Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.2 Million to Expand Children’s Access to and Knowledge of Locally Grown Food

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.2 Million to Expand Children’s Access to and Knowledge of Locally Grown Food  

MA FRESH grant helps 10 child care programs and 24 school districts source local products and promote learning about nutrition, science and agriculture 

 

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced it is awarding $1.2 million in state- and federally-funded grants to 24 school districts and 10 early education and care programs to help them grow or procure local food and educate students, teachers, school nutrition professionals and staff about the local food system.  

 

Recipients are using the money for school gardens, indoor hydroponic growing systems, culinary classes and field trips to farms. The grants also support professional development for nutrition professionals and educators to enhance school meal offerings and bring food literacy into the classroom. Increasing access to healthy, locally-sourced school and child care meals is a focus of Governor Maura Healey's Anti-Hunger Task Force’s work to mitigate President Trump’s cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and adopt long-term solutions to hunger. 

 

“While the Trump Administration is taking away food from children and families, and hurting local businesses and farmers, Massachusetts is continuing to prioritize food security programs,” said Governor Healey. “When children understand how their food is grown and where it comes from, they can make healthier choices and support their communities. These grants also strengthen our local food system, so the benefits reach from our farms to our families.” 

 

“Seeing the hard work and resilience of our farmers and food producers in the face of federal funding cuts has deepened my respect for the people who keep Massachusetts’ local food system strong,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll. “MA FRESH grants help students understand how local people and industries are connected to the food students eat every day.” 

 

This funding is through the Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health (MA FRESH) and MA FRESH with Coordination and Optimization of Resources and Partnerships (CORP) grants. The MA FRESH grant program is administered by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) in collaboration with the Department of Early Education and Care. Eligible applicants include early education programs that offer meals through the Child and Adult Care Feeding Program (CACFP) and K–12 schools that offer meals through the National School Lunch Program (NSLP).  

 

“Hands-on food system education not only ties student learning to everyday life but also fosters healthy habits that extend beyond the classroom,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “MA FRESH grants help connect students to their local food system while offering learning in food literacy, nutrition, plant science and agriculture.” 

 

“It’s inspiring to see schools using farm-to-school programs to bring fresh, healthy food directly to students while also enriching their learning,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “These partnerships teach students the role local farms play in their communities, strengthening students’ understanding and wellness.” 

 

“This program invites young children to explore the journey of their food—from farm to table—and to learn what it takes to prepare a healthy, balanced meal,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “It also strengthens ties to local farmers and empowers educators to cultivate the next generation of food leaders, from growers to innovators.” 

 

“When students have the opportunity to learn about our local food system and how the food they eat is grown, they gain a deeper appreciation for farms which will lead them to make healthier choices as they mature into young adults,” said Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle. “We’re proud to continue the partnership with our colleagues at EOE and DESE through these grants to provide Massachusetts-grown produce to school children while supporting farmers.” 

 

DESE and Massachusetts Farm to School also lift up the importance of healthy, locally sourced school meals through the Terrific Trays competition. Monthly Terrific Tray winners are chosen based on meal appeal and the use of locally grown ingredients. Each of the 2025-26 school year monthly Terrific Tray winners receive $2,500 to invest in their school meal program, thanks to the generosity and partnership of the Henry P. Kendall Foundation. School Nutrition Programs are encouraged to submit photographs of Terrific Trays featuring local foods sourced from Massachusetts farms, dairies, and fisheries. 

 

“It’s inspiring to see so many different communities and programs receiving support to expand food education, bring more local foods into school meals, and build food literacy from the earliest years. We are thankful to our Massachusetts legislators for making these funds available to schools and child care centers across the Commonwealth to do this important work. We see emerging and vibrant educational and meal programs tapping into this innovative funding to support the kind of farm-to-school programming we envision for every community in the Commonwealth,” said Simca Horwitz, co-director of Massachusetts Farm to School. 

 

“I have long been an advocate for healthier school meals and for teaching food literacy education to provide students with accurate and helpful information about healthy food and nutrition,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Using the Fair Share Amendment to serve universal, free breakfast and lunch at schools everyday was a critical step toward promoting food access and nutrition, but now we must continue working to ensure students receive healthy foods. Not only do these grants provide students an opportunity to access fresh fruits and vegetables and other healthy foods to improve their health, but it also enables them to better understand the systemic issues plaguing our food system.” 

 

“As Massachusetts remains committed to free, healthy lunches for all students, this program marks another step forward,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “Expanding access to locally grown food in school cafeterias benefits both the farmers who grow the food and the students they serve.”  

