MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG AT OLD CITY HALL AND FORMER BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL SITE

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIG AT OLD CITY HALL AND FORMER BOSTON LATIN SCHOOL SITE 

 

BOSTON - Monday, June 1, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that the City of Boston will be undertaking an archaeological survey in front of Old City Hall on the former site of the 17th century Boston Latin School and Schoolmaster’s house. 

“It is an exciting moment for the City of Boston to potentially unveil an important part of Boston’s history and a piece of the Freedom Trail,” said Mayor Walsh.

 

City of Boston Archaeologist, Joseph Bagley, will lead his volunteer team in the dig beginning June 2, 2015.  Crews will excavate approximately 10 test trenches measuring 5x.5 meters (16x1.5 feet) throughout the month of June in an attempt to re-locate the foundations and yards of the 17th century Boston Latin School’s Schoolmaster’s house and other later structures. The courtyard of Old City Hall and businesses located within will remain open throughout the 4-week dig.

 

Extensive research prior to the excavations has revealed a complete timeline of the owners and occupants of the Old City Hall courtyard. In 1645, the Boston Free School was built and later renamed the Boston Latin School. While it no longer remains in its original location, Boston Latin is the oldest public school in America. The Schoolhouse was located in an area that is now partially under King’s Chapel and within the courtyard of Old City Hall. At the same time, the City officials allowed the Schoolmaster to live with his family next door. The Schoolmaster’s house may have been built as early as 1639. In the first decade of the 1700s, both the Free School and the Schoolmaster’s houses were re-built on their original foundation locations.

In the 17th century, the courtyard would have contained the Schoolmaster’s house, a stone mansion owned by the wealthy and prominent Cooke family and a portion of the Free School.

  

Notable Graduates who would have taken their admissions test at the Schoolmaster’s house and attended school next door include Cotton Mather (1669), Samuel Adams (1729) and John Hancock (1745), among others.  

 

In 1809, plans to build the Suffolk County Courthouse, where Old City Hall stands today, required the demolition of the standing Schoolmaster’s house.  

 

Archaeologists are hoping to find the foundations of the 17th-19th century Boston Latin Schoolmaster’s house and the yard behind it. If successful, it is likely that they will recover significant amounts of artifacts relating to the seven Schoolmaster’s and their wives and children who lived in the building between 1645 and 1809.  These artifacts would reveal new information on these families and 17th and 18th century Boston. 

 

“What we are really hoping to find is their privy, or outhouse, which would have been where most, if not all, of their household garbage and human waste would have been disposed in," said City Archaeologist, Joe Bagley. "Since archaeologists primarily study trash, their outhouse would be a treasure-trove of historic data. Finding an intact 17th century privy would be the ultimate goal.”

 

The dig was first proposed by Sean McDonnell, President of the Architectural Heritage Foundation (AHF). AHF is a not for profit organization, and, in 1970, preserved the building under a long-term lease with the BRA. AHF intends on improving the landscape of the courtyard and install additional interpretative displays of the building and yard’s history, but what remains under the paved and landscaped surface remains a mystery. 

“We are thrilled to have found someone as enthusiastic about Old City Hall’s courtyard and so able to uncover and tell the story of what else may have happened on the site," said McDonnell. "Everyone in the building takes ownership of Old City Hall’s place in Boston’s history- I think Joe’s work will only add to the building and site’s lustre.”

 

“This is an ideal situation where a property owner understands and appreciates the importance of their archaeology, and takes preemptive measures to involve archaeologists from the inception of a renovation plan to ensure the proper preservation and recording of any archaeological data and to increase the awareness of the history of a place,” said Bagley.

 

The archaeological dig will be staffed by volunteers of the City of Boston’s Archaeology Program, which is part of the Boston Landmark’s Commission. The dig is also incorporating volunteers from the Boston Latin School Alumni Association and current Boston Latin School students.

The public are encouraged to visit the dig, which will be ongoing through the month of June, weekdays from 9AM -5PM, rain or shine, though not during thunderstorms. Progress of the dig can be followed through live updates on the City Archaeology Program and Old City Hall social media pages including facebook at facebook.com/bostonarchaeologyprogram and on twitter @bostonarchaeo.

The City Archaeology Program was established in 1983 to preserve, protect and promote Boston’s archaeological heritage. With hundreds of known archaeological sites documented in Boston spanning nearly 10,000 years of human history, the City Archaeologist and a dedicated team of volunteers work to review development projects, excavate archaeological sites on public land, and manage over 1,000,000 artifacts excavated from dozens of archaeological surveys stored in the City Archaeology Laboratory repository.

