Governor Healey Celebrates Sheba/ARC’s Expansion to Massachusetts

 Governor Healey Celebrates Sheba/ARC’s Expansion to Massachusetts 

BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey today welcomed the leadership of Sheba Medical Center, the largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, to celebrate their recent decision to launch their first U.S. health care startup accelerator in Massachusetts. The ARC accelerator will leverage Massachusetts’ world-class health care institutions, clinical research, tech innovation and talent combined with Sheba Medical Center's proven ARC methodology and global platform to address critical health care challenges through digital and AI-powered solutions. 

“It’s great that Sheba/ARC has chosen to expand here in Massachusetts. They had many options to choose from, but our state stood out because we are already a global hub for health care innovation with unmatched talent,” said Governor Healey. “We look forward to the opening of their new accelerator, which will be a valued contribution to our innovation-based economy, and I’m sure it will result in new discoveries that will improve the world and save lives.” 

“Massachusetts is home to the best hospitals, research institutions, and businesses in the world. This new accelerator will make our health care ecosystem even stronger,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We're grateful that Professor Zimlichman and his team chose Massachusetts as the site of this new venture, and we are excited for all of the important work that is to come.” 

“Opportunities for deeper collaboration between Israel and Massachusetts are both real and exciting—especially in biotech and life sciences, where both are global leaders,” said Consul General of Israel to New England Benny Sharoni. “Together, the innovation ecosystems of Israel and the Greater Boston Area can drive breakthroughs in science and medicine for the benefit of all. We are proud to continue working with both ARC and the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to further strengthen this great relationship” 

“Sheba’s strategic partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will create a hub for startups from our global network,” said Sheba Medical Center’s Chief Transformation Innovation and AI Officer and Founder of ARC, Professor Eyal Zimlichman. “This collaboration will connect digital and AI technology development with clinical needs, enhancing health outcomes and driving economic growth. By integrating startups into real clinical environments, we can validate and scale solutions quickly, ultimately benefiting patients worldwide.” 

“Sheba Medical Center has long been at the forefront of medical discovery and healthcare transformation," said Director General of Sheba Medical Center Professor Yitshak Kreiss. "By combining our innovation model with Massachusetts' unparalleled healthcare ecosystem, we can accelerate AI technologies that address the most pressing challenges facing patients and providers globally." 

ARC (Accelerate, Redesign, Collaborate) is the innovation arm of Sheba Medical Center, which was founded and directed by Professor Eyal Zimlichman. ARC is shaping the future of medical innovation by connecting entrepreneurs and clinicians, advancing the development and implementation of new technologies, and creating breakthrough economic frameworks in health care. The methodology of ARC Innovation has already supported more than 100 startup companies, including three unicorns with investments surpassing $1 billion. ARC portfolio companies receive full support through clinical validation programs and regulatory advice, and Sheba Medical Center’s physician network of 1,400+ for mentorship and strategic investor and partner connections. 

The ARC initiative will accelerate the development of digital and AI healthcare solutions, focusing on three key areas: advanced diagnostic tools, digital health platforms, and workforce support technologies. ARC will begin operations in early 2026 and will be part of Sheba’s global innovation network, which includes London, Melbourne, Singapore, Berlin, and New Zealand. 

Governor Healey was joined at the Massachusetts State House on Tuesday by Director General of Sheba Medical Center Professor Yitshak Kreiss, Chief Transformation Officer of ARC Sheba Medical Center Professor Eyal Zimlichman, MD, MSc (MHCM), Israeli Consul General Benny Sharoni, Advisor for World Jewry Affairs in the Office of the President of Israel Danya Leshed, Director of Sheba Global Yoel Har-Even (Lieutenant Colonel, Res), Chairman of the Friends of Sheba Medical Center Yoram Tietz, and Board Chair of American Friends of Sheba Medical Center Bill Silbey. Representatives of the Healey-Driscoll Administration included Acting Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, Massachusetts Office of International Trade and Investment Executive Director Jeevan Ramapriya, and President & CEO of Massachusetts Life Science Center Kirk Taylor. 

