Baker-Polito Administration Announces $28.5 Million in Available Funding for FY24 Food Security Infrastructure Grants

 Baker-Polito Administration Announces $28.5 Million in Available Funding for FY24 Food Security Infrastructure Grants

Administration Also Awards $7 Million in Food Assistance Grants

 

BOSTON – Working to combat against food insecurity throughout the Commonwealth, the Baker-Polito Administration today announced the availability of $28.5 million in funding for the FY24 Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program. This funding will allow the Commonwealth to ensure equitable access to healthy, locally-produced food for individuals and families throughout the state. In order to best support applicants within the state’s local food production and distribution system, the FSIG Program administrators will be hosting two virtual question and answer sessions on Tuesday, January 3, 2023, from 1:00PM to 3:00PM and Thursday, January 5, 2023, from 4:00PM to 6:00PM to answer potential applicant questions related to project ideas, as well as hear any feedback in response to previous rounds. Following these sessions, a Request for Responses (RFR) will be issued, seeking proposals from stakeholders.

 

Additionally, the Baker-Polito Administration is awarding $7,260,000 in Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) grants to 16 organizations across the Commonwealth. The grants, which are funded through the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and administered by the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), seek to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency through the purchase of domestic food from local and regional producers, by targeting purchases from socially disadvantaged farmers and producers, and the distribution to underserved communities.

 

“While the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program was created as part of our Administration’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, through this next $28.5 million, we will be able to continue to utilize this important initiative to ensure access to healthy, locally produced food for all residents throughout the state,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The $7.2 million that we are awarding through the Local Food Purchase Assistance Program will further our efforts to invest in the Commonwealth’s food supply chain, creating a stronger and more resilient food system.”

 

“Food insecurity continues to be a significant issue throughout the Commonwealth and it is important that we continue to ensure programs across the state are being provided the resources they need to meet the demand that they are receiving,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our Administration is proud to announce this new funding to further the critical work of ensuring greater access to healthy, locally produced food for all residents.”

 

The FSIG Program was created to provide grants for capital infrastructure investments that increase access to locally produced food for families and individuals throughout the state who may be facing food insecurity, live in gateway cities or food deserts, or who otherwise face unequal access to food. Additionally, FSIG works to mitigate future supply and distribution issues by partnering with local fishermen, farmers, and other producers to create a strong and resilient food system. The Administration initially announced the program in May 2020 and has since awarded $63 million to 507 organizations throughout Massachusetts.

 

“The accomplishments from the first two years of the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program have shown how critical this funding is to strengthen the Commonwealth’s food supply system and prevent future disruptions from coming,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Beth Card. “Through FSIG and other important initiatives like the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, we will continue to make great strides in ensuring everyone throughout Massachusetts has great access to healthy, locally grown products to enjoy.”

 

Furthermore, the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program seeks to maintain and improve food and agricultural supply chain resiliency by working directly with socially disadvantaged farmers and producers to give food to underserved communities. Importantly, the food will meet the needs of the local and regional populations and serve feeding programs, including food banks, schools, and organizations that reach underserved communities. In addition to increasing local food consumption, funds will help build and expand economic opportunities for local and socially disadvantaged producers.

 

“The Baker-Polito Administration greatly appreciates the partnership with the USDA to provide these Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement grants to our Massachusetts farmers and agricultural organizations to purchase local food from our historically underserved farmers, as well as to distribute the food at no cost to our underserved communities,” said MDAR Commissioner John Lebeaux. “We are excited to be able to provide over $7 million in funds to 16 organizations that will greatly assist with the long-term viability of agriculture in Massachusetts.”

 

The following are the grant recipients for 2023:

 

Berkshire Grown – Great Barrington, MA

Award: $550,000

• Berkshire Grown will strengthen purchasing relationships with socially disadvantaged farmers through their Berkshire Farm to Food Access Partnership Program to distribute to new and existing food sites. Berkshire Grown plans to establish an online ordering system, update purchasing contracts, expand the selection of local food and farm products, recruit volunteers for food delivery, prepare food storage locations, and finally distribute the food and farm products to underserved communities.

