衛斯理中文學校慶新年

衛斯理中文學校日前在衛斯理社區中心慶祝農曆新年，一、二百人在佈置得喜氣洋洋的會場中歡聚一堂，欣賞校方安排的廿多個節目，個個人眉開眼笑，高興非常。

衛斯理中文學校師生們這天費了不少心思，在四面牆上懸起五色彩帶，掛出大紅宮燈，舞台背景布也貼出一個大紅「福」字，把農曆新年慶祝會會場佈置得氣氛十足。

當晚安排的表演節目，不下廿餘個，從開場的「社員都是向陽花」合唱，到中班學生的雙簧、相聲、演唱、男女二重唱、三句半、詩朗誦，到低年級學生及幼兒班的跳蛇面舞、表演十二生肖、唱恭喜歌，以及高年級女生的示範武術，舞劍等，每個節目都是老師編導，帶著學生們一句句演練，有些小朋友還得老師牽著手，帶上台，都讓出席家長領會到師生們的努力。小演員們的舞步有時差三錯四，出點小洋相，卻更惹場中觀眾憐愛，在開懷大笑中，報以熱烈鼓勵掌聲。

慶祝會特邀嘉賓翁慧和葉明麗，當晚的一曲古箏二重奏「幻想曲」，水準之高，聽得座中眾人有蕩氣迴腸之感。

由十二名家長組成的媽媽合唱團，一曲「難忘今宵」，惹得出席眾人想起故鄉春晚，心中遙祝遠方親人新春好。

衛斯理中文學校創辦人之一的丁健梅表示，該校應社區內華人家長的強烈要求，三年前成立，如今已有學生180人，老師及助教廿餘人，其中不但有華裔，也有美國原住民，以及非華裔人士，非常多元化。

圖片說明：

      衛斯理中文學校小朋友唱十二生肖。(圖由衛斯理中文學校提供)

      十二名家長組成的媽媽合唱團演唱「難忘今宵」。(圖由衛斯理中文學校提供)

華埠居民追究為何發展商捐款他們不知道

波士頓華埠居民會六日晚在月例會中要求寺廟地(Temple Place)59號發展商說明撥款十萬元給華埠，為什麼他們不知道。

            波士頓華埠居民會六日晚在昆士小學飯堂召開的月例會，列有三項議程。一為Viridian能源公司代表David White說明該公司所提供的不須更換電力公司就省電費，還可幫助非牟利機構籌款的服務；一為塔芙茨醫療中心有意向波市府續租五年，位於泰勒街和乞臣街之間，有50個停車位的停車場。市府將加倍收費，建議塔大及塔醫，將來在的週末及晚間開放該停車場，供民眾付費停車；一為寺廟地(Temple Place)59號發展商代表報告該發展計劃。

            其中的寺廟地59號發展案一節，發展顧問哈里柯林斯(Harry R. Collings)應華人前進會副行政主任劉衛恆之邀，出席說明芝加哥的好事福資本集團(Oxford Capital Group)已斥資二千三百餘萬元，買下高十層樓，佔地約124,276平方呎的寺廟地(Temple Place)59號，打算改建成約有243個房間的旅館酒店。

根據波士頓重建局網站的發展計劃概況，寺廟地59號發展案已於去年十二月十三日獲波士頓重建局董事會批准進行。

            華埠居民會共同主席余仕昂，梅陳月嫦，居民梁德生，以及前任華埠社區議會議員梁永基等人，並未探問發展計劃細節，只追問為何該一發展計劃撥款十萬元給華埠社區，有四個機構平分，但華埠居民會卻不知道有十萬元捐款這事，無法要求分沾。余仕昂並指稱，梁永基當時身為華埠社區議會議員，也一樣不知道。

            柯林斯顯得很無奈，表示「這事」已進行了很久，他以為很多人都知道了。梁永基立即反應，指柯林斯的說法和華埠社區議會共同主席陳灼鋆的事情決定很快說法，完全不一樣。

            柯林斯會後在回答本報提問時表示，寺廟地59號發展案，早在去年九月，就已陸續進華埠、中城區，以及華埠治安委員會等組織做說明，他們以為社區內的人，早已知道他們有這發展計劃，也可能會提供社區福利。

