Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $6.8 Million to Train and Place Over 1,100 Workers in Industries Statewide

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $6.8 Million to Train and Place Over 1,100 Workers in Industries Statewide  

Workforce development funding will train, upskill, and hire untapped talent in health care, life sciences, technology, construction, and more   

 

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced $6.8 million in workforce development grant funding for 15 initiatives across Massachusetts, representing partnerships with employers, training providers, and regional collaborators to train, upskill, and provide job placement for 1,112 workers for in-demand occupations in health care, education, finance and more. 

The Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grants are funded by the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) and administered by Commonwealth Corporation through the state’s Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund. Each awarded grant aims to close the skills gap, increase access to good-paying jobs for unemployed and underemployed residents, and strengthen productivity and workforce needs among employers in regions throughout Massachusetts. Workforce Success grants fund job training and job placement for untapped talent and also upskilling programs for incumbent workers. Among the 15 awarded grants, nine grants are also dedicating efforts to incorporate English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) in planned job training—an effort to strengthen vocational language skills as a strategy to reduce employment barriers and expand access for workforce participation. 

“The Workforce Success Grants continue our commitment to supporting our workers and providing access to good-paying jobs and long-term career success,” said Governor Maura Healey. “By providing job training and upskilling for underemployed and unemployed jobseekers, we are helping unlock potential, strengthening competitiveness, and connecting our world class talent with innovative companies across the state.” 

 

“By making workforce development investments like the Workforce Success Grants, we are ensuring that the job training, skills, and certifications our jobseekers are receiving match with what our employers are looking for,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These collaborative partnerships allow us to further serve our residents, workers, and employers.” 

 

Secretary Lauren Jones of Labor and Workforce Development announced awarded grants at YMCA of Greater Boston, one of the 15 grantees. Since January 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $44 million in Donnelly Success Grants, projected to train over 8,500 unemployed, underemployed, and incumbent workers. 

“Workforce Success Grants deliver meaningful career opportunities, driven by industry demands expressed by employers in regions across the Commonwealth,” said Secretary Lauren Jones of Labor and Workforce Development. “Each awarded grant delivers job training, developing a strong talent pipeline and closing the skills gaps especially for in-demand occupations among employers and industries experiencing workforce shortages.”  

“Investing in workforce training means investing in people, businesses, and the future of our economy,” said Tom Hooper, Vice President of Sector Pathways at Commonwealth Corporation. “These grants empower job seekers with the skills to thrive in high-demand careers while helping employers build a strong, skilled workforce. We applaud and thank these 15 grantees for their dedication to creating opportunities and strengthening communities across Massachusetts.”  

The following is a list of the 15 grant recipients receiving approximately $6.8 million to provide training and placement services to 1,112 individuals throughout the Commonwealth:  

Asian American Civic Association, Inc., Boston: $498,800 

Asian American Civic Association will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 58 unemployed or underemployed participants for Banker, Customer Service Representative, Teller, Relationship Banker, and Retail Banker positions. They will partner with Citizens Bank, M&T Bank, Rockland Trust, and Berkshire Bank.  

 

Asian Women for Health, Inc., Boston: $500,000 

Asian Women for Health will provide training and placement services to 84 unemployed or underemployed participants for Community Health Worker positions. They will partner with Boston Medical Center, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston Children's Hospital, and Massachusetts League of Community Health Centers.  

 

Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston, Inc., Boston: $500,000 

Catholic Charitable Bureau of the Archdiocese of Boston will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 81 unemployed or underemployed participants for Certified Nurse's Assistant and Home Health Aide positions. They will partner with Mass General Brigham, Boston Children's Hospital, and Beth Israel Lahey Health. 

 

Friends of the Rafael Hernandez School, Inc., Roxbury: $292,000 

Friends of the Rafael Hernandez School, Inc. will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 38 unemployed or underemployed participants for Paraprofessional and Preschool Teacher positions. They will partner with Boston Public Schools, Pine Village Preschool Spanish Immersion Preschools, and Action for Boston Community Development Headstart and Children's Services. 

