麻州政府和「優鮮沛」合作 10月起從農場直送減糖蔓越莓到學校

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府10月7日宣佈和知名蔓越莓品牌優鮮沛（Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.）達成重大合作，今年10月起，將為全州中小學提供100%由當地農民種植、採收的減糖蔓越莓乾，落實「農場到學校」（Farm to School）政策，照顧在地農民與學童健康。

    這合作是由麻州小學與中學教育局（DESE）主導招標，總部位於麻州的農業合作社優鮮沛，因特別開發出符合美國農業部（USDA）最新幼兒與學校營養標準，糖分較傳統產品減少一半，且不含花生、人工香料與防腐劑的「減糖蔓越莓乾」，贏得合約。

    優鮮沛將從今年10月起，首波先供應「水果綜合風味」，預定2027年2月推出第二波「紅莓檸檬水風味」。麻州政府為鼓勵學校參與，宣佈2026至2027學年度免配送運費。

    蔓越莓是麻州最重要的農業經濟作物，全州商業栽種面積約1.15萬英畝，每年創造的經濟產值，超過17億美元，並支撐6,400多個工作機會。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）表示，蔓越莓是麻州的農業驕傲，這項新政策不僅能為學生提供優質健康的在地食材，更能將校園採購力轉化為支持本土農業與在地社區的龐大動能，打造多贏局面。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Massachusetts Grown

Cranberries for Schools Across the State

New partnership with Ocean Spray will bring dried cranberries made exclusively with Massachusetts grown fruit to students while supporting local farmers

LAKEVILLE — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today joined Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc. to celebrate a new partnership that will bring Massachusetts grown cranberries to K-12 students across the state, supporting local farmers and giving schools more opportunities to serve food grown right here in Massachusetts.  

As part of its efforts to bring more locally grown food into school cafeterias, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) sought a processor to produce reduced sugar dried cranberries made exclusively from cranberries grown and harvested in Massachusetts. DESE awarded the contract to Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc., creating a new Massachusetts-grown option for school districts participating in the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foods Distribution Program. 

“Cranberries are an important part of our agricultural economy and heritage in Massachusetts, and we’re proud to bring more of them into school cafeterias across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This is good for our students, good for our farmers and good for local communities. We’re grateful to Ocean Spray and our cranberry growers for partnering with us to bring more Massachusetts-grown food into our schools.” 

“When schools buy local, we’re supporting Massachusetts farmers, strengthening our communities and giving students the chance to enjoy food grown close to home,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This partnership is a great example of how we can use the purchasing power of our schools to support local agriculture, and we’re excited to see Massachusetts-grown cranberries served to students across the state.” 

 The initiative builds on the Administration’s Farm to School efforts and advances a recommendation of the Governor’s Anti-Hunger Task Force to support high-quality school meals by sourcing more local foods and products and helping school districts navigate state and federal procurement processes to purchase locally grown food. Ocean Spray has verified that 100 percent of the cranberries used in the two products offered to Massachusetts schools will be grown and harvested in the Commonwealth. 

The announcement comes as Massachusetts celebrates October as “Massachusetts Cranberry Month,” proclaimed by Governor Healey to recognize the state’s cranberry growers and the important role they play in the state’s agricultural economy.  

Cranberries are Massachusetts’ top agricultural food commodity crop, supporting more than 6,400 jobs and generating more than $1.7 billion in economic impact, with approximately 11,500 acres of commercial cranberry bogs across the state. 

The first Massachusetts-grown product, Fruit Punch flavored Craisins® Dried Cranberries, will be available to participating school districts beginning in October 2026, followed by Raspberry Lemonade Flavored Craisins® Dried Cranberries in February 2027. Both products are part of Ocean Spray’s reformulated 1.16-ounce Craisins® Dried Cranberries platform and are designed to comply with updated USDA requirements for added sugars in school meals under the Child Nutrition Programs meal pattern rule.  

“Every student deserves access to high-quality, nutritious school meals, and we have an opportunity to serve more food grown right here in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “Making locally grown products more accessible through our statewide school nutrition programs helps districts turn that goal into practice. This initiative strengthens school meals while building stronger connections between our schools and Massachusetts agriculture.” 

Massachusetts is one of nine states providing universal free school meals to all students, helping ensure students have access to nutritious breakfast and lunch at school each day. Approximately 292,000 students participate in school breakfast each day and 595,000 participate in school lunch, with breakfast participation increasing by 20 percent since the 2022-2023 school year. State funding for universal free school meals has also helped school nutrition programs plan ahead and invest in high-quality meals that incorporate more locally grown food. 

Massachusetts’ Farm to School efforts connect farms with school meal programs and help schools incorporate locally grown foods into cafeterias. More than 500,000 Massachusetts students at approximately 1,400 schools are reached through Farm to School, with 78 percent of the Commonwealth’s school food authorities participating, according to the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Massachusetts Government 

“When we invest in local, healthy food, we invest in our students’ learning,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Partnerships such as this support our school nutrition programs and our local communities and help to provide students nutritious food during the school day.” 

“October is the perfect time to launch this initiative as Massachusetts celebrates both Cranberry Month and Farm to School Month,” said Department of Agricultural Resources Commissioner Ashley Randle. “For centuries, our cranberry growers have been an integral part of our agricultural heritage, and this partnership directly supports our local family farms. By expanding Farm to School practices, we are strengthening our local food system and ensuring our students have access to a healthy homegrown snack while understanding the vital role Massachusetts farming plays in their daily lives.” 

