杭亭頓劇院邀你 2/23 和導演座談

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE             

CONTACT: Desiree Barry, dbarry@huntingtontheatre.org / 617 273 1518

HUNTINGTON THEATRE COMPANY PRESENTS FREE COMMUNITY EVENT IN CONJUNCTION WITH TOPDOG/UNDERDOG ON THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23 AT THE STRAND THEATRE WITH DIRECTOR BILLY PORTER AND WCVB-TV’S KAREN HOLMES WARD

WHAT:  Topdog/Underdog community event at the Strand

WHEN: Thursday, February 23 at 7:30pm (doors open at 7pm)

WHERE: Strand Theatre, 543 Columbia Road, Boston

                TICKETS: Free and open to the public. RSVP

(BOSTON, MA) – Huntington Theatre Company in partnership with Dorchester’s Strand Theatre presents a free community event on Thursday, February 23 at 7:30pm in conjunction with the Huntington’s upcoming production of Topdog/Underdog.

The evening will feature a discussion about Suzan-Lori Parks’ Pulitzer Prize-winning play Topdog/Underdog and its powerful resonance for contemporary audiences with director and Tony Award-winning artist Billy Porter (Kinky Boots) and Karen Holmes Ward, Director of Public Affairs and Community Services and WCVB-TV’s host and executive producer of “CityLine.” A scene from the production will also be performed by Matthew J. Harris (Booth)and Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (Lincoln).

The evening is free and open to the public, but RSVPs are encouraged.

The upcoming event continues the Huntington’s longstanding tradition of bringing its work beyond its homes on the Avenue of the Arts and in the South End to Boston’s neighborhoods and communities, including past events at the Strand Theatre (Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner in 2014; A Raisin in the Sun in 2013; Breath, Boom in 2003), Hibernian Hall (Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom in2012), and Roxbury Community College (Gem of the Ocean in 2004; Radio Golf in 2006; Fences in 2009).

The Huntington Theatre Company’s production of Topdog/Underdog by Suzan-Lori Parks plays March 10 – April 9, 2017 at the Avenue of the Arts / BU Theatre. Tickets start at $25. More information athuntingtontheatre.org/topdog-underdog.   

ABOUT THE SHOWTopdog/Underdog is a darkly comic, deeply theatrical fable about family wounds and healing bonds. Lincoln and Booth are brothers: best friends and bitter rivals. Lincoln, a former 3-card monte hustler, works as a Lincoln impersonator in a shooting gallery; Booth is an aspiring grifter. He tempts his brother to get back in the game, but the consequences could be deadly. The New York Times says Topdog/Underdog is a “thrilling comic drama. Dazzlingly written,” and Entertainment Weekly says “Topdog/Underdog is demandingly smart and resonant!”

ABOUT THE SPEAKERS

Karen Holmes Ward (Host) is the Director of Public Affairs and Community Services as well as host and executive producer of “CityLine,” WCVB-TV’s award-winning weekly magazine program which addresses the accomplishments, concerns, and issues facing people of color living in Boston and its suburbs. Many notables including Oscar winners Lupita Nyong’o, Octavia Spencer, Lou Gossett, and Denzel Washington as well as Oscar nominees Chiwetel Ejiofor, Oprah Winfrey, and Quvenzhane Wallis have been interviewed by Ms. Holmes Ward for “CityLine.” “CityLine” has been a recipient of the Associated Press Massachusetts/Rhode Island ‘Best’ Public Affairs Program and numerous Emmy Award nominations. Ms. Holmes Ward also oversees WCVB’s public service and community outreach efforts including the station’s work on Extreme Makeover: My Hometown, raising awareness about the need for affordable housing in the Greater Boston area, and WCVB’s first-of-its-kind web-based initiative, Commonwealth 5. This online project promotes philanthropy by matching viewer-donors with non-profits via the Internet. CommonWealth 5 was nominated for a National Emmy Award. WCVB’s community service efforts during and following the Boston Marathon attack were honored with a National Association of Broadcasters ‘Service to Community in Television’ award. A graduate of Boston University’s School of Public Communications (now COM), Ms. Holmes Ward has received numerous awards for her work in the community including the Boston Jaycees Ten Outstanding Young Leaders Award; National Association of Black Journalists Region I Journalist of the Year; Big Sister of Greater Boston Achievement Award; Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts President’s Award; and Women of Courage and Conviction Award from the Greater Boston Section National Council of Negro Women, Inc. among others.

