温哥華余風采堂
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The Yee Fung Toy Society of
Vancouver
温哥華余風采堂 |
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二零零六年活動 |
2006 Event Logs |
温哥華余風采堂醒獅隊及堂員參加華埠新春遊行迎神犬 農曆丙戌狗年大年初一來臨了，這天是一月廿九日，星期日，數萬民眾一齊聚集温哥華市， 圍觀華埠舉辦一年一度的新春大遊行，當時遊行路線街道上人山人海、萬頭轉動，各族裔民眾在華埠歡聚，感受華人過年的熱鬧氣 氛。 新春大遊行在當日正午時分起步，鼓樂齊鳴，旗海飛揚，爆竹連天響，出發點位於片打西街與泰萊街之千禧門， 遊行經片打東街、歌雅街、奇化街、直至中山公園後草坪之檢閱台結束。 當日三級政府和五大華人社團代表隊領先開步。 今年參加遊行的隊伍眾多， 其中包括退伍軍人及社會熱心人士、消防員銀樂隊、醒獅隊、金龍隊、爆竹隊、武術隊、太極拳愛好者、印度舞與原住民族表演等團 體。 “華埠新春大遊行”已成為温市著名盛大多元文化節慶活動之一，至今已具有卅三年歷史。 温哥華余風采堂青年組醒獅隊的家長們、一早就帶他們的子女來到堂所準備好遊行的一切。 倫湛叔叔買了糕點給大家品嘗，然後我們一起前往千禧門的方向到達大遊行的起步點集合。 今年的醒獅隊再次由范楊宗師父專程從香港回來幫忙領導，僅此致謝他這麼熱心！ 温哥華余風采堂參加遊行的堂員包括錫儒伉儷、根洙、美湛伉儷、錦文、瑞芝伉儷、錫强伉儷、健民伉儷、金星、榮燊、啓康、漢 銳、捷為、萍相、冠柏、倫湛和柏 寧等。 西雅圖余風采堂的余海量伉儷也有來參加遊行。温哥華余風采堂青年組醒獅隊隨著鑼鼓聲翩翩起舞，遊行路線街道兩旁擠滿各族裔男 女老幼在鞭炮聲中向我們招手、 拍照和鼓掌。 遊行時天氣陰陰冷冷，幸好還沒有下雨，直至遊行結束後，才開始降臨，天公可算做美。 我們醒獅隊在佐治東街進行向商店門前採青，所得利是款項，照往 年一樣，全部交給中華會館收管。 回到堂所稍作休息後，大家一齊共進豐富的自助午餐來慶功宴。 余柏寧報告 余風采堂與僑界熱烈歡迎中國僑辦主任陳玉杰中國國務院僑務辦公室陳 玉杰 主任於六月九日晚在温哥華華埠富大酒家與七百多名各界僑胞歡聚一堂。 中華會館聯合大温僑團暨各界人士以此盛大晚宴中， 一齊熱誠歡迎中國國務院僑務辦公室陳玉杰主任蒞臨訪問暨慶祝温哥華中華會館百年慶典系列活動揭幕典禮。 陳玉杰所率的國僑辦代表團一行六人此前訪問了美國的夏威夷、洛杉磯、休斯頓，加拿大卡加利等多個城市。 這個代表團的成員包括國務院僑辦國外司司長熊昌良、 文宣司司長劉輝、經科司司長吳洪芹等。本次訪問的主要目的就是為了了解大家的情況，聽取大家的意見。 陳玉杰是三年前一月就任僑辦主任一職以來首次蒞臨温哥華訪問。 此行是應中國駐中華人民共和國駐温哥華總領事館田春燕總領事邀請，率六人組成的“中國國務院僑辦代表團”到加西攷察訪問， 了解僑情，慰問僑胞，看望老朋友，結交新朋友。 據悉，訪加期間，陳玉杰將與僑界人士舉行多場座談，參加僑社活動，走訪中華文化中心，會晤各界僑領等。 加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、余風采分堂主席余美湛伉儷、余風采總堂副主席余錦文、余風采總分堂書記余榮燊、 余風采堂理事余啓康、余健民、余錫强和余柏寧也一齊出席慶祝和熱烈歡迎國務院僑務辦主任陳玉杰蒞臨温哥華。 晚宴司儀由周鳳姬女士和吳俊譽先生擔任。 宴會程序：鳴炮、醒獅表演、介紹嘉賓、獻詞和贈送紀念品。 致詞由温哥華中華會館副理事長麥伯強先生開始、接著由中領館總領事田春燕女士和國僑辦主任陳玉杰女士致詞。 加拿大，卑詩省和温哥華三級政府也派代表專程前來致意。 包括加拿大聯邦議員陳卓瑜先生，卑詩省議員李燦明先生、關慧貞女士、葉志明先生，温哥華市議員周炯華先生、黎拔佳先生和雷建 華先生等。 