Massachusetts Veterans Homes Achieve All Licensure and Certification Milestones

 Massachusetts Veterans Homes Achieve All Licensure and Certification Milestones 

Holyoke Veterans Home secures final CMS certification as care quality and resident outcomes reach new heights 

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is today announcing that Massachusetts has officially met all state and federal licensure and certification milestones for its two state-operated veterans homes, signaling a new era of stability, oversight and excellence in care for those who served. 

The final step came in July, when the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke received full certification from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) — affirming its compliance with all federal standards for long-term care facilities and unlocking eligibility for Medicare and Medicaid funding. The designation followed a perfect score earlier this year on the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) annual survey, which found zero deficiencies across dozens of regulatory categories — a rare outcome that placed Holyoke among the top-performing veterans’ long-term care facilities in the nation. 

The achievement is part of Governor Maura Healey’s multi-year effort to rebuild trust and strengthen the state’s Veterans Homes following the COVID-19 crisis. In approximately two years, the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke has achieved CMS certification, licensure from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH), and a perfect, zero-deficiency rating in the VA’s annual survey — a trifecta of state and federal oversight milestones that reflects the depth of the turnaround.  

“This is a proud moment for Massachusetts and a promise kept to our veterans and their families,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We said we would rebuild trust, raise standards and deliver the highest quality care in our state’s veterans homes—and that’s exactly what we’ve done. These milestones reflect not just stronger oversight, but a deeper commitment to the dignity, health and well-being of those who served. I’m proud of the progress at Holyoke and Chelsea, and I’m grateful to Secretary Santiago and the leadership teams who made this transformation possible.”  

“Our veterans and their families deserve nothing but the best,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These certifications reflect the hard work, collaboration and compassion that have gone into restoring our veterans homes over the past two years. This progress didn’t happen by accident—it happened because we listened, we partnered, and we never lost sight of who we’re here to serve.” 

“This is more than a milestone—it’s a turning point,” said Veterans Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “We promised to restore these institutions with compassion, integrity, and accountability. That work is ongoing, but today we can say with confidence: Massachusetts is delivering for its veterans.” 

“We are extremely proud of our team for this extraordinary achievement. It’s a direct result of their hard work, compassion, and commitment to our veterans,” said Holyoke Executive Director Michael Lazo. “Our entire team is dedicated to continuously improving and providing the highest level of care to those who have served our country. This recognition is a testament to their dedication.” 

Both the Holyoke and Chelsea campuses are now fully licensed and certified, meeting the most rigorous benchmarks for safety, quality, staffing, and administration. Holyoke, for example, is exceeding statewide averages in six of the seven CMS benchmarks that track resident health, safety, and quality of life, further demonstrating the measurable improvements underway. 

A major driver of this success has been the implementation of a robust Quality Assurance and Performance Improvement (QAPI) programs. These data-driven systems proactively identify areas for improvement, reduce risks, and help drive measurable results. Both homes have also transitioned to fully electronic medical record (EMR) systems, modernizing operations and enhancing coordination of care. 

The transformation underway at Holyoke is also physical. The new Home—part of a $482 million redevelopment project led by Commodore-Walsh Joint Venture—will welcome its first residents in late 2026, with full project completion expected by summer 2028. The modern facility will feature 234 long-term care beds, a specialized memory care unit, and a 40-person adult day health program to support veterans living in the community. This follows the construction of the new Massachusetts Veterans Home at Chelsea, which opened in 2023 and represents another major investment in veteran care infrastructure across the Commonwealth. 

“This achievement reflects the Commonwealth’s deep and enduring commitment to our veterans,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “In the Senate, we’ve worked in tandem with the Healey-Driscoll Administration to reform, invest in, and strengthen our veterans homes. I’m deeply grateful to the Administration for delivering the high-quality care facilities our veterans deserve, and I look forward to continued progress in both housing and quality of care.” 

“The Holyoke Veterans Home continues to be a source of incredible pride for all of us who call Western Massachusetts home, and today's announcement is a fulfillment and reflection of the dedicated work that has been taking place at both Chelsea and Holyoke over the last year several years," said Senator John Velis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs. "I am grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration and Secretary Santiago for their steadfast focus on obtaining these licensures and certifications, to my colleagues in the Legislature for their support of critical funding and governance reforms for the Homes, and to all of the staff at both facilities for their incredible service and care for our Commonwealth's veterans and families." 

