亨廷頓劇院訂11/14至12/14上演東尼獎音樂劇「歡樂之家」

音樂劇「歡樂之家」劇照。（圖片由公關公司提供，Nile Hawver攝）

          （Boston Orange編譯）亨廷頓劇院（The Huntington）將於11 月 14 日至 12 月 14 日，在Huntington 大道246號的劇院，推演榮獲包括最佳音樂劇等5項東尼獎，改編自Alison Bechdel自傳性暢銷圖文回憶錄，有多年來最好的百老匯音樂劇之稱的音樂劇「歡樂之家（Fun Home）」。

「歡樂之家」舞台設計。（圖片由公關公司提供，Nile Hawver攝）

          這部音樂劇由Logan Ellis執導，Jeanine Tesori作曲，Lisa Kron編劇和作詞，以來回穿梭，非線性，感人的方式描述畫家Alison在孩童時期，大學時期，以及成年後的3個人生階段中所面對的充滿糾結家庭關係，包括在父親所經營的「歡樂之家」殯儀館中成長，探索並覺醒了她自己的性向，和深藏櫃中同性戀父親之間的充滿掙扎，複雜關係，

 

Aliso和深藏櫃中同性戀父親的父女關係，在全劇中最牽扯人心。她母親在一旁心力交瘁的見證著家庭關係的動盪，也為全劇增加不少張力。

            劇中的Alison，依年齡從大到小，分別由Sarah Bockel，Maya Jacobson，Lyla Randall飾演。父親布魯斯·貝克德爾，由 Nick Duckart 飾演。母親海倫·貝克德爾：由 Jennifer Ellis 飾演。

導演Logan Ellis。公關公司提供，Annabel Clark攝）

            在自由互惠基金（Liberty Mutual Foundation）支持，Think Outside the Vox合作下，亨廷頓劇院還將提供門票一律$20的無障礙服務場次，分別為12月5日晚7點半那場有ASL手語翻譯，12月6日下午2點那場，有為失明人士提供的聲音描述，12月11日晚7點那場，有字幕。

            11月14日（週五）晚7點半和21日（週五）晚7點半那2場，亨廷頓劇院參加波士頓市長吳弭的「波士頓家庭日」活動，為符合資格的波士頓學生及其家庭提供免費入場。需透過特定連結註冊。

            12月5日（週五）上午10點，以及12月11日（週四）上午10點，安排有專為專為校園團體設計的學生專場。學生票每張 $20，每 15 名學生有一名教師可免費陪同。

            亨廷頓劇院還將為這齣音樂劇舉辦一系列活動，包括在3個週六，11月的22日，29日，以及12月6日的下午2點演出後，舉辦青年講者系列。12月7日（週日）下午2點演出後，有人文本論壇，12月5日上午10點，12月10日下午2點，12月11日上午10點，12月12日晚上7 點半的演出之後，有演員論壇。

            門票可上網huntingtontheatre.org，或電洽617-266-0800，或者到戲院當場購買，價格由29元起，學生，軍人，以及HYPE均享有折扣。訂購學生票，可發電郵給該劇院教育營運經理Bec Lowe ， education@huntingtontheatre.org。

MIPIM 培養下一代業界領袖 2026擴大挑戰者項目將選40人

（Boston Orange編譯）全世界最大的房地產業會議之一的MIPIM，今（6）日宣佈，2026將大幅擴大辦理「MIPIM 挑戰者（MIPIM Challengers）」，人數增至40以上，藉以推動建築環境領域的包容性，提升新一代領導者能力。報名截止日期為11 月 21 日，入選結果12月公佈。

MIPIM在 2024 年和 2025 年分別選出 15 名和 16 名房地產業新星後，為實現更具全球代表性，和產業多元化的承諾，2026將擴大辦理「MIPIM 挑戰者」，邀40人以上到法國坎城，免費參加MIPIM年會，擔任形象大使，出席圓桌討論會，並和全球頂尖房地產公司高管一起撰寫一份思想領導力報告。

入選「挑戰者」項目者，將可參加為他們量身打造的領導力發展課程，其中包括3次個人化輔導的網路研討會，以及1次關於應用人工智慧的現場培訓。活動結束後，入選者還有機會再MIPIM的全球網路中發表獨家見解。

