星期二, 7月 05, 2022

波士頓市將增設20個新投票站 總數增至275

      

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)說明調整選區,增加投票站,旨在讓投票變得更公平。
(周菊子攝)
        (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和波士頓選務局局長Eneida Tavares (5) 日近午,在曼德拉之家 (Mandela Homes) 宣佈,將根據去年完成的選區調整提案,新增20個投票站,總投票站數增為275個,以達到各選票站選民人數相近的目標。

              76日早上10點,波士頓選務局的選務委員們將認證新的投票站地點,提名表格,以及倡議請願書等其他選舉相關事務。

              波士頓市長吳弭表示,這新的選票站架構,將讓選民投票更容易,也就進一步的鼓勵了選民參與公眾事務。

波士頓選務局局長Eneida Tavares說明7月6日早上,將認證新投票站。(周菊子攝)
              在新增投票站中,臨近華埠的新增投票站包括波士頓華人佈道會 (Boston Chinese Evangelical Church, 120 Shawmut Ave in Ward 3),天幕劇院 (Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St in Ward 4 and Ward 5)等。波士頓美術博物館 (Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave in Ward 4),以及曼德拉之家 (Mandela Homes, 1855 Washington St in Ward 9),也都是新增的投票站之一。

              波士頓市政府表示,波士頓上一次的選區畫分是1924年由州議會指派委員會完成的,這麼多年過去後,有些選區的選民人口遠高於其他選區。在2020年的美國人口統計調查後,波士頓選務局和社區團體,以及州議員們一起調整選區,並於去年10月完成了這一任務,旨在使得每個選區投票站的選民人數相近,以減少選民排隊投票的等候時間,期以增間選民出席投票率。

              波士頓市提醒市民,有些選民的投票地點會有變動,選務局將在未來數月廣告週知,以確保選民們及早知道自己的投票地點可能有變動。

              查詢投票站變動詳情可上網boston.gov/election

 

·       Artists for Humanity, 100 West 2nd St in Ward 6

·       Beacon House, 19 Myrtle St in Ward 3

·       Boston Chinese Evangelical Church, 120 Shawmut Ave in Ward 3

·       Charlestown Boys and Girls Club, 15 Green St in Ward 2

·       Cyclorama, 539 Tremont St in Ward 4 and Ward 5

·       District Hall, 75 Northern Ave in Ward 6

·       Fenway Center, 77 St. Stephen St in Ward 3

·       Mandela Homes, 1855 Washington St in Ward 9

·       Museum of Fine Arts, 465 Huntington Ave in Ward 4

·       North End Library, 25 Parmenter St in Ward 3

·       Northeastern Crossing, 1155 Tremont St in Ward 9

·       Old South Church, 645 Boylston St in Ward 5

·       Saint Anthony Shrine, 100 Arch St in Ward 3

·       Saint Joseph Parish, 68 William Cardinal O’Connell Way in Ward 3

·       Vine Street Community Center, 339 Dudley St in Ward 8

 

星期一, 7月 04, 2022

七月四日波士頓慶祝美國國慶小遊行 唸獨立宣言 (圖片)

















 

中華公所治安巡邏隊國慶日燒烤慶祝

 

中華公所唐人街治安巡邏隊,於2022年美國獨立日下午,在中華公所停車場舉行燒烤活動,大概四十人出席,包括巡邏隊成員、中華公所董事、職員及義工等。
超倫公所主席譚達兒在現場慷慨捐助巡邏隊壹仟元,由隊長阮鴻燦接收。
巡邏隊係義工性質,歡迎有心人士加入及捐助,有意者請到中華公所大樓辦公室報名或電話617-542-2574查詢。

圖片左起:
僑教中心潘昭榮主任,劉華權、李翠萍、經文處孫健元處長,中華主席雷國輝,李奇舜,黃兆祥,羅永朝、譚達兒,隊長阮鴻燦,李耀培,劉樹榮,劉文哲。
(謝中之提供)

星期日, 7月 03, 2022

波士頓台美菁英會慶10週年 (圖與文)

波士頓台美菁英會 (TAP Boston)日前慶10週年,會長李薇 (後左三)和該會理事們與道賀的
波士頓經文處處長孫儉元(後左四)、波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭文(右四)留影。
波士頓台美菁英會當晚邀請曾任亞美社區發展協會董事會主席,現已投身演藝事業多年的
曹育倫 (Michael Tow)當主講人,分享他的人生經歷。 (圖與文:周菊子)


