BOSTON ART COMMISSION VOTES TO APPROVE FINAL DESIGN OF “THE EMBRACE”

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON ART COMMISSION VOTES TO APPROVE FINAL DESIGN OF “THE EMBRACE,” A MEMORIAL HONORING MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AND CORETTA SCOTT KING   Memorial to be unveiled in 2022

 

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 17, 2021 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh, together with the Mayor’s Office of Arts and Culture, the Boston Art Commission (BAC), and King Boston/The Boston Foundation, announced the Boston Art Commission has voted to approve the final design for The Embrace, by artist Hank Willis Thomas on the Boston Common, as proposed by King Boston acting by and through The Boston Foundation. The Embrace is a bronze figural abstraction based on a photo of an embrace between Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King. The artwork differs from the singular, heroic form of many memorials to Dr. King and others, instead emphasizing the power of collective action, the role of women as leaders, and the forging of new bonds of solidarity out of mutual empathy and vulnerability. The sculpture, which invites visitors to gather and enter into the Kings’ embrace, is a key component of an extensive vision led by King Boston to create a living memorial and programs honoring the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King and ushering a climate of economic justice and racial equity in the city. The new memorial, initiated by a partnership between the City of Boston and King Boston as a result of calls for a memorial to Dr. King spanning several decades, will spark a public conversation about how to advance racial and social justice in Boston today. “With this vote, we are one step closer to seeing this memorial come to life in our city, recognizing Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King’s trailblazing legacy,” said Mayor Walsh. “It will be a constant source of inspiration for all residents and visitors to Boston, and will play an important role in marking the progress we’ve made in addressing inequity in our city, and reminding us of the work that still needs to be done.” The memorial will be located on the Boston Common, adjacent to the Parkman Bandstand, where Dr. King spoke in 1965. It is planned to be installed and accessioned as part of the City’s public art collection in 2022, and will serve as a living space for conversation, education, and reflection on the Kings’ time in Boston and the racial and economic justice ideals they put forth to the community. This project was initiated by entrepreneur Paul English, who convened an Art Committee with his co-chair Rev. Liz Walker to begin the design process for the memorial. The City released a Call to Artists, and received responses from 126 artists teams around the world. The Art Committee selected five finalist teams, and their concepts were shared for public input in the summer of 2018. After receiving approximately 1,000 public comments, three teams were invited to move on to the feasibility stage, where a team reviewed the practicality of each design. In March 2019, the Boston Art Commission selected The Embrace by artist Hank Willis Thomas and MASS Design Group as the design for the memorial.

 

 

“This is a really exciting moment and opportunity for us in this project, which honors the legacy and love of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and Coretta Scott King,” said artist Hank Willis Thomas. “The Boston Common is the oldest city park in the country, and we are proud that this public monument will make history in this historic place.” The BAC vote for the final design of The Embrace was unanimous, contingent on the completion of a memorandum of understanding addressing details such as a maintenance fund, and with the understanding that King Boston would return to the BAC for further review if any substantial changes were made. King Boston will continue to work with the Parks Department on review of the plaza, which includes a quotation by Coretta Scott King. Because Boston Common is a Boston Landmark, the site will also need to be approved by the Boston Landmarks Commission prior to installation. "It has been a pleasure to be able to witness all of the wonderful work that has gone into this project, especially the community process," said Ekua Holmes, Vice-Chair of the Boston Art Commission. "We were able to engage the multitude of voices that make up our city in conversation about the future of public art. The Embrace represents our rich history and our shining future.” “It is no longer appropriate to build monuments of stone and steel without articulating the values and ideals of these structures,” said Imari Paris Jeffries, Executive Director of King Boston, which the Boston Foundation hosts. “The Embrace Memorial is the first step alongside the King Center for Economic Justice and Embrace Ideas that represent Boston’s values of inclusion, racial equity, and justice. We appreciate the partnership of Mayor Walsh, the Office of Arts and Culture, and the Boston Art Commission in creating a sculpture that both honors the space, the enduring legacy of the Kings, and sets the tone for a post-pandemic city.” To learn more about the project, visit https://kingboston.org/.

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3月22日起60歲以上麻州居民可接種疫苗 麻州府將發2470萬元宣導疫苗注射

麻州長查理貝克非常高興收到8000劑強生疫苗。

              (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 3月22日起，60歲以上居民及所從工作需面對公眾的人；4月5日起，55歲以上居民，以及患有一種以上某種疾病者；4月19日起，16歲以上的一般大眾，都可以接種新冠疫苗了。

             麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)和麻州人民健康服務長Marylou Sudders今(17)日在布洛克頓(Brockton)市醫療中心宣佈這日期更明確了的接種疫苗時間表。

             查理貝克再次強調，在美國人口500萬以上的各州中，麻州的施打新冠疫苗效率排名第二，到本週四時，會有大約100萬麻州居民完整的接種了疫苗，那將是麻州施打新冠疫苗作業的一大里程碑。

   