“We’re excited to bring a new generation of Craisins® Dried Cranberries to Massachusetts schools. These products were specifically developed to meet evolving school nutrition standards, while delivering the great taste students love,” said Ocean Spray Head of USA Foods and Snacking Kelvin Vuong. “As a farmer-owned cooperative with deep roots in the Commonwealth, we’re proud to help connect Massachusetts-grown fruit with Massachusetts students.” 

The Massachusetts-grown products will be available exclusively to Massachusetts K-12 school districts through DESE’s USDA Foods Distribution Program. Districts will order the products through Gold Star Foods, DESE’s state-contracted warehouse and distributor in Canton, and the standard delivery fee for the products will be waived for the 2026-2027 school year to support school participation. 

The Fruit Punch Flavored Craisins® Dried Cranberries are packaged in cases containing 200 1.16-ounce pouches, contain 50 percent less sugarǂ and each pouch provides a half-cup of fruit†. Ocean Spray’s product materials also identify the product as an excellent source of fiber, Buy American approved, peanut free and made without artificial colors, flavors, preservatives or sweeteners.  

†Each ¼ cup (32.9g) serving of Craisins® Dried Cranberries provides ½ cup of fruit. 

ǂThis product contains 12 g sugar compared to 24 g sugar per serving of Craisins® Original Dried Cranberries 

波士頓雙十國慶盃桌球賽 台灣學生首次組隊參賽捧B組亞軍 紐頓側旋隊奪A組冠軍

雙十國慶盃桌球賽合影。（周菊子攝）

  （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）紐英崙中華公所和波士頓安良工商會合作，10月4日晚舉辦「雙十國慶盃」乒乓球賽，共 9支參賽隊伍分成AB兩組麈戰6個多小時後，由魏嶔典、林子祺，藍照淇組成的台灣Ｂ組，贏得B組亞軍。

台灣學生隊B組贏得亞軍。左起波士頓安良工商會會長黃展唐，
波士頓僑教中心主任康雅雄，台灣學生B組藍照淇，魏嶔典，
林子祺，比賽籌辦人梅宇國，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝。（周菊子攝）

今年是紐英崙中華公所和波士頓安良工商會第5次合作舉辦「雙十國慶盃」乒乓球賽，經由麻省理工學院校友的乒乓球達人伍達慈引介，今年首次有台灣學生參賽，還因為林靖庭的號召，竟組成3隊，聲勢浩大。

伍達慈透露，中華公所主席雷國輝今年特意提點他，看是否能邀請來自台灣的學生參賽，於是他請當年在MIT就讀，如今已進哈佛讀研的林靖庭散發英雄帖。

留到最後的台灣學生，左起，藍照淇，魏嶔典，林子祺，林靖庭等人。

哈佛大學台灣同學會副會長魏嶔典，剛進哈佛念電機研究所的藍照淇，以及中學時隨家人移民來美，原本住德州，來波士頓大學讀本科的林子祺等，一下子共有9人響應，於是每3人一組，由主辦單位分成A1Ｂ2共3支隊伍參賽。

A組第一名：紐頓側旋隊：盧子英、薛文黎、魏錦奕、周逸亮。

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，波士頓安良工商會會長黃展唐，波士頓僑教中心主任康雅雄，以及比賽籌辦人梅宇國，等到晚上將近11點，比賽終於結束後，為各得獎隊伍頒發獎盃，獎金，強調比賽重在參與，輸贏不需計較，鼓勵台灣學生將來繼續進城參賽，和華埠民眾交流。

Ａ組第二名：中華A1隊：大容、容磊、雷洪任（左二）。

比賽結果為，2026年”雙十國慶杯”團體乒乓球邀請賽比賽結果如下：A組第一名：紐頓側旋隊：盧子英、薛文黎、魏錦奕、周逸亮。第二名：中華A1隊：大容、容磊、雷洪任，B組第一名：中華B1隊：黃少君、陸琦、易智軍，B組第二名：台灣B1隊：林子祺、魏嶔典、藍照淇。B組第三名：三亮隊：雷榮亮、伍亮清、李亮。冠亞季軍隊伍在獎盃，獎牌之外，依序各得200元，100元，50元獎金。

B組第一名：中華B1隊：黃少君、陸琦、易智軍。（周菊子攝）

B組第三名：三亮隊：雷榮亮、伍亮清、李亮。（周菊子攝）

伍達慈向僑教中心主任康雅雄匯報參賽隊伍。（周菊子攝）

梅宇國（右起）宣佈比賽結果，黃展唐，康雅雄，雷國輝等著頒獎。（周菊子攝）

哈佛大學林靖庭看準球揮拍。（周菊子攝）

波士頓慶祝中華民國115年雙十國慶 400政要、學者、嘉賓齊來賀

各州政要上台祝賀中華民國生日。（周菊子攝）

         (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 波士頓辦事處（TECO Boston）10月5日在海港區洲際酒店舉行酒會，慶祝中華民國115年國慶，包括各州政要，僑胞及各校同學，約400人出席同慶。

波士頓經文處代理處長黃耀良（左起）和麻州參議會代議長
William Brownsberg，新罕布夏州眾議會代議長Jim Kofalt，
佛蒙特州眾議員Edye Graning，一起切蛋糕。（周菊子攝）

    駐波士頓辦事處代理處長黃耀良表示，今年是美國獨立250週年、台灣總統直選30週年，也是台北市與波士頓市締結姐妹市的30週年，很高興有這麼多賓客一起來為中華民國慶生，見證彼此友誼。

