Governor Healey Appoints New Members of MassVentures Board of Directors Leaders from law, government relations, biotech, and the startup ecosystem strengthen Board during pivotal growth period for Massachusetts innovation economy

Governor Healey Appoints New Members of MassVentures Board of Directors 

Leaders from law, government relations, biotech, and the startup ecosystem strengthen Board during pivotal growth period for Massachusetts innovation economy

Waltham, Mass. — Governor Healey appointed new members of the MassVentures Board of Directors. The appointments to the Board, chaired by Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, come as Massachusetts continues to strengthen its position as a leader in academic research, innovation and emerging technology. New members include William “Mo” Cowan, Chief Legal and External Affairs Officer, Devoted Health; Russ Wilcox, Chief Executive Officer, Trellis Air; Larry Wittenberg, Retired, formerly Partner at Goodwin Procter LLP; and Elizabeth Kennedy, Director of Government Relations, Activate. 

“Massachusetts’ strength has always been in the people who power our innovative economy,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, who chairs the MassVentures board. “These new members of the MassVentures board bring deep experience in law, life sciences, climatetech, government, and entrepreneurship that will help guide our strategy and ensure we are backing the next generation of transformative companies. Their leadership will be critical as we continue to grow early-stage startups, create jobs, and keep Massachusetts at the forefront of global innovation.” 

“We are thrilled to welcome these four exceptional individuals to the MassVentures Board of Directors,” said MassVentures President and CEO Charlie Hipwood. “Each brings a unique combination of experience, insight, and commitment to innovation that will be invaluable as we continue our mission to support early-stage, deep tech startups across Massachusetts. Their leadership will help guide our strategy, expand our impact, and ensure we remain a vital resource for entrepreneurs driving the future of our state's innovation economy.”  

Justin Griffin, Michael Valanzola, Cynthia Bouthot, and Bill Asher recently stepped down from the MassVentures Board after several years of service. 

New Board Member Bios 

William “Mo” Cowan, Chief Legal and External Affairs Officer, Devoted Health  
Senator Cowan (retired) is Chief Legal and External Affairs Officer for Devoted Health. A member of Devoted Health’s executive leadership team, Cowan is responsible for all legal, corporate governance, regulatory, and public affairs functions for this next generation, tech-enabled, all-in-one healthcare company. Immediately prior, Cowan led global government affairs and global litigation for General Electric. Earlier in his career, Cowan was a partner at a major law firm and was President and CEO of a national government affairs consulting group. In 2013, he served as the interim U.S. Senator representing Massachusetts, serving on the Agriculture, Commerce and Small Business Committees. From 2009-2013, Cowan held senior leadership roles (Chief Legal Counsel, Chief of Staff and Senior Advisor) in the administration of Governor Deval Patrick. He currently serves on governance and advisory Committees for the Massachusetts General Hospital, Ratio Therapeutics, MassChallenge, Stackwell Capital, and Mass General Brigham. Cowan is also a founding member of the New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund. Cowan is a graduate of Duke University and Northeastern University School of Law. He holds honorary degrees from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business, Bridgewater State College, and Newbury College. 

Russ Wilcox, Chief Executive Officer, Trellis Air 
Russ Wilcox was a founder and CEO of E Ink which commercialized an electronic paper display technology invented at MIT. Under his leadership the company conducted breakthrough research, built a factory in Western Massachusetts, and reached $200 million in revenue. E Ink was acquired for half a billion dollars in 2009. He next started and led university spinouts related to energy and drug discovery. Wilcox then gained eight years of investment committee experience as a General Partner at Pillar VC, a Boston-based venture capital fund. At Pillar he led seed investments related to AI architecture, biotechnology, 3D printing, robotics, hardware, and deep technology. Currently he serves as CEO of Trellis Air, a cleantech startup seeking to increase the efficiency of HVAC equipment. Wilcox also co-teaches the LaunchLab entrepreneurship course at Harvard University for MS/MBA joint degree students who have launched seventeen venture-backed startups to date. Wilcox studied Applied Math at Harvard College and earned an MBA with high distinction from Harvard Business School. He is an EY New England Entrepreneur of the Year, Mass High-Tech All-Star, and co-inventor of thirty issued US patents. 

