人生一定要有的八個朋友：
推手(Builder)、
支柱(Champion)、
同好(Collaborator)、
夥伴(Companion)、
中介(Connector)、
開心果(Energizer)、
開路者(Mind Opener)、
導師(Navigator)。
chutze@bostonorange.com
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Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) Partners with Boston University to
Support “Multiple Fairs Art Book Fair” at Boston University this Spring
Multiple Fairs, a collaborative variation of Multiple Formats, will bring together art book enthusiasts, creatives, and the public through a mix of exhibitions, panels, and hands-on workshops.
January 31, 2025 (Boston, MA)— Boston Center for the Arts (BCA) is pleased to announce that the Boston Art Book Fair is collaborating with Boston University College of Fine Arts School of Visual Arts in a co-branded “Multiple Fairs Art Book Fair” on March 20–22, 2025 held at Boston University. BCA will develop and present a variety of topical panel discussions and hands-on workshops on Saturday at the fair. These public programs will further the common goals of BCA and BU to attract wide and diverse audiences to the fair, and to grow the community who love art and books.
Multiple Formats is sponsored by BU School of Visual Arts at Boston University, and organized by Christopher Sleboda, Associate Professor of Art, Graphic Design at Boston University. This year’s “Multiple Fairs Art Book Fair” is also sponsored in part by Wagner Foundation. BCA is thrilled to reconnect with the wide array of artists, art book lovers, and members of dynamic creative communities that the Boston Art Book Fair has served in its five iterations over seven years as we are looking for ways to sustain its continuing presence on the rich Boston cultural scene. Like the Boston Art Book Fair, Multiple Formats serves as a fertile gathering and learning place for Boston’s art book community, and so we are honored to work with them.
This partnership with BU School of Visual Arts will also allow BCA to continue to support an exciting range of exhibitors as well as artists and Boston residents who attend the fair, connecting art to community and allowing us to collectively continue to grow the Boston Art Book Fair. BCA will bring its strong experience in creating programming that serves audiences well beyond the traditional academic community, further broadening Multiple Formats’ already diverse audience. BCA launched the Boston Art Book Fair in 2017, and after a successful return post-pandemic in 2022, the 2023 edition of the Boston Art Book Fair was the largest yet. BCA continues to explore ways to ensure its future growth and sustainability.
To support this, BCA has adjusted its programming calendar to give the organization time to redesign the event to maximize impact and optimize resource allocation. BCA looks forward to sharing more details in Spring 2025 about the Boston Art Book Fair’s future as a freestanding annual event.
Governor Maura Healey Warns Trump’s Tariffs Will Increase Costs for Massachusetts Residents and Businesses
Tariffs on Massachusetts’ largest trading partners will increase cost of groceries, clothes, housing, phones, cars, and more; Electricity costs in New England will increase by $200 million
BOSTON – Governor Maura Healey issued the following statement in response to the White House’s announcement that President Donald Trump will implement a 25 percent tariff on goods coming into the United States from Canada and Mexico and a 10 percent tariff on goods from China on Saturday. These countries represent Massachusetts’ three largest trading partners.
“The number one issue facing the American people is high costs. The President’s tariffs represent nothing more than a giant price hike on the cost of groceries, clothes, phones, housing, and energy,” said Governor Healey. “We estimate that electricity costs in New England alone will go up by as much as $200 million a year. Additionally, we rely on these countries for lumber and building materials, which means housing costs will rise, and housing production could stall. We need a partner in the White House who will lower costs for families and businesses in Massachusetts, and all we’ve seen thus far from this new administration are actions that will do the exact opposite.”
Tariffs on Canada are expected to impact the dairy industry and raise the cost of milk, cheese and butter. Canada is also one of the largest suppliers of softwood lumber in the U.S., which means increased costs for housing, construction and home renovation. Tariffs on Canada will also impact the price of cars and car parts, energy, and fish and seafood. Tariffs on Mexico are expected to increase the cost of agricultural products like fruits, vegetables, avocados and tomatoes, as well as cars and car parts, beer and tequila, TVs and other electronics. Tariffs on China will increase the cost of smartphones, laptops, TVs and other electronics, furniture, clothing and toys. These tariffs also raise the risk of retaliatory tariffs on exports, which could be devastating for American businesses.
Healey-Driscoll Administration Files Municipal Empowerment Bill to Enhance Ability of Local Leaders to Deliver High-Quality Services for Their Communities
Municipal Empowerment Act Relieves Administrative Burdens, Supports Fiscal Strength, and Expands Tools Available to Support Communities
BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey filed legislation to help local governments across Massachusetts reduce long-term fiscal pressures, attract a talented workforce, provide high-quality services, and streamline operations to best serve residents. Governor Healey announced her plan to refile the Municipal Empowerment Act last week, in tandem with a Chapter 90 reform bill the Governor filed to make meaningful investments in municipal transportation infrastructure.