之後，MIPIM 承諾在 2026 年將迎接多達 40 名挑戰者，創下該計畫史上最大規模的陣容。此項擴展行動，體現了 MIPIM 致力於培養一個

MIPIM 主任 Nicolas Boffi 指出，這是為了為新一代領導者和新的思維騰出空間，引進大膽、年輕的聲音來挑戰現狀。

「MIPIM 挑戰者」將開放給2026 年 3 月 31 日錢未滿 31 歲，而且未曾參加過 MIPIM 的年輕專業人士報名，

申請流程已簡化，可由公司推薦或個人自薦，候選人須提交一份不超過 200 字的簡短聲明，說明其成就、領導經驗以及對建築環境未來發展的貢獻。2026 年，MIPIM 將策略性地聚焦於住宅開發、數據中心、機會均等、醫療保健和人工智慧等領域。

今年新增的申請要求是報名者需從其所屬組織提名2位高級主管。一旦申請者獲選，將必須和其提名的2名主管之一，做一次關於房地產業未來的採訪，並在MIPIM的管道上分享。

MIPIM是全球首屈一指的房地產盛會，匯集了國際房地產行業各個領域最具影響力的參與者。 2024年MIPIM吸引了來自90個國家的2萬多名代表，其中包括全球排名前100的投資管理公司中的70%，這些公司管理的資產超過4兆歐元。

查詢完整的報名資格或提交表格，可上網https://www.mipim.com/en-gb/who-is-coming/mipim-challengers.html。

MIPIM: 9-13 March 2026

Housing Matters! on 9 March 2026

Palais des Festivals, Cannes

 

MIPIM expands Challengers programme to empower the next generation of industry leaders

High-resolution photo can be downloaded here

London, 06 November 2025. MIPIM, the global urban festival, announces a major expansion of its MIPIM Challengers programme, an initiative designed to foster inclusivity and elevate emerging talent within the built environment sector.

Following the successful introduction of the programme, which spotlighted 15 rising professionals in 2024 and 16 in 2025, MIPIM will welcome up to 40 Challengers in 2026, marking the programme’s largest cohort to date. This expansion reflects MIPIM’s ongoing commitment to cultivating a more diverse and globally representative industry.

This year’s programme features a simplified and more accessible application process, enabling companies to nominate their most promising talent. These rising stars will act as visible ambassadors for their organisations at MIPIM. Self-nominations are also encouraged.

Selected Challengers will receive a complimentary delegate pass to attend MIPIM, along with exclusive benefits, including preferential accommodation rates. Participants will take part in MIPIM conference roundtables and contribute to a thought leadership paper alongside senior executives from the world’s most influential property companies. They will also attend a dedicated networking cocktail event, an opportunity to build meaningful industry connections and friendships.

In addition, Challengers will participate in a bespoke leadership development course designed to prepare them for future opportunities. This includes three personalised coaching webinars and an on-site training session on AI implementation.

Following MIPIM, selected Challengers will be invited to produce exclusive insights, which will be published across MIPIM’s global network, giving them a powerful opportunity to showcase their thought leadership and influence the international real estate community.

Nicolas Boffi, MIPIM Director, said:

"MIPIM has long been a gathering place for seasoned professionals in real estate, but if we want the industry to evolve and stay relevant, we need to make space for fresh thinking and the next generation of leaders. That is why the Challengers programme matters. It brings in bold, young voices who challenge the status quo and offer new perspectives.

 

Since launching in 2025, we have seen immediate impact: some of our first Challengers returned the following year not just as attendees, but as experts, joining panels and mentoring the next cohort. In 2026, we are expanding the programme to welcome even more rising talent. I’m excited to see how they’ll shape the conversations at MIPIM and help drive the industry forward.”

How to apply

Candidates or their employers need to submit a short statement (up to 200 words) responding to the prompt:

“Tell us why you or the person you nominate should be selected as a MIPIM Challenger. Highlight recent achievements, leadership experience, and how you or your nominee are contributing to shaping the future of the built environment.”

This year, MIPIM is placing strategic focus on initiatives related to residential development, data centres, equality of opportunity, healthcare, and artificial intelligence.

 

Eligibility criteria

The MIPIM Challengers programme is open to young professionals under the age of 31 (as of 31 March 2026) who are passionate about shaping the future of the built environment and have not previously attended MIPIM.