 

About the Architectural Heritage Foundation

Founded in 1966 as a not for profit organization with a mission of preserving historic structures at a time when urban renewal was razing large historic portions of cities, AHF has, for 40 years, blended the fields of historic preservation and real estate development, asset management and property management. In 1969 AHF won stewardship of Boston’s Old City Hall, successfully redevelopment the grande dame structure into a thriving restaurant and office building, thereby demonstrating the relevance of adaptive reuse to downtown Boston’s future. AHF continues to manage and maintain Old City Hall, safeguarding its future.Today, AHF is active in both Boston and across the Commonwealth where preservation remains a critical component of economic revitalization.

MassDOT to Motorists: Plan Ahead for I-93 Restrictions through Boston Complete Overnight Closure of the Tip O’Neill Tunnel/I-93 Southbound Tuesday, June 2nd

MassDOT to Motorists: Plan Ahead for I-93 Restrictions through Boston

Complete Overnight Closure of the Tip O’Neill Tunnel/I-93 Southbound Tuesday, June 2^nd  

BOSTON—Starting tomorrow, Tuesday, June 2^nd at 11 PM, overnight into Wednesday, June 3^rd, the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s maintenance schedule will require complete lane closures of the Tip O’Neill Tunnel/I-93 in the southbound direction through Boston.

Beginning at Exit 28 on I-93 southbound, traffic will be diverted to the Mystic Ave Offramp at Exit 28, to begin along the detour route.  Upon exiting the offramp, all traffic will be directed through Sullivan Square to Rutherford Ave, following to the Surface Artery southbound.  At that point, traffic will return to the onramp from Albany Street at Herald Street returning to I-93 southbound.

            

The full closure will begin at 11 PM on Tuesday, June 2^nd, and last until 5 AM Wednesday, June 3^rd.  In the event of inclement weather, the closure will be postponed.

MassDOT encourages drivers to avoid the area and seek alternate routes to minimize delays.  Those traveling through the area should expect delays and should reduce speed and use caution while traveling along the detour routes. 

Work to be performed includes roadway sweeping, wall and sign washing.

For transportation news and updates visit MassDOT at our website: www.mass.gov/massdot, blog:www.mass.gov/blog/transportation, or follow MassDOT on twitter at www.twitter.com/massdo

Social Security Announces New Online Service for Replacement Medicare Cards

Social Security Announces New Online Service for

Replacement Medicare Cards

Available to Recipients with a my Social Security Account

The Social Security Administration introduced the expansion of online services available through its my Social Security portal available at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount. Carolyn W. Colvin, Acting Commissioner of Social Security, announced that Medicare beneficiaries can now obtain a replacement card if they have lost, damaged, or simply need to replace it online using a my Social Security account.

"I’m excited about this newest online feature to the agency’s my Social Security portal and the added convenience we’re providing Medicare beneficiaries," Acting Commissioner Colvin said. "Any my Social Security account holder who misplaces their Medicare card will be able to request a replacement card using their online my Social Security account."

Requesting a replacement card through my Social Security account is a convenient, cost-effective and secure way to ensure Medicare beneficiaries have a critical piece of identification available when required by medical providers as proof of Medicare coverage. Simply access your online my Social Security account at www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount and select the “Replacement Documents” tab. Then select “Mail my replacement Medicare card.” After you request a card, it will arrive in the mail in approximately 30 days.

my Social Security is a secure, online hub for doing business with Social Security, and more than 19 million people have created an a personal account.   Current Social Security beneficiaries can manage their account—change an address, adjust direct deposit, obtain a benefit verification letter, or request a replacement SSA-1099. Account holders still in the workforce can verify their earnings, and obtain estimates of future benefits. In addition to those existing services, Medicare beneficiaries will now be able to request a replacement Medicare card without waiting for a replacement form in the mail.

For more information about my Social Security or to establish an account visit www.socialsecurity.gov/myaccount.

Baker, DeLeo, Rosenberg Initiate Taxpayer Protection Analysis of Boston 2024 Bid

Baker, DeLeo, Rosenberg Initiate Taxpayer Protection Analysis of Boston 2024 Bid

Cambridge-based firm to provide independent review of potential impacts of Olympic bid

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker, House Speaker Robert DeLeo and Senate President Stan Rosenberg announced that The Brattle Group, a global consulting firm based in Cambridge, has been selected to complete an independent analysis of the potential impacts of the 2024 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games being hosted in Boston. The Brattle Group’s review will analyze and evaluate aspects of financing, infrastructure, economic impacts and Commonwealth and taxpayer responsibilities relative to Boston 2024’s bid preparation.

“Hosting the Olympic Games is an opportunity to showcase to the world what makes Massachusetts great and as the process continues, having a robust analysis of this massive undertaking will be extremely helpful in ensuring transparency and protections for taxpayers,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We look forward to this work and the ability of the Massachusetts public to review Boston 2024’s plans when they become available in the coming weeks.”

