make a difference in the lives of people across Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By helping cities and towns repair and maintain local roads, we’re making every day travel safer, supporting local economies, and easing the burden on municipal budgets – so residents can see and feel the impact of their government at work." 

“As a former mayor, I know strong local roads are essential to strong communities. This municipal paving program ensures cities and towns have the resources they need to fix aging infrastructure, improve safety, and keep people and goods moving,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re proud to partner with municipalities to make targeted investments that improve quality of life and support local decision-making.” 

“Roads are the backbone of our transportation system, and maintaining them is essential to a regionally equitable, statewide transportation network,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “These improvements will make it faster and safer for people to get to work, school, downtown, and wherever else they need to go, while easing a costly burden for cities and towns. I’m proud the Senate included this funding in our budget and grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for delivering these resources to communities across the Commonwealth.” 

“This funding will help to improve road safety, lessen the strain on municipal budgets, and improve commutes for residents across Massachusetts,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “I want to thank Governor Healey, my colleagues in the House, and our partners in the Senate for their commitment to bettering the Commonwealth’s infrastructure and to supporting our cities and towns.” 

“This grant funding will enable our municipal partners to deliver essential upgrades that helps to ensure their roads are safe and in a state of good repair, improving quality of life for their residents and businesses,” said Interim MassDOT Secretary & MBTA General Manager and CEO Phillip Eng. “Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their leadership in providing these invaluable funds and for the continued support from the legislature.  It is a privilege for MassDOT to facilitate the success of cities and towns through programs like the Municipal Pavement Program, which advance everyone’s mission to deliver a well balanced transportation network across the Commonwealth.”  

“Since its launch in 2021, the Municipal Pavement Program has been a vital resource for cities and towns. We’ve helped to deliver over $125 million in funding and supported upgrades to over 615 miles of municipal roadways,” said Undersecretary and State Highway Administrator Jonathan Gulliver. “We look forward to working together with our municipal partners to plan and build out these projects, and to make these critical transportation upgrades a reality.” 

“Timely investments to address roadway upgrades and maintenance can prevent larger, more costly disruptions in the future.  Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for partnering with the legislature to bring these needed resources to communities across the state,” said State Representative and Transportation Committee Chair James Arciero.    

"Investing in our roads isn't merely maintenance; it's a direct investment that ensures safer daily travel, better public safety, and provides the fundamental infrastructure that fuels municipal success," said State Senator and Transportations Committee Chair Brendan Crighton. "Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and MassDOT for continuing to partner with our cities and towns to make sure that we prioritize these essential transportation improvements." 

Projects are selected by MassDOT each fiscal year based on pavement condition data, the proportion of state numbered routes in poor condition in a municipality, and geographic equity. MassDOT works closely with selected communities to develop a scope of work for each roadway segment. All work is conducted by MassDOT contractors in coordination with the municipality.  

The following cities and towns will receive funding in Fiscal Year 2027:  

  • Cummington – Route 112 

  • North Adams – Route 8A 

  • West Stockbridge – Route 41 

  • Williamstown – Route 43 

  • Worthington – Route 112 

  • Agawam – Route 75 

  • Agawam – Route 57 

  • Westfield – Route 10 and Route 202 

  • Westhampton – Route 66 

  • Leominster – Route 117 

  • Uxbridge – Route 98 

  • Worcester – Route 122 

  • Bedford – Route 4 

  • Carlisle – Route 225 

  • Salem – Route 114 

  • Harwich – Route 124 

  • Harwich – Route 39 

  • Kingston – Route 106 

  • Norfolk – Route 115 

  • Plympton – Route 58 

  

The following cities and towns will receive funding in Fiscal Year 2028: 

