鄧泰山鋼琴獨奏融化了聽眾的心

Last Saturday 1/23, during the snow storm, with his beautiful music, pianist Dang Thai Son  鄧泰山 melted the hearts of a packed house of enthusiastic audience at NEC's Jordan Hall. He received cheerful standing ovations. The concert was simply fantastic!

Music critic from The Boston Musical Intelligencer wrote:  “Thai-Son in Knockout”  DuringSaturday night’s snow, those brave enough—or wise enough—to venture out to Jordan Hall were warmed by real artistry from Vietnamese pianist Dang Thai-Son. In this recital sponsored by the Foundation for Chinese Performing Arts, Dang showed why he was the 1980 first prizewinner at the International Chopin Competition, showcasing works by four composers—Schubert, Chopin, Fauré, and Debussy—each seemingly an old friend."

波士頓音樂情報員（The Boston Musical Intelligencer）樂評家形容1月23日在新英格蘭音樂學院喬丹廳舉行的“泰山擊倒（Thai-Son in Knockout）”音樂會時表示，那些冒雪而來的勇敢者或智慧者，在越南裔鋼琴家鄧泰山的音樂聲中，心全都暖得融化了。在中華表演藝術基金會策劃的這場音樂會中，鄧泰山彈奏了四名作曲家，舒伯特，蕭邦，福萊，德布西等人的作品，展現出1980年時，為什麼是他贏得國際蕭邦賽第一名。

浮雲相聲社農曆丙申年新春相聲大會 2/21

开箱大吉！浮云相声社农历丙申年新春相声大会正式售票啦

2016-01-27 浮云社

春暖花开，万物复苏，又到了说相声的季节。

今年的相声大会有新面孔和新段子将呈现在观众面前。

另外，据可靠消息报道，今年的早鸟票只卖$10！

那么，我们2月21日晚上六点半准时不见不散～

演出地点：48 Mass Ave， MA 02139 （MIT千人剧场）

扫二维码或点开下方原文抢票～

劍橋合唱團2016新樂季招募中

劍橋合唱團2016新樂季招募中

一起來體驗合唱的磅礡之美！ 已有24年歷史的劍橋合唱團由一群喜愛合唱的學生及工作人士組成，主要演唱中文歌曲，也時常表演台語客語英語原住民曲目，獲得波士頓地區許多聽眾的肯定。將在五月下旬舉行2016春季公演，即日至一月底止將招募新團員。

現在開始號召更多喜愛唱的朋友加入這歡樂的大家庭。劍橋合唱團每週五晚間8點在 MIT 4-270教室練唱，歡迎喜歡唱歌或有合唱經驗的朋友，1/22，1/29晚間7:00-8:00前來試音與參加練唱。試音請準備一首自選曲，並事先聯絡約定試音時段。

如需更多訊息，歡迎連絡 cccs-officers@mit.edu 或致電 217-979-9719 詢問

剑桥合唱团2016新乐季招募中

一起来体验合唱的磅礴之美！ 已有24年历史的剑桥合唱团由一群喜爱合唱的学生及工作人士组成，主要演唱中文歌曲，也时常表演台语客语英语原住民曲目，获得波士顿地区许多听众的肯定。将在五月下旬举行2016春季公演，即日至一月底止将招募新团员。

现在开始号召更多喜爱唱的朋友加入这欢乐的大家庭。剑桥合唱团每週五晚间8点在 MIT 4-270教室练唱，欢迎喜欢唱歌或有合唱经验的朋友，1/22，1/29晚间7:00-8:00前来试音与参加练唱。试音请準备一首自选曲，并事先联络约定试音时段。

如需更多讯息，欢迎连络 cccs-officers@mit.edu 或致电 217-979-9719 询问

Cambridge Chinese Choral Society is Auditioning

The Cambridge Chinese Choral Society members consist of students and working professionals in the community performing mainly Chinese choral pieces, as well as other dialects and languages.  The choir will be performing its semester concert in May 2016, and will begin auditioning for new members at the end of January.

The choir will be rehearsing every Friday night at 8 pm in MIT room 4-270.  We welcome interested singers to come and audition on 1/22 and 1/29 between 7 – 8 pm. Please prepare a song for the audition and call us to make an appointment.

