LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR MURRAY AND
MASSACHUSETTS LIFE SCIENCES CENTER ANNOUNCE EQUIPMENT AND SUPPLY MATCHING GRANTS
FOR PUBLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
Grants to fund new equipment
for life sciences job training at vocational schools, high schools in Gateway
Cities
WESTFORD – Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and the Massachusetts Life
Sciences Center (MLSC) today announced $3.2 million in grants to support the
purchase of life sciences training equipment and supplies at vocational
technical schools, public high schools in Massachusetts' Gateway Cities, and
workforce training programs across the state.
Lieutenant Governor Murray launched the first round of the MLSC Equipment and
Supplies for High Schools Grant Program at the 7th Annual Science, Technology,
Engineering, and Math (STEM) Summit held in 2010. Building on the success of
the first year of the program, Lieutenant Governor Murray visited the Nashoba
Valley Technical High School, one of the recipients in this latest round, to
award the vocational technical school with a $96,665 grant to support the
expansion of their Engineering Academy to include biotechnical engineering and
robotic fabrication. In addition to Nashoba Valley, 30 other schools and
programs were also awarded grants.
“Our Administration continues to invest in STEM education, jobs, and
workforce development to prepare the next generation of students and leaders in
our economy,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray, Chair of the Governor’s STEM
Advisory Council. “By partnering with the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, we
are delivering resources for schools to invest in advanced equipment and
supplies. Students will gain more hands-on experience in the classroom, further
engaging them in STEM fields that will get them excited about future careers in
innovative industries."
Awardees provide a breadth of training ranging from general STEM education
curricula to biotechnology. The student population that will benefit from these
equipment grants represents a diverse workforce, including workers seeking
re-training and low-income individuals preparing for entry-level positions.
This grant program seeks to further the development of the state’s life
sciences workforce by providing funding of up to $250,000 per institution for
life sciences equipment and supplies. To be eligible for an award of greater
than $100,000, applicants must have secured matching funds or in-kind donations
from an industry partner that supports the training program for which the
equipment and supplies are needed. Industry sponsors have contributed more than
$400,000 in matching funds and in-kind donations as part of this year’s
program.
“Training students to enter the life sciences workforce is a critical part of
the Center’s mission,” said Susan Windham-Bannister, Ph.D., President & CEO
of the MLSC. “We want to make those opportunities available to all students
across the state, which is why we are focusing resources in this round of grant
awards on our voc/tech schools, and public high schools in our gateway cities.
These investments will both strengthen and diversify our life sciences workforce
in Massachusetts.”
“We as a career and technical school district, for the past two decades have
changed our direction and mission to meet the highest skill standards of the
global workplace,” said Dr. Judith Klimkiewicz, Superintendent of Nashoba Valley
Technical High School. “We are focused on creating the newest technical
programs necessary to meet the needs of the Commonwealth and the nation’s
growing science, health, human services and biotechnology industries. We opened
Engineering Technology ten years ago and have continued to expand STEM Education
in all of our technical programs. Use of the equipment purchased through this
grant will enable our students in our health sciences, Engineering Technology
and Advanced Placement Biology programs to expand their core curriculums to
address specific mathematic and scientific concepts unique to
biotechnology.”
“Vocational technical and agricultural education is a blend of quality
education, skill development, preparation for post-secondary education and
preparation for the workforce of the future,” said Peter D. Dewar, Director of
Professional Development, Massachusetts Association of Vocational
Administrators. “The grants being awarded today will go far to enhance and in
some schools introduce life sciences education as a workforce component. This
will help us continue our quest as we seek to maintain our standing as one of
the finest vocational technical and agricultural public education systems in the
country.”
"I'm very excited that this grant has been awarded to Nashoba Valley Tech,”
said Timothy Blicharz, Senior Scientist for Seventh Sense Biosystems of
Cambridge, a company that is collaborating with Nashoba Valley Technical on
their biotechnology training programs. “It will be a huge help to foster the
students' interest in the sciences and help shape them into the leading
scientists and engineers of tomorrow."
