Baker-Polito Administration Honors Veterans Day with State House Ceremony

Baker-Polito Administration Honors Veterans Day with State House Ceremony

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BOSTON— Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Lieutenant and Secretary of the Department of Veterans’ Services Francisco Ureña came together to celebrate the service of Massachusetts veterans and servicemembers at the Commonwealth’s official Veterans Day ceremony at the State House. 

“Veterans Day is a special opportunity to honor our brave servicemembers and their families who have made incredible sacrifices to defend the freedoms we hold so dearly,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Today we thank all our nation’s veterans and their families for their commitment, courage, and selflessness and encourage all residents of the Commonwealth to find a way to pay their respects in their communities.”

Massachusetts continues to be recognized as a national leader in the services offered to veterans and their families. The Commonwealth and the nation will forever be indebted to these individuals for their selfless bravery, honor, and everything they sacrificed in order to protect our freedom and liberty.

“Today we recognize and thank all who answered the call to serve our great nation in the name of liberty and freedom,” Secretary of the Department of Veterans Services Francisco Ureña. “We proud of the commitment Massachusetts has made on so many levels to ensure our veterans receive the support and gratitude they have earned.”

The Keynote Speaker was Captain Joyce C. (Olson) Massello, United States Air Force veteran (Retired).  A POW/MIA Ceremony was conducted including a candle lighting ceremony lead by Tim Sullivan, Cdr. USN (Ret.) Vietnam veteran and former POW.  Massachusetts Gold Star Families were paid tribute with a rose presentation.

"Our veterans deserve our deepest thanks for their service and sacrifice for our country but also for their continued contribution to the Massachusetts workforce,” said Secretary of Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development Rosalin Acosta “The unique skills which veterans bring to industries across the Commonwealth are helping to ensure that we remain among the best training and most productive in the world.”

The ceremony also included a 21-gun salute by the Massachusetts Army National Guard followed by Taps performed by the Commonwealth Brass Quintet. 

“There is no institution on Earth that commands the depth of respect earned by the United States Military and its Veterans who selflessly served to afford our freedom,” said Major General Gary Keefe, Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard.  "The courage, strength and resiliency demonstrated by our Nation's military forces warrant our highest gratitude on Veterans Day and every day for both their wartime service, as well as wars and conflicts deterred by their unshakable vigilance."

紐英崙中華公所改選兩組人選公佈

Baker-Polito Administration Announces 5-Year, $1 Million Partnership for Women Entrepreneurs in Life Sciences

Baker-Polito Administration Announces 5-Year, $1 Million Partnership for Women Entrepreneurs in Life Sciences

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) will partner with private sector companies to support growth of women-led, early-stage start-ups

BOSTON— The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the launch of the Massachusetts Next Generation Initiative (MassNextGen), a new competitive program to support women entrepreneurs in early-stage life sciences companies. The public-private partnership, currently a five-year, $1 million commitment, will focus on empowering women and diversity in the next generation of life sciences entrepreneurs.

“The strength of startup life sciences companies is critical to Massachusetts innovation economy and we are committed to building a more diverse workforce and to empowering more women entrepreneurs,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “This initiative will help more women-led companies to thrive, leveraging additional sources of capital and support to create new jobs and bring cutting edge innovation to the marketplace.”

The program will identify promising women-owned or controlled life science companies, and provide critical funding and access to a robust panel of executive coaches to ensure that they have important resources to succeed. The MLSC will coordinate and award a year of support to two, women-owned or controlled, early-stage life science companies each year.

“We are thrilled to begin this initiative with a strong partner in Takeda, and we look forward to collaborating with more companies, organizations and leaders to tackle this important issue,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “Through STEM-training initiatives and private sector partnerships like these, our administration is committed to increasing the representation of women in the life sciences.”

The $1,000,000 commitment includes $500,000 in direct awards to participants, with $250,000 in 1-to-1 funding matches from Takeda as the initial partner and the MLSC. An additional $500,000 in in-kind contributions will be provided for networking, professional development and coaching support. MLSC will leverage the region’s substantial network of seasoned entrepreneurs, investors and life science experts to serve as executive coaches to the winners of the MassNextGen Initiative.

