Healey-Driscoll Administration Honors Gold Star Families at Annual Tree Lighting and Launches First-Ever Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Honors Gold Star Families at Annual Tree Lighting and Launches First-Ever Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit  

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll today joined Gold Star families, state leaders and community partners at the Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree Lighting ceremony at the State House, an annual tradition that honors the families of fallen service members and affirms the state’s commitment to them. 

During the event, the Healey Administration formally launched the Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit, the first comprehensive, statewide guide dedicated exclusively to Gold Star families. Developed by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS), the toolkit brings together a broad array of resources in one place, helping families navigate benefits and services across education, health care, housing, employment, financial assistance, and community connection. 

The Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree Lighting Ceremony is an annual State House event that honors Massachusetts service members who died in service and their families. Approximately 120 Gold Star family members gathered for the ceremony to decorate the tree with personal messages and ornaments in remembrance of their loved ones. The Military Friends Foundation hosts the ceremony with support from state and community partners. 

“Gold Star families live with the weight of sacrifice every single day,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We owe them respect, recognition and action. This annual ceremony honors their loved ones, and this new toolkit will help families access the resources they need throughout the year.””  

“The Gold Star Families Tree Lighting reminds us that remembrance must come with responsibility,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today, we honor families who have given so much, and we reaffirm our commitment to stand beside them with real resources, clear guidance, and ongoing support.” 

“Gold Star families should never have to search for help or piece together support on their own,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “This toolkit brings resources into one place and sends a clear message that Massachusetts stands with Gold Star families not just in moments of remembrance, but every day of the year.” 

“The Military Friends Foundation is honored to host this ceremony and partner with the Commonwealth to connect Gold Star families with meaningful support,” saidSarah Sweeney, Military Friends Foundation. 

“Gold Star Families share a special understanding of the pain experienced with the loss of a child,” said Robin Abbott, Gold Star Wives of America. “Together, we offer each other support, friendship, and a shoulder to cry on. We are here to provide a hand up when a family is struggling emotionally or financially.” 

The toolkit reflects Massachusetts’ broader work to strengthen support for Gold Star families through policy, recognition, and direct assistance. Earlier this year, during Veterans Week, Massachusetts dedicated the bridge at 194 Lynnway as the Massachusetts Gold Star Families Memorial Bridge. The dedication honors Gold Star families across the Commonwealth and recognizes Lynn’s long history of military service and sacrifice, including more than 450 Gold Star family members since World War II. 

Additionally, this year the Healey Administration fully implemented the HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans legislation in Massachusetts history, which increases state benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members and expands formal recognition for Gold Star families across the state, including annual proclamations and lighting honors at key public landmarks. It also improves access to health care, behavioral health treatment, and other supports for military families. 

Massachusetts is home to thousands of Gold Star family members, including parents, spouses, children, and siblings of fallen service members. The new toolkit was designed to meet families where they are, whether they are newly navigating loss or seeking long-term stability and connection years later. 

The Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit is available statewide and can be accessed online atmass.gov/VETS. 

波士頓華商會冬至湯圓列車 從君子樓出發

波士頓華商會到君子樓送湯圓，助耆英過冬至。（周菊子攝）

                   (Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導) 12月21日（週日）是2025年的冬至正日，也是北方人吃餃子，南方人吃湯圓的日子。波士頓華商會的「湯圓列車」在12月17日啟動，從華埠君子樓開始，將陸續到南灣西座，南灣東座，送上湯圓，給老人家們帶來冬日溫暖。

台山湯圓用料格外豐富。（周菊子攝）

                  12月17日這天下午1點，波士頓華商會的2名副會長陳文珊，黃展堂和中文書記翁偉健，財政余麗媖，以及理事伍偉業，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝，華埠/南灣社區議會新科議員黃楚嵐，請樂嚐軒特製了4大桶材料特別豐富的“台山湯圓”，來到君子樓派發。