The 31 schools and programs that are receiving awards, the city or town in
which they are located, and the amount of their grant are as follows:
|
School/Organization |
City/Town |
Award Amount |
|
Assabet Valley Regional Technical High School |
Marlborough |
$ 90,284.00 |
|
Blackstone Valley Regional Vocational Technical High School |
Upton |
$ 99,984.00 |
|
Blue Hills Technical School District |
Canton |
$ 100,000.00 |
|
Bristol-Plymouth Regional Technical School District |
Taunton |
$ 99,940.20 |
|
Cape Cod Regional Technical High School |
Harwich |
$ 77,738.02 |
|
Fall River Public Schools (Durfee High School) |
Fall River |
$ 92,555.23 |
|
Greater Lowell Regional Vocational Technical High School |
Tyngsboro |
$ 89,936.15 |
|
Haverhill High School |
Haverhill |
$ 99,289.40 |
|
Holyoke Public Schools (Dean Tech & Holyoke High School) |
Holyoke |
$ 195,019.93 |
|
Lynn English High School |
Lynn |
$ 77,419.35 |
|
Massachusetts Biotechnology Education Foundation |
Cambridge |
$ 249,777.00 |
|
Minuteman Regional Vocational Technical School District |
Lexington |
$ 134,137.91 |
|
Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School District |
Fitchburg |
$ 248,274.76 |
|
Nashoba Valley Technical High School |
Westford |
$ 96,665.20 |
|
Norfolk County Agricultural High School |
Walpole |
$ 97,612.00 |
|
North Shore Technical High School |
Middleton |
$ 99,999.52 |
|
Northeast Metropolitan Vocational School District |
Wakefield |
$ 71,610.00 |
|
Quaboag Regional Middle High School |
Warren |
$ 7,438.65 |
|
Quincy High School |
Quincy |
$ 94,469.05 |
|
Revere High School |
Revere |
$ 98,176.02 |
|
Rindge School of Technical Arts |
Cambridge |
$ 100,000.00 |
|
Roger L. Putnam Vocational Technical Academy |
Springfield |
$ 100,000.00 |
|
Shawsheen Valley Regional Vocational School District |
Billerica |
$ 95,928.00 |
|
Smith Vocational and Agricultural High School |
Northampton |
$ 100,000.00 |
|
South Shore Vocational Technical High School |
Hanover |
$ 119,925.00 |
|
Taconic High School |
Pittsfield |
$ 88,028.74 |
|
Taunton Public Schools |
Taunton |
$ 99,384.00 |
|
The BioBuilder Educational Foundation |
Cambridge |
$ 95,300.00 |
|
Westfield Public Schools |
Westfield |
$ 44,333.00 |
|
Worcester North High School |
Worcester |
$ 64,995.00 |
|
Worcester Technical High School |
Worcester |
$ 99,982.82 |
“This funding will provide much needed supplies and equipment to Gateway City
schools and Vocational-Technical programs across the Commonwealth to help train
students in life sciences technology and research,” said state Representative
Alice H. Peisch, House Chair of the Education Committee. “I am grateful to the
Administration and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center for supporting this
important initiative.”
“The Patrick-Murray Administration has made a concerted effort to prioritize
the needs of our Gateway Cities,” said state Senator Eileen Donoghue. “I’m
grateful for the emphasis they have placed on education in Gateway Cities, and
I’m confident that this funding will go a long way for Nashoba Valley Technical
High School.”
“Our investments in the Life Sciences have been vital to the Massachusetts
economy and the growth of new companies and technology in our state," state
Senator Harriette Chandler. "I applaud the Patrick-Murray Administration for
continuing to move forward with these important grants to these educational
institutions."
"Thanks to the dedication of the Patrick-Murray Administration and the
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, our Vocational-Technical schools are leading
the way in preparing our students to reignite the precision manufacturing
industry in Massachusetts,” said state Senator Gale Candaras. “Precision
manufacturers across the state have stressed the need for more machinists in the
next five years, and this funding will ensure that our students can fill these
positions, which offer fair pay and benefits."