  • Adams – Route 8 

  • Cheshire – Route 116 

  • Savoy – Route 116 

  • Hadley – Route 47 

  • Northampton – Route 66 

  • Springfield – Route 141 

  • Brookfield – Route 148 

  • Paxton – Route 31 

  • Sudbury – Route 27 

  • Billerica – Route 129 

  • Georgetown – Route 133 

  • Rowley – Route 133 

  • Brewster – Route 137 

  • Bridgewater – Route 104 

  • Truro – Route 6A 

  • Newton – Route 30  

星期二, 12月 16, 2025

僑聲音樂劇社邀近百人齊聚慶聖誕 預告明年2月、6月演折子戲、帝女花

僑生音樂劇社社長李伍碧香(左三)和黃國威(右三),邀嘉賓(左起)
波士頓市議員Ed Flynn,中華公所主席雷國輝和僑聲前主席雷玉霞、梁永基
祝賀出席者聖誕快樂。(周菊子攝)
                   Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)僑聲音樂劇社1214日傍晚,在紐英崙中華公所禮堂慶祝2025聖誕。會長李伍碧香預告,該社明年2月及6月,已排定2場演出。

黃國威是僑聲音樂劇社的常青樹。(周菊子攝)
                      會後李伍碧香補充說明,2月7 日(週六)將在昆士高中(JQUS) 禮堂,演出4場折子戲,演唱3首粵曲,66日(週六)要在愛默生派拉蒙中心(Emerson Paramont Center) 再次完整表演一齣粵劇,暫定「帝女花」。

李伍碧香預告,僑聲音樂劇社明年2月,6月有大演出。(周菊子攝)
                  僑聲2名社長李伍碧香和黃國威原本預期這天會有100多人共聚同樂,在團員們各自帶菜,贊助者慷慨捐贈之下,準備了十分豐盛的菜餚,不但有西式牛排,洋芋泥,櫛瓜,炸春捲,炸豆腐,蔬菜沙拉,腐皮,紫菜飯糰,以及芋頭西米露,木瓜糖水,蛋糕等甜點,而且居然還有滷白蘿蔔咖哩魚丸,讓出席者開心的大快朵頤。

                  只是沒想到,這天竟正好遇上波士頓市區的第一場雪,怕風雪路滑的人,結果都沒出門,於是擺好的座位,居然沒坐滿。

                  黃國威歡迎社員,僑界,以及遠道從紐約來的票友到場後,敦請波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)和紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝致詞。            

李伍碧香(左)和雷玉霞(右)等僑聲社員為出席嘉賓打菜。(周菊子攝)
                 費連議員表示自己很榮幸應邀出席這聖誕新年的假日慶祝活動,讚許僑聲音樂社以音樂、藝術來傳承文化,這些活動令到波士頓市,美國生活更豐富。
左起,阮謝少珍,李爐連馨,黃偉健夫人等人都來幫社長李伍碧香服務。(周菊子攝)

            雷國輝稱許僑聲音樂劇社歷史悠久,已成立8687年,近年2度踏進愛默生學院派拉蒙中心劇院演出,把社區活動帶得更上層樓,為華埠增光不少,都是2名社長和所有社員的功勞。

          僑聲音樂劇社自從搬離愛丁堡羅街,入駐中華公所大樓後,陸續有愛唱粵曲的大佬黃君裕,樂師科班出身的梅炳鈿等人辭世,再加上有些人為交通便利,轉而加入在昆士市的新興粵曲社團等,整體而言,劇社人員有不少變化。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn致詞。(周菊子攝)
           不過這晚,不少僑聲的台柱,舊人,包括資歷極深的梁雁英,和黃國威搭檔多年的雷玉霞,梁永基夫婦,曾任社長的李厚鵬,近5年才加入的黃氏宗親會前主席黃偉健等人,都來到會場和新朋舊友打招呼。

中華公所新屆中文書記張青梅,財政余寶愛和伍氏公所的伍慧儀,伍詹淑慧
同桌享用聖誕餐。(周菊子攝)
            當晚應邀出席到場的,還有中華公所的新舊屆職員,張青梅,余寶愛,伍振中,翁宇才,以及中華公所董事陳建立,陳黃海蘭夫婦,陳秀珍,關麗莎,司徒宗達,黃紹培,何遠光和華埠主街經理何陳素貞,溯源公所主席鄺元傑,曾任黃氏宗親會主席的黃光野,黃光沐,財政黃開洪,來自紐約的嘉賓伍國榮、陳少聲,靚筱聲等許多人,會場內聯誼氣氛濃厚。(訂正錯字,補充內容更新版)