 

FY26 MA FRESH recipients: 

• Andover Public School District: $20,750 
• Beverly Children’s Learning Centers: $29,846 
• Boys & Girls Club of Greater Westfield: $30,000 
• Chicopee Public School District: $9,858 
• Collegiate Charter School of Lowell: $28,987 
• Easthampton Public School District: $29,063 
• Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical: $30,000 
• Greater Lowell Family YMCA: $17,645 
• Innovation Academy Charter District (in Tyngsborough): $27,947 
• Department of Youth Services: $14,642 
• Lowell Public School District: $30,000 
• Lowell Community Charter District: $28,905 
• Making Opportunity Count (in Fitchburg): $14,792 
• Merrimack Valley YMCA: $21,871 
• Morris Professional Child Care Services (in Springfield): $3,000 
• North Adams Public School District: $30,000 
• Old Rochester Public School District: $30,000 
• Revere Public School District: $30,000 
• Springfield Public School District: $28,859 
• The Salvation Army Massachusetts Division: $4,880 
• Warwick Public School District: $24,400 

FY26 MA FRESH - Coordination and Optimization of Resources and Partnerships (Continuation Funding) recipients: 

• Acton-Boxborough Public School District: $69,911 
• Boston Public School District: $85,500 
• Bristol County Agricultural Public School District: $85,500 
• Chicopee Public School District: $55,825 
• Collaborative for Regional Educational Service and Training (CREST) (in Andover): $14,203 
• Crispus Attucks Children’s Center (in Boston): $33,560 
• Frontier Public School District: $75,509 
• Gloucester Public School District: $14,716 
• MetroWest YMCA: $42,817 
• Nauset Regional Public School District: $55,153 
• Northampton Public School District: $45,885 
• Robbins Children’s Programs (in Attleboro): $60,499 
• Salem Public School District: $84,845 
• Watertown Public School District: $82,946 

Governor Healey Nominates Two Clerk Magistrates

 Governor Healey Nominates Two Clerk Magistrates  

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey today nominated William Larkin as Clerk Magistrate of the Franklin/Hampshire Juvenile Court and Scott Rathbun as Clerk Magistrate of the Eastern Hampshire District Court. The nominations will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“These two nominees have each done terrific work throughout their careers,” said Governor Maura Healey. “I look forward to their continued contributions to the operations of our court system in these new roles.”  

"I look forward to working with the Governor’s Council to confirm both of these highly qualified candidates as Clerk Magistrates and help our courts continue to deliver outstanding service to the people of Massachusetts," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. 

Governor Healey has previously nominated Ann Dawley, Lori Leavitt Wheeler, Robert Palumbo, John P. Riordan, Dana Rutherford, Padraic Rafferty and John Stocks to serve as Clerk Magistrates. 

About the Nominees: 

Bill Larkin currently serves as the Acting Clerk Magistrate of the Franklin/Hampshire Juvenile Court, a position he has held since June 2025, and previously served as the Court’s First Assistant Clerk Magistrate. He held the position of Acting Clerk Magistrate in the Berkshire Juvenile Court from December 2019 to June 2022. As Acting Clerk Magistrate, Attorney Larkin oversees the administration of the Clerk’s Office, reviews applications for search and arrest warrants, and conducts show cause hearings. He works closely with the Department of Children and Families, local police departments, schools, defense attorneys, prosecutors and judges on the wide range of matters that come before the Juvenile Court. Prior to joining the Clerk’s Office, Attorney Larkin was a Partner at Larkin & Samolewicz Attorneys at Law for 15 years where his practice focused on criminal defense and civil litigation in the District, Superior, and Probate and Family Courts. Prior to entering private practice, Attorney Larkin served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office from 1984 to 1991. From 1994-2004, Attorney Larkin also served as a Staff Counsel for the Hampshire County Bar Advocates where he provided legal assistance, administrative oversight and training to court-appointed attorneys. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst and a Juris Doctor from Western New England School of Law. He lives in Holyoke with his wife Jilian Larkin.  

Scott Rathbun is an Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Eastern Hampshire District Court where he has served since 2018. From 2021-2022 he served as the Acting Clerk Magistrate. Attorney Rathbun oversees applications for search and arrest warrants, conducts show cause hearings, presides over small claims cases and manages sessions in the Court.  Prior to joining the Clerk’s Office, Attorney Rathbun served as the Founding Partner of the Rathbun Ciccarelli Attorneys at Law firm where he practiced criminal defense and civil litigation law. During that time, he was also appointed to serve as a Special Prosecutor for conflict matters for the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office.  Before founding his firm, he served as an Assistant District Attorney at the Northwestern District Attorney’s Office where he prosecuted a wide range of criminal matters in the District and Superior Courts. He holds a Bachelor of Art from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Juris Doctor from New England Law School.  Scott is a lifetime resident of the Pioneer valley. He lives in Pelham with his wife, three sons and their border collie. He is actively involved in coaching his boys in baseball and ice hockey.  

