Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill Strengthening Early Literacy Instruction

 Massachusetts Legislature Passes Bill Strengthening Early Literacy Instruction 

The bill requires teaching of evidence-based reading instruction, supports school districts in adopting proven instructional materials and practices, requires consistent statewide literacy screening, and improves educator preparation 

  

(BOSTON—6/18/2026) The Massachusetts Legislature today passed landmark literacy legislation that will transform how the Commonwealth teaches children to read.  

  

An Act relative to teacher preparation and student literacy establishes clear statewide standards for evidence-based reading instruction—requiring the teaching of phonics, ensures access to high-quality K-3 curricula, enhances educator training and support, and creates new reporting and accountability systems. 

  

Having passed both branches of the Legislature, the bill now goes to Governor Healey for her signature.  

  

“As a former public-school teacher, and as someone committed to improving the future of our Commonwealth, the drop in reading scores that students in Massachusetts have experienced in recent years is simply unacceptable,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “This bill reflects the Legislature’s commitment to ensuring that every school district in Massachusetts has access to the most effective early literacy instruction. The Commonwealth has a long and proud history of being a national leader in education, but in order to maintain that leadership, we must keep pace with what is proven to be effective in the classroom, which is exactly what this legislation does. I would like to thank Chairman Gordon, my colleagues in the House, and our partners in the Senate for working to get this critical legislation to the Governor’s desk for her signature.” 

  

“We expect our kids to put in their best efforts when they go to school; in turn, our kids deserve our best efforts when it comes to teaching them how to read,” stated Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “My family has personal experience with reading struggles, so I understand what so many students and parents are dealing with when it comes to literacy education not making the grade. That’s why I’m proud that the Senate prioritized this issue—and I’m proud we are getting this bill to the Governor’s desk. I am extremely grateful to the members of the conference committee, our partners in the House, and all of the people who spoke up on the need for high-quality comprehensive literacy instruction in our schools.” 

  

“This legislation represents a bold move on the part of the Legislature to stand up for our young readers,” said Representative Ken Gordon (D-Bedford), House Chair of the Conference Committee and House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “It is time that all young Massachusetts learners have access to high-quality, evidence-based reading curriculum, no matter their zip code or economic situation. This bill not only requires evidence-based education, but specifically excludes curricula that show students pictures or provide hints, rather than focus on the letters of the word.” 

  

 “This is a pivotal moment for children across our state as we advance the critical legislation, I filed to ensure every student gains essential literacy skills,” said Senator Sal N. DiDomenico (D-Everett), Senate Chair of the Conference Committee and the lead Senate bill sponsor. “We all recognize that teaching our kids to read and write is one of the most fundamental responsibilities we have, yet far too many students are still falling short of basic literacy benchmarks. As co-chair of the conference committee, I was proud to collaborate with many educators to craft evidence‑based policies that will strengthen early literacy instruction and set our students on a path to lifelong success. I want to express my gratitude to Senate President Spilka, my fellow conferees, my staff, the educators, and the committed advocates whose dedication helped carry this important policy across the finish line.” 

  

Although Massachusetts is recognized as a national leader in education and our students consistently test high among national peers, recent data confirms there is more work to do. English Language Arts (ELA) scores continue to lag behind pre-pandemic levels. Almost 60 percent of all students in grades 3-8 are not meeting or exceeding expectations in ELA, and 50 percent in grade 10 are not meeting or exceeding ELA expectations. Additionally, achievement gaps among major racial and ethnic student groups and low-income students have widened when compared with 2019, according to data from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). 

  

High-Quality Early Literacy Education  

  

The bill defines evidence-based early literacy as instruction featuring phonics, fluency, vocabulary, comprehension, and phonemic awareness, and is demonstrated to produce significant and positive effects on student learning outcomes. It prohibits curricula that are not evidence-based and curricula that rely on implicit or incidental word reading strategies, including MSV/three cueing. 

  

Many school districts in Massachusetts have already switched to evidence-based early literacy curricula, with some assisted by grants awarded through the state’s Literacy Launch program, administered by DESE and funded by the Legislature at $35 million. However, some school districts have yet to fully adopt evidence-based literacy curricula that have been proven to be most effective in improving reading outcomes. 

  

The bill requires DESE to extend its free, high-quality K-2 literacy curriculum, currently available to Massachusetts school districts through grade 2, to include grade 3. DESE will be required to continue its practice of maintaining a list of other evidence-based K-3 literacy curriculum options that is kept up to date with current best practices and new curriculum releases. The bill also allows districts to apply to DESE to use a K-3 literacy instruction curriculum that is not on DESE’s approved list, provided DESE verifies that the curriculum utilizes evidence-based literacy instruction and meets quality standards. 

  

The bill requires school districts to assess students’ reading abilities and review their progress at least twice each school year from kindergarten through third grade. For students who perform significantly below established benchmarks, schools must notify families of the screening results and provide a plan to address the student’s needs. 

