星期五, 8月 29, 2025

波士頓警察局長Michael Cox進華埠 邀居民喝咖啡

波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox走進華埠,和民眾晤談。(周菊子攝)
                  (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓警察局局長Michel Cox率同約20名警察,來到波士頓華埠,在夏利臣街(Harrisson Ave.77號樂嚐軒烘培店,擺出印有警徽的保溫杯,拿出麵包和咖啡,邀華埠居民話家常。

來到波士頓華埠的警察們和民眾合影。(周菊子攝)
陳文珊(右二)協助波士頓警察局安排了這場
「和警察喝咖啡」活動。(周菊子攝)

波士頓華埠現有(左起)Steve Chan,黃天輝,周子等至少3名華裔警察巡邏。
(周菊子攝)
                  這是波士頓警察局在每年8月初舉辦的警民聯歡日(National Night Out)之外,和社區民眾拉近關係的「和警察喝咖啡(Coffee with a Cop)」活動,在波士頓警察局的12個分區不定期舉行,又或者是只要有商家或社團願意主辦,警察們就很樂意出來和民眾聊聊天。

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝,波士頓華商會財政余麗瑛等人和
波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox合影。(周菊子攝)
                  波士頓警察局局長Michel Cox說,「和警察喝咖啡」是警察和居民見面,聊天,談合作方式,一起確保社區安全的活動,也給居民機會和巡邏警員,以及更高階警官,甚至警察局局長直接談話,表達各人的關切或憂慮,也可以告訴警察們,他們哪裡做得好,哪裡做得不好。

                  Michael Cox說,這天和他聊天的居民們告訴他,華埠出現過有人吃霸王餐,有人在華埠牌樓附近販賣贓貨等。他很高興居民們告訴他這些情況,這樣警察才能更清楚華埠都面對什麼樣的問題。

          這天來到樂嚐軒烘培店的人,有紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝,紐英崙至孝篤親公所主席陳秀珍,前主席陳文珊,波士頓華埠商會財政余麗瑛,中文書記翁偉健,理事譚達兒,波士頓華埠社區議會共同主席梅伍銀寬,吳氏思能工程公司的Jack Ng等。

          華埠治安巡邏隊成員,也有曾任中華公所主席的黃兆祥,剛進麻州大學波士頓分校就讀的陳向榮,特地穿著巡邏隊背心來到現場。

包括波士頓警察局社區參與總監,也是紐英崙至孝篤親公所共同主席的陳孔恩,從波士頓警察局借調到波士頓市政府工作的鄺劍峰之外,這天來到現場的華裔警察還有A-1區的黃天輝(Frank Wong),周子(Zi Zou),以及Steven Chan


銀行分行經理(中)也特地趕來和波士頓警察們合影。(周菊子攝)
中華耆英會主任梅伍銀寬(中)向波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox
介紹她的而子Daniel Moy。

黃兆祥(左)和陳向榮穿上華埠治安巡邏隊的背心出席活動。(周菊子攝)
波士頓經文處教育組組長黃薳玉(右起)和波士頓警察局局長Michael Cox,
波士頓警察局社區參與總監陳孔恩。(周菊子攝)


CITY OF BOSTON RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

 CITY OF BOSTON RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY

BPHC and partners to celebrate the importance of recovery and highlight the resources available to residents throughout September to mark National Recovery Month.  


BOSTON - Friday, August 29, 2025 Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) are remembering those who lost their lives as a result of the opioid epidemic as they mark International Overdose Awareness Day on Sunday, August 31. The City of Boston extends sincere condolences to the neighbors who have experienced the tragedy of losing a loved one to a fatal overdose. Mayor Wu and BPHC are also highlighting their ongoing efforts to expand access to lifesaving care and crucial harm reduction services through events and programming centered around National Recovery Month, which begins on September 1.


Throughout National Recovery Month, BPHC is reminding all Boston residents that the overdose-reversing drug naloxone is safe, easy to use, and widely available. Data analyzed by BPHC found a 38% decrease in fatal overdoses in Boston in 2024 compared to 2023. In 2024, the city also recorded the lowest number of deadly overdoses since 2015.