 

Greenfield Community College, Greenfield: $417,997 

Greenfield Community College will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 48 unemployed or underemployed participants for Early Childhood Educator positions. They will partner with JaDuke Preschool and Early Education Center, The Early Learning Center at Hampshire College, The Learning Knoll, Williston Northampton Children's Center, and Y Academy at the Bolger Center for Early Childhood Education. 

 

Health & Home Care Training of New England, Brockton: $499,768 

Health & Home Care Training of New England will provide training and placement services to 60 unemployed and underemployed participants for Certified Nurse's Assistant and Home Health Aide positions. They will partner with St. Joseph's Manor, Kimwell Nursing & Rehabilitation, and Alliance Health at West Acres.  

 

Holyoke Community College, Holyoke: $500,000 

Holyoke Community College will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 60 unemployed and underemployed participants and incumbent workers for Medical Assistant positions. They will partner with Baystate Medical Center and Valley Health Systems/Holyoke Medical Center. 

 

Jewish Vocational Service, Inc., Boston: $500,000 

Jewish Vocational Service will provide training and placement services to 67 unemployed and underemployed participants for Pharmacy Technician positions. They will partner with Mass General Brigham, CVS Health, and Beth Israel Lahey Health. 

 

Lawrence CommunityWorks, Lawrence: $491,561 

Lawrence CommunityWorks will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 80 unemployed and underemployed participants for Education Paraprofessional positions. They will partner with Lawrence Public Schools and The Community Group. 

 

MassHire North Central Workforce Board, Inc., Leominster: $247,818 

MassHire North Central Workforce Board will provide training and placement services to 40 unemployed and underemployed participants for Certified Sterile Processing Technician positions. They will partner with Heywood Healthcare, St. Vincent Hospital, UMass Memorial, and Worcester Surgical Center. 

 

Notre Dame Education Center – Lawrence, Inc., Lawrence: $482,430 

Notre Dame Education Center will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 180 unemployed and underemployed participants for Certified Nurse's Assistant and Home Health Aide positions. They will partner with Lawrence General Hospital and Mary Immaculate/Health Care Services. 

 

Per Scholas, Inc., Cambridge: $500,000 

Per Scholas, Inc. will provide training and placement services to 100 unemployed and underemployed participants for Help Desk, Cybersecurity Analyst, and Salesforce Administrator positions. They will partner with Trillium Technical, Robert Half, Granite Telecommunications, and TEKsystems. 

 

Quinsigamond Community College, Worcester: $499,610 

Quinsigamond Community College will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 60 unemployed and underemployed participants for Certified Nurse's Assistant positions. They will partner with Salmon Health & Retirement, Christopher House, Overlook Masonic Health Center, and Life Care Centers of America. 

 

Walker, Inc., Needham: $500,000 

Walker, Inc. will provide training and placement services to 60 unemployed and underemployed participants for Direct Care Worker and Social and Human Service Assistant positions. They will partner with The COMPASS School and Samaritans Inc. 

 

YMCA of Greater Boston, Inc., Boston: $415,542 

YMCA of Greater Boston will provide training and placement services, including ESOL training, to 96 unemployed and underemployed participants for Medical Secretary and Administrative Assistant positions. They will partner with Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center/Lahey Health, Boston Children's Hospital, and Boston Medical Center. 

波克萊台灣商會承辦僑委會美食巡迴展 台式鮭魚羹讓人讚不絕口

波克萊台灣商會會長陳奕如（右二）和大廚溫國智（又起），波士頓僑務委員
郭競儒，波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，助理主廚陳瑞昌，波士頓僑教中心主任
高家富為『台灣美食國際巡迴展』說讚。（周菊子攝）

（Boston Orange 周菊子麻州報導）中華民國僑務委員會的2025年「台灣美食國際巡迴展覽」美加東線第一站，5月3日來到波士頓。溫國智、陳瑞昌2位大廚為波克萊台灣商會和一眾嘉賓展示台式鮭魚羹、芋絲糕、千層胡椒餅等3款地道台灣美食，嚐到的人，全都讚不絕口。