波士頓經文處全體同仁在慶典結束時合影。（周菊子攝）

    黃耀良以波士頓茶黨事件為引，指台灣的民主之路也走來不易，雖然兩國歷史道路不同，在人民有權自主決定未來上，卻有同樣堅定的信仰。他闡述台灣從1996年總統直選以來，定期舉辦選舉，政權也在和平中輪替，自由、民主與人權已扎根於人們的日常生活，社會中也充滿創新活力。這些都是台灣人民世世代代共同努力，珍惜且自豪的成就。台灣將持續致力維持現狀、促進和平，與理念相近的夥伴攜手前行。

麻州、緬因州、新罕布夏州、羅德島州及佛蒙特州五州的州長，都為中華民國的115年國慶送上賀狀，獻上祝福。

波士頓經文處喲佛蒙特州Norwich大學來自台灣的軍校學生合影留念。（周菊子攝）

        麻州參議會代議長William Brownsberger，新罕布夏州眾議會代議長Jim Kofalt等人，都在上台致詞時闡述他們與台灣的關係友好，情誼深厚。

William Brownsberger還強調，台灣在生物科技，資訊科技等許多領域都成就斐然，麻州為擁有很多台灣移民而感恩，期望將來新英格蘭和台灣，以及美國和台灣都能關係更深。

波士頓經文處教育組組長黃薳玉（右五）和MIT前會長張浩揚左二），科技組
秘書楊明儀（左一）和哈佛大學台灣同學會共會長林雨萱（右三），沈子耕（右四），
麻省理工學院台灣同學會會長黃崇恩（左四），副會長楊百蓉（右二）。（周菊子攝）

    駐波士頓辦事處當晚在接待區域放映外交部國慶影片「國家的相簿」，藉由退伍軍人張永正在1996年台海飛彈危機期間駐守前線時，仍叮囑家人一定要去投票，展現台灣人民珍惜民主，守護家園的信念。

    典禮儀式後的餘興節目，波士頓經文處也特地邀請新英格蘭音樂學院（NEC）學生現場彈奏台灣歌謠，“卡門”，“愛情的恰恰”，波士頓You&Me樂團演唱“What a Wonderful World"，“明天會更好”等台美曲目。

波士頓科技組秘書楊明儀夫婦（右起）介紹台大校友會前會長李佳蓉
認識新到任的科技組組長李國榮。（周菊子攝）

右起，陳孔恩，陳定良，洪門致公堂元老余麗媖，波士頓僑務委員陳仕維，
鍾佩玲夫婦，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，陳秀珍夫婦，波士頓華商會
副會長陳文珊，陳天佐夫婦，華商會中文書記翁偉健等人。（周菊子攝）

        有曾出席往年雙十國慶酒會者表示，今年參加波士頓辦事處國慶雙十酒會的政要及總人數，似乎都比去年少了些，但來自台灣的僑團代表及留學生，明顯增加許多，不但哈佛、MIT、BU等校的同學會會長，以及新英格萊台灣同學會聯合會會長都應邀出席，佛蒙特州Norwich大學來自台灣的軍校學生，今年也有多至13人應邀出席。波士頓台灣人生物科技協會（BTBA），紐英崙玉山科技協會，波士頓台灣龍舟隊（BTBC），新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會(TCCNE)，波克萊台灣商會(BTCC)等也都有會長或代表出席，反倒是傳統僑社，在紐英崙至孝篤親公所，波士頓黃氏公所之外，李氏公所，波士頓國民黨與榮光會，幾乎都是零星的一、二人出席。

波士頓警察局總監之一的陳孔恩（中），副總監之一的陳定良和劍橋市警察梅定國。

2名還在哈佛大學讀本科的學生，各校同學及社團的年輕人，倒是都非常興奮，紛紛站到左上角有中華民國青天白日紅國旗，大大的英文字Taiwan，以及101大廈和蘭嶼獨木舟圖案的大海報前拍照留念，每個人都很興奮，都沒注意，也沒人計較，那大海報上面沒有中華民國或Republic of China這些字，但讓人事後想起，早前坊間傳出洛杉磯和芝加哥辦事處雙十邀請函，只寫了台灣，沒寫中華民國引發的爭議。（更新版）

麥德福（Medford) 市議員曾御辰（Justin Tseng)和母親徐中欣特地拿了張
有黑熊圖案，的台灣生日快樂卡留影。（周菊子攝）

哈佛大學甘迺迪政府學院民主自理與創新艾許（Ash)中心主任Tony Saich，
今年也來參加雙十國慶酒會。（周菊子攝）

薩福克大學東亞研究Rosenberg學院主任薛龍（Ron Suleski)。（周菊子攝）

至德三德公所元老周麗桃（後）和紐英崙客家鄉親會的鄭玉春、曾建泉夫婦
是多年舊識。（周菊子攝）

李台醫師夫婦和代表傳統僑社的陳家驊，陳滋源夫婦，以及李源沛。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣人生物科技協會前任共會長楊志祥（右起），廖怡恩和現任會長朱怡德。

波士頓You&Me樂團主唱之一的陳瑩璇（中）在團長蔡依珊（右）等人伴奏中演唱
“What a Wonderful World"，“明天會更好”等歌。（周菊子攝）

還在哈佛大學唸本科四年級的蘇雋佑（左），帶著剛來唸大一的學弟何宇文
認識波士頓社區。（周菊子攝）

新英格蘭音樂學院（NEC）現場演奏台灣歌謠族曲、卡門及愛情的恰恰。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣影展協會前會長Andrew Lin和朋友在海報前留影。（周菊子攝）

