Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.5 Million to Community Colleges to Train Over 500 Students Across Massachusetts

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $1.5 Million to Community Colleges to Train Over 500 Students Across Massachusetts

Grants fund skills training in high-demand sectors like health care, cyber security

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today awarded approximately $1.5 million Training Resources and Internships Network (TRAIN) grants to provide essential training opportunities to over 500 unemployed and under-employed people across Massachusetts. These grants will be administered through the state’s 15 public community colleges and are designed to equip adult workers with the skills necessary to thrive in key industry sectors, ensuring that the workforce is prepared with the skills for the opportunities of tomorrow.
 
“Our administration is committed to building a workforce that reflects the strength and diversity of Massachusetts,” said Governor Maura Healey. “These TRAIN grants will connect hundreds of community college students to the skills, support, and opportunities they need to succeed in growing industries and help ensure our economy works for everyone.”
 
“We know that access to high-quality training can be life-changing and set people up for long-term success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “These grants will help students at community colleges across Massachusetts gain the skills and support they need to build meaningful careers—and strengthen our workforce in the process.”
 
The TRAIN grant program focuses on supporting long-term unemployed, under-employed, and new entrant adult workers by providing them with targeted industry skills and workforce readiness training. This funding supports 15 implementation programs and two planning projects that offer comprehensive training programs, which include not only the development of key skills, but also wraparound support services to guide participants through their learning journey and into new careers.
 
“Community colleges are at the heart of workforce development in Massachusetts,” said Education Secretary Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “Through this investment, we are creating pathways for adult learners to thrive—both in the classroom and in high-demand careers.”
 
“These training programs offer valuable career pathways for residents across Massachusetts,” said Commissioner of Higher Education Noe Ortega. “I’m grateful to our community colleges for their knowledge and responsiveness to regional workforce needs, and their ability to offer high-quality programs that can quickly benefit communities.”
 
“We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for this investment in our students and the future of the Commonwealth,” said Luis Pedraja, president of Quinsigamond Community College and chair of the Community College Council of Presidents. “By providing targeted skills training in high-demand fields, these grants empower individuals to secure meaningful careers and simultaneously strengthen the Massachusetts workforce, ensuring economic mobility and opportunity for all.”
 
The grants are part of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s ongoing commitment to creating educational pathways that lead directly to employment opportunities. Students will benefit from a wide range of services designed to support their success, from job readiness training to academic guidance, ensuring they are fully prepared to meet the demands of their chosen industries.
 
TRAIN Planning Awardees:
Greenfield Community College, Certified Production Manager Training – $50,593
Northern Essex Community College, Customer Service Training – $29,619
 
TRAIN Implementation Awardees:
Berkshire Community College, Phlebotomy Technician Training – $34,541
Bunker Hill Community College, Pharmacy Technician, Dental Assisting, Google IT and Red Hat Operations Technician Training – $132,005
Bristol Community College, Cyber Security Certificate Training– $94,241
Cape Cod Community College, Addiction Recovery and Wellness Coach Pre-Certification Training – $79,843
Greenfield Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant Training – $61,509
Holyoke Community College, Paraeducator and Nurses Aid Training – $103,851
Massasoit Community College, Commercial Driver’s License and EKG Technician Training – $120,485
Mass Bay Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant, Behavioral Health Technician and Information Technology Help Desk Training – $124,600
Middlesex Community College, Advanced Manufacturing Training – $44,029
Mount Wachusett Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant and Information Technology Tech Training – $93,971
Northern Essex Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant & Pharmacy Technician Training – $110,453
North Shore Community College, Dental Assisting Training – $122,558
Quinsigamond Community College, Personal Care Aide Training – $85,033
Roxbury Community College, Cyber Security Certification Training – $72,162
Springfield Technical Community College, Certified Nursing Assistant Training – $137,966

川普就任100天 坊間再傳前商務部長Raimondo有意參選2028美國總統

              (Boston Orange 綜合編譯) 美國總統川普上任才剛滿100天，前任商務部長雷萌朵 (Gina Raimondo) 有意2028年參選總統的舊聞，被翻了出來。