餘興節目包括中國民族舞蹈、歌唱和祝酒。 陳玉杰主任發表了熱情洋溢的致詞，她向僑界一一細數中國從上一世紀七零年代開始實行開放政策後， 中國目前在世界上的成就，已使得中國的面貌煥然一新。 包括經濟模規成為全球第四位，外匯儲備達八千八百億美元，是世界第三大貿易國，以及開放政策讓中國的窮人， 減少二千三百六十五萬人，減貧人數占全世界各國總數的百份之七十。 她表示，中國政府歷來關心海外僑胞的生存發展，努力保護華僑的正當權益， 同時鼓勵華僑自願選擇國籍，遵守住在國法律，尊重當地社會民族習慣。 她還表示歡迎大家“常回家看看”。陳玉杰主任強調，國務院僑務辦公室是海外華人華僑的『娘家』，其宗旨就是“以人為本、為僑 服務”。 她歡迎旅加僑胞積極參與中國現代化建設，本著互利共贏的原則，使自身事業不斷發展壯大。 旅居温哥華的僑胞多年來為加拿大經濟繁榮和社會進步，為中加兩國政府和人民友好往來，為祖籍國各項事業發展， 為中國和平統一大業做出了積極貢獻，贏得了加拿大政府和民眾，以及家鄉人民的贊譽和好評。 余柏寧報告加拿大余風采總堂歡迎余權先生七月十四日(星期五)加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、顧問余錫儒、副主席余詠本、余美湛、余錦文、書記余榮燊，理事余啓康、 温哥華余風采分堂青年組主任余漢銳、余風采分堂財政主任余柏寧， 在緬街及二十九街的『大煌海鲜酒家』同一位由法國巴黎探訪温哥華的余權先生一齊晚膳聚會。 當晚聚舊氣氛愉快，輕輕鬆鬆的追溯回憶，暢談彼此的近況。 余權先生不但和我們一些加拿大余風采總堂職員相識，而且余權先生還是他們的一位老朋友。 余權先生曾是一位香港余氏宗親會前任理事。 他以前的功績相當佩服，在中國投身教學行列，並且他還記得他以前曾經教過我們的理事余漢銳先生讀書。 和平解放後他在中國內地當一位非常成功和出色的記者， 六十年代他也在『新華社』作為一名記者。 余權先生退休己有二十多年了，退休後他與他的家人移民到法國，現居巴黎。 兩位兒子在法國各開了一間中國式餐館， 有空的時候，余權先生花點時間幫幫兒子們賺錢，但他以開心地陪孫們為樂了。 我們非常歡迎余權先生這次來訪問温哥華，他有這個機會來跟大家見見面，我們感到十分高興， 而大家藉此機會交流溝通和一齊分享這個温馨敘舊的時刻，我們真的度過一個令人無比的和愉快的晚上。 余柏寧報告温市余風采堂歌詠隊二周年紀念余風采堂歌詠隊組成有兩年多了，現在隊伍有發展，人數有增加，已唱過的歌曲有四十多首，每逢過年、過節、宴會等，我們可參加助慶。 今年「國際三八婦女節」我隊到「中華文化中心」參加唱歌助慶，並得好評，報紙有報導。 今年七月廿二日，歌詠隊兩周年紀念，是日中午，我們到風采堂，我覺特有氣氛。 桌上放著一盒盒美點、一盆盆生果、一條條薯仔…琳琅滿目，美味芬香。 會中，歌手一雙雙，一組組，還有獨唱和合唱。 歌聲悠揚又響亮，首首歌聲、陣陣掌聲，在風采堂迴響，真係人陶醉在歡樂的歌聲中。 成果的關鍵，有理事們大力支持，有惠芳大姐出力，有梁、李、老師勤教歌曲，有隊員們勤學，還有義工們合作。 我見她們能堅持領導活動，精神可嘉。 故我寫和唱下面三首詩歌助慶，願風采堂歌詠隊繼續發展，願歌聲在余風采堂悠揚。歌唱兩周年紀念 （台山民歌） 春天鮮花遍地開， 天上星星滿天佈， 我隊有位好寶寶， 余風采堂宗親參加温哥華馬氏宗親會郊遊大會大温地區日前在熱浪襲擊和持續出現高温不下，氣象部門預測氣温在七月廿三日會高達攝氏卅六度，使大部分地區就像一個大烤箱或蒸籠。 這天温市馬氏宗親會、温哥華台山會館也在温市鱒魚湖公園同日上午十一時舉行一年一度夏日郊遊大會，鱒魚湖公園的重點可以話有 清新和自然的風光， 景色寧靜而優美的郊遊理想的地點，所以鱒魚湖公園是大多社團體喜歡的郊遊聯誼活動地方。
