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星期四, 12月 05, 2024
波士頓市 Funding Update
麻州長提名4人出任地方及波士頓市法院法官
Governor Healey Nominates Judges to District Court and Boston Municipal Court
BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey nominated Connor Barusch, Nicholas Brandt and Dana Pierce to serve as Associate Justices of the Boston Municipal Court, and Hilary McCamic to serve as an Associate Justice of the District Court. The nominees will now be sent to the Governor’s Council for confirmation. If confirmed, all vacancies on the Boston Municipal Court will be filled.
“I’m proud to nominate these four attorneys who will all bring significant experience and expertise to the bench and ensure that their courts serve the best interests of our state,” said Governor Healey.
“I am excited to work with the Governor’s Council to move these nominees forward and continue to strengthen the courts throughout Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll.
The Boston Municipal Court Department serves the City of Boston, handling criminal and civil matters while maintaining a commitment to the rule of law, and protecting human dignity through respect, compassion, correction and the fair resolution of cases.
The Boston Municipal Court Department has 30 judges in eight court divisions in Brighton, Central (downtown), Charlestown, Dorchester, East Boston, Roxbury, South Boston and West Roxbury. The Boston Municipal Court also has jurisdiction to review appeals of decisions made by some government agencies on issues such as unemployment compensation and firearms licensing.
Governor Healey has already nominated three attorneys to the Boston Municipal Court: Rebeca G. Figueroa, Vanessa Vélez, and Steven S. Kim.
For more information about the Boston Municipal Court, visit its homepage.
The District Court Department 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 of 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. In civil matters, the District Court hears cases in which the damages are not likely to be more than $50,000 and small claims cases up to $7,000. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the state.
Governor Healey has already nominated 13 attorneys to the District Court: Jerald Parisella, Heath Antonio, Leo Fama, Francis V. Kenneally, Courtney C. Linnehan, Marjorie P. Tynes, Sarah Kennedy, Edward Krippendorf, Frederick DeCubellis, Gregory Teran, Amanda Ward, Stuart Hurowitz and Polly Phillips.
For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.
About the Nominees:
Connor Barusch currently serves as the Director of Criminal Defense Training at the Committee of Public Counsel Services (CPCS) where they oversee the training and material development throughout the office. Prior to this, Attorney Barusch was the Trial Attorney at CPCS where they represented clients throughout Boston and Roxbury and later served as a Training Attorney where they organized and coached at numerous trainings, including both short webinars and multi-week trainings. Attorney Barusch has also served as a faculty member at the National Criminal Defense College since 2021, and previously clerked for the Honorable Justice Duffly, Massachusetts Appeals Court. Attorney Barusch is a Founding Advocate for the Massachusetts Transgender Legal Advocates and a member of the Massachusetts LGBTQ Bar Association. They have a Bachelor of Arts from Harvard College and a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law.
Nick Brandt currently serves as a Deputy Legal Counsel in the Administrative Office of the District Court, where he advises the Chief Justice, judges, and Clerk-Magistrates on legal and policy matters, develops educational programming, and is a staff member of the District Court Committee on Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders and the District Court Criminal Committee. Previously, Attorney Brandt served as a Deputy Legal Counsel in the Office of Governor Charlie Baker, where he advised the Governor and Lieutenant Governor and their staff on public safety and education issues, including executive clemency, police reform, and pandemic-related impacts on prisons and public schools. Prior to that, Attorney Brandt was an Assistant District Attorney in Suffolk County, first as a trial attorney with cases in the Boston Municipal, District, Juvenile, and Superior Courts, and then as an appellate attorney appearing before the Appeals Court and the Supreme Judicial Court. Attorney Brandt began his legal career as a law clerk to the justices of the Superior Court. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from Williams College and a Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School.