“Takeda is committed to diversity, inclusion and being active participants in our community,” said Christophe Bianchi M.D., President, Takeda Global Oncology Business Unit, Takeda Boston Site Head. “Our contributions to the MassNextGen program and collaboration with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center will further elevate the innovations that are being created by women-led companies, which have strong potential to make a difference in the future of our industry and the lives of patients.”

“Women continue to be among the groups most underrepresented in the life sciences, but they are essential members of an innovative and thriving ecosystem,”said Travis McCready, President & CEO of the MLSC. “The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is committed to being an agent of change, launching this initiative so that the next generation of life science entrepreneurs is appropriately diverse.”

According to Babson College’s The Diana Project report “Women Entrepreneurs 2014: Bridging the Gender Gap in Venture Capital,” only 15% of the companies receiving venture capital investment had a woman on the executive team from 2011-2013. Only 3% of total venture capital dollars in the U.S. went to companies with a female CEO and it is hardest for female executives to attain seed-stage funding. The life sciences ecosystem, entrepreneurs and investors alike, benefits from having more diverse leaders with talent and bright ideas. MassNextGen aims to visibly move the Massachusetts ecosystem in that direction.

"There is no debate about the lack of gender diversity in the life sciences. The legitimate debate is determining why the problem exists, and what actions must be taken to fix it," said Abbie Celniker Chair, MassBio Board of Directors; Partner, Third Rock Ventures. “MassNextGen is a positive step in that direction. We applaud MLSC and Takeda for taking this decisive step to address the gap with this program."

In June, the Baker-Polito Administration announced a legislative proposal to bolster Massachusetts’ leadership in the life sciences sector, which would provide up to $500 million over five years for strategic investments in public infrastructure, research and development, and workforce training and education, including up to $295 million in capital authorization and up to $150 million job-creating tax incentives. The funding will continue to be managed by the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC), which is co-chaired by Administration and Finance Secretary Michael J. Heffernan and Housing and Economic Development Secretary Jay Ash.

IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY, AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES NEW VETERANS AFFAIRS COORDINATOR, OFFICE’S EFFORTS TO EXPAND SERVICES

IN HONOR OF VETERANS DAY, AG HEALEY ANNOUNCES NEW VETERANS AFFAIRS COORDINATOR, OFFICE’S EFFORTS TO EXPAND SERVICES

BOSTON –In commemoration of Veterans Day, Attorney General Maura Healey announced a new position within her office to assist Massachusetts veterans, servicemembers and their families. In addition, AG Healey has highlighted the enhanced efforts across the office to provide services to veterans in need.

As the Veterans Affairs Coordinator for the Attorney General’s Office, David Bolcome is the office’s point of contact for issues and initiatives within the Massachusetts veterans community. Bolcome – a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and a Senior Investigator in AG Healey’s Civil Investigations Division – is focused on increasing communication between the AG’s Office and the veteran and servicemember community in the state.

In addition to this new role, AG Healey’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) has bolstered a team of consumer specialists – led by Legal Analyst Janice Fahey – that handle calls to its hotline and review complaints focused on veteran-specific issues and concerns including accessing earned benefits. Since January 2017, more than 1,200 veterans and servicemembers have filed complaints with the AG’s Office on a wide variety of issues including telemarketing scams, predatory debt collection, home improvement contracts and issues with retail and utility companies.

“Our veterans and servicemembers served and protected our country and we will do everything we can to support and honor them,” said AG Healey. “Our office is committed to ensuring that veterans, servicemembers and military families  can access the protections and benefits owed to them.”

As part of his new role, Bolcome has been working with a number of organizations and state agencies to help identify issues that affect veterans, service members and their families and to develop collaborative partnerships that will enhance the services and assistance offered to those in need.

Prior to joining the AG’s Office in March 2014, Bolcome was enlisted in the Marines for six years and served in the infantry rifle company of the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. He is a combat veteran of the Afghanistan war: Operation Enduring Freedom, and obtained the rank of Corporal before his honorable discharge. Bolcome is continuing to serve in his current position as a Senior Investigator in the AG’s Office as well.