Larry Wittenberg, Retired (formerly Goodwin Procter LLP) 
Larry Wittenberg spent more than 40 years counseling and advising startup technology companies and their investors in connection with financing, intellectual property collaborations and general corporate legal issues. He focused primarily on Life Sciences companies and founded and led the Life Sciences Practice at Goodwin Procter LLP, an international law firm. For 20 years he also served as a director and legal counsel to MassBio, the Massachusetts biotechnology industry organization. Wittenberg is a graduate of Cornell University and Harvard Law School. 

Elizabeth Kennedy, Director of Government Relations, Activate  
Elizabeth Kennedy is the Director of Government Relations at Activate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that developed the model of entrepreneurial fellowships for scientists commercializing their research. Prior to Activate, Kennedy served as Head of Corporate Development at Portal Biotechnologies and as Vice President of Business Development and Strategy at the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) developing partnerships and initiatives with a wide variety of stakeholders from large corporations to small biotechnology companies as well as academic institutions, hospitals, government, and venture capital. Earlier in her career, Kennedy served as Chief of Staff at Landmark Bio and as a Special Projects Manager at Harvard. She was also a fellow in the Harvard Kennedy School’s Emerging Technology Policy program. 

律師謊稱拿到酒牌 3家知名企業受騙

          （Boston Orange 編譯）一名律師涉嫌為波士頓三家知名企業客戶偽造酒類執照，今（19）在薩福克郡高等法院表示不認罪。

根據法院紀錄和薩福克郡地方檢察官Kevin Hayden的辦公室，這位名叫Lesley D. Hawkins （萊斯利·D·霍金斯，譯音）的律師被控在Prince Lobel律師樓工作時，涉嫌偽造、偽造文件，以及為偽造的文件說話等12項罪名。

Lesley D. Hawkins 現年41歲，已被前述律師樓開除。

在週五的短暫出庭中，Lesley D. Hawkins站在他的辯護律師Scott M. Martin旁，聲稱無罪，並以個人保證釋放。

薩福克郡助理地區檢察官Jodi Ann Greenburg稱，Lesley D. Hawkins在2024年4月份內，為3客戶偽造文件，讓他們相信，他們從波士頓牌照委員會那兒拿到了有效的酒牌許可。

根據法院紀錄，受影響的2家公司分別是波士頓公園廣場與BPP投資物業公司，以及位於海港的ZaZiBar營運商ZaZibar Corp.。

Jodi Ann Greenburg說，第3個受害者是在士兵球場路（Soldiers Fields Road）上，奧斯頓工作坊酒店內的手工美食大廳（Craft Food Halls）。

預定的聆訊日期是明年11月，不過檢察官和律師在法庭內說，他們在協商解決刑事控罪的方案。

麻州州長選戰開始緊鑼密鼓 Maura Healey宣佈競選團隊高層

麻州州長Maura Healey(右）和副州長Kim Driscoll 已整裝再上“戰場”，2026競選連任。
（圖為兩人11月18日

           (Boston Orange編譯) 明年9月， 11月，就是州級選舉了。麻州州長奚莉（Maura Healey）為競選連任佈署，今（21）日宣佈，聘請前總統拜登的高級助理，前州長查理貝克（Charlie Baker）的副手等人加入競選團隊。

奚莉州長找了她當初第一次競選州長時的財務長，律師Beth Boland，共和黨籍前州長查理貝克的副幕僚長Michael Vallarelli，以及拜登總統的助理Rufus Gifford。

Rufus Gifford是前任美國駐丹麥大使，在奧巴馬和拜登2名前總統，以及副總統賀錦麗（Kamala Harris）任內擔任過高級助理，也曾經是拜登和賀錦麗競選總統時的財務主席。

他在2020年拜登很成功的總統選舉中擔任副競選經理，也是2012年奧巴馬競選連任時的全國財務主任。2018年時，他參加了民主黨有10人參選的國會第3選區初選，這一選戰後來是Lori Trahan當選為聯邦眾議員。

奚莉在週五發出的聲明中說，“麥克、貝絲和魯夫帶來橫跨政府，政治，以及私人企業領域的經驗。他很感恩這些人願意加入她的競選團隊。她已迫不及待的要踏上競選連任道路，繼續在關乎麻州人生活上的議題，為麻州人努力。