 

Boston Area Gleaners – Waltham, MA

Award: $539,228

• Boston Area Gleaners aims to apply current best practices to targeted communities of socially disadvantaged and/or small growers and underserved consumers. Boston Area Gleaners will: determine which farmers within their network self-identify as socially disadvantaged and/or small; purchase crops from these growers through formal production contracts; support these growers in capacity building and wholesale market readiness; and donate the contract-grown fresh produce through their partner hunger-relief agencies.

 

Cape Cod Cooperative Extension – Barnstable, MA

Award: $450,530

• The Cape Cod Cooperative Extension Food Access Program developed a multi-faceted initiative to support the critical food access needs of its disadvantaged populations throughout Cape Cod by: purchasing produce from local and regional farmers with an emphasis on socially disadvantaged growers in collaboration with Cape Abilities Farm; supporting the Cape Cod fishing industry by purchasing locally caught and processed haddock chowder and fish stew from Cape Cod Commercial Fishermen’s Alliance that will be available, at no cost, to socially underserved communities on Cape Cod through a strategically designed network of distribution channels; and strengthening the existing network of growers, food producers, social service organizations, underserved communities, and local volunteers to maintain a sustainable food access system.

 

Coastal Foodshed – New Bedford, MA

Award: $697,121

• Coastal Foodshed will work through their existing network of more than 65 local farmers and local food entrepreneurs to purchase local meats, eggs, dairy, and pantry items to distribute free of charge at farmers market and mobile farm stand locations to increase awareness of, and foot traffic to, Coastal Foodshed’s locations. Through a robust marketing campaign, and the distribution of items free of charge, they plan to increase foot traffic to Coastal Foodshed’s locations where new customers will also have the opportunity to purchase other local foods and learn about the Healthy Incentives Program.

 

Eastern Woodlands Rematriation – Hull, MA

Award: $161,000

• The overarching goal of Eastern Woodlands Rematriation’s project is to strengthen and fortify indigenous foodways of New England. Through regional intertribal food hubs, this project will scale existing efforts of Eastern Woodlands Rematriation and enable tribal families, and disadvantaged individuals and communities throughout the Commonwealth to access fresh, nutritional and culturally relevant foods and products without worry of affordability and accessibility.

 

Eastie Farm – East Boston, MA

Award: $539,032

• Eastie Farm will purchase local produce from farms primarily within 100 miles of Boston to create free weekly produce boxes for residents of East Boston, with an emphasis on subsidized housing communities and the underserved Orient Heights part of the neighborhood. The boxes will be primarily available during the harvest season, projected to be from May to November of 2023. The distribution will be accomplished through collaboration with the Orient Heights BHA benefits team, the Victory Gardens building management, Maverick Landing Community Services, and Grace Federated Food Pantry.

 

Greater Boston Food Bank – Boston, MA

Award: $500,000

• Greater Boston Food Bank will purchase seafood from seafood producers and distributors in Massachusetts. With a greater capacity to purchase seafood, they will support the needs of two important constituencies in the Commonwealth—those who are seeking hunger relief along with local fish producers and distributors. Through the purchase of 150,000–200,000 pounds of seafood, they will greatly increase the amount of seafood distributed through their network of 600 partnering agencies located in 190 communities in Eastern Massachusetts. This network includes food pantries, meal programs, homeless shelters, and other human services agencies. Seafood distributions will benefit diverse populations including adults, children, seniors, veterans, community health center patients, and students.

 

Grow Food Northampton – Florence, MA

Award: $398,159

• Grow Food Northampton will partner with local community-owned food cooperative River Valley Co-op to provide technical support to socially disadvantaged local producers and purchase products from them for distribution through their established programs, Community Food Distribution Project and Food For All, respectively, to low-income, food insecure households throughout the Northampton area.

