波士頓名人系列邀猶太「暈眩」舞團 4/4-6 演出MAKOM

                 (Boston Orange 編譯) 著名的耶路薩冷當代舞團「暈眩 (Vertigo)」，將於4月5、6日，帶著2022年作品「MAKOM」回波士頓，到Boch中心舒伯特 (Shubert) 劇院演出。

「MAKOM」在希伯來文中是”地方”的意思，是一齣由藝術總監兼編舞家Noa Wertheim製作，描述人們追求歸屬感與自我發現，整合混亂，撫慰心靈的舞台劇，以迷人的舞步編排，感人的故事述說，促使人們更接近自己內心的舞蹈表演。

Wertheim說，這作品探討中心與極端，形式與內容之間的緊張關係，反映了人類經驗的複雜性。

Dani Fishof-Magenta 的燈光設計、Sasson Kedem 的服裝設計和 Zohar Shoef 的舞臺設計，採用中性色調服裝、極簡燈光、交替節奏和情感配樂，並以樹枝狀道具做的平臺、梯子等，營造出視覺震撼和身臨其境的體驗感。

「MAKOM」由Rina Wertheim-Koren共同編舞，舞者包括Etai Peri、Sian Olles、Eden Ben Shimol、Micah Aimos、Ruth Ben David、Ilan Kolubovich、Shani Licht、Noa Israeli和Theo Samsworth，還收錄了Ran Bagno的原創音樂。

由Noa Wertheim 和Adi Sha'al於1992年創辦的「暈眩」舞團，是以色列名列前茅的當代舞團之一，以創新性的編舞，技術上的精準，以及對可持續環境的承諾而聞名，在世界各地以其觸動思考的表演啟發觀眾。

波士頓名人系列 (Celebrity Series Boston) 總裁兼執行董事Gary Dunning說，曾於2016年到訪波士頓，給觀眾留下深刻印象，大家都很期待他們回來，2023年初就敲定了請他們再次造訪。他認為「暈眩」舞團在突破當代舞蹈界線，探討尋求個人平衡及內心韌力這永恆話題上，一直都十分大膽，他相信這作品會深深感動人們。

「暈眩」舞團將於4月4日晚6點半，在波士頓的猶太文化中心，The Vilna Shul，舉辦”探索創作過程 (Exploring the Creative Process)”講座，及舞蹈示範。簡報結束後有招待會。入場費18元，查詢或購票可洽VilnaShul.org，https://vilnashul.org/events/event/vertigo-dance。

4月5日 (週五) 及6日(週六)的演出地點在Boch中心舒伯特劇院 (265 Tremont Street)，門票35元到75元，購票可上網celebrityseries.org。

IN “MAKOM,” VERTIGO DANCE COMPANY SEEKS

EQUILIBRIUM IN A WORLD OUT OF BALANCE

 

Performances April 5 & 6 at 8 pm / The Shubert Theatre, Boston / Performance photos here.

 

Boston, MA — Updated March 6, 2024* — Renowned Jerusalem-based contemporary troupe Vertigo Dance Company returns to Boston with their 2022 production "MAKOM," an evening-length work by Artistic Director and choreographer Noa Wertheim. Performances are April 5 and 6, 2024 at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre.

 

"MAKOM," whose title is derived from the Hebrew word meaning place, delves into the human quest for belonging and self-discovery. With mesmerizing choreography and emotive storytelling, Wertheim's work invites audiences on a profound journey of finding unity amidst chaos, and solace within oneself.

 

"This piece is a perpetual search for a return to the place that brings us closer to ourselves," Wertheim says. "It explores the tension between the center and the extremities, and between form and content, mirroring the complexities of the human experience."

With neutral-hued costumes, minimal lighting, an alternately rhythmic and emotional score, and branch-like props that create platforms, ladders and more, Dani Fishof-Magenta's lighting design, Sasson Kedem's costume design, and Zohar Shoef's stage design create a visually stunning and immersive experience.

 

Co-choreographed by Rina Wertheim-Koren and featuring dancers Etai Peri, Sian Olles, Eden Ben Shimol, Micah Aimos, Ruth Ben David, Ilan Kolubovich, Shani Licht, Noa Israeli, and Theo Samsworth, "MAKOM" also features original music by Ran Bagno.