Dana Pierce is the Director of Externships at Harvard Law School where she leads the placement process for all clinical externship students while also providing general clinical program advising to students and ensuring that all externship placements comply with ABA standards. Before this, Attorney Pierce served as an Assistant District Attorney, first in the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and later in the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office. At the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, Attorney Pierce served as the Chief of the District and Municipal Courts, and at the Plymouth County District Attorney’s Office, she served as the Chief of the District Courts. In both positions she oversaw the prosecution of all District Court and Juvenile cases countywide and served as an advisor to the District Attorney on caselaw updates and personnel matters. Attorney Pierce has also served as Vice President and Counsel to State Street Bank and Trust Company, where she managed the resolution of legal, operational, and policy related inquiries for several international entities. She holds a Bachelor of Science from Northeastern University and a Juris Doctor from Boston University School of Law.
Hilary McCamic has served as a Staff Attorney with the Committee for Public Counsel Services where she has represented indigent criminal defendants in the Lawrence Public Defender office since 2012. Attorney McCamic is responsible for handling serious criminal matters in the District and Superior Courts. Prior to this, Attorney McCamic owned a solo private practice focused exclusively on criminal defense, where she handled a caseload of twenty-five to forty cases including life felonies and aggravated felonies. While in private practice, she also served as an Essex County Bar Advocate representing indigent clients in the District and Superior Courts. She has worked as a criminal defense attorney since 2003. Attorney McCamic holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from Elmira College, a Master of Science in Film from Boston University and a Juris Doctor from the University of New Hampshire. For the last several years, she has served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Lawrence Bar Association.
特殊教育老師Luisa Sparrow贏得2025年度教師獎
Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year
Boston teacher Luisa Sparrow receives state’s top educator award
BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that Luisa Sparrow, a special education teacher for fifth- and sixth-grade students at the Oliver Hazard Perry School in South Boston, is the 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year. Governor Maura Healey, Education Secretary Patrick Tutwiler, Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston and Mayor Michelle Wu joined Superintendent Mary Skipper at the school to make the announcement during an assembly today.
“My mom was a school nurse and my stepdad was a public school teacher, so I have a deep appreciation for the incredible work that our educators and staff do day in and day out for their students,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It was so special to have the opportunity to congratulate and celebrate Ms. Sparrow today for her commitment to creating an inclusive learning environment that helps all of her students grow and succeed together.”
“Ms. Sparrow is a great representative of the many amazing educators we have in Massachusetts,” Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said. “As we recognize her and the team at the Perry School, I hope people will take the opportunity to thank the inspirational teachers in their own lives.”
The Massachusetts Teacher of the Year Program is the state’s top award for educators and annually recognizes excellence in teaching across Massachusetts through the selection of a teacher who exemplifies the dedication, commitment and positive contributions of educators statewide. Over the coming year, Ms. Sparrow will have speaking opportunities within Massachusetts and will travel to California and Washington, D.C. to meet with teachers of the year from the rest of the nation.
“Ms. Sparrow is an example of the exceptional educators we have in Massachusetts who go above and beyond to support all of their students and foster an inclusive learning environment,” said Education Secretary Tutwiler. “It’s a pleasure to celebrate with her, her dedicated team, students and school community today.”
“Ms. Sparrow empowers her students, values the work of her colleagues and builds bridges across the school,” Acting Commissioner Johnston said. “Congratulations to her and to our finalists, Ms. Ferrari and Ms. Magas!”
Ms. Sparrow, who has worked with colleagues to create inclusive opportunities for her students and the rest of the school, is the eighth Massachusetts Teacher of the Year to come from the Boston Public Schools. She is the 63rd recipient of this award and automatically becomes Massachusetts’ candidate for the National Teacher of the Year program.
"I am grateful for the educators across Massachusetts and Boston who demonstrate an unwavering dedication to helping students reach their best and brightest futures,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Teachers like Luisa Sparrow go above and beyond to nurture our young people and build up our school communities, and I am proud to highlight this outstanding member of our BPS community as the MA Teacher of the Year.”
The selection process for the 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year began in early 2024 with a call for nominations from administrators, teachers, students, parents and others. An initial review of each application led to the selection of eight semifinalists, who then submitted additional supporting material. Three finalists were selected and interviewed by a panel that included prior Massachusetts Teachers of the Year. That panel then recommended two names to Acting Commissioner Johnston, who made the final decision.