For more information please email cccs-officers@mit.edu or call 217-979-9719

375 Volunteers Expected to Join Mayor Walsh for 36th Annual Homeless Census

375 Volunteers Expected to Join Mayor Walsh for 36th Annual Homeless Census

Mayor Martin J. Walsh will join approximately 375 volunteers and special guests for the 36th annual City of Boston Homeless Census to conduct a count of Boston's homeless population.  The event consists of a street count of unsheltered homeless persons throughout the city and a point-in-time survey of all those currently in emergency shelter, transitional housing, and other programs conducted by homeless providers. The census helps put a number to the unmet need for housing, emergency shelter beds, treatment resources, and other services.

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Ending Civil Commitments at MCI-Framingham for Substance Misuse Disorder

Governor Baker Signs Legislation Ending Civil Commitments at MCI-Framingham for Substance Misuse Disorder

New Law Prohibits Women from Correctional Institutions to Improve Treatment Options

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker was joined by Health and Human Services Secretary Marylou Sudders, House Speaker Robert DeLeo, Senate President Stan Rosenberg, Ways and Means Chair Senator Karen Spilka and Attorney General Maura Healey for a bill signing ceremony to prohibit the civil commitment of women facing substance misuse disorders to MCI-Framingham and provide addiction treatment services at Shattuck and Taunton State Hospitals.

“With the support of the legislature and Attorney General, our administration is proud to have delivered on a promise that took more than 30 years to fulfill,” said Governor Baker.  “Now, women with substance abuse disorder who are civilly committed will not be sent to MCI Framingham and will have the opportunity to get treatment instead of jail time.”

“Addiction is a disease and must be treated as such,” said Speaker DeLeo. “By ending the practice of sending civilly committed women to MCI-Framingham we are taking one more step to helping residents – our sisters, mothers, daughters, wives – recover. I’m proud of the landmark substance addiction legislation we have passed and the unprecedented funding increases for treatment, and I pledge unwavering commitment to fighting this devastating epidemic.”

"The bill ends the practice of treating women with substance abuse issues like criminals,” said Senate President Rosenberg. “We need to treat substance abuse like the disease it is and provide access to treatment in an appropriate setting so these women have an opportunity to get on a path to recovery."

“People who are hooked on heroin and opioids need treatment and care,” said Attorney General Healey. “This new law will end the practice of sending women struggling with addiction to prison without access to the treatment services they need. As we continue to battle this epidemic, it’s critical we get people real help that will give them a fighting chance at a better life.”

This reform, which was recommended as part of the Governor’s Opioid Working Group, will end the practice of sending women committed for treatment for a substance use disorder under section 35 of chapter 123 of the General Laws to MCI-Framingham.  For the past 25 years, individuals committed under section 35 have been sent to this correctional institution instead of a detox center—preventing the proper treatment options for women.  In the future, if the only appropriate setting for a civilly committed woman is a secure facility, women can only be committed to an approved facility by the Department of Public Health or the Department of Mental Health.

In the past year, the Baker-Polito Administration has added 28 beds at Shattuck and 15 beds at Taunton State Hospital, with an additional 30 beds at Taunton in the summer of 2016.  In addition, 58 treatment beds at Departments of Mental Health and Public Health facilities are under development with the first beds coming on line in January 2016.  Last July, Governor Baker allotted $5.8 million in a supplemental budget to move women civilly committed for substance abuse problems to a hospital, such as Shattuck or Taunton State Hospitals.

Today’s bill signing serves as the latest effort across state government to crack down on the opioid epidemic plaguing the Commonwealth and claiming four lives a day.  Earlier this month, the House passed a substance abuse treatment and prevention bill that is now pending in the Senate, and Governor Charlie Baker was recently joined by Attorney General Maura Healey, Representative John Fernandes and a representative from the Massachusetts Chiefs of Police to sign a fentanyl trafficking bill into law, authored by Attorney General Healey, to increase the penalty for the possession and distribution of fentanyl to 20 years for distributing more than 10 grams.

Separately, numerous recommendations from the Governor’s opioid working group have already been enacted to begin eradicating this public health crisis.  The administration has budgeted more than $114 million in spending for substance misuse prevention, education and treatment, increased bulk purchasing of Narcan in municipalities and changed reporting requirements for the Prescription Monitoring Program from 7 days to 24 hours.  One hundred and thirteen treatment beds have opened in six communities (Quincy, Plymouth, New Bedford, Boston, Westborough, Fall River) with more expected in Greenfield this winter.