A new element of the programme requires Challengers to nominate two senior executives from their organisation as part of the application. If selected, the Challenger will take part in a pre-MIPIM interview with one of their nominated executives, discussing the future of real estate. These interviews will be shared across MIPIM’s channels.

Full eligibility criteria and the submission form are available here: https://www.mipim.com/en-gb/who-is-coming/mipim-challengers.html

About MIPIM Challengers

 

The first MIPIM Challengers initiative was introduced in 2023, attracting over 150 submissions from 20 countries, including Mauritius, South Africa and the United States.

The 2024 cohort formed the first part of the MIPIM Challengers Network, an ongoing forum that enables participants to stay in touch, build long-term relationships, and support future generations of built environment trailblazers.

The MIPIM Challengers initiative has already proven to be a powerful platform for career growth and recognition. Rachel Munro, Senior Associate at Shoosmiths, was nominated for Inspiring Women in Property, and architect Federica Sanchez from Lombardini22 gained major visibility for her neuroscience work.

Submissions are open on the MIPIM website till 21 November 2025.
The winners will be announced in December 2025.

MIPIM is the world’s premier real estate event that gathers the most influential players from all sectors of the international property industry. Over 20,000 delegates representing 90 countries attended MIPIM 2024, including 70% of the world's top 100 investment managers, managing over €4 trillion of assets.

BeHeard World舞團訂11/22及23 在劍橋市舞蹈大樓首演“ How We Go"

（圖片由公關公司提供）

             （Boston Orange編譯）波士頓地區藝術家合作組成的“世界聽著（Beheard World）”舞團，將於11月22和23兩日，在劍橋市的“舞蹈大樓（The Dance Complex）”首演新作“我們做得如何（How We Go）”，一場融合風笛、大提琴、鋼琴、頌缽、古典吉他和人聲打擊樂等多種樂器而成的多元化配樂演出。

             Beheard.world 總監兼編舞安娜·邁爾 （Anna Myer） 表示，《How We Go》的靈感來自來自這個地區的移民和藝術家通過動作和聲音聚集在一起的想法。“我希望不同的樂器來代表波士頓周圍孤立的地方，”她說。“合作是我們前進的方式——也是我們都應該的前進方式。”

            在安娜邁爾和 beheard.world 的電影製作總監傑伊·帕里斯 （Jay Paris） 選擇樂器後，作曲家內特·塔克 （Nate Tucker）把風笛，大提琴，鋼琴，頌缽，古典吉他和人生口技等看似極不協調的樂器融合爲一體，藉以代表不同地區社群融合而成波士頓。

塔克多年來一直與波士頓和劍橋的許多舞蹈團合作，為合作項目創作原創配樂。他最近的其他委託作品包括Jean Appolon Expressions、Public Displays of Motion 和 Continuum Dance Project 的作品

《How We Go》還重新收錄了 beheard.world 最近巡迴演出作品《歸屬與他者（Belonging and Othering）》的一部分，Myer 說這激發了《How We Go》的更深入探索。《歸屬與他者》的創作始於作品中的舞者根據被「他者」或被排斥的人的故事編排獨舞。邁爾從獨舞的部分部分編排，將整個劇團的動作交織在一起。beheard.world 公司將表演較大作品的團體部分（稱為“歸屬感”）。這是我們如何更好地共同生活的想法的自然進展。

            舞蹈中心執行藝術總監彼得·迪穆羅 （Peter DiMuro） 表示，他觀察了 beheard.world 十多年來的旅程。“時間證明，他們獨特地融合了社會意識、藝術和工藝，為熱愛舞蹈的社區以及我們今天生活在美國的所有人創造了具有巨大影響的作品，”迪穆羅說。“舞蹈中心是各行各業的人們來表達真實自我的地方，”他說，“但同樣經常我們手牽手創作一種我們無法單獨創作的新舞蹈。

《How We Go》的製作經費，部分來自新英格蘭藝術基金會的新英格蘭州巡迴計劃，以及國家藝術基金會和六個新英格蘭州藝術機構。

“世界聽著（Beheard World）”舞團的首演新作“我們做得如何（How We Go）”，將於11 月 22 日（週六） 晚上 8 點和11 月 23 日（週日） 晚上 7 點，在The Dance Complex (536 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge)演出，購票可上網dancecomplex.org/events。

BEHEARD.WORLD’S “HOW WE GO” BUILDS A COHESIVE COMMUNITY

TO THE RHYTHMS OF AN ECLECTIC ORCHESTRA

 

Divergent instruments and musicians inspire dances that celebrate diversity,

and the connections humans make.

