Baker-Polito Administration Announces Nearly $1.6 million in Travel & Tourism Recovery Grants to 59 Organizations

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Nearly $1.6 million in Travel & Tourism Recovery Grants to 59 Organizations

Administration also opens new capital grant program to expand, renovate tourism destinations and attractions

BOSTON — Today, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy, and Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) Executive Director Keiko Matsudo Orrall announced $1,587,791 in awards to 59 tourism organizations, chambers of commerce, and municipalities as part of the newly created Travel and Tourism Recovery (TTR) Grant Pilot Program.  The announcement was made virtually and included recipients of the awards.
 

Funds from the TTR Grant Pilot Program are dedicated to marketing projects that support the My Local MA campaign, enhance tourism recovery, and have the potential to increase non-resident visitation.  The program’s goal is to strengthen the Massachusetts economy through the development and enhancement of the state’s tourism industry.  Examples of projects aligned with the program’s goals include Old Sturbridge Village’s “Come and Stay” campaign; the towns of Concord and Lexington's joint promotion of “Two Historic Towns; One Memorable Trip,” and the East of the River Chamber of Commerce for website development, video, signage and increasing access for diverse populations and people with disabilities.
 
"The tourism and hospitality industry is vital to the economic well-being of Massachusetts," said Governor Charlie Baker

.  "Our administration recognizes the challenges this industry has faced during the pandemic, and these grants will support the Commonwealth's recovery by allowing grant recipients to market to their local strengths.”
 
"Our administration is committed to leveraging the resources and tools available to assist the tourism and hospitality industry recover," said Lt. Governor Polito. "We are grateful to our tourism councils, municipal colleagues, and regional and local chambers of commerce for their continued partnership, as we tackle this challenge together."
 
Lt. Governor Polito also announced the opening of the Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program. This $2 million competitive grant program will award funds to strengthen the economy through development projects that will expand, construct, restore, or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions, and aid in destination recovery and resiliency. This program was created in the economic development bill signed by Governor Baker in January. 
 
“Massachusetts continues to make critical investments that support our small businesses, visitor destinations, downtown districts, and rural areas,” said Housing and Economic Development Secretary Kennealy. “These investments are critical to helping our tourism and hospitality industry rebound from the impacts caused by this public health crisis, and will allow our communities to recover as we approach the summer tourism season.”
 
“This new TTR funding is a perfect complement to the Commonwealth’s ‘My Local MA’ campaign, which focuses on supporting local businesses throughout the pandemic,” said MOTT Executive Director Matsudo Orrall. “With these grants, tourism groups and local municipalities can market their assets directly to prospective vacationers, targeting tourists in the New England region and the Mid-Atlantic states drive market.”

“The funding being announced today is a critical first step in the recovery of the tourism, arts, and culture industries,” said Senator Ed Kennedy, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development. “The marketing campaigns created with use of these funds will draw attention to the wide variety of attractions and experiences Massachusetts offers, bringing in new visitors from outside of the state and reminding those already here that there are hundreds of fun, cultural, and educational experiences right here in our own backyards.” 

"The impacts of COVID-19 are far reaching. We have seen the numerous devastating effects on this industry that was first to close and likely last to reopen,” said Rep. Carole Fiola, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts, and Cultural Development.  “These grants are an important tool to support these organizations in beginning their recovery and help the Commonwealth build back travel and tourism stronger than it was before. I look forward to working with the industry to continue with this critical recovery."
 
"Old Sturbridge Village is extremely grateful for the hard work done by the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the generous support through the Travel and Tourism Recovery Grant,” said Jim Donahue, President and CEO of Old Sturbridge Village.  “We look forward to stimulating travel to Massachusetts through our ‘Come and Stay’ campaign and encouraging visitors of the Village to help local businesses recover from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic."
 
“The Town of Concord is so grateful for this generous grant award and looks forward to working with MOTT and our partners in the Town of Lexington on this historic campaign,” said Concord Town Manager Stephen Crane.  “The economic impact of the pandemic has reinforced the need to work together in both traditional and non-traditional ways so our communities can come back stronger than ever.”
 
“The East of the River Five Town Chamber (ERC5) is grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration and the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism for the grant funds which will allow our organization, and by extension the communities we represent, to enrich our outreach to both underserved businesses and tourists exploring our five town region,” said Nancy L. Connor, ERC5 Executive Director.

