Boston Public Schools Complete Safe Routes to School Campaign for the 2015-2016 School Year

Boston Public Schools Complete Safe Routes to School Campaign for the 2015-2016 School Year

Boston, Ma. - Friday, June 24, 2016 - Boston Public Schools (BPS) today announced the completion of this year's Safe Routes to School (SRTS) campaign, which officially launched in June 2015 to increase safety and promote healthy behaviors among students during their morning and evening commutes to and from school via public transportation and pathways. "Safe Routes to School provides our families with insight on the safest ways to commute to school," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "Safety is our number one priority, and are doing everything we can to ensure our students arrive at their classrooms safely and ready to learn." Last year, BPS partnered with the Boston Public Health Commission to support the SRTS initiative in an effort to increase the number of students in grades K-8 who regularly walk, bike, or take the MBTA to school. "Any effort that aims to keep our students active and safe has the support of the Committee," said Boston School Committee Chairman Michael O'Neill. "It is our hope that many of the students felt empowered through this process, and will continue to utilize the skills learned in the past year." Additionally, the SRTS initiative aims to improve students' health and well-being. Most children and youth do not meet the national recommendations of 60 minutes of daily physical activity, which supports positive academic results for students. "To provide our students with the very best education, we have to ensure that we are supporting initiatives that support healthy environments," said Superintendent Tommy Chang. "Safe Routes to Schools is creating a healthy school climate for our students, which is crucial when we are looking to produce strong students, both in and outside of the classroom." The David A. Ellis Elementary School in Roxbury participated in the last scheduled walk on Friday, June 17. "The Mather's Spring Walk to School Day was a great success," said Principal Rochelle Nwosu of the Mather Elementary School. "It's important for our students to practice active and safe transportation in our community. We know that active bodies support active minds, so we encourage movement throughout our day." Seventeen schools have participated in the walk initiative. SRTS is currently serving the following schools: Bates Elementary School Bradley Elementary School Condon Elementary School Ellis Elementary School Guild Elementary School Haley K-8 School Harvard/Kent Elementary Haynes Early Education Center Holmes Elementary Kilmer Upper and Lower Schools Lyndon K-8 School Mather Elementary School Mattahunt Elementary Quincy Elementary School Russell Elementary School     UP Academy Dorchester Winship Elementary School For more information, visit the following link: http://www.bostonpublicschools.org/Page/5895.

CITY OF BOSTON WILL HOST EVENT TO OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING ON DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA

CITY OF BOSTON WILL HOST EVENT TO OFFER FREE LEGAL SERVICE TO COMMUNITIES AFFECTED BY U.S. SUPREME COURT RULING ON DAPA AND EXPANDED DACA

BOSTON - Thursday, June 23, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced a free immigration legal consultation event will be held on July 23, 2016 at Madison Park High School in response to the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling to uphold the preliminary injunction that continues to prevent the implementation of the Deferred Action for Parents of Americans and Lawful Permanent Residents (DAPA) and the expanded Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) executive actions on immigration, announced in November 2014. "I am disappointed that the preliminary injunction preventing the implementation of the executive actions on immigration known as DAPA and expanded DACA remains in place," said Mayor Walsh. "Millions of families in the United States and thousands of Bostonians have been waiting too long for some form of immigration relief. My Office for Immigrant Advancement is working with community organizations to hold a clinic in July to educate affected individuals and to determine eligibility for other forms of immigration relief." "We are disappointed that the Supreme Court's ruling continues to prevent DAPA and expanded DACA from being implemented," said Alejandra St. Guillen, Director of the Mayor's Office for Immigrant Advancement. "Through our DACA/DAPA Outreach and Education Initiative, we are coordinating with community partners to make sure that our residents are well-informed and to prevent immigration scams. We will continue to support those who are eligible for the original version of DACA announced in 2012 to submit their applications and renewals." The free immigration legal consultation event will be held at Madison Park High School in Roxbury from 10AM to 4PM on Saturday, July 23rd. Interested individuals should call (617) 635-0008 for an appointment. Because the preliminary injunction remains in effect, applications for DAPA and expanded DACA are not available. However, applications and renewals for the original version of DACA, announced in 2012, continue to be available. Since DAPA and expanded DACA were announced, the City of Boston under Mayor Walsh's leadership has taken steps to offer information and resources to members of the immigrant community. In April, Mayor Walsh launched Immigrant Information Corners to provide information about resources and services available to help advance the well-being of the city's immigrant residents. The Immigrant Information Corners are located at the Boston Public Library's Central Library in Copley Square and 24 neighborhood branches. The launch of the Immigrant Information Corners is the result of a letter of agreement signed by Mayor Walsh and Leon Rodriguez, Director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), in June 2015 to promote citizenship in Boston by providing materials on the naturalization process, warning residents about scams, and highlighting the benefits and responsibilities of U.S. citizenship. In March 2016, Mayor Walsh joined 117 mayors, county executives, and local governments, as well as the U.S. Conference of Mayors and the National League of Cities in submitting an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court in support of the executive actions on immigration in United States v. Texas, the lawsuit that led to the preliminary injunction preventing the implementation of expanded DACA and DAPA. To learn more about the Office for Immigrant Advancement, click here.

