退休老師送外賣學生不捨 一週籌款4.1萬元助紓困

            （Boston Orange 編譯）前學生一星期募款4.1萬元，報答施恩的幫助已退休，卻為生活在送外賣的前高中老師度過財務難關。麻州春田市（Springfield）日前傳出一樁溫馨感人故事。

            物理治療助理 Loreiny Peñaló說，有一天她叫了外賣，沒想到把外賣送來的人，竟是她唸高中時，影響啟發她選擇進修科學和醫學，深受她敬重，現年已69歲的的化學老師Wilmer Melendez。深入了解後她才知道，老師的妻子Lissette來自波多黎各，當年在波多黎各教書的工作年資，全都不能算進麻州教師退休金體制，以至於領不到多少退休金，但面對著信用卡債，緊急修理房屋費用，以及兒子的大學教育費，老師自己還患有慢性自體免疫疾病，他們因而有著財務困難，老師需要兼職當DoorDash的外賣員來應付帳單。

            Loreiny Peñaló看著老師的處境，十分不捨，她覺得像Wilmer Melendez這樣對學生有深遠影響的老師，應該擁有穩定的退休生活，不該如此拮据，於是在社交媒體上發佈了她和老師相遇的情節。春田市中央高中2010屆同學看到後，紛紛轉發，還自動組織起來，在GoFundMe平台上募款，希望籌到足夠資金，幫老師還債，減輕交兒子上大學費用的壓力。

            原本她們想著，即使只能籌到300元，也是好事，但出人意料之外的，一下子就有各方善款如潮水般湧入，籌款總數迅速累積到4.1萬多元，遠超過預期。當他們把善款送去給老師時，拍了段和老師重聚的視頻，上傳抖音(Tik Tok)，吸引了6.5萬次的點閱率。

Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the Tech Hubs Program

 Statement from U.S. Secretary of Commerce Howard Lutnick on the Tech Hubs Program

In 2022, Congress created the Tech Hubs Program to strengthen U.S. economic and national security by commercializing the technologies of the future. The investments made through this program can ensure that critical industries, companies, and jobs start, grow, and remain in the United States.

While these opportunities are exciting, all federal investment must be strategic, smart, and result in the best return for the taxpayer. Regrettably, on its way out the door, the prior Administration announced awards to six Tech Hubs, even though the funds were not yet available. Moreover, the process was rushed, opaque, and unfair- administration officials did not make prospective applicants aware of the competition and chose awardees using outdated applications submitted nearly a year earlier. A rushed process using outdated information is no way to invest taxpayer funds.

At my direction, the Commerce Department is revamping the Tech Hubs program to prioritize national security, project quality, benefit to the taxpayer, and a fair process. The EDA will release a new notice of funding opportunity this summer with the goal of announcing selections in early 2026. To be clear, this decision is not an indictment of the work that the previously selected Tech Hubs are doing. They can compete for funding alongside all other prospective applicants. This decision is about fairness and making prudent choices with hard earned taxpayer dollars. The process will be transparent, fair, and ensure that the American taxpayers are investing in the best technological advancements to bolster the growth of critical industries in the United States.

1401 萬元擴大麻州網路連接經費。川普政府喊停

Trump Administration Halts $14.1 Million in Funding to Increase Internet Access in Massachusetts 

Programs were Aimed at Expanding Internet Access and Adoption for Veterans, Rural Communities and Individuals with Disabilities  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is raising the alarm about the Trump Administration’s recent action to terminate $14.1 million in federal funding to expand internet access for veterans, rural communities and individuals with disabilities in Massachusetts. The previously awarded funding from the Digital Equity Act (DEA) Capacity Grant Program would have provided communities with the tools, skills and resources to expand the adoption and use of high-speed internet service. 

“Everyone deserves access to the internet. It’s essential for being able to participate in our economy and utilize the resources and services that so many of us rely on,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It’s terrible that the Trump Administration is blocking our efforts to bring internet access to veterans, rural communities and individuals with disabilities across the state.”

“The Trump Administration continues to gut programs that connect people with essential services, training opportunities, and tools needed to achieve upward mobility,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.“While the federal government is busy rolling back efforts to expand internet access, Massachusetts will keep building on our progress toward internet for all, ensuring everyone has the ability to participate in the digital economy.” 

