麻州將動用910萬元聯邦經費 加強州及地方市鎮網路安全

(Boston Orange編譯)麻州政府2月9日宣佈，將撥發910萬元聯邦補助款，加強全州公共機構的網路安全，減少系統性的網路風險。申請截止日期為3月8日。

地方政府網路安全補助計畫 (The Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program)將投資7,289,717美元進入城鎮、區域學區和其他地區當局等的地方機構。單一申請人最多可申請 10 萬美元，而多個地方政府可聯合申請最多 30 萬美元。

州政府機構可以經由麻州分享網路安全補助計畫來申請總額1,822,429 美元的經費，申請人可以申請最高 100,000 美元。

麻州州長奚莉說，「網路安全威脅的複雜性和頻率不斷增加。麻州必須實施智慧網路安全策略並調整系統以適應當前情況。」， 「這些補助計畫將為州及地方政府機構提供資源，以有效因應網路事故，並從中恢復。

麻州副州長Kim Driscoll說，「這些計劃使我們能夠實現全州的安全目標。沒有任何一個機構能夠單獨實現這些目標；今天啟動的計劃將支持州和市機構實施新舉措，以創建一個更安全的麻州」。

補助和研究辦公室 (OGR) 以及公共安全和安保執行辦公室 (EOPSS) 與技術服務和安全執行辦公室 (EOTSS) 和 麻州網路中心(MassCyber​​Center) 合作，提供補助資金來支持麻州的網路安全措施。

聯邦資金是透過國土安全部網路安全和基礎設施安全局 (CISA) 和聯邦緊急事務管理局 (FEMA) 提供的州和地方網路安全撥款計劃授予的。作為馬薩諸塞州從這些聯邦機構收到的贈款資金的州行政機構，OGR 負責管理和管理贈款。

麻州網路安全規劃委員會是根據聯邦補助條款成立的，指導麻州、地方市鎮以及其他公共實體，那些網路安全活動是允許的。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Over $9.1 Million in Funds Available to Strengthen Cybersecurity for State, Local Systems

Program Enhances Ability to Address and Protect Against Cybersecurity Threats

BRAINTREE — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that more than $9.1 million in federal grant funds will be made available to strengthen cybersecurity and reduce systemic cyber risk for public agencies statewide.

The Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program will invest $7,289,717  into local agencies, including cities and towns, regional school districts and other regional authorities. Single applicants may apply for up to $100,000 in funding, while multiple municipalities may jointly apply for up to $300,000.

State agencies can apply for funding through the State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program. A total of $1,822,429 is being made available, and applicants may request a maximum award of $100,000.

“Cybersecurity threats continue to increase in sophistication and frequency. In this ever-changing digital world, we must implement smart cybersecurity strategies and adapt our systems to meet the moment,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These grant programs will provide state and local agencies with resources to effectively respond to and recover from a cyber-incident.”

“These programs allow us to meet our security objectives across the state. No one agency can achieve these goals alone; the programs launched today will support state and municipal agencies as they implement new initiatives to create a more secure Massachusetts,” said Lt. Governor Kim Driscoll.

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) and the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) partnered with the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security (EOTSS) and the MassCyberCenter to make grant funds available to support cybersecurity initiatives across Massachusetts.

The federal funds were awarded through the State and Local Cybersecurity Grant Program, offered by the Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) and Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). As the State Administrative Agency for grant funds received by Massachusetts from these federal agencies, OGR is responsible for managing and administering the grant.

In accordance with terms of the federal grant award, the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee was formed to guide allowable cybersecurity activities for the Commonwealth, its municipalities, and other public entities.

“In every conversation I have with a municipal leader, cybersecurity is a top concern, but they either do not have the dedicated personnel or funding to implement the most impactful best practices.  Our state agencies and municipal governments will greatly benefit from this grant program, which strengthens the cybersecurity posture from a whole-of-state approach and makes the services we deliver to residents more secure,” said Secretary of Technology Services and Security Jason Snyder, who as the Commonwealth’s Chief Information Office chairs the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee.