Marylou Sudders說明2470萬元補助款分發概況。

            到4月19日，凡是年紀在16歲以上者都可打疫苗時，估計又有250萬人符合接種疫苗資格。

             查理貝克表示，新冠疫苗導致的住院率和死亡率，明顯的和年齡有很大關係，麻州相信採用年齡來區分接種疫苗群組，讓最容易受影響的族群接種，是正確決定。

             查理貝克也特地指出，聯邦政府本週交付給麻州17萬劑第一劑疫苗，其中有8000劑只需注射一劑，儲存溫度要求也沒那麼嚴峻的強生

(J&J)疫苗，讓人非常高興。包括第一，第二劑疫苗在內，麻州這星期將共收到31萬6000劑疫苗。聯邦政府自行配送給聯邦零售藥店項目，或是符合聯邦資格醫療中心的疫苗劑量，並不包括在內。

             麻州收到的疫苗中，有10萬1890劑將分發給大型疫苗站，99,230劑將分發給非聯邦疾病防治中心的醫療系統及醫療護理供應商，27,450劑將分發給社區醫療中心，59,580劑將非發給區域性合作夥機構(40,370)，以及地方健康局(19,210)，零售藥店(非CVS)8490。另有19,180劑將分發給支援長照機構或集體治療場所可負擔/低收入耆英住宅大樓等的流動門診。

            收到疫苗的醫護機構有10天期限來使用這些疫苗。

            查理貝克和Marylou Sudders還宣佈，將撥發2740萬元聯邦補助款，用於執行「疫苗平等計畫」，並在受新冠病毒影響最嚴重的20個社區中，宣導推廣注射疫苗的安全性，鼓勵符合接種疫苗資格者，辦理登記，及時注射疫苗。

             查詢疫苗注射資訊可上網mass.gov/COVIDVaccine。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Vaccine Timeline for All Residents, Provides Weekly Dose Updates & $24.7 Million in Federal Funding for Vaccine Equity Initiative

BOSTON – Today, the Baker-Polito Administration announced the timeline for all remaining residents to be eligible for a vaccine.

The Administration also announced the weekly distribution of vaccine doses statewide for providers and a new $24.7 million investment in the Administration’s Vaccine Equity Initiative.

Vaccine Eligibility Timeline

Governor Baker today announced the dates that all remaining residents and certain worker groups will be eligible for a vaccine.

The Commonwealth’s detailed timeline adheres to the original timeline for the three phases announced in December.

All residents can preregister to book an appointment at a mass vaccination site at mass.gov/COVIDVaccine.

Appointments will be offered based on eligibility and available appointments nearby. It is expected that more sites will come online as part of the preregistration process in April.

Timeline for remaining groups:

• March 22^nd: Residents 60+ and certain workers

• April 5^th: Residents 55+ and residents with one certain medical condition

• April 19^th: General public ages 16 years of age and older

The full timeline is available at mass.gov/COVIDVaccinePhases.

The Administration has received assurances from the federal government that an increased vaccine supply will be available to states soon.

Depending on supply, it could take weeks for people to be notified that an appointment is available at a mass vaccination site.

Dose Update

The Administration provided the weekly update for doses allocated from the federal government.

This week, the state is receiving a modest increase in supply of first doses, approximately 170,000. This includes an unexpected 8,000 doses of J&J vaccine.

In total, the Commonwealth will receive 316,000 first and second doses as part of the state allocation. These figures do not include doses provided through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program or to Federally Qualified Health Centers.

This week, first doses and second dose state allocations (total doses), were distributed among providers as follows:

• Mass vaccination locations: 101,890

• Health systems and health care providers (excluding CHCs): 99,230

• Community Health Centers: 27,450

• Regional Collaboratives and Local Boards of Health: 59,580

• Regional Collaboratives: 40,370

• Local Boards of Health: 19,210

• Retail pharmacies (non-CVS)

• State allocation: 8,490

• Mobile Clinics supporting long-term care facilities, congregate care, affordable/low-income senior housing and homebound individuals: 19,180

Weekly allocations are subject to change based on federal availability, demand from providers, and obligations to meet second doses. Providers have 10 days to use their doses and must meet specific performance thresholds.

Federal Doses:

In addition to the state allocation, the federal government distributes vaccines to CVS Health sites as part of the Federal Retail Pharmacy Partnership as well as to certain Massachusetts federally qualified community health centers. These quantities fluctuate on a weekly basis and are not counted as part of the state’s weekly allocation.

This week, 106,440 first and second doses have been allocated to the retail pharmacy program and 9,500 doses have been allocated to the federally qualified health centers.

Individuals looking to book appointments across any of these providers should visit mass.gov/COVIDvaccine to learn more.

Vaccine Equity Initiative

The Administration also announced the release of $27.4 million in federal funds to increase trust, vaccine acceptance and administration rates as part of the Administration’s Vaccine Equity Initiative and to meet the needs of priority populations. Recognizing equity as a critical component of the state’s vaccine distribution plan, the Department of Public Health (DPH) is working closely with 20 hardest hit communities in Massachusetts as they identify their specific community needs, further building on existing support.

