MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CITY OF BOSTON NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN APPROVED BY BOSTON CITY COUNCIL AND FEMA

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES CITY OF BOSTON NATURAL HAZARD MITIGATION PLAN APPROVED BY BOSTON CITY COUNCIL AND FEMA

BOSTON - Tuesday, December 28, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the approval of the City of Boston’s 2021 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan (NHMP) update led by the Office of Emergency Management (OEM). NHMP was adopted by the Boston City Council on December 1, 2021. The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) approval of NHMP went into effect on December 6, 2021. This approval maintains the City’s eligibility for FEMA grant funding.  Starting in January 2021, OEM began updating Boston’s 2014 NHMP through a comprehensive engagement process that included City departments, community partners in a variety of areas, and the citizens of Boston. The NHMP collects and aligns projects that aim to reduce the potential impacts from natural hazards such as severe winter weather, flooding, and extreme heat. Equity and environmental justice considerations were key parts of this process. The overall approach focused on severity, probability, location, historical occurrences, climate change, and risk, with the goal of  documenting past successes and challenges regarding natural hazards to better develop solutions for tomorrow.  "As a coastal city, Boston has the opportunity to show how action on climate change can be transformational for our communities,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. "This hazard mitigation plan update will reduce our City’s risks associated with natural hazards and inform future planning associated with a changing climate, advancing Boston’s efforts to become a more resilient, healthy, and equitable city.” “The city’s Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan is critical for aligning efforts in this space,” said Shumeane Benford, Chief of Emergency Management. “OEM is grateful for the contributions and partnerships across city departments that made these updates possible.” The approval of the City’s 2021 NHMP will maintain the City’s eligibility for FEMA grant funding such as the Building Resilient Infrastructure (BRIC) and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP). Successful applications for these Mitigation Grants by City Departments could potentially bring tens of millions of dollars into the City to support both ongoing mitigation initiatives in addition to new ones identified in the 2021 plan.  Visit the City’s NHMP webpage to learn more, review Boston’s 2021 Natural Hazard Mitigation Plan, and stay updated on the process and next steps.   For Boston emergency alerts, including cold-weather alerts, residents are encouraged to sign up for Alert Boston.  Follow OEM on Facebook (City of Boston Office of Emergency Management), Instagram (@BostonOEM), and Twitter (@AlertBoston) and the hashtags #ResilientBoston #BostonNHMP If you have any questions or would like to receive updates on this project, please contact EngageOEM@boston.gov.

台灣數位新冠病毒健康證明 12/28 起開放下載

為因應我國民眾能加速入境歐盟等國家，我國「數位新冠病毒健康證明」於12月28日上午8時開放下載回上一頁

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發佈日期：2021-12-27

中央流行疫情指揮中心今(27)日表示，歐盟執委會於今(110)年12月21日宣布我國正式加入「歐盟數位新冠證明」系統。歐盟數位新冠證明為世界性標準之一，國際成員國多且最早用於國際旅行，為使我國民眾能加速入境歐盟等國家，指揮中心將於12月28日上午8時開放我國「數位新冠病毒健康證明」供國人下載使用。

指揮中心說明，由於歐盟為世界重要國際聯盟，「歐盟數位新冠證明」系統目前已有60國加入，包括27個歐盟會員國、33個非歐盟會員國(統計至2021/12/22止)。另，美國已公開接受旅客持歐盟數位新冠證明供入境查驗，國際航空運輸協會(IATA)之數位新冠證明亦與之互通，故持我國數位證明於國際旅行己不限上述的60國。

指揮中心指出，我國「疫苗接種數位證明」或「檢驗結果數位證明」之資料欄位、數位簽章、防偽機制、個人資料保護、QR Code顯示與電子驗證等均依照歐盟標準，尤其是個人資料保護完全依據歐盟一般資料保護規則之最小使用、自行攜帶、可被遺忘等原則，請國人安心使用。
指揮中心表示，本項數位證明的內容屬於個人資料保護法定義的敏感性資料，身分確認的方式相對繁瑣。本數位證明提供所有於國內接種疫苗或進行PCR檢驗者自行下載，初期限持有有效護照者，申請方式以電腦或手機直接上網辦理，網址為：https://dvc.mohw.gov.tw（將於12月28日上午8時開放），或在衛福部官網取得連結，三個步驟即可取得證明：