“Massachusetts is a global leader in innovation. Our adoption of advanced technology has vastly improved the Government’s ability to deliver more effective and efficient services to our constituents,” said Secretary of Public Safety and Security Terrence Reidy. “Those same innovations have also exposed our operational systems and sensitive data to significant risk. I encourage eligible entities to pursue this funding opportunity and strengthen our collective defense against evolving digital threats.”

“This cross-secretariat collaboration is key to achieving our cybersecurity goals at the state and local level,” said Deputy Secretary of Public Safety and Security Susan Terrey, the Commonwealth’s Homeland Security Advisory and vice-chair of the Massachusetts Cybersecurity Planning Committee. “These grant opportunities reflect our commitment to enhancing cybersecurity, safeguarding infrastructure, building statewide cyber-resiliency and, above all, protecting our communities from harm.”  

“By securing these grant funds for the Commonwealth, we’re able to address some of our most immediate cybersecurity priorities,” said OGR Executive Director Kevin Stanton. “These programs allow us to partner with state and municipal leaders to promote enhanced cybersecurity preparedness and responses, helping ensure the security of the Commonwealth and its communities.”

Applications for both grant programs are due March 8, 2024.

Interested municipalities and state agencies can learn more about the application process during upcoming webinars offered by OGR. Additional information, webinar registration links and application materials are available by visiting the Municipal Local Cybersecurity Grant Program page and State Share Cybersecurity Grant Program page of OGR’s website.

BPDA出動中文簡報 進華埠啟動唐人街區域重劃計畫

波士頓華埠居民會二月分月會。

           (Boston Orange 周菊子報導) 波士頓計畫發展局 (BPDA) 2月7日晚藉波士頓華埠居民會 (CRA)月會，說明正在辦理「唐人街重新分區」計畫，將公開調查民意，舉行公眾會議，聆聽重點群體的意見，預定5月提交最後草案，送審議。

波士頓計畫發展局由綜合規畫師張拉美 (Lamei Zhang) 、分區改革規劃師 Astrid Walker-Stewart主持會議，另有Andrew Nahmias，Caitlin Coppinger，以及該局計畫主任Aimee Chambers等至少5

波士頓華埠居民會2月會議議程。

人出席，顯然十分重視這次會議。

                         波士頓華埠居民會由會長黃國威、華人前進會社區組織員鄺寶蓮率同近20名居民，在華人前進會的會議室參加會議，網路上另有30餘人在線。波士頓市長華埠聯絡員黃楚嵐，波士頓市第2區市議員Ed Flynn的助理盧善柔，麻州眾議員麥家威 (Aaron Michlewitz)的助理 Luigi Natale等政府、民代助理，都出席了會議。

亞美社區發展協會 (ACDC)主任劉安琪，華埠土地信託會 (CLT) 主任駱理德，麻州亞裔餐飲協會副會長Tran Le，以及Heang Rubin

BPDA張拉美主持會議。

等人也都出席了會議，並提問。

                 波士頓計畫發展局在2018到2023年間，為保存、增強波士頓市中心的可負擔性、適於徒步遊逛程度，具因應氣候變遷能力，有更多開放空間，有豐富的各種生活機能，使之成為一個24小時的不夜城，研擬制定了新的發展框架，稱為市中心計畫 (PLAN:Downtown)。BPDA董事會在2023年12月的董事會議中，通過採行這一計畫，將分三期進行區域重新規劃。

                  張拉美在會中說明，中國城是波士頓市中心區域重新規畫的一部分，但該局知道唐人街的社會組成和環境結構都獨具一格，因此把中國城劃分出來，希望針對唐人街社區作為重要的文化及社區樞紐的需要，專門研擬一份區域規劃。

在2018到2023年間，BPDA也曾進入唐人街，探詢民意，聽到需要為唐人街舉辦專場會議，要建設綜合用途樓宇，為不同收入居民建造更多房屋，增加房型選項，開闢更多步行街，同時保留排汙等歷史結構，保護並增加唐人街的文化傳承及成長潛力，讓不會講英文的唐人街居民也能夠從容參加規劃流程等聲音，