Funded through the Tourism Trust Fund, the TTR Grant Program was open to any public, nonprofit agency, 501(c)3, or 501(c)6 that has been in operation in Massachusetts for at least two consecutive years since January 2019, and is in good standing with taxes and licenses/registrations in the Commonwealth.
 
The TTR and DDC programs are in alignment with the Baker-Polito Administration’s Partnerships for Recovery Plan to help stabilize and grow the Massachusetts economy. The plan focuses on getting people back to work, supporting small businesses, fostering innovation, revitalizing downtowns, and ensuring housing stability. Through Partnerships for Recovery, the Administration has awarded more than $660 million to small businesses, and has opened new grant programs to revitalize downtowns, create winter community spaces, support cultural institutions and foundations, and fund regional economic development organizations. 

2018年波士頓馬拉松賽冠軍Des Linden今年再來戰

             (Boston Orange 編譯) 2018年波士頓馬拉松賽冠軍Des Linden今(19)日參加首屆愛國者日馬拉松賽，跑到終點線時宣佈，將於10月11日以約翰漢考克專業體育隊員身分，參加第125屆波士頓馬拉松賽。

             第8次參加波士頓馬拉松賽，曾兩次參加奧林匹克馬拉松賽的Des Linden說，參加這第125屆波士頓馬拉松賽，可是一生只有一次的機會。

             Des Linden和5名前線工作人員及社區人士，今日在波約斯頓街(Boylston)上，一起跑了今天的這”愛國者日馬拉松賽”。傳統上，波士頓馬拉松賽就是在愛國者日舉行的。

             波士頓體育會執行長Tom Grilk今日在跑者們衝過終點線後，給了他們一個驚喜，邀請它們參加10月份的波士頓馬拉松賽，以感謝他們的工作與服務。

             Des Linden在2018年時，冒著勁風驟雨，成為1985年以來，第一位拿到公開組冠軍的美國女跑者。在她的參賽歷程中，她曾5次名列波士頓前5名，其中包括2011年奪得亞軍。上星期她打破了5000英里的全國記錄，以2小時59分54秒，跑完31.7英里。她誓約翰漢考克(John Hancock)專業體育隊宣佈的第一位第125屆波士頓馬拉松賽選手。

             第125屆波士頓馬拉松賽將於明日，4月20日美東時間的早上10點開始，經由波士頓體育會的網上平台”選手村Athletes’ Village，接受報名。4月23日下午5點截止受理。報名將並不會以先到先得的方式處理。挑選過程將和往年一致。申請人在4月20至23日之間遞交的申請及合格時間，將由波士頓體育會確認並排序，預定5月初發通知。

             在親自參加路賽之外，波士頓體育會將舉辦歷史性的虛擬波士頓馬拉松賽，以慶祝這第125屆波士頓馬拉松賽。虛擬賽的報名日期從3月30日就開始了，已經有105個國家，以及全美50州的選手報名參加了。虛擬波士頓馬拉松賽將於10月8日至10日的比賽週舉行。

Des Linden to Race 125th Boston Marathon

2018 CHAMPION ANNOUNCED AS FIRST MEMBER OF THE JOHN HANCOCK PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE TEAM

BOSTON— Des Linden, the 2018 Boston Marathon champion and two-time Olympic marathoner, today announced that she will compete in the 125th Boston Marathon on Monday, October 11, as part of the John Hancock Professional Athlete Team. Linden made the announcement at the Boston Marathon finish line after running in the inaugural Patriots’ Day Mile.

“The 125th Boston Marathon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to race the Boston Marathon in the fall,” said Linden, who will run the Boston Marathon for the eighth time. “After a hiatus last year, I’m excited to return to the streets of Boston, in front of the best fans in the world, and take part in this historic race.”  

Linden joined five frontline workers and community members in running the Patriots’ Day Mile on Boylston Street earlier today. Patriots’ Day is the traditional day for the Boston Marathon. Upon crossing the finish, Linden and B.A.A. President and C.E.O. Tom Grilk surprised the group with invitational entries to October’s Boston Marathon in appreciation for their work and service. Linden thanked the group for their service to the community and, in the spirit of her mantra, for continuing to show up during challenging times.

“Des Linden has been part of the Boston Marathon family for more than a decade, and her 2018 victory is one of the most memorable wins in race history,” said Grilk. “We look forward to Des’s return to Boston later this year and know that she’ll be aiming for the top of the podium once again.”

