Governor Healey Announces New Program for Military Medics to Transition to Civilian Health Care Careers

Governor Healey Announces New Program for Military Medics to Transition to Civilian Health Care Careers

Pilot program would help veterans put their military medical training to work while supporting Massachusetts' health care workforce

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced plans to advance new regulations that would create a pathway for military medics to use their training and experience in civilian health care settings in Massachusetts. The Military to Medicine pilot would help veterans transition into health care careers while supporting hospitals facing workforce shortages.

At the November 10 Public Health Council meeting, the Department of Public Health (DPH) and Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) announced the new initiative, which would allow a limited number of eligible veterans who previously served as military medics to perform certain medication administration activities at approved Massachusetts hospitals. The regulations will be put forward for public comment as part of the state's review process.

“Military medics have some of the most extensive training and experience in health care, often serving under incredibly challenging circumstances. But when they return home, too many face barriers to putting those skills to work,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We need to change that. This program will create new career opportunities for veterans while supporting the hospitals and patients who can benefit from their skills and expertise. Our veterans have so much to offer, and Massachusetts should be a place where they can continue to serve and succeed.” 

“Our veterans bring valuable skills, leadership and experience to the workforce, and we want to make sure those skills are recognized when they return to civilian life,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This proposal is an important step toward helping military medics build careers in health care while addressing workforce needs across Massachusetts. It's a great example of how we can better connect veterans with employers and create more opportunities for those who have served.”

"Military medics have proven they can deliver high-quality care under pressure," said Veterans Services Secretary Eric Goralnick. "Military to Medicine is a novel program that builds on a proven Veterans Health Administration model to turn that experience into civilian health care careers. Our veterans' clinical training, teamwork, and commitment to service can help address our health care workforce shortage and keep Massachusetts hospitals leading on the global stage."

“Those who have served in the military have incredible skill and experience that would benefit healthcare and public health. This initiative recognizes the valuable training and experience military medics bring while creating meaningful opportunities for veterans to continue serving their communities,” said Public Health Commissioner Robbie Goldstein, MD, PhD. “By establishing a pathway for veterans to apply their skills in civilian healthcare settings, this program has the potential to strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce and support continued access to safe, high-quality patient care.”

“Military medics bring tremendous expertise with specialized training and critical skills needed in our health care industry,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “Yet, far too often, untapped veterans are unable to put these skills to work for roles we need filled in Massachusetts. Through the Military to Medicine pilot, the Healey-Driscoll Administration takes a skills-first approach to bridge this gap by creating a new pathway that will help translate valuable military skills, knowledge, and experience for in-demand, civilian careers with Massachusetts health care employers.”

Each year, thousands of military service members transition to civilian life, including medics and hospital corpsmen with extensive training and hands-on medical experience. However, that experience does not automatically qualify them for comparable civilian health care roles, often requiring veterans to pursue additional credentials or seek work outside the medical field.

The proposed regulations would create a pilot program for 10 eligible veterans at participating DPH-licensed hospitals, subject to DPH approval. The pilot would explore opportunities for these veterans to apply their training to certain medication administration activities without making broader changes to professional licensing or scope-of-practice requirements. 

If approved and implemented, the program would be evaluated by EOVS to assess how military medical experience can translate into civilian health care opportunities and help hospitals recruit and retain skilled workers.

The proposal builds on Governor Healey’s ongoing work to support veterans as they transition into civilian careers. In October, Lieutenant Governor Driscoll swore in new members of the Veterans Employment Opportunities Commission, which is working to identify barriers to employment and strengthen career opportunities for veterans. The administration has also supported 32 businesses that have become certified or pledged to become certified as Veteran Ready Businesses, helping employers better recognize and recruit veteran talent.

The administration has taken additional steps to expand employment opportunities for veterans, including provisions in the historic HERO Act to strengthen the Vet-Hire Tax Credit, eliminating apprenticeship registration renewal fees for veterans, and expanding access to career counseling, job training and employment resources through MassHire.

In 2024, Governor Healey signed the historic HERO Act, the most comprehensive expansion of veterans benefits in Massachusetts history, with more than 30 provisions to modernize services and improve support for veterans and families. The law expanded the Vet-Hire Tax Credit for small businesses that hire veterans. The administration also established a tax credit for Massachusetts businesses that hire active members of the National Guard.

To expand other workforce opportunities for veterans and military families, the administration has awarded more than $15 million to expand registered apprenticeships across Massachusetts and secured an additional $1.5 million in federal funding to support training in emerging industries. In July, the administration made apprenticeship more affordable for veterans by eliminating all renewal registration fees. 

Through MassHire, veterans receive priority access to employment and training services, including career counseling, job placement assistance and connections with employers, as well as support accessing GI Bill benefits for qualifying apprenticeships. The administration has also launched the Veterans Equity Dashboard to identify barriers to employment and implemented skills-based hiring practices across state government to better recognize military experience and qualifications. 

Statements of Support

State Senator John Velis, Senate Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:

"Military medics and medical service veterans have already demonstrated their skill, professionalism, and ability to deliver care in some of the most demanding environments imaginable. Their training and real-world experience make them exceptionally well qualified to take on responsibilities like those envisioned in this pilot program. This initiative recognizes the value of their service, creates meaningful pathways to continue serving their communities, and helps strengthen our health care workforce while maintaining appropriate safeguards for patient safety. I support this effort and look forward to seeing the impact it can have for both veterans and patients across Massachusetts."

State Representative Joseph McGonagle, House Chairman of the Joint Committee on Veterans and Federal Affairs:

“This pilot program will be an important step toward recognizing the valuable skills and experience our veterans bring to the civilian workforce. By creating new opportunities for military-trained medics to apply their expertise in health care settings, we can expand employment opportunities for veterans while helping address workforce needs across the Commonwealth. I commend EOVS and DPH for advancing this initiative and their continued commitment to supporting Massachusetts veterans.”