                     區域規劃主要是規定土地用途與建築尺寸，換言之，規範土地發展建設的第80章 (Article 80)，也需要修訂。波士頓市研議重作區域規劃是因為現有的區域規劃規定和現有建築及地方上想要有的發展方式不契合，BPDA希望重新規劃後，發展商及民眾都會有更清晰的標準可以依循，

              張拉美指出，中國城內目前有30%的樓宇建築，密度超標，40%不符合土地用途規定，也是唐人街需要重做區域規劃的原因之一。BPDA想要藉由這次的研擬重新規劃區域，來促使鄰近土地發展計畫更切合唐人街的需要，給發展商及相關人士更明確，更可預測及透明的流程，

麻州區域計畫協會 (MAPC)和ACDC， CCLT， 包氏文藝中心，綠路保護會合作，波士頓市長的藝術與文化辦公室支持的唐人街文化計畫，也將在BPDA研擬唐人街區域重新規劃時，被列入考量。

唐人街區域重劃計畫時間表。

波士頓計畫發展局預定2月7日在波士頓華人居民會啟動「唐人街區域重新規劃」會議後，舉辦研討會，展開意見調查工作，接著3月再辦公眾會議，4月舉辦利益相關人士的焦點小組會議，公眾會議，5月提交唐人街區域重新規劃草案。張拉美在回應出席者提問時表示，BPDA希望在3月份辦理意見調查時，能有至少100人參加。

 要進一步了解唐人街區域重新規劃詳情，可發電郵給張拉美Lamei.Zhang@boston.gov。願意參加意見調查者可上網，https://bit.ly/ChinatownRezone_Survey。

波士頓華埠居民到華人前進會的會議室參加網路會議。

波士頓慈濟歲末感恩 報告深耕中國城

波士頓慈濟歲末祝福會部分出席者合影。 (波士頓慈濟提供)

                     (Boston Orange) 慈濟波士頓聯絡處以「弘法利生信願行，蔬食共善護大地」為主題，2月3日在牛頓市會所舉行「歲末祝福感恩會」，播放大藏經及上人開示影片，發福慧紅包，以話劇及手語歌演繹波士頓慈濟過去一年來深耕大波士頓及中國城社區經歷。

前排左一起，潘昭榮、游勝雄、郭競儒、廖朝宏、李豐，廖朝宏，
劉秀春 (右二)、譚嘉陵(右一)等嘉賓出席，李豐 (右三)師兄。(波士頓慈濟提供)

                 在送兔迎龍的2024年，成立已近30年的波士頓慈濟，藉由2023濃縮版全球慈濟大藏經，轉述今年跨入第58年的慈濟，仍然秉持著佛教為眾生信念，慈濟人大愛足跡遍及133個國家，從土耳其、敘利亞、馬達加斯加、馬拉威、莫三比克、夏威夷茂宜島到台灣南投仁愛鄉土石崩，屏東工廠爆炸火災等的救災濟難事蹟。還有今年5、6月有來自46國的22萬人雲集靈山法會浴佛，10月在台北小巨蛋演繹「無量義，法隨頌」，紀念慈濟舉辦骨髓捐贈活動30年等盛事。

青年志工和蔡瑞禮師兄(中)等人演繹蔬果發放活動。(波士頓慈濟提供)

                 過去這一年，波士頓慈濟則在積極推行慈濟的教育、慈善、人文、醫療等四大志業，定期發放愛心蔬果，關懷遊民街友、清掃華埠街道，徵集愛心商店之外，還深耕社區，在波士頓華埠服務站為老人家舉辦銀髮族歡樂時光系列，加入麻州政府援助新移民行列，捐贈禦寒物資。

波士頓慈濟人表演感恩手語歌。(波士頓慈濟提供)