“My students, just like all others with significant disabilities, deserve the opportunity to learn alongside their neurotypical peers not because they are able do many of the same tasks, but simply because everyone deserves a chance to belong,” Ms. Sparrow said.
For the first time this year, the Massachusetts Teacher of the Year will be sponsored by Wellpoint, a health benefits company based in Woburn. Wellpoint is giving a $10,000 grant to Ms. Sparrow’s school and will also be honoring the two finalists. In addition to Ms. Sparrow, the finalists for 2025 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year were Jennifer Ferrari, a visual arts teacher at Lane Elementary School in Bedford, and Kristen Magas, an engineering teacher at Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School in Franklin.
“Wellpoint is proud to honor the hardworking educators in Massachusetts who inspire our next generation of leaders,” said David Morales, general manager of Wellpoint. “In addition to supporting their whole health, we are committed to supporting educators’ work in the classroom and celebrating the Commonwealth’s outstanding educators. Congratulations to Ms. Sparrow, Ms. Ferrari, Ms. Magas, and their schools!”
The semifinalists for this year’s award were:
Samantha Breen, an English language arts teacher at Hopkinton High School, part of the Hopkinton Public Schools;
Michael Haddad, a world languages teacher at Lynn English High School, part of the Lynn Public Schools;
Heather Lang, a special education teacher at Lynn English High School;
Ashley O’Neil, a special education teacher at Birchland Park Middle School, part of the East Longmeadow Public Schools; and
Susannah Remillard, an adventure education teacher at Nauset Regional Middle School, part of the Nauset Public Schools.
About Luisa Sparrow
Ms. Sparrow has been teaching for 16 years, eight of those at the Perry School, where she works with other educators in a self-contained classroom for students with intellectual disabilities. She serves on her school’s inclusion planning team and worked with other teachers to create the school’s inclusive Cooking Club. With grants from the Boston Public Schools Teacher Leadership Fund and other sources, groups from the school’s special education and general education classes meet every other week to cook and learn together. The activities are fun and lead to social interaction, and the club uses visual recipes in which each step is accompanied by a photograph, making the activities accessible for students with a wide range of reading abilities.
In addition to her work with students, Ms. Sparrow supports Boston teachers who are pursuing National Board Certification as an on-call reader through the Boston Public Schools/Boston Teachers Union National Board Program and serves as a Teach Plus Senior Policy Fellow. Outside of school, she supports youth who are experiencing state custody through the foster care system and works with elders to document their life stories. She lives in Wilmington with her family.
Ms. Sparrow holds a bachelor’s degree in human development from Cornell University, a master’s degree in education with a focus in language and literacy from Harvard Graduate School of Education, and National Board Certification as an exceptional needs specialist.
Her goal as a teacher is to design spaces where students can all learn what they need to learn together.
About Jennifer Ferrari
Ms. Ferrari’s art classes are student-centered, and her room has multiple stations where students can work with digital tools, sculpt clay, make prints, or use a variety of other materials. She encourages students to follow their interests, and she also connects art projects to events beyond her classroom, such as when her students created pieces about wildlife conservation and displayed them at the local library.
About Kristen Magas
Ms. Magas became a teacher after working as a civil and environmental engineer. She individualizes her instruction for each student, offering them choices related to real-world problems, from ramps needed for a museum to NASA-related projects. Ms. Magas is currently part of a NASA crew on a 45-day simulated Mars mission in Houston and is expected to return in December.
About Wellpoint
Wellpoint is a health benefits company that has served Group Insurance Commission (GIC) members, retirees, and their families for more than 30 years. Wellpoint provides health benefits exclusively to people insured through the GIC, offering a variety of plan options that provide comprehensive medical benefits. Learn more at wellpointmass.com.
To nominate a public school educator to be the 2026 Massachusetts Teacher of the Year, please email educatorrecognition@doe.mass.
