花果靈根集音樂會 八名演奏家展現中樂優雅美妙

       

"花果靈根集"八名演奏家謝幕。(中華表演藝術基金會提供)

     (Boston Orange 周菊子整理報導) 中華表演藝術基金會邀八名中國樂器演奏家演出的”花果靈根集”音樂會，9月23日晚在新英格蘭音樂學院喬登廳再造轟動場面，不但觀眾掌聲雷動，專家也稱之為令人大開眼界的”中國樂器視聽饗宴”。

              這場“花果靈根集”是北美中樂團的中國管樂三大金剛，包鍵、胡建兵及陳濤和古箏翁慧、古琴劉麗、琵琶周懿、二胡夏文傑、及大提琴家 Mike Block等八名演奏家，以10首別具特色的即興音樂，演繹華人離散海外，有如花果飄零心情的音樂會。

              這八名演奏家在各自領域都有傑出成就，其中的胡建兵和Mike Block都是馬友友所創辦的”絲路合奏團(silk road ensemble)”成員。

左起，胡建兵，陳濤，包鍵，周懿，中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵，劉麗，翁慧，
Mike Block，夏文傑等人合影。(中華表演藝術基金會提供Chi Wei Lo攝)

麻州大學波士頓分校表演藝術系前主任David Patterson在音樂會後發表了一篇評論，稱這場演奏會毫不令人意外的好。

陸惠風教授也為這場音樂會寫了一篇"花果飄零的淒美意境 -   略談當代的即興意境"作序。

開場曲目”普庵咒”，原本是1169年辭世的”慧慶禪師”余印肅所創作的咒文，據說念誦後有消災解厄，令蟲鼠蚊蟻遠離，凶神惡煞走避作用。清朝恭王府末代傳人愛新覺羅·毓峘整理自己幼年所學成冊的三弦傳譜中的”普庵咒”，則是根據該咒文創作的樂曲

David Patterson認為”普庵咒”這首曲子，的確透露著另一個世代的味道，包鍵管子，胡建兵笙，陳濤笛子，周懿枇杷，夏文傑二胡，翁慧古箏，劉麗中阮這七人以七種不同樂器來合鳴齊奏，抑揚頓挫的把五聲音階演繹得如此完美，引人入勝。

陳濤笛子，胡建兵笙所演繹的第二首曲子，山西民謠”賣菜”，是David Patterson認為當晚曲目中最為特出的其中一曲。笛笙的樂音交錯，有如雀鳥私語，給人興味盎然的和諧感。

八名演奏家和中華表演藝術基金戶會長譚嘉陵(前左四)，張正山(後左一)，林湛濤(前右一)
，黃少堅(前右二)等本地中樂家合影。(中華表演藝術基金會提供，Chi Wei Lo攝)

當晚其他的曲目包括翁慧彈奏的古箏曲”墨客”，劉麗與陳濤的古琴與蕭合奏”流水”，胡建兵以笙做”五色”即興獨奏，周懿與Mike Block的琵琶與大提琴合奏胡建兵作品”天竺梵音”，由琵琶，古箏，笛子，笙和大提琴合奏的”琵琶語”，陳濤與翁慧的笛子與古箏合奏”清明上河圖”，包鍵管子，胡建兵笙，Mike Block大提琴合奏的胡建兵作品”幽蘭”。

他們演奏的第10首曲子江南絲竹”老六板”，由陳濤笛子，夏文傑二胡，周懿琵琶，胡建兵笙，翁慧古箏，以及劉麗和包鍵用打擊樂器合奏。

中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵表示，這些中樂演奏家都是很傑出的人才，能夠把他們湊在一起辦一起音樂會，很不容易。她很高興有這機會在大波士頓為發揚中樂貢獻一點心力，也希望有更多人加入行列。
中華表演藝術基金會為發揚中樂的努力，9月，10月還在繼續。9月30日(週六)下午2點，將在波士頓第一教堂舉辦”絲竹春吟青少年中國樂器賽"，10月7日晚7點半，在同一地點，邀請比賽優勝者出席音樂會演奏。