EVERETT MAN ARRESTED FOR MASKED ARMED BANK ROBBERY

EVERETT MAN ARRESTED FOR MASKED ARMED BANK ROBBERY

 

BOSTON – An Everett man appeared in federal court today in connection with his alleged armed robbery of the TD Bank in Allston in November 2015.

 

Joseph G. Rachal, 64, was arraigned today in U.S. District Court in Boston and charged with armed bank robbery, carrying a firearm during the commission of a crime of violence, and being a previously convicted felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition.  U.S. District Court Magistrate Judge Marianne B. Bowler scheduled a detention and probable cause hearing for Jan. 28, 2016 at 11:00 a.m.

 

According to court documents, on Nov.19, 2015, an individual later identified as Rachal, allegedly entered the TD Bank in Allston wearing a dark rubber mask.  Rachael approached two tellers, brandished a semi-automatic weapon, and demanded money.  The tellers gave Rachal $2,397 and he fled the bank. 

 

Law enforcement officers arrived within minutes of the robbery and observed a man hiding behind a parked SUV one block from the bank.  After the officers identified themselves, the man fled carrying a black nylon bag.  The man was caught and after a brief struggle and identified as Rachal.  The officers found an active radio scanner on Rachal which was tuned to the Boston Police radio frequency.  The black bag contained a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol with one chambered round and a magazine containing 14 additional rounds, an extra magazine containing 15 rounds of 9mm ammunition, a dark rubber mask, gloves, a tan jacket, and $2,397.

 

Bank surveillance cameras confirmed that the items recovered from Rachal’s bag were consistent with those used during the robbery. 

 

The charge of armed bank robbery provides for a sentence of no greater than 25 years in prison, five years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of being a felon in possession provides for a sentence of no greater than 10 years in prison, three years of supervised release and a fine of $250,000.  The charge of brandishing a firearm during the commission of a violent crime provides for a mandatory sentence of seven years to be served consecutive to the other charges.  Actual sentences for federal crimes are typically less than the maximum penalties.  Sentences are imposed by a federal district court judge based upon the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

 

United States Attorney Carmen M. Ortiz; Harold H. Shaw, Special Agent in Charge of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Boston Field Division; and Boston Police Commissioner William Evans, made the announcement today.  The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Kenneth G. Shine of Ortiz’s Major Crimes Unit.

Baker-Polito Administration To Invest $5 Million Targeting Chronically High Unemployment

Baker-Polito Administration To Invest $5 Million Targeting Chronically High Unemployment

Governor’s Chronic Unemployment Task Force Releases Recommendations to Address Economic Disparity

BOSTON – Today, Governor Charlie Baker and Secretary of Labor and Workforce Development Ronald L. Walker, II, joined members of the Governor’s Task Force on Persons Facing Chronically Higher Rates of Unemployment to announce new initiatives addressing higher rates of unemployment faced by some populations, and a $5 million investment in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2017 budget proposal to build a Massachusetts-based public workforce system that will enhance the existing federally-funded system. The state funds will provide grants to community-based organizations and others that partner with businesses to develop job training and employment opportunities for populations that face higher unemployment rates.

“Since taking office, our administration has focused on reaching individuals and families across the Commonwealth who have felt they have not been able to take advantage of or experience our state’s many economic strengths,” said Governor Baker.  “By building the capacity of community-based organizations and others who already have the expertise and experience working with individuals who face higher unemployment rates, we can to enable more people to find and keep jobs and support their families.

Last March, Governor Baker signed an Executive Order creating a task force to explore reasons for higher unemployment rates among certain groups, and find ways to improve economic opportunities. While the state’s unemployment rate is lower than the national average – at 4.7 percent in December – African-Americans, Hispanics/Latinos, Persons with Disabilities, Native Americans, and recently-returned veterans, continue to experience higher unemployment rates, ranging from 7 to 12 percent.

“There are still too many individuals for whom employment opportunities are infrequent or currently unattainable even in strong economic times for our Commonwealth,” said Lt. Governor Karyn Polito. “With these recommendations, we are going to empower those most involved within their communities and reach even more people in a meaningful way.”

Governor Baker’s FY ’17 budget will include:

1.     $2 million to create a new Economic Opportunity Fund, investing in community-based organizations who partner with businesses to offer job training and hiring opportunities for people who face employment barriers. The grants will allow organizations to provide a deeper level of engagement to help residents find a job.