“I’m thrilled that Massachusetts is continuing its leading role in protecting and providing for veterans. While we cannot change the past, we can take an active role in ensuring that our veterans receive the highest quality care that they deserve,” said Representative Joe McGonagle, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Veterans Affairs. “This achievement signals that this community has been and will always be seen and heard by the people of Massachusetts.” 

“The Holyoke Board of Trustees proudly celebrates this milestone as a testament to the extraordinary progress made at the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke. Achieving full CMS certification, alongside DPH licensure and a perfect VA survey, speaks volumes about the caliber of leadership and the dedication of the entire care team,” said General Sean Collins, Chair of the Massachusetts Veterans Home at Holyoke Board of Trustees. “These accomplishments are not just technical—they represent lives improved, trust rebuilt, and a renewed sense of purpose across our campus. On behalf of the Board, we extend our deepest thanks to the staff, residents, families, and state partners who helped make this possible. We remain committed to supporting the continued growth and excellence of this Home for generations of veterans to come.” 

Governor Maura Healey created the Executive Office of Veterans Services in March 2023 to restore trust and deliver stronger, more accountable care for veterans across Massachusetts. Over the past two and a half years, and with the strong support of the Legislature, the administration has passed the landmark HERO Act, launched the End Veteran Homelessness initiative, expanded access to mental health and suicide prevention resources, and strengthened benefits and employment pathways for those who served. Together, these efforts represent the most ambitious and comprehensive overhaul of veterans services in state history. 

 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $24.2 Million to Expand Career Technical Training Opportunities for 2,500 Jobseekers

 

Career Technical Initiative Addresses the Persistent Demand for Workers in the Trades, Construction, and Manufacturing in Partnership with over 180 Employers

 

HAVERHILL — The Healey-Driscoll Administration awarded $24.2 million in Career Technical Initiative (CTI) implementation grants today to 23 school districts to train 2,490 individuals for careers in high-demand occupations within the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors across Massachusetts.

The CTI grant program partners with Career and Technical Education (CTE) Schools to provide adult learners, especially unemployed and underemployed individuals from underserved populations and underrepresented groups, with career training and technical skills to meet the needs of Massachusetts employers. The administration also awarded a planning grant to an organization to prepare and design future training.

Since 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, in partnership with Commonwealth Corporation, has awarded $53 million in CTI Grants, projected to train over 6,090 unemployed and underemployed individuals. Today’s announcement launches the tenth cohort of CTI grants. Among nine awarded cohorts, to date, over 4,400 total participants have received training, over 3,150 participants have completed training, over 3,100 have earned industry-recognized credentials, and over 2,360 have secured employment.

"The CTI program opens doors for adult learners by providing the hands-on training they need to step into high-demand careers in construction, the trades and manufacturing,” said Governor Healey. “With some of the best public Career Technical Education schools in the country and strong employer partnerships, Massachusetts is positioned to prepare our residents for rewarding, lifelong careers.”

“These awards are a key part of our agenda to build a job-ready workforce for today and the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “By tapping into our world-class education system and investing in targeted job training, we’re growing the talent pipeline that employers across Massachusetts depend on to compete and thrive.”

The Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) oversees the CTI program, which is administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency of EOLWD. In partnership with the Executive Office of Education, CTI transforms career and technical education schools across the state to become “Career Technical Institutes” that run three shifts a day for skill-building programs in the trades, construction, and manufacturing career pathways. The $24.2 million awarded today focuses on job training for adult learners participating in the evening hours, or third shift. 

“By leveraging available resources at career and technical education schools across Massachusetts, we are opening more opportunities to help train and prepare untapped talent for current workforce demands,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This program is a great example of the collaborative efforts needed to build our workforce. We appreciate the partnership with career and technical education schools, MassHire Regional Workforce Boards and career centers, businesses, and labor for paving the way for more jobseekers to gain meaningful skills and employment in Massachusetts.” 

Secretary Jones made the announcement today at Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School in Haverhill. The school received $931,000 to provide training to 100 participants for Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology, Construction Laborer, and Auto Body positions. 100 participants for Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology, Construction Laborer, and Auto Body positions.

“With this investment in career technical education, we are creating more pathways for adult learners to gain the skills and experience needed to enter high-demand industries like the trades, construction, and manufacturing,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “I’m grateful to our schools and employer partners whose collaboration is helping to expand access to career-connected learning and grow our state’s workforce.”