「台灣美食國際巡迴展覽」往年都以和地方僑團合作，獨立舉辦的形式辦理，今年改變方向，藉著成為世界各大城市地方活動的一部分，深入人群。波士頓這一站，就安排進每年都有逾千人參加的『牛頓台灣日』之中。

『台灣美食國際巡迴展』嘉賓合影。（周菊子攝）

波克萊台灣商會會長陳奕如這天親自出馬主持，兼做即席英文翻譯。介紹2位大廚之於，還說明為當天出席的每位來賓都準備了一個放有食譜，台灣特色鑰匙圈，或是總統府紀念品，僑委會限量紋身貼的小禮物袋。

溫國智主廚現場示範，陳奕如會長即席翻譯。（周菊子攝）

「台灣美食國際巡迴展覽」這趟派來波士頓的大廚是有『台菜小天王』之譽，自創『溫國智的美食天地』，開辦有穎嘉餐飲顧問公司，曾任多屆僑委會國際美食巡迴講座主廚的溫國智，助理主廚是穎嘉餐飲研發主廚，在光啟高中任教，當過僑委會美食巡迴講座助理講師的陳瑞昌。

溫國智指出，自從米其林進入台灣，吃就成了台灣的“在地文化”，他們這天示範台式鮭魚羹，芋絲糕，千層胡椒餅等3道菜餚。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏夫婦（左起），麻州眾議員黃子安，Gerg Schwartz，
馬惠美，Medford市議員曾御宸，波士頓諮詢委員蔣宗壬等人坐在嘉賓席，
近距離看示範。（周菊子攝）

其中的“台式鮭魚羹”原本是台灣的“土魠魚羹”，但來到美國，入境隨俗，改用鮭魚做食材，就了成“鮭魚海鮮羹”，又由於這道菜加有大量蔬菜，包括有層次放上的竹笋、帶出甜味的白菜，以及用來配色的紅蘿蔔等等，所以這道菜又可以叫做“山與海的對話”，製作時，菜要先炒香，魚肉要去骨做泥漿，加入五香粉，醬油，胡椒，酒的醃製，然後用攝氏90度的水煮，好使魚肉嫩滑，等水滾之後，再撒下蛋白粉，胡椒粉，最後勾芡，並不斷攪拌。

牛頓市議會議長Marc Laredo（左起）和波士頓僑務委員郭競儒等人。（周菊子攝）

溫國智笑說，做菜就跟人生一樣，菜餚的豐富層次就有如人生的喜怒哀樂。

麻州眾議員馬惠美（前右）開玩笑的說，這碗羹湯，我全要了。（周菊子攝）

芋絲糕則是溫國智大廚在國際競賽中拿到金牌的一道料理，做法分幾個層次，先把芋頭切成絲狀，加入鹽和胡椒去軟化芋絲，等到芋絲微微出水，就加淀粉，把芋絲連起來。然後中間加入台式爆香三寶，包括切碎的雞腿肉，香菇和油蔥、蒜頭，鋪在容器中，加入炒香的配料，一層芋絲，一層配料的疊好，蒸一小時定型，冷卻後就可以切成牛角狀的芋絲糕。在台灣，這是很有名的經典小吃。

溫國智舀一碗臺式鮭魚羹。（周菊子攝） 

這天應邀出席在海德社區公園所舉行台灣牛頓日活動的嘉賓，包括駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長廖朝宏，副組長許欽琮，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，麻州眾議員黃子安，馬惠美(Amy Mah Sangiolo)，Greg Schwartz，牛頓市議會議長Marc Laredo，麥德福(Medford)市議員曾御宸 （Justin Tseng），牛頓高地社區發展協會主任John Rice，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，波士頓洪門致公堂元老余麗媖等。他們在現場觀摩示範，也品嚐台灣美食。

馬惠美和有個華裔法官妻子的Greg Schwartz，都是新科麻州眾議員。曾經擔任牛頓市議員，參選過牛頓市長的馬惠美，其實參加過許多次牛頓台灣日活動，但這還是第一次參加『台灣美食國際巡迴講座』。

