温哥華余風采堂
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The
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温哥華余風采堂 |
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二零零七年活動 |
2007 Event Logs |
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加拿大余風采總堂舉行二零零七年度新春團年以及團拜聚餐距離農曆春節雖然還有一段短短時間，但為了慶祝新的一年，為了喜迎接農曆丁亥「豬年」來臨， 循例加拿大余風采總堂於在二零零七年一月十五日（星期一）下午六時半舉行新春團年聚餐活動， 假座温市京士威道「富麗豪美食之家」，全體理監事及眷屬歡聚一堂， 每年我們都可以在團年中一起來聚聚，增添年節喜氣和熱鬧温馨的氣氛。 當晚出席參加新春團年以及團拜聚餐包括總堂主席余根洙伉儷、總堂副主席余錦文伉儷、總堂副主席余美湛伉儷、 總堂顧問余鍚儒伉儷、理事余瑞芝伉儷、理事余健民伉儷、理事余錫强伉儷、理事余碧瑜伉儷、理事余耀祥伉儷、 核數余冠柏伉儷、侯補理事余景威、余漢銳、福利組理事余啓康、 另外還有總堂書記余榮燊伉儷及温哥華余風采堂財政余柏寧伉儷等。 大家一邊享用「富麗豪美食之家」準備的精美菜式，一邊談天說地，真是開心。 加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙和副主席余美湛祝賀大家身強體健，大家互相祝賀一番，慶賀新春， 彼此祝願大家在新的「豬年」好運，心想事成，吉祥如意，萬事亨通。 在温暖友愛的氣氛下分享各人的近況。 最後，團年以及團拜齊在飯後談笑中結束，各人懷著興奮欣悅的心情，捧著串串祝福滿載而歸。 狗年快要過去，豬年隨之來臨 今年歲次丁亥，一般稱為中國傳統生肖豬年，是十二生肖最後一輪，明年又是新紀年的開始。 恭賀大家：財源滾滾！ 平安順利！ 豬(諸)事亨通！ "金狗狂吠辭舊歲，小豬奔騰迎新春。" 開心丁亥「豬年」迎新歲，豬年在六十甲子中共出現五次，分別為乙亥、丁亥、己亥、辛亥、癸亥。豬是十二支中的第十二個動物。 根據傳說，佛祖有一次召開動物大會，並將每一年給先到的十二種動物，次序則依照出席的先後而定，因此，就定下了十二個生肖。 這十二種動物是： 鼠、牛、虎、兔、龍、蛇、馬、羊、猴、雞、狗、豬。 按中國人將的五行學說，分金木水火土五行，每年都有不同的屬性。二零零七， 五行中的「金」，是六十年輪迴一次，加上十二生肖中的「豬」，就構成了「金豬年」。 碰上六十年一次的金豬年，更是好運旺旺來，風水與命理師卻表示，這根本是誤會一場，因為翻開萬年曆，今年的丁亥年不是「金豬年」，而是「火豬年」。 但天津市天文學會理事趙之珩指出，在六十年當中，只有一個「金豬年」，該算法將每一年對應一顆行星，六十年一循環。 上一個「金豬年」在一九七一年的「辛亥年」，下一個「金豬年」應在二零三一年的「辛亥年」， 而即將來臨的豬年是「丁亥年」，這一年出生的人屬於「土豬」。 兩派風水師的說法其實都沒錯： 今年是「火豬」年，也是「土豬」年，而「金豬」年則純粹是為了討個好意頭。
所謂「金豬」年可能是商家為好聽而最先推出，結果以訛傳訛。 生肖與干支紀年推算表參看: 農曆的干支紀年與生肖推算表（說明：橫行為天干、地支，二者對應的豎行為干支紀年，下面對應為生肖年。 干支年每六十年為一個周期，生肖每十二年一個周期）
余柏寧報告 温哥華余風采堂代表探訪華宮安老院温哥華余風采堂每一年的新年時期，必定去華宮安老院探訪余姓住院的休養耆英們。 在今年一月廿日，福利組主任余啓康已得到華宮安老院負責人員安排探訪活動的一切。 余風采堂於二零零七年一月廿四日(星期三)下午二時半再次展開探訪位於温市華埠裕仁街九百七十號華宮安老院的余姓耆英們。 出席探訪活動的余風采堂代表包括余根洙、余美湛、余錦文、余榮燊、余柏寧、余啓康和福利組副主任余錫强， 一同前往華宮安老院樓下電視室共同余姓耆英們相聚，互相祝頌問候安好，送蛋糕物品及滿心的祝福給休養者，逗得休養者們笑逐顏開。 温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛祝福耆英們健康長壽，新春快樂。 此次探訪華宮安老院，見到以下余姓的住客： 張余瑞芳女士、余鄧素霞女士、廖余銀瑞女士、余彩媚女士、余足珠姑、余冰明（修森夫人）、余美娥女士、余陳隨好女士、 余甄金菊女士及一位高齡一百零一歲的黃余玉婷女士。 探訪後，我們向耆英們一一告別，約定明年再見，短短的老人院探訪活動，對我們而言是一個實質的心靈之旅。 余柏寧報告華埠「僑團傳統建築委員會」赴西雅圖取經驗為籌款修葺華埠傳統建築物
為了維修華埠傳統建築物，八個華埠僑團組成「華埠僑團傳統建築委員會」， 希望能為華埠十二座傳統建築籌措維修經費，讓百年華埠重現當年風華。 這些具有寶貴歷史和文化價值的建築物，對温哥華華人社區的發展史產生重大的意義。 隨著年月飛逝和日久失修的緣故，許多傳統建築物已變得殘舊，修葺工程實刻不容緩。 華埠僑團傳統建築委員會主席、馬氏宗親會代表的馬清石表示，期待維修後的華埠老建築，能夠吸引更多年輕一代進入華埠，延續華埠傳統。  加拿大余風采總堂代表余捷為、余美湛和該委員會於一月廿七日與温市府建築部門人員一起到西雅圖華埠訪問， 聽取當地華埠僑團在建築維修更新上的經驗，作為振興温哥華華埠的參考。 馬清石說，委員會除了向各界籌款外，也計劃向聯邦、省府爭取補助，並考慮向銀行爭取最低的利息借貸款。  華埠僑團傳統建築委員會於二零零六年八月正式成立，該委員會歡迎所有 傳統建築物業 的僑團加入，並於二零零六年十二月的會議中，完成執行委員選舉工作。 執行委員成員為:
西雅圖市的傳統建築委員會代表團曾在今年一月十四日(星期日)抵達温哥華， 目的是會見温市華埠僑團傳統建築委員並誠意與温市的委員成員互相作業界交流會議。 將彼此雙方的想法及交換感興趣的意見與討論從而瞭解西雅圖一些良好經驗的項目。  在温市政府的大力支持幫助下，此次拜訪的結構包括徒步遊覽及介紹温市華埠，先從中華文化中心中華門開始。 西雅圖市的傳統建築委員會代表團在温市華埠僑團傳統建築委員等人陪同下，也來本堂拜訪。 然後再前往中華文化中心會議廳參加一個專題研討會，一起討論和交換雙方有關於傳統建築保存事項。 華埠僑團傳統建築的目的與方向是：一、協助及促進華埠僑團善用市政府傳統建築獎勵計劃； 二、搜集與交流有關傳統建築修葺工程資料； 三、釐訂僑團的共同需要和關注事項； 四、爭取各級政府、基金會及私人企業支持。 華埠僑團傳統建築委員會表示，如何了解維護古蹟和保留傳統建築對華埠的重要性，必須考量到以下五項： 温哥華市府市政規劃部規劃研究員