中華公所選舉“多一張票”？ 小疏忽揭董事溝通待梳理 （附視頻）

左起，謝中之，李奇舜，黃國威，翁宇才，以及梁添光（坐者右），陳建立（坐者中）
為選票一事，試圖說清楚。（周菊子攝）

                  （Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導）紐英崙中華公所的2026-2027年度職員選舉落幕，大局已定。開票結束時突然爆發的「為什麼多一張票」爭執，彰顯出第3度連任中華公所主席的雷國輝，想要實現「讓中華公所恢復社區龍頭大哥地位」這理想，將會多不容易。

開票時，翁宇才開票（右起），梁添光監票，陳建立唱票，李奇舜、謝中之監督，
蔡倩婷記票。（周菊子攝）

                  中華公所今年的職員選舉，儘管坊間，甚至參選人自己都早已認定，選舉結果會是由在位者連任，但投票當日，董事們仍然十分關心選情，開票現場共有24名候選人，董事，以及4名媒體人在座。

多一張選票爭議

                  開票結束後，董事李奇舜突然質問，謝中之也加入追問，為什麼會多出一張票？提問者，回答者，旁觀者，或因一瞬間的言詞不夠明確，董事們聲音漸大，爭執了起來。

                  事後，李奇舜回應本刊提問，他先強調，這次投票，全部正確，百分之百是對的，因為他看到陳建立的敬業態度。他要質問中文書記製作選票時，為什麼多做了一張選票，也就是本來應該有5張選票是因為董事未出席，沒人來選（投票），現在卻變成6張，其中1

蔡倩婷展示記票結果。（周菊子攝）

張是夾在正式選票中投進選票箱的。

                  李奇舜強調，他提出這疑問，只為防止“萬一出狀況，誰負責”，沒想到有人指責他搗亂，說他錯，他這才為自己辯解。他表示自己說的是事實，走到哪兒都不怕。

                  在會場中，因李奇舜提高了聲音，站出來希望把事情說清楚的陳仕維，因場內多人你一言，我一語，情緒頗為激動，各人都未能把話完整說完，最後也並未能“解決”歧見。

                  陳仕維事後回應本刊提問，直言他關注的重點在於要澄清是怎麼一回事，不希望留給人這選舉可能不公平，有做弊情況的印象，因為明明數過多少人投了票，開出多少票，開票結果差距也大到輸贏雙方都不會有爭議。他坦言不少人說話的聲音大了些，以致於現場有點混亂，但最重要的是要讓人清楚，這場選舉沒有任何作弊的問題。

                  中華公所中文書記翁宇才事後表示，選舉小組有9人，除了其中2人有利益衝突之外，選務工作由其餘7人分攤，出了狀況，不應該是他一個人的責任。

            這7人有陳建立，蔡倩婷，關麗莎，梁添光，李奇舜，謝中之和翁宇才。當晚都在現場。

中華公所董事說

關麗莎負責在黑板上寫下各候選人得票數。（周菊子攝）

                  選舉結束後，大部分的董事都抱著事過境遷，要向前看的心態，期待著新年度的中華公所有所作為。

中華公所董事們投完票後，在現場看開票。右起，李源沛，阮謝少珍，黃偉健，張青梅，
黃國威，胡衛正。（周菊子攝）

                  參選主席的鄭慧民在回應本刊提問，明年是否會繼續擔任出席中華公所代表，這次選舉是否讓他灰心時表示，他從未做錯任何事，怎會灰心。只是他沒想到自己的支持者，竟然臨陣變卦，以至於他的得票數比預計的少了七、八張。選後他一直在想，自己做過些什麼對不起支持者的事。他感嘆“唐人街”的爾虞我詐，給他上了一課。但是他認為自己無愧，無羞，將繼續在唐人街大步走路，明年繼續擔任藝聯慈善社的出席中華公所代表。

                  藝聯慈善社元老黃賢池回應本刊查問時表示，該社選舉2年一屆，今年不需改選，明年仍由鄭慧民和湯偉雄2人擔任共同主席，代表該社出席中華公所的人，也將仍是鄭慧民。

李奇舜、謝中之（立者右一、二）監督開票。（周菊子攝）

                  董事關麗莎表示，選舉落幕，大局已定，她不希望惹上是非。不過她指出，選舉小組成員中，最勞苦功高的是梁添光，12月9日這天早上不到9點就到了中華公所，一直待到開票結束，其次是陳建立，9點抵達後，也是一直待到開票結束。翁宇才雖然是9點抵達，但是一整天進進出出，待在投票現場的時間並不多。

右起，陳仕維，陳黃海蘭，陳文珊，雷國輝等人在現場看開票。（周菊子攝）

                  關麗莎希望新一屆的中華公所職員能真正做到許多人經常掛在口邊的公平，公正和公開，能多為唐人街設想，例如停車問題，街道清潔等。她每次經過泰勒街（Tyler），都會聞到非常難聞的臭溝渠味道，很希望能夠改變。

左起，司徒宗達，李盧連馨，李伍碧香等人看開票。（周菊子攝）

                  梁添光在回應本刊提問時，回了一段洋洋灑灑，將近600字的感言，提出中華公所章程中英文版本內容有差異，導致原本已深植在中華公所歷屆董事腦中的“主席不可連任”印象被打破，從而出現當年的陳家驊連任一屆，當了4年主席，然後現在有雷國輝，在連任當了4年主席之後，又再連任，待做滿6年主席後，說不定還可以繼續連任。梁添光甚至用了“這是多麼可怕的事情”來形容這可能的未來。