“This incredible chance for Massachusetts must include deliberative and thoughtful discussions about the potential impacts and the Commonwealth and taxpayers’ role as an Olympic host,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “The opportunity for a transparent evaluation of the Boston 2024 bid is an important and necessary part of this process to inform and protect the taxpayers, public and communities who would be most directly affected.”

“As Massachusetts pursues this historic opportunity, we must do everything we can do to protect the taxpayer and exercise fiscal prudence,” said Speaker DeLeo. “By conducting a thorough and independent review of the 2024 Olympic proposal, we are better positioned to protect taxpayers, hear from the Commonwealth’s citizens and understand the various impacts associated with hosting the Olympics.”

“While traveling across the state the past few months I have heard from many people who believe that hosting the Olympics is an exciting opportunity for the Commonwealth, as long as the Games are privately funded.  Bringing the Olympics to Massachusetts is an extremely complicated endeavor and we must remain vigilant to protect the taxpayers,” said Senate President Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst).  “The Brattle Group brings third party expertise to help analyze Boston 2024’s plans when they become available.  I look forward to working with them to provide additional transparency and accountability during this process.”

The Brattle Group’s analysis, to be completed by mid-August, will target a review of the following areas: financial evaluation; economic impacts; funding mechanisms; insurance requirements and protection of taxpayers; infrastructure investments; and responsibilities of the Commonwealth.  The Brattle Group will be assisted by financial reporting and accounting experts from Floyd Advisory LLC.  Four proposals were submitted and reviewed by a selection committee consisting of representatives of the administration, the President of the Senate and Speaker of the House. The contract for a review is capped at $250,000 with support from the Office of the Governor and the Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development.

The selection of Brattle follows a collaborative effort initiated in March by Governor Baker, President Rosenberg and Speaker DeLeo to publish a request for response (RFR) seeking an independent analysis of Boston 2024’s plans with regards to potential costs, responsibilities and risks borne by state and local government.

台商盃高球賽蔡高進打出老鷹率隊奪冠

新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會（TCCNE）主辦的第十四屆台商盃高爾夫球賽，5 月30日由蔡高進、林展輝、趙復興、和吳晟這隊，以低於標準十二桿佳績，贏得冠軍。

            新英格蘭台商會今年的高球賽，仍由蔡坤喜醫師統籌，在坎頓鎮 Ponkapoag高爾夫球場舉行，共有16到83歲的64名球友組成16隊，在風和日麗，陽光普照中比賽，每個人心情都很High。

            駐波士頓台北經濟文化辦事處處長賴銘琪，副處長陳銘俊，也熱情的親自下場，揮桿參加比賽。

            蔡高進、林展輝、趙復興、和吳晟這隊，今年對冠軍寶座顯然志在必得，不但訂做制服，賽前還每週至少集訓二、三次，每次打三十六洞，認真得沒話講。

            賽後在傅萊明罕鎮荷花苑餐廳舉行頒獎聚餐時，吳昊和林展輝都興奮無比，爭說蔡高進當天有如神助，無論是近距切球（approach），推桿，發球全都表現超水準，還打出低於標準桿兩桿的“老鷹（eagle）”成績。趙復興也說，即使是職業高爾夫球賽，在一場之中能打出“老鷹”的次數也不是太多。

            蔡坤喜在主持頒獎時表示，這場比賽不僅砥礪球技，聯絡感情，更發揮慈善精神，籌得的款項，將捐給加斯林糖尿病中心。他感謝當天參加比賽的所有球員，指出其中有人遠從北卡，紐約，加拿大趕來，誠意實在感人。

            蔡坤喜為增加球技切磋效應，今年頗花心思，邀得兩名高球好手參加比賽。其中一人是這天勇奪女子組離洞最近獎，曾經是資深職業高爾夫球手的Wendy Wood。她一球揮出242碼，離洞僅四分之一吋，讓一旁觀賽者紛紛驚嘆。另一人是曾連奪兩屆新英格蘭地區業餘高球比賽冠軍的 24歲青年Chad McGarry。他一桿揮出285碼，也看得人們直呼神奇。

            當天比賽的亞軍隊，打出低於標準桿九桿成績，隊員全為西人，包括Michael Williams, Anetta Williams, Joe Damaino, John Thomas 。季軍低於標準桿八桿，隊員包括孫子明，Chad McGarry, Charlie Sheppard, Michael Cerricelli 。

其他獎項得獎者分別為，女子最長距離獎Susan Kohen (242碼)，女子離洞最近獎Wendy Wood，男子最長距離獎Marc Differ (287碼)，男子離洞最近獎許炳煌。

            蔡坤喜為誌記今年的比賽盛況，特地做了首打油詩，“豔陽高照台商盃，今年已是十四屆，各方好手來組隊，互蹉球技話家常，友誼互動兼慈善，華洋球友皆稱讚，頒獎歡聚荷花苑，期盼相會在明年”。

