AG HEALEY, EDUCATION LEADERS, AND BOSTON SPORTS TEAMS HOLD CONFERENCE AT TD GARDEN ON PREVENTING AND ADDRESSING HATE IN SCHOOL SPORTS

 AG HEALEY, EDUCATION LEADERS, AND BOSTON SPORTS TEAMS HOLD CONFERENCE AT TD GARDEN ON PREVENTING AND ADDRESSING HATE IN SCHOOL SPORTS  

School Administrators, Athletic Directors, Staff, Coaches and Referees from Across the State Learn Best Practices for Building a Healthy and Inclusive Culture in School Sports    

            BOSTON – As part of a new collaborative effort to prevent and address hate and bias in school sports, Attorney General Maura Healey partnered with the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE), the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents (MASS), the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association (MIAA), and the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association (MSAA) in hosting a conference called “Addressing Hate in School Sports” which provided school administrators, athletic directors and staff, coaches, and referees from across the state with programming and information on best practices to build positive environments and prevent, report, and address hate incidents. 

The day-long conference, held today at TD Garden, was planned in collaboration with Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society, ADL New England, and other community organizations, and featured representatives from the Boston Bruins, Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox, New England Patriots, Boston Pride, Boston Renegades, and the New England Revolution. A keynote speech was delivered by Boston Celtics Legend Dana Barros.   

“As a former student athlete and coach, I know that sports can be a powerful unifier,” said AG Healey. “Today, we brought together coaches, athletic directors, and educators who are committed to ensuring that young people can participate in school sports in a safe and inclusive environment. I am grateful to all our community partners in this collaborative effort and look forward seeing these best practices put to work.”   

Recognizing the power of sports to drive social change, and in response to a rise in reported hate-based and hazing incidents across Massachusetts, the conference is part of an initiative the AG’s Office launched with educational organizations earlier this year during a virtual call-to-action.    

“Sports are an important piece of school life, whether you’re an athlete or sitting in the stands,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Jeffrey C. Riley. “Sports teams and events should be places where everyone feels welcome and respected, and I hope that this conference will empower schools and athletic officials to build a more positive culture for our students.”  

“There is no place for hate in our society, and our school athletic programs have an obligation to set those standards and expectations,” said Dianne Kelly, Revere Public School Superintendent and President of the Massachusetts Association of School Superintendents. “The Addressing Hate in School Sports Conference brings superintendents, principals, athletic directors and coaches together focused on the goal of creating the individual and team culture that supports the diversity of our collective communities.”   

“MIAA and MSAA are committed to providing the support and resources our members need to promote behaviors that instill respect for self, team, opponents, officials, rules and the game itself,” said Robert Baldwin, Executive Director of the Massachusetts Interscholastic Athletic Association and the Massachusetts School Administrators’ Association. “We are excited to be working with the Attorney General’s Office and other partners to utilize the collective power of positive influence to help student athletes and teacher-coaches serve as role models to empower ALL participants in the process of positive decision making. When teacher-coaches, student athletes, and game officials choose the privilege of participating in interscholastic athletics, they assume the responsibility for right action.”   

Today’s event provided attendees with information from panelists on how to recognize bias and hate, learn best practices, hear experiences and lessons from school and athletic leaders in preventing and addressing hate, and ways for coaches, athletic staff, and organizations to build positive and inclusive environments.

Following today’s event, regional trainings across the state will be conducted in 2023 by Northeastern University’s Center for the Study of Sport in Society to provide more in-depth training and equip school and athletic program leaders with the tools they need to empower and support their students and to prevent and address hate.  

For more information on the AG’s initiative on addressing hate and bias in sports and to sign your school up for upcoming programs and trainings, click here.  

Today’s conference was made possible in part by Director of Strategic Initiatives Elise Yannett, Civil Rights Division Chief Abigail Taylor, Children’s Justice Unit Director Liza Hirsch, Advance Coordinator Katherine McGee, and Executive Bureau Assistant Sage Scott, all of the Attorney General’s Office.  