星期三, 12月 04, 2024
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON FAMILY DAYS, OFFERING FREE ACCESS FOR FAMILIES AT NINE INSTITUTIONS ACROSS BOSTON
MAYOR WU ANNOUNCES BOSTON FAMILY DAYS, OFFERING FREE ACCESS FOR FAMILIES AT NINE INSTITUTIONS ACROSS BOSTON |
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The Boston Family Days program includes twice monthly free access days for all Boston school-aged children and their families at premier Boston institutions; builds on 44,000 attendees that used BPS Sundays |
BOSTON - Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced Boston Family Days, an expansion of the successful BPS Sundays pilot program, which gave Boston Public Schools students and their families free access to several cultural institutions throughout Boston. With today’s announcement, Mayor Wu has expanded this free access experience to include all Boston school-aged children and their families and added three new participating cultural institutions: the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and the Museum of African American History. Starting in January 2025 and until December 2026, on the first and second Sundays of each month, every student living in Boston enrolled in grades K-12 or Boston Pre-K will get free admission along with up to two guests to Boston Children’s Museum, the Franklin Park Zoo, the Institute of Contemporary Art, the Museum of Fine Arts, the Museum of Science, the New England Aquarium, the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum, the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum, and the Museum of African American History. This builds on the Mayor’s work to make Boston the most family-friendly city in the country. “The City’s pilot program provides transformative opportunities to our students and their families, and we’re proud to share that over 44,000 students and family members have been able to visit Boston’s cultural institutions free of charge through this program,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “To expand this opportunity to as many young people in our community as possible, we are overjoyed to welcome all Boston school-aged children and their families to utilize Boston Family Days. Through exploration in these world-class cultural institutions, we hope to nurture curiosity and encourage lifelong learning in our city.” Students and families will gain free admission to participating institutions on the first two Sundays of each month from January 2025 to December 2026 by showing their Program Pass, which the City will send each week before each month’s program. Due to the popularity of the program, families are encouraged to pre-register and reserve tickets online. To participate in Boston Family Days, families must sign up directly with the City. The enrollment platform will launch later this month. Families can fill out this form to be the first to know when they can sign up. For children currently enrolled in Boston Public Schools or Boston Pre-K, they will be automatically enrolled in this program. BPS families will receive their Boston Family Days pass directly via email from BPS. "We are thrilled to see the incredible success of the BPS Sundays pilot program expand into Boston Family Days, opening the doors to even more students and families across our city," said Boston Public Schools Superintendent Mary Skipper. "Access to these premier cultural institutions provides opportunities for our young people to explore, learn, and connect with the world in meaningful ways. These experiences not only enrich their education but also inspire their creativity and curiosity. We are grateful for Mayor Wu's leadership and the partnership of our cultural and philanthropic community in making Boston a place where every family feels welcome and empowered to thrive." "As a young person, having access to local arts institutions gave me the tools to dream, create, and understand the world around me in a new way. I am incredibly proud that over the past 10 months, we have introduced so many young people to our city’s cultural institutions—many of whom had never had the chance before. Expanding this program to reach even more students and additional institutions is a crucial step to making the arts a vital part of every young person’s journey," said Kara Elliott-Ortega, Chief of Arts & Culture. “The Archdiocese of Boston Catholic School's Office is excited to celebrate the success of the initial pilot program and grateful to all of the benefactors who made it possible for the expansion of the program to include students in Boston Catholic Schools and to Mayor Wu and her team for recognizing Boston's museums as a learning space for our students and their families,” said Eileen McLaughlin, Superintendent of Catholic Schools for the Archdiocese of Boston. “We're grateful that this opportunity is being extended to all children and families who reside in the City, regardless of which school they attend,” said Tim Nicolette, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Charter Public School Association. “Free access to these institutions will create experiences for children to learn, explore, be inspired and have fun. We’d like to thank Mayor Wu, her staff, funders and the cultural