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $10 Million for Sewer System Improvements in Worcester and Shrewsbury

Baker-Polito Administration Awards $10 Million for Sewer System Improvements in Worcester and Shrewsbury

Sewer Work Along Route 20 Will Better Protect the Environment, Spur Area Economic Development

WORCESTER – June 24, 2016 – Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito and Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton today announced $10 million to the City of Worcester to support an infrastructure project that will reconstruct the Whitla Drive sewer pumping station and expand the capacity of the sewer system in the Route 20 corridor in Worcester and Shrewsbury. The announcement was made during an event at the Belsito Auto Center on Route 20 in Worcester.

“The Route 20 Sewer Extension Project will increase sewer capacity in an under-developed area, which will attract economic development to the Route 20 corridor and protect public health and natural resources,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Our administration is committed to helping communities invest in their infrastructure to create jobs and ensure public safety.”

 “This important infrastructure project will provide significant economic benefits to the Worcester area, as well as environmental benefits which cannot be measured in terms of dollars and cents,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “We are proud to be able to work together with our local partners to protect the environment and encourage commercial and industrial development in one the of the Commonwealth’s great cities.”

The City of Worcester will receive $3.5 million this year and $3.5 million next year from the Environmental Bond Bill as well as a one-time installment of $3 million from the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. The City will match those funds with $10 million in order to re-route, extend and expand the capacity of the limited sewer system currently serving the Route 20 area.

 “Old, failing pipes present a problem when they leak and contaminate areas that should remain clean and open to the public,” said EEA Secretary Matthew Beaton. “This project will allow us to protect our beautiful natural resources by rectifying the threat of sewage overflowing into Lake Quinsigamond and the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.”

“MassDOT is pleased to have helped fund critically-needed infrastructure improvements along the Route 20 corridor,” said MassDOT Secretary & CEO Stephanie Pollack. “This project underscores the benefits of the collaborative approach the administration has taken when investing in transportation and economic development opportunities throughout the Commonwealth.”

The Route 20 Sewer Extension Project will provide sewer service to the area between Massasoit and Sunderland roads by adding 19,300 feet of collector sewers and 11,500 feet of dual 16-inch force mains, and will include a new connection to the Upper Blackstone Water Pollution Abatement District treatment facility in Millbury. It will also combine the existing sewer system with the new “single” system to make it more efficient, and eliminate two old pumping stations and aging cast-iron force mains within the Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.

Reconstruction will allow the Whitla Drive pump station to handle existing and projected future flows from the Broad Meadow Brook and Grafton Street pump stations, as well as additional flows from the Route 20 corridor.

“This project has the rare distinction of bringing both huge economic and environmental benefits to the city of Worcester and the region,” said City Manager Edward M. Augustus, Jr. “Thank you to the Baker-Polito Administration for once again demonstrating its commitment to our city and its economic wellbeing.”

“The investment in the Route 20 Sewer Infrastructure Improvements will have significant impacts stretching beyond the city of Worcester, and I am pleased that the Baker-Polito Administration has identified the expansion of sewer services into this underdeveloped area as a priority,” said State Representative Hannah E. Kane (R-Shrewsbury). “The expansion will allow for continued collaboration between the City of Worcester and the Town of Shrewsbury, making the development of properties along the Route 20 corridor in both municipalities a possibility.  This investment will spur economic development in Shrewsbury in an area that is partially zoned for business and limited industrial development while addressing the environmental concern of sewage overflow into Lake Quinsigamond and Broad Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary.”

“This project offers exciting new opportunities to enhance the economic vibrancy of the City of Worcester and the surrounding area,” said State Senator Michael O. Moore (D-Millbury).  “The anticipated environmental and economic impacts will surely benefit our region.  I appreciate the hard work and efforts of local and state officials, the Administration, and everyone involved with helping to bring this initiative to fruition.”

“I want to thank the Baker-Polito Administration for the authorization of these crucial funds needed to make the Route 20 Sewer Project a reality,” said State Representative Daniel Donahue (D-Worcester). “The need for sewer access in this area has long been discussed and today's announcement highlights how close partnership between our local government, legislative bodies and state executive offices can bring about effective solutions for our communities.  This project will bring immense operational and environmental benefits to Worcester, and will open up an entire section of the City ripe for major economic development opportunities.”

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.