  

The bill also formalizes dyslexia and literacy screening requirements by requiring schools to develop protocols for identifying potential neurological learning disabilities, including dyslexia, and to report their screening practices annually. 

  

To track progress, DESE must collect, aggregate, and publish annual statewide data on districts’ use of literacy curricula and instructional practices. In addition, literacy curriculum requirements will be incorporated into the district’s improvement plans that school districts are already required to develop every three years, ensuring that implementation of and compliance with the new literacy requirements are regularly monitored and addressed. 

  

Teacher Preparation 

  

The bill supports educators by requiring DESE to provide tools and resources that help school districts offer professional development that is aligned with evidence-based reading curricula for kindergarten through third-grade literacy teachers, paraprofessionals, and reading specialists. In addition, the legislation expands upon a 2024 pilot program for paid teaching apprenticeships in high-needs districts by directing DESE to support participants’ wages and essential expenses, making the program more accessible and inclusive.  

  

DESE is also required to evaluate and report on the program’s outcomes, including licensure pass rates, hiring results, impacts on student achievement, and the feasibility of expanding the apprenticeship model statewide.  

  

Finally, the bill ensures that educator preparation programs are preparing future educators in alignment with evidence-based literacy instruction. 

Mass NOW hosts Third Annual Trans Period Pride Event

Mass NOW hosts Third Annual Trans Period Pride Event

BOSTON, MA - Mass NOW, in partnership with the Massachusetts Transgender Political Coalition, hosted its third annual Trans Period Pride event on Wednesday, June 17, in Boston. The event brought together transgender, nonbinary, and gender-expansive community members and allies to discuss menstruation, share experiences, and build community in an affirming and judgment-free space. Attendees received dinner and free period underwear.

Launched in 2023, Trans Period Pride was created to address a frequently overlooked aspect of menstrual equity: the experiences of transgender and nonbinary people who menstruate. Held during Pride Month, the event celebrates inclusion, visibility, and the right of all people to access menstrual products, health information, and supportive communities regardless of gender identity. In addition to Trans Period Pride, Mass NOW organizes Period Product Drives, community education programs, and advocacy efforts to advance menstrual equity throughout Massachusetts. 

“Mass NOW is excited to continue its third annual Trans Period Pride event. It’s a safe opportunity to stop the stigma associated with discussing menstrual equity and erode barriers that prevent menstruating individuals from being included in the conversation around menstrual health. The term “menstruating individual” is used because all women do not menstruate, and all menstruators do not identify as a woman. Menstrual equity is an issue of economic inequality, social equity, public health, and gender equity. There is more power working together than apart, which Mass NOW will continue to do no matter what,” said Sasha Goodfriend, Executive Director of Mass NOW. 

Mass NOW’s impact is felt across the state. The organization has distributed over 800,000 menstrual products over the past six years and hosted dozens of community engagement events and menstrual equity training workshops. Mass NOWhas also advocated for the I AM Bill, legislation that would require Massachusetts to provide free menstrual products in schools, shelters, jails, and prisons. The bill has passed the Massachusetts Senate unanimously during each of the last three legislative sessions and continues to advance efforts to make menstrual products accessible to all who need them. 

Mass NOW works to advance gender equity across Massachusetts through advocacy, education, and community engagement. Building a more equitable Massachusetts requires ensuring that all voices are included in conversations about health, economic opportunity, and reproductive justice.

ADDITIONAL SUPPORT

• U.S. Senator Ed Markey: “Every person deserves dignity, respect, and the freedom to make decisions about their own body and live authentically without fear or discrimination. Access to health resources, support, and care is a human right, and I’m proud to stand in solidarity with Mass NOW and with transgender and nonbinary people. As the lead sponsor of the Transgender Bill of Rights and the Transgender Health Care Access Act, I will never waver in protecting those rights while Trump and MAGA Republicans try to erase trans and nonbinary people and strip away their health care and human rights.”

• Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley (MA-07): “Every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. At a time when communities across the Massachusetts 7th Congressional District are under attack we must be exhaustive in our support of the transgender community. Access to gender affirming care is essential and we must do everything we can to ensure that everyone is able to show up fully and authentically as themselves safe from discrimination and with access to proper care.”

• Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell: “Creating spaces where transgender and gender-diverse people can speak openly about their experiences and access support is more important than ever. As attorneys general fight for access to health care and civil rights, we must ensure every person is treated with dignity and respect.” 

• State Senator Lydia Edwards, State Senator for the Third Suffolk District: “Periods are natural, and access to menstrual health resources should be met with dignity, not stigma. I stand with women, with the trans community and with all who experience periods, because everyone deserves to live authentically. Periods have never stopped us from leading, creating, caring, achieving, and making a difference in the world. We work through our periods, succeed through our periods, and thrive through our periods. I want to thank Mass NOW for organizing events like Trans Period Pride to unite the community and uplift those who have too often been overlooked in conversations about menstrual equity.” 