“Whittier Tech is proud to partner with the Commonwealth through the Career Technical Initiative, an outstanding program that empowers adult learners to pursue new career pathways while helping to meet critical workforce needs,” said Maureen Lynch, Superintendent, Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School.  “Over the past 5 years, our CTI program has supported the successful graduation of 350 individuals into the workforce, including 90 adult learners who will graduate from our CTI-funded programs this month. We are grateful for the continued funding that allows us to advance this important work and expand opportunities for adult learners.”

“Vocational schools across Massachusetts continue to be the backbone of the Career Technical Initiative, delivering hands-on, high-quality training in critical industries like construction, manufacturing, and the skilled trades,” said Tom Hooper, Vice President of Sector Strategies at Commonwealth Corporation. "Their leadership and commitment are essential to building the talent pipelines our workforce needs to thrive.”

The following is a list of the twenty-three (23) grant recipients for Round 10 Implementation Grants, and one (1) grant recipient for FY25 Planning Grant totaling $24.2 million to train 2490 individuals:

Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School District, Marlborough: $1,169,239

Assabet Valley Regional Vocational School District will provide training to 108 participants for Plumbing, Electrical, Welding, HVAC, and Auto Tech positions. They will partner with Henry Pacific Plumbing and Heating, F.W. Webb Co., Control Point Mechanical Inc., McGovern Automotive Group, Acton Ford Inc., Ford Motor Company, MAS Building and Bridge, NyproMold, Curtis Industries LLC, Acton Refrigeration, Kensington Mechanical Inc., Medford Wellington Service Co. Inc., Brian Bradley Electrical Contracting Inc., City of Marlborough Office of Inspectional Services, and IBEW Local 103. 

Attleboro Public Schools, Attleboro: $1,340,946 

Attleboro Public Schools will provide training to 168 participants for Welding, HVAC, Plumbing, Auto Tech, Electrical, Medical Lab Tech, and Culinary Arts positions. They will partner with Wayne J. Griffin Electric Inc., RCL Mechanical, Marmon Industrial Energy & Infrastructure, The Colonel Blackinton Inn, Tavern in the Square Attleboro, Citizen Crust, Sturdy Health, East Side Clinical Laboratory, Southcoast Hospitals Group, Engineered Materials Solutions, Environmental Systems Inc., Paldino Brothers Plumbing & Heating, SpeeDee Oil Change & Auto Service, Landes Family Auto Sales, Trustworthy Auto, Cross Street Automotive, Lockheed Architectural Solution Inc., Sousa & DeMayo, Green Brothers Fabrication, and Larson Tool & Stamping. 

Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District, Upton: $1,040,000  

Blackstone Valley Vocational Regional School District will provide training to 100 participants for Electrical, HVAC, Plumbing, Welding, and Advanced Manufacturing positions. They will partner with Primetals Technologies USA LLC, Tessier Machine Company, Tegra Medical, Carter Electric, Kuik Electric, Renaud Electric & Communications, CPS Heating & Cooling, T&J Heating, Air Conditioning and Plumbing, Ace Temperature Control, Curtis Septic Service, Notturno Home Services, Santon Plumbing and Heating, Riverdale Mills Corporation, Saint Gobain Abrasives, and DC Bates Equipment Co. 

City of Worcester (Worcester Public Schools), Worcester: $399,996

City of Worcester (Worcester Public Schools) will provide training to 40 participants for Diesel Tech positions. They will partner with The Pete Store, City of Leominster Department of Public Works, and Advantage Truck Group. 

Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School, Hathorne: $1,400,000  

Essex North Shore Agricultural and Technical School will provide training to 140 participants for Auto Tech, BioLab Tech, Carpentry, CNC Machinist, Construction Craft Laborer, Electrical, Electro Mechanical, HVAC, Plumbing, and Welding positions. They will partner with Ferro-Ceramic Grinding Inc., Fairview Machine, Momentum, Abiomed, Harmonic Drive, Village Automotive Group, IRA, Kelly Auto, Cell Signaling, CVS Health, MassBioEd, STAR Construction, Millwrights, Housewright, Taormina Electrical, North Shore Tech Electrical, Innovent Technologies, Preferred Air, Breen & Sullivan, John Morello Plumbing & Heating, Maffei Services, Quinn Brothers, and Ironworkers Local 7. 