Retired Brigadier General Jack Hammond, Executive Director, Home Base:

“Combat medics and Corpsman bring skill, judgment and leadership honed in the most demanding environments imaginable and Massachusetts needs more skilled health care providers in every setting. By creating a clear pathway from military to civilian medicine, this pilot addresses one of the biggest barriers Veterans face when coming home: finding meaningful work that honors their experience. Home Base is proud to support initiatives like this one, led by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Veterans Services and the Department of Public Health, that help ensure Veterans have access to employment opportunities that leverage the skills developed through military service and a successful transition to civilian life after their service.”

Lisa A. McPhee, Department Adjutant, American Legion Department of Massachusetts:

“Veteran medics cared for their fellow service members and responded to emergencies on the ground, so they shouldn't have to restart their medical careers when they get home. The American Legion Department of Massachusetts supports this program because it turns military training into civilian careers, and it honors that service in a meaningful way."

Bruce Buckley, Chief Executive Officer and President, Soldier On:

“Soldier On has been working to end veteran homelessness in Massachusetts and beyond for over 30 years. The transition from military service to civilian life is often difficult in many respects, employment, and self esteem being two of the more prevalent struggles in this transition. EOVS Secretary Goralnick’s limited pilot program to allow the practical and highly skilled practices of medics in the military to be credited to the private medical practices in our healthcare systems is a much-needed program that addresses these struggles head on. Recognizing the talents and education learned in the military setting is critical as a practical solution to the complex issues challenging both our military and veteran community as well as the shortages that exist in our health care delivery system. Soldier On strongly endorses this program as innovative and much overdue.”

Maximus De Medici, a U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman (FMF) and Iraq War veteran:

"As a Navy corpsman, I deployed to Iraq with the Marines and later provided humanitarian care in Haiti, treating patients in harsh conditions where there was often no one else to turn to. Yet when corpsmen and medics come home, much of that hands-on experience doesn't translate into a recognized civilian credential, and too many of us end up starting over or leaving medicine altogether. The Military to Medicine pilot recognizes what we already know how to do and gives Massachusetts a way to keep that talent caring for patients here at home."

Heather Meehan, a former U.S. Navy Hospital Corpsman:

“As a veteran, I have experienced firsthand the barriers military-trained medical professionals face when transitioning to civilian healthcare, having provided care in cardiac intensive care, intensive care, and medical-surgical settings only to be told I qualified solely as a Certified Nursing Assistant—and then that I was overqualified for that role. At a time when Massachusetts faces significant healthcare workforce shortages, we cannot afford to overlook veterans with extensive medical training, clinical experience, and proven patient care skills. Massachusetts has an opportunity to lead by establishing a fair, standardized pathway that recognizes military medical training, addresses any gaps in civilian credentialing requirements, and allows veterans to continue serving their communities without having to start their careers over.”

Pete Smith, Sergeant Major (Ret.), U.S. Army:

“After serving more than 26 years in the Army including as a medic in Special Operations, I received some of the most demanding medical training and real-world experience available and wanted to stay in medicine after I retired, but had no connections or roadmap. Too many veteran medics face that same wall, and their skills go unused. Military to Medicine will help bridge that gap by connecting veterans with medical professionals and allowing them to apply their military experience to civilian careers. I’m proud to support it.”

MAYOR MICHELLE WU PROPOSES TARGETED ZONING CHANGES TO SUPPORT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WHILE PROTECTING AFFORDABILITY

MAYOR MICHELLE WU PROPOSES TARGETED ZONING CHANGES TO SUPPORT HOUSING DEVELOPMENT WHILE PROTECTING AFFORDABILITY

Targeted changes to Inclusionary Zoning and Linkage policies are part of a broader strategy to increase housing production, remove barriers to development, and address the housing crisis

BOSTON - Monday, November 9, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced proposed changes to Boston's Inclusionary Zoning (IZ) and Linkage policies aimed at helping new housing and commercial development move forward amid challenging economic conditions affecting cities nationwide, while preserving the City’s core affordable housing commitments. These targeted adjustments are part of the Wu administration’s broader strategy to increase housing production, remove barriers to development, address the housing crisis, and make Boston more affordable for residents. 

Across the country, high interest rates, rising construction costs and shifting demand for commercial space have made it increasingly difficult for development projects to secure financing and begin construction. Boston is facing many of these same pressures, slowing the production of new housing and commercial space at a time when more homes are urgently needed. The latest proposals would provide greater financial flexibility for developers while protecting the City's commitment to affordable housing.

The proposed amendments build on the City's ongoing efforts to accelerate housing productions, including the Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, Housing Accelerator Fund and targeted, time-limited tax abatements. Together, these initiatives are expected to support the creation of thousands of new homes by 2030. 

“Over the last five years, Boston’s Inclusionary Development and Linkage policies have delivered over 2,900 new affordable homes and immeasurable community benefit by ensuring that families of every background can put down roots and contribute to our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “In the face of continued economic headwinds exacerbated by federal actions, we are making targeted adjustments to help more projects move forward and create more affordability. This balanced approach is part of our administration’s broader strategy to build more homes, remove barriers to development, and ensure Boston remains a city where residents can afford to stay and thrive.” 

The City is proposing three key changes to Inclusionary Zoning:

• Extending the payment schedule for affordable housing payments from two installments to seven installments, reducing upfront financing pressures. 
• Reducing the condominium payment-in-lieu fee from 75 percent to 50 percent of the difference between market-rate and income-restricted unit values, making this option more financially feasible. 
• Temporarily raising the threshold for projects subject to Inclusionary Zoning from seven to ten units for two years, easing requirements for smaller housing developments.  
• Off-site radius: Change from 0.5 miles in the zoning to MOH policy, providing flexibility to create IZ units in impactful projects in a wider geographic area.

Together, these adjustments would help some residential developments move forward while continuing to raise revenue for City-supported affordable housing developments.