一、確認身分：
(一)國人：(1)身分證號+健保卡號+有效護照號碼；(2) FIDO(為安全且便利的生物辨識方式，提供指紋或臉部辨識登入)+有效護照號碼；(3)自然人憑證+有效護照號碼。三種方式擇一。
(二)外來人口：(1)統一證號+健保卡號；(2) 統一證號+入出境證號；(3) 統一證號+護照號碼。三種方式擇一。

二、選擇項目：選擇「疫苗接種數位證明」或「檢驗結果數位證明」。

三、取得證明：於申請成功畫面點選「下載/列印 數位證明」，檔案格式為PDF，提醒要先保存於行動裝置或電腦硬碟中，再視個人需要列印紙本。無列印設備但又有列印需求者，可於申請成功畫面選擇超商並點選「取得超商列印碼」，系統將產製超商取件條碼或取件編號，請自行攜至超商付費列印。

指揮中心提醒，實際使用時，出示紙本或行動載具中的QR code都是可接受的方法，查驗人員掃瞄QR code後會出現不同顏色的號誌表達接受與否。但各國或不同場所仍可能有不同方式驗證，請民眾特別提醒留意。本數位證明優先提供民眾出國使用，至於國內何時開放使用，再由疫情指揮中心另行發布。詳細系統操作方式可以參考衛生福利部官網數位證明專區( https://covid19.mohw.gov.tw/ch/np-5345-205.html )。

麻州法定最低時薪2022起調漲至$14.25

             (Boston Orange 編譯) 從2022年開始，麻州的最低時薪，將從$13.5漲到$14.25。這是一連第四年的每次漲$0.75。到2023年時，麻州的最低時薪將正式跨入$15模式。

            收小費員工的時薪，也將從$5.55漲至$6.15。這每年60分的漲幅，將於2023年1月，時薪漲至$6.75時終止。

             所謂的收小費員工 (tipped employee)，或曰服務業員工，指的是在任何單一月份內，小費收入超過20元的人。

             麻州審判法院圖書館網站上的資料顯示，雇主必須通知員工這一法令，而且員工得到的小費及薪資，加起來必須達到最低時薪數額，如果加起來都還沒達到最低時薪數額的話，雇主必須給員工補足差額。

             麻州的最低時薪，比聯邦政府的7.25元，高了7元。但這時薪額度，十多年來一直停滯不前，感不上通貨膨脹幅度。

余麗媖當選美國洪門歷來首名女總理 波士頓洪門新屆職員就任4名新人

波士頓洪門致公堂新屆職員與嘉賓合影。前排左起，全美安良工商會總理陳仕維，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，波士頓洪門致公堂主席湯偉立，
美國洪門致公堂元老伍伯和，總理余麗媖，監堂阮振強，波士頓洪門致公堂主席梅少華，候任紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，駐波士頓台北
經濟文化處處長孫儉元。(周菊子攝)

洪門致公堂監堂阮振強(左起)，新任總理余麗媖，元老伍伯和監交印信，湯偉立，梅少華
出任新屆主席。(周菊子攝)

             (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓洪門致公堂12月26日晚在華埠泰勒街會所舉行2022年度新屆職員就職典禮，恭喜湯偉立連任，梅少華回任主席，更敲鑼鳴炮的慶祝前任主席余麗媖當選為美國洪門致公堂創立百餘年來的第一位女總理。

             波士頓洪門致公堂在全世界都壟罩在新冠病毒疫情的大環境下，堂務也受影響，幹部們去年原班人馬留任，余麗媖也因此打破紀錄，成為波士頓第一位3連莊的洪門主席，沒想到今年她又再破紀錄，當上美國洪門的首名女總理。