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Statements of support   

Dan Lebowitz, Executive Director of The Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern University 

“The Addressing Hate in School Sports Conference is an empowering, intentional, and multi-intersectional gathering of government leaders, school administrators, athletic directors, coaches, staff, university partners, non-profits and other committed stakeholders, each fully vested in creating a sustainable culture of safety for high school youth, and similarly, for all those in, and tangent to, their communities, both on the playing field and beyond. The conference is the beginning of a large-scale initiative, including 12 regional trainings, that will allow schools statewide to engage in facilitated conversations that help ideate, innovate, and implement how we can move beyond a present, too often typified by hate and hurt, to a future that is monument to health and healing, and that further provides a pathway to becoming the best versions of our individual and collective selves. We, at the Center for the Study of Sport in Society at Northeastern, applaud Attorney General and Governor Elect, Maura Healey, for her unwavering commitment to the youth, families and communities of the Commonwealth. We remain grateful for her thoughtful leadership and forefront vision in creating this important participatory platform of positive change agency and sustainable change. Additionally, we’d like to thank the devoted staff of the AGO and all the other partners who have worked tirelessly to make this event and initiative both possible and a top priority.”  

Phil Fogelman, ADL New England Education Director 

“Over the past few years, ADL has responded to countless incidents of antisemitism, racism, and bigotry in middle and high school sports programs. It is time to go from responding to preventing. We are grateful to AG Healey’s leadership for convening this important conference and empowering coaches and administrators with the strategies and tools to be able to prevent and respond to bias incidents and the skills to foster healing and education in their communities in the aftermath. Everyone has the right to play without any fear of being targeted with hate or bias.”  

Boston Bruins and TD Garden 

“We are lucky to live in a sports city with teams that understand the significant power and influence of their platforms and work so closely together on important initiatives despite being competitors in our market. At the Bruins we continue to make our Hockey is For Everyone work a priority by providing educational resources and fostering inclusivity to drive out hate in sports. This work is ongoing as we strive to be the best we can be on and off the ice. Thank you to AG Healey and her office for putting together this great event.”  

Rich Gotham, Boston Celtics Team President  

“The great Bill Russell once said there is no such thing as other people’s children. We all have the responsibility to ensure that kids coming up are afforded the right to learn and play sports in an environment free of hate and discrimination. The Celtics are committed to doing our part and applaud the Attorney General’s office for launching this initiative.”  

Sarah McKenna, Senior Vice President, Fan Services & Entertainment, Boston Red Sox 

“The Boston Red Sox are proud to engage with the Attorney General’s office and with Massachusetts school administrators, athletic directors, and educators on the crucial topic of addressing hate in school sports. Professional sports clubs like ours have a powerful platform with the capacity to reach millions, and the Red Sox are committed to using ours to promote respect, unity, and inclusion, and to provide a safe and welcoming experience for all. A conference like todays, and the regional trainings that will follow, will allow attendees and their colleagues to use their platforms in their own communities. We thank Attorney General Healey and her office for the opportunity to join all of Boston’s professional sports teams to share this message.”  

New England Patriots and New England Revolution 

“Congratulations to the co-hosts and organizers of today’s conference. Addressing hate, in any form at any level, is critical to eradicating it. There are few things that bring communities together quite like the communal bond shared through sports. Whether as a spectator or participant, sports have a unique unifying power. We hope all participants learn the importance of embracing differences, supporting one another, and working together to achieve success. The values learned through the lessons of teamwork at a young age can propel you to achieve great things in life. We applaud all who use their sports platform to contribute to a team and make those around them better.”  

Molly Goodwin, Owner of the Boston Renegades 

“At our core, the Boston Renegades are committed to fostering an inclusive sports environment where women of all backgrounds can thrive. We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to play sports in a way that fosters growth. It is incredible to see the collaboration between state leaders, professional sports teams, school administrators and coaches, working together to ensure that the youth of Massachusetts have a positive sports experience. Together, we must take a stand against hate and continue to use sports as a platform that unites communities. We’d like to thank Maura Healey and the Attorney General’s Office for their support of women’s professional athletics and their commitment to prevent and address hate and bias incidents. Our collaboration with the AG’s Office and the city’s educational institutions promotes a positive and inclusive sports environment at all levels. We recognize the power of sports to drive social change, and we are proud to be part of this initiative.”  

Colleen Coyne, President of the Boston Pride 

“As someone who grew up loving sports and as a parent of youth athletes, I believe this type of event is critical. Sports are supposed to be a safe place for kids to go to continue to learn and develop into well-rounded citizens. It is crucial that the leaders in our schools have the training and tools they need to ensure every athlete has the best possible experience. I am honored to be a part of today’s conference.” 

Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court

 Governor Baker Nominates Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court

 

BOSTON – This week, Governor Charlie Baker nominated Attorney Kareem A. Morgan as Associate Justice of the District Court.