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Mobilization of Massachusetts National Guard to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Response and Recovery

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Mobilization of Massachusetts National Guard to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Response and Recovery

Puerto Rico accepts Massachusetts offer for specialized communications team

BOSTON – The Baker-Polito Administration today announced Puerto Rico’s official acceptance of an offer from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) to mobilize a six person Massachusetts National Guard (MANG) communications unit to Puerto Rico for up to 30 days. The Joint Site Incident Satellite Communications Capability (JISCC) team will support satellite-based data and mobile communications on the island, where communication lines have been severely damaged. 

“We are proud that members of the Massachusetts National Guard will mobilize to Puerto Rico to assist in the recovery operations on the island where lines of communications have been badly damaged,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Massachusetts is ready and willing to offer additional support to Puerto Rico with personnel and equipment as requested and is preparing to welcome disaster survivors seeking temporary or permanent residence in Massachusetts.  We will remain in contact with Puerto Rican officials and federal authorities throughout response and recovery efforts during this devastating time for all affected by Hurricanes Maria and Irma.”

The request for assistance from Puerto Rico came through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), which is the national emergency management mutual aid system that facilitates state-to-state disaster assistance. A JISCC provides satellite-based Internet and radio capabilities to support interoperable civil-military communications.  Multiple National Guard JISCCs from around the U.S. have been mobilized or are in the process of mobilizing to Puerto Rico to support disaster relief operations. The mission is officially accepted and travel details, including the mobilization date, are being organized by the Massachusetts National Guard.

“The mobilization of this specialized National Guard team from Massachusetts will provide direct support to recovery operations and the citizens of Puerto Rico during this trying time,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “As we prepare to help with relief efforts for Puerto Rico and those residents who choose to self-evacuate to Massachusetts through the Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund, we will continue to monitor requests for emergency assistance, and urge everyone looking to help to support disaster relief operations through cash donations listed on the state’s website.”

“In recent years, Massachusetts emergency response personnel have been mobilized to states across the nation to assist in the aftermath of all manner of natural disasters,”said Secretary of Public Safety Dan Bennett. “We are proud to continue this tradition by sending personnel to Puerto Rico and thank the emergency management personnel who represent the finest ideals of service to others.”

"The Massachusetts National Guard is committed to building enduring relationships with all our national and state partners. Our service members are prepared to assist and maximize transparency of Department of Defense and Commonwealth of Massachusetts National Guard activities in response to these tragic hurricanes that have struck Puerto Rico," said Major General Gary Keefe, Adjutant General of the Massachusetts National Guard. "We are honored to offer our personnel and resources in this critical time of need and anticipate future mission taskings as we help the citizens of Puerto Rico recover from the devastation caused by these hurricanes."

“EMAC is a key component of our national emergency management enterprise,” said MEMA Director Kurt Schwartz. “We have used EMAC many times to bolster our disaster response and recovery operations in Massachusetts, and as we did for Texas after Hurricane Harvey, we are able to support Puerto Rico as it deals with the impacts of these powerful storms.”

MEMA is preparing an additional EMAC offer to Puerto Rico of bilingual law enforcement officers. Further details will be provided when and if the offer is accepted by Puerto Rico. MEMA continues to monitor the EMAC system and look for opportunities to offer personnel, equipment and resources to Puerto Rico. 

Earlier today, Governor Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Representative Jeffrey Sánchez and members of the Boston Foundation announced the Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund to support and respond to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma.  The fund has been formed in partnership with the Latino Legacy fund and in cooperation with the Alliance for Puerto Rico. Funds raised will be distributed for reconstruction and relief on the island of Puerto Rico and to support self-evacuees arriving in Massachusetts from Puerto Rico for temporary or permanent residence.

Additionally, the Baker-Polito Administration yesterday announced the formation of a task force that will ensure that the state is prepared to support the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for individuals who chose to self-evacuate the island and seek temporary or permanent residence in Massachusetts. State officials remain in communication with the Government of Puerto Rico and federal authorities and are ready and willing to offer emergency assistance, such as personnel and equipment, at the request of Puerto Rico. 

