人生一定要有的八個朋友:
推手(Builder)、
支柱(Champion)、
同好(Collaborator)、
夥伴(Companion)、
中介(Connector)、
開心果(Energizer)、
開路者(Mind Opener)、
導師(Navigator)。
chutze@bostonorange.com
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在康州開設Westover 自衛學校的柔術,黑帶高手Shihan Patrick Cassidy,這天 特地悚給胡炳超師父一塊「該上課了」的牌匾,表達敬仰之意。(周菊子攝)
自從李小龍橫空出世,還在1966年的「青蜂俠(The Green Hornet)」這部電影中,讓西方人看到中國功夫的速度之快,然後1972年起,大衛卡拉定的「少林」影集系列,讓西方人對功夫的精神層面發生興趣,1973年李小龍在「龍爭虎鬥(Enter the Dragon)」這部電影中,帥極了的展示雙節棍功夫,引發全球狂熱後,中國功夫就在許多洋人心中扎下根苗。
MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES FOUR-YEAR CONTRACT WITH BOSTON FIREFIGHTERS IAFF LOCAL 718
BOSTON - Tuesday, December 30, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a new four-year contract has been ratified by the membership of Boston Firefighters IAFF Local 718, the union representing nearly the entirety of the Boston Fire Department or approximately 1,500 members. This contract bolsters quality of life for firefighters and strengthens operations to ensure the best public safety for the residents of Boston. The ratification vote took place on December 22, 2025. This is the second contract reached between the City of Boston and Local 718 under the leadership of Mayor Wu.
“Our Boston firefighters and their families serve with dedication and sacrifice every hour of every day on behalf of the residents of Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m glad to once again partner with President Dillon and Boston Firefighters Local 718 to reach an agreement that will improve quality of life for our firefighters and strengthen operations within the department.”
“This contract not only strengthens the operational structure of the fire department, it also fairly compensates our firefighters who come to work every day and serve the residents of our city with professionalism and respect. Thank you Mayor Wu for your steadfast support of the Boston Fire Department,” said Fire Commissioner Paul F. Burke.
“Boston Firefighters provide an invaluable service to our city, and I want to thank Mayor Wu for not only recognizing that service, but for her sincere efforts to compensate and care for our Firefighters and their families,” said Sam Dillon, President, Boston Firefighters IAFF Local 718.
The new agreement covers the period from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2028, at a total cost of approximately $90 million over four years. Under the contract, every firefighter will receive a 2.5% wage increase for the first year and a 2% wage increase over the following three years.
Salary and benefit adjustments to improve quality of life for firefighters.
Among the benefits, to ensure the longevity of firefighters serving the Boston Fire Department, the City of Boston has adjusted the base salaries at five, 10, 15, 20 and 25 years of service. This will ensure that as firefighters commit more time to the City of Boston, their pay will adequately compensate for their years of service. Also, recognizing the severity and complexity of this position, the contract enhances line of duty death benefits for active firefighters who tragically suffer loss of life in the line of duty. These adjustments will ensure firefighters and the civilians a part of Boston Fire have improved quality of life as they work these challenging jobs.
Reforming operations to bolster public safety infrastructure in the city of Boston.
To better administer paid details, this contract recognizes that Boston Fire will implement a new electronic detail application to streamline the process to fill and pay details. Additionally, to increase the number of individuals available to work details, the contract allows retired Boston Fire firefighters under the age of 75 to work paid fire details. Over the course of the contract, the paid detail rate will increase.
The contract also confirms the Marine Unit as a specialized operation, requiring specific training for those serving in this capacity. The contract ensures that those assigned to this unit meet certain qualifications to be a part of the Marine Unit within the Special Operations Command.
This is the 64th contract Mayor Wu has settled with unions representing employees at the City of Boston, the Boston Public Health Commission, and Boston Public Schools in her first term as Mayor.
The Boston City Council will vote on the approval of the contract in the new year.
MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES PUBLIC SAFETY PREPARATIONS AHEAD OF FIRST NIGHT
The New Year’s Event celebration is returning to City Hall Plaza for the third straight year
BOSTON – Monday, December 29, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu, public safety officials, and First Night representatives today shared the City’s preparations for First Night 2026, Boston’s annual New Year’s Eve celebration. This free, family-friendly event is returning to City Hall Plaza for the third year, and will feature live performances, ice sculptures, fireworks and more. The City is a partner of this annual New Year’s Eve tradition, which is run by Boston Celebrations, Inc., and managed by Conventures, Inc. The City and partners are taking steps to ensure residents, families and visitors are safe as Boston celebrates the New Year.
“Since 1976, First Night in Boston has become known around the world as a special, family-friendly tradition to ring in the new year,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are grateful to all of our partners for their work to create this engaging series of events and activations for people of all ages to enjoy, especially as we prepare to celebrate the 250th anniversary of our country. I encourage everyone to keep safety in mind and look out for others as we welcome the new year.”
First Night will feature more than 12 hours of free programming on City Hall Plaza, Copley Square, and other areas around Boston. New this year to First Night are light displays at City Hall Plaza, ice sculptures in Copley Square, and new acts across ten venues throughout the city. This year’s event also marks the 50th anniversary of First Night and builds on Boston 250, the City’s commemoration honoring Boston’s foundational role in the American Revolution and its ongoing legacy of activism, innovation, and community leadership. For additional information on this year’s programming, please visit this link.
The Boston Police Department will be on hand at First Night to support this family-friendly event and remind attendees not to consume alcohol or illicit substances in public spaces or prohibited private spaces, not to fly drones at any First Night activities, to dress accordingly for the weather, and to report any suspicious activity.
“As in years past, the Boston Police will be present around the official First Night celebrations as well as in all of our neighborhoods,” said Commissioner Michael Cox, Boston Police Department. “We will utilize district officers as well as those from our specialized units to ensure public safety. If you see something concerning or need to report a party or a disturbance, please report it to an officer nearby or do not hesitate to call 911.”
“With ice sculptures, activities, programming, and music for guests of all ages, First Night shows how Boston opens its doors to the world,” said Dusty Rhodes, President of Conventures, Inc. “With the backing of the City of Boston and its public safety agencies, guests from all corners of our city and all regions of the world can unite in our city to ring in the new year.”
“Our goal is for First Night to be a safe and enjoyable event for all residents, visitors and families,” said Commissioner Paul Burke, Boston Fire Department . “The Boston Fire Department will be fully prepared with additional staffing and specialized resources will be located throughout the city with the ability to respond quickly to emergencies along with our police officers and EMTs. We will be working closely with our public safety partners to keep this event safe for all.”
Boston EMS will be deploying additional personnel at dispatch operations and in ambulances across the city to support emergency medical needs on New Year’s Eve.
“As people come together for First Night in Boston and other New Year’s Eve celebrations, we want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable night. Make a plan for getting home, stay aware of the weather, and look out for one another,” said Boston EMS Chief of Department, Jim Hooley. “Boston EMS personnel will be stationed throughout the city and ready to respond. If anyone needs emergency medical care, our crews are prepared. We’re grateful for our EMTs and Paramedics, and for all public safety, healthcare, and other essential workers supporting the city during the holidays.”
First Night festivities will impact traffic and parking in Downtown. People coming into the city to celebrate are strongly encouraged not to drive and to instead use public transportation. Details on parking and traffic restrictions can be found here.
“As we prepare to welcome residents and visitors to Boston for First Night 2026, our goal is to ensure a safe, celebratory, and family-friendly environment for everyone,” said MBTA Chief of Transit Police Kenneth Green. “We ask for the public’s partnership: if you see something, say something. We encourage everyone to celebrate responsibly: dress warmly for the conditions, look out for one another, and take advantage of the MBTA to ensure you get home safely. We look forward to a peaceful transition into the New Year!”
MBTA General Manager and Interim MassDOT Secretary Phil Eng announced that the MBTA will not be collecting fares for subway, ferry, bus, and The RIDE service after 8:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve. Updated holiday schedules can be found here.