 

Growing Places – Leominster, MA

Award: $749,577

• Growing Places will implement the Local Food Works Fresh Box program, which will strengthen agricultural supply chain resiliency in the 27 communities of North Central MA. Primary goals include: making local food purchasing from small and socially disadvantaged farmers a priority value by connecting farmers, consumers, and buyers; processing local food products for season extension and easy preparation; creating culturally responsible Fresh Boxes with local produce, herbs, dairy, eggs, and value added products for distribution; supporting socially disadvantaged and small farmers; and institutionalizing a cultural food working group to incorporate an equity lens into rebuilding the local food system.

 

Hilltown CDC – Chesterfield, MA

Award: $75,000

• Hilltown CDC will grow the “free-share” option currently offered and develop a “free-market” for in person shopping. The approach will not only increase food security for people in the region but will also create viable market opportunities for rural growers.

 

Just Roots – Greenfield, MA

Award: $492,786

• Just Roots’ BE-LEAF: Building Equity for Local Eaters and Farmers program will connect local produce and proteins from Just Roots’ community farm and socially disadvantaged producers with members of underserved communities in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. The two core program components include distribution of 100 free CSA shares and monthly distribution of 30 free DIY Cooking Kits, accompanied by cooking classes. The DIY Cooking Kits will contain local produce, proteins, and all the supplies needed to prepare a healthy meal.

 

Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA/Mass) – Barre, MA

Award: $246,366

• NOFA will use funding to provide 150 Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) shares to underserved communities in Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and the Berkshires. This project will establish a new food distribution pathway through community partners embedded within the communities this project seeks to serve. Funding will be used to purchase CSA shares from socially disadvantaged farmers to give to community partners for distribution within their communities.

 

Pioneer Valley Workers Center – Northampton, MA

Award: $530,000

• The Pioneer Valley Workers Center’s People’s Pantry (La Despensa del Pueblo) will distribute local and regional produce, dairy, eggs, meat, and other healthy foods to over 9,350 immigrants, low-wage workers, people of color, underserved populations, and anyone else in need. They will partner with Massachusetts-based and regional producers, with an emphasis on supporting socially disadvantaged farmers, to bring farm-fresh food and its positive health benefits to these communities at monthly distribution sites in Hampden and Franklin County. Lastly, they will establish a new center in Turners Falls that will serve as a thriving community resource for food storage, distributions, and other training and events that support food justice and equity for underserved local residents.

 

Regional Environmental Council – Worcester, MA

Award: $81,200

• The Regional Environmental Council will coordinate the purchase and distribution of produce grown in Worcester County through partnerships with rural and urban producers and Main South area food pantries including Jeremiah’s Inn, El Buen Samaritano, and Catholic Charities. Produce will be purchased primarily from Dismas Family Farm, a program of Dismas House of Massachusetts, a charitable agency that manages a network of housing and social services that provide an integrated and unique approach to ensure the success of homeless and former prisoners in the Greater Worcester area.

 

Root NS, Inc. – Salem, MA

Award: $500,000

• Root NS, Inc. will build on and expand their Community Catering initiative, which was launched during the early days of the pandemic in response to regional food insecurity issues across the North Shore of Massachusetts and has grown through a network of partnerships with local farmers and nonprofit distribution sites. The project will provide employment opportunities to socially disadvantaged young people, who will prepare and deliver the meals made from local produce and ingredients.

 

World Farmers – Lancaster, MA

Award: $750,000

• World Farmers’ project will expand sales for over 60 commercial immigrant and refugee farmers in World Farmers’ programs and other farmers of color in their network, while addressing food security and serving communities in environmental justice communities across five counties in Massachusetts. Conducted in partnership with eight community partners, the project goals are to: partner with and support refugee and immigrant farmers and farmers of color in Massachusetts to increase their crops sales through their participation in the LFPA program; and increase access to local, fresh, and culturally important vegetables and proteins for low-income or food impoverished communities.

 

“FSIG is one of the strongest, most resilient programs to emerge from the pandemic,” said State Senator Jo Comerford (D-Northampton). “This latest round of grants through the LFPA program will bring over $2 million to my district to reduce hunger and to provide more healthy, affordable, locally-grown food to my constituents. The continued funding for FSIG speaks to a shared commitment by the Administration and Legislature to fight food insecurity, tackle diet-related disease, and strengthen our food system — all at the same time.”

