新英格蘭陽明交大校友會成立 近百人冒寒共襄盛舉

新英格蘭陽明交大校友會籌備小組成員。（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange周菊子麻州劍橋市報導) 麻州大波士頓地區在2026年1月24日這天，氣溫低至攝氏零下15度，仍有近百人趕到劍橋市麻省理工學院校舍，慶祝波士頓經文處科技組組長蔡孟勳催生的新英格蘭陽明交大校友會，正式成立。

新英格蘭陽明交大校友會成立大會有近百人出席。（周菊子攝）

                  台大畢業的蔡孟勳組長是陽明大學公衛研究所第一屆博士班學生。他透露自己對陽明大學感情很深，2024年到加州開會，遇到正好在那兒參加北加州陽明交大校友會成立大會的林奇宏校長，當時就允諾一定協助母校在波士頓成立校友會。

蔡孟勳（右三）和周致宏（左三），蔡景全（右二）等籌備委員邀請左起，
教育組長黃薳玉，交大校友總會副執行長王統億，波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，
波士頓僑教中心主任高家富等嘉賓合影。（周菊子攝）

            蔡孟勳回波士頓後，和陽明交大的學弟妹們聚會，談起成立校友會一事，在胡金儒成立line群組後，校友們口耳相傳，一個個加入後，他們發現人數真的不少，於是由蔡孟勳牽頭，陽明醫工系胡金儒，交大生物資訊所的周致宏和蔡明儒等波士頓台灣人生物科技協會（BTBA）3名前會長，以及陽明醫技所蔡偉智，交大生科系謝怡真，陽明醫學系蕭雅倫等6人成立決策小組，再找到謝宥霖，陳筠媞，何孟璇，黃奕傑，蔡景全，蘇彥竹，白景元，盧安怡，吳孟儒，徐雅真等熱心校友幫忙和母校及校友們聯繫，最後商定1月24日這天舉辦校友會成立大會。

蔡孟勳是陽明交大博士，9月將返台述職。（周菊子攝）

周志宏表示，在波士頓已有台大、成大，政大，輔仁等校友會，北加州也大規模的成立了陽明交大校友會之際，他們這是在美國東岸為陽明交大人成立一個自己的校友會，邀集踏在不同人生階段，遍布各個領域的校友們交流，分享經驗。

            24日這天，場面十分盛大，不但有交通大學和陽明醫學院在2021年2月合併後的首屆校長林奇宏以視頻致賀，還有交通大學校友總會副執行長王統億遠從台灣，陽明交大校友總會理事王吉磊從加州趕到現場祝福外，還有駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，教育組組長黃薳玉，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，以及美洲交通大學總會理事長張曉青等嘉賓親自出席。

陽明交大校長林奇宏志以視頻致賀。（周菊子攝）

            廖朝宏處長說，這是個非常具有歷史性的一刻，就像新英格蘭地區醫療與生技業發展蓬勃一樣，陽明與交大的合併，也正是醫療與生技的結合。校友們在異鄉共聚，緣分又更深一層。

 交大校友總會副執行長王統億闡述校友會核心理念是「創造被校友利用的價值』。
（周菊子攝）

            在致詞時，高家富主任直言校友會是僑力的延伸，相信能讓大波士頓僑民更為團結。黃薳玉組長邀請各校校友和教育部、教育組保持聯繫，預告3月2日會有一個由11所院校合組的攬才團到訪波士頓，在公園廣場酒店（Park Plaza Hotel）舉辦攬才活動。他們2人還紛紛表白自己是陽明交大校友親屬，各自的女兒都是陽明大學醫學系校友，讓在場眾人莞爾，笑說天下真小。

周致宏說明陽明交大校友會分佈概況。（周菊子攝）

            交大校友總會副執行長王統億是93年的交大電工校友。他點明交大校友會的核心經營方針是「創造被校友利用的價值」，強調飲水思源，實事求是，終身學習，互為貴人的16字箴言，以期校友會這平台可以幫助校友們成功，獲得更大能力在關鍵時刻取得關鍵資源，發揮更大影響力，做更重要的事。他和總會執行長陳俊秀還為支持新英格蘭陽明交大校友會的成立，各捐1000元。

