New Book: A Force For Good: Gisela Warburg Wyzanski

A Force For Good, an inspiring biography of a remarkable young German Jewish woman who used her wealth and influence to help save thousands of Jewish children earmarked for extinction during the Holocaust Peter E. Randall Publisher is pleased to announce an inspiring new biography, A Force For Good: Gisela Warburg Wyzanski. The book pays loving and fitting tribute to a courageous young German Jewish woman who used her wealth and influence to help rescue and resettle thousands of Jewish children who faced annihilation at the hands of the Nazis, giving them new lives in the land now known as Israel. This inspirational and compelling coming of age story is written by Gisela's daughter, Anita Wyzanski Robboy.  A resident of Cambridge, MA, and Gloucester, MA, Anita is a partner in the Boston law firm, Prince Lobel Tye, LLC, and currently a Visiting Scholar/Research Associate at Brandeis University. She is the daughter of Gisela Warburg Wyzanski and Judge Charles E. Wyzanski. The author hopes that readers will be inspired by Gisela’s life, her choices, and her determination to save lives.  A Force For Good: Gisela Warburg Wyzanski evolved from the discovery of a treasure trove of letters and documents carefully preserved by Gisela and recently discovered by her daughter. Gisela's story spans the pre-to post-World War II era, seen through the eyes of a young woman who put her own life at risk to save others. Readers will meet Gisela's friends and mentors, including Henrietta Szold, the founder of Hadassah and Chaim Weizmann, the first president of Israel. Her remarkable story provides a unique perspective on how one determined and brave person can make a difference in the world.  Publishers Weekly comments, “A Force for Good is a must-read for anyone interested in Holocaust history, Jewish heritage, and the enduring impact of one woman's courage and compassion. It is a moving and inspiring account of 'a sacred adventure' lived in service to others, brought to life through rich documentary evidence and heartfelt storytelling.”   Laurence H. Tribe, Carl M. Loeb University Professor Emeritus, Harvard University, offers this review of A Force for Good: “Brimming with fresh perspectives on Judaism, Zionism, and Palestine, this page-turning saga leaps off the page from a cache of love letters hidden in a Cambridge attic to draw the reader into a romantic triangle involving a famous American judge and the daughter of one of Germany’s wealthiest Jewish families, a woman who escaped the Gestapo to devote her life to the rescue of desperate children.”  Michael Berenbaum, Distinguished Professor of Jewish Studies, American Jewish University and the former Project Director of the United States Holocaust Museum writes "Often told in her words through her extensive correspondence, the book offers unique insight into the early days of Zionist history and two of its fabled leaders Chaim Weizmann and Henrietta Szold -- Gisela’s mentors -- and Jewish Palestine in the 1920s and 1930s. Gisela's embrace of Zionism gave depth and meaning to her life, an important reminder of its significance and its potential at our time of turmoil. The work is inspirational. Gisela was a lioness, and Anita does her justice.” A Force For Good: Gisela Warburg Wyzanski is available in hardcover, audio, and e-book formats. Published by Peter E. Randall Publisher in Portsmouth, NH, and distributed through bookstores and Amazon, the book’s publication date is March 3, 2026. Media may arrange interviews with the author by contacting media@perpublisher.com. To learn more, visit the publisher’s website, https://perpublisher.com.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $3 Million in Grants to Help Communities Prepare for Extreme Weather

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards Over $3 Million in Grants to Help Communities Prepare for Extreme Weather 

Funding will help 32 municipalities strengthen climate resilience planning with a focus on equity 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced over $3 million through the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Planning 2.0 (MVP 2.0) grant program to help local communities take concrete steps to prepare for climate change. Twenty-one municipalities and three regional groups representing 11 additional municipalities are included in this round of grantees. These planning grants will support communities in updating local climate resilience plans and move immediately from planning to action, by funding on-the-ground projects that protect neighborhoods from flash floods, keep residents safer during heatwaves, and ensure reliable water supplies during drought.  

“Every city and town is already planning ahead to address extreme weather, and we want to give them the support they need to protect their residents and their infrastructure,” said Governor Maura Healey. “This program ensures that no community is left behind as we prepare for today’s challenges and those ahead.” 

“Our communities know their unique climate challenges. MVP 2.0 empowers them to shape solutions that work for them – especially their most vulnerable,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re committed to making the process more inclusive and collaborative every step of the way.” 