                  余麗媖指出，台山人的湯圓和一般的湯圓不一樣，有白菜，蝦米，蘿蔔，香菇，配上小湯圓熬煮，濃稠美味，平時是吃不到的。

翁偉健（左一）派發湯圓，君子樓工作人員記錄。（周菊子攝）

                  陳文珊表示，華商會組隊，在冬至前到老人屋村派發湯圓，是法蘭克叔叔陳毓禮當年發起的。該會每年出動「湯圓列車」，遍訪華埠老人屋，為耆英們送上冬日溫暖。

在新冠病毒疫情期間，由於大樓管理人員難以接觸，他們才減少了拜訪耆英，送湯圓的地點。

陳文珊（左）和余麗媖（右）忙著把湯圓裝入盒內，方便人們取用。（周菊子攝）

            目前，該會預計在君子樓之後，還將於12月19ㄖˋ中午12點到南灣西座，12月22日中午到南灣東座。其他地點將視他們和樓宇管理人員的聯絡情況而定。

        17日下午，波士頓華商會在君子樓工作人員協助下，派發了至少141和盒湯圓。余麗媖笑說，去年該會訂製了3大桶湯圓，居然不夠分，今年特地增加份量，要讓想喝碗台山湯圓的老人家們，都能享用。

翁偉健，黃展堂為排成長龍了耆英們分發湯圓。（華商會提供）

大摩頓市亞裔社區聯盟年終慶祝會展示新購會址

摩頓市長Gary Christenson（左二）到場，祝賀大摩頓市亞裔社區聯盟活動舉辦成功。
右起為共同創辦人余翠梅，聯盟主任Mina Kim，共同創辦人暨董事會董事長蘇靜恩。
（聯盟提供）

             （Boston Orange周菊子麻州摩頓市報導）大摩頓市亞裔社區聯盟（GMAACC）12月13日在摩頓市珍珠街（Pearl）381號舉辦社區聚會，有市長顧庭生(Gary Christenson)與2名麻州眾議員，多名市議員出席，2團體表演，數十居民參加，一同想像摩頓市亞裔社區將來以此地為活動中心景象。

摩頓市珍珠街（Pearl）381號外觀。（周菊子攝）

            GMAACC董事會董事長暨共同創辦人蘇靜恩（Andrea So）和她的功夫師父，也是GMAACC共同創辦人余翠梅（Mai Du），以及GMAACC新聘的聯盟主任，韓裔的Mina Kim，聯盟活動顧問鄭蓮金（Iris Tan）等工作人員，這天在會場迎接摩頓市市長顧庭生(Gary Christenson)，市議員Chris Simonelli，Paul Condon，Karen Colón Hayes，Stephen Winslow，Michelle Luong，以及麻州眾議員Steven Ultrino和Paul Donato等政要，會場十分熱鬧。

GMAACC共同創辦人蘇靜恩（右起），余翠梅，聯盟主任Mina Kim，
麻州眾議員Paul Donato，以及摩頓市的Michelle Luong等人。（周菊子攝）

            慶祝會安排了華夏多元藝術團唱歌，跳舞，文化活動組織者者楊愛倫（Karen Young）打太鼓等表演。

楊愛倫（右一）示範打太鼓。（聯盟提供）

            聯盟主任Mina Kim讚許摩頓市(Malden)和麥德福市（Medford）的青年領袖，聯盟的乒乓俱樂部會員，社區耆英，工作人員等，這天齊心協力，藉著摩頓市社區連結補助（Community Connections Grant）的贊助，盛大舉辦慶祝會，邀集摩頓市亞裔居民歡聚。

            對大摩頓市亞裔社區聯盟來說，這也是慶祝國會眾議員暨民主黨黨鞭克拉克（Katherine Clark）在2024年3月為該組織爭取到100萬元，讓他們得以加上貸款，社區捐款，湊足134萬元，在今年（2025）5月買下靠近Wellington地鐵站，面積6300平方英尺的珍珠街381號，將繼續籌款，進一步翻修，整建工程，以期摩頓市亞裔社區將來有個美輪美奐的活動中心。

摩頓市是個人口約65,000

華夏多元藝術團表演唱歌。（周菊子攝）

的小城市，亞裔高佔24%，在麻州351個市鎮之中，是亞裔人口第三高的城市，僅次於32%的勒星頓鎮，以及29.5%的昆士市。

            根據大摩頓市亞裔社區聯盟官網，2014年聯盟創辦，2015年開始辦理青年領袖計畫，2016年正式成為非牟利組織，2019年開始和亞美社區發展協會（ACDC），大波士頓法律事務服務會的亞裔外展小組，以及華人前進會（CPA