                 2月3日下午，當著駐波士頓台北經文處處長廖朝宏，波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，波士頓僑務委員郭競儒，資深慈誠游勝雄，中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵，紐英崙客家鄉親會會長劉秀春等嘉賓和逾百名來自四面八方的支持者，波士頓慈濟志工特地安排慈少，慈青，慈濟人和You&Me樂團表演一系列的話劇、手語歌及歌曲演唱，展示波士頓慈濟在教育、慈善及人文等慈濟志業上的努力。

                    當天的表演，每個環節各有一段故事。先是由波士頓慈濟人文學校8位小朋友一一上台，在” 幸福的臉” 音樂聲中，向校長彭淑敏、副校長齊君明揮手道早安，準備上學拉開序幕。

接著展示慈少參加幫助偏鄉學童提升英語能力計畫，跨海陪伴澎湖小學10名6年級學生學英文，印證證嚴上人所說「有願就有力，有心就有福」的教學情境。

波士頓You&Me樂團演唱。(波士頓慈濟提供)

慈少每2個月拜訪老人院，以手語、樂器演奏等為耆英帶來溫暖、歡笑，這天表演了”With you by my side”的手語歌。

慈濟人文學校兒童表演。(波士頓慈濟提供)

                      吳明真校長為體恤家長在每週三，學校只上半天課，家長為安置孩子，無法安心工作，和慈濟商量後，從2021年11月起，把課程設計圍繞著感恩、尊重、愛的波士頓慈濟幸福校園課後班引進一般學校，一舉三得的既幫助家長解決安置小孩困難問題，宣揚了證嚴上人的教育理念，也讓孩子們得到更妥善的照顧。這幸福校園迄今運行已3年，備受好評。

去年，波士頓慈濟舉辦了一場慈善星期二募款會，請波士頓You&Me樂團助陣，在這天的「歲末祝福會」中，波士頓You&Meu也再應邀，演唱了「美麗晨曦」，以及「路要自己走」這兩首歌。

波士頓慈濟發福慧紅包。(波士頓慈濟提供)

                     一群青年志工，每月兩次的在波士頓中國城發放蔬果給獨居長者，以及每月第一個星期二，中國城的慈濟社服站還有銀髮族快樂時光，以茶道、花道、健康講座等活動，為長者提供歡樂的情景，也由青年志工以話劇形式演出。

歲末祝福會的表演環節，最後在波士頓慈濟師兄師姐們在感恩、尊重、愛的手語歌中落幕。

歲末祝福會最後在播放2023波士頓慈濟大藏經，上人開示影片，發放以「菩提樹」圖案設計的福慧紅包，點心燈中結束。

波士頓慈濟點心燈。(波士頓慈濟提供)

                          慈濟波士頓聯絡處聯絡人長金滿師姐表示，慈濟人抱著處處感恩，事事感恩，人人感恩之心，努力發揮大愛精神，希望有更多人加入行善行列，淨化人心，促進社會祥和。他們也在積極思考擴大服務的內容與做法，請有心人電洽617-762-0569 ，或電子信箱TzuChiBoston@gmail.com 。

波士頓慈少演繹跨海陪澎湖小學生學英文。(波士頓慈濟提供)

麻州政府將投資5000萬元安裝電動車充電樁

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $50 Million Investment in Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure

Programs include a curbside charging pilot for renters, expanded charging infrastructure for the state fleet, support for TNC charging needs, and mobile chargers for medium- and heavy-duty electric vehicles 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced an investment of $50 million in initiatives to build out electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure across Massachusetts. The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds will increase access to charging infrastructure for more residents, electrify the state fleet, improve operation of public charging stations, manage the impact of charging infrastructure on the electric grid, and provide charging solutions for difficult to electrify vehicle types.  

“State and rideshare vehicles contribute a disproportionate amount of transportation emissions, so by investing in the electrification of these vehicles, we can have a much more cost-effective impact on emissions,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration is committed to leading by example in addressing climate change, and we are pleased that these funds will also allow Massachusetts to more quickly electrify its fleet.” 