 

“We are looking forward to the return of the Vertigo Dance Company, which first performed in Boston in 2016 and impressed Boston audiences,” says Gary Dunning, President and Executive Director of Celebrity Series Boston, which secured the Company’s return engagement in early 2023. “Vertigo and Noa have been bold in pushing the boundaries of contemporary dance and exploring timeless questions about finding one’s balance and strength from within. I am confident this production will resonate deeply here.”

 

SCHEDULE and TICKETS

“MAKOM” will be performed Fri., April 5 and Sat., April 6 – both shows at 8 PM – at the Boch Center Shubert Theatre. Tickets are $35-75, available through celebrityseries.org.

 

COMMUNITY EVENTS

Thu., April 4 – “Exploring the Creative Process” Lecture/Demo at The Vilna Shul

·       Vertigo Dance Company Artistic Director Noa Wertheim and some of her dancers take part in a lecture and dance demonstration at The Vilna Shul, Boston’s Center for Jewish Culture, located at 18 Phillips Street in Beacon Hill. Doors open 6:30 pm; a reception follows the presentation. $18 admission. Information and tickets at VilnaShul.org.

麻州擴大普及學齡前幼兒教育 進入16學區

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Expands Universal Pre-K Access in 16 School Districts 

Expansion will add 488 seats for children in Gateway Cities and rural communities   

BARNSTABLE – The Healey-Driscoll Administration announced today at the YMCA of Cape Cod that 16 school districts are receiving $3.4 million to support their efforts to expand access to affordable high-quality preschool through the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI). Nine currently participating districts will be expanding their efforts, adding 32 preschool classrooms, representing an additional 488 seats across public schools, family child care, YMCAs, Head Start and other community-based preschool programs. Further, the administration is awarding a first round of new grants to: Fitchburg, Quincy, Pittsfield, Worcester, Barnstable, Wareham, and the Gateway Regional School District that includes seven rural communities in Western Massachusetts.   

The $3.4 million, through revenue generated by the Fair Share Amendment, was included in Governor Healey’s fiscal year 2024 budget proposal to increase access to high-quality preschool and put the state on a path towards universal access to preschool. The proposal was supported by the Legislature and included in the final budget. Governor Healey’s proposed “Gateway to Pre-K" agenda will further expand these efforts, investing an additional $15 million in fiscal year 2025 to move Massachusetts closer to meeting the goal of universal, high-quality preschool access for four-year-olds in all Gateway Cities by the end of 2026.  

“We know that the high cost of child care is holding back our families, providers and our economy. That’s why I am proud to be in Barnstable today to announce that we are expanding access to affordable, high-quality preschool in 16 school districts, creating hundreds of new seats for children in Gateway Cities and rural communities across the state,” said Governor Healey. “Our ‘Gateway to Pre-K' agenda would build on this progress by expanding high-quality pre-k access to even more communities, lowering costs for more families, and ensuring our hardworking providers have the support they need to deliver high-quality care.”  

“As a former Mayor, I know how important access to high-quality preschool is for families and for closing the learning gap before kids enter kindergarten. This funding is going to local school districts and community-based early education and care programs, highlighting our commitment to supporting cities and towns from Pittsfield to Cape Cod in meeting the needs of their residents and making Massachusetts a more affordable and equitable place to live, learn, work and play,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll.  

“As the Director of Rural Affairs and a former school teacher, I know how extremely important it is that every child regardless of where they live in the commonwealth, have an opportunity to start out on the right pathway. I appreciate the investment the Healy Driscoll administration is making in our youngest students. I congratulate the Gateway school district, and all they do to educate students and prepare them for a life of success,” said Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi.  

A main driver in the administration’s approach to expand preschool access and promote kindergarten readiness, CPPI establishes a district–wide preschool program across classes in public and community-based early education and care programs. By working across the state’s mixed early education system, districts are expanding access to a range of programs that meet different needs of working families. CPPI also promotes equitable access to special education to ensure full inclusion of children with disabilities across all settings. Through this program, the CPPI funding also provides scholarships to participating families to enroll at no or low cost and enables full day/full year services through the mix of public and community-based classrooms.  

“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is committed to expanding access to affordable high-quality preschool. We delivered $13 million earlier this year, and with $3 million more now we’re making the necessary investments to reach more kids in more communities,” said Secretary of Education Patrick Tutwiler. “This is not just an investment in our children and families, early childhood educators, and local communities—it's a downpayment on the future success of our state.”  