To mark International Overdose Awareness Day and the start of National Recovery Month, Boston City Hall will be lit in purple on the night of August 31. BPHC and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department are also supporting volunteers and our State and local partners in planting more than 20,000 purple flags on Boston Common. These flags memorialize the lives lost to overdoses in the past decade across our State.  


“Today we are honoring the lives lost to fatal overdoses that have touched every corner of Boston’s communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful for the life-saving work the Boston Public Health Commission and departments across the city are doing to reduce stigma and boost services and treatment. These resources will support individuals living with substance-use disorder as they receive the help they need to lead long and healthy lives.”


“Opioid overdose deaths are tragic, and avoidable,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “I’m proud of the progress we’ve made in reducing fatal overdoses in our city, and the best way we can honor the lives tragically cut short by the opioid crisis is by continuing to increase access to harm reduction services and treatment for those living with substance use disorder.”  


Over the last year, as part of Boston's Overdose Data to Action (OD2A) program, BPHC has worked to set up public health vending machines and naloxone distribution kiosks at existing harm reduction, homeless services, and medical program facilities across the city. BPHC deployed two new public health vending machines this month, one outside NeighborHealth in East Boston and another embedded in the Bridge Over Troubled Waters youth shelter program. East Boston now features Boston’s first outdoor public health vending machine.


Late last year, BPHC also announced $1 million in grants to five community organizations to prevent overdose deaths and provide outreach in neighborhoods with the highest overdose rates. These organizations have worked to connect people to substance use treatment and other services, raise public awareness about overdose prevention, and distribute and train people in how to use naloxone. From January through June 2025, Community Opioid Response agencies reported more than 1,200 client engagements and distributed over 2,100 doses of naloxone. 


Uplifting and celebrating individuals in recovery during National Recovery Month is an important part of Boston’s response to the opioid crisis. The City of Boston and the Boston Public Health Commissioner are partnering with organizations on several activities this September: 


  • On September 19, recovery centers from the Boston region will hold a cookout at the Shattuck Picnic area in Franklin Park, featuring music, food, tabling and raffles.


  • Nubian Square Recovery Day is September 25 at the Roxbury Branch of the Boston Public Library (BPL). The event is a collaboration between the BPHC, the Nubian Square Task Force, BPL, and the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture and will feature live arts, food and entertainment, and health resources. 


  • Recovery Month Celebration Day is September 26 at the Parkman Bandstand on the Boston Common. BPHC and the Massachusetts Organization for Addiction Recovery (MOAR) partner for this event, which uplifts recovery stories and vital services. 


  • A calendar of additional Recovery Month events sponsored by BPHC Community Partners can be found here.


The Health Commission has been steadily increasing prevention services throughout Boston by expanding community outreach, housing and mental health services, harm reduction, and support groups. Harm reduction and treatment referrals are available through BPHC’s AHOPE and PAATHS programs. AHOPE offers lifesaving harm reduction services, including syringe exchange, drug checking to identify the presence of fentanyl and xylazine, naloxone distribution, and screening for HIV, hepatitis, and other bloodborne illnesses that can be spread through intravenous drug use. The PAATHS program connects people to a variety of treatment services, including detox, medication for opioid use disorder, and outpatient treatment programs. For support with substance use disorders, contact the PAATHS program at 1-855-494-4057 or 3-1-1. For more information, visit boston.gov/recovery.   

星期四, 8月 28, 2025

波士頓慈濟辦講座強調親子教育重陪伴 學中文之餘要修品德

波士頓慈濟在僑教中心辦親子教育講座。(周菊子攝)

波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿(左一)和慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳(右一)
感謝波士頓僑教中心主任高家富(中)和郭美芳(右二),王昭文(左二)
遠道來分享。(周菊子攝)
        Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導)慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處824日舉辦講座,針對父母談親子教育的「相伴成長」,以中文學校老師為目標,闡述「教之以禮、育之以德」,向社區宣揚慈濟教育理念,推廣幸福校園。

        慈濟基金會這次的海外教育巡迴演講,由宗教處,海外事務室歐美非會務組,教聯會合作,派出專長幼兒教育,心理輔導,都曾獲優良教師獎,有30多年教學經驗的的王昭文,郭美芳來到麻州,新澤西州,紐約州分享。