“Many Massachusetts drivers want to make the switch to electric vehicles, but worry about access to charging,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This investment will break down barriers to widespread electric vehicle adoption and help Massachusetts meet its ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets.” 

The $50 million in ARPA funds will support innovative EV technology programs at the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), charging infrastructure investments for the state fleet through Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) and the Department of Energy Resources (DOER), testing equipment and staff at the Division of Standards (DOS) to conduct inspections of public charging stations, and future analysis of EV charging needs by the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council (EVICC).

“Vehicle emissions not only contribute significantly to climate change, but also impact public health, especially in environmental justice communities,” said Secretary for Energy and Environmental Affairs Rebecca Tepper. “With this funding, the Healey-Driscoll Administration is creating more equitable access to clean transportation and ensuring drivers in all communities across Massachusetts have the option to choose an electric vehicle.” 

“This funding will help make a bigger impact in the lives of our residents across the state as it relates to the future of transportation,” said Transportation Secretary and CEO Monica Tibbits-Nutt. “Taking the steps to increase measures like fast-charging stations and decarbonization will position us to offer better choices to residents that will be good for the environment and for us as we all work to respond to climate change.” 

“Decarbonization and addressing climate change are core priorities of DCAMM’s operations,” said DCAMM Commissioner Adam Baacke. “We are excited to be a part of this important investment in EV charging infrastructure.”   

“This significant investment from the Healey-Driscoll Administration will help make the transition to electric vehicles a more accessible and affordable opportunity for the Commonwealth’s residents and business owners,” said MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “These ARPA funds will directly impact our work to increase curbside charging stations, expand mobile charging for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles, speed up the electrification of taxi and rideshare fleets, and advance emerging technology that allows EV owners to use their car to power other sources." 

The following initiatives will receive funding: 

Electric Vehicle Curbside Parking for Residents in Multi-Unit Dwellings - $12.5 million 

MassCEC will work to help municipalities expand access to EV charging for residents with limited access to home charging, particularly in environmental justice and urban communities. Pole-mounted and streetlight chargers represent a promising strategy to use existing assets to expand access to curbside charging, but this potential is limited by barriers such as regulatory hurdles, complex ownership structures and unclear business and financial models. 

The project aims to increase the number of overnight curbside charging stations, including accessible pole-mounted and streetlamp EV charging solutions. A technical consultant will deploy on-street charging near multi-unit dwelling neighborhoods and provide guidance to municipalities for future implementation. 

Medium- and Heavy-Duty Electrification Mobile Charging Solutions - $9.5 million 

Medium and Heavy-Duty (MDHD) vehicles make up 3% of Massachusetts vehicles, yet produce 20% of on-road vehicle emissions, making their electrification critical to reaching the state’s climate goals and to improve air quality in environmental justice communities, especially those near warehouses and ports. One major challenge to achieving electrification in this sector is project delays due to limits in grid infrastructure. Mobile charging represents a promising technology that could help fleet operators avoid delays and resist the urge to overbuild through temporary mobile charging solutions. MassCEC will complete a market characterization study paired with deployment projects to demonstrate mobile charging financial models and use cases.  

Ride-For-Hire Vehicle Electrification Charging Solutions - $8 million 

Uber, Lyft and taxi drivers drive a lot of miles, spend a lot of money on gasoline, and need a lot of charging. MassCEC will deploy EV charging to support the electrification of taxi and transportation network company (TNC) fleets. Electrification of this sector can help support the deployment of electric vehicles in urban areas and environmental justice communities. For example, studies in California show that while TNC drivers make up less than 3% of electric vehicle (EV) drivers, they account for over 40% of all public fast charger use. This project will fund level 2 and fast charging infrastructure projects with a focus on deploying charging resources in environmental justice communities, where a high percentage of TNC drivers reside.  