波克萊台灣商會會長陳奕如表示，這次的活動主要是給人機會親自品嚐台灣美食，體驗台灣的美食文化，該會將在相關方面繼續努力，加強為社區及會員服務。（訂正版）

來賓們現場觀摩台灣美食做法。（周菊子攝）

來賓們排隊品嚐佳餚。（周菊子攝）

臺式鮭魚羹。（周菊子攝）

芋絲糕。（周菊子攝）

千層胡椒餅。（周菊子攝）

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏問余麗媖好不好吃。（周菊子攝）

最近才從台灣回波士頓的網紅樂樂法利（LeLe Farley）（中）當波士頓台灣影展
協會志工，這才知道有這台灣沒什活動。（周菊子攝）

臺式鮭魚羹食譜。

芋絲糕食譜。

春田市一男子為培根向廚師連開數槍 判入獄18到20年

            (Boston Orange 摘譯) 為了幾條培根，入獄18 到20年？這是波士頓環球報5月10日版上，發生在春田市（Springfield）一名37歲男子身上的事。

            Hampden檢察官上週五（5月9日）説，2022年時，小約翰布朗（John Brown Jr.,） 因為Holyoke一家酒吧的廚師放了幾條培根在他的三明治上，就開槍打了這名大廚。

            Hampden 區地方檢察官Anthony D. Gulluni表示，John Brown Jr.,被控以武裝攻擊，嚴重傷害他人，意圖謀殺，還非法持有槍支等數項重罪。

Hampden高等法院陪審團在4月25日審理一日後，裁定所有指控成立。檢察官表示， 4 月 29 日時，小約翰布朗被判有罪。

            根據檢察官聲明，持槍毆打，意圖殺人這控罪所判刑罰是入獄18到20年，非法持有槍械部分罰入獄3到5年，

            法院記錄顯示，5月7日，小約翰布朗的律師提出上訴申請。

            檢察官的聲明形容是，開槍事件發生在2022年12月17日，小約翰布朗在Holyoke市高街126號的獨角獸酒吧叫了一份三明治，當39歲的廚師Benito Agron送上食物時，他們開始大聲吵，接著打架。人們把他們兩個分開後，布朗警告Agron道，等他回來時，如果Agron還在那兒工作，就會殺了他。

            大約30 到 40分鐘後，布朗回到這家酒吧，走向Agron，掏出手槍，向Agron連開4槍。大約晚上8點45分，Holyoke警察趕到現場，發現Agron躺在地上，身中數槍。警察說，受害者能夠倖存，真是奇蹟。

紐英崙婦女新運會慶祝母親節獻花唱歌鼓勵運動保健康

紐英崙婦女新運會上中華耆英會慶祝母親節。左起，張青梅，尤謹華，
李愛英，李廖認寬，李曹秀萍，梅伍銀寬，李盧蓮馨，阮愛玲，鄧陳秋華，
林黎輝每人獲贈一朵康乃馨。（周菊子攝）

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙婦女新運會和中華耆英會合作，5月8日在波士頓華埠康樂樓慶祝母親節，唱歌，獻花，請營養師講談『女性一生的運動與營養之道』，數十名耆英 歡度一午。

紐英崙婦女新運會會長李盧蓮馨（右起）和梅伍銀寬一起，送花給耆英。
（周菊子攝）

         婦女新運會會長李盧蓮馨、張青梅和該會理事梅伍銀寬，李曹秀萍，李廖認寬，鄧陳秋華，阮愛玲，以及尤錦華，李愛英，林黎輝等人，一大早先到康樂樓一樓的社區室和出席活動的耆英們一起唱『世上只有媽媽好』這首歌，還送給每人一朵手工康乃馨，一包餅乾，分別合影的慶祝母親節。

為照顧出席在座的男士們，婦女會理事和中華耆英會員工們還體貼的把前述歌曲中的“媽媽”改成“爸爸”的，再唱了一次。

婦女新運會這天還請中華耆英會營養師丁心格，設計了一場特別講座，強調健康，堅強、自主的『女性一生的運動與營養之道』。

紐英崙婦女新運會會長張青梅（中）歡迎耆英參加健康講座。
（周菊子攝）

丁心格先從女性運動歷史的歷史談起，再闡述各年齡階段的生理變化與營養需求，並分享保持健康活力的實用建議，侃侃而談得像似講故事，讓人聽得津津有味。

她指出，古代奧運完全禁止女性參加。1900年才首次出現女性參賽者加，而且在927人中，只有22名女性。然後1928年首次有女子田徑項目，1984年才第一次有女子參加馬拉松比賽，2020年後，參加奧運者大約男女參半。