Nearly every municipality—about 99 percent, or 349 communities— are currently enrolled in this grant program after completing the initial planning grant process. MVP Planning 2.0 grants help cities and towns update their climate resilience plans, prioritize the needs of residents facing the greatest risks, and launch pilot projects. Due to the increased demand and strong track record, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is seeking to double funding for the MVP program to $315 million in the proposed Mass Ready Act. The bill also allows nonprofits to apply for grants and partner with cities and towns on high-impact local projects. 

“Our cities and towns are dealing with climate change head-on – flooded streets that cut off neighborhoods, beaches disappearing to rising tides, and scorching days that put our students and seniors at risk,” said Energy & Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “That’s why the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness Program matters. We partner with communities to build stronger roads, restore wetlands, plant shade trees, and make sure everyone has a voice in shaping a safer future.” 

“As climate change forces us to face heat, drought, flooding, and uncertainty, MVP 2.0 grants deliver meaningful financial resources to help our communities build resiliency,” said State Senator Becca Rausch (D-Needham), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Environment and Natural Resources and Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Municipalities and Regional Government. “These funds will enhance Dover’s efforts to develop an inclusive, community-driven plan to protect its residents from extreme weather. Thank you to Governor Healey, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll, and Secretary Tepper for your steadfast support of our towns and cities as they bolster their climate defenses.”  

"The Town of Stow will use its new MVP 2.0 grant monies to update its Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness plan with an emphasis on weathering storms of greater intensity, mitigating drinking water contamination, and addressing issues of inequity. I'm pleased that this grant also enables towns to take action; Stow's town planners will use grant money to fund an as-yet-to-be-determined resiliency-strengthening project,” said State Representative Kate Hogan (D-Stow). “We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Executive office of Energy & Environmental Affairs for helping communities across the Commonwealth take action against the threat of climate change." 

MVP Planning 2.0 guides communities to prioritize the needs of those most affected by climate change, ensuring their leadership in the planning process. Cities and towns will also receive training on best practices in climate resilience and equity, allowing them to rethink their current plans based on improved community participation in the process. Each selected community will also receive $50,000 in guaranteed funding to support projects that enhance their resilience to climate impacts. 

Communities will continue to have access to an updated online resource called Guides for Equitable and Actionable Resilience (GEAR). This tool provides important information on how local climate issues relate to community concerns like housing and health. 

The municipalities receiving grants will work with experts in climate resilience and will have an Equity Partner to help keep equity at the forefront of their plans and projects. They will form a team of community liaisons with strong ties to the populations most affected by climate change. 

MVP is a priority program of ResilientMass, the statewide program to reduce risk and strengthen communities in the face of climate change impacts. 

The following communities will receive funding to complete MVP Planning 2.0: 

Applicant	MVP Program Region	Total Award
Berkshire Regional Planning Commission on behalf of Adams, Lanesborough, North Adams, & Williamstown	Berkshires & Hilltowns	$325,000
Braintree	Greater Boston	$100,000
Buckland	Berkshires & Hilltowns	$100,000
Concord	Northeast	$100,000
Dover	Greater Boston	$100,000
Metropolitan Area Planning Council on behalf of Essex, Gloucester, Manchester, & Rockport	Northeast	$325,000
Falmouth	Southeast	$103,400
Gosnold	Southeast	$100,000
Grafton	Central	$100,000
Lawrence	Northeast	$110,000
Marion	Southeast	$101,000
Mattapoisett	Southeast	$100,000
Mendon	Central	$100,000
Millbury	Central	$100,000
Monterey	Berkshires & Hilltowns	$100,000
Newbury	Northeast	$100,000
Newton	Greater Boston	$100,000
Norwood, Dedham, & Milton	Greater Boston	$260,000
Sandwich	Southeast	$100,000
Shrewsbury	Central	$100,000
Stow	Northeast	$100,000
Wareham	Southeast	$101,100
Westborough	Central	$100,000
Weymouth	Greater Boston	$100,000

波士頓台灣同鄉會「金馬五吉」慶新年 楊慧雅接任會長

右起，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，經文處處長廖朝宏恭喜楊慧雅（左二）
接任會長，感謝卸任會長張馨云（中）和鄭嵎（左一）的服務。（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange周菊子麻州報導)波士頓台灣同鄉會（TAA Boston）日前在貝福市（Bedford）的John Glenn中學迎春納福慶馬年，介紹新會長楊慧雅，改選出5名新理事，以攝影展、魔術表演，兒童才藝展示，祝福鄉親們「金馬五吉」。