institutions for providing this access to children and families who may otherwise miss out on the extraordinary learning and cultural opportunities these institutions provide.” The BPS Sundays pilot program was first launched in February. The successful first iteration of the free program saw 44,000 participants use the program and attracted many first time visitors to Boston’s cultural institutions. At the Boston Children's Museum 41% of visitors were new, and at the Institute of Contemporary Art 55% of visitors had never been before. The city’s data shows more than half of student program participants were economically disadvantaged. Students from all grade levels have taken advantage of the program, demonstrating the effectiveness in engaging a wide age range. “The kids and I have had a wonderful time at the Children's Museum. Being able to experience this has been great,” said Kacthary Sanclemente of East Boston whose child attends kindergarten. “Going to museums can be pricey so normally my family and I never come here. Being able to do this through the BPS Sunday program has made this a possibility for my family and I to enjoy just another great place here in Boston.” “We believe in the empathetic and creative community where all people can experience the arts. The Gardner has been a leader in lowering economic barriers; the Museum began offering free admission to Boston Public School (BPS) students in 1935. Today, we honor that history by offering free general admission to children 17 and under and teachers participating in the Museum’s Thinking Through Art (TTA) program, among other forms of free-admission. Joining the second phase of the Mayor’s initiative is a natural continuation of this legacy,” said Peggy Fogelman, Norma Jean Calderwood Director of the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum. “Connection to art and each other is imperative now, and for our collective futures. We care deeply about ensuring access to art and look forward to joining the Mayor in welcoming our community to the Gardner Museum.” “We are excited and honored to join with Mayor Wu in making Boston’s cultural community accessible to Boston Public School students and their families,” said Dr. Noelle Trent, President & CEO of the Museum of African American History. “The history that is all around us is as rich and diverse as the city itself. And sharing stories about people, ideas, and events that occurred in Boston’s early Black community allows visitors of every age and background to see themselves reflected in this history. This program is a natural extension of our ongoing efforts to form deeper alliances with area schools and teachers and inspire even the youngest students and their families to learn, ask questions, and grow.” "The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum is pleased to join with the Mayor's office program BPS Sundays, on the first two Sundays of each month starting in January. We are grateful and excited to welcome Boston families to explore the importance of civic engagement and public service by learning about President Kennedy’s legacy,” said Alan Price, Director of the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum. For any questions, families can email bostonfamilydays@boston.gov. “BPS Sundays was a highlight for our whole family. We were able to use the passes almost every first and second Sunday of the month, so much so that our children started calling it ‘museum Sundays,’” said Rebecca Ward, a West Roxbury resident with a child in K2. “As an educator, I understand the importance of exposing children to a variety of cultural experiences to learn, explore, wonder and grow. As a busy mom, it's hard to know when and how to make the time (and have the money!) to provide my children with such experiences. BPS Sundays met us right where we were. Thank you for giving our family the gift of BPS Sundays!” “Once, a classmate organized their birthday party at the zoo for the whole class since everyone had free access. Another time at the Museum of Science, we ran into two classmates coincidentally. It is an awesome way to promote connectedness outside the classroom. And, it encouraged us to utilize these institutions more than we would have normally,” said Leigh Ann Haydon, a Fenway resident with kids in 2nd and 4th grade at the Rafael Hernandez School. “Every student in our city deserves the chance to unlock their curiosity and passion—to pursue that ‘aha’ moment that ignites their love of science,” said Tim Ritchie, president of the Museum of Science. “The expansion of the Boston Family Days program will spark so many more of those moments for Boston students and their families—precisely what it takes to build a global community of scientifically curious learners and doers.” “Programs like Boston Family Days that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity at cultural institutions are invaluable for young people. The New England Aquarium is honored to continue this partnership with the City and welcome students and families throughout Boston to form a deeper connection to the ocean and the importance it has in our lives,” said Vikki N. Spruill, president and CEO of the New England Aquarium. "Boston Children’s Museum (BCM) is thrilled