麻州府撥發320萬獎助致力平等施打新冠疫苗機構

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $3.2 Million for COVID-19 Vaccine Equity Efforts

BOSTON (June 8, 2021) –  The Baker-Polito Administration today announced $3.2 million in grants and contracts to community-based organizations as part of the Massachusetts Vaccine Equity Initiative to increase awareness and access to the COVID-19 vaccine in the 20 cities and towns hardest hit by the pandemic. The awards are part of the Administration’s investment of $27.4 million in federal funds announced in March.

The funds, which will be distributed to select community- and faith-based organizations statewide, aim to reduce barriers to vaccination for communities and populations most disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.

Seven new community-based organizations, community health centers, and behavioral health centers have been awarded $2.2 million to support vaccine navigation services and customized vaccine administration, building on $6.8 million previously awarded to 25 other organizations.

Award recipients:

• SSTAR Family Healthcare Center 
• North Shore Community Health Center
• Boston Health Care for the Homeless
• Latino Health Insurance Program
• Caring Community Health Center
• Community Health Connections
• Holyoke Health Center

These organizations will receive funding to link individuals to vaccination services in the community, and to directly administer vaccination to groups that are not reached by other outreach efforts. These include populations who may benefit from one-on-one vaccination support, such as substance use disorder treatment facilities, places of worship, homeless encampments, food pantries/congregate meal locations, LGBTQ+ community programs, shelters and day programs, and immigrant assistance centers.

“As we work to build trust in the vaccine across the Commonwealth, we also put our full trust in community-based organizations to know what their communities need, and how to best serve them,” said Public Health Commissioner Monica Bharel, MD, MPH. “Our goal has always been to work toward equity by finding solutions that are right for each community.”

An additional $1 million in funding is being administered by Health Resources in Action (HRiA) in partnership with the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, building on $2.8 million in previously awarded funds. These funds are being awarded to 23 organizations (resulting in 61 total organizations through this funding) to support their efforts to expand vaccine education and awareness that address the specific needs of Black, Indigenous, Latinx, Asian, and other communities of color within the 20 prioritized communities.

Newly funded organizations:

• African Community Center of Lowell
• Asian American Civic Association
• Asociacion Ministerial Evangelica Del Area de Lawrence
• Autism Sprinter
• Black Ministerial Alliance of Greater Boston
• Black Springfield COVID-19 Coalition
• Brockton Workers Alliance
• Building Audacity
• Catholic Social Services of Fall River
• Chelsea Black Community
• Disability Policy Consortium & Boston Center for Independent Living
• Greater Framingham Community Church
• Immigrants Assistance Center
• JAHAN Women and Youth Intercultural
• Justice 4 Housing
• Lawrence Community Works
• Massachusetts Council of Churches
• Pioneer Valley Project
• Randolph Community Partnership
• Sociedad Latina
• Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts
• Spanish American Center
• YWCA Southeastern Massachusetts

About the Vaccine Equity Initiative

Announced by the Baker-Polito Administration in February 2021, the 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.

Boston City Council At-Large Candidate Jon Spillane Calls on School Committee Chairwoman Oliver-Dávila to Resign

 Boston City Council At-Large Candidate Jon Spillane Calls on School Committee Chairwoman Oliver-Dávila to Resign 

“Boston deserves public officials who strive to meet the highest standards”

Boston, MA -- Today, Jon Spillane, candidate for Boston City Councilor At-Large, released a statement following news reports regarding texts exchanged by Boston School Committee Chairwoman Alexandra Oliver-Dávila: 

“Chairwoman Alexandra Oliver-Dávila should resign from the Boston School Committee immediately. Like her two former colleagues who recently resigned, she made unacceptable comments that denigrate Boston residents and tear at the fabric of our City. 

Boston deserves public officials who strive to meet the highest standards. As we navigate the future, competency, accountability, and transparency must be the priorities for positions of public trust. What has happened at the School Committee has been unacceptable, and Bostonians deserve a better sort of leadership.” 

波士頓商會年度小企業獎 6企業上榜

  Chamber Announces Six Small Businesses as 2021 Small Business of the Year 

The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce is pleased to award six small businesses with the title of Small Business of the Year. The annual Small Business of the Year Awards showcase the contributions of businesses to our communities, celebrating their vision in the categories of Diversity and Inclusion, Cultural Excellence, Community Impact, Innovation and Growth, CEO Leadership, and Small Business Champion.  