奚莉和Kim Driscoll還找了在2022年成功管理Driscoll選舉的Katie Prisco-Buxbaum，擔任競選經理。Katie Prisco-Buxbaum之前帶領過麻州總檢察官Andrea Campbell的競選市長及波士頓市議員選舉，也在賀錦麗競選總統時，以及加州州長Gavin Newson的2018競選州長，賀錦麗的２016ㄋㄧ雃競選聯邦參議員，擔任過高級財務。

奚莉州長的選舉帳戶款很穩定，手頭有440萬元現金，比任何一名其他州級候選人都多。今年以來，她籌了267萬元，花了114萬元。

奚莉的競爭對手中，共和黨籍的政壇新人Mike Minogue，今年迄今籌款186萬元，花了137萬元，如今手頭現金還剩49萬元。查理貝克時代的住宅及經濟發展廳廳長Mike Kennealy，迄今籌款193萬元，已花了70多萬元，手頭還有120多萬元。在查理貝克時代曾任麻州地鐵（MBTA）代理總經理的Brian Shortsleeve，迄今籌款103萬餘元，迄今已花了40多萬元，手頭現金還有60餘萬元。

Governor Healey Commends Upcoming Completion of the NECEC Transmission Line, Will Lower Energy Bills by $50 Million Per Year

Governor Healey Commends Upcoming Completion of the NECEC Transmission Line, Will Lower Energy Bills by $50 Million Per Year 

The NECEC transmission project will provide Massachusetts with approximately 20 percent of its overall electricity and deliver $3 billion in benefits and savings 

BOSTON – Governor Healey today celebrated Avangrid’s announcement that the New England Clean Energy Connect (NECEC) transmission line has secured its final permit and will be completed by the end of the year. The NECEC project will deliver 1,200 megawatts of baseload hydropower from Québec to New England and will serve as one of New England’s largest sources of baseload power, strengthening grid reliability and lowering energy costs for consumers.  

"It’s great to see the NECEC line on track to finish construction by the end of this year,” said Governor Healey. “This transmission line will deliver affordable, stable power from our partners in Canada to our residents and businesses. More energy means lower costs. The NECEC line is a key part of our all-of-the-above approach to lowering energy costs and delivering the power our economy needs. I’m grateful for the partnership of the Legislature and Attorney General Campbell as we worked to keep the project on track.” 

The NECEC line will provide Massachusetts with approximately 20 percent of its overall electricity. The project will deliver approximately $3 billion in net benefits to Massachusetts electric distribution customers, including reducing in ratepayer bills by around $50 million each year. In addition to lowering electricity prices, this clean, sustainable hydropower will help meet the state’s rising electricity demand, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and provide needed energy reliability in the winter. Firm, baseload power like hydropower is key to energy reliability in the winter, particularly as Massachusetts’ electricity demand grows. 

Following authorization from the Massachusetts Legislature, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Attorney General’s Office, Eversource, National Grid, and Unitil negotiated with NECEC to ensure these contracts remain beneficial for Massachusetts ratepayers. The joint settlement agreement was later approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities, helping pave the way for the project to finish construction in 2025. 

“I am thrilled that the NECEC line will soon be completed,” said Attorney General Andrea Campbell. “This is an important step toward helping our state achieve its clean energy goals while keeping electricity costs more affordable for Massachusetts residents.”  

“The completion of the NECEC transmission line comes at a critical time for Massachusetts residents,” said House Speaker Ronald J. Mariano (D-Quincy). “Hydropower from Québec will lower energy costs and improve reliability, while also helping the Commonwealth to diversify our energy sources and transition to clean and renewable energy. I'm grateful to Governor Healey and her team, as well as my colleagues in the Legislature, for working to make this project a reality." 

“Once completed, this project will lower electricity costs for residents ahead of what is expected to be a cold New England winter,” said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). “Delivering this kind of relief is exactly what the Senate had in mind when we worked to authorize the project, and I look forward to seeing it deliver results for our residents in the coming months." 

“I applaud Avangrid for clearing this final hurdle as it completes construction,” said Mark Cusack (D-Braintree), House Chair of the Legislature’s Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. “The NECEC transmission line will support affordability and grid reliability for the residents and businesses of the Commonwealth, both of which are critical for maintaining economic competitiveness.”  

