新冠病毒疫期繼續惡化 11/21 麻州新增確診案近3000宗 美國近20萬宗

 

僑委會「徵心，想見你」有獎徵文12月5日截止收件

 

            (Boston Orange)僑委會為促進全球僑胞交流互動，刻正以「僑務電子報LINE官方帳號」舉辦「徵心，想見你」有獎徵文活動，期以透過網路無國界的特性，在新冠肺炎疫情期間，帶給世界正面希望與溫暖。該活動將於12月5日截止收件。

            僑委會表示，全世界各地凡支持中華民國、熱愛臺灣的僑胞朋友們都可以參加。即日起至12月5日止，只要撰寫一篇500字稿件，配一張圖片，就有機會成為15名得獎者之一。獎額及獎品分別為冠軍獎一名任天堂一組，優勝獎4名，Apple Watch SE一台，佳作10名，僑委會專屬口罩一盒。各得獎者也都將獲發獎狀一張。

            查詢活動詳情，可加入「僑務電子報LINE官方帳號」，並在打開手機，開啟LINE App之後到「官方帳號」專區搜尋「僑務電子報」（或輸入@ocacnews），加好友之後就可以參加活動囉！查詢有獎徵文活動辦法，也可上網：預覽頁僑務電子報LINE官方帳號「徵心，想見你」 有獎徵文開跑囉！ | 僑務 | 聚焦臺灣 | 僑務電子報 (ocacnews.net)。

 

iTaiwan 講座第2講訂12月2日舉行

 

             (Boston Orange)駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處與波士頓僑教中心等8個機構合作舉辦的iTaiwan窗口講座，將於12月2日美東時間晚上7點至8點舉辦第2場講座。

              這場講座將邀請經文處科技組組長謝水龍，長庚大學新興病毒感染研究中心施信如主任，分別講談3個主題，包括科技部業務與攬才方案，台灣防疫經驗分享，海外信保疫情紓困3.0。

              8個合作機構除前述2機構外，還有波士頓地區極難救助協會，波克萊台灣商會，新英格蘭台灣青商會，新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會，紐英崙中華專業人員協會，紐英崙客家鄉親會。

                          講座將以Webex在網上舉行，活動鏈接為126 532 2438，密碼1234。

緬因州及新罕布夏州即起從麻州安全名單上除名

         (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)麻州政府宣佈，從11月21日零時1紛起，麻州旅行禁令上的低危險州再減少2個，緬因州及新罕布夏州。

            換言之，自前述日期起，從緬因州，新罕布夏州(以及其他受限制的州)進入麻州的旅客，都必須填具表格，隔離14天，或提出抵達麻州前72小時內做過新冠病毒檢測，結果陰性的報告。

            違反此一規定者，每一天罰500元。

            查詢有關麻州旅遊禁令詳情，可上網http://mass.gov/MATraveler。

     Effective 12:01 a.m. on Saturday 11/21, Maine and New Hampshire have been removed from the Department of Public Health's lower risk state list for MA’s travel order.

All travelers arriving to MA from ME and NH (and other restricted states) must fill out a form, quarantine for 14 days or produce a negative COVID test.

Please visit http://mass.gov/MATraveler for more info.

ILF Civic Fellowship Program Accepting Applications for 2021

 ILF Civic Fellowship Program Accepting Applications for 2021

The International Leadership Foundation (ILF) is pleased to announce that we are now accepting applications for the 2021 Civic Fellowship Program. Every year, ILF’s selection committee identifies approximately 30 outstanding Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) college students to spend 8 to 10 weeks interning at a federal agency in Washington D.C. during the summer.

Students accepted into the program are known as Civic Fellows and will receive a stipend upon program completion. In addition to their full-time federal internships, they will attend professional development workshops and leadership training.  Fellows are responsible for their own travel, housing, and living expenses.

“One of ILF’s goals is to prepare and advocate for the next generation of leaders in public service,” said Dr. Paul Hsu, Chairman of ILF. “It is so important to increase exposure and understanding of civic engagement so that young leaders can take action to support their communities in relevant ways.”

"Developing next generation AAPI leaders is at the heart of our mission," said Linh Hoang, Executive Director of ILF." We help college students acquire the skills, experience, and insights necessary to become leaders and continue the fight of those who came before them. The ILF Civic Fellowship is a unique opportunity to jumpstart their careers and leadership journey."

