中華公所世紀盃乒乓球賽 安良、聯合隊奪雙冠軍

主辦單位和優勝團隊合影。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華公所和波士頓安良工商會、波士頓華僑協會合作的乒乓球賽，，10月29及30，在中華公所禮堂激戰兩日後，因競比到晚上11點都還未能進入真正的冠亞軍賽，主辦單位商議後，以雙冠軍、雙季軍方式總結。

紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝(左一)和波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮
 (右一)頒發冠軍獎給波士頓安良隊，右二起，梅宇國、朱肇森、杜國太。
(周菊子攝)

              這場”雙十國慶杯乒乓球華人邀請賽”，同時慶祝中華公所註冊立案一百年，所以也稱做「世紀盃」，共有9隊參賽。

10月30日，週一晚，眼看實力旗鼓相當的各隊若繼續進行比賽，恐怕要比到凌晨一點才能結束，主辦單位徵得打入決賽隊伍同意後宣佈，以當晚11點時成績結算，由安良隊和聯合隊奪得冠軍，中華隊和牛頓中文學校隊奪得季軍，分別贏得300到100元不等的獎金。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮 (左起)頒發冠軍獎給聯合隊的李川長，
陳德慈，呂恩瑄，鄭連生。(周菊子攝)

                    這比賽比照奧運會團體賽規則辦理，3人一隊，必須依照美國乒乓球協會所認可，3人合計5000，單人2000以下，1200以上的分數規定，才符合組隊參賽條件，各乒乓球愛好者在組隊時頗費了一番思量。

最後組成的隊伍有風雲、華協、安良、紐頓中文學校、游擊、聯合、友聯、中華﹐台北等9支隊伍。

其中的聯合隊，刻意找來自中港台的隊員組成，包括來自香港的陳德慈、鄭連生，來自臺灣的呂恩瑄，以及來自中國大陸的李川長。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮 (右起)頒發季軍獎給牛頓中文學校的盧子英、
黄少君、萬勁、易智軍。(周菊子攝))

                          目前在亞馬遜做機械人研究的呂恩瑄，平日在尚莫維爾市 (Somerville)的另一個乒乓球會打乒乓球，認識了去年也在冠軍隊的杜國太，應邀加入，也成為當晚參賽者中唯一來自臺灣的隊員。

在呂恩瑄之外，當晚僅有的另2名女球員是來自牛頓中文學校的盧子英、黄少君。

波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮 (左起)和紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝、
比賽主辦人梅宇國等人在場邊觀賽。(周菊子攝)

                      大波士頓有不少人愛打乒乓球。紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝指出，當晚比賽用的4張乒乓球桌就是中華公所和波士頓內僑團為支持僑胞健身運動，陸續購置的。

比賽籌辦人梅宇國賽後表示，贏得雙冠軍、雙季軍隊伍，將擇日另外再戰一場，以決真正勝負。

中華公所麾下的乒乓球協會，每週一、二、四的晚上在中華公所禮堂，拉開4張球桌對打。查詢詳情，可洽中華公所或梅宇國617- 818 2973。

冠軍隊的杜國太打乒乓球，打得認真到跳起來批球。(周菊子攝)

   (僑務電子報:    https://ocacnews.net/article/354120

麻州長Healey上 Amherst 廣告週知40億元可負擔家宅法案可建4萬新屋

  Governor Healey Highlights Affordable Homes Act in Worcester and Amherst 

Largest housing investment in state history will unlock creation of 40,000 new homes statewide 

 

AMHERST – Today, Governor Maura T. Healey visited housing developments in Worcester and Amherst to highlight her $4 billion Affordable Homes Act that proposes revolutionary investments in housing throughout Massachusetts. This package of spending, policy and programmatic actions will help drive housing production, housing preservation and invest in the state’s housing safety net system.   

 

“This historic package tackles the housing crisis head on to help make Massachusetts more affordable and accessible in every region – from Amherst to Worcester to the Cape. It will spur the creation, preservation and modernization of nearly 70,000 housing units and gives communities the tools they need to enact local solutions to their housing challenges,” said Governor Healey. "We need to meet this moment by increasing housing production and lowering costs so people can continue to live, work and build a future in Massachusetts.” 