陳婉瑜指出，這些歷史性建築可以說是華埠的標誌、靈魂。規劃好宗親會、同鄉會建築的未來，對維護華埠、振興華埠，以及今後
發展華埠，具有特別重要的意義。
僑領林語良、余美湛、余根洙、馬清石、馬威廉、余榮燊和余詠本等，致力振興華埠，
冀舊貌變新顏。星島日報記者周文琳於三月十五日來到風采堂採訪以上的僑領們。 在四月十五日的星島日報A3頁有一篇專題報道「振興華埠
始於歷史建築物」。  記者周文琳文的文章內容敘述温哥華市政府於四月份公佈華埠發展規劃諮詢文件，對華埠古老建築物影響重大。 同時，華埠僑團正密鑼緊鼓，組織一個包括十六堂所和宗親在內的委員會，希望合力重修華埠歷史建築物，以擴大凝聚力。 另外，僑社代表最近往美國西雅圖的華埠取經，獲益良多。究竟怎樣才可以振興温市華埠，注入新動力，各方都甚為關注。 事實上，温市華埠十多年來，都面對嚴峻的挑戰，除了新移民對華埠的疏離、人流減少之外， 一棟棟近百年的歷史建築物日益破舊。要把華埠重新打造為重點旅遊區， 同時吸引土生新一代認同華埠是他們的根，薪火相傳，迫在眉睫。 要了解詳盡的報導，請閱讀二零零七年四月十五日周日版的星島日報。 余柏寧報告 温哥華余風采堂醒獅隊參加華埠新春大遊行 二月十八日是丁亥年正月初一，也是丁亥年的頭一天。這一天，有「送舊迎新、萬象更新」的意味，代表著人們追求「嶄新開始」的日子， 可說是一年當中最重要的一天。 這天，大家是要早一點起床，禮俗上，人人都愛穿「新衣」、互相「拜年」、到親友家「走春」。 走春的人每到一家都會說些吉祥語例如「新年快樂」、「豬年好運」、「萬事勝意」、或「恭喜發財」！ 在多年的海外生活，雖然使不少華僑華人已改變了生活方式，但對中國人傳統的習俗卻未曾丟掉。 「春節喜氣洋洋，豬圓玉潤迎新歲」，這一日，全球華人都會歡天喜地的迎接新一年的來臨。 温哥華一年一度的「華埠新春大遊行」，在「財神」引領下，從片打西街和泰萊街的「千禧門」中午十二時起步了。 今年的慶典由加拿大温哥華中華會館、中華文化中心、温哥華華埠商會、中僑互助會、雲埠洪門機構和加拿大鐵城崇義總會聯合主辦。 新春大遊行出發後，歡騰的爆竹聲響徹華埠上空、鑼鼓喧天、讓温哥華充滿濃濃的中國年味。 遊行隊伍一路沿片打東街、行經哥倫比亞街、越過緬街、一直東行至歌雅街右轉、然後南下奇化街， 最後在卡路街中山公園後草坪「貴賓看台」終點結束。 遊行隊伍由五十餘個華人及其他族裔團體組成、本屆遊行單是醒獅就有十九隊共五十二頭獅。 此外，還包括財神、政府及僑團代表、有中國各省市、有廣東僑鄉開平、恩平、台山等中國及台港澳等各地的新舊僑民、 不同族裔服飾隊的表演者、消防員樂隊、爆竹隊、金龍隊、麒麟隊、醒獅隊、童子軍團、花車及歌舞樂隊等。 出席遊行的除三級政要外，首次參加華埠新春慶典的中國駐温哥華總領事楊強、僑務領事李少青、香港政府駐温首席顧問袁黃潔玲等也有參加。 為迎接豬年到來，温哥華華埠春節氣氛濃。今年圍觀的群眾擠到不行， 各族裔人士包括很多家庭，扶老攜幼來觀看大遊行，非常熱鬧。 據初步估計達六至七萬人參與，可能打破歷年觀看大遊行紀錄。 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。 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、根洙、美湛、錦文、耀祥、錫强伉儷、 健民夫人、榮燊、啓康、漢銳、捷為、萍相、冠柏、和柏寧等。 穿著正面印有「余風采堂」句子或是印有「范楊宗」句子的「T」恤、 紅色的褲子、綁著青綠色腰絲帶的温哥華余風采堂青年組醒獅隊，在此時也敲鑼打鼓， 二頭獅也搖頭擺尾，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。 天公造美、遊行時天氣睛朗，陽光普照，整個遊行氣氛熱鬧非凡。 遊行結束後大家回到堂所一齊共進豐富的自助午餐。 大年初一晚上，美湛伉儷、錫强伉儷、健民伉儷、漢銳、萍相、冠柏、和柏寧都出席參加了華埠丁亥豬年春節聯歡千人宴。 余柏寧報告 温哥華余風采堂代表參加舍路余風采堂春節聯歡在這辭舊迎新的日子裡，舍路余風采堂堂員、宗親及家屬於二零零七年三月一日（星期四）在舍路華埠「新九龍海鮮大酒家」歡聚一堂， 舉行二零零七年度的春節聯歡會。  春節聯歡會由中文書記余傑鋒擔任當晚司儀，主席余國強在致詞中對參加宴會的馬氏世表及余氏宗親表示熱烈歡迎， 也特別歡迎温哥華余氏宗親遠道到賀﹔ 並祝大家豬年行好運，余風采堂堂務興隆，同時倡議世余「修葺荻海名賢余忠襄公祠」的籌款活動， 他鼓勵所有會員和朋友們以熱心參與、慷慨解囊，踴躍捐輸對這個重要項目。 美西總顧問余樹湛用英文致答謝詞。 同時他指出，去年八月的世余懇親大會議决，援以建祠時籌款先例， 動員余氏宗親積極參與修祠，彰顯余族之藩衍昌盛，敬祖孝思。 舍路余風采堂顧問海量印了一些春宴特刊，在宴會中分給了余氏宗親們參閱、他鼓勵舍路余風采堂堂員持續參閱余氏網站。  晚會呈現一片喜氣洋洋，司儀余傑鋒萬分激動，他說今年大家一齊共度這個春節聯歡會， 已是一個難得的緣分，希望大家都能高高興興地度過一個美好、難忘的夜晚。  當晚出席參加舍路余風采堂春節聯歡會的温哥華余風采堂代表包括余風采總堂主席根洙、 温哥華余風采堂主席美湛伉儷、顧問錫儒伉儷、福利組副主任錫强伉儷、青年組主任漢銳和財政主任柏寧伉儷。 春節聯歡晚會在歡快的氣氛中圓滿結束。 余柏寧報告 温哥華余風采堂堂員在清明節慎終追遠 遙距表孝心一年一度的清明節到了，又是掃墓的時間了！ 清明節是中國二十四節氣之一，排在農曆暮春三月的第一個節令，是我國民間重要的傳統節日，時間為每年陽歷的四月四日至六日。 但清明掃墓活動在節前後可延續十天左右。 一般上，要是清明節落在週日，一般人都會選擇在清明節前的週末。 今年清明為農曆二月十八日，公曆二零零七年四月五日（星期四）。清明掃墓有「慎終追遠」的意義，藉由上墳祭拜祖先， 讓子孫不忘先人恩德，也使傳統孝道能深植人們心中。 人們在這天及前後數天掃墓上墳大致有三種心態﹕緬懷先人、寄托哀思； 衣錦還鄉、光宗耀祖； 祭拜先祖、聊表孝心。 「清明」正是寒盡春來，萬物復甦之時，正可表示對祖先的崇敬。每年掃墓的時候，我們就發現，沒有祖先，就沒有我們。 為表示感謝，我們會到祖先的墳前祀祭。如果人人都懂得感恩的話，世界就會和平了。 清明時節，風和日暖、春草連天、鳥語花香、加上景色清明，温哥華余風采堂堂員與宗親們為發揚慎終追遠的傳統精神， 於二零零七年四月一日（星期日）紛紛出門掃墓，預約中午十二時在「山景墓園」舉行清明祭祖。雖然這一天亦是愚人節， 有些人們以多種方式開周圍的人的玩笑。但余風采堂的堂員與宗親們在這節日不是來開玩笑的， 而主要的目的是來追思和表達出後人對已逝親人的敬意和恩念，遵循祖先的教誨及發揚祖先的美德，才是孝道的更具體的表現。  