Undergraduate students of AAPI heritage are encouraged to apply. Requirements include United States citizens, minimum 3.0 GPA, and current undergraduate sophomores, juniors, or seniors. Additional documents such as an official transcript, resume, and at least one letter of recommendation is required.

Applications are open now and must be submitted by January 22, 2021 at 5pm Eastern Time.

To learn more or submit an application, please visit www.ilfnational.org

波市府針對小企業推三項補助計畫 最高15000元 11/23日截止

             (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)和波士頓市經濟發展辦公室日前宣佈，撥出總額630萬元的補助款，協助市內受到新型冠狀病毒(COVID-19)打擊的小企業。

             波士頓市政府表示，從新冠病毒大流行以來，波士頓市府已直接分發了1500萬元給小企業。11月16日新設的3種基金，將於11月23日早上9點截止申請。

             這三種基金，小企業只可擇一申請。之前曾經申請到小企業紓困基金(Small Business Relief Fund)，以及波士頓重新開放基金(Reopen Boston Fund)，包括餐館秋冬紓困金者，都可以申請其中任何一種。

             商業租金紓困基金(Commercial Rent Relief Fund):

             符合麻州重新開放計畫第三期第二階段，以及第四階段的小企業，以及受新冠病毒衝擊最大社區及行業種類的企業，都可申請並獲得最高15000元的商業租金紓困款，用於支付2020年4月1日至12月31日之間的租金。商業房東及小企業租戶必須都參加活動，才能申請。

            認證企業紓困基金(Certified Business Relief Fund):

             獲得波士頓市認證為婦女，少數族裔或退伍軍人所擁有的小企業，都可申請獲得最高15000元的直接補助款。波士頓市的認證企業名錄可上網查察Certified Business Directory - Datasets - Analyze Boston。

             高速廚房餐廳紓困基金(High Road Kitchens Restaurant Relief Fund):

              波士頓市府和市議員Lydia Edwards辦公室，以及One Fair Wage 和High Road Kitchens合作，為受到新冠病毒打擊的餐館，提供15000元直接補助，以期這些餐館承諾到2026年時，發給所有餐館員工的最低時薪為20元。

           這基金將直接補償餐館發薪資留住或重聘員工，以及因新冠病毒而失業的飲食業工作人員。獨立經營的本地小企業，以及移民或婦女，有色人種擁有的企業為優先對象。

         波士頓市府經濟發展辦公室為這三種紓困基金還舉辦過說明講座。

         波士頓市重新開放基金(The Reopen Boston Fund)目前仍在接受申請，已發出265萬元給1471家企業。查察申請書可上網 boston.gov/reopen-fund. 

          波士頓經濟發展辦公室表示，已經手發放670萬元給1850家以上的小企業。

            截至11月16日為止波士頓市共發放了不需償還的960萬元給市內3391家小企業。

波士頓市府15000元餐館紓困基金 11/23日截止申請

            (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合報導)波士頓市府為協助餐館業者，推出「新冠肺炎 HIGH ROAD KITCHENS 餐廳紓困基金」，將在包括華埠的7個社區中挑選25家餐廳，發給15000元補助。申請日期截止日期為11月23日上午9點。

             根據市政府網站資訊，這餐館業紓困基金由波士頓市議員Lydia Edwards，以及「公平薪資(One Fair Wage)」，「高速廚房(High Road Kitchens)」聯合贊助，旨在協助餐館業者付房租，繳貸款，發薪水，但這些開銷都必須發生於2020年4月1日至12月31日之間。

             獲選餐館在12月時付給員工薪資，必須為「公平薪資(One Fair Wage)」，亦即時薪12.75元或以上。獲選餐館若能展示的確付出了這額度的時薪，將有資格從「公平薪資(One Fair Wage)」那兒再領5000元。

             波市府在官網上公佈的申請資格包括，必須為包括業主，員工少於25人；在波士頓市府登記、營運，且紀錄良好；必須上傳一份佔用說明(Certificate of Occupancy.)；企業主必須同意，參加，並遵守「公平薪資(One Fair Wage)」和「高速廚房(High Road Kitchens)」所訂標準；必須在9個月內完成「高速廚房(High Road Kitchens)」的平等工具包及培訓項目；必須承諾到2026年1月時，所有的小費及非小費員工的全額薪資平等；企業主在申請這基金之前必須登記為波士頓市販售商等。