         波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿向波士頓僑教中心主任高家富感謝僑委會在教育資源等各方面的支持之際指出,這次借用僑教中心場地舉辦「親子教育」講座,旨在宣揚“老師心,父母心,菩薩心”的慈濟教育理念。

慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳說明,慈濟希望把人文教育推進社區之中。(周菊子攝)

       慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳也說明,慈濟的教育注重人文,講究播下愛的種子,這次選擇在僑教中心辦「親子教育」講座,在慈濟牛頓市會所辦「教之以禮,育之以德」講座,也是希望接觸到更多不同人群,把愛與善的種子,播進社區,讓慈濟的幸福校園深入各人家庭,營造共善社區。

波士頓僑教中心主任高家富介紹僑委會的六大訊息平台。(周菊子攝)

慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳(又起)和王昭文,郭美芳等2位老師聆聽提問。
(周菊子攝)

         郭美芳的講談主題是「陪伴….看見愛和希望」。她先請出席者一起玩一個“心口合一”的遊戲,接著以自己當年初為人母,心情惶恐,在身為母親,又是老師,妻子,父母的兒女等多重身份中,感受很多壓力為例,闡述她因為當慈濟志工,接觸到證嚴上人所說的“以菩薩的智慧教自己的孩子,以媽媽的愛心教別人的孩子”,了解到父母行為和子女感受之間的關係。她還舉例説父母有過度關注的“直升機”,為子女剷除一切障礙的“割草機”,了解並與子女保持良好互動的“參與型”等幾種類型,家長們不妨先覺察一下自己屬於哪種類型,再來思考如何改善親子關係。


慈濟人文學校校長鄧淑芳介紹慈濟出版的“有禮真好”繪本。(周菊子攝)

        郭美芳以心理學家Erich Fromm的話,“母愛的最困難處,不是撫養小孩子長大,而是協助孩子獨立出去”,以及人的頭腦有左腦管語言,邏輯,秩序,右腦管非語言,經驗,情感等人體結構為例,解釋人的情緒,需要有出口(流動),才能夠幫助小孩子生成自己應對狀況的力量。


         她還請出席者練習“好奇”的開放態度,以“不說道理,不給答案,不給建議”的方式和孩子溝通,並和孩子眼神交流,呼喚名字,互動,給孩子抒發情緒的窗口,在並不放任的原則中,以同理心信任孩子的做個孩子的“神隊友”。

出席活動者玩默契遊戲。(周菊子攝)

         王昭文的講談主題是「散播愛和善的希望種子」。她也請出席者以“感恩”,“尊重”,“愛”等3種手語,先玩一場默契大考驗的破冰遊戲。再以她個人在大家庭長大,同時享有爺爺、奶奶與父母的雙重疼愛,因而從小就學會分享的快樂,知道“施比受有福”為例,提醒人要先學會愛自己,照顧好個人身心,明白負面情緒對孩子的影響。她還以Alfred Adler

慈濟「親子教育」活動現場。(周菊子攝)
這位家庭心理學家的說法,認為孩子在家中的“出生順序”,會對性格產生影響,而且什麼事都有一體兩面,要懂得正向引導,適性發展。

慈濟紐約合心區執行長蘇煜升為品德教育講座開場。(周菊子攝)

    當天下午,波士頓慈濟還在牛頓市會所舉辦了一場教之以禮、育之以德」講座。在慈濟宗教處精實企劃室文教推展組曹芹甄,海外事務室歐美非會務組江仙竺之外,慈濟全球總督導黃思賢,慈濟美國總會執行長李瓊薰,慈濟紐約合心區執行長蘇煜升,特地趕到波士頓慈濟牛頓會所探視。

         波士頓僑教中心主任高家富出借場地,支援人力,介紹「連結台灣,擁抱世界」的僑委會6大訊息傳播平台。(訂正錯字版)


慈濟全球總督導黃思賢(右起)和波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿
,陳裕逢等人茶敘。(周菊子攝)
波士頓慈濟負責人長金滿(右二)接待慈濟美國總會執行長李瓊薰(右三)
等人到會。(周菊子攝)

Governor Healey Requests President Trump Lower Flags in Observance of International Overdose Awareness Day

  Governor Healey Requests President Trump Lower Flags in Observance of International Overdose Awareness Day 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey has requested that President Trump lower flags to half-staff on August 31, 2025, in observance of International Overdose Awareness Day and in remembrance of the millions of American lives lost to overdoses.  