Billy Porter (Director) returns to the Huntington having previously directed The Colored Museum. He is the 2013 Tony, Grammy, Drama Desk, and Outer Critics Circle Award winner for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Lola in the Tony Award-winning Best Musical Kinky Boots. He was recently seen on Broadway in Shuffle Along, or, the Making of the Musical Sensation of 1921 and All That Followed. Mr. Porter’s one-man show Ghetto Superstar (2005 GLAAD Media Award nomination, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Performer of the Year 2003–2004) debuted at The Public Theater in conjunction with City Theatre of Pittsburgh. His other directing credits include Company; HAM: A Musical Memoir with Sam Harris; The Wiz; Being Alive: The Soul of Sondheim; Twilight in Manchego; Once on This Island (NAACP Theatre Award winner for Best Direction); The Soul of Richard Rodgers; Five Guys Named Moe; Altar Boyz; Rent (Associate Director, Off Broadway revival); Patina Miller Live at The Delfonte Room (London); and Signed, Sealed, Delivered: The Music of Stevie Wonder (starring Chaka Khan). His Broadway album, Billy’s Back on Broadway (Concord Records) was released in 2014. His single Edelweiss: #blessourhomeland was released on Inauguration day and the full album, Billy Porter Presents the Soul of Richard Rodgers will be released in April of 2017. Some of his film and television work includes The Broken Hearts Club, The Humbling, Billy Porter: Broadway & Soul (PBS), “Law & Order,” and “The Get Down.” As a playwright, Mr. Porter was represented Off Broadway in 2014 with the premiere of While I Yet Live starring S. Epatha Merkerson (Primary Stages). A Pittsburgh native, he received his BFA in drama from Carnegie Mellon University. He is also a graduate of UCLA’s professional program in screenwriting. The Huntington will honor Mr. Porter with the Wimberly Award alongside Mayor Martin J. Walsh at this year’s Spotlight Spectacular gala on Monday, April 24, 2017.

ABOUT THE ARTISTS

Matthew J. Harris (Booth) recently appeared in Kirsten Greenidge’s Milk Like Sugar at the Huntington. He has regional credits that include In the Heights (Walnut Street Theatre), A Comedy of Errors (Theater at Monmouth), and Twelfth Night (Shakesperience Productions, Inc.). Some of his New York credits include A Midsummer Night’s Dream (The Classical Theatre of Harlem), Macbeth (Pulse Ensemble Theatre), She Calls Me Firefly (New Perspectives Theatre), and Trouble (New York Musical Theatre Festival). His television credits include “Blindspot” and “Person of Interest.” He can also be heard and seen in commercials for Coke Zero, Verizon, Zaxby’s, Footlocker, Bounty, and more. Mr. Harris is also a hip-hop dancer, teacher, and choreographer at Man in Motion. maninmotionnyc.com. matthewjharris.net.

Tyrone Mitchell Henderson (Lincoln) previously appeared in Blues for an Alabama Sky at the Huntington. He has also appeared in Bring in ‘da Noise, Bring in ‘da Funk on Broadway. His Off Broadway credits include Rancho Viejo(Playwrights Horizons), The America Play, Two Noble Kinsmen, and The Tempest (The Public Theater/NYSF), The Piano Lesson (Signature Theatre), and The Public Sings (New York City Center). His regional credits include Aubergine and Intelligent Homosexuals Guide… (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), WAR, The Winter’s Tale, and The Piano Lesson (Yale Repertory Theatre), Jitney (Actors Theatre of Louisville), Radio Golf (Milwaukee Repertory Theater), Romeo & Juliet, Antony and Cleopatra, and Julius Caesar (Shakespeare Theatre Company), and Angels in America (Alliance Theatre and Dallas Theatre Center). His television credits include “Elementary,” “House of Cards,” “Orange is the New Black,” “Unforgettable,” “Boardwalk Empire,” “The Following,” “Suits,” and “Law and Order.” He is the recipient of the Dallas Theater Critics Award (Leon Rabin) for Featured Actor in Angels in America. Mr. Henderson is the founder of Quick Silver Theater Company. QuickSilverTheater.com. TyroneMitchellHenderson.com.