            新當選為華埠社區議會議員的陳偉民昨日表示，寺廟地59號發展案是項「as of right」的內部翻修發展案，無論是樓宇高度或寬度，都未改變，基本上並不需要召開社區公聽會，也不須要提撥社區福利，但發展商有意做好鄰居，才主動撥款資助社區內服務青少年的機構。言下之意，這一發展案的發展商並無撥款，或向社區報告的義務。

            波士頓重建局負責寺廟地59號發展計劃的項目經理Lauren Williams昨日回覆本報查詢，說明該發展案的類別為「as of right」，意及翻修原址(Amory and Blake buildings)，不必申請變更區域劃分(zoning)，因此並不須要經過社區程序。該發展案於2012年十月十九日提出申請，並在報章上刊登廣告，十一月十九日時，為期30天的公眾置評階段結束。期間，該發展案也於十一月七日在凱悅酒店開過一次社區會議。

            Lauren Williams也說，發展商和數個社區組織會晤過，決定捐款各二萬五千元給四個社區機構。但政府的第八十章(Article 80)程序，並無這一要求。

            當晚在會中，余仕昂等人並向柯林斯表示，華人社區和華人前進會訂出了更激進的發展計劃聘用本地居民要求，包括施工項目應聘用53%的少數族裔，51%的本地區民，15%的女性，撥款資助就業培訓等等，希望寺廟地59號發展計劃能遵重社區的意願。    

  

圖片說明:

            華埠居民會共同主席梅陳月嫦(左起)、余仕昂，向寺廟地59號發展顧問哈里柯林斯(Harry R. Collings)追問捐款十萬由來。(菊子攝)

            塔芙茨分享服務行政主任James O. Foley(右起)六日晚在塔醫社區健康主任曾雪清協助翻譯下，向梅陳月嫦任共同主席的華埠居民會成員報告，塔大及塔醫位於泰勒街與乞臣街的約五十車位停車場，將來可能開放，供民眾付費停車。(菊子攝)

麻州政府撥款六千七百萬支持可負擔住宅

PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION ANNOUNCES $67 MILLION TO BUILD OR PRESERVE 1,326 HOUSING UNITS ACROSS MASSACHUSETTS

Projects will create over 1,700 construction jobs across Massachusetts

REVERE – February 7, 2013 – Continuing the Patrick-Murray Administration’s commitment to improving housing infrastructure to support growth and opportunity throughout the Commonwealth, Secretary of Housing and Economic Development Greg Bialecki today announced $67 million in affordable housing resources and tax credits for 23 developments in 21 communities.

The announcement of the funding was held at 525 Beach St. in Revere, where 30 new units of low-income housing, including six units for extremely low-income families, will be built with the support of $2.2 million in federal and state tax credits and housing subsidies, and will create 57 jobs. In all, the 23 projects across Massachusetts will create 1,326 units of housing and an estimated 1,710 construction jobs.

“Creating affordable housing helps to generate jobs, grow local businesses and strengthen our communities,” said Governor Deval Patrick. “Government’s role is to help people help themselves, and sustainable affordable housing will build a better Commonwealth for generations to come.”

“All families deserve access to quality housing in Massachusetts,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray, Chair of the Interagency Council on Housing and Homelessness.  “Our Administration is committed to providing more affordable housing options for low-income families, and this latest round of resources and tax credits will increase our housing infrastructure and lead to improved community development in regions across the state.”

The $67 million investment includes more than $9 million in federal low-income housing tax credits, $7.7 million in state low-income housing tax credits, and $47.7 million in state and federal housing program subsidies.

Of the 1326 units, 1,164 will be affordable to low- and moderate-income individuals and households, with 298 units reserved for extremely low-income families, including those making the transition from homelessness.

"I am pleased that two projects in my district will receive funding to build affordable housing and as a result will create jobs," said House Speaker Robert A. DeLeo. "I would like to thank the Patrick-Murray Administration, the town of Winthrop and city of Revere for their commitment to these projects."

“I am grateful two of the communities I represent, Revere and Chelsea, will benefit from the funds awarded by the Department of Housing and Community Development,” said Rep. Kathi-Anne Reinstein (D-Revere). “These funds allow us to invest in projects that are crucial to community development and creating affordable housing opportunities for residents and families across the commonwealth.”

In November, Governor Patrick announced a goal of creating 10,000 multi-family units of housing per year, the first production goal of this kind set by any state in the country.  Increasing market-rate housing for families and individuals is part of the Patrick-Murray Administration’s comprehensive plan for improving housing at all levels. Along with creating new housing, the Administration has made significant investments in the Commonwealth’s public housing stock, by preserving and improving the 46,000 housing units in the system through increased capital funding, increased operating subsidies, and changes in management of those resources.

