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11月9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. 

 

紐英倫龍岡親義公所慶百週年 元老趙羨藻明年辦攝影展

紐英倫龍岡親義公所主席關榮康（右起），關麗莎頒發表揚狀，
感謝元老趙羨藻、張秀眉夫婦廿多年來的扶持。（周菊子攝）

世界龍岡親義總會監察長趙仁君（左起）送上紀念牌匾及錦旗
給紐英倫龍岡親義公所主席關榮康，關麗莎，以及司儀張英華。（周菊子攝）

            （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）紐英倫龍岡親義公所的劉、關、張、趙四姓宗親，11月8日在波士頓帝苑大酒樓慶祝100週年，和來自台灣，紐約，砵倫，休士頓等地的外地宗親，以及僑團朋友，道賀政要共300多人歡聚一堂，期許年輕世代接棒，延續傳承。

            會上還頒發獎座給元老趙羨藻，資深會員張國深，趙能，感謝他們這麼多年來為公所的付出與貢獻。

紐英倫龍岡親義公所宗親，嘉賓和洪青體育會醒獅隊合影。（周菊子攝）

            本地元老趙羨藻即將於明年2月在波士頓Newbury 街上Robert Klein畫廊舉辦「兩個世界：趙羨藻攝影之旅」展覽，砵倫元老張向揚當場豪捐5000元，支持紐英倫龍岡百年慶活動的兩大好消息，更為大會增添興奮氣氛。

紐英倫龍岡親義公所主席關榮康（前左ㄧ），關麗莎
（前左六）和幹部及外地宗親合影。（周菊子攝）

             紐英倫龍岡親義公所主席關麗莎，在另一主席關榮康領讀「勿以惡小而為之，勿以善小而不為，惟德惟賢，可以服人」的祖訓後，站在掛著寫有「桃園結義古城會，忠義仁勇萬代傳」對聯的四姓祖先畫像前，懇切歡迎，感謝宗親，戚友的蒞臨。她說劉關張趙四姓，講究忠義仁勇，團結同心，經歷風風雨雨，走過百年，殊為不易。希望宗親們攜手，繼續為服務公所、僑社而努力。歡迎之前由於種種原因，離開了的宗親們歸隊，也鼓勵年輕一代秉承祖訓，共創未來。

洪青體育會的醒獅表演精彩。（周菊子攝）

左起，司徒宗達，趙仁君，右起關榮康，張向揚，趙苑茵，關麗莎等人
在波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏離席時送行。（周菊子攝）

          關麗莎也特別說明，為慶祝百週年，她和關榮康，劉素嬋編撰了一本厚118頁的特刊，重點介紹該公所過去這15年來動態，並敦請該會名譽主席，曾任駐英國代表（大使）的劉志攻，寫了一篇2001年2月，他回到波士頓當經文處處長，搓合龍岡宗親的“一段往事”，以及請該會元老趙羨藻寫了一段他1951年來到波士頓，龍岡親義公所位於牛津街（Oxford Street），由張棠世長負責，打理會務。在張棠去世後，有熱心宗親關麗華挺身推動會務，世長趙龍方協助，才又重新組織起來，於是在當年的台灣退伍軍人會主席趙巨鈺，台灣高麗蔘大王趙伯翹等人來訪波士頓時，都一定先到紐英倫龍岡親義公所拜會的故事。百年特刊中的文章，照片都很直得欣賞。    

關麗莎（右起）、司徒宗達歡迎波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，世界龍崗
監察長趙仁君，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，經文處組長黃耀良。（周菊子攝）

                                                        

        這晚到賀的嘉賓有駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，組長黃耀良，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，波士頓市議會議員Ed Flynn，Erin Murphy