美國洪門致公堂新總理余麗媖(左二)主持新屆職員就職典禮。(周菊子攝)

             本應於25日赴紐約就任洪門總堂總理一職的余麗媖，也因疫情，改為在地就任，同時主持波士頓的新屆職員就職典禮，先面向紅布簾遮住的洪門五祖，男左女右的舉手宣誓，唸出「義氣團結，忠誠救國，義俠除奸」等宣誓詞，再和元老伍伯和，監堂阮振強主持印信交接，然後率領一眾新屆職員舉手，唸出「我等謹以至誠，就任本堂職員，自應奉公守法，為本堂服務，倘有違法失職，願受嚴厲處份，此誓」的完成就職典禮。

駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元(右一)，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(左一)
送上賀狀給洪門新任總理余麗媖(中)，以及2名新屆主席湯偉立(左二)，
梅少華(右三)，元老伍伯和(左三)，監堂阮振強(右二)同賀。(周菊子攝)

           余麗媖在致詞時謙虛表示，當選總理，她自己也很意外，但也深為得到眾人、僑社的支持，感到榮幸，希望將來和大家攜手合作，為僑社提供更多服務。

             連任主席，在房地產業工作的湯偉立是在美出生的第二代，英文比中文流利，但這次就職，他很認真的以中文一字一句的表達感謝與服務心意。經營珍寶餐廳的梅少華則感謝眾人支持他再次出任主席，笑說疫情無情，但人間有情，直指「孤掌難鳴」，希望大家互助互惠，能齊心合力，團結一致的服務，把華人社區推向更上一層樓。

余麗媖(中)當選為美國洪門致公堂歷年來的首名女總理，與波士頓洪門致公堂
2名新屆主席湯偉立(右)，梅少華(左)。(周菊子攝)

             候任紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝稱許洪門2名主席中西互補，新總理余麗媖精明能幹，是洪門的女中豪傑，當選是實至名歸。他還藉機感謝洪門在這次中華公所主席選舉中給他的支持。

             駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長孫儉元謙稱自己廣東話不好，以國語致詞，感謝洪門長期以來對中華民國的支持，期許將來和洪門繼續合作，為僑社服務。

             波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮則是努力的以廣東話，一一稱呼、致詞，並恭喜新任幹部就職，恭祝新年快樂。

美國三大華人僑團，難得同時有2名總理都出自波士頓，新當選美國洪門致公堂總理
的余麗媖(左起)與全美安良工商會總理陳仕維，鍾珮玲夫婦。(周菊子攝)

             全美安良工商會總理陳仕維，洪門元老伍伯和，監堂阮振強等人也一一致詞。

             波士頓洪門致公堂今年的新屆職員，有4名新人，分別是做物業管理的秘書翁偉健，為小企業提供政府資源資訊的外交伍少武，在St. James街上開日式餐廳的鄺炎彬，以及已退休，目前專心輔導洪青醒獅隊的前紐英崙中華公所主席胡國新之子胡振勝。

             其他職員有財政葉偉綱，理財黎亦置，康樂陳國航，幹事鄧安。

             洪青的新任會長為從事資產管理業，加入洪青已有7年的林向榮，在疫情期間成長最快速的快遞業工作的周志強。

波士頓洪門致公堂職員們在新月宮餐敘慶祝就職圓滿。(周菊子攝)

              當天到會嘉賓包括紐英崙余風采堂主席余寶愛、余宗濤，曾任波士頓僑務委員的梅錫銳等。就職典禮圓滿結束後，波士頓洪門在新月宮席開6桌慶祝。

 

波士頓洪門致公堂洪青體育會新會長林向榮(右)、周志強(左)。(周菊子攝)

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES DONATION DRIVE FOR RECENTLY ARRIVED HAITIAN FAMILIES

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES DONATION DRIVE FOR RECENTLY ARRIVED HAITIAN FAMILIES SPARK Boston is working directly with City Hall to provide much-needed supplies for new Bostonians