             獲得補助金者在補助款的第一階段中完成培訓，才有資格從「高速廚房」獲得額外補助。

             市政府為有意申請補助者提供的資訊，有中文，西班牙文，海地文，英文等幾種不同語言版本，https://www.boston.gov/sites/default/files/document-file-09-2016/new_vendor_registration.pdf。

             這一補助款，只有下列7個社區內的餐館可以申請: 奧斯頓(Allston)、華埠(Chinatown)、多徹斯特(Dorchester)、東波士頓(East Boston)、埃格斯頓廣場(Egleston Square (JP/Rox))，麥特潘(Mattapan)、洛士百利(Roxbury)。

            波士頓華商會已在該會微信群組內廣告週知此一訊息。波士頓市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)的助理盧善柔也積極從旁協助。

以下為波士頓市政府網站上的中文資訊:

新冠肺炎 HIGH ROAD KITCHENS 餐廳紓困基金

波士頓市長Martin J. Walsh設立了新冠肺炎High Road Kitchens餐廳紓困基金，與餐廳所有者合作，留住或重新僱用他們的僱員或其他因新冠肺炎而失業或就業不足的餐飲服務僱員

合作夥伴：

議員Lydia Edwards

One Fair Wage

High Road Kitchens

這一新設立的基金由經濟發展市長辦公室（OED）負責管理，申請將於2020年11月16日星期一接受。申請將於11月23日星期一上午9點關閉。

新冠肺炎High Road Kitchens餐廳紓困基金詳情： • 本基金中提供完整餐桌服務的客座餐廳將為在以下社區的25家當地餐廳的小型企業主（僱員人數為25人或低於25人）提供支持： o 奧爾斯頓o 唐人街o 多爾徹斯特o 東波士頓o 埃格斯頓廣場（JP/Rox） o 馬塔潘o 羅克斯伯里• 企業將獲得15000美元的補助，用於支付2020年四月1號至2020年十二月31號期間的租金/抵押貸款和工資支出

• 獲選餐廳需要為十二月份支付“公平工資”（每小時12.75美元）。一旦餐廳所有者證明支付了商定的工資，獲選餐廳將有資格從One Fair Wage獲得額外5000美元的補助。申請標準：

• 在以下波士頓社區提供完整餐桌服務的客座餐廳具有申請資格： o 奧爾斯頓o 唐人街o 多爾徹斯特o 東波士頓o 埃格斯頓廣場（JP/Rox） o 馬塔潘o 羅克斯伯里

• 包括餐廳所有者在內，僱員少於二十五（25）人

• 在波士頓市註冊、經營、操守良好（不包括連鎖或特許經營）

• 企業主必須同意參與並遵守One Fair Wage和High Road Kitchens制定的標準

• 同意在接收補助後的九個月內完成High Road Kitchens公平項目和培訓計劃，第一部分必須在補助期內完成，才有資格獲得High Roads Kitchen額外的補助，並且

• 承諾於2026年一月前實現有小費僱員和沒有小費僱員工資的完全對等

• 企業主在申請本基金前必須註冊為波士頓市供應商。如需申請，點擊這裡

昆士市府大門前公園11/27起慶祝節日燈飾將大放光明

 

              昆士市(Quincy)市政府大樓外，興國-亞當斯公園(Hancock-Adams Common) 的慶祝節日燈飾，將從11月27日(週五)開始大放光明。昆市府門前，也將照例擺放信箱，讓心懷夢想的成人、小孩，把信件”寄到北極”。

The Hancock-Adams Common will be illuminated with holiday lights beginning Fri., Nov. 27. A Christmas letter mailbox will be put out in downtown for correspondence to the North Pole.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ARRIVAL OF BOSTON COMMON TREE; WILL VIRTUALLY LIGHT TREE DECEMBER 3

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ARRIVAL OF BOSTON COMMON TREE; WILL VIRTUALLY LIGHT TREE DECEMBER 3  The annual celebration will happen virtually on WCVB Channel 5

 