波士頓中華民國115年雙十國慶酒會約400人參加。（周菊子攝）

雙十蛋糕。（周菊子攝）

波士頓市撥款100萬元支持黑人男性的健康

MAYOR MICHELLE WU AND BOSTON PUBLIC HEALTH COMMISSION ANNOUNCE $1 MILLION IN FUNDING TO SUPPORT BLACK MEN’S HEALTH

The Request for Proposals was informed by the Health Commission’s Black Men’s Health Activation Summit as part of Boston’s Live Long and Well Agenda

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Tuesday, October 6, 2026 – Mayor Michelle Wu, the City of Boston, and Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to improve Black Men’s health as part of the City’s Live Long and Well population health equity agenda. Earlier this year, BPHC committed $1 million to help close the nine-year life expectancy gap between Black men and other men in Boston. For this RFP, up to four qualified organizations will receive a maximum amount of $250,000 for initiatives that improve life expectancy, chronic disease, and access to care for Black men.

“In Boston, our mission is for every resident to live long and well, and we’re focused on closing the life expectancy gap facing black communities. We look forward to partnering with the community organizations that can lead vital work to reduce disparities and help ensure every community in Boston is strong, healthy, and connected to opportunity,” said Mayor Michelle Wu.

“A nine-year gap in life expectancy is not just a statistic - it is a call to action,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “Black men and the organizations serving them understand what effective solutions should look like. This funding puts resources directly into the hands of trusted community partners to expand prevention, strengthen connections to care, and address the conditions that contribute to premature death. Our goal is not simply to document this gap - it is to close it.”

Live Long and Well focuses on addressing health inequities and closing the stark gap in life expectancy between communities of color and Boston neighborhoods. BPHC’s report, Closing the Gap: An Examination of Life Expectancy Among Black Residents in Boston, shows that Black residents have the lowest life expectancy of any racial or ethnic group in the city. 

“The Boston Public Health Commission’s $1 million investment is an important step toward closing the nine-year life expectancy gap facing Black men in Boston. Improving the health and well-being of Black men requires intentional investment, sustained partnership, and a commitment to addressing the disparities that have persisted for far too long,” said Frank Farrow, Executive Director of the Office of Black Male Advancement. “Through this funding, we have an opportunity to support organizations that are creating meaningful pathways to better health outcomes and ultimately helping Black men live longer, healthier lives.”

Between 2022 and 2024 Black men lived an average of 71.8 years, 9.3 years fewer than other men in Boston. Boston's Black male population experiences disproportionately high rates of preventable illnesses and premature death from screenable cancers, cardiometabolic diseases, and unintentional overdose, causing Black men to have the lowest life expectancy of all Boston residents included in this analysis. Projections show that if no additional and meaningful action is taken to reduce the inequities Boston’s Black communities face, the life expectancy gap will remain the same through 2035.

 

“For Black men in Boston, access to affordable, culturally competent healthcare is quite literally a matter of life or death. For far too long, systemic barriers have treated basic medical care as a privilege rather than a fundamental right. This $1 million commitment is a crucial step toward building a healthcare system that honors, protects, and values Black lives at every single stage,” said At-Large City Councilor Henry Santana.

"Black men face a lower life expectancy in Boston, with across-the-board challenges to access care, pharmacies, and healthy food, as well as other stressors in their lives that exacerbate health issues," said District 4 City Councilor Brian Worrell. "These grants are vital to helping address these health gaps that we need to close."

“Black families are often the canaries in the coal mine when it comes to public health crises, hit first and hardest by systemic inequity. But we know that the well-being of one neighborhood is connected to the well-being of all of them, so when we design policies that care for those canaries, everyone benefits. This investment in Black men’s health puts resources behind the communities that have carried the heaviest burden and begins to address the inequities that have shaped health outcomes for generations,” said Reverend Miniard Culpepper, District 7 City Councilor.

To address this disparity, BPHC hosted the first Black Men’s Health Activation Summit in June. During the Summit, community leaders discussed issues facing Black men and helped inform the goals of the RFP, which focuses on supporting four priority areas that intersect health and well-being. Organizations can submit proposals that strengthen prevention efforts, support mental and behavioral health, promote economic mobility, and build strong social networks and community connections. Applicants for the RFP must be Boston-based community organizations, nonprofits, community coalitions, faith-based organizations, partnerships between organizations, and organizations that serve Black men or communities of color with experience and impact addressing health inequities.

Going forward, an annual $1 million investment will be made from the Declaration of Racism as a Public Health Crisis fund to continue this work as part of the city’s Live Long and Well agenda

麻州文化協會將撥195萬元資助84項計劃培育青少年發展創意

     （Boston Orange編譯）麻州文化協會（Mass Cultural Council）的 2027 會計年度「青年外展計劃」（YouthReach），將撥款 195 萬美元補助 84 個創意青年發展計畫，協助青年透過藝術、人文與科學培養各項技能、人際關係、自信心與發展機會。 

    麻州文化協會作為麻州內的獨立州級藝術機構，致力於強化文化部門、促進經濟活力、支持轉型改變，並保存與啟發創意。 

    「 青年外展計劃」是麻州文化協會推動長達 33 年的青年發展創意方案，也是全美同類計劃中持續時間最長的。該計畫的核心理念在於：青年不應只是被動的接受者，更是自身成長的主動參與者。 

    麻州文化協會執行長大衛·史萊特里（David T. Slatery）表示，年輕人充滿創意與潛能，應該被看見與培育；這些計畫能讓青年找到自己的聲音、發展才能、建立人際連結並勇敢挑戰自我。 