to participate in the City of Boston’s expanded Boston Family Days program. We have welcomed thousands of children and their families through the BPS Sundays program. With all our many hands-on learning experiences, we know we are creating lifelong memories that make a difference in children’s lives. More than 40% of our annual visitors access the Museum through free or discounted programs, underscoring the ongoing need for affordable educational opportunities for young learners throughout the Commonwealth. We are extremely glad to see this important program expand to include all of our Boston kids," said Carole Charnow, President & CEO, Boston Children's Museum. “The ICA’s doors are open and free to Boston youth and families all the time,” said Jill Medvedow, Ellen Matilda Poss Director of the ICA. “The museum offers free admission for youth and teens every day of the week, free museum membership through our +1 program, and a robust schedule of arts education programming. We are pleased to continue our participation in Boston Family Days with more opportunities for Boston’s families.” “Since the launch of this wonderful program, we have welcomed more than 12,000 program guests to Franklin Park Zoo, each of whom have had the opportunity to create meaningful connections to the natural world, all while learning and creating lasting family memories,” said John Linehan, President and CEO of Zoo New England. “With the expansion of the program, we look forward to welcoming more Boston schoolchildren and their families for a day of STEM-focused learning, adventure and fun.” “This is a remarkable program that provides an invitation for students to experience the wonder of arts and culture across our city,” said Matthew Teitelbaum, Ann and Graham Gund Director of the Museum of Fine Arts. “It’s inspiring for all of us at the MFA to see families in our galleries, discovering new worlds through art across all time periods and cultures. We look forward to expansion of the program and applaud Mayor Wu’s dedication to provide truly meaningful experiences for our community.” This two-year program expansion is supported through a public-private partnership between the City of Boston and civic, corporate, and philanthropic partners. Supporters include Amazon, Barbara and Amos Hostetter, Barr Foundation, Bob and Michelle Atchinson, and Jim and Cathy Stone. “With over 44,000 Boston students and family members participating in the pilot phase earlier this year, Barr is privileged to support the expansion into 2025 and 2026, for many thousands more Boston students and families to know they are welcome and to be inspired by these cultural treasures in their hometown,” said Jim Canales, President & Trustee, Barr Foundation. "At Amazon, we believe in the power of curiosity and learning, and we're proud to play a part in expanding Boston Family Days," said Jerome Smith, head of Community Engagement for New England at Amazon. "As the program grows to include all K-12 students and three more renowned institutions, we're thrilled not just to support access, but to invest in the cultural education and inspiration of Boston's children." More information about Boston Family Days can be found here. |
MAYOR MICHELLE WU HOSTS THE 28TH ANNUAL ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR
MAYOR MICHELLE WU HOSTS THE 28TH ANNUAL ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR |
BOSTON - Wednesday, December 4, 2024 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment today announced that the 28th Annual Enchanted Trolley Tour will take place this Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8. "We are thrilled for this year's annual holiday trolley tour and tree lightings across the City," said Mayor Michelle Wu. "The holiday season is a time for family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate together. I'm grateful to Bank of America and all our partners for ensuring that we are able to bring the joy of the holidays across our neighborhoods. I encourage residents and families to attend this weekend's exciting events." The Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of lighting holiday trees and Santa visits throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. This event is presented by Bank of America, and supported by CityView Trolley Tours. The Enchanted Trolley tour features visits from Santa, Mayor Wu, Office of Neighborhood Services staff, and more. “The Enchanted Trolley Tour captures the magic of the holiday season, creating memorable experiences for Boston residents and visitors alike. Bank of America is excited to join Mayor Wu and the City of Boston in celebrating the festive spirit of the holidays by supporting the 2024 Enchanted Trolley Tour and Tree Lightings," said Miceal Chamberlain, President, Bank of America Massachusetts. Dates and times are as follows: Saturday, December 7
Sunday, December 8
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波士頓公佈第三輪空間補助款名單 華埠區Eat Pho名列32家之一
Mayor Wu Announces the Third Round of SPACE Grant Awardees, Benefitting 32 Entrepreneurs Across the City
In this final round, $2,875,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funding will support businesses in commercial districts throughout our neighborhoods.