AG Healey’s Office works in a number of other ways to help the veteran community:

·         Raising awareness: Earlier this week, AG Healey and members of her staff joined Carlos and Mélida Arredondo to raise awareness about U.S. military veterans who take their lives by participating in the “22 Pushup Challenge.”

·         Ensuring Inclusion: AG Healey led a coalition of attorneys general in filing an amicus brief strongly opposing the Trump Administration’s plan to ban military service by transgender servicemembers.

·         Student loans: The AG’s Office secured a $2 million settlement with a company that made predatory and illegal loans to 85 Massachusetts consumers. AG Healey also sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs urging the department to reinstate protections for veteran borrowers against predatory for-profit schools.

·         Grant funding: In February 2017, the AG’s Office awarded $350,000 in grant funding to four organizations – Community Legal Aid, Inc, The Legal Services Center of Harvard Law School, Veterans Legal Services and Montachusett Veterans Outreach Center – to provide legal assistance to hundreds of veterans in need.

The AG’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division also works closely with the state’s Department of Veterans Services and with the Massachusetts Veterans Services Officer Association to support the organizations in their efforts to support veterans who have concerns around their economic stability.

Veterans looking for more information or assistance with their student loans should visit the AG’s Student Lending Assistance page or call the Student Loan Assistance Unit Hotline at 1-888-830-6277. Consumers with other questions or concerns can call the Attorney General’s consumer hotline at 617-727-8400 or file a complaint with the office. 

For more information on the AG’s Veterans Resource Guide, click here.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES DREW SMITH AS BOSTON'S NEW SENIOR DEPUTY TREASURER

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES DREW SMITH AS BOSTON'S NEW SENIOR DEPUTY TREASURER

Smith to lead City's Treasury Division after almost a decade at the Massachusetts State Treasury

BOSTON - Friday, November 10, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the selection of Drew Smith to lead Boston's Treasury. Smith joins the City with over 10 years of experience in treasury roles, and currently serves as the Deputy Assistant Treasurer for Debt Management at the Massachusetts State Treasury. As the department head of Treasury for the City of Boston, Smith will be responsible for the management of revenue and distributions, manage the City's long-term debt and trust funds, and oversee the implementation of all Treasury statutory and regulatory requirements, City policies and procedures to keep the City of Boston on solid fiscal footing. Boston's Senior Deputy Treasurer is under the direction of the City's Chief of Administration and Finance, and will direct and lead all aspects of the City's Treasury Division. "Drew's experience in finance and treasury is extensive and I look forward to working with him to make the critical financial decisions important to the residents of Boston," said Mayor Walsh. "Thanks to strong fiscal management, Boston has the highest AAA bond rating and I have confidence that Drew will put in the hard work to ensure the City remains in great standing." "I couldn't be more thrilled to be joining Mayor Walsh's administration and to work with the fantastic team already in place at Treasury," said Smith. "This administration's commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, and its common-sense approach to financial management has served the City and its residents well, and I look forward to being a part of that continued good work." As Deputy Assistant Treasurer for Debt Management at the Massachusetts State Treasury, Smith oversaw operations in the management of $25 billion in outstanding debt; between $3-5 billion in annual debt issuance; and roughly $2.6 billion annually in monthly debt service supporting the Commonwealth's capital infrastructure programs and cash flow borrowing needs. In addition to Smith's experience as the Deputy Assistant Treasurer for Debt Management at the Massachusetts State Treasury, he also served as the Program Manager, and then Treasurer, of the Clean Water Trust at the Massachusetts State Treasury. Before joining the Massachusetts State Treasury, Smith held positions at Delta Trust Investments, the Arkansas State Treasury, and the Democratic Party of Arkansas. Smith received his degree in Business Administration, Finance and Investment Management at the Walton College of Business.  The Treasury Division of the City of Boston receives, deposits, and invests funds and pays all warrants, drafts, and orders. The Department issues, redeems, and pays interest on all bonds and notes and maintains custody of all trusts and bequests left to the City. Additionally, the Division issues payroll checks and required federal and state tax forms. They're responsible for establishing policies and procedures, monitoring compliance, and providing a central cashiering system as a resource to revenue generating departments. Under the leadership of Mayor Walsh, the City of Boston achieved its fourth consecutive year of AAA bond ratings, the highest possible credit rating a city can receive. In February 2017, Moody's Investor Services said that "Boston's AAA reflects the city's strong fiscal management and stable financial position as well as the large and growing tax base," while S&P Global Ratings said that they viewed "Boston's management environment as very strong." Smith will begin his role as Senior Deputy Treasurer on Monday, November 13. He lives in Dorchester.