These federal funds from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) build upon current and past efforts supporting vaccination in these communities disproportionately impacted by COVID-19 and includes partnerships with municipalities, local boards of health, community- and faith-based organizations, community health centers and others to reduce barriers to vaccination. These funds also will provide direct vaccine administration to populations that are not effectively reached through existing vaccine supply channels.

These federal funds include: 

• $10.6 million to provide direct assistance with vaccine access, including appointment registration assistance, transportation to vaccination clinics, mobility assistance, medical interpretation, and other supports. These services will be delivered through contracted community-based organizations (CBOs), community health centers (CHCs), and behavioral health providers.

• $5.1 million to invest in community health centers through the Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers to expand vaccination capacity at community health centers, including Community Health Worker Ambassadors.

• $4.7 million to support municipalities and local boards of health through direct funding of the 20 equity municipalities for coordination and support for vaccine clinics and acceptance.

• $4 million to help tailor community outreach and education through direct funding of local community-based and faith-based organizations in the 20 equity municipalities.

• $3 million for direct vaccine administration in community settings by funding qualified organizations to directly administer vaccination to groups not effectively reached by other mechanisms.

These activities will build on DPH-supported initiatives already in progress, such as outreach and collaboration with community and faith-based organizations, increased connections and investment in Community Health Centers, and grassroots neighborhood outreach by teams of trained staff and residents led by Archipelago Strategies Group (ASG), a minority-owned business, and Health Care For All (HCFA).

Other activities already underway include the DPH COVID-19 Vaccine Ambassador Program, which has assisted with dozens of local meetings to answer questions about vaccine, wide dissemination and amplification of the state’s “Trust the Facts. Get the Vax.” multilingual public awareness campaign, and the DPH Community Liaisons who are meeting weekly with representatives from the communities to identify and lift barriers to vaccine access and support community-based solutions.

The Administration’s Vaccine Equity Initiative focuses on 20 cities and towns with the greatest COVID-19 case burden, taking into account social determinants of health and the disproportionate impact of COVID-19 on Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). These communities are Boston, Brockton, Chelsea, Everett, Fall River, Fitchburg, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Lawrence, Leominster, Lowell, Lynn, Malden, Methuen, New Bedford, Randolph, Revere, Springfield, and Worcester.

美國援救計畫1.9兆元中昆士市得4630萬元

 

昆士市長柯奇(Tom Koch，前中)和聯邦眾議員林奇(後右二)，
昆士市議會議長梁秀婷(後右一)，麻州眾議會議長Ronald Mariano
說明昆士市獲得4630萬元美國援救計畫補助款。(圖片來自視頻截圖)

     (Boston Orange)聯邦眾議員林奇(Stephen Lynch)今(13)日在波士頓市和昆士市，分別和兩位市長攜手宣佈，聯邦政府「美國援救計畫(America Rescure Plan)」撥給地方的款項。昆士市可得4630萬元。

                 林奇發言時，點名麻州地鐵(MBTA)，指責該機構將獲得巨額聯邦政府補助，卻讓員工放無薪休假，縮減巴士服務。營運通勤火車的Keolis，上週末也宣佈再裁員40人。他說，國會推出原就計畫是要幫助人們重新開始搭地鐵，搭巴士，刺激經濟復甦，但MBTA卻裁員，刪減服務，走的方向和國會完全相反。

             MBTA早前預測，由於新冠病毒導致的搭乘量巨幅下跌，在未來5年左右，將面對約10億元的預算短缺。不過自從新冠病毒疫情以來，在美國援救計畫補助款之外，MBTA已經獲得兩項聯邦紓困計畫的共約11億元補助。批評者認為，MBTA沒有理由還需要裁員，刪減服務。

             工會支持的「公共交通公共利益(Public Transit Public Good)」這聯盟去年12月公佈了一份報告，估計MBTA的大幅度刪減服務，意味著刪除800個工作機會。MBTA並未透露該機構大約刪減了多紹個職位。

             代表昆士市已20年的林奇，今日在昆士市府和麻州眾議會議長Ronald Mariano，昆士市長柯奇(Tom Koch)，昆士市議會議長梁秀婷一同討論1.9兆元的美國援救計畫。

             該法案包括分發到全美各地的300億元的交通紓困金。MBTA人員原本說，至少還得等幾星期，才會知道可以拿到多少補助，不過身為MBTA顧問委員會主席的昆士市市長柯奇今日表示，大概會有8億5000萬元左右。

             上週日MBTA的服務進一步刪減，非必要巴士路線和紅線，橘線及綠線地鐵的服務頻率降低了20%。必要巴士路線和藍線地鐵的服務頻率也將低了5%。

疫情期間 波士頓共發放2500萬磅食物約680萬份餐食

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES MILESTONES IN BOSTON’S FOOD ACCESS EFFORTS ONE YEAR AFTER DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY

Over 25 million pounds of food distributed and more than 6.8 million meals served or delivered to youth and older adults

BOSTON - Monday, March 15, 2021 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor’s Office of Food Access (OFA) today announced various milestones in food access, including one year since the emergency food response began. When the Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) declared a public health emergency on March 15, 2020, the City of Boston initiated a response to ensure every Bostonian had access to essential services, including food. Since the declaration of the public health emergency, the Office of Food Access, together with its partners, has distributed 25 million pounds of food; 5.6 million prepared meals across 91 meal sites; 1.2 million meals delivered to residents’ homes; 207,000 grocery bags; and 123,000 produce and grocery staples boxes. Since March 15, 2020, the Mayor’s Office of Food Access has invested $3.8 million into its pandemic-related meal efforts, and the Boston Resiliency Fund has granted $19.88 million in funding to 255 non-profit partners working to increase access to food and other basic needs for Boston residents. 

The Mayor’s Office of Food Access emergency food response system included strengthening the network of food pantries and meal sites throughout the City, delivering food to residents’ homes, supporting immigrant-serving organizations, and making sure Boston’s youth had access to the food they usually received at their schools.

“Ensuring access to nutritious food is a critical piece to our response to the COVID-19 pandemic, and a key part of Boston’s equitable response to this pandemic,” said Mayor Walsh. “Since the beginning of the public health emergency, we knew that reaching all Bostonians in need was vital to ensure everyone’s wellbeing, especially as we asked individuals to stay home and as more people faced financial challenges. Thank you to all of our non-profit partners, the Office of Food Access, the Age Strong Commission and the Boston Public Schools for your partnership in creating a network of food access for all Bostonians who need a helping hand. Together, we will continue to care for all of Boston’s residents.”

“We are very proud of what we achieved during this year, and we couldn’t have done it without the help of our partners. Our long-standing partnerships, as well the new partnerships we created will continue to help us increase food access for our residents, and contribute to a more equitable Boston,” said Catalina López-Ospina, Mayor’s Office of Food Access Director. “The Mayor’s Office of Food Access values the trust Boston residents placed in our team when reaching out to ask for help. We are aware that making a call or writing us an email is hard, but we are here to take care of you and your family during these challenging times.” 

SUPPORT FOR YOUTH AND OLDER ADULTS

Since March of 2020, the Office of Food Access, together with Boston Public Schools and the YMCA of Greater Boston distributed more than 5.6 million meals across 91 meal sites throughout the COVID-19 pandemic to youth and older adults. Additionally, Boston Public Schools (BPS) provided over 40,000 bags of free groceries at meal sites and delivered more than 1.2 million meals directly to families of students who regularly received door-to-door transportation.

"Just one year ago we closed our school doors and immediately rallied with our City partners to ensure our children and families did not miss a meal. At BPS, we are incredibly proud to be part of a citywide team that came together for our children and families so that they had one less thing to worry about. Food security is near and dear to my heart and I know personally the impact these critical partnerships have on families,” said BPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius. “I am very thankful to Mayor Walsh and the Mayor’s Office of Food Access for their commitment to providing meals for our students and families, and I am so proud of BPS Food and Nutrition Services, and every team member, colleague and volunteer who made it possible for our students and families to conveniently access over 4.5 million free healthy meals throughout this challenging year.” 

“I have been out of work and my grandsons live with me. We pick up lunches from the school site every day but when the weekend comes we need additional food,” said a Boston resident. “The bags of groceries that you deliver are a godsend for us. I am so grateful for the fresh produce, the meats, the milk and eggs. They keep the kids happy and lessen the stress I am feeling. Thank you so much.”

The City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission worked with the Office of Food Access to ensure older adults had access to meals during the state’s “Safer At Home” Advisory. Between adult meal sites and the Meals on Wheels program, more than 2.5 million meals were distributed to Boston’s older adults. Boston’s Meals on Wheels partners include Ethos, Greater Boston Chinese Golden Age Center, Central Boston Elder Services, Boston Senior Home Care, Emily’s, City Fresh, 2 Life Communities, Hebrew Senior Life, and EMPath (Economic Mobility Pathways). Additionally, with support from the City of Boston, FEMA, and the Boston Resiliency Fund, About Fresh delivered 123,697 produce and grocery staples boxes, and the YMCA of Greater Boston delivered 207,413 grocery bags to older adults and youth homes. 

“The partnership the YMCA of Greater Boston shares with the City of Boston and the Boston Public Schools is incredible and has flourished during the past year. Together, we have delivered food to our most vulnerable children, families and seniors. It is a blessing to unite our organizational skills, infrastructures and ‘people power’ in the spirit of serving others,” said James O’S. Morton, Esq., President/CEO of the YMCA of Greater Boston. “We thank the City of Boston for allowing the YMCA of Greater Boston to participate in this important partnership, as we are universally committed to mitigating hunger for all Bostonians during this crisis and beyond.”