 

“As a former Mayor, I know how important it is that we make our housing sector more affordable for growing families and workers so they are able to stay here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “The Affordable Homes Act addresses our housing shortage and will bring costs down, making life in Massachusetts more affordable for all.” 

 

“Housing costs are the number one issue facing Massachusetts families. When the governor created the new Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities, she gave us a clear charge: Build more housing and build it faster – drive down those housing costs,” said Secretary of Housing and Livable Communities Ed Augustus. “The Affordable Homes Act will empower communities to tackle rising housing costs and ensure the next generation can continue to call places like Worcester and Amherst home.” 

 

In Worcester, Governor Healey and local officials toured the Courthouse Lofts, a mixed-income redeveloped property with 118 units in Downtown Worcester that preserved its significant historic exterior. The building is in the Lincoln Square neighborhood and was formerly used as the Worcester County Courthouse, which closed in 2007. The project was financed through local, state, and federal resources, including the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Housing Stabilization Fund – two programs that would be expanded by the Affordable Homes Act. 

 

“I am beyond thrilled that Governor Healey has put forward a plan to kickstart the production of new homes and modernize existing ones across Massachusetts,” said Senator Michael Moore (D-Millbury). “The Commonwealth’s housing crisis is being felt by everyone, but especially in communities in my district like Worcester where long-time renters are being priced out of their homes because there are simply not enough units to meet demand. While the reasons for our housing crunch are nuanced, one of the most straightforward ways we can help alleviate this burden is by reducing scarcity through building more homes – be it single family, townhomes, apartments, or condos. The Governor’s proposal is a great first step – I am hopeful that the Legislature will quickly come together with the Healey Administration to make sure everyone has a safe and affordable place to call home, regardless of income.” 

 

“Although I was unable to attend today’s visit from Governor Healey, I’m grateful and excited for the Housing Bond Bill. Affordable housing paramount to the continued success of the City of Worcester, and I look forward to seeing what comes from this new investment,” said Mayor of Worcester Joseph Petty. 

 

“Thank you to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and Housing Secretary Augustus, for their bold leadership to address the Commonwealth’s housing challenges, and for their ongoing support of Worcester and Central Massachusetts,” said Worcester City Manager Eric D. Batista. “The Affordable Homes Act will spark more affordable housing, sustainable development, and opportunities for residents of all socioeconomic status.” 

In Amherst, the Governor toured the East Gables Studio Apartment Complex, which provides 28 units of permanent supportive housing in walking distance to downtown and with access to public transportation, bike trails and green space. It was supported in part by the Affordable Housing Trust Fund and Housing Innovation Fund, which would both be expanded under Governor Healey’s bill. After the tour, the Governor participated in a roundtable with local leaders to discuss the region’s housing needs.  

 

"I'm delighted to join Governor Maura Healey, Secretary Ed Augustus, and Representative Mindy Domb as we engage deeply with Amherst leaders on issues of affordable housing, equity, and the intersection of climate,” said Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “Amherst has long led the way on these critical issues. I'm heartened that the Administration is making it a priority to engage with the town’s housing leaders in light of its powerful Housing Bond Bill proposal, as it's essential that this legislation works for western Massachusetts." 

 

"I’m excited that Governor Healey and her housing team have created this opportunity to visit Amherst and see what we have been able to achieve and learn about our housing hopes for the future, as a community committed to supporting and producing housing for all. This includes the town’s plans to build a regional homeless shelter, its continued dedication to produce affordable housing units and affordable home ownership opportunities,” said Representative Mindy Domb. “And, we’re doing all of this while meeting the town’s ambitious climate goals. I’m proud to show Governor Healey and her administration how our community says ‘yes’ and ‘more’ to housing. I’m honored to share the housing pressures we experience and to advocate for the tools Amherst and other communities need to respond to our housing crisis.” 