營養師丁心格講解運動的主要目標。（周菊子攝）

這其實源於人們認為女性不宜運動，尤其不宜參加體育競賽，受到社會，文化背景，以及審美觀念等的影響，使得女性嚮往纖瘦，但過度節食導致的纖瘦，會影響肌肉量與骨骼密度，對人體其實傷害很大。

丁心格說明月經週期和運動之間的關係。（周菊子攝）

也是因為這種觀念，女性常被鼓勵去做例如快走，跑步，游泳等有氧運動，而不是增肌的重量訓練，然而從健康角度來說，不論是否追求瘦，都要顧及各人身體狀況的來運動，尤其是女性體質特殊，更需要因應不同年齡階段來做調整。

丁心格指出，女性依年齡分青春期，生預期，更年期，老年期等不同人生階段，影響身體肌肉量與骨質密度，調節血清素，多巴胺，膽固醇，抗氧化等功能的女性荷爾蒙，也就是雌激素，還有黃體素，睪固酮等內分泌，也會隨著年齡有所不同，一生起伏波動較大。

例如女性在生育懷孕期，黃體素會告訴身體要多儲存脂肪的為懷運做準被，跨入耕年期，月經停止後，骨骼密度平均每年流失3%到5%，到了老年期更會驟降三分之一。

因應不同年齡階段，適度運動，對健康幫助很大，包括幫助蛋白質合成肌肉，增加骨質密度，維護心血管與大腦，促進血液中的一氧化碳量，進而降低罹患高血壓及中風的危險，改善記憶，穩定情緒，預防失智等。

丁心格強調心靈健康也很重要。（周菊子攝）

更年期可以做的運動，包括舉重，舉啞鈴，拉伸，彈力帶，壺鈴，可對抗雌激素下降，肌肉流失的阻力訓練，以及單腳站立，弓箭步轉體，瑜伽『樹式』，太極，普拉提等的平衡訓練，還有健走，游泳，室內飛輪，溫和伸展操，皮拉提斯等改善心肺功能，穩定情緒的有氧伸展運動。跨入65歲以上的老年期，就要更重視安全，注重肌力，平衡和柔軟度的訓練，可以從簡單的運動開始。

丁心格強調，要運動保健康，還得注意營養，例如蛋白質要每公斤體重每天攝取1到1.2克，鈣質每天攝取1200毫克，維生素Ｄ每天攝取800-1000國際單位。

60歲以上耆英的運動建議。（周菊子攝）

此外，運動前30分鐘要吃少量複合碳水化合物，以穩定供應能量，可以吃香蕉，全麥吐司配少量堅果醬，貧果片，要避免高脂，高纖維和太甜的食物。運動前1到2小時要喝300到500毫升水，運動後也要注意補充營養，吃些有助於修復和增長肌肉的食物，例如蒸魚，豆腐，菠菜炒蛋加糙米飯等。

紐英崙婦女新運會會長李盧蓮馨介紹共會長張青梅。（周菊子攝）

丁心格最後提醒到，耆英們還要注意心靈健康，記得『你的健康，你做主』，可以從今天開始的循序漸進，專注於過程，健康結果自然來。

紐英崙婦女新運會共會長李盧蓮馨和張青梅表示，該會和中華耆英會長期合作，舉辦各種有益身心講座。8月2日，該會將在帝苑大酒樓慶祝創匯85週年。

紐英崙婦女新運會理事們和耆英一起聽講座。（周菊子攝）

右起，張青梅，李盧蓮馨，李廖認寬，尤錦華，李曹秀萍，梅伍銀寬，鄧秋華等人
祝耆英們母親節快樂。（周菊子攝）

中華耆英會工作人員派發麵包給出席耆英。（周菊子攝）

The Department of Commerce together with USTR Announces Historic Trade Deal with the United Kingdom to Open Markets, Raise Revenue and Strengthen Security

The Department of Commerce together with USTR Announces Historic Trade Deal with the United Kingdom to Open Markets, Raise Revenue and Strengthen Security 

WASHINGTON D.C. — Today, the United States and the United Kingdom announced a historic trade deal – providing unprecedented access to the U.K. markets while bolstering U.S. national security. 