    根據該會上一會計年度的數據顯示，共有 74 個受補助組織參與，服務超過 1.6 萬名青年。成果包括： 高三生畢業率達 98%，比麻州全州的平均 89%還高；74% 的計畫提供就業機會，共 1,700 人獲得有薪工作，累計賺取超過 300 萬美元。 過去連續六年，有 85% 的計畫將心理健康列為首要需求並採取實質行動。 

    麻州文化協會本年度「青年外展計劃」的基礎補助金為 2 萬美元，額外提供心理健康或就業支持的組織，可獲得增強獎助金至 2.6 萬美元。本屆競爭相當激烈，錄取率僅 40%。

    在獲選單位中， 有45 個單位獲得增強獎助金。，45 個單位以 BIPOC（黑人、原住民與有色人種）為核心，或屬於 BIPOC 學生佔多數的學校。 

    這14 個獲補助單位為近三個財年未曾獲得理事會補助的新面孔。 

    新獲獎組織包括：波士頓 Beat the Odds（2.6 萬美元）、水城（Watertown）的 Circus Up（2 萬美元）、勞倫斯市（Lawrence）的 Essex Art Center（2.6 萬美元）、霍利奧克（Holyoke）的LightWorks Collective（2.6 萬美元），以及秋河市（FallRiver）的YEAH! Corps（2.6 萬美元）。這些組織分別透過音樂療癒、馬戲、公共藝術、技術藝術與青年就業等方案服務青年。完整獲獎名單目前已正式公布。 

$1.9 Million Investment into 84 Creative Youth Development Programs

YouthReach supports programs across Massachusetts helping young people build skills, relationships, confidence, and opportunities to thrive

BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council today announces the recipients of 84 YouthReach grant awards totaling $1.95 million in Fisal Year 2027, investing in programs across the Commonwealth that use the arts, humanities, and sciences to support the growth and development of young people.

 

“Young people bring tremendous creativity, ideas, and potential to their communities, and YouthReach stems from the belief that those strengths should be recognized and nurtured,” said David T. Slatery, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council. “These programs create spaces where young people can find their voices, develop their talents, build meaningful connections with their peers and communities, and challenge themselves to grow.”

 

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

 

For the past 33 years, YouthReach – the nation’s longest continually running public support program for Creative Youth Development (CYD) work in the United States - has supported CYD programs that provide young people with sustained opportunities to create, learn, build relationships, develop new skills, and take an active role in shaping their own experiences. At the heart of Creative Youth Development is the understanding that young people are not simply recipients of programming, but active participants in their own growth.

 

The impact of this approach extends well beyond creative skill-building. Data collected from YouthReach programs over the years demonstrate the important role Creative Youth Development can play in supporting young people’s health, well-being, and sense of connection. According to FY26 data collected from YouthReach recipients, over 16,000 young people participated in 74 funded Creative Youth Development organizations:

• 98% of high school seniors involved with YouthReach graduated from high school (compared to the statewide rate of 89%).

• 74% of the YouthReach programs provided employment to young people.

• 1,700 young people received paid opportunities through their organizations, collectively earning more than $3 million.

• For the sixth year in a row, YouthReach organizations identified mental health as one of the most pressing issues that their young people were facing. 85% of programs identified this as a top need and took steps to address these needs in their programming and cross-sector partnerships.

This year, FY27, YouthReach is providing a minimum award of $20,000. However, organizations that have demonstrated a commitment to addressing additional needs of the young people they serve through mental health and/or workforce development resources were eligible to receive an enhanced award of $26,000.

 

The 84 organizations receiving YouthReach grants this year represent communities across Massachusetts and a wide range of approaches. Moreover, this was a highly competitive grant cycle, with only 40% of applicants selected to receive funding. Of this year’s grant recipients:

• 45 are receiving the enhanced grant award for providing additional mental health and/or workforce development support to their youth.

• 45 identify as BIPOC-centered organizations or are BIPOC-majority schools.

• 14 have not received a Mass Cultural Council grant within the past three fiscal years.

The complete FY27 YouthReach funding list is available online. Some examples of recipients new to YouthReach this year include:

 

Beat the Odds, Boston - BTO Creative Youth Development Program ($26,000)

Beat the Odds provides safe spaces where young people have access to the creative tools necessary to inspire self-awareness and encourage mental health and healing from trauma through music and arts.

 

Circus Up, Watertown – Kirkos Community Troupe ($20,000)

The Kirkos Community Troupe is Circus Up’s youth community troupe. Participants address social issues while crafting collaborative circus acts that are then performed at community events throughout the year.

 

Essex Art Center, Lawrence – Empowering Lawrence Youth for Leadership, Creative Futures, and Social Impact ($26,000)

Essex Art Center works with youth in the City of Lawrence as they create public art projects. Programming allows young people to grow over time, expanding their artistic practice beyond studio walls as they mature and explore how they can shape their community.

 

LightWorks Collective, Holyoke - De la Luz Technical Arts Institute: Real-World Creative Workforce Training for Youth ($26,000)

The De la Luz Technical Arts Institute allows young people from diverse backgrounds to work alongside industry professionals in technical arts. Participants gain real-world experience in entertainment production, stagecraft, video production, and culinary arts.