 

“We appreciate the visit by Governor Healey and Secretary Augustus to Amherst and for taking the time to visit our exciting new development East Gables. We are proud the Governor recognizes the great work the town is doing to create a wide range of housing opportunities,” said Amherst Town Manager Paul Bockelman. “More importantly, I want to commend the Governor for her strong, groundbreaking initiative, the Affordable Homes Act. Housing is a critical need in our region. This comprehensive list of proposals will provide the tools we need – such as tax credits, administrative improvements, and actual funding – to create more housing that is affordable. The Town of Amherst will take advantage of many of the proposals in the Act, such as funds for supportive housing services that are not funded through any other sources. The Governor and her administration walk the talk when it comes to increasing the supply and affordability of housing.” 

 

If enacted, the Affordable Homes Act would be the largest housing investment in state history to comprehensively create, preserve and modernize housing across the state. This builds on the housing investments in the tax cuts package that Governor Healey signed into law last month, including: 

· Housing Development Incentive Program (HDIP) – increases annual program cap from $10 million to $57 million in 2023, and thereafter to $30 million annually 

· Rental deduction – increases rental deduction cap from $3,000 to $4,000. 

· Senior Circuit Breaker Tax Credit – Doubles the credit, from $1,200 to $2,400 for low-income seniors to help minimizes their taxes.  

· Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) – increases annual program cap from $40 million to $60 million 

· Estate Tax – Increases the threshold from $1 million to $2 million with a credit that mitigates the cliff effect. This change brings Massachusetts more in line with other states and keeps pace with the rising value of homes in communities across the state. This reform will allow seniors to pass on generational wealth, making it more attractive to retire and age in Massachusetts and for families to stay geographically close. 

波士頓學校委員會明年有2席出缺 11/17日截止申請

(Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 11月1日公佈，學校委員會有任期從2024年1月4日至2028年1月1日的2個席位出缺，即日起至2023年11月17日接受申請。                 波士頓學校委員會的提名小組由波士頓公校家長、學校領導，企業及高等教育社區代表組成。他們將會收受，審核申請，並和市長分享他們的建議。波士頓學校委員會由波士頓公校管轄。                   波士頓市將於11月17日截止受理申請，並在11月27日那週的下午或傍晚辦理面試。候選人必須為波士頓市居民，得預估要花費大量時間和學校部門，領導聯絡，以為每2週舉行一次，以及臨時的，一開就開到很晚的會議做準備。                  查詢相關訊息或繳交完整的申請表，可發電郵到 scnominatingpanel@boston.gov ，或寄信到波士頓市政府大樓5樓的市長辦公室。 CITY OF BOSTON OPENS APPLICATIONS FOR BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE This application is to fill the seats on the Boston School Committee that will be vacant starting January 4, 2024

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 1, 2023 - Mayor Michelle Wu today opened the application to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Boston School Committee, for a term starting January 4, 2024 and ending on January 1, 2028. The Boston School Committee Nominating Panel, composed of Boston Public Schools (BPS) families, educators, school leaders and representatives of the business and higher education communities, will receive and evaluate the applications and share recommendations with the Mayor. The Boston School Committee is the governing body of the BPS. Applications to fill the upcoming vacancies are due Friday, November 17, 2023 at 11:59 p.m. Interviews for selected candidates will be held on the week of November 27, 2023 in the late afternoon or early evening. Candidates must be Boston residents and should expect a significant time commitment to connect with school departments and leaders and prepare for and attend biweekly and impromptu meetings that run into late hours in the evening. The School Committee is responsible for: Defining the vision, mission, and goals of the Boston Public Schools; Establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget; Hiring, managing, and evaluating the Superintendent; and Setting and reviewing district policies and practices to support student achievement.   The School Committee meets approximately twice per month during the school year to adopt, review and modify policies and practices that support teaching, learning and improved student achievement. With the exception of executive sessions, Committee meetings are open to the public, feature public comment periods and are broadcast on Boston City TV.   Please direct all questions and submit completed applications to scnominatingpanel@boston.gov or to City Hall, Mayor’s Office 5th floor Boston, MA. You can learn more about the Boston School Committee online.

