BOSTON — Massachusetts needs to have a conversation about what constitutes a living wage, Senate President Therese Murray told business leaders Thursday.In a breakfast speech to the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce, the Plymouth Democrat noted that lawmakers in Maine recently approved a bill that would raise the state's minimum wage to $9 per hour by 2016, adjusting it annually for inflation after that. The bill has yet to be signed into law.In Massachusetts, the minimum wage has been $8 per hour since 2008 and isn't automatically adjusted to inflation. Murray also pointed to New York, Continue reading >>>

The Boston Theater Critics Association has announced its nominations for the 31st Annual Elliot Norton Awards. The awards, which recognize excellence in Greater Boston theater, will be presented on Monday, May 13, at 7 p.m. at the Paramount Mainstage, 559 Washington Street, Boston. Tickets are $30 (including post-party) and available by phone at 617-824-8000 or online www.nortonawardsboston.com. (Use "NortonSave" code to receive $5 off for the month of April only.) Sponsors for the 2013 awards ceremony include, ArtsEmerson, Actors' Equity Association, ArtsBoston, EdgeBoston, Emerson College, Continue reading >>>

$0 Joiner Fee on Workshop Days   [Boston, MA – April 10, 2013] – The Wang YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Greater Boston is helping the community kick start a healthy lifestyle. Through April and May, the Wang YMCA offers free fitness workshops in an effort to encourage healthier living open to both members and the community. Anyone who signs up for membership on workshop days pays no joiner fee for membership and receives $10 Y Bucks to spend on Y programming. Members who refer a friend also get Y Bucks towards Y programs. Members who refer a friend Continue reading >>>

Spring programs and swim lessons offered at 13 locations across metro Boston   [Boston, MA, April 2, 2013] – YMCA of Greater Boston kicks off its second round of spring programs on Sunday April 28th running through Saturday June 22nd. The Y offers toddlers, youth, teens, adults and older adults healthy, fun and educational programs such as swim lessons, dance and enrichment, sports, specialty fitness and more. An extensive swim lesson program runs at 12 locations with a goal of helping all ages become confident and responsible swimmers. Members and Continue reading >>>

Get ready for an urban casino because the rural option looks like a nonstarter.Foxwoods has hit the same wall of community resistance in Milford that derailed Steve Wynn and New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft in Foxboro, so it’s going to come down to Everett vs. Suffolk Downs for the grand prize: the Greater Boston resort casino license.That’s sweet redemption for Wynn, who now has a second chance in Everett, where residents love his plan. Maybe Foxwoods doesn’t care. Some say Foxwoods’ $400,000 up-front fee bought the Mashantucket Pequots a chance to sue the eventual Wynn-Suffolk Continue reading >>>

Hospice of the North Shore Greater Boston, a leading nonprofit hospice provider in Massachusetts, is pleased to announce its new volunteer manager, Sheryl Meehan of Lawrence. Meehan has a rich history of community service, according to Hospice, serving on the board of directors for several organizations including the Haverhill Rotary Club, Lawrence YMCA, Family Services Inc. and the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce. Her past positions include manager of volunteer services for Merrimack Valley Hospice, president of CPR Technologies Inc. and director of the Wilmington Continue reading >>>

When Hale Reservation received bib numbers as part of the Boston Athletic Association’s Charity Program, they knew it was a great opportunity. But, where would they find 15 runners who could raise money and train for a marathon? Interested runners came from all over and many were very close to Hale.  “We had several people who were interested in running Boston—after all it is the world’s oldest continuous marathon,” said Paula McLaughlin, director of development and community relations for Hale Reservation. “I had inquiries from all over the world and determining Continue reading >>>

When Hale Reservation received bib numbers as part of the Boston Athletic Association’s Charity Program, they knew it was a great opportunity. But, where would they find 15 runners who could raise money and train for a marathon? Interested runners came from all over and many were very close to Hale.  “We had several people who were interested in running Boston—after all it is the world’s oldest continuous marathon,” said Paula McLaughlin, director of development and community relations for Hale Reservation. “I had inquiries from all over the world and determining Continue reading >>>

$ave on Boston Herald Home Delivery Jobs with Herald Media For back copy and collectible issue information please call 617-619-6265.  Click here for Celtics, Patriots and Red Sox, and Bruins back copies Continue reading >>>

Campus • Lifestyle Culture By Cecilia Weddell • Apr 8th, 2013 Between 8 p.m. Saturday and 8 p.m. Sunday, twenty Boston improv comedy groups, hundreds of BU students, and one Boston University Dean of Students found themselves laughing or performing in BU Central. One constant in the twenty-four hours of comedy was Liquid Fun, a BU improv comedy group. This was their eighth annual 24-hour comedy marathon benefiting the Greater Boston Food Bank. The event brought many Boston comedy groups to the dimly-lit space, where students and Boston residents alike were invited to drop in Continue reading >>>