The termination of the DEA Capacity Grant Program will suspend the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) at Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech’s) Launchpad Program and the expansion of Municipal Digital Equity Planning and Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Programs. As a result, the programs will be forced to suspend efforts to advance digital skills training, expand access to digital devices, and assist local governments with digital equity planning activities across Massachusetts. 

• The Launchpad Program: $9.44 million had been allocated to provide non-profit and public sector entities with the tools to address digital access gaps statewide. Priority would have been given to applicants serving the specific geographic regions of Barnstable, Bristol, and Worcester Counties, including Gateway Municipalities and rural communities. The Launchpad Program addressed the six focus areas of the Digital Equity Partnerships Program, including connectivity for economic hardship (providing ‘hot spots’ to low-income/housing insecure individuals), device distribution and refurbishment, digital literacy, education, outreach and adoption support, public space internet modernization and Wi-Fi access. 

• Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program and Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Programs: $1.44 million had been allocated to open new rounds of funding for both programs. The Municipal Digital Equity Planning Program enables cities and towns to apply for strategic planning consultation to tackle internet affordability, digital literacy training and device access. The Municipal Digital Equity Implementation Program helps municipalities execute their digital equity plans. 

The DEA Capacity Grant Program was created through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act in 2021 and includes $1.44 billion in funding to all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and U.S. territories. The Executive Office of Economic Development, which oversees MassTech, is evaluating the effect of the termination notice and its legal options.  

A division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) works to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high-speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training. Learn more at https://broadband.masstech.org. 

This funding cut is reflected in the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s newly created Federal Funding Cuts dashboard, which shows that the Trump Administration has terminated $350 million in direct funding for Massachusetts state agencies to date. 

麻州創投撥款450萬元資助26家深度科技新創企業

 

MassVentures Announces $4.5 Million in Grant Funding for 26 Deep Tech Startups  START Grants help Massachusetts-based Companies Convert Federally Funded Research into new Businesses and Jobs.