CITY OF BOSTON SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO DEFEND CRITICAL HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS FUNDING

 

CITY OF BOSTON SUES TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TO DEFEND CRITICAL HOUSING AND HOMELESSNESS FUNDING  Mayor Wu joins multicity lawsuit challenging HUD’s unlawful attempt to withhold $48 million in previously-awarded funds to provide housing and services for people experiencing homelessness

BOSTON - Monday, May 5, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that the City of Boston joined a lawsuit with cities and counties from across the United States to challenge the Trump Administration’s unlawful move to cancel $3.6 billion in grants for housing and homelessness prevention unless Boston and other communities agree to the President’s unconstitutional Executive Orders.  The suit challenges the move by the Trump Administration to withhold nearly $48 million in previously-awarded funding for Boston to fight homelessness unless the City agrees to comply with a raft of new Executive Orders and grant conditions, which are unrelated to housing and likely unconstitutional. The Administration’s actions threaten billions in funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Continuum of Care (CoC) program, the single largest source of federal funding Boston and other cities use to address homelessness. This lawsuit seeks to defend the City from executive overreach and many unlawful and arbitrary conditions being added to the CoC program. “The Trump Administration is threatening to hold up nearly $48 million for Boston to tackle homelessness unless our City complies with unconstitutional Executive Orders,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “We are joining other cities and counties across the country to protect critical funding to prevent homelessness and house families in need. Boston will not back down on making our city a home for everyone.” The Continuum of Care program supports individuals experiencing homelessness and formerly homeless Boston residents with finding stable housing connected to health care, counseling, and other supportive services. Each year, the City of Boston works with local nonprofit organizations to assist more than 2,000 households experiencing homelessness —individuals, families, young adults, and veterans. These services are part of Boston’s broader “housing first” strategy, which focuses on helping people move into stable housing as quickly as possible with supports to help them stay housed. The actions by the Trump Administration threaten these resources and the housing that the City and its partners are able to provide.  The new requirements from the federal government would force Boston and other cities to make legal promises that conflict with local laws, values, and long-standing efforts to support residents and connect them with stable housing. These include conditions related to immigration enforcement, health care, DEI, and how cities support transgender and gender-diverse individuals. If Boston agreed to these terms and was later found to be out of compliance based on this federal administration's unfounded and unsupported interpretation of the laws, the City could be forced to pay back all the grant money—up to three times the original amount—leaving thousands of residents without housing support and putting the City in an unnecessary position financially. Each year, the Continuum of Care program funds services in Boston such as permanent supportive housing for people with disabilities, rapid re-housing for those exiting homelessness, and transitional housing for survivors of domestic violence and others in crisis. More than 18 nonprofit organizations receive this funding annually to do their work, including Metro Housing | Boston, Pine Street Inn, HomeStart, and Casa Myrna. These groups also employ more than 125 people with this support. “Our nonprofit partners work every day to make sure our most vulnerable residents have the housing and the support services that they need to stabilize their lives,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “The Continuum of Care federal funding is too important to be compromised by the federal administration’s unrelated policy agenda.”   "We cannot allow the federal government to abdicate our collective responsibility to provide housing for our homeless and neediest residents, including veterans and those struggling with mental health issues. Boston will continue to fight for critical funding to care for our residents and will protect their basic rights," said Council President Ruthzee Louijeune. Boston joins seven other jurisdictions in filing this lawsuit in the federal Western District of Washington, including King County, WA; the City of New York, NY; the City of Columbus, OH; the City and County of San Francisco, CA and Pierce County and Snohomish County, WA.