 

Two performances at Cambridge’s Dance Complex November 22 and 23.

 

CAMBRIDGE Mass. – Nov 4, 2025 – An eclectic soundtrack combining bagpipe, cello, piano, singing bowls, classical guitar and human beatbox lays a diverse musical foundation for the premiere of “How We Go,” a new dance piece by the Boston-area artist collective known as beheard.world. “How We Go” lends its title to the full concert presented November 22 and 23 by The Dance Complex at 536 Massachusetts Ave. in Cambridge. Tickets at dancecomplex.org/events.

 

Beheard.world Director and Choreographer Anna Myer says “How We Go” is inspired by the idea of immigrants and artists from around the region coming together through movement and sound. “I wanted different instruments to represent places around Boston that are siloed,” she says. “Working together is how we go — and how we should all go.”

 

“We thought…what might a bagpiper from Salem have to say to a flamenco guitarist from a Latine community?” Myer says. “How could a classically trained cellist from New Bedford work with a beatboxer from Lawrence? None of that should go together — and that’s the point.”

 

After Myer and beheard.world’s Director of Filmmaking Jay Paris chose the instruments (Myer always wanted to choreograph to bagpipe music and Paris documented the creative process for a short film that introduces the work), composer Nate Tucker orchestrated the ensemble into a seamless score. Myer says Tucker’s process was collaborative and exploratory. “None of the musicians had ever worked with a group like this — it pushed everyone out of their comfort zones,” she says. “Nate layered sounds and built the piece organically.” Tucker has worked for years with many dance companies in Boston and Cambridge, creating original scores for collaborative projects. Among his other recent commissions are works for Jean Appolon Expressions, Public Displays of Motion, and Continuum Dance Project.

 

Once the music work was underway, Myer’s choreographic approach began with prompts for her dancers and a desire to make emotional connections with the music and the stories behind it. “I give dancers phrases and ask them to create movements from the heart,” she says. “I love layering different dance styles — it’s like painting with lots of colors and textures. Very much like the music we were working with.”

 

“Anna’s work sneaks up on you emotionally,” Paris says. “She overlays movement and music in ways that surprise audiences and go straight to their hearts.” “Beheard.world has always been about bringing people together through art and emotion,” Myer says. “My mission is to make people feel.” 

 

“How We Go" also features a partial remount of beheard.world’s recent touring work, “Belonging and Othering,” which Myer says inspired the deeper dive “How We Go” takes. The creation of “Belonging and Othering” began when dancers in the piece choreographed solos inspired by the stories of people who had been “othered” or ostracized. Myer built choreography from parts of the solos, interlacing the movements for the whole troupe. The beheard.world company will perform the group section (called “Belonging”) of the larger piece. It was a natural progression to this idea of how we can live together better.”

 

Myer says both pieces in the show are intended to be art and social statements. In a climate increasingly hostile to diversity and inclusion, she and Paris see their work as a reaffirmation of community. “In this world of anti-DEI,” Paris says, “the reality is that DEI is critically important. We don’t have to be ashamed of it — it’s who we are and who we all should be.”

 

The Dance Complex Executive Artistic Director Peter DiMuro says he has observed beheard.world's journey for over a decade. "Time has proven that their unique blend of social awareness, artistry and craft create works of great impact for the dance-loving community, and for all of us living in America today,” DiMuro says. “The Dance Complex is where people from all walks of life come to express their true selves,” he says, “but just as often we hold hands to make a new dance we couldn't make alone.”

 

TICKETS AND SCHEDULE: “How We Go” runs Sat, Nov 22 @ 8 pm and Sun, Nov 23 @ 7 pm at The Dance Complex, 536 Massachusetts Avenue in Cambridge. Tickets start at $18 and are available at dancecomplex.org.