“Having good, affordable housing at every level is important to our continued economic recovery, as we work to make sure we maintain our strong, well-trained young workforce,” said Secretary Bialecki. “By setting a goal of creating 10,000 multi-family units of housing a year, Governor Patrick has made housing creation an important goal for Massachusetts.”

Since 2009, Governor Patrick and Lieutenant Governor Murray have worked with the Legislature and Congress to direct over $700 million in federal and state tax credits and state housing program subsidies to projects that improve the state's affordable housing, create jobs and build stronger communities. These investments have generated more than 14,000 jobs and 10,000 housing units; 9,000 of which are affordable.

Funding, which is handled by the Department of Housing and Community Development, will support projects in:

Village Green Phase I, Barnstable: Dakota Partners will use $2,250,000 in DHCD housing subsidies and $1,360,000 in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits to produce 60 units of affordable family housing. The project is expected to generate 87 jobs.

Jackson Commons, Boston: Urban Edge Housing Corporation will use $2,940,000 in DHCD housing subsidies and $910,094 in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits to produce 37 units of affordable family housing. The project is expected to generate 114 jobs.

MHNHS Roxbury Crossing Senior Building, Boston: Mission Hill Neighborhood Housing Services, Inc. will use $2.8 million in DHCD housing subsidies to create 39 units of affordable elderly housing. Twenty units will be reserved for extremely low-income individuals or households. The project is expected to create 85 jobs.

St. Kevin’s Residential, Boston: The Planning Office for Urban Affairs will use $2,708,806 in DHCD housing subsidies and $768,950 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to redevelop a former school building and build 33 units to serve families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. Services will be provided by St. Mary’s Center for Women and Children. The project is expected to produce 85 jobs.

Residences at Centre and Main – Phase 1A, Brockton: Trinity Financial will use $2,378,000 in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $1,750,000 in DHCD housing subsidies to produce 71 units of housing, with 21 units restricted as affordable. This project is the first of several Trinity projects that will result in the redevelopment of the Enterprise Block in downtown Brockton. This project is expected to create 244 jobs.

Chapman Arms, Cambridge: Homeowner’s Rehab, Inc., DHCD's designee under the Chapter 40T preservation statute, will use $1.975 million in DHCD housing subsidies and $236,868 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to preserve 25 units of affordable family housing for low-income households. Chapman Arms is expected to create 29 jobs.

Choice Veterans Housing, Chelmsford and Westford: CHOICE, Inc. will use $1.62 million in DHCD housing subsidies to develop 13 units of rental housing for veterans on two different sites – one in Chelmsford (new construction) and one in Westford (rehabilitation). The project is expected to create 23 jobs.

Standard Box Apartments, Chelsea: Mitchell Properties will use $1,550,000 in DHCD housing subsidies and $366,000 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to build 21 new affordable units and 29 additional apartments in the Box District in Chelsea. The project is expected to generate 73 jobs.

Parsons Village, Easthampton:  The Valley Community Development Corporation will use $2,533,234 in DHCD housing subsidies and $1,084,988 in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits to produce 38 units of affordable family housing. The project is expected to produce 71 jobs.

Edmands House, Framingham:  Beacon Communities will use $2,933,388 of federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $1,000,000 in DHCD housing subsidies to preserve 171 units of affordable housing in this 190 unit development in Framingham. This project is expected to generate 87 jobs. 

Chestnut Park, Holyoke:  Weld Management will use $1,694,534 in DHCD housing subsidies and $990,000 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to redevelop a former school complex in downtown Holyoke into 55 new units of affordable family housing. The project is expected to produce 104 jobs.

Counting House Lofts, Lowell:  Winn Development will use $2,012,792 in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $2,000,000 of DHCD housing subsidies to develop a former mill into 52 housing units of housing, including 26 affordable units.  This project is expected to create 116 jobs.

Marion Village Estates, Marion:  Baywatch Realty Trust will use $2,715,000 in DHCD housing subsidies and $989,470 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to build 60 new affordable family apartments in Marion. The project is expected to produce 93 jobs.

Mashpee Village Phase II, Mashpee:  The Community Builders, Inc. will use $1,000,000 in DHCD housing subsidies and $493,762 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to renovate and preserve 145 units of family housing in Mashpee. The project is expected to produce 79 jobs.