The reciprocal tariff rate of 10%, as originally announced on Liberation Day, will remain. The trade deal will increase tariff revenue dramatically, bringing in billions of dollars in new revenue. 

The deal removes longstanding U.K. market barriers creating a $5 billion opportunity of new exports for U.S. farmers, ranchers, and producers. These exports include ethanol, beef, fruits, vegetables, animal feed, tobacco, shellfish, chemicals, textiles, and more. The U.S.-U.K. trade deal will usher in a golden age of new opportunity for U.S. exporters, establishing a long-sought level playing field for American producers. 

Under the deal, U.K. car manufactures are limited to a 100,000 per year vehicle quota at the reciprocal rate of 10% and thereafter will pay 25%. The U.S.-U.K. trade deal furthers shared national security interests by creating a new union for steel and aluminum and establishing a secure supply chain for pharmaceutical products. 

“This deal marks a new era in our relationship with the United Kingdom, our great ally.” Secretary Lutnick said “And more importantly this deal opens up an enormous multibillion dollar export opportunity for hardworking Americans. While groundbreaking, this deal is the first of many as President Trump continues to deliver on his promises to the American people.” 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU PROCLAIMS MAY AS HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH AT CITY HALL EVENT CELEBRATING LANDMARK DESIGNATION

 MAYOR MICHELLE WU PROCLAIMS MAY AS HISTORIC PRESERVATION MONTH AT CITY HALL EVENT CELEBRATING LANDMARK DESIGNATION

Mayor Wu celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Boston Landmarks Commission

BOSTON – Thursday, May 8, 2025 – Mayor Michelle Wu joined City officials, preservationists, musicians, and community members at Boston City Hall last night to commemorate the official designation of City Hall as a Boston Landmark and to proclaim May as Historic Preservation Month in the City of Boston. The event, hosted by the City’s Office of Historic Preservation, highlighted the building’s architectural significance and explored the deep connections between place, memory, and cultural expression through a multidisciplinary program featuring the Boston Symphony Orchestra.

“Boston City Hall stands not just as a building, but as a powerful civic symbol—bold, democratic, and deeply woven into the life of our city,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “By proclaiming May as Historic Preservation Month and honoring the designation of City Hall as a Landmark, we celebrate the power of preservation to tell our full history and protect spaces that shape our future. We are proud to bring music, architecture, and community together in one of Boston’s most iconic public places.”

Boston City Hall was formally designated a Boston Landmark in January 2025 by the Boston Landmarks Commission. Designed by the Boston firm of Kallmann, McKinnell and Knowles and completed in 1968, City Hall is a defining example of Brutalist architecture. It embodies mid-20th century ideals of civic transparency and accessibility and was constructed on the former site of Scollay Square as part of a larger urban renewal project. Its Landmark designation reflects a growing appreciation for postwar architecture and the evolving story of Boston’s civic identity.

“Preservation and climate action are deeply interconnected,” said Brian Swett, Chief Climate Officer and Chief of the Environment, Energy and Open Space Cabinet. “Preserving, adapting and reinvesting in the City’s existing buildings is a critical component of our climate strategy. Landmarking Boston City Hall affirms that climate leadership can—and must—honor the architectural and cultural legacy of our civic spaces while preparing them for the future.”

“This designation affirms Boston City Hall’s legacy as a bold civic statement and a space for democracy in action,” said Kathy Kottaridis, Director of the Office of Historic Preservation. “We are thrilled to mark this occasion during Historic Preservation Month, a time to elevate not only our architectural past, but the lived experiences and cultural contributions of all Boston residents.”