              那是2024年11月，雷萌朵接受芝加哥大學政治學院的David Axelrod訪談時，明確的表示了這一意願。

              雷萌朵激烈的批評民主黨，說民主黨太注意過程，而非結果，因而未能在經濟上發揮領導力。她認為自從柯林頓總統 (Bill Clinton)之後，就沒再看到這種領導力了。

              雷萌朵形容自己是一個溫和的”說實話者”，承認過去在貿易調整援助上政策失敗。她辯稱受到重要的慣性工作影響，民主黨以討好選民而不是效率，為優先要務。她提議向格外富裕的人加稅，作為解決的關鍵。

              這訪問還觸及她對羅德島州選舉，高等教育，最近和拜登總統的晤談，以及在媒體上和共和黨員競爭的挑戰等話題。

              雷萌朵說，她只會在她認為自己是最好的候選人時，才會參選。

                            ( 芝加哥大學政治學院 - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B70PTDvi9I0 )

麻州長 Maura Healey 建議再赦免4人

 Governor Healey Recommends Four New Pardons 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey recommended four individuals to the Governor’s Council to receive pardons: Frank Albert, Paul Cacchiotti, Joseph Donisi and Yolanda Rodriguez. If confirmed, the total number of individuals pardoned by Governor Healey would be 25, in addition to hundreds of thousands who received her blanket marijuana pardon. 

“The power to pardon is one I’ve taken seriously throughout my time in office because it makes our criminal justice system fairer and lowers barriers for people to access jobs, housing, education and more,” said Governor Healey. “I’m grateful for the hard work and thoughtful guidance of the Advisory Board of Pardons and appreciate the Governor’s Council careful review of these recommendations.” 

"Governor Healey and our team have prioritized clemency from day one,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “Because of the combined efforts of the Governor, the Advisory Board of Pardons and the Governor’s Council, we’ve been able to change people’s lives for the better and strengthen our criminal justice system.”  

The Governor of Massachusetts has the power to grant executive clemency for offenses violating state law, including both pardons and commutations, with the advice and consent of the Massachusetts Governor’s Council. A pardon is a forgiveness of the offender's underlying offense.  

Governor Healey made history as the first Massachusetts Governor in more than 30 years to recommend pardons in her first elected year. She also issued new clemency guidelines that align with her administration’s commitment to centering fairness and equity in the criminal justice system. 

Pardon recommendations: 

Frank Albert: Mr. Albert was convicted of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor in 1997. Since completing his sentence of one year of probation and an alcohol education program, he obtained an associates degree from Mount Wachusett Community College and has been employed at a car dealership for 18 years as a salesman. Mr. Albert is also a licensed realtor, notary and a member of his town zoning board in New Hampshire. He has been married since 2015 with five children and eight grandchildren.  

Paul Cacchiotti: Mr. Cacchiotti was convicted of Attempted Extortion, Larceny over $250, Tax Evasion and Filing False Tax Returns in 1998. Before this conviction, Mr. Cacchiotti had served in the Army National Guard, graduated from Suffolk Law School, been a Judge Advocate General and worked as a solo practitioner. Mr. Cacchiotti has now been reinstated to the bar and has worked as a self-employed attorney since 2014. He is actively involved in the community, volunteering at Haven from Hunger and Wellspring House and serving as an assistant coach to a high school girls’ varsity hockey team. 

Joseph Donisi: Mr. Donisi was adjudicated delinquent in Middlesex Juvenile Court in 1996 on charges arising from throwing a beer bottle and trespassing when he was 16-years-old. He was sentenced to approximately one year in custody at the Department of Youth Services (DYS) suspended for one year. He has since served in the Marine Corps and was honorably discharged after four years. He’s been an Arlington Firefighter for 17 years and earned a Life Saving Award in 2008 after providing emergency medical care to a woman who experienced a cardiac event. He is seeking a pardon so that he can coach his daughters’ youth sports teams. His criminal record prevented him from stepping in to coach the youth team of his best friend’s son after that friend passed away. 