SUPPORT FOR GENERAL PUBLIC

Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of Food Access also expanded other programs and initiatives to better serve the community in need. For Boston residents that cannot access federal benefits, Mayor Walsh announced in September that the Offices of Food Access and Immigrant Advancement partnered with Fair Foods to provide more than 1.5 million pounds of fresh bread, fruits, and vegetables for more than 5,300 Bostonian families. This was done in part through grant funding from the Boston Resiliency Fund. With the funding, Fair Foods expanded to 50 sites across the City of Boston. Fair Foods, through their network of non-profit partners, increased food access for immigrant communities, including those who do not qualify for state or federal assistance in the City of Boston.  

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES MILESTONES IN BOSTON’S FOOD ACCESS EFFORTS ONE YEAR AFTER DECLARATION OF PUBLIC HEALTH EMERGENCY 

Over 25 million pounds of food distributed and more than 6.8 million meals served or delivered to youth and older adults

Additionally, the City’s Double Up Food Bucks program, which expanded in September, provided SNAP beneficiaries over $60,000 to buy fresh fruits and vegetables. To support local Boston farmers, the Office of Food Access, with financial support from the Boston Resiliency Fund and the collaboration of Mass Farmers Market, distributed $91,000 in coupons to 21 farmers’ markets during the summer. This assistance has been extended into the winter season, with five winter farmers' markets receiving a total of $25,000 to distribute in coupons to improve affordability and access, and to incentivize residents to purchase local produce.

“I have been having a very hard time financially: this pandemic has not been easy and I’m unemployed. Not having the extra stress of putting food on the table is amazing,” said a Boston resident. “Thank you all for the help you give to families-- a little goes a long way and it’s highly appreciated.”

At the beginning of the public health emergency, the City experienced a rapid increase in demand for food at all food pantries. In response, the Office of Food Access partnered with the Greater Boston Food Bank (GBFB) to ensure food pantries were supplied and the changing needs were met. The Greater Boston Food Bank delivered 25 million pounds of food to partners in the City of Boston, the equivalent of over 21 million meals. 

“Our partnership with the City of Boston, and the more than 100 non-profit agencies in the city, has been critical in responding to the surge in food insecurity brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Catherine D’Amato, President and CEO, The Greater Boston Food Bank. “Now one year into this crisis, we reflect on the resiliency of Boston. The support from the City through funding, strategy and partnership has been instrumental in enabling GBFB to double its operations and distribute healthy and nutritious food to those in need in every corner of the city.”

For more information about food resources throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, visit here

第125屆波士頓馬拉松預2萬人參賽 4月23日前受理報名

(Boston Orange 編譯)波士頓體育協會(BAA)今(13)日宣佈，第125屆波士頓馬拉松賽將於10月11日舉行，預計2萬人參加。4月20日至4月23日，該會官網體育村(Athlete’s Village)這平台將受理親自參賽的報名。

波士頓體育會執行長Tom Grilk表示，該會一直和地方及州，市政府等合作夥伴保持密切聯繫，以訂定適當的，容許跑者保持社交安全距離的賽跑場地。尤其是起跑點和終點更加重要。因此今年除了場地較前幾年小之外，還會採行更嚴格的規定，以確保參加者及大眾的健康。

             4月20日美東時間早上10點起，任何達到波士頓馬拉松賽現有合格時間標準者，都可上網報名。該會將採先到先得方式，在4月23日美東時間下午5點截止收件。

             往年報名時間長達2週，並以跑步成績最快者為優先。今年由於時間較短，所有符合資格者可在報名期間的任何時間上網登記。

             挑選過程將和往年一樣。申請者在4月20至23日之間遞交的資格及跑步時間，將由波士頓體育會確認並照合格時間標準排序。波士頓體育會將待審核完畢後，通知獲選參賽者。

             完成比賽者將可獲得紀念第125屆波士頓馬拉松賽的特別版獨角獸獎牌。

             2021年波士頓馬拉松賽的符合資格期間從2018年9月15日起算。該日期以後在USATF，AIMS，或者其他外國等同資格賽的符合資格時間，都可用於報名本屆比賽。虛擬馬拉松賽的時間，不能用於報名參加波士頓馬拉松賽。

             殘障組和適應計畫也將遵循4月20至23日的報名時間。查詢資格標準等時間，可上波士頓馬拉松賽官網。

             有意參加波士頓馬拉松慈善賽者，可從4月20日起報名組隊。2020年波士頓體育會官方慈善賽及2020約翰漢考克非牟利項目隊伍將獲邀參加2021年賽事。

            波士頓體育會今年還將舉行虛擬波士頓馬拉松賽，以慶祝第125屆比賽。這一虛擬賽將於10月8日至10日舉行，面向首7萬名報名者開放。這一比賽將從3月30日美東時間早上10點起，在體育村官網上受理報名。

 125^th Boston Marathon Field Size Established As 20,000 Entrants

Registration will take place Tuesday, April 20 through Friday, April 23

BOSTON—The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) has announced the field size for the 125^th Boston Marathon scheduled for Monday, October 11, 2021 will be 20,000 entrants. Registration for the in-person race will take place Tuesday, April 20 through Friday, April 23, 2021.