Volunteers, Donations:

·       Donations - Donating cash to recognized disaster relief organizations is the best way to help people in need after a disaster. Cash donations are efficient, flexible to use, and require no transportation. Consider donating to the American Red Cross, Salvation Army, or other disaster relief organization that is a member of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): https://www.nvoad.org/current-disasters/werespond/

·       Volunteers – Those looking to volunteer are encouraged to get involved with an established disaster relief organization.  This ensures that volunteer efforts are coordinated and that the needs of disaster communities and survivors are met.  People are asked not to self-deploy to a disaster area.  Information on volunteering is available through the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (VOAD): https://www.nvoad.org/current-disasters/werespond/

REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF HHS SECRETARY TOM PRICE

REP. LIEU STATEMENT ON RESIGNATION OF HHS SECRETARY TOM PRICE

WASHINGTON - Today, Congressman Ted W. Lieu (D | Los Angeles County) issued the following statement on the resignation of Secretary of Health and Human Services Tom Price.

“It’s great that Price took responsibility for his reckless actions but this doesn’t change the Trump Administration’s culture of self-dealing. Tom Price was just one example of numerous department heads who were more concerned with their comfort than with serving the public. At a time when agency heads are slashing programs for sick people, veterans, children, and the elderly, theseswamp flyers are sticking the American people with the bill for wasteful – and possibly illegal – travel in private jets around the country.

 If Trump were serious about draining the swamp, he would also fire Secretary Mnuchin and Administrator Pruitt, who have also taken luxury private travel on the taxpayer’s dime. I couldn’t believe I had to introduce a bill this week curbing private plane travel for senior political appointees. What a ridiculous state of affairs we’re in that we have to push to codify basic standards of ethics and good governance.”

兩場生醫研討會12月台灣見

『如果你喜歡這個夏天，請把熱情留到這個冬天』

十多年前，我們期待臺灣的生技會起飛。
十多年後，當我們走上生科的路，成為生技人，
可曾想過，臺灣的生技未來會在哪？

誠摯地邀請諸位旅外的生技人，
不管是學生、博後或學、業界的新鮮人，
今年底，回臺灣分享，你/妳的生科路與生技夢。

https://goo.gl/5cEGLR

There are two symposiums. One is in Taipei on Dec. 30th and the other is in Tainan on Dec. 23rd. Which one would you like to participate in? Please let us know which event you are interested in participating *

December 30th at B1 Auditorium of Institute of Molecular Biology at Academia Sinica 12/30 中研院分生所B1演講廳

December 23rd at the 1st Lecture Hall, Medical School of National Cheng-Kung University @Tainan, Taiwan 12/23 成大醫學院第一講堂(120個座位)

State, City Officials And The Boston Foundation Announce the Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund

State, City Officials And The Boston Foundation Announce the

Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund

BOSTON - Today, Governor Charlie Baker, Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Representative Jeffrey Sánchez and members of the Boston Foundation announced the Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund to support and respond to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricanes Maria and Irma.  The fund has been formed in partnership with the Latino Legacy fund and in cooperation with the Alliance for Puerto Rico. Funds raised will be distributed for reconstruction and relief on the island of Puerto Rico and to support self-evacuees arriving in Massachusetts from Puerto Rico for temporary or permanent residence.

“Our hearts break for the people of Puerto Rico and their Massachusetts-based families and friends, whose lives were turned upside down by the devastation of these merciless hurricanes,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “As the proud home of one of the largest groups of Puerto Rican American communities in the country, the Commonwealth is pleased to join the City of Boston and the Boston Foundation to create the ‘Massachusetts Puerto Rico Fund.’ We stand ready to extend heartfelt welcomes to disaster survivors who seek temporary or permanent residence in Massachusetts and will provide any and all personnel and equipment requested throughout the recovery process. Lieutenant Governor Polito and I encourage all in Massachusetts to join us in supporting Governor Rosselló and our fellow Americans in Puerto Rico throughout this incredibly challenging time.”