大約廿多位余風采堂宗親包括加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙伉儷和孫兒女們、總堂副主席余錦文伉儷、温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛、 總分堂顧問余錫儒伉儷和孫兒們、總分堂書記余榮燊伉儷、婦女組主任李余碧瑜理事、青年組主任余漢銳理事、 財政主任余柏寧理事等趁著在馬氏宗親的夏日郊遊大會之好天氣的心情，來鱒魚湖公園湖畔享受陽光。 雖然當日艷陽高照，酷熱難耐的天氣，參加郊遊大會的余風采堂宗親和馬氏世表們都紛紛來到，站著陰涼處、 悠閒聊天、有些帶來椅子，有些用絨毯鋪在草地上，在鱒魚湖公園大樹下隨便找個陰涼處坐下來，讓清涼風吹過， 感受到如家裡的冷氣機吹冷氣一樣，真係舒服。 馬氏宗親會的郊遊大會節目由精彩的醒獅表演開始。 隨著由馬敏彬世表領導的馬氏體育會學員表演武術。表演完畢後馬氏宗親大夥人群就排隊去領取午餐。 我們很幸運，不要排隊去領取午餐，因馬氏世表不但為我們早準備了而特別送來給我們。多謝馬氏世表給我們極大的關照！ 郊遊大會的午套餐包括 Church’s 的酥脆雞，酥脆雞不但新鮮可口、味道比較香、肉質也很滑且多汁、非常好吃， 所以它會受到大眾的喜愛，而是大多社團現時最受歡迎的衛生食品。余風采堂宗親和馬氏宗親及家屬們也在鱒魚湖公園內共享大口 福。 吃完午餐後我們就與馬氏世表們講聲多謝和拜拜，然後我們各自乘車離開了鱒魚湖公園。 輕輕呼喚著：「世表們，明年郊遊大會再見！」 余柏寧報告温哥華余風采堂秋祭先賢中國人除了在「清明節」拜祭祖先外，亦有一個特定日子登山祭祖，這就是「重九」，即九月初九的「重 陽節」， 亦即是人稱春秋二祭的其中一祭「秋祭」。 由於重九的「九」字與長久的「久」字諧音相同，故重陽節亦有懷念故人的意思，隨之而有登山祭祖的風俗。 為崇敬追思歷年來對會務有貢獻之先賢起見，温哥華余風采堂故由今年開始均隆重舉行春秋二祭。  温哥華余風采堂於二零零六年九月十七日（星期日）中午十二時，攜備金豬，三牲酒醴， 鮮花果品，在菲沙街的山景墓園「安魂亭」集合，虔誠上香，公祭先僑塋墓。 雖然當日陰偶小雨，是入秋景象，作寒的天氣。出席者包括加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙伉儷、 總堂副主席余錦文伉儷、温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛、總分堂顧問余錫儒、顧問余詠本伉儷、書記余榮燊伉儷、 福利組主任余啓康理事、財政主任余柏寧理事、余錫强理事伉儷、余健民理事和余氏宗親們等共廿多人。 主祭余根洙、余錫儒、余美湛，陪祭余錦文和余詠本就位，顧問余錫儒恭讀祭文，全體宗親、 堂員們向先賢靈前行三鞠躬禮。鞠躬！再鞠躬！三鞠躬！等程序，氣氛莊嚴肅穆。  禮成後返回本堂所禮堂共分享胙肉及共進自助午餐，氣氛融洽。福利組主任余啓康解釋今年的「秋祭」是堂所第一次舉辦的，
「秋祭」活動是由他在早期會議中提議出來，經過數理事及職員月會會議後才得到通過，他歡迎宗親、堂員們將來更踴躍參加。  美湛主席在午餐前致詞，他宣佈堂所近期活動，他強調温哥華余風采堂的宗旨是包括培育英才， 鼓勵年青男女向學和積極參與堂所活動，現在堂所已開始接收學生們的申請獎學金表格。 余柏寧報告中華會館聯合僑團舉辦晚宴 慶祝中國國慶
温哥華僑界慶祝中華人民共和國成立五十七週年晚宴，十月一日晚在温哥華華埠富大海鮮酒家舉行，逾一千人名僑胞參加。 中國駐駐温總領事田春燕及加拿大三級政府代表，與僑胞共祝祖國生日快樂、國運昌隆。 活動由温哥華中華會館主辦，參加晚宴的嘉賓，分別有中國駐駐温總領事田春燕、 卑詩省議員李燦明、葉志明、卓樂群、温市議員黎拔佳、周炯華、雷健華、施明生和蘇安彤、 余宏榮法官和中華文化中心主席馬林詠梅等人。 共有一百零四個社團參加，場面盛大，氣氛熱烈。 加拿大余風采總堂和温哥華余風采堂代表也有到場致賀。 代表包括總堂副主席余詠本、總分堂書記余榮燊伉儷、 總堂理事余錫强、余健民，分堂主席余美湛伉儷和分堂財政主任余柏寧伉儷。 