BOSTON – Today, the Executive Office of Economic Development and MassVentures announced that 26 companies will receive $4.5 million in grant funding through MassVentures’ SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program. Launched in 2012, the program helps startups convert research developed under SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) contracts into viable businesses and jobs in Massachusetts.   This year, MassVentures expanded the program by increasing the number of grants awarded from 17 to 25 and awarding an additional $1.5 million.  The START program offers $100,000 to $500,000 in non-dilutive funds to companies that receive a Phase 2 SBIR or STTR award. START grants fill an important gap by covering activities that are crucial for business growth but not included in federal research grants like marketing, business development, and IP strategy. The funding supports companies across Massachusetts and across key sectors, including cleantech, biotech, advanced materials and quantum computing.  “The Healey-Driscoll Administration is dedicated to helping startups and businesses of all sizes and across all industries start, scale, and grow in Massachusetts,” said Massachusetts Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba. “We’re excited this year’s START grants will support groundbreaking ideas in the biotech, climatetech, and AI sectors and help entrepreneurs grow their businesses here in Massachusetts.”  “START is a visionary program that helps prepare founders to raise private capital, create jobs, and grow successful businesses,” said MassVentures President and CEO Charlie Hipwood. “We are excited to expand the program this year to support additional companies making scientific and engineering breakthroughs that address big societal challenges.”   Since launching START in 2012, MassVentures has awarded $41.7 million to 141 companies that have employed more than 3,300 and leveraged more than $5 billion in private capital. The businesses, 65 percent of which are outside Boston and Cambridge, cover more than 40 locations throughout the state.  “Our state is a national leader in SBIR awards,” said MassVentures Vice President Stacy Swider, who oversees START. “Massachusetts companies have received over $4 billion in Federal SBIR/STTR grants since 2012. START helps them catalyze this funding to build successful businesses.”  The recipients of this year’s Stage III Awards ($500,000) are:    Electrified Thermal Solutions (Medford) is commercializing the Joule Hive™ thermal battery that converts and stores intermittent renewable electricity into constant, high-temperature, industrial-grade heat.  Gel4Med, Inc. (Lowell) is redefining tissue repair and regeneration with first-in-class, peptide biomaterials. Its FDA-cleared lead product, G4Derm™ Plus, promotes infection-free healing in chronic wounds. Osmoses (Cambridge) designs molecular filters with exceptional size selectivity for chemical separation to unlock a low-carbon future powered by green molecules.  The recipients of this year’s Stage II Awards ($200,000) are:   Bloomer Tech (Boston) is tailoring cardiovascular care for women using a wearable bra and generating novel digital biomarkers.  Emvolon (Woburn) is commercializing a platform technology that converts greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals today.  Eyebot (Boston) is a deep-tech company operating at the forefront of innovation in the vision care industry, developing a comprehensive suite of self-serve, rapid vision test technologies that deliver reliable results in a matter of seconds.  PhagePro, P.B.C. (Mansfield) is an early-stage biotech startup developing solutions for antibiotic resistance in emerging markets.  Theromics (West Bridgewater) has developed a novel biocompatible thermal accelerant biopolymer that moves energy more effectively in human tissue with wide-ranging applications in cancer ablation, women’s health conditions and targeted drug delivery.  Transcend Air Corporation (Carlisle) is developing a family of optimized vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles, and the software to manufacture and fly them.  Versatope (Lowell) uses a nano-vesicle technology for vaccines and targets therapeutics to specific cells.  The recipients of this year’s Stage I Awards ($100,000) are:   AutonomUS Medical Technologies (Cambridge) is developing “The Pocket Interventionalist™,” a handheld device that combines artificial intelligence, ultrasound, and robotics to perform critical medical procedures quickly, safely, and reliably across civilian, military, and point-of-care environments.  Eascra Biotech (Worcester) is a nanomedicine company that provides precision therapeutic delivery of nucleotides, gene editing and other medicinal cargos to hard-to-penetrate tissues like articular cartilage, kidneys, and solid tumors.  Enigma Aerospace (dba Crgo) (Burlington) is redefining logistics with ultra long-range, autonomous cargo aircraft designed for dual-use applications.   Eva (Boston) is building next-generation training processors based on a semiconductor breakthrough to enable advanced AI applications far beyond current reach.   Gencores (Somerville) develops material technology to unlock mass manufacturing of high-performance composites and enable car manufacturers to produce ultra-lightweight, high-efficiency vehicles.  Highland Instruments (Cambridge) is innovating ESStim™, a novel noninvasive brain stimulation platform to help patients address Parkinson's Disease.  LoopCO2 (Marlborough) delivers CO₂-based bio-additives that transform brittle, heat-sensitive, and low-adhesion bioplastics into durable, high-performance materials, opening markets once beyond the reach of existing bioplastics.  LuxMed Systems (Weston) is advancing catheter ablation with sensor-based PFA technology that provides real-time metabolic tissue feedback for direct lesion assessment and gap detection.  Micro-Leads, Inc. (Somerville) is developing the world’s first self-expanding neurostimulator that offers the first minimally-invasive, migration-free treatment for millions suffering from chronic pain after joint-replacement surgery.  Mother’s Milk is Best (Wellesley) created a medical device that concentrates human milk, at point of care, to provide the low volume, high nutrient feedings premature infants need to get the best nutritional start for healthy lives.  Nanopath (Cambridge) is a women’s health company developing point-of-care molecular diagnostics for pelvic and gynecologic infections.  Optigon (Somerville) is developing high-speed research instruments and manufacturing inspection tools to accelerate the deployment of solar photovoltaics and other advanced material technologies.  Qunett (Boston) is building the foundational hardware stack for scalable, platform-agnostic quantum networks, paving the way for global quantum connectivity.  Salient Predictions (Falmouth) combines novel ocean and land-surface data with machine learning and climate expertise to deliver the world’s most accurate subseasonal-to-seasonal weather forecasts two to 52 weeks in advance.  Sangtera (Lowell) is developing a breakthrough electrostatic actuation system, delivering high performance in an ultra-compact form factor, for applications from robotics to semiconductor advanced packaging.  VeraMorph (Norwood) is developing a pipeline of clinically superior, orally reformulated drug products across several indications with a proprietary drug delivery platform to maximize the quality and duration of patients' lives.

