Executive Office of Veterans Services Announces Statewide Logo Redesign Contest

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BOSTON — The Executive Office of Veterans Services (EOVS) announced the launch of a statewide logo redesign contest to visually represent the mission of the recently elevated Cabinet Secretariat.  
 
On March 1, Massachusetts Governor Maura T. Healey and Lieutenant Governor Kimberley Driscoll unveiled the formation of the Commonwealth's new Executive Office of Veterans Services. This elevation raised the Department of Veterans' Services to a Cabinet-level Secretariat. Over the past six months, the Executive Office of Veterans Services has undergone a significant transformation with regard to departments and programs under its umbrella, including overseeing our two Massachusetts Veterans Homes. 
 
These changes call for a logo rebranding effort to match a new vision, mission, and set of core values. As a result, the Executive Office is seeking input from the public.  
 
EOVS Secretary Jon Santiago, a US Army Reserve Major who has served two tours overseas, explains: "We are at a pivotal juncture where our logo needs to mirror the diversity of today’s veterans, whose service spans eras from World War II to Afghanistan. The new EOVS logo should embody transparency, accountability, and our mission to 'honorably serve those who served us.'" 
 
The current EOVS logo features a minuteman, symbolizing the Massachusetts militia dating back to the mid-18th century. The contest, launching on September 6, 2023, invites participation from all Massachusetts residents aged 18+. All designers are encouraged to channel their creativity into a logo that encapsulates the camaraderie, resilience, and sacrifices of veterans, both past and present. 
 
All designs must be submitted by Oct. 4, 2023. 
 
"We are eager to witness the outpouring of talent and dedication as Massachusetts residents contribute to shaping a symbol that embodies the true essence of our veterans and their families," said Secretary Santiago.  

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Berkshire United Way to Massachusetts: Early-Learning Educators Need Better Wages

By Katherine von Haefen Guest Column
As reported in iBerkshires, state education officials met with Western Massachusetts childcare and early education advocates at Berkshire Community College recently. I had the opportunity to share the following testimony on behalf of Berkshire United Way and our community partners. 
 
Early childhood education provides tremendous benefits to our region. High-quality child care dramatically influences brain development and the future health and success for children in school and life, as well as provides a safe and secure space for our youngest community members so their parents or caregivers can work and provide for their families. 
 
Berkshire United Way has invested in improving early childhood development opportunities in the Berkshires for decades. We fund high-quality nonprofit child-care centers that provide slots for income-constrained families. We also support the sector by co-hosting monthly child-care director meetings to work on shared challenges and collectively propose solutions. We advocate for early childhood education and have a great partner in this work, state Rep. Tricia Farley-Bouvier. 
 
Staffing is a key component of high-quality care. The research shows that skilled and consistent educators in a classroom create long-lasting change for children. However, wages are stagnant and frequently do not provide educators with basic financial stability. We often hear that educators have left the field because they are unable to make their finances work. Wages need to improve to better reflect the expertise and indelible impact teachers have in the field. 
 
When we look specifically at our region, our data is concerning. 
 
As Berkshire County emerges from the pandemic, we are struggling with transportation, affordable housing and lack of mental health resources, much like the rest of the state. We are also seeing a rise in economically challenged households. 
 
After nearly 10 years of decline, Berkshire County has experienced a significant jump in income inequality, now exceeding the state and national trends and far above comparable counties, according to the Berkshire Regional Planning Commission. Over half of our population are "economically challenged," meaning they are working but struggling to make ends meet. A single parent with a school-aged child needs between $70,000 and $80,000 in income and public benefits just to meet their basic needs. 
 
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