Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grant for Renovation of Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Baker-Polito Administration Awards Grant for Renovation of Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial

WORCESTER – June 23, 2016 – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today announced a grant of $200,000 toward the renovation of the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Worcester. 

“Honoring all Massachusetts’ veterans and providing our veterans the services and opportunities they need to succeed and live long, healthy lives is of utmost importance to our administration,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “The renovation to the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial will ensure that the site where we pay homage to the service and sacrifice of our veterans remains in pristine condition.”

“Men and women from across Massachusetts bravely served our country in Vietnam, and thousands paid the ultimate sacrifice,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Recognizing their service is important to this administration, and we are pleased to be able to announce funding to restore this memorial as a tribute to our veterans.”

The grant to the City of Worcester will fund critical infrastructure improvements to the Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial located in Green Hill Park in Worcester.  The renovation will include pond-edge repairs and enhancements, drainage improvements, lighting and electrical upgrades, reconstruction of the Memorial retaining wall and improved handicap accessibility.

“We are proud to provide funds through our Gateway City Parks Program to help restore and improve access to this important tribute to those who served in Vietnam,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton.  “Green Hill Park is a wonderful place for the Memorial– a peaceful, beautiful setting in which to recognize the sacrifices they made on behalf of our nation.”

“The restoration of this monument signifies the Commonwealth’s commitment to never forget the sacrifice these individuals have made,” said Secretary of Veterans’ Services Francisco Ureña. “Our hope is that the family members and loved ones of these brave individuals take solace and comfort in the knowledge that these individuals will forever be remembered.”

The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial, dedicated in June 2002, is situated on four acres and includes a pond, and walking paths. The Memorial contains three sections, the Place of Flags, Place of Words, and Place of Names, and is intended to be a dignified, quiet, natural location for reflection and learning.

The grant, funded through the Environmental Bond Bill, is awarded through EEA’s Gateway City Parks Program. The program funds the creation or restoration of significant urban parks and trails in the 26 Gateway Cities. 

“It’s a privilege to have the statewide Vietnam Veterans Memorial here in Worcester,” said State Senate Majority Leader Harriette L. Chandler (D-Worcester).  “I thank the Administration for their support as well as the support that the Worcester Delegation has received in securing funding in the Legislature.  It’s our goal to continue maintenance of the statewide memorial to ensure that it does justice to the brave men and women it honors.”

“The Massachusetts Vietnam Veterans Memorial holds a very special place in the hearts and souls of many Vietnam Veterans, not only in Worcester County, but throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts,” said State Representative James O’Day (D-West Boylston). “Every Veteran’s Day and Memorial Day hundreds of veterans, family and friends come to the memorial to pay their respects to those who served valiantly during the war and those who paid the supreme sacrifice. The awarding of this Gateway City Parks grant will ensure that those who sacrificed so much will never be forgotten. I would like to applaud the Legislature and the Baker Administration for seeing to it that the Vietnam Memorial continues to be a memorial that we can all be proud of.”

“Worcester is a place that values and honors its veterans, and this year we’ve put a significant effort into making sure our public spaces reflect that, with a recently constructed new World War II Memorial and soon-to-be rededicated restored Civil War Monument,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “Worcester is extremely proud to be home of the state’s Vietnam Memorial, and we’re grateful to the Baker-Polito Administration for providing funds that will ensure it remains a fitting tribute to those across the Commonwealth who served.”

Governor Baker Names Former State Legislator Michael Knapik Director of Western Massachusetts Office

Governor Baker Names Former State Legislator Michael Knapik Director of Western Massachusetts Office

SPRINGFIELD – In a visit to the Governor’s Western Massachusetts Office in Springfield today, Governor Charlie Baker introduced Michael Knapik, a former state senator and state representative from Westfield, as the office’s new Director. Knapik will be a primary liaison between the administration and constituents and communities in Western Massachusetts effective July 5, 2016.

“With more than two decades of experience representing Western Massachusetts constituents, Mike is exceptionally qualified to lead our Springfield Office,” said Governor Baker. “Operating the office is one of the many essential tools we use to maintain an important relationship with the people, local leaders and municipalities of Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden Counties.”

“Mike will be an asset to both the administration and those serviced by the Springfield Office,”  said Lieutenant Governor Polito. “I look forward to working closely with him in his new role to continue building upon the strong relationships our administration has cultivated in the western part of the state.”

“I am excited to join the Baker-Polito Administration and begin working with people across Western Massachusetts again,” said Mike Knapik. “Western Massachusetts has a lot to offer and I look forward to playing an active role in our communities and the overall conversation with the rest of Massachusetts on behalf of the administration.”

Eastern Bank Announces $300K Community Investment Tax Credit Donation

Eastern Bank Announces $300K Community Investment Tax Credit Donation

Boston, MA – Thanks to the Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC), Eastern Bank is awarding $300,000 in grants to Community Development Corporations (CDCs) across Massachusetts participating in the program.  This donation is the largest to the field in the bank’s history and builds upon a long legacy of supporting CDCs in Massachusetts.