• Senator Julian Cyr: “Across the country, LGBTQ+ people – especially our transgender siblings – are being targeted and threatened. Here in Massachusetts, our job is simple: to ensure that every person – regardless of gender identity – can access health care, live authentically, and know they are valued, protected, and loved." 

• Chair Aaron Michlewitz: “Everyone deserves the right to have the freedom to control the decisions about their own body and live with respect and free of discrimination. Massachusetts has a strong and proud record of standing up for LGBTQ+ rights and I will never waiver in supporting those hard-won liberties. I look forward to continuing to fight to strengthen those rights in the months and years ahead.”

• State Representative Jay Livingstone: "The annual tradition creating this space to affirm trans dignity and advance menstrual health is important particularly in this moment when the LGBTQ+ community is under increasing attacks.”

• State Representative Sam Montaño: “It’s disheartening that folks who are coming together in community have been attacked and threatened by people who this has no impact on. I’m glad the event is still happening and that the hate has been squashed by love and community.”

• Boston City Councilor Ed Flynn: "We must work together to ensure Boston remains a city where civil rights are respected and protected. LGBTQ+ rights are civil rights and all residents deserve to live openly without fear and discrimination."

• Boston City Councilor Henry Santana: “Every individual deserves to access healthcare and community support without facing threats to their safety. Access to basic healthcare – including menstrual health – is a fundamental human right, not an invitation for hostility. This backlash highlights exactly why visibility and structural protections for our trans community are so critical. I stand unapologetically with our trans neighbors, because true equity means ensuring that no one is forced to live in fear for simply seeking the care and dignity they deserve."

• Boston City Councilor Gabriela Coletta-Zapata: "At a time when we are witnessing an unacceptable wave of anti-trans hatred and misinformation, it is more important than ever that we affirm the dignity, humanity, and worth of every person while addressing period poverty, which remains heavily stigmatized and disproportionately impacts BIPOC communities. Everyone, regardless of their gender identity, deserves access to dignity, healthcare, and the support they need to thrive in their community." 

• Dana A. Alas, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement: “Our office’s work to promote universal access to menstrual products is part of a larger goal to ensure all people have what they need to stay clean and feel supported in public spaces. No one benefits from excluding anyone that needs access to safe and effective menstrual products. That is why at all standalone BCYF centers the City of Boston provides free menstrual products in every stall regardless of the gender posted on the door to ensure access for all residents. It is not the City’s job to discriminate and limit access based on someone’s gender. Every city resident deserves the dignity of having hygiene products accessible to them in public spaces.”

• Jullieanne Lee, Executive Director, Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement: "Menstrual equity is a matter of health equity. Access to basic health resources and affirming spaces are key social determinants of health, which is why advancing health equity remains a core pillar of our office's work. It is another step in building a Boston for all, where every resident is seen, supported, and able to thrive. Every person deserves to move through the world with dignity and a sense of belonging. Supporting transgender people means more than standing against discrimination. It means actively creating spaces where people are affirmed, cared for, and able to access the resources they need.”

• Mariangely Solis Cervera, Chief of Equity and Inclusion, City of Boston: “At the Equity and Inclusion Cabinet, we welcome every opportunity to help people better understand the beautiful complexities that make our communities strong. Supporting transgender residents means affirming their dignity, humanity, and right to access the resources they need to thrive. We are proud to stand in solidarity with Mass Equality, Mass NOW, and all those working to build a more inclusive and equitable Commonwealth.”

• Shaplaie Brooks, Executive Director, MA Commission on LGBTQ Youth: “Affirming and supporting transgender youth and ensuring their needs are met – saves lives. It is up to us to create a future where young people can envision themselves growing into the adults we all hope they will become. Too often, society silences young people by deciding for them what freedom should look like, when true and unshakable joy can only exist where liberation belongs to all. After 250 years, America should have learned that by now.”

• Dominique Lee, MBA, MPH, President & CEO, Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts: "This event is a phenomenal example of inclusive community-driven care and breaking down stigma around menstruation and period products – which are for everyone. Trans and nonbinary people need and deserve quality, affordable sexual health care just like everyone else. As our health care providers affirm to our patients every day, your health care should be tailored to you, your gender identity, and your sexual health needs – not bound by an outdated binary view of gender."

• Tanya V. Neslusan, Executive Director, MassEquality: "Everyone who menstruates needs to receive the information that they need to navigate their reproductive health in a way that affirms their identity. There is so much disinformation and shame surrounding reproductive healthcare that holding events enabling people to get the resources they need is critical to our health."

• Aba Taylor, President & CEO, and Brianna Aloisio Savage, Director of Advocacy, YW Boston: “Pride Month reminds us about the beauty that can emerge from solidarity between marginalized communities, and the fight for menstrual equity is no different. As the trans community continues to be maligned and delegitimized, now is not the time to abandon trans people; it’s the time to double down and demonstrate our enthusiastic and unapologetic support.”