Governor Baker Announces State Office Closures for Non-Emergency State Employees

Governor Baker Announces State Office Closures for Non-Emergency State Employees

BOSTON – Tonight, Governor Charlie Baker announced that state offices will be closed tomorrow for non-emergency, executive branch state employees. Due to the upcoming winter storm, the Baker-Polito Administration is urging everyone to stay off roadways if possible, allowing crews to clear snow that will accumulate across the state throughout the day.

“Tomorrow’s forecast is expected to create hazardous driving conditions across many parts of the Commonwealth. To prioritize public safety, we are asking everyone to stay off the roads to allow crews to safely clear snow or use public transportation,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Please assist us by shoveling driveways and sidewalks in your communities, and be sure to lend a hand to neighbors in need.”

The Baker-Polito Administration remains in close contact with the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, National Weather Service, MassDOT and State Police to monitor the forecast and will work to alert the public with important updates or notifications. The MBTA Storm Desk will continue to monitor rail service throughout the storm and provide updates to commuters at MBTA.com/winter.

State Office Closures: State offices will be closed for all non-emergency, executive branch state employees on Thursday, February 9, 2017.

Highway Travel: Commutes and travel will be significantly impacted with snow covered roads, low visibility and possible white-out conditions.  Motorists should stay off the roads and use public transit when possible. If you must drive, please exercise caution, “don’t crowd the plow”,  and stay behind snow removal equipment on the roadways.

MBTA: The MBTA, including the commuter rail, is preparing to operate on a normal schedule tomorrow. Commuters are encouraged to be patient, allow plenty of time for travel and plan ahead by checking MBTA.com/winter or @MBTA on Twitter for real-time updates.

Public Safety: Please clear home and auto exhaust vents to prevent carbon monoxide exposure and avoid downed utility wires. Also, please assist in keeping sidewalks, and fire hydrants and storm drains in your neighborhood clear.

The State Emergency Operations Center at MEMA Headquarters in Framingham will be activating tomorrow morning to provide situational awareness and coordinate any requested assistance to cities and towns

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY FOR WINTER STORM NIKO

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES PREPARATIONS, SNOW EMERGENCY FOR WINTER STORM NIKO Urges residents to take caution, abide by snow emergency regulations