很巧合，這天也是雲埠馬氏世表們慶祝他們宗親會的五十七週年紀念暨春節聯歡宴會之日， 我們早上十一時也有一班代表前往他們的會所參加他們的祭祖及五十七週年紀念大典。 出席代表包括加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、總堂副主席余錦文、温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛、 總分堂顧問余錫儒、總分堂書記余榮燊、青年組主任余漢銳理事及財政主任余柏寧理事。 馬氏世表的祭祖及五十七週年紀念大典完畢後，余風采堂的代表們就與馬氏世表講一聲再會， 因代表們要出發到菲沙街的山景墓園「安魂亭」華人公共祭壇與其他余風采堂的堂員和宗親們集合。 當日山景墓園出現多一些社團掃墓人潮，我們早預料在山景墓園會出現這個熱鬧的情況， 所以各社團有序地採用「先到齊先拜祭」的方式舉行。  大概十二時四十五分左右，福利組主任余啟康理事認為人齊後、又等到公共祭壇輪到我們拜祭的時候，理事們就齊心協力擺好祭品在祭壇上， 然後祭祖的人員有序地站立在已安排的位置、而其他余風采堂的堂員與宗親們也站在祭壇旁的附近，拜祭主持人啟康理事就宣佈拜祭儀式正式開始了。  拜祭儀式透過燃點香燭，奉香後，就獻鮮花、水果、酒醴、三牲祭品、各種拜祭品， 余風采堂的堂員與宗親們誠心誠意向先人拜祭及行三鞠躬禮等，以團結一致的行動表達對先人的尊敬。 當日出席掃墓公祭活動的有加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、總堂副主席余錦文、温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛、副主席余金星、 副主席余耀祥、總分堂顧問余錫儒、顧問余詠本伉儷、書記余榮燊、福利組主任余啓康理事、青年組主任余漢銳理事、 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共卅多人。 祭拜禮畢後，余氏宗親和理事們在下午一時半左右返回堂所，温哥華余風采堂就舉行二零零七年度堂員年會。 會議程序如下：首先美湛主席歡迎各位在場的宗親出席二零零七年度堂員年會， 接著書記榮燊上述二零零六年度會議紀錄，獲得出席堂員確認及一致通過。  美湛主席報告二零零七年温哥華余風采堂的周年活動及會務事項， 然後財政主任柏寧報導二零零六年財政年度報告，書記榮燊將這日全會議過程正式記錄。 散會後，大家共分享温哥華余風采堂安排一項的豐富午膳，個個都津津有味地吃著。 這個午聚餐會聯繫彼此感情，又是一年一次相當難得大家一齊聚會的機會。 余柏寧報告 温哥華余風采堂耆英組舉辦生日會温哥華余風采堂耆英組於二零零七年四月八日（星期日）中午十二時假唐人街「百樂海鮮大酒家」舉辦二零零七年上半年耆英生日會， 是日參加人數共有六十二人包括總堂余根洙主席、分堂余美湛主席、余錫儒顧問、各理事、堂員會員及嘉賓等。  除了品嚐以下的精美點心包括，雞包、燒賣、蝦餃、腸粉、蒜蓉西蘭花、炒麵、炒飯、壽包、芒果布甸外。 耆英組也有分生日麵給所屬上半年生日的耆英會員們。  耆英生日會由耆英組主任余瑞芝主持，並介紹了有關耆英健康的幫助睡眠方面問題，餐會在洋溢歡樂的氣氛中結束。 余瑞芝報告 温哥華「人頭稅」配偶余鄺麗華獲發「道歉書」
聯邦政府多元文化部長肯尼（Jason Kenney） 於四月十三日（星期五）在温哥華向七個人頭稅繳付者遺孀轉發總理哈珀（Stephen Harper）的道歉信，但沒有轉交象徵式賠償的二萬元支票。同時多元文化國務部長肯尼強調，將不會向後人作出金錢賠償。 肯尼表示，聯邦政府至今已向四十二個人頭稅繳付者和三十八個遺孀， 合共八十人發出象徵式賠償的二萬元支票，而遺孀的索償申請則有五百一十二宗。 他指出，人頭稅繳付者及遺孀的申請若經核實，聯邦政府會向他們寄出支票，申請者毋須親身到場領取。 肯尼向出席儀式的遺孀表示，承認過去的不公義是苦樂參半的事情。他又對延遲至周五才向出席者轉發總理的道歉信，表示抱歉。 肯尼指出，合資格的人頭稅繳付者及遺孀只要在二零零六年二月六日保守黨新政府就職日仍在世，都可申請賠償。 至於在海外的人頭稅繳付者及遺孀也符合資格，詳情可瀏覽加拿大祖裔部網址http://www.pch.gc.ca/ 。 現年一百零三歲的余鄺麗華，在兒子余榮燊及媳婦余鄺金影陪同下，親手接過由肯尼轉交的道歉信。 余鄺麗華和其他遺孀對聯邦政府平反人頭稅及《排華法》，都感到非常高興。 余鄺麗華女士今年六月是一百零四歲了，她希望這二萬元支票會是她最大生日禮物。 余榮燊報告 余風采堂代表參加全加馬氏宗親總會八十八週年紀念聯歡誌慶全加馬氏宗親總會歷史悠久，為紀念成立八十八週年紀念聯歡誌慶，於二零零七年五月廿日中午假總會所「馬金紫」禮堂內舉行。 加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、副主席余錦文、總分堂顧問余錫儒、總分堂書記余榮燊、 温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛、副主席余金星、財政余柏寧一齊到全加馬氏宗親總會所參加這紀念聯歡誌慶活動。 馬其章書記任紀念會司儀，吉時己到，他立刻宣佈紀念會開始。 首先由全加馬氏宗親總會理事長馬清石致歡迎詞及宣佈大會旨趣，繼請余風釆堂總堂主席余根洙宗長致詞。 廣東省僑聯顧問馬炳良世表、安省馬氏宗親會馬栢義世表、雲埠馬氏宗親會馬威廉理事長、 馬壽山及馬壽民副理事長、元老馬紹霖等先後致詞。 他們把馬余两姓表親的根源，大家亙助亙愛，情如手足的往事，分別講述得細緻有序，至為寶貴動聽。  馬炳良先生是一位前任廣東省政府僑務官員，現任廣東省僑聯顧問、台山白沙鎮人士，現移居美國三藩市、經常來往两地，努力提高為僑服務。 紀念聯歡誌慶完畢後，馬氏宗親與賓客一齊前往温哥華華埠「富大海鮮酒家」共聚午餐，盡歡一堂。 余柏寧報告 余風采總分堂代表支持振興華埠修古蹟的「鞏固基礎，創造未來」籌款晚宴為推動華埠復興、支持僑團傳統建築裝修工程，温哥華振興華埠委員會於六月十五日(星期五)在華埠富大酒樓舉辦「鞏固基礎， 創造未來」籌款晚宴。 加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、副主席余詠本伉儷、副主席余錦文、顧問余錫儒伉儷、總分堂書記余榮燊伉儷、 温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛伉儷、副主席余金星、理事余碧瑜、余啓康、余瑞芝、余捷為、余漢銳、 余錫强伉儷、余柏寧和宗親余萍相等一齊響應、出席支持這個有意義及歷史性的活動。 