波士頓市議會通過Henry Santana提案。促請聯邦政府恢復癌症科研經費至480億元

          （Boston Orange 摘譯）波士頓市議會日前通過決議案，反對聯邦政府預訂從今年10月1日起大幅消癌症研究經費至到270億美元，呼籲維持現有的480億元資助水平。

波士頓市不分區市議員Henry Santana以其母親罹患癌症的經驗指出，科學界人士都憂慮癌症研究經費的刪減，對科學發展及病患治療的影響。他為此提案表態。波士頓市議會在週三 （14日）舉行的市議會會議中，以多數票通過了這Henry Santana議員的提案。

CIR-SEIU工會的 Maeve O’Beirne博士，區域主任Anthony Landry，波士頓消房員本地718分會會長 Sam Dillon，波士頓消防癌症基金會創辦人Dan Ranahan等人，週三都出席會議發言作證，表示科研經費充足，才能給患者帶來希望。

波士頓市議會週三通過這決議案後，將送交代表波士頓的國會議員及麻州參議員，促請他們轉達波士頓市對科研經費的立場。

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF FREE SWIM LESSONS FOR YOUTH; RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL WATER SAFETY DAY ON MAY 15

 MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES EXPANSION OF FREE SWIM LESSONS FOR YOUTH; RECOGNIZES INTERNATIONAL WATER SAFETY DAY ON MAY 15

City highlights free swim lessons, lifeguard staffing, and water safety awareness in Boston

BOSTON - Friday, May 16, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF) marked yesterday’s International Water Safety Day with the award of $230,000 in grant funding to support free youth swim lessons and $10,000 for the launch of a MBTA bus campaign that highlights the importance of water safety. In 2024, Swim Safe provided lessons to over 6,000 youth, and since its launch under Mayor Wu in summer of 2023 has provided lessons to 8,100 kids. Swim Safe is part of Mayor Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore: Commitment to Youth, a commitment to giving Boston youth an opportunity to explore and discover their passions. The Swim Safe initiative affirms Mayor Wu’s commitment to ensure all Boston kids learn to swim and can safely enjoy the City’s coastline and pools. 

“This International Water Safety Day, Boston is working with our partners to make it easier and more affordable to teach our kids to swim,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “As warm weather returns, we’re investing in free Swim Safe lessons and making progress in renovating our City pools to ensure families have a safe, fun way to cool off and enjoy the summer.”

The $230,000 in grants funded in BCYF’s annual operating budget will support free swim lessons for Boston youth, ensuring families have access to affordable, beginner-level swim lessons. This year’s grantees include the YMCA of Greater Boston, Boys & Girls Clubs of Boston, Boys & Girls Club of Dorchester, and West End House, among others. Additional recipients of this year’s grant include summer camp programs that will use the funds to incorporate beginner swim lessons into the camp curriculum. For more information, families can visit the website of participating organizations to learn more about swim lessons. 

“We are excited to partner with many of our existing Swim Safe providers to offer swim lessons to youth,” said Chief of Human Services, José F. Massó. “I am also thrilled that there is a new group of grantees who will be offering lessons as part of the summer camp experience.”

Mayor Wu, the Public Facilities Department, BCYF, and Boston Public Schools have prioritized investing in the city's pool infrastructure and streamlining processes to prevent the deferred maintenance that has caused closures in recent years. The BCYF Draper and Curtis Hall Pools reopened in April. The outdoor, seasonal pools (BCYF Clougherty and BCYF Mirabella) are expected to open Saturday, June 21 for the summer. The new Clougherty Bathhouse will be completed early this summer, and the BCYF Condon Pool is expected to finish renovations and reopen in the coming months. Despite national challenges, BCYF has hired lifeguards to fully staff City pools for the summer season. 

“Given Boston's prime waterfront location and the wealth of recreational opportunities it presents during the summer months, ensuring equitable access to water safety education for all young residents is crucial, empowering them to confidently and safely engage with our city's pools and beaches,” said Marta E. Rivera, Commissioner of Boston Centers for Youth & Families. 

“I didn’t think my kids would be as excited and happy as they are – I thought they would be scared, [but] all they want to do is go to class and learn,” said Ericka Rodriguez, mother to Ezrael (5), Emir (7), Elianna (8) and Erik (10) who are learning to swim at the YMCA of Greater Boston. “They have learned so much already. I am so thankful for the Swim Safe program.”

The City’s efforts to expand swim lessons is a public health issue. Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show that drowning is the leading cause of accidental death in children and that the risk of drowning is higher for children of color. Black children are more than twice as likely as white children to die of drowning. For every child who dies of drowning, there are seven non-fatal drownings, which are traumatic and can lead to health issues later in life. Swim Safe Boston seeks to improve water safety in Boston, address the public health threat posed by drowning, and increase access to swimming for Boston families.