 

白人至上主義團體舉旗遊行波士頓要"奪回美國" 政要紛貼推文譴責

麻州州長候選人Maura Healey轉發推文同表譴責。
(Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 2022年的美國國慶日就在眼前之際,大約100蒙面俠,舉著白人至上主義者組織「愛國前鋒 (Patriot Front) 」旗幟,沿著波士頓市中心街道遊行到柯普利廣場 (Coply Square) ,引人側目,挑起衝突。

                       波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 、市議會議長愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn) 、市議員Julia Mejia,Ruthzee Louijeune,麻州州長候選人Maura Healey等多名政要都在推特上譴責該團體。

這群人舉著奪回美國 (Reclaim America)”的旗幟,順著自由小徑 (Freedom)”遊行,途中發送了至少4段視頻到Telegram上,聲稱他們是為了74日來的。

吳弭市長發推文譴責白人至上主義團體。

新英格蘭反毀謗聯盟 (Anti-Defamation League) 主任Robert Trestan在推特上發文表示,這群人在74日的週末出現在自由小徑這史蹟路上,是對所有爭取自由,平等及正義者的侮辱。

波士頓市議員Ruthzee Louijeune轉推文,同譴責。
                     大約12點半時,警察局接獲通報,有一群人蒙著面,帶著盾牌,旗幟,從一輛停在乾草市場 (Haymarket)”地鐵站附近的出租卡車上走下來。旗幟中許多是美國國旗,其中至少有一面旗幟是顛倒了的,還有許多面是一個圈圈裡有13顆星,顯示美國原本的13個殖民地,另外還有些不同圖案的旗幟。

許多旗幟還有代表著貝尼托、墨索里尼的法西斯國家黨的制式板本象徵。

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn對白人至上主義者感憤怒,厭惡。
當這群人在旁觀者的囂叫聲中走到波士頓公共圖書館前停下來時,一名沒有蒙面的人,拿著話筒喊著,如果你真的要安全,你會擁有它。但你什麼也帶不走不是你的家,不是你的家庭,不是你的自由。在這個腐朽的世界中,你將孤獨一人擁有著安全

波士頓警察局接獲報告,大約下午125分時,在Dartmouth街和Stuart街的角落,有一名成年黑人男子和「愛國前鋒」成員起衝突時受傷了。

波士頓警察局主發言人John Boyle表示,該名男子告訴警察,當他走在Dartmouth街上拿出電話時,發現自己被那一群人推來推去。

來自推特
該男子聲稱最後他被推倒在地,還被人打了,導致他的右手食指,頭,肘都有撕裂傷。該男子被送到塔芙茨醫療中心。警察正積極調查,但還未逮捕任何人。

                          波士頓市長吳弭發了一則推文,稱致那些今天穿越城中心的白人至上主義者:當我們遊行,我們不遮蓋顏面。你的仇恨既懦弱又令人憎厭,而且那也和波士頓所代表一切背道而馳

吳弭隨後在一份聲明中表示,白人至上群體的令人憎厭,仇恨行動及字句,在這城市不受歡迎。尤其是當我們的許多權利受到攻擊的時刻。我們不會把偏執狂的恐嚇正常化。這個週末,當我們回顧波士頓作為自由搖籃的傳統,我們慶祝為所有人擴大那些自由的持續抗爭,並確保波士頓將是每一個人的城市。

推特截圖
                          根據波士頓前鋒報 (Boston Herald)在現場的攝影記者所見,那群人於大約下午1點半時,在後灣 (Back Bay)車站解散,把東西放回租來的卡車後,搭乘地鐵離開。

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn表示,我對今天在波士頓抗議的白人至上主義團體感到憤怒和厭惡。當我們看見仇恨和恐嚇時,大聲說出來很重要,要教育兒童過去的恐怖,要和猶太社區,我們的移民社區及有色社區站在一起。