Yolanda Rodriguez: In 1979, when she was 22-years old, Ms. Rodriguez was convicted of Assault and Battery by Means of a Dangerous Weapon after being involved with a fight. She was sentenced to two years of probation which she completed without incident. She was later convicted of Operating Under the Influence of Liquor in 1985 and 1986. Since 1987 she has contributed to her community without further involvement with the criminal justice system.  Ms. Rodriguez is now 68 years old. For the past 40 years, she has been gainfully employed and served in a caretaking role for many family members and friends. She has worked as a school bus driver and most recently was working at Choi’s World Tae Kwon Do, where she drove children to and from an after-school program and supervised them. In 2021, she was informed that she could no longer work at Choi’s World because of her prior conviction. She is seeking a pardon so that she can resume working with children. 

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Visits Harbor Area Family Resource Center to Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll Visits Harbor Area Family Resource Center to Recognize Child Abuse Prevention Month 

 

CHELSEA – Today, Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll visited the Department of Children and Family's Harbor Area Family Resource Center (FRC) in Chelsea where she presented the administration’s official proclamation declaring April Child Abuse Prevention Month. The visit highlighted the important role that Family Resource Centers play in supporting families and preventing child abuse and neglect.  

Lieutenant Governor Driscoll toured the Harbor Area FRC during her visit and met with staff, families receiving services, and community partners and heard about the impact the Harbor Area FRC has made on the local community since its opening in 2023. The Lieutenant Governor encouraged families and organizations to join in the effort to prevent child abuse and neglect.  

“Every child in Massachusetts should grow up feeling safe at home and in their communities,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Family Resource Centers play an important role in our efforts to prevent child abuse and neglect. We’re grateful to the hardworking staff at Harbor Area FRC and Family Resource Centers across the state to keep children safe and support families.”  

“Preventing child abuse is about empowering families right from the start,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Family Resource Centers offer services to all families searching for guidance and support to help keep children safe.” 

The Harbor Area Family Resource is one of 33 Family Resource Centers (FRCs) across the state. Operated by The Home for Little Wanderers, the Harbor FRC opened in 2023, serving 377 families in Chelsea, Winthrop, East Boston, and Revere. In 2024, it expanded its services to reach 1,102 families.  

“We have served more than 86,000 families since the opening of the first family resource center in 2015,” said Secretary Kate Walsh of the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. “This is a critical service providing personalized, one-on-one support to empower families, ensuring that each unique need is met with compassion and care.” 

“Our community partners and staff play an essential role in creating a welcoming space for families to feel seen and be heard,” said Lesli Suggs, president and CEO of The Home for Little Wanderers. 

The Family Resource Centers are supported by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Health and Human Services and the Department of Children and Families, serving as an essential lifeline to connect families with necessary support and resources to prevent child abuse and neglect. With trained staff, including clinicians, support workers, and school liaisons, each center offers services such as parent education programs and youth and parent support groups. The centers reflect the cultural, linguistic, and socio-economic backgrounds of families in the communities they serve. Additionally, they assist families in navigating referrals to other organizations for further help. 

For more information about Family Resource Centers and how to get involved or seek services, please visit www.frcma.org. 

波士頓伍胥山公所慶76週年 表揚16名長期服務宗親

伍氏宗親和星樂隊合影。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 波士頓伍胥山公所4月27日在帝苑大酒樓頒發特別獎、服務獎給16名宗親，分送印有伍字特製馬克杯，厚逾200頁特刊，和300多名宗親及僑團好友，齊聚一堂，迎接蛇年新春，慶祝創立76週年。

伍氏元老、主席等人和洪青醒獅隊合影。(周菊子攝)

              昆士市市長柯奇 (Tom Koch)，麻州眾議員黃子安，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn，波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏，組長黃耀良，僑教中心主任高家富，紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝等，這晚嘉賓眾多，還為大波士頓僑界慶祝蛇年宴會，畫下圓滿句點。

              伍氏主席伍振中指出，柯奇市長在位逾16年，非常照顧華人，相助建造了一座龍舟博物館，畫廊，還設立華人歡迎中心和體育館。

              廖朝宏處長感謝伍氏長期以來的支持中華民國及臺灣。

伍氏主席伍振中(右)邀得昆士市市長Tom Koch(左)致詞。(周菊子攝)