            遠從台灣趕來出席的王統億透露，此行他還特地走訪鳳凰城。他笑說，台積電在該城市設廠後，華航、星宇班機都客滿，台灣去的人越來越多，現在鳳凰城也在籌備成立陽明交大校友會了。去年北加州成立2個校友會時，校友總會捐了2萬元，活動辦在酒莊，很盛大。去年還有西雅圖也為籌備成立校友會開了幾次會。

新英格蘭陽明交大校友會籌備成員。（周菊子攝） 

            由於今年是交通大學創校130週年，王統億表示，校友會將有一系列活動。在3月14日的北加州校友會年會，理事長交接之後，今年將有校慶月，從4月8日的交大建校紀念日開始，持續至5月15日的陽明建校紀念日。4月11日國外校區和光復校區會有活動，在「攜手回娘家」的主題下，光復校區將辦130桌的慶祝會。4月26日會在石牌校區舉辦陽明日。在這期間，美洲交大校友會將組團走訪上海，西安，北京，西南，陽明等5

周致宏請校友們廣告周知，支持校友會。（周菊子攝）

個交大校區。

            在致詞時，張曉青表示她來自上海交大，1992年來美後，從工程轉行企管，如今在安永會計師樓工作。她表示波士頓交大校友會成立有龍舟隊，希望陽明交大校友會將來也能成立龍舟隊，參加波士頓的龍舟比賽。

新英格蘭陽明交大校友會出席者以年輕人居多。（周菊子攝）

            24日這晚出席的陽明交大校友，以年輕人居多，年近80的台灣新竹交大校友歐陽翊，在出席者中是極少數的長輩交大校友。他也讓人想起，許多年輕校友都不知道的，在2000年時，波士頓曾有交大校友吳錦城創辦的箭點公司（Arrow Point）以57億美元賣給思科（Cisco）的輝煌紀錄。

            當晚的新英格蘭陽明交大校友會主持人周致宏表示，校友會雖已成立，但會長等幹部人選，還待下一次聚會時再討論決定。催生此會的蔡孟勳組長則在會中透露，今年9月他將卸任，返台述職，但相信新英格蘭陽明交大校友會一定可以蓬勃發展。

新英格蘭陽明交大校友會出席者分著圍聚。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭陽明交大校友會成立現場小問答。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭陽明交大校友會現場小問答。（周菊子攝）

當晚自助餐由校友會贊助。（周菊子攝）

交大校友總會副執行長王統億（又）和波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏（左）
自拍留念。（周菊子攝）

Massachusetts Legislature Honors International Holocaust Remembrance Day

Massachusetts Legislature Honors International Holocaust Remembrance Day 

Resolution Reaffirms Commitment to Combating Antisemitism and Preserving the Memory of Holocaust Survivors 

 

(BOSTON—1/27/2026) Today the Massachusetts Legislature honored International Holocaust Remembrance Day, formally recognizing the lives of the millions of people murdered in the Holocaust. 

 

Each branch passed a resolution recognizing the eighty-first anniversary of the liberation of the Auschwitz concentration camp and reaffirming their unequivocal condemnation of antisemitism in all its forms.  

 

In adopting the resolutions, the Senate and House recognized Holocaust survivors and honored their courage in bearing witness to one of the darkest moments of history. The Legislature affirmed that preserving survivors’ memories and testimonies is essential to combating Holocaust denial, distortion, and antisemitism. 

 

“International Holocaust Remembrance Day calls on us not only to mourn the millions of lives stolen by unimaginable cruelty, but to confront the truth of history with clarity and resolve,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “For survivors and their families, remembrance is deeply personal—and for our Commonwealth, it is a solemn responsibility. By preserving stories, rejecting Holocaust denial, and educating future generations, we reaffirm an unyielding commitment to say ‘never again’ and to stand firmly against antisemitism, hatred, and genocide in all its forms.” 

