曾獲青年科學家獎北大校友吳濤博士辭世 10/4追思會

 吳濤博士訃告

吳濤博士（Dr. Tao Wu），一位傑出的科學家、企業家，數位乳房斷層合成成像（DBT）先驅，於2025年9月27日因病在波士頓與世長辭，享年51歲。

吳濤博士於1974年出生於中國北京，北京大學物理學學士，美國Brandeis大學物理學博士，哈佛醫學院麻省總醫院（MGH）博士後、講師。曾任職美國Hologic首席醫學物理學家、亞太區研發工程主管、產品管理、臨床研究教育主管、中國區影像事業營運總經理。

博士生期間，在哈佛醫學院麻省總院（MGH）跟隨導師Dr. Daniel Kopans開始開發世界上第一台Digital Breast Tomosynthesis（DBT）系統，並透過大量臨床病例證明此技術的先進性有效性。其DBT方面的博士計畫工作曾連續被美國電視台WCVB4、WBZ5以及WHDH7台重點報道，該系統現收藏保存於波士頓醫學歷史和創新博物館 (Russell Museum of Medical History and Innovation)。

博士畢業後留院工作繼續從事DBT技術開發和臨床試驗，將該技術進一步驗證和推廣，成果斐然：2002年，獲得北美放射學會（RSNA）科研榮譽證書（Certificate of Merit）；2003年獲得北美醫學物理學會（AAPM）青年科學學者獎（Young Investigator Award）；2003年獲得北美醫學物理學會（AAPM）青年文學獎（Young Investigator Award）；2004年獲得美國學術醫學年度學術獎（MAAPents Paper theMAAPing）； Year），吳濤博士至今一直擔任美國醫學物理學會（AAPM）的Tomosynthesis和Mammography兩個委員會的委員，並參與製訂中國數位乳房攝影技術品質控制規範的國家標準。

為了將有益於人類健康的科技真正應用於醫療服務，吳濤博士進入工業界，在美國最大的婦女健康醫療設備企業Hologic公司擔任首席醫學物理學家，將技術轉化為產品。之後親自到亞太地區擔任主管推廣該技術，與亞太地區醫院合作進行臨床研究和教育項目，並組織開展不同國家和地區DBT乳癌篩檢合作，以推進該技術的臨床應用。 2010年與天津腫瘤醫院合作，在北美放射學會發表了亞洲第一篇DBT文章；2014年與中國台灣榮民總院合作，在北美放射學會發表的文章獲得優異獎（Magna Cum Laude），是台灣地區第一次在北美放射學會獲得該榮譽；此外還與中國、日本、韓國以及東南亞地區醫院等國家和乳腺癌地區的許多著名研究醫學院進行研究

2017年，吳濤博士懷抱願景，回到中國創立達影醫療，擔任創辦人、董事長兼首席科學家，致力於將先進的DBT技術帶給中國女性，極大提升了中國乳癌篩檢診斷的準確率。在他的領導下，達影醫療的產品榮獲德國紅點設計大獎，同時，他本人也參與制定了中國DBT國家標準。

20年來，吳濤博士專注於DBT乳癌篩檢技術開發和推廣，對乳癌早產早治拯救更多人生命，產生了重大作用，贏得學術界和工業界的認可。他不僅是一位富有批判性思維的傑出科學家，同時也是一位熱愛家庭、珍惜友誼、勉勵、熱心公益的良師益友。他不僅用嚴謹的物理學知識為全球女性健康事業做出了不可磨滅的貢獻，二十多年來，他還毫不動搖地投身於公益事業：支持中國貧困山區的學校建設，修橋修路，為當地兒童提供重要的醫療和教育援助。他的胸襟、善意、天賦與勤勉，非言語所能盡述。

他將永遠被他的家人和朋友所懷念。愛子Leo也將永生銘記：在無比繁忙的工作中，父親仍然堅持陪伴他的每一次童子軍任務，並擔任童子軍遠東理事會執行委員一年，教會他責任、愛與堅持。

告別儀式/追思會將於2025年10月4日上午9:30在Keefe Funeral Home (2175 Massachusetts Ave. Cambridge, MA 02140) 舉行，預計需要兩個小時。

獻花及捐贈資訊：可向透過以下連結（https://gofund.me/3c908bcf4 ）向吳濤長期參與公益服務的基金會組織Overseas Save the Chinese Children Foundation (OSCCF) 捐贈以示紀念。若直接捐款至OSCCF，請備註：捐款用於吳濤。