Extending payment schedules allows developers more time to spread out the cost of meeting the inclusionary obligation and therefore improves project feasibility.  This is just one tool in addressing the high cost of housing construction in Boston and when combined with others will aid the City’s efforts in getting important housing projects into construction. 

“We recognize that the cost of building housing has increased, and we want to be responsive to these realities,” said Sheila A. Dillon, Chief of Housing. “These program changes are designed to encourage the development of new housing while maintaining our commitment to affordability. By providing developers with greater financial flexibility, we can also support income-restricted developments that serve the needs of our lower-income residents.”

“We support the Mayor in her commitment to defending Inclusionary Zoning, particularly the set aside of 17% plus 3% voucher units, and the deeper level of affordability which creates more opportunity for Boston residents.,” said Kathy Brown, Executive Director of Boston Tenant Coalition and Co-Coordinator for Coalition for a Truly Affordable Boston. “The changes being made are preferred over rolling back IZ from 20% to 13% of units built.” 

"We support the proposed changes to IDP policy as a creative approach to encouraging more housing production in Boston while preserving the policy"s commitment to affordable housing," said Abe Menzin, Executive Vice President of Development and Principal at Samuels & Associates. "Creating a more sustainable framework for developers to meet their affordable housing obligations, while also supporting development of market-rate housing in challenging conditions, is critical to addressing the City's housing needs." 

Boston's inclusionary housing policies have been a critical tool for creating affordable homes. As of June 2026, more than 5,000 income-restricted homes had been completed or were under construction through the City's Inclusionary Development Policy (IDP). Developers have also contributed more than $200 million to the IDP Fund, helping support the completion of more than 3,700 additional income-restricted homes across Boston. For every dollar spent from the fund, an additional $6 in City, state and federal resources has been leveraged to create or preserve affordable housing.

The administration is also proposing targeted changes to commercial Linkage requirements to support new commercial development. The changes would freeze commercial Linkage fees at their current levels through 2027 and extend the payment schedule from two to seven installments for affordable housing. The payment schedule for the Neighborhood Jobs Trust in support of jobs training will remain at two installments. Commercial developments would continue to contribute funding for affordable housing and job training, while gaining additional time to make those payments, easing upfront financing pressures. The changes are intended to support future commercial development without reducing existing Linkage obligations.

The proposed amendments are expected to be considered by the BPDA Board on November 12, followed by consideration by the Boston Zoning Commission. The Inclusionary Zoning amendments would also go before the Boston City Council for consideration.

“We know that the economic conditions facing development today are very different from just a few years ago, and we need to be thoughtful about how our policies respond,” said Kairos Shen, Chief of Planning for the City of Boston. “By providing greater flexibility and reducing upfront costs, we can help make more housing and commercial development financially feasible while preserving the affordability requirements that are so important to Boston’s future.”

“We are very appreciative of the City’s focus on finding creative ways to improve the very challenging economics of building housing in Boston,” said Brian Kavoogian, CEO of National Development. 

"Mayor Wu’s proposal addresses the economic reality of the cost of building housing and will be a valuable tool for developers in partnership with the city in unlocking new housing starts," said Jessica Hughes, Managing Director at Tishman Speyer. 

"Projects between seven and nine units have not been financially viable in this economic climate," said Principal of Juice Capital Evan Lank. "Increasing the Inclusionary Zoning threshold would serve as a meaningful pro-housing policy adjustment, helping to address affordability concerns in the City of Boston over the long-term."

“We support this change because it does two things Boston needs at once: it helps get residential projects moving again, and it generates real funding for deeply affordable homes," said Tanya Hanell, Co-executive Director of the East Boston CDC. "At the East Boston CDC we've seen firsthand what IDP funding can do. It helped us acquire 114 homes in the Blue Line portfolio and keep families in East Boston. This is a practical step that will help us do more of that work in East Boston and across the city." 

“These are common-sense changes that recognize the economic realities facing housing development today,” said Dara Kovel, CEO of Beacon Communities. “Rising costs and financing challenges have made it increasingly difficult to get new projects off the ground. By providing greater flexibility while maintaining its commitment to affordable housing, the city is taking a practical approach that will help more developments move forward, create much-needed homes, and strengthen Boston's housing future.” 

The proposed changes are one part of the Wu administration’s comprehensive approach to addressing the housing crisis by increasing housing supply, expanding affordability, and helping residents remain in their communities.  Since Mayor Wu took office, nearly 40,000 homes have been completed, entered construction, or advanced into the development pipeline, including nearly 12,000 income-restricted homes. More than 16,700 homes are complete, and another 6,000 are under construction.

To create more housing, the City is investing in new developments, making publicly-owned land available for housing, converting underused buildings into homes, and deploying new financing and tax tools to help projects move forward. At the same time, programs like Welcome Home Boston are creating new opportunities for residents to become homeowners, build wealth, and put down roots in their neighborhoods, while strengthened protections for renters and housing stability resources are helping to prevent displacement and keep residents in their communities. 

Together, these efforts reflect the Wu administration’s commitment to using every available tool to build more housing, preserve and expand affordability, and ensure that residents of all incomes can find a stable home and build a future in Boston.

Governor Healey Announces $2.5 Million to Make Home Energy Upgrades More Affordable

Governor Healey Announces $2.5 Million to Make Home Energy Upgrades More Affordable

 Seven projects will test innovative solutions to lower upfront costs for energy-efficient heating, cooling, and home improvements

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $2.5 million in grants to seven projects developing innovative ways to make home energy upgrades more affordable for Massachusetts residents. Through the Mass Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Cost Reduction Lab, the projects will test new technologies and approaches designed to reduce upfront costs by at least 15 percent, helping more households access energy-efficient heating, cooling, and other improvements that can lower their energy bills.