當晚的盛會席開百桌，嘉賓包括中國駐温哥華總領事楊強、國會議員戴慧思、卑詩省長金寶爾、 省議員李燦明、關慧貞、温哥華市長蘇利文、市議員黎拔佳、雷健華、周炯華、夏德昭等多名政要，一齊到來參加。 市長蘇利文致詞說，華埠振興計劃一向受市府重視，相信在市府及華埠社區、社團、商界等合作下， 華埠的古蹟建築會得到保護，華埠已經是温哥華不可或缺的重要文化特色。 温哥華振興華埠委員會主席林語良說，市議會於二零零二年通過的華埠未來發展計劃時，確定了保留傳統建築為主要方向之一， 在得到市府支持下，該會亦承諾為修葺傳統建築工程進行籌款，他們獨特的建築設計吸引世界各地遊客到訪華埠。 他對當晚踴躍出席千人宴的人士慷慨解囊協助，以超達當晚的籌款目標，他感謝不矣。 温哥華僑團傳統建築委員會主席馬清石指出，每棟建築的裝修工程制定「可行性經濟計劃」， 包括重新進行內部設計、估計需花費十萬元，歷時幾個月完成。 目前在華埠的卅二所歷史建築中，有十二棟建築由非牟利性社團組織佔有，面對高昂經費需求， 除非這些機構獲得額外資助，否則很難完成改造計劃，因此需要民眾和三級政府的鼎力支持。 振興華埠委員會名譽顧問李佩珍女士、本地著名華商李亮漢女兒，是第三代華裔移民， 在致詞時指祖父自一九二零年代移民温哥華以來，所有家庭成員的奮鬥歷史幾乎都與這個地區密切相關， 回顧自己在華埠度過的童年時光。她呼籲更多人關注該地區未來發展，為古老的華埠重現生機出一份力。 振興華埠委員會表示，透過籌款活動，可以讓更多人關注並支持傳統建築裝修工作， 華埠眾多畫史古蹟承載了華裔在加國的發展史，籌款所得全數將用於工程計劃案，希望推動相關工作盡速展開。 當晚的温哥華僑團傳統建築委員會副主席余根洙是非常的開心和感動，他知道當晚籌得的款項， 將來可改觀華埠古老建築樓宇，因而吸引更多遊客到華埠參觀，此舉對促進温哥華華埠的繁榮是非常重要。 余風采總堂理事會巳計劃向温哥華市政府及振興華埠委員會尋求支持和協助修葺余風采總堂的樓宇。 余風采總堂主席余根洙期望在不久的將來，温哥華華埠傳統建築委員會成員之一的余風采總堂之樓宇面貌也可能煥然一新。 余柏寧報告 温哥華風采堂耆英之哈里遜温泉一日遊六月廿四日星期天的早晨已悄然來到。失望的往外頭一瞧，既然是個昏暗的雨天。 雨天常會讓人的心情發生微妙的變化，希望等雨過後就是陽光温暖的晴天，大家都會興奮番一些。 約八時半左右，四十八位男女耆英宗親，風采校友，及親朋戚友等已集合在温哥華唐人街余風采堂堂所內等侯， 時間未到九時，「高寶旅遊巴士公司」的旅遊巴士已按時抵達余風采堂門前， 為提供駕駛温哥華風采堂耆英組舉辦暢聚的一日觀光旅遊活動，到一個為一聞名的健康渡假勝地， 加拿大「大逃脫」旅行的意義之哈里遜温泉。 參加這次的「哈里遜温泉一日遊」有總堂主席余根洙夫婦，分堂主席余美湛夫婦，總堂顧問余鍚儒夫婦， 另外還有温哥華分堂耆英組主任余瑞芝夫婦，理事余漢銳，余錫强夫婦，余啓康夫婦，余錦文夫婦，余碧瑜姑及余柏寧夫婦等。 哈里遜温泉位於哈里遜湖南岸一定深度的地下砂礫層中，是美如天堂的渡假勝地。 它擁有兩個礦物温泉與美麗的沙灘。温泉來自哈里遜湖西岸的山崖下。 我們的旅旅巴士駕駛的路線從「橫加一號高速公路」東行，沿菲莎河的南邊，朝向往阿加西—哈里遜約「一三五」公哩的出口處， 下交流道後往北約十幾公哩吧，大約一時半從温哥華車程就到達了我們的目的地，大家就可以欣賞哈里遜温泉區美麗的山光水色。 我們的旅遊途中駕駛經過了本拿比市、高貴林市、蘇里市、蘭里市、亞伯福特,和吉利瓦克城市。 旅遊車司機一邊開車，一邊當導游，講解關於各市鎮的的特色資料，他還會講笑話！參與這旅程可說是令人回味、難忘。！ 自從一八五零年被金礦工人發現哈里遜湖西岸山崖擁有豐富的碳酸温泉，哈里遜温泉便一炮而紅，成為温泉族的最愛之一。 哈里遜湖每到夏天，就是泛舟、水上快艇，與釣魚的好地方，由於湖岸的沙質凝固性強，適合堆砌模塑， 每年的國際沙雕大賽，都會選在九月第二個周末，在這裡舉行。 有趣的是，哈里遜温泉也是傳說中大腳怪的出沒地點，到處可見其相關標誌、雕刻等等，難道大腳怪也是愛上這裡的温泉，所以決定在此地定居？ 「大腳人」的傳說不但已久，傳說形容他全身是長毛、身高三公尺、腳長半公尺、雙腳是站立行走，有如一隻超大人猿， 大腳怪是在美國的西北部和加拿大的西部地區的森林和山裡居住和安靜地維持生活。 大腳怪在全球各地不同名稱的簡介，加拿大稱為 Sasquatch， 喜馬拉雅山區稱為雪人Yeti， 中國稱為「野人」，美國稱為 Bigfoot。 但是，大多數專家認為「大腳人」傳奇是民間傳說和騙局的組合。 到了哈里遜温泉後我們就下車分頭参觀，並各自吃了一些自備午餐，約至四時左右，開車回程。 隨後我們順路前往遊覽「芝士」廠、參觀自然蜜糖農場、及水果酒產品釀酒莊。 下午六時返回華埠，並假百樂酒家叙餐聯歡，八時才盡興而散，結束一天的觀光節目。 這次一日遊大家不但一方面可外出走走、一方面觀光，活動後大家很開心地回家。 謹此鳴謝耆英組主任余瑞芝先生和夫人組織這個活動。 余柏寧報告 余風采堂代表參加「香港回歸十週年」晚會今年七月一日是香港特別行政區成立十週年，香港在歷經滄桑後回到祖國的懷抱， 不僅對香港人來說始終是一個大日子，對中國和西方，同樣充滿特殊意義，這樣的日子， 理應可以令香港成為全球焦點，同時也是證明香港是與別不同的地方。 我們都陪著香港走過很多歷史時刻。香港回歸後，香港就昂首闊步，踏上新的征程。 香港回歸十年來雖然走過一條不平凡的道路，但「一國兩制」已得到順利落實。兩地往來日益密切，經濟民生相得益彰，東方之珠今日更加璀璨。 香港回歸已然十載。 十年間，香港抵禦住了亞洲金融危機的衝擊，抗擊了沙士疫症等，經受了嚴峻的考驗。 香港是一個充滿活力的城市，也是通向中國內地的主要門戶城市。 香港，正在中央的全力支持下，在與內地的融合中走向新的輝煌。 為了慶祝香港特別行政區成立十週年，香港經濟貿易辦事處於六月廿六日星期二晚，假温市 THE FAIRMONT WATERFRONT 酒店舉行了一個盛大的慶祝晚會。逾四百名政商界和社團領袖出席，包括余風采總堂主席余根洙、 分堂主席余美湛、總分堂書記余榮燊及分堂財政余柏寧。