Franklin County Technical School, Turners Falls: $2,219,375  

Franklin County Technical School will provide training to 216 participants for Auto Tech, Building Maintenance, Carpentry, Electrical, Horticulture, Plumbing, and Welding positions. They will partner with Ames Electrical Consulting, National Grid, Crocker Electrical Services, Indie Automotive, Harrison Diesel Solutions, Cherry Rum Automotive, Built for the East Offroad, Grass Roots Landscaping LLC, Pioneer Gardens Inc., Snow & Sons Landscaping, Sugarloaf Gardens, Champion Tree and Lawn CareFranklin County Regional Housing and Redevelopment Authority, Doyle Properties, Ironworkers Local 7, Winchester Precision Technologies, SMART Local #63 Joint Apprenticeship and Training Center, Sheet Metal Workers Local 63, Sandri Energy, Mike Woodard Plumbing, Carpenters Local 336 North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters, Mowry & Schmidt Inc., Fine Line Builders, Neal Leno Carpentry, Ron Grogan Homebuilder, and Salmon Falls Builders. 

Greater Lawrence Technical School, Andover: $1,320,000  

Greater Lawrence Technical School will provide training to 132 participants for HVAC, Auto Tech, Auto Collision Repair, Electrical, Plumbing, Welding, and Carpentry positions. They will partner with Don Kennett Inc., Empire Auto Parts, McGovern Automotive, Leo & Sons Auto Repair, Subaru of New England, Centimark Corporation, Delphi Construction, Shawnlee Construction, Ace Solar, Boston Solar, Solamp, Climate Zone, Monahan Technologies, New England Cooling Towers, Breen & Sullivan, Climate Zone, Boston Metal, Joel Fabrications, and Salem Metal. 

Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School District, Tyngsborough: $698,000

Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 86 participants for Electrical, Welding, Plumbing, Carpentry, Auto Tech, and Culinary Arts positions. They will partner with New England Transit Sales Inc., Gaspari's, Bouley Paving, Primo Pizza and Restaurant, The Melting Pot, Boissonneault Electrical Corp., BC Electrical Services, Nashoba Building and Remodeling, Precise Industries Inc., NUCAR Honda of Westford, Wiroll Plumbing and Heating Inc., Medford Wellington Service Co Inc., Aramark, Silver Arrow Service, Marcoux Plumbing, Fielding Electric, RGC Millworks, A. Fagundes Plumbing and Heating, and Middlesex 3 Coalition. 

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, New Bedford: $202,200

Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 20 participants for Advanced Manufacturing and Carpentry positions. They will partner with Darmouth Building Supply, Brodeur Machine Co Inc., Horner Millworks, Precision Window and Kitchen, AutoCam Medical, All Page Inc., and Primo Medical Group. 

Keefe Regional Technical School (South Middlesex RVSD), Framingham: $575,470

Keefe Regional Technical School (South Middlesex RVSD) will provide training to 60 participants for Electrical, HVAC, and Plumbing positions. They will partner with Granite City Electric Supply Co., Harvard Art Museums, Flaherty Plumbing Co., Dirty Water Plumbing & Heating, R.C. Meany & Daughter Plumbing, Nicholson Plumbing and Heating, Littleman with Glasses Heating, and COAN Heating and Cooling. 

Lynn Public Schools, Lynn: $720,000 

Lynn Public Schools will provide training to 72 participants for Auto Tech, Welding, and Plumbing positions. They will partner with Herb Chambers Co, McGovern Automotive Group, Pride Motor Group, Cranney Home Services, Robert W. Irvine & Sons Inc., North Shore Heating Supply Co., Innovent Technologies, and J.R. Welding & Fabrication. 

Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District, Lexington: $799,923

Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 80 participants for Carpentry, Groundskeeping, Plumbing, and Welding positions. They will partner with North Atlantic States Regional Council of Carpenters and North Atlantic States Carpenters Training Fund, Sweeney Drywall, Town of Acton, Town of Arlington, Town of Concord, John's Landscaping, Atlantic Heating and AC, New England Talent Pipeline Program, FW Webb Company, Ironworkers Local 7, and Steel-Fab Inc. 

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School, Fitchburg: $970,000

Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School will provide training to 72 participants for CNC Machine Operator, Electrical, and Plumbing positions. They will partner with DECCO Inc., Fitchburg Welding Co., Lloyed & Bouvier Inc., Burkart Flutes & Piccolos, Lakeview Landscaping & Irrigation Inc., Silvio's Masonry & Landscape, Princeton Scapes Inc., Brideau Energy, Orange Oil Co., Jay Moody HVAC, Williams Restaurant, The Barn Princeton, and Kro's on the Common. 