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces 88 New Homes in Bridgewater, Bedford and Brockton through State Land for Homes Initiative

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces 88 New Homes in Bridgewater, Bedford and Brockton through State Land for Homes Initiative 

Projects will transform underutilized state properties into new housing near transit, downtowns and educational institutions 

BRIDGEWATER/BEDFORD— The Healey-Driscoll Administration is advancing plans for 88 new homes in Bridgewater, Bedford and Brockton through its State Land for Homes initiative. The Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM), in consultation with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC), has selected development teams to build 53 new homes on surplus state-owned properties in Bridgewater and Bedford. The administration also recently completed the sale of a former state-owned property in Brockton that is expected to be redeveloped into 35 new homes. 

 

Together, these projects will create housing near downtowns, transit and educational institutions while putting underutilized public land back to productive use. Since launching in June 2025, the Healey-Driscoll Administration's State Land for Homes initiative has advanced plans for more than 5,600 housing units across nearly 700 acres of state-owned land in 33 Massachusetts communities. 

 

"Massachusetts needs more housing to lower costs, and we're using every tool we have to get more homes built,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These projects will create 88 new homes in Bridgewater, Bedford and Brockton and help more people afford to live in the communities they love. We're taking underused state property and turning it into housing for families, workers and young people because we know the best way to lower costs is to increase housing production." 

 

"Every new housing development makes a difference for the families looking for a place to live and the communities working to grow,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These projects will bring new homes to three communities, support local economic development and help address our housing shortage. That's exactly the kind of partnership we need to make Massachusetts more affordable." 

 

In Bridgewater, DCAMM has provisionally selected Churchill James to redevelop a 1.6-acre surplus parcel at 106 Hale Street near Bridgewater State University, producing 28 new homes, 10 percent of which will be deed-restricted affordable units to households at or below 80 percent Area Median Income (AMI). The site is located in an MBTA Communities district and is within walking distance of downtown Bridgewater, the commuter rail station and the university campus. With a 77-unit mixed-use development on nearby Broad Street already under construction, Churchill James has established strong ties to the community and brings significant experience in multifamily and mixed-use housing development. The developer is actively working with the Town of Bridgewater to ensure adequate water service for both projects.  

 

“Bridgewater State University is excited about the selection of Churchill James to develop our former property at 106 Hale Street Bridgewater for housing,” said Bridgewater State University President Fred Clark. “Utilizing the Healey-Driscoll administration’s Affordable Homes Act, BSU is proud that our former property will be one of the first chosen for redevelopment under the Act’s surplus property initiative. The redevelopment of 106 Hale Street will clean up a blighted former industrial parcel, create high-quality workforce housing, further connect the University to Bridgewater’s Downtown and create new property tax revenue for the Town.”  

 

In Bedford, DCAMM has provisionally selected Boston Communities to redevelop a five-acre surplus parking lot owned by Middlesex Community College into 25 duplex-style homes. Twenty percent of the homes will be deed-restricted affordable units. Boston Communities also plans to offer the market-rate units at a comparatively lower price for the Bedford market, consistent with the town's goals of expanding starter home opportunities. 

 

“Bedford applauds DCAMM and the Healey-Driscoll Administration's efforts and work to increase housing production on surplus land,” said Bedford Town Manager Matt Hanson. “We are pleased by the selection of Boston Communities, whose proposal goes above and beyond when it comes to deed-restricted, affordable units. This type of development helps provide modest-sized, newly constructed housing and will expand home ownership options and opportunities in Bedford. We look forward to working with them on this project.”  

 

The Bridgewater and Bedford projects were selected through competitive processes that prioritized speed to production of high-quality housing units. Together, the developments will create 53 new homes while returning underutilized state-owned properties to productive use. 

 

“State Land for Homes is helping communities unlock the potential of underutilized public land to create the housing Massachusetts residents need,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “Across the commonwealth, we have identified state-owned sites with the potential to support more than 5,600 homes, and communities like Bridgewater, Bedford and Brockton are demonstrating what is possible when state and local partners work together. By putting public land to work, we can create new homes, strengthen local economies, and expand housing opportunities near jobs, transit, schools, and downtowns.” 

 

“Bridgewater and Bedford represent two strong examples of how communities can collaborate constructively to leverage state-owned land to address housing needs,” said DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke. “These developments will create new homes in locations that are connected to jobs, education, recreation and local businesses, while reflecting community priorities and expanding municipal tax bases.” 

 

In addition to these developer selections, DCAMM closed on the sale of 36 Main Street in Brockton to New Vision Enterprise LLC on June 3, paving the way for permitting and construction to begin. The property will return to the city's tax rolls and is expected to be redeveloped into 35 rental homes, including units affordable to households earning at or below 80 percent AMI. 

 

These projects build on the Healey-Driscoll Administration's broader efforts to increase housing production, lower costs, and create more opportunities for residents to live, work and raise a family in Massachusetts. 