送上祝賀表揚狀的有麻州眾議員麥家威，黃子安，麻州稽核長Diana DiZoglio等人。

名譽元老張秀眉致詞。（周菊子攝）

          龍岡親義公所宗親，世界龍岡親義總會有來自台灣的監察長趙仁君，來自紐約的元老張漢澤，趙羨明，其後任美洲監察長的趙秋生伉儷，以及來自休士頓副主席關紫紅。來自紐約龍崗親義總會的有元老趙永照，主席關振立伉儷，來自砵倫龍崗親義公所的有元老張向揚，監察長趙苑茵，主席趙疊，來自紐約趙族宗親會的有副主席趙善興，顧問趙必亮，以及兼任浮石紫氣堂主席的趙呂誠，來自紐約劉橫水同鄉會的有主席劉銳湛，顧問劉偉愛等。

砵倫龍岡親義公所趙苑茵（中右），主席趙疊（中左）送上錦旗
祝賀紐英倫龍岡親義公所百週年。（周菊子攝）

世界龍崗親義總會監察長趙仁君（左起）送上紀念牌及錦旗給
紐英倫龍崗親義公所主席關榮康，關麗莎。（周菊子攝）

其中來自紐約的宗親有地利之便，陣容最龐大，超過40人。其餘各地宗親，加起來有10來人。

            世界龍岡親義總會監察長趙仁君表示，他代表主席張振中到賀，送上錦旗及紀念獎牌，祝賀「百年之夜，龍脈相傳」。由於他本人同時擔任桃園趙氏宗親會第13、14屆理事長，鑑於劉關張趙四海一家，他這天也代表桃園，送上祝賀旗幟與禮金。他表示去年12月，他到廣東開平參加會議，有幸獲得世長們垂愛，出任監察長，今年3月也特別到紐約拜訪過一次，現在參加紐英倫龍岡的百年慶，送上繼續榮耀，再創百年好風景的祝福。

            在致詞環節中，關麗莎還請宗親們上台合唱「龍岡之歌」，同時說明這首創作於七十年代的介紹龍岡歌曲，還是公所元老夫人張秀眉的姨丈關照祺宗長創作的。

宗親致詞祝賀。（周菊子攝）

      

         當晚的祝賀表演，由甄若矛創辦的星樂隊現場唱奏。關麗莎特別指出主唱之一趙寶玲也是傑出宗親，2年前辦過一場很成功的個人演唱會，另一名主唱曾艷琴，曾是專業歌星。

波士頓市議員Ed flynn（左二），Erin Murphy(右二）送上表揚狀。（周菊子攝）

            根據世界龍岡親義總會網站，以及維基百科，龍岡親義公所又稱賜姓堂，起源於廣東江門市開瓶水口鎮的龍岡古廟，1875年的清光緒元年，劉關張趙的四姓宗親在舊金山建立龍崗古廟，1910年再建親義公所大樓。之後，美洲，澳洲各地都有龍岡公所。世界性的龍岡親義總會則是1960年代在香港籌建，1963年正式成立。

            趙仁君透露，世界龍岡親義總會經由各地龍岡公所討論，最後決定社址台灣。不過世界龍岡親義總會的網站，雖列有從第一屆到2021年第17屆的歷屆主席人名，但其他內容並不多。倒是維基百科上記載有世界各地有146個龍岡組織，擁有宗親300餘萬人，佔海外華僑總人數的七分之一。  

砵倫龍岡趙苑茵（左一），主席趙疊（右一）還送上繡有祖訓的錦旗。（周菊子攝）

          其中來自紐約的宗親有地利之便，陣容最龐大，超過40人。其餘各地宗親，加起來有10來人。

來自休士頓的世界龍岡副主席關紫紅（中）送上祝賀錦旗。（周菊子攝）

            世界龍岡親義總會監察長趙仁君表示，他代表主席張振中到賀，送上錦旗及紀念獎牌，祝賀「百年之夜，龍脈相傳」。由於他本人同時擔任桃園趙氏宗親會第13、14屆理事長，鑑於劉關張趙四海一家，他這天也代表桃園，送上祝賀旗幟與禮金。他表示去年12月，他到廣東開平參加會議，有幸獲得世長們垂愛，出任監察長，今年3月也特別到紐約拜訪過一次，現在參加紐英倫龍岡的百年慶，送上繼續榮耀，再創百年好風景的祝福。