 

BOSTON - Thursday, December 23, 2021 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the launch of a holiday donation drive to assist the hundreds of families who have recently arrived in Boston from the border. In partnership with the Immigrant Family Services Institute (IFSI) and SPARK Boston, the Mayor’s civic engagement council for millennial and Gen Z residents, donation bins have been installed in the Boston City Hall lobbies to collect household goods, including winter clothing, menstrual products, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and diapers.   “Boston has a long history of offering safety & being a home to people in crisis around the world,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As we celebrate the holidays, let’s all do our part to welcome and assist our new Haitian neighbors and their families by donating essential supplies so everyone is safe. Thank you to all of the SPARK Boston members for their leadership in making sure our city is a place for everyone”. From now through Friday, January 21, residents are encouraged to bring new toiletries, menstrual products, diapers, and cleaning supplies and/or gently used linens, winter clothes, cookware, and storage containers to City Hall. Donation collection bins are available at both the Congress Street entrance on the first floor and the main plaza lobby on the third floor.  “I’m so proud of my council members for coming up with this wide-reaching initiative,” said SPARK Boston Director Audrey Seraphin upon launch. “The support we have received from the Mayor’s Office has allowed us to expand our efforts to assist our new neighbors. Hopefully, the donation drive will become an annual holiday tradition for SPARK Boston.” All donations will be distributed directly to families in need by IFSI from their headquarters in Mattapan. The Mayor’s Office for Immigrant Advancement works closely with IFSI to provide funding, resources, and legal assistance to recent Haitian arrivals.  Any questions about the donation drive can be directed to SPARK Boston at sparkboston@boston.gov. ABOUT SPARK BOSTON SPARK Boston is the Mayor’s volunteer civic engagement council for 20 to 35-year-old Bostonians dedicated to connecting young people to City of Boston leaders and one another to collaboratively build Boston’s future.  ABOUT IMMIGRANT FAMILY SERVICES INSTITUTE (IFSI) IFSI’s mission is to expedite the successful integration of recent immigrants into the social and economic fabric of the United States with justice and dignity. Immigrant Family Services Institute provides targeted academic support and enrichment services, using a holistic approach that addresses the unique challenges of immigrant children as a way to maximize their full potential in school and beyond. In addition, IFSI advocates for immigrant rights, most recently addressing current TPS recipients by helping with alternative paths to citizenship and providing accurate and timely information about and responses to new developments.

WHIAANHPI Highlights, December 23, 2021

 

WHIAANHPI Highlights, December 23, 2021

 

 As 2021 draws to a close, I would like to take this moment to thank you for your efforts and support in advancing equity, justice, and opportunity for Asian American, Native Hawaiian, and Pacific Islander communities. With your partnership this year, we have officially launched the White House Initiative on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders (WHIAANHPI) and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; brought important updates to the community through our stakeholder engagement efforts; and strengthened a foundation for federal interagency policy changes and regional community outreach.

 To keep your family safe this holiday season, please remember that COVID-19 vaccines continue to be the most effective way to prevent severe illness, hospitalization, and death due to COVID-19. If you have already received two doses of the vaccine, a booster shot is also recommended to help keep up protection. Further information about booster eligibility from the CDC is available here.

 I look forward to our continued partnership in 2022 and beyond. Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and happy holiday season and a joyful New Year!

HHS Secretary Becerra Launches WHIAANHPI, Announces Co-Chair Ambassador Tai

 

Secretary Xavier Becerra (bottom left), Ambassador Katherine Tai (bottom right), Erika Moritsugu (top right), Krystal Ka‘ai (bottom center) and Hannah Kim (top left) at the virtual press conference for the launch of WHIAANHPI, December 9, 2021.