波士頓市長吳弭匯報清理美沙酮英里概況 ( 市府視頻)

波士頓市長吳弭踏進「美沙酮英里」，強調市府將持續處理這問題。

            (Boston Orange 綜合報導) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu) 在發佈限時拆除帳棚令生效的第一天，11月1日一早10點多，來到「美沙酮英里 (Mass & Cass) 」的Atkinson街，視察禁令實施效果，向市民大眾重申，市府絕不放棄，繼續努力安置流民，維護地方治安。

              吳弭坦言這是長期問題，波士頓和許多其他城市一樣，面對著相關的一系列挑戰。在她的計劃中，等到下午4點時，所有帳棚都會拆除，然後整條街消毒。市府也在全市各地的庇護所保留了大約100個床位來安置這些人。

             2022年1月，吳弭就任市長後，曾立即著手處理「美沙酮英里」那兒流民群聚，紮起帳棚，露宿街頭，甚至就著帳篷的遮掩，交易、吸食毒品，把那條街變成了上癮者和性交易走私販的天堂，時不時傳出暴力事件，威脅了鄰近居民、商家，以及社工的安全等問題。

             那時吳弭市長也以安置流民，拆除帳篷等措施，想要達到整頓美沙酮英里目的。

              然而隨著時日衍進，遊民及上癮者又陸續回到了該一地區。過去幾個月來，暴力傷人事件頻傳，數個與波士頓市合作的非營利組織，紛紛撤離，以維護員工人身安全，加上冬天將至，於是波士頓市府又再次出馬。

             波士頓市由Tania Del Rio率領的外展工作團隊，以及市府的非牟利機構合作夥伴，10月30日就已經開始和「美沙酮英里」內的大約80~90個流民逐一接觸，洽談，協助他們做好拆除帳棚，另覓庇護所床位等居留地點或治療中心的準備。

               波士頓警察估計，截至今日 (11月1日) 中午，在Atkinson街上，大約只剩下不到5個帳棚還沒拆。波士頓市府人員及警察表示，他們盡量避免採取強制手段，在沒有提供地方或緊急庇護所床位之前，不會逼任何人離開。

                       吳弭市長說，去年清掃「美沙酮英里」時，市府工作人員共清出44噸垃圾。波士頓環球報指稱，不過這次清理，約只清出2噸垃圾。

                        波士頓環球報在報導中稱，有些流民在「美沙酮英里」結為好友，不願意接受市府的安置，既怕得和好友分開，不再能彼此照顧，也怕被送到一個比「美沙酮英里」還更不安全的地方。另有遊民擔心，原本住在「美沙酮英里」的這些遊民中，有些人可能因為無法像住在這兒那麼方便的可以取得美沙酮或Suboxone等治療毒癮的藥品，生存不下去。

                        波士頓市議會議長愛德華費連 (Ed Flynn)今日中午特地為此事發出聲明，表示今早他也親自去到「美沙酮英里」，和市府工作人員、警察、非牟利組織、遊民分別洽談，強調波士頓市府將維持「零容忍」政策，公安必須維持在優先地位。他認為在處理遊民及吸毒上癮問題上，州市政府，甚至新英格蘭地區都應該攜手合作，紮營、架帳篷不是選項。

Boston Mayor Michelle Wu hosts a media availability to share an update on the City’s response to the intersecting crises of substance use disorder, mental health, and unsheltered homelessness crises centered at the area of Melnea Cass Boulevard and Massachusetts Avenue.

波士頓榮光會2023大會 慶榮民節紀念國父先總統誕辰

波士頓榮光會出席12月28日會員大會者合影。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓榮光會10月28日在紐英崙中華公所會議廳舉行112年度會員大會，同時慶祝第45屆榮民節，紀念國父孫中山及先總統蔣介石誕辰，為10月及11月出生的會員慶生，吃蛋糕、唱歌、開會，還歡迎新會員周世美。

波士頓榮光會理事張韻蘭(前排左起)、波士頓僑教中心潘昭榮、
榮光會理事長鄭增壽，副理事長蘇麗萍等人和出席眾人一起唱國歌。(周菊子攝)

              會員大會部分由波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽主持，財務組張明燦、會務組張偉林、活動組司徒榮新、婦女組張韻蘭等各組組長，以及出席中華公所代表池元山分別做報告。

榮光會理事張韻蘭 (左起) 向僑教中心主任潘昭榮介紹新會員周世美。(周菊子攝)