 

“It's in a farmers DNA to feed people. Massachusetts farmers want to help eliminate hunger and get their local, healthy products into food deserts,” said State Representative Paul Schmid (D-Westport). “These awards and grants from the Baker-Polito team are making a difference all over the Commonwealth.”

 

“I am grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for their continued investment in, and prioritization of, the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program,” said State Representative Hannah Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “Not only does this critical program, stood up during the height of COVID, help address the still high levels of food insecurity prevalent in the Commonwealth, it provides tremendous support to our local food system by investing in the food producers who can supply fresh, healthy food and strengthen their own operations.”

 

“FSIG has been a wonderfully successful program providing funds to individuals and organizations in the Massachusetts food system that help produce and distribute food in the commonwealth,” said State Representative Mindy Domb (D-Amherst), Acting House Chair for the Joint Committee on Environment, Natural Resources, and Agriculture. “Since the inception of the FSIG program, the Legislature has appropriated $125,570,000 in funds for its operation, supporting applicants from nearly every municipality. Investing in our food system is essential in order to respond, relieve, and end hunger in the Commonwealth, and also to support and strengthen our commonwealth’s agricultural and seafood economy.”

 

For more information about the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program, please visit MDAR’s program webpage. Additionally, links to the two FSIG virtual question and answer sessions being hosted in January 2023 will be posted on the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program webpage.

威脅、騷擾同學 柏克萊音樂學院Wu姓中國留學生日前被捕

           (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 麻州美國檢察官辦公室14日宣佈，逮捕一名柏克萊 (Berklee)音樂學院中國籍留學生，控告他威脅，騷擾一名張貼支持中國民主海報的個別人士。一旦定罪，可罰款25萬美元，監管3年，最高入獄5年。

現年25歲的吳曉雷 (譯音，Xiaolei Wu)，14日下午由公訴律師代表陪同庭訊後，目前獲釋在外。根據柏克萊音樂學院張貼在校方網站上的說明，吳曉雷承認他違反校規的向校方科技資訊辦公室索取了受害者聯絡資訊，校方已勒令吳曉雷停學。

檢方在提交給法院的控訴文件稱，今年10月22日，有人在波士頓市的柏克萊音樂學院校園附近，張貼海報，上面寫著「和中國人民站在一起」，以及「我們要自由」、「我們要民主」。

大約從10月22日起，持續至24日，吳曉蕾透過微信、電郵和Instagram，向張貼海報的女性受害人發送了一系列訊息。內容包括「再貼，我會斬斷你這混蛋的手」。他已通知中國公安，受害者都做了些什麼事，中國的公安局會”拜訪”受害者的家人。

控訴文還進一步指稱，吳曉雷找人去查了受害人住在那兒，還把受害者的電子郵件地址張貼了出來，希望其他人也會在網路上霸凌受害者。

美國駐麻州檢察官Rachael S. Rollins說，” 司法部捍衛人們的言論自由及政治表達權利。我們認為吳曉雷的行為，不是言論自由。反而是威脅、騷擾那些對中華人民共和國有不滿觀點的活躍份子，想要讓他們沉默” 。她說，” 我們不會容忍企圖壓制宣傳和平想法，活動或意見表達的任何威脅，騷擾行動。在美國，言論自由是憲法保障的權利，我們會不計代價的保護、捍衛它。

聯邦調查局波士頓分局負責人Joseph R. Bonavolonta表示，聯邦調查局逮捕吳小雷是因為他連續威脅、侵害公開反對中國執政共產黨的民權活躍人士。”我們相信吳小雷跟蹤，騷擾受害者，並且向中國的執法機構報告受害者支持民主，以便執法機構調查受害者及其家人。這些行為讓人不安，而且完全違反我們國家的民主價值”。

吳弭市長加強推動可負擔住宅力道 IDP比率將提升為17%

            (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 波士頓市長吳弭 (Michelle Wu)提出新計畫，加強增加可負擔住宅數量行動力道，打算把發展商在土地發展計畫中撥作可負擔住宅的百分比，從現行的13%，提升為17%。