 

On December 9, 2021, Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Xavier Becerra launched the Biden-Harris Administration’s WHIAANHPI and announced U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) Ambassador Katherine Tai as his co-chair of both WHIAANHPI and the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. In addition to the two co-chairs, Krystal Ka’ai, WHIAANHPI Executive Director, and Erika Moritsugu, Deputy Assistant to the President and AA and NHPI Senior Liaison, also made remarks. The announcement also included the launch of WHIAANHPI’s Interagency Working Group and Regional Network. Read the press release here, and watch the announcement here.

 

President Biden Appoints 23 Community Leaders to President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders

This Monday, December 20, 2021, President Biden announced the 23 new commissioners of the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders. Read the announcement here.

The appointed commissioners are: Dr. Amy Agbayani, Teresita Batayola, Ajay Bhutoria, Luisa Blue, Dr. Kimberly Chang, Emily Chen, Kerry Doi, Grace Huang, Victoria Huynh, Mia Ives-Rublee, Dr. Kamal Kalsi, Michelle Kauhane, Daniel Dae Kim, Kevin D. Kim, Sarah Min, Simon Pang, Ai-jen Poo, Naheed Qureshi, Dr. Raynald Samoa, Sonal Shah, Smita Shah, The Honorable Robert Underwood, and KaYing Yang.

HHS Secretary Becerra and USTR Ambassador Tai also released the following joint statement: “As co-chairs of [the Commission], we offer our sincerest congratulations to the 23 commissioners who have been newly appointed today. They are distinguished leaders and experts from across the country, representing communities and private and public sectors nationwide, representing the diversity of the AA and NHPI populations. We look forward to working together to provide independent recommendations to the President and the Federal government on ways the public, private and non-profit sectors can collaborate to advance equity, justice, and opportunity for AA and NHPI communities.” Read the full press release here. 

Marketplace Open Enrollment Deadline January 15

Don’t miss your chance! January 15, 2022 is the last day to enroll in marketplace health plans. With the American Rescue Plan, more than 150,000 uninsured now have access to zero-dollar premium plans, and 197,000 uninsured Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders may now be eligible for additional savings. Discover plans available to you and enroll today here.

From the start of Open Enrollment through December 15, 2021, a historic high of more than 13.6 million people have already enrolled in health insurance coverage for 2022 through HealthCare.gov and State-based Marketplaces. Thanks to the American Rescue Plan, 92% of people who selected federal Marketplace coverage will receive premium tax credits. Read the HHS press release on Open Enrollment updates here.

Last Chance to Submit Public Comments for COVID-19 Hate Crimes Guidance

On October 5, 2021, Attorney General Merrick B. Garland and HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra co-hosted a listening session with stakeholders on the bipartisan COVID-19 Hate Crimes Act, which was signed into law by President Biden in May. Under the legislation, the Department of Justice and HHS, in coordination with the COVID-19 Health Equity Task Force and community-based organizations, are required to issue guidance aimed at raising awareness of hate crimes during the COVID-19 pandemic. The deadline to submit public comments is January 10, 2022. Comments should be emailed to COVID19HateCrimesGuidance@hhs.gov.

White House Highlights

White House Fellows Deadline January 7

The 2022 to 2023 White House Fellows application is now live. Applications are due January 7, 2022 at 4:59 PM EST. The purpose of this program is to provide gifted and highly motivated young Americans with first-hand experience in the process of governing the Nation and a sense of personal involvement and responsibility in the leadership of society. Learn more about the program history, criteria, and interview process here. Questions or comments can be sent to whitehousefellows@whf.eop.gov.

President Biden and The First Lady Commemorate the 80th Anniversary of Pearl Harbor Attack, Mark Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birth

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden marked the 80th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor with a somber visit to the World War II Memorial in the Nation’s capital on December 7, 2021. Read the President’s Proclamation on National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day here.

On November 19, 2021, the President and First Lady extended their wishes to the Sikh community on the 552nd anniversary of the birth of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the founder of the Sikh faith. Read the President’s statement on the Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji’s Birth here.