紐約龍崗主席關振立（中）送上祝賀錦旗。（周菊子攝）

            在致詞環節中，關麗莎還請宗親們上台合唱「龍岡之歌」，同時說明這首創作於七十年代的介紹龍岡歌曲，還是公所元老夫人張秀眉的姨丈關照祺宗長創作的。

            當晚的祝賀表演，由甄若矛創辦的星樂隊現場唱奏。關麗莎特別指出主唱之一趙寶玲也是傑出宗親，2年前辦過一場很成功的個人演唱會，另一名主唱曾艷琴，曾是專業歌星。

紐英倫龍岡親義公所主席關麗莎（右一）和關榮康（左二）送上印有
姓氏的球衣給趙仁君（左一），張向揚。（周菊子攝）

            根據世界龍岡親義總會網站，以及維基百科，龍岡親義公所又稱四姓堂，起源於廣東江門市開瓶水口鎮的龍岡古廟，1875年的清光緒元年，劉關張趙的四姓宗親在舊金山建立龍崗古廟，1910年再建親義公所大樓。之後，美洲，澳洲各地都有龍岡公所。世界性的龍岡親義總會則是1960年代在香港籌建，1963年正式成立。

昭倫公所宗親到賀。（周菊子攝）

            趙仁君透露，世界龍岡親義總會經由各地龍岡公所討論，最後決定社址台灣。不過世界龍岡親義總會的網站，雖列有從第一屆到2021年第17屆的歷屆主席人名，但其他內容並不多。倒是維基百科上記載有世界各地有146個龍岡組織，擁有宗親300餘萬人，佔海外華僑總人數的七分之一。（訂正：應為四姓堂）

許久未見的宗親們抓住機會合影。（周菊子攝）

關麗莎和宗親們逐桌敬酒。（周菊子攝）

甄若矛（左一）的星樂隊，陣容越來越壯大。（周菊子攝）

趙寶玲（左起）、曾艷琴、胡凡等人是星樂隊主唱。（周菊子攝）

星樂隊主唱的男歌手是桑永驥（右）。（周菊子攝）

星樂隊主唱趙寶玲，也是龍岡宗親。（周菊子攝）

曾艷琴是專業歌手。（周菊子攝）

甄若矛（又）和李佩芸夫婦是鍵盤手。（周菊子攝）

星樂隊合影。馬仕威樂隊的鼓手梅偉文（右二）也加入了星樂隊。（周菊子攝）

麻州長要求川普展延醫保稅收抵免 稱34萬居民面對保費大漲壓力

          （Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Haura Healey）今（10）日公開要求川普總統和國會共和黨人立即延長「可負擔醫療法（ACA）」的保費稅收抵免，以免大約34萬麻州居民明年的保費，平均每月增加1300元，農村居民和耆英的保費甚至可能漲到2萬5000元一年。

            奚莉州長說，一旦聯邦政府「可負擔醫療法」的保費稅收抵免到期，不再延續，麻州將有大約34萬居民會失去部分或全部的保費補助。川普總統和共和黨國會議員的不作為，威脅到這些居民獲得醫療服務的權利。

麻州健康連接者（Massachusetts Health Connector）的執行主任Audrey Morse Gasteier也證實，在醫療保險開放註冊期開始的第一週，已經有很多麻州居民感到困惑，擔憂保費的急劇上漲。

川普總統和共和黨籍國會議員通過的「一大美麗法案（One Big Beautiful Bill）」，使得保費上漲，也改變了「可負擔醫療法」的資格條件，導致大約8萬5千名麻州居民明年將失去「健康連接者（Health Connector）」保險。這些改變也將逼使更多人走進無補助護理市場的急診室，也更進一步地令到醫院和社區健康中心緊繃，造成每一個人無論有沒保險，醫療費用都將上漲的結果。