“Congratulations to the six honorees of our annual Small Business of the Year Awards. The region’s small businesses have always been the heartbeat of our economy, fueling job growth and economic opportunity in our communities. Through the challenges of the pandemic, small businesses exhibited grit and perseverance, and during the economic recovery, we must continue to support, celebrate, and champion small businesses,” said James E. Rooney, President and CEO of the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce.  

Small Business of the Year Award Categories and Honorees are as follows: 

• Diversity & Inclusion: Coils to Locs 
  Founded by a cancer survivor, Coils to Locs supports hospital cancer centers and medical hair loss salons’ ability to provide access for all of their clients regardless of hair type by offering contemporary, high quality, coily, curly synthetic wigs.  
• Cultural Excellence:  Strategy Matters 
  Strategy Matters, a consulting group, works with businesses, nonprofits, government agencies, and public-private partnerships to address organizational and societal challenges.  
• Community Impact: Forward Financing 
  Forward Financing, a financial technology company, helps small businesses quickly access capital needed to grow their business. Forward Financing has provided funding to more than 26,000 small businesses nationwide.  
• Innovation and Growth: tonneson + co 
  Tonneson + co provides expertise in assurance, corporate tax, mergers and acquisitions, global accounting services, and individual and fiduciary tax to privately-held businesses, nonprofits, multi-family offices, and individuals.  
• CEO Leadership: Moonshine 152 
  Moonshine 152, a restaurant in South Boston, reimagines traditional Asian recipes with uniquely New England flavors and produce. Moonshine 152 continues to shine as a favorite restaurant for many, representing the region’s multicultural history through a distinct menu.  
• Small Business Champion: The Castle Group   
  The Castle Group, a women-owned public relations agency with national and global expertise, delivers creative ideas, strategies, and tactical execution to fuel client campaigns.  

About the Greater Boston Chamber

We are the convener, voice and advocate of our region's business community, committed to making Greater Boston the best place for all businesses and all people to thrive. We help our members and Greater Boston succeed by convening and connecting the business community; researching, developing and advocating for public policies that contribute to our region’s economic success; and providing comprehensive leadership development programs designed to grow strong business and civic leaders. Learn more at BostonChamber.com. 

波士頓華裔退伍軍人會陳文浩連任會長 將籌建紀念碑

波士頓華裔退伍軍人會就職典禮部分出席者合影。(周菊子攝)

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元(中)，僑教中心主任
潘昭榮頒發表揚狀給連任波士頓華裔退伍軍人會會長的陳文浩(左)。
(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導)波士頓華裔退伍軍人會6月6日傍晚，在紐英崙中華公所會議廳舉行新屆職員就職典禮，緬懷6名辭世老兵，宣佈將籌建波士頓華裔退伍軍人紀念碑。

                                    這328分會新屆職員基本上連任，有會長陳文浩，資深副會長Edward Woodruff，副會長馮武成，秘書長周暢，財政李錦棠，武裝中士梅桂泉，牧師Amy Au。

                                        新一屆的執行委員會成員為，主席余國華，以及Genie Boland，黃國麟，司徒文信。

波士頓華裔退伍軍人會新屆幹部宣誓就職。(周菊子攝)

                                        駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，麻州退伍軍人會會長Tony Dias，波士頓市退伍軍人會會長的幕僚長Bryon Bishop，波士頓榮光會秘書長鄭增壽，出席中華公所代表楊思聖等嘉賓應邀出席。

                                        就職儀式簡單隆重，由Jake Comer主持，帶領出席者向國旗宣誓效忠，陳余寶愛唱美國國歌，會長陳文浩致歡迎詞，Milton Lashus主禮。

剛當上麻州退伍軍人會會長的Tony Dias(右)特地出席。(周菊子攝)

                                            陳文浩先感謝協辦就職典禮等一應細節人員，以及紐英崙中華公所主席鄭慧民的慷慨出借會議廳，恭喜Tony Diaz當上新任的麻州退伍軍人會指揮官，繼而報告，該會在新冠病毒大流行期間，捐贈了價值超過56,000元的口罩，手套，醫用罩袍等物資給地方上的醫院，診所，以及社區組織。該會多名還出席了在華埠牌樓前舉行的反對歧視亞裔行動。