Leeds Veterans Housing Cooperative, Northampton:  The non-profit Soldier On, Inc. will use $1.844 million in DHCD housing subsidies to create 44 units of limited equity cooperative housing for formerly homeless veterans. The project is expected to generate 60 jobs.

Central Annex/Union Court, Pittsfield: The non-profit Preservation of Affordable Housing (POAH) will use $2.75 million in DHCD housing subsidies and $380,512 federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to preserve 101 units of affordable housing for families and seniors, with eleven units reserved for extremely low-income families. The project is expected to create 37 jobs.

525 Beach, Revere:  The Neighborhood Developers will use $710,629 of federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $1,520,261 of DHCD housing subsidies to develop 30 units of affordable family housing on the site of a former warehouse. This project is expected to create 57 jobs.

Old Farm Inn, Rockport:  The non-profit Supportive Living Inc. will use $600,000 in DHCD housing subsidies to create eight units of affordable housing for persons with disabilities. The project is expected to create nine jobs.

Outing Park Apartments I, Springfield:  First Resource Development Company will use $3,550,000 in DHCD housing subsidies and $1.2 million in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits to acquire and renovate 94 existing family housing units.  The project is expected to produce 119 jobs.

Saint Joseph’s Hall, Watertown:  Metro West Collaborative Development, Inc. will use $1,663 million in DHCD housing subsidies and $153,243 in federal Low Income Housing Tax Credits to preserve 25 units of affordable housing, with 20 units reserved for extremely low-income households. The project is expected to create 23 jobs.

Sitkowski School, Webster:  Neighborhood of Affordable Housing will use $1,275,361 in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $2,715,000 in DHCD housing subsidies to develop 66 units of affordable senior housing. This project is expected to create 125 jobs.

Haydenville Village Center Apartments, Williamsburg and Chesterfield:  The Hilltown Community Development Corporation will use $2.892 million in DHCD housing subsidies to preserve 24 units of affordable housing, with 6 units reserved for extremely low-income households. The project is expected to create 17 jobs.

Winthrop Apartments, Winthrop:  Chelsea Jewish Foundation and Affirmative Investments will use $1,133,200 in federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits and $1,550,000 in DHCD housing subsidies to develop 40 senior housing units, including 37 affordable units. This project is expected to create 55 jobs.

摩頓市長與民同慶農曆新春

摩頓市日前在新蓋的摩頓高中禮堂，舉辦第四屆農曆春節聯歡會。演出十八個節目，幾乎全由摩頓市亞裔居民擔綱。二、三百人看著鄰居、老師、同學演出，感到格外親切熱鬧。

摩頓市長葛帝生(Gary Christenson)當天不但准時抵達，用市長辦公室助理于豔教他的中文向大家拜年，還捧場的幾乎從頭坐到尾，讓許多摩頓市民紛紛稱讚，這市長真親民。

            聯歡會總策劃之一的劉曉梅指出，這是摩頓市的慶祝蛇年農曆新春活動，她們因此刻意選擇住在摩頓市的個人、團體演出。

當天看表演的人也發現，創辦華林功夫及太極學校的大波士頓地區第一位華林派女師傅麥翠梅，創辦波士頓青少年二胡藝術團的林湛濤，辦有揚琴、古箏青少年樂團的李平，彈電吉它及琵琶的甄若茅，才來波士頓大約一年，曾獲選為廣州十大青年歌手的廉豔，竟然都是摩頓市居民，顯然摩頓市也已成為臥虎藏龍，人才濟濟的好城市。

            這場「華夏之春」春節聯歡會，由華夏文化協會和摩頓高中亞裔文化俱樂部聯合主辦，由廉豔、林飛搭檔，做中英文司儀，三名摩頓高中生做串場司儀。

            華林功夫及太極學校的舞獅，為聯歡會拉開序幕。接著的華夏文協藝術團的「好日子」舞蹈，為新年伊始帶來好兆頭。波士頓青少年二胡藝術團的「中國民族音樂聯奏」，展現出中國也是個族裔多元，文化豐富的國家。