勒星頓中文學校辦漢字文化節

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉(後中)與勒星頓中文學校師生

勒星頓中文學校於11月5日舉辦正體漢字文化節系列活動-兒童中文電腦打字課程，透過簡便易學的中文輸入法，鼓勵學生熟悉正體中文電腦打字能力，全校3至5年級學生近150人參加。

勒星頓中文學校校長黃冠群表示，該校創校以來堅持教授正體中文及使用注音符號，為響應僑委會正體漢字文化節，特別舉辦中文電腦打字活動，希望學生可藉此提升正體中文的識字能力，也提高學習華語文的興趣。

應邀出席的波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉也特別感謝勒星頓中文學校教職員，堅持教授正體中文，並勉勵學生秉持「學無止境」的精神，持續學習中文。(圖與文:波士頓僑教中心提供)

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR BCYF VINE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES CALL FOR ARTISTS FOR BCYF VINE STREET COMMUNITY CENTER

BOSTON - Thursday, November 9, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Mayor's Office of Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Boston Art Commission, the Public Facilities Department, and Boston Centers for Youth & Families (BCYF), today announced a call for artists to submit proposals for a public art project that will complement the renovation of BCYF Vine Street Community Center in Roxbury. The deadline to submit proposals for the project is December 18, 2017 at 12:00 p.m. BCYF Vine Street Community Center closed earlier this fall for a $5.3 million renovation project, which is expected to take a year to complete. The public art project is part of Boston's new Percent for Art program, which sets aside one percent of the City's annual capital borrowing budget for the commission of public art.  "We believe an investment in the arts is an investment in the larger community," said Mayor Walsh. "The Percent for Art Program allows us to incorporate new public art projects into the Vine Street Center renovation, and I know this installation will make the Vine Street renovation even better, adding to the renovation's goal of bringing new life and vibrancy to the project." The request for proposals (RFP) for the public art project is open to all professional artists, artisans, architects, landscape architects, or teams with experience in public art, site responsive design, project management, and construction administration. Artists from the Roxbury neighborhood are encouraged to apply. An Artist Selection Committee comprising of representatives from the Boston Art Commission and local arts professionals in Roxbury will evaluate proposals based on the criteria outlined in the RFP, including the artist's qualifications and their approach to the project. "The creation of public art at BCYF Vine Street through Percent for Art is a direct response to the Boston Creates Cultural Plan. The goal is to integrate arts and culture into all aspects of civic life and across all communities," said Julie Burros, Chief of Arts and Culture for the City of Boston. "With the Vine Street Center serving as a central gathering place for the people of Roxbury, there is no better place for a transformative public art project." The renovation will enable BCYF Vine Street to provide more resources to the Roxbury neighborhood including interior renovations, the addition of a fitness center, expansion of the teen center, installing air conditioning in the gym, and improving overall access to the center. This RFP is the first of two calls for artists connected to BCYF Vine Street. The second call will be released in the late winter/early spring and focus on interior art works. "We are excited that the renovation to the BCYF Vine Street Community Center will greatly improve the layout of the center and allow us to offer more programming for people of all ages in the heart of Roxbury," said William Morales, Commissioner of BCYF. "By adding arts into the renovation project, we are signaling Boston's commitment to imagination and creativity, inspiring users of our community center and enhancing our facilities today and well into the future." "This project is reflective of Mayor Walsh's commitment to the Roxbury neighborhood, and to BCYF facilities throughout the City." said Boston Public Facilities Director Tricia Lyons.  "We are thankful for the involvement and thoughtful insight of community members, and for the collaborative efforts with BCYF and Arts and Culture. Including the Vine Street building in the Percent for Art program is going to make this project all the more exciting and further contribute to the vibrancy of this neighborhood." Artist Ann Hirsch participated in a nine-month long residency at the BCYF Vine Street Community Center this year as part of Boston AIR, the City's artist-in-residence program in which artists, community members an the City of Boston employees collaborate at the intersection of civil service, social justice and artistic practice to explore and reframe critical social conversations. Her residency looked at the theme of hand gestures as a lens through which to explore current issues and future goals, as well as the use of non-verbal communication modes in the expression of fear, protection, and protest. By casting the hands of the youth, staff, and community members, she crafted a physical representation of the center's identity during that moment. The public art project will be located outside of the BCYF Vine Street Community Center on 339 Dudley Street. The City of Boston will release another call for artists later this year for public art pieces that will be placed inside the Vine Street Center. For more information on the renovation, visit here. About the Boston Art Commission The Boston Art Commission (BAC), an independent board of arts leaders charged with the care and custody of all artworks on City of Boston property, advocates for the creation of innovative and transformative art and promotes its accessibility to enrich the lives of Boston's diverse citizens and visitors. The Art Commission advises, supports, and consults with artists and communities, City departments, and others. It commissions, approves, and conserves the City of Boston's collection of art and historical artifacts. For more information, visit here.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES MARTY MARTINEZ AS BOSTON'S NEW HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CHIEF