波士頓美術博物館12/6起推出首次中國拼布藝術大展

圖片由波士頓美術博物館提供。

             （Boston Orange）波士頓美術博物館（MFA）將於12月6日至2026年5月3日，推出「百衲眾家：中國鄉村拼布知美（One Hundred Stitches, One Hundred Villages: The Beauty ofPatchwork from Rural China）」，首個關於中國拼布藝術的大型展覽及配套出版物。

            展覽中的將近20件中國拼布紡織品，來自河北、山西、山東、甘肅與陝西等省份，在產地村落之外，極為少見，不僅色彩斑斕、絢麗，構圖抽象也如萬花筒般有著超越中國既有藝術體系的創造力與敏銳美感。

            這一藝術形式源自古代佛教與道教傳統——僧侶們以穿著百衲衣來體現謙卑之心，也深深紮根於日常生活的實用需求，包括把這些布料用作床罩、窗簾、門簾以及兒童衣物等。

            拼布的構圖多元，紋樣與技法，常由創作者因地制宜，用手邊布料上既有的紋樣自由發揮，融入創作者的個人想像與巧思，成就了令人驚艷而動人的視覺圖像。

波士頓美術館中國藝術部吳同（Ｗu Tung）資深策展人白鈴安主持。白鈴安多次前往中國北方村落，訪問創作者及其後代，並直接收藏了此次展出的作品。

攝影師康羅伊（Lois Conner）在訪問時隨行，用影像與影片記錄了創作者、村落與作品在原生環境中的情景。白鈴安說，這些影像也在展覽中呈現“這些女性在布料構圖中展現的巧妙變化與自由即興，不僅具有深刻的個人表達，也為觀眾帶來純粹的視覺享受」。

 波士頓美術博物館為 「百衲眾家：中國鄉村拼布之美」展覽，同時出版了首部關於中國拼布藝術的英文專著，Chinese Patchwork，由白鈴安撰寫，康羅伊攝影。本展覽由譚氏家族教育基金慷慨資助。

In rural Chinese villages today, women are creating dynamic patchwork textiles, as their mothers and grandmothers did before them. This art form, which evolved from ancient Buddhist and Daoist customs of monks dressing in patched rags to project a sense of humility, is rooted in practicality, with the fabrics serving as bed and window covers, door curtains, and children’s clothing. The vibrant abstract compositions demonstrate creativity and fine artistic sensibilities that flourish far beyond the borders of established Chinese art canons.

One Hundred Stitches, One Hundred Villages: The Beauty of Patchwork from Rural China at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (MFA), presents nearly 20 kaleidoscopic Chinese patchwork textiles, which are rarely seen outside the villages where they are made. The textiles, coming from the Hebei, Shanxi, Shandong, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces, reveal a wide variety of compositions, patterns, and techniques, which reflect local styles and individual aesthetics alike. Visitors can explore the historical impacts on materials and designs, and discover the personal histories and artistic intuitions behind the works. Improvising with available cloth, riffing on patterns, and injecting their own creativity, the makers have produced stunning and inspiring imagery. Though viewers familiar with American quilt patterns may be surprised to notice many similar designs, these Chinese works represent a tradition all their own.

Nancy Berliner, Wu Tung Senior Curator of Chinese Art and exhibition curator, traveled to many villages in northern China, interviewing artists and collecting the works on view here for the MFA’s collection directly from the makers and their descendants. Photographer Lois Conner accompanied her, documenting the multiple trips through images and film—featured in the exhibition—of the artists, villages, and objects in their original environments.

One Hundred Stitches, One Hundred Villages is accompanied by the first English-language publication on the art of Chinese patchwork textiles, authored by Berliner and with photographs by Conner. (From MFA)

Fall edition of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program awards $125,000 to local non-profit organizations

 Fall edition of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program awards $125,000 to local non-profit organizations 

Boston - Twelve organizations have been awarded a B.A.A. Gives Back Grant as part of the Fall edition. A total of $125,000 has been awarded to support their work that aligns with the Boston Athletic Association’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities. 

 

Since the program’s inception in spring 2023, $773,000 has been awarded to 56 organizations across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with more applications being received with every edition. 

 

Nicole Juri, Director of Development at the B.A.A. said, “The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant program is delighted to be able to support some incredible organizations with their important community work in this fall edition.  