The Municipal Empowerment Act retains major efficiency measures that were part of the legislation filed last session. This includes permanently enabling municipalities to permit hybrid public meetings, reforming procurement rules, and establishing enforcement mechanisms to encourage the timely removal of double pole. Additionally, several new provisions have been added to help local officials improve public health and lower costs.
“Every Massachusetts resident deserves to live in a community with high-quality local services, from safe roadways to access to good jobs and schools,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Our administration knows that city and town officials know their communities the best, and that’s why we want to empower them with the tools to make the choices they need to provide the best local services that meet the unique needs of their communities.”
“Our administration’s deep, collaborative relationships with municipal leaders informed every provision in the filed Municipal Empowerment Act,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’ve heard from local officials across the state that improving municipal finances and operations is top priority, and I’m proud that the legislation we’re filing today will equip our cities and towns with the resources and policy levers they need to continue making life better for our residents.”
“Through the Municipal Empowerment Act, the investments in local communities proposed in our FY26 budget, and our Chapter 90 reform bill, we are continuing to support Massachusetts’ municipal leaders in keeping our cities and towns financially stable and vibrant well into the future,” said Secretary of Administration and Finance Matthew J. Gorzkowicz. “We are grateful for the ongoing partnership of local officials across the state and look forward to making these transformative changes together.”
New or updated provisions in the Municipal Empowerment Act from last session include:
Updating enforcement mechanisms for double pole violations, extending the statutory prohibition against double poles from 90 days to 180 days, while giving municipalities enforcement authority with penalties for utilities that fail to comply.
Expediting the removal of double poles by empowering the Department of Public Utilities and Department of Telecommunications and Cable to establish a process allowing speedier removal while giving municipalities enforcement authority with penalties for utilities that fail to comply.
Supporting the prevention of drug overdoses by ensuring that anyone who administers fentanyl strips, including local public safety officials, will not be subject to criminal or civil liability.
Easing procurement of snow hauling services by aligning these services with procurement procedures for snow removal.
Expanding municipalities’ ability to reduce school bus service costs by repealing a law that limits districts’ ability to start in-house school bus services when private transportation companies are available.
Highlights of the bill that have been retained from the previous version include:
Creating new property tax exemptions for seniors to allow cities and towns to adopt a Senior Means Tested Property Tax Exemption for qualifying seniors and to increase existing senior property tax exemptions.
Addressing long-term benefit funding pressures by establishing a new Other Post-Employment Benefits (OPEB) Commission to take a fresh look at opportunities to address unfunded liabilities from non-pension employee benefits.
Allowing the creation of Regional Boards of Assessors to allow municipalities to streamline duties and reduce significant staffing challenges.
Creating additional temporary flexibilities in post-retirement employment by expanding the process for seeking exemptions to post-retirement employment rules for the next 3 years.
Reforming procurement law:
Clarifying that groups of cities and towns can award multiple contracts through an RFP process under M.G.L. Chapter 30B and purchase both supplies and services from collectively bid contracts;
Equalizing 30B thresholds for advertised procurements to $100 k for all municipal purchasing – not just schools;
Eliminating the requirement to publish notice of invitations for competitive bids on COMMBUYS;
Supporting workforce challenges by centralizing valuation of telecom and utility property through the Department of Revenue’s Division of Local Services (DLS) to relieve cities and towns of the cost of individually hiring experts and consultants.
Updating borrowing rules for school projects to increase from 30 years to 40 years the bond term to more closely reflects the life expectancy of the project.
Empowering communities to generate more local revenue. As the primary lever available to cities and towns to raise revenues for local services, increasing pressure is being put on local property taxes. This bill expands options for cities and towns to raise revenue without raising property taxes:
Increases the maximum local option lodging tax on hotel, motel and other rentals from 6 percent to 7 percent in most communities, and 6.5 percent to 7.5 percent for Boston.
Increases the local meals tax ceiling from .75 percent to 1 percent;
Adds a new local optionsurcharge of up to 5 percent on motor vehicle excise bills that can be dedicated to local stabilization funds – a provision that could benefit every community in Massachusetts.
Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has been committed to ensuring that every municipality, from Provincetown to Pittsfield, has the resources it needs to succeed. The administration’s FY26 budget proposal continues that commitment, with a recommended $9.205 billion in local aid, a $480 million or 6 percent increase over the FY25 budget, full funding of the fifth year of the Student Opportunity Act, and a proposal to leverage the voter-approved Fair Share surtax to expand and reform Chapter 90. The administration’s recently filed Chapter 90 reform bill authorizes the state to borrow $1.5 billion over the next five years, enabling $300 million in annual funds, a 50 percent increase. These legislative initiatives build on previous reforms to provide municipalities greater flexibility, such as passage of the most sweeping civil service system reforms in 50 years, which will enable local police and fire departments more options for recruiting key personnel.