A fan favorite, Linden won the 2018 Boston Marathon prevailing through strong wind and rain to become the first American women’s open division champion since 1985. Linden has finished among the top five at Boston five times, including a runner-up showing in 2011. Last week, Des set a world best and national record for the 50K distance, completing 31.07 miles in 2:59:54. She is the first member of the John Hancock Professional Athlete Team to announce their participation in October’s 125th Boston Marathon.

Registration for the 125th Boston Marathon opens tomorrow, April 20 at 10:00AM ET, through the B.A.A.’s online platform Athletes’ Village. Registration for qualified athletes will remain open through 5:00PM ET on April 23, and entry is not first-come, first-served. 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 applications in early May.

In addition to the in-person road race, the B.A.A. is also holding a historic virtual Boston Marathon in celebration of the 125th running of the Boston Marathon. Registration for the virtual race opened on March 30 and has already seen athletes from 105 countries and all 50 states register. The virtual marathon will take place over race weekend October 8–10.

牧師 MARIAMA WHITE-HAMMOND將出任波士頓市環境、能源、公開空間長

Reverend Mariama White-Hammond is appointed as Chief
 of Environment, Energy, and Open Space

         (Boston Orange 綜合報導)波士頓市長Kim Janey在地球日前夕，特地選擇在位於多徹斯特的夜鶯社區花園(Nightingale Community Garden)，宣佈牧師Mariama White-Hammond將於4月26日接任波士頓市環境，能源及開放空間長。

                該職務的前任，Chris Cook已定接任蘿絲甘迺迪綠路保護會(The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy)主任。

           Mariama White-Hammond是多徹斯特新根AME教堂創堂牧師，綠色正義聯盟(Green Justice Coalition)成員，得獎無數，包括Barr學者，凱特爾人我們中的英雄，洛士百利創辦人日獎等等。

Mayor Kim Janey 

波士頓市環境，能源及開放空間內閣麾下包括環保局，公園及娛樂局。做為首長，White-Hammond將監管能源，氣候變化，可持續性，樓宇安全，歷史保存及開放空間，以及”波士頓做好氣候準備(White-Hammond)”，《建築物能源報告及披露條例》，《出租登記冊》，還有”波士頓綠色創新(Greenovate Boston)”等的政策及項目。她也將持續推動波士頓於2050年達到二氧化碳零排放這目標。

White-Hammond上任後將三管齊下，採用創新方法來減緩極端的熱，在夏天時設計平等的涼爽計畫，藉由社區花園來加強人們取得食物的便利，並針對年輕人創造新的綠色工作管道。

波士頓市長Kim Janey辦公室也藉此機會強調，Kim Janey提出的2022會計年度預算，包括許多環保項目，例如:

撥款4800萬元給”

Chris Cook is taking ED position at Greenway.

更新波士頓信託(Renew Boston Trust)”的第2，第3階段，辨識市有樓宇改造能源項目，為未來節省能源。

撥款500萬元給”波士頓海港為氣候做準備(Climate Ready Boston Harbor)”項目，以期降低海水因氣候變化而上升，可能造成沿海地區淹水等的損害。

撥款2000萬元，在堡壘點通道設計，建造適應氣候的水前公園。

每年撥款170萬元來持續地在全市種植街道樹。

撥款180萬元重鋪多徹斯特公園通道。

撥款750萬元充鋪後灣，芬衛區通道，以改善進出方便及場地狀況。

撥款1550萬元來完成科普利(Copley)廣場的重新設計，以優化其因應高交通流量和暴風雨水量的能力。

經由波士頓市第一個平等採購試驗計畫，撥款940萬元來重新設計及建造新的Malcolm X公園。

           White-Hammond牧師在波士頓出生，長大，高中就開始參與社區，擔任同儕健康教育者。她參加的”嬉合項目(Project HIP-HOP - Highways Into the Past – History, Organizing and Power)”，這教導年輕人民權運動歷史，鼓勵年輕人參加社運，對她有很大影響。參與該機構13年後的2014年，她上了波士頓大學神學院，並於2017年取得神學碩士學位，被任命為非洲衛理公會主教長老。2018年她在多徹斯特創辦了會眾多族裔的新根AME教堂。

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES REVEREND MARIAMA WHITE-HAMMOND APPOINTED AS CHIEF OF ENVIRONMENT, ENERGY, AND OPEN SPACE

BOSTON - Monday, April 19, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey today announced that she has appointed Reverend Mariama White-Hammond as Chief of Environment, Energy, and Open Space for the City of Boston. In this role, Rev. White-Hammond will be responsible for leading the Cabinet in achieving its mission of enhancing environmental justice and quality of life in Boston by protecting air, water, climate, and land resources, as well as preserving and improving the integrity of Boston's architectural and historic resources. The Reverend will assume the role previously held by Chris Cook, who has been named the next Executive Director of The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. 