"Our thoughts and prayers continue to be with the Puerto Rican people, those who live here and those who are on the island, as they recover from the devastating impacts of Hurricane Maria," Mayor Martin J. Walsh said. "We have been in close communication with officials from Puerto Rico and, with such a strong Puerto Rican community here in Boston, they know we are here to help, for as long as they need." 

This fund will be advised by an Advisory Committee of 10-12 experts from the Massachusetts Puerto Rican diaspora community, with Vanessa Calderon-Rosado serving as the Chairwoman and Representative Jeffrey Sánchez serving as the honorary Vice Chairman.  Governor Baker and Mayor Walsh will serve as honorary co-chairs to encourage all in Massachusetts to support this effort and Aixa Beauchamp and Juan Carlos Morales will serve on the executive committee.

“The apocalypse hit Puerto Rico and Puerto Rico's people are crying for help,” said Representative Jeffrey Sánchez. “The Puerto Rican community of our Commonwealth of Massachusetts is rallying with Gov. Baker and Mayor Walsh and myself in a unified guarantee that the community's vision becomes a reality. That vision is to assure that we rally together to make an impact with those organizations and individuals that are making a difference on the ground in helping the people of Puerto Rico.  Together, we can make a lasting impact in the lives of Puerto Rican families from our Commonwealth to our sister Commonwealth in the Caribbean.”

Massachusetts United for Puerto Rico Fund will work to collect donations from foundations, corporations and individual donors, and quickly direct funds to effective resettlement, recovery and relief organizations supporting the people of Puerto Rico impacted by these devastating hurricanes.  Initial gifts will be used as challenge grants to the community for a wide-ranging fundraising appeal and up to one third of funds raised will be immediately distributed.  The remainder of the fund will be deployed through 2018, for reconstruction and economic recovery projects on the island of Puerto Rico and to support resettlement efforts in Massachusetts. ​

Additionally, the Baker-Polito Administration yesterday announced the formation of a task force that will ensure that the state is prepared to support the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for individuals who chose to self-evacuate the island and seek temporary or permanent residence in Massachusetts. State officials remain in communication with the Government of Puerto Rico and federal authorities and are ready and willing to offer emergency assistance, such as personnel and equipment, at the request of Puerto Rico. 

TREASURER GOLDBERG ANNOUNCES LATEST UNCLAIMED PROPERTY EBAY AUCTION

TREASURER GOLDBERG ANNOUNCES LATEST UNCLAIMED PROPERTY EBAY AUCTIONProperties To Be Showcased Across The State Starting Monday, October 2nd In Boston

BOSTON, MA – Treasurer Deborah Goldberg today announced that her office will be displaying select items from the Unclaimed Property Division that will soon be auctioned on eBay.com.  The items will first be displayed at the State House in Boston on Monday, October 2nd, and will subsequently be shown in Cape Cod, New Bedford, Springfield and Worcester, all leading up to the online auction starting on Saturday, October 7th.

“We are excited to showcase these items in different regions across the state,” said Treasurer Deb Goldberg. “The Unclaimed Property Division’s eBay offerings are a proven success for maximizing revenue for the Commonwealth. This year’s auction is gearing up to be another big hit.”

The traveling showcase, which represents only a portion of the lots up for bid, will include items such as gold, silver, jewelry, collectible currency and high-end wristwatches.  The vast majority come from abandoned safe deposit boxes with contents that have gone unclaimed for a period of at least nine years. 

Treasurer Goldberg will host a preview of the auction items to the press on Monday, October 2nd at 11 a.m. in her office at the Massachusetts State House in room 227.      

The times and locations for the displays are as follows:

·            Monday, October 2nd from noon to 5:00 p.m. – State House Nurse’s Hall, Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA.

·            Tuesday, October 3rd from noon to 6:00 p.m. – Irish Village Cape Cod, 822 MA-28, South Yarmouth, MA.

·            Wednesday, October 4th from noon to 5:00 p.m. – Massachusetts State Lottery offices, 200 Theodore Rice Blvd, New Bedford, MA.