           波士頓市現行的包容性發展條例 (IDP)規定是，建造10戶以上單位的土地發展計畫，需保留13%給年收入不超過平均中位數60%的民眾，以4口之家來說，目前是8萬4100元。

           新辦法將在提高撥作可負擔住宅之比例外，要求土地發展商撥出3%的樓宇空間給第八類房屋，以及其他承租券的持有者。波士頓市府人員表示，波士頓是全美第一個採行這條例的城市。

          吳弭市長還建議，把10萬平方英尺以上商業樓宇項目，每平方英尺需付15.39元連鎖金的目前規定，降為5萬平方英尺以上起徵，每平方英尺需繳金額加倍至30.78元。波士頓市府表示，連鎖金費用的改變，將在2年內逐步實施。

          麻州生物科技協會(Massachusetts Biotechnology Council )的下任執行長Kendalle Burlin O’Connell在15日表示，在建築費用高漲，實驗室需求冷卻之際，該會對在市內做生意費用的增加持深切保留態度。他說，波士頓市已經有些生命科學空間的租金是全美最貴的了。

          他說，”當這種成本上漲，租金也會上漲”。”話雖如此，我們也知道麻州的長期競爭力仰賴房屋的供給量及可負擔性，以及強壯且多元的人力管道”。

          即將卸任的麻州社區發展公司執行長Joe Kriesberg表示，他很高興看到波士頓市府開始行動了。 “我們波士頓，大波士頓及麻州有很大的房屋危機，需要這些步驟，緊急的需要”。

          他說，”我們不應該期待任何這些政策會使解決這極大、極大問題的銀槍彈”。

           全國低收入住宅聯盟 (The National Low Income Housing Coalition)估計，要迎合需要，整個麻州還需要16萬3000戶低收入租戶可以負擔得起的住宅。

           商業房地產業組織，麻州NAIPOP執行長Tamara Small表示，在人們的近期記憶中，蓋房子從來沒有像現在這麼難過。”那可能使得融資更難，蓋房子有更多顧慮”。

          顧問公司RKG的董事長Kyle Talente表示，近年來，劍橋市和尚莫維爾市(Somerville)都把包容性區域規劃比率增加到20%，總體的新建房屋數量也都下降了，其中一部分原因就是區域規劃變動，以及新冠病毒大流行和其他經濟因素。

          今年稍早，吳弭政府邀倡議者，發展商及房屋專家組成工作小組，推動包容性發展計畫 (IDP)的改變。6月份時，波士頓市請RKG從融資角度檢視計畫，該公司從多個角度審閱後認為，17%的房屋單位數，60%的平均中位收入，以及撥出3%給持券者，在財務上可行。

          吳弭市長還打算在2023年初時，提出某種形式的租金管制，或稱租金穩定作法，重新推動高價房屋銷售的2%轉手費。不過該法還需麻州議會及候任州長奚莉批准。

          修改包容性發展計畫則在吳弭市長的可控範圍之內。

          波士頓計畫及發展局 (BPDA)及波士頓市長的住宅辦公室將在修訂最後版本，交給市府機構及官員批准前，舉辦公聽會，請民眾發表意見。這一改變將在BPDA和區域規畫委員會投票通過之外，需要波士頓市議會批准。連鎖金的改變則只需要BPDA和區域規畫委員會投票通過。

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Robert L. Jubinville as Clerk Magistrate of the Framingham District Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Robert L. Jubinville as Clerk Magistrate of the Framingham District Court

 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney Robert L. Jubinville as Clerk Magistrate of the Framingham District Court.

 

“With the addition of Attorney Jubinville, Massachusetts will receive a well-qualified candidate for the judiciary,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud to submit his nomination to the Governor’s Council.”