Rev. Mariama White-Hammond has extensive background in embedding equity and environmental justice into Boston’s communities. She is the founding pastor of New Roots AME Church in Dorchester, a multi-racial, multi-class community. In this work, Rev. White-Hammond utilizes an intersectional lens to connect ecology, immigration, climate change, energy policy and economic justice. She is a fellow with the Green Justice Coalition, which brings together eight social/environmental justice groups from around Massachusetts. Rev. White-Hammond is a public speaker throughout the nation and was a leader for both the 2017 Boston Women’s March and Boston People’s Climate Mobilization. She has received numerous awards, including the Barr Fellowship, the Celtics Heroes Among Us, The Roxbury Founders Day Award and the Boston NAACP Image award. She was selected as one of the Grist 50 Fixers for 2019 and Sojourners 11 Women Shaping the Church. 

“Reverend Mariama White-Hammond is an advocate, facilitator and pastor who has extensive experience in creating a more just, inclusive and sustainable Boston,” said Mayor Kim Janey. “I am confident that Rev. White-Hammond is the right person to accelerate our efforts around environmental justice, while expanding our green jobs pipeline and helping us achieve our goal of carbon neutrality, all of which are critical elements of our recovery and renewal agenda.”

The Cabinet includes the Environment Department and the Parks and Recreation Department. As Chief, Rev. White-Hammond will oversee policy and programs on energy, climate change, sustainability, building safety, historic preservation and open space, including Climate Ready Boston, the building energy reporting & disclosure ordinance, rental registry, and Greenovate Boston, the city's community outreach initiative on sustainability. She will also continue to move the city towards its goal of being carbon neutral by 2050, as part of Carbon Free Boston. Rev. White-Hammond will begin her new role on April 26th.

“I want to thank Mayor Janey for her leadership and willingness to tackle the inequities in our neighborhoods that have been exacerbated by climate change,” said Rev. White-Hammond. “I am committed to supporting Mayor Janey’s agenda for recovery, reopening and renewal through an equity lens and that creates sustainable opportunities for Bostonians.” 

Rev. White-Hammond joins the City of Boston with a three-pronged agenda to combat climate change and the environmental inequities that have been intensified by COVID-19. This roadmap consists of utilizing innovative approaches to mitigate extreme heat and create equitable cooling plans during the summer, enhancing food access through community gardens, as well as creating a new green jobs pipeline targeting workforce development for the younger generation. 

Mayor Janey’s Administration is taking steps to recognize and address the risks of climate change, and to protect Boston’s urban ecosystem. Last week, Mayor Janey proposed the following investments for environmental resilience and climate justice in the Fiscal Year 2022 budget proposal:

·    $48 million for Phase 2 and 3 of Renew Boston Trust, which is designed to identify energy retrofit project opportunities in City-owned buildings to create future energy savings. 

·    $5 million for a Climate Ready Boston Harbor study to support the development of a study that will examine the feasibility of measures along and within the Boston Harbor to reduce vulnerability of coastal flooding due to sea level rise caused by climate change.

·    $20 million to design and implement a signature, climate resilient waterfront park along the Fort Point Channel.

·    $1.7 million per year for the ongoing program of street tree planting throughout the city

·    $1.8 million to repave pathways at Dorchester Park 

·    $7.5 million to repave pathways at the Back Bay Fens to improve accessibility and site conditions

·    $15.5 million to complete the park redesign at Copley Square to optimize resilience to high-traffic events and storm-water

·    $9.4 million to redesign and construct a new Malcolm X Park through the City’s first Equitable Procurement Pilot program