 

“On Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the millions of innocent lives lost, including the six million Jewish people who were senselessly murdered by the Nazis,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Today isn’t only about the past though, it’s also about the lessons that we can learn from that horrific tragedy, and about the actions that we can take to beat back antisemitism and all forms of hate. I’m proud of the work that we have done in the Legislature to ensure that students in Massachusetts learn about the cruelty and inhumanity of genocide, and I look forward to continuing to work with my colleagues in the Legislature, as well as the Jewish community, to address the alarming rise in antisemitism over the past few years.” 

 

“I was proud to file this Senate resolution to recognize International Holocaust Remembrance Day and to honor the millions of lives lost in one of history’s darkest chapters,” said Majority Leader Cindy Creem (D-Newton), primary sponsor of the Senate’s Resolution. “At a time when antisemitism continues to be on the rise, preserving the memories and testimonies of Holocaust survivors is essential to confronting denial, prejudice, and hate. Our responsibility is not only to remember, but to educate and to stand firmly against antisemitism in all its forms.” 

 

“Today is a solemn day as we remember the horrific genocide committed during the Holocaust. We honor the millions of people who senselessly lost their lives, and we vow never to forget their sacrifice. We as a Legislature have taken numerous steps over the years to ensure that the Commonwealth never forgets either,” said House Committee on Ways and Means Chair Representative Aaron Michlewitz (D-Boston). “I want to thank the Speaker and the Senate President, and all my other fellow legislators, for their tireless commitment to Holocaust Remembrance. I also want to thank the Consulate General of Israel to New England and the New England Holocaust Memorial Committee for being a part of the ceremony today in the State House.” 

 

Copies of the resolutions were transmitted to the Consulate General of Israel to New England and the Holocaust Legacy Foundation, which is supporting construction of Holocaust Museum Boston. 

 

In recent years the Legislature has acted to protect the memory of those murdered in the Holocaust, allocating $10 million in funds to support construction of Holocaust Museum Boston.  

 

In late 2025, Senate President Spilka and Speaker Mariano applauded the final outcomes of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, which created a framework for combatting antisemitism in Massachusetts through education, responses to antisemitic incidents, and allyship.  

 

The Legislature created the commission in 2024 after a state report showed a 70 percent increase in incidents of anti-Jewish crime statewide. 

 

In 2021, the Legislature acted jointly to create the Genocide Education Trust Fund to educate middle and high school students on the history of genocide and promote the teaching of human rights issues with a particular attention to the study of the inhumanity of genocide. 

 

 

Statements of support 

 

Governor Maura Healey 

“Today, as a state, we join with others around the world to remember the six million Jewish men, women and children who were murdered in the Holocaust, and the millions of others whose lives were destroyed by a regime built on hatred and dehumanization. We honor the victims by telling the truth, preserving memory, and rejecting the dangerous lie that cruelty can ever be justified. This day, and this work, have never been more important — and I'm grateful to Senate President Spilka for bringing us together today.” 

  

Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll 

“International Holocaust Remembrance Day is a time to mourn the lives lost during the Holocaust and recommit ourselves to rejecting antisemitism wherever we see it. Massachusetts will always stand with our Jewish neighbors and stand strong against hate and violence.” 

 

Robert Kraft, Founder of the Blue Square Alliance and Chairman of the Kraft Group 

“On International Holocaust Remembrance Day, we honor the memory of the six million Jews who were murdered by dedicating ourselves to the mission of combating antisemitism, hatred, and bigotry. I am grateful to the Massachusetts State Legislature for advancing this joint resolution and for highlighting remembrance and the shared responsibility we all have to stand up against hate wherever it appears.” 

  

Jonathan Kraft, President of the Kraft Group 

“To truly fight antisemitism and hate, we must never forget the atrocities the Jewish community has endured. This resolution is a meaningful step toward honoring the six million Jewish victims of the Holocaust and all victims of the Nazis, and it sends a powerful message of solidarity with Jewish communities in Massachusetts and around the world. I am grateful for the leadership of Governor Healey, Lt. Governor Driscoll, Senate President Spilka, and Chairman Michlewitz." 