“We end the year with twelve selected organizations that we believe will use the funds to do great things to support athletes of all ages in getting and staying active. The impact of this program is far reaching, with 56 organizations receiving grants from us to date, and we look forward to continuing the growth and impact of this program in the years ahead.” 
 
The B.A.A. awards monetary grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 through an application process open to all nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria: 

• Organization is a registered 501(c)(3) or a public agency. 

• Organization is not political. 

• Organization's program advances the B.A.A.'s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities. 

• Organization is located in and serves residents of Massachusetts. 

The next round of grant applications will launch in February 2026.  
 

Find out more information HERE.  

Fall 2025 B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Recipients: 

Achilles International - Boston

Back on My Feet Boston

Bay State Games

Boston Educational Development Foundation

Boston Lions Track Club and Mentoring

Cops For Kids with Cancer, Inc.

Heroes In Transition

Massachusetts Wonderfund

Ohketeau Cultural Center

Run Your City

Soccer Without Borders Boston

WellStrong

DPH Commissioner Rebukes Misleading Assertions about Vaccines and Autism

 DPH Commissioner Rebukes Misleading Assertions about Vaccines and Autism 

Vaccines do not cause autism, and there is no link between childhood vaccines and autism. This has been proven repeatedly through decades of rigorous, high-quality research involving millions of children worldwide. The evidence is clear, consistent, and overwhelming.

 

The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) rejects the assertion posted Nov. 19, 2025 on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website which suggests that the statement “vaccines do not cause autism” is not evidence-based or that studies have failed to rule out a connection between childhood vaccines and autism. Such claims are factually incorrect and deliberately misleading. They contradict the global scientific consensus and undermine public confidence in vaccines. Vaccines are one of the most effective and life-saving interventions in the history of medicine and public health.

 

For an official federal website to include such misinformation is deeply troubling and even dangerous. It fuels misinformation and leads to misplaced doubt that puts children, families, and communities at risk for serious illness. These claims reflect ideology, not evidence.

 

DPH is committed to providing the public with accurate, science-based information. We continue to monitor emerging research, consult with leading experts, and update our guidance as new high-quality evidence becomes available. And we will continue to push back forcefully against misinformation and disinformation that threaten the health and safety of the people of Massachusetts – especially when it appears on official federal platforms.  We are currently reviewing our website and are removing links to CDC content that contains or amplifies such false and misleading claims.

Jane Doe Inc., Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025

 Jane Doe Inc., Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence, Statement on Transgender Day of Remembrance 2025

Every year, Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDOR) is observed by transgender communities and organizations across the globe as a collective moment of solidarity, grief, and recognition of the thousands of transgender and gender-nonconforming (GNC) lives lost since the event’s inception in 1999, and all those who came before. This year, we honor our immense loss and grief by emphasizing that these losses are preventable, and that trans and GNC survivors must be centered in every component of our work to end gender-based violence. JDI remains unwavering in our commitment to confronting the tremendous challenges facing trans and GNC survivors and advocating for and with trans and GNC survivors across Massachusetts. Trans justice is survivor justice.

The first ever TDOR was observed in 1999 here in Massachusetts, following the deaths of Rita Hester and Chanelle Pickett – two Black transgender women murdered in the Boston area. Today, as survivors everywhere are facing escalating fatal violence, trans survivors are most at risk. The number of trans people murdered in the U.S. nearly doubled between 2017 and 2021, and 75% of homicides were committed against Black trans women. On the whole, transgender individuals remain twice as likely to face intimate partner and family violence than their cisgender peers. Trans, Indigenous Two-Spirit, and GNC people of color are almost four times as likely to experience violence.

Hate violence and state-enforced anti-trans policies spearheaded by the Administration in Washington are at an all-time high, as community organizations encounter pressure to roll back intersectional protections and support affirming survivors of all backgrounds. This summer, JDI joined 16 sexual assault and domestic violence coalitions across the country in filing a lawsuit to challenge these anti-trans, harmful conditions attached to Federal grant funding. The lawsuit succeeded, resulting in a national injunction enabling organizations across the country to continue responding to survivors with culturally relevant care. Survivor-serving organizations have made necessary, life-saving progress over the past several decades to expand trans access to services. But now, trans and GNC survivors are at a crossroads between these escalated attacks and survival, losing access to gender-affirming healthcare and trauma-informed support, finding themselves forcibly erased from vital policies and funding streams, and more.