“Eastern Bank’s donation to our field is significant,” noted Joseph Kriesberg, MACDC’s President.  “Thanks to this support, CDCs will improve neighborhoods and communities as more homes will be built, more jobs will be secured and more families will be stabilized.”

Thanks to the CITC program, CDCs are hiring new staff and increasing their capacity overall to develop new affordable housing, provide loans and technical support to entrepreneurs and businesses, and support thousands of individuals and families each year.

“Supporting CDCs across Massachusetts is very important to Eastern Bank.  Thanks to the Commonwealth’s Community Investment Tax Credit program, we are more than doubling our support to the field this year,” commented Gary Leach.  “We encourage businesses, financial institutions and individuals to learn more about this program and get involved.  CDCs are doing incredible work here in Boston and across Massachusetts.  Supporting these organizations is critical to strengthening our most vulnerable communities.”

The CITC program provides a 50% refundable state tax credit for donations between $1,000 and $2 million.  Because the donation is refundable, organizations, such as foundations and donor advised funds, also are able to support CDCs across Massachusetts through the program as well as individuals and businesses.

MAYOR WALSH OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR SPARK BOSTON'S ANNUAL IMPACT AWARDS

MAYOR WALSH OPENS NOMINATIONS FOR SPARK BOSTON'S ANNUAL IMPACT AWARDS

Awards to recognize Boston's millennial leaders and changemakers

BOSTON - Thursday, June 23, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced nominations are now open for SPARK Boston's 2016 Impact Awards. The annual Impact Awards shine a spotlight on young adults aged 20-34 doing outstanding work to improve the City of Boston. Applications are available online, and will remain open through the summer. "As we prepare to welcome the Forbes Under 30 Summit and many of our nation's most influential young leaders, I am proud to showcase the incredible young people improving our neighborhoods and strengthening communities right here in Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "From dedicated public servants to community builders and social entrepreneurs, millennials are some of our most innovative and civic-minded residents." "SPARK Boston is not just a program for millennial residents -- it's a program entirely driven by millennial residents,"  said SPARK Boston Council Member and Brighton resident, Fhiwa Ndou. "The Impact Awards give young leaders a platform to speak directly to their peers. Their passion and dedication have a ripple effect as they inspire others to become more engaged citizens themselves. That kind of influence can have a tremendous impact, and that's the idea behind the SPARK Impact Awards." This year's award categories reflect the diverse ways millennial residents act as leaders and changemakers in Boston: Arts & Culture: Visionaries who weave arts and culture into the fabric of our communities to engage and inspire those around them. Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Civic innovators who help our city attract and keep talented people, expand economic opportunity and create a culture of engagement. Activism & Issue Advocacy: Emerging leaders elevating the voices of young Bostonians on the issues that impact us all. Public Service & Civic Leadership: Public servants, elected officials and other civic leaders working to ensure strong democracy and successful governance in our city. Community Building & Neighborhood Improvement: Engaged citizens who work collaboratively to strengthen their neighborhoods and promote their communities' interests. "Unsung Heroes": Outstanding teachers, social workers, nurses, emergency responders and human services professionals whose everyday dedication supports a healthy, thriving city. Nominees must be between the ages of 20-34 and live/work in Boston to be considered. A selection committee comprised of members of the SPARK Boston Council will review all nominations and select the top nominees in each category. A round of online voting will follow, and winners will be announced at the SPARK Impact Award ceremony in October. To nominate a friend, colleague, neighbor or yourself, visithttp://www.sparkbos.com/impact-award-nomination.html.

Tiffany Farris Ward of Malden Honored as Unsung Heroine at State House

Tiffany Farris Ward of Malden Honored as Unsung Heroine at State House

                                                                                                                                                                                          

BOSTON – Tiffany Farris Ward of Malden was honored as an Unsung Heroine at the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 13th Annual Unsung Heroines Celebration on Wednesday June 22, 2016 at the State House. Malden State Representative Steven Ultrino (D) – Malden nominated Ms. Ward for this recognition for her dedication and contribution to the Malden YWCA for over 15 years.

Ms. Ward works at the Malden YWCA organizing and facilitating after school programs and housing placement programs for homeless and/or low income women of Malden. Her dedication to helping women extends beyond her role at the YWCA as a volunteer for the Annual Encore Breast Cancer event, said Representative Steve Ultrino.

Each year, state legislators nominate women who make remarkable contributions to their organizations and communities but who are often unrecognized for their efforts. Unsung Heroines are actively engaged in making a difference for women in their communities by using their time and skills to mentor, volunteer, and advocate on behalf of women.

“Tiffany’s work to better the lives of those around her has left a lasting impression on the entire Malden community,” said Representative Steve Ultrino. “She deserves recognition for the time and dedication she has selflessly put forth to better the lives of others.”

The Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women is an independent state agency that was legislatively created in 1998 to advance women of the Commonwealth to full equality in all areas of life and to promote their rights and opportunities. The MCSW provides a permanent, effective voice for the women of Massachusetts.