 

Office of Senator John Velis (D-Westfield), Senate Chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism 

“Today, as we remember and mourn the more than six million Jewish lives senselessly taken during the Holocaust, we must also reaffirm our unwavering commitment to confront and eradicate antisemitism in all its forms. As co-chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism, Senator Velis is proud to serve in a Legislature that remains steadfast in its commitment to upholding the promise of ‘Never Again.’” 

 

Representative Simon Cataldo (D-Concord), House Chair of the Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism 

“The historical facts of the Holocaust are essential learning not just for Jewish history or world history, but American history. Our state government has an obligation to ensure that the Holocaust is learned and remembered by its residents through a lens of historical accuracy and moral clarity. I’m proud that Massachusetts is taking affirmative steps to reverse the alarming levels of Holocaust denial and Holocaust inversion, both through our recent budget investments and the work of our Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism. “ 

 

Senator Rebecca Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Resolution Cosponsor 

“The liberation of the Auschwitz-Birkenau death camp, which occurred 81 years ago today, finally brought an end to the government-sponsored mass extermination and torture of Jews and others in Nazi Germany. Today, we remember the six million Jewish people and millions more who were murdered in cold blood by unspeakable evil. May their memories be a blessing, and may we be reminded of the absolute necessity of building a future rooted, first and foremost, in the recognition of each other’s humanity.” 

 

Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Chair of the Senate Committee on Steering and Policy 

“Now more than ever, it is so important that we pay attention to the lessons of history as we witness the persecution of innocent people in cities and towns across our country, simply because of the color of their skin or the sound of their accent. As we remember the atrocities of that time and recognize the loss of freedoms and life that defined the Holocaust, we must continue to truly commit ourselves to never let this happen again.” 

 

Jody Kipnis, Co-founder and CEO, Holocaust Museum Boston 

“International Holocaust Remembrance Day asks us not only to remember the past, but to take responsibility in the present. By honoring survivors, condemning antisemitism, and supporting Holocaust education through institutions like Holocaust Museum Boston, the Massachusetts Legislature is affirming that memory must be paired with action. These resolutions underscore that truth matters, democracy matters, and silence in the face of hatred is never an option.” 

  

Dr. Nicole Freeman, Education Director, Holocaust Museum Boston 

“Holocaust education is not only about learning history, it is about understanding how prejudice, disinformation, and indifference take hold, and how they can be challenged. By preserving survivor testimony and supporting institutions like Holocaust Museum Boston, the Legislature is helping ensure that young people across the Commonwealth learn to recognize early warning signs and choose moral courage.” 

MAYOR WU URGES CAUTION AS BITTER COLD WEATHER REMAINS THROUGH SATURDAY; PROVIDES UPDATE ON CITY EFFORTS TO REMOVE SNOW FOLLOWING RECENT SNOW STORM

MAYOR WU URGES CAUTION AS BITTER COLD WEATHER REMAINS THROUGH SATURDAY; PROVIDES UPDATE ON CITY EFFORTS TO REMOVE SNOW FOLLOWING RECENT SNOW STORM

BOSTON - Tuesday, January 27, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced a cold weather advisory and shared winter safety tips for today through Saturday, January 31, due to the extreme cold weather forecasted for this time period. Boston is forecasted to experience wind chills reaching as low as -5 degrees tonight into Saturday, according to the National Weather Service. Due to the anticipated frigid cold weather that is following the snowfall, it’s important for residents and property owners to clear snow before it freezes to avoid dangerous conditions for vehicles and pedestrians.

 

​"As this stretch of winter weather continues with freezing temperatures and strong wind gusts through the rest of the week, we urge everyone to stay vigilant and take all necessary precautions,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I'm grateful to all of our city teams who continue to work around the clock to ensure our residents and families are safe and warm. With this ongoing bitterly cold weather creating the potential for snow freezing over into ice, we are reminding all property owners to thoroughly clear their sidewalks for everyone’s safety."   

 

The City of Boston issues a cold advisory when there is one day or more of 0°F or below observed wind chill. Due to the low temperatures, there is an increased risk for hypothermia and frostbite for certain individuals, such as those experiencing homelessness, the elderly, and young children. Cold weather may also exacerbate health issues in high-risk populations.