中華公所董事黃紹培(右)和遡源公所主席鄺元傑舉刀叉,抽獎,開心過節。(周菊子攝)
中華公所董事何遠光和華埠主街經理和陳素珍連袂出席。(周菊子攝)
中華公所董事陳建立、陳黃海蘭高舉中獎彩券。(周菊子攝)
關麗莎(左)和司徒宗達穿著很有節日氣氛的T恤出席。(周菊子攝)
曾任僑聲音樂劇社社長的李厚鵬已退休多年,這天也回來參加活動。(周菊子攝)
僑聲音樂劇社聖誕趴雖受下雪影響,也有七、八十人出席。(周菊子攝)

Governor Healey Strengthens Support for Seasonal Communities to Support Housing Development and Lower Costs

 Governor Healey Strengthens Support for Seasonal Communities to Support Housing Development and Lower Costs  

Administration extends Seasonal Communities designation to 18 additional communities and launches new funding opportunities 

 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today announced that 18 additional municipalities across Massachusetts have been designated as Seasonal Communities, opening up new tools, support and grant funding to help them manage seasonal housing pressures. 

 

Created as part of the historic Affordable Homes Act signed into law by Governor Healey in 2024, the Seasonal Communities designation was designed to recognize Massachusetts communities that experience substantial variation in seasonal employment and to create distinctive tools to address their unique housing needs. The law also established the Seasonal Communities Advisory Council (SCAC).  

 

The Affordable Homes Act identified several communities to automatically receive the designation, including:   

  • All municipalities in the counties of Dukes and Nantucket;   
  • All municipalities with over 35% seasonal housing units in Barnstable County; and   
  • All municipalities with more than 40% seasonal housing units in Berkshire County.   

   

To identify additional communities, the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) reviewed available data, specifically focusing on cities and towns with high levels of short-term rentals and a high share of second- or vacation homes. Based on those factors, HLC has offered additional designations to: 

  • Six towns in Barnstable County: Barnstable, Bourne, Falmouth, Mashpee, Sandwich and Yarmouth 
  • Ten towns in Berkshire County: Egremont, Great Barrington, Lee, Lenox, New Marlborough, Richmond, Sandisfield, Sheffield, West Stockbridge and Williamstown 
  • Two towns in Franklin County: Hawley and Monroe    

 

“Our seasonal communities are a vital part of Massachusetts’ cultural and economic fabric, but they’re also home to essential workers, families, seniors, and longtime residents who deserve a place to live year-round,” said Governor Healey. “That’s why we’re committed to supporting these communities with innovative solutions like the Seasonal Communities designation to meet their unique needs, and I’m thrilled that we’re offering this opportunity to 18 additional communities across the state. Everyone who calls these places home should be able to live, work and grow here, no matter the season.” 

 

“These cities and towns are more than just vacation destinations, and the entire region feels it when year-round residents can’t afford to stay in the communities they serve,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We must continue expanding and building on the Seasonal Communities designation because it enables our administration to direct support where it’s needed most, as well as protect the character of the seasonal communities that make our state such a special place to visit and call home.” 

 

“We know many coastal and tourist-driven communities struggle to maintain year-round housing because so many homes are used seasonally or as short-term rentals. This designation gives those places specific tools to protect their year-round housing stock and support local workers who need places to live," said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “HLC is working hard to help ensure that these communities remain real year-round places where teachers, first responders, service workers and longtime residents can afford to live — not just seasonal destinations.” 

 

As with the statutorily identified communities, acceptance of the designation for municipalities is voluntary and requires a local legislative vote. HLC will open an application for newly eligible communities that haven’t accepted the Seasonal Communities designation to request consideration. 