 

“Attorney Jubinville possesses decades of experience in law that make him a well-suited candidate for the Framingham District Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Robert L. Jubinville

 

Attorney Robert L. Jubinville began his legal career in 1979 as an attorney for Buckley, Haight, Muldoon, Jubinville before moving to Flavin & Jubinville in 1993. Since 1996, Attorney Jubinville has operated his own law office, Robert L. Jubinville, Attorney at Law. Before his legal career, Attorney Robert L. Jubinville served in the United States Army from 1968 to 1970, receiving an honorable discharge. From 1972 to 1979, he served as a Massachusetts State Police Trooper and Detective. Since 2013, Attorney Jubinville has been a member of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council. Attorney Jubinville received his bachelor’s degree from Suffolk University in 1973 and his juris doctor from Suffolk University Law School in 1977.

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES TWO-DAY HOCKEY FAN FESTIVAL ON CITY HALL PLAZA

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES TWO-DAY HOCKEY FAN FESTIVAL ON CITY HALL PLAZA Family-friendly festivities to precede 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park

BOSTON - Thursday, December 15, 2022 - Today Mayor Michelle Wu announced the National Hockey League (NHL®) will hold NHL Winter Classic Plaza™, a two-day free, non-ticketed fan festival on December 30th and December 31st on the newly reopened City Hall Plaza. City Hall Plaza will host interactive hockey-themed activities, including appearances by Boston Bruins alumni. NHL Winter Classic Plaza™ builds up to the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic®, an outdoor regular season hockey game that this year will be at Fenway Park on January 2nd, 2023. “We’re excited to host Bruins fans and Boston families for one of the first big events on City Hall Plaza since we reopened the space,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Especially during the colder months we need spaces to bring people together. I encourage everyone to come out to build community and get ready to cheer on the Bruins.” City Hall Plaza will treat hockey fans to many interactions and experiences, including autograph sessions featuring current and former Boston Bruins greats, family-friendly hockey interactives, giveaways, food, and an appearance by the oldest trophy in sports – the Stanley Cup®. NHL Winter Classic Plaza™ will run Friday, December 30 from 2:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m., and Saturday, December 31 from 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. A full list of activities that are free and open to the public can be found here. “An event of this nature and size is exactly what we designed the renovated City Hall Plaza for,” said Chief of Operations Dion Irish. “This is a great opportunity for Boston families to see the new features of the Plaza while building excitement for the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic®. I want to thank the NHL for their partnership in hosting this family-friendly event.” The 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic® outdoor game will feature the Boston Bruins facing off against the Pittsburgh Penguins at Fenway Park on Monday, January 2, 2023, at 2:00 p.m. The hockey fan festival builds on Mayor Wu’s vision to reimagine how the City can use public spaces to foster community and a family-friendly environment. In November, Mayor Wu reopened City Hall Plaza as a transformed civic space for all residents, with universal accessibility, new communal spaces, increased environmental sustainability, and critical infrastructure improvements. Phase 1 of the City Hall Plaza reopening includes the planting of 250 new trees, 3,000 new shrubs, and over 10,000 new perennials and grasses. The renovation also includes an increase in green infrastructure through permeable surfaces that will soak up stormwater. NHL, the NHL Shield, the word mark and image of the Stanley Cup and the word mark NHL Winter Classic are registered trademarks and the NHL Winter Classic logo and NHL Winter Classic Plaza name and logo are trademarks of the National Hockey League. NHL and NHL team marks are the property of the NHL and its teams. © NHL 2022. All Rights Reserved.

MAYOR WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF BOSTON’S INAUGURAL POWERCORPSBOS COHORT

MAYOR WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF BOSTON’S INAUGURAL POWERCORPSBOS COHORT This program uses a “learn as you earn” strategy and supports workforce development in fields that address environmental challenges