 

Following the major winter storm that dropped 23 inches of snow, the eighth-largest snowfall on record, the City continues cleanup efforts across all neighborhoods. At the height of the storm, the Public Works Department deployed over 900 pieces of equipment to treat and clear streets throughout Boston. 

 

While streets have been cleared, snow plowing and roadway treatment operations are ongoing as residents work to clear snow around their parked vehicles and property. Space savers should be removed by Wednesday evening. They will start to be picked up on Thursday as part of regular trash collection. 

 

Crews are working to improve visibility around intersections and to ensure safe access to crosswalks and curb ramps. Both pedestrians and drivers should use caution at intersections where snowbanks may impact visibility. Public Works continues to coordinate with Boston Public Schools to ensure bus routes are accessible. To clear routes and create more space at key intersections, Public Works will begin snow removal operations tonight at 10 p.m. and continue through 5 a.m. tomorrow. Residents may see heavy equipment working to remove large piles of snow from the street to various off-road locations.  

 

“We sincerely thank all our residents, commercial property owners and institutions who took the time to clear their property in a timely manner,” said Nick Gove, Interim Chief of Streets. “Your cooperation and partnership supports our efforts to keep our neighborhood streets and sidewalks clear, safe and accessible for everyone.”

 

Mayor Wu is advising all residents to take precautions, including reminding everyone to check in on older adults, people with disabilities, and people experiencing homelessness. If anyone sees someone experiencing homelessness out in the cold, please call 911. If residents are aware of anyone staying in a vehicle or a place not intended for living during these extreme cold temperatures, residents are encouraged to call 911 as well. 

 

While the temperature forecast does not reach the threshold for declaring a cold emergency, Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) will be open Tuesday through Saturday during their normal operating hours. A full list of locations and their hours can be found here. Residents can also visit the Boston Public Library’s Central Library in Copley Square or any branch location during BPL’s normal operating hours.

 

Information and resources to support individuals experiencing homelessness:

 

·       If you see a person experiencing homelessness or individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented, or underdressed for the cold, please call 911.

·       The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) utilizes a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies, and first responders to assist those in need of shelter.

·       Boston Public Health Commission's emergency shelters are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and when temperatures are below freezing (32 degrees), amnesty is in place for those with nonviolent restrictions. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City also work closely with other shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold.

·       Shelters are available any time of day or night for those in need.

·       During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day.



Cold weather safety tips:

 

Dress for the weather:

 

·       Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing.

·       Outer garments should be tightly woven and water-repellent.

·       Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well.

·       Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.  

·       Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play.

·       Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

 

Watch for signs of frostbite:

 

·       Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and a white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.

 

Watch for signs of hypothermia:

 

·       These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness, and apparent exhaustion. Contact a healthcare provider immediately if you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms. If symptoms are severe, call 911.

 

Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants:

 

·       Following the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68 degrees between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m. and 64 degrees between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m.

·       In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber, and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately.

·       If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, call 311 to file a complaint.

 

Heating safety:

 

·       Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, a kitchen stove, or any other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can quickly cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide. 

·       Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually.

·       Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color, but it is poisonous and can be deadly.

·       Keep space heaters at least three feet from anything that can burn, including people.

·       Space heaters should be turned off and unplugged when you leave the room, or go to bed.

 

Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold:

 

·       The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate their home's main water shut-off valve and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage.

·       Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing.

·       Keep cabinet doors open to circulate warm air around pipes. A trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold can also help prevent them from freezing up.

·       Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight.

·       If pipes freeze, thaw them slowly with a hair dryer, if possible. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes. If water is lost in all taps, call the BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.  

 

Emergency home repair resources: 

 

·       Income-eligible homeowners and Boston residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces, and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).   

·       In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income-eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a brand-new heating system, even before a failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.   

·       The Inspectional Services Department (ISD) will have additional staff available to support residents throughout the extreme weather.

 

For alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston. More information can be found on boston.gov/cold