“The B.A.A. has been working in close coordination with our local, city, and state partners to establish an appropriate field size that will allow for social distancing throughout the course, especially at the start and finish,” said Tom Grilk, President and C.E.O. of the B.A.A. “In addition to a smaller field than in previous years, we will have significant additional protocols in place to ensure participant and public health. We are committed to making the oldest annual marathon in the world as safe as possible in October.”

Registration for the 125^th Boston Marathon will be held through the B.A.A.’s online platform, Athlete’s Village. Beginning Tuesday, April 20 at 10:00AM ET, any athlete who has achieved a currently valid Boston Marathon qualifying time may submit a registration application within Athletes’ Village. Registration for the in-person 2021 Boston Marathon is not first come, first-served and applications will be accepted until 5:00PM ET on Friday, April 23. In prior years, registration was held over the course of two weeks with the fastest qualifiers registering first. Due to the shorter timeline this year, all qualifiers may register at any point during the registration week window.

The selection process will remain consistent with prior years: applications and qualifying times submitted between April 20 and April 23 will be verified and ranked by the B.A.A. based on the amount of time an athlete has run under their respective qualifying standard. Applicants will be notified of acceptance or non-acceptance once the B.A.A. has verified all qualifying times and applications. Finishers of the in-person race will receive a special edition Unicorn medal in honor of the 125^th anniversary year.

The qualifying window for the 2021 Boston Marathon opened on September 15, 2018. Any valid qualifying time run on or after that date may be used to submit a Boston Marathon registration application. Qualifying times must be achieved at USATF, AIMS, or foreign equivalent certified races; times from virtual marathons cannot be used for Boston Marathon qualifying purposes. Achieving a qualifying time does not guarantee acceptance of entry into the Boston Marathon. The B.A.A. will not predict a “cut-off” time. Registration for Para Athletics Divisions and Adaptive Programs will also follow the April 20–23 registration timeline. Information on Para Athletics qualifying standards can be found on the B.A.A.’s website.

Anyone interested in running for a member of the Boston Marathon Official Charity Program may apply to a team beginning on Tuesday, April 20. Organizations that comprised the 2020 B.A.A. Official Charity Program and 2020 John Hancock Non-Profit Program will receive invitational entries for the 2021 race. Each nonprofit organization manages its own application process, athlete selection, fundraising minimums, deadlines, and requirements.

In addition to the in-person road race, the B.A.A. is also holding a historic virtual Boston Marathon in celebration of the 125^th running of the Boston Marathon. The virtual marathon will take place over race weekend October 8–10, and will be open to the first 70,000 registrants. Registration for the virtual race will open on Tuesday, March 30 at 10:00AM ET through the B.A.A.’s Athletes’ Village. Applicants who are not accepted into the in-person Boston Marathon and want to run virtually will have the opportunity to register for the virtual event.

Additional information on entry fees for the in-person and virtual races, COVID-19 safety measures, and participant requirements will be announced in the coming weeks.

波士頓市長疫情匯報3/15 波士頓居民已有13%注射了新冠疫苗

 

波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh，左)和聯邦眾議員林奇
(Stephen F. Lynch)聯袂說明美國援救計畫。(視頻截圖)

           (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)今(13)日和聯邦眾議員林奇(Stephen F. Lynch)在芬紐廳(Faneuil Hall)說明聯邦政府的「美國新冠疫情援救計畫(Covid-19 rescure plan)」，稱截至3月10日，波士頓居民已有13%接種了新冠疫苗。

             若以16歲以上成人為計算依據，已有23%波士頓居民至少接種了一劑新冠疫苗。

             馬丁華殊強調，雖然已接種新冠疫苗的人數越來越多，但人們不宜掉以輕心，仍應繼續戴口罩，勤洗手，保持6英尺安全距離，並接受檢測。波士頓市共有25個新冠病毒檢測站，民眾可上波市府官網，或撥打311熱線電話查詢。

             馬丁華殊也指出，幼稚園到12年級的學校老師及職員，現在都有資格預約接種新冠疫苗了。他今早拜訪了一家本地學校，該校有17名教員已於上週末接種了新冠疫苗。

             聯邦眾議員林奇表示，在國會剛通過的1.9兆元中，包括要發給社區醫療中心的76億元。

             林奇還特地恭喜即將上任美國勞工部部長的馬丁華殊，稱兩人是朋友，早年同在工會服務，馬丁華殊屬於223工會，他則是地方鐵工第7工會。他認為馬丁華殊獲提名出任勞工部部長，具有歷史意義。

             林奇也談到撥款給麻州地鐵(MBTA)，還有286億元支持餐飲業。

(Boston Orange)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)3月15日在芬紐廳(Faneuil Hall)匯報新冠病毒疫情，並和聯邦眾議員林奇(Stephen Lynch)一起闡述美國救援計畫的1.9兆元對波士頓市有哪些幫助。