“Massachusetts families are dealing with high energy costs, and we need to do everything we can to bring those costs down,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Making your home more energy efficient can help lower your bills, but the upfront costs are often too high. These investments will help develop new, affordable ways for residents to upgrade their homes, save money, and stay comfortable year-round. We want to find solutions that work and make them available to more families across Massachusetts.”

“Whether you own your home or rent, everyone deserves access to affordable, energy-efficient heating and cooling,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help test innovative approaches that make home improvements simpler and less expensive, from installing heat pumps to upgrading windows. By bringing together local partners, businesses, and clean energy innovators, we can find practical solutions that help residents save money and work for communities across Massachusetts.”

“Energy-efficient, solar-powered, and electric technologies are lowering people’s energy bills. These innovative new projects will help more renters and low-income households afford these upgrades,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “Plug-in solar, streamlined installation, smart thermostats, and other technologies will help lower upfront costs and unlock lower bills and maintenance costs for more people.”

Small residential buildings account for more than 60 percent of carbon pollution from Massachusetts buildings, making cost-effective approaches for improving existing homes an important part of the state’s broader clean energy efforts. Energy efficiency and electrification projects are more affordable to maintain and lower energy bills; however, upfront costs can be a barrier for some households.

The Cost Reduction Lab is designed to identify approaches that can address these challenges at the project and market level. Awardees will demonstrate, document, and evaluate their solutions, with findings intended to help successful approaches reach a broader market beyond the individual projects receiving funding.

“The Cost Reduction Lab is about testing new business models and approaches to technologies that can lower costs,” said Mass Clean Energy Center CEO Ben Downing. “We want to find what works, prove it in the field, and get those solutions into the hands of more homeowners and service providers.”

“Residential clean energy technologies and energy efficiency improvements are critical to easing costs and achieving Massachusetts' climate goals. The Cost Reduction Lab's investment in innovative solutions supports homeowners by creating new approaches to support sustainable choices,” said State Senator Jamie Eldridge (D-Acton). “I am very pleased to see the MassCEC's continued commitment to decarbonizing our communities and reducing energy prices for residents across the Commonwealth. These cutting-edge projects advance Massachusetts toward an affordable and green energy transition for all.”

The Cost Reduction Lab awardees are:

• All In Energy: $475,000
• All In Energy will pair plug-in solar with window heat pumps in homes across Cambridge, as a potential low-cost way to make clean heating and cooling more accessible to renters. This eliminates the need for major electrical upgrades, complex installations, and shared-building coordination, and pairs electrification with on-site generation to offset bill impacts.

• Aris Hydronics: $350,000
• Aris Hydronics will consolidate equipment, electrical infrastructure, and delivery under a single system and contractor to provide a centralized, whole-building air-to-water heat pump system. This strategy replaces fragmented, per-apartment electrification approaches with an integrated thermal platform delivering heating, cooling, domestic hot water, and ventilation.
• Electric Power Research Institute: $310,000
• The Electric Power Research Institute will implement a modular energy management system that allows homes across Massachusetts to add new electric loads without upgrading their electrical service. The system will intelligently manage and balance electrical demand, aiming to reduce electrification costs by 30–50% and accelerate installation timelines.
• Emergent Urban Concepts: $495,000
• Emergent Urban Concepts will establish a community-driven development model, innovative financing, and close coordination with municipal utilities for Thermal Energy Networks in Belmont and Marblehead. By demonstrating these strategies through a real project brought to construction readiness, the initiative seeks to lower customer costs, reduce peak electricity demand, and create a scalable, replicable model for affordable neighborhood-scale building decarbonization
• Manatee Energy: $250,000
• Manatee Energy will replace custom, labor-intensive sales and design processes for heat pump installations with a standardized, digital-first delivery model tailored to common Massachusetts housing types.
• New Ecology, Inc.: $300,000
• New Ecology will demonstrate a lower-cost alternative to window replacement using window refurbishment combined with vacuum insulated glass (VIG), which improves thermal performance without requiring full replacement. This project aims to achieve roughly 30% cost savings per window while delivering equal or better performance, generating real-world data to support adoption of window refurbishment.
• Stepwise Electrics: $320,000
• Stepwise Electrics will demonstrate a standardized decision workflow for heat pump installers paired with installation of load management devices that assess the home’s existing electrical capacity to determine when electric panel upgrades can be avoided.

For more information on the Cost Reduction Lab and future funding opportunities, visit masscec.com/program/cost-reduction-lab.

ILF 暑期公民獎學金項目即起接受報名 2027年1/4截止收件

  （Boston Orange編譯）國際領袖基金會（ILF）每年選送約30名優秀大專院校學生到華府（D.C.）實習，獲取第一手公共服務經驗，發展有價值專業及領導技能的暑期公民獎學金（Summer Civic Fellowship Program）項目，即日起至2027年1月4日，接受報名。

        這暑期獎學金項目為期 約8 到 10 週，獲選的大約30名大專院校優秀學生，將進入聯邦政府機構，美國國會，非牟利組織，以及頂尖智庫全職實習。2027年的暑期公民獎學金項目為大專學生提供機會，建立有意義的專業人脈，獲取實務經驗，探索公共服務職涯。國際領袖基金會的公民學者們將在實習結束後，除了實習經驗之外，還可獲得專業發展機會，以及津貼。

        國際領袖基金會主席徐紹欽（Paul Hsu）博士表示，「國際領袖基金會的目標之一，就是要培養下一代領袖」，「要讓明日領袖能更好地提升其所在社區的發展，職業及企業的利益，或為投身公共服務做好準備，增加接觸及了解公民參與是那麼的重要」。

查詢更多詳情，可上網https://www.ilfnational.org/international-leadership-foundaHi Ction-2027-civic-fellow-application/。

波士頓伍氏宗親會所聚餐 慶祝伍子胥寶誕及感恩節

波士頓伍胥山公所宗親聚會慶伍子胥寶誕和感恩節。（伍氏提供）

         （Boston Orange 綜合報導）波士頓伍胥山公所11月1日在華埠泰勒街（Tyler）會址慶祝伍子胥寶誕及感恩節，50 多名宗親歡聚，展現伍氏宗親團結，敬祖愛族精神。