                  卸任會長張馨云和鄭嵎在活動開場後，先做年度報告，再由台灣人公共事務會（FAPA）現任波士頓分會會長杞佳泰介紹該會近況。

新當選理事，左起蘇亭瑋，石國治，高青懌，楊佩穎，陳子靖。（周菊子攝）       

左到右：蘇亭瑋，石國治，陳胤菘，楊佩穎，楊慧雅，高青懌，
黃文彥，陳子靖，彭聲翔。(周菊子攝）

              張馨云和鄭嵎說明，該會以“連絡鄉親，促進合作，維護同鄉之福利，關心台灣，維護同胞之人權及福利為宗旨。他們2人和許時榮、彭幸娜，石茜茹等2024年理事，今年任期屆滿，將把服務鄉親重任，交由2025年理事楊慧雅，陳胤菘，黃文彥，許郁瑢，彭聲翔，以及1月31日當選的2026年理事石國治，高青懌，楊佩穎，蘇亭瑋，陳子靖等人承接。

TAA Boston理事們合影。（周菊子攝）

   回顧2025年，波士頓台灣同鄉會舉辦了不少活動，包括2月的春節年會，1場音樂會和用1場用台語及英文討論歷史的交流會的2場228紀念活動，4月的「今晚，波士頓沒有極限」，邀新台派上線主持人李正皓、台北市議員卓冠廷及山田摩衣，還有立法院名譽顧問洪慈庸分享經驗的新生代講座，以及由李怡穎博士主講的賞鳥講座，5月參加“牛頓台灣日”擺攤之外，還春季健行，7月網球友誼賽，8月到牛頓市海德社區辦“星空電影院”，放映「神木之森」紀錄片，9月中秋迎新烤肉，12月和北美婦女會波士頓分會，以及「波士頓台美人記憶坊」合作的記憶坊手作燈箱工坊，教小朋友撰寫家族故事，製作燈箱，展示記憶。他們還發起代收罷免連署單，支援台灣的公民運動，

科研家魔術師吳名儒表演魔術，強調給人希望，有夢就能成真。（周菊子攝）

                  2026-2027的新任會長楊慧雅，出生於台灣彰化，在台灣曾擔任醫檢師，2000年來波士頓長木區當實驗經理，如今在製藥公司做科研。她希望新的一年能和新舊理事們攜手合作，繼續為宣傳台灣文化努力，籌辦活動，讓身在異鄉的台灣遊子們感受到更多同鄉的溫暖。

應邀上台觀眾展示“真的”變出來耶！（周菊子攝）

   台灣人公共事務會波士頓分會當天為該會活動做宣傳。現任會長杞佳泰說明，由總會副會長鍾佳君發起，每月第二個週六中午12點到下午2點，在哈佛廣場向過往行人介紹台灣的活動，從2010年夏天開始，到本月14日，將是他們的第180場呼籲各界關注台灣聚會，希望有更多人共襄盛舉。

                  這天的文娛活動部分，有小朋友表演唱歌，彈琴，展示作曲才藝。也有讓座中眾人笑得東倒西歪的台語繞口令。最引人矚目的則是兼具科學家，說故事人，以及魔術師身份的吳名儒。

石國治展示僑委會送出的月曆。（周菊子攝）

                  吳名儒坦言自己雖然在治療癌症的醫院做研究，但一心希望自己能成為駐院魔術師，藉由表演白紙變真鈔，銅板生銅板等魔術來啟發人，只要有勇氣，美夢就可能成真的為人帶來光明希望。

                  駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富這天也都特地出席，和台灣鄉親們同慶新年，並送上祝福。（更新版）

蘇美麗（左）和羅靜春（又）結伴看比表演。（周菊子攝）

Kaden Wu彈奏他的創作。（周菊子攝）

歐亮恩唱“我的寶貝”。（周菊子攝）

Olivia Chen表演彈琴。（周菊子攝）

彭幸娜請出席者投票選理事。（周菊子攝）

右起，石國治、張馨云、鄭嵎主持抽獎。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣同鄉會的資深會員們欣賞節目。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣同鄉會的資深會員們欣賞節目之二。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣同鄉會的資深會員們欣賞節目之三。（周菊子攝）

波士頓台灣同鄉會的資深會員們欣賞節目之四。（周菊子攝）

台語猜謎。（周菊子攝）

台語猜謎2。（周菊子攝）

看圖猜台灣景點。（周菊子攝）

猜謎。（周菊子攝）

會場。（周菊子攝）

麻州長與丹麥駐美大使簽署經濟合作協議

Governor Healey Welcomes Delegation from Denmark to Strengthen Scientific, Technological and Commercial Ties 

BOSTON – Today, Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey welcomed a delegation from Denmark for a series of meetings focused on strengthening the scientific, technological and commercial ties between Massachusetts and Denmark. During the visit, Governor Healey and Denmark’s Ambassador to the U.S. Jesper Møller Sørensen signed an economic partnership agreement, committing to work together to grow their leadership in life sciences, health care, biomanufacturing, advanced manufacturing, robotics and artificial intelligence.  