To mark International Water Safety Day on May 15, the City launched an ad campaign, featuring water safety ads on MBTA buses that travel through Boston. The information reminds parents and caregivers of important water safety tips in advance of summer. First, lessons are a great way to reduce drowning risk. Second, people should never swim alone. It is better to swim in a pair and to swim only in designated areas where a lifeguard is on-duty. Finally, if a person gets in trouble in the water, experts advise bystanders to call 9-1-1 for help and throw a float to the person rather than trying to attempt a water rescue, due to the added risk of drowning during a rescue attempt.  

To learn more about Swim Safe Boston and water safety, visit boston.gov/swim-safe.

Massachusetts Senate Passes Health Insurance Funding for State Employees

 Massachusetts Senate Passes Health Insurance Funding for State Employees 

Group Insurance Commission funding ensures providers are paid for care delivered to state employees 

(BOSTON—5/15/2025) The Massachusetts Senate today passed a $240 million supplemental budget that will direct funds to the Group Insurance Commission (GIC), the health insurance agency responsible for delivering coverage to state and local government employees. The funding ensures that health care providers will continue to be paid for services rendered to employees.  

“Ensuring that the hundreds of thousands of public employees and their loved ones have access to health insurance is one of our most important responsibilities,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “I’m proud to advance this legislation and grateful to Chair Rodrigues and the members of the Committee on Ways and Means for acting expeditiously.” 

“I’m pleased the Senate has acted swiftly to pass the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s supplemental budget request, filed early last month. This prompt action by the Senate will allow GIC members’ full access to health care, prescription drugs, and all benefit coverage to remain intact,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues, (D-Westport) Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means. 

“The Group Insurance Commission is facing a challenge that is not unique to any insurer, as pharmaceutical usage is going up and the costs of drugs are rising at an unsustainable rate,” said Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “The Senate is actively working on measures to address this larger issue, as well as other cost drivers throughout the health care system, to relieve the pressure on insurers and the premiums that residents in the Commonwealth face. As we work towards the end goal of stabilizing health care costs, this supplemental funding for the GIC will ensure that our state employees stay covered and healthy.” 

With over 280,000 subscribers and 460,000 members, the GIC administers health insurance and other benefits to the Commonwealth's employees and retirees, as well as their dependents and survivors. The GIC also provides coverage to Housing and Redevelopment Authorities' personnel, retired municipal employees and teachers in certain governmental units, and participating municipalities. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Rejects Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rate Hike, Saving Massachusetts Businesses Nearly $80 Million

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Rejects Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rate Hike, Saving Massachusetts Businesses Nearly $80 Million  

Follows last year’s action to decrease workers compensation rates by 14.6 percent, saving $87 million for employers 

BOSTON - The Massachusetts Commissioner of Insurance issued a decision today rejecting a proposed 7.1 percent increase in the cost of workers’ compensation insurance in Massachusetts for the period beginning July 1, 2025. This action by the Healey-Driscoll Administration is expected to save Massachusetts businesses nearly $80 million. 

This decision builds on action the administration took in 2024 to decrease workers’ compensation rates by 14.6 percent, saving Massachusetts employers an estimated $87 million. 

Massachusetts businesses are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance for their employees injured in the workplace. Regulators at the Division of Insurance spent months reviewing the proposed increase and analyzing data. Detailed administrative proceedings have been held since January, including the cross-examinations of witnesses and the filing of responsive briefs. The Division of Insurance’s State Rating Bureau, the Attorney General’s office, and the Workers’ Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau all participated in these administrative processes. After reviewing this information, the Division of Insurance today issued its decision, finding no justification for the proposed increase.  

“We know how important it is to support local businesses that are already struggling with high costs made worse by President Trump’s tariffs,” said Governor Maura Healey. “With today’s action, we are saying no to any increased workers compensation rates for our companies. We are doing all we can to reduce business costs, which is why this week we also proposed major changes to lower energy costs and limit health deductibles for patients and small businesses.” 

“Our administration continues to focus on ways to help businesses in Massachusetts grow and succeed,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This Division of Insurance action will save employers additional cost, which is critical in today’s economic climate.” 

“I am pleased with the detailed work that the State Rating Bureau has done to support today’s decision,” said Insurance Commissioner Michael Caljouw. “The Commonwealth is delivering good news for employers struggling with rising costs.” 