出席慶祝活動的主要嘉賓包括香港經濟貿易辦事處長蘇植良、 中國駐温哥華總領事楊強、加拿大聯邦國會議員陳卓愉、卑詩省省議員李燦明、 省議員葉志明、本那比市議員伊雲仕、温市議員周炯華等。 香港駐加拿大經濟貿易辦事處（經貿處）處長蘇植良在晚宴致詞時表示： 「在過去十年，香港成功落實「一國兩制」的原則，表現了中央政府實踐了對港人的承諾。」 他又指出：「我們的行政、立法和施法機關全部都由港人執掌，「港人治港，高度自治」並非只是一句口號，而是不變的事實。」 當晚香港經濟貿易辦事處為大家安排了精美豐盛的自助晚餐，嘉賓們邊品嚐著佳餚，邊互相交談著，場面喜氣温馨。 晚會完畢後，香港經濟貿易辦事處人員還發給每名出席者一份印製精美的「香港回歸十年」紀念冊。 我們相信香港的明天一定會更好。祝賀香港的經濟將來更繁榮、更加穩定、 香港社會發展更和諧、更加安寧！祝賀祖國更昌盛、更加繁榮、人民幸福安康！ 更重要的是，我們能強烈感覺到國際社會對和平發展的中國的尊敬，我們在海外所有的華僑華人都為香港成就感到自豪、驕傲！ 余柏寧報告 余風采堂慶祝『始祖余靖忠襄公』寶誕慎終追遠是中國人的傳統美德，而身為海外華僑，對於自己的傳統更是不能忘記。 今年亦不例外，加拿大余風采總堂，於七月八日星期日中午十二時在堂所禮堂，虔備金豬、三牲酒醴拜祭始祖余靖忠襄公。 當天中午大約卅多位堂員，他們的家人和朋友聚集在堂所禮堂內，一齊慶祝始祖余靖忠襄公寶誕紀念儀式。 禮堂的祭桌上，端端正正擺放着金豬，雞，酒，糕點，菓品，和金銀衣紙，銀燭煌煌，香煙繞繞。 祭祖儀式由總堂書記余榮燊主持，加拿大余風采總堂副書記余瑞芝讀祭文，加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、 總堂顧問余鳳和、余錫儒、分堂主席余美湛和總分堂理事們一齊奉獻祭品。 首先總堂主席余根洙致歡迎詞，歡迎大家多多到堂所參與這活動，然後講述忠襄公一千年前在宋代有趣的背景和歷史故事： 他文武全才，精通經史，長於詩文，官拜工部尚書，為官耿直清廉，安邦定國，功垂后世，且對中醫藥認識極深。 紀念儀式完畢後，總堂並設自助午餐饗眾。最後總堂主席余根洙致謝啓康叔和義工人員們安排這個活動。 余柏寧供稿 中國國務院僑辦主任李海峰率團蒞訪温哥華温哥華中華會館於七月十日晚，聯合一百零八個僑團暨各界人士在華埠「富大海鮮酒家」舉行盛大晚宴， 熱烈歡迎中國國務院僑辦主任李海峰率領的訪問團。 大温地區僑團出席的代表包括余風采總分堂書記余榮燊及分堂財政余柏寧。 擔任當晚的司儀是練子喬先生與伍慧敏女士，晚宴場面非常熱閙。 晚宴儀式首先由温哥華中華會館理事長麥伯強先生致歡迎詞。 接下來，中國駐温哥華總領事楊強，卑詩省省議員葉志明、李燦明和温哥華三名温哥華市議員議員等嘉賓致詞。 李海峰在熱烈的掌聲中向僑胞們表達訪問團的敬意。 她說，我們能與這麼多的新老朋友歡聚一堂，此情此誼讓人倍受感動。 新擔任國僑辦主任的李海峰可以算是老朋友了，她在一九九四年出任國僑辦副主任以後，曾兩次來温訪問。 李海峰深情地表示，中國政府十分關心廣大海外僑胞的長期生存發展。 我們將盡一切可能維護僑胞的合法權益，盡力做好服務工作，真正使僑辦成為海外僑胞的"娘家"。 當晚的宴會程序包括鳴炮、醒獅表演、介紹嘉賓等。文娛節目由鍊子喬先生和伍慧敏女士主持， 節目包括士達孔拿中國舞蹈團、温哥華舞蹈學院舞蹈、男女獨唱等博得了大家熱烈的掌聲。 該晚之文娛節目的歌唱表演員包括杜吳一鳴女士、張健華女士、簡君明女士、劉上明女士、李振杰先生及袁農梅女士。 這是李海峰今年五月就任的中國國務院僑辦公室主任職位以來的 首次出訪，出訪率領中國僑務表團到美國、加拿大的訪問之行，廣泛接觸各界人士，了解僑情，傾聽 僑聲。 加強僑團團結，構建和諧僑社，是李海峰此行過程中與各地僑領深入交流的重點。 這說明在新的形勢下，中國政府對海外華人的高度重視，也使得在加美華僑華人對中國僑務工作產生了新的期待。 自七月二日飛抵舊金山後，訪問團十天來走訪了美、加兩國的舊金山、洛杉磯、紐約、 多倫多和温哥華五個北美華人華僑聚居地，先後召開五場與僑界的座談會， 並出席了各地僑胞舉行的盛大歡迎宴會，與三千多名各界僑胞面對面接觸。 余柏寧供稿 温哥華余風采堂歡迎香港「風采中學」曹啟樂校長 七月十九日（星期四）下午六點半，温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛、副主席余金星、 顧問余根洙、余錫儒、余詠本，書記余榮燊、財政余柏寧、副財政余錦文及青年組主任余漢銳、 一齊在域多利街的「西湖海鮮酒家」熱烈歡迎香港「風采中學」校長曹啟樂先生， 世界余氏宗親總會副會長余健倫先生及温哥華世運旅遊高級經理趙善炬先生蒞臨温哥華。 晚餐的菜單由顧問余根洙挑選和安排，菜色由西湖海鮮酒家大廚精心調配。 我們在品嘗的過程中可以盡情享受各式美味佳餚！非常豐富！實在讓人一嚐難忘。 當晚見到曹啟樂校長時我們感到非常開心，因為我們又有幾會再聚了。 在二零零四年香港隆重舉行的第二屆世界余氏懇親大會中我們有幾個代表已認識他了。 經過打招呼後，他邀請我們在二零零九年的第四屆世界余氏懇親大會時去參訪風采中學。 他還贈了一份風采中學紀念品給温哥華余風采堂。 香港「風采中學」曹啟樂校長小檔案：MH (學士、教育文憑、碩士)從事中學教育工作逾廿載，具創辦新校經驗。 歷任學科委員會主任、副校長。原任教學校連續兩年被評為「學業成績增值中學」。 自八十年代起，就教育政策、學校發展、教師專業、學生成長課題撰寫文章。 文章結集有「教改隨想錄」(2001)。 九四年與資深教育專業人士合力創辦「教育評議會」，出任創會主席四年。 一九九八年被委任為教育統籌委員會及優質教育基金督導委員。 二零零零年獲特區政府頒發榮譽勳章。 二零零二年出任風采中學創校校長。二零零三年獲頒「海華基金會師鐸獎」。 在此說聲感謝曹啟樂校長，余健倫副會長及趙善炬先生，能陪我們食一餐便飯。 温哥華余風采堂全體同仁祝賀曹啟樂校長、余健倫副會長旅途愉快，凱旋回香港。 余柏寧供稿 温哥華余風采堂舉行夏天野餐郊遊温哥華市鱒魚湖公園，湖水清澈、景色秀麗、自然風景，空氣清新、樹茂草盛、是温市夏天郊遊活動的最佳選擇地點之一！ 由於交通方便，每逢晴朗炎熱的夏天周末，都吸引不少民眾來到這兒曬太陽、燒烤、散步。  温哥華余風采堂於二零零七年七月廿二日（星期日）早上十一時至下午三時在温哥華市鱒魚湖公園野餐亭（域多利街夾東十九街）舉行年度的夏天野餐郊遊活動。 百餘多的宗親會員帶領家人及親友來參加，我們歡迎十六位馬氏世表、風采校友會、温哥華風采堂耆英會、前來參與。 啓康叔叔和福利組早早就到鱒魚湖公園裏準備，安排郊遊活動的食物和抽獎禮物。 當日温哥華的氣象是陰天，天文台預報這天下雨機會百分之五十至九十，早上已下了一場大雨， 真是好彩，天公造美，雖然天色有點灰暗，但郊遊活動至少沒有下雨。 夏天野餐郊遊都是我們小朋友期待已久的最快樂的一天，但今年活動的内容只有食物及抽獎， 很可惜，今年的活動沒有設備小朋友的遊戲比賽節目。 温哥華余風采堂理事們將會考慮要如何設計野餐郊遊的新方式，希望明日的郊遊活動會吸引多的宗親和小朋友們來參加。 午餐後，抽獎開始，獎品非常豐富。在此謝謝啓康叔和福利組安排這次美滿「野餐郊遊」的活動。 温哥華余風采堂理事們希望明年會有更多的余氏宗親和小朋友來參加。 