Governor Healey, Northeast Governors Invite Canadian Premiers to Convene in Boston on Trade and Tariffs

 Governor Healey, Northeast Governors Invite Canadian Premiers to Convene in Boston on Trade and Tariffs  

Invitation acknowledges ‘cherished relationship’ between leaders founded on mutual financial advantages and centuries-old familial and cultural bonds  
 

BOSTON – Six northeastern Governors, led by Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, formally invitedCanadian Premiers to a convening in Boston to discuss the impacts of President Trump’s tariffs and how American and Canadian leaders can continue to work together to maintain strong trade relations that benefit local businesses and residents.  

Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Maine Governor Janet Mills, New York Governor Kathy Hochul, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Rhode Island Governor Daniel McKee and Vermont Governor Phil Scott extended the invitation to the Premiers of six Canadian provinces: New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Prince Edward Island and Québec. 

“Canada is Massachusetts’ number one trading partner. For generations, we have enjoyed a strong partnership and a healthy exchange of energy, lumber, dairy, cars and car parts, seafood and more. Our businesses and our residents all benefit from this relationship,” said Governor Healey. “But President Trump’s tariffs are undermining this partnership, making it harder for businesses to keep their doors open, and increasing the cost of everything that the New England and Canadian people rely on. That’s why I’m proud to be joining my colleagues from across the northeast in inviting Canadian Premiers to convene in Boston, so that we can discuss how to continue our partnership, lower costs for people, and support local businesses.” 

“Canada is Maine’s single largest trading partner, with more than $6 billion in cross-border commerce occurring last year alone. Our economies and our cultures have enjoyed strong relationships for generations, which is now strained by the president’s haphazard tariffs and harmful rhetoric targeting our northern neighbors,” said Maine Governor Janet Mills. “I look forward to meeting with my Eastern Province counterparts to tell them that Maine deeply values our Canadian partnerships, and that we will work to ensure our historic friendship and deeply intertwined economies endure for generations to come.” 

“President Trump’s tariffs are the largest tax hike in American history — and they’re devastating to the small businesses, family farms, and local manufacturers,” said New York Governor Kathy Hochul. “New York and Canada have a $50 billion trade relationship, and Trump’s tariffs are hurting our businesses hard. It’s more important than ever that governors work together to protect their states from these costs, which is why I’m working with Governor Healey and our colleagues across the nation on a path forward that helps our economy.” 

“Thousands of businesses in the northeast have strong connections with business partners in Canada and depend on these partnerships to grow their companies and support their employees,” said Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont. “Connecticut’s largest trading partner is Canada, making our relationship a critical one for countless small and large businesses. Raising tariffs between the U.S. and Canada will undermine these businesses, increase costs, and put American jobs at stake.” 

“As states face growing challenges brought on by tariffs, it’s critical that we come together to protect the jobs and industries that depend on strong, stable U.S.-Canada partnerships,” said Rhode Island Governor Dan McKee. “I look forward to Governor Healey’s convening of New England governors and Canadian premiers so we can continue to build on the long-standing relationships we rely on to prevent cost increases for residents and keep our regional economy growing and competitive.”  

“As I have said in the past, I don’t believe increasing tariffs on our friends and close allies is in the best interest of Vermont or the United States. A trade war with our friends to the north, our largest trading partner, seems like a bad idea,” said Vermont Governor Phil Scott. “I’m looking forward to meeting with fellow Northeast Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers to find ways to mitigate both cost increases for families and businesses, and just as importantly, to preserve our long-standing relationship.” 

For months, Governor Healey has been sounding the alarm about the negative impacts of President Trump’s tariffs. Her administration released an analysis showing that his tariffs on Canadian energy would raise gas and heating oil prices by over $0.20 a gallon and could cost nearly $1 billion a year for Massachusetts consumers and $2.5 billion for the New England region. Earlier this month, she convened Massachusetts business leaders to discuss the impacts of the tariffs and then launch a new initiative to support impacted businesses, especially manufacturers. 