              慶祝會當天中午，黃伍首長的伍氏元老伍煥華、伍伯和，美東副總長伍輝民，主席伍偉業、伍振中，婦女部主任伍詹淑慧，黃氏元老黃國威，主席黃光沐，婦女部主任黃周麗桃，以及伍氏外地宗親的美東總長伍堅石，紐約主席伍家明和3顧問，1議員等人在泰勒街的伍氏會址內，率宗親上香、敬酒、奉寶帛，獻金豬、鮮花的祭祖。

黃伍宗親與嘉賓，麻州眾議員黃子安(右一)等人。(周菊子攝)

              當晚的春宴暨76週年慶祝會，格外隆重，不但斥資做巨幅看板，供宗親拍照留念，還在元老伍煥華策劃下，訂製了晶瑩剔透的獎牌，表揚為公所熱心服務15年以上的煥華、樂仁、樹俊、經廉、玉娟、少雄、仁甫，服務30年以上的伯和、侃滋、紹仁、輝民夫人(伍鍾美真)，侃滋夫人(李晶)，以及服務50年以上的伍輝民，伍國榮夫人等人。

伍氏元老伍煥華(右一)和主席伍偉業(左一起)、伍振中
送76週年特刊，以及伍振中設計，製作的伍字冰箱貼給
波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏(右二)，波士頓僑教中心主任高家富。
(周菊子攝)

伍氏還另外頒發了熱心支持公所特別獎給伍佩芬，熱心公所及服務社區特別獎給伍銀寬，伍碧香，和伍綺蓮。

              1979年時，伍氏籌款購買會址，包括伍國榮，伍林，伍仕才，伍于淳，伍福群，伍育俊，伍輝民等，至少有數十名宗親慷慨解囊，從3000元到3元的各盡其力，踴躍捐輸，其中有不少人的下一代，長大後或退休後，也都回到伍氏公所，繼承祖業的為宗親服務。

右起，麻州眾議員黃子安，伍氏元老伍伯和、波士頓經文處長廖朝宏，
伍事主席伍振中，元老伍煥華、主席伍偉業，美東副總長伍輝民，
波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，經文處黃耀良主任在伍氏看板前留影。(周菊子攝)

              例如伍林的的兒子伍偉業，伍福群的兒子伍振中。伍氏的2名現任主席，父輩都熱心服務，曾任伍氏主席，為中國傳統中的傳承，做了最佳見證。

              伍氏美東副總長夫人伍鍾美貞為此，特地在當晚活動流程中，增加了一項獻花環節，送給伍于淳的孫子伍俠魂、伍綺劍，以及伍振中，伍偉業各一束花，向他們全家人表達謝意。伍鍾美貞表示，其實特意安排這一環節，還帶有教育意義，希望彰顯傳承，鼓勵宗親們在自己之外，要鼓勵子女參與族務，服務社區。

伍氏與嘉賓向出席眾人敬酒。(周菊子攝)

              這場慶祝盛會，最後在甄若茅創辦，陣容龐大的星樂隊現場演奏、獻唱，伍氏送出9個現金獎，6張帝苑禮券中落幕。 (更新版，訂正圖說人名)

伍鍾美貞請美東副總長伍輝民(右三)送上鮮花給右起，伍國光、
伍綺劍、伍偉業、伍振中，以及伍俠魂，彰顯傳承之美。

伍氏頒發服務50年以上獎項，給伍輝民(左二)，以及伍國榮夫人(右三)。

伍振中((右一)和伍偉業(左一)頒發服務30年以上獎項，
伍鍾美貞(右二起)和伍伯和，伍侃滋，伍李晶領服務30年以上獎。

伍氏幹部和嘉賓。(周菊子攝)

2名伍氏主席頒發特別服務獎給梅伍銀寬(右二)，李伍碧香(左二)。(周菊子攝)

伍佩芬(中)獲頒特別獎。(周菊子攝)

伍胥山公所元老伍煥華提醒宗親，可以掃描二為碼，查看76週年特刊。
(周菊子攝)

麻州眾議員黃子安(中)，波士頓市議員Ed Flynn(右)和麻州參議員Nick Collins的
幕僚長Hailey Walsh送上表揚狀給伍胥山公所。(周菊子攝)