梁添光回應原文照登：

中华公所創会至今，仍是波士顿华人社区社团的大型组织。百年來至今都是採用中文为主的交流和记录方式，其章程也一向只有中文章程。直到陈爲主席期間修改章程，才强调章程加以“英文為準”字句。

台山相親聯誼會會長黃紹培（右）恭喜雷國輝當選連任。（周菊子攝）

        中华公所的英文章程是從中文版本翻译过去，当然要符合中文意義。而且在中华公所的董事中，大家都認識中文，並以中文交流。反而英文就不是一些人能懂的语言，尤其是深层次的用语。因此，以英文爲準的字句，就令到英文章程，还是会議記錄中就出现中英不符的现象。

       就如中华章程中有关職員選举，中文部分就规定不能連選连任。事实上，一百年來这一规定在每次修改章程时都保留，從没修改。但在十年前，却被某竞選人“发现”中华章程英文部分没有如此限制而他善于运用，结果参選连任了。此事引起侨社嘩然。今届中华公所選举，现任者发揮得更淋漓尽致，三連任了，说不定还可继续，这是多么可怕的事情。偌大的机构，身拥过亿資產，章程搞得中英文不符。如何完善中华公所的章程，更好发展中华公所和服务侨社，这𣎴仅是郑先生挺身而出來竞選的口号，更是今次選举引起的感思。

       中华公所選举，过去的傳统，每一職员均由该单位真正推出，不像现在埋隊形式，多少有一種包办性。今届選举，挑战者本可以成功，可惜其团隊某人带着七八𠆤人投靠了对方，挑战者结果失败了。並非三连任者理直。这又是今此選举令人遗憾的事情。

麻州政府撥款7.5萬元 推出新的青年就業試點計劃

         （Boston Orange摘譯）麻州政府今（10）日啟動“青年就業門戶城市學習社區試點計畫”，旨在提升全州青年的就業機會。作為試點計畫的一部分，四個麻州聘僱區域人力委員會（MassHire Regional Workforce Board）與門戶城市和雇主合作，獲得了7.5萬美元的撥款，用於開發創新的青年參與、雇主合作和職業準備方法。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches New Youth Employment Pilot

Gateway Cities Youth Employment Network Pilot to Help State Develop Future Youth Employment Initiatives

Lynn — Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched the Youth Employment Gateway Cities Learning Community Pilot aimed at enhancing youth employment opportunities throughout the state. As part of the pilot, four MassHire Regional Workforce Boards, in partnership with Gateway Cities and employers, were awarded $75,000 to develop innovative approaches to youth engagement, employer partnerships, and career readiness.

The announcement was made by Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones at the first quarterly learning community convening, which will serve as a forum for peer learning, joint problem-solving, and scaling effective youth-employment models.

“Every young person deserves the chance to explore their full potential and build a foundation for long-term success,” said Governor Healey. “This pilot program will allow us to support their growth and empower the next generation of workers who will drive our economy forward.”

“When we support youth employment, we’re not just creating jobs, we’re creating stronger communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Early work experiences instill responsibility, spark curiosity and set young people on a path toward meaningful careers.”

At the convening, Secretary Jones joined Lynn Mayor Jared Nicholson, Lynn Community Health Center CEO Brenda Rodriguez, and MassHire North Shore Workforce Board Executive Director Ed O’Sullivan for a fireside chat to discuss the collaboration needed to enhance youth employment opportunities, employer engagement strategies, and innovative next steps for municipalities and employers. The convenings are open to all MassHire Regional Workforce Boards and Gateway City leaders and seek to build a statewide learning community among Gateway cities, workforce boards, and employers committed to expanding equitable youth employment and work-based learning opportunities.  

“We know that investing in our youth and young adults is an essential part of our state’s strategy to develop pathways for our future talent and workforce. And it works, especially when we’re focused on removing systemic barriers we know often hinder workforce entry,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Youth workforce development is more than just a job. It’s about creating lifelong pathways to growth, equity, and opportunity. When young people engage in meaningful work, they gain confidence, skills, and networks that last a lifetime. I look forward to working with our partners on this pilot."

“The City of Lynn continues to see the tremendous impact that job placement has had on our youth," said Mayor Jared C. Nicholson. "We are grateful for this pilot launched by the Healey-Driscoll Administration and look forward to working with our partners. This initiative holds immense potential for our young residents as they develop their skills across sectors in our community."

Youth employment is a top workforce development priority for the Healey-Driscoll Administration. Since January 2023, more than 13,000 youth and young adults have been placed in a job or received job training through the Youthworks program, which places participants in jobs in industries such as education, health care, information technology, camp counselors, and arts and communications. Participants also received vital soft skills training, including leadership, project management, and customer service, and received workforce supports to reduce barriers to employment, including transportation.