            當天陸續排出的節目還有華林派功夫示範，摩頓高中亞裔俱樂部演唱「We are never never getting back together」，表演「Remix」舞蹈，國際時裝秀，楊氏太極拳協會示範打太極，摩頓華人合唱團和華夏文協藝術團在劉曉梅指揮下演唱「「夢中的卓瑪」和「友誼天長地久」，黃美桃率領紐英崙養生舞協會演出「慧海福源」，王斯若古箏獨奏「雪山春曉」、「戰馬奔騰」，以前從沒公開演唱過的趙寶玲，在波士頓中國音樂家協會琵琶好手甄若茅以電吉它伴奏下演唱「我的心裏沒有他」，摩頓高中學生表演時裝秀、街舞，兩名個人示範武當拳、劍，廉豔獨唱「好運來」，華夏文協藝術團跳「美麗的西班牙女孩」等，內容十分多元。

            華夏文化協會行政主任洪梅在會末表示，該會已於最近遷址摩頓市青年會(99 Dartmouth St., Malden, MA)，地方更為寬敞。表演節目中的許多人，都在該會開班，有意學習樂器演奏，聲樂技巧或武當功夫者，都可在該會找到好老師。該會為促進中西文化交流，每個週末都辦有講座，下一場是二月十七日(週日)的下午二點至四點，邀起曾任華梵大學文學院院長的周春塘教授，講談「中美節慶和傳統文化的比較」。

圖片說明：

            華夏文化協會行政主任洪梅(右一)和聯歡會總策劃劉曉梅(左二)歡迎摩頓市市長葛帝生(Gary Christenson)(右二)，以及于豔。(菊子攝)

            摩頓市農曆新年慶祝會演員、工作人員謝幕。(菊子攝)

            耆英自組的舞蹈團，服裝、姿態都有看頭。(菊子攝)

            廉豔果然是專業歌手，不但主持節目時口齒清晰，開口演唱，更是聲音動聽。(菊子攝)

            華夏文協藝術團跳完「美麗的西班牙女孩」。(菊子攝)

華埠警、民憂夜總會式營業場所擾亂地方治安

華埠治安委員會昨(六)日在月例會中，再度拒絕支持晚餐俱樂部的開業申請，但基本上同意W酒店內重開夜總會式吧廊，聽取了「真味中國屋(Authentic China House)」的開業計劃，支持肥牛火鍋店擴張。

      華埠治安委員會昨日議程滿檔，有時不到一小時可開完的會議，昨日進行了兩個多小時才結束。會議中花最多時間討論的是兩個夜總會式營業場所的開業、復業申請。

      有意在華盛頓街533號開張晚餐俱樂部(Supper Club)形式餐廳的東主Sam Sokol，以及律師Mark Evlogiadis，餐館顧問Richard Brackett，以及房東Mimi Beldehas等人，昨日再度到華埠治安委員會備詢。

      波士頓警察局A-1區警長李湯姆(Tom Lee)、社區小組長利瑪(Tom Lema)，以及華埠治安委員會共同主席陳灼鋆等人，昨日再度重申他們對晚餐俱樂部的疑慮，指稱一棟四層樓，有可跳舞的娛樂牌照及酒牌的營業場所，隨時有搖身變成夜總會的可能。李湯姆表示，他最擔心的是該店可容六、七百人，一旦這些人在凌晨兩點左右，各店關門時，和金融區、劇院區的其他娛樂場所消費者，同時湧上街頭，A-1區警察很可能要面對更多鄰近地區居民抱怨深夜吵雜，或者打群架、械鬥等地方治安困擾。

      華埠居民會共同主席余仕昂昨日在紐英崙中華公所主席黃光野，以及大同村居民聯誼會主席黃國威等人陪同，何遠光協助翻譯下，也到會表達憂慮。他並代表住在南灣東座的陳丹心表示，南灣東座一帶居民，已飽受光顧夜總會者深夜離場時喧囂吵嚷之苦，不希望鄰近增加夜總會式營業場所而情況更糟。

      Sam Sokol等人再三強調，他們經營的是餐廳，不是夜總會。波士頓重建局也支持他們的看法，認為華埠一帶，金融區及劇院區，越來越多三十多歲的年輕專業人士，市場有紐約式晚餐俱樂部的需求。此外，他們也已因應華埠治安委員會的顧慮，修改了營業設計，包括可跳舞的娛樂牌照，不包括一樓等。

      華埠治安委員會共同主席陳灼鋆表示，礙於他個人認知，以及社區內的反應，他不認為華埠治安委員會目前可就此一申請支持案進行投票。他建議Sam Sokol等人，先到中城區陳情，看反應如何再說。