NECINA慶30週年表揚創辦人陳五福、吳錦城、許基康、邱瑞賢 未來新方向探討AI

陳君瑤（左二）代表紐英倫中華資訊網路協會，頒終身前瞻領袖獎，表揚創辦人
吳錦城（右起），許基康，邱瑞賢，以及當晚不在現場的陳五福。（周菊子攝）

(Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導) 紐英倫中華資訊網路協會（NECINA）慶祝30週年，6月13日在Bentley大學LaCava會議中心，以「融合物理與生物AI，轉變生活品質(Converge Physical and Biological AI to Transform Quality of Life)」為主題，舉辦年會，頒發終身前瞻領袖獎，感謝陳五福、吳錦城，許基康、邱瑞賢等創辦人。

陳五福（前中）發祝福詩句給NECINA，配上當年草時的留影。前右二為陳君瑤，
左二為沈珊，左三為邱瑞賢，後右一為祈嘉理，後中為潘台春。（陳五福提供）

6月13日晚，在沈心焯和白雲擔任主持人的「世代融合」晚宴中，NECINA特地頒發傑出服務與領袖獎，表揚持續不懈維護著網協營運的陶東斌，王振榕，倪繼紅，戴晨方陸德禮，沈心焯，洪銘勝，鄭茹，賀東，庄輝壯等歷任會長。頒發世代影響獎給曾任會長的尹南鷹，王軍，超級節點獎給擔任網協總經理逾10年的陳君瑤，無名英雄獎給徐劍，青年先鋒輔導者獎給李政敏，以及服務傳承獎給去年辭世，曾任網協總經理的楊湛萍。

陳五福（後右一）也發了張他和大兒子，二兒子一家人在台北聚餐的近照，
讓NECINA的老朋友們看看他現在的模樣。（陳五福提供）

大會另外還頒發特別獎給NECINA現任會長何冰，頒發社區夥伴優異獎給IDG資本中國區總裁周全，以及2024年加入IDG資本的律師張新華。

曾任網協會長，後來沒退出會務營運的寧可，田田，高弘，以及應邀出任座談講者之一的祈培，這天也都“回娘家”了。

NECINA的30週年慶會議，有逾百人出席。（周菊子攝）

吳錦城在30週年慶的晚宴中說，1996年時，陳五福和他，還有幾個人，覺得應該把創業經驗分享、散播給其他人，於是創辦了NECINA。當時他們並沒有任何其他企圖，也不求回報，甚至大部分的籌辦活動經費，都是鼓勵同仁自己捐或找贊助。沒想到他們起了頭之後，一任接一任的會長及幹部，持續無私奉獻，竟然就堅持了30年。

NECINA歷屆會長合影。前排右一，陶東斌，右三起王義明，陳君瑤，鄭茹，戴晨方，
李思佳，曹長青，高弘。後排右起，田田，何冰，吳錦城，許基康，李震宇，邱瑞賢，
洪銘勝，尹南鷹，王軍，陸德禮，王振榕，寧可，庄壯輝，沈心焯。（周菊子攝）

        會下坦言自己從台杉基金退休已數年，但仍繼續支持有潛力科技與年輕人的吳錦城莞爾道，如今回頭看，最可貴的就是“我們”活了30年，而現在最重要的是，希望還有一個30年，大家都活得很精彩。

創辦人之一的陳五福，原本預定出席30週年慶，但臨時被絆留在台灣。他特地寫了五段詩句，發出一張1996年NECINA創辦時的會議合影，一張他與大兒子，二兒子全家在台北聚餐的照片，藉以視覺化30年變遷，還送給晚宴出席者每人一隻龍蝦的聊表他未能親自到場的祝福心意。

NECINA創辦人吳錦城（右三）頒發傑出服務獎給，右起，洪銘勝，陸德禮，
沈心焯，鄭茹，陶東斌，王振榕，倪繼紅，賀東，戴晨方，庄壯輝。（周菊子攝）

他的原始版本詩句為「CEC成功併購，Cascade大ipo，Arris幼年送走，NECINA順勢建國」，「創辦美東NECINA，英雄好漢同心打，科技快道128，典範轉移前浪趴」，「麻省理工加哈佛，教育水平優全國，夏熱冬冷無處躲，春花秋月誰想走」，「三十功名金伴土，七十歲月禍與福，AI橫空貴混俗，量子糾纏有亦無」，「會長台灣養籠蝦，路途遙遠難返家，三十年慶請懶假，每人一隻努力掐」。

NECINA現任會長何冰（右）和候任會長呂妤倩。（周菊子攝）

同為NECINA六名創辦人之一的許基康、邱瑞賢，雖已退出NECINA董事會多年，這晚都親自出席，慶祝他們當年抱著滿腔熱心，為向華人同胞傳承創業經驗而竭力經營的組織30歲生日。