              鄭增壽先感謝所有會員及理事，支持他出任第18屆理事長，接著帶出席會員們重溫波士頓榮光會成立於民國76年 (1987) 4月，次年9月取得麻州非牟利機構資格，並從民國78年 (1989) 4月開始派代表出席紐英崙中華公所，參與社區服務的歷史，以及該會於1992至2001年間陸續修訂章程，設有理事會、監事會的組織架構，介紹該會理監事會成員，各組組長，介紹當天入會，曾任科技公司高管的新會員周世美。

              鄭增壽還報告道，該會從他接任以來，已陸續舉辦了七七抗戰紀念日及理監事交接典禮，慶中秋包水餃吃月餅，參加僑界雙十升旗及國慶餐會，以及當天的慶祝榮民節，紀念國父、先總統誕辰等活動。

              今年接下來將有11月4日的美國退伍軍人大遊行，2024年1月1日的元旦升旗活動。

波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽(左二)率眾唱生日歌，祝福壽星。
左起蘇義雄、黃福昇，池元真、馮文鸞生日快樂。(周菊子攝)

              各組工作報告部分，由於張明燦代表波士頓榮光會回臺灣參加退輔會榮民節，鄭增壽理事長代替他報告，本屆財務經上屆移交，入賬萬餘元。詳細財務支出與收入，將待張明燦返美後再做補充報告。

              張偉林新接會務組，也由鄭增壽代為報告了該會在當天新增會員周士美後，共有會員160人。

波士頓榮光會的會議很有儀式感。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓榮光會以前用做會址的世界書局已經關門，當天無異議通過，追認今年7月常務理事會在視訊會議中通過的決議，把會址更改為郵箱（p.o. Box 80578, Stoneham,MA 02180 U.S. A) 。

              該會理事楊思聖提案，李維邦覆議的理事席次縮減，經討論後決議本年度維持現有的理事13人規模，下屆改選時再調整為9人。

波士頓榮光會副理事長蘇麗萍和理事楊思聖分蛋糕。(周菊子攝)

              波士頓榮光會當天的慶祝榮民節，紀念國父、先總統誕辰部分，由楊英嬰擔任司儀，出席會員們一起唱國歌、向國旗及國父、先總統遺像行三鞠躬禮，後來還又唱了龍的傳人，梅花，中華民國頌等歌曲。

              波士頓榮光會本年度的理事會成員包括理事長鄭增壽，副理事長蘇麗萍，秘書長李維邦，理事張明燦、薛劍童、張韻蘭、池元山、張偉林、司徒榮新、陳家驊、石家孝、馮台甲、馮睿民。監事黃福昇、蘇義雄。

 (僑務電子報:  https://ocacnews.net/article/353948)

"科技回家"獲新英格蘭愛國者基金撥給50萬元 助波士頓居民連網

Tech Goes Home Receives Major Grant from the New England Patriots Foundation to Expand Internet Connectivity for Boston Residents

BOSTON, October 31, 2023 -- Tech Goes Home (TGH), a leading nonprofit committed to advancing digital equity across Massachusetts, announced that it has received a major new grant from the New England Patriots Foundation. While visiting a TGH program in Dorchester, Josh Kraft, President of the Foundation, announced the $500,000 grant to support ongoing efforts to connect more households in Boston with affordable, high-quality internet access. 

Across Boston, 13 percent of all households currently lack a home broadband connection, which means that more than 80,000 people in the city – children, adults, and seniors – face the daily prospect of trying to work, find educational resources, access healthcare, and more without easy, reliable access to the internet. 

“Digital inequity remains an urgent challenge in the City of Boston – especially in communities of color, among our low-income neighbors, for seniors, immigrants, and others who face systemic barriers to access,” said TGH CEO Dan Noyes. “Providing more residents with affordable, reliable internet access is one critical ‘leg of the stool’ to achieve more sustainable, equitable digital access – along with providing digital devices and relevant digital skills training. The generous support of the Patriots Foundation will enable us to provide internet to thousands of currently disconnected Bostonians, and to continue working with our committed partners to create long-term pathways to digital access.” 

The new grant funding from the Patriots Foundation – which follows an initial grant made in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic – will enable TGH to provide one-year internet subscriptions to more than 1,000 households across Boston. It will also allow TGH to ramp up outreach, enrollment, and education efforts to help connect residents to resources like the Affordable Connectivity Program, a federal program that provides subsidized internet and digital devices.