Governor Healey has worked closely with Eastern Canadian Premiers since taking office. Last year, she hosted the annual New England Governors and Eastern Canadian Premiers (NEG-ECP) Conference in Massachusetts to discuss coordinated efforts on shared economic, energy and environmental priorities. 

Details of the convening between Northeast Governors and Canadian Premiers will be forthcoming. 

曾因千人計劃被控的哈佛名教授Charles Lieber受聘入職清華大學

圖片擷取自維基百科。

    (Boston Orange 編譯) 波士頓環球報5月5日刊文報導，曾以在與中國關係上向聯邦探員撒謊這理由而被判罪的哈佛大學教授Charles Lieber，4月28日傳出他加入清華大學深圳國際研究院全職教授行列消息。

    Charles Lieber是著名的奈米科學傢，也是哈佛大學化學及生物化學系系主任。2020年時被聯邦調查局逮補，2021年12月，他被控2項罪名，一是他否認參加中國大陸早在10多年前就辦理的『千人計劃』，二是他在2013和2014年未申報來自武漢科技大學的所得稅，另外就是未申報他開設了中國的銀行漲戶。

    檢察官在審訊時呈交的證據是Lieber在2011年和中國的大學簽署了一份5年合約，大學同意付給Lieber每月5萬元，另加15萬8千元生活開支。據說，他還收到150萬元，以在中國的大學內設立哈佛-武漢聯合研究實驗室。

    那時候，Lieberg在哈佛大學是Lieber研究小組的主要調查人，收取了1500萬元的國家衛生院（NIH）和國防部的獎助款，照規定必須揭露收取來自外國機構或政府經費。檢控官稱他一再否認收取任何外國經費。

    有7名諾貝爾獎得主，以及數以打記得科學家在2021年發表公開信，聲援Charles Lieber，稱政府控訴Lieber的做法不正義。

    美國聯邦政府當年在駐麻州聯邦檢察官Andrew E. Lelling率領中，為遏制學術間諜，調查，指控了不少科學家，Charles Lieber是其中最出名的一個。

    2023年2月，他從哈佛大學辭職。

    2023年4月時，一名聯邦法罐判處Charles Lieber居家監禁6個月，同時罰款五萬元，補繳漏稅三萬三千六百元。.

    根據清華大學發佈的消息，Charles Lieber在聘任儀式上説，“深圳的動力和創新精神和我想要與人在此共建全球科學樞紐的理念完全吻合”。

Governor Healey Kicks Off National Small Business Week with Tour of Downtown Stoneham

 Governor Healey Kicks Off National Small Business Week with Tour of Downtown Stoneham 

Healey-Driscoll Administration recently awarded $4 million in MassWorks grants for downtown Stoneham 

Governor also commends Stoneham for MBTA Communities Law compliance, efforts to lower housing costs 

STONEHAM – Today, to kick off National Small Business Week, Governor Maura Healey joined Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, Representative Michael Day, Senator Jason Lewis, Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis Sheehan and Stoneham Select Board Chair Tim Waitkevitch to tour local businesses in downtown Stoneham. They promoted the administration’s commitment to supporting small business and more than $4 million in MassWorks grants that they awarded to Stoneham last year for improvements to the downtown area.  

Attendees visited with several local business leaders at the Greater Boston Stage Company Theater, a historic movie theatre that was renovated into a professional theatre and educational space, and also visited Ceramica Paint Studio, a woman-owned small business offering arts and ceramics to the public. 

During the visit, Governor Healey also commended Stoneham for their leadership in being one of the first 10 communities to submit zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which will increase the production of reasonably priced housing near transit stops and lower costs across the state. 

"Our downtowns are essential hubs for community gatherings and economic development. Our administration was happy to support improvements to Stoneham’s incredible downtown, and it was great to meet some of the business owners who will benefit from these investments,” said Governor Maura Healey. "Stoneham is also an excellent example of housing leadership, as they’ve passed new zoning to comply with the MBTA Communities Law, which will make a tangible impact in our efforts to lower housing costs across the state."  