 

“With the addition of Attorney Kareem A. Morgan, Massachusetts will receive a well-suited candidate for the judiciary,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I am proud to submit his nomination to the Governor’s Council.”

 

“Attorney Kareem A. Morgan possesses years of experience in public service that make him a well-qualified candidate for the District Court,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “We look forward to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.”

 

The District Court hears a wide range of criminal, civil, housing, juvenile, mental health, and other types of cases. District Court criminal jurisdiction extends to all felonies punishable by a sentence up to five years, and many other specific felonies with greater potential penalties; all misdemeanors; and all violations of city and town ordinances and by-laws. The District Court is located in 62 courts across the Commonwealth.

 

For more information about the District Court, visit their homepage.

 

Judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council. Applicants for judicial openings are reviewed by the Judicial Nominating Commission (JNC) and recommended to the governor. Governor Baker established the JNC in February 2015 pursuant to Executive Order 558, a non-partisan, non-political Commission composed of volunteers from a cross-section of the Commonwealth's diverse population to screen judicial applications. Twenty-one members were later appointed to the JNC in April 2015.

 

About Kareem A. Morgan

 

Attorney Kareem A. Morgan began his legal career as a trial attorney for the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS). He worked for CPCS for five years, representing defendants in both Brockton and Lowell District Courts. In 2011 he was promoted to supervising attorney and oversaw a staff of eight defense attorneys. Since 2013, Attorney Morgan has operated as a senior counsel for Sandulli Grace, P.C. in Boston. Attorney Morgan received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts at Lowell in 2004 and his juris doctor from Roger Williams University School of Law in 2008.

CITY OF BOSTON SEES SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN INDIVIDUAL YOUTH HOMELESSNESS

CITY OF BOSTON SEES SIGNIFICANT DECLINE IN INDIVIDUAL YOUTH HOMELESSNESS  Over 500 young people housed with supportive housing programs since the program launched.