波士頓來年市政 原班人馬掌管 唯一新議員第7區Miniard Culpepper

波士頓市長吳弭（左二）的勝選派對，強推不分區市議員Ruthzee Louijeune (右一），
Henry Santana (左一）。麻州眾議會財政委員會主席Aaron Michlewitz站台。
（周菊子攝）

                 （Boston Orange綜合整理報導）波士頓市的2025年市級選舉結果出爐，除了第7選區之外，在位者悉數連任。

波士頓市議會來年唯一新面孔，Miniard Culpepper。（圖片來自競選文宣）

       市長選舉部分，因為初選結束後，競爭者Josh Kraft因得票數與在位市長吳弭（Michelle Wu）相差太大，宣佈退選，吳弭市長連任就已成定局。

                  根據波士頓市選務局的非正式選舉結果，市長選舉部分，選民總共投出9萬5690張選票，但只有8萬4080票填寫了投給誰，其中投給吳弭市長的票有78,384張，選民自己寫上候選人的選票有5,696張。

                  因此以84,080票為100%來計算，吳弭市長的得票率為93.23%。有11,610票沒有填寫投給誰，或是填寫有錯。

波士頓是在位市議員悉數當選連任。（圖片來自市府網站）

                  不分區市議員部分，4名在位議員全部連任，其中39歲的市議會議長Ruthzee Louijeune再度以最高票當選，得54,303票，得票率19.2%。次高為55歲的西班牙語系Julia Mejia，得47,422票，得票率16.7%，再來是55歲，曾任職老師的Erin Murphy，得46,360票，得票率16.4%。最年輕，才29歲的Henry Santana，在波士頓市長吳弭加持，Ruthzee Louijeune和聯邦參議員Ed Markey背書的助力下，一改之前的選舉頹勢，得43,904票，得票率15.5%，順利連任。

                  11月4日晚，波士頓市長吳弭在海港區Grace by Ria餐廳舉行的勝選派對中，Henry Santana激動落淚，感謝所有支持他的人，還向患癌感性告白，“媽，妳現在看到我當選2次了“。

                  現年57歲，曾任波士頓市第3區市議員長達12年之久的Frank Baker，儘管競選攻勢強勁，在勞工節大遊行中，參選宣傳佈告牌發得觸目可見，仍只得28,346票，得票率10%，差了一大截。

分區議員部分，第1選區的Gabriela Coletta Zapata得7604票，得票率82.54％，第2選區Ed Flynn得8259票，得票率86.6%，第3選區的John M. Fitzgerald得7850票，得票率97.95%，第4選區的brian J. Worrell得6298票，得票率84.42%，第5選區的Enrique Pepen得9062票，得票率69%，第6選區的Benjamin Jacob得12,935票，得票率86.31%，第9區的Liz A Breadon得5461票，得票率68.319%。

第8選區，無競爭者參選，在位的Sharon E. Durkan得4848票，得票率96.04%，

第7選區，原本在位的Tania Fernandes Anderson犯案入獄，無在位者參選，競爭格外激烈，最後由Miniard Culpepper得3874票，得票率53.38%，贏得席次。

波士頓市的這場市級選舉結果，除了黑人市議員增為4人之外，有如昭告公眾，波士頓市將繼續是吳弭天下，市議會發揮獨立意志的空間不大。

庫里吉角戲院訂12/3頒獎表揚Ethan Hawke

            （Boston Orange編譯）庫里吉角劇院 (Coolidge Corner Theatre) 宣布，將於 12 月 3 日（週三）頒發 2025 年庫里吉獎 (The Coolidge Award)給向傑出影人Ethan Hawke，表彰他來對電影文化領域40多年的非凡貢獻。

庫里吉角劇院執行董事兼首席執行長Katherine Tallman讚揚Ethan Hawke是一位傑出的藝術家、優秀的人，也是獨立電影院的真正擁護者。他的無畏精神和不歇止的好奇心，造就了當代電影中最令人難忘的作品。

庫里吉獎 (The Coolidge Award)從2004年開始頒發，曾經得過獎的電影人包括梅莉史翠普（Meryl Streep），法蘭西斯柯波拉（Francis Ford Coppola）， Werner Herzog，珍芳達（Jane Fonda），麥可道格拉斯（Michael Douglas），朱莉摩爾（ Julianne Moore），利夫芙烏曼（Liv Ullmann），張藝謀，Ruth E. Carter，John Waters, Viggo Mortensen和 Thelma Schoonmake等人。