“The New England Patriots Foundation is deeply committed to strengthening our local communities and supporting efforts that build bridges to opportunity and equity for those in greatest need,” said Josh Kraft. “Internet access is something many of us take for granted, but for hundreds of thousands of people across New England it remains the difference between getting a job or being unemployed, between succeeding in school or being shut out, between connecting with loved ones or being isolated. We are proud to partner with Tech Goes Home to make affordable, reliable internet access a reality for thousands more people and uplift all of our communities.”  

Equipped with a stable home internet connection, more Bostonians will be able to apply for jobs, complete school work, access telehealth, find essential community resources, connect with loved ones, and more. TGH survey results demonstrate the impact: after participating in a TGH course – and earning free internet access – 60 percent of students improved their grades, 73 percent of graduates participated in telehealth, and the unemployment rate went from 27 percent before the program to 15 percent after the program. Within a year of completing a TGH program, 81 percent of graduates got a new job, got a better job, had a pay raise, entered a work training program, entered a new education program, or started a business.   

麻州文化協會 11/6 舉辦"創意零工經濟" 座談

Mass Cultural Council Hosts "The Creative Gig Economy," a moderated Panel Discussion in Boston on Nov 6

BOSTON – Mass Cultural Council announces its upcoming convening for the creative and cultural sector and partners, The Creative Gig Economy, to be held next week at the Pao Arts Center in Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood. This event will feature a discussion of what the gig economy means for individual artists and for the Commonwealth’s economy writ large.   As the Commonwealth’s independent state arts agency, Mass Cultural Council is charged with bolstering the creative and cultural sector, thereby advancing economic vitality, supporting transformational change, and celebrating, preserving, and inspiring creativity across all Massachusetts communities. The Agency pursues this mission through a broad range of programs, services, advocacy, and the equitable investment of public resources.   Mass Cultural Council is excited to bring economic development, higher education, and public policy leaders together with artists and creative individuals for a panel discussion to examine this creative gig economy. The panel will be moderated by Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director of Mass Cultural Council and speakers include: Terry Borderline, Teaching Artist, Transformative Culture Project Sara Hartmann, Program Director for Creative Entrepreneurship, Mass College of Art and Design Doug Howgate, President, Mass Taxpayers Foundation Emily Ruddock, Executive Director, MASSCreative Following the discussion, all are welcome to participate in a break-out room to learn more about some programs Mass Cultural Council is offering this fiscal year: Grants for Creative Individuals – Learn more about this new grant program to support creative expression, providing $5,000 grants to artists, culture bearers, and creative individuals in all artistic/creative disciplines Local Cultural Council Members – For members of Local Cultural Councils to meet with members of our Communities Initiative Team to learn more about administering the LCC grant program WHAT: The Creative Gig Economy  WHO: Michael J. Bobbitt, Executive Director, Mass Cultural Council Marc Carroll, Acting Chair, Governing Council, Mass Cultural Council State Representative Mindy Domb, Chair, Joint Committee on Tourism, Arts & Cultural Development Terry Borderline, Teaching Artist, Transformative Culture Project Sara Hartmann, Program Director for Creative Entrepreneurship, Mass College of Art and Design Doug Howgate, President, Mass Taxpayers Foundation Emily Ruddock, Executive Director, MASSCreative Maddie Lam, Singer/Songwriter WHERE: Pao Arts Center, 99 Albany Street, Boston  WHEN: Monday, November 6 from 10am-12:30pm (doors open 9:30am)  PRESS: Open to the press RSVP: Please contact Christian Kelly. Space is limited.