李正敏（右）獲頒青年輔導者獎。（周菊子攝）

另外2名NECINA創辦人中的余鴻，已遷居加州多年，和NECINA當年總經理陳君瑤曾是王安同事，後自行創辦Anew科技公司的宋利偉則已辭世十多年。

網協創辦緣由  華人科技圈百億傳奇

過去這30年來，網協曾是大波士頓地區最有影響力，人才最鼎盛的科技社團，每次舉辦會議，請到的講者份量之重，講談內容之扎實，備受稱道。

NECINA會長何冰（右）頒發無名英雄講給徐劍。（周菊子攝）

網協創辦人吳錦城這天在晚宴頒獎禮中，一語帶過的說起網協創辦緣由，30年後這天在座的許多年輕人，可能有點難以想像陳五福和吳錦城當年在北美科技界中所締造，大波士頓地區華人圈迄今無人打破紀錄的“百億市值”，以及近60億售價的輝煌。

晚會由白雲（右）及沈心焯（左）主持。（周菊子攝）

這得回溯到1990年，印度裔傳奇企業家 Gururaj "Desh" Deshpande 發起，和作為共同創辦人兼工程副總裁的陳五福，攜手許基康、邱瑞賢等頂尖技術骨幹，創辦了Cascade Communications Corp. 這家電信史上的光通訊傳奇公司。

1994年，Cascade上市，由於數據通訊需求大爆發，核心ATM產諞線橫掃全球電信市場的Cascade，公司市值一度衝上100億美元，成為華爾街口中的超級獨角獸。到1996年底至1997年時，網路通訊技術大環境變革聚斂，因此當Ascend Communications收購Cascade的法定成交價是37億美元。

右起，庄壯輝，陶東斌，戴晨方，沈心焯，裴曉華，賀東，倪繼紅，王振榕等人表演
詩朗誦。（周菊子攝）

Cascade上市後，陳五福在1995年和吳錦城合作創辦了專做高階IP路由器技術的Arris Networks，並在1996年5月牽線，促成Cascade 以1.45億美元併購了Arris。這也是陳五福在NECINA30週年慶祝詩作中“Arris幼年送走”的精確描述。

許基康（中）頒發世代衝擊獎給尹南鷹（右）和王軍（左）。（周菊子攝）

陳五福那張NECINA成立照片上日期的1996年6月15日，就佐證了網協正是在這1.45億美元的底氣中出現的。

在這之後，網協這組織的成長並不快，陳五福和吳錦城2人各自的發展，卻是一發不可收拾。

吳錦城（右）和邱瑞賢（左）30年前就攜手為NECINA服務。（周菊子攝）

左起寧可，陳君瑤，倪繼紅和許基康。（周菊子攝）

陳五福其實是從Bytex 離職後，1986年就創辦了他的第一家公司，也是後來被Paradyne/Lucent收購的Communications Equiment Corporation。他為NECINA30週年所撰寫詩句中第一句的CEC，指的就是這家公司。接著1990年，他和印度裔的Gururaj Deshpande，以及許基康合作，創辦Cascade，1994年7月上市，一度締造市值超過百億美元的驚人成績，到1997年4月，科技市場環境改變，Ascend仍以37億美元收購Cascade這樣的新創公司，讓當年的科技界大為震撼。陳五福後來陸續參與創辦了Arris Networks (1995，1.45億美元），Ardent Communications (1996，1.56億美元)，Shasta Networks (1998，3.4億美元)，Navini Networks (2000，3.3億美元) 等一系列公司，都成功上市或被收購，加上他參與扶持的一些小公司，還沒成型就被大公司併購，於是台灣稱他為「矽谷創業之神」，西方媒體稱他為「Germinator （育種師）」。

陶東斌（右）和王振榕（左）在NECINA董事會中挑起執行重任。（周菊子攝）

吳錦城則是和陳五福一起在1995年創辦的Arris被高價收購後，人生一路開掛。他創辦的第二家公司ArrowPoint （劍點通訊），2000年5月被思科（Cisco Systems）以57億美元天價收購，轟動全球，還一口氣為科技界創造了250名百萬富翁，接著他又陸續創辦了Acopia Networks (2003，EMC於2007以2.1億美元收購)，Azuki Systems （2008，Ericsson於2014收購）。

吳錦城夫婦和NECINA候任會長呂妤倩，以及新英格蘭北大校友會理事會主席王開元。
（周菊子攝）

陳五福和吳錦城後來都轉型成為投資人。陳五福和矽谷創投華人臧大化、林富元等攜手，2000年創辦了橡子園 （Acorn Campus）的孵化器加天使投資的平台。2015年他再和合夥人重組，成立Acorn Pacific （橡子園太平洋）的跨境投資公司。吳錦城也在2010年加入Acorn Pacific。2020年再受邀出任台杉基金的科技基金合夥人。