Vehicle-To-Everything (V2X) Analysis and Demonstration Projects - $8 million 

The widespread deployment of bidirectional technology would allow EV owners to use their car battery as a resource to reduce home energy costs or sell electricity onto the grid. V2X systems both charge and discharge an EV’s battery, enabling EVs to act as a grid resource by sending energy stored in the onboard battery to the local utility grid or to a grid-connected asset such as a building. This would have the potential transform our relationship with the grid, providing EV drivers with a mobile source of storage and opening up potential revenue streams to support EV adoption for low-income drivers. MassCEC will complete a market characterization analysis and demonstration projects that support vehicle-to-grid and/or vehicle-to-building projects designed to reduce peak demand and provide grid services.  

EV Charging at Priority State Facilities - $9.5 million 

DCAMM will seek to install fleet EV charging infrastructure in 60 or more high priority sites at state facilities. Each site would receive an average of 4 EV ports and 4 make-ready spots, making it easy to double the number of charging stations in the future. 

EV Charging for Other State Vehicles - $1.5 million 

DOER will provide funding to other agencies to install fleet EV charging infrastructure at approximately 60 sites, focusing on those not on the high priority list, non-executive branch fleets, and leased facilities. 

EV Charging Testing Equipment – $604,000 

DOS will purchase EV charging infrastructure testing equipment and hire staff to conduct inspections of public charging stations to ensure that they remain in working order and adhere to a common set of standards. 

EV Charging Needs Analysis - $396,000 

This funding will support the analytical needs of the EVICC through the end of 2026 to help it continue to assess the current state of EV charging infrastructure and future needs of Massachusetts as it promotes the electrification of the transportation sector. 

Background on Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Coordinating Council 

The EVICC was authorized by “An Act Driving Clean Energy and Offshore Wind” in 2022. The Climate Law requires that the EVICC assess and report on strategies and plans necessary to deploy electric vehicle charging infrastructure to establish an equitable, interconnected, accessible and reliable electric vehicle charging network. Since convening in May, the EVICC has held 10 public meetings on state EV infrastructure strategy. 

In August 2023, the EVICC submitted an Initial Assessment to the Legislature which found that approximately 10,000 publicly accessible fast charging ports will be necessary to support the light-duty vehicle fleet by 2030, in addition to 35,000 publicly accessible Level 2 stations and more than 700,000 residential and workplace charging stations. 

Earlier this year, the Administration expanded the Massachusetts Offers Rebates for Electric Vehicles Program (MOR-EV Program), which provides rebates for the purchase or lease of light-, medium-, and heavy-duty battery electric and fuel cell electric vehicles (EVs). In addition to the existing $3,500 rebates for EVs, the new MOR-EV program includes the rebates at the point-of-sale with participating dealers, a $3,500 rebate for used EVs for income-qualifying residents, a $1,500 rebate adder for income-qualifying residents called MOR-EV+ that is in addition to the standard rebate for new or used electric vehicles; and increased rebates for certain light-duty pickup trucks. 

“These initiatives tackle huge issues, like the convenience of charging for condo and apartment dwellers, the greening of Uber and Lyft, the task of keeping chargers in good working order, and the electrification of heavy-duty trucks. Ambitious stuff,” said State Senator Mike Barrett (D-Lexington), Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. 

"Investing in EV infrastructure could not be more critical at this juncture to address the range and charging anxiety that makes drivers hesitate when deciding whether to purchase an electric vehicle," said State Representative Jeffrey N. Roy (D-Franklin), House Chair of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy. "I thank the Administration for building on the Legislature's work in creating the charging infrastructure fund by developing targeted investments in curbside charging, fleet charging, medium- and heavy-duty mobile charging, and other innovation solutions to help Massachusetts drivers get into EVs." 

Governor Healey Nominates Appeals Court Associate Justice Gabrielle R. Wolohojian to Supreme Judicial Court

Governor Healey Nominates Appeals Court Associate Justice Gabrielle R. Wolohojian to Supreme Judicial Court 

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey today nominated Massachusetts Appeals Court Associate Justice Gabrielle R. Wolohojian to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court. This is Governor Healey’s second nomination to the state’s highest court.   