·            Thursday, October 5th from noon to 5:00 p.m. – Springfield State Building, 436 Dwight St., Springfield, MA.

·            Friday, October 6th from noon to 5:00 p.m. – Worcester State Lottery Office, 151 West Boylston Drive, Worcester

This is the eleventh time that the Commonwealth has used eBay to liquidate its unclaimed tangible property holdings.  Prior to that, the Treasury held a live auction for such items, a process that was far less profitable because of its limited reach to potential bidders. Since November 2005, the eBay auction has raised $2,469,576.32 for the state’s General Fund through the sale of 9,439 separate bid lots.

On Saturday, October 7th, at noon, 100 lots will be posted followed by a gradual release of additional items over the course of two months. In all, we expect to put out around 1,200 lots out to bid which can be viewed by using the eBay seller id “mass.state.treasury.”

Goldberg said that the Treasury needs to regularly liquidate older portions of its tangible property holdings due to storage constraints and logistical needs.  She noted that if an individual or their heirs later prove that a piece of sold property belonged to them, they will be fully compensated the sale price of the item. 

The Treasury also maintains a comprehensive list of approximately $2 billion in unclaimed monetary property, such as stock, insurance payments, and unclaimed bank accounts.  Individuals can search to see if they own such property at www.findmassmoney.com  or by calling 1-(888)-344-MASS.

###

Please Note:

Members of the media will have an advanced opportunity to view and film items at each of the five locations one hour prior to the lots being opened to public viewing.  The locations and times are as follows:

• Monday, October 2nd from noon to 5:00 p.m. – State House Nurse’s Hall, Massachusetts State House, Boston, MA.
• Tuesday, October 3rd from noon to 6:00 p.m. – Irish Village Cape Cod, 822 MA-28, South Yarmouth, MA.
• Wednesday, October 4th from noon to 5:00 p.m. – Massachusetts State Lottery offices, 200 Theodore Rice Blvd, New Bedford, MA.
• Thursday, October 5th from noon to 5:00 p.m. – Springfield State Building, 436 Dwight St., Springfield, MA.
• Friday, October 6th from noon to 5:00 p.m. – Worcester State Lottery Office, 151 West Boylston Drive, Worcester