Today, Mayor Michelle Wu announced the awardees of the third
round of the Supporting
Pandemic Affected Community Enterprises (SPACE) Grant, celebrating 32 small
businesses that recently opened or are about to open. Through this program, the
City has supported over 90 businesses, using over $10.2 million in American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding to help them with expenses related to new lease
agreements. For round three, the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion
received over 250 applications.
“Over the past few years we’ve seen this grant program
change lives, bring vibrancy back to our neighborhoods, and transform Boston’s
economic landscape,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “To make Boston a home
for everyone we have worked hard to provide the crucial support that our small
and local businesses need. I am grateful to our Economic Opportunity &
Inclusion Cabinet for their consistent efforts to bring life back to vacant
spaces across our City.
The first and second rounds distributed over $7.3 million to over 60 entrepreneurs, which will help to create more than 600 new jobs for residents. This final iteration will distribute $2,875,000 to the following 32 grantees:
- 1 more
rep athletics (Roxbury)
- Apex
Bar and Lounge Inc. (Downtown)
- The
Bay State Banner (Roxbury)
- Blue
Mountain Jamaican Restaurant, LLC (Mattapan)
- Bondij
Clothing (Dorchester)
- Brassica
Kitchen and Cafe (Jamaica Plain)
- cacao
South End, LLC (South End)
- Cha
Feo (Downtown)
- Cuffs
& Collars (Downtown)
- Don
Tequeño y Doña Arepa (Jamaica Plain)
- Downtown
Boston BID (Downtown)
- DJ's
Market (Dorchester)
- Eat
Pho LLC (Chinatown)
- Esther's
Garden Childcare Inc. (Dorchester)
- Fit to
Function (Roslindale)
- Georgie's
Wine Bar (Downtown)
- Genelys
Early Learning Center (Jamaica Plain)
- Haley
House Bakery Cafe (Roxbury)
- Hebron
Market (Mission Hill)
- The
Hummus Shop (Beacon Hill)
- Ink
Source LLC (Roxbury)
- Jenny's
Pizza (Charlestown)
- Leche
y Miel, LLC (South End)
- The
Little Cocoa Bean Company (Jamaica Plain)
- Murl's
Kitchen LLC (Dorchester)
- Neighborhood
Wash (Dorchester)
- Noir
Essence Studios, LLC (Dorchester)
- Nubian
Notion (Roxbury)
- Rozzie
Bound Co-op, Inc. (Roslindale)
- Silver
Dove Afternoon tea (Downtown)
- SJ's
(Downtown)
- Sorrel
& Lime (Dorchester)
Mayor Wu and the Office of Economic Opportunity and
Inclusion developed the SPACE Grant program as a direct result of
recommendations made by small business owners. Of all of the SPACE round
grantees, 34 are now open and operating, 30 have signed a lease, and the
remainder are in lease negotiations. The City is continuing to support all
grantees with technical assistance, connections with developers and landlords,
and with business-serving organizations for site selection support. Many SPACE
Grantees have also applied and received low interest small business loans from
the Boston Local Development Corporation (BLDC).
The program provides opportunities for small business owners
to open their new or next storefront location in major commercial districts
like Downtown and Back Bay, bring vibrancy to all City neighborhoods, and help
close the racial wealth gap.
Across the three rounds, 75 percent of SPACE grantees are
entrepreneurs of color and over 65 percent are women business owners. In the
past three months, SPACE grantees have opened storefronts throughout the city,
including Dani’s Queer Bar in the Back Bay, sweeties in Roslindale, and
Boardeaux in the Financial District.
“The third round SPACE grantees are dynamic businesses that
will strengthen both Downtown and Boston’s neighborhoods,” said Segun
Idowu, Chief of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion. “The awardees exude
creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. Boston will benefit from the growth of
both these companies, as well as those previously awarded grants through the
SPACE program.”
“We have enjoyed celebrating grand openings and
ribbon-cuttings for many of our SPACE Grantees, and we look forward to not only
seeing more of these businesses open, but also continuing to support their
growth as entrepreneurs,” said Alia Hamada Forrest, Director of
Business Strategy for the Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion.