「麻州健康連接者」為包括小企業主，中低收入家庭及個人的大約40萬麻州居民，提供可負擔醫療保險。從明年1月開始的健康保險計劃，目前正在辦理註冊登記中。「麻州健康連接者」已發出通知給所有會員，告訴他們將看到哪些變化，以及為什麼他們的保費會上漲。

Governor Healey Demands President Trump and Congressional 

Republicans Take Action to Prevent Health Insurance Premiums from Skyrocketing 

340,000 Massachusetts residents could see premiums increase by up to $25,000 next year because of expiring ACA tax credits 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today demanded that President Donald Trump and Congressional Republicans act to extend Affordable Care Act premium tax credits to prevent health care premiums from skyrocketing for hundreds of thousands of Massachusetts residents. 

Because President Trump and Congress let the ACA tax credits expire, nearly 340,000 Massachusetts residents will lose some or all of the help they were getting to afford their health insurance. Premiums will increase by an average of $1,300 a month next year. For some, including seniors and people in rural communities, the increase will be even higher and could reach $25,000 over the course of the year. 

“The price of everything has been going up under President Trump. His tariff taxes are impacting every single American, he chose to cut SNAP benefits, he’s forcing child care centers to close, and he’s taking away heating assistance. With the enrollment period now open, President Trump and Congressional Republicans are causing people’s health care premiums to skyrocket by thousands of dollars next year and kicking thousands of Massachusetts residents off their health insurance all together,” said Governor Healey. “President Trump and Congressional Republicans still have time to fix this. They need to act now to prevent these cost increases and protect people’s access to health care. Meanwhile, we are going to make sure that people in Massachusetts understand what they are facing and why.” 

“In the first week of Open Enrollment, our members are already reaching out to us with worry and confusion as they grapple with stark premium increases due to inaction around enhanced Premium Tax Credits,” said Audrey Morse Gasteier, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Health Connector. “It’s not too late for Congress to act. We are ready to move mountains when an extension is in place, and quickly deliver this vital support to our members.” 

“So many people we see are completely overwhelmed about how they are going to survive going forward,” said Tina Alu, Executive Director of the Cambridge Economic Opportunity Committee. “In a country this wealthy, people shouldn’t be put in the situation of choosing between paying rent, feeding their family or having health insurance.” 

These premium increases come after President Trump and Congressional Republicans passed the One Big Beautiful Bill which changes eligibility for the ACA and will result in 85,000 Massachusetts residents losing their Health Connector insurance next year. These changes will further strain hospitals and community health centers as more people go to emergency rooms in the uncompensated care market. It will also cause health care costs to increase for everyone, regardless of insurance. 

The Massachusetts Health Connector provides affordable health insurance for over 400,000 people, including small business owners and middle-income and low-income families and individuals. The enrollment period is currently underway for January 1st plans. The Health Connector has been sending notices to every member letting them know about upcoming changes and why their premiums are going up.  

Gabriela Coletta Zapata稱她將接任波士頓市議會議長

Gabriela Coletta Zapata。（圖片來自wikipedia)

         （Boston Orange編譯）代表東波士頓的第一區市議員Gabriela Coletta Zapata，今（10）日宣佈，已爭取到足夠的支持票數，將於明年一月接掌市議長大位。

波士頓市的市議員選舉在11月4日落幕，13名市議員，除了第7區因在位者未參選，有了新人之外，其餘席位，全由在位者連任。

選舉落幕後，有意爭取明年度市議長席位的市議員們紛紛開始表態，不分區市議員Julia Mejia 和第4區市議員Brian Worrell都積極運作。不過，為遞補Lydia Wdwards當選麻州參議員所留遺缺，在2022年5月當選為波士頓市第一區市議員，並於2023和2025順利連任的Gabriela Coletta Zapata，10日宣佈，她已取得足夠支持，明年將出任波士頓市議會議長。