從人們拍到的照片來看,那群人大都穿著卡其色褲子,海軍藍或深色的Polo衫,戴著頭巾,或蒙住下半個臉龐,同時戴著太陽眼鏡和棒球帽。

推特截圖
大約下午114分時,這群人從麻州大道上,轉向Dartmouth街,波約斯頓街,再停在波士頓公共圖書館前。


在那兒,他們宣佈自己屬於「愛國前鋒」,一個被形容為由反毀謗聯盟及南貧窮法律中心所組織的白人國家主義者或白人至上組織。

推特截圖
該團體在他們的網站上描述自己為2019年起,愛國前鋒為在美國分發的大多數白人至上宣傳負責「愛國前鋒」是在美國能見度最高的白人至上主義者團體之一,參加全美各地的本地化快閃示威


7月4日晚 波士頓國慶音樂會及煙花重回查理士河畔

      (Boston Orange 編譯) 今年的74日晚,終於又可以欣賞波士頓流行交響樂團和壯觀煙花了,而且這晚從10點半到11點,在查理士河畔的殼型劇場旁,將有重達1700磅的5000顆煙花彈竄升入天,炸出一朵朵光燦煙花。

               設計師Matt Shea說,今年的煙花會距離人們更近,比往年進個幾百呎,還會更狂野些,有點像高清版的煙花秀。

             往年的國慶煙花,都是從查理士河上的一條大駁船上施放,今年將分散在不同地點的小駁船上施放。Matt Shea說,這樣可以擴大煙花秀的規模,造成離水面更近的感覺。

             74日晚的波士頓流行交響樂團的演奏,預定從晚上8點開始,會有探戈塢 (Tanglewood)節合唱團,米斗塞郡志工長笛鼓隊,以及著名藝術家Chaka Khan Heather Headley等人表演。

             由於今年的天氣比2021年好,估計效果更佳。2021年的煙花在波士頓廣場施放,不過那天下雨,效果受影響。2020年則因為新冠病毒疫情的關係,沒施放煙花。

             今年是Atlas PyroVision娛樂集團第5次執行國慶煙花的施放工作。該公司上一次承辦這工作是2014年,結果那年因為暴風雨的關係,臨時縮短了演出。2021年該公司在新罕布夏州的Dover施放煙花時,由於一場意外爆炸,也提早結束了演出。

             Matt Shea表示,今年估計一切都會非常棒,他尤其喜歡結尾時的那朵煙花與配樂。

             這場音樂會及煙花表演的執行製作人Pam Picard表示,從2019年後到現在,終於又能夠把這場演出帶回殼形劇場,實在很有意義。

星期五, 7月 01, 2022

波士頓1日開始慶祝美國246歲 4日早上將為獨立日遊行

波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)和一眾嘉賓切蛋糕慶祝海港節揭幕。左起為波士頓城中區 BID 主席 Pam Messenger,人民的聯合銀行資深副總裁
李熙嬡,波士頓市議會議長愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn) ,美國憲法號有史以來的首名女指揮官Billie June Farrell,波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) ,
 大波士頓會議及旅客局 (GBCVB) 執行長Martha Sheridan  (右三),麻州參議員Lydia Edwards (右二)一起切蛋糕,慶祝海港節揭幕。(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 號稱美國最大國慶活動的波士頓海港節 (Boston Harbor fest)
波士頓市長吳弭指出2026年,波士頓將慶祝美國革命250週年。 (周菊子攝)
,今 (1) 日中午在波士頓城中區 (Downtown Crossing) 法蘭克林街的階梯前,邀來波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 和民代,嘉賓一起切蛋糕,為慶祝74日的一連串活動拉開序幕。

大波士頓會議及旅客局 (GBCVB) 執行長Martha Sheridan    請大眾在這4天盡情歡樂。
 (周菊子攝)
             明年是波士頓海港節的40週年,今年有著配合波士頓市長振興城中區經濟計畫意味,海港節的揭幕式,從起草美國獨立宣言的芬紐廳 (Faneuil Hall) 搬到了華盛頓街和法蘭克林街交界處,早年名聲遠揚的Filene Basement後面,新修的地鐵站出口處舉行。