伍氏宗親上鄉祭祖。（伍氏提供）

伍胥山公所雖然是傳統的中國家族姓氏團體，但入鄉隨俗，對美國節日一樣重視，鑑於祖傳習俗中的伍子胥寶誕是農曆9月13日，也是今年陽曆的11月1日，而11月26日就是感恩節了，波士頓伍胥山公所於是決定把同在11月的二節合併為一，11月1日星期日這天，一起慶祝，邀宗親同聚，交流。

伍氏婦女自己動手準備餐食。（伍氏提供）

2名全美元老的伍伯和，伍煥華，和全美顧問伍輝民，以及波士頓伍氏公所的2名主席伍振中，伍偉業，2名顧問伍侃滋，伍紹仁，樓業主任伍慧儀，財政伍仁甫，伍艷梨，核數伍玉娟，婦女部主任伍詹淑惠，伍少雄，中文書記輝民夫人，伍筷榮，外交琪峰夫人，伍秀珠等幹部和宗親們，一早分頭張羅，安排儀式，採買烹煮食品，先做了充足準備。

11月1日這天，伍氏宗親們準備了三牲、發糕，鮮花及蔬果，先依循傳統的上香，祭祖，虔誠敬拜伍子胥公及列祖列宗，表達伍氏子孫對先祖的崇敬與感恩，祈求祖先庇佑，家族興旺，宗親平安，事事順利。

伍氏周到的把食物預先分好，裝好，方便宗親享用。
（伍氏提供）

婦女部接著貼心的為宗親們把包括火雞，馬鈴薯加花椰菜等的美味食品，平均分配，裝進一個個飯盒中，讓宗親領取後，再圍桌聚餐，閒話家常的歡聚。

伍煥華表示，伍胥山公所一直秉持著敬祖尊賢、弘揚傳統，扶持宗親的宗旨運作，逢年過節就安排活動，邀宗親同聚，在緬懷祖先之際，交流情誼。今年讓人尤其高興的是，有不少年輕的伍氏婦女參加，熱心協助準備食物等一應事宜，讓人看到傳承的希望。

麻州政府表揚 55 個公校學區辦理雙語認證成績優秀

    （Boston Orange編譯）麻州中小學教育局（DESE）11月9日表揚 55 個公校學區推動雙語教育有成，幫助更多高中生得到「麻州雙語認證」（Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy），還指出今年首次把「弱勢學生達標率」列為核心評比標準，打破過去雙語榮譽多由資源充裕學校獨占局面。

    「麻州雙語認證」（State Seal of Biliteracy）是麻州從2019 年起辦理的計畫，為英語之外，還精通另一種外語的高中畢業生提供認證，增加學生升學與求職優勢。

    今年是麻州政府第一次在考核各校辦理「麻州雙語認證」成果時，不僅看各校取得認證的總人數，更實地檢視學校是否落實輔導身心障礙、正在接受英語輔導，以及過去曾接受過輔導的學生，確保多元背景的學童也能取得認證。

    評選結果依人數與弱勢指標分為三個等級。波士頓與伍斯特（Worcester）兩大公立學校學區表現最亮眼，不僅有超過兩百名或三成以上的畢業生得到雙語認證，各項弱勢輔導門檻也全數過關，雙雙摘下最高等級的「白金星獎」；另有 13 個學區榮獲「金星獎」，35 個學區獲得「星級獎」。麻州政府還同步頒發專案嘉許獎，表揚在技職教育（CCTE）、多語言學習族群及特殊教育包容性上推廣有成的前線學校。

    麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）指出，雙語能力是未來職場的核心資產。教育官員也強調，這次表揚旨在實踐真正的教育公平，讓來自移民家庭與弱勢背景的孩子能將母語優勢轉化為競爭力；未來這套納入弱勢扶助的考核模式，也計畫擴大推廣至全州其他高中畢業指標。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Recognizes 55 Districts for Excellence in Biliteracy

First-ever district awards celebrate student achievement in multiple languages and efforts to expand access to the State Seal of Biliteracy

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) has recognized 55 school districts for helping students develop proficiency in multiple languages and expanding access to the Massachusetts State Seal of Biliteracy.

Established in 2019, the State Seal of Biliteracy recognizes high school graduates who demonstrate proficiency in English and at least one additional language. The Seal celebrates students' language skills and highlights how knowing multiple languages can open doors to future education, careers and other opportunities.

This year marks the first time DESE has recognized districts for both the number of students earning the Seal and their efforts to make it accessible to students of all backgrounds and abilities.

“Knowing more than one language is an incredible skill that opens doors for students in the classroom, in their careers and throughout their lives,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We want every student in Massachusetts to have the opportunity to develop these skills and be recognized for their hard work. Congratulations to all 55 districts and the students and educators who made this achievement possible.”

“Massachusetts students come from so many different backgrounds, and the languages they speak are an important part of what makes our schools and communities special,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These awards celebrate districts that are helping students build on those strengths and giving more young people the opportunity to earn the Seal of Biliteracy. Congratulations to this year's recipients!”

“The Seal of Biliteracy is an important way for students to demonstrate proficiency in multiple languages, and as we implement our statewide graduation requirements, we’re using it as a model for other seals of distinction,” said Education Secretary Steve Zrike. “These districts are proving that students are ready to demonstrate mastery if given the opportunity.” 

“As we prepare students for graduation and to enter our state’s workforce, we recognize the enormous asset that bilingualism is,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “The recognized districts have made a sustained effort to increase access to the Seal of Biliteracy so that more students have the opportunity to display their skills."

This year’s district awards are based on districts’ reported Seal of Biliteracy outcomes for the 2024-25 school year. Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez delivered remarks about the importance of the Seal and the student achievement it represents before presenting the awards to district representatives.