Nashoba Valley Technical High School, Westford: $800,000

Nashoba Valley Technical High School will provide training to 80 participants for Automotive, Plumbing, and Electricity positions. They will partner with McGovern Auto Group, MegaTech Corporation, Nucar Honda of Wesford, Domination Plumbing, Jerry Daley & Sons Plumbing & Heating Inc., SJ Plumbing LLC, Elliott Electrical LLC, MEC Electrical & Technologies, Norman E. Day Inc., Tocco Building Systems Co., and Village Home Services. 

Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School, Rochester: $335,000

Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 40 participants for Welding and Advanced Manufacturing positions. They will partner with Allied Recycling Center Inc., Tasco, A&M Associates, Cape Cod Shipbuilding Co., Dockside Repairs Inc., Autocam Medical, AccuRounds, and Teledyne. 

Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School, Palmer: $730,000

Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 72 participants for CNC Machine Operator, Electrician, and Plumbing positions. They will partner with Viant, Sanderson MacLeod, Knight Machine, B&R Machine, IMI Adaptas, Noonan Energy, NBE, KACO, PVE, EWS, and Aquarius. 

Salem High School, Salem: $1,489,998

Salem High School will provide training to 148 participants for Auto Tech, Property Maintenance, and Electrical positions. They will partner with Lyon-Waugh Auto Group, Sudbay Motors, Harborlight Homes, McGovern Automotive Group, Salem Housing Authority, Callahan Inc., Endless Energy, and IUPAT DC35. 

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School, Northampton: $479,998

Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School will provide training to 60 participants for Culinary Arts positions. They will partner with Snapchef, Tosca, Smith College Dining Services, Atkins Farms, River Valley Co-Op, Pete's Sweets, Ana Bandeira Chocolates, and Hungry Ghost Bread. 

South Shore Regional School District, Hanover: $3,929,999

South Shore Regional School District will provide training to 392 participants for Automotive, Carpentry, Culinary Arts, Electrical, Horticulture, HVAC, Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with Planet Subaru Inc., Sonny Johnson Tire, D.J. Sullivan Collision Center, North Star Bailey, E. Costa Carpentry, Dova Properties Inc., Sutherland Brothers Partnership, Furlong's Candies, Scarlet Oak Tavern, The Fours Restaurant and Sports Bar, Viscariello Hospitality Group, Joint Apprentice and Training Committee, McDonald Electrical Corporation, Your Electrical Solutions, Paragon Landscape Construction, Plymouth Quarries and JF Price, Vetelino Landscape Inc., Bendon Gear & Machine Inc., Dimark Precision Machining Inc., Symmons Industries Inc., Blue Atlantic Fabricators LLC, New Bedford Welding Supply Inc., Triangle Engineering, Pilgrim Propane, Plumbers Supply Inc., New England Plumbing & Mechanical, Cotti Johnson HVAC, and Anderson Fuel. 

Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational Technical School District, Charlton: $1,337,077    

Southern Worcester County Regional Vocational Technical School District will provide training to 130 participants for Auto Collision, Auto Tech, Building and Property Maintenance, Culinary Arts, Diesel Mechanic, Electrical, HVAC, Manufacturing, and Welding positions. They will partner with Harr Motor Group, ckSmithSuperior, C&C Temp Control, Fuller Collision Group, Advantage Truck Group, Long Subaru Inc., Anctil Electric, Upper Blackstone Clean Water, Dexter Russell, Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority, SMART Local #63, Atech Turbine Components, Acura of Auburn, Lakeview Marine Inc., Baps Auto Paint, The Center of Hope Foundation Inc., Mercier Electric Co Inc., C.M.T.S. Service Center Inc., Kinefac Corporation, Masonic Health System, Primetals Technologies, HVAC/R Service Contractors, Table 3 Restaurant Group, Worcester County Welding Corp., and Milton CAT. 

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School, Franklin: $883,955

Tri-County Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 150 participants for HVAC, Culinary, Auto Service, Carpentry, and Welding positions. They will partner with American Tool, Woodstock Building Associates LLC, Tri-County Food Services, Mystic Scenic Studios, Consigli Construction Co Inc., Clevco Mechanical, Wright's Dairy Farm & Bakery, Vin Gadoury Construction Inc., Michael J Connolly & Sons Inc., James' Breakfast and More Inc., Suburban Service Corp., Shawnlee Construction, Professional Electric, ESI, Rodenhiser Home Services, Town of Franklin, and J White's Automotive. 