“The Administration is focused on expanding access to low or no cost preschool to provide all children across the Commonwealth with the high-quality early education experiences we know give them the academic and social-emotional skills they need to enter kindergarten,” said Early Education and Care Commissioner Amy Kershaw. “I am excited to see our current grantees expand to more classrooms and serve additional families, including through community-based centers and family child care programs. We look forward to working with our new grantees to support them in planning and implementing universal access to pre-k in their districts through our diverse mixed-delivery system.”    

“The CPPI grant is a great example of educators working across sectors for the benefit of children,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Acting Commissioner Russell D. Johnston. “It’s a pleasure to see the collaboration taking place in each of these communities and to know that students will get a strong start to their education.”   

“As a Gateway City the Town of Barnstable welcomes Governor Maura Healey’s announcement of her “Gateway to Pre-K” agenda that includes delivering universal, high-quality preschool access – at low or no cost – in communities like Barnstable by the end of 2026,” said Barnstable Town Manager Mark Ells.  “‘Gateway to Pre-K' will fundamentally transform the early education system in Massachusetts by lowering costs for families to enroll their children in childcare and Pre-K.  By achieving this agenda the Governor can make early education and child care more affordable and accessible for all families across Massachusetts.” 

“Barnstable is proud to be one of the CPPI Planning and Implementation Grant recipients. A strong preschool learning experience is the foundation upon which young children build social-emotional, physical, and academic skills. Indeed, a strong preschool experience springboards students towards school readiness and improved outcomes in their future school years. We appreciate the support of Governor Healey and her administration in serving even more learners,” said Superintendent of Barnstable Public Schools Sara Ahern.   

“We are thrilled Governor Healey has come to Barnstable to announce this continuation of the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s dedication to our workforce. This program offers crucial support to working families in Cape Cod's biggest town. Both our members and local economists agree that providing top-notch early education and childcare is the fastest way to strengthen our local workforce. With Barnstable Public Schools' esteemed reputation and strong alumni network, we're confident their administrators are eager to join this important partnership,” said Paul Niedzwiecki, Chief Executive Officer, Cape Cod Chamber of Commerce. 

"The Massachusetts YMCAs, as the largest provider of early education programs across the Commonwealth, applauds the Healey Administration's commitment to expanding access to our youngest learners. The YMCAs are honored to be a trusted partner with the Administration and our school districts as we look at the next phase of quality early education, " said Kate-Marie Roycroft, Chief Executive Officer of the Alliance of Massachusetts YMCAs. 

School districts not currently participating in CPPI could apply to support planning and early implementation of a universal access to affordable high-quality preschool plan. Districts in the early planning stage receive $50,000 to build partnerships with local community-based early education and care programs, develop a leadership team, conduct a needs assessment and draft a strategic plan. Districts who already have strong partnerships with community-based early education and care programs and have conducted a needs assessment can receive a higher amount of funding to develop or update a strategic plan and begin early implementation.  

First Round of FY24 New CPPI Awardees: 

School District	Cities & Towns Served	Award
City of Fitchburg	Fitchburg	$50,000
City of Quincy	Quincy	$50,000
City of Pittsfield	Pittsfield	$50,000
Gateway Regional School District	Blandford, Chester, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Russell, Worthington	$50,000
Town of Barnstable	Barnstable	$50,000
Town of Wareham	Wareham	$50,000
City of Worcester	Worcester	$178,678

Current CPPI grantees could also apply to expand their efforts. First Round of FY24 CPPI Expansion Awardees: 

School District	Community-Based Partners	Award
Brockton School District	Self Help Head Start, Brockton Day Nursery, Early Learning Center YMCA (new)	$216,812
Lawrence School District	Greater Lawrence Community Action Council/ Lawrence Early Achievement Partnership (LEAP), The Community Group	$690,000
Lowell School District	YMCA Greater Lowell YMCA Nursery School, Community Teamwork, Lowell Day Nursery, Small Steps (new)	$36,000
Lynn School District	Gregghouse, LEO Head Start, Lynn YMCA (new)	$404,602
Northampton Public Schools	Community Action Head Start, Gummybears Family Child Care, Meadowlark Childcare Center, Nonotuck Community School, Cloverdale Preschool, New Village/Farm Hands Family Child Care program, People’s Institute, Smith College Center – Fort Hill, Montessori School of Northampton, Gan Keshet Preschool (new)	$330,000
Salem Public Schools	Salem YMCA, Salem Community Child Care Center, Ashley Preschool and Daycare, Pathways for Children (new), Angela’s Preschool and Daycare (new)	$250,000
Sandwich Public Schools	Joyful Noise, Montessori Beginnings, Maureen Raymond Family Child Program (new), Bobbie Jo O’Brien Family Child Program (new), Melissa White Family Child Program (new), Julie Coughlan Family Child Program (new), Diane Hill Family Child Program (new) Sandwich Montessori (new), It’s a Special Day (new)	$250,000
Somerville Public Schools	Elizabeth Peabody House, Dandelion Montessori, CAAS Somerville Head Start, Open Center for Children, Bigelow Cooperative Day, Pooh and Friends Child Care, Tree House Academy, Kingdom Rock Children’s Village, Somerville Child Care Center, JHC Allen Street Head Start (new)	$103,000
Springfield Public Schools	Community Partners for Community Action, Square One, YMCA of Greater Springfield	$594,000