當晚司儀是吳俊譽先生和伍慧敏女士。 宴會程序包括鳴炮、醒獅團賀慶表演、唱中加國歌、介紹嘉賓等。 文娛節目由鍊子喬先生主持，節目包括中國民族舞蹈、 男女合唱、獨唱等。 文娛節目的歌唱表演員包括陳建中先生、杜吳一鳴女士、顧影女士、趙寶玲女士、傅長軍先生和張建華女士。 中華會館副理事長麥伯強首先上台致詞指出，中國崛起影響全球，世界和中國經濟發展相輔相成， 中國現已躋身全球十大經濟體之一，未來的地位將更重要，海外華人對中國未來的發展繼續扮演重要的角色。 他同時表示： 「我們不能沒有中國，世界和平也不能沒有中國，相信建國百年那一天，中國會是一個民主、文明、和諧、繁榮強大的現代化國 家。」 田春燕總領事致詞表示，中國的驚人發展大家都已知道，所以不用複述， 她代表中領館向所有為促進中國發展作出努力和貢獻的本地各界表示感謝。 卑詩省議員李燦明代表省府在會上致詞，中國和卑詩省未來的關係發展和合作將更密切，卑詩省擁有豐富的資源， 以及能源、環保等先進技術，可協助中國永續發展。 余柏寧報告余風采代表參加中華會館「歡慶百年紀念」宴會
百年一遇的「温哥華中華會館百年慶典」於二零零六年十一月三、四、五日一連三天隆重舉行，温哥華中華會館除準備盛大的開幕典禮、
「星光閃耀温情夜」文藝匯演、舞龍舞獅等具文化特色的節目，與各族裔分享會慶歡樂外，還印製一部三百多頁的紀念特刊送贈各界
人士， 特刊內容不但包括中華會館百年來的歷史回顧，還有多年在僑社工作方面的成就。 
加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、總堂副主席余錦文、總堂顧問余錫儒、余風采總分堂書記余榮燊、余風采分堂主席余美湛伉儷、 余風采堂顧問余詠本、福利組副主任余錫强、婦女組主任碧瑜姑和分堂財政主任余柏寧一齊出席祝賀和慶祝十一月五日的百年紀念宴 會。  宴會司儀由吳俊譽先生和練子喬先生擔任。宴會程序：唱中加國歌、鳴炮、 醒獅團賀慶表演、介紹嘉賓、獻詞，餘興節目包括中國民族舞蹈、男女合唱、獨唱等。 卑詩省省督致詞後，相繼致詞有中華會館副理事長麥伯強先生， 加拿大三級政要代表聯邦國會議員戴慧思，省議員張杏芳和温哥華市長蘇利文。 中國駐温哥華總領事田春燕等都出席宴會致詞。中國致公黨中央副主席楊邦杰和北京市僑辦、僑聯代表都專程前來祝賀。 當晚加拿大卑詩省省督 艾歐娜 坎帕諾羅 (The Honourable Iona Campagnolo, PC, CM, OBC) 在温哥華中華會館百年華誕紀念宴會上說：有華裔的貢獻才有卑詩省的今日，華裔的成就不僅值得卑詩省民為之驕傲， 且為卑詩省民樹立了良好鼎範。這位省督祝願温哥華中華會館百尺竿頭，更進一步，會務蒸蒸日上。 蘇利文市長 (Mayor Sam Sullivan) 以流利的廣東話祝賀温哥華中華會館百年華誕。他說，温哥華有一百二十一年歷史（温哥華市在一八八六年設立）， 中華會館成立至今也已百年，華人為建設温哥華作出了極大貢獻，希望中華會館繼續為發展温哥華的多元文化發揮重要作用。 温哥華中華會館前任理事長余宏榮法官在致詞時用了中英語來詳述温哥華中華會館的歷史摘要，他還告訴我們中華會館電話號碼 「六零四六八一 一九二三」的來源，原來這個電話最後的四個號碼「一九二三」是用來提醒我們有個重要關「歷史性」 的一年， 因加拿大政府在一九二三年，七月一日通過「一九二三年華人移民法案」（又稱爲排華法）。 除了商人，外交官員，留學生，和特別個案以外，排華法的條款禁止了華人進入加拿大境內。 一百四十八年前，卑詩省菲沙河谷發現金礦，第一批華人由美國三藩市抵達維多利亞， 開啟了加拿大華僑歷史第一頁。但華人登陸加國後，屢受「人頭稅」等種族歧視，歷盡艱辛。 一個世紀前，也就是一九零六年，温哥華中華會館應運而生。一百年來，它擔負起團結僑社的重任，發展成為一個具有廣泛代表性和 影響力的僑團組織。 在這宴會裡我們也學知了些少華人在温哥華的歷史。 