“This decision is welcome news for businesses across Massachusetts,” said Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation Undersecretary Layla D’Emilia. “Rejecting the workers’ compensation insurance rates proposal ensures important stability for business owners.” 

Today’s decision comes after the Division of Insurance issued regulatory guidance to health insurers directing them to limit the cost of health care deductibles and co-pays that patients are required to pay. 

綠路保護會歡迎2名新董事 Christopher Loh、Luz Arregoces

 Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy Announces Two New Board Members

Thursday, May 15, 2025 – BOSTON, MA – The Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy, the non-profit organization responsible for the management and care of The Greenway, is proud to announce the addition of two new members to its volunteer Board of Directors: Luz Arregoces and Christopher Loh. 

“The Rose Kennedy Greenway is a treasured Boston landmark,” said Governor Maura Healey, who appointed Loh. “It is really important that we preserve and enhance our urban greenspaces like the Greenway because they are critical pieces of our economy, our communities and our climate resiliency plans. I am confident that Chris will contribute to these important conversations and advance the Conservancy’s mission."

Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs, Rebecca Tepper, who appointed Arregoces to the Conservancy Board highlighted the connection between The Greenway and Boston’s waterfront.

“The Greenway is a beloved gathering space for our community that serves as a connector between the city and our waterfront,” Tepper said. “The strength of our urban parks lies in their ability to create vibrant community spaces where all are welcome. Luz’s vision and leadership experience will ensure The Conservancy parks remain equitable. I am confident she will continue to bring  diverse programming and dynamic public art to Boston's residents and visitors.”

The 21 members of the Greenway Conservancy’s Board of Directors are nominated by community groups, government agencies and officials, the Greenway Business Improvement District, and the Conservancy. 

Driven by a shared enthusiasm for The Greenway, these volunteers collaborate to use their diverse expertise and viewpoints to actively support the Conservancy’s mission and its sustainability goals.

“We are delighted to welcome Luz and Christopher to the board,” said Hilina D. Ajakaiye, Chair of the Greenway Conservancy Board and Executive Vice President at Meet Boston. “Their years of experience serving the greater Boston community and advocating for inclusivity and accessibility throughout their work will greatly serve the mission of the Conservancy.”

“The Greenway attracts millions of visitors to Boston each year through their vibrant and dynamic programming and beautiful park spaces,” said Rebecca A. Lee, Vice Chair of the Conservancy and Chair of the Conservancy’s Nominating Committee. “Welcoming new Board members like Arregoces and Loh is essential to advancing the missions of community engagement and public service, both of which are essential to The Greenway.” 

Luz Arregoces

Luz Arregoces is Director of Community Engagement at the New England Aquarium. In this role, Luz leads the Aquarium’s effort to create a downtown waterfront that is resilient, inclusive, and accessible. She focuses on making genuine and meaningful connections throughout the community and creating trust with visitors, families, and local government. 

Previously, Luz worked as Director of Programs at the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce. While overseeing the planning and execution of over 100 annual programs and events, Luz’s specific portfolio of programs focused on government affairs and urban planning. Luz has a Bachelor’s degree in Communication from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and her Master’s degree in City Planning from Boston University. Originally from Cape Cod, she now resides in Quincy.

Christopher Loh

Chris joined M&T Bank in September 2023 as Senior Vice President, Media Relations, and in January, transitioned into his new role as Head of Government Relations – New England. Starting his career as a newspaper reporter in Greater Boston, Chris served in the press office of Mayor Thomas M. Menino and in 2012, he joined the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office as press secretary for Attorneys General Martha Coakley and, eventually, Maura Healey. Before joining M&T Bank, Chris was Director of Global Medical Communications for Fresenius Medical Care. He lives in Dedham with his wife Maggie, his two daughters, Eleanor and Charlotte, and the family beagle, Brewer.

Governor Healey Welcomes Astronaut Suni Williams, Local Students to the State House

 Governor Healey Welcomes Astronaut Suni Williams, Local Students to the State House 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey hosted a meet and greet with American Astronaut Suni Williams and local students at the State House. Williams, a NASA astronaut and retired U.S. Navy officer, is from Needham, Massachusetts. She is the first woman to fly on a flight test of an orbital spacecraft during the 2024 Boeing Crew Flight Test and recently returned from nine months in space. She was joined by students from Cambridge Rindge and Latin High School, British International School of Boston Middle School, Boys and Girls Club of Boston students and members of the Science Club for Girls. 