The grant recipients, year one pilot goals, and project descriptions are below:

MassHire North Shore Workforce Board - $75,000

Partnering with Salem Hospital, Lynn Community Health Center, Lynn Workforce Collaborative, and others to hire pipeline career developer, two cohorts of 5 youth at anchor employers.

MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board - $75,000

Partnering with Big Y, Holyoke Medical Center, City of Springfield, City of Holyoke, and the Chamber of Commerce to place 350 youth.

MassHire Berkshire Workforce Board - $75,000

Partnering with Moresi & Associates Development Company, Greenagers, City of Pittsfield, and others to place 70 youth in 2026.

MassHire Bristol Workforce Board - $75,000

Partnering with the Boys and Girls Club of Fall River, Old Colony YMCA in Taunton, City of Fall River, City of Taunton, and others to place 50 youth in diverse sectors.

Statements of Support

Ed O’Sullivan, Executive Director, Masshire North Shore Workforce Board
“MassHire North Shore is grateful for this pilot grant, which will allow us to strengthen youth employment pathways across Lynn, Salem, and the North Shore—connecting young people with meaningful work experiences that prepare them for long-term success. This investment supports a truly collaborative model with our municipal leaders, community partners, and employers helping us build the infrastructure, employer engagement, and opportunities our youth need to thrive.” 

Brenda Rodriguez, CEO of Lynn Community Health Center

“Lynn Community Health Center is pleased to collaborate with MassHire North Shore through this pilot youth summer jobs initiative. We look forward to drawing on the success of our Community Health Student Fellowship Program to help advance a model that cultivates and prepares the next generation of healthcare professionals."

 

Tina McLoughlin, Director of Community Health, Mass General Brigham Salem Hospital

“Mass General Brigham is deeply committed to providing meaningful learning experiences for the healthcare professionals of tomorrow and look forward to collaborating with MassHire to increase the number of youth in paid placements on the North Shore.”  

Bill Kiley, Executive Director of the Boys & Girls Club of Fall River
"As an employer with a long history and experience hiring young adults, we recognize the great value that work experience opportunities provide for early skill development and career exploration. The Boys and Girls Club is prepared to support efforts to increase the number of paid work experience opportunities for young adults in our area. The Boys and Girls Club will participate with the MassHire system and the local team to develop strategies to engage more businesses in hiring youth."

Peter Farkas, President & CEO, MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board
"We are honored that Hampden County has been selected to participate in the Summer 2026 Youth Employment Gateway Cities Learning Community Pilot. This investment reflects the Commonwealth’s confidence in our region’s commitment to expanding equitable, high-quality opportunities for young people. We look forward to partnering with the cities of Holyoke and Springfield to strengthen youth career pathways, deepen employer engagement, and help build a statewide model that supports the future of Massachusetts’ workforce.”

Beverly Fein, Sr. Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer at Holyoke Medical Center.
"Holyoke Medical Center is proud to partner with the Commonwealth and the MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board to expand meaningful employment opportunities for young people. As part of our commitment to community benefits, we recognize that investing in early career pathways not only strengthens the social and economic health of our region but also helps build a diverse and talented future healthcare workforce. We look forward to contributing to this learning community and supporting youth as they develop the skills and confidence to succeed." 

波士頓華埠/南灣社區議會今年再締造同額當選記錄 至少已第8次

波士頓華埠/南灣社區議會議員們駐守投票站，辦理改選。
後左起，雷潙輝，梅伍銀寬，李洪文。前排右起余麗媖，李有香。（CNC提供）

             （Boston Orange）波士頓華埠/南灣社區議會(CNC) 的2026年度議員選舉，在2025年12月9日這天投票，共137人出席，締造至少第8次的候選人全部同額當選紀錄。

            今年當選的4個類別7名候選人，以及得票數分別為: 機構類2人，中華耆英會創辦人梅伍銀寬109票，物業管理嚴銘81票。商戶類2人，銀行分行經理阮愛玲117票，恆業地產翁偉健107票。團體類2人，公共交通業李洪文111票，郵政服務業108票。其他類1人，社會服務業黃楚嵐98票。

            根據波士頓華埠社區議會印製的選票，這次的選舉是在2025年12月9日（週日）的早上9點到下午3點，在夏利臣街（Harrison）61號的永豐銀行（Santander）舉行。

            依照規章，波士頓華埠/南灣議會是個有議員21人，任期各3年，每年改選其中7席。

            在今年的當選人中，目前在華美福利會任職的黃楚嵐為新人，取代了未參選連任，在波士頓市府為小企業服務部門工作的湯瑞雲。

            2024年的選舉，共123人出席投票，7名候選人同額當選，其中6人當選連任。唯一新人為香港小時老闆黃新平。這一年當選的議員，以及類別、得票數分別為，機構類的塔芙茨醫療中心曾雪卿 37票，商戶類的保險代理業陳國航39票，物業管理業余麗媖75票，團體類的州政府員工阮鴻燦66票；居民類的銀行業陳黛嫦72票，社工游誠康 44票；其他類的香港小食老闆黃新平78票。