Boston - Thursday, December 8, 2022 - Mayor Michelle Wu today announced that since the launch of Rising to the Challenge: Boston's Plan to Prevent and End Youth and Young Adult Homelessness in 2019, the City of Boston has housed more than 500 homeless youth, resulting in a 44 percent decline in individual youth homelessness when comparing the number of young people experiencing homelessness on a single night from 2019 to 2022.  The City of Boston defines youth experiencing homelessness as unaccompanied individuals between the ages of 18 and 24 years old.  “Boston’s most pressing challenge is our housing crisis, which has significantly impacted young adults across our neighborhoods,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “This significant decline in youth and young adult homelessness shows what is possible when we partner across sectors to make Boston a city for everyone. I’m grateful to the Office of Housing and all of our partners for working collaboratively to ensure that young adults have a safe and stable place to live.” The Rising to the Challenge plan was informed b y the voices of 240 community members representing more than 110 public and private organizations across Boston. The community engagement process prioritized young people with lived experience of homelessness in Boston. The plan launched in 2019 to bring attention, resources, and a coordinated strategy to ending homelessness among youth and young adults.  The City of Boston seeks to end youth and young adult homelessness by expanding access to housing and opportunities, including education, meaningful employment, mentorship, and support from adults. To address homelessness, the plan focused on four primary strategies: Identify youth who are at-risk of becoming homeless or who are currently homeless and connect them to resources  Increase access to and effectiveness of existing resources Invest in new housing and services Develop a collaborative system.  Identify youth who are at-risk of becoming homeless or who are currently homeless and connecting them to resources In 2020, the Mayor’s Office of Housing and its partners launched a new peer housing navigation program to assist young people in accessing housing and services. The peer housing navigation program is low-threshold and accessible to all young people experiencing homelessness in Boston, including those living with others. This navigation system created the Youth Flex Fund, a flexible pool of funds to pay for one-time housing and housing-related costs, which are not covered by other systems. Young people and advocates can access the Youth Peer Housing Navigation through an online referral: bit.ly/youthhousingnavigation. Increase access to and effectiveness of existing resources The Rising to the Challenge plan included making existing emergency shelter and housing programs more accessible, supportive, and effective for youth and young adults. Additionally, the plan included training nonprofits to achieve youth-centered care approaches for resources such as housing, workforce development, and education. This includes trauma-informed care and positive youth development. In partnership with the Office of Workforce Development and Human Services, the Mayor’s Office of Housing launched an initiative connecting 40 young people placed in housing to employment and educational  opportunities.  Invest in new housing and services  In 2019, Boston was awarded $4.7 million in federal grant funding to create 157 new housing opportunities dedicated to serving homeless youth and young adults. In addition, the City invested local funding to expand housing and related services. Prior to 2019, Boston had only 40 youth-dedicated housing units. Since then, the Mayor’s Office of Housing added 277 new youth-dedicated housing units, for a total of 317 youth-dedicated housing opportunities.  The Mayor’s Office of Housing also launched a youth peer housing navigation program to serve 30 young people enrolled at Boston Public Schools (BPS) experiencing unaccompanied homelessness. In 2022, this program was enhanced to provide rental assistance and housing navigation, creating a low-threshold, BPS-focused rapid rehousing program to serve 15 BPS students. “The Supportive Housing team at the Office of Housing has worked tirelessly to address the issue of youth and young adult homelessness,” said Sheila Dillon, Chief of Housing. “The Rising to the Challenge plan enabled them to work collaboratively with partners within the City to achieve this significant reduction in youth homelessness. Ensuring that our homeless youth and young adults receive age appropriate housing and meaningful services at this time in their lives gives them the support they need to build their futures.” “By housing youth in safe apartments, Rapid Re-housing provides youth with the stability to focus on long-term housing goals. Our partnership with the City of Boston has provided over 200 youth with this opportunity since we started Rising to the Challenge.”  Elisabeth Jackson, President and CEO, Bridge Over Troubled Waters. “Rapid Re-housing has helped me find and secure major resources in the community and provided moral support during this transition and journey out of homelessness,” said Aysha G., a young adult who has been housed. “This opportunity is not the end of my housing journey. I’m working on setting goals around obtaining affordable housing that is based on my income, knowing the rental assistance is time and funds limited.”  Develop a collaborative system With the implementation of Rising to the Challenge in 2019, Boston has completely redesigned the way the City responds to young people experiencing homelessness, tailoring resources and opportunities based on the needs of each person. Some individuals experiencing homelessness have additional challenges compounded by trauma including physical abuse, substance use disorders, and mental health challenges. As part of Boston's plan, the City is committed to a "Housing First" approach to homelessness, which is based on the belief that everyone should have access to permanent housing regardless of their conditions or circumstances. “Youth and young adult homelessness is a complex social problem with various underlying economic and social factors, such as a lack of affordable housing, physical and mental health issues, and a lack of behavioral health supports and career pathways,” said Bob Giannino, President and CEO at United Way of Massachusetts Bay and Merrimack Valley, which served as the convening organization for the plan. “It is critical that we ensure disconnected and under-connected youth have access to strong postsecondary pathways and opportunities. Rising to the Challenge demonstrates that through collaborative action,  our young people can thrive and be prosperous, and we remain committed to working with the City of Boston to provide that support.” “It has truly been amazing to see all the work that has been done over the last 3 years in effort to drastically impact the scope of youth homelessness in the City of Boston,” said Dana Mendes Director of Youth and Young Adult Homelssness Initiatives for the Mayor’s Office of Humans Services. “What's even more exciting, is the opportunity to continue providing exceptional resources and appropriate support to youth and young adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Through continued commitment by city agencies like The Mayor's Office of Human Services, stakeholders, community members, and youth, we can continue to work together to create a Boston where every Youth and Young Adult has a place to call HOME.”

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Approval of 11 Economic Development Projects Supporting Job Growth and Business Expansion Across Massachusetts