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF INTERGENERATIONAL HOMESHARE PILOT PROGRAM Pilot provides affordable housing to graduate students while assisting local homeowners and increasing community stability BOSTON - Thursday, September 28, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today the launch of the Intergenerational Homeshare Pilot, a collaboration with the Elderly Commission, the Mayor's Housing Innovation Lab, and nesterly, a local social enterprise working to make existing homes work better for today's households. The Intergenerational Homeshare Pilot will match households with a spare bedroom to students who are seeking an affordable place to stay during their studies, as well as an opportunity to engage with the local community. This pilot program is a goal from Mayor Walsh and the Elderly Commission's Age-Friendly Boston Action Plan, which aims to encourage age-friendly development along with alternative housing options by exploring the creation of an Intergenerational Homeshare, matching older homeowners with extra rooms to rent with people who need to rent a room. The pilot currently has eight pairings, and will run through December to determine the impact, feasibility, and resources needed to potentially scale this initiative into a City-wide program. "Boston is home to a growing number of seniors and students. We know that many of our older residents want to stay in their homes -- but need companionship and some simple home maintenance," said Mayor Walsh. "By matching established adults with extra space with students who are eager to engage with their communities, we're creating an innovative housing pilot that provides more affordable options for everyone." Seniors are the fastest-growing cohort of Boston's population, as outlined in the Walsh Administration's housing plan: Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. In addition, AARP reports that nearly ninety percent of older households want to age in their homes and communities, but face challenges with social isolation, declining incomes and home maintenance. A national report by the Trulia housing economics research team estimates that there are more than 3.6 million spare bedrooms in the homes of U.S. Baby Boomers in metropolitan areas that have the potential to be rented out. More than 38,000 of these rooms are located in Boston. The study also demonstrates that graduate students could potentially save up to $24,000 annually by renting a room rather than a one-bedroom apartment. With the current demographic shifts and the need to increase affordable housing, the City and nesterly are collaborating to bring the innovative housing solution of intergenerational homesharing to the City of Boston. Demand for the program has been strong. Working in collaboration with local organizations and universities, nesterly received more than 80 applications to participate in only three weeks. nesterly then worked closely with the host and guest applicants to help them find housing opportunities that would go beyond logistical matching to create stronger community relationships. To date, eight successful matches have been made across Boston and surrounding towns through a newly developed website that helps hosts and guests easily connect with each other and agree to a mutually beneficial exchange. "It's going great!" said Brenda Atchison, one of the first participants in the program. "The City and nesterly were so thoughtful, and matched me with a wonderful architecture student from Greece. I'm an empty-nester, and Phoebus brings a presence into my home that makes it feel so much more alive and full. We're cooking dinner together; I'm showing him Roxbury's beautiful architecture. Not only am I learning from him, but I also like being able to feel as though I'm helping in another way -- his PhD program might have been a reach if he had to pay for a room alone, but now there is another alternative." "As our population ages, we need creative housing solutions that will support older adults' wellbeing and engagement in their communities, as well as help those who wish to remain in their homes to do so affordably," said Jennifer Molinsky, Senior Research Associate at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. "The model for Intergenerational homesharing that nesterly and the City are putting forward has the potential to help people afford to stay in their homes while also forging new social connections that will enrich their lives-as well as their communities." The City and nesterly will continue to evaluate the pilot over the coming months to determine the program's success and to assess potential ways to expand it. In the meantime, residents can sign up up to host or rent at www.nesterly.io today. About nesterly nesterly is an award-winning social enterprise founded by recent MIT graduates Noelle Marcus and Rachel Goor. Their model offers a unique approach to solving the housing affordability crisis by capitalizing on the millions of empty spare bedrooms across the country. nesterly's digital community connects households who have spare space with young people willing to exchange help around the house for lower rent. They were named an Idea to Change the World in 2017 by MIT's IDEAS Global Challenge, and have been featured in The Atlantic, Forbes and NPR's Marketplace. To learn more or join the community, visit www.nesterly.io, or contact them directly at info@nesterly.net. About Age Friendly Boston We want to create an environment where older adults can continue to lead healthy, independent and productive lives in Boston. We're challenging the City's public agencies, businesses, cultural, educational, and religious institutions, and community groups to consider how they can change policy and practices to enhance the quality of life for our residents. About the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics and the Housing Innovation Lab The Mayor's Housing Innovation Lab was facilitated by a collaboration between the Department of Neighborhood Development and the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM). The Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics serves as Mayor Walsh's civic innovation group. A City agency that was formed in 2010, New Urban Mechanics pilots experiments that offer the potential to improve the quality of life for Boston residents. The Housing Innovation Lab focuses their work on reducing the cost of housing. To learn more about MONUM, follow the office on Twitter or visit their website. To learn more about the Housing Innovation Lab, follow the office on Twitter or visit their website.

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES LAUNCH OF INTERGENERATIONAL HOMESHARE PILOT PROGRAM

Pilot provides affordable housing to graduate students while assisting local homeowners and increasing community stability