BOSTON - Friday, November 20, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Boston Parks and Recreation Department today announced that Boston's official tree arrived today on the Boston Common. This year's tree is a 45-foot white spruce donated by Heather and Tony Sampson of West Bay, Richmond County, Nova Scotia. "This year's celebration reminds us of the importance of working together when we face difficult challenges. As Boston helped Nova Scotia in 1917, the City and our residents must partner to keep each other safe and healthy from the COVID-19 pandemic," said Mayor Walsh. "I want to thank our friends in Nova Scotia for the Boston Common tree, and I'm grateful we are still able to celebrate the holiday season virtually." The 2020 tree arrives at the Boston Common from Nova Scotia.   The 79th Annual Tree Lighting on Boston Common will be a virtual celebration broadcast on WCVB Channel 5 on December 3 beginning at 7:00 p.m. This tradition is a partnership with the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, title sponsor The Province of Nova Scotia, presenting sponsors Exelon Generation and Xfinity, promotional sponsor the Coca-Cola Company, and media sponsors WCVB Channel 5, Magic 106.7 FM, and the Boston Globe. Due to current public health guidelines, there will be no live event on the Boston Common. WCVB Channel 5's "Chronicle" co-anchors Anthony Everett and Shayna Seymour will again host the broadcast. Entertainment during the program will include the Boston Gay Men's Chorus, Nicholas Christopher from the musical "Hamilton", Nova Scotia's Barra MacNeils as well as Sarah and Elizabeth MacInnis with Jenny Mackenzie, Keith Lockhart and the Boston Pops, and Grammy Award-winning artist Shaggy. Santa Claus will join Mayor Walsh virtually for a special countdown during the broadcast. With the flip of the switch, trees will light up in the Boston Common, the Public Garden, and the Commonwealth Avenue Mall. The program will include remarks by Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil. Nova Scotia is dedicating its 2020 Tree for Boston to healthcare workers to honor both Boston's response after the Halifax Explosion and those who are working on the frontlines during the COVID-19 pandemic. Nova Scotia is also sending an additional four smaller trees for donation to local charities. Boston's 2018 official tree with brightly lit perimeter trees in Boston Common. This year's event will be virtual and broadcast on December 3 at 7:00 pm on WCVB Channel 5. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, instead of sending the tree by truck, the province partnered with Port of Halifax, PSA Halifax and Eimskip Canada to transport the tree on a container ship to Boston. The tree was cut during a ceremony in Cape Breton on November 12, stopped at schools along the way to be seen by local students, and left by boat from Halifax on November 18 after a send-off at the Cunard Centre. "We thank Boston for their kindness during our time of need by sending a big, beautiful Nova Scotia Christmas tree. This important tradition symbolizes gratitude, friendship and remembrance," said Nova Scotia Lands and Forestry Minister Derek Mombourquette. "It's also our way of honoring those who have worked so hard to keep us healthy and safe during the pandemic."  The lighting of the trees on the Boston Common is made possible through the generosity of Read Custom Soils, the Herb Chambers Companies, the Lynch Foundation, and contributions from other individuals and institutions. This is the 49th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor. Within 24 hours of the disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia. For more information please call (617) 635-4505 or visit www.boston.gov/boston-common-tree-lighting.

波士頓市長Martin Walsh匯報冬日準備 預祝市民感恩節快樂

波士頓市長Martin J. Walsh預祝市民感恩節快樂。(周菊子攝)

   (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin J. Walsh)今(20)日早上11點率街道長，鄰里發展局長，公民參與長等人到存放化冰鹽的公共工程廠，向市民匯報波士頓市為冬天即將來臨所做的準備，祝福市民有個快樂的感恩節。

              波士頓市長先祝候任美國總統拜登(Joe Biden)生日快樂，繼而表示，這是他第8次來到前路(Frontage Road)做匯報。今年波士頓市撥備了2000萬元來因應冬天所需的各項服務，包括購置了24樣新設備，會有150輛鏟雪車待命，準備了4500噸鹽來融雪。公共工程局工作人員也將遵循新的工作流程。

 波士頓市鄰里發展局長Sheila Dillon。(周菊子攝)

             馬丁華殊笑指今年10月31日，意外有厚達4吋多的降雪量，有如為波士頓市的今冬掃雪做預備功課。波士頓民眾可以上boston.gov/snow網站查詢最新的風雪概況。

             他還說波士頓市府今年已協助200名無家可歸者有了個永久的家，安置了1000個家庭，發放了房租紓緩金協助1126個市民家庭，建造了800個有收入限制的住宅單位，通過了驅逐通知條例(Eviction Notice)，規定房東在驅逐行動之前必須先協助租客尋找援助。