若有任何關於吳濤生前影像或紀念文字，請寄至下方信箱：taowu@weibookclub.com，家屬不勝感激！

（訃聞來自新英格蘭北大校友會）

Healey-Driscoll Administration to Launch Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps in Partnership with UMass Lowell

 Healey-Driscoll Administration to Launch Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps in Partnership with UMass Lowell 

LOWELL – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is teaming up with University of Massachusetts Lowell to develop “Advanced Nuclear and Fusion Energy Roadmaps” to accelerate the state’s leadership in advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. The roadmaps will look at the distinct attributes and regulatory paradigms of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies and lay the foundation for further research, manufacturing and, ultimately, deployment of these technologies, to help affordably, reliably and sustainably meet increasing electricity demand in New England. 

 

“Massachusetts has the ingredients to be a world-class leader in advanced nuclear and fusion energy – technologies that provide affordable power, good jobs and significant economic development,” said Governor Maura Healey.“There is nationwide interest in the potential of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. Our partnership with UMass Lowell will help us leverage our strengths to lower costs and grow these industries in Massachusetts.” 

 

“Massachusetts has built many multi-billion-dollar industries on a strong foundation of good research and ingenuity, and we can do that again with advanced nuclear and fusion energy,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “With a clear, actionable roadmap, we can move quickly to attract investment to our state and grow our economy.” 

 

“Nuclear power looks a lot different in 2025 – it uses a smaller footprint, produces less waste, and can be factory-assembled,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Massachusetts wants to seize this opportunity for more additional reliable power. This industry is taking off, and Massachusetts can act quickly to position ourselves to attract new business opportunities and clean energy resources to the state.” 

 

 

Massachusetts has a strong existing competitive advantage in advanced nuclear and fusion energy as the industries evolve nationwide. UMass Lowell and MIT both have nuclear research reactors, representing two of the 25 research reactors that exist nationally. The nuclear research conducted within Massachusetts forms the foundation for numerous world-leading industries, including energy, defense, heath care, and biomedical applications, notably cancer research. UMass Lowell, MIT, and other institutions offer world-class academic, research, and training programs for those interested in advancing and working with nuclear technologies. This includes a program at UMass Lowell for students to secure a reactor operator license.  

 

“The University of Massachusetts is pleased to support the Healey-Driscoll Administration by leading the development of the Commonwealth’s nuclear and fusion energy roadmaps,” UMass President Marty Meehan said. “The UMass system is committed to advancing energy and climate tech innovations while also providing highly skilled graduates to drive economic development across the state. With its long-standing and successful nuclear science and engineering program, UMass Lowell is the perfect partner to lead this initiative and explore viable options and opportunities for partnership with our community, state, federal, and industry partners.” 

  

“UMass Lowell is delighted to lead this key effort in partnership with the Healey Driscoll Administration,” said UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen. “Energy expertise is a core strength at UMass Lowell and a big reason why we are the only AASHE STARS platinum rated campus in Massachusetts. Our team looks forward to a collaborative and engaging process that will outline viable options to enhance energy affordability, decarbonization, and economic development for the Commonwealth.” 

 

“We selected Massachusetts as our global headquarters because of the world-class ecosystem that has enabled us to tap into the skilled workforce and talent to both manufacture and build the world’s first commercially relevant fusion machine that will demonstrate fusion can work as a commercial energy source,” said Bob Mumgaard, Commonwealth Fusion Systems CEO and co-founder. “We are excited about the Healey Driscoll Administration’s strategic roadmaps to position the Commonwealth to deploy this disruptive new clean energy technology.” 

 

Massachusetts is home to the MIT’s Plasma Science and Fusion Center, which is a global leader in fusion research. Additionally, it is home to Commonwealth Fusion Systems, headquartered in Devens, which is developing commercial-scale fusion technology. Incubated in Cambridge and spun out of MIT, CFS is now a multi-billion-dollar company employing nearly 1,000 people in Massachusetts, including engineers, electricians, technicians, welders, pipefitters, and construction workers.  

 

Today, there are two operating nuclear power plants in New England, with nuclear energy meeting approximately 20 to 25% of the region’s power needs each year. With electricity demand growing, there is significant interest in exploring cutting-edge small modular reactors and fusion power plants. The New England states are working together, with support from the National Governors Association, to explore potential investment models for the deployment of advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies. 