Projects Expected to Create or Sustain 1,610 Jobs in the Commonwealth

BOSTON – Today, the Commonwealth’s Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC) approved 11 projects for participation in the Economic Development Incentive Program (EDIP). These projects are expected to create 782 net new jobs and retain 828 jobs throughout Massachusetts, while leveraging approximately $648 million in private investment. Of the applicants this quarter, six are manufacturers and two are located in Gateway Cities. Additionally, two new Vacant Storefront Projects were approved that will receive refundable tax credits of $15,200.    The EACC has approved 334 economic development projects since the beginning of the Baker-Polito Administration in January 2015. These projects will lead to the creation of 26,047 jobs, retention of 43,612 existing jobs, and will leverage over $9 billion in private investment. Additionally, the EACC has assisted 150 manufacturing companies and 148 companies in Gateway Cities during this period.   Certified Projects Munters Corporation (Amesbury) – Munters Corp. was founded in 1955 and created the original desiccant dehumidification system. The company provides solutions for customers in industries where controlling temperature and humidity is essential in their production. Currently the company has a backlog in orders from customer demand. The company’s future site (also in Amesbury) will be 400,000 square feet, of which 50,000 square feet will be office space and its North American headquarters. It plans to create 70 new jobs, retain 292 jobs, and invest $38 million. The City of Amesbury will vote to approve a 15-year TIF valued at $5.2 million and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $700,000.       88 Acres Foods, Inc. (Canton) – 88 Acres Foods, Inc. built a dedicated bakery in Dorchester in 2015 and launched its snack bar business free of the top nine most common food allergens. Today the company has national partnerships with Whole Foods, Walmart, JetBlue, Delta and others. Demand for the company’s products has outstripped manufacturing capacity and it has identified a 30,000-square-foot facility in Canton where it can move warehouse, production, and corporate teams under one roof. The space will need $3.2 million for fit-out expenses and close to $1 million for equipment. The company will create 200 new jobs while retaining 83 jobs. The Town of Canton has waived building permit fees of $18,000 and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $2 million. Feedback Earth, Inc. (Grafton) – Feedback Earth was founded by a team from MIT to provide a scale solution for food waste upcycling. The company built an original manufacturing plant that could take in 375 tons per day of food waste. Feedback’s facility uniquely de-packages and pasteurizes the waste to guarantee animal feed safety and it has successfully increased plant capacity to process 2,500 tons per month. This project involves constructing a 6,000-square-foot building adjacent to the existing facility that would enable for higher volumes of inbound food waste (7,500 tons/month) with additional truck docks and storage space. The project will create 45 new jobs and retain 15 employees with a private investment of $2.5 million. The Town of Grafton will vote on a five-year TIF valued at approximately over $28,000 and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $450,000.    Alteros Energies, Inc. (Hopkinton) – Altaeros, spun out of MIT in 2010, is on a mission to make the world's first autonomous aerostat, a lighter-than-air aircraft that gains its lift through the use of a buoyant gas. The company released its first autonomous aerostat in 2019 and has more than 35 patents to protect its unique technology. It plans to relocate R&D, manufacturing, and corporate headquarters from Somerville to Hopkinton. It will retrofit the 105,000-square-foot facility and fit out the industrial space for medium-to-heavy manufacturing; this includes internal structures, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, venting, purchase, and installation of equipment. The project will create 161 new jobs, retain 28 jobs, and represent a private investment of almost $24 million. The Town of Hopkinton will vote on a 14-year TIF and seven-year personal property exemption valued at a combined $3.1 million. The EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $1.6 million. New England Wire Products, Inc. (Leominster) – New England Wire Products is a manufacturer of custom retail displays, founded in 1980 in Leominster. Among its client base are some of America's largest retailers: i.e., Home Depot, Walmart, Dollar General, Dollar Tree, and Target. The company is considering purchasing the building behind it, also in Leominster, to increase capacity. The new building needs extensive work to make it useable for manufacturing and to maximize efficiencies. Among the changes will be a 15,000-square-foot building expansion that connects to the existing facility. The company also plans to upgrade loading docks and invest in new equipment. This project will lead to the creation of 200 new jobs, the retention of 255 jobs, and represents an over $22 million private investment. The City of Leominster will vote to approve a five-year TIF valued at almost $100,000 and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $875,000.   