2023年的選舉共163人出席投票，這年有8人候選，全部同額當選，分別為機構類雷國輝，134票；商戶類周樹昂，100票；團體類黃競雄，106票；居民類陳黛嫦，78票，李有香67票，梅麗梨135票；其他類李典儒86票，鄭欣豪78票。

            華埠社區議會是個成立於1980年代，波士頓市政府認可，已有三、四十年歷史的民間社區組織，共有機構，商戶，組織，居民及其他等5個類別的議員共21人，每年改選7人，任期各3年，每年一月改選下一屆議會主席。        

            近年來，儘管波士頓市政府仍然認可這個組織，波士頓警察局也維持著一起辦每月一次的華埠治安會議，但這個應該代表波士頓華埠及南灣地區亞裔民眾，早年凡是居住在新英格蘭地區之內亞裔，都有投票權的組織，早已成為在一般情況下華埠民眾聽不到他們聲音的機構。絕大多數的華埠或亞裔民眾，並不知道這個組織都在做些什麼事。

            波士頓市是個人口約70萬的小城市，根據波士頓計劃局研究組在2025年1月發佈的「波士頓2025概覽（Boston at a Glance 2025）」，波士頓市內約有華裔30,680人，佔全市人口月4.5%，和2020年的美國人口普查結果32,125人相比，約減少了2,000人。住在華埠（中國城）內的華裔，約在2,300到3,200之間，但過去這3年來，甚至更早以前的華埠/南灣社區議會選舉，就幾乎都只有百餘人出席投票，在位的議員，也幾乎年年連任，鮮少出現新人，顯然社區對這代表他們的組織關注度不夠。

David T. Slatery 將從2026年1/1起代理麻州文化協會主任

David T. Slatery to Serve as Acting Executive Director Effective January 1

Governing Council Unanimously Selects Deputy Executive Director to Steer Agency through Executive Director Search

BOSTON – Today Mass Cultural Council’s governing body unanimously voted to appoint David T. Slatery as the Acting Executive Director of the Commonwealth’s state arts agency.

This action follows the planned December 31 departure of Executive Director Michael J. Bobbitt. To maintain stability and continuity for the Agency, Slatery will step into the role of Acting Executive Director immediately upon Bobbitt’s exit.

“David’s deep knowledge of this Agency, his steady leadership, and his unwavering commitment to its mission make him the clear and confident choice to guide Mass Cultural Council at this moment,” said Mass Cultural Council Chair Marc Carroll. “My colleagues and I on the governing Council have absolute trust in his experience and judgment, and we are grateful that he is once again willing to step into this role to ensure a smooth and successful transition.”

“I am honored by the Council’s confidence and ready to ensure that the important work of Mass Cultural Council continues without interruption,” said Slatery. “I look forward to working closely with the Council, Senior Leadership Team, and staff to maintain progress throughout this transition. 

This marks the second time Slatery, who has served as Deputy Executive Director for thirteen years, has been tapped to lead the Agency during a period of transition. He previously served as Acting Executive Director for seven months in 2020 following the retirement of former Executive Director Anita Walker.

Slatery will assume the duties of Acting Executive Director without additional compensation and will serve until the governing Council names a permanent successor. He will work closely with the governing Council and the Senior Leadership Team: Jen Lawless, Senior Director of Program Operations; Bethann Steiner, Senior Director of Public Affairs; and Cathy Cheng-Anderson, Chief Financial Officer, to oversee Agency operations and support the dedicated staff team.

“Our programs, initiatives, and commitments to the cultural sector remain firmly in place, and major operational and programming shifts are not anticipated,” Slatery added. “Mass Cultural Council’s talented staff is well placed to execute the important work outlined in our Council-approved FY26 Spending Plan.”

As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the cultural sector, advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities.

Mass Cultural Council is governed by a 19-member citizen board, whose members are appointed by the Governor to staggered three-year terms. Council Members represent regions across the Commonwealth and bring distinguished service and expertise in the arts, humanities, and sciences. The Governor also appoints the Council Chair and Vice-Chair. The Chair serves as the Agency’s Chief Executive Officer, with the responsibility of appointing the Executive Director, subject to the consent of the Council.

The Executive Director leads the day-to-day operations with support from the Senior Leadership Team. While these roles provide essential leadership, the structure ensures that Mass Cultural Council’s mission, programs, and services continue seamlessly, even as individuals rotate on and off the Council or into new positions.

Chair Carroll announced at today’s meeting that he will form a Task Force, comprised of the Executive Committee and additional Council Members, to assist him with all aspects of the search for a new Executive Director. He and Vice-Chair Jo-Ann Davis will begin working immediately with the Senior Leadership Team to draft an RFP for an executive search firm, which will lead the process of identifying and hiring a permanent director.