BOSTON - Wednesday, February 8, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced preparations for tomorrow's winter storm, Niko, which is anticipated to bring eight to 14 inches of snow to Boston. The National Weather Service has issued a weather storm warning, in effect from 6 am to 8 pm Thursday. Temps will be bitterly cold, falling to 17˚ by 5 p.m., low of 9˚ later at night. High wind gusts could reach up to 40 mph in the afternoon. There will be a windchill of -7˚. Mayor Walsh has declared a snow emergency, beginning at 10 a.m. on Thursday, February 9th. Residents can park in designated discounted garages two hours before the snow emergency takes effect. A full list of garages is available at boston.gov.   The Boston Public Works Department (PWD) will have 600 pieces of equipment on the roads. PWD will start pretreating roads early morning before snow starts. Street cleanup crews will remove flex posts on Mass Ave. to maintain bike lanes during snow removal. "We are encouraging residents to use caution when traveling, assist the elderly and disabled, and keep up with the shoveling of their property throughout the storm tomorrow," said Mayor Walsh. "The City offers a number of resources geared towards keeping residents safe and aware of current conditions. I encourage everyone to sign up for emergency notifications through AlertBoston and utilize our 311 call center for non-emergency related issues." To find out more information about resources and services available to residents, please visit boston.gov/snow. Rules on Clearing Snow Property owners must clear snow, sleet and ice from sidewalks and curb ramps abutting the property within three hours after the snowfall ends or three hours after sunrise if it snows overnight. Failure to comply will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Removal of snow, ice from a private property to the street or sidewalk is prohibited and will result in a fine issued by Boston Public Works Code Enforcement. Please look here for information about fines associated with improper removal of snow. Safety Tips Shoveling snow requires significant exertion, please be cautious and pay attention to symptoms. Stop if you feel chest pain, shortness of breath, lightheaded, nauseous/vomiting. Call 911 if those symptoms do not resolve quickly when you stop exertion. Snow piles can make navigating intersections dangerous for walkers and drivers, please take extra care when turning corners with snow piles that might limit visibility. Pedestrians should use caution as visibility will be diminished due to blowing and drifting of the snow caused by high winds. Carbon Monoxide poisoning is a concern during winter weather, especially with the use of generators. Residents should be sure to use their home heating systems wisely and safety, and have a working carbon monoxide detector on each floor of your home. Call 911 immediately if you suspect Carbon Monoxide poisoning. Sitting in a car while idling can be deadly if the tailpipe is blocked. Do not let children sit in an idling car while shoveling. Clear any household exhaust pipes of snow. For example, gas exhaust from heating system or dryer. Remember to keep catch basins and fire hydrants clear. Please check on neighbors, especially the elderly and disabled. Have a contractor check the roof to see if snow needs to be removed. If roof snow can be removed from the ground with the use of a snow-rake, do so with caution. Avoid working from ladders and be mindful of slippery surfaces. Public Libraries & Community Centers All Boston Public Libraries and Boston Centers for Youth & Families Community centers will be open during normal business hours. Please check their schedules here. Helping the Homeless If you see homeless individuals out  in the cold who appear immobile, disoriented or underdressed for the cold, please call 911. The Boston Public Health Commission (BPHC) coordinates a city-wide network of emergency shelters, outreach providers, city agencies and first responders to assist those in need of shelter. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. Men can access shelters through 112 Southampton Street, and women should go to the Woods-Mullen Shelter at 794 Massachusetts Ave. BPHC and the City are working closely with shelter providers to ensure that no client is without shelter, food, resources, and a warm respite from the cold. Emergency shelters are open 24 hours and will accept any person in need. During extreme cold weather, street outreach teams operate with extended hours and provide mobile outreach vans on the streets in the evening and throughout the day. Residents are encouraged to sign-up for AlertBoston to receive emergency alerts and to call 311, download the BOS:311 app, or tweet at @BOS311 with questions or concerns. Follow @CityofBoston and boston.gov/snow for the latest updates.

愛國者隊贏超級盃 波士頓球迷瘋狂慶祝

              (Boston Orange 周菊子綜合整理) 波士頓華埠居民黃周麗桃說，2月7日 可真是見識到了甚麼叫做水洩不通。數以萬計的民眾，冒著飄雪，全擠上街，向剛奇蹟式贏得超級盃冠軍的新英格蘭愛國者隊遊行隊伍歡呼致意，情緒高昂得不得了。

                           麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)在遊行進行時，甚至激動地宣佈，2月7日是愛國者隊日。

                           所有談到愛國者隊贏球經過的人，都要連用好幾個驚嘆號，還覺得不足以表達他們的認為這是歷來最棒的一次超級盃球賽。球迷們一大早就呼朋引伴搭車進城，要趕去為愛國者隊的慶功遊行助陣，一邊興奮的談論球賽經過，直說簡直讓人不敢相信。

                           球迷們全都陶醉在奇蹟式贏得超級盃的喜悅中，儘管天下著微雨，飄著雪，沿著波士頓廣場到波士頓市政府廣場的路上，全都是攜家帶眷，擠上街頭，爬上樹梢，攀著窗戶的球迷們，拿著手機，拼命拍照。管他經過的是球員，教練，球隊東家，還是倫巴地獎盃(Lombardi Trophy)，一個不漏。

                         有球迷帶著一塊標語，寫著”我媽愛湯姆布萊迪多過愛我”。其他球迷笑說，在這天，沒人會怪那個媽媽。

                            湯姆布萊迪(Tom Brady)在2月5日這天，為波士頓帶來自2012年以來的第5個超級盃冠軍，也為他自己在這每年最大的比賽中，又贏得一次年度表現最佳球員，讓愛國者隊贏得超級盃歷史上第一次的在延長賽中奪冠紀錄。