余柏寧供稿 余風采堂代表參加温哥華馬氏世表的新會所落成，喬遷之喜 温哥華馬氏宗親會於二零零七年八月五日佳時，在該馬氏公所舉辦貴大隆重新址落成典禮儀式。 場面非常熱鬧，有百多位理監事、會員、馬氏宗親、嘉賓等出席。 首先余風采堂代表謹此再次恭賀温哥華馬氏世表喬遷之喜。「堂構增輝」、「煥然一新」。 當天是一個特殊的日子，在艷陽高照，藍天高遠，酷熱夏天的八月裡，加拿大余風采總堂主席余根洙、 副主席余錦文、顧問余錫儒、總分堂書記余榮燊、温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛、副主席余耀祥、理事余啓康、 余漢銳及余柏寧依時齊聚風采堂，一齊步行前往四一八號喜士定東街的新馬氏公所，齊攜手祝賀馬氏世表喬遷誌慶， 見證這個極富歷史性的時刻。 馬氏世表以真誠歡迎我們的光臨，同時也很客氣地、歡笑地照呼我們。 馬氏世表找到的新會所、只經過少少的整修、佈置的成果使他們感到無限的滿足。 馬威廉理事長在開幕典禮致詞時表示，余馬情誼深切，和諧合作，他今後希望「余馬親情 萬古長青」。 開幕儀式結束後，馬威廉理事長就帶領著我們參觀及介紹馬氏新會所各場地給我們認識。 然後一齊共欣賞及享用由馬氏婦女組安排精美的午餐。 馬氏宗親及賓客們盡歡一堂。 馬威廉理事長再宣佈，為温哥華馬氏宗親會新址落成，該會定於九月廿二日上午十一時， 在該會禮堂舉行正式喬遷開幕典禮，設茶會款待。同日下午六時，假富大海鮮酒家舉行職歡宴會，歡迎余氏世表、僑團友好暨宗親出席。 余柏寧供稿 温哥華余風采堂歡迎多城余炳華宗長到訪茶敘安省余風采堂余炳華宗長為參加九月十六日的雲埠洪門民治黨成立第一百一十九周年暨達權支社第八十九周年雙慶典禮， 他特早幾日到卑詩省遊玩一下，在這裡度過一段美好時光。 温哥華余風采堂顧問余根洙宗長於九月十五日上午十一時，約定温哥華余風采堂的代表們與余炳華宗長聚在一起， 在温哥華華埠富大海鮮酒家喝茶、嘗點心及聊天。 出席歡迎多城余炳華宗長到訪茶敘的代表包括温哥華余風采堂顧問余錫儒、副主席余耀祥、書記余榮燊、 福利組主任余啓康、財政余柏寧、副財政余錦文及青年組主任余漢銳。 温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛因早有其他約會而沒有參加這個茶敘。 雖然温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛沒有出席參加，但他也抽出一些少空餘時間上來富大海鮮酒家與余炳華宗長打個招呼，談一談，然後告別。 安省余風采堂余炳華宗長曾在一九七九年至一九八四年期間出任安省余風采堂主席的職位，現在他是多倫多洪門達權社副社長、 多倫多洪門民治黨外交、同時他也是乾坤氣功社元老以及加拿大武術團體聯合總會名譽會長。 余炳華宗長很高興對我們說 “每一次見到兄弟們，我每一次都真樂也”。 我們非常歡迎余炳華宗長來訪問温哥華，他來跟大家見面，難得有這個機會坐在一起聊聊天，我們當然是開心的啦。 我們希望余炳華宗長和安省余風采堂的代表們踴躍出席參加點問頓舉辦二零零八年全加余風釆堂第十五屆懇親大會，到時大家再見面。 余柏寧供稿 風采堂歌唱隊成立三周年紀念 側記
廿多位風采堂歌唱隊學員為紀念該隊成立三周年，於二零零七年九月十五日（星期六）在「金石餐廳」聚餐，並集體照相留念。 餐後，我們就前往風采堂練歌。剛進了風采堂時，堂內是靜悄悄的， 原來在這裡打麻將的、下棋的、看報的鄉親們都到土庫去活動了。我們知道鄉親們是互讓堂所禮堂給我們練唱歌。 我們剛坐下，美嫻和鳳琼學員送來開心果。我們一邊嘗，一邊漫談。 余惠芳大姐說： "我們的「歌唱隊」成立不覺第三年了，初時是余錦珍和李玉桃學員申辦「歌唱隊」，後經理事會討論批准成立。 參加人數由少變多，由難變易，我們有梁慕蘭和李翠琼兩老師勤教，學員勤學。 現已學了將近一佰首歌曲了。" 麗芬姐說 "是呀！我本來不會唱歌，現在學會唱許多歌曲了。" 余惠芳大姐繼續說：“最重要的是我們得到理事們的支持，讓會堂給我們學習。 還供電、供茶和供歌紙...，我們應多謝他們的支持。” 頓時，我們響起了掌聲。總堂主席根洙、分堂主席美湛等常到我們隊來現場。 這時榮燊書記、啓康理事、鳳和及錫儒顧問剛到。我們異口同聲地向他們面謝了。 啓康理事說： "你們應多謝老祖宗艱苦創業，今天才有這個活動場所呀！" 我們領悟了，我們的眼睛都凝視著忠襄公的遺像默默地悼念。 我寫一面兩首詩， 向全體理事表謝意。
余夢蟠供稿 温哥華余風采堂風采校友會慶祝聖誕聯歡午餐宴會聖誕將至，為這美好節日的到來， 温哥華余風采堂和風采校友會於二零零七年十二月九日（星期日）上午十二時假華埠「花園酒家」舉行了每年一度的聖誕聯歡宴會。 今年以簡單、輕鬆、同樂為主題。  在創新求變的思考後，今年特地將午餐美食宴會活動從堂所搬到酒家舉行。余風采堂堂員、宗親戚友暨風采校友，大家歡聚一堂，共度佳節。
當日共有六十多人參加，場面非常熱鬧，出席參加者包括總堂主席余根洙伉儷、顧問余鳳和、顧問余鍚儒伉儷、
温哥華余風采堂主席余美湛伉儷、顧問余詠本伉儷、書記余榮燊伉儷、理事余漢銳、余柏寧、余碧瑜、
余啓康伉儷、余錫强伉儷、風采校友會會長余惠卿、校友余瑞芝伉儷、余錦文伉儷等。   宴會與往年一樣，最後在喜氣洋洋的氣氛中圓滿結束。 余柏寧報告 |
Canada YFT hosted Spring Get Together DinnerThe Yee Fung Toy
Society of
Canada hosted a get-together Dinner for the officers and spouses before
the arrival of the traditional Chinese Spring Festival. This year the
get-together dinner was held at the FOO LAI HO RESTAURANT on Kingsway,
on
Monday, January 11. Both Chairman Kan Yu
and Vice Chairman Jim Yee came by our tables and gave toasts, wishing
everyone a happy, a healthy and a prosperous New Year. Everyone has commented
on the food which was fantastic. We enjoyed sitting back and watching
everyone
had a really good time together chatting and wishing each other a
prosperous Chinese New Year!