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES MARTY MARTINEZ AS BOSTON'S NEW HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES CHIEF

Martinez joins the City of Boston after over two decades of serving children and families in Boston and surrounding area

BOSTON - Thursday, November 9, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced the selection of Marty Martinez as the new Chief of the City of Boston's Health and Human Services cabinet (HHS). "Marty Martinez has spent his life serving residents and their communities," said Mayor Walsh. "I'm proud he will continue that work with the City of Boston. From creating youth programs at BCYF Centers, to creating welcoming spaces for Boston's immigrant population, to keeping our City healthy and safe through the Boston Public Health Commission, Marty will take on a leading role in ensuring a thriving, equitable Boston for all, and I look forward to having him on our team and accomplishing even more."   "I am excited to step into this role and help lead the important and bold work to be done on the HHS front to support all residents of Boston," said Martinez. "Helping to implement the Mayor's vision for our City through Boston Centers for Youth & Families, the Office of Immigrant Advancement, the Boston Public Health Commission and so many more services and programs will be an impactful challenge and one that I am excited to take on. I thank Mayor Walsh for this opportunity, and look forward to getting started." Currently the President and Chief Executive Officer for Mass Mentoring Partnership, Marty Martinez joins the City of Boston after serving the Boston and surrounding area for over 20 years. He first joined Mass Mentoring Partnership (MMP) in 2007, leading the growth of program services. He was named President and CEO in 2012, where he lead the organization to unprecedented growth across the Commonwealth, strengthened advocacy efforts and state budget dollars on behalf of mentoring and young people, and elevated the role of diversity and inclusion in the mentoring movement. Mayor Walsh and the City of Boston joined forces with Mass Mentoring Partnership in 2014, and worked with Martinez to create the Mayor's Mentoring Movement, an exciting initiative to increase the number of empowering relationships for youth in Boston. Before joining MMP, Martinez held senior positions at the Boston AIDS Consortium, the Regional Center for Healthy Communities at Mount Auburn Hospital, and the City of Somerville, where he led youth services. In addition to his professional experience, Martinez has deep roots in civic life, having served on a variety of nonprofit boards and run for municipal office. He currently serves as an Advisory Council member for My Brothers Keeper - Boston, an academic mentor at Burke High School, and as a member of the City of Boston Scholarship Committee. Martinez holds a bachelor's degree in Political Science from Nebraska Wesleyan University and a master's degree in Urban and Public Policy from Tufts University. As the Chief of Health and Human Services, Martinez will oversee several departments and offices, including the Boston Public Health Commission, Office of Recovery Services, Boston Centers for Youth & Families, Veterans Services, Fair Housing & Equity, the Disability Commission, the Commission for the Elderly, the Office of Fair Housing and Equity, the Mayor's Office of Food Access, the Mayor's Office of Immigrant Advancement and the Mayor's Office of Women's Advancement. The Health and Human Services Cabinet is committed to promoting the health and well-being of the City's residents particularly the most vulnerable. The provision of social, recreational, health and support services to city residents, particularly the homeless, persons with disabilities, women, the elderly, youth, immigrants and veterans, will be coordinated and made available in a customer-friendly and culturally sensitive manner. The Cabinet enforces all antidiscrimination laws and protections under the jurisdiction of the City, and advocates for the advancement of policies and legislation to address the needs of individuals and groups, supports disease and injury prevention, delivers emergency health services and health education and promotion services within the City. Martinez will begin his position as Chief of Health and Human Services on January 8, 2018. He lives in South Boston with his partner, Matthew Hall.