 

The Affordable Homes Act created several new tools for communities who accept the Seasonal Communities designation to be able to:  

  • Acquire deed restrictions to create or preserve year-round housing 
  • Develop housing with a preference for municipal workers, so that our public safety personnel, teachers, public works and town hall workers have a place to live 
  • Establish a Year-Round Housing Trust Fund to create and preserve affordable and attainable housing for year-round residents 
  • Create year-round housing for artists 
  • Allow seasonal communities to develop a comprehensive housing needs assessment 
  • Permit tiny homes to be built and used as year-round housing 
  • Permit year-round, attainable residential development on undersized lots 
  • Increase the property tax exemption for homes that are the owners’ primary residence 

 

In addition to these tools, HLC is also now accepting applications for the new Seasonal Communities Grant Program, which supports Seasonal Communities in addressing their community and housing development needs. Only communities that have already accepted the Seasonal Communities designation are eligible to apply. Funding can support:  

  • Planning work: such as housing needs assessments, zoning updates and local planning for new housing. 
  • Direct housing activities: such as supporting development projects, creating or capitalizing local year-round housing trusts, or accessing technical assistance. 
  • Infrastructure projects that support new year-round housing: such as sewer or water upgrades, utility extensions, road and safety improvements, or other related work.  

 

More information is available online, and applications are due by Jan. 9, 2026. 

 

HLC published draft Seasonal Communities regulations in September, accepted public comment through Oct. 31 and is on track to issue final regulations by Dec. 31, 2025. The regulations are intended to address many of the unique challenges facing their constituents living in communities that face seasonal swings in employment, population and housing demand. 

 

The Affordable Homes Act that created the Seasonal Communities designation was the state’s most ambitious investment in housing in history. The law, together with the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s other initiatives such as converting vacant state-owned land into housingcommercial to residential housing conversions, implementation of the MBTA Communities Law, creation of the Momentum Fund, and sizable increases in housing tax credits and subsidies is already delivering results for the people of Massachusetts. As a result, more than 90,000 new homes have been built or are in development since Governor Healey took office.     

 

The administration is also delivering immediate relief for Massachusetts residents amidst the housing shortage. In addition to making it easier and cheaper to build accessory dwelling units, the Affordable Homes Act gave homebuyers a clear right to a home inspection to identify potential issues or unexpected expenses as they make a major financial decision. Governor Healey also banned forced renter-paid broker fees, saving renters thousands of dollars each time they move. By funding more affordable housing projects with increased tax credits, investing more resources in public housing with increased capital investment, and working to preserve rental vouchers despite limited federal funding, Governor Healey is bolstering many more policies and programs to reduce the overall cost of housing across the state. 

中華耆英會白禮頓樓慶40週年 表揚義工、員工並祝壽

波士頓市議員Liz Breadon(左二)應白禮頓樓主任梅麗梨(中)邀約,
出席白禮頓樓40週年慶祝會。(周菊子攝)
             Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)中華耆英會白禮頓樓1215日假布萊頓(Brighton)天天自助餐廳,慶祝40週年,感謝服務滿20年,10年的共6名員工,以及23名義工,同時為212月壽星慶生,和來自8個城市的耆英共慶聖誕。

波士頓市奧斯頓/布萊頓聯絡員Jennifer Roberts(右五),代表市府頒發表揚狀給
資深員工及志工。左起
沈蓓靈,雷麗荷,司徒汶安,梅麗梨,張國輝,余俊偉等人。
右為主持人李積秀,樂趙令瑜。(周菊子攝)
            這天收到表揚狀的服務滿20年員工為梅麗梨,張國輝。服務滿10年的有沈蓓靈,雷麗荷,司徒汶安,余俊偉。出席的壽星為謝真珠,鄧煥星。