“I am so pleased once again with the results of the state's strong
partnership with the Gateway Cities," said state Representative Tricia
Farley-Bouvier. "Today we are coming together to support the important life
science training offered at Taconic High School. I appreciate the leadership
that Department Chair Kristen Pearson has demonstrated in finding a way to
provide the practical tools that are so crucial in preparing our students for
career opportunities in STEM fields.”
“Representing two Gateway Cities, I am thrilled about this announcement and
thankful to Governor Patrick for his steadfast commitment to provide all
students across the Commonwealth an equal opportunity to learn,” said state
Representative Kathi-Anne Reinstein. “These resources are critical in assisting
disadvantaged children and their families overcome difficulties to gain a good
education and lead successful lives.”
About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is a quasi-public agency of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts tasked with implementing the Massachusetts Life
Sciences Act, a 10-year, $1-billion initiative that was signed into law in June
of 2008. The MLSC’s mission is to create jobs in the life sciences and support
vital scientific research that will improve the human condition. This work
includes making financial investments in public and private institutions that
are advancing life sciences research, development and commercialization as well
as building ties among sectors of the Massachusetts life sciences community. For
more information, visit www.masslifesciences.com.
Posted at 09:07 PM
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PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION
AWARDS OVER $6.8 MILLION IN WORKFORCE TRAINING FUND GRANTS
Employees at 87 Companies
Benefit from Grant-Funded Skills Training
BOSTON – Thursday, January 3, 2013 – The Patrick-Murray Administration today
announced $6,846,496 in Workforce Training Fund grants to 87 Massachusetts
companies. The grants, which support up to two years of training, will create
682 new jobs and train over 6,300 workers.
"We are focused on addressing the skills gap issue in the Commonwealth so
that workers can compete in today’s ever-changing jobs market,” said Governor
Deval Patrick. "The Workforce Training Fund focuses on the needs of both our
businesses and workers, as Massachusetts continues to lead the nation in
economic recovery.”
“The Workforce Training Fund continues to provide Massachusetts companies
with the right resources to train employees and build a stronger and more
effective workforce,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “The program is
another tool in the toolbox for businesses, and we look forward to seeing this
funding support new jobs, increased work capacity, and business growth in
regions across the Commonwealth.”
“It’s great to see the Workforce Training Fund programs back in full
operation, with assured funding,” said Richard C. Lord, President and CEO of
Associated Industries of Massachusetts. “Employers of all sizes across the state
are seeking improved productivity, and these grant programs are proven resources
for advancing workforce skills.”
The companies are located in 66 cities and towns across the Commonwealth and
training will be provided to employees in a range of sectors, including
financial services, manufacturing, engineering and hospitality.
“We are committed to providing training to new and incumbent workers so that
businesses will have the skilled workforce they need to thrive in the
Massachusetts economy and employees develop the skill sets and expertise that
leads to sustainable jobs,” said Joanne F. Goldstein, Secretary of Labor and
Workforce Development. “We continue to partner with Massachusetts employers so
they can access the Workforce Training Fund which provides them with the
resources to run training programs that ensure the viability and growth of
businesses in the Commonwealth and a workforce that is top notch.”
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GOVERNOR PATRICK SIGNS
LEGISLATION TO PROVIDE HOUSING RIGHTS AND PROTECTIONS FOR VICTIMS OF SEXUAL
ASSAULT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
Governor Patrick signs “An Act Relative To
Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual Assault and
Stalking” in the Governor’s Council Chambers. (Photo credit: Eric Haynes /
Governor’s Office) View full-size photo.
BOSTON – Thursday, January 3, 2013 – Governor Deval Patrick today joined
Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray and housing, public safety, legislative and
community based advocacy leaders at the State House to sign S. 2402, “An Act
Relative To Housing Rights for Victims of Domestic Violence, Rape, Sexual
Assault and Stalking.” The legislation will provide housing rights and
protections for victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual assault and
stalking.