“It was great to welcome Suni Williams to the State House and back home to Massachusetts,” said Governor Healey. “Her resilience and dedication to service serves as an incredible model for young people across the state, reminding them that their potential is as limitless as outer space. We hope that some of the students who joined us today will be inspired to pursue careers in STEM and truly reach for the stars.” 

“As Chair of our STEM Advisory Council, I’m so glad that students across Massachusetts have such an amazing role model in Suni Williams,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We thank her for visiting the State House today and sharing her inspirational story with us all.” 

During the visit, Governor Healey also awarded Astronaut Williams with a Governor’s Citation in recognition of her dedicated service to her country and space exploration. 

PLANNING DEPARTMENT ADVANCES TWO NEW OFFICE-TO-RESIDENTIAL CONVERSION PROJECTS

BOSTON - May 15, 2025 - The Planning Department this month recommended approval of real estate actions related to public land in two locations in Roxbury, and of three new development projects to the BPDA Board. All were approved. The newly approved development projects represent approximately 108,806 square feet (SF), will create 155 new residential units, including 29 units that are designated income-restricted, and will support approximately 211 construction jobs and 179 permanent jobs. These projects will make Boston a more resilient, affordable, and equitable city. Real Estate Final designation awarded to the Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association to redevelop land into zen garden The Garrison Trotter Neighborhood Association received final designation to redevelop Parcels S-20 and S-21 in Roxbury. These parcels will become a zen garden named for Alma Wright, a retired Boston Public School teacher and Roxbury pioneer. The vision is for this garden to be an area where students and staff from the nearby Trotter Elementary School and community members can enjoy nature and learn about their community. The zen garden will use design elements to relay the stories of pioneers rooted in the Roxbury neighborhood. The space will serve as an outdoor classroom, gathering space, and place to learn about local Roxbury history. Temporary performance venue to activate Blair Lot The Board approved a license agreement with the organization Afrikai, which will create a temporary installation known as the Ascension Pavillion on weekends to serve as a performance venue and center for community programming. Prior to construction beginning on the Nubian Ascends development project, the development team continues to activate the Blair Lot in Nubian Square with events that serve the community.  Development Projects Project at 16-18 Hawley Street, also known as 31 Milk Street, will convert offices to homes Downtown Housing: 110 units, 22 income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 94 construction jobs Community: Bringing more residents Downtown Sustainability: Compliant with Stretch Energy Code As part of the City’s Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, this project will renovate what is currently an 11-story office building into 110 new residential units, including 22 income-restricted units. The United States Postal Service, which operates on the ground floor, will remain.  This project is one of 15 applicants in Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to create 762 units from the conversion of 20 vacant office buildings.  123 N Washington Street project to convert North End office to housing Housing: 45 units, seven income-restricted units Jobs: Approximately 37 construction jobs Community: Bringing more residents Downtown Sustainability: Compliant with Stretch Energy Code. Located in the North End, this project will convert what is currently a five-story office building into 45 new homes. Seven of these units will be income-restricted. The ground floor restaurant space will remain. This project is one of 15 applicants in Mayor Wu’s successful Office-to-Residential Conversion Program, which is on track to create 762 units from the conversion of 20 vacant office buildings.  Project at 120-134 Hampden Street to preserve historic building as self-storage, add on retail and office space Jobs: Approximately 80 construction jobs Community: Public realm improvements, support for local organizations Sustainability: LEED Gold, all-electric Located in the Newmarket Innovation District in Roxbury, this project will preserve the existing historic structure by converting it into a self-storage facility. It will also add an addition which will include more self-storage as well as retail and office space. The new project will also add a pocket park to activate and landscape the existing street corner. PLAN: Newmarket and current zoning encourage warehouse use due to the positive economic benefits from job creation, and because warehousing can support a range of businesses. PLAN: Newmarket also emphasizes facilitating the adaptive reuse of existing structures. This project will improve the public realm with new crosswalks on site. As part of the community benefits, this project will contribute: $100,000 towards one year of free rent for a retail tenant, $20,000 towards the design and implementation of new artwork on site, $10,000 for a security camera, $60,000 of free self-storage for Boston based businesses, including providing self-storage units to ten new businesses in the Newmarket area at no cost for one year, and $90,000 to local schools and community organizations. In addition, this project will contribute $49,000 to the Boston Transportation Department in support of the bikeshare system, and install a Bluebikes dock on site. In addition to these projects, the board approved: An amendment to the Boston University Institutional Master Plan to include a property they recently acquired at 13 Buswell Street. An update to a previously approved project at 521-523 Cambridge Street to increase the number of residential units. An update to the previously approved Alexandra Hotel project in Roxbury for an overall reduction in size. The disbursement of $150,000 from the Boston Garden Project funds to Boston Harbor Now to advance the Harborwalk 2.0 Program.