PI LP (Physik Instrumente) (Marlborough) – PI (Physik Instrumente) is a global leader in precision automation, motion control, nano-positioning, piezo motor, and piezo transducer technologies. The company has been in operation for over 50 years, in Germany and at an established U.S. headquarters in Massachusetts that has R&D, manufacturing, and technical support for customers. The company is considering purchasing a building in Marlborough and redeveloping it into its U.S. headquarters and manufacturing facilities, as its current facilities in Auburn and Hopkinton are capacity constrained. This project will create 40 new jobs, retain 55 jobs, and represent a $13 million private investment. The City of Marlborough has offered a 10-year TIF valued at over $200,000 and the EACC Board has approved EDIP investment tax credits in the amount of $400,000. Local Incentive Only Projects Art at the Nawn Factory (Boston) – The project will revitalize a blighted building in Boston’s Roxbury neighborhood and repurpose an abandoned building into an arts and cultural rehearsal space. The City of Boston released a Request for Proposals (RFP) for development (the municipal land valued at $682,100 was acquired for $200) and the project is expected to start construction in fall 2023, completing construction in winter 2025. Certified Project designation is required for the company to utilize the 10% Abandoned Building Renovation Deduction from the Commonwealth. 330 Jackson Street LLC (Lowell) – The Justice Center Parking Garage will be an eight-story, 541-space parking garage located directly adjacent to the Lowell Justice Center, a newly built facility in downtown Lowell that provides space for the Superior, District, Probate & Family, Juvenile, and Housing Courts of Middlesex County. The Justice Center Parking Garage will be a part of the Hamilton Canal Innovation District (HCID), an ongoing 2 million-square-foot development in downtown Lowell. The City of Lowell has approved a 10-year TIF valued at $800,000. EyePoint Pharmaceuticals US, Inc. (Northbridge) – Founded in 1987, EyePoint Pharmaceuticals is a life sciences company headquartered in Watertown that develops and commercializes therapeutics to improve serious eye disorders. The company is seeking a location to establish a new, design-build 40,000-square-foot manufacturing facility to supplement its existing production, assembly, and packaging operations. The project will create 45 new jobs and represents a private investment of over $30 million. The Town of Northbridge has approved a 15-year TIF valued at $1.8 million. Whalley Computer Associates, Inc. (Southwick) – Established in 1979 and incorporated in 1986, Whalley Computer Associates (WCA) remains a family-owned business in IT hardware, services, and support headquartered in Southwick, with additional facilities in Milford and Westfield. The company has seen strong growth and is considering building a new 70,000-square-foot to 80,000-square-foot facility for assembly, configuration, and warehousing. The project will create 15 new jobs and represents a private investment of $10.6 million. The Town of Southwick has approved a 10-year TIF estimate valued at $840,000.    UGPG RE Sutton, LLC (Sutton) – UGPG RE Sutton, LLC is the special purpose entity of UN1F1ED2 Global Packaging Group LLC. Established in Sutton more than 25 years ago as Atlas Box, UGPG is a joint venture between Atlas Box and Rand Whitney, a subsidiary of The Kraft Group LLC. The project entails developing approximately 266 acres of land on a 450-acre parcel. In total, 2.3 million square feet of new light manufacturing and warehousing with distribution will be constructed. The proposed buildings and personal property associated with the project will be solely located in the Town of Sutton. In addition to the buildings, the project will entail construction of a one-mile roadway through the site to provide access and address traffic impacts. The project represents a $475 million investment and will retain 100 jobs. The Town of Sutton plans to approve a 15-year TIF valued at approximately $39 million. Vacant Storefront Projects Glass Casket Tattoo (Webster) – The business goal is to open a private tattoo studio that will be a private, quiet, relaxing, professional, and welcoming space for all and to create custom one-of a-kind tattoos for those clients who book by appointment. The Town of Webster approved up to a $10,000 grant for reimbursement of capital expenses detailed in the application and the EACC Boardmatched the estimated amount of the capital expenditures as presented with $7,700 in refundable tax credits. Wayback Burgers (Westborough) – The owner of a Wayback Burgers in Worcester plans to open a new franchise in a vacant storefront in downtown Westborough. The company is a fast casual franchise that specializes in classic burgers and new spins on old favorites and also offers other common comfort food like hot dogs, fried chicken, and flavored shakes. The Town of Westborough approved a $7,500 grant and the EACC Board matched it with $7,500 in refundable tax credits.