“As a former Mayor, I know firsthand how important it is to invest in our Main Streets to fuel economic growth and help our local businesses shine,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “This funding has paved the way for modern growth and innovation, and we're seeing real results with storefronts reopening, jobs being created and a renewed energy in our downtown streets.” 

The Healey-Driscoll administration is committed to supporting small businesses, which employ 44 percent of the state’s workforce and serve as the backbone of local and regional economies. Through the Mass Leads Act, the administration is building upon existing programs with a proven track record of helping small businesses, including authorizing $35 million to support Community Development Financial Institutions across the state that help disadvantaged and underserved businesses gain access to capital, $25 million for Small Business Technology Grants to help early-stage companies commercialize new and innovative technologies, and $10 million for matching grants to help small businesses with capital-related needs such as purchasing new equipment. The Executive Office of Economic Development is also developing a centralized portal for businesses of all sizes to access state resources called the Business Front Door. The platform will help connect business owners with one-on-one business support and guidance tailored to their needs.        

Last year, the Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded Stoneham more than $4 million in One Stop for Community Growth Grants from the MassWorks program to revitalize its downtown area. This includes funding to support safety improvements along the Main Street corridor, finalize the roadway design for the area to allow for housing and business development, and update the town’s Housing Production Plan to identify strategies to increase housing production and lower costs. 

"Small businesses are the heart of our communities and a critical engine of our economy," said Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba. "Through programs like the Community One Stop for Growth and MassWorks, and our quasi-government agencies like MassDevelopment, we are helping cities and towns invest in the infrastructure and public spaces that allow small businesses to grow and thrive. It's exciting to see how Stoneham is leveraging these resources to strengthen its downtown and support the entrepreneurs who bring energy, creativity and jobs to the region." 

"This partnership with the state will help us to continue to reinvigorate our downtown, making Stoneham a destination for families and individuals who want to take advantage of boutique shopping, outstanding restaurants and cultural attractions like our theater and zoo," said Representative Michael Day.  

“It was wonderful to bring together Stoneham town officials, community leaders, and small business owners to welcome Governor Healey to Stoneham this morning,” said State Senator Jason Lewis. “Representative Day and I are extremely grateful for the $4 million MassWorks grant from the Healey-Driscoll Administration to make improvements to the downtown which will support local businesses and housing development, while increasing safety for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.” 

"Bringing our shared vision for a better downtown Stoneham to life wouldn't be possible without the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration,” said Stoneham Town Administrator Dennis J. Sheehan. “I sincerely thank Governor Healey, Interim Economic Development Secretary Ashley Stolba, our local merchants, legislative delegation, and the Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to this effort. We look forward to welcoming our state partners back to a more vibrant, revitalized downtown." 

“The Stoneham Chamber is grateful to Governor Healey and Secretary Stolba for visiting Stoneham during National Small Business Week and for taking time to connect with local business owners who will benefit from the downtown revitalization,” said Megan Day, Executive Director of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. “We are proud of our small business community and local leadership and are excited for the improvements to Stoneham Square that will allow the business district to fulfill its potential thanks to the MassWorks grant.” 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Kicks Off Celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Kicks Off Celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week 

 

UPTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated the start of Teacher Appreciation Week today with a visit to Nipmuc Regional High School in Upton, home of the

2024 History Teacher of the Year and 2024 Patriots Hall of Fame STEM Teacher of the Year. Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler met with educators and students from the Mendon-Upton Regional School District to lift up the profound contributions educators make every day in Massachusetts classrooms.  

"Teachers are the heart of our schools and the foundation of our communities. They show up with dedication, compassion, and resilience every day to inspire and empower our students," said Governor Maura Healey. "We are proud to celebrate their incredible impact this week and reaffirm our commitment to supporting educators across Massachusetts."  

"Teachers are mentors, role models, and champions for every child. So often their work goes unnoticed and unrecognized," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This week, we say thank you and kindly ask all parents, guardians and families to find their own way to express gratitude and support." 