“Far too many families have been devastated by overdoses, both here in Massachusetts and across the country,” said Governor Healey. “Lowering the United States and Massachusetts flags will serve as an important reminder for all of us to take time on this day to honor the memories of those who have lost their lives to overdoses and re-commit ourselves to doing the important work of combatting substance use disorder. We cannot afford to look away. I appreciate the President’s careful consideration of our request, and I’m grateful for the advocates who are leading this fight every day.” 

More than one million Americans have lost their lives to overdose since 1999, and the devastating consequences of the overdose crisis can be seen in every community across the country. In the past decade, more than 20,000 people have died from overdoses in Massachusetts alone. 

Under Governor Healey, Massachusetts has made important progress to increase access to prevention, treatment and recovery programs to combat substance use disorder and reduce overdoses. As a result, opioid-related overdose deaths in Massachusetts decreased by 36.3 percent in 2024, falling to the lowest levels since 2013.  

But more work remains to be done to save lives. Last year, in partnership with the Legislature, Governor Healey signed a bill that makes treatment and recovery support more affordable and accessible for residents living with substance use disorder. The legislation expanded access to lifesaving opioid reversal medications like naloxone and ensures that they are covered by health insurance.  

August 31 is recognized as International Overdose Awareness Day, the world’s largest annual campaign to end overdose, remember those who have lost their lives to an overdose, acknowledge the grief of the family and friends left behind, and renew our commitment to end overdose and related harms. 


Governor Healey Issues Statement on Trump’s Turmoil at the CDC

 Governor Healey Issues Statement on Trump’s Turmoil at the CDC  

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement on President Donald Trump’s destructive actions at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, including most recently firing CDC Director Susan Monarez and restricting access to COVID-19 vaccines. 

“What Donald Trump and Robert Kennedy are doing at the CDC is wrong and will cost people’s lives – firing the CDC Director, restricting access to lifesaving vaccines, and cutting billions in public health funding,” said Governor Healey. “Here in Massachusetts, we have the best health care in the world, and we invest in public health. We’re going to make sure that people get the vaccines they need – no matter what the Trump Administration does.”

Governor Healey has taken several steps in recent months to ensure that vaccines remain available in Massachusetts. Earlier this month, she proposed giving the state Department of Public Health (DPH) authority to set independent standards for vaccine recommendations rather than rely on the federal government’s recommendations. Massachusetts is also leading a bipartisan coalition of states to coordinate on vaccine recommendations. 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND SUPERINTENDENT MARY SKIPPER WILL ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND SUPERINTENDENT MARY SKIPPER WILL ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS OF INDEPENDENT INVESTIGATION INTO SCHOOL TRANSPORTATION SAFETY


BPS will adopt the recommendations in Mintz Attorney Natashia Tidwell’s independent review of safety measures under the Boston Public Schools contract with Transdev, commissioned following the death of kindergartener Lens A. Joseph


BOSTON - Thursday, August 27, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu and Boston Public Schools (BPS) Superintendent Mary Skipper today shared the independent report by Mintz Attorney Natashia Tidwell following her review of safety policies and performance under the contracts with Transdev, and announced the City and BPS will adopt all of the report’s recommendations and will be implementing them as quickly as possible. The decision to initiate an independent review followed the tragic death of Lens A. Joseph, a kindergartener who was struck and killed by his school bus on Monday, April 28. While this review examines BPS and Transdev systems, it was not an investigation of the tragic events of April 28. There is a separate and ongoing investigation into the incident led by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.


“On behalf of the entire City and BPS, I want to express my profound condolences to Lens’s family, friends, and everyone who loved him. There are no words that can capture the pain of losing a child. We are determined to make sure that a tragedy like this never happens again,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I want to thank Attorney Tidwell and her team for their diligent work over these past three months. The City and BPS have reviewed the final report, and we will be adopting all of the report’s recommendations to strengthen our system to ensure the safety of every child who begins and ends their day on a BPS school bus.”