中華耆英會白禮頓樓感謝23名義工。(周菊子攝)
            白禮頓樓主任梅麗梨表示,所有員工相處和諧,工作努力,彼此扶持,加上志工熱心服務,創辦人梅伍銀寬及波士頓市府老人局(Age Strong Commission)大力支持,是白禮頓樓這40年來不斷茁壯,從原本以白禮頓樓附近耆英為主要服務對象,發展到近年來奧斯頓/布萊頓/波士頓,布魯克蘭鎮,牛頓是,水城(Watertown),貝爾蒙鎮(Belmont),衛斯理鎮(Wellesley),華森市(Waltham),尼登鎮(Needham)等8個城市的華裔耆英都聞風而來,參加該樓活動的主要原因,也讓人十分欣慰。

白禮頓樓主任梅麗梨(左二向右)為2名壽星謝真珠,鄧煥星送上鮮花。(周菊子攝)
            中華耆英會是梅伍銀寬1972年創辦,為55歲以上華裔提供各種服務的非牟利機構。53年下來,已發展成爲在尼倫街(Kneeland)有個總部辦公室,在波士頓華埠有君子樓,康樂樓,在布萊頓鎮(Brighton)有3處服務站,以及在布碌崙(Brookline),劍橋,勒星頓(Lexington),摩頓(Malden)等老人中心,和包括昆士市(Quincy),龍都(Randolph)等南岸地區,以及貝爾蒙(Belmont)等地有外展中心。

            其中的白禮頓樓,這天慶祝經營40週年,邀得戴著綠毛線帽,圍著紅圍巾,全身聖誕氣息濃厚的波士頓市議員Liz Breadon出席同樂。

樂太(左三)合唱團演唱。(周菊子攝)
            波士頓市奧斯頓/布萊頓聯絡員Jennifer Roberts 和耆英陪伴項目協調員 Quanda Smith也應邀參加。

            慶祝活動由李積秀和樂趙令瑜,依序以粵語,國語主持,伍智豐攝影,文麗青統籌並負責音響,薛國中支援鍵盤現場奏樂。

波士頓市議員Liz Breadon這天穿得很有節日慶分的來同樂。(周菊子攝)

            現場表演節目也十分豐富,有樂太合唱團演唱《平安夜》 《踏雪尋梅》,張芳麗、秦春娣表演舞蹈《蘋果香》 ,關麗文和葉英明對唱粵曲《荔枝頌》,陳文龍表演絲巾穿孔又恢復原狀,猜數字等小魔術,關麗文和張芳麗獻唱《世界贈予我的》,張芳麗跳舞《雲水禪心》,大合唱《勝利雙手創》 More than I can say 《鈴聲響叮噹》 等歌曲。

                  散席時,許多出席者還拿到天天自助餐館贈送的竹製掛曆。

合唱獻唱。(周菊子攝)
關麗文和葉英明對唱粵曲《荔枝頌》。
陳文龍表演小魔術。
張芳麗、秦春娣表演舞蹈《蘋果香》。
獻唱。(周菊子攝)
大合唱。(周菊子攝)
薛國中鍵盤伴奏。(周菊子攝)
耆英們欣賞表演。(周菊子攝)

TCCNE邀靳嚴博分享長壽商機 建議看「Outlive」、「無限賽局」2書

新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會會長王志維(左)送感謝狀給靳嚴博醫師/博士。
(周菊子攝)
          Boston Orange周菊子麻州劍橋市報導)新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會(TCCNE1214日,在劍橋市麻省理工學院,邀獲選為富比士“3030歲以下才俊”的首名台灣人,靳嚴博醫師/博士(Dr. Harvey),主講「長壽的商機:AI與生技熱潮對我們生活的影響」。

王志為會長請出席者參考「Dr. Havery 不廢話」YouTube頻道。(周菊子攝)
            靳嚴博開宗明義指出,“老化”和“長壽”是個兆元級問題。以2050年時,全世界約有1565歲以上人口,醫療保險開銷將達11兆元,沒人想在708090歲時生病,現有藥物只治症狀,不治病根這些係數來看,這將是價值6000億美元的龐大市場。