             由於今年新型冠狀病毒疫情迄今未消，馬丁華殊勸諭所有市民，今年感恩節只和自己直系親屬相聚，去所有的室內活動都要格外小心，波士頓市將直到28日以前都為市民提供病毒檢測。

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             波士頓市鄰里發展局長Sheila Dillon表示，冬天對無家可歸者來說，最為難過，市政府今年特地額外增加200張睡床，讓更多遊民可有休憩之地。她也提醒耆英們，市府有特殊安排，遇有暖氣不靈等狀況，撥打311，24小時之內，市府就會派人協助。家中暖氣系統老舊，需要更換的，市府從今年夏天起就已安排有價值8000元的更換暖氣系統服務，有需要的耆英，應和市府聯絡。

             波士頓市公民參與長Jerome Smith也特地提醒市民，波士頓市容許市民在市府頒發風雪緊急另(Snow Emergency)之後的48小時之內，使用物品「佔位子(Space Saver)」。只有南端(South End)除外，因當地居民有共識，不同意這一做法。

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS FOR WINTER WEATHER IN BOSTON     BOSTON - Friday, November 20, 2020 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today joined City officials at the Public Works yard on Frontage Road to discuss winter preparations currently underway in the City of Boston, and resources available to residents, including older adults and individuals experiencing homelessness.    "This year, it's more important than ever for Bostonians to look out for one another, especially as we continue to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic," said Mayor Walsh. "I'm calling on each and every resident to be prepared, to care for our vulnerable residents, and to check on our neighbors as we approach the winter season."   The Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is in constant contact with the National Weather Service to receive detailed forecasts for the City of Boston and ensure City departments have plans in place to handle the forecast. Residents can sign up to receive AlertBoston notifications by phone, text, or email in the event a snow emergency/parking ban is declared.   The Public Works Department (PWD) currently has 45,000 tons of salt on-hand to treat City streets. Along with 150 pieces of in-house snow clearing equipment, the PWD has the capability to place over 600 additional pieces on the roads during larger storms. As part of their neighborhood plowing operations during winter storms and to ensure the safety of riders following events, PWD allocates pieces of equipment to clear snow from Boston's dedicated bike lanes.    Rules on clearing snow: Property owners must fully clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if the snow ends overnight. Curb and pedestrian ramps to the street should be cleared fully and continually over the duration of the storm to ensure accessibility for individuals with disabilities. If a storm will last over an extended period of time, property owners are asked to continually check ramps abutting their property for compliance.  Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited.  Failure to comply with the rules can result in fines issued by PWD's Code Enforcement Division. Fines associated with improper removal of snow can be found here. Parking during a declared snow emergency: If a snow emergency is declared, cars will be ticketed and towed if parked on a posted snow emergency artery. Space savers must be removed within 48 hours after a snow emergency has been lifted. Please note: space savers are NOT allowed in the South End. During declared snow emergencies, discounted parking is available at some parking lots and garages for Boston residents. A list of discounted parking garages can be found here. Trash and recycling:  During severe snowstorms, recycling and trash collection may be canceled, but this is extremely rare. Most often, severe snowstorms can cause delays in service, so we ask for your cooperation and patience. To view your neighborhood recycling and trash schedule, locate a textile dropbox in your neighborhood, and to find out what items you CAN and CAN'T recycle, download our free Trash Day App. Crews have a difficult time reaching trash barrels and recycling carts placed behind snowbanks. Please clear an area at the curb for collection or place containers next to or in front of snowbanks.   Caring for vulnerable populations: If you see homeless and vulnerable individuals out in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Boston's emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelter at the 112 Southampton Street Shelter, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City work closely with shelter providers in the city to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. The City is planning to bring on roughly 200 beds for the winter spread throughout sites in Brighton, Mission Hill and downtown. Additionally, the City is working with the State to add additional capacity in locations surrounding and outside of Boston. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. Safety tips: Keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. For a map of catch basins and fire hydrants, visit here. Shoveling snow requires significant exertion; please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers. Please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Carbon monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should use their home heating systems wisely and safely, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of the home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect carbon monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow like gas exhaust from the heating system or dryer. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces.  Dress for the weather: Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, residents are required to wear face masks or cloth face coverings in all public places, whether indoors or outdoors, even where they are able to maintain 6 feet of distance from others.  Wear several layers of loose-fitting, lightweight, warm clothing rather than one layer of heavy clothing. Outer garments should be tightly woven and water repellent. Wear mittens over gloves; layering works for your hands as well. Always wear a hat and cover your mouth with a scarf to protect your lungs.   Dress children warmly and set reasonable time limits on outdoor play. Restrict infants' outdoor exposure when it is colder than 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Watch for signs of frostbite: Signs of frostbite include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately. Watch for signs of hypothermia: These include uncontrollable shivering, memory loss, disorientation, incoherence, slurred speech, drowsiness and apparent exhaustion. If you or someone you know shows any of these symptoms, get in touch with a healthcare provider immediately. If symptoms are severe, call 911. Heating guidelines for property owners and tenants: In accordance with the Massachusetts State Sanitary Code, the heating season officially begins on September 15 and runs through June 15. Property owners must heat habitable spaces at a minimum temperature of 68° between 7 a.m. and 11:00 p.m. and 64° between 11:01 p.m. and 6:59 a.m. In case of emergency, property owners are encouraged to keep a list of licensed contractors (electrician, plumber and general contractor) on file. Tenants experiencing problems with their heating system should check the thermostat, ensure the dial is turned on, and report insufficient or no heat problems to the property owner or manager immediately. If your landlord or property manager is unresponsive, contact the Inspectional Services Department (ISD) at (617) 635-5300 to file a complaint, or call 311.   Heating safety: Never try to heat your home using a charcoal or gas grill, the kitchen stove, or other product not specifically designed as a heater. These can cause a fire or produce dangerous levels of carbon monoxide very quickly.  Have your heating system cleaned and checked annually. Install and maintain smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors on every level of your home. Carbon monoxide is an invisible gas produced whenever any fuel is burned. Common sources include oil or gas furnaces, water heaters, fireplaces, stoves, and some space heaters. It has no smell, taste, or color. It is a poison and is deadly. Tips to keep water flowing and pipes unfrozen during extreme cold: The Boston Water and Sewer Commission recommends homeowners locate a home's main water shut off valve, and learn how to use it. Should a frozen pipe burst, shutting the main valve quickly will minimize flooding and property damage. Homeowners should insulate pipes in unheated areas like basements, garages and crawl spaces. Use inexpensive hardware store materials to prevent pipes from freezing and to keep warm water flowing. Circulate warm air around pipes by keeping cabinet doors open. Circulate a trickle of tap water through pipes during extreme cold to help prevent them freezing up. Locate your water meter, protect it from drafts, and make sure basement doors and windows are shut tight. If pipes do freeze, slow thaw with a hair dryer. If water is lost in all taps, call BWSC 24-hour Emergency Assistance Line at 617-989-7000.   Emergency home repair resources:  Income-eligible homeowners and Boston's residents over age 60 can receive assistance with winter emergencies and repairs, such as fixing storm damage, leaking roofs, furnaces and leaking/frozen pipes. For assistance, residents should call the Mayor's hotline at 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663).    A grant up to $5,000 is available for income eligible homeowners over age 60 to ease unexpected financial burdens caused by an emergency situation with their home. In addition, the Mayor's Seniors Save program helps income eligible Bostonians over the age of 60 replace old, inefficient heating systems with a new brand new heating system even before a catastrophic failure occurs during the cold winter months. Older adults can also call 311 or the Boston Home Center at 617-635-HOME (4663) to be connected with a City staffer to provide additional details.    Tips to increase home energy efficiency:  Disconnect the water hose from the home. Wrap or cover exposed spigots. Caulk or putty windows. Ensure kitchen and bathroom dampers close properly. Close all storm windows and doors. Apply weather stripping. Properly insulate all pipes that are exposed. Cover vents. Install insulated or heavy drapes to keep cold drafts from coming in. Don't forget to close the damper to the wood burning fireplace after each use. Consider a chimney balloon if you don't have a damper. For more energy efficiency tips for your home, call Renew Boston at 617-635-SAVE (7283). For more information, please visit the Winter in Boston guide and follow @CityofBoston on Twitter.