“As a former history teacher, I know the important work teachers do is not often met with the recognition it deserves.," said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. "I want to say thank you to every teacher, mentor, tutor, and paraprofessional who lay the groundwork for young people to realize their dreams. Our educators are doing some of the most important work in the world and I’m thrilled we have a week dedicated to celebrating them.”  

 "We are honored to host Secretary Tutwiler. It was a pleasure to share the amazing work of our teachers with him. We are grateful that he has such a genuine appreciation of the important work our educators do each day," said Nipmuc Regional High School Co-Principal John Clements. 

"Secretary Tutwiler's visit provided such a celebratory start to Teacher Appreciation Week. We are fortunate to work with a talented and dedicated faculty who go above and beyond each day for students. It means so much to the Nipmuc community that he would take time to visit our school and thank our teachers," said Nipmuc Regional High School Co-Principal Mary Anne Moran. 

The administration has made education a central focus of its agenda, including diversifying and strengthening the educator workforce and pipeline. In November, the administration

launched the state’s first registered K-12 Teacher Apprenticeship Program that enables aspiring teachers to work toward a full teaching license while being employed in an instructional role in a district. This earn-and-learn approach removes financial barriers to teaching and ensures more equitable opportunities to enter the profession. Further, the administration has proposed state regulation changes to establish alternative assessments to the Massachusetts Tests for Educator Licensure (MTEL). This proposal was informed by a successful five-year pilot program that expand access to the teaching profession, allowing prospective teachers to demonstrate competencies in different ways while maintaining high standards for subject matter knowledge, communications, and literacy skills.  

For early childhood educators, the state has invested in the Commonwealth Cares for Children (C3) program that supports early education and care providers’ operational costs, including compensation and additional workforce and quality investments that enable programs to better recruit and retain staff while mitigating increased costs for families. With the support of C3, early childhood educator compensation has increased almost 20% in

the last two and a half years. The Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) is working to develop the state’s first early education and care career ladder and salary recommendations, aligned with public school expectations. EEC is also developing a new credentialling system and working with the state’s community colleges to develop a standardized early childhood education certificate, in addition to their Career Pathways Program and Early Childhood Educator Scholarship. The administration has also been focused on expanding early childhood apprenticeships. 

“Our educators are the workforce behind the workforce, critical to the development and growth of the youngest learners in the state and serving as a key driver for our state and local economies,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “No matter the setting, educators are change-makers — bringing learning to life through play and imagination, nurturing social-emotional skills, and supporting parents along the way. Thanks to our teachers for your tireless work to build strong foundations for long-term success for children and families across Massachusetts.” 

The administration also launched this academic year one of the most accessible, equitable and comprehensive free community college programs in the country for full-time and part-time students, regardless of income, which contributes to defraying the costs of education for current and future educators. In addition, the administration provides supports like tuition waivers, financial aid, and resources for professional development. These programs aim to improve teacher quality, support professional growth, and encourage teachers to pursue further education. Further, the Department of Higher Education this year launched the Commission on Higher Education Quality and Affordability that is examining public higher education quality and affordability, including improvements needed to increase the recruitment and retention of qualified adjunct and full-time faculty and staff. 

 “During Teacher Appreciation Week, we also want to extend gratitude to our faculty who provide students with life-changing opportunities, including those who prepare future educators,” said Higher Education Commissioner Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful for all that our faculty do to prepare students to grow as individuals, learners, professionals, and community leaders. Their lasting impact on students benefits our entire Commonwealth.” 

Click here to read Governor Healey’s proclamation declaring May 5 through May 9, 2025 Teacher Appreciation Week in Massachusetts.  