                           2月7日，球迷們一點不受天氣影響，儘管很冷，地面又濕，全都擠上街頭向湯姆布萊迪喊著GOAT，意味著歷來最佳的GOAT (Greatest of all Time)。

這次的比賽，在亞特蘭大雄鷹(Falcons)隊以28比3領先時，愛國者隊看來簡直就是沒希望了。沒有人想到，愛國者隊後來竟能拿下31分，最後以34比28贏得了不可能的勝利。

從2000年以來，這其實是新英格蘭第10次慶祝勝利，5次是愛國者隊(Pats)，3次是紅襪隊，1次式賽爾特隊(Celtics)，1次是Bruins。(所有圖片黃周麗桃提供)

波士頓街頭歡迎愛國者隊人群

波士頓9日可能降雪14吋

(Boston Orange) 當大波士頓還正沉浸在慶祝愛國者隊贏得超級盃冠軍的瘋狂歡喜中，享受著2月8日將近華氏60度的氣溫時，天氣預報竟然就說9日會有暴風雪，而且可能降雪14吋。

波士頓環球報指出，由於南部的春暖和北部的冷鋒差異，二月份經常是大波士頓風雪最大的時候。2月7日週二下午，華府，巴爾地摩有些地方的氣溫就將近華氏70度，但南緬因州的氣溫卻才十幾度，就是這種氣溫差異的例子。

週四這場風雪將會很嚴厲，移動得很快，大約落日時分來到，持續到週五。週四時會有大約12小時的暴風雪，讓波士頓一帶積雪8到14吋。

週五的天氣會是冷，亮，氣溫大約華氏20多度，所以雪不會融化。

波士頓是全美第八最佳居住城市

            (Boston Orange) 美國新聞及世界報導雜誌最近把波士頓列為全美第八個最適宜居住都會城市。

            美國新聞及世界報導的年度最佳居住地點名單，是用就業市場，生活開銷，包括犯罪率，醫療護理，教育，健康，交通等的生活品質，人們希望在那兒住的程度，有多少人搬去那兒了等因素來評估全美最大的100個都會，才排出來的。

            評估方法是綜合了人口統計數據及調查，得出1到10的評分。波士頓的綜合總分為7.1。

            波士頓獲得高評分的領域包括就業市場，8.9分，受歡迎程度8.2分。波士頓的生活品質及移居人數得分為6.7。得分最低的領域是價值，5.8分。   

            美國新聞及世界報導指出，波士頓都會區不只是房屋貴，住宅的中位價格高達321,436元，而且諸如醫療費用，雜貨等生活必須項目，都比全國平均數高15%到18%。

            波士頓市的排名，在德州奧斯丁，加州丹佛、聖荷西，華府，阿肯薩州Fayetteville，西雅圖，以及北卡羅萊納州的Raleigh，Durham。

中華語文學校慶農曆新春辦中華文化日

中華語文學校校長王華旦(左)與波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉合影

波士頓中華語文學校2月5日下午在校內舉辦「中華文化日」，全校師生、家長200多人，見面互道恭喜，穿梭在擺得滿滿的美食及年節文化攤位中，欣賞學生們的歌唱、舞蹈表演，年節喜慶氣氛濃厚。

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉當天應邀出席，向與會人士拜年，並轉達僑務委員會吳新興委員長對海外僑胞鄉親的問候與祝福。他也稱許中華語文學校校長王華旦，帶領師生，為堅守中華文化，推展華語文教育，傳揚我國多元優質文化做出不小貢獻。

波士頓中華語文學校設置美食攤位，讓師生家長一起享用，共度新春佳節

羅德島華人協會慶丁酉金雞年

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉(中)及羅州克蘭斯頓市(Cranston, RI.)市長

馮偉傑(Allan Fung()左)向僑胞鄉親賀歲拜年。旁為司儀胡少娟。

(Boston Orange) 羅德島州華人協會2月4日在查爾斯喜 (Charles E Shea) 高中慶祝丁酉金雞年到來，500多僑胞和當地居民絡繹抵達，欣賞節目，歡喜拜年，小孩子們領紅包，熱鬧開心。