Members of the governing Council voiced their staunch support for this interim leadership plan and the Agency’s staff team.

“Mass Cultural Council’s staff team is an extraordinary group of public servants whose expertise, creativity, and dedication fuel every success of this Agency,” said Mass Cultural Council Vice-Chair Davis. “Their commitment to the cultural sector is unmatched, and I am grateful for the professionalism and heart they bring to this work every day, especially during moments of transition.”

About David T. Slatery:

David T. Slatery has served as Mass Cultural Council’s Deputy Executive Director since 2012.  As Deputy, Dave provides executive leadership and support and counsel to the Agency and Council Members. He also serves as Chief Legal Officer for the Agency.

A graduate of Allegheny College and University of Chicago Law School who spent his early career working in business law, Dave developed an appreciation for arts and culture administration while working on affordable housing projects for artists in 1994-2005 while he was General Counsel and Senior Executive Vice President of MassDevelopment, the state’s economic development authority.

Throughout his career, Dave has served in leadership roles in state agencies and on the boards of community arts organizations. He has also privately practiced finance and real estate law. Through those experiences he acquired a strong interest in supporting the creative economy and arts-based redevelopment. He has also worked at the law firms of Bingham, Dana & Gould and Brann & Isaacson, the Massachusetts Port Authority, and YouthBuild USA and has been associated with Volunteer Lawyers for the Arts, the Lewiston-Auburn (Maine) Arts Council, the Fort Point Cultural Coalition, and several other public service and trade organizations.

波士頓市長吳弭回顧市府基礎服務成就

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES ACCOMPLISHMENTS IN BASIC CITY SERVICES

Improvements included the rebuilding of sidewalks, ADA compliant ramps, citywide street lighting upgrades, bolstering 311, and implementing the Boston Rodent Action Plan across neighborhoods

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 10, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu yesterday recapped a historic year for the City of Boston’s basic city services across neighborhoods to improve quality of life for residents. She shared that the City has completed 50 miles of street resurfacing during the 2025 construction season - setting a new record for annual roadway improvements. In addition to the record-setting street resurfacing, the City rebuilt nearly 37,000 feet of new sidewalk, reconstructed a record 1,723 ADA compliant ramps, filled more than 4,000 potholes, and upgraded over 2,278 lighting fixtures. Mayor Wu also highlighted the efforts of Boston 311, the City’s Constituent Service Center and the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP) to ensure Boston residents are connected to resources and neighborhoods are safe, clean and healthy for all.   “Investing in Boston’s basic city services is critical to address the issues that most affect Boston residents’ daily lives. This year, we made historic strides in improving the wide range of services needed to serve our residents, from street resurfacing to lighting upgrades to accessible ramps,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am incredibly grateful to our City departments for their coordinated efforts. We look forward to getting even more done in 2026.” “This year’s resurfacing and reconstruction efforts are a testament to the hard work and dedication of our Streets team,” said Interim Chief of Streets Nick Gove. “Thanks to their efforts, we’re making our city safer and easier to navigate for everyone who lives, works, and travels here.” “Our dedicated workforce has done an outstanding job delivering essential city services to Boston residents,” said Superintendent of Basic City Services Mike Brohel. “We continue to stay focused on the everyday work that keeps our city running - resurfacing streets, ensuring trash and recycling are collected on time, removing snow promptly, replacing streetlights, and keeping our roads, sidewalks, and parks clean and safe.” Before a street is scheduled for resurfacing, engineers conduct thorough assessments to evaluate the pavement condition of every block across Boston. The resurfacing budget is then prioritized for streets most in need of repair. Over the past three years, 73 percent of capital funding from the Public Works and Transportation Department budget has been dedicated to maintaining and repairing roads, sidewalks, and bridges. These investments reflect a strong commitment to ensuring Boston’s streets and sidewalks remain reliable and accessible for all users.  To address a longstanding backlog of sidewalk repair requests, the City launched six neighborhood-specific sidewalk repair contracts covering Allston-Brighton, Mattapan, Roslindale, and Mission Hill. In addition, two citywide contracts were executed to address both brick and concrete sidewalk repairs citywide. The Public Works Department (PWD) also maintains a dedicated in-house team of skilled craftsmen who provide timely brick sidewalk repairs reported through Boston 311. All resurfacing, sidewalk, and ramp improvements are designed in full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), ensuring that every resident and visitor - regardless of mobility needs - can travel confidently and comfortably throughout our neighborhoods.  The Public Works Street Lighting Division also reached several major milestones this year. In addition to their daily work maintaining more than 71,000 electric streetlights and 2,800 gas lights, the team completed targeted lighting upgrades along key corridors, including Blue Hill Avenue (432 fixtures), Downtown Crossing (370 fixtures), Nubian Square (291 fixtures), American Legion Highway (194 fixtures), and River St. (133 fixtures). These improvements enhance safety for drivers and pedestrians while reducing energy consumption and maintenance costs. These upgrades represent one of the most ambitious lighting initiatives the city has undertaken in recent years. The Boston Transportation Department (BTD) Markings Team completed 42 miles of striping, installed 23 new crosswalks, and re-striped 1,694 crosswalks citywide this season. As part of the annual school zone refresh, BTD also made sign changes and upgrades to eight schools and refreshed pavement markings at 11 schools. The BTD Signal Shop updated 21 intersections this year and installed approximately 70 new, updated controllers this year to transition intersections from outdated copper wire to more reliable fiber optic cable. Signal updates consist of replacing signal bases, shafts, pedestrian crosswalk housings, and signal housings. Controllers are the equipment used within signal “cabinets” to control the signal timing. Residents and business owners can learn more about the resurfacing process, what to expect when crews are working in their neighborhood, and check if their streets are scheduled for resurfacing by visiting the City of Boston Resurfacing webpage. The site also features a GIS map to help pinpoint the specific streets and work locations.  Boston 311 picked up more than 260,000 calls with an average hold time of 14 seconds. 311’s service level percentage stands at 95% which puts Boston 15% above the industry standard. Across City departments, 311 connected more than 6,000 calls to interpreters, assisting residents in 17 different languages.  “Boston 311 is the nervous system of basic city services. Our call takers work around the clock year-round to respond to constituents' needs,” said Irgi Budo, Director of Boston 311. “Our team is excited about our new CRM system’s latest advancements. This advanced technology will help our call takers gather information faster to support more residents when they call.” This year, the City continued to address and reduce the rodent population with the Boston Rodent Action Plan (BRAP), a coordinated, multi-agency initiative to mitigate the rodent population in Boston and maintain an excellent quality of life for Boston residents, families, and visitors. Since January 2025, the ISD Environmental division has completed 1,785 site cleanliness inspections, conducted 750 rodent treatments, issued 694 violations, and responded to 5,957 rodent-related 311 complaints. The City has also piloted and scaled new neighborhood-specific interventions, installing 40 sewer traps in the North End and the Back Bay that exterminate rodents and provide sub-surface data, deployed over 60 Smart Box traps in Chinatown, Allston, and South Boston, and replaced over 100 trash barrels with new rodent-resistant barrels across parks citywide. This work builds on the City’s education campaign:“Out Rat Them…See Something, Squeak Something!,” which urges residents to report signs of rodent activity to 311. “I’m beyond proud of the accomplishments of our public servants over the past 12 months to address quality of life issues that our residents depend on," said Dion Irish, Chief of Operations. “This past year we achieved huge successes in removing illegal graffitti, maintaining our facilities and conducting safety inspections. 2025 was not a good year for rats, due to the amazing work of the multi-agency collaboration on the Boston Rodent Action Plan.”