關於新冠病毒疫情的最新數據，麻州方面，截至3月14日，共有1508宗新增確診案例，累計達568,616宗，新增30人死亡，累計16,311。波士頓市截至3月15日，新增確診案例87宗，累計61,025宗，新增4人死亡，累計1313人死亡。

            截至3月7日，波士頓市平均每日有3942人做了新冠病毒檢測，以7天為準的平均每日確診人數為165人，平均每日確診率為3.6%。

            截至3月10日，有23.7%的16歲以上波士頓居民，已至少接種了一劑新冠疫苗，有13.3%完整的接種了疫苗。

            目前波士頓市已有數星期保持在憂慮標準線以下，住院人數也持續下降，每天都有更多人接種了疫苗，整體情況向好發展，但疫情尚未全消，民眾仍宜謹慎，保持勤洗手，戴口罩，注意安全社交距離。已注射疫苗者可查察聯邦疾病防治中心網站的指導原則，做為和其他人安全接觸的參考。

馬丁華殊表示，儘管本週有聖派屈克日節慶，慶幸的是沒有很多大型聚會，市府派人員查訪餐廳是否遵循條例，結果也是大多數營業場所都很守規矩。他很感謝各方人士的合作。

他說，病毒檢測仍然是目前最基本的控制病毒散佈方式。波士頓市府希望每個人都能做檢測，波士頓市共有25個病毒檢測站，以及免費為任何人做檢測的流動檢測車，本週將在牙買加平原的Mildred Hailey公寓的Anna Cole 社區中心，海德公園的波士頓復興特許學校，多徹斯特的Strand劇院，以及Prince Hall Grand Lodge。查詢相關檢測資源可上網Boston.gov/TestingPledge。查詢相關資訊可上網Boston.gov，或撥打311電話。

在疫苗方面，波士頓市將支持州政府的疫苗實施辦法。目前65歲以上，以及患有2種以上疾病者，可以接種疫苗。上星期，老師，托兒所工作人員，以及幼稚園到12年級的學校員工，也都有資格接種疫苗了。查詢相關資訊可上州政府網站Mass.gov/CovidVaccine。

波士頓市65歲以上耆英可撥打311電話，找市府耆英局(Age Strong Commission)尋求多語協助。

退伍軍人不論年齡，只要註冊登記退伍軍人醫療保險，可以到任何一家退伍軍人醫療設施去接種疫苗。波士頓市的退伍軍人服務辦公室也將和各疫苗門診處合作，服務退伍軍人。3月17日早上10點至下午1點，在麥特潘(Mattapan)的William E. Carter美國退伍軍人會，3月20日的早上10點至下午1點在洛士百利(Roxbury)哥倫布大道的Urban Edge都有為退伍軍人服務的門診。需要交通服務的退伍軍人可撥打311電話。

麥特潘的BCYF Gallivan社區中心已闢為專為教師及學校工作人員，校巴駕駛注射疫苗地點。本週及下週的週日至週四開放。數星期後將再次開放，專供教師等人員注射第二劑疫苗。

波士頓公校在3月15日這天，歡迎家長同意的4到8年級學生回校上課。若公眾健康數據顯示良好，9到12年級學生將從3月29日起回校上課。

目前，各學校仍以部分回校上課，部分在家學習的方式教學。州政府呼籲各學區讓所有的中小學從4月起，自由選擇是否讓所有學生整天回校上課，

馬丁華殊表示，波士頓公校和市府將繼續尊重各家庭的選擇，因此仍會向所有家庭提供遠程教學。波士頓公校在3月15日這天早上發出問卷調查，詢問家長希望遠程教學或全天到校上課，並要求家長們在3月22日交回問卷。查詢詳情可上網BostonPublicSchools.org.。

關於戶外用餐部分，波士頓市長在2週前已宣布，4月1日起准許餐廳在戶外供餐。上週五，波士頓市把這日期提前到3月22日。波士頓市殘障局將繼續為有需要的餐廳提供殘障坡道。

由於北端(North End)餐廳密集度高，該地區餐廳的戶外供餐開始日期將維持在4月1日。波士頓市經濟發展辦公室刻正和波士頓黑人娛樂業聯盟合作，宣導市府可提供那些技術援助。波市府也將繼續在網上安排辦公時間，舉辦申請戶外供餐申請工作坊。查詢可上網Boston.gov/2021OutdoorDining。

波士頓市長馬丁華殊在3月15日這天還和聯邦眾議員林奇(Stephen Lynch)一起，聯袂闡述美國援救計畫的1.9兆美元，對波士頓市有哪些幫助，感謝拜登總統和代表麻州的聯邦參眾議員。