The district awards included Platinum Star, Gold Star and Star awards for meeting certain Seal attainment levels and equity benchmarks. Equity benchmarks measure Seal attainment among English learners, students who recently moved out of English learner status, students who were ever an English learner, and students with disabilities. DESE also awarded commendations to districts where notable numbers of college, career, and technical education (CCTE) students, multilingual students and students with disabilities earned the Seal.  

The following districts received Platinum Star Awards for having at least 200 students or 30 percent of the graduating class earn the Seal and meeting three equity benchmarks:

• Boston Public Schools
• Worcester Public Schools

The following districts received Gold Star Awards for having at least 100 students or 15 percent of graduates earn the Seal and meeting two equity benchmarks:

• Excel Academy Charter School
• Hudson Public Schools
• KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School
• Lawrence Public Schools
• Lynn Public Schools
• Martha’s Vineyard Regional Schools
• Marlborough Public Schools
• Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical School District
• Sturgis Charter Public School
• Waltham Public Schools
• Wellesley Public Schools
• Woburn Public Schools
• Shrewsbury Public Schools

The following districts received Star Awards, for having at least 50 students or at least 10 percent of graduates earn the Seal and meeting one equity benchmark:

• Advanced Math and Science Academy Charter School
• Andover Public Schools
• Ashland Public Schools
• Barnstable Public Schools
• Bedford Public Schools
• Belchertown Public Schools
• Berkshire Hills Regional School District
• Brooke Charter School
• Cambridge Public Schools
• Canton Public Schools
• Clinton Public Schools
• Collegiate Charter School of Lowell
• Dedham Public Schools
• Everett Public Schools
• Falmouth Public Schools
• Foxborough Public Schools
• Lowell Public Schools
• Masconomet Regional Schools
• Match Charter Public School
• Medfield Public Schools
• Melrose Public Schools
• Millbury Public Schools
• Needham Public Schools
• Newburyport Public Schools
• North Brookfield Public Schools
• Quincy Public Schools
• Revere Public Schools
• Salem Academy Charter School
• Sharon Public Schools
• Springfield Public Schools
• Stoughton Public Schools
• Tewksbury Public Schools
• Watertown Public Schools
• Westborough Public Schools
• Westford Public Schools
• Weston Public Schools

The following schools and districts received the College, Career, and Technical Education (CCTE) Access Commendation for increasing access to the Seal for CCTE graduates:

• Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School
• Greater Lawrence Regional Vocational Technical School District
• Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical School District
• Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical School District

The following districts received the Multilingual Learner Equity Commendation for increasing access to the Seal for graduates who are or were classified as English Learners:

• Ashland Public Schools
• Boston Public Schools
• Lawrence Public Schools
• Lynn Public Schools
• Shrewsbury Public Schools
• Worcester Public Schools

The following districts received the Inclusive Access Commendation for increasing access to the Seal for graduates with disabilities:

• Boston Public Schools
• Hudson Public Schools
• KIPP Academy Lynn Charter School
• Martha’s Vineyard Regional Schools
• Medfield Public Schools
• Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational Technical School District
• Springfield Public Schools
• Wayland Public Schools

波士頓台灣醫師協會講座 Sanofi 全球醫學總監鄭宇辰分享經驗

波士頓台灣醫師協會講座合影。（BTPA提供）

     （Boston Orange 特約記者黃怡菁麻州劍橋市報導）波士頓台灣醫師協會（BTPA） 11月6日晚邀 Sanofi 全球醫學總監 （Global Medical Director, Rare Medical Pipeline）鄭宇辰博士（Ethen ，Yu-Chen Cheng)，分享非典型職涯經驗。

鄭宇辰（右）分享經驗。（黃怡菁攝）

    鄭宇辰從國防醫學院生命科學博士班畢業後，留校擔任助理教授，做腫瘤生物學與癌症免疫治療研究，後來轉往業界發展，進入默沙東（MSD）台灣分公司，以及賽諾飛（Sanofi） 台灣及香港分公司工作，如今帶領賽諾飛的罕見疾病產品線的早期醫學策略及證據產生計劃，在真實世界證據領域擁有深厚的專業經驗，是難得一見的從台灣當地一路爬升至全球（Global）領域的傑出人才。

鄭宇辰（右）分享經驗。（黃怡菁攝）

    鄭宇辰這晚以「放眼全球，立足本土（Think Global, Act Local）」為主題的分享，主要有3方面，分別是醫學事務（Medical Affairs）的日常工作內容，如何串連起科學、醫師與病人，真實世界證據（RWE）如何影響藥物開發，以及他個人從學術界轉進產業界、從台灣走向國際的心得與實際建議。

    鄭宇辰強調時間管理很重要，在擬定發展方向時，要從全球心態和多功能策略著手，專注的訂定優先事項。

出席眾人聽演講。（BPTA提供）

    波士頓台灣人醫師協會 (Boston Taiwanese Physicians Association，簡稱BTPA) 是陳思達和羅盈智於 2022年發起成立的非牟利組織。他們2人都曾在台灣擔任主治醫師，來到波士頓的業界/藥廠工作後，發現這兒有許多台灣醫學院畢業的醫師，但彼此間缺乏交流，因而萌生打造平台念頭，想把不同領域的台灣醫師與醫療產業人才聚到一起，交流各自唸學位，短期或長期進修，重新接受住院醫師訓練，或當教授，顧問，進金融企業工作等，在學界及業界之間轉換跑道的經驗，彼此扶持。

    這晚的主持人是奇美醫院腎臟科醫師，目前在哈佛公衛學院讀研的黃筠婷（Yun-Ting Huang）醫師。

    BTPA 現任共同會長為謝宜瑾與林敬軒。謝宜瑾表示，BTPA 除了職涯分享，也會定期舉辦迎新、聖誕聚會等活動，歡迎希望在波士頓認識更多朋友的人加入。 (訂正版）

南波士頓新急救服務站慶祝啟用

MAYOR MICHELLE WU, CITY OF BOSTON CELEBRATE GRAND OPENING OF NEW EMS STATION ON SOUTH BOSTON’S WATERFRONT

New sustainable facility will support emergency medical services and strengthen lifesaving care for residents

BOSTON - November 9, 2026 - Today, Mayor Michelle Wu joined Boston Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and the Public Facilities Department to officially open a new state-of-the-art ambulance station on the South Boston Waterfront. The $16 million project represents a major investment in public health infrastructure and emergency response for one of Boston’s fastest-growing neighborhoods.