Healey州長宣佈刑事司法系統新寬大準則 再特赦2人

          (Boston Orange 編譯) 麻州州長奚莉 (Maura Healey) 今 (10月31) 日宣佈，符合其政府致力公平與公正承諾，刑事司法系統中的寬大新準則。

                    這些準則是設計來為尋求特赦或減刑的請願者提供指南，並協助特赦顧問委員會審查請求寬赦的請願。這也是麻州有史以來第一次，明確列出州長會用什麼樣的準則來處理刑事正義系統中的不公平與系統性歧視。奚莉州長考慮的因素將包括，請願者犯案時的年齡，健康，犯案後的行為，種族，族裔，性別，及性取向，以及他們是否性騷擾、家庭暴力或人口走私案的倖存者。

           

                         麻州州長奚莉今日也建議再特赦2人，Robert Miller 和 Eric Nada。這將使得奚莉州長在就任10個月，就建議特赦13人。之前的特赦11人，已獲得州長的協會 (Governor’s Council)通過。

                                新的寬大原則列出州長在考慮特赦時關注的3項主要指導原則:

                        

                    州長把執行特赦視為處理刑事司法系統中不公平的方法之一；州長會用執行特赦來確保富有同情心的究責；州長會考慮請願者的個性和行為，特別是犯案後的行為。

            奚莉州長今日建議特赦2人。

                                Robert Miller在1992年，他21歲時偽造牌照，被判入懲教所1年，最終服刑30天，緩刑1年。目前他和妻子，已及正就讀佛蒙特學院的兒子住在麻州Reading市。他獲有麻州大學羅爾分校的電腦科學學士學位，如今是一家他自己創辦的再生能源公司執行長及科技長。他還藉著擔任兒子的體育及樂高機器人隊教練，和父親駕駛新英格蘭天使航機載運有需要的人到波士頓地區醫院，接受醫療護理來回饋社區。

                                Eric Nada在1996年，他22歲時，被判犯有銷售A級管制藥品罪，處緩刑2年。犯案時，他在吸毒失調和經常流離失所中掙扎。自從1996年1月以後，他無其他犯行，而且一職保持興醒。目前他和妻子、女兒住在奧勒岡州波特蘭市。他從Pepperdine大學獲得心理學碩士學位，目前自己開業擔任心理治療師。Eric Nada以贊助上癮恢復所，為家暴案的婦女及兒童受害者提供治療，輔導青少年來回饋社區。

威斯頓劍橋中學榮獲教育部華語文教育推廣獎

(右起）翁茂倫教授、Hernandez主任、施維鈞副處長、Baruni主任、林遊嵐博士
（MaFLA前會長）、黃薳玉組長。 (波士頓經文處教育組提供)

               (Boston Orange) 駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處教育組10月28日在麻州外語協會 (Massachusetts Foreign Language Association, MaFLA) 於春田市舉辦的2023年會中，頒發華語文教育獎，表揚威斯頓劍橋中學。

              麻州外語協會 (MaFLA) 是個由麻州外語教育者及新英格蘭地區外語教師協會攜手於1967年成立，旨在推廣外語學習的組織。在新冠病毒疫情趨緩後，該會於2023年10月26日至28日在麻州春田市舉辦了近3年來的第一次實體年會。

             波士頓經文處教育組已持續多年派員參加MaFLA會議，擺攤展示臺灣華語文教育資源，新冠病毒疫情發生前，還每年都選拔一名優秀中文教師，在MaFLA年會中舉行頒獎儀式，加以表揚。

             今年，波士頓經文處教育組為配合於2020年12月啟動，旨在鼓勵臺美兩國的中小學教育交流，互派華語及英語教學人員到對方學校協助外語教育，以加強學生們的學習外語成效的臺美教育倡議，特地在華語文教育獎項中增設了傑出華語文教育推廣獎，並評選出威斯頓劍橋中學得獎。

              10月28日這天，經文處教育組黃薳玉組長敦請經文處副處長施維鈞出席MaFLA頒獎午餐會，把特別製作的獎座頒給代表威斯頓劍橋中學領獎的該校教務主任Diana Baruni。

             黃薳玉組長指出，威斯頓劍橋中學從新冠病毒疫情前就和臺灣的師大附中開始教育交流了，疫情期間又再和桃園市武陵高中、澎湖馬公高中簽訂姊妹校協定，展開線上交流。今年春季，再接再勵，組織了一個師生團到台灣和前述3所臺灣高中教育交流了5週，然後今年暑假接待武陵高中師生訪問團來交流2週，該校在臺美教育交流的付出與成效，卓然可見，得獎也是實至名歸。