      波士頓W酒店原本自營降落(Descent)夜總會，但已於去年年底停業。律師Karen Siamo昨日與有夜總會凱薩(nightclub czar)之稱的Brian Lesser出席華埠治安委員會，說明Brian Lesse已與W酒店取得協議，將在降落夜總會原址，開張新店，可容人數將從之前的120，增加到包括工作人員的兩百人。其他營業內容，與前相同。波士頓W酒店總經理William P. Bunce也特地出席，做補充說明。

      波士頓警察局A-1區警長李湯姆(Tom Lee)表示，他曾經去過降落夜總會，未在該營業場所發現任何問題。

      華埠治安委員會昨日的議程還包括肥牛火鍋店申請擴張，增加三樓為營業場所。律師黃華與兩名東主程華艦、林芝興繼上個月出席華埠社區議會的月會後，昨日再到華埠治安委員會做說明，並獲支持。

      南北風味餐廳東主之一的陳利民，昨日與圓鼎工程呂孟德向華埠治安委員會陳情，說明刻正籌備在南北風味對面，原本為中華行的樓面，開張一家新的，名為「Authentic China House(暫譯，真味中國屋)」的中餐館。該一地點約2500平方呎，減掉廚房所用面積後，約可擺放八、九十個座位，希望委員會支持。

      波士頓警察局A-1區警長李湯姆(Tom Lee)昨日也照例做了上個月的華埠一帶犯罪記錄，共有3宗搶劫案，1宗激烈攻擊案，一宗破門而入偷竊案，一租偷車案，六宗偷盜案，一宗從移動車輛偷竊案。警方上個月開出65張駕車違規罰單，159張停車違規罰單。

      李湯姆在報告中指出，其中發生在必珠街的一宗搶劫案，受害者只會說中文，行搶者似是越南裔說廣東話者。他們持槍搶走一千元現金外，還把受害者身上的一百多元也搶走了。不過受害者等了三天才報案，增加了警方查案的困難度。另一宗搶案發生在乞臣街上，但受害者的門鎖無損，有可能是熟人所為。

      余仕昂還在會中表示，有不少華埠居民還記得，華埠一帶街道，曾經一度為中英雙語，但現在卻都只有英語，不知是否可把中文加回來。

      華埠主街經理何靄茵在會末表示，日前有一名黃姓老翁在穿越尼倫街與夏利臣街交界處的馬路時，被車輛撞傷。A-1區巡警翁天生補充表示，尼倫街是條比較寬的馬路，該處交通燈號變換較快，的確常有不少耆英無法在燈號已變時，還未過完馬路。警方表示，將向有關單位反應。

     

圖片說明：

      波士頓警察局A-1區警長李湯姆(Tom Lee)(左起)、華埠治安委員會共同主席陳灼鋆、塔芙茨醫療中心社區健康主任曾雪清等人與出席會議者交流意見。(菊子攝)

      波士頓W酒店總經理William P. Bunce(立者)補充說明，開有故事村(Storyville)、迷你吧(Mini Bar)的Brian Lesser，是很有經驗的夜總會經營者。(菊子攝)

      南北風味餐廳東主之一的陳利民(立者)有意開張「真味中國屋(Authentic China House)」。(菊子攝)

麻州府撥補助款八萬給八所學校鼓勵創新

PATRICK-MURRAY ADMINISTRATION AWARDS PLANNING GRANTS TO EIGHT POTENTIAL INNOVATION SCHOOLS ACROSS THE COMMONWEALTH

Funds will support development of educational innovations that close achievement gaps, help all students achieve at high levels

BOSTON – Wednesday, February 6, 2013 – Education Secretary Matthew Malone today announced $80,000 in grants to eight potential Innovation Schools across the Commonwealth. This funding builds on the Patrick-Murray Administration's continued efforts to close persistent achievement gaps, promote innovative and bold strategies in education and give students and their families greater access to high-quality public schools.

"I am extremely proud of the progress we’ve made on the Innovation School initiative as more and more schools step up to provide improved educational opportunities for Massachusetts students," said Governor Deval Patrick. "This robust and diverse group of schools demonstrates what can be achieved when local school communities are given the flexibility to be creative in their approach to helping all students achieve at high levels."