余柏寧報告温哥華余風采堂零六年度聖誕聯歡會聖誕節的腳步接近，温哥華余風采堂的聖誕聯歡會於十二月十七日（星期日）下午在該堂所圓滿結束。 近一百位風采校友會會員、耆英組會員、余氏宗親及余風采堂堂員歡聚一堂，吃吃東西、聊聊天、共慶聖誕佳節。 聯歡會節目豐富多彩，餐前大家一齊欣賞風采堂婦女歌詠隊唱堂歌、聖誕歌，她們的歌聲嘹亮，場面熱鬧，充滿歡樂。 耆英組主任余瑞芝也宣佈，他趁此機會、大家一起來慶賀下半年的壽星耆英會員生日的， 他祝福這些耆英們健康長壽的繼續。當他讀出各耆英的名字後，他的助手就贈送了各耆英「長壽麵」一包。 温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛歡迎各位校友、耆英組會員、余氏宗親及余風采堂堂員蒞臨助慶。並祝願出席人士聖誕快樂、身體健 康、工作順利。 跟著加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙發表一段簡短的歡迎詞，他宣佈明年的春宴已定於三月十一日，星期日。 他敬請各位人士踴躍參加！之後他提出修葺荻海名賢余忠襄公祠的籌款活動事項，他呼籲余氏宗親們慷慨解囊，踴躍捐輸。 所有捐款人芳名及捐款金額，永載捐款紀念册，捐款額較大者、有特殊貢獻者另行表彰。 然後大家一齊品嚐由福利組的啓康叔和錫强叔安排的美味佳肴自助午餐，所有宗親堂員、耆英及校友們都渡過了一個歡騰的下午。 余柏寧報告温哥華余風采堂青年組舉行二零零六年度年終聯歡聚餐温哥華余風采堂青年組於十二月廿七日（星期三）下午六時半在本堂所舉行二零零六年度年終聯歡聚餐。 今年年終聯歡聚餐有二十八位客人參加，包括十位青年、三位家 長、十二位堂 所理事伉儷、三位堂所麻將桌友共歡聚一堂，互祝新年快樂，場面温馨。 聚餐菜單除了有火雞、火腿和馬鈴薯泥之外，我們還在菲沙街的「維記」快餐店訂購了炒飯、炒麵、 炸豆腐、四季豆、春捲和湯等。「維記」快餐店的老闆是温哥華余風采堂青年組會員余泳年的家長， 這快餐店是在今年十月間開業和親自經營的。 今年的豐富和美味晚餐是由婦女組的碧瑜姑安排，其它的甜品例如芒果布丁、汽水等飲品、芝士蛋糕、橘子、 花生和朱古力是由青年組會員和理事們捐贈。在此向他們再說聲多謝！ 整個年度年終聯歡聚餐活動於熱鬧、歡愉和融洽的氣氛中結束，盼望明年再見！ 青年組醒獅隊員為了準備參加明年（二月十八日）的華埠春節盛大遊行和明年春宴（三月十一日）助慶， 我們約定在一月廿八日（星期日）大約下午四點開始練習。 余柏寧報告 |
Vancouver visits Yee residents at the Villa Cathay Care HomeEvery year Vancouver Yee Fung Toy representatives visit the Villa Cathy Care Home to meet residents whose family name is Yee. This year YFT Welfare Director Steven Yee and Villa Cathy Activity Supervisor Johnson Lo arranged a visiting hour for us on Sunday, January 15 at 2:45 pm. Villa Cathay, located at 970 Union Street in Vancouver, opened in March of 1978. Being close to Chinatown, it caters to Chinese seniors and many Yee Family members have resided there. Vancouver YFT members (pictured standing from the left)
Lun Zhan, Kin Man, Steven, Jim, Kan, Mrs. Ji Lup Yee, Mrs.
