星期日, 4月 05, 2015

莊雅斐鋼琴獨奏會迷醉四百觀眾

表演藝術基金328日晚在樂學 (Jordan Hall)為鋼琴家雅斐行了一場獨。近四百名出席觀眾,都被她的超然琴詮釋典雅姿震憾
間觀眾,有多古典音界的重量家,樂評 。莊雅裴的朋友和也紛紛趕到,都表示這真是美的宴。
莊雅裴演出的曲目有24首前奏曲,李斯特B調曲,拉威舞曲。她彈奏得精湛完善,讓觀眾激動得全體起立鼓掌多次,掌聲 久久不
雅斐接著演奏希文和舒伯特首曲子,作為安可演出,感謝觀眾的熱情
波士樂雜誌 (Boston Musical Intelligencer ) 次日就刊出一篇她大為讚賞評價極高的報導。那篇文章指出,“她的音樂與作曲家密交流,不出抒情的美,同出多彩,富,大的 完美......令人驚嘆不已。
雅斐是一名在台灣出生小在洲和美國學習,卓然有成的音樂家目前波士樂學院和樂學任教。


圖片說明:

            莊雅斐在表演結束時謝幕,接受獻花。(圖由中華表演藝術基金會提供)

星期六, 4月 04, 2015

查理貝克提案EITC加倍 估計四十萬戶可受益 Governor Baker Highlights Proposal to Double EITC in Boston


麻州州長查理貝克(Charlie Baker)二日表示,他的2016年預算案,包括在兩年內把所得稅抵免(EITC)由15%增加到30%,估計有四十萬名麻州居民可直接受益。
該提案將使得符合資格打工家庭的所得稅抵免額,增加到1874元,他們可花用的收入總額,將可增加到一億九千六百萬元。
查理貝克二日抵波士頓社區發展行動(ABCD),參觀波士頓內美國國稅局的十二個志工協助報稅站之一,和組織者,協助報稅志工,以及個別人士討論,所得稅抵免加倍,對低收入工薪家庭將有什麼影響。
查理貝克表示,目前麻州內約有四十萬個家庭符合資格,可因此而受益。日前出爐的一份調查估計,因為受益者都是在麻州居住,工作,生活,消費者,此舉將促使一億元資金迴轉活絡麻州經濟。
            ABCD執行長朱江(John J. Drew 表示,他們鼓掌支持州長加倍所得稅抵免額的提案,許多做二,三份工作,卻還每年賺不到24,250元的四口之家,將因此受益。

圖片說明:

            麻州州長查理貝克(中)參觀ABCD志工協助報稅站,討論
所得稅抵免額度加倍影響。(圖由州長辦公室提供)

Governor Baker Highlights Proposal to Double EITC in Boston
Expansion would benefit 400,000 plus residents; increases relief by $196 million

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker today visited and toured one of Action for Boston Community Development’s (ABCD) 12 IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites in the Greater Boston area to discuss with organizers, tax prep volunteers and individuals the benefits of doubling the earned income tax credit (EITC) would have on the budgets of low-income working families. Along with his Fiscal Year 2016 budget proposal, Governor Baker filed House Bill 62 expanding the EITC from 15% to 30% of the federal level over two years, directly impacting over 400,000 Massachusetts residents. The proposal would increase the EITC to $1,874 for eligible working families and increase disposable income by $196 million.

“Providing relief to Massachusetts’ working families through the earned income tax credit has proven to be one of the most historically effective programs for supporting low-income workers and spurring economic growth,” said Governor Baker. “Increasing reinvestment in our workers would directly benefit more than 400,000 individuals and their families across the Commonwealth who need an extra hand to make ends meet and support their families."

Governor Baker toured ABCD’s facility on the Boston Common where accountants and accounting students volunteer their time to provide free tax preparation services for low to moderate-income working families. Governor Baker met with ABCD leadership, a site volunteer and several individuals and families who would directly benefit from the EITC expansion.

“ABCD applauds Governor Baker’s action in filing legislation to double the Earned Income Tax Credit for poor working individuals and families in Massachusetts,” said John J. Drew, ABCD President/CEO. “Many of those who benefit from EITC work two or three jobs, but can’t get above the poverty level of $24,250 in annual earnings for a family of four. EITC makes a difference for hard-working residents who struggle to pay for rent, heat and food and helps narrow the ongoing, painful gap between rich and poor.”

About Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD):

ABCD has provided tax preparation services to low and moderate-income working individuals and families for more than 25 years. It is part of the Boston Tax Help Coalition and national Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program in Massachusetts. Last year ABCD’s EITC program served almost 5,000 families at sites in all of Boston neighborhoods, bringing more than $7.8 million into inner-city, low-income households. Along with tax preparation, ABCD also provides EITC customers with comprehensive financial counseling and financial literacy programs for youth and families.



GOVERNOR BAKER: There are 400,000 families in Massachusetts that qualify currently and that would benefit from doubling the size of the credit and there was a study that came out the other day that said it would put over $100,000,000 back into our economy because the beneficiaries of the credit are people who live here, work here, and spend here, and the thing I love the most about the program is the more you work the more you make. It’s one of the best programs we can use, and I’m all for, I would love to see the federal government decide to extend the credit.


MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF NEW ENGLAND’S LARGEST ALL-WOMEN’S BIKE RIDE & FESTIVAL WITH A TWIST, THANKS TO SOME GREAT AREA CHEFS

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES THE RETURN OF NEW ENGLAND’S LARGEST ALL-WOMEN’S BIKE RIDE & FESTIVAL WITH A TWIST, THANKS TO SOME GREAT AREA CHEFS

The new Boston Bikes and Bites Women's Bike Ride and Festival, will feature a day of cycling, eating, music, and fun, with food by Jody Adams, Joanne Chang and more.

BOSTON – Friday, April 3 –Today, Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced Boston Bikes and Bites Women's Bike Ride and Festival, the largest biking event for women in New England hosted by Boston Bikes. Women from all over the New England area will convene to participate in group rides (10, 30 and 50 miles), and eat food prepared by local and premier chefs. The event will take place on July 18.

“We are excited to announce the return of Boston Bikes and Bites,” said Mayor Walsh. “This event promotes a healthier and more vibrant Boston, bringing communities together to participate in a festive and unifying event. I hope many women throughout New England will join us for this annual event. ”

Boston Bikes and Bites is a part of Boston Bikes’ Women’s Initiative, a series of rides, biking socials, and clinics which encourage women to experience the joys and benefits of biking in Boston and to take to the streets by bike. The event is sponsored by CiclismoClassico, the specialists and pioneers in Bicycle Tours for the Culturally Curious since 1989. Boston Bikes and Bites is organized in partnership with River’s Edge Cycling, which produces the annual Berkshires to Boston Bike Ride. Proceeds from the Bikes and Bites will benefit local organizations working to promote healthy living.

The rides will start and end at Daisy Field and travel along the Emerald Necklace in Jamaica Plain, with a rest stop at the Powisset Farm in Dover. Along the way, riders will enjoy “bites” prepared by local chefs Jody Adams, Joanne Chang, Rachel Klein, Jennifer Park, Seta Dakessian, and Mary Bandereck.

Participants will be welcomed back to the park with live music by the award-winning Zili Misik, an all-female band performing African, Caribbean and American soul.  There will also be an exposition as well as skills clinics in mechanics, commuting, and road cycling. For women who never learned to ride, or those who can’t remember their last time on a bike, Boston Bikes instructors will provide a learn-to-ride clinic.

Registration and a $25 fee is required ($35 after May 25th), with discounts available for low-income Boston residents. Registration is open now at www.bostonbikes.org/women/festival. Men are encouraged to volunteer and can sign up at www.bostonbikes.org/women/festival

Boston Bikes is part of Mayor Walsh's vision for a vibrant and healthy city that benefits all its citizens. It seeks to make Boston a world-class bicycling city by creating safe and inviting conditions for all residents and visitors. Boston Bikes focuses on improvements in all six universal bike planning areas: Engineering, Enforcement, Education, Encouragement, Equity, and Evaluation.