 

Sukesh Aghara, Ph.D. will lead the development of the roadmap. He is a Professor of Nuclear Engineering, Ex-Chair and Executive Member of Nuclear Engineering Department Heads Organization, and current Associate Dean for Research of the Francis College of Engineering. The roadmaps will serve as a comprehensive framework to guide Massachusetts’ approach to exploring advanced nuclear and fusion energy technologies for power generation and non-power generation applications. Over the four-month effort, UMass Lowell will engage stakeholders from across the UMass system, industry, government, and communities to assess existing capabilities, identify key gaps, and define opportunities for Massachusetts to lead in shaping the state’s and region’s advanced nuclear and fusion energy ecosystems. The roadmaps will outline steps to leverage Massachusetts' existing innovation ecosystem, scale workforce development programs to support long-term industry growth, develop strategies for inclusive community engagement, and coordinate planning efforts with other New England states. The roadmaps will not consider specific sites or restarting decommissioned facilities. It will serve as a foundational document to inform future legislative, regulatory, and investment decisions. The roadmaps are expected to be released by the end of the year. 

 

Governor Healey’s Energy Affordability, Independence and Innovation Act would would remove a barrier to deploying advanced nuclear technologies by lifting an outdated requirement for a statewide ballot measure for every new nuclear power plant. While fusion power plants are already excluded from this requirement, this change would keep Massachusetts competitive as other nuclear technology advances such as small modular reactors. Between 2020 and today, eight of the fourteen states with some form of nuclear moratorium have lifted limitations, while other states have advanced various kinds of pro-nuclear incentives. 

Massachusetts Launches “Go Higher” Brand and Ad Campaign Promoting Governor Healey’s College Affordability Initiatives

Massachusetts Launches “Go Higher” Brand and Ad Campaign Promoting Governor Healey’s College Affordability Initiatives  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced the launch of “Go Higher,” a new brand and awareness campaign designed to inspire more students to go to college by highlighting Governor Maura Healey’s efforts to make community college free and expand financial aid at public four-year colleges.  

 

The “Go Higher” campaign aims to increase exposure to higher education, improve the information pipeline, and build awareness of financial and institutional supports that help students see themselves in college. 

 

“We know that far too many students are held back from pursuing the college and career pathways they want because of high costs. That’s why we have worked with the Legislature to make higher education more affordable by making community college free and expanding financial aid at four-year colleges,” said Governor Healey. “Now, more students than ever before are attending college in Massachusetts, putting them on a path to stay in our state, make more income, and fill our workforce needs. We want to spread the word to people across the state that all of this is possible for them as well.” 

  

“Financial aid investments have shown us that when you put college within reach for more students, they show up eager to earn a better living,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Creating historic financial aid programs can only be successful if we’re intentional about building awareness that these opportunities exist. Go Higher helps break down barriers and spotlight opportunity, so more students and families know how Massachusetts is helping to make college part of their story.”  

 

The Go Higher campaign, which began on September 22, features billboards, MBTA posters, bus panels, indoor signage, and digital ads in both English and Spanish. Over an eight-week period, it will reach high school students and adult learners with a clear message: Massachusetts has doubled state financial aid and there are affordable higher education pathways for students across the state. 

 

Massachusetts’ Fiscal Year 2026 budget invests approximately $400 million in state financial aid programs. This funding continues investments that made public two-and four-year colleges and universities tuition and fee free for low-income students (those who qualify for federal Pell Grants); made community college tuition and fee free for qualifying students regardless of income level; continue offering need-based financial aid to students attending private institutions; and more. The Go Higher brand encompasses all forms of financial support, including grants, scholarships, loan forgiveness, tuition waivers, and in-state tuition.  

 

This effort builds on the administration’s Advisory Council to Advance Representation in Education (ACARE) recommendations that centered on increasing access, equity, and support for historically underserved and underrepresented students across Massachusetts. 

 

“Go Higher is part of a larger commitment to equity and representation for our learners,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “As ACARE has underscored, it is not enough to remove financial barriers—we must also actively show students from every background that higher education is for them. This campaign makes that message visible across Massachusetts.” 

 

“Financial aid programs shouldn’t be limited to those who know to look for them,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “Go Higher helps us publicize all that Massachusetts offers to make college more affordable, and the more we tell students about these opportunities, the more we close the information gap that can keep them from going to college.”  

 

“We want Massachusetts students to know about the historic amounts of financial aid that is available to them right now,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “Go Higher is about sharing that information and letting students now that higher education is an affordable opportunity for them.” 