美國電影藝術與科學學院博物館主辦2022年度好萊塢華人百年電影特展

 應邀轉載

美國電影藝術與科學學院博物館主辦2022年度好萊塢華人百年電影特展

https://www.aacyf.org/?p=18833

洛杉磯（2022年11月27日訊）- 由美國電影藝術與科學學院（奧斯卡獎的主辦機構）博物館主辦，華裔電影製片人、導演曾奕田（Arthur Dong）客座策展的主題為“好萊塢華人：第一個一百年”（Hollywood Chinese: The First 100 Years）的影展，歷時三個星期，11月27日晚在洛杉磯美國電影藝術與科學院博物館內最現代的泰德曼劇院內降下帷幕。這是美國電影藝術與科學學院在洛杉磯新落成的博物館內第一次舉辦的大型華人電影特展。

 

左起：陳沖、盧燕、曾奕田

作為當天壓軸大戲的三部華語經典影片《董夫人》、《天浴》和《末代皇帝》的主要演員盧燕和陳沖出席了當天這三部電影的展映，並在放映前與主持人曾奕田進行了專題訪談。今年8月當選的美國電影藝術與科學學院董事會主席、華裔知名電影人楊燕子（Janet Yang）參加了當天的展映。

今年95歲的國際知名華裔影星盧燕，正在溫哥華的迪士尼片場拍片，這次專門請假回來參加這場放映和對談，她在訪談中回顧了自己在好萊塢的艱難起步；以及在好萊塢具有一定知名度後，為了支持從南加大畢業的香港青年導演唐書璇，回到香港出演《董夫人》的心路歷程。她在結束訪談時表示，如果不是疫情阻隔，她歲末應該會在北京《如夢之夢》的話劇舞台上。

暌違洛杉磯多年的國際知名影星陳沖、目前定居在舊金山灣區，這次也專程來到洛杉磯出席並支持這次影展，她早年從中國來美留學，就是在南加州的加州州立大學北嶺分校，當時的她為了維持生活費用，課餘在餐館打工，每小時5美元。但是為了在對華人演員相當苛刻的好萊塢影視圈立足，她意識到必須提高自己的英文口語水平，為此她不惜支付200美元去上兩小時的一對一口語訓練課程。

多位年逾八旬的資深華裔演員，包括以成名作《蘇絲黃的世界》成為首位在西方電影成名的亞洲女星關南施(Nancy Kwan) 、第19位在星光大道留名的亞裔名人、高齡93歲的資深華裔演員吳漢章(James Hong)；主辦艾美獎的美國電視藝術學院演員組首位華裔主管、1968年進入好萊塢的華裔演員鄺耀庚(Peter Kwong) ；1961年開始從影、代表作包括《花鼓歌》等作品的華裔演員諸慧荷 （Irene Tsu）；曾參與《末代皇帝》等片演出的資深華裔演員鄧剛 （Dennis Gong Dun）；以及參與《喜福會》演出的好萊塢知名越南裔影星翹徵（Kieu Chinh）、傳奇華裔女星黃柳霜（Anna May Wong）的侄女等分別出席了這次系列特展的現場訪談，並分享了各自在影片以及好萊塢成長的歷程。他們的體驗以及對華人電影在好萊塢發展的責任感和使命感都非常令人感動。

 左起：齊濱英、穆曉澄、陳沖、楊燕子、董文潔

知名中國電影製片人、電影產業國際交流知名推手董文潔在觀看了當天展映的影片後表示，華人電影在好萊塢一直是獨特而閃光的存在，前一百年從未缺席；現在，我們又有了美國電影藝術與科學學院史上首位華裔主席楊燕子的加持，她多年來不遺餘力地支持奧斯卡獎的文化多元和包容，後一百年我們不僅不能缺席，還應該大放光彩。董文潔更感佩道：”希望我們到盧燕老師的年紀時，都有如她一樣的身體狀態和對電影的熱愛與投入。“

陳沖在北嶺州大的同期同學、資深華裔電影人、被譽為中國電影人在洛杉磯的“精神領袖”的原華納國際部總經理的穆曉澄表示：與陳沖最早的合作是她在中國的第一次拍片，陳沖是幾十年來中國電影人在好萊塢努力奮鬥成長的傑出代表。

作品《冰建王國》獲2022年度洛杉磯亞洲電影獎評審團最佳長紀錄片獎的知名華裔導演齊濱英在觀影后表示，這些經典的華人電影在幾十年後觀看，從盧燕、陳沖的表演到導演的張力、作品的藝術感染力仍然極具震撼效果。

英文《洛杉磯郵報》董事任向東表示，華人電影的百年也是一部爭取華人權益的史書，從反對“排華法案”到現在的抗擊“仇恨亞裔”的活動中，電影和華裔電影人以特別廣泛的社會影響力，都發揮了重要的作用。

定居在洛杉磯的《董夫人》編劇、導演唐書璇特別安排了獲2022年度休斯頓國際電影節最佳短片金獎的青年導演關雅冉參加了當天的展映。

 

據美國電影藝術與科學學院博物館的代表和客座策展人曾奕田的介紹， 27部電影系列（包括90 多部與華人相關的電影的寶貴片段）在本次影展中呈現，追溯了華裔電影人在美國電影業最初 100 年間的表現。從 1917 年華裔美國人製作的第一部故事片到在奧斯卡的突破，各種場景與華裔和美籍華人藝術家的訪談交織在一起，講述了他們在好萊塢工作的故事。包括《聖保羅砲艇》、《花鼓歌》、《喜福會》、《喜宴》、《蝴蝶君》等經典影片。美國電影藝術與科學學院博物館表示他們提供這些影片（特別是早期影片）最好的版本。

這次影展檢視了美國故事片中對華人的（錯誤）表現，並展示了開拓性的美國華裔電影藝術家在電影誕生後第一個世紀的代表作品，同時也是一次重要的百年華人電影學術回顧，具有相當重要的意義。