MAYOR WU, COMMUNITY CELEBRATE GROUNDBREAKING OF $30.9 MILLION NEW FIELDS CORNER BRANCH

MAYOR WU, COMMUNITY CELEBRATE GROUNDBREAKING OF $30.9 MILLION NEW FIELDS CORNER BRANCH

BOSTON – Monday, May 5, 2025 - Mayor Michelle Wu today joined Boston Public Library (BPL) officials and Fields Corner community members to highlight the start of construction of the new Fields Corner Branch. The $30.9 million construction project will create a new two-story building with improved accessibility, expanded community space, and advanced energy efficiency. Today’s groundbreaking marked the beginning of construction, which is expected to conclude in 2026.  "Boston’s neighborhood libraries are the foundation of enrichment and community for all residents,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This City investment in the construction of a new Fields Corner Branch will give Dorchester residents of all ages an inspiring and inclusive place to collaborate, learn, and grow.” The design process, which launched in fiscal year 2023, is led by Oudens Ello Architecture in partnership with the BPL, the City of Boston’s Public Facilities Department, and Fields Corner residents. The design process was informed by a community programming study and community review process.  The project will build a new 14,500-square-foot, two-story building, expand the branch’s circulating collection and include a 100-seat flexible community room, a 20-person classroom, and two study rooms. It will also feature a dedicated children’s story area, a second-floor outdoor reading terrace, technology infrastructure, and robust new furnishings and signage to serve adults, teens, and children. The old Fields Corner library building was built in 1969.   “The groundbreaking marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Fields Corner Branch; a vibrant, sustainable, and inclusive community hub made possible through years of partnership, planning, and shared vision,” said David Leonard, BPL President. “This reimagined library will be more than a building; it will be a welcoming space for learning, connection, and opportunity, and a proud model for what we can achieve together.”  “Today’s groundbreaking marks an exciting new chapter for Field’s Corner and for the generations of families who will gather, learn, and grow within these walls. Libraries are cornerstones of strong, connected communities, and this investment reflects our shared commitment to equity, education, and opportunity for all," said State Representative Daniel J. Hunt (D- Dorchester). "I’m proud to support this project and thrilled to see it come to life in the heart of Dorchester. I want to thank my colleagues at the city and state level for the hard work, collaboration, and dedication that have brought us to this moment and helped make this vision a reality.” "I am thrilled to see the Fields Corner Branch Library begin construction, " said Boston City Councilor John FitzGerald. "As both a parent and City Councilor, I believe that libraries serve a critical role in getting children excited in reading and learning. The new Fields Corner Library will not only be an essential resource for children, but also serve as an essential community space for all residents for years to come." Sustainability is a key element of the project. The Fields Corner Branch will be the first library in the BPL system built to the City’s Fossil Fuel Free standard for new municipal buildings. Targeting LEED Gold Certification, the all-electric building will operate without gas or other fossil fuels and will have infrastructure for future photovoltaic panel installation.   Universal access is central to the design, which includes ADA-compliant public restrooms, an elevator, and wheelchair-accessible furniture and technology stations throughout the space.  “The Public Facilities Department is proud to take part in the construction of this state-of-the-art library for the Fields Corner community,” said Carleton Jones, PFD Executive Director. “This accessible and sustainable facility reflects our commitment to creating modern spaces that support learning, creativity, and community engagement city-wide.”  While the Fields Corner Branch is closed for construction, library patrons are encouraged to use the nearby Adams Street, Codman Square, Uphams Corner, Lower Mills, or Grove Hall branches, or one of the BPL’s other neighborhood locations during the closure. For more information on the Fields Corner Branch renovation project, visit: bpl.org/fields-corner-project.  The Mayor's FY26-30 Capital Plan includes $283 million for libraries. In addition to the Fields Corner Branch, the Plan includes funding to advance new Chinatown, West End, Upham’s Corner, Egleston, and South End branches, and continued repair, renovation, and master planning projects at the Central Library in Copley Square. More information on these additional projects can be found at apps.boston.gov/capital-projects/. 