 

“There is no one more qualified or better prepared to serve on the Supreme Judicial Court than Justice Wolohojian. She will bring over three decades of broad trial and appellate experience, including sixteen years on the Appeals Court,” said Governor Healey. “Justice Wolohojian has served on the Appeals Court with distinction and her work is widely respected by members of the bench and bar. She has an exceptional understanding of the law and a strong commitment to the administration of justice. I thank the Supreme Judicial Nominating Commission for their work throughout this process and I am grateful to the Governor’s Council for their careful consideration of her nomination.” 

 

“Justice Wolohojian cares deeply about improving the work of our courts and ensuring that the judiciary serves the public as best it can,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “From chairing the Supreme Judicial Court’s Standing Advisory Committee on the Rules of Appellate Procedure, to overseeing the training and mentoring of all new judges on the Appeals Court, Justice Wolohojian has shown an unwavering dedication to improving the functioning ofour courts. Governor Healey and I look forward to the Governor’s Council’s consideration of Justice Wolohojian, who, if confirmed, will be a critically important addition to the Supreme Judicial Court.”   

 

“Justice Wolohojian is uniquely qualified to join the Supreme Judicial Court at a time when it enjoys and is committed to maintaining its reputation as one of the most respected state supreme courts in the country,” said retired Associate Justice of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court Geraldine S. Hines. “This is a difficult job that demands intellectual vigor, respect for the rule of law, an unwavering commitment to equal justice under the law, and an impeccable work ethic. From our time together on the Appeals Court and from my conversations with colleagues who have continued to serve on the court, I can say that Justice Wolohojian is richly blessed with these qualifications, as exemplified in her record of achievement as a lawyer and jurist. She has also mastered the under-appreciated but important skill so critical to appellate judging: the ability to accept and coax consensus from the inevitable debates that arise when seven justices with diverse background, life experiences and judicial philosophies are called upon to decide the difficult and complex issues of law presented to the court.” 

 

The Supreme Judicial Court is Massachusetts's highest appellate court, consisting of the Chief Justice and six Associate Justices. The seven Justices hear appeals on a broad range of criminal and civil cases from September through May and issue written opinions that are posted online.  

 

Justice Wolohojian is nominated to fill the seat vacated by Justice David A. Lowy, who retired from the Supreme Judicial Court in February 2024.   

 

About Justice Gabrielle R. Wolohojian:   

 

Gabrielle Wolohojian was appointed to the Appeals Court in February 2008. Since her appointment, she has sat on over 2,700 appeals and authored over 900 decisions. She serves as the Chair of the Supreme Judicial Court’s Advisory Committees on the Rules of Appellate Procedure, and the Chair of the Appeals Court’s Committees on Judicial Mentoring and Training, Education, Policies and Practices, and En Banc Rehearings. Justice Wolohojian is a regular speaker on appellate practice.  

 

Born in New York, and the granddaughter of Armenian immigrants, Justice Wolohojian received a B.A., magna cum laude, from Rutgers University in 1982; a Ph.D. in English language and literature from the University of Oxford in 1987; and a J.D. from Columbia Law School in 1989, where she was an editor of the Columbia Law Review. After graduation from law school, she served as a law clerk, first to Judge Rya Zobel of the United States District Court for the District of Massachusetts, then to Judge Bailey Aldrich of the United States Court of Appeals for the First Circuit.  

 

In 1991, Justice Wolohojian joined the Boston law firm of Hale and Dorr (now known as WilmerHale), where she became a partner in the firm's litigation department. Her practice focused on complex commercial litigation in State and Federal courts, including product liability cases, consumer class actions, false advertising claims, and other business and consumer transactions. In 1994, Justice Wolohojian left the firm to serve as an associate independent counsel on the Whitewater investigation, returning to her practice sixteen months later.  

 

An accomplished violinist, Justice Wolohojian regularly plays and performs with orchestras, including playing with the Boston Civic Symphony Orchestra since 1989. She previously served as President of the Board of Directors of the Boston Civic Symphony Orchestra. Since 2005, Justice Wolohojian has served as an Overseer of From the Top, a nationally-distributed radio program focusing on young children playing classical music.  