“Our City is home to the best medical professionals in the world, and this new EMS station will support the daily lifesaving work of our first responders,” Mayor Michelle Wu. "By bringing emergency services closer to a growing neighborhood and providing our EMTs and paramedics with the equipment and facilities they need, we are helping crews respond faster citywide as they deliver critical care to keep our communities safe. I’m grateful to all our partners for helping to make this new station possible.”

Located on Drydock Avenue in the Raymond L. Flynn Marine Park (RLFMP) adjacent to Pier 10, the new EMS station is designed to improve emergency response times and expand access to lifesaving care.

“Boston EMS has seen firsthand how dramatically this neighborhood has changed, with emergency calls in the South Boston and Seaport area doubling over the past decade,” said Boston EMS Chief James Hooley. “This new station gives our members a permanent presence in a growing part of the City and puts an ambulance and our personnel closer to the people who need us. Just as importantly, it gives our EMTs and paramedics a modern facility designed to support them while they serve this community.”

“This new station is an important investment in ensuring that people have access to emergency medical care when they need it most,” said Dr. Bisola Ojikutu, Commissioner of Public Health for the City of Boston. “As the South Boston Waterfront continues to grow and welcome more residents, workers, and visitors, we must ensure that our public health infrastructure grows with it. Expanding access to timely, high-quality emergency care is essential to advancing health equity and building a healthier, more resilient Boston.”

The project took less than two years to complete. The facility features a two-bay ambulance garage and a second floor space with a lounge, kitchenette, showers, and a gym to support EMS members.

"Our first responders show up for Boston on our hardest days, and this station ensures that we show up for them. It provides our EMTs and paramedics with the strategic base and resources they need to shave critical seconds off emergency response times and deliver the rapid care that the South Boston Waterfront deserves," said City Councilor At-Large Henry Santana. "As Chair of the Public Safety and Criminal Justice Committee, I recognize how critical this investment is to protecting the health, safety, and well-being of our residents and visitors alike."

As part of the City’s broader commitment to sustainability and climate resilience, the new EMS station is fully electric and designed to achieve LEED certification, aligning with Boston’s Green New Deal goals and efforts to reduce emissions from municipal buildings. In addition to the facility itself, the site includes a newly paved plaza and a landscaped “parklet” with trees and greenery that enhance the surrounding public space.

“This project demonstrates that we can build critical public safety infrastructure that is both functional today and designed with Boston’s future in mind,” said Carleton Jones, Executive Director of the Public Facilities Department. “The new EMS station provides Boston EMS with a modern, purpose-built facility while incorporating energy efficiency, sustainable design, and new green space into the surrounding neighborhood. We are proud to have helped deliver a project that strengthens emergency response while advancing the City’s broader climate and resiliency goals.”

The completion of this project builds on the City’s ongoing work to advance public land for public good by transforming publicly owned land into critical emergency medical infrastructure. The station was envisioned in the 2022 RLFMP Master Plan Update to address significant population growth on the South Boston Waterfront.

Boston EMS is the City’s primary emergency medical services provider and one of the busiest municipal EMS providers in New England, responding to more than 141,000 emergency medical incidents each year.

"Today, we are not simply opening a new Boston EMS Station in the South Boston Waterfront; we are reaffirming our commitment to support our members, protect our neighborhoods, and ensure that when seconds matter, our highly trained Boston EMTs and paramedics are ready to answer the call for help, because saving lives depends on having the right people and resources in place. When we invest in our members by providing the facilities, equipment, staffing, and support they need, we strengthen their ability to deliver the exceptional care that the citizens of Boston expect and deserve,” said Jason Yutkins, President of the Boston Police Patrolmen's Association's EMS Division (BEMS-BPPA).

The new station represents the latest investment in Boston EMS under Mayor Michelle Wu's administration. Other investments have included a new two-bay ambulance station in West Roxbury, a state-of-the-art training facility, and expanded workforce development initiatives, including EMT scholarships and the relaunch of the department's Cadet Program.

Nancy Pelosi 獲愛德華甘迺迪研究所終身成就獎 麻州長Healey：她為女性從政開路

Patrick （右起）、Josephy、Victoria這3名甘迺迪家族成員和美國眾議院前議長Nancy Pelosi
合影。（周菊子攝）

        （Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導）前聯邦眾議院議長裴洛西（Nancy Pelosi），11月8日獲頒愛德華．甘迺迪美國參議院研究所（Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate）終身成就獎，稱許已故聯邦參議員愛德華甘迺迪（Ted Kennedy）對《平價醫療法案》（Affordable Care Act）的通過，功不可沒。

美國眾議院前議長Nancy Pelosi或愛德華甘迺迪研究所頒給終身成就獎。（周菊子攝）

        麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）則在致詞時感謝裴洛西在2007年成為美國史上首位女性眾議院議長，為女性政治人物開路。奚莉州長說，根據羅格斯大學女性與政治研究中心最新統計，第120屆國會議員，女性將占約159席，其中眾院至少136席。明年1月還將有至少17名女性出任州長，其中14人是民主黨籍、3人是共和黨籍，這種女性出頭現象，可說都是源於裴洛西給人的啟發。奚莉州長還透露，她母親一直非常敬佩裴洛西，所以這晚她特別帶了母親來出席宴會。