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Madison Park Technical Vocational High School to Receive Nearly $500,000 Grant from Baker-Polito Administration, Snapchef Announces New Partnership

Caption: Mayor Martin J. Walsh visits Future Chefs in South Boston. Grant will purchase training equipment for culinary arts program to build strong employment pipelines, Partnership will provide career placement opportunities

Boston, Ma., June 23, 2016 - Boston Public Schools' (BPS) Madison Park Technical Vocational High School today received more than $451,000 in a workforce skills equipment grant, which will allow the school to purchase commercial grade restaurant equipment, refrigeration units, and a specialty food truck to use as a training venue for students in the culinary arts program. Additionally, Snapchef, a chef-owned-and-operated company that specializes in providing culinary staff to prestigious food service companies in New England, today announced a new partnership with Madison Park, which will support the culinary program through technical assistance and potential career opportunities post-graduation. "We are proud to make these investments that bolster the ability of vocational-technical institutions to provide the skills for more individuals to be competitive and successful in the workplace and growing industries throughout the Commonwealth," Governor Charlie Baker said. "Preparing the next generation of workers and helping employers meet their needs for skilled labor will help ensure Massachusetts' continued economic growth and progress." The Workforce Skills Capital Grant Program is a new initiative of the Governor's Workforce Skills Cabinet, which seeks to align education, workforce and economic development strategies across the state. "Since announcing the first round of awardees in February, I have traveled around the state to visit vocational and technical schools which are making capital equipment upgrades to benefit their student," Lt. Governor Karyn Polito said. "We feel these investments will be critical to filling the gaps between education and the skills residents need to launch successful careers." Governor Baker tapped Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Ronald Walker II, Education Secretary James Peyser, and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash to work together to develop policies to improve economic and job training opportunities for residents of the Commonwealth. "Governor Baker and the Workforce Skills Cabinet have been focused on technical schools which can provide the skill sets necessary for young people and residents of Massachusetts," Secretary Ronald L. Walker, II said. "This grant to Madison Park will position the school to have the capital resources it needs to provide further training and skill- building to students in an economic sector that is one of the fastest growing in the Commonwealth." "The training equipment this grant will provide to Madison Park, including refrigeration and a state-of-the-art food truck, will deliver hands on training in a real-life work setting that will open up avenues for both employment and entrepreneurship," Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash said. "We are thankful for the partnership and momentum Mayor Walsh and Superintendent Chang provided to make this a reality." "It's investments like the Workforce Skills Capital Grants which will help our students get access to the latest tools and technology used in the 21st century workforce," said Education Secretary Jim Peyser. "We are pleased that we have already started to see the positive impact these grants have had on dozens of high schools, community colleges, and training providers across the Commonwealth."   As part of the Workforce Skills Cabinet's efforts to align resources to better meet common goals, the Workforce Skills Cabinet consolidated two separate capital grant programs - the former Manufacturing Training Equipment grants (administered by the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development) and the former Vocational Opportunity Challenge grants (administered by the Executive Office for Administration and Finance) - into one unified, integrated, and expanded workforce development capital grant program. "Snapchef is excited to support Madison Park train the next generation of culinary professionals," said CEO Todd Snopkowski. "The need for a skilled workforce is strong. Large organizations like hospitals and universities need the ability to staff quickly.  Madison Park help fills that gap with quality, skilled culinary personnel." "Both investments are tremendous opportunities that will give our culinary arts students at Madison Park access to service, technical, and management skills that will ultimately place them in life-long careers," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "I thank the Baker-Polito Administration and Snapchef for their shared commitment to increasing opportunities for our young people." The inaugural round of the Workforce Skills Capital Grant program received 68 applications, requesting a total of $18 million in funding. "Our students are extremely talented," said Boston School Committee Chairperson Michael O'Neill. "With deep commitment from community partners and government agencies, we can make a huge difference in their lives. On behalf of the Committee, thank you to all who made these investments possible." "These investments in our students at Madison Park will go a long way towards our work in providing students pathways to college and career success," said BPS Superintendent Chang. "Access to quality equipment and a specialty food truck will help our students to gain the skills they need to thrive in the culinary arts industry. And to get their careers started, we are fortunate to have a partner in Snapchef. Thank you, both Governor Baker and Snapchef CEO Todd Snopkowski for your continued support." "The culinary field is ever-changing, growing and evolving," said Aquila Kentish, sous chef/manager of Jamaica Mi Hungry and recent alumni of Madison Park. "A hot and growing part of the industry that many students overlook when thinking of their career/business choice is the food truck. The food truck scene is growing in Boston. Having students get the experience of running a food truck- understanding the equipment, preparing menus, costing out food and operating expenses, ensuring that service runs smoothly- will help prepare them to not only go out into the culinary field with entry level skills, but have a solid management foundation that will allow them to go for more lucrative opportunities." The grant to Madison Park is in addition to the first round of the Baker-Polito Administration's $9.3 million in Workforce Skills Capital Grants, previously awarded to 35 high schools, community colleges and training providers for vocational-technical equipment purchases aimed at connecting Massachusetts students and residents to economic opportunities in high-demand industries.