單講典禮當天，Ethan Hawke將親自出席，並與觀眾對話，重點則放在他和長期夥伴Richard Linklater）第九次合作的影片——《藍月亮 (Blue Moon)》。

為了向Ethan Hawke致敬，庫里吉腳戲院還將放映一系列的Ethan Hawke作品，包括《春風風化雨 (Dead Poets Society)》，《愛在黎明破曉時 (Before Sunrise)》，《震撼教育 (Training Day)》，《少年時代(Boyhood)》，《牧師的最後誘惑 (First Reformed)》等。

 頒獎典禮和電影放映的門票現已在 coolidge.org 或劇院售票處發售。本次活動同時也是庫利奇角劇院基金會的募款活動，支持其使命和電影及教育計畫。

麻州撥款1410萬元資助28組織的托兒及課餘項目

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $14.1 Million for Child Care and Afterschool Program Capital Renovations 

Funding improves program facilities, adds classrooms, and increases the number of child care spots, lowering costs for families 

 BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today that 28 organizations across Massachusetts are being awarded $14.1 million in capital funding to renovate center-based child care and before and after school program facilities. This investment supports renovation projects to expand capacity and improve the indoor and outdoor quality and accessibility of learning environments for children, ensuring they have safe, healthy, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate spaces to learn, play, and grow. 

“Massachusetts remains focused on making early education and care more affordable, accessible and equitable across the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Providing capital funding to programs is an essential part of that work, helping families struggling with the high cost of living make ends meet and ensuring their kids can get a high-quality education in modernized facilities. That’s why we increased funding for this program in our capital plan, and it is great to see that funding at work to build more child care programs and expand capacity.” 

“The Governor and I have had the privilege of traveling around the state and visiting some of our incredible child care programs, where kids have access to innovative and high-quality outdoor and indoor spaces that spark curiosity and promote learning and exploration,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I am grateful that we are able to provide programs with the financial resources they need to invest in our youngest learners and strengthen local early education and care infrastructure.” 

The capital opportunities are administered by the Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) in partnership with the Children’s Investment Fund (CIF), an affiliate of the Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC). This funding is available through the administration's FY24 - FY28 Capital Investment Plan Early Education and Out-of-School Time (EEOST) fund and from the Early Education & Care Provider Capital Grant funding delivered in the fiscal year 2024 state budget. The Healey-Driscoll Administration, through their Capital Investment Plan for Fiscal Years 2026–2030, has more than doubled the EEOST grants, from $4 million a year to $11.4 million. 

This funding helps offset the costs of critical capital improvements, including health and safety upgrades, emergency repairs, and accessibility modifications. Examples of eligible funding use include modifications to improve indoor air quality, roof replacements, upgrading electrical or security systems, and physical environment modifications addressing accessibility or other upgrades for classrooms, outdoor areas, and more. 

“From Pittsfield to Chatham, this critical capital funding will support child care centers to build new, modern and accessible spaces to serve more kids of all abilities,” said Secretary of Education Dr. Patrick Tutwiler. “By infusing funds into our local communities to renovate, repair, and expand child care facilities, we are making Massachusetts a better place to live, go to school, work, raise a family, and build a better future.” 

“Investing in capital improvements is a key part of the Administration’s overall strategy to expand access to affordable, high-quality child care options for working families,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “By helping providers address essential facility needs, we are also ensuring that children, and their educators, have safe and enriching spaces to learn, play, and thrive.” 

“This past year marks our most significant investment yet in early childhood education facilities, benefiting both nonprofit and for-profit providers serving children from low-income families. We’re thrilled to support improvements in health, safety, and overall program quality across 28 sites,” said Theresa Jordan, Director of the Children’s Investment Fund. 

Since 2014, the state has provided $70 million for EEOST, while leveraging $320 million in additional public and private investment. This has supported 147 projects, 16,379 seats for students and added 1,706 new child care seats across programs. 

"Every dollar we invest in childcare pays strong dividends for Massachusetts children, families, and providers," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "The Legislature prioritized this funding so providers can create spaces that are welcoming, safe, and sustainable for our state’s youngest learners. I look forward to seeing those renovations take shape in the months ahead, and I applaud the Healey-Driscoll Administration for prioritizing these dollars." 