Kin Man Yee, Mr. and Mrs. George Yee, and Martin were
greeted by the 8 senior Yee residents gathered at the
Activity Room next to the Dining Hall. We gave them
presents and wished them all the best of health, longevity
and happiness in the New Year.  They were glad to see us and expressed their appreciation. Despite their years and very likely lives of physical hardship, most of them still carry the positive attitude typical of their generation. Their smiles made an unforgettable impression on us as they returned to their rooms. Martin Yee Vancouver joins the Chinese New Year ParadeGung Hay Fat Choy!It’s that time of year again! A season of joy and hope, a celebration of tradition and diversity. A parade for the Lunar New Year of the Dog was held in Vancouver Chinatown on Sunday, January 29, 2006. On the Chinese calendar, this day marked the beginning of Year 4704 -- and the dog is one of 12 animals in the Chinese zodiac. The Lunar New Year is also known as the ‘Spring Festival’. It celebrates the new season and new beginnings.     Thousands of people crowded the sidewalks and filled up storefronts to watch as a colorful, noisy Chinese New Year parade took over Chinatown's streets on Sunday. The streets were full of smiles amid the exploding sounds of firecrackers, in a sea of golds and reds, lion dancers and traditional Chinese dancers make their way from the Millennium Gate, through West Pender Street, East Pender Street, Gore Avenue, and Keefer streets. The dragon, unicorn and lion dance teams, accompanied by marching bands, paraded through Chinatown. Various community organizations and culture groups participated in this year’s event. Our Vancouver Yee Fung Toy Lion Dance Team and members of the Yee Fung Toy Society participated in this year’s celebration; the luck of the draw put us in 39th position out of 48 groups who participated this year. As usual, the parents of our Lion Dancing Team brought their children to our Society Hall hours before the parade, preparing for this year’s big event. Uncle Lun Zhan brought fresh pastries for everyone to start the day. Sifu Fan made a special trip from Hong Kong to guide our Lion Dance Team. We thank him for his caring, dedication and commitment to the success of our Lion Dance Team. Our Lion Dance Team danced in sync to the sound of cymbals and drums. "The dog means good luck, good fortune."While the lucky dogs who traveled to Vancouver's Chinatown for the Chinese New Year's Day parade had the good fortune of dry weather, it was a dog's breakfast of rain and wind after the parade as the weather gods stopped smiling. After the parade, our Lion Dance Team danced in front of the Chinatown stores in Georgia Street to bring them good fortune, despite the pouring rain. Then we all had a delicious lunch at the Society Hall. Best Wishes to all for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous Chinese New Year!Martin Yee Vancouver Advisor Dick Yee celebrates 50th Anniversary Stop the presses, call the news! There's something big in our Vancouver City! It's so cool, it's really nifty! Dick and Georgina...are fifty! A couple celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary certainly deserves to celebrate. They have managed to survive a half century of life's ups and downs together. Not many people make it through the first five years, let alone ten times that number. Well, Vancouver YFT Advisor Dick Yee and his wife Georgina Yee have managed that, and both were celebrating their golden wedding anniversary at the Pink Pearl Seafood Restaurant with their family and friends on May 7, 2006. Every wedding anniversary is indeed a special time for a couple. This is when they look back on their relationship and refresh their recollection of their happy years together. Son Selwyn and his wife Sandy, daughter Sylvia and her husband William Chow, daughter Sophia, grandsons Christopher Yee, Cameron Yee, Daryle Chow and Derrick Chow joined in the celebration of this happy occasion. James Yu served as the evening emcee; he made a very wonderful speech and a very beautiful tribute to Dick and Georgina. Simultaneously video and photos of Dick and Georgina’s everyday life was unfolded onto the screen. In his congratulatory speech, the Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada Chairman Mr. Kan Yu praised the Golden Wedding Anniversary couple and wished them happiness in the future. The evening's music entertainment began with the couple singing “Gau Shan Ching” (The Ode of Green High Mountain) for us, followed by a series of karaoke songs sung by the guests. Dick and Georgina, Happy 50th Anniversary! Thanks for sharing your joys with us! Martin Yee