波士頓美術博物館《齊白石：墨彩靈感》展 紀念畫家160歲

齊白石畫作。（MFA提供）

            (Boston Orange) 波士頓美術博物館（MFA）為紀念齊白石誕辰160週年，主要由譚氏教育基金贊助，5月3日起至9月28日，在該館亞洲繪畫畫廊（畫廊178）推出《齊白石：墨彩靈感》展，以40幅畫作，展現齊白石的藝術視野和靈感。

齊白石（1864-1957）是ㄧ位在戰爭不斷，政治動盪的時代中成長的藝術家，以作風大膽的現代化中國水墨畫聞名。他畫的風景、動植物和和人物，或角度大膽，或栩栩如生，或生動有趣，簡單幾筆，就勾勒出打破社會和文化障礙的情境。他的創新實驗包括將鮮豔的色彩與濃墨色調並置，形式和構圖的顯著經濟性，以及帶有揭示性題詞的生動表現。他還通過基於書法練習和篆刻的表現性筆法使中國畫重獲新生。齊白石被認為將中國文人傳統的筆墨藝術轉變為一種表現主義和抽象形式，清晰地向現代時代發聲。

這次展出的將近40件齊白石畫作，幾乎全部借自北京畫院，這次展覽，也是由波士頓美術博物館和北京畫院，中國國際展覽局合作，是個十分難得的欣賞齊白石畫作機會。

             贊助這次展覽的機構，在譚氏基金之外，還有Joel Alvord和Lisa Schmid Alvord基金、紀念Marjorie C. Nordblom的中國畫基金的Rodger和Dawn Nordblom基金，以及June N.和John C. Robinson基金。

           北京畫院目前也正和中央美術學院合作，在北京畫院美術館內舉辦『小魚在乎：齊白石的生趣世界』展覽，將展至2025年5月15日止。

科學博物館『烏托邦熱線』以沈浸互動式演出把觀眾帶進社會實驗

   

主辦單位代表在5月1日的開幕演出後致詞。（周菊子攝）

       （Boston Orange 綜合報導）「藝術愛默生 （ArtsEmerson）」和波士頓科學博物館，以及米圖（Mitu）劇團，章魚戲劇（Octopus Theatricals）製作公司合作，即日起至5月18日，在波士頓科學博物館查理士海登天文館（Charles Hayden Planetarium）的57英尺，360度圓頂下推出『烏托邦熱線 （Utopian Hotline）』。

            米圖劇團是一個以創新實驗方式表現藝術而聞名的藝術團體，這次製作的『烏托邦熱線』，受1977年美國太空總署(NASA)發射航海家號太空船，把黃金唱片也帶上去了，迄今已航行13億英里的這事件啟發，創作出沈浸式，邀觀眾借電話專線分享對『更美好未來』願景，融入表演的一場實驗性社會藝術演出。

            航海家號太空船把黃金唱片帶進太空，是把人類聲音帶到外太空，外星人面前，藉以傳遞地球聲音的做法，被許多人當作是向宇宙發送『瓶中信』，『烏托邦熱線』借用這概念，鼓勵人們把各自對未來的想法，說出來，傳出去。

            米圖劇團請觀眾撥打1-646-694-8050這電話號碼，根據提示，留下一份語音記錄，述說自己對未來的想像。然後米圖劇團將把收集來的這些語音資訊，以類似播放黑膠唱片模式，結合電話熱線和現場表演，形成一場互動的『烏托邦熱線』演出。

            米圖劇團的藝術總監Rubén Polendo 指出，科學博物館的 57 英尺、360 度天文館圓頂環境，使得『烏托邦熱線』得以在視覺、聽覺、情感、智性和精神等多個層面，給觀眾更實在的深刻體驗。

             科學博物館創意主任James Monroe表示，科學博物館 的2025 年主題是「人類本質 (Being Human) 」，一個為期一年的探索，要探討人與人之間的相互關聯以及人們如何能共同改善生活。『烏托邦熱線』是這主題系列的焦點活動和重要基石，