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School, Bourne: $419,996  

Upper Cape Cod Regional Technical School will provide training to 40 participants for Diesel Tech and Welding positions. They will partner with P.A. Landers Inc., RJ Bevilacqua Construction, Ryder Transportation Services, Balise Ford of Cape Cod, Allen Harbor Marine Service, Grand Cove Welding, and Town of Bourne Department of Integrated Solid Waste Management. 

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School, Haverhill: $931,000  

Whittier Regional Vocational Technical High School will provide training to 100 participants for Welding, Advanced Manufacturing, Carpentry, Electrical, Plumbing, Culinary Arts, Marine Technology, Construction Laborer, and Auto Body positions. They will partner with Fairview Machine Co Inc., Magellan Aerospace, Maero Manufacturing Corporation, Auto Body Builders, Don Kennett Inc., DJ Rogers Collision & Auto Center, Twomey and Legare Contracting, W.C. Pepe Career Training, M.L. Mazzotta, Germaine Lawn & Landscape, East Coast Welding and Fabrication LLC, Terex Ecotec & CBI, A Sweet Affair, Whitsons Culinary Group, Carolyn's Farm Kitchen, Donahue & Son LLC, Sanford Electrical Contractor, Piquette & Howard Electric Service LLC, American Boat & Yacht Council, Massachusetts Marine Trades Association, Manchester Marine Corporation, Pine Island Plumbing & Heating, Burke & Sons Plumbing & Heating, and Z's Plumbing Services LLC.

The following is a list of the One (1) grant recipient for FY25 Planning Grants, totaling $50,000 to plan and prepare for the implementation of future training:  

Somerville Public Schools, Somerville: $50,000

Somerville Public Schools will receive funds to conduct planning to deliver training in FY26 for HVAC, Electrical, and Automotive pathways. 

哈佛教授劉軍退休 將返中國籌辦清華統計數據系

波士頓北大校友會請劉軍分享經驗。（周菊子攝）

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 哈佛大學統計學教授劉軍甫於今年4月獲選為美國國家科學院外籍院士，旋即於7月退休，將返中國，全職加入清華大學，為他在該校創辦的統計學研究中心，以及正在籌備的統計與數據科學系效力。

哈佛教授劉軍（左）和MIT教授張偉這2位院士對談。（周菊子攝）

            8名來自全美各地的學者，7月28日在哈佛大學校內為劉軍舉辦了一場一整天的「推動前沿數據科學、人工智慧和統計學習（Advancing the Frontier Data Science, AI, and Statistical Learning）」研討會之後，新英格蘭北京大學校友會也在8月2日下午，假達納法伯（Dana Faber）舉辦了一場「暢談科研之路與學術人生」的院士對談，請來麻省理工學院數學系教授，也是美國藝術與科學院院士的張偉和劉軍對談。

波士頓北大校友會邀院士座談。（周菊子攝）

            研討會有不下30名學者，專家，談了「人工智慧和統計學中的貝葉斯方法（Bayesian-inspired Methods in AI and Statistics）」，「透過人工智慧和統計建模推進生物發現和治療（Advancing Biological discovery & Therapeutics through AI and Statistical Modeling）」，「人工智慧在行動：從複雜數據到可靠發現(AI in Action: From Complex Data to Credible Discovery)」，「人工智慧與統計學的結合—雙向力量提升(AI Ｍeets Statistics - A Two-Way Power Boost)」等議題。

            

波士頓北大校友會理事會主席王開元提問。（周菊子攝）

院士對談，先由年甫60的北大數學系81級校友，哈佛教授劉軍，以「我對研究，人工智能，以及科學撰述的看法」為題，講述自己的「一甲子」的人生經歷。

            劉軍列出13個重點，表示自己一直是清華人，中小學都在棣屬清華的學校就讀，1985取得北大數學學士學位後，又考上清華數學系的陳省身出國項目，才來美國深造。

            抵美後，劉軍先進Rutgers讀博士，再轉芝加哥大學拿統計學博士，後加入哈佛大學當助理教授，1994年辭職轉赴史坦福大學，2000年才又回哈佛就任終身（正）教授。

            2002年，劉軍獲得COPSS獎，應北大之聘任長江訪問教授，2005又被清華大學網羅為數學系訪問教授。2015年時，清華校長陳吉寧邀他創立清華大學統計學研究中心，2024年他再在清華建立統計與數據科學系，然後今年，2025，劉軍當選為美國科學院院士，決定退休，全職加入清華。