樂高美國新總部落地波士頓 未來10年員工增聘至800人

樂高集團執行長Niels B. Christiansen舉大剪刀剪綵。（周菊子攝）

           (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓綜合報導) 全球玩具巨擘樂高集團（LEGO group）的新美國總部，今（15）日在麻州州長奚莉(Maura Healey) 和波士頓市長吳弭(Michelle Wu)蒞臨剪綵中，正式啟用。樂高集團宣佈，未來2年將捐款500萬元，讓更多波士頓兒童享受玩耍，未來10年員工增至800餘人。

樂高集團美國總部大樓內展示用樂高出來的模型。（周菊子攝）

            樂高集團還將在6月11日，到波士頓的蘿絲甘迺迪綠路上慶祝「世界玩耍日(World Play Day)」，藉以響應聯合國2024年推出的國際玩耍日(International Day of Play)。

        樂高集團是一家丹麥公司，在全世界120個國家營銷，過去50年來美國總部一直設在康州Engield。2023年奚莉州長上任，同年1月24日，樂高宣佈將把美國總部遷至麻州波士頓市。

呼應波士頓公園內的“母鴨帶小鴨”，這兒有個樂高版。（周菊子攝）

            樂高美國新總部座落在後灣區的波約斯頓街(Boylston)街1001號的6至11樓，佔地15.7萬平方英尺。這是棟高20層，用麻州收費公路（Ｍass Turnpike）上空權蓋出來的樓宇，租戶包括去年已入駐的「汽車大師Car Guru」」。

樂高員工用樂高做了一個麻州州長模型。（周菊子攝）

            麻州州長奚莉和波士頓市長吳弭，丹麥駐美國大使Jesper Møller Sørensen都應邀出席，和樂高集團執行長Niels B. Christiansen，副總裁暨波士頓項目主管Skip Kodak，商務長Colette Burke一起剪綵。

            樂高集團執行長Niels B. Christiansen表示，樂高美國新總部遷至波士頓是該公司在美國這重要市場的長期投資，吸引人才的重要策略之一，以為已有93年歷史，以寓教為樂為宗旨的樂高公司鋪陳將來的創新、發展道路。

樂高員工還做了一個波士頓市長吳弭的樂高模型。（周菊子攝）

              Niels B. Christiansen透露，樂高正在美國維琴尼亞州建造最先進的工廠，以迎合美國市長的需要。上星期樂高宣佈了再為琴尼亞州設一個區域配送中心，上個月則宣佈了在清奈增設一個新的消費者和購物者互動團隊，將來會繼續在美國各地增設分店。

樂高美國總部設在波士頓是第八選區，市議員Sharon Durkan不僅出席，
還在樂高總部開幕這天，為分委區耆英安排了一場參觀活動。（周菊子攝）

             Colette Burke回顧樂高當年在康州設立美國總部時，只有24名員工，如今該公司在美國共有3500名員工，150家分店，還藉由樂高玩耍（Lego Play）這教育性活動和數難以計的兒童互動，在全世界有31,000名員工。她自己在美國待了20多年後，也在2003年成為美國公民。

            Colette Burke在致詞時還提及，樂高集團向來重視“玩耍的力量（Power of Play）”和波士頓兒童博物館，波士頓科學博物館長年合作，今後還將在未來2年內投資100萬元，和波士頓公共圖書館的所有26個分館合作。

             麻州州長奚莉形容麻州之於美國，有如丹麥之於歐洲，地位同等重要。麻州不但是美國最適宜生兒育女的州，在創新上也名列前矛。她還知道樂高在和麻省理工學院的媒體實驗室合作，研發機器人及其他領域的科學、技術、工程、數學 （STEM）學習策略。

            吳弭市長則強調麻州及波士頓是自由、經濟繁榮，以及歡迎所有人社區的火炬，永遠也不會退縮。（更新版）