White House and WHIAANHPI Roundtables for AA and NHPI Entrepreneurs and CEOs

On November 30, 2021, the White House and WHIAANHPI hosted a listening session with AA and NHPI hardware entrepreneurs to close out National Entrepreneurship Month. During the session, senior Biden-Harris Administration officials discussed ways that the Administration is committed to working with entrepreneurs to increase access to capital, federal procurement, and access to recovery programs.

On December 21, 2021, the White House and WHIAANHPI met with AA and NHPI CEOs and business leaders to listen to the economic challenges AA and NHPI business leaders are facing and their ideas to move the economy forward.

Senior Biden-Harris Administration officials meet with AA and NHPI CEOs on December 21, 2021.

 

Federal Agency Highlights

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Deputy Labor Secretary Julie Su Visit Pilipino Workers Center

Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Deputy Secretary Julie Su visit the Pilipino Workers Center, December 6, 2021 [Source: U.S. Department of Labor].

 Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and Deputy Labor Secretary Julie Su visited the Pilipino Workers Center’s Larry Itliong Village on December 6, 2021 to meet with Los Angeles-based worker centers. Secretary Walsh and Deputy Secretary Su spoke with immigrant workers and learned about their advocacy work for workplace justice.

National Endowment for the Arts Highlights AA and NHPI Artists

The National Endowment for the Arts featured first-person narratives of eight AA and NHPI artists in the latest issue of its agency magazine titled “Showing Strength Through Creativity. Equity and Access in the Arts for Asian American/Pacific Islander Communities." Read their stories here.

 

NASEM Convenes “COVID-19, Health Equity, and the Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian Communities” Workshop

 

The National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine (NASEM) convened a two-day public workshop on December 7 and 9, 2021 on how the COVID-19 pandemic has uniquely affected the AA and NHPI communities. Click here for more information including the meeting materials.

 

 

Resources and Opportunities

 

Treasury Department’s State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI)

 

The American Rescue Plan Act reauthorized and expanded the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which established the original SSBCI program. The new version of the program will provide a combined $10 billion to states, the District of Columbia, territories, and Tribal governments to empower small businesses to access capital needed to invest in job-creating opportunities as the country emerges from the pandemic. The funds will also support recipient jurisdictions in promoting American entrepreneurship and democratizing access to startup capital across the country, including in underserved communities. Applications for SSBCI capital programs from states, territories, Washington, DC, and Tribal governments must be completed by February 11, 2022. More details here.

COVID-19 Funeral Assistance

 

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020. Learn more about this program in multiple languages, including Chinese, Korean and Vietnamese here.

ICYMI: Webinar on the Importance of COVID-19 Booster Shots for AA and NHPI Communities

In a joint webinar from Association of Asian Pacific Community Health Organizations (AAPCHO) and HHS’ We Can Do This campaign, experts shed light on and answer the community’s questions about booster eligibility, safety, accessibility, and effectiveness against COVID-19 variants. You can access the webinar here.

Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge

The U.S. Economic Development Administration’s American Rescue Plan Good Jobs Challenge aims to get Americans back to work by building and strengthening systems and partnerships that bring together employers who have hiring needs with other key entities to train workers with in-demand skills that lead to good paying jobs. These systems and partnerships will create and implement industry-led training programs designed to provide skills for and connect unemployed or underemployed workers to existing and emerging job opportunities. The application deadline is January 26, 2022. You can find more details here.

AmeriCorps: MLK Day of Service

The commemoration of the MLK Day of Service is a call to act on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy of social justice and equity. This day marks our opportunity to recommit as citizens by volunteering in service to others. Through those efforts, we can strengthen ties to our communities and one another while we address critical issues that divide us. This year, MLK Day will take place on Monday, January 17, 2022. Follow the digital conversation on MLK Day and the days leading up to it on AmeriCorps’ Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Visit here to find information, including:

• How to add your MLK Day volunteer opportunity to the AmeriCorps search tool
• How to find in-person and virtual volunteer opportunities on MLK Day
• Tools, resources, and informational webinars for participating and planning MLK Day service projects in your community.