BOSTON - Thursday, December 15, 2022 - Yesterday, Mayor Michelle Wu joined PowerCorpsBOS for a graduation ceremony for its inaugural cohort. This event marked the 21 graduates who have spent the past six months learning about various green industries and skill sets, such as native and invasive plant identification, environmental conservation, parks maintenance, general labor operations, OSHA safety certification, career readiness, and resume writing and interviewing. An ‘earn and learn’ program, PowerCorpsBos pays members to participate in hands-on training and provides them with career readiness support, and connections to employers in the green industry.  “Building a Green New Deal city means supporting and investing in all aspects of the growing green industry across Boston,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “PowerCorps is a testament to the importance of investing in our youth and providing a vital pathway to enter careers in the environmental and sustainability industry. Congratulations and thank you to our inaugural graduating class!” PowerCorpsBOS is a partnership that is led by the Cabinet of Worker Empowerment and the Environment Department, in collaboration with Public Safety, Department of Youth Engagement and Employment, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families. The goals of PowerCorpsBOS are to promote workforce development for young people in growing industries while supporting environmental stewardship. Students worked with Boston Housing Authority and UMass Mount Ida Campus to learn skills including tree protection, including pruning, felling, limbing, and bucking.  PowerCorpsBOS assisted 87 acres of public land, removed 284 bags of invasive material, worked with 18 service project partners, planted 61 trees, underwent 16 hours of tree climbing training, earned three college credits from UMass Mount Ida in Arboriculture, talked to 68 employees in private to public industry, worked with four different city departments, pruned 32 trees, attended International Society of Arboriculture New England chapter conference, participated in 12 hours of mock interviews, and completed 16 hours of financial literacy courses. City Councilor Kenzie Bok joined the graduation ceremony at the Arboretum.  “Yesterday’s graduation affirms our city’s commitment to a Green New Deal that not only includes but is led by Boston’s Black and brown youth,” said Councilor Kenzie Bok, District 8. “I am so proud of all of the PowerCorpsBOS graduates, and I will continue to support this program in every way I can as its members grow into our future arborists, urban wild experts, green retrofit specialists, park rangers, and so much more.” This ambitious training program works to move residents into green jobs after program completion while focusing on training pathways into jobs to protect the environment. The priority of PowerCorpsBOS is to support communities that have been hit particularly hard by the socioeconomic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Priority populations include returning citizens, court-involved residents, youth who have experienced homelessness or housing instability, young people who have been in foster care, and other marginalized communities. The City of Boston’s green jobs program is inspired by the Philadelphia PowerCorpsPHL model that builds opportunities for young people by tackling pressing environmental challenges and developing the skills required to secure meaningful work. In Boston, the program is designed with “earn and learn” practices to ensure that members enter and succeed in career green job pathways. Members go through specifically tailored phases, in a field of their choosing, that embed service and equity, as well as direct connections to job openings. The program also offers connections to continuing education opportunities, including through the City’s Tuition Free Community College program.  “I am beyond honored to have had the opportunity to support 21 incredible young people gain new skills to join the green workforce," said Davo Jefferson, Executive Director for PowerCorpsBOS. "I am so humbled to prepare Boston's young people for employment opportunities that will allow them to earn a livable wage and support their families while taking care of the environment.” “Watching the evolution of the Power Corps members and the staff has been one of the most fulfilling parts of my job,” said Reverend Mariama White-Hammond, Chief of Environment, Energy and Open Space. “ I am so thrilled to congratulate Boston’s first cohort of PowerCorpsBos graduates and I can not wait to see how they support Boston’s fight for climate justice and a Green New Deal.” “The reason I joined PowerCorps was to find out who I was personally and make an impact on my community,” said Iman Toney. “I'm glad I was able to pave the way for other women in forestry,” said Jelaine Flores. “In this industry where women are underrepresented however, I'm glad I felt empowered to use my voice. Thank you PowerCorps for allowing me to be heard.”   “I knew that I wanted to find a job that would let me have my hands in the dirt and benefit this community,” said Tafari Wallace.   “This was the first thing I’ve seen through to completion since high school,” said Erica McManus-Lynch. “I have to say the experience has been ethereal!”   The program is now accepting the next round of applications. To be eligible for this program you must: be 18-30 years old; be a Boston resident; have your high school diploma or its equivalent (GED/HiSET); be unemployed or underemployed and not in college or on a career track; have an interest in outdoor, hands-on training. For questions about the program, contact PowerCorpsBOS@boston.gov. This City youth workforce development program was funded with $9 million from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Recently, Mayor Wu recently announced the City of Boston’s new Forestry Division within the Boston Parks and Recreation Department. The 16-person division will include opportunities for individuals who graduated from PowerCorpsBOS.