Vancouver welcomes Minister of Overseas Chinese AffairsThe Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver and the Chinese Canadian Community held a welcome banquet in honor of Madame Chen Yu Jie (C.V. in English and C.V. in Chinese with photo) at the Floata Seafood Restaurant on Friday, June 9, 2006. Madame Chen Yu Jie is the current Minister of the Overseas Chinese Affairs Office of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China. Her delegation had visited Hawaii, Los Angeles, Houston and Calgary prior to coming here, her first visit to Vancouver since elected Minister three years ago. The main goal of this visit is to understand the overseas Chinese situation, and to listen to the overseas Chinese. Dinner was served two hours after remarks by Mr. Po Ching Mai, Vice-President of the Vancouver CBA (which celebrates its 100th anniversary in 2006), followed by speeches from Madame Tian Chun Yan, Consul General of The People’s Republic of China in Vancouver, then by Madame Chen Yu Jie, and representatives from the three (Canadian) levels of Government. Representatives from The Yee Fung Toy Society of Canada and the Yee Fung Toy Society of Vancouver also attended this gala event. Madame Chen told the audience that the Chinese government always cares about overseas compatriot’s survival and development, and diligently protects the legitimate rights and interests of ethnic Chinese residing abroad. She encourages the overseas Chinese to choose their citizenship voluntarily, observe the laws of their adopted country, and respect their local customs. She also extended a welcome to "come and visit home often". The Minister stressed the State Council Overseas Chinese Affair Office is the "motherly home" to overseas Chinese people. Its objective is "to work for the betterment and development for the overseas Chinese". Martin Yee
Canada apologizes for Head Tax Canadian Prime Minister
Stephen Harper offered on Thursday [June 22, 2006] a
long-awaited formal apology to the Chinese community for
the racist head tax levied more than 120 years ago, states
one media
report. Mr. Wing Yee, Secretary General for the YFT
of Canada was present with his wife and mother at the
Canadian House of Commons when the Prime Minister made the
official apology. They later met with Mr. Harper (flanked
by the two Mrs. Yee's in the photo). The senior Mrs. Yee,
one of the surviving Head Tax payers and their widows who
took the "Redress Express" train or otherwise made their
way to the nation's capital, is 103 years old, and moves
around with the aid of a walker. Nevertheless, she
insisted on taking the long flight from Vancouver to
Ottawa to be present at this historic occasion. Jim Yee Canada Welcomes Mr. Yee Kuen from FranceOn July 14 (Friday) The YFT Society of Canada Chairman Kan Yu, Advisor Dick Yee, Vice-Chairs Wayne Yee, Jim Yee, Gary Yee, Secretary Wing Yee, Director Steven Yee, YFT Society of Vancouver Youth Committee Director David Yee, YFT Society of Vancouver Treasurer Martin Yee, gathered at the King’s Seafood Restaurant, welcoming Mr. Yee Kuen, who arrived from France recently on a North American tour. The atmosphere at the restaurant was very friendly and relaxed, as we listened to Mr. Yee Kuen and some of our YFT members reminiscencing the "good old days". Mr. Yee Kuen is not only acquainted with many of our members in the past, moreover he is an old friend to some. Mr. Yee Kuen was a past
board member of the Hong Kong Yue Clansman Association,
and has attended the past two World Yee Family
Conventions. His past career was quite remarkable. After
leaving Hong Kong in 1950, he joined the teaching ranks in
China, and remember teaching David Yee. He later worked as
an extremely successful and outstanding reporter, in the
60's for the Xinhua News Agency. We gave him copies of the
Spring 2006 and the Summer 2006 printed newsletters. Mr. Yee Kuen had retired for more than 20 years and is presently residing in Paris, France. After immigrating to France, he helped two sons open and run Chinese restaurants in Paris. His happiest memories were those taking care of his grandchildren, who are now in their twenties. We welcome and thank Mr. Yee Kuen for visiting us in Vancouver, and look forward to meeting him again next month at the World Yee Convention in Los Angeles! Martin Yee