Baker-Polito Administration to Launch Tax Credit Certification for Massachusetts Businesses Providing Job Opportunities for Veterans

Baker-Polito Administration to Launch Tax Credit Certification for Massachusetts Businesses Providing Job Opportunities for Veterans

$4,000 credit supports businesses employing and retaining Massachusetts veterans

BELLINGHAM— The Baker-Polito Administration today announced the December 1^st launch of the Massachusetts Veteran Friendly Employer Certification Program, enabling Massachusetts-based small businesses to qualify for the recently enacted $4,000 state tax credit for firms that provide job opportunities and retain the Commonwealth’s veterans.

Ahead of Veterans’ Day, Governor Charlie Baker visited Heidrea Communications, a Bellingham-based wireless infrastructure construction firm, to discuss the tax credit with co-founders, and United States Marine Corps veterans, Jesse Brown and Matt Mastroianni. 

Jesse and Matt were in attendance earlier this year when Governor Baker first announced the administration’s plans to pursue the veterans tax credit in the 2017 State of the Commonwealth Address and Fiscal Year 2018 budget, highlighting Heidrea as a veteran-owned firm hiring those who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Heidrea employs approximately 70 individuals, almost half of whom are veterans. The tax credit was enacted in the final budget signed by Governor Baker in July.

“Our veterans and their families make great sacrifices for our Commonwealth and country, and we are committed to helping them find job opportunities when they return from active duty,” said Governor Baker. “We were proud to pursue this tax credit and the support it provides for our returning heroes and the companies that employ them in meaningful careers to support their families.”

Statute provides companies with fewer than 100 employees to receive up to a $4,000 tax credit, over two years, for hiring a qualified veteran, following certification by the Department of Veterans’ Services (DVS) as “veteran friendly.”  DVS has partnered with New England Tech Vets (NETV), an initiative of the Massachusetts High Technology Council, on the online education and certification program to train local businesses on the recruitment and retention of veteran employees. Certifications can be renewed or extended every two years.

“As we celebrate Veterans Day, we appreciate the Legislature answering this proposal to support Massachusetts businesses who provide jobs for those who have served our nation,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Despite the challenges that can come as military personnel readjust to civilian life, our veterans bring diverse experiences and skills that can empower them to thrive, and their employers to grow and succeed.”

“Massachusetts continues to lead the way in developing innovative strategies to encourage and empower veteran employment,” said Department of Veteran Services  Secretary Francisco Ureña.  “Through growing awareness and education initiatives like the Massachusetts Veteran Friendly Employer Certification Program, it is our hope that more employers will recognize the remarkable value veterans bring to the workforce.” 

“As Marine Corps veterans, Matt and I know firsthand the critical skills that military men and women develop during their service to our nation, and we are proud of our company’s commitment to returning veterans and their families,” said Jesse Brown, co-founder of Heidrea Communications LLC. “We are grateful to Governor Baker and Lieutenant Governor Polito, not only for their support of our Commonwealth’s servicemen and servicewomen, but for recognizing and rewarding the contributions of veteran-owned businesses and the Massachusetts veteran workforce.”