“We must do all we can to protect victims of sexual and domestic violence,”
said Governor Patrick. “I thank the Legislature and the many caring advocates
for giving us additional tools to do so.”
“After facing the emotional and physical trauma of abuse or assault, victims
of sexual and domestic violence often struggle with ongoing concern for personal
safety, housing instability or potential homelessness if they need to leave
their residence,” said Lieutenant Governor Murray, who chairs both the
Governor’s Council to Address Sexual and Domestic Violence and the Interagency
Council on Housing and Homelessness. “By partnering with the legislature and
community based advocates, we are helping to improve the safety of victims in
their own home and providing opportunities to improve their safety without
further financial penalties.”
In addition to the challenges of finding safety and maintaining stable
housing, victims of sexual and domestic violence often encounter financial and
legal barriers if they need to leave their home, even when staying in their home
is unsafe. Many victims also face discrimination from prospective landlords when
or if a past history of abuse is known. The legislation signed by the Governor
provides victims of these crimes with rights and protections while also
protecting the rights of property owners.
“We thank the legislature and the Governor for passage of this bill,” said
Mary Lauby, Executive Director of Jane Doe Inc. “Inadequate and unsafe housing
options contribute to the economic instability that some victims face. This law
removes obstacles as it creates new options for rape victims and victims of
domestic violence who may need and want such protection.”
Among key provisions, S. 2402:
- Establishes a defense to eviction if a landlord attempts to evict a tenant
because he/she was the victim of one of these crimes; - Creates a provision for victims of these crimes, with appropriate
documentation, to vacate their lease or rental agreements without financial
penalty; - Provides a provision that allows for victims to have their locks changed
As chair of both the Governor’s Council to Address Sexual and Domestic
Violence and the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness, Lieutenant
Governor Murray convened a joint working group in 2012 to identify more
efficient and compassionate ways to support victims of domestic violence and
sexual assault in various housing systems. Through this collaborative effort,
both councils have worked closely with the legislature and community based
advocacy organizations on this initiative and other resources.
“This new law will provide important protections to victims of domestic
violence, sexual abuse and stalking by giving them the ability to choose whether
to stay in their residences or move without having to weigh their personal
safety against financial considerations,” said Senator Cynthia Creem.
“I applaud the legislature and the Administration for their hard work and
dedication toward the passage of this bill,” said Representative Kevin G. Honan.
“This law will afford increased protection for victims of domestic violence and
their families, and remove obstacles in order to provide greater safety for
those in highly vulnerable living situations. These protective measures for
individuals and their families are necessary to ensure the physical and mental
safety of the residents of Massachusetts. I commend all of the parties that have
contributed to the process.”
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The Boston
News Group & Somerville News Person of the Year 2012
The Somerville News Person of the Year 2012, Eugene C. Brune.
Retiring Middlesex County Registrar of Deeds, former Mayor of Somerville,
former Alderman Ward 6 and former Board of Health member, Eugene C. Brune, is a
man who has many friends both here in Somerville and elsewhere.
What a great guy and what a great guy for Somerville. A family man, public
figure, who is generous with both his time and energy to many causes here in
Somerville. You won’t find many, if any, former mayors that have been as
involved as he has since he left City Hall in the late 1980s. He has kept
himself busy full time with various worthwhile charitable causes that have
affected and benefited Somerville as a whole. When he was mayor he brought a
breath of fresh air to City Hall, embarking on many things that helped to make
our city what it is today. The Red Line in Davis was one of many things he
worked on to get started and completed. When he left City Hall it was a much
different place than when he arrived and city government was better managed than
before, leaving those that came afterwards pretty big shoes to fill.
He was founder and co-founder of many charities here, including the
Somerville High Scholarship Foundation and many others. Every time you turn
around there was some agency or non-profit needing his expertise and, more
importantly, his name and what it means to many here in Somerville. He’s
retiring from politics now as the new Registrar of Deeds is installed on January
2. Eugene C. Brune will now head off to the private sector, but don’t expect him
to retire from loving his city of Somerville. He’s going to be involved in a lot
of charities still and we are all grateful for his giving of himself.