波士頓市議會議長Ed Flynn 曾是海軍,深知軍人在保家衛國上的重要性。 (周菊子攝)
             大波士頓會議及旅客局 (GBCVB) 執行長Martha Sheridan,波士頓城中商業改善區(Downtown Boston BID)董事會主席Pam Messenger,波士頓市議會議長愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn) ,麻州參議員Lydia Edwards,英國駐波士頓總領事Peter Abbott OBE,美國憲法號有史以來的首名女指揮官Billie June Farrell,以及人民的聯合銀行資深副總裁,曾任麻州財政廳副廳長的李熙嬡 (Grace Lee)等人在第125軍樂隊演奏,唱美國國歌後一一致詞。

             一連4日的慶祝活動,從71日早上11點開始,波士頓海港節就鼓勵人們自行遊覽自由徑 (Freedom Trail)”,邦克丘紀念碑、查理士城海軍碼頭,國王的教堂,舊北教堂及史蹟,舊南會議屋及舊州政府大樓,保羅瑞維爾 (Paul Revere) 的家,美國憲法號及博物館等波士頓的各個古蹟景點。

麻州參議員Lydai Edwards當初推動州政府通過法案,資助振興觀光旅遊業。 (周菊子攝)
            71日的重點活動,當時是中午波士頓市長出席的揭幕式,還有2點的梅西 (Macy’s) 時裝秀,夏日街上的藝術市場。

           72日在夏日街上會有古董車展,中午到下午2點,在冬日街和Bromfield街之間的華盛頓街上,有周打魚湯節,民眾可免費享用周打魚湯。晚上6點在哥倫布公園 (Christopher Columbus Park) 那兒有音樂會,晚上915分有煙花可欣賞。

             73日在芬紐廳,城中區都有各種表演,法蘭克林街梯那兒會有歌劇演出。

             74日一早9點,慶祝第246届獨立日的遊行,將從波士頓市政府廣場出發,走道舊州政府大樓。10點時,古砲兵連將維持傳統在舊州政府大樓的陽台上朗讀美國獨立宣言。11點半時,美國憲法號將駛經波士頓海港。下午1點,在城中區的法蘭克林階梯,將有人朗讀著名學者暨廢奴主義者Frederick Douglass的著名演說,「對奴隸來說,七月四日意味著什麼」。

             查詢海港節活動詳情可上網https://www.bostonharborfest.com/schedule/。(更新版)

City of Boston Funding updates

 

CITY of BOSTON

The Funding Update



Housing & Urban Development, 7/29/2022
Jobs Plus grants support work readiness, employer linkages, job placement, educational advancement, technology skills, and financial literacy for residents of public housing. Average award $1.6M.

National Endowment for the Arts, 8/4/2022
Our Town creative placemaking grant projects require a partnership between local government entities and nonprofit organizations, one of which must be a cultural organization. Projects should also engage in partnership with other sectors, such as agriculture and food, economic development, education and youth, environment and energy, health, housing, public safety, transportation, and workforce development.Grants range from $25,000 to $150,000. A dollar-for-dollar match is required, at a minimum.  
Contact the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture with any questions. 

Office of Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Prevention, 8/15/2022
Supporting Vulnerable At-Risk Youth and Youth Transitioning Out of Foster Care grants will support a pilot demonstration program consisting of treatment models for residential care, treatment, and services. Funding categories: Project Sites and Training/Technical Assistance.
Max award: $825,000.

Department of Education, 9/27/2022
The purpose of the Promise Neighborhoods program is to significantly improve the academic and developmental outcomes of children and youth living in the most distressed communities of the US, by ensuring school readiness, high school graduation, and access to a community-based continuum of high-quality services. Notice of Intent is due 7/29/2022. Max award: $6M.
 


Federal funding opportunities are continuously updated on grants.gov


STATE GRANTS

Massachusetts Housing Partnership + Massachusetts Housing Finance Agency

The Massachusetts Homeowner Assistance Fund is available for homeowners who are behind on their mortgage payments because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of HAF is to prevent foreclosures and displacements of eligible homeowners. 


Department of Early Education & Care, 9/30/2022

Short-term financing is available to child care providers to help sustain program operations despite enrollment fluctuations and ensure the continued availability of care in under-resourced communities.

New This Week


Massachusetts Service Alliance, 7/18/2022

AmeriCorps Planning grants are available for organizations that are interested in eventually hosting their own AmeriCorps State program. Most grants will range between $50,000 - $60,000. The matching requirement is 24%, and can be cash and/or in-kind.