            靳嚴博談到,現代人以65歲上下為退休年齡,其時是19世紀末,德國首相的Otto von Bismarck根據當年人類平均壽命只有4045年,很少人活到超過65歲所設計出來,在對國家財政影響很小情況下,照顧少數長壽者的制度。

現代人年逾90100者比比皆是,65歲退休的制度已瀕臨崩潰,人類面對生命,應該更重質不重量,更關注健康壽命(Healthspan),而非單純的壽命(Lifespan),避免在痛苦,失能的狀態中度過生命中的最後10年。

            靳嚴博建議人們看2本書,來幫助自己思考長壽這問題。一是Peter Attia 醫師所撰寫,天下雜誌已發行中文版的「Outlive」,以及賽門西奈克(Simon Sinek)所寫的「無限賽局(The Infinite Game)」。

            他說人們以前是把人生分成工作和退休的2階段,現在應該把人生看成沒有固定結束時間與規則的一場遊戲,目標是讓自己健康的留在遊戲中。

            至於人工智能,他認為並不會取代人類,反而可以讓人類的「價值產出期」被放大,延長。

            靳嚴博還點出4個相關投資方向,分別為測試,延緩衰老藥物,屆用人工智慧來加速發現藥物平台,或細胞級別的逆轉衰老。他還以圖片分析了這四類投資的回報率概算。

            TCCNE會長王志維指出,靳嚴博開設的「Dr. Havery 不廢話」YouTube頻道,粉絲已有5萬多。當天到場者,就有好些人看過他的影片,特地趕來聽講的。

波士頓洪門致公堂年輕世代掌舵 譚偉明、朱耀鐘接任主席

洪門致公堂元老余麗媖(右起)監交印信,譚偉明、朱耀鐘就任,
胡振勝卸任。(周菊子攝)
               Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓洪門致公堂1214日晚在泰勒街會所舉行新屆職員就職典禮,卸任主席胡振勝和接任主席譚偉明、朱耀鐘在元老余麗媖監督中,完成印信交接儀式。波士頓僑教中心主高家富代表僑委會委員長徐佳青送上謝狀與賀狀。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富(右起)代表僑委會,送上感謝狀,
賀狀給波士頓洪門志工堂的譚偉明,胡振勝,朱耀鍾。(周菊子攝)
                  今年頗為難得的是,早年都是洪青體育會一員的南派武館創辦人黃雅亭和麻州眾議員黃子安也都出席了2026年新屆職員就職典禮。

                  波士頓安良工商會元老陳仕維,紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝則是例必到會的嘉賓。

                  在一眾新屆職員舉手宣讀洪門「義俠鋤奸」誓詞,簽名信守堂規後,元老余麗媖表示,在新的一年中,洪門一如既往,希望和紐英崙中華公所,波士頓安良工商會繼續合作,也和年輕一輩的幹部,會員們攜手,擴大為社區提供服務。

波士頓洪門致公堂新屆職員宣誓就職。(周菊子攝)
                  胡振勝和譚偉明以英文簡要致詞,感謝各界支持後,新任主席朱耀鐘以的廣東話發言2分鐘,直言讓年輕一輩認識洪門,帶領年輕人加入和其他社團合作的服務社區行列,是關乎組織傳承的重要行動,他很榮幸有機會出任主席,將努力與洪門兄弟們攜手並進。

波士頓洪門致公堂新屆職員就職典禮,嘉賓與職員合影。前排右起,
波士頓僑教中心主任高家富,全美安良工商會元老陳仕維,波士頓
洪門主席譚偉明,洪門元老余麗媖,卸任主席胡振勝,新任主席朱耀鐘
,麻州眾議員黃子安,紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝。(周菊子攝)
                  朱耀鐘在美國出生,長大,住在摩頓市,目前在全球頂級的錢幣與紙幣拍賣Stack’s Bowers Galleries擔任店經理。他雖然是名“竹笙”,中文居然說得如此流利,以至於他的致詞話音剛落,全場立刻讚歎的報以熱烈掌聲。