 

The Go Higher brand and campaign launched shortly before the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opened on October 1, 2025 for the 2026-2027 academic year. This will be the first time in three years that the federal form is expected to open on the traditional FAFSA open release date for all students, following delays the prior two years due to updates and improvements to the application. Students must complete the FAFSA to be eligible for consideration for state and federal financial aid programs. Alternatively, certain eligible students who cannot submit a FAFSA may submit a Massachusetts Application for State Financial Aid (MASFA) to apply for state financial aid. 

 

This campaign also builds on efforts to spread awareness on financial aid last spring, such as the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s Financial Aid Road Show, in which officials visited eight schools across Massachusetts and spoke with hundreds of students about historic financial aid opportunities. This road show also coincided with the state’s “College is Possible” ad campaign that ran from late February to mid-May, targeting high school seniors and adult learners across Massachusetts with billboards and TV, radio, and digital ads in English and Spanish. 

 

For information about state financial aid programs, students should visit Mass.gov/GoHigher. 

第七屆波士頓台灣影展新猷多 逾千觀眾線下線上看片忙

第七屆波士頓台灣影展協會部份志工合影。（周菊子攝）

            (Boston Orange周菊子麻州綜合報導)波士頓台灣影展協會（TFFB）第七屆影展，從9月19至25日的線下影展，在吸引將近2000人到4家電影院欣賞5劇情片，3短片，2紀錄片後，圓滿落幕。9月26日起至10月12日，已轉為線上影展，購票者可欣賞10部影片。

波士頓台灣影展協會共會長，林致中（左一），莊子瑩（右起），
蔡景全和嘉賓，麻州眾議員Tran Nguyen，Medfort 市議員曾御宸，
新北市新聞局副局長謝麗蘭，波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏夫婦。（周菊子攝）

            由藍凡耘，康麗雪等人創辦的波士頓台灣影展協會，歷經7年，每年都有幾十名義工熱情參與。今年更在林致中、蔡景全，莊子瑩等3名共會長，以及分成9組的50名志工努力下，締造了至少5項紀錄，包括第一次踏進波士頓美術博物館(MFA)這藝術殿堂，為影展開幕，第一次在3個城鎮的4家不同電影院放映電影，第一次把影展的放映時程從2天延長成一星期，再另加半個月，第一次在線下影展之外，和Giloo這紀實影音平台合作，舉辦線上影展，第一次印製厚達60餘頁全彩的影展節目冊。

新北市新聞局副局長謝麗蘭（中）特地帶導演黃淑梅（左），林怡靚（右）
訪問波士頓，並在吳杏玫陪同下，拜訪了哈佛電影檔案館，麻州電影局等機構，
為台灣電影走進國際鋪路。（周菊子攝）

            根據波士頓台灣影展網站，藍凡耘還正在發起成立「北美台灣影展協會」，要展延波士頓台灣影展的影響力。

            影展志工們笑說，今年累壞了，除了觀看至少幾十部片的來為影展選片，分頭發電郵和導演，以及相關單位聯繫，洽商細節，輪流出動的跟著共會長林致中和蔡景全，參加無數個社區活動，非常積極的宣傳，有好幾場售罄，成績很讓人欣慰。

 

波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中（右）、蔡景全（左）邀新北市
新聞局副局長謝麗蘭（左二）和波士頓土耳其電影展創辦人
Erkut Gömülü夫婦合影。（周菊子攝）

線下影展

            波士頓台灣影展協會2025年的線下影展部分，在9月19至25日放映的影片中，基本上是每晚放映一部片，只有9月21日這天是一整天，從早上10點半到下午6點，共放映了3部短片，2部新北市得獎紀錄片，以及1部劇情片，22日和24日則未安排放映活動。

波士頓市議員Ed Flynn頒發表揚狀給波士頓影展協會，
由共會長蔡景全（左起），莊子瑩，林致中代表領取。（周菊子攝）

            9月19及20日，在波士頓美術博物館，依序放映的是黃熙於2024年執導，榮獲5項金馬獎提名，演員包括張艾嘉的「女兒的女兒」，以及李安於1998年執導，演員有郎雄、吳倩蓮，歸亞雷，楊貴媚的「飲食男女」。