            新英格蘭大波士頓台灣商會（TCCNE）今年的球賽，還有一項特色，就是首次有來自中國大陸人士參加比賽。參加該會高爾夫球俱樂部練球活動，有的跟隨蔡高進學打高爾夫球的球手，包括小尾羊連鎖餐廳總經理徐誠，Genki Ya日式料理餐廳老闆于捷，以及黃小晅等人，打完球後，也都參加了頒獎聚餐，和該會高爾夫球俱樂部負責人胡美惠律師，相談甚歡。在中華高爾夫球協會比賽中得過冠軍的金雪松，這天也是第一次參加台商盃高爾夫球賽，應陳永茂之邀，和蔣繼美等人組隊參賽。

圖片說明：

            經文處處長賴銘琪（中）應邀頒獎給冠軍隊，右起，蔡高進，林展輝，吳晟，趙復興。（圖由主辦單位提供）

            胡美惠（左二），蔡高進（中）和參加高爾夫球俱樂部活動的于捷（左起），徐誠，黃小晅會後合影。（圖由主辦單位提供）

蔡坤喜（右旁）請經文處處長賴銘琪（中）應邀頒獎給冠軍隊，右起，蔡高進，林展輝，吳晟，趙復興。（圖由主辦單位提供）

劍橋合唱團揮別“無憾春天” 迎接暑期音樂營

劍橋合唱團在演唱完畢後謝幕。（周菊子攝)

(Boston Orange 周菊子劍橋市報導)為“那一次無憾的春天”在五月下旬圓滿演唱一場之後，劍橋合唱團刻正邀請有興趣者參加“暑期音樂營”，從四次的週五練習中，認識韓德爾、莫札特、貝多芬、卡爾奧福等人的四首名曲。

演唱結束時，有人向指揮顏毓芬（右一）獻花。（周菊子攝)

            劍橋合唱團團長陳立英表示，這是該團首次舉辦暑期合唱音樂營，希望能讓那些對古典合唱音樂有興趣的人，在六月份的四個週五中，有機會進一步認識韓德爾的"彌賽亞"，莫札特的"安魂曲"，貝多芬的 "合唱交響曲"，以及卡爾奧福的"布蘭詩歌"等四首著名交響樂合唱曲。

        劍橋合唱團是個成立於1992年的合唱團。三十餘年來，團員來來去去，但團員們對合唱曲的喜好，卻從未稍減，還在現任團長陳立英，指揮顏毓芬的經營中，做了許多新嘗試。

            日前該團在麻省理工學院教室舉行“那一次無憾的春天”春季公演時，上下半場各七首的演唱曲，中英夾雜，民歌，古謠，西方名曲兼具。

 左起，劉勝仁，李津惠是劍橋合唱團中最年長團員。加入才兩，三年。（周菊子攝)

            一名團員透露，該團目前的成員比較熟悉，也擅長演唱傳統歌曲，演唱新作詞曲，西方名樂，頗具挑戰性，但也給了他們更多的學習樂趣。

            在“那一次無憾的春天”中，劍橋合唱團已王大空作詞，李抱忱作曲的“人生如夢”拉開序幕。一名出席聽眾會後表示，聽得真有沈入夢中，不願醒來的感覺。

            接著由許建吾作詞，黃有棣作曲，由魏禹嫻，陳映嘉，趙詩怡獨唱部分段落的“問鶯燕”，饒昌憨作詞，李鍾合作曲，陳紹韻編曲的“星月交輝”，青海民歌“在那遙遠的地方”，以及“遊子吟”，“快樂的聚會”，各有特色。兩首洋文歌分別是“Linden Lea”和“O Happy Eyes”。

周鑫泉（右）由夫婿鍾信忠陪同出席音樂會，聽人演唱她自己作的曲。（周菊子攝

        下半場的演唱歌曲包括三首洋文歌，“Perhaps Love”，“Ｉwill remember you”，“Roar“，以及三首中文歌，”佛手“，雨中即景”，“城南送別”。

            其中由蔣勳作詞，石青如作曲的“佛手”一曲，還特地在林宜穎的鋼琴伴奏之外，安排了江翊綺拉小提琴。

            “城南送別”則是李叔同，林海音作詞，周鑫泉，John Pon Ordway作曲，再由周鑫泉編成合唱曲的版本。

        為表支持，周鑫泉在夫婿鍾信忠陪同下，當晚特地出席，欣賞團員包括72歲的李津惠，79歲劉勝仁的劍橋合唱團，如何演繹她譜的曲。

 “佛手”一曲，還有小提琴伴奏。（周菊子攝）

查詢劍橋合唱團(MIT-CCCS)六月份合唱音樂營者，可洽 cccs-officers@mit.edu，或217-766-3035。

         

  劍橋合唱團演唱。（周菊子攝)

           ）

        

劍橋合唱團團員演唱時十分投入。（周菊子攝)