Executive Office of Elder Affairs, 7/18/2022
EOEA is seeking to contract with community partners to expand the public health workforce in the aging and disability network in Massachusetts. $1.2M is available for fee-for-service contracts.

Executive Office of Labor & Workforce Development + Commonwealth Corporation
Multiple funding opportunities to train and upskill a current workforce, and to develop a pipeline of workers.Open deadlines.

Scroll down to "Important Links" on CommBUYS to see Newly Posted Bids.


CITY GRANTS

Age Strong Commission, 7/12/2022
Invites all interested agencies serving Boston’s older adults to submit proposals for federal sub-grants to support a comprehensive health and social service system for Boston’s older adults. Three funding categories are available.


Office of Financial Empowerment, 7/13/2022

Seeking competitive bids from consultants to implement the second phase of a project to improve the service delivery and effectiveness of financial coaching available through the Roxbury Center for Financial Empowerment. Estimated contract: $75,000.

Boston Public Schools, 8/8/2022
Seeking bids for 3-year contracts with for-profit and nonprofit providers to expand universal Pre-K support and services to three and four-year-olds in the City of Boston.

New This Week


Environment Department, 7/18/2022
The Commissioner of Environment has issued a Request for Proposals from qualified consultants to provide energy procurement and supply bill reconciliation services to the City.

Boston Public Health Commission, 7/18/2022
The Mayor's Office of Recovery Services is seeking organization(s) to fill a critical need in the daytime continuum of care for individuals with substance use disorder, specifically those individuals experiencing homelessness.

Boston Public Health Commission, 7/22/2022
The Mayor's Office of Recovery Services is seeking organization(s) to support community engagement teams for up to three neighborhoods identified as high need.

Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture, 7/22/2022
Requests proposals for a design and installation of public art at the Copley Square Plaza.


Bids are updated continuously on the City of Boston Supplier Portal.


FOUNDATION GRANTS

Social Innovation Forum, Now through 7/13/2022
The Social Innovator Accelerator helps nonprofit organizations gain visibility, expand their networks, and connect with philanthropic and in-kind resources to accelerate their work. Each selected organization, a Social Innovator, receives access to cash and in-kind benefits valued at more than $150,000.


New Pluralists, 7/15/2022
Grants will support the leadership of people who are building trust across divides, and that support communities' efforts to create and act together across differences. Proposals focused within locations experiencing increasing divisiveness are of particular interest. Grants will range from $100,000 to $500,000.

Fund for Workforce Equity, 7/31/2022
Funding and technical assistance are available to workforce development organizations. It is anticipated that typical awards will range from $50,000 to $70,000. 


Kent Richard Hofmann Foundation, 8/5/2022 to 9/2/2022

The Foundation supports community-based nonprofit organizations that focus on HIV/AIDS care and direct services, education, or research. 

Overwatch Alliance, 8/18/2022
Grants up to $15,000 support nonprofits that provide services to active military, veterans and their families.

Draper Richard Kaplan Foundation, Open
Grants up to $350,000 support nonprofits and social enterprises to develop game-changing ideas or early-stage projects that have a high potential for large-scale impact and sustainable change.


Andrew Family Foundation, Open

Grants support nonprofits whose work impacts the lives of youth through educational programs and services.


Literacy Opportunity Fund, Open
Grants ($3,000 to $6,000) support nonprofits that provide literacy services directly to students. 

Brooks and Joan Fortune Family Foundation, Open
Funding priorities: education and the arts. Awards generally range from $1,000 to $10,000. 

Wallace Global Fund, Open
Grants are provided for initiatives at the national and global levels, as well as for significant local Funding priorities: Challenge Corporate Power, Defend and Renew Democracy, Protect the Environment, Promote Truth and Creative Freedom in Media, and Advance Women's Human Rights and Empowerment.


Check the Funding Update Archives for back issues with open deadlines.


THE RESOURCE TABLE


Apply Now for Immigrants Lead Boston

Boston immigrants who want to become leaders in the community can now apply for this opportunity through the Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement. Through a 12-week course, 20 selected residents will meet key City of Boston officials and learn how to effectively navigate local government. Ideal candidates are emerging leaders committed to advocating for their immigrant community.
Register for a virtual information session on July 14 from 6-7 pm, or July 30 from 10-11 am; and apply by August 7.



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