波士頓市長吳弭，議員Ed Flynn與華埠居民同慶豎立雙語路牌

波士頓華埠民眾和政要在雙語路牌前合影。(周菊子攝)

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 12月22日中午，下大雨，幾十名華埠民眾依然紛沓而來，在華埠牌樓前慶祝歷經4任市長的漫長努力，波士頓華埠街道路牌終於有了中文。

           如今都已過世的華埠居民會共同主席余仕昂，余顯生，當年提出「雙語路牌」請願案後，華人前進會李素影、駱理德、鄺寶蓮，華埠居民會的執委們等等許多人協助推動居民連署，包括堡壘村居民會執委梅清焉，黃氏宗親會婦女部主任黃周麗桃等，也都曾經抱著一疊疊請願書，分頭努力地請居民，宗親簽名支持。

波士頓市長吳弭(左五)和華人前進會職員鄺寶蓮(右二)等人合影。(周菊子攝)

           只是這一提案從萬寧諾(Tom Menino)時代開始，歷經馬丁華殊(Martin Walsh)，Kim Janey，直到吳弭(Michelle Wu)當選波士頓市長，已第3度連任的波士頓市第二區市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)再接再勵奔走，波士頓市政府對華埠的這一承諾，才終於落實。

            經由Ed Flynn辦公室的廣告週知，波士頓華埠居民，以及各個華埠僑團的活躍人士，包括中華耆英會創辦人梅伍銀寬，曾任中華公所主席的李衛新，黃國威，何遠光，阮鴻燦，昭倫公所主席謝如鍵，鳳倫公所主席司徒宗達，龍岡親義公所主席關麗莎，至德三德公所主席之一的吳皓，以及曾任波士頓海港協會執行長的李威儀(Vivian Li)，撐著傘，冒著雨，都趕到了華埠牌樓前，為這歷史事件做見證。

波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu，左起)，麻州眾議員Aaron Michlewitz，和波士頓市議員Ed
Flynn等人為波士頓華埠設雙語路牌致詞。(周菊子攝)

          紐英崙余風采堂主席余宗濤也陪著雙語路牌提案人余仕昂的兒子，曾任波士頓公校副校長的余仲強，站在人群中，為余氏宗親帶頭發起的請願活動落實高興。

波士頓華埠居民會代表致詞。

            已傳出消息將出任波士頓市議會下任議長的波士頓市第二區市議員愛德華費林(Ed Flynn)為「雙語路牌」揭幕儀式開場致詞。他強調，這是各界努力的結果，包括市政府的交通局，公共工程局，都為此事出力。他感謝        波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)，不分區市議員米高法拉提(Michael Flahety)，Ruthzee Louijeune，轄區包括華埠的麻州眾議員麥家威(Aaron Michlewitz)等人出席揭幕式，強調「雙語路牌」是對移民社區的尊重。

雙語路牌提案人余仕昂的兒子余仲強很高興看到父親的提案落實。(周菊子攝)

           波士頓市長吳弭說她很榮幸有這機會繼承前任奠基的工作，更感謝華埠居民的不懈努力。她個人對此也很有感觸，想當年她父母來到美國，就是先落腳於芝加哥華埠，後來雖然她們曾數度遷移，但無論是要開車一小時或一個半小時，她父母總是要讓他們小孩子能夠經由華埠的招牌，人們說話的語言，來感受到他們的出身與中國文化的連結。吳弭還用中文說了句，「非常謝謝大家，很榮幸能夠和大家在一起」。

              波士頓市府這次為波士頓華埠製作了4塊雙語路牌，必珠街，尼倫街，夏利臣街，泰勒街。波士頓市長吳弭在回應提問時欣然表示，這只是開始，將為華埠繼續增設雙語路牌。

華人前進會職員鄺寶蓮(中)說明華埠居民會在促成雙語選票上的功勞。(周菊子攝)