These challenges have been compounded by the suspension of SNAP benefits, efforts to ban gender-affirming care for minors on a national level, and cuts to housing grants – all of which are essential to supporting trans survivors in their most dire moments of need. As a coalition of survivor advocates and experts on sexual assault and domestic violence, we know that access to housing, shelter, employment, food, and healthcare are crucial components of safety. As the most basic means of survival become harder and harder to access, we recognize the invaluable role of trans-affirming survivor services whose work to support trans communities makes all of us safer. The Network La Red, a member program of JDI, is one of the foremost LGBTQ+ domestic violence provider in the nation, and has spent decades focusing on the tireless work of keeping trans and GNC survivors alive while supporting communities across the nation in their efforts to expand vital and trans-affirming frameworks.

Despite the many challenges facing trans and GNC survivors, our role as a survivor-oriented coalition is to ensure programs throughout Massachusetts have the support they need to center trans survivors as part of our continued effort to prevent violence in all communities. As harm and hatred against the trans community escalates, our hearts, strength, and solidarity remain steadfast with the transgender community, today and every day.

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES DATES FOR THE 29TH ANNUAL ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR

MAYOR MICHELLE WU ANNOUNCES DATES FOR THE 29TH ANNUAL ENCHANTED TROLLEY TOUR

BOSTON — Thursday, November 20, 2025 — Today, Mayor Michelle Wu and the Mayor's Office of Tourism, Sports and Entertainment announced the dates for the 29th Annual Enchanted Trolley Tour. This year's Trolley Tour will visit 16 neighborhoods on Saturday, December 6 and Sunday, December 7. “The annual Enchanted Trolley Tour is a beloved annual tradition bringing families together across the city to kick off the holiday season. I can’t wait to see everyone at this year’s celebrations,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “I’m grateful for the support of all our partners who help carry out this joyful weekend each year.” The Mayor's Enchanted Trolley Tour will continue the festive tradition of holiday tree lighting and Santa visits throughout Boston’s neighborhoods. This event is presented by Bank of America, and supported by CityView Trolley Tours. The Enchanted Trolley Tour stops feature giveaways and visits from Santa, Mayor Wu, and Office of Neighborhood Services staff. "The Enchanted Trolley Tour ushers in the holiday season in a way that only could happen in Boston, charming and delighting residents and visitors throughout a magical weekend," said Miceal Chamberlain, President, Bank of America Massachusetts. "Bank of America is proud to once again join Mayor Wu and the City of Boston in bringing the 2025 Enchanted Trolley Tour and tree lightings to neighborhoods across the entire city." Enchanted Trolley Tour dates, times, and locations are as follows: Saturday, December 6 11:00 a.m. — Hastings Lot, West Roxbury  12:00 p.m. — Wolcott Square, Readville 1:00 p.m. — Mattapan Square 2:00 p.m. — Hyde Square, Jamaica Plain  3:00 p.m. — J.P. Monument, Jamaica Plain 3:45 p.m. — Brigham Circle, Mission Hill 4:30 p.m. — Bolling Building, Roxbury 5:45 p.m. — Blackstone Square, South End 6:45 p.m. — Oak Square, Brighton   Sunday, December 7 12:00 p.m. — Codman Square, Dorchester 1:00 p.m. — Adams Corner, Dorchester 2:00 p.m. — M Street Park, South Boston 3:00 p.m. — Beach Street and Harrison Ave, Chinatown 4:00 p.m. — Paul Revere Mall, North End 5:00 p.m. — Winthrop Square (the Training Field), Charlestown 6:15 p.m. — Maverick Square, East Boston