Then we all went home happily after dinner. We were all looking forward for the upcoming events in the New year. Here are some
interesting facts for reference on the Chinese Lunar New
Year.
The Chinese New Year
（春節, 春节,
Chūnjíe; or 農曆新年, 农历新年, Nónglì Xīnnián）. The Lunar New Year is
also known as the "Spring Festival". It celebrates the new season and
new beginnings.
There are a number of traditions related to the celebrations of this
important holiday. On Lunar New Year's Eve, all the family members come
together to feast and witness the turn of the year. At Midnight, people
ring the bells in temples, let off firecrackers and wish each other a
happy new year. Young children also get red packets with money for good
luck. The Chinese New Year
period lasts for 15 days, beginning on the first day of the first lunar
month (正月 Zheng Yue) of the Chinese calendar. The holiday period ends
with 元宵节（Yuan Xiao Jie), on the 15th day of the festival. According to one legend, in ancient China, nian ("Nyan"), a man-eating beast from the mountains, could infiltrate houses silently to prey on humans. The people later learned that nian was sensitive to loud noises and the color red, so they scared it away with explosions, fireworks and the liberal use of the color red. So guo nian actually means surviving the nian. These customs led to the first New Year celebrations. Another legend has it
that in ancient times, Buddha asked all the
animals to meet him on Chinese New Year. Twelve came, and Buddha named
a year after each one. He announced that the people born in each
animal's year would have some of that animal's personality.
The Chinese
calendar needs to assign a unique animal name for each day inside the
lunar month. sometimes, Chinese Lunar Calendar needs to add an extra
lunar month (Leap Lunar Month) in the cycle to match the speed of the
solar cycle. For example, Year 2006, Chinese calendar has two 7th lunar
months. A lunar month contains 29 or 30 days. Therefore, Chinese
calendar needs 60 different animal names to make every single day
unique for the case of leap lunar month.
Those born in pig years tend to have excellent manners, make and keep friends, work very hard, and appreciate luxury. They are very loving and make loyal partners. Alfred Hitchcock, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bryan Adams, Carlos Santana, Dannii Minogue, David Letterman, Elton John, Henry Ford, Ernest Hemingway, Hillary Rodham Clinton, Humphrey Bogart, Lucille Ball, Mahalia Jackson, Magic Johnson, Stephen Harper, Winona Ryder and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart were all born in the year of the pig. Persons born within these date ranges can be said to have been born in the "year of the Pig," while also bearing the following elemental sign:
These 12-year cycles are continuously repeated. The Chinese New Year is celebrated at the second new moon after the winter solstice and falls between January 21 and February 19 on the Gregorian calendar. The year 2006 translates to the Chinese year 4703–4704. The year 2007 translates to the Chinese year 4704–4705 and so forth. 2007 is the Year of the Pig, which marks the end of a 12 year lunar cycle. This year the Chinese New Year starts on Sunday February 18, 2007. The above table shows
the Chinese years with the corresponding animal signs along with the
Western Years.
Martin Yee
Vancouver YFT Representatives visit the Yee residents at the Villa Cathay Care HomeVancouver 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 arranged a visiting hour for us on Wednesday,
January 24 at
2:30 pm.
We met ten
senior citizens at the Villa Cathy.
 Chairman Jim Yee gave a short speech, wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous Chinese New Year. These seniors were glad to see us and expressed their appreciation. As usual, Steven Yee shared some of his jokes with them. He also told them that we will come by the Villa again next year. We were delighted to see these smiling seniors as we bid farewell. Martin Yee
Vancouver joins the Chinese New Year ParadeGung Hay Fat Choy! (May prosperity be with you !) On Sunday, February 18th, 2007, the streets of Vancouver Chinatown were filled with tens of thousands of smiling and cheerful people waiting patiently for the Chinese New Year Parade to begin. Drums, cymbals and gongs blended with the Chinese New Year songs and loud music to welcome the first day of the Year of the Pig. Or, more specifically, the Year of the Fire Pig. The dragon, unicorn and lion dance teams, accompanied by several marching bands, converged with various community organizations and culture groups amid the exploding sounds of raucous fire crackers. It's the year 4705, and time to welcome the Year of the Pig! (Or, some call it, The Year of the Boar.)  The parade began at 12:00 noon at the Millennium Gate in Vancouver’s historic Chinatown. The weather was just perfect for the parade. The parade route started from West Pender Street, heading east along East Pender Street, passing through Carrall Street, Columbia Street, Main Street, and right turn onto Gore Street, another right turn onto Keefer Street and ended at the VIP platform next to the Sun Yat San Garden.   Our
Vancouver Yee Fung Toy Lion Dance Team and members of the Yee Fung Toy
Society helped usher in the Lunar New Year at this year's Chinatown
parade.   Sifu Fan
once again directing our Lion Dance Team in the parade this year. We
thank him for his caring, dedication and commitment to the success of
our Lion Dance Team. With extreme energy, our Team danced and in sync
to the sound of cymbals, gongs and drums, which is meant to summon good
luck for the year ahead.