                  波士頓僑教中心主任高家富以一半國語,一半廣東話致詞。他指出,波士頓洪門致公堂和中華民國,和國父孫中山淵源深厚,他代表僑委會和波士頓經文處,僑教中心感謝洪門致公堂一直以來的支持。

洪青體育會會長劉英傑(右),副會長游成康(中)。(周菊子攝)
                  波士頓洪門致公堂的2026年度職員為,主席譚偉明,朱耀鐘,秘書翁偉健,財政阮文良,理財黃杰均,外交鄺炎彬、余志文,和數周柏堅,康樂陳國航,出席中華公所代表游成康,幹事鄧安。洪青體育會會長劉英傑,副會長游成康。

麻州眾議員黃子安和好友黃雅亭創辦了南派武館。(周菊子攝)
余耀鐘和Wilson Wong同是波士頓洪門和共濟會的會員。(周菊子攝)

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Massachusetts Girl Scouts with Service Awards that President Trump Paused

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Massachusetts Girl Scouts with Service Awards that President Trump Paused  

WORCESTER – Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll are celebrating 32 outstanding volunteers of the Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts (GSCWM) for their milestones in volunteer service. This year, 24 Girl Scouts and eight adult volunteers of GSCWM who met high levels of volunteer service in their communities were recognized with service awards.  

pause in the federal program jeopardized this important recognition event. At the awards ceremony in Worcester, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, on behalf of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, presented the volunteers with the newly named Lieutenant Governor’s Volunteer Service Awards. Each volunteer received a Governor’s Citation commending them for their service hours as well as an official Girl Scouts award pin.  

“As a former Brownie myself, I know that the Girl Scouts are shining examples of what happens when we work together to stand for something bigger than ourselves. Now more than ever, we need to step up and help our neighbors in need,” said Governor Healey. “Together, today’s awardees volunteered for over a combined 5,000 hours. That’s over 5,000 hours of showing up for neighbors, of supporting families, and of lending a helping hand. While President Trump put these awards on hold, Lieutenant Governor and I are proudly acknowledging the Girls Scouts contributions.” 

“Today’s awardees are proof that here in Massachusetts, we are a state that shows up when people are hungry or hurting,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “I’m honored to be presenting this year’s Lieutenant Governor's Volunteer Service Award to these 32 amazing volunteers. This award is reflection of both their personal commitment to their communities and the Girl Scout’s emphasis on service as a cornerstone of leadership. Congratulations to all of today’s incredible volunteers!” 

“Volunteerism is not only core to our mission but it is the lifeblood of our organization,” said Theresa Lynn, GSCWM CEO. “Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts is grateful to Lieutenant Governor Driscoll and Governor Healey for recognizing the significance of these awards and for acknowledging the critical contributions of Girl Scout volunteers.” 

There are three levels of awards based on the volunteer’s age and the number of hours earned during a one-year period beginning September 1, 2024 and ending August 31, 2025. Levels include bronze, silver, gold and the highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award for those who contribute more than 4,000 hours of service. 

麻州長Healey要求ICE停止從麻州機場用私人飛機遣返移民

             (Boston Orange編譯)麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey)要求美國移民及海關執法局(ICE)立即停止使用私人飛機從麻州漢斯科姆機場快速遣返被拘留的居民,其中絕大多數人並無犯罪或被指控記錄。 ICE的這種做法意在不經過任何正當程序,迅速切斷這些居民與家人、朋友和法律顧問的聯繫。

               奚莉州長在致美國國土安全部部長克里斯蒂·諾姆和ICE代理局長托德·萊昂斯的信中寫道:「將這些居民從麻州帶走,讓他們遠離支持系統和法律顧問——通常是在被捕後數小時內——的做法是蓄意的殘忍,並且故意阻礙他們獲得應有的正當程序和法律保護乃。這種做法不是麻州人或美國人所信奉或支持的司法正義。這種做法必須停止。

Governor Healey Demands ICE Halt Private Deportation Flights Out of Massachusetts Airport  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey is demanding that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) immediately stop using private aircrafts at Hanscom Field airport in Massachusetts to quickly remove residents who have been detained, a significant majority of whom have no criminal convictions or charges. These tactics by ICE are intended to quickly sever residents from their family, friends and legal counsel without any due process. 