羅州功夫團在春節聯歡會表演舞獅及功夫

“把酒當歌歌盛事，聞雞起舞舞新春” 。 羅島華協今年的春節慶祝會在各方共襄盛舉中，格外精彩，其中邵鹿邑師傅創辦的羅州功夫團演出祥獅獻瑞，張昆、黃美晴夫婦創辦的中華民俗藝術工作坊，穿著剛從台灣訂做回來的全新舞服，表演「繁花似錦」、「圓燈踏月」等年節應景節目，尤其受歡迎。胡少娟中英粵語俱佳的揮灑自如主持功力，更為慶祝會添色不少。

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉，羅州克蘭斯頓市(Cranston)市長馮偉杰(Allan Fung)伉儷等貴賓，都應邀到會，向僑胞鄉親拜年賀歲。

歐宏偉在致詞時，特別感謝華人協會會長吳子平、主席葉超及副主席陳和棟等人在羅德島州協助推展外交工作，每年舉辦羅德島州龍舟賽及臺灣日，促進當地僑胞對臺灣多元優質文化的認識。歐宏偉還代表中華民國政府及僑務委員會向與會僑胞拜年，轉達駐波士頓臺北經濟文化辦事處處長賴銘琪的問候。

歐宏偉和克蘭斯頓市市長馮偉杰，以及葉超、陳和棟等人分送賴銘琪處長提供的紅包，更是讓出席小朋友體會了一把中國人的傳統過年習俗。發紅包的大人，領紅包的小朋友，都一樣開心。(圖與內容僑教中心提供)

中華民俗藝術工作坊安排「圓燈踏月」等年節應景的舞蹈節目

紐英崙中華民俗藝術工作坊表演的舞蹈曲目，深獲現場觀眾喜愛

波士頓慈濟人文學校 修福持慧迎新春

波士頓慈濟人文學校校長齊君明主持「竹筒回娘家」，鼓勵學生

積沙成丘，累積小善成就大事。

波士頓慈濟人文學校於2月5日上午舉行新春聯歡會，安排舞獅、歌唱、朗誦、相聲、舞蹈及樂器表演等節目，由校長齊君明主持竹筒回娘家活動，並和波士頓慈濟聯絡處負責人吳建發師兄一起致送「福慧紅包」，師姐們也致送每戶「福慧袋」一個，讓200餘位參加活動的師生及家長接收到證嚴上人的祝福。

波士頓慈濟人文學校新春聯歡，幼稚園學生表演歌唱節目

波士頓僑教中心主任歐宏偉及駐波士頓臺北經文處教育組秘書黃瑋婷應邀出席，向與會人士賀歲拜年。歐宏偉轉達僑務委員會吳新興委員長對海外僑胞鄉親的問候與祝福，並肯定慈濟人文學校積極推展華語文及傳揚我國多元優質文化的貢獻，尤其是慈濟的靜思語教學，更能在學生心中埋下一顆良善的種子，將來更能修福持慧，力行「心存好念、口說好話、身行好事」的三好運動；黃瑋婷則感謝慈濟人文學校協助舉辦波士頓地區華語文能力測驗，希望慈濟持續在主流社會推展各項文化交流活動。(圖與文，僑教中心司君凱)

波士頓慈濟人文學校新春聯歡，幼稚園學生表演歌唱節目

波士頓慈濟聯絡處師姐致送與會師生每戶一個「福慧袋」。

波士頓慈濟聯絡處負責人吳建發師兄致送家長及學生「福慧紅包」。

麻州長宣佈非緊急人員遲2小時上班

Governor Baker Announces Two Hour Delay for Non-Emergency State Employees

BOSTON – This morning, Governor Charlie Baker announced a two-hour delay for all non-emergency state employees due to icy road conditions and highway closures. 

"The administration is implementing a two hour delay to allow road crews to treat dangerously icy roadways and to respond to several, multi-vehicle crashes,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “We urge all drivers to exercise extreme caution as driving is very difficult due to icy conditions and to be patient as public safety officials respond to multiple incidents impacting our highways."