American Red Cross hosts several commemorative blood drives to mark the Boston Marathon bombings anniversary

American Red Cross hosts several commemorative blood drives to mark the Boston Marathon bombings anniversary
(DEDHAM, Mass.) – The American Red Cross is partnering with community leaders to host three commemorative blood drives in honor of the courageous individuals whose lives were forever changed by the Boston Marathon bombings. 
Stoneham Strong Blood Drive
Friday, April 10, 2015 2 p.m. – 7 p.m.
First Congregational Church of Stoneham, 1 Church Street, Stoneham
Co-Sponsored by State Senator Jason Lewis, State Representative Michael Day, Town of Stoneham, H&R Block and CENTURY 21 Celli
Watertown Strong Blood Drive
Saturday, April 11, 2015 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Watertown High School, 50 Columbia Street, Watertown
Co-Sponsored by Mount Auburn Hospital, Watertown Police Department and MBTA Transit Police Officer Dic Donohue
Boston Strong Blood Drive
Wednesday, April 15, 2015 9 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Sheraton Boston Hotel – Republic Ballroom, 39 Dalton Street, Boston
In April 2013, the Red Cross sent 600 blood products to Boston area hospitals in response to the Boston Marathon bombings. Blood donations helped save the lives of Heather Abbott, MBTA Transit Police Officer Dic Donohue and hundreds of others.
“When I was hurt at the bombing, I received several units of blood in order to keep me alive. If it wasn’t for blood donors, I wouldn’t be here,” said Heather Abbott, Boston Marathon bombing survivor.  “By being a blood donor, you really do save lives which is why I intend to donate whenever I am eligible.”
We depend on generous volunteer blood donors to provide lifesaving blood for those in need – each and every day – not only during times of national disaster,” said Jeff Meyer, CEO, Massachusetts Blood Services Region. “Having a sufficient blood supply is part of preparedness. It’s the blood on the shelves today that help save lives tomorrow.”
Officer Donohue, who was shot in an intense gun battle with the accused Boston Marathon bombing suspects, needed 46 blood products. Donohue is standing strong today, thanks to the generosity of blood donors. “I am here today because of blood donors.  I would not be alive if people hadn’t volunteered their time to give blood.  I would encourage eligible donors to join with community leaders and donate blood during the anniversary to help touch the lives of patients and their families,” said Officer Donohue.

RED SOX ADD 174 NEW SEATS TO FENWAY PARK

RED SOX ADD 174 NEW SEATS TO FENWAY PARK
More Seats in Bleachers and State Street Pavilion Level Accompany New Infiniti Suite


BOSTON, MA – The Red Sox have added 174 new seats to Fenway Park for the 2015 season in the Bleachers, State Street Pavilion Level, and EMC Suite Level.  Fenway Park’s seating capacity for night games will rise to 37,673, up from 37,499 in 2014.  For day games, it will rise to 37,221, up from 37,067.

Space for 28 new seats in the Bleachers came from relocating the centerfield camera platform from the bottom of the Bleachers to a new, elevated camera basket beneath the Bank of America video board. The change restores the original configuration of the Bleachers before the camera platform was added in the early 1970s.

By extending the State Street Pavilion and EMC Levels to the Fisk Pole in left field, the club has added 112 Pavilion Reserved seats on the Coca Cola Deck and a 34-person party suite, called the Infiniti Suite, on the EMC level.  This new suite will be leased on a game by game basis.

Behind the Pavilion Reserved seating section, a new private outdoor group space, the Lansdowne Pavilion, has been added for groups of 10-16 people.

Other improvements for 2015 include a complete refresh of the Budweiser Right Field Roof Deck, a major enhancement of the ballpark’s WiFi network, and a new area for children.  Near Gate B, the club will introduce a new Gate K (for Kids) that leads into the newly designed Kids Concourse.  Adjacent to the concourse is Wally’s Clubhouse, a mid-game playroom for children.

The Red Sox will officially unveil the 2015 improvements this Monday, April 6, with Mayor Martin J. Walsh, who will take part in a walkthrough of the ballpark with Red Sox President/CEO Larry Lucchino.  