                                            陳文浩指出，昆市亞協服務中心(QARI)派發黃口哨給地方社區，協助人們防範攻擊，該會考慮促請紐英崙中華公所帶頭，也在波士頓華埠發起類似行動。

波士頓榮光會秘書長鄭增壽(左起)，出席中華公所代表楊思聖應波士頓
華裔退伍軍人會會長陳文浩之邀，和經文處處長孫儉元，僑教中心主任
潘昭榮等到會觀禮。

                                        去年，礙於疫情，中華公所大樓關閉了，該會未能舉辦常規會議，好在有周暢協助，完成了所有的會長報告，財政報告，紀念報告，並以電郵發給了所有會員。他也感謝余國華帶領會員在國殤日插旗，妝點英雄廣場，感謝司徒文信追蹤紀念亞裔退伍軍人的狀況。

波士頓華裔退伍軍人會為慈是老兵製作相框。

                                        在去年新冠病毒肆虐期間，波士頓華埠退伍軍人會痛失數名會員，包括曾參與第二次世界大戰的黃君裕(Arthur Wong)，黃庭琛(Seamy Wong)，Robet Hong，參與韓戰的余錦芳(Gim Fong)，Kwok Chi Yee，參與越戰的Walter Lee等人。

                                            陳文浩表示，該會一度有100多名會員，但是隨著時日消逝，會員凋零，如今人數已少了許多，新年度的一大任務，因此將是招募新會員。他感謝所有會員對該會的支持

波士頓華裔退伍軍人會秘書長周暢(左)稱2年前加入，剛從吉列
公司電子工程師一職退休的鄧健民。是該會最新成員。(周菊子攝)

波士頓代市長Kim Janey宣佈解聘波士頓警察局局長Dennis White

波士頓代理市長Kim Janey宣佈解雇波士頓警察局局長Dennis White。
(視頻截圖)

            (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓綜合報導)波士頓代市長Kim Janey今(7)日下午3點在波士頓市府宣佈，立即解雇波士頓警察局局長Dennis White，波士頓市將從此掀開新篇章。

            Kim Janey同時宣佈，天氣實在太熱，波士頓市的熱浪來襲緊急狀態，將維持至6月8日。

            Kim Janey強調，解雇行動是要告訴民眾，波士頓警察局，這是新的一天，從此波士頓市將更加透明、公平。波士頓市有關執行警務的許多政策都已老舊得不下15年，現在是重新檢討，更新的好時機。

            她強調自己是仔細考慮過，關於Dennis White所涉多宗家暴案的獨立調查結果後，才做此決定。她也指出，Dennis White並未配合調查。

            Dennis White今年二月就任波士頓市警察局局長僅2天後，就因為早年涉及家暴案，曾毆打前妻，被現已升任聯邦勞工部部長的波士頓市前市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)停職。

            波士頓警察局的內部事務小組當年曾做調查，但從未提出控訴，或處以紀律。Dennis White也一直否認這些指控，並宣稱他那也是波士頓警察的前妻Sybil Mason才是施暴者，他是受害人。

            波士頓警察局前局長葛羅斯(William Gross)向馬丁華殊推薦Dennis White。他在簽名作證的Dennis White案法庭文件中宣稱，當年的波士頓警察局局長William Evans在2014年親自看過內部調查小組關於Dennis White的報告，也向前市長匯報過。不過馬丁華殊否認知道關於White的任何指控。

            波士頓代市長Kim Janey三個星期前就已經想要解雇Dennis White了，但Dennis White立即向法院申請禁制令。上星期，Dennis White向法院提出的訴求遭拒後，上星期波士頓代市長Kim Janey就召開了聽證會，並於今日宣佈決定。

            Kim Janey表示，波士頓市警察局局長職務將由目前的代理人繼續身兼雙職。波士頓市將遵循規定做全國性的人才搜尋，並將納入市民意見，以示公開，透明。

            波士頓市不分區市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)今早9點半，也在市政府大樓前舉行記者會，強調警察局改革應始自合約談判，但波士頓市警察局的合約已過期一年，波士頓市府應趁此時機，推動系統性改革，讓好警察名聲得直，並應容許市民參與意見。