2.     $2 million to the Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund, marking the first time funding would be available in two consecutive years. The Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund is targeted toward unemployed or underemployed individuals who need job training or education to make the transition to employment. 

3.     $1 million to expand statewide re-entry and job training programmingfor former criminal offenders re-entering society.

Labor and Workforce Development Secretary Walker chaired the Task Force that advised the Governor, consisting of administration officials, business leaders, educators, community-based organization representatives, and economic experts, who traveled around the state to listen to residents who face continued unemployment.

“Whatever their barriers, we realize certain people need a hands-on touch when it comes to job seeking and more attention than the federally-funded career centers are able to give them,” Secretary Walker said. “One of the recommendations from the Task Force is to build a Massachusetts-based public workforce system by leveraging community-based organizations, which can meet the specific needs of the target populations.”

The Task Force also recommends:

·       Improving the public workforce system through continued implementation of the federal Workforce Investment Opportunity Act of 2014. Through WIOA, the Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development is refocusing the state’s 32 One-Stop Career Centers with a “Demand-driven 2.0” strategy that requires career center officials to build relationships with employers in their regions to help clients find job opportunities.

·       Extending the Disability Employment Initiative (DEI) through March 2017, which links people with disabilities to job training.

·       Using the Career Centers to reengage long-term unemployed out of work for more than a year. 

The full Task Force report can be viewed here.  

LIGHTS TO BE INSTALLED TO RESTORE BOSTON CITY HALL

LIGHTS TO BE INSTALLED TO RESTORE BOSTON CITY HALL

Liven up City Hall Plaza, Increase Public Safety

A rendering shows City Hall's exterior with new LED lights, from a viewpoint at Faneuil Hall.  BOSTON - Monday, January 25, 2016 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today announced that architectural lighting will be installed at City Hall to highlight and enhance the building's original design, building on the Walsh Administration's goals to liven up City Hall Plaza and create a safer area for pedestrians.   "We are committed to creating a welcoming, lively City Hall Plaza, and installing new lights will make the plaza safer while connecting us to Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market," said Mayor Walsh. "The lighting restores the outside of City Hall to its original design and the LED technology will help us meet our sustainability goals."   The lighting will highlight the original tripartite design of City Hall, which organized the building into three parts -  the public spaces: the lower levels that house public transaction areas; the symbolic spaces: the middle sections that house the governmental offices of the Mayor and the City Council; and the administrative spaces, the crown of the building, that house the administrative functions of government.   New high-efficiency LED fixtures will replace the original exterior recessed lighting fixtures to illuminate the lower levels and highlight the entrances.  Other fixtures, intended to wash the building with light, will be hidden behind existing structures and attached to new light poles, which will be coordinated with the new MBTA light poles.   The new fixtures will wash the building in a warm white light, and also have the capability of projecting a wide-range of color options which will allow the City to light the building to acknowledge a variety of civic and celebratory events.   The new exterior lighting will allow for better security lighting, and  will allow for the flood lights and associated conduit that has been added to the building over the years to be removed in its entirety.   The lighting will be sustainable by replacing the existing Metal Halide fixtures with LED technology that has a 20 year life span. The current fixtures have a four year life span and have never been replaced. The project is coordinating with Eversource on an energy incentive program for a grant of approximately $76,000.   The new fixtures are also more energy efficient than the Metal Halide fixtures and the existing Flood Lights.  Cost savings are expected to be in the range of 300,000 kWh saved per year.   Arcade lights will also be retrofitted to complement the City Hall lighting.  Both will be operated by the same controller and will be able to be coordinated. The lighting is very flexible, so future building or plaza renovations can utilize the new lighting.    "City Hall's powerful forms and evocative spaces represent Boston's faith in its citizens and their government. It was always meant to evolve so it could meet changing needs and incorporate contemporary technologies," said David Eisen  AIA, Boston Society of Architects (BSA) vice president for communication. "We're delighted to see the city reaching out to the public with new ways of thinking about this--and other--civic places and spaces. Lighting will help this bold piece of architecture to engage the urban landscape around it."   The 1968 'Heroic' style City Hall Building is a pending Landmark therefore the Boston Landmarks Commission is reviewing this illumination plan and other future improvement plans.   Project will be bid on February 12th, construction is anticipated to start in April and be completed by the end of summer 2016.