City of Boston funding update

 

The Funding Update

CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FUNDING UPDATE Deadline Extended: Boston Cultural Council, 12/14/2020 Grants (up to $5,000) support innovative arts, humanities, and interpretive science programming that enhance the quality of life in our city. MassDevelopment, 1/15/2021 The Cultural Facilities Fund provides capital and planning grants for acquisition, design, repair, renovation, expansion, and construction of nonprofit and municipal cultural facilities.  New this week: National Endowment for the Arts, 1/27/2021 The Big Read supports community-wide reading programs which encourage reading and participation by diverse audiences. Butts in the Seats A blog with musings on practical solutions for arts management The Mayor's Office of Arts & Culture provides an Artist Resource Desk. The Creative Capital blog lists a variety of resources and opportunities.     City of Boston, Open The Boston Resiliency Fund helps coordinate philanthropic efforts to provide essential services to Boston residents whose health and well-being are most immediately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. Funding priorities: providing food to Boston's children, families, and seniors; providing technology to Boston Public Schools students for remote learning; and providing support to first responders, front-line workers, and healthcare workers so they can effectively do their jobs and promote public health. Bob Barker Company Foundation, Open Grants, ranging from $5,000 to $50,000, support programs that prepare formerly incarcerated individuals for successful reentry into society. ********************************************************* Are you struggling with rent or mortgage payments because of COVID-19? There are resources available. You can also call 211. Talk to your landlord to create a plan.   City of Boston, Open The Reopen Boston Fund was established to help small businesses minimize risk and manage economic recovery. Eligible costs include Personal Protective Equipment, safety partitions for customers and employees, and managing outdoor space that’s approved for business use. The grants are for brick-and-mortar businesses, with fewer than 15 employees, where people work close to each other or to customers. Boston Local Development Corporation, Open The Standard BLDC Loan Fund is available for existing businesses, new ventures, and businesses relocating to Boston. Loans range from $25,000 to $150,000. The Backstreets Boston Back-up Loan Program provides financing of up to $250,000 for Boston companies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors. Also, BLDC recently received a $693,000 CARES Act Recovery Assistance grant from the Economic Development Administration at the US Department of Commerce to capitalize and administer a Revolving Loan Fund to provide loans to coronavirus-impacted small businesses in Boston. For more information, contact Bill Nickerson or Gisella Soriano.  Applications Still Being Accepted: City of Boston, Open The Rental Relief Fund will help income-eligible tenants in the City of Boston who do not have access to expanded unemployment benefits, or because of the nature of their jobs, the unemployment benefits they will receive represent a significant reduction in their actual income. Application materials are available in multiple languages. The US Small Business Administration has released a simpler loan forgiveness application for Paycheck Protection Program loans of $50,000 or less. US Department of Commerce, 12/3/2020 The SPRINT Challenge seeks to rapidly address the economic, health, and safety risks caused by the COVID-19 pandemic through entrepreneurship and innovation. Awards range from $500,000 to $750,000. New this week: Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development, 12/18/2020 Urban Agenda grants support community economic development that is grounded in collaboration and local leadership development. Funding focus: COVID-19 economic recovery strategies. Max award: $100,000. Info Session: 11/30/2020. Applications should describe significant community challenges and collaborative approaches to address them. See page 6 for examples of responsive programming. Two letters, evidencing mutual support, are required with the application. Questions on Boston applications: contact igr[at]boston[dot]gov.   The Mayor’s Office of Economic Development holds Virtual Office Hours on Wednesdays from 11AM to 1PM. Learn about becoming a City of Boston-certified Minority/Woman-Owned Business   National Geographic, Open The COVID-19 Remote Learning Emergency Fund will distribute grants ranging from $1,000–$8,000 to individual educators to use the power of science, social studies, and/or geography to help students understand the challenges and impacts of critical issues. New this week: American Mathematical Society, 12/15/2020 Epsilon Fund provides grants of up to $15,000 for existing summer programs that support mathematically talented high school students.  Nellie Mae Education Foundation, 12/04/2020 Requesting proposals for programs that prioritize Mental Wellness Amidst Virtual Learning. Examples of eligible initiatives include peer support groups, individual or group counseling or remote tutoring, space for youth to learn self-agency or where they can get help/assistance, opportunities that offer safe physical interactions, supports for youth who are being targeted because of their race, self-care kits or events, technology needs not being met by the district, and quiet safe places where students can go to get online for remote learning. Max award: $20,000. Funds are available until expended. Brown Rudnick, Open Community Grants support front-line education workers in Boston, Hartford, New York City, Providence and Washington, D.C.  