“Massachusetts and Denmark have long enjoyed strong economic ties – especially when it comes to our leadership in cutting edge industries like life sciences and technology,” said Governor Healey. “It was great to welcome Ambassador Møller Sørensen and his delegation to the State House today to commit to strengthening this partnership and express our support for the Danish people.” 

“Denmark and Massachusetts share a deep commitment to innovation and solutions that improve lives,” said Ambassador Sørensen. “By bringing together Denmark’s decades of expertise in life sciences and public-private partnership and Massachusetts’ world-leading innovation ecosystem, today’s agreement translates our shared ambition into a partnership that will benefit both Denmark and Massachusetts.” 

This agreement formalizes a shared commitment to advance research, foster business cooperation and accelerate the development of cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, the agreement builds on longstanding ties between Massachusetts and Denmark, uniting two globally recognized innovation hubs known for their strengths in life sciences, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence.  

“Massachusetts and Denmark are both global science and innovation leaders and this agreement gives us a strong framework to deepen collaboration between our companies, research institutions, and entrepreneurs,” said Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. “Denmark is already one of Massachusetts’ top trading partners, and we’re excited to build on that foundation and grow our partnership in critical sectors like life sciences, advanced manufacturing, robotics, and AI.” 

The agreement builds on robust economic ties between Massachusetts and Denmark. Massachusetts trades nearly $240 million with Denmark, which marks a 134 percent increase since 2010. Massachusetts primarily exports medical devices, organic chemicals and industrial machinery and imports pharmaceutical products, industrial machinery and medical devices. Substantial trade and investment, particularly within life sciences, between both jurisdictions has enabled companies to thrive. 

Members of the Denmark delegation included Ambassador Møller Sørensen, Consul General Ann-Christina Petersen Lange, Senior Vice President and Head of Global Research of Novo Nordisk Jacob Petersen, Vice President & Head of External Innovation of Lundbeck Klaus Simonsen, Chief Investment Officer of EIFO Erik Balck Sørensen, Aalborg University Professor Brian Vad Mathiesen, Chief Scientific Officer of LEO Foundation Anne-Marie Engel, CEO of Danish Biotech Hans Schambye, and CEO of Healthcare Denmark Jakob Skaarup.  

Attendees from the Healey-Driscoll Administration included Governor Healey, Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Undersecretary of Business Strategies Zenobia Moochhala, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment Jeevan Ramapriya, President and CEO of the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Kirk Taylor, Interim CEO of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center Dr. Jennifer Le Blond, and Director of Massachusetts Artificial Intelligence (AI) Hub Sabrina Mansur. Former United States Ambassador to Denmark Rufus Gifford also attended. 

The delegation’s visit was coordinated by the Danish Agency for Higher Education and Science and the Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment. Massachusetts has similar agreements with numerous countries and international regional governments, including Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, Denmark, Hong Kong, India, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Portugal, South Korea, Spain, Sweden and Taiwan.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $900,000 to Help Young Adults with Disabilities Prepare for Employment

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $900,000 to Help Young Adults with Disabilities Prepare for Employment

 

DANVERS - The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $900,000 in grant funding for six organizations across Massachusetts to provide job training, employment placement, and post-placement services for 116 young adults with disabilities.

 

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Lauren Jones made the announcement at Northeast Arc, Inc. in Danvers. Northeast Arc, Inc received $115,000 to provide training for 15 young adults with disabilities in the Food Service and Child Care industry. Participants will receive classroom training specific to Food Service and Child Care occupations, benefit from job tours, job trials and paid internship opportunities, and after completing program requirements, job placement and support services. They will earn ServSafe, CPR and First Aid certifications.

 

Since 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $2,715,625 in Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants, projected to provide training and job placement services to over 360 individuals. Participants have been placed in a wide range of industries, including Transportation & Warehousing, Administrative and Support Services, Recreation, Educational Services, Waste Management, and Retail. The program also provides essential workforce support to help overcome employment barriers, such as transportation assistance, job coaching, soft and hard skills training, post-placement support, and support with requesting workplace accommodations.