“I have worked closely with the Healey-Driscoll administration and my legislative colleagues to ensure that our public-school students have all the resources necessary to excel and thrive in the classroom. Key to that goal having stimulating and safe places to learn and play in healthy and inclusive facilities. The $14 million in capital funding is a smart and targeted investment to renovate these recreational spaces to keep up with the changing landscape for employing the very best practices in the most advanced educational settings,” said Senator Michael J. Rodrigues (D-Westport), Chair of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.  

“A critical component of expanding access to high-quality, affordable early education and child care is ensuring that centers have safe and appropriate facilities for their students,” said Senator Jason Lewis, Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “These grants will help upgrade child care and before/after school program facilities to expand capacity and improve quality of care.” 

"This funding will help ensure that our children have access to high-quality learning environments,” said Representative Ken Gordon, House Chair of the Joint Committee on Education. “It will also support our ongoing efforts to expand access to early education and care by keeping our facilities modern and well-equipped.” 
 

Five awardees received large grants, between $500,000 and $1,000,000: 

• Community Action Pioneer Valley (Westfield) - $539,000  

The funding supports the construction of two new playgrounds to complement a newly built Head Start and Early Head Start facility situated on 6.8 acres of land in Westfield. The new facility will serve up to 107 children through center-based programs and additional families through home-based services. 

• George Marston Whitin Memorial Community Association Whitin Community Center (Whitinsville) - $1,000,000  

This funding supports the purchase and renovation of the former Aldrich School Building to include four out-of-school time classrooms with 25 slots each, with additional programmatic space. 

• People Acting in Community Endeavors (New Bedford) - $725,000  

This funding supports hazardous materials (HAZMAT) remediation and the replacement of approximately 275 windows in a 1900 historic school building currently occupied by PACE Head Start. The lead abatement will help mitigate health risks, while the new windows will enhance safety, environmental comfort, and energy efficiency throughout the facility.  

• Shattuck Child Care Center (Mattapan) - $1,000,000  

This funding will help create a permanent home for Shattuck, which was displaced in 2017 from its long-term home at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital and has spent the past seven years in temporary, shared space at the First Baptist Church on Centre Street in Jamaica Plain. The new space at Brooke House will allow Shattuck to expand, adding a second toddler classroom and increasing total capacity from 46 to 55 toddlers and preschoolers.  

• YMCA of the North Shore (Salem) - $1,000,000  

This funding will help create an outdoor play space for its Out of School Time and Early Childhood Education programs on the rooftop of the fitness center. The project entails relocating components of the existing HVAC system and includes elevator upgrades and creating two egresses for the rooftop. The playground will include two restrooms -- one designed for younger children, and one for the school age program. The new play area will include a garden, gross motor track, basketball court and 10’ high fence.  
 

33 awardees received small grants, between $200,000 and $500,000: 

• Arcadia Learning Academy III (Taunton) - $500,000   

This funding supports improvements to two play spaces – one for toddlers and one for preschoolers. Improvements include to the heating, air conditioning, ventilation systems, and electrical systems, as well as a roof replacement. 

• Froggy's Play School (Haverhill) - $301,000  

This funding supports accessibility upgrades to their outdoor play space, including new playground structures and equipment, pour-in-place surfacing throughout, updated fencing, and a shaded picnic area. 

• KidZone Child Care / Educational Centers (Pittsfield) - $500,000  

This funding supports new fencing to the play area and add additional drains and top coat to the pavement, as well as a replacement of the original roof from 1955, to soundproof all classrooms and to purchase outdoor toys and structures to provide diverse options for outdoor play. 

• Packard Mountain / Weston Brook Property (Belchertown) - $317,000  

This funding supports replacing existing rundown playground with new and improved play area, which includes new equipment, surfacing, and fencing. 

• Busy Bees Preschool Center (Fitchburg) - $500,000  

This funding supports a new sprinkler system, security enhancements, remodel of classrooms, staff and storage space and addition of insulation under the preschool floor. It also supports new drainage and relocation of the HVAC system.

• Froggy’s Play School (Methuen) - $200,000  

This funding supports an important new center for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers, including construction of an outdoor play space at the back of the building, to be a fenced area with poured-in-place rubber surfacing and three play structures. 

• Girls Inc. of Lynn (Lynn) - $320,000  

This funding supports the outdoor play area redesign to feature a new play structure, surfacing, enhanced fencing, a garden space, a seating area, and improved lighting.  