NETV will be providing the online certification program effective December 1st at no cost to the Commonwealth or its employers, and will include recruitment and training content focused on the addressing the invisible wounds of war in the workplace and providing ongoing social supports to retain veteran employees.

Nationally, the veteran population includes 20 million men and women who have served in active duty, according to U.S. Census data.  Approximately 336,000 of those veterans live in Massachusetts—comprising over 6% of adults in the Commonwealth.

中華表演藝術基金會The Parker四重奏博好評

新增說明文字

(Boston Orange)中華表演藝術基金會和波士頓韓國文化協會合作舉辦的派克四重奏(Parker Quartet)演奏會，上週六在新英格蘭音樂學院喬登廳(Jordan Hall) 博得500多名音樂愛好者久久未停的起立鼓掌，熱烈歡呼。

派克四重奏當晚演奏了莫扎特和普羅科菲耶夫的弦樂四重奏，並與鋼琴家Jung-Ja Kim和低音大提琴家Charles Clements合作演奏了舒伯特的『鳟鱼』鋼琴五重奏。

十多名來自新英格蘭音樂學院，朗琴音樂學院，以及波士頓學院，波士頓大學兩校音樂學院的著名音樂教師，都到場為他們以前的學生加油，為他們現在的音樂成就，引以為傲。

波士頓音樂情報員( Boston Musical Intelligencer)樂評說，“... [普羅科菲耶夫四重奏] 慢板 ，是我在所有四重奏演出中所聽到的最美麗演出。即使今天是一場排行榜比賽，這些藝術家個個都表現獨立突出。“他還補充道：”...我從來沒有聽過更高質量，更華麗，同時更加合一的弦樂演奏。派克四重奏確實表現出“樂器重奏”的完美。

波士頓環球報( The Boston Globe)在他們的“樂評家的提示”中特別推薦了這個音樂會。(內容及圖片由中華表演藝術基金會提供)

勒星頓中文學校 積極推動數位教學

勒星頓中文學校於11月5日利用教師月會時間，舉辦數位研習課程，以提升教師運用華語文數位資源的能力，計有30位教師參加。

此次課程由參加僑委會「2017年華文教師線上遠距研習班」的黃舒彥老師，以「數位教學平台及工具分享」為題發表專題報告，內容包括建立好用的數位教學平台、靈活運用數位工具備課、善用遊戲式評量工具，以及介紹最新的華語教學數位工具資源，參訓教師咸感獲益良多。

波士頓僑教中心歐宏偉主任應邀出席，鼓勵老師善用數位工具，應用於課前準備、課室教學及課後輔導，增加華語文教學的豐富性，同時也肯定擔任僑委會數位學習中心教學點的勒星頓中文學校，長期配合僑教政策，持續推動數位學習及正體中文教學。

Boston Children’s Museum Partners With Science City at Union Station, Kansas City

Boston Children’s Museum Partners With 
Science City at Union Station, Kansas City

Museum Leads Development of Early Childhood Learning Initiative

BOSTON, MA (November 9, 2017) – Boston Children’s Museum recently partnered with Science City at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri to plan and design multisensory STEAM learning experiences for young children.

Science City, Kansas City’s Science Center, is a leading science destination featuring over 200 interactive exhibits. Science City was seeking a partner with extensive early childhood learning expertise to help expand early childhood learning opportunities in Kansas City. Science City approached Boston Children’s Museum to develop early childhood spaces based on the Museum’s experience, history, and reputation for excellence.  

The Museum is working with Science City to create three areas meant to spark curiosity and creativity, and help children develop a sense of agency that will foster independent and self-directed learning. The Children’s Zone will serve children birth to three years old and their adult caregivers, and will draw on Boston Children’s Museum iconic PlaySpace exhibit.  The second area, Messy Arts, will be a flexible STEAM space that can be used for toddlers on weekdays, and for school age children on weekends and vacations. All Aboard! will use Union Station as the backdrop for imaginary play and STEAM experiences. Interactives in All Aboard! will echo the importance of Kansas City as a transportation north-south, east-west nexus. All exhibits are planned for a 2019 opening.