雷國輝27票連任紐英崙中華公所主席 2026年1月3日新屆職員就職

紐英崙中華公所新屆職員，左起伍振中，張青梅，雷國輝，余寶愛，阮鴻燦。（周菊子攝）

                 （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）紐英崙中華公所12月9日晚的2026-2027年度職員選舉，結果一如眾人預期，雷國輝順利連任，張青梅，阮鴻燦，余寶愛，伍振中同額當選。

 

紐英崙中華公所2026-2027年度職員選舉開票結果。（周菊子攝）

                   中華公所將於2026年1月3日中午舉辦新屆職員就職典禮。

                  這場選舉總共46人有權投票，其中5人為職員，41人為董事，也就是僑團出席中華公所代表。

                  當晚有5名董事未出席，分別為王氏青年會的Sokthea Phay，至德三德公所周樹昂，華人經濟發展協會周萬欽，昭倫公所謝如鍵，余風采堂余立昌。

                  41票的選舉投票結果為，主席一職，雷國輝27票，鄭慧民13票，雷國輝當選。

                  其餘4個職位，各只有1人參選，全部同額當選。職位，參選者及得票數，依序為中文書記張青梅25票，英文書記阮鴻燦24票，財政余寶愛26票，核數伍振中26票。

                  12月9日當天，中華公所中文書記翁宇才為當然召集人的選舉小組9名成員，除了紐英崙至孝親親公所主席陳秀珍因夫婿雷國輝為候選人，鄭慧民本人為參選者，有利益衝突，不宜參與本次選務之外，其餘的陳建立，蔡倩婷，關麗莎，梁添光，李奇舜，謝中之和翁宇才等共7人分工合作，在早上9點至下午6點之間，輪流駐守中華公所，等候董事們出席投票。

                  開票時，由翁宇才開票，陳建立唱票，梁添光監票，蔡倩婷記票，關麗莎把票數寫在黑板上，方便開票現場出席者查看投票情況。謝中之，李奇舜也在一旁監票。

                  開票結束後，有董事質疑怎麼多出一張空白票，或因發言者及回應者的聲音及語氣略顯激動，現場一度出現爭執情況，由於蓋有印章的選票和數算記錄的票數一致，記票的蔡倩婷最後確認選舉結果。 （更新版）