We salute Eugene C. Brune as our pick as The Somerville News Person of the
Year 2012. We wish him health, a long life and much happiness in his
transformation from politician to private citizen, even though a special private
citizen here in Somerville. Say “Hi” to Gene, as he likes to be called, and
engage him in a conversation about his favorite subject, Somerville.
Thank you, Gene, for all your hard work and dedication.
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Maria
Curtatone sworn in as the first female Registrar of Deeds for South Middlesex
County
~Photo by Wiliam Tauro
By William Tauro
Newly elected South Middlesex County Register of Deeds Maria Curtatone was
officially sworn into office early Wednesday morning by former Registrar Gene
Brune.
The ceremony took place in the main courtroom of the Somerville Courthouse,
located on the Fellsway in Somerville.
Later in the day a couple hundred friends, relatives,
supporters and elected officials attended the ceremonial swearing-in at the
South Middlesex Registry of Deeds that’s located on Cambridge Street in East
Cambridge.
Massachusetts Secretary of State William Galvin swore Registrar Maria
Curtatone into office as the first woman to ever hold that position.
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recalling XTS Motorcycle
Helmets
The Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA) would like all riders to be
aware that Vega Helmet Corp. has announced that it is recalling more than 30,000
model XTS Helmets after testing found that some did not meet crash protection
safety standards.
Vega specifically identified XTS half-helmets in sizes
Large, Extra Large, and
XX Large produced between May 2011 and October
2012.
Safety Testing by
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
performed earlier this year
identified that four (4) Extra Large Helmets
failed to pass. Vega investigated
and found that the helmets fell out of
compliance partially due to changes in the model's shell design. Although
Vega doesn't know how many of the helmets in the effected population
failed to meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, the company is
recalling all of them and informed regulators that the helmet’s design would
be
reconfigured immediately. Vega further said they will replace the
recalled
helmets. According to reports by the Associated Press, there’s no
evidence
that anyone has been injured because of the defective
helmets.The
MMA notes that it’s unclear how many helmets beyond just these 4 were
tested by
NHTSA and from which manufacturers, what their pass/fail ratio was
and whether
other failed models were being addressed by their respective
manufacturers (if
any). According to reports by the Associated Press,
there’s no evidence that
anyone has been injured because of the defective
helmets.The MMA suggests
that all riders who wear Vega XTS Half-Helmets in sizes
L, XL, and XXL check the
manufacturer date on the labeling inside the
helmet. Further information should
be available from Vega Helmet Corp. when
the recall begins in Late
January.
For
More Information, see http://www.MassMotorcycle.org or
contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org.
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MMA Reminds all riders to Install their 2013 MA Motorcycle
Registration Sticker!
Despite the weather report for January 1st looks brisk, but sunny
and
clear! Many riders enjoy January 1st rides and often forget
to
update their sticker, so the Massachusetts Motorcycle Association (MMA)
would
like to remind all Motorcycle Owners in Massachusetts to install their
2013
Vehicle Registration Sticker on their License Plate as soon as
possible! While
we realize that not everyone rides in the winter, many do,
and even if you
don’t, it’s one less thing to worry about in the spring.
The MA Registry of
Motor Vehicles would have sent out reminders beginning
in October to renew your
registration, and if you did so, you would have
received the new Registration
“card” and sticker within 10 days. The
sticker should be applied to the upper
right corner of your license plate.
Be sure to remove the old stickers to
provide maximum adhesion and prevent
the embarrassment of losing all or part of
the new sticker. Old stickers
can be removed using a hair dryer to warm the old
glue and a razor blade or
stiff spackling knife to get under the edge of the old
sticker(s). Be sure
to also clean the plate using a solvent or even a
streak-free glass cleaner
to prevent dirt or grime from interfering with the new
Sticker.
With the new Sticker
installed, keep the registration “card” in a safe,
dry place and enjoy the
ride!For
More Information, see http://www.MassMotorcycle.org or
contact SafetyDirector@MassMotorcycle.org.
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