2022年董文潔出品的電影《世間有她》（上圖右），陳沖執導了其中的一個片段

 

左起：陳沖、盧燕、曾奕田

麻州新任正副州長訂1月5日在TD 花園就職

 Healey & Driscoll to Hold Inauguration Celebration at TD Garden

“Moving the Ball Forward” will serve as the theme of the celebration on January 5, 2023

BOSTON – Governor-elect Maura Healey and Lieutenant Governor-elect Kim Driscoll today announced the details of their inaugural celebration. Following the swearing-in ceremony on January 5, 2023, they will hold an evening celebration at TD Garden inspired by the theme, “Moving the Ball Forward,” a nod to their time as college and professional basketball players and the history made with this election. This event will mark the nation’s first all-women executive team to serve a state. 

“This inauguration will be a celebration of teamwork, positivity and breaking barriers – and there’s no better place to hold the event than at TD Garden,” said Governor-elect Healey. “It’s about looking forward to the future and engaging directly with people about how we can deliver for them across this Commonwealth.” 

“We hope that anyone who attends this celebration will feel proud of Massachusetts’ history and excited about the bright future ahead,” added Lieutenant Governor-elect Driscoll. “We’re looking forward to honoring the fearless and groundbreaking women who made this moment possible, and laying the foundation for those who will follow us.”

The January 5th inauguration will mark the first time an all-women ticket is sworn in to lead a state in American history, and make Healey the first lesbian Governor in the country. Through their inaugural events, Healey and Driscoll plan to honor the people and movements that helped pave the way to make this historic moment possible. 

The event will be accessible and inclusive for all interested in attending with tickets becoming available in the coming weeks. More details on the timing, location, ticketing, program, and additional events will be available in the coming weeks. 

Commissioner's Trophy Game features second Army vs. Navy Flag Football Matchup

 Commissioner's Trophy Game features second Army vs. Navy Flag Football Matchup

 

BOSTON, Massachusetts  - The Office of Veterans’ Services for the City of Boston will host the second annual Army Navy Flag football game at 11 AM on Saturday, Dec. 10 at Clemente Field located at the Back Bay Fens. 

 

The Office of Veterans’ Services along with the FLAG Flag Football League, and The New England Patriots will serve as partners for this event.

 

Sailors from the USS Constitution and Navy Talent Acquisition Group (NTAG) New England will take on Soldiers from U.S Army Boston Recruiting Company in this annual event, Both teams are excited to create their version of this time-honored tradition. 

 

“United in one purpose to recruit the best talent for our nation’s military, on Saturday the Army- Navy game highlights that our teams are strong and ready to compete. From Evacuation Day in 1776, to our victory last year, the Army wins. We believe winning matters and are looking forward to an exciting game,” said US Army CPT Collin Clark.

LT Schmiegel, Operations Officer at NTAG New England said, “As a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and an active duty service member of the Navy, I am honored to have experienced the time honored tradition and rivalry of the Army-Navy Football game. It’s one of those events that just gives you chills to be a part of; it is truly more than a game and is a competition that represents the fighting spirit, but also the comradery, of our armed forces. That the city of Boston would take the time to honor such a tradition in its own way, honoring our branches of service, is truly exemplary and has such a profound impact on bringing our community together. Go Navy, Beat Army!

Commissioner Robert Santiago, who served as a crewmember on board the USS Constitution, said, "As Commissioner I'm not rooting for any team, despite my Navy service and ties with the USS Constitution. This game is just one way we get to honor and recognize our service members and is a great way for our community to come together and see another side of our soldiers, and sailors.  It’s an opportunity to get to know them.  This is going to be a fun game to watch."

“The Army Navy Flag Football game is a wonderful event, honoring our servicemen and women and bringing together members of the United States Army and Navy in the name of friendly competition and mutual respect,” said Phil Buttafuoco, Executive Director of Special Events for Kraft Sports + Entertainment. “We look forward to a similar opportunity as our organization and the entire New England region eagerly anticipate the honor of hosting the 2023 Army Navy Game presented by USAA. We are excited to continue to work in conjunction with the City of Boston’s Office of Veterans’ Services to create great memories and celebrate our military in the lead-up to America’s Game at Gillette Stadium on Dec. 9, 2023.”

 

The Army won the inaugural game and took home the Commissioner’s Trophy last year. 

 

For more information regarding this event or other resources, refer to the contact provided above.