Governor Healey Issues Citation, Flies Flag over State House in Honor of Capt. Richard Stratton
BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey has issued a citation in memory of Captain Richard A. Stratton, a Vietnam War Navy veteran from Quincy who passed away last week at the age of 93. Assistant Secretary of Engagement and Outreach Cory Ahonen will deliver the citation, as well as an interment flag that Governor Healey flew over the State House this week, to Captain Stratton’s family at his wake today.
“It is an honor to deliver this citation and interment flag to the family of Captain Stratton in recognition of his remarkable life and service to our nation. A proud Quincy native, Captain Stratton valiantly served in the Vietnam War and persisted through more than six years of captivity,” said Governor Maura Healey. “His service didn’t end there – he came home to help other soldiers and civilians suffering from trauma and addiction as a social worker. We are in awe of his bravery, his resilience, and his deep compassion for others. He is a true American hero, and our deepest condolences go out to his loved ones and community.”
“As the proud daughter of a Navy veteran, I’ve been deeply moved by Captain Stratton’s story. I think every military family recognizes the incredible commitment to service and love for others that Captain Stratton displayed throughout his life, because it’s what motivates every one of our veterans,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “I’m also grateful for the leadership of Mayor Koch and the Quincy community to establish a monument that honors Captain Stratton and his fellow Vietnam War veterans.”
“Captain Stratton dedicated his life to service, first through his distinguished military career and later as a source of strength for fellow veterans facing PTSD and substance use challenges,” said Veterans Secretary Jon Santiago. “His story is an example of how veterans continue to serve long after their time in uniform. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and all who were touched by his dedication and compassion.”
“Captain Stratton was a true American hero in every sense of the word. His sacrifice, perseverance, and the honor and dignity in which he lived his entire life set an extraordinary example,” said Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch. “The City of Quincy and our entire Commonwealth have a proud tradition of men and women who’ve answered the call to serve – and so many of them stand on the shoulders of people like Captain Stratton. I’m grateful to Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll for honoring Captain Stratton’s life and legacy in this most dignified and appropriate way.”
Captain Richard A. Stratton, USN, Ret. grew up in Quincy and attended the public schools. He served in the Massachusetts Army National Guard, spent years at the Catholic Seminary of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate, and eventually graduated from Georgetown University. He joined the United States Navy Aviation Officer Candidate Program and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1957, while also being assigned to Standford University and earning a master's degree in international relations. He was deployed to Southeast Asia with CVW-19 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ticonderoga in 1966 until he was shot down and forced to eject over North Vietnam. He was taken as a Prisoner of War on January 5, 1967 and spent 2,251 days in captivity, enduring horrific and inhumane treatment. He was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973 and later awarded the Silver Star for Valor, Purple Heart, and P.O.W. medal among many other military decorations and awards. When he returned home, he continued to hold various positions and commands across the country. After his retirement from the Navy, he practiced as a clinical social worker, specializing in psychological trauma and addictions, served as President of NAM-POWs, and was Chairman of the Department of Veterans Affairs Advisory Committee on Prisoners of War. He is survived by his wife Alice, three sons, six granddaughters, and several nieces and nephews.
The Governor’s citation reads:
"In recognition of the life and legacy of Captain Richard A. Stratton, United States Navy, Ret. We commend him for his service in the Massachusetts National Guard and later United States Navy where he deployed to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. On January 5, 1967, Captain Stratton was taken captive and spent 2,251 days as a Prisoner of War. Captain Stratton was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. He was awarded the Silver Star for Valor, Purple Heart, and P.O.W. medal among many other military decorations and awards. The Commonwealth will never forget his impact on the people of Massachusetts and his country."
Roche receives FDA approval for the first companion diagnostic to identify patients with HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer eligible for ENHERTU
As seen in the DESTINY-Breast06 trial, approximately 20-25 percent of hormone receptor (HR)-positive, HER2-negative breast cancer patients may be considered HER2-ultralow.1 These patients may now be eligible for a targeted treatment, which could significantly improve their outcomes.
The PATHWAY HER2 (4B5) test, the first and only FDA approved companion diagnostic for assessing HER2-low status since 2022, is now also approved to aid in the assessment of HER2-ultralow status for metastatic breast cancer patients.
HER2 interpretation in breast cancer is evolving. With the introduction of HER2-low and now HER2-ultralow classifications, Roche continues to lead in HER2 diagnostics, helping to expand patient access to personalised treatment.