 

YEAH! Corps, Fall River - YEAH! Corps Youth Arts Wellness Employment Program ($26,000)

YEAH! Corps ensures equitable access to the arts and leadership opportunities for Fall River youth. Participants work across graphic design, illustration, storytelling, and large-scale public art from concept to completion, developing creative and professional skills including leadership, project management, and collaboration

CITY OF BOSTON RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE MOST WELCOMING FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 HOST CITIES

CITY OF BOSTON RECOGNIZED AS ONE OF THE MOST WELCOMING FIFA WORLD CUP 2026 HOST CITIES

National Sports Diplomacy Award is a one-time recognition for outstanding efforts to help international audiences understand American culture

BOSTON - Tuesday, October 6, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston has received the National Sports Diplomacy Award from the Public Diplomacy Council of America (PDCA), recognizing Boston as one of the most welcoming U.S. host cities during the FIFA World Cup 2026. The one time award highlights the City's efforts to make international guests feel welcomed while offering an authentic view of Boston neighborhoods, diversity, civic culture and community spirit. 

“We were thrilled to show the world what Bostonians do every day: come together as a beautiful, welcoming, family-friendly home for everyone. This recognition celebrates the warm and welcoming spirit of Boston’s people, from our neighborhood leaders and small business owners, to every City worker who helped ensure visitors from around the world had an experience of a lifetime,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I am grateful to our residents, businesses, and City teams for showcasing our city and working every day for Boston to have the highest quality of life, a culture of innovation, and an uncommon dedication to the common good.”

The award, which was also presented to Atlanta, follows a nomination submitted by WorldBoston, the region's diplomacy council, in partnership with the City of Boston's Office of Global Affairs and Protocol. This award affirms the City’s ongoing work to make Boston a home for everyone.

“WorldBoston was proud to nominate the City of Boston for this national recognition with the Public Diplomacy Council of America because we saw the principles we work to advance every day come alive across our entire city,” said Joe Haynes, CEO of WorldBoston, New England’s premier diplomacy council, founded in 1949. “From the Mayor’s Office and our state and regional partners to community organizations, businesses, sports franchises and individual Bostonians, the welcome extended to visitors from around the world was extraordinary. Citizen diplomacy, subnational diplomacy and sports diplomacy all came together in a way that showed why Boston is truly a global hub for bringing people together through sport. Just as importantly, this feels like a galvanizing moment — one that has left the city, our institutions and our communities eager to build on that success and deepen Boston’s role as a welcoming, globally connected city.”

This summer, the City partnered with The Boston Host Committee (Boston 26) to bring the excitement, energy, and spirit of the World Cup directly into communities and welcome visitors from around the world. To ensure residents and visitors were connected to the excitement of the tournament, the City hosted 18 free, family-friendly watch party events drawing tens of thousands to different parks, and open spaces across the City. On June 19th, the three community watch parties in Boston Common drew approximately 6,800 fans. 

“Boston showed its best to the world this summer. Our City, State, business leaders and Boston 26 team worked hard at planning and building those international links, and the people of Boston made them real, one visitor at a time," said Mike Loynd, President and CEO of FIFA World Cup Boston 2026. 

In addition, the City organized seven fan marches for supporters to gather before games and welcomed fans to  two downtown social districts. A city report showcases approximately 313,000 World Cup-related event visits in June, including FanFest, community watch parties, and South Station stadium-train riders. Significant resident and visitor activity boosted the Downtown economy with record numbers, with restaurant spending increasing approximately 2% citywide and 15% in Greater Downtown, and bar spending increasing approximately 27% citywide and 86% in Greater Downtown during the June 2026 World Cup period.

“Different languages, different jerseys, plenty of strong opinions and strong accents is something Boston understands pretty well,” said City Councilor Ruthzee Louijeune. “I’m proud that from Cabo Verde to Haiti to the Scottish Highlands and everywhere in between, Boston threw out our welcome mat for fans across the globe into our neighborhoods, restaurants, and City. This award reflects a city that knows how to be proud, welcoming, and spirited of who we are and always happy to make room for one more.”

In addition to the community watch parties and fan walks, the City encouraged residents to celebrate this past summer in ways that reflected the unique character of their own neighborhoods and communities. Last spring, the City launched both the Summer Block Party Grant Program and the Office of Cultural Affairs Mini Grant Program to support community-led celebrations, cultural events, and neighborhood gatherings connected to the summer’s major events. This effort totalled out to $400,000 in private sector funding and grants being distributed to community organizations and small businesses across our neighborhoods as part of the 250th celebrations and activating the neighborhoods to celebrate this historic summer. 

Beyond World Cup celebrations, the friendship developed between Boston and Scotland’s Tartan Army led the City to establish a sister-city partnership with Glasgow, Scotland. In June, Mayor Michelle Wu announced plans to formalize an international partnership with the City of Glasgow, to strengthen economic, cultural and institutional ties. Through a Letter of Intent, the two cities expressed a shared commitment to inclusive growth and global engagement, laying the foundation for a meaningful and mutually beneficial partnership. Boston continues to explore opportunities for collaboration across key areas, including economic development, education and workforce training, research and innovation, arts and culture, tourism, sustainability, public health, and major international events.  