In a letter to U.S. Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons, Governor Healey wrote in part: “Flying these residents out of state and away from their support systems and legal counsel –often within hours of arrest – is intentionally cruel and purposely obstructs the due process and legal representation they are owed. This is not the justice we believe in or stand for in Massachusetts or as Americans. This practice must stop.” 

The full letter can be read here.

劍橋合唱團陣容更壯大 「午後冬之聲」聖誕氣息濃

劍橋合唱團演出團員合影。(劍橋合唱團提供)
              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)劍橋合唱團1214日下午在波士頓Ruggles浸信會教堂舉辦「午後冬之聲」音樂會,以8首讓人感受寒冬中的溫暖與希望曲目,為該團本年度活動畫下圓滿句點,並預告明年5月將推一場大型演唱。
劍橋合唱團團員們擺出愛心手勢合影。(周菊子攝)


           
 8首選唱曲目分別是O Magnum Mysterium (偉大的奧秘),OCome, Emmanuel (降臨吧,以馬內利),O Nata Lux(降生之光),徐志摩作詞,周鑫泉作曲的“雪花的快樂”,費玉清組曲一剪梅,雪落下的聲音,The Christmas Song Chestnuts Roasting on an Open fire,聖誕頌歌),Winter Christmas Medley(冬季聖誕組曲)。逾百名到場者聽得十分投入,曲落立即報以熱烈掌聲。

劍橋合唱團指揮顏毓芬感謝波士頓僑教豬心主任高家富出席。(周菊子攝)
            獲有伊利諾大學香檳校區音樂藝術博士學位,主修合唱指揮與文獻,已擔任劍橋合唱團指揮15年的顏毓芬透露,Ruggles教堂這場地聲音非常好,迴音可以拉得很長,很適合演唱宗教歌曲,他們勘查表演場地後,決定修改表演曲目。又為兼顧中文歌,特地挑選了“雪花的快樂”和一剪梅。音樂會最後的一首「冬季聖誕組曲」,是該團特地邀請已回台灣,曾在伯克利音樂學院唸電影音樂剪接的朱冠蓉,把3首和雪有關聖誕歌串起來的改編曲,從今年9月就開始演練了。

劍橋合唱團團長陳韋同為演唱會做結語。(周菊子攝)
副團長林泓安(左)和團員和唱一小段。(周菊子攝)

            劍橋合唱團成立於1993年。現任團長陳韋同在節目冊“團長的話”中透露,加入8年,最近這2年當團長,合唱團之於他,有如另一個家。他感謝麻州文化協會和波士頓僑教中心的贊助,LDS摩門教會的慷慨提供教堂做練習場地,以及所有團員們的努力與付出,該團才有了足夠資源來營運,發展,辦音樂會。他很欣慰,上一次的團員招募,讓該團成員人數增至48人,規模更見壯大。

            由於12月時序跨入寒假,有不少團員已出外渡假或返鄉探親,當天上台的只有32名團員,以及鋼琴伴奏劉昕甯,大提琴伴奏陳品璇。

            陳韋同透露,明年他就畢業了,也將把團長棒子交給現任副團長,畢業後加入波士頓華埠社區中心(BCNC)任職的林泓安,副團長由廖皓雲續任。

團員李光顏(前)獨唱一段。(周菊子攝)

          波士頓僑教中心主任高家富和經文處王道育副組長這天應邀出席,盛讚該團演唱的聲音真好。

指揮顏毓芬站在觀眾席中指揮。(周菊子攝)
劍橋合唱團的團員們在演唱會後,收到朋友獻花。(周菊子攝)