Yesterday’s event was a collaboration with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and included a performance by pianist Jonathan Senik of 20th century composer Dmitri Shostakovich, followed by a lecture from by architectural historian Mark Pasnik, co-author of Heroic: Concrete Architecture and the New Boston that examined the mid-20th century design influences that inspired the creation of Boston City Hall. The program was developed in partnership with Daniel Mallampalli, Assistant Vice President of Artistic Planning for the BSO, underscoring the City's growing recognition of the intersections between tangible and intangible heritage.

This year also marks the 50th anniversary of the Boston Landmarks Commission, which was established in 1975 in response to widespread concerns about the impact of urban renewal and the loss of historically significant places. Today, over 9,000 properties in Boston are either individually landmarked or part of a local Landmark District. Landmark designations ensure public review of changes to designated buildings, protecting their historic character while allowing for thoughtful evolution.

"Historic preservation is about more than saving buildings. It is about honoring the stories that shape our neighborhoods and making room for the future without forgetting where we’ve been,” said City Councilor Sharon Durkan. “In places like Back Bay, Beacon Hill, and the West End, we see how preservation brings history to life and keeps our city’s identity strong. I am especially proud to celebrate the landmark designation of Boston City Hall, a bold building that represents a monumental era in our city’s story. I am grateful to the Office of Historic Preservation and the Boston Landmarks Commission for their tireless work reviewing pending designations, celebrating our shared history, and helping us grow as a city with roots and purpose."

Throughout Mayor Wu’s first term in office, the City has designated 25 landmarks in Boston in addition to the Highland Park Architectural Conservation District in Roxbury, more than twice the number of historic designations that occurred in the decade prior. Any 10 registered Boston voters can petition the Boston Landmarks Commission to designate a historic neighborhood, building, landscape, or object as a protected Boston Landmark or District. Residents can learn more about designating a landmark in Boston visiting the Landmarks Commission’s website. To learn more about what events are being celebrated during Preservation Month you can visit this calendar.

Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission Calls for Public Submissions to Reimagine State Emblems

 Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission Calls for Public Submissions to Reimagine State Emblems 

Members of the public may submit ideas and designs that will help shape new state symbols rooted in shared values and history

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission today launched an open call to artists, historians, educators, students, and members of the public to participate in the effort to redesign the state’s seal, flag, and motto.   Established by the Legislature in 2024, the Commission is tasked with developing and recommending new symbols to represent the state through a statewide public process. Those who wish to submit ideas may do so by June 18, 2025.   "This is an exciting moment for Massachusetts. As we open the call for public submissions, we are inviting everyone across the Commonwealth to help reimagine the symbols that tell our story,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Our seal, flag, and motto should reflect not just our history, but the vibrant, diverse community we are today – and the future we are building together. I can't wait to see the creativity, ideas, and sense of belonging that people across Massachusetts will bring to this process."  “We invite everyone, including artists, designers, culture bearers, and community members, to contribute ideas that reflect who we are and who we strive to be,” said Kate Fox, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and Co-Chair of the Advisory Commission. “It’s an opportunity to ensure that every community sees itself in our story.”   The Advisory Commission is seeking potential design elements that might include nature-based symbols native to Massachusetts, such as the right whale, a critically endangered species for which Bay State waters serve as a vital habitat, the eastern white pine or elm tree, and cranberries. Other potential design elements may include the geographic shape of Massachusetts and coastline imagery that reflects the state’s historical connection to the Atlantic Ocean and maritime industries. These examples are not intended to limit potential submissions. The Commission encourages and welcomes a broad range of designs that capture the full creativity of our citizens. What to Submit:  Design sketches or ideas for a new seal   Design sketches or ideas for a new flag   Motto proposals  How to Submit  A public submission portal is available on the Advisory Commission's website. Individuals and organizations can submit written ideas, visual sketches, or full design concepts until June 18, 2025. Following the gathering of submissions, the Advisory Commission will select three final options for each category and hold public hearings to solicit feedback and input on the state emblems.  The Massachusetts Seal, Flag, and Motto Advisory Commission is tasked with recommending new designs for Massachusetts’ official seal, flag, and motto. For more information, updates, and to submit your ideas, visit https://www.mass.gov/orgs/massachusetts-seal-flag-and-motto-advisory-commission.