麻州長Maura Healey簽行政命令 保護民眾有暖氣過冬最高發每戶680元補助

麻州州長Maura Healey簽行政命令，保護民眾今冬有暖氣可用。（周菊子攝）

        （Boston Orange周菊子麻州綜合報導）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）今（5）日宣佈麻州進入能源緊急狀態 （State of Energy Emergency），並簽署行政命令，推出總額近1.5億美元的冬季能源救濟方案，將發給合資格州民每戶最高680元補貼，並連續 3個月刪除民眾電費單中的太陽能附加費。
        麻州政府估計，將有85％的麻州家庭因此受益，有機會獲得這一次性的最高680元補助。

麻州州長Maura Healey坦言她已遞出，請議會審核能源預算。為免審議法案曠日耗時，
他先簽署行政命令，採取行動幫助州民。（周菊子攝）

        Ｅㄒ冬季能源救濟方案旨在直接減輕民眾的荷包壓力。暖氣補助方面，凡年收入介於麻州中位數60%至100%（以四口之家為例，年收入約10.3萬至17.1萬美元）且使用暖氣用油的中產家庭，今年皆可申領最高680美元的救濟金，預估嘉惠5萬戶家庭。

麻州州長Maura Healey到Everett市宣佈獎及能源法案。（周菊子攝）

        麻州府還將追加1,500萬美元撥款，推動低收入戶補助計畫（HEAP），把全州15.6萬個低收入家庭的暖氣用油戶補助提高20%、公用事業取暖戶提高15%，符合條件者最高可獲得1,450美元的帳單折抵。

麻州州長Maura Healey簽署的行政命令。（周菊子攝）

        在電費與其他消費減免上，麻州當局將挹注8,000萬美元，於明年1月至3月免除電費單上的「太陽能推護附加費（SMART charge）」，並將「替代能源額度（APS）」減半，直接幫全州用電戶省下約1億美元的雜費。此外，州府亦聯合民間企業成立「緊急冬季溫暖基金」，並啟動防範石油價格哄抬的法律機制，同時推動暫停發放2個月州汽油稅（每加侖折抵24美分），盼多管齊下減輕民生負擔。
        麻州政府指出，受到國際局勢與通膨影響，當地暖氣用油價格較去年飆漲73%，每加侖來到6.08美元，灌滿一次家庭暖氣油槽的費用比去年暴增近700美元。希莉州長因此正式宣布進入「能源緊急狀態」，並痛批川普（Donald Trump）政府的關稅政策與耗資440億美元的對伊朗戰爭引爆能源危機。希莉強調，除了透過行政命令直接幫民眾省錢，她已致函國會爭取30億美元的全國性取暖補助，並將持續擴大風電、光電與水力等潔淨能源發展，從根本降低能源成本。

Governor Healey Announces New Winter Energy Bill Relief for Massachusetts Families 

Governor declares State of Energy Emergency, removes charges from bills and expands heating assistance to deliver nearly $150 million in relief for Massachusetts households  

Partners with Citizens Energy Corporation to create Emergency Winter Warmth Fund to provide additional help to families struggling with heating costs 

BOSTON — Governor Maura Healey today announced new actions to help Massachusetts families lower their heating and electric bills this winter. 

Governor Healey has declared a State of Energy Emergency and, through an Executive Order, is expanding eligibility for home heating assistance and removing charges from electric bills. This includes creating a new home heating assistance benefit for approximately 50,000 middle class households who rely on heating oil that previously did not qualify for existing assistance programs, as well as increasing heating assistance for approximately 156,000 low-income households as part of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). The Governor will also eliminate the SMART program charge on residential electric bills for three months and cut the Alternative Portfolio Standard by 50 percent this winter. Overall, this plan will lower energy bills for approximately 85 percent of ratepayers. More information can be found at mass.gov/heatinghelp.  

Additionally, by declaring a State of Energy Emergency, Governor Healey is activating legal protections in Massachusetts against price gouging of petroleum products. Governor Healey is directing all responsible state agencies to monitor, investigate and enforce rules against price gouging or excessive or misleading prices for petroleum products.  

Governor Healey also sent a letter to Congressional leaders urging them to provide an additional $3 billion in emergency funding for the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP), bringing the program to $7 billion. 

“Families are seeing the impact of the war in Iran every time they fill up their gas tank, place an order for heating oil or open their electric bill. I’m declaring a State of Energy Emergency because in Massachusetts, we are going to use every tool we have to get people relief," said Governor Maura Healey. “We’re delivering nearly $150 million in savings, including helping middle class families who didn’t previously qualify for assistance and taking charges off of electric bills for households and businesses across Massachusetts. I’m also grateful for the strong partnership of Congressman Joe Kennedy and Citizens Energy to create the Winter Warmth Fund to deliver additional relief to families facing sky heating bills.”  

“Energy costs are putting real pressure on family budgets, and this plan gets relief directly to those who need it,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re helping middle class families heat their homes, increasing support for our lowest-income residents and taking charges off electric bills this winter. This is about meeting the moment and lowering costs for people across Massachusetts.”  

“For too many of our neighbors, an unexpected heating emergency can quickly become a crisis — forcing families to make impossible choices between keeping the heat on and putting food on the table or paying other essential bills,” said former Congressman Joe Kennedy III, President of Citizens Energy. “Every family deserves a warm and safe home, especially when winter arrives in Massachusetts. The Emergency Winter Warmth Fund is about making sure no one has to face that choice alone. By bringing together Citizens Energy, the Commonwealth, and partners across Massachusetts, we can help families through the moments when they need a helping hand most and make sure no one is left out in the cold.” 

The cost of heating oil is currently 70 percent higher this winter compared to this week last year and prices are likely to remain volatile. In Massachusetts, the average price of home heating oil reached $6.08 per gallon as of September 28, up 73 percent from $3.52 last year. Approximately one in five Massachusetts households relies on heating oil, particularly in older homes and rural communities.  

“No one should be afraid to turn on the heat when costs are high. This is a matter of public health,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “We are standing up new programs to help middle class families stay warm and safe this winter. We are also taking actions to provide savings on electric bills and expand support for low-income customers. This is also why we need to continue our all-of-the-above approach to energy to bring down costs and put an end to this costly volatility our residents can’t afford.” 