吳弭市長再度指派 Jeri Robinson 及 Quoc Tran 為學校委員會主席

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES REAPPOINTMENT OF CHAIRPERSON JERI ROBINSON & QUOC TRAN TO BOSTON SCHOOL COMMITTEE Each will serve a four-year term

BOSTON - Wednesday, December 14, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the reappointment of Jeri Robinson, currently the Chairperson, and Quoc Tran to four-year terms on the Boston School Committee. The Boston School Committee is the governing body of Boston Public Schools. “I’m proud to reappoint Chairperson Jeri Robinson and Quoc Tran back to the Boston School Committee, to continue the groundwork we’ve started to enhance the learning experience and school infrastructure for our children and families,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Both Jeri and Quoc are champions for all our students and school staff, and they’re committed to digging in and making the systemic changes our communities need. I want to thank them both for their leadership and look forward to continuing our work together.” “I’m honored to continue my life’s work of preparing children for a bright future,” said School Committee Chairperson Jeri Robinson. “Boston Public Schools has entered a new era, and I’m excited as ever to work alongside my fellow Committee members and BPS administration to deliver the world-class education students, staff and families deserve.” “The experience I gained as a Boston Public Schools parent and teacher helped me serve effectively in my first term,” said Boston School Committee member Quoc Tran. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to carry on building a system that will nurture the next generation of City leaders and workers alike.” “Jeri Robinson’s steady and reliable work as chairperson, and Quoc Tran’s well-rounded perspective have made them trusted and valuable partners since I returned to Boston Public Schools,” said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. “I’m thrilled they’ll remain in place as we continue to improve facilities, foundations, and outcomes for students and families across the City.” Both Robinson and Tran’s terms were set to expire in January of 2023.  The School Committee is responsible for: Defining the vision, mission, and goals of the Boston Public Schools; Establishing and monitoring the annual operating budget; Hiring, managing, and evaluating the Superintendent; and Setting and reviewing district policies and practices to support student achievement. The School Committee meets approximately twice per month during the school year to adopt, review and modify policies and practices that support teaching, learning and improved student achievement. With the exception of executive sessions, Committee meetings are open to the public, feature public comment periods, and are broadcast on Boston City TV. Robinson, now retired, served as Vice President of Early Childhood Initiatives at the Boston Children’s Museum. She brings more than 40 years of experience in teaching and consulting in the fields of early childhood and museum education. She is the developer of the PlaySpace exhibit –one of the earliest prototypes for early learning family spaces in children’s and other museums – founder of the Boston Cultural Collaborative for Early Learning, and co-founder of both Families First Parenting programs and “Countdown to Kindergarten.” For many years, she has provided training and consultation to schools, early child programs, museums, and other organizations.   Ms. Robinson is a proud graduate of Girls Latin School. She received her B.S., M.S. Ed. and an honorary Doctorate in Education from Wheelock College, and serves on numerous boards dealing with family, community, multicultural, and early childhood education issues. In recognition of her work, Ms. Robinson has received awards such as the Wheelock Centennial Award, the Boston Parents Paper Family Advocate Award, the Women Who Care Award, and the Lucy Wheelock Award, was a 2004 participant in the Schott Fellowship in Early Care and Education. In 2005, she was named to the American Association of Museums, Centennial Honor Roll, in recognition of her contributions to the museum field in the past century and in 2010, was the recipient of the Abigail Elliot Award, given by BAEYC. Tran is the parent of four BPS graduates. Prior to his retirement as secretariat deputy director of the Office of Diversity and Civil Rights at the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services, he developed and implemented diversity and inclusion strategies for over 22,000 employees, and created diversity and affirmative action plans to retain a diverse workforce. Prior to this role, he was the executive director of the Vietnamese American Civic Association (VACA), where he managed all operations of the organization related to serving the social and public assistance needs of Vietnamese refugees and immigrants. Mr. Tran was a BPS high school teacher for six years. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, a master's degree in education from Northeastern University, and a doctoral degree in law from Suffolk University. Mayor Wu previously announced a call for applications to the Boston School Committee in November. More on the Boston School Committee can be found here.