Initial prospectuses for these schools have already been approved by local stakeholders including superintendents, school committee members and union leaders and the grants will be used to develop robust innovation plans that will be presented to local school committees for final approval. Many of these schools could open as early as September 2013.

A signature component of Governor Patrick’s Achievement Gap Act of 2010, Innovation Schools are in-district, charter-like public schools that use inventive strategies and creative approaches to education while keeping school funding within districts. Innovation Schools can utilize greater autonomy and flexibility with regard to curriculum, staffing, budget, schedule/calendar, professional development and district policies.

There are currently 44 operational Innovation Schools across Massachusetts.  If these eight plans are fully approved, over 50 Innovation Schools could be up and running by fall 2013. The Administration awarded over $850,000 in Innovation School planning and implementation grants last year. Funding for Innovation School planning and implementation grants have been made available as part of a total of $2 million in support from the state's successful Race to the Top proposal and additional support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.

Secretary Malone announced today’s round of planning grants at the Blackstone Elementary School in Boston, one of today’s recipients whose Innovation School prospectus proposes seeking autonomies in the areas of curriculum, instruction and assessment, staffing, professional development and budget to sustain its success in improving student achievement outcomes as a turnaround school.

“It is exciting to see a school community, like the Blackstone School, that has made significant academic progress with its students, using the Innovation School model to sustain the gains made by seeking autonomies and flexibilities to continue to meet the needs of its students,” said Education Secretary Matthew Malone.

In addition to the grant funding announced today, Governor Patrick recently proposed a $550 million investment in education, reaching $1 billion over four years, to expand access to high quality educational opportunities and make higher education more affordable for all students in Massachusetts. This historic investment would provide universal access to high quality early education for all children in Massachusetts from birth through age five; allow additional resources for high-need schools to extend learning time for students; increase Chapter 70 funding to K-12 districts; make higher education more affordable for students; and allow our community colleges to expand successful programs that are preparing students to thrive in the workplace. The Governor’s plan also includes $1.5 million in funding to support the planning and implementation of additional innovation schools across the state. 

For more information about Innovation Schools, please visit  www.mass.gov/edu/innovationschools.

The list of grant recipients, districts in which the schools will be located and amounts granted is as follows:

INNOVATION SCHOOLS PLANNING GRANTS – awarded with state Race to the Top funding.

Partner District	Proposed Innovation School School	Amount
Boston Public Schools	Blackstone Elementary School (preK-5, proposed conversion of existing school)	$10,000
Boston Public Schools	William Monroe Trotter School (K-8, proposed conversion of existing school)	$10,000
Boston Public Schools	John F. Kennedy Innovation School (K-5, proposed conversion of existing school)	$10,000
Fall River Public Schools	Fall River Innovation Academy (proposed new school, 7th-12th)	$10,000
New Bedford Public Schools	Esperanza School of Language and Culture (proposed new school, K-8)	$10,000
New Bedford Public Schools	Renaissance Community School for the Arts (proposed new school, PK-5)	$10,000
Somerville Public Schools	Kennedy Innovation School (K-8, proposed conversion of existing school)	$10,000
Somerville Public Schools	Somerville STEAM Academy (proposed new school, 9th-12th)	$10,000

TOTAL = $80,000

牛曉林 2/19 講彩色鉛筆素描

新書介紹及座談会

Feb 19, Tuesday, 7:30 Pm

華心藝術學校

大波士頓中華文化協會

Greater Boston Chinese Cultural Association

437 Cherry Street, West Newton, MA 02465

彩色铅笔素描教学

牛晓林主講

这本书是波士頓文協的老师牛晓林根据自己在美国二十多年的美术教育经驗历经三年完成的著作。这本书由中国国家级美术出版社列入出版计划,精心策划,编辑而成。牛晓林在北京中央美術學院附中開始接受系統美术專業訓練並在西安美術學院油畫系獲得硯士學位。牛晓林於1990移居美國從事美術教育多年,深受學生及家長們的喜愛和推崇。 

在写作这本书的过程中，作者对美术教育的的定义，美术教育的功能，美术在人类历史上的进步作用，都有一些深入的思考。在座谈会上，作者原意在这个问题上作一些阐述，和朋友们共同探讨。

Light reception will be provided; books are available for viewing or purchasing.