Boston College, Center for Retirement Research, 1/31/2021 Sandell Grants provide the opportunity for junior or non-tenured scholars to pursue research on retirement or disability policy. Three awards of $45,000 will be provided. Dissertation Fellowships support doctoral candidates studying retirement or disability policy. Three awards of $28,000 will be awarded. Amelia Peabody Foundation, 1/5/2021 Grants support youth service programs with a priority on making real changes in neighborhoods.   Toshiba and the National Science Teachers Association, 2/10/2021 ExploraVision challenges students to envision and communicate new technology 20 years in the future through collaborative brainstorming and research of current science and technology. Student prizes include savings bonds, travel to the award ceremony and other incentives.   GET THE TEST, BOSTON Check this page for mobile testing sites in Boston. Upswing Fund for Adolescent Mental Health, 11/16/2020 to 12/4/2020 Surge Capacity grants provide immediate resources to direct-service organizations that provide mental health care to adolescents who are of color and/or LGBTQ+. Systems Enabler grants support innovative approaches for adolescent mental health services that make more resilient systems to enable access to care. Grants range from $10,000 to $500,000. National Institutes of Health, 12/1/2020 Community Interventions to Address the Consequences of the COVID-19 Pandemic Among Health Disparity and Vulnerable Populations grants support implementation and evaluation of community interventions that test the impacts of mitigation strategies to prevent COVID-19 transmission in NIH-designated health disparity populations and other vulnerable groups. The program also supports the implementation or evaluation of existing, new, or adapted interventions to address the adverse psychosocial, behavioral, and socioeconomic consequences of the pandemic on the health of these groups. This R-01 grant allows for multiple, distinct submissions, and also re-submissions. Pre-award costs are allowed. Max budget: $500,000. New this week: Massachusetts Medical Society and Alliance, 1/15/2021 Letter of Intent Funding priorities: quality healthcare services for the un- and under-insured; behavioral health services when not available; improved access to healthcare; health promotion through proactive prevention, education, and outreach; and social determinants of health. Awards range from $5,000 to $25,000.   GrantStation offers a searchable database of COVID-19 funding. People’s United Community Foundation Grants, 11/30/2020 Funding priorities: basic needs, financial literacy programs, education, including ESL, certification and degree programs; programs that promote economic stability and self-sufficiency, small business development and entrepreneurial programs, workforce development, job skills training and job placement programs. Average grant is $5,000.  Resist, 12/4/2020 Grants support grassroots organizations working to advance justice and liberation. Max award: $4,000.  W.K. Kellogg Foundation, 1/28 to 2/25/2021 Racial Equity 2030 is a $90 million global challenge to drive an equitable future for children, families, and communities across the world. Solutions may tackle the social, economic, political, or institutional inequities we see today. Applications must embrace and reflect the values of racial equity and justice, and proposed solutions should be led by an experienced team that includes communities closest to the issue as part of leadership in the project. Teams of visionaries, change agents, and community leaders from every sector are invited to join. Robert F Schumann Foundation, 2/28/2021 Funding priorities: environmental sustainability, education, the arts and humanities.  THE RESOURCE TABLE CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO THE FUNDING UPDATE Tech Networks of Boston Now accepting applications for the Black Lives Matter Nonprofit Accelerator. Get support with filing the 1023-EZ, applying for technology and advertising grants, and hosting for email and productivity apps. _______________________________________ The Massachusetts Community Foundations Partnership presents: How to Build, Launch, and Promote a Digital Fundraising Campaign: 12/3/2020 at 10AM Details and registration __________________________ COVID-19 Resource Guide Courtesy of the Suffolk County DA’s Office __________________________ ONLINE LEARNING: Time Management for Grantwriters Courtesy of GrantStation __________________________ Connecting Communities to Opportunity Courtesy of Winn Companies Use CONNECT to search for free and reduced cost services like food, healthcare, job opportunities, benefits enrollment, rent assistance and more. ________________________________________ Family Resources Emergency Childcare Good Neighbors Coping Skills for Youth __________________________ Microsoft Digital Skills Center for Nonprofits - a collaboration with TechSoup Courses ________________________________________ Mel King Institute Expand your knowledge on community development topics through virtual training courses. _____________________________________________________________________________ Visit the Intergovernmental Relations Resource Page for a wide variety of  fundraising tips, along with back issues of The Funding Update.