麻州眾議員Tran Nguyễn(右）代表亞美基金會送上表揚狀給「莎莉」
一片導演練建宏（中）。左為TFFB共會長蔡景全。（周菊子攝）

            9月21日在AMC Causeway 13放映了「姊姊」，「地獄催淚部」，「這是個關於愛的故事」等3部短片，「七股光電啟示錄」，「當轟隆隆聲再響起時」這2部新北市新聞局的得獎紀錄片，以及獲得2025年7月才獲得第27屆台北電影節最佳行銷獎的劇情片「乒乓男孩 （Doubles Match）」。

            3部短片中的「地獄催淚部」，「這是個關於愛的故事」，依序獲得2024及2025年的金穗獎評審團特別獎。

            9月23日晚在布魯克蘭鎮（Brookline）的Coolidge Corner電影院放映，獲得2024年第26屆台北電影節最佳配樂獎的「莎莉」一片。

TFFB前會長湯敏（左一）和哈佛台灣學生會前會長黃郁婷（右二）等人
在Coolidge Corner電影院接待觀看「莎莉」一片觀眾。（周菊子攝）

            9月25日在劍橋市布瑞托（Brattle）電影院放映，首部入選釜山國際電影節「智爽」競賽單元，並獲得「金智爽獎」的台灣電影「小雁與吳愛麗」。該片還贏得第61屆金馬獎和第18屆亞洲電影大獎的最佳女配角獎，第27屆台北電影節最佳劇情長片獎，最佳編劇獎，最佳女配角獎，第6屆台灣影評人協會的「最佳劇本」獎等等。

黃郁婷（左）等志工在波士頓美術博物館招呼出席
「飲食男女』一片的觀眾。（周菊子攝）

            這些影片中的「飲食男女」，「莎莉」，還締造出門票售罄的紀錄。波士頓台灣影展協會透露，單只是這2場電影，就售出逾千張門票。

慈濟基金會波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿帶耆英們到波士頓美術博物館，
欣賞李安執導的「飲食男女』。（周菊子攝）

            9月21日那天，波士頓台灣影展協會還在波士頓市北車站的CitizenM Hotel舉辦接待酒會，出席嘉賓包括波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏夫婦，僑教中心主任高家富夫婦，麻州眾議員Tran Nguyen，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn，麥德福（Medford）市市議員曾御宸等人。9月19日影展開幕那天，摩頓市市長Gary Christenson也應邀出席。

            新北市新聞局副局長謝麗蘭特地帶同贏得該市獎項的2名紀錄片導演，黃淑梅和林怡靚，遠從台灣飛來參與盛會。

波士頓台灣影展協會共會長林致中拿著影展節目的二維碼，邀請觀眾上網查看
影展詳情。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣影展協會前會長李宜婷卸任後繼續支持影展。（周菊子攝）

            黃淑梅執導的「七股光電啟示錄」，長23分鐘，不僅獲得新北市紀錄片獎，還贏得第3屆齊柏林環境紀錄片獎。黃淑梅在影片放映後的導演座談中坦言，這部片拍得她很心痛。1994年台南七股居民抗議七輕工業區開發，保住了七股的漁業發展與豐富生態，然而2016年起，光電業者進駐，誘惑地主出租土地，逼蚵農放棄養殖，造成蘆竹溝、大潮溝等地發生多起激烈衝突，後來還出現光電業者與台南市政府合作，租下台南市國有財產署上百公頃土地，蓋浮棚式光電板等狀況，不僅當地生態環境大受影響，蚵農生計更形艱難。黃淑梅將與「紀錄觀點」合作，繼續記錄七股光電爭議，預定2026年推出以台灣光電為主題的紀錄長片。

麻省理工學院台灣同學會顧問陳韋同（左）支持影展，邀朋友
一起看電影，出席接待酒會。（周菊子攝）

            「當轟隆隆聲再響起時」是一部31分鐘長的紀錄片，敘述台灣在五、六十年代，有一群騎機車愛好者組成「神風特技隊」，巡迴台灣表演逾百場，隊員騎著機車一躍飛過14，甚至15輛車，轟動一時的往事。影片從神風特技隊隊長高水的女兒，高嘉穗的視角出發，走訪了當年的神風隊員。導演之一的林怡靚，高中時在家中發現這些照片，歷經10年收集資料，才讓台灣當年曾經有過這麼一群騎機車技術高超者的許多珍貴照片，重現在世界眼前。台中市新聞局也以「神風再現」之名，放映過這部紀錄片 （https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_QFwCYy2Mug）。       