In addition to awarding businesses grants to open
brick-and-mortar locations, the City is providing each business with
wrap-around services to assist with lease negotiation, accounting, taxes,
regulatory compliance, marketing, and employee-ownership to ensure long-term
success. The Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Associated Industries of
Massachusetts (AIM), and the Retailers Association of Massachusetts (RAM) also
offer grantees free memberships to their organizations.
Grantees are also supported with small business resources
through local financial institutions including the Boston Local Development
Corporation and Dorchester Bay Economic Development Corporation and tenant
improvement contributions offered by participating landlords. Wraparound
services are provided by the Small Business Technical Assistance Program
through the City of Boston’s Office of Small Business.
“We are incredibly grateful for this support from the City.
The SPACE Grant will help us create a space that brings people together,
supports local jobs, and adds to the neighborhood's culinary vibrancy,”
said Tran Le, Owner of Eat Pho, a restaurant about to open in
Chinatown.
"The SPACE Grant has been instrumental in supporting
our business and enriching our community. It’s an invaluable resource, and we
extend our heartfelt thanks to the City of Boston and its dedicated staff for
their unwavering support," said Kurt Mclaughlin, Owner/Partner of
Sorrel & Lime, a new modern event space opening soon on Blue Hill
Avenue in Dorchester.
The Office of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion first
announced the SPACE Grant program at the end of 2022, following the
release of the City’s Downtown
Revitalization Plan. A total of $9 million was budgeted for the SPACE
program. An additional $1 million of ARPA funding was re-appropriated to the
SPACE Grant Program by the Boston City Council in early October 2024. For more
information about the SPACE Grant program, visit the program
website.
MAYOR MICHELLE WU GIVES $110M TO BILLIONAIRE FINANCIER WHILE PROPOSING TO INCREASE TAXES TO HOMEOWNERS
MAYOR MICHELLE WU GIVES $110M TO BILLIONAIRE FINANCIER WHILE PROPOSING TO INCREASE TAXES TO HOMEOWNERS
- Charlestown
residents were not informed of this Instagram performance by Mayor Wu “15%
back when they sell" condos that were not designated as condos.
Bunker Hill Housing apartment has always been rental.
https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDFkJTfuZ9P/?igsh=MTB4emR2NTBnb2F6bA==
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Mayor Wu DID NOT disclose the truth: BHHD tenants
will need to pay their electric utilities in these new buildings which
eliminates affordability to existing tenants. What low-income resident has a
surplus of hundreds of dollars monthly? The developer and the City have
misled the BHHD residents.
- The
project creates massive heat islands. On a 99 degree day, this project was
125 degrees, increasing the risk of heat stroke, with more 100 degree days
annually. This is NOT climate resilience.
- The
project destroys 17 acres of courtyards and greenspace, while more than
doubling the population.
- There
will be a mere 2.7 acres of slivers and patches of green space for 6,200
BHHD residents on 27 acres, the densest concentration of public housing in
the City.
- Mayor
Wu is approving segregated public housing, not mixed income housing.
- Mayor
Wu is eliminating required community engagement by: a) segregating low
income residents into elevator buildings instead of MIXED income buildings as was promised to
the community before construction, and b) forcing the BHHD residents
to pay utility costs when the community was promised the utility cost
would be included in the rent as it had always been prior to construction.
- Mayor
Wu, the developer, and the financier are destroying the environment by ripping
out established green infrastructure and tearing out 288 century-old,
full canopied trees.
星期二, 12月 03, 2024
波士頓華埠退伍軍人會聚餐慶聖誕
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| 由左至右，司徒文信、周麗桃、黃國麟、陳志航、郭嘉良(Eugene Lu， 財政）、Genie Boland珍妮保倫（會長）、Ed Flynn、李錦棠、廖認寬、 司徒卓榮、區靖儀、余寶愛、余國華， (周麗桃提供) |
波士頓華埠退伍軍人會328分會於1949年正式成立，今年6月才剛慶祝了成立75週年。
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