Rev. White-Hammond was born and raised in Boston and began her community engagement in high school when she worked as a Peer Health Educator. She was particularly shaped by her involvement in Project HIP-HOP (Highways Into the Past - History, Organizing and Power), a youth organization focused on teaching the history of the Civil Rights Movement and engaging a new generation of young people in activism. After college, she returned to Boston, and became the Executive Director of Project HIP-HOP, where she joyfully engaged young people in community organizing and culture making. After 13 years at Project HIP-HOP in 2014, Rev. White-Hammond left the organization to attend Boston University School of Theology. In 2017, she graduated with her Master of Divinity and was ordained an elder in the African Methodist Episcopal Church. In 2018 she founded New Roots AME Church, a multi-racial congregation in Dorchester

波士頓市長Kim Janey推出" B-Local"應用程式支持地方企業

(Boston Orange) 波士頓代市長Kim Janey在4月16日正式推出B-Local這獎勵人們要買東西，向本地商家買的計畫，期以支持地方商家從困難中恢復。

民眾向參加這計畫的數以百計波士頓本地商家購物時，可藉由已綁定個人信用卡或付款卡，預付卡的B-Local手機應用程式，自動獲得，並累積獎勵，用作現金折扣。所有的獎勵金額，都將由波士頓市政府償還，企業及民眾使用這軟體不須花錢。

B-Local應用程式由Colu 科技公司研發，波士頓市政府希望藉此促使本地消費回歸社區，而不是流向電子商務巨頭，或是大零售商。在俄亥俄州(Ohio)的Akron，Colu研發的”Akronite”應用程式，最近在6個月間吸引了170家地方企業，4000名用戶，為當地企業贏得20萬元銷售額。波士頓將是美國首個推出這項目的大城市。

B-Local這計畫的做法是:

使用者先從谷歌應用商店，或是蘋果商店下載免費的B-Local軟體，然後把信用卡，付款卡，或預付卡安全帳戶和B-Local軟體連接。首3000名下在這軟體者，將會獲得獎勵。

加入獎勵提供者，然後開始在本地購物、用餐，使用已和B-Local連接的信用卡等做符合資格的消費，就可自動賺取波士頓點數。

在本地商家購物時，波士頓點數可折抵現金。每一點波士頓點數等於一美元。

鼓勵你喜歡的商家參加B-Local計畫。

            迄今已有269家本地商家參加了B-Local計畫。波士頓市長的經濟發展辦公室小企業組也在積極和企業聯繫，以期參加活動的企業商家有更公平的代表性。在目前已參加的商家中，有185家少數族裔及移民所擁有的企業，143家婦女經營，53家主街企業，46家黑人擁有的企業。

MAYOR JANEY ANNOUNCES “B-LOCAL” APP TO SUPPORT LOCAL BUSINESSES

Pilot program to support the economic recovery of our neighborhood commercial districts

BOSTON - Friday, April 16, 2021 - Mayor Janey announced today that the City of Boston is launching B-Local, a points-based program that offers rewards for shopping locally. The goal is to support local business recovery by incentivizing Bostonians to spend locally. By using the simple B-Local mobile app, shoppers earn rewards automatically at hundreds of participating local businesses across the City of Boston when they make purchases with registered credit, debit, or prepaid debit cards linked to their B-Local account. These rewards may then be applied as cash discounts to a growing list of redeeming businesses. All rewards are reimbursed by the City of Boston and there is no cost to users or businesses.

“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and they need our help to recover from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. This dynamic program is a proven and powerful economic tool. By creatively leveraging federal CARES Act funding, the City of Boston can support local business owners, reward local shoppers, and drive a stronger recovery,” said Mayor Janey. “With warmer weather upon us, Bostonians are eager to reconnect with one another. This Patriot’s Day weekend, I urge my fellow Bostontians to exercise their city pride through our collective purchasing power to support local businesses as they recover from the pandemic. By supporting your favorite local businesses and exploring new establishments across our city, you can make a real difference.”

Through this innovative program developed in partnership with Colu Technologies, the City of Boston can drive local spending back into our community, instead of e-commerce giants and big-box retailers. This will provide critical support to local businesses as they recover and our city reopens, while also promoting diversity and equity. In Akron, Ohio, Colu’s “Akronite” app recently generated over $200,000 in local business sales, harnessing more than 4,000 users and 170 local businesses in a six-month period. Money spent locally stayed in their community and boosted the economy by a factor of nine. Boston is the first major U.S. city to launch this program.