Mah Society of Vancouver Summer PicnicOn July 23rd the Mah Society of Vancouver invited us to their Summer Picnic at the Trout Lake Park; Trout Lake Park (also known as John Hendry Park) is a favorite spot for most Associations or Societies in Vancouver to have their annual summer picnics. On this day the Toisan Association also set up their picnic next to the Mah picnic area, and 3 weeks ago we held the YFT picnic at the same spot as the Mah’s. It’s not surprising that Trout Lake Park is such a popular destination; its tranquil Trout Lake has a wide range of active and passive recreation opportunities that create an exceptional setting. The beach area and wildlife habitat around the lake can almost make one forget that that the park is in the city. YFT Society members and relatives including our YFT Society of Canada Chairman Kan Yu, his wife and their grand children, Vice-chair Gary Yee and his wife, YFT Society of Vancouver Chairman Jim Yee, advisor Dick Yee, his wife and their grandsons, Secretary Wing Yee and his wife, Woman Committee Director Benita Yee, Youth Committee Director David Yee Treasurer Martin Yee attended our Mah cousin’s summer picnic. We all came to the park not only to have a fun day but to enjoy the picturesque settings also. By the time we arrived at 11, the day was getting hot, as we experienced a heat wave that continued to sweep across the lower mainland for the past several days, breaking some temperature records daily. The Meteorological Service of Canada forecast the temperature on July 23rd could reach as high as 36 degrees celsius, causing the majority of areas to fell like a big oven or a steamer. Although this extremely hot weather is hard to take, we all found some shady spots under the park’s big trees. Some brought their lawn chairs, others brought their picnic blankets, and most of us stood in the shade. As the cool breeze blowing towards us, we all feel like we were at home with our air conditioner or fans running, we felt pretty comfortable. Our Mah cousin’s picnic program started with a lion dance, followed by the Mah Athletic Association members performing their martial arts under the guidance of Mr. Dana Mah. After the performance ended everyone lined up to pick up their lunch. As invited guests we did not have to line up, because our Mah cousins brought them to us. Our thanks and appreciation to our Mah cousins for looking after us! Nowadays most Associations or Societies are using catered food such as fried chicken for their outings instead of the once popular barbecues in the parks as they find it is more convenient and less expensive than other options. The Yees had a fantastic
time at the Mah's picnic. We thanked our Mah cousins for
inviting us to their summer outing. We all love it,
thanks! See you again next year! Martin Yee
Christmas Luncheon on December 17We all had a wonderful lunch on Sunday December 17. Approximately a hundred people attended this festive occasion. Including members of the Fung Toy Alumni, seniors group, and our YFT members.  We were entertained by our Women Singers, led by Benita Yee. Sui Chi Yu, Seniors Committee director, announced the names of the second half of this year Senior's birthday group, each also received a package of "Longivity" noodles.  Chairman Jim Yee gave a
short speech welcoming those who were present at the Hall.
Canada YFT Chairman Kan Yu also gave a short speech,
informing the guests to mark on their calendars that next
year's Spring Banquet will be on Sunday, March 11, 2007.
Chairman Kan Yu also informed the members that our
Ancestor Memorial Hall in DiHai is in need for fundings to
renovate. He asked them for their generosity to donate as
much as they can.  After a delicious buffet lunch and some Chinese mandarins for dessert. Everyone had a good time in the Hall before leaving for home.  Thanks to all the volunteers who helped organize it, and to our Women Singers. Martin Yee
Youth Year End Dinner on December 27Thanks to everyone who attended our get together. We had 28 guests, made up of 10 youth, 3 parents, 12 Board members and spouse, and 3 from an MJ table. There was enough food to feed more than twice that number. Besides the turkey, ham, and mashed potatoes, we also ordered $80 worth of party trays (fried rice, chow mein, deep fried tofu, string beans, spring rolls, and soup) from Day Day Fastfood at 5943 Fraser Street, owned and operated since October by Larry and Silva, parents of Megan. Youth and Board members brought mango pudding, pop, cheese cake, mandarin oranges, peanuts, and chocolates. To prepare for the lion dancing at the New Year parade (February 18) and at the YFT Spring Banquet (March 11), we have tentatively scheduled practice to begin Sunday (January 28) at about 4 PM. Jim Yee
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