Question? Please contact GBCCA at 617-332-0377 or e-mail gbccaorg@aol.com

中國管樂四大金剛波城吹奏中國佛道古樂

有「中國管樂四大金鋼」之稱的包鍵、胡建兵、陳濤、及郭雅志等人，日前應中華表演藝術基金會之邀，在紐英崙音樂學院喬登廳 (Jordan Hall)，以「玄門步虛」為主題，首度舉辦專場佛道教音樂會，帶聽眾穿越時空，回到明代，領略一如五、六百年前宗教音樂的遠、虛、淡、靜意境。

中華表演基金會會長譚嘉陵為幫助不熟悉佛道教音樂的一般人，也能更深入體會、理解佛道教音樂之美，特地在音樂會前半場，安排了一小時解說，還請精通文史，涉獵音律的陸惠風做英文翻譯，讓出席者從包鍵、陳濤、胡建兵的闡述中，明白到管樂如佛，笛音如人，以笙和合，乃成就天人如一境界。

當晚的場刊還特地刊出恒山道樂與北京智化寺古音樂的介紹。

其中的恒山道樂從北魏形成迄今，已有一千五百多年歷史，保留著大量古代樂曲，是道教與民間音樂相結合的歷史產物。基本內容有唱誦經文的贊嘆，分套曲、支曲的器樂演奏，以工尺譜法記譜，以五調、十律、四韻十二宮六十調為準的宮律調等。其齋醮法事中的「誦戒新法」、「樂章」，已有唱誦經典、演奏樂器等結構，可視為恒山道樂的發端。

北京智化寺音樂則是明代英宗的太監，王振所建家廟保留下來被稱為中國古代音樂活化石的「京音樂」，包含不少宮廷禮儀音樂，分禪門(聲樂)、音樂門(管樂)、法器(打擊樂)，共使用八種樂器，但其中的笙、管，都和民間使用的不同，例如民間的笙為十三簧，智化寺的笙有十七全簧。民間管子有八孔，智化寺則為九孔。智化寺的笛音也高些。最特別的是，這是中國民樂中唯一按代傳襲，由該寺藝僧演奏，迄今26代，仍保存得與幾百年前一樣的音樂。

包鍵透露，他和陳濤曾於1990年代，在北京中國佛教協會安排下，到北京智化寺隨該寺第25代傳人緒增師父等，研習這「京音樂」，並和推動這挽救佛教音樂活動的佛協會長趙樸初，以及班禪等人聚晤，設法保留迄今還只以口傳心授方式傳承的宗教音樂。他們在研習時，礙於音律難以標記，只能靠錄音再自行摸索指法的方式進行。

在這場「玄門步虛」音樂會中，包鍵吹管子，陳濤吹笛，胡建兵、郭雅志吹笙，北美中樂團的蔡振起打小雲鑼，夏文杰打大鼓，從河北民間道教音樂的「集賢賓」開始演奏起，陸續奏演了呂祖廟樂曲「返魂香」，山西雁北道教音樂的「種種無名」，以及北京智化寺「畫錦堂套曲」，包括垂絲調、畫錦堂、醉翁子、金五山等。

創辦北美中樂團的胡建兵表示，他們自己在吹奏這些佛道教音樂時，投入到思緒化入樂音時，竟有佛現心中的感覺。

音樂會結束時，他們為感謝聽眾們的熱烈鼓掌，安可了一曲河北民間樂曲「放驢」。

目前包鍵、胡建兵、陳濤都住在紐約，也各自經營有自己的音樂學校、樂器行、樂團，依序為中國鼓音樂學院、法拉盛小提琴店、神州中樂團等等。原本吹嗩吶，當天第一次吹笙，和包鍵是中央音樂學院前後期同學，發明了嗩吶活芯的郭雅志，選擇住在波士頓，目前正在柏克萊音樂學院深造爵士樂。他們有心適機緣，創造合作機會，為保存瀕臨失傳危機的中國佛、道教音樂，盡一分心力。

圖片說明：

            中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵(中)在音樂會後和北美中樂團的夏文杰(左起)、胡建兵、陳濤、包鍵、郭雅志、蔡振起等人合影。(菊子攝)

            中華表演藝術基金會會長譚嘉陵在音樂會後，祝願以後常常合作。(菊子攝)

            胡建兵(右起)、郭雅志、包鍵、陳濤、夏文杰、蔡振起等人為「玄門步虛」音樂會演出。(菊子攝)

胡建兵(右起)、郭雅志、包鍵、陳濤、夏文杰、蔡振起等人在音樂會結束時各獲一束鮮花。(菊子攝)