“As an innovation hub, Boston is proud to leverage a creative program with a proven record of bringing city residents and small businesses together to drive our local economic recovery,” said Midori Morikawa, Interim Chief of Economic Development. “Boston is committed to an equitable recovery of our small and local businesses. B-Local will highlight the stories and experiences of our business owners to connect with residents, particularly those owned by women, immigrants, and people of color who have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. Business owners have demonstrated tremendous resilience throughout the pandemic and with B-Local, we as residents can make a real impact to help as they reopen and recover.”

How It Works:

1.  Download the free B-Local app from Google Play or the Apple Store and securely link your credit cards, debit cards, or prepaid debit cards to your account. The first 3,000 users to download and link a card will receive a bonus!

2.  Join reward offers and start shopping and dining locally, earning Boston Points automatically through qualifying purchases made with your linked cards at local businesses.

3.  Redeem Boston Points for cash discounts at redeeming local businesses. Each Boston Point is worth one dollar.

4.  Encourage your favorite businesses to join B-Local by signing up on boston.gov/B-Local.

Users can learn more at Colu.com/b-local. Shoppers in the City of Boston are encouraged to review the latest public health guidance at Boston.gov/covid-19 and learn about Boston’s reopening efforts and public health guidelines for businesses at Boston.gov/reopening.

To date, 269 businesses have signed up to participate on B-Local. Outreach to businesses, led by the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development Small Business Unit, has ensured an equitable representation of business owners, as well as even distribution across neighborhoods:

·    185 Minority and Immigrant-Owned Businesses

·    143 Woman-Owned Businesses

·    53 Main Streets Businesses

·    46 Black-Owned Businesses

Shoppers may earn rewards at restaurants, retail stores, cafés, gyms and yoga studios, salons, and more. Shoppers may then redeem their Boston Points as discounts toward future purchases. Any Boston-based businesses with a storefront or that engages with customers directly may apply as either a “participating” or “redeeming” business at Boston.gov/B-Local. All reward discounts using Boston Points will be reimbursed to businesses by the City of Boston on a biweekly basis. All costs for this pilot program and reimbursements are funded by the federal CARES Act.

The B-Local program is open to all Boston businesses, but it will also allow the City of Boston to stand by its values of equity and inclusion; supporting minority- and women-owned businesses and industries disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other systemic barriers. By sharing the important stories that connect our community and local businesses, B-Local will highlight Boston’s vibrant and diverse businesses and celebrate the 20 Boston Main Streets neighborhood commercial districts. 

“B-local is such a unique and fun program for both businesses and patrons,” said Tiffani Faison, renowned chef and owner of Big Heart Hospitality, which includes Sweet Cheeks Q, Tiger Mama, Fool's Errand, and Orfano restaurants. “It aids in financial recovery and allows an opportunity for us all to reconnect and have each other's backs. It allows Bostonians a fresh perspective on which businesses are uniquely local and how, together, we contribute to the rebirth of the Boston we know, love and miss so dearly.”

紀念波士頓馬拉松賽爆炸案 州長市長聯袂獻花

波士頓市長Kim Janey(左起)，麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)，
波士頓體育會執行長Thomas S. Grilk為2013年爆炸案紀念碑獻花。
(周菊子攝)

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 2021年的4月15日，距離2013年波士頓馬拉松賽發生爆炸案已8年了。人們當年的驚嚇，已隨時間逐漸平息，強調波士頓團結的心意，卻藉由麻州州長和波士頓市市長聯袂獻花，年年傳承。

            礙於新冠病毒疫情仍未消散，波士頓馬拉松賽今年已是第二年無法在愛國者日週末舉行。比去年好的是，麻州的疫情已呈下降趨勢，於是麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)和波士頓市代理市長Kim Janey得以在波士頓體育會執行長Thomas S. Grilk陪同下，聯袂到紀念碑前，親自獻花。

           整個儀式，十分簡單。兩名州市首長一起把花圈搬到紀念碑前，肅立致意，就結束了。沒有講話，也沒有爆炸案的犧牲者家人出席。

            由於今年的波士頓馬拉松賽延期到10月舉行，大波士頓仍在疫情中，15日這天又是陰雨天氣，街道，人行道上都空蕩蕩的，空氣中有著淡淡憂傷。

第125屆波士頓馬拉松賽因為新冠疫情，賽期改到2021年10月，但
4月15日這天，波士頓體育會重新粉刷終點線，藉以紀念爆炸案。
(周菊子攝)

新冠疫情期間，Boylston街上店面丟空。(周菊子攝)