“We are thrilled to work with Science City to create rich and highly engaging experiences for young children and their adult caregivers,” said Leslie Swartz, Senior Vice President and Project Director. “These spaces will encourage discovery and playful exploration and will lay the foundation for STEM learning.” 

Boston Children’s Museum is able to draw on extensive applied knowledge and understanding of childhood development to assist Science City in developing cutting edge experiences for their youngest visitors.
  
“As one of the most prestigious children’s museums in the world, Boston Children’s Museum was and is an easy choice for Union Station and Science City,” George Guastello, Union Station president and CEO, said.  “Their deep experience and ability to bring together robust research and extensive lessons learned gave instant credibility and traction to our efforts.  In fact, Boston Children’s Museum professional team was instrumental in helping formulate strategic plans for our Early Learning Initiative, then delivering instant confidence across our substantial stakeholder community.  It’s been an absolute delight and an important and validated business decision to bring their team to bear.  They applied a total-community focus and delivered a highly actionable and informed plan.  Our respect and appreciation for them is immense.”

Boston Children’s Museum’s worldwide recognition attracts considerable attention and requests for partnerships.  In recent years, the Museum has created exhibits for Worcester Historical Society and the Houghton Mifflin Harcourt corporate headquarters. The Museum has also consulted on projects in China and Korea.

MIPIM TO LAUNCH MIPIM PROPTECH EUROPE IN JUNE 2018

MIPIM TO LAUNCH MIPIM PROPTECH EUROPE  IN JUNE 2018

Paris, 9 November, 2017 - Reed MIDEM, organiser of MIPIM, MIPIM UK, MIPIM Asia Summit and the MIPIM PropTech NYC Summit, today announces the launch of the MIPIM PropTech Europe in June 2018. The new, two-day event will be held in Paris on June 19-20, 2018. Reed MIDEM launched the first MIPIM PropTech NYC Summit in 2016, in partnership with MetaProp NYC – the world’s premier real estate technology nexus. In October 2017, the second edition of the New York Summit welcomed 820 delegates representing 550 firms from 33 countries and was the flagship event of the NYC Real Estate Tech Week. Delegates were drawn from the Tech sector (50%), real estate (40%) and VCs/Investors (10%). MIPIM PropTech Europe will expand the New York concept to include a significant exhibition zone for Tech companies and startups to showcase their latest projects and ideas. MIPIM PropTech Europe will cover real estate’s complete value chain and asset classes including residential, offices, retail, hotel and leisure and industrial property. Tech sectors that will be represented include property analytics and data, investment and crowdfunding, smart cities, building technology, workflow solutions, BIM, 3D/Virtual Reality and blockchain. “New Tech companies are rapidly proving the importance of their ideas within the global real estate industry,” says Filippo Rean, Head of Real Estate Markets, Reed MIDEM. “The growing interest of the real estate industry for the Tech sector that we have been addressing these past years at MIPIM in Cannes, coupled with the success of the first two editions of the PropTech Summit in New York, has encouraged us to bring a dedicated event in Europe.” In 2015, MIPIM in Cannes chose ‘The Digital Revolution’ as its central theme, prompting many real estate companies to comment that this was the first time they had come face-to-face with leading Tech companies and startups within an event. Since then, MIPIM has been host of Tech innovators that have developed solutions devoted to smart cities, to smart offices, to the use of Big Data, the Internet of Things and Virtual Reality. “The real estate industry may have been slow to adopt new technology into its strategic thinking but that is changing fast and the real estate tech industry is maturing quickly. In Paris next year, MIPIM PropTech Europe delegates from a real estate background will discover some of the most innovative Tech solutions coming to market. At the same time, Tech startups and companies will access the legacy property sector to accelerate their development,” comments Filippo Rean, Head of Real Estate Markets, Reed MIDEM.