            劉軍形容自己當年有數學基礎，對哲學感興趣，是憑著直覺和判斷，選擇了統計學作為自己的未來發展方向。

在展示照片時，劉軍一度笑說統計小故事，指個人姓名中有個小字的人，似乎都很容易成功，哈佛大學教授田曉霏，庄小威，孟曉梨，劉小樂的名字都有個小字。

            劉軍在這場標題為「人工智能再次興起的契機和新思想」的對談中，從現代人工智能教父Geoffrey Hinton 的研究軌跡說起，指出統計、計算和數學思維的協同作用是人工智慧創新的關鍵。統計學是人工智能的基礎。人工智能成功是可以更快，更好地完成許多日常任務，有更大更靈活的表達能力，但存在以訛傳訛，信息可靠度，安全性，如何保護知識產權，定義合規策略等問題。

            劉軍和張偉都坦言自己並不常用ChatGPT之類的人工智慧工具，同意人工智能對社會形態有很大影響，但質疑人工智能無法自行具有目的性，目前沒有自我意識，未來發展值得關注。

華人前進會糾正舉報 線上超市Weee 付86.5萬元和解

             （Boston Orange 編譯）麻州總檢察長辦公室和線上亞洲超市 Weee! Logistics LLC， Weee! OD Foods LLC ，以及其總裁劉明（譯音， Min Liu）達成和解協議，將於今秋支付86.5 萬餘美元，以繳交罰款，補償160多名受影響員工。

                  麻州總檢察官Andrea Joy Campbell表示，當雇主非法錯誤分類員工，就會阻止他們獲得重要的員工保障，例如賺取和使用病假，以照顧自己及家人的權利。

                  這一和解案涉及Weee! 涉嫌錯誤的把送貨司機列為獨立承包商，因此剝奪了他們獲得最低工資、加班費以及賺取和使用病假等關鍵員工保障的權利，也違反了麻州的就業法。                  

                  麻州總檢察長辦公室收到華人前進會的投訴訊息後，查出在2021 年至 2024 年期間，約有160 多名Weee員工的職業種類被錯誤的列為獨立承包商，以至於他們的員工權益受損。達成和解協議後，Weee同意將麾下送貨司機重新歸類為僱員，並遵守所有相關州法。

                  麻州總檢察長辦公室強調，該辦公室致力保護所有工人的權利，不論其移民身份如何。此案由麻州總檢察官辦公室公平勞工組調查員Lili Wu承辦。

AG CAMPBELL SECURES OVER $865,000 SETTLEMENT WITH ONLINE SUPERMARKET FOR MISCLASSIFYING WORKERS AND VIOLATING SICK TIME LAW

 

Settlement With Self-Described “America’s Largest Online Asian Supermarket” Includes Restitution for Impacted Workers and Penalties

 

BOSTON – Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell today announced that her office has reached a settlement with online grocery-delivery companies Weee! Logistics LLC and Weee! OD Foods LLC, and their President, Min Liu, (collectively, “Weee!”), resolving allegations that Weee! violated Massachusetts employment laws pertaining to employee classification and earned sick time. As part of the settlement, Weee! has agreed to pay over $865,000 in citations, including restitution for over 160 impacted workers and penalties.

 

“When employers illegally misclassify workers and prevent them from accessing crucial employee protections, such as the right to earn and use sick time to care for themselves and their families, vulnerable workers are unfairly harmed and exploited,” said AG Campbell. “My office will continue to enforce our laws to protect and empower workers, reminding employers that Massachusetts is serious about protecting workers’ rights.” 

 

Weee! is an online-only supermarket, self-described as “America’s Largest Online Asian Supermarket,” and employs delivery drivers to complete online delivery services.

  

The AGO found that in violation of Massachusetts’ wage and hour laws, Weee! misclassified its delivery drivers as independent contractors, preventing drivers from obtaining employee-related legal protections, and failed to provide them paystubs regarding their paid wages. Under Massachusetts’ wage and hour laws, workers must be classified as employees, which grants them rights to minimum wage, overtime, and other protections, unless they meet certain criteria for independent contractor classification. 

 

            Additionally, the AGO alleged that in violation of the Earned Sick Time Law, Weee! failed to permit workers to earn and use sick time as legally required. Massachusetts’ Earned Sick Time Law provides workers the right to earn and use up to 40 hours of job-protected sick time per year and requires employers to notify workers of this right, including through notice of the employer’s sick time policy. 

 

Under the settlement, Weee! has agreed to classify its drivers as employees and comply with all relevant Massachusetts laws.  

 

The AGO began investigating this matter upon receiving a complaint referral from the Chinese Progressive Association.  