被人認為是波士頓市長吳弭（Ｍichelle Wu）盟友的Gabriela Coletta Zapata表示，她相信市議會對市民生活的改善，能發揮重要作用，市議會議員之間，即使有分歧，也能保持互相尊重與團結合作，為服務居民取得更多成就。她感謝同僚們的支持與尊重。

在東波士頓長大，代表東波士頓、查理士城（Charlestown）、北區和碼頭區等第一選區的Gabriela Coletta Zapata，在上一屆議會中擔任政府運作委員會，以及環境正義、韌性與公園委員會主席。

進入波士頓市議會服務前，Gabriela Coletta Zapata當過時任波士頓市議員的Lydia Edwards的幕僚長，以及麻州眾議員Adrian Madaro的社區聯絡員，有豐富的社區服務經驗，她也曾在新英格蘭水族館負責對外關係，擔任過麻州婦女政治核心小組（Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus）副主任，一直致力賦權女性，輔佐女性從政，投入公共服務領域。

Gabriela Coletta Zapata的學歷包括畢業於波士頓公校的波士頓拉丁學院，以及麻州大學波士頓分校政治系，輔修人權。她和丈夫Sebastian Zapata住在東波士頓。

波士頓市議會副主席，已知將由不分區市議員Henry Santana出任。（訂正錯字版）

BOSTON CITY COUNCILOR GABRIELA COLETTA ZAPATA HAS SECURED VOTES TO SERVE AS NEXT COUNCIL PRESIDENT 

BOSTON - (November 10th, 2025) - Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata has secured enough support from her colleagues to claim the City Council presidency when the new term begins in January. 

“I’m proud to have had the privilege of serving the residents of Boston for eight years with the City Council. I deeply believe in this institution and in the vital role we play in improving the lives of Bostonians every day,” said Councilor Coletta Zapata. “The strength of this Council lies in our ability to respect one another, even when we disagree, and to work together with purpose and integrity. When we lead with respect and unity, we model the kind of civic leadership our city deserves – and we get more done for the residents who count on us. I’m honored to have earned the respect and support of my colleagues on the Council and I look forward to the work ahead.” 

Raised by community advocates in East Boston, Gabriela grew up attending civic association meetings, neighborhood events, and even multiple protests against airport runway expansion with her mom, Nina. Gabriela has dedicated her entire life working in public service to others and giving back to the beautiful, diverse neighborhood that has given her so much.

Gabriela was elected in a special election on May 3, 2022, to replace then-Councilor Edwards. She was re-elected in 2023 and again in 2025. 

Since her election to represent District 1—East Boston, Charlestown, the North End, and the Wharf District—Councilor Coletta Zapata has built on that foundation with a record of tangible results. As Chair of the Committee on Government Operations, she plays a central role in the City Council’s legislative process—overseeing the review, analysis, and negotiation of all ordinances, home rule petitions, and special laws before they advance to the full Council or the Mayor’s desk. This position serves as the final checkpoint for accountability, legal precision, and policy alignment across all city departments, ensuring that every law enacted reflects both community needs and sound governance.

In her additional role as Chair of the Committee on Environmental Justice, Resiliency & Parks, she has led the Council’s efforts to advance local climate resilience, promote sustainability, and expand Boston’s parks network and urban tree canopy—strengthening the city’s commitment to equity and environmental stewardship.

Before her election to the Boston City Council in 2022, Gabriela built a deep record of community service and progressive leadership. She served as Chief of Staff to then-Councilor Lydia Edwards, where she amplified the lived experiences of her neighbors, and worked across the neighborhoods of Charlestown, East Boston, and the North End to address housing affordability, inequities in public education, and the climate threats facing Boston’s coastline. She later led the New England Aquarium’s external relations work, advancing a more resilient, inclusive, and accessible downtown waterfront.