麻州眾議員Paul Donato，Steven Ultrino雙雙出席，支持GMAACC活動。（周菊子攝）

）等機構合作，在摩頓市為亞裔爭取選舉投票站的語言正義。2020年和摩頓鄰居幫助鄰居項目，以及摩頓市亞裔擁有的餐館合作，開辦“熱餐”項目，2021年和摩頓市第一教堂合作，創辦了乒乓球俱樂部，2022年和社區及民選官員合作，慶祝摩頓市通過音譯法案（Transliteration Bill），同年和華林宮夫及太極學校合作，華夏多元藝術團正式成為該聯盟麾下項目，為社區成員提供練習場地，舉辦文化藝術表演活動。（更新版）

GMAACC歡迎亞裔回家，參加活動。（周菊子攝）

活動現場。（周菊子攝）

布朗大學槍擊案警方公佈嫌犯照片 FBI在調查此案和MIT教授15日晚被槍殺是否有關

羅德島州普域敦斯市警察局公佈的嫌犯照片。

       （Boston Orange編譯）造成2死9傷的羅德島州布朗大學槍擊案從12月13日發生迄今已6日，警方表示已確認一名嫌犯，刻正調查15日晚，MIT教授Nuno F.G. Loureiro在麻州布魯克蘭鎮(Brookline)的家中被槍殺，是否有關聯。

            羅德島州普域敦斯市（Providence）警察局已在該局的IG（Instagram），Ｘ（推特）等社交媒體上貼出嫌犯照片，視頻，聯邦調查局（FBI）也在15日宣佈，懸賞5萬元給提供線索，讓警方抓到嫌犯的人。

            聯邦調查局本來認為布朗大學槍擊案和MIT教授被槍殺案無關，但布朗槍擊案嫌犯所租用車輛，和MIT教授似有關聯，有關當局正在調查中，

            現年47歲的MIT教授Nuno F.G. Loureiro是一位年輕的理論物理學家，也是聚變專家，2016年成為麻省理工學院教授，2024年才升任該校最大實驗室之一的“等離子體科學與聚變中心（Plasma Science and Fusion Center）”主任，麾下據稱有250名全職研究員，職員及學生，分別在7 棟大樓內工作，實驗室面積約25萬平方英尺。

            根據Loureiro教授的大學自傳，他在葡萄牙里斯本的高等技術學院（Instituto Superior Técnico）主修物理，2005年從倫敦皇家學院（Imperial College London）取得物理博士學位。2005到2007之間，他在普林斯頓的等離子體物理實驗室工作，2007到2009年間，他在英國原子能源管理局卡勒姆聚變中心（UK Atomic Energy Authority’s Culham Centre for Fusion Energy）工作。

            在2016年他來到麻省理工學院之前，他在里斯本IST的等離子體及核聚變機構做研究員。

            鄰居說他有3個小孩。他住在布魯克蘭鎮，距離Coolidge Corner不遠處的Gibbs街3層高磚屋的一樓。住在附近的一名22歲波士頓大學學生說，大約晚上8點半時，他聽到3聲槍響。

            調查人員相信，嫌犯大約5呎8寸高，身材魁武，持械，而且危險，希望民眾看看社交媒體上視頻和照片，歡迎任何有消息提供者，撥打聯邦調查局熱線1-800-CALL-FBI，或致電普域敦斯市警察局，401-272-3121。線索也可在網上提交tips.fbi.gov。有任何關於槍擊事件的視頻或照片，聯邦調查局也歡迎民眾上網提供線索，fbi.gov/brownuniversityshooting。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Honors Gold Star Families at Annual Tree Lighting and Launches First-Ever Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Honors Gold Star Families at Annual Tree Lighting and Launches First-Ever Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit  

BOSTON - Governor Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll today joined Gold Star families, state leaders and community partners at the Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree Lighting ceremony at the State House, an annual tradition that honors the families of fallen service members and affirms the state’s commitment to them. 

 

During the event, the Healey Administration formally launched the Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit, the first comprehensive, statewide guide dedicated exclusively to Gold Star families. Developed by the Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS), the toolkit brings together a broad array of resources in one place, helping families navigate benefits and services across education, health care, housing, employment, financial assistance, and community connection. 