他們指出，經由美國援救計畫的1.9兆美元，凡是年收入在15萬美元以下者，將拿到美國寄發的1400元紓困支票。對有四口人的家庭來說，就是5600元了。

兒童抵稅優惠也將調漲為每名兒童3600元，以每月分期支付方式給付。失業救濟福利，每週多發300元也將展延至今春及今夏。

波士頓市府也將獲得資助來擴大辦理食物安全項目，為民眾提供租金、貸款及水電費紓困金，發補助款給提供托兒服務業者，為小企業提供更多支援等。

美國援救計畫還將撥款3500億元，資助各地州市政府，1300億元資助幼稚園到12年級的教育。波士頓市及麻州都將受益。

波士頓亞裔走上街頭 呼籲終結種族歧視 停止恨

「停止仇恨亞裔」遊行隊伍最後在麻州州政府大樓前呼籲。(周菊子攝)

13日下午有數百人聚集在Parkman音樂台前，支持「停
指亞裔仇恨」。(周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)數百名亞裔及支持者，3月13日從波士頓廣場Parkman音樂台，繞經史都華街，尼倫街，林肯街，華埠牌樓，再匯聚在麻州政府大樓前，高舉標語呼口號，「停止仇恨亞裔，愛亞裔(Stop Asian Hate, Love Asian People)」。

              針對亞裔的仇恨犯罪，去年激增，非牟利組織「停止恨亞裔(Stop AAPI Hate)」整理的一份報告稱，去年共有2800多宗亞裔仇恨事件記錄在案，麻州共有67宗。然而亞裔一向沉默，未經舉報的亞裔仇恨行為恐怕遠不只此數。

阮杜安(譯音，Ryan Doan Nguyen)是哈佛大學新鮮人。
(周菊子攝)

              轄區包括波士頓華埠的麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)應邀致詞時，嘉許年輕人為正義挺身而出，直言亞裔很重要，稱現在的國家，州及市這社會有問題，有些人對待其他人不恰當。他說多元是這城市強勁的原因之一，尤其在困難時刻，大家更必須要團結一致。他強調要中止種族歧視，也提醒亞裔報案的重要，因為不說出來，沒有記錄，人們就以為沒問題。

              「停止恨亞裔」這活動是由一群學生發起的。主要發起人是一名18歲，具越南及寮族血源的哈佛大學大一學生阮杜安(譯音，Ryan Doan Nguyen)，以及來自加拿大，目前在東北大學念書的Manny Chong，來自佛羅里達州邁阿密的拉丁裔女生，也是哈佛大學生的Janet Hernandez。

              阮杜安表示，大約一年前，他就已經有發起遊行的念頭，今年2月，住在舊金山的84歲泰裔老人在例行散步途中，無辜遇襲身亡。這消息讓他再也坐不住了。他為自己父母，祖輩的人身安危，擔心不已，深怕他們一出門，就莫名其妙的遭人縱火，被人推打。

麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)提醒亞裔遭遇不平要報案。
(周菊子攝)

              波士頓同源會創會共同會長李衛新表示，根據非正式記錄，亞裔比美國人還早來到美國，有記錄的也200多年，何況華人協助建造大西洋鐵路，包括他的祖輩，許多人曾參軍保護美國，對美國的建立卓有貢獻。這些亞裔對美國有貢獻的故事，必須更廣泛的傳播出去。

              紐英崙中華公所主席鄭慧民也上台發言。他記得他父親曾經告訴他，一根筷子很容易折斷，但是一把筷子，就很難折了。亞裔團結就有力量。另一名拉丁裔牧師上台發言時也請出席活動的群眾和他一起呼喊「團結就不會被打敗」。

波士頓同源會李衛新強調亞裔對美國有貢獻。

              13日這天參加遊行的人，來自四面八方，還有愛默生學院等不同院校學生，帶出席者喊「我們是耆英的保護者，我們是兄弟姊妹的保護者」等等口號的非洲裔社會運動組織者，波士頓華埠的伍輝民夫婦，翁宇才，梁利堂，黃鷹立等等。波士頓華商會會長蔡倩婷也和該會幹部陳文珊，籲請各界到華埠用餐，以行動支持亞裔。

              波士頓的亞裔社區在這場「停止恨亞裔」遊行之後，3月25日晚上6點，有麻州亞美局和華人前進會，亞美社區發展協會，波士頓華埠社區中心等16各機構發起，在網路上舉行的「麻州反歧視亞裔城鎮會議」，3月14日中午12點，在柯普利廣場有無名跑步團隊(UNMD Run Crew)發起的「保護華埠」遊行。

左起，阮鴻燦，鄭慧民，翁宇財等人發言，舉牌。

左起，伍輝民夫婦，余文博夫人，鄭慧民，阮鴻燦等人在
活動現場舉牌支持。(周菊子攝)

波士頓華商會會長蔡倩婷也和該會幹部陳文珊，
籲請各界到華埠用餐，(周菊子攝)

這塊標語牌展示多名遭遇仇恨攻擊的亞裔。(周菊子攝)

講廣東話的民眾到場支持。(周菊子攝)

人們聚集在波士頓廣場的音樂台前。(周菊子攝)

遊行隊伍高舉「別坐在哪兒保持沉默」等口號牌，經過華埠。
(周菊子攝)