“The passing of Lens Joseph was a heartbreaking tragedy that will have an everlasting impact on our school community and city,” said Superintendent Mary Skipper. “Our thoughts remain with Lens’ family, friends, teachers, and all who loved him. Because the safety of our students is our highest priority, the Mayor and I requested the independent review to ensure that we are taking every measure possible to provide the safest experience for our students and families. We have begun taking steps with Transdev and within our own operations to strengthen safety policies, training, and oversight. Our commitment remains to act decisively on these recommendations and to ensure the highest standards of safety for the more than 20,000 Boston students who rely on school transportation every day.”


Several of the recommendations are consistent with improvements already underway as BPS prepares for the first day of school next week. After April 28, BPS Transportation made immediate changes to improve safety, and those changes will be permanent. 


  • BPS Transportation and Transdev leadership have added a daily meeting with Transdev safety leads, and the leadership teams collectively review all accidents or safety incidents from the prior day and the follow-up steps being taken. 
  • BPS Transportation leadership are now attending all Accident Review Committee meetings with Transdev and the bus drivers union. 
  • BPS worked with Transdev to enhance the training that all drivers receive. Four months ago, Transdev introduced a new Professional Operator Development Program ( PODP) to supplement required training for school bus drivers, and it is now being fully implemented. BPS worked with Transdev to increase the number of driver trainers Transdev has in Boston, to accelerate the implementation of the PODP training for all Boston school bus drivers. All Boston school bus drivers are fully credentialed and have received all required training to be driving a school bus in Massachusetts. 


BPS’s implementation of the Tidwell Report recommendations will further strengthen safety provisions established under the new vendor contract with Transdev, which took effect on July 1, 2023. The new contract introduced performance incentives and liquidated damages for non-performance that did not exist in the prior contract. The new contract also added extensive reporting requirements and oversight mechanisms. BPS Transportation’s active management of Transdev has helped achieve meaningful, sustained improvements in on-time performance and operations, which have benefited our students and families.


Tidwell Report Recommendations that BPS will adopt:


  • BPS Transportation will bolster existing accountability structures with increased oversight and auditing of Transdev’s licensing and compliance functions. This work has already begun. In the immediate aftermath of the April 28th accident, Transdev conducted an audit of all drivers and confirmed that all drivers on the road had valid and up-to-date licenses and certifications. This summer, as an additional check, Transdev has required all drivers to bring in a hard copy of their credentials. No driver will be allowed to drive this school year until they fulfill that requirement, even if Transdev already has a copy of their valid credentials on file. 
  • BPS will also be requiring Transdev to provide a full, updated driver roster with each driver’s credentials prior to the start of the school year, which will allow BPS to conduct additional checks to monitor compliance—including paper reviews and increased auditing of driver files and credentials during unannounced visits to bus yards. 
  • BPS will strengthen driver training by adopting the recommendation to increase the number of safety trainers. The new contract required Transdev to more than double the number of safety trainers for drivers from four to 11. This summer, BPS has increased the number of safety trainers from 11 to 15 full-time trainers, and will work with Transdev to maintain that number moving forward. BPS will also closely study whether any additional staffing increases are warranted.
  • The Tidwell Report recommendations also highlighted opportunities to strengthen safety provisions in the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with drivers, parts of which are decades old. BPS will closely review the recommendations regarding CBA amendments to improve student safety, and will work with Transdev and The Boston School Bus Drivers’ Union to act on those recommendations.


BPS also fully supports the recommendations to streamline Transdev’s electronic record-keeping. BPS will work with Transdev to make it easier to access and update driver files, and will increase ongoing auditing to ensure compliance. The district is pleased that as preparations advance for the first day of school, every role on the Transdev safety team in Boston is staffed. BPS Transportation will work closely with Transdev to immediately address any vacancies with qualified safety professionals.


Boston Public Schools is committed to providing safe, reliable, and on-time transportation for the more than 20,000 students who ride the school bus every day. The “Driving Change: April 2025 Transportation Progress 2022-2025” report documented the on-time performance improvements that have benefited students in recent years, as well as plans for continued, sustainable system improvements. As students prepare to return to the classroom next week, families are encouraged to download the Zum app to view their bus assignment, track their student’s rides, and receive real-time notifications when their student is picked up and dropped off. Families are encouraged to reach out to the BPS Transportation Hotline, at 617-635-9520, with any questions about their student’s transportation.