麻州眾議員黃子安(中)送上表揚狀，伍氏主席伍振中(右)、
伍偉業(左)代表接受。(周菊子攝)

波士頓伍胥山公所送給紐約伍氏一塊「族務興旺，根基永固」牌匾。
左起，伍伯和、伍偉業、伍堅石，伍輝民、伍家明，伍振中，伍煥華。(周菊子攝)

波士頓伍胥山公所送給黃氏宗親會一塊牌匾，彰顯兄弟情誼。
左起，伍偉業、伍伯和、伍堅石、黃光沐，黃國威，伍輝民，伍振中，伍煥華。
(周菊子攝)

羅德島州路加基金會發獎學金鼓勵34學子 ILF授證新英格蘭理事籲青年守護美國民主

路加基金會和嘉賓及得獎學生們合影。(周菊子攝)

               (Boston Orange 周菊子羅德島州報導) 路加 (Luke)慈善基金會邀得羅德島州長Daniel McKee、波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏等人做頒獎嘉賓，4月27日在普塔基市 (Pawtucket) 的華人基督教會會址，發出威廉黑石 (William Blackstone)和羅德島華人協會獎學金，鼓勵共34名學子繼續努力。

國際領袖基金會共同創辦人董繼玲、Joel Szabat和羅德島州州長McKee夫婦，
以及部分新英格蘭分會理事合影。(周菊子攝)

                路加慈善基金會是羅德島華人協會共會長葉超、吳子平和羅德島州黑石谷旅遊協會會長畢靈頓(Bob Billington)等3人2008年創辦的非牟利機構，每年發獎學金，鼓勵青年學子勤奮向學，回饋社區。

國際領袖基金會共同創辦人董繼玲(左三)、Joel Szabat(左二)和
路加基金會3名共同創辦人，吳子平(左一)、葉超(右二)、畢靈頓(右一)
聯袂送紀念品給羅德島州州長Dan Mckee(右三 )。(周菊子攝)

                今年 (2025) 該會以學業及社區服務成績為準，從12所高中挑選24名學生，每人發給2000元威廉黑石獎學金，另從亞裔學生中，挑選9人，發給羅德島華人協會獎學金，以茲鼓勵。

路加基金會當天還頒發社區獎給布朗大學緊急醫療教授暨環球健康副院長Adam C. Levine，以及婦幼醫院的宋建仁醫師。

Levine教授表示，由於路加基金會支持國際交流計畫，該校去年得以選送12名醫學預科學生到臺灣的國立成功大學，學習生醫文化及醫療健保體系，送13名醫學預科學生到浙江大學參加神經學及青少年健康等各種臨床實驗。

波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏應邀致詞。(周菊子攝)

廖朝宏處長應邀致詞時，感謝葉超、吳子平及畢靈頓為社區所做貢獻，表示相信在他們領導下，下一代會成長得更好。波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，經文處許欽琮副組長這天也陪同出席。

羅德島州財政廳長James Diossa，參議員Sandra Cano，普塔基市
市長Donald R. Grebien，曾任克蘭斯頓市市長的馮偉傑，
這天都應邀出席頒獎。(周菊子攝)

                  國際領袖基金會(ILF)創辦人董繼玲，這天也在現場為ILF新英格蘭分會新屆理事們，頒發證書。其夫婿，ILF共同創辦人暨美國國家鐵路客運公司 (AmTrak)董事會副董事長Joel Szabat，還應邀為青年學子們做了一場勵志講話，暢論美國民主曾經歷革命，內戰，以及第2次世界大戰後的經濟大衰退時期等3次挑戰。如今是人手一個的智慧手機，成為了人們所面對的民主威脅，因為每個人從手機上讀取的資訊，很可能是經過計算而方向偏頗的內容。他籲請這些未來的領袖們小心照顧美國得來不易的民主。

黃曉晴是ILF新英格蘭分會的新理事之一。(周菊子攝)

曾參選羅德島州州長的馮偉傑(左二)也是ILF新英格蘭理事之一。 (周菊子攝)

黑石谷旅遊協會會長Bob Billington(中)領取ILF理事證書。(周菊子攝)