Commonwealth Land Trust Celebrates 40 Years with Ribbon Cutting at Warren Street Supportive Housing Development BOSTON, MA – Yesterday, November 19, 2025, Commonwealth Land Trust (CLT) celebrated the ribbon cutting of its newest supportive housing development on 570 Warren Street, marking 40 years of providing safe, affordable housing to residents across Massachusetts. The event brought together city and state leaders, partner organizations, funders, residents, and community partners to honor CLT’s impact on housing and neighborhood development. Warren Ribbon Cut 11.19.25.jpg The formal program opened with welcoming remarks from Iva Comey, President and CEO of CLT, who introduced the dual purpose of the event – celebrating CLT’s 40th anniversary and cutting the ribbon on the Warren Street development. Bruce Henderson, CLT Board Chair, followed with reflections on CLT’s decades-long impact and the importance of supportive housing in Boston. Remarks from public officials and housing partners highlighted the broad coalition behind the project. State-level perspectives were shared by Sarah McKeever, Director of Supportive Housing at Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), and Jennifer Halstrom, Director, Housing and Homeless Services, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, who emphasized the vital role of state investment in supportive housing. The City of Boston was represented by Sheila Dillion, Chief of Housing and Director of the Mayor's Office of Housing, and Adam Goldstein, Program Lead for Permanent Supportive Housing, who reaffirmed Boston’s commitment to expanding deeply affordable and supportive housing under the Wu Administration. Staff from the Boston Housing Authority were also in attendance. Partner organization leaders then offered insights on collaboration across the housing ecosystem. Joyce Tavon, CEO of Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA), and Emily Haber, President & CEO of Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC), reflected on the interconnected work of agencies and nonprofits that make developments like Warren Street possible. Community voices were also centered: Mike Kozu shared a neighborhood perspective on the value of stable housing and long-term community partnerships. Two CLT residents – Jason, who shared his personal story, and Jennifer, who delivered an original poem – brought the program’s impact to life, underscoring the human meaning behind the development. Representatives from the offices of elected officials in the area were also in attendance, including State Senator Liz Miranda (Second Suffolk), Boston City Councilor At-Large Henry Santana, and Councilor-elect Miniard Culpepper. Of the project, Senator Miranda said, “The 570 Warren Street project represents the kind of community-rooted investment that our neighborhoods deserve. CLT’s model shows what happens when we center dignity, care, and long-term stability. I’m honored to support this work and proud to celebrate homes that uplift individuals and strengthen Roxbury.” The program concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, where CLT leadership, partners, and residents gathered for group photos and media coverage. The celebration continued into the afternoon with food, music, tours, and fellowship. “This milestone reflects decades of dedication to ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home,” said Iva Comey, President and CEO of CLT. “The Warren Street development exemplifies our mission, and we are proud to celebrate 40 years of housing stability and community impact.”

 Commonwealth Land Trust Celebrates 40 Years with Ribbon Cutting at Warren Street Supportive Housing Development

BOSTON, MA

 – Yesterday, November 19, 2025, Commonwealth Land Trust (CLT) celebrated the ribbon cutting of its newest supportive housing development on 570 Warren Street, marking 40 years of providing safe, affordable housing to residents across Massachusetts. The event brought together city and state leaders, partner organizations, funders, residents, and community partners to honor CLT’s impact on housing and neighborhood development.

The formal program opened with welcoming remarks from Iva Comey, President and CEO of CLT, who introduced the dual purpose of the event – celebrating CLT’s 40th anniversary and cutting the ribbon on the Warren Street development. Bruce Henderson, CLT Board Chair, followed with reflections on CLT’s decades-long impact and the importance of supportive housing in Boston.

Remarks from public officials and housing partners highlighted the broad coalition behind the project. State-level perspectives were shared by Sarah McKeever, Director of Supportive Housing at Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation (CEDAC), and Jennifer Halstrom, Director, Housing and Homeless Services, Bureau of Substance Addiction Services, Massachusetts Department of Public Health, who emphasized the vital role of state investment in supportive housing. 

The City of Boston was represented by Sheila Dillion, Chief of Housing and Director of the Mayor's Office of Housing, and Adam Goldstein, Program Lead for Permanent Supportive Housing, who reaffirmed Boston’s commitment to expanding deeply affordable and supportive housing under the Wu Administration. Staff from the Boston Housing Authority were also in attendance.

Partner organization leaders then offered insights on collaboration across the housing ecosystem. Joyce Tavon, CEO of Massachusetts Housing & Shelter Alliance (MHSA), and Emily Haber, President & CEO of Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC), reflected on the interconnected work of agencies and nonprofits that make developments like Warren Street possible. Community voices were also centered: Mike Kozu shared a neighborhood perspective on the value of stable housing and long-term community partnerships.