The Massachusetts Gold Star Families Tree Lighting Ceremony is an annual State House event that honors Massachusetts service members who died in service and their families. Approximately 120 Gold Star family members gathered for the ceremony to decorate the tree with personal messages and ornaments in remembrance of their loved ones. The Military Friends Foundation hosts the ceremony with support from state and community partners. 

“Gold Star families live with the weight of sacrifice every single day,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We owe them respect, recognition and action. This annual ceremony honors their loved ones, and this new toolkit will help families access the resources they need throughout the year.””  

“The Gold Star Families Tree Lighting reminds us that remembrance must come with responsibility,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Today, we honor families who have given so much, and we reaffirm our commitment to stand beside them with real resources, clear guidance, and ongoing support.” 

“Gold Star families should never have to search for help or piece together support on their own,” said Secretary Jon Santiago. “This toolkit brings resources into one place and sends a clear message that Massachusetts stands with Gold Star families not just in moments of remembrance, but every day of the year.” 

“The Military Friends Foundation is honored to host this ceremony and partner with the Commonwealth to connect Gold Star families with meaningful support,” said Sarah Sweeney, Military Friends Foundation. 

“Gold Star Families share a special understanding of the pain experienced with the loss of a child,” said Robin Abbott, Gold Star Wives of America. “Together, we offer each other support, friendship, and a shoulder to cry on. We are here to provide a hand up when a family is struggling emotionally or financially.” 

The toolkit reflects Massachusetts’ broader work to strengthen support for Gold Star families through policy, recognition, and direct assistance. Earlier this year, during Veterans Week, Massachusetts dedicated the bridge at 194 Lynnway as the Massachusetts Gold Star Families Memorial Bridge. The dedication honors Gold Star families across the Commonwealth and recognizes Lynn’s long history of military service and sacrifice, including more than 450 Gold Star family members since World War II. 

Additionally, this year the Healey Administration fully implemented the HERO Act, the most comprehensive veterans legislation in Massachusetts history, which increases state benefits for disabled veterans and Gold Star family members and expands formal recognition for Gold Star families across the state, including annual proclamations and lighting honors at key public landmarks. It also improves access to health care, behavioral health treatment, and other supports for military families. 

Massachusetts is home to thousands of Gold Star family members, including parents, spouses, children, and siblings of fallen service members. The new toolkit was designed to meet families where they are, whether they are newly navigating loss or seeking long-term stability and connection years later. 

The Massachusetts Gold Star Family Resource Toolkit is available statewide and can be accessed online at mass.gov/VETS. 

Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Five Years of the Career Technical Initiative, Highlighting Nearly $70 Million Invested in Massachusetts’s Skilled Trades Workforce

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Celebrates Five Years of the Career Technical Initiative, Highlighting Nearly $70 Million Invested in Massachusetts’s Skilled Trades Workforce 

ANDOVER – This week, the Healey-Driscoll Administration celebrated five years of the Career Technical Initiative (CTI), a statewide workforce program that has partnered with 34 vocational technical schools to expand access to high-quality training in the trades, construction, and manufacturing sectors and reaching more than 4,600 unemployed and underemployed adult participants, to date.

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 CTI program continues to serve as a collaborative initiative of the state’s Workforce Skills Cabinet.

“Programs like the Career Technical Initiative create real opportunities for adult learners by pairing practical, hands-on learning with skills employers are looking for in today’s economy,” said Governor Healey. “By combining hands-on training, outstanding CTE schools, and strong employer partnerships, CTI has helped open doors to high-demand careers in construction, the trades, and manufacturing—setting residents up for success today and for years to come.”

 

“The Career Technical Initiative has been a key part of our workforce agenda as we build a job-ready workforce for today and the future,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Massachusetts leads the nation in education and CTI uses that world-class system to provide targeted job training to adult workers and give them the skills they need to thrive in growing and in-demand industries.”

Since its launch, CTI has awarded nearly $70 million in grants to 34 schools statewide. More than 4,600 adult participants have enrolled, adding thousands of skilled workers to the Massachusetts workforce. The program has expanded from 10 vocational technical schools in its first year to 34 schools today, reflecting strong demand and the success of CTI’s model. Across the program’s first five years, CTI has achieved an 85% completion rate, with 100% of completers earning an industry-recognized credential.  