星期三, 8月 27, 2025

紀念紫心勳章軍人的Yarmouth 紀念大橋上國旗2度遭人撕損 麻州長Healey譴責促民眾協助調查

             (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 2個月來第2次,在西亞矛斯路(West Yarmouth)紀念橋上,表揚獲頒紫心勳章下士William Joseph Donovan Jr.的美國國旗,被人撕毀了。麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey)今(27)日發文譴責。

            亞茅斯警察是在週一清早接獲舉報,說是William Joseph Donovan Jr.下士紀念橋上,有數面美國國旗又被人損壞了。那些國旗是William Joseph Donovan Jr.下士的父親,上週五才掛上去的,以取代7月時被人破壞了的旗幟。

            抵達現場的一名警察發現,有8面國旗被人從圍籬上拔了下來。旗幟的索環已被扯掉,而且至少有三面旗幟的接縫處被撕開。亞茅斯警方正積極調查,並促請任何知情人士和亞茅斯警察局的警官 Nicholas Giammarco聯絡,508-775-0445 x2136ngiammarco@yarmouth.ma.us

            警方表示,William Joseph Donovan Jr.下士是在海軍陸戰隊的阿富汗戰爭「持久自由行動」中受傷,獲得兩枚紫心勳章。麻州政府為此頒發嘉獎令,並把橫跨6號公路這座大橋,冠上他的名字。20159月,時年27歲的他在一宗摩托車交通意外中死亡。

麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey)今日發文表示,“破壞美國國旗是對所有為保衛國旗而戰的人的侮辱,這種行為是絕對不能容忍的。William Joseph Donovan Jr.是一位英雄,我的心與他的親人同在。我將永遠與我們的退伍軍人及其家人站在一起”。

奚莉州長已指示麻州警察和亞茅斯警察局密切合作,調查這事,包括加強監控,以防止將來再次發生類似犯罪事件。麻州政府也敦促任何知曉這起破壞行為的人聯繫雅茅斯警察局或馬薩諸塞州警察局。”

波士頓至德三德宗親辦籌款會 支持波士頓市長吳弭競選連任

周麗桃(右)請吳弭市長(左)發言。(周菊子攝)
                   (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導)波士頓市居民將在99日的初選中投票,決定114日的大選,將由哪2名候選人對決。紐英崙至德三德公所為支持波士頓市在位市長吳弭(Michelle Wu),日前特地在波士頓龍鳳酒樓二樓辦籌款會,為宗親拉票。

至德三德公所支持宗親吳弭市長競選連任。(周菊子攝)
                  吳弭市長透露,如果一切順利,11月後她能連任,波士頓市府打算在市府以外地方設辦公室,以便和社區有更親近的聯繫。他們正在和波士頓華埠夏利臣街33號,以前是裁縫工人工會所在地的「在這兒團結(United Here)」本地分部洽談租約。

黃周麗桃(左),黃國麟(又)夫婦要擊宗親,支持吳弭市長競選連任。
(周菊子攝)
                  至德三德公所是由吳、周、蔡,翁,曹這5個姓氏組成的宗親公所,在波士頓歷史悠久,由每個姓氏各派一名代表擔任主席的主席團人選,這些年來都是吳皓,周麗桃,翁宇才與曹品慈。這次的籌款會主委團隊,除了前述幾位主席,還增加了Jack Ng,和近年來在社區中頗為活躍,加入了波士頓華埠獅子會的周伯堅。

林志琰(前左二)等人應邀出席籌款會。(周菊子攝)
                  在籌款會開場時,周麗桃稱讚吳弭是至德三德公所最出色,最引以為傲的女兒。周樹昂說,吳弭市長自上任以來就把可負擔住宅當作重要政策之一,支持紐英崙中華公所建成有85戶的博愛樓之後,將繼續在喜露街50號中國超市那兒再建117戶住宅。亞美社區發展協會(ACDC)位於R1地段的樓宇,也即將破土動工。吳弭市長還支持建圖書館,捍衛波士頓市的庇護城市地位,在國會作證時,誓言保護移民的基本權益,要讓波士頓市成為每一個人的家。