BOSTON - Thursday, September 28, 2017 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced today the launch of the Intergenerational Homeshare Pilot, a collaboration with the Elderly Commission, the Mayor's Housing Innovation Lab, and nesterly, a local social enterprise working to make existing homes work better for today's households. The Intergenerational Homeshare Pilot will match households with a spare bedroom to students who are seeking an affordable place to stay during their studies, as well as an opportunity to engage with the local community. This pilot program is a goal from Mayor Walsh and the Elderly Commission's Age-Friendly Boston Action Plan, which aims to encourage age-friendly development along with alternative housing options by exploring the creation of an Intergenerational Homeshare, matching older homeowners with extra rooms to rent with people who need to rent a room. The pilot currently has eight pairings, and will run through December to determine the impact, feasibility, and resources needed to potentially scale this initiative into a City-wide program. "Boston is home to a growing number of seniors and students. We know that many of our older residents want to stay in their homes -- but need companionship and some simple home maintenance," said Mayor Walsh. "By matching established adults with extra space with students who are eager to engage with their communities, we're creating an innovative housing pilot that provides more affordable options for everyone." Seniors are the fastest-growing cohort of Boston's population, as outlined in the Walsh Administration's housing plan: Housing a Changing City: Boston 2030. In addition, AARP reports that nearly ninety percent of older households want to age in their homes and communities, but face challenges with social isolation, declining incomes and home maintenance. A national report by the Trulia housing economics research team estimates that there are more than 3.6 million spare bedrooms in the homes of U.S. Baby Boomers in metropolitan areas that have the potential to be rented out. More than 38,000 of these rooms are located in Boston. The study also demonstrates that graduate students could potentially save up to $24,000 annually by renting a room rather than a one-bedroom apartment. With the current demographic shifts and the need to increase affordable housing, the City and nesterly are collaborating to bring the innovative housing solution of intergenerational homesharing to the City of Boston. Demand for the program has been strong. Working in collaboration with local organizations and universities, nesterly received more than 80 applications to participate in only three weeks. nesterly then worked closely with the host and guest applicants to help them find housing opportunities that would go beyond logistical matching to create stronger community relationships. To date, eight successful matches have been made across Boston and surrounding towns through a newly developed website that helps hosts and guests easily connect with each other and agree to a mutually beneficial exchange. "It's going great!" said Brenda Atchison, one of the first participants in the program. "The City and nesterly were so thoughtful, and matched me with a wonderful architecture student from Greece. I'm an empty-nester, and Phoebus brings a presence into my home that makes it feel so much more alive and full. We're cooking dinner together; I'm showing him Roxbury's beautiful architecture. Not only am I learning from him, but I also like being able to feel as though I'm helping in another way -- his PhD program might have been a reach if he had to pay for a room alone, but now there is another alternative." "As our population ages, we need creative housing solutions that will support older adults' wellbeing and engagement in their communities, as well as help those who wish to remain in their homes to do so affordably," said Jennifer Molinsky, Senior Research Associate at the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University. "The model for Intergenerational homesharing that nesterly and the City are putting forward has the potential to help people afford to stay in their homes while also forging new social connections that will enrich their lives-as well as their communities." The City and nesterly will continue to evaluate the pilot over the coming months to determine the program's success and to assess potential ways to expand it. In the meantime, residents can sign up  up to host or rent at www.nesterly.io today. About nesterly nesterly is an award-winning social enterprise founded by recent MIT graduates Noelle Marcus and Rachel Goor. Their model offers a unique approach to solving the housing affordability crisis by capitalizing on the millions of empty spare bedrooms across the country. nesterly's digital community connects households who have spare space with young people willing to exchange help around the house for lower rent. They were named an Idea to Change the World in 2017 by MIT's IDEAS Global Challenge, and have been featured in The Atlantic, Forbes and NPR's Marketplace. To learn more or join the community, visit www.nesterly.io, or contact them directly at info@nesterly.net. About Age Friendly Boston We want to create an environment where older adults can continue to lead healthy, independent and productive lives in Boston. We're challenging the City's public agencies, businesses, cultural, educational, and religious institutions, and community groups to consider how they can change policy and practices to enhance the quality of life for our residents. About the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics and the Housing Innovation Lab The Mayor's Housing Innovation Lab was facilitated by a collaboration between the Department of Neighborhood Development and the Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics (MONUM). The Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics serves as Mayor Walsh's civic innovation group. A City agency that was formed in 2010, New Urban Mechanics pilots experiments that offer the potential to improve the quality of life for Boston residents. The Housing Innovation Lab focuses their work on reducing the cost of housing. To learn more about MONUM, follow the office on Twitter or visit their website. To learn more about the Housing Innovation Lab, follow the office on Twitter or visit their website.