星期五, 4月 03, 2015

STATEMENT OF MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH ON THE 2013 BOSTON MARATHON BOMBINGS AFTER ACTION REPORT

STATEMENT OF MAYOR MARTIN J. WALSH ON THE 2013 BOSTON MARATHON BOMBINGS AFTER ACTION REPORT

BOSTON - Friday, April 3, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today released the following statement:

"I am proud that this report highlights the tremendous efforts of so many city workers following the violence that struck our City two years ago, including the re-opening of Boylston Street in the aftermath of the bombing, and the incredible response of our hospitals and medical personnel.

"I know that over the past two years City departments have worked together diligently to take the lessons learned from the bombings and drastically improve our emergency response protocols so we are even better prepared for the future, and we can set the example for other cities.

"The tragedy of April 15, 2013 will forever leave a mark on our City, and as we will always remember those who lost so much that day, we also reflect on how tragedy brought out the best of who we are as a community."

DESIGN BIENNIAL BOSTON SELECTS FOUR EMERGING DESIGNERS FOR EXHIBITION AT BSA SPACE AND INSTALLATIONS ON THE ROSE KENNEDY GREENWAY

DESIGN BIENNIAL BOSTON SELECTS FOUR EMERGING DESIGNERS FOR EXHIBITION AT BSA SPACE AND INSTALLATIONS ON THE ROSE KENNEDY GREENWAY

BOSTON - April 3, 2015 - Today Mayor Martin J. Walsh announced the winners of the fourth Design Biennial Boston, a program sponsored by the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics and the Boston Art Commission in collaboration with pinkcomma gallery, BSA Space and the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy. Following an open call for entries, a distinguished jury selected four firms whose work provides ample evidence of Boston’s rich design talent. 
 
The 2015 Biennial will feature Cristina Parreño Alonso of Cristina Parreño Architecture, Cynthia Gunadi and Joel Lamere of GLD, Dan and Marie Law Adams of Landing Studio, and Michael Murphy and Alan Ricks of MASS Design Group. Mariana Ibañez and Simon Kim of IK Studio and Daniel Ibañez and Rodrigo Rubio of Margen-Lab received honorable mention awards this year for their contributions. Images of project submission are availablehere

"Boston has a deep creative talent pool, and these four selections for the 2015 Design Biennial reflect that," said Mayor Walsh. "I want Boston to be a municipal arts leader, and putting this type of exciting and thoughtful work into the public realm is what gets us closer to that goal. Thank you to our enthusiastic partners, and congratulations to these inspired designers."
 
"This fourth installment of the Biennial highlights emerging designers who reflect the diversity and vitality of Boston’s academic and professional architectural scenes," explained Chris Grimley of pinkcomma and over,under, one of the exhibition's curators. “At a time when the mayor has brought forth much-needed questions about the quality of buildings being produced in the city, the Biennial demonstrates how Boston’s new design talent can be drawn on for its innovative thinking and ability to respond to the challenges we will face in the future.”
 
The winning designers’ projects range from speculative visions to constructed interventions, including a monumental library in Slovenia, an installation in a stairway at MIT, the transformation of an industrial tank farm into a shared salt dock and public park in Chelsea, and a cholera treatment center with a wastewater purification facility in Port-au-Prince. 

“We were impressed by the inventiveness of this year’s submissions, which indicate the strength of the region’s upcoming generation,” explained juror Eden Dutcher of GroundView, a Biennial winner from the 2012/13 cycle. “Boston is a city with a growing talent pool of designers who should be given more opportunities to build in their hometown.”
 
In addition to a display of their prior work at BSA Space, the four selected design teams will construct site-specific installations on the Rose Kennedy Greenway adjacent to a 250-foot-high suspended art piece by Janet Echelman. 

“We are excited to host the 2015 Biennial on the Greenway,” said Lucas Cowan, curator of public art for the Greenway Conservancy. “With the Biennial installations and Janet Echelman’s piece so close to one another, the Greenway will be home to a wonderful confluence of architecture and public art this summer, showcasing innovative thinkers who make Greater Boston their home.”
 
"The Design Biennial Boston, with work exhibited at BSA Space, has provided emerging designers with an invaluable chance to engage the wider public in their imaginative work," commented juror Tim Love, 2015 president of the BSA and a Biennial participant in 2008. "Boston's future is in good hands if these brilliant minds are given more opportunities to shape our city."
 