Since 2023, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has awarded $53 million in CTI Grants, projected to train over 6,090 unemployed and underemployed individuals.  

“Over the past five years, the CTI program has demonstrated strategic ways to train and prepare untapped talent for current and future workforce needs across Massachusetts,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “This program has been an impactful tool to build our workforce and a great example of leveraging existing resources through our vocational technical schools to increase access and opportunities as we strengthen our skilled workforce.”

“As CTI marks five years of impact, it continues to show how our education system can support a strong, job-ready workforce,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “By opening up career and technical education schools for adult training and aligning programs with industry needs, this initiative is delivering meaningful results for learners, employers, and communities throughout Massachusetts.”

To mark the milestone, Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones visited Greater Lawrence Technical School (GLTS) in Andover, an inaugural-round CTI grantee, to tour training spaces and meet with educators, workforce partners, and employers supporting the CTI program in the region. The CTI program for adult learners is a program of the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development (EOLWD) administered by Commonwealth Corporation, a quasi-public agency.

The Greater Lawrence Technical School has been part of CTI since its first cohort in 2020 and helped establish the statewide model by providing adult-focused training. Today, GLTS continues to serve as a regional hub in Essex County, preparing learners for careers in construction, manufacturing, automotive, HVAC, electrical, plumbing and other in-demand fields.   

“The Career Technical Initiative truly innovative — it unlocks additional, much needed training capacity in Massachusetts’s impressive vocational schools,” said Molly Jacobson, President and CEO of Commonwealth Corporation. “Schools collaborate with workforce boards, career centers and employers to offer training programs that meet real workforce needs and fits into people’s lives. This work is opening doors for upward mobility for our families and delivering strong returns for the Commonwealth, with $2.18 in economic value generated for $1 invested. That kind of impact is possible thanks to the commitment and the leadership of our grantees and partners.”  

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $33.5 Million for Housing, Economic Development Across State

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces $33.5 Million for Housing, Economic Development Across State 

Also creates new Housing Choice Initiative to support housing development in small and rural communities 

GREAT BARRINGTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced nearly $33.5 million in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) awards to support housing, infrastructure, social services and economic development projects in 52 communities across Massachusetts. At the same time, the administration is updating its Housing Choice Initiative to launch a new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation, giving smaller and more rural communities a clearer path to state recognition and resources for pro-housing policies.  

Together, these initiatives reflect the administration’s commitment to listening to communities of all sizes and working alongside local leaders to deliver the tools, funding and policy support they need to expand housing options and strengthen their downtowns and neighborhoods. 

“From our smallest hill towns to our Gateway Cities and regional hubs, we are listening to local leaders and making sure they have the resources they need to deliver for their residents,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These Community Development Block Grants will support housing and economic development in cities and towns across the state, and the new Rural and Small Town designation will make sure that no community is left behind. Together, these initiatives are about giving communities the tools they need to grow their economies, build more housing to lower costs, and deliver the high-quality services their people deserve.” 

“As a former mayor, I know how powerful it is when the state not only sends funding but also recognizes and supports the local policies that make new housing possible,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “CDBG is one of the most flexible tools that cities and towns have to respond to local needs. By pairing those dollars with a refreshed Housing Choice program — including a Rural and Small Town designation — we are making sure communities of every size can access state support, unlock new housing and strengthen their downtowns and neighborhoods.” 

“This year’s CDBG awards will fund housing rehabilitation, street and sidewalk upgrades, planning work and vital social services in dozens of communities,” said Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Secretary Ed Augustus. “At the same time, our new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice designation recognizes that smaller communities face different realities but are just as committed to creating housing options for their residents. These changes grew out of hundreds of conversations my team and I have had with local leaders over the past three years, and they will help more communities qualify for Housing Choice recognition and grant programs that support long term housing and community development.” 

The federal fiscal 2025 CDBG awards, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC), will help small cities and towns undertake projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible municipalities applied individually or as part of a regional application. This year, HLC is issuing 27 competitive Community Development Fund awards totaling $25.7 million, along with $7.75 million for nine Mini-Entitlement communities, for a combined $33.47 million in funding.  