Her dedication to empowering women in politics has been a consistent throughline. As Associate Director of the Massachusetts Women’s Political Caucus, she helped recruit and train women to run for office and manage campaigns, while building statewide strategies to elect endorsed candidates. She served as a frequent Emerge Massachusetts trainer, mentoring women entering public service. Her early political organizing includes managing Lydia Edwards’s groundbreaking 2017 campaign and serving as community liaison to State Representative Adrian Madaro, roles that cemented her reputation as a collaborative, grassroots leader.

Councilor Coletta Zapata is a proud product of Boston Public Schools and graduated from Boston Latin Academy. She received a degree in Political Science from the University of Massachusetts at Boston as well as a minor in Human Rights. She currently lives in East Boston with her husband, Sebastian Zapata. 

Councilor At-large Henry Santana will serve as Vice President. “I’m deeply honored to serve as Vice President alongside Councilor Gabriela Coletta Zapata. Gabriela and I first met when we were both staffers on the City Council, and from day one I’ve watched her grow, lead, and deliver for our City,” said Councilor Santana. “It’s been a privilege to partner with her in District 1—working shoulder-to-shoulder, listening to residents, and achieving real results in East Boston, Charlestown, the North End, and the Wharf District. I know she will be an exceptional President—thoughtful, committed, and determined to unite our Council and move Boston forward for every neighborhood. I look forward to the work ahead together.”

Dana-Farber贊助的2025半馬拉松有7200多人參加

 Race Report: 2025 Boston Half presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund

 

7,200+ participants take part in New England’s signature half marathon

 

BOSTON – More than 7,200 athletes took to the roads of Boston for today’s 2025 Boston Half presented by Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund, starting and finishing within Franklin Park. Champions were crowned, personal bests were set, and nearly $1 million was raised for Team Dana-Farber. 

 

At the front of the field, Fentaye Belayneh (Ethiopia), Isaia Lasoi (Kenya), Yen Hoang (USA), and Miguel Vergara (USA) were among the first to the finish, winning open and wheelchair division titles on a picture-perfect day for racing. Belayneh became the first woman since Joan Chelimo Melly in 2017-2018 to win in successive years. “I love Boston! I love Boston!” Belayneh proclaimed. 

 

Searchable results and leaderboards for today’s race are available here: https://bstnmar.org/25HalfResults

 

Belayneh knows what it takes to finish atop the podium in Boston. It came down to a sprint in Franklin Park for the second straight year, out-dueling friend and fellow countrywoman Melknat Wudu at the line 1:08:51 to 1:08:53.

 

“Every time when I come to Boston, I come to Boston with a lot,” she said smiling. “This is my fifth time here in Boston… it reminds me of all the training places, and it will never go away in my mind.”

 

Belayneh and Wudu were joined in the early miles by B.A.A. High Performance Team member Megan Hasz Sailor and former American record holder Keira D’Amato, as well as Kenyans Evaline Chirchir and Monicah Ngige. Through 10K in 32:27 and 10 miles in 52:21, the race would be decided over the final kilometers – where Belayneh’s kick is most potent. 

 

Beyond Belayneh and Wudu, Chirchir placed third in 1:09:01. Hasz Sailor was the top American for the second straight year, crossing in 1:09:39.

 

“It was super fun to get out there and see where I was at fitness wise,” said Sailor, who trains in Boston as part of the B.A.A.’s professional team. “I’ve built a lot of strength since racing here last year and especially over the last couple months training for my first marathon. I’m happy with how I committed to the race and was able to come away as the top American again this year and run a personal best on a pretty challenging course.”