2021年4月15日的柯普利廣場三一教堂，靜靜矗立。(周菊子攝)

2013年波士頓馬拉松爆炸案的爆炸地點之一，Boylston街775號
，店面待租。(周菊子攝)

昆士市4月22日公開簡報 慶祝地球日

          (Boston Orange昆士市報導) 昆士市自然資源局(Natural Resources)和尼波塞特河流域協會(Neponset River Watershed Association)合作，將於4月22日中午12點在網路上公開簡報，慶祝2021年地球日。

簡報內容包括暴風雨水管理的重要性，水污染預防竅門，以及昆士市內持續的水質改善項目。

有意聽取簡報者，可於4月22日當天中午上網，https://zoom.us/j/96009531695?pwd=U3A0MEV2S0JHWWlxZS9PRU50VVpLdz09。

 

City of Quincy Celebrating Earth Day 2021 with Neponset River Watershed Association

QUINCY, MA – April 16, 2021 The City of Quincy’s Department of Natural Resources is teaming up

with the Neponset River Watershed Association (NepRWA) to celebrate Earth Day 2021. Guest speaker

Patrick Hogan of NepRWA will be giving a public presentation via Zoom at 12:00 noon on Thursday,

April 22nd. The presentation will cover the importance of stormwater management, water pollution

prevention tips, and information about ongoing water quality improvement projects in Quincy.

Hogan started with NepRWA in August 2019. He holds a BS in Crop & Soil Environmental Sciences and

an MS in Environmental Science and Engineering, both from Virginia Tech. Prior to

joining NepRWA, Hogan spent most of his career in municipal government working in the Public Works

departments of both the City of Roanoke (VA) and the City of Durham (NC). At NepRWA, Hogan

works on a regional basis to provide technical assistance with MS4-related issues to municipalities and

businesses.

“Patrick is a great colleague who is very knowledgeable about water quality related issues. I anticipate

that his presentation will be interesting and informative for all in attendance, especially as we take

Earth Day as an opportunity to reflect on our impact on the planet and learn about ways we can work

together to solve environmental issues,” said Julie Sullivan, Environmental Scientist with the Quincy

Department of Natural Resources.

To access this presentation when it goes live on April 22nd, please follow the Zoom link provided

here: https://zoom.us/j/96009531695?pwd=U3A0MEV2S0JHWWlxZS9PRU50VVpLdz09.

3年67萬5000元 波士頓要為申請經營大麻業者提供技術援助

              (Boston Orange編譯)波士頓市公佈招標書(RFP)，將在今年4月1日起到2024年3月31日止的三年間，每月招標，經由波士頓市的”供應商平台”接受各界在網上填表，為符合資格的申請經營大麻生意者，”提供技術援助”。