Communities will use CDBG funds for a wide range of eligible activities, including housing rehabilitation, sidewalk and road improvements, planning studies, public facility upgrades and social services such as food pantries, youth programming and homelessness prevention. Awardees include communities on the Cape and Islands, in the Berkshires, in Gateway Cities and in rural Western and Central Massachusetts, underscoring the geographic reach and flexibility of the program.  

In addition to these investments, HLC will launch a new Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community (RST-HCC) designation in the 2026 round. Municipalities with 7,000 or less year-round population or under 500 persons per square mile qualify as “Rural and Small Towns.” 

The Housing Choice Initiative, first created in 2018 and updated in 2025, recognizes municipalities that are producing housing and adopting local policies that support housing growth, such as pro-housing zoning, affordability programs and streamlined permitting. As part of the 2026 update, both the standard Housing Choice Community designation and the new RST-HCC designation will maintain existing housing production thresholds over the previous five years while slightly reducing the number of required “best practices” in response to feedback from communities and regional planning agencies. The updated designation criteria will make it easier for both rural and non-rural communities to qualify for Housing Choice status and 

The Rural and Small Town Housing Choice Community designation requires one of four housing production thresholds, with lower best practice requirements than larger or more urban communities. For example, rural and small towns that have increased their year-round housing stock by at least 3% in the past five years would qualify with 8 best practice requirements. Communities that have grown more slowly can qualify by combining housing growth with a specified number of best practices, including actions to expand affordable housing options. The lowest rate of housing unit growth for RST–HCC designation is 1.5 percent over the last 5 years and 9 best practices.  

Since the relaunch of Housing Choice in 2025, HLC has gathered extensive feedback from rural and small municipalities, regional planning agencies and other partners. The new RST-HCC designation and adjusted criteria are a direct response to that feedback and are expected to increase the number of communities able to participate in Housing Choice from 77 in 2025 to an estimated 90 to 96 communities after the 2026 designation round.   

The 2026 Housing Choice and Rural and Small Town Housing Choice designation application round is expected to open in January 2026, in time for newly designated communities to participate in the Community One Stop for Growth. 

Federal fiscal 2025 Community Development Block Grant Awards 

Mini-Entitlement communities 

• Amherst — Kendrick Park Sidewalks and social services —$850,000 
• Chelsea — Voke Park Project and social services —$850,000 
• Gardner — Downtown Phase V Construction and social services —$850,000 
• Greenfield — Housing rehab program (3 units), Sidewalk reconstruction program and social services —$850,000 
• North Adams — Senior Center Phase IV improvements and Prospect Hill area road improvements —$950,000 
• Southbridge — Housing rehab program (5 units) and code enforcement and commercial rehab —$850,000 
• Wareham — Housing rehab program (8 units) and social services —$850,000 
• Webster — Aldrich Street reconstruction —$850,000 
• West Springfield — West School Street and Willard Avenue water main replacement and social services —$850,000 