Nancy Pelosi（中）和當晚應邀致詞的北安多福高中學生 Maria Eskel合影。（周菊子攝）

麻州州長Maura Healey應邀為愛德華甘迺迪研究所年度晚宴致詞。（周菊子攝）

        這是甘迺迪研究所第二度頒發「終身成就獎（Edward M. Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award）」，首位得主是前總統拜登（Joe Biden）。包括甘迺迪家族成員、麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）、波士頓市長吳弭，麻州眾議院財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz），這晚有許多政界人士出席，聽到裴洛西與愛德華甘迺迪攜手合作，為通過法案而精準算票帶出的軼聞等許多故事。

曾任羅德島州聯邦眾議員的Partick Kennedy (左）和Nancy Pelosi 合影。（周菊子攝）

        愛德華甘迺迪之子，前聯邦眾議員派區克甘迺迪（Patrick Kennedy）講了一段讓全場發笑的往事。2009年11月7日，聯邦眾議院表決一項健保改革法案時，他正在馬里蘭州的戒治中心接受治療，裴洛西竟派出10名持槍警衛到戒治中心，把他接到華府去投票。等他投完贊成票，裴洛西就立刻對他說：「謝謝你，親愛的。現在你可以回去戒治中心了」。派區克甘迺迪笑說，可見裴洛西深知如何計算手中的票。派區克甘迺迪說的這段故事，惹得座中所有人哄堂大笑。

Joseph Kennedy III以愛德華甘迺迪研究所共主席的身份發言。（周菊子攝）

        波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）則從地方建設談起，指愛德華甘迺迪至今仍對波士頓人的生活有影響，包括原高架公路地下化後闢建出蘿絲甘迺迪綠道（Rose Kennedy Greenway）、波士頓港島受到保護，以及社區健康中心的普及。她也提到，愛德華甘迺迪曾推動修正《投票權法案》，禁止州與地方政府徵收人頭稅，認為他在公共服務上的努力，不只改變麻州，也影響了全美。

曾任大使的 Victoria Reggie Kennedy是愛德華甘迺迪研究所的榮譽董事長。
（周菊子攝）

        愛德華甘迺迪的遺孀，也是愛德華甘迺迪美國參議院研究所共同創辦人維多利亞甘迺迪（Victoria Reggie Kennedy）回憶道，她丈夫把全民健保視為一生最重要志業，卻未能親眼看到法案通過。愛德華甘迺迪去世後，參議員保羅柯克（Paul Kirk）在參院投下關鍵的第60票，裴洛西則帶領眾院通過參院版本，完成了許多人認為不可能的任務。她說，自己曾近距離見證裴洛西的策略、堅定與毅力。

波士頓市長吳弭（Michelle Wu)。（周菊子攝）

        前聯邦眾議員，也是甘迺迪研究所董事會主席約瑟夫甘迺迪三世（Joseph P. Kennedy III）在介紹這場年度晚宴獲獎人裴洛西時，敘述裴洛西的成長故事，說她在巴爾的摩小義大利區長大，父親曾任市長，家人共聚用餐時，話題離不開政治與公共服務，以至於1961年的一個寒冬，她還是大學生時，聆聽了甘迺迪總統就職演說，奠定了從政決心，儘管先養育五名子女，1987年47歲時，仍投入國會選舉，一路贏得敬重。後來更成為美國第一位女性眾議院議長。

波士頓市長吳弭和麻州眾議院財政委員會主席麥家威（Aaron Michlewitz)
在這場晚宴中比鄰而坐。（周菊子攝）

        約瑟夫還分享了一段出海軼事。裴洛西曾隨甘迺迪家族到科德角（Cape Cod）參加活動，愛德華甘迺迪之子小泰德（Ted Kennedy Jr.）邀請一行人搭乘他父親珍愛的帆船出海。途中天氣轉壞，其他船隻紛紛返航，小泰德也詢問是否掉頭。裴洛西卻回答：「我們絕不會在切薩皮克灣（Chesapeake Bay）掉頭」。約20分鐘後，眾人狼狽返港，衣服濕得像剛從洗衣機裡撈出來。約瑟夫說，這就是裴洛西：風暴來襲時，她仍會迎風前進，並帶大家平安返航。

民主黨已傳出消息，聯邦眾議員 Katherine Clark （中）將成為美國歷史中的
首名女性多數黨領袖。（周菊子攝）

        裴洛西本人在會中也回憶了她和愛德華甘迺迪的往事。她父親湯瑪斯達萊桑德羅（Thomas D’Alesandro Jr.）曾負責約翰甘迺迪總統的馬里蘭州競選工作，讓她有機會見到愛德華甘迺迪，聽到一段為拉票接受旁人挑戰，當場表演北歐式跳台滑雪，成功爭取選票的故事。這讓她對愛德華甘迺迪的勇氣留下深刻印象。

愛德華甘迺迪研究所年度晚宴請Michelle Brooks-thompson演唱。 （周菊子攝）

        1980年民主黨全國代表大會，她擔任黨主席，必須保持中立，但她的孩子卻都坐到了甘迺迪家族席位那兒，支持愛德華甘迺迪。

        裴洛西還記得，歐巴馬當選總統後，愛德華甘迺迪出席白宮健保改革會議，謙稱自己只是「一名步兵」（foot soldier）。愛德華甘迺迪去世後才交給歐巴馬（Barack Obama）的一封信，卻寫道，健保改革不只是法案條文，而是關乎國家的品格與社會正義。裴洛西說，她每次談到《平價醫療法案》，都不會忘記愛德華甘迺迪的貢獻。

        裴洛西最後將功勞歸於一路支持改革的國會同僚、民間團體與工會，強調沒有外部力量的持續動員，國會內部的努力也難以成功。她接著談到愛德華甘迺迪對人性善良的信念，以及自己手環上代表信念、希望與仁愛的字句，最後向致謝：「謝謝愛德華甘迺迪，讓美國成為一個充滿希望的國家」。