 

代市長同意選票問題 波士頓市預算邁向全民參與

波士頓代市長Kim Janey(前坐者)在市議員Lydia Edwards (左二)，華人 前進會主任陳玉珍(左三)等人見證中，簽字同意預算全民參與。 (華人前進會提供)              (Boston Orange周菊子綜合報導)波士頓市府預算，有望在今年以後，波士頓市議員也有話語權，全民都將有機會參與決定。             波士頓代市長Kim Janey今(7)早在一眾市議員及民間支持者列席見證中，簽字同意把修訂波士頓市預算制定方法，擴大容許市民及市議員參與的這一提案，列為今年11月大選時的選票問題，同時宣佈將在波士頓市2022年會計年度預算中，增撥100萬元，專門用於成立波士頓市有史以來的第一個「參與預算辦公室(Office of Participatory Budgeting)」。             在Kim Janey簽字後，這一提案將送交麻州總檢察官辦公室，若條文內容沒有不妥當的地方，這一問題將印在11月大選的選票上，由選民決定，在制定市府預算上，是否容許波士頓市議員和市長享有類似權力。 波士頓市議員Lydia Edwards(前中)和一眾市議員及民間支持團體， 連袂宣佈喜訊。(周菊子攝)              Kim Janey表示自己還在市議會議長任內時，就已支持這修訂市府章程的提案，上任市長一職後，也誓言要把新的人民聲音帶進市府，而這修改章程，將使得波士頓市的預算制定過程更民主，包容，透明。              這一修改案在五月份時，獲得市議會議員全員同意的支持，依但在11月大選時通過，波士頓市議員和波士頓市長將都有權利全面或部分的修訂波士頓市預算。目前只有市長有權制定預算。 華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍(右)感謝Lydia Edwards(前左)和一眾市議員， 波士頓代市長Kim Janey通過這一提案，將讓民眾有機會就市府預算 該怎麼分配，也有發言權。(周菊子攝)                      華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍，”社區及環技替代方案”的Dwaign Tyndal，洛士百利活躍份子Armani White等人都稱許Kim Janey簽字同意這一提案交付公投。             波士頓市府在發佈的新聞稿中說明，Kim Janey最近提出了有前瞻性的2022年會計年度營運預算37.5億元，另建議在2022-2026會計年度的預算中，撥備32億元做基礎建設。 提出此案的波士頓市議員Lydia Edwards在Kim Janey簽署儀式過後，和一眾波士頓市議員們聚集在波士頓市府廣場前，舉行記者會，歡喜宣佈這一成果，說明只等麻州總檢察官辦公室確認這一修改市府憲章行動，以及相關文字，條款符合法律規定後，將於11月大選時，在選票問題上，請選民做決定。                 華人前進會行政主任陳玉珍表示，其實全民，以及波士頓市議員參與製定預算這事，早在將近20年前，就由時任波士頓市議員的Chuck Turner提出來了，只是當年未能爭取到大多數市議員同意，這一構想也就從未走到提交市長簽署這步，現在波士頓市長Kim Janey也已簽字，就等麻州總檢察官審閱了，進展很讓人興奮。  (二次更新版)   MAYOR JANEY EXPANDS PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT IN BUILDING BOSTON’S BUDGET, CREATING CITY’S FIRST PARTICIPATORY BUDGETING OFFICE AND SENDING AN UPDATE OF THE CITY’S CHARTER TO THE BALLOT   BOSTON - Monday, June 7, 2021 - Building on her commitment to equity and her focus on engaging all of Boston in the City’s governance, Mayor Kim Janey today took two key steps to democratize Boston’s budget building process. The first step was signing off on a ballot question to amend the City of Boston Charter that will strike a more equal balance of budgetary powers between the Mayor and the City Council. The amendment will now be sent to the Attorney General’s office for placement on Boston’s municipal ballot this November. The second step was to allocate an additional $1 million in the City’s proposed FY ‘22 Budget, dedicated to the immediate creation of the City’s first Office of Participatory Budgeting. “On my first day as Mayor, I promised to bring new voices to the table and include those who felt shut out by City Hall,” said Mayor Janey. “Signing this charter amendment delivers on that promise and creates a path forward for city budgeting that is more democratic, inclusive, and transparent. I want to thank the advocates and the Boston City Council for their partnership on this important issue.” The proposed charter amendment, which Mayor Janey championed as City Council President, received unanimous approval from the City Council in May. If the charter amendment passes this November, both the City Council and the Mayor will have the authority to amend the City’s budget in whole or in part, a power currently only held by the Mayor.  Independent of the ballot measure, the amendment also establishes the Office of Participatory Budgeting, which will lead the Administration's efforts around expanding opportunities for community involvement in the City’s annual budgeting process. Guided by a community-based Participatory Budgeting Committee, the Office will be tasked with determining resident priorities when it comes to the City’s investments.    “CPA works to ensure more voices are heard in government and policy making,” said Karen Chen of the Chinese Progressive Association. “We want to commend Mayor Janey for signing the Charter Reform amendment moving Boston towards greater democracy and equity, where all Bostonian voices are represented in Boston’s city budget.”  “ACE as a member of Rights to the City of Boston appreciates Mayor Janey's leadership on charter reform as the President of the City Council and now as the serving Mayor of Boston. Charter reform will continue the process of making Boston a more transparent and democratic city,” said Dwaign Tyndal of Alternatives for Community and Environment.  “We are so grateful for Mayor Janey’s support of this charter amendment. Participatory budgeting will allow for residents across Boston to have direct decision making in our tax dollars, and strengthens our city’s democracy, transparency, and civic participation,” said Roxbury-based activist Armani White. Mayor Janey recently proposed a forward-looking budget that recommended a $3.75 billion Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) operating budget and $3.2 billion Fiscal Year 2022-2026 (FY22-FY26) Capital Plan. The aim of the budget is to provide the resources for the city’s continued robust public health response to COVID-19, making strategic investments in Boston’s neighborhoods and residents, and setting the stage for Boston’s equitable reopening, recovery and long-term renewal. For more information on Mayor Janey’s proposed budget, visit budget.boston.gov.