Basel, 31 January 2025 - Roche (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) announced today that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a label expansion for the PATHWAY® anti-HER2/neu (4B5) Rabbit Monoclonal Primary Antibody* to identify patients with HR-positive, HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer who may be eligible for treatment with ENHERTU®. ENHERTU is a specifically engineered HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC) discovered by Daiichi Sankyo and being jointly developed and commercialised by Daiichi Sankyo and AstraZeneca.
Until the introduction of HER2-low status in 2022, HER2 status was categorised as either “positive” or “negative” based on the level of HER2 expression. The PATHWAY HER2 (4B5) test has now received approval to identify a new patient population designated as "HER2-ultralow." HER2-ultralow refers to patients who have very low levels of HER2 expression, even lower than the existing HER2-low category.
“One in eight women in the United States will face invasive breast cancer in their lifetime,” said Matt Sause, CEO of Roche Diagnostics. “The rising incidence of metastatic breast cancer, particularly among younger populations, underscores the urgent need for new diagnostic options. The approval of our test for determining HER2-ultralow status offers new hope to patients by providing a possible path to HER2-targeted treatment where none existed before, helping clinicians transform outcomes for many facing this challenging disease.”
HER2 is a receptor protein that helps cancer cells grow quickly. To determine a patient’s HER2 status, pathologists evaluate, or score, the level of HER2 receptor protein expressed in breast cancer tissue samples. The PATHWAY HER2 (4B5) test was used as part of the DESTINY-Breast06 trial, which showed a median progression-free survival of 13.2 months with ENHERTU compared to 8.1 months with the standard of care (chemotherapy) in the overall trial population of patients with HER2-low and HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer. An exploratory analysis showed the results were consistent between patients with HER2-low and HER2-ultralow expression.2
The FDA approval of the new HER2-ultralow indication expands on the intended use for Roche’s on-market PATHWAY anti-HER2 (4B5) test, proven in delivering timely, clear, and confident results. The launch further strengthens and differentiates Roche’s comprehensive breast cancer solutions portfolio, aiding patients and providers in making informed decisions to improve outcomes.
Governor Healey Launches Increased Annuity for Veterans
and Families through HERO Act
Payments will begin increasing in February 2025,
ultimately going up to $2,500 by August 2025
BOSTON – The Healey-Driscoll Administration is
announcing that Massachusetts veterans and their families will begin receiving
increased benefits in February 2025 as part of the historic HERO Act that
Governor Healey signed into law last year. This is the first increase in 17
years to the annual annuity for 100% disabled veterans, Gold Star parents and
Gold Star spouses.
This landmark increase raises the annuity from $2,000 to
$2,500 annually, providing much-needed financial support to veterans and their
loved ones. The increase will be phased in to ensure a smooth transition. In
February 2025, recipients will receive an initial payment of $1,250. Beginning
in August 2025 and continuing annually thereafter, recipients will receive a
single annual payment of $2,500.
"By increasing this annuity, we are reaffirming our
commitment to the veterans, Gold Star families, and servicemembers who have
given so much for our state and our country," said Governor Maura
Healey. "The HERO Act reflects our deep respect and gratitude for
their service, ensuring that Massachusetts remains a leader in veteran support
and recognition. I'm grateful for Secretary Santiago and his team, as well as
the Legislature for their partnership to pass this impactful bill."
“As the proud daughter of a Navy Vet, I know firsthand how
veterans and their loved ones rely on benefits like this annuity,” said Lieutenant
Governor Kim Driscoll. “This increase means more money back in the
pockets of our heroes to pay for food, housing, health care and anything else
they might need.”
"This increase is more than just a financial adjustment
– it’s a promise kept to those who have given so much,” said Veterans
Services Secretary Jon Santiago. “We are proud to deliver tangible
support to ensure veterans and their families can thrive in
Massachusetts."
Most eligible recipients will receive a direct deposit of
the increased annuity early next week. Others will receive a check in the mail
later in the week.
Since taking office, the Healey-Driscoll Administration has
prioritized revitalizing veterans' services in Massachusetts. In March 2023,
Governor Healey established the state’s new Executive Office of Veterans’ Services and appointed Jon Santiago, the state’s
first-ever Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services, to spearhead
the transformation of a cabinet-level secretariat focused on veteran care. Over
the past year, the Executive Office of Veterans Services has overhauled
operations and existing programs to redefine how veterans are cared for in
Massachusetts. This includes passing the HERO Act, the most comprehensive piece of
veterans’ legislation in Massachusetts history that increases benefits,
modernize services and promote inclusivity for veterans in Massachusetts,
moving forward on new, state-of-the-art veterans' homes in Holyoke and Chelsea
and launching an initiative to End Veteran Homelessness.
The Executive Office of Veterans Services encourages
eligible veterans and families to reach out with any questions about their
benefits or the implementation of the HERO Act provisions. For more information
about the HERO Act or the Executive Office of Veterans Services, please
visit Chapter 115 Benefits/Safety Net Program | Mass.gov.