NECINA共同創辦人吳錦城（右）頒發特別獎給現任會長何冰。（周菊子攝）

李震宇。（周菊子攝）

網協的另一名創辦人許基康，在Ascend收購Cascade後，受Gururaj Deshpande邀請，成為Sycamore Communication於1998年2月在麻州Chelmsford成立時的創始團隊成員之一。到1999年10月22日掛牌上市時，發行價每股38美元，單日漲幅386%，儘管當時年營收僅1100萬美元，卻在上市第一天就締造出144億美元市值。2000年2月時，股價還飆升到歷史最高點的每股290美元。儘管在那個網路通訊業的瘋狂年代，Sycamore的股價後來跌到每股3或4美元，許基康倒是全身而退，從2002年起也轉型為投資人，積極參與跨境高科技風投，曾出任SDSC Global Foundation和CentriHall, Inc.的董事長及總裁，還製作了下載量已超過2000萬人次的“微讀聖經”應用程式。

洪銘勝（右）特地從加州飛回波士頓參加30週年慶，和甜甜久別重逢。（周菊子攝）

律師張新華2024年加入IDG資本，應邀出席。（周菊子攝）

左起，陳濤，李翠蘭，許基康，陳君瑤，寧可等人。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市 4個月100元的傳統市場消費補助券 即日起開放申請

（Boston Orange編譯）波士頓市政府宣佈，「2026年傳統市場消費券計畫」即日起開放申請，凡年滿18歲、有經濟需求的波士頓居民，在6月28日前皆可登記，中籤者可獲得100美元消費券，預計將對當地低收入家庭與在地農業帶來重大助益。

該計畫旨在擴大糧食援助並扶植麻州在地務農者。獲選居民將在7月一次性收到面額100美元的折價券，可在7月至10月之間，到18個參與計畫的波士頓傳統市場購買蔬果、肉品、海鮮、乳製品及麵包等新鮮食材，每月折抵額25美元。

波士頓市長糧食正義辦公室主任瓦瑟曼（Aliza Wasserman）指出，許多波士頓家庭面對無力負擔健康食物的困境，這計畫透過與在地組織及市場合作，不但能幫助有需求居民維持尊嚴，購買所需食材，更能直接支持麻州的農作生產者。

申請將於美東時間6月28日深夜11點59分截止，不限身份，已領取補助者也可申請。市府將以隨機抽籤方式辦理計劃，並優先錄取糧食不安全率較高社區的居民與長者。

符合資格居民可至官網（boston.gov/farmers-market-coupon）辦理線上申請，或撥打3-1-1專線，亦可親赴布萊頓(Brighton)、華埠(Chinatown)、多切斯特（Dorchester）、洛士百利(Roxbury)等指定社區服務點與波士頓公共圖書館辦理。

波士頓市府呼籲居民同時使用補充營養協助計畫（SNAP）、健康獎勵計畫（HIP）及聯邦兒童暑期糧食補助（SUN Bucks）等福利。

THE CITY OF BOSTON OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR THE BOSTON FARMERS MARKET COUPON PROGRAM

Selected recipients will receive $100 in coupons to spend at participating Boston farmers markets from July through October. 

BOSTON - The City of Boston has opened applications for the Boston Farmers Market Coupon Program, providing residents $25 per month for fresh, healthy food. This initiative expands food access to residents who need help affording groceries while supporting local farms. 

The deadline to apply for Farmers Market Coupons is June 28, 2026 at 11:59 PM. The program is open to Boston residents aged 18 or older who need help affording groceries, including those currently receiving SNAP and Healthy Incentive Program (HIP) benefits. Eligibility is based on self-reported age, income, and Boston residency. Residents can apply in multiple languages online at boston.gov/farmers-market-coupon, over the phone by calling 3-1-1 (interpretation services are available), or by visiting one of the designated community enrollment sites across the city. A full list of sites and corresponding enrollment hours is available below.

Selected households will receive a $100 coupon booklet upfront to cover the full season from July through October. The booklet provides a $25 allocation per month to spend on fresh fruits, vegetables, dried goods, bread, dairy, meat, eggs, and seafood from any of the 18 participating farmers markets throughout Boston. 

“Many Boston families struggle to access and afford fresh, healthy food,” said Aliza Wasserman, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Food Justice. “By partnering with local organizations and farmers markets across the city, we give our highest need residents the resources to buy food with dignity, while directly supporting Massachusetts growers and producers.” 

Once the application period closes, eligible residents will be entered into a randomized lottery, prioritizing applicants from neighborhoods with high rates of food insecurity and older adults. Selected applicants will be notified via email and/or text and assigned to a specific site to pick up their coupon booklet. All remaining eligible applicants will be placed on a waitlist, and waitlisted applicants may receive coupons later in July. This new, centralized enrollment process ensures Boston residents have fair, transparent, and equitable access to coupons.

The 2026 Farmers Market Coupon Program is funded by the Office of Food Justice’s operating dollars and FY26 Participatory Budgeting funds. Residents can also maximize their food budget using these additional programs: 

• SNAP Benefits: SNAP can be used directly at all farmers markets in the City of Boston. 

• Healthy Incentives Program (HIP): When you use SNAP at nearly any Boston farmers market, HIP will automatically put $40–$80 a month back on your EBT card for fresh fruits and vegetables. For the list of HIP-approved vendors, go to dtafinder.com. 