Governor Healey’s Applauds Governor’s Council for Approving Historic Cannabis Pardon

 Governor Healey’s Applauds Governor’s Council for Approving Historic Cannabis Pardon 

BOSTON – Governor Maura T. Healey issued the following statement in response to the Governor’s Council unanimously approving her request to pardon misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions in Massachusetts. This is the most comprehensive action by a governor since President Joe Biden pardoned federal marijuana possession convictions and called on governors to take similar actions in their states. 

“Massachusetts made history today. I’m grateful to the Governor’s Council for their due diligence in approving my request to pardon all state misdemeanor marijuana possession convictions,” said Governor Healey. “Thousands of Massachusetts residents will now see their records cleared of this charge, which will help lower the barriers they face when seeking housing, education or a job. I want to thank President Biden for his leadership on this issue, and I’m proud that Massachusetts was able to answer his call to action in this momentous way. I hope that other states will follow our lead as we work together to make our communities more fair and equitable.” 

The Governor’s Council’s approval came following a hearing in which legal experts, public safety officials, and impacted individuals testified about the ways in which this pardon would help people move forward in their lives and make criminal records better reflect current law. 

The pardon is effective immediately. The state will begin the process of updating records, but anyone who would likely to proactively request a marijuana pardon certificate can do so online.  

 The Governor’s Office has updated its FAQ to reflect the pardon’s approval. 

台灣星奇兒創藝協會上哈佛 自閉症藝術家畫作讓人驚豔

慈濟波士頓聯絡處負責人長金滿(左三)和波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮
(右一)等人，在慈濟會所歡迎台灣星奇兒藝術協會創辦人陳穎君(
右三)，團長陳奕宏 (左六)。 (周菊子攝)

              (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 台灣星奇兒創藝協會應哈佛大學社團邀請，3月30、31這兩日，在哈佛大學愛默生廳 (Emerson Hall) ，以30幅自閉症患者畫作，工作坊講座，唱歌、說故事的示範表演等，帶人們關注、認識自閉症。

             4月2日是國際自閉症日 (World Autism Awareness Day，簡稱WAAD) ，台灣星奇兒創藝協會走出台灣，來到哈佛，闡述藉由藝術，假以耐心，患自閉症的小孩，也可以過正常人生活，甚至上大學，當藝術家，將給許多家庭帶來新希望。

哈佛大學的王可心(右一)，David Kang (前右二)歡迎星奇兒創辦人陳穎君
(前左三)，以及嘉賓僑教中心主任潘昭榮(左一)，波士頓僑務委員
郭競儒(前右四)等人到場。(周菊子攝)

             根據美國疾病控制預防中心 (CDC) 於2023年公佈的2020年統計數據，每36名8歲孩童，就有1名染患自閉症。台灣中華民國自閉症基金會公佈的2022統計數據，臺灣患者約17,550人，而2021年的統計也已經是每44名兒童中就有1人。

             台灣星奇兒創藝協會創辦人陳穎君表示，這些統計數據讓人憂慮，染患自閉症的人數會持續上升，如何讓家長們知道，自閉症兒童，或已經成年的自閉症患者，都有機會改善症狀，似乎也變得更加急迫。

主辦單位和嘉賓們在畫展現場。(周菊子攝)