“Rising heating costs are putting added pressure on families already struggling to keep up with everyday expenses,” said Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Juana Matias. “Today’s announcement of increased HEAP benefits and expanded access means more Massachusetts households can get the help they need to stay warm this winter. The Healey-Driscoll Administration is delivering relief when families need it most.” 

 “Keeping Everett affordable and making sure our residents can get help when they need it is a priority for my administration,” said Everett Mayor Robert J. Van Campen. “No senior should have to choose between heating their home, putting food on the table or filling an essential prescription. Strong relationships with our partners at the state level are critical to addressing challenges like rising energy costs, and I’m grateful to Governor Healey and her administration for recognizing the pressure families are facing and taking action to provide real relief. When the City and the Commonwealth work together, we can make sure these resources reach the residents who need them most.” 

 Governor Healey’s energy affordability plan includes:   

New Middle Class Home Heating Oil Assistance Benefit  

For the first time, Massachusetts is creating a new home heating oil assistance benefit for households earning between 60 percent and 100 percent of State Median Income, extending assistance to middle class families that have traditionally fallen outside eligibility for existing heating assistance programs. For a family of four, this means households earning more than $103,049 and up to $171,749 may qualify for the new one-time emergency benefit. 

Approximately 50,000 Massachusetts heating oil households are expected to qualify and receive up to $680 per household. Assistance will be available beginning in December until the end of the heating season on April 30, 2027, or until funding lasts. 

The new benefit will be administered by the same local organizations that currently provide home energy assistance across Massachusetts. More information is available at www.mass.gov/heatinghelp.  

 Increased HEAP Benefits 

The Administration will provide an additional $15 million to increase winter heating assistance for approximately 156,000 low-income households across Massachusetts.  

HEAP is a free, federally-funded statewide resource that assists eligible renters and homeowners by paying a portion of their winter heating bills directly to their heating companies. During the 2025-2026 heating season, the HEAP program provided financial assistance to more than 156,000 Massachusetts households, representing over 300,000 people. 

Current support ranges from approximately $525 to $1,200 per household. Under Governor Healey’s plan, households that heat with oil will receive a 20 percent increase in assistance, while households that heat with utilities will receive a 15 percent increase.  

Homeowners and renters can apply for HEAP online at www.mass.gov/heatinghelp or through local administering agencies across the state. The assistance period runs from November 1, 2026, through April 30, 2027. Households whose heat is included in their rent can also qualify, and households do not need to be on public assistance or have unpaid heating bills to receive assistance. 

Eliminate the SMART Charge on Residential Electric Bills for Three Months  

The Administration will transfer $80 million in state funding to eliminate the Solar Massachusetts Renewable Target (SMART) program charge from residential and commercial electric bills for three months this winter, while the program continues to deliver benefits to all Massachusetts ratepayers.  

The SMART program supports incentives for qualifying solar projects across Massachusetts and is funded through a charge on electric customers. For January-March 2027, the state will cover those costs so they are not passed on to residential customers. 

Phase Out the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard  

The Administration will also take emergency regulatory action to reduce the Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard by 50 percent this winter, providing an estimated $20 million in additional ratepayer relief.  

The Alternative Energy Portfolio Standard was established in 2009 to support certain large heating and cooling systems, through costs included in electricity supply rates. The Administration will begin reducing required obligation for the program this winter to lower those costs for ratepayers.  

Emergency Winter Warmth Fund  

Governor Healey also announced in partnership with Citizens Energy Corporation the creation of a new Emergency Winter Warmth Fund to provide additional help to families struggling with heating costs this winter.  

Citizens Energy Corporation will launch the fund with an initial $100,000 contribution. Funding will support both existing heating assistance for low-income households and the new middle class home heating oil assistance program created by Governor Healey. Contributions to the fund will be distributed through the existing network of local administering agencies, building on the state’s $49 million investment in heating assistance and helping more families receive support this winter. More information can be found at citizensenergy.com/warmth. 

“We are grateful for the Governor’s leadership and for the heating help public/ private partnership that she has organized with Joe Kennedy and Citizens Energy to help thousands of vulnerable families stay warm, healthy, and safe this winter in the face of unprecedented energy cost burden challenges,” said Joe Diamond, Executive Director, Massachusetts Association for Community Action. “Households we help with fuel assistance, and now those with incomes just over the eligibility limit for federal fuel assistance, can breathe a little easier as winter approaches. Community Action Agencies look forward to helping households in need, regardless of heating fuel type, including home heating oil, for example, which is over six dollars a gallon - between 50% and 70% higher than last year at this time and likely to rise further.   This initiative strengthens the comprehensive and integrated approach to heating help on which we partner with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities led by Secretary Juana Matias, and includes the provision of weatherization services to those who qualify for fuel assistance.” 

Today’s announcement is the latest step in Governor Healey’s ongoing work to lower energy and transportation costs for Massachusetts residents. Governor Healey has delivered hundreds of millions of dollars in direct energy bill relief, including cutting residential electric bills by 25 percent and gas bills by 10 percent for two months last winter; brought new sources of lower-cost energy online, including hydropower that is expected to lower bills by about $50 million each year; activated Vineyard Wind contracts projected to save customers $1.4 billion; opposed utility rate increases and unnecessary charges; and filed energy affordability legislation projected to save residents and businesses more than $13 billion.  

Last week, Governor Healey also filed legislation to suspend Massachusetts’ 24-cent-per-gallon gas tax for two months, expected to provide approximately $120 million in relief at the pump while protecting funding for roads, bridges and public transportation. The Healey-Driscoll Administration will continue using every available tool to lower costs and put more money back in the pockets of Massachusetts families.