• Girls Incorporated of Greater Lowell (Lowell) - $500,000  

This funding supports the comprehensive redevelopment of a three-building complex, including major upgrades and space reconfigurations to enhance functionality. This includes HVAC, fire protection, plumbing, electrical work, elevator installation, and building envelope improvements.  

• Martin Luther King Jr. Family Services (Springfield) - $500,000  

This funding supports a wide range of existing building improvements, including HVAC repairs and updates, exterior masonry and building envelope updates, and upgrades to the fire alarm, electric, lighting and plumbing.  

• Children's Aid and Family Service, affiliate of Seven Hills Foundation (Fitchburg) - $500,000  

This funding supports the relocation of existing gross motor space and renovation of the space into three new classrooms. There will be two new infant classrooms and one preschool classroom after renovations, an increase of 14 infant spots and seven new preschool spots.  

• Franklin County's YMCA (Greenfield) - $500,000  

This funding supports a phased replacement of the HVAC system, including the installation of heat pump units and ventilators and replacement of rooftop unit and boiler, and upgrading the electrical service to support the new HVAC system.  

• Chicopee Child Development Center (Chicopee) - $499,000  

This funding supports a second phase of an energy efficiency initiative, including installing 62 storefront window systems to enhance natural ventilation, regulate indoor temperatures, lower operational costs, and strengthen the organization's overall sustainability.  

• George Marston Whitin Memorial Community Association (Whitinsville) - $500,000  

This funding will support improved access to the outdoor play area by installing an accessible footbridge from the second story of the building to directly connect with the outdoor play area. The replacement of the outdoor stairs connecting all access points from the building to the park will allow children and adults to access the park safely.  

• Boston Chinatown Neighborhood Center (Boston) - $477,000  

This funding supports the final phase of a three-phase roof replacement, and the renovation and rebuilding of the Center’s rooftop play area with a new nature-based rooftop play structure and updated shade structure. In addition, the project involves updating and replacement of the aging security system, including cameras and door access controls.  

• Springfield Day Nursery d/b/a Square One (Springfield) - $325,000  

This supports natural playground improvements for seven preschool classrooms and two school age classrooms including installation of new playground surfacing, paths and equipment and fencing a new addition to the property of an open grassy space.  

• Guild of St. Agnes of Worcester (Devens) - $500,000  

This funding will help convert the building to be entirely electric, including conversion of the existing gas-fired boiler system to energy-efficient wall mounted mini-splits and the addition of Energy Recovery Ventilators (ERV) for fresh air. 

• 18 Degrees (Pittsfield) - $500,000  

This funding supports roof replacement, storm water management and HVAC updates as well as site work, life safety and accessibility updates. This includes reconfiguring the front drop-off and sidewalk areas with attention to safety, access, and accessibility, as well as the staff office space and laundry area.  

• Monomoy Community Services (Chatham) - $500,000  

This funding supports the construction of a substantial addition, renovations, and improvements to the existing Monomoy Youth and Family Center. This includes classroom reconfiguration and accessibility improvements, HVAC upgrades, electrical work, and building envelope improvements.  

• East End House (Cambridge) - $200,000  

This funding supports classroom and common area upgrades with limited HVAC replacement. This includes upgrades to classrooms, bathrooms, common stairs, hallway and purchasing new furniture.  

• Little People's College 

Program at Bridge St. in Fairhaven - $434,000  

This funding will support security upgrades, including new door and door control devices, as well as interior and exterior cameras in the classrooms, entrances, exists, and common spaces. Further, it will fund solar lighting in the parking area to improve safety. 

Program at Sconticut Neck Rd in Fairhaven - $447,000  

This funding supports installation of new surfacing and equipment, new fencing, removal and full replacement of three HVAC roof-top units, replacement of the roof and gutter system, and installation of interior and exterior cameras. 

Program at Rockdale Ave in New Bedford - $458,000  

This funding supports the replacement of an 18-year-old outdoor playground to accommodate the needs of infants, toddlers, preschoolers, and school-age children, as well as the installation of new security cameras and access control systems. 

Program at Church St in New Bedford - $443,000  

This funding supports replacement of doors, windows, roof, and installation of a new security system, as well as helps to install new safety bollards around the parking lot to protect children, families, and staff.