             陳穎君會創辦”星奇兒”這組織，其實也是因為兒子。原本是國際品牌設計部經理的她，於是成了國小資源班特教老師。在和黃迺翔(Huang Nai-Hsiang)等患有嚴重自閉症，從不開口講話的小孩相處，摸索出誘導他們學習，並和外界社會溝通的方法，知道了加入設計元素的藝術，可以打開自閉症患者心扉後，經由台新銀行文化藝術基金會董事長鄭家鐘的催生，她這才創立了”台灣星奇兒創藝協會”。

          

台灣星奇兒創辦人陳穎君(左一)，團長陳奕宏(右二)，和台灣慈濟師姐
李劉月琴(又一) 請波士頓僑務委員郭競儒(左二)協助介紹企業家，
宣傳該會理念。(周菊子攝)

              經過多年培育，台灣星奇兒創藝協會的星奇兒團隊已經成為台灣第一支自閉症設計團隊，可以在設定主題下集體創作。這些星奇兒的藝術創作，其實是星奇兒們的自我訓練成果。他們藉由發揮想像創意，啟迪大腦，訓練手眼協調，培養耐性，並學會靜下心來。陳穎君指出，星奇兒創意協會最令人驚豔的成果是該會星奇兒藝術家們，可以集體創作。

              現年已33歲的黃迺翔，經過藝術學習的誘導，不但順利上大學，拿到真理大學觀光系數位媒體碩士學位，還擁有電腦丙級技術士證照，當上了信託資訊服務公司的電腦助理。他也是臺灣星奇兒創藝協會依團團長，該會的電腦圖片，視頻剪接幾乎都是由他製作的。

台灣星奇兒創辦人陳穎君指出，這次的畫展是星奇兒們
看了書法家的這些作品後，自由發揮創作的。(周菊子攝)

              陳穎君自己的兒子，也是自閉症患者經由教育體系外的藝術學習，得到啟發，走上正常人生的例子。現年28歲的陳弈宏，小時候被診斷為患有中度自閉症，智商只有70，但在陳穎君的諄諄善誘下，他不但學會拿筆繪畫，還能示範少林武術，參演話劇，唱歌，甚至講說外語。2023年，他還贏得國際扶輪社的碩士獎學金。

              陳穎君在2天的會期中，介紹了這些 "星奇兒”的經歷，以及她所採用，幫助自閉症患者走進正常社會的方法，包括「親子五感按摩」，「經由藝術啟動五官感知」、「經由創意表達改善大腦功能」，「社會化互動行為建立」、「同理心的長期建構」等。她強調，讓自閉症患者經由觸摸來學習，往往可以得到更好效果。

哈佛大學的王可心(左)、David Kang邀請台灣星奇兒藝術協會到哈佛辦展，
提醒人們關注自閉症。(周菊子攝)

              台灣星奇兒創藝協會的走出臺灣，邁進國際，始於在台灣，經向鳴德推薦，上了達拉斯亞美故事館的線上講座，得到一克拉基金會支持，先到德州達拉斯大學 (UTD) 展覽，再應邀到美國亞歷桑納州鳳凰城辦畫展。陳穎君在那兒遇見哈佛大學公衛學院的研究生王可欣，於是促成該會到哈佛一行。

              在哈佛的這場會議，由哈佛大學本科生部的「提高自閉症意識俱樂部」主席David J. Kang和哈佛公衛的王可欣聯合主辦。新北市蘆洲慈濟師姐李劉月琴和達拉斯的翁筱玲，都特地陪同支持。波士頓慈濟也全力支援，包括負責人長金滿，以及鄧淑芳，吳明真，林采彤，陳筠媞，宋永麒等慈濟師兄姐，都加入後勤部隊，協助佈展。

             在哈佛大學麻省總醫院

在哈佛大學麻省總醫院 (MGH)攝有自閉症實驗室的孔學君 (左)，特地到場
和陳穎君交流。 (周菊子攝)

(MGH)開辦了自閉症實驗室的孔學君博士，在會期中也特地到場，和陳穎君交流。

             波士頓僑教中心主任潘昭榮，波士頓僑務委員郭競儒獲悉這一有意義的活動，也特地到場致意，出席支持。郭競儒聽了陳穎君的敘述後慨言，自閉症患者的父母實在太偉大了。 (二次更新版)

哈佛大學的王可心(右二)、David Kang (左二)送感謝狀給陳穎君(中)，
陳奕宏(右一)，以及翁筱玲(左一)等人。(周菊子攝)

陳穎君介紹星奇兒門的畫作。(周菊子攝)

陳穎君解說以星奇兒畫作印製的書。(周菊子攝)