• Federal SUN Bucks: Provides households with a one-time $120 benefit per eligible school-aged child for groceries while school is out. While most children are automatically enrolled, families can check their status and apply at DTAConnect.com/SUNBucks or by calling (855) 425-8770.

For information about other resources about accessing affordable food, please visit: boston.gov/food-resources.

麻州爭取到最高200萬元聯邦低利貸款 協助2月雪災受難商家復甦

（Boston Orange編譯）美國聯邦小企業管理局（SBA）近日批准麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）的申請，將針對2026年2月遭受破紀錄暴風雪重創、面臨嚴重經濟損失的麻州東南部企業與私立非營利組織，全面提供低利「經濟傷害災難貸款（EIDL）」，以協助地方經濟復甦。

麻州在今年（2026）的2月22日至23日間，遭遇歷史性暴風雪襲擊，積雪高達2.5英尺，近30萬戶人家斷電。災情規模大到交通中斷，眾多商家被迫停業數日，營收驟減與營運資金周轉困難。

麻州政府強調，「經濟傷害災難貸款（EIDL）」將確保受災商家維持營運。麻州緊急事務管理局（MEMA）則指出，復原團隊已與聯邦、地方密切合作，協助社區重建。由於鄰近的羅德島州亦獲批災難宣告，麻州鄰近郡縣的適用資格也隨之擴大。

本貸款最高核貸金額200萬美元，主要用以支付受災期間的日常營運開銷與流動資金。申請期限至2027年3月12日，合格申請人可透過SBA官網（sba.gov/disaster）、客服專線（800-659-2955）或親赴即將設立的「商業復原中心」辦理。

本案適用地理範圍涵蓋巴恩斯特布爾（Barnstable）、布里斯托（Bristol,）、杜克斯（Dukes）、普利茅斯（Plymouth）等核心災區，以及鄰近的南塔克特（Nantucket）、諾福克（Norfolk）、薩福克（Suffolk，含波士頓）與伍斯特（Worcester）等郡。

Governor Healey Secures Federal Assistance for Businesses Impacted by February Blizzard 

Eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations may apply for Small Business Administration Economic Injury Disaster Loans through March 12, 2027 

FRAMINGHAM – The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has approved Governor Maura Healey’s request for federal assistance to support businesses and private nonprofit organizations that experienced economic loss as a result of the February 2026 blizzard that left as much as 2.5 feet of snow across Southeastern Massachusetts. 

The declaration makes low-interest Economic Injury Disaster Loans available to eligible businesses and nonprofit organizations in Barnstable, Bristol, Dukes and Plymouth counties, as well as neighboring Nantucket, Norfolk and Suffolk counties. Loans of up to $2 million can be used to help pay for working capital and operating expenses that could not be met because of the storm's economic impacts. 

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and our communities, and many are still feeling the effects of the Blizzard of 2026," said Governor Maura Healey. "These loans will help businesses recover from lost revenue, keep their doors open and continue serving their communities, and we encourage eligible businesses to apply." 

"The February blizzard forced many businesses to close for days and disrupted economic activity across Southeastern Massachusetts," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This assistance will help businesses and nonprofit organizations recover from those losses and move forward stronger."  

“Public safety is a team effort, and recovery is just as important as response,” said Public Safety and Security Secretary Gina Kwon. “Following February’s historic blizzard, MEMA worked alongside local, state, federal and private-sector partners to assess impacts and connect communities with available resources. These SBA loans will help businesses and nonprofit organizations recover from the storm, strengthen local economies, and support a safer, more resilient Commonwealth.” 

“We’re very grateful to the SBA and Healey-Driscoll administration for working to make these loans available to businesses and private nonprofits that were hit hard by February’s record-breaking blizzard,” said Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency Director Dawn Brantley. “After the storm, our recovery team worked closely with local, state and federal partners to assess impacts and explore every available form of assistance for affected communities. These loans provide an important resource to help businesses recover, rebuild and move forward from the challenges caused by this historic storm." 

The blizzard struck Massachusetts on Feb. 22-23, 2026, bringing heavy snowfall, strong winds and widespread power outages. Nearly 300,000 residents lost electricity, dangerous travel conditions persisted for days and many businesses were forced to close as employees and customers were unable to safely travel.   

Eligible applicants may apply online at sba.gov/disaster. The deadline to submit Economic Injury Disaster Loan applications is March 12, 2027. Applicants may also call SBA’s Customer Service Center at 800-659-2955 or email disastercustomerservice@sba.gov for more information on SBA disaster assistance.  

The SBA also approved a disaster declaration for Rhode Island related to the February blizzard, expanding eligibility for Massachusetts businesses and nonprofit organizations in Bristol, Norfolk and Worcester counties. Eligible applicants may seek assistance online, by phone or at any Business Recovery Center. 

SBA, in coordination with MEMA and local governments, will hold Business Recovery Centers where applicants may obtain advice and support in person. Business Recovery Center locations, dates and times are listed below.