Community Development Fund awards 

• Athol — South Street Phase III (Freedom to Tunnel) —$850,000 
• Barre — Fir Street Improvement Project and planning for South Barre slum and blight inventory —$691,000 
• Beverly — Housing rehab program (12 units) —$850,000 
• Brewster (joint with Dennis and Wellfleet) — Housing rehab program (13 units) and social services—$1,250,000 
• Chester — Prospect Street Phase 4 —$850,000 
• Chesterfield (joint with Cummington, Goshen, Plainfield, Savoy, Westhampton, Williamsburg and Worthington) — Housing rehab program (12 units) and social services —$1,233,522 
• East Brookfield — Planning for ADA self-evaluation and transition plan, facilities assessment study and Off-Main infrastructure plan —$458,000 
• Edgartown (joint with West Tisbury and Aquinnah) — Housing rehab program (13 units) and social services—$1,250,000 
• Gill (joint with New Salem) — Housing rehab program (9 units) —$900,000 
• Great Barrington (joint with Egremont and Stockbridge) — Housing rehab program (14 units) —$1,250,000 
• Hinsdale (joint with Florida) — Housing rehab program (11 units) —$950,000 
• Holbrook — Housing rehab program (10 units) —$850,000 
• Huntington — Design for Blandford Hill Road infrastructure improvements, Stanton Avenue improvement project phase II and ADA self-evaluation and transition plan —$850,000 
• Lenox (joint with Sandisfield) — Housing rehab program (12 units) —$1,050,000 
• Mashpee — Housing rehab program (10 units) —$850,000 
• Methuen — Housing rehab program (8 units) —$838,206 
• Montague — Avenue A streetscape improvements construction project and social services —$850,000 
• New Marlborough (joint with Mount Washington and Otis) — Housing rehab program (15 units) —$1,250,000 
• Northbridge — Church Avenue reconstruction, Phase 2 —$850,000 
• Oak Bluffs (joint with Tisbury and Chilmark) — Housing rehab program (12 units) and social services —$1,250,000 
• Orange — Housing rehab project (3 units), Wheeler Memorial Library roof repair and replacement project and social services —$849,465 
• Palmer — Front, Park and Kelly Streets Improvement Project (FPKIP) and social services —$850,000 
• Randolph — Housing rehab program (8 units) and social services —$850,000 
• Salisbury — Housing rehab program (3 units), Meaders Lane neighborhood infrastructure project and social services —$850,000 
• Truro (joint with Provincetown, Harwich and Eastham) — Housing rehab program (13 units) and social services —$1,250,000 
• Ware — Cottage Street Infrastructure Improvement Project, Phase One, and social services —$850,000 
• Warren (joint with Millbury) — Design for senior center parking and neighborhood infrastructure improvements —$1,050,000 

光明節期間 麻州公佈全美首個經法案設立委員會的「打擊反猶太主義」報告

麻州州長Maura Healey和副州長Kim Driscoll為州政府大樓內的光明節儀式致詞。
（周菊子攝）

（Boston Orange編譯）麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）11月25日簽署後，麻州有了一項新法令，規定州立機構內超過75年的記錄，必須開放供公眾索閱，以容許曾在這些機構接受治療，照顧服務者的家人及親友，取得相關記錄與資料，也讓學者可深入研究這段歷史。

麻州參議會議長Karen Spika透露，一名猶太牧師是她的表親。（周菊子攝）

奚莉州長在12月17日和相關人士在州長儀式廳慶祝時指出，該法條款州立機構特別委員會的建議相符，並獲得參議員麥可·巴雷特（Michael Barrett）、眾議員肖恩·加巴利（Sean Garballey）及眾議員明蒂·多姆（Mindy Domb）的強力支持。

此法實施後，包括許多現已關閉的至少25個州立機構，將必須向家屬及學者，公開已有75年歷史，或已逝世50年以上患者的資料。

左起，麻州眾議員Aaron Michlewitz，波士頓大牧師Rebbe Korff，猶太慈善聯合機構
Marc Baker，麻州財政廳廳長Deb Goldberg。（周菊子攝）

奚莉州長表示，讓家屬取得自己親人在州立機構接受治療的記錄，不僅能夠幫助家屬了解自己的家族歷史，也讓研究人員和學者能夠更完整的講述，受哪些機構影響的許多人的故事。她說，「雖然我們無法改變過去發生的事，但我們今天正盡力給回家屬他們應得的尊嚴。感謝那些長期倡導這項改變並分享個人故事的人，也感謝議員們和立法機關的堅定支持」。

這法案的通過，不僅改變了州立機構的行政程序，也有更深的社會與歷史意義，包括賦予家屬知情權和尊嚴，一如參議會會長Karen Spika和參議員Michael Barrett 所指出，麻州在發展健康和行為治療（Developmental Health and Behavioral Treatment

麻州猶太裔議員們。（周菊子攝）

）上的一段“黑暗歷史”，應被正視，讓家屬及研究者有機會挖掘出以前被隱藏起來了的故事。

奚莉政府（Healey -Driscoll Aministration）稱這項法案得以制定，歸功於州政府行政部門、州議會，以及殘障權利倡議者的長期合作。這也是一項重要的民權法案，支持殘障弱勢群體的權益。

麻州州務卿William Galvin透露，明年的麻州大選，公投議題可能多達11個。
（周菊子攝）

將受法案影響的州立機構，包括州立學校，以及州立醫院，護理機構。

在19世紀末至20世紀中葉，主流醫學和社會觀點認為，有智力障礙，或稱弱智，有發育障礙，或甚至自閉症，以及有心理健康問題的人，無法融入社會，甚至威脅社會的正常發展，有如社會的負擔，因而當年的“治療”，往往不是心理諮商，而是使用束縛衣，施打鎮靜劑，給予極端懲罰等方式來控制這些人的行為。