 

“When Massachusetts passed the ABC test in 1990—and later strengthened it in 2004, it became one of the strongest laws in the nation. We're grateful that gig workers benefit from these protections. Many workers weren’t even aware their rights were being violated. We commend Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell and her team for seeking justice and ensuring workers are fairly compensated,” said Yusin Mok, Lead Organizer at Chinese Progressive Association. 

 

Many delivery drivers who worked for Weee! from 2021 to 2024 are entitled to payments from this settlement agreement. The AGO’s Fair Labor Division (FLD) has the list of drivers and amounts owed. Restitution checks will be sent to the affected drivers on this list in late fall of 2025. Delivery drivers who worked for Weee! from 2021 to 2024 can send an email to fldsettlement@mass.gov with their name, current address, and a current utility bill showing proof of address. Please reference Weee! settlement in the message. FLD will check our records and respond to each person over the coming months. 

 

This matter was handled by Assistant Attorney General Tallulah Knopp, Assistant Attorney General Erin Staab, and Investigator Lili Wu of the AGO’s Fair Labor Division, which is tasked with enforcing the state’s wage and hour, child labor, and other employment laws.

 

The AGO is committed to protecting the rights of all workers, including immigrant workers, who are disproportionately vulnerable to illegal employment practices, such as wage theft and other harms. The AGO encourages workers and employers to review the AGO’s Advisory on the Rights of Immigrant Workers, The Advisory affirms that all workers, regardless of their immigration status, are entitled to employment protections, including the right to a fair wage, protection from retaliation, classification as an employee, and freedom from sexual harassment and discrimination in the workplace. 

 

In accordance with state and federal law, the AGO works to serve and protect all workers, without regard to immigration status, does not ask about workers’ immigration status, and does not voluntarily provide workers’ personal information to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). 

 

Workers in Massachusetts who believe their workplace rights have been violated are encouraged to file a complaint with the AGO’s Fair Labor Division at mass.gov/ago/fld. For more information about the state’s employment laws, workers may call the AGO’s Fair Labor Hotline at (617) 727-3465 or visit mass.gov/ago/fairlabor for information available in multiple languages.   

探戈塢音樂訂8月12日來到庫利奇角劇院 （Coolidge Corner Theatre）

          （Boston Orange編譯）探戈塢音樂中心（TMC）今夏將把波士頓交響樂團（BSO）帶上路，訂8 月 12 日（週二）晚 7 點，在布魯克蘭鎮（Brookline）的庫利奇角劇院（Coolidge Corner Theatre，CCT）推出「探戈塢音樂中心無聲電影之夜」。

探戈塢(Tanglewood)是美國最負盛名的音樂節之一，也是波士頓交響樂團（BSO）夏季駐紮地點，以及波士頓交響樂團高級音樂訓練的夏季學院所在地。

「探戈塢音樂中心無聲電影之夜」則是探戈塢音樂中心與探戈塢學習學院（TLI）的合作項目，藉由播放無聲電影短片，搭配由探戈塢音樂中心作曲學員原創音樂來呈現視聽饗宴的新嘗試。

今年的無聲電影項目將包括多部動畫喜劇選段，如「瘋狂貓與狗（Mutt and Jeff）」、「菲力貓（Felix the Cat）」和「可可小丑（Koko the Clown）」。此外，晚會還將呈現由最早的女性電影導演之一 Alice Guy Blaché 執導的感人影片《飄零的樹葉》（Falling Leaves），以及幾部來自 1926 年的國際新聞影片。

探戈塢音樂中心的指揮學員和在新音樂上有傑出表現的“新弗洛姆演奏者（New Fromm Players）”樂團，將現場演奏包括 Caio de Azevedo、Baldwin Giang、Liann J. Kang、Joshua Alvarez Mastel 和 Sofía Rocha等人在夏季學習期間創作的原創音樂作品。

探戈塢音樂中心主任 Ed Gazouleas 表示，來自世界各地的年輕音樂家，每年齊聚探戈塢音樂中心學習，他們很自豪今年能再次派遣一群富有創造力的年輕人前往庫利奇劇院演出，一起探索電影與原創音樂的跨學科結合。

庫利奇角劇院執行董事兼執行長 Katherine Tallman 表示，電影與音樂密不可分，該劇院很高興能與探戈塢音樂中心的學員們合作。

庫利奇角劇院位於麻州布魯克萊蘭鎮哈佛街 290 號。本次活動的票價為普通票 35 美元，庫利奇劇院會員32 美元。門票現已開售。