Two CLT residents – Jason, who shared his personal story, and Jennifer, who delivered an original poem – brought the program’s impact to life, underscoring the human meaning behind the development.

Representatives from the offices of elected officials in the area were also in attendance, including State Senator Liz Miranda (Second Suffolk), Boston City Councilor At-Large Henry Santana, and Councilor-elect Miniard Culpepper. Of the project, Senator Miranda said, “The 570 Warren Street project represents the kind of community-rooted investment that our neighborhoods deserve. CLT’s model shows what happens when we center dignity, care, and long-term stability. I’m honored to support this work and proud to celebrate homes that uplift individuals and strengthen Roxbury.”

The program concluded with a ceremonial ribbon cutting, where CLT leadership, partners, and residents gathered for group photos and media coverage. The celebration continued into the afternoon with food, music, tours, and fellowship.

“This milestone reflects decades of dedication to ensuring everyone has a safe place to call home,” said Iva Comey, President and CEO of CLT. “The Warren Street development exemplifies our mission, and we are proud to celebrate 40 years of housing stability and community impact.”

Governor Healey Proclaims November 20th as Women in Apprenticeship Day

Governor Healey Proclaims November 20th as Women in Apprenticeship Day  

BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today proclaimed November 20, 2025, Massachusetts Women in Apprenticeship Day, celebrating the vital contributions of women in the workforce and recognizing the importance of creating pathways for their success. The proclamation was presented at the 10th Annual Massachusetts Girls in Trades Western Conference & Career Fair, which connects girls enrolled in career and technical education programs with tradeswomen, union apprenticeship programs, and industry leaders to learn more about mentorship and career opportunities.  

“Registered apprenticeship is critical for our workers and our workforce development efforts, and we are committed to expanding access to these vital programs for girls and women throughout the state,” said Governor Maura Healey. “We are proud to support organizations like Massachusetts Girls in Trades as they help grow our economy and build the workforce of the future.”  

“The registered apprenticeship model provides a proven pathway to good careers and ensures everyone has a fair shot at success,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “By empowering more women and people of color to pursue careers in construction and the building trades, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive workforce in Massachusetts.” 

“Registered Apprenticeship is a gateway for workers across the state to find a career in some of our high-demand industries, gaining on-the-job training and experience while earning good wages,” said Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Lauren Jones. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration appreciates the partnership with MA Girls in Trade and many other union leaders as we promote Registered Apprenticeship to unlock life-changing careers especially for women, people of color, and other underrepresented groups in the trades.” 

Governor Healey has prioritized supporting union labor and women in trades. She signed Executive Orders to increase the participation of women in construction and to promote the use of project labor agreements (PLAs) by state agencies for large public works projects. She has also expanded career pathways for young people across the state – including increasing the number of Early College and Innovation Career Pathways programs in schools. Last week, she attended the Annual Massachusetts Girls in Trades Eastern Conference & Career Fair in Boston. 

“We have over 40 registered construction apprenticeship programs across the state, where apprentices earn while they learn the most cutting-edge techniques and how to do them in the safest way possible,” Chrissy Lynch, President, Massachusetts AFL-CIO. “We prepare apprentices not just for jobs, but for middle-class careers, and we are so proud of the growing number of women in these registered apprenticeships. Governor Healey knows that union training programs and registered apprenticeship are the best available, and that they improve standards for entire industries. We are proud to partner with the Healey Administration to ensure more women have access to registered apprenticeships, and to ensure project labor agreements will put them to work." 

Massachusetts is recognized in scaling apprenticeship as an innovative workforce strategy in expansion industries, and the Healey-Driscoll Administration has prioritized registered apprenticeship to address the state’s ongoing need for skilled labor and to build a robust talent pipeline for future workforce needs. As a result of the administration’s efforts, since January 2023, the Division of Apprentice Standards has: 

• Leveraged state and federal funds to award more than $12 million in apprenticeship grants 

• Registered over 10,000 apprentices 

• Registered 1,957 new apprentices in expanded industries 

• Registered 274 new apprenticeship programs 

• Expanded registered apprenticeship tax credit (RATC) to industries like clean energy and approved $480,000 in registered apprenticeship tax credits to employers who hired 100 apprentices, more than double the number in previous years  

• Reestablished the Apprenticeship Council.