「莎莉』一片門票售罄，儘管電影映畢時，已經很晚了，仍有一大半人留在現場
和導演座談。（周菊子攝）

     

         今年的影展，還邀請了「這是個關於愛的故事」的張永翰，「莎莉」的練建宏這2名導演，來到影展現場和觀眾對談。「女兒的女兒」導演黃熙，則以事前預錄的影片，和觀眾見面。

 

線上影展

「莎莉」一片的導演座談會結束後，TFFB共會長林致中，蔡景全
送上感謝狀給主持人及導演練建宏。（周菊子攝）

            在9月19日至25日的線下影展結束後，波士頓台灣影展協會今年新推出線上影展，和Giloo這紀實影音平台合作，放映10部影片，依照拍攝年代排，分別為1998年動畫片《魔法阿媽》(Grandma and Her Ghosts) ，2015年劇情片《凡凡》 (Fan Fan) ，2019年紀錄片《親親抱抱》 (Kisses and Hugs) ，劇情片《如此這般的小人大事》 (Big Little Man)， 《踮腳尖》 (Tip Toe) ，2021年劇情片《雨水直接打進眼睛》 (One Summer's Day) ，2022年劇情片《春暖》 (One Woman)， 2023年劇情片《初聲》 (The Voices)，紀錄片 《臺灣味：辦桌》 (The Taiwan Way - Bando) ，2024劇情片  《跳舞的人》 (Those Who Dance) 。

波士頓台灣影展協會前會長Andrew Lin和導演黃淑梅交流。（周菊子攝）

              凡是拿到影展節目冊的人，都可掃描第46頁Giloo網上影展的二維碼，得到30天的免費觀賞權。購票連結: http://taiwanfilmfest.org。

            查詢波士頓影展協會詳情，可上網https://taiwanfilmfest.org，或是info@taiwanfilmfest.org。

波士頓台灣影展協會前會長李宜庭和導演林怡靚交談。（周菊子攝）

前幾屆在選片組當義工的韓璦璘（左），今年轉到籌款組服務。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣影展協會2025年的接待酒會選在北車站的Citize M酒店，
樓外景色十分美麗。（周菊子攝）

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for Second Round of Family Child Care Capital Grants

Healey-Driscoll Administration Opens Application for Second Round of Family Child Care Capital Grants

Child care programs can apply through October 31 to expand access, improve learning environments

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that they have opened applications for the second round of the Family Child Care Capital Grant Program, building on the success of the inaugural round earlier this year. This round includes $4 million in new funding, marking a significant increase in the state’s investment to strengthen family child care programs. Providers can apply for capital funding to make essential facility improvements that strengthen program quality, expand capacity, and create safe, developmentally appropriate environments for children.

“We're increasing child care capital funding because it allows providers to increase educator salaries and provide affordable, high-quality care to more families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Programs like these are a smart investment in our children, our workforce and our future, and we encourage providers across the state to apply.”

“Last month, it was wonderful to celebrate the first Family Child Care Capital Grant Program awardees with providers and community members. Today’s $4 million in funding builds on the $2.7 million we already awarded, supporting our local child care businesses to improve their outdoor play areas and make learning spaces more inclusive for children and educators,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.

The Department of Early Education and Care, in partnership with MassDevelopment, administers the Family Child Care Capital Grants Program. Applications for the second round are due October 31, 2025, closing at 11:59 p.m. Updates have been made to the application process in response to feedback from the first round that make it easier and more accessible for providers.

 Licensed family child care programs can apply for $500 to $25,000 in funding for:

• Indoor and outdoor renovations
• HVAC and energy-efficiency upgrades
• Emergency repairs
• Accessibility improvements
• Purchase and installation of program-dedicated equipment, such as washing machines, refrigerators, security cameras, and access control systems

“Family child care providers are essential partners in expanding access to high-quality early education,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “By investing in their spaces and programs, we are ensuring that children across Massachusetts—no matter their zip code—have safe, supportive, and enriching environments to learn and grow.”

“Family child care providers are not only educators, many are also small business owners who create jobs and strengthen their local economies,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “By expanding this grant program, we’re helping providers invest in their facilities, grow their businesses, and continue delivering high-quality, affordable care that working families across Massachusetts rely on every day.”

Earlier this month, the Administration celebrated the success of the first round in Worcester, highlighting how family child care providers across the state have already used this funding to transform their programs and better serve children and families. The administration awarded $2.7 million to more than 150 family child care programs across Massachusetts in the first round. With increased funding available in the second round, the administration anticipates even greater impact statewide.