 

On the men’s side, Isaia Lasoi came in laser-focused to earn a victory in his first B.A.A. race. Shortly after hitting 10 miles in 46:14, the Kenyan injected a surge to open a gap on challengers Andrea Kiptoo (Kenya) and Yemane Haileselassie (Eritrea). Lasoi didn’t let up, charging up and down the hilly final miles before breaking the finish tape in 1:00:59.

 

“I would say it was great, fast and challenging,” said Lasoi. “Right around mile ten is when I decided to make my move. I felt confident and was ready to go for the win.”

 

Santiago Catrofe of Uruguay came from behind to nab second (1:01:23), with Kiptoo third (1:01:30). Chandler Gibbens was the top American, fifth in 1:01:57.

 

“It was good, just putting myself up there with the top guys and being able to test myself against great competitors,” said the 2024 U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier at 10,000m. He added: “Tons of fans, lots of screaming and it definitely made those last couple hills easier with a big crowd in my ear.” 

 

HOANG, VERGARA TAKE WHEELCHAIR DIVISION CROWNS

 

After finishing second the last two years, Yen Hoang used the course’s many hills and passionate spectators to her advantage. She won the wheelchair title in 1:01:02 ahead of Hannah Babalola (1:03:51) and Michelle Wheeler (1:04:18). 

 

“I really liked towards the end when I am going towards the finish, where the other runners are coming out and they are cheering you on,” said the Illinois racing star. “It's really cool. It's a mass of runners.”

 

Miguel Vergara returned to the winner’s podium, adding a second Boston Half crown to his 2019 win. He finished in 49:06, a full 5 minutes, 33 seconds ahead of runner-up Valera Jacob Allen. Wyatt Willand rounded out the podium in 56:49, followed by Boston’s own Delmace Mayo (57:47) in fourth. 

 

A complete list of open, wheelchair, and Para Athletics Division champions can be found below. Athletes from 98 countries and 44 states took part, running along an updated course featuring picturesque views of the Emerald Necklace Park System.

 

DIVISION	CHAMPION
Men’s Open Division	Isaia Lasoi, Kenya, 1:00:59
Women’s Open Division	Fentaye Belayneh, Ethiopia, 1:08:51
Men’s Wheelchair Division	Miguel Vergara, USA, 49:06
Women’s Wheelchair Division	Yen Hoang, USA, 1:01:02
Top American Men’s Finisher	Chandler Gibbens, 1:01:57
Top American Women’s Finisher	Megan Hasz Sailor, 1:09:39
Men’s T11-T13 (Vision Impairment)	Irwin Ramirez, USA, 1:30:44*
Women’s T11-T13 (Vision Impairment)	Lauren Weeks, USA, 2:23:29
Men’s T20 (Intellectual Impairment)	Thomas Cantara, USA, 1:16:20
Men’s T35-T38 (Coordination Impairment)	Joseph Drake, USA, 1:55:44
Women’s T35-T38 (Coordination Impairment)	Cristina Burbach, USA, 1:56:02
Men’s T45/T46/T47 (Upper-limb Impairment)	Atsbha Gebremeskel, Ethiopia, 1:29:26
Women’s T45/T46/T47 (Upper-limb Impairment)	Lisa Maciel, USA, 1:55:44*
Men’s T42-T44/T61-T64 (Lower-limb Impairment)	Peter Keating, USA, 1:25:48
Women’s T42-T44/T61-T64 (Lower-limb Impairment)	Kelly Bruno, USA, 1:35:28*
	* Pending Event Record

 

DANA-FARBER FUNDRAISING SOARS TOWARD $1 MILLION 

 

A group of 735+ athletes were part of the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund’s team for this year’s event, having already raised $981,000 and counting. Those interested in supporting Dana-Farber’s team can make a donation here. Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund have partnered with the Boston Half since 2003 as the race’s presenting sponsor and exclusive charity team. Through this relationship, Dana-Farber runners have collectively raised more than $12 million to support groundbreaking cancer research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, and enabled Dana-Farber scientists and clinicians to positively impact the lives of cancer patients around the world.