波士頓華埠舞獅期待旺商機 南派獅隊先出場

嘉賓和南派醒獅隊在華埠牌樓前合影。

            (Boston Orange)鑼鼓齊鳴，雙獅舞動。波士頓華埠牌樓在6月5日中午，又再彩旗飄揚，吸引路人駐足圍觀。這場預定持續一個月，每週六一場，不是為了慶祝新年的舞獅，是希望藉著舞獅氣勢，帶旺華埠商機。

             波士頓華埠從新冠病毒疫情爆發之後，生意就大不如前，儘管新冠病毒和華埠無關，只因為新冠病毒疫情最早從中國境內傳出，坊間以訛傳訛，把許多人嚇到不敢進華埠用餐，購物。

             波士頓市議員吳弭(Michelle Wu)，當時的波士頓市長馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)等人都曾以身作則，聚眾在華埠內吃點心，用餐。

             新冠病毒疫情隨後加劇，州市政府紛紛發出禁令，餐飲業只能外賣，不能堂食，餐館生意更是一落千丈，許多餐廳被迫歇業，關上大門。華埠內也有至少2家餐廳因此轉手，換了新東主。

              如今這超過一年的疫情，總算舒緩了，麻州、波士頓市也都解除禁令了，但人們的習慣，一時間似乎改不過來。許多人都在問，有甚麼方法可以吸引人進華埠消費。

                 轄區包括華埠的波士頓市第二區市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)和紐英崙中華公所，波士頓華埠主街，波士頓華埠商會開會商量後，決定為期一個月，在6月份中的每週六舞獅，希望能吸引民眾踏進華埠消費。

             6月5日中午是這帶旺華埠商機活動的第一場舞獅，由南派武館的醒獅隊擔綱。   

                華埠主街董事何遠光在致詞儀式中還宣佈，跨入7月後，將於7月3日在華埠牌樓前的公園，擺出花市，繼續吸引人潮。

                  

         

左起，黃市公所主席黃光沐，華埠主街裡適何遠光，波士頓市議員
Ed Lynn，紐英崙華人歷史協會董事陳建立，華埠主街董事會主席
黃光野等人致詞。

蘿絲甘迺迪綠路新主任Chris Cook(右三)致詞。

波士頓市長宣佈波士頓今日進入熱浪緊急狀態

MAYOR JANEY DECLARES HEAT EMERGENCY, OPENS BCYF COOLING CENTERS TO ALL RESIDENTS

 