             波士頓市政府預定三年撥款67萬5000元，第一輪的申請截止日期為5月1日。

             波士頓市長Kim Janey表示，這是要確保大麻業的創業者能獲得在波士頓發展成長的工具。

             麻州居民在2016年時，經由公投，合法化了成人使用大麻。該法案也規定要讓之前不成比例的受到禁止大麻傷害的社區，獲得鼓勵。

             2019年11月，Kim Janey還是市議員時，在市議會帶頭通過訂立波士頓市大麻業公平法條例，以確保在這新的大麻業中，存在著族裔平等及包容。

             在該條例下，波士頓市長的經濟發展辦公室將監管大麻技術援助項目，幫助符合資格的大麻業申請者。

               波士頓市臨時經濟發展長Midori Morikawa表示，波士頓是是全美第

MAYOR JANEY RELEASES REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS FOR TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAMS FOR CANNABIS EQUITY APPLICANTS New capacity building program will support equity in the cannabis industry BOSTON - Friday, April 16, 2021 - Mayor Kim Janey announced that the City of Boston this week released a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide technical assistance support to certified cannabis equity applicants. This $675,000 investment over three years is designed to expand economic and entrepreneurial opportunity and capacity. Completed proposals will be accepted monthly on a rolling basis, on the first day of each month, for a three year period, beginning on April 1, 2021 and ending March 31, 2024. The first deadline will be May 1, 2021. Proposals can be submitted electronically via the City of Boston Supplier Portal.  "Today we are taking a major step forward in lifting up local entrepreneurs with diverse ownership from communities disproportionately impacted by the war on drugs," said Mayor Kim Janey. “We want to ensure that business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs in the cannabis industry have the tools they need to grow and thrive in Boston.” In 2016, the Citizens of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts approved a ballot question to legalize and regulate adult-use marijuana. That law requires the development of "procedures and policies to promote and encourage full participation in the regulated marijuana industry by people from communities that have previously been disproportionately harmed by marijuana prohibition and enforcement and to positively impact those communities.” In November 2019, in her former role as Boston City Council President, Mayor Kim Janey led the City Council in passing an Ordinance to establish equitable regulation of the cannabis industry in the City of Boston. This ordinance was the result of a collaboration from many stakeholders and advocates and ensures Boston’s role as a national model for how to create a system that fosters racial equity and inclusion in the new cannabis industry.  As part of this ordinance, the Mayor’s Office of Economic Development (OED) will oversee the Cannabis Technical Assistance Program to assist any eligible certified cannabis equity applicants. This designation is based on the majority of an applicant’s business ownership and gives preference to people who reside in areas impacted hardest by the war on drugs, Boston residents, people of color, and people with low incomes, among others. Based on this criteria, the City will maintain an equal or greater number of equity applicant licensees to licensees that do not qualify as equity applicants. The Office of Economic Development has also hired a full-time Cannabis Industry Manager to work directly with cannabis applicants to guide equity applicants through the certification process and to match their needs with experienced TA providers. “Cannabis is a fast-growing industry, and Boston is committed to ensuring that equity applicants in our city can access the resources they need to launch a successful business,” said Midori Morikawa, Interim Chief of Economic Development. “Boston is the first city in the United States to formally prioritize diverse applicants who are looking to participate in this emerging industry. With this new RFP, the Boston Cannabis Equity Program will support equity applicants with critical technical assistance across business operations, workforce development, legal compliance, and other best practices to assist diverse cannabis businesses throughout the city.” Applicants and licensees seeking to be certified pursuant to the Ordinance are reviewed and certified by the Office of Economic Development, in collaboration with the Boston Cannabis Board and other appropriate city departments when applicable. Once selected, the Office of Economic Development shall facilitate the initial engagement with the contractor. In each case, the contractor will be expected to work directly with the cannabis equity applicant. "Since its formation, the Boston Cannabis Board has worked diligently to ensure equity, both to whom cannabis establishment licenses are granted and the geographic distribution of these licenses through the City of Boston," said Chairwoman Kathleen Joyce. "We have prioritized equity since the beginning of this new industry in Boston. Providing technical assistance to certified equity applicants is critical to ensuring those communities negatively impacted by the failed war on drugs have access to this emerging industry. We want to support these applicants throughout the entire process, and we look forward to continuing this important work." Technical assistance providers are experienced business consultants that, through this program, will provide high quality one-on-one assistance to designated businesses, and also provide group workshops and coaching sessions to existing or aspiring business owners. Services can include, but are not limited to:  ·    Assistance with business operations, including the development of business plans;  ·    Assistance recruiting employees; ·    Guidance and assistance through the application process; ·    Assistance with legal compliance; ·    Accounting and tax preparedness assistance; ·    Best practices for operating in the marijuana industry;  ·    Assistance with store security; ·    Assistance identifying and raising funds and capital and identifying vendors; ·    Guidance on legal issues and compliance; and ·    Other cannabis business equity applicant needs.  All prospective TA providers are encouraged to attend a live applicant conference session for the opportunity to address questions relative to the content of the RFP. These sessions will be held quarterly, via Zoom, and will occur in person pending updated COVID-19 public health restrictions at 1 City Hall Sq., Boston, MA 02201. To register, view upcoming dates, and join the conference, please visit: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ETxD64JzTQqNBpyq0Wbvdg  Every month, on the first business day of the month, applications will be downloaded from the City of Boston Supplier Portal website for review. The RFP will appear live again the next day for the following month. In order to participate in these online procurement activities, bidders must register with the Supplier Portal.   The City of Boston encourages a full range of TA providers to apply for this opportunity to support the varied and dynamic needs of small business owners of all backgrounds. The City of Boston seeks to promote the full participation and equity of opportunity for minority‐owned and women‐owned enterprises (“M/WBEs”) on City of Boston contracts. To support these City objectives and to further the City’s progress toward achieving its goal of 25% M/WBE participation on City discretionary spend, the City encourages minority-owned and woman-owned enterprises to respond to this RFP.