麻州的Fernald學校，這原名「麻州弱智學校」，收容弱智，以及智力正常但貧窮，或被遺棄者的美國最古老公立智障機構，曾發生過給兒童餵食含放射性物質麥片，做不人道的醫療實驗。Belchertown州立學校曾因環境惡劣，虐待醜聞頻傳，在1970年代引發著名的集體訴訟。

由於這些機構收容的人，有包括兒童的許多人，是非自願地被送進去，而且一旦被送進去，很可能就在那兒度過餘生，無法離開，期間遭受身體虐待，性虐待，生活環境還極度不衛生，一旦死亡，往往草草埋葬，只有編號，沒有姓名，推動法案者因而強調麻州應正視這段黑暗歷史，要恢復逝者身份。

有批評者稱，記錄要等75年才能公開，相關人士可能早已作古，這法案到底是在保護機構，還是保護一般民眾，直得商榷。

Massachusetts Opens State Institution Records to Public, Confronting a "Dark History" of Mental Health Care

BOSTON — Following the signing of landmark legislation by Governor Maura Healey on November 25, Massachusetts has enacted a new law mandates that records from state institutions dating back more than 75 years must be made available to the public. The administration celebrated the move at a ceremonial signing in the Governor's Council Chamber on December 17.

The legislation allows families of former patients to access long-sealed records and enables scholars to investigate a complex and often painful chapter of the Commonwealth’s history regarding developmental health and behavioral treatment.

Restoring Dignity and Unlocking History The new statute, which aligns with recommendations from the Special Commission on State Institutions, received strong support from legislative leaders, including Senator Michael Barrett, Representative Sean Garballey, and Representative Mindy Domb.

Effective immediately, at least 25 facilities—many now closed—must release records for individuals whose documents are over 75 years old or who have been deceased for more than 50 years.

"While we cannot change what happened in the past, we are doing our best today to give families the dignity they deserve," said Governor Healey. She emphasized that access to these records allows families to reclaim their history and enables researchers to tell the full stories of those impacted. "I am grateful to those who have advocated for this change for so long and shared their personal stories, as well as to the legislators for their unwavering support."

Confronting a "Dark History" Senate President Karen Spilka and Senator Michael Barrett highlighted the profound social and historical significance of the bill. They noted that the law confronts a "dark history" in Massachusetts, where the treatment of vulnerable populations was often hidden. The legislation serves as a critical civil rights victory, granting families the "right to know" and bringing the stories of the marginalized out of the shadows.

The Healey-Driscoll Administration credited the bill's passage to years of collaboration between the executive branch, the Legislature, and disability rights advocates.

A Legacy of Mistreatment The law covers state schools, hospitals, and nursing facilities that operated during an era—spanning the late 19th to mid-20th century—when mainstream medical and social views often deemed individuals with intellectual disabilities, autism, or mental health issues as threats to society or burdens.

During this period, "treatment" frequently focused on control rather than care, utilizing straitjackets, heavy sedation, and extreme punishment. Many individuals, including children, were institutionalized involuntarily and spent the remainder of their lives in confinement. Reports of physical and sexual abuse, along with unsanitary living conditions, were widespread. Upon death, many were buried in graves marked only by numbers, stripping them of their names and identities.

Specific instances of abuse underscore the need for transparency:

• The Fernald School: Originally named the "Massachusetts School for the Feeble-Minded," it was the oldest publicly funded institution of its kind in the U.S. It is notorious for past inhumane practices, including conducting medical experiments where children were fed oatmeal containing radioactive isotopes.

• Belchertown State School: In the 1970s, this facility became the subject of a landmark class-action lawsuit due to its squalid conditions and systemic abuse.

Ongoing Debate While the legislation is hailed as a step forward for transparency, it is not without critics. Some advocates argue that the 75-year waiting period remains excessive. Critics question whether the lengthy restriction—during which time many relevant parties will have passed away—is intended to protect the privacy of the patients or to shield the institutions from scrutiny.