波士頓市撥發170萬元青年發展補助金給24機構

MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES GRANTEES OF LATEST YOUTH DEVELOPMENT FUND, TOTALLING $1.7 MILLION Grants distributed to 88 organizations to support youth engagement programming

BOSTON - Tuesday, February 6, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced the recipients of  $1.7 million in grants to youth development organizations through the city’s Youth Development Fund (YDF), a grant program that supports non-profit organizations to provide high quality, engaging programming for youth and young adults ages 14-24. The goal of this grant is to increase the variety of free youth programming in the City and provide a positive outlet for youth outside school hours. The selected organizations can be found here. “The future of Boston lies in the hands of our youth and our commitment to their growth,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Through the Youth Development Fund, we are investing in community organizations focused on creating fun, safe and engaging programming for our youth, allowing for more opportunities for advancement and empowerment. We’re grateful to all our partners for their commitment to our young people in the City of Boston.” This year’s grants prioritize programs that support Mayor Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore: Commitment to Youth, a commitment to giving Boston youth an opportunity to explore and discover their passions. This commitment aims to increase access for youth to sports, swimming, arts, growing food and biking. This year’s YDF allocation provides $550,000 for community-based youth sports programs, $400,000 for arts programming, and $170,000 for programs that introduce youth to cooking and growing their own food.  “I’m excited that the Youth Development Fund is aligned around the Mayor’s commitment to support the healthy development for youth in key areas of growth,” said José F. Massó, Chief of Human Services. “Making investments today in skill-building for young people will make Boston stronger now and in the future.”  The 2024 YDF funds three tracks of grantees: Emerging Leader Grantees, which are generally eligible for grants up to $10,000; Uplift Grantees, which receive up to $20,000; and Sustaining Grantees up to $30,000 which are available to the largest organizations. Grantees qualify for each track based on their organizational budget.  The new approach to YDF is intended to increase opportunities for small nonprofits to grow and thrive in Boston through the Emerging Leader Learning Community. In addition to funding, the Emerging Leader grantees will receive a tailored curriculum to help advance their skills, increase their organizational capacity, and create durable connections among the cohort. The Emerging Leader cohort will be made up of 24 organizations. They will meet once a month to learn business management skills, be paired with a mentor from a larger nonprofit organization, and be given the opportunity to network with other nonprofit leaders in Boston. Successful applicants in the two other tracks of the grant may be asked to serve as panelists in the learning sessions or as mentors for the Emerging Leaders.  “We are thrilled to join the Emerging Leader Learning Community, a program that aligns perfectly with Jamad Basketball Camps' vision of growth and community power,” said Jamad Fiin, Founder of Jamad Basketball Camps. “This opportunity to collaborate and learn from fellow leaders and seasoned experts in Boston is invaluable. We look forward to this journey of shared learning and to further amplify our impact of breaking barriers in sports.” This year’s applicant pool numbered more than 200 applications, which was narrowed through a review process that considered each program’s potential to contribute to the Mayor’s Connect, Learn, Explore initiative as well as positive youth development. The programs funded will serve all neighborhoods in the city, with a higher number available to youth in Dorchester, Roxbury and Mattapan. These investments dovetail with the City’s goal of providing high quality out of school time programming in addition to building connections with youth-serving organizations across the city.  “It’s great to see the YDF continue its long tradition of strong support and partnership with youth-serving organizations,” said Pedro Cruz, Executive Director of the Office of Youth Engagement and Advancement. “I’m excited to see that programming will be expanded in every neighborhood and that the City is working to enhance the capacity of emerging leaders in the youth space.” This year’s YDF grantees will enhance the landscape of positive youth development opportunities that are available to young people in Boston. Research shows that positive youth development programs help youth to develop their social skills, form healthy relationships with their peers and with caring adults. YDF grantees seek to meet youth where they are - in neighborhoods and schools.  For more information about YDF, please visit here. For more information about grant opportunities at the City of Boston, please visit here.