The jury for the 2015 Biennial included curators Chris Grimley, Michael Kubo, and Mark Pasnik (pinkcomma gallery) along with Lucas Cowan (Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy), Eden Dutcher (GroundView), Michael Evans (Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics), Mary Fichtner (BSA Space), Karin Goodfellow (Boston Art Commission), Dan Hisel (Dan Hisel Architect/Wentworth Institute), Eric Höweler (Höweler + Yoon/Harvard University), Tim Love (Utile/Northeastern University/2015 BSA President), and Ana Mijlacki (Project_/MIT).
 
The public installations will be on view from late June through mid-September.
 

JURY COMMENTS
 
Cristina Parreño Alonso of Cristina Parreño Architecture
“The designer’s strong aesthetic and imaginative qualities span several architectural scales, with an attention to craft and detail as well as a deep commitment to an enriched sense of spatial engagement.”

Cynthia Gunadi and Joel Lamere of GLD
“This body of experimentation deserves commendation for foregrounding a delicate balance of form and beauty, highly crafted fabrication techniques, interactivity with people, and a thoughtful relationship between the human form and larger spaces.”
 
Dan and Marie Law Adams of Landing Studio
“This team’s coherent proposal for a series of diverse interventions is remarkable because it was completed while engaging a variety of stakeholders in the transformation of an industrial site to a vibrant urban playground.”
 
Michael Murphy and Alan Ricks of MASS Design Group 
“A firm known for its beautiful humanitarian medical facilities abroad will now be given a chance to do its first installation in the practice’s home city, which we expect will display the same lightness, grace, economy, and public engagement characterizing the earlier work.”


MORE INFORMATION

About the Design Biennial Boston
The Biennial showcases the most significant leaders among early-career, independent design talent in Massachusetts through a juried exhibition and site-specific, outdoor installation. The mission is to create a more vibrant design community that will contribute to Boston’s evolving culture, shape, and economic health. The first iteration of the Biennial—known as the Young Architects Boston Group—was held at pinkcomma gallery in 2008. In 2010, the event was renamed the Design Biennial Boston, and in 2012/13 it moved to BSA Space. Past participants include nineteen designers: Ground, Höweler + Yoon Architecture, LinOldhamOffice, Merge Architects, MOS, over,under, SsD, Studio Luz Architects, UNI, and Utile in 2008; C&MP, Dan Hisel Architect, Schneider Studio, Touloukian Touloukian, and William O’Brien Jr. in 2010; and GroundView, Kiel Moe, Matter Design, Project_ in 2012/13. www.designbiennialboston.com
 
About BSA Space architects.org/bsaspace
BSA Space (290 Congress Street, Boston)—Boston’s leading cultural institution on architecture and design—is home to the Boston Society of Architects and BSA Space Foundation. Admission is free and open to the public.
 
About pinkcomma gallery pinkcomma.com
Founded in 2007, pinkcomma gallery strives to make design more pivotal in the city’s political and cultural discourses—and across disciplines of architecture, landscape, graphics, urbanism, interiors, and industrial design.
  
About the Mayor’s Office of New Urban Mechanics newurbanmechanics.org
The Mayor's Office of New Urban Mechanics in Boston serves as the City's innovation incubator, building partnerships between internal agencies and outside entrepreneurs to pilot projects that address resident needs. The Mechanics strive to engage the community in developing projects that will reshape city government and improve the services it provides.

About the Boston Art Commission publicartboston.com
The Boston Art Commission, first assembled in 1890, advocates for creative place-making through the integration of public art into Boston’s civic spaces. From siting and funding temporary art on City property to reviewing and approving proposals for permanent public art, the Art Commission actively fosters community engagement in Boston’s cultural landscape. With a board of nine dedicated, Boston-based arts professionals appointed by the Mayor, the Art Commission also has custody of all permanent artworks sited on public property.

About the Rose Kennedy Greenway Conservancy rosekennedygreenway.org
The Conservancy is the designated steward of the Rose Kennedy Greenway, a mile-and-a-half of contemporary parks in the heart of Boston that connect people and the city with beauty and fun. The non-profit Conservancy maintains, programs, and improves the Greenway on behalf of the public and in partnership with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.