BOSTON - Saturday, June 5, 2021 - Today Mayor Kim Janey declared a heat emergency in the City of Boston beginning Sunday, June 6, 2021 and lasting through Tuesday, June 8, 2021. Temperatures are expected to be in the mid 90s.  “It will be the first time this year that we’ve seen heat and humidity like this for an extended period of time. We are opening our cooling centers so all residents have an option to come inside and cool off in air conditioning,” said Mayor Janey. “I’m urging everyone to take precautions and find ways to stay cool over the next few days. Please watch out for each other. If you see someone out in the heat who appears in distress and needs help, call 911 immediately.” To help residents stay cool, Cooling Centers will be open at Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) community centers from Sunday through Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. A full list of centers that will be available can be found at Boston.gov/Heat. Tot sprays are open at parks and playgrounds in the City. Outdoor City-operated pools have not opened for the season at this time. Select indoor pools are available for lap swim. Pre-register to swim at Boston.gov/BCYF-Registration.  Information on heat safety tips can be found online at boston.gov/heat and by following @CityofBoston on Twitter. Residents can sign up for Alert Boston, the City's emergency notification system, to receive emergency alerts by phone, email or text. Sign up online here. Residents are also encouraged to call 311 with any questions about available city services. The Mayor issued the following heat safety tips for all members of the public: Children and pets should never be left alone in vehicles, even for short periods of time. ·     Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of fluids regardless of activity level. Avoid alcoholic beverages and liquids high in sugar or caffeine. ·     Keep cool with frequent cool showers, shade, and air conditioning or fans.  ·     Adults and children should use sunscreen containing an SPF-30 or higher and wear protective, loose-fitting clothing, including long sleeve shirts and hats. ·     Limit outdoor activity to morning and evening hours. Rest often in shady areas and be extra cautious from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., when the sun's UV radiation is strongest. ·     Know the signs of heat exhaustion. Heavy sweating, cool and clammy skin, dizziness, nausea, and muscle aches could all be signs of heat exhaustion. If symptoms persist, call 911 immediately. Do not delay care. Heat is the leading cause of weather-related deaths in the US and can exacerbate underlying illnesses. ·     If you have a child in your home, use child window guards in addition to screens on any open window on the second story or above. Falls are the leading cause of injury for children under the age of six.  ·     Secure all window air conditioner units according to the manufacturer's specifications. ·     Please call or virtually check on neighbors, especially older adults, and people with disabilities. Helping the Homeless: ·     If you see individuals out in the heat who appear immobile or disoriented, please call 911. Please ask them if they need assistance. ·     The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) operates emergency shelters at 112 Southampton St. and 794 Massachusetts Ave. These facilities are air conditioned and open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Amnesty has been called because of extremely high temperatures so those with non-violent restrictions can access shelter.  ·     The City of Boston works closely with a network of shelter providers to ensure there is adequate shelter, food, water, and a cool respite from the heat. ·     Street outreach teams providing recovery services remain operating as normal during summertime weather. Outreach teams are providing sunscreen and water on outreach routes and in the comfort station.  ·     Engagement Center: The Engagement Center remains open from 6 a.m. - 6 p.m. Air conditioning, water, sunscreen and nursing are provided on site. Showers and running water are available. ·     The Comfort Station: The Comfort Station is open weekdays from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Water, sunscreen and nursing are provided on site.  Playground Safety:   ·     Children should always wear shoes on playgrounds because surfaces can become extremely hot and cause burns, even splash pads and spray decks. Outdoor Fires and Grilling: ·     No outdoor fires are allowed in Boston, including fire pits, chimineas, and bonfires. ·     Charcoal grills must be on the ground and away from buildings. Keep in mind the wind and never leave unattended. When done, dispose of the ash in a metal container once completely out. ·     Propane tank grills are only allowed on first floor porches with steps to the ground. Do not place propane tank grills near air conditioners or up against a building. Make sure all connections are tight and never carry propane tanks into a home. ·     Grills should always be used in a well-ventilated area.