 

“Across our state, there are talented, motivated people who face real barriers to employment—and employers who are eager to hire and grow their workforce,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grants help break down those barriers by providing the skills, supports, and pathways people need to succeed in high-demand industries.”

 

“Everyone deserves an opportunity for meaningful work,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “These grants are about removing barriers, supporting people where they are, and connecting individuals with the skills and opportunities they need to succeed—while helping employers build a stronger, more inclusive workforce.”

 

Today’s announcement investments in Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grants builds on the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s strategic investment to attract and develop diverse, skilled talent to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers across industries and statewide. The grant program, funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation, engages organizations dedicated to training young adults with disabilities.

 

“The Healey-Driscoll administration’s workforce agenda focuses on increasing access and reducing barriers to meaningful employment for Massachusetts jobseekers, including individuals with disabilities,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “We value the partnerships with awarded organizations to provide critical job skills and wrap around support that will improve employment outcomes and advance economic opportunities for individuals with disabilities as we grow a more inclusive workforce in Massachusetts.”

 

“We are deeply committed to supporting community-based organizations that are driving inclusive training and employment opportunities for young adults with disabilities across Massachusetts,” said Molly Jacobson, President & CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “Their leadership and innovation are paving the way toward a more equitable workforce where every young person can pursue meaningful, fulfilling careers. We’re grateful for their partnership and congratulate this round of grantees for the impact they’re making in our communities.”

 

The following is a complete list of the organizations awarded the Employment Program for Young Adults with Disabilities grant totaling $900,000:  

 

Berkshire County Arc, Inc. (BCArc), Pittsfield: $80,000

BCArc will support 12 program participants by providing a structured pathway to employment in the healthcare sector. Through partnerships with Sugar Hill and Craneville Place of Dalton, participants will receive hands-on training for entry-level healthcare positions. Training will focus on roles such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dietary Aide, Home Health Aide, and Activities Assistant. Skills acquired at Sugar Hill and Craneville Place will be transferable to other healthcare employers throughout the region.

 

Central Mass Center for Business & Enterprise, D.B.A. Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (BV Hub), Whitinsville: $170,000

The Blackstone Valley Hub for Workforce Development (BV Hub) will deliver the Foundations in Healthcare and School Support Careers program, an inclusive training and employment initiative preparing 24 neurodivergent young adults with cognitive disabilities for sustainable careers in the health and social services sector. Employer and community partners include Optum Health Reliant Healthcare, Applied Behavior Institute (ABI), Sutton Public Schools, Northbridge Public Schools, MassHire Central Region Workforce Board, MassAbility, Center of Hope, and transition programs at Nipmuc and Uxbridge.

 

Curry College, Milton: $165,000

Curry College’s Neurodiversity Center for Excellence (NCE) will launch a comprehensive employment transition program designed to support 22 neurodivergent young adults with disabilities across Massachusetts. The initiative focuses on building executive function skills, workplace readiness, and inclusive employer partnerships to improve employment outcomes for individuals with autism, ADHD, and other learning differences. Employer partners include Alkermes, The Trustee of Reservations, and Enterprise Mobility.

 

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS), Boston: $175,000

The Transitions to Work (TTW) program at Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) will prepare 18 young adults with disabilities in Greater Boston and Brockton with the skills needed to compete for jobs, while building overall job readiness and life skills through training and internships. Partnering with top local employers like CVS Health, Spaulding Rehabilitation Network, and Old Colony YMCA, South Shore Hospital, VA Brockton Medical Center, and the Sodexo-managed food service departments at Boston Children’s Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, TTW equips participants with the skills they need to thrive in the workforce.

 

Northeast Arc, Inc. (NeArc), Danvers: $115,00

NeArc will prepare 15 young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities and/or autism spectrum disorder with training in the Food Service and Child Care industry. Participants will receive classroom training specific to Food Service and Child Care occupations, benefit from job tours, job trials and paid internship opportunities, and after completing program requirements, job placement and support services. They will earn ServSafe, CPR and First Aid certifications.

 

Polus Center for Social and Economic Development, Athol: $195,000

Retail Skills for Young Adults with Disabilities is an 8-week training program that will train 27 young adults with disabilities, ages 18–35, who are interested in pursuing work with one of Polus’ employer partners (Price Chopper, CVS Health, or Shaws) or at similar grocery or retail settings. The program will be offered statewide, with a focus on Central and North Central Massachusetts, Middlesex County, and Greater Boston.