“Family child care providers are essential to expanding access to high-quality early education across Massachusetts,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “These capital grants are an important way we can support the dedicated educators who open their homes to young children, helping them improve their spaces, strengthen their programs, and continue serving families in their communities.”

“This program is improving and expanding child care across our state and bolstering our family child care providers as small businesses and job creators within our communities,” said MassDevelopment President and CEO Navjeet Bal. “As the Healey-Driscoll Administration now launches a new round of available grant funding, we encourage all eligible licensed family child care providers to apply for these resources.”

“These grants are a great way to support and increase the capacity of family child care providers to help serve more children and families across the state,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “The first round of grants earlier this year was a great success, and the $4 million available in this round will continue to help more providers upgrade their facilities, enhance safety, and increase quality of care.”

 

“We know that access to high-quality early education and care is truly a game changer for our youngest learners,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “By continuing the Family Child Care Capital Grants, we’re not only expanding access to early education for more children—we're also strengthening the foundation for their lifelong success.”

 

For more information on eligibility, application materials, and deadlines, visit mass.gov/info-details/early-education-and-out-of-school-time-capital-grants.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Unveils Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership, Declares October “Employee Ownership Month”

BOSTON - Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration today formally launched the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO), a new statewide hub to help businesses explore and adopt employee ownership models. The Administration also proclaimed October as Employee Ownership Month in Massachusetts, joining a national celebration of businesses that give workers a stake in their company’s success. 

MassCEO is a statewide resource for businesses interested in adopting employee ownership models to support succession planning, build wealth for workers, advance income equity, and strengthen employee engagement. The Center provides information, technical assistance, and referrals to businesses exploring Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), cooperative business ownership (Co-ops), or Employee Ownership Trusts (EOTs). 

“Employee ownership is a powerful tool for building stronger companies and stronger communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By helping more Massachusetts businesses convert to employee ownership, we can expand opportunity, keep jobs rooted in local communities, and ensure that the benefits of business success are shared more broadly.” 

“Employee-owned businesses strengthen our local economies by keeping decision-making and wealth right here in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This initiative is about helping business owners plan for the future while giving workers a real stake in the success they help create.”  

“Employee ownership is a powerful tool to help small businesses plan for the future and protect good jobs across Massachusetts,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Through MassCEO, we’re making it easier for business owners to explore their options, connect with experts, and take the steps needed to transition to employee ownership, keeping more jobs and opportunity here in the Massachusetts.” 

As part of today’s announcement, the Administration unveiled a new MassCEO website, an online resource offering guidance for businesses interested in employee ownership, and a “Massachusetts Employee Owned” campaign to encourage businesses to register with the Center to receive news and resources related to employee-ownership. 

MassCEO is guided by a 19-member Advisory Board on Employee Ownership that launched in March 2024 and led by MassCEO Interim Director and MOBD Central Massachusetts Regional Director Kevin Kuros. The board meets monthly to set strategic priorities, including brand development for the center and the planning of regional symposiums to raise awareness of employee ownership models across the state. 

For more information about the Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership and upcoming symposiums and webinars to educate business owners, economic development professionals, and community leaders on employee ownership models, visit www.mass.gov/massceo.  

About MassCEO and the Massachusetts Office of Business Development 

The Massachusetts Center for Employee Ownership (MassCEO) aims to promote and expand employee ownership across Massachusetts. MassCEO provides education, outreach, and technical assistance to help business owners evaluate and implement employee ownership models that support long-term business continuity and shared prosperity. MassCEO is part of the Executive Office of Economic Development’s Massachusetts Office of Business Development (MOBD), which assists businesses expanding in and relocating to Massachusetts, with specific attention paid to projects that create and retain jobs and invest capital. The MOBD team provides a highly responsive, central point of contact that facilitates access to resources, expertise, and incentive programs for businesses. 