Governor Baker Nominates Justice Elspeth Cypher to Supreme Judicial Court

Governor Baker Nominates Justice Elspeth Cypher to Supreme Judicial Court

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito today announced the nomination of Massachusetts Appeals Court Senior Associate Justice Elspeth “Ellie” B. Cypher to serve as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Judicial Court (SJC). The nomination is Governor Baker’s fourth to the Commonwealth’s highest court. If confirmed by the Governor’s Council, Justice Cypher will replace retiring Justice Margo Botsford.

“Justice Cypher will bring nearly three decades of broad civil and criminal, trial and appellate experience, including the last sixteen years on the Appeals Court, to the Supreme Judicial Court,” said Governor Baker. “We thank Justice Botsford for her service, wish her well in her retirement and also appreciate the work of the Supreme Judicial Court Nominating Commission, my Chief Legal Counsel Lon Povich and Judicial Nominating Commission Executive Director Sharon Casey, in recommending diverse and experienced candidates. I am confident that, if confirmed, Justice Cypher’s temperament and understanding of the law will continue to advance the strong tradition of the Commonwealth’s highest court.”

Justice Cypher was joined by family, friends and colleagues for the formal announcement today at the State House with the Governor and Lt. Governor. 

“The Supreme Judicial Court and the citizens of the Commonwealth will be well served with the addition of Justice Cypher’s sense of justice and civil and knowledge of the law,” said Lt. Governor Polito. “We are, on behalf of the Commonwealth, grateful for the service of Justice Botsford, and look forward to the Governor’s Council’s consideration of Justice Cypher who has demonstrated her ability to work closely with her colleagues and consider matters fairly and impartially in service to the court and all those who appear before it.”

"Justice Cypher is one of the Appeals Court’s finest judges,” said Chief Justice Scott Kafker. “She is fair, experienced and wise and would be an admirable addition to the Supreme Judicial Court."

The Supreme Judicial Court (SJC) is the Commonwealth's highest appellate court, consisting of the Chief Justice and six Associate Justices. The seven Justices hear appeals on a broad range of criminal and civil cases from September through May and issue written opinions that are posted online.

For more information about the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court, visithttp://www.mass.gov/courts/court-info/sjc/. 

In February of 2016, Governor Baker named a statewide 12-member Supreme Judicial Nominating Commission (SJC-NC) to recruit, screen and recommend applicants to fill an unprecedented number of upcoming vacancies on the Commonwealth’s highest court.

Associate Justices Kimberly Budd, Frank Gaziano and David Lowy joined the SJC last summer following their nomination by Governor Baker and unanimous approvals by the Governor’s Council. The process was re-opened last October with the expected retirements of Justice Botsford and Justice Geraldine Hines later this year. All judicial nominations are subject to the advice and consent of the Governor’s Council.

About Justice Elspeth “Ellie” B. Cypher:

The Honorable Elspeth “Ellie” B. Cypher was appointed to the Massachusetts Appeals Court in 2000 by Governor Paul Cellucci and now serves as the Senior Associate Justice. In addition to fulfilling the courts role of hearing and deciding criminal and civil appellate cases, Justice Cypher’s role includes chairing the personnel committee and assisting the Chief Justice, Scott L. Kafker, with management of cases and court staff, and fulfilling the duties of the Chief Justice in the event of illness or absence.

Prior to her appointment to the Appeals Court, Justice Cypher served for twelve years with the Bristol County District Attorney’s Office as an Assistant District Attorney (1988-1993), and later, Chief of Appeals (1993-2000). There she supervised attorneys and support staff in the District Attorney’s Office and wrote and edited appellate briefs and argued cases before the Appeals and Supreme Judicial Courts. From 1994-2006, Justice Cypher also served as a Senior Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Massachusetts School of Law, formerly the Southern New England School of Law. Before joining public service and upon obtaining her law degree, Justice Cypher represented clients in employment law, personal injury, consumer protection and criminal matters for Grayer, Brown and Dilday, a small general practice law firm in Boston.

Justice Cypher earned her Bachelor of Arts from Emerson College in 1980 and obtained her juris doctorate degree from Suffolk University Law School in 1986 where she was also a Literary Editor of the Law Review. Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Justice Cypher and her wife, Sharon Levesque, reside in Assonet and have one son.