                  周樹昂還細數吳弭從政以來打破的各項歷史紀錄,包括當選為波士頓市第一位亞裔女性市議員,最年輕市議會議長,以及第一位亞裔、女性市長等。吳弭還是波士頓市第一位在任內產子的市議員和市長,第一位在辦公室擺放鋼琴,第一位彈鋼琴和波士頓管弦樂團,波士頓流行樂團合奏的市長。

來自台灣的陳彥麟,康麗雪,盧彥君,黃顗薏等人應周麗桃(左一)之邀,
也來支持波士頓市長吳弭(右三)競選連任。(周菊子攝)
            吳弭感謝至德三德公所宗親,以及社區大眾的支持,笑說她這天拿到了至德三德公所的宗親別針。

吳弭感慨的說,她父母當年來美,先踏進了芝加哥華埠,她家的故事和華裔社區的很多人都很相似,大家有著共同歷史,譬如她上過中文學校,母親在華埠圖書館工作過,她很小就得為父母做翻譯,面對過語言、文化障礙與歧視,後來她到哈佛上學,在舊龍鳳酒樓辦婚禮,過農曆年,以及生命中最快樂的日子,努力工作,為家族披荊斬棘的懷抱希望,夢想未來。

波士頓市長吳弭(中)透露,她的婚禮,當年就是在如今由梅佩凡(右)
和梅沛傑打理的龍鳳酒樓舉行的。(周菊子攝)
             移民們來到美國這個國家,不惜犧牲的辛苦奮鬥,都是懷抱希望,有著夢想,要讓後代能夠分享在美國的機會。

           吳弭說自己小時候,得為英語不流利的父母當翻譯,體會過語言及文化障礙,以及至少幾十年前,在美國中西部都還很盛行的歧視。她父母也從未想過女兒有天會從政,更想不到她會當市長,但在歷代開荒者的努力下,大家如今都是這個國家的一份子。

甄碧鳳(前右起),余文博,余寶愛等人都來支持吳弭競選連任。
(周菊子攝)
            她要為華埠而戰,要和所有的華埠先驅攜手,為每一個波士頓人所珍惜的城市而戰,要保護這個城市的安全,為華埠建圖書館,蓋可負擔住宅,實現大家的美國夢,還希望波士頓市成為美國最適合成家立業,有最清潔空氣,最優良水質,最環保,有最好工作機會的地方。

       當年曾在華人經濟發展協會為社區服務的許強(左),這天也特地出席
支持吳弭市長競選連任。(周菊子攝)

                她在位的這段時間,推出了免費逛博物館計劃,讓波士頓市的每一個小孩,都能在家長陪伴下免費參觀博物館,看藝術表演,波士頓是還設立了自行車道,為青少年提供免費的游泳課,藝術班,以及體育活動,老年人可以免費學編程,努力的要讓每一代波士頓人生活得充實,健康,快樂。

            吳弭提醒當天出席籌款會眾人,波士頓市今年選舉的初選投票日是99日,只剩不到2

包傳芳(前)讚賞吳弭從善如流。(周菊子攝)
星期,她非常需要大家的支持,幫助,因為在這次的波士頓市長選舉中,有一位候選人持有無限的資源,銀行戶頭裡的錢,數以億元計,而且已經為這次的選舉花了幾幾萬美元,發佈了負面攻擊性的廣告。在人們辛苦工作回到家後,看到這些廣告,可能會覺得政治怎麼這麼麻煩,那麼醜惡,就打算不參與市政府層次的選舉,不去投票了,想著等到選總統時再說,但他想要提醒人們,真正能做事,對人們日常生活最有影響的就是市級選舉,她需要大家站出來幫助她確保波士頓市是個不出賣的城市,不管面對什麼壓力,都會堅強地向前看。她希望大家99日投票給她,支持她繼續為波士頓市做更多事。

                  在當天的出席者中,1960年代來美,也是波士頓華埠社區中心(BCNC)包氏文藝中心幕後支持者的的包傳芳表示,吳弭能力強,口才好,還從善如流,簡化了波士頓市建築法令,假以時日,必有更大成就。