紐英崙中華公所選舉訂12/9投票 10/30截止接受提名

紐英崙中華公所中文書記翁宇才（右）報告選舉規定。
左為中華公所主席雷國輝。（周菊子攝）

                   （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）紐英崙中華公所（CCBANE）二年一度的職員改選，訂12月9日投票，提名截止日期為10月30日，候選人須由中華公所屬下團體推薦，並於11月25日晚發表參選政見。

                  中華公所中文書記暨選舉小組召集人翁宇才，昨晚（9月30日）在中華公所本年度第5次董事大會中報告，選舉小組於9月23日開會，就本年度選舉相關規定及流程，議決9項規定。

                  這9項規定包括對候選人，以及對提名團體的規定。

候選人部分，候選人必須由中華公所屬下團體推薦，個人同意參選，而且只接受一個職位的提名，還要簽名同意所有選舉規則。中英文書記這2個職位，候選人必須是麻州居民。

中華公所董事鄭慧民認為自己的提案被忽視。（周菊子攝）

提名團體部分，必須是已繳清近3年會費，無違反中華公所規章情節的僑團，才有資格提名。繳交的提名推薦書上，必須有團體主席簽名，蓋有僑團公章，每一職位，僑團只能提名一人。同一姓氏團體，不得同時有2人出任中華公所職員，若發生同一僑團有2人當選職員，將以抽籤決定哪一個人留任。

中華公所職員選舉的提名推薦截止日期為2025年10月30日（週四）下午6點，逾期無效，並以中華公所蓋章簽收日期為准。

在選舉日程上，根據中華公所當晚發出的文件，9月30日起接受提名，10月30日下午6點截止收件，12月9日的上午9點至下午6點之間大選投票，6點之後，立即開始計票。

如果有職位出現2人以上參選，中華公所將於11月18日辦理初選，屆時每一名董事只能就每一職位各投一票。

中華公所董事梁添光認為出席中華公所董事可全全代表各自所屬僑團。
（周菊子攝）

中華公所為協助董事認識各職位候選人，訂11月25日晚上7點在中華公所舉辦候選人政見發表會。在12月9日的投票日當天，各職位候選人有權出席投票，但不得在自己投票前後，逗留投票站外拉票。

修訂中華公所董事名額提案爭議

在中華公所中文書記翁宇才報告選舉事宜時，曾任中華公所主席，代表藝聯慈善社出席的董事鄭慧民發言。他表示自己曾經提議修改章程，請章程小組討論把目前有數個僑團可派多於1人出席中華公所董事大會的現狀，改為每個僑團都只能派出1名董事。曾經這提議，經5比1的投票，通過要把這提案帶到大會討論，卻被一拖再拖的拖了一年半，仍未討論。他還認為主席要求他先僑團內部商量，再寫信提議，是以主席身份霸凌，侵犯了公所僑團決定自己內部運作模式的權力。

翁宇才表示，他非常尊重每一位董事的意見，也為了鄭董事的提議，召開過一次特別會議。

中華公所主席雷國輝補充說明道，在7月份有30多名董事出席的特別會議中，通過議案，請鄭董事以公所名義發信給中華公所提案，但是鄭董事是在接著的一次董事會開會前一天，交給中華公所一封信，不是用公所信箋寫的，撰文語句也是以個人角度發言，不是以公所身份敘事。

雷國輝表示，當時他就說得很清楚，這提案對中華公所董事大會影響很大，至少有5個不同組織會受影響，並有相關責任牽連，為慎重起見，30多名出席特別會議的董事都同意了，請鄭董事以公所公函寫封建議信來提案。

董事陳仕維發言道，他們事後問過藝聯慈善社社長，得到的答覆是，該公所從未在內部討論過這一提案。

董事梁添光表示，所有出席中華公所董事大會的董事，都是由各自所代表的公所或僑團選舉或指派而來，在中華公所之內的一言一行，都具有各自所屬團體的絕對代表權，中華公所並沒有要求董事提案，必須以公所信箋撰寫提交的規定。

董事關麗莎也表示，她參加中華公所董事大會這麼多年來，從未見過董事提案，需要公所寫信的情況。

中華公所職員還是執行董事

                  中華公所依照慣例，每兩年一次的選舉，是投票選出主席，中文書記，英文書記，財政，以及核數，這5個職位。當選者負責中華公所的營運，並向董事大會報告，被稱為職員。

                  中華公所選舉小組9月30日交給董事大會的2026/2027年度選舉規章，註明的職稱是“行政董事職員選舉提名表”，以及執行董事選舉。

                  中華公所近年做法也是，這5名職員，具執行董事身份，在選舉時都有投票權。但這5名職員各自所屬僑團，依照公所章程，另派有出席中華公所大會董事。在這情況下，各當選職員所屬僑團，等於在選舉時多了一票。有意探討各僑團在中華公所中之地位平等者，或該考慮這種情況也可能帶來偏倚。

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