After the parade, we all had a delicious lunch at the Society Hall. Best
Wishes to all for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous Chinese New Year! And,
special thanks to all the participants in this year's parade. Martin Yee
Ching Ming in VancouverChing Ming is a Festival
day on the Chinese lunar calendar that occurs near Easter. Also known
as "Spring Remembrance" or "Grave Sweeping Day", it is the day of
fondly remembering past family members. This Chinese tradition is
formalized into a ritual of offering wine and cooked meat, fruits,
paper money, incense and candles to ancestors. On this Ching Ming
("clear and bright") day Chinese people would pay homage and respect to
their family members' graves, and clear away the weeds that have grown
up since their last visit.  On
Sunday, April 1st, the
Vancouver sky was slightly cloudy in the early morning; the sun finally
pierced through these clouds by the time we gathered at the
Mountainview Cemetery Chinese
Pavilion area. Around
11
am,
a
group
of
seven
YFT
directors
led
by Chairmen Kan Yu and Jim
Yee
attended the
Mah Benevolent Society of Vancouver's 57th Anniversary celebration
ceremony. These seven directors then drove to the Mountainview
Cemetery immediately right after the Mah Cousins' Anniversary Ceremony.  At 12:45 pm, we slowly filed into the ceremonial area immediately after another group had just completed their ceremony. Our memorial service officially began as Mr. Steven Yee and his volunteers made preparations: candles and incense sticks were lit, fruits, roast pigs, chicken, dim sum, etc, and liquor were laid down on the ceremonial altar, paper money was burnt. Society secretary Mr. Wing Yee reverently read aloud the memorial ceremony oration. Canada Chairman Mr. Kan Yu, Vancouver Chairman Mr. Jim Yee, Canada Vice Chairman Mr. Gary Yee, advisors Mr. Dick Yee, Wayne Yee, directors Mr. Phillip Yu, James Yu, Martin Yee took turns to pay homage to our ancestors, Mr. George Yee set off the firecrackers as the ceremony ended. We all headed to the YFT Hall right after the ceremony. A Buffet lunch was served immediately after our annual general meeting was held. Martin Yee The YFT Society of Canada Secretary Wing Yee and Mom attended Head Tax Spouses ceremony with Secretary of State (Multiculturalism) on April 13, 2007Secretary of State (Multiculturalism and Canadian Identity), the Honorable Jason Kenney, held a ceremony on Friday, April 13 in Vancouver announcing that ex-gratia payments of $20,000 are being issued to eligible conjugal partners of Head Tax payers who are now deceased.  103 years old Mrs. Kwong Lai Wah Yee, accompanied by her son Wing Yee, Secretary of the YFT Society of Canada and her daughter-in-law, Mrs. Kam Ying Yee, attended the Canadian government ex-gratia payments special ceremony at the Vancouver Library Square Tower. She personally received the apology letter from the Secretary of State (Multiculturalism), Mr. Jason Kenny. She feels extremely happy that the Canadian Government finally did the right thing for the Chinese immigrants, and this ex-gratia payment will be her "great" upcoming birthday present. "I am proud that Canadian government continues to do the right thing in addressing the concerns of the Chinese-Canadian community," said Secretary of State Kenney. "With the presentation of ex-gratia payments to the conjugal partners of Chinese Head Tax payers, we are recognizing past hardships and contributing to healing in the Chinese-Canadian community." These payments to the conjugal partners of Chinese Head Tax payers who are now deceased follow on previous ex-gratia symbolic payments to Head Tax payers that were made after Prime Minister Harper’s statement in the House of Commons. On June 22, 2006, the Prime Minister offered a full apology to Chinese Canadians for the Head Tax and expressed deep sorrow for the subsequent exclusion of Chinese immigrants. The apology and the ex-gratia payments that have followed acknowledge the stigma and hardship associated with having paid a tax that, while legal at the time, was based on a racial classification. The
Head
Tax
was
imposed
on
Chinese
immigrants
entering
Canada
from
1885 to 1923. Martin Yee Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown Media Conference and Open House Front row (from left): The Vancouver Heritage Foundation Chairwoman Mollie Massie, Building Cultural Legacy Honorary Advisor, Carol Anne Lee, city planner Jessica Chen-Adams, CBA Vice-president John Lum, Chinatown Society Heritage Buildings Committee Chairman Fred Mah, President of the Vancouver Chinatown Revitalization Committee Rick Lam and The Mah Benevolent Society of Vancouver Chairman William Ma. (photo credit: Ming Pao Daily) The Chinatown Society Heritage Building Committee, supported by The Vancouver Heritage Foundation, held its Media Conference and Open House on Thursday, May 24 at the 104 –108 E. Pender Street Chinese Benevolent Association of Vancouver Building (The CBA building is one of the designated heritage buildings). Four members of the YFT Society of Canada attended this historical event, including Chairman Kan Yu (he is also the Vice-Chair of The Chinatown Society Heritage Building Committee), Jim Yee, Wing Yee and Harvey Yee. There were information displays on the 12 society owned heritage buildings in Chinatown as well as a demonstration of the new concept in redeveloping the heritage buildings that day. Public announcements were made regarding A fundraising dinner, entitled Building Cultural Legacy, on Friday, at 6:00 p.m. on June 15 at the Floata Seafood Restaurant in Chinatown. Proceeds will be donated to the Chinatown Society Heritage Buildings Committee to conduct a feasibility study and develop a business plan for renovating these heritage buildings. The Chinatown Revitalization Program began in 1999 as part of the City of Vancouver's Downtown Eastside Revitalization Program. The goal for the project was to bring together community members to address several key issues in the area, such as safety and economic growth through an extensive community engagement and building process. The City of Vancouver has designated thirty-two buildings in Vancouver’s Chinatown as heritage buildings. Twelve of these heritage buildings are owned by Chinese societies and clan associations. The family/clan societies and benevolent associations in Chinatown have traditionally served a key role in the social life of Chinese-Canadians, providing mutual help, access to housing and the general welfare of their members. Their activities have evolved over the course of history, but their presence continues to help define and enhance Chinatown's unique cultural identity. For more information on the Revitalization of Vancouver Chinatown, please visit the following links: City of Vancouver - Chinatown Revitalization Program Clan-society holdings could rouse Chinatown Martin Yee Vancouver YFT Seniors' Day Trip to Harrison Hot SpringsAt 9:00 on a rainy Sunday morning on June 24, 48 of us boarded a Global Coach Line bus for a sightseeing tour that would take us from the Yee Fung Toy Building in Chinatown, traveling east of Vancouver along the Trans-Canada Highway (Hwy 1), to one of Vancouver's great escapes, Harrison Hot Springs.  Harrison Hot Springs is just an hour and a half nonstop drive from Vancouver. Our chartered bus driver drove along the south side of the Fraser River, heading toward the Agassiz-Harrison turnoff (exit 135 - the Bridal Falls exit) east of Chilliwack and follow highway #9 north to Harrison Hot Springs.  Most of us were seniors
including some members of the Fung Toy Alumni Association. As we were
on our way to the Harrison Hot Springs, we drove by
the cities and townships of Burnaby, Coquitlam, Surrey, Langley,
Abbotsford, and Chilliwack. Our friendly bus driver also doubled as our tour guide, giving us details of each city as we passed through them. We arrived at our destination around 10:30am and we spent the next three and half hours exploring the Harrison Hot Springs area under a cloudy sky with scattered sunny intervals and showers. Harrison Hot Springs is on the edge of southwestern British Columbia's largest lake, with sandy beaches, mountain scenery, and natural mineral hot springs. Harrison Lake also features a big swimming beach a short walk from the resort. In September, Harrison Hot Springs is hosting its popular annual event featuring the World Championship Sand Sculpture Competition on the beach.  According to history, the hot springs were discovered in 1859 when paddlers capsized in winter and realized that the lake water was warm. There are two hot springs on the shores of Harrison Lake making it a very popular resort and health spa for the tourists. Long before miners "discovered" the hot springs during the gold rush of 1858, native Coast Salish peoples traveled by canoe to experience the healing benefits of the water. The Harrison Hot Springs area is known as the home of the legendary Bigfoot, also known as the "Sasquatch", a very elusive, giant apelike creature. Sasquatch has been quietly living and subsisting in the forests and mountain of the Pacific Northwest region of North America. However, most experts on the matter consider the Bigfoot legend to be a combination of folklore and hoaxes.     We left Harrison Hot Springs at 4:00 PM; while we were on our way home our bus driver stopped by The Farm House Natural Cheeses, The Honeyview Farm and The Fort Wine Company for a brief Circle Farm Tour.  We arrived back to Chinatown in time for dinner at the Park Lock Restaurant. Everyone enjoyed their day trip. Thanks to the Seniors Committee’s Mr. and Mrs. Shui Chi Yu for organizing this event. Martin Yee Celebrating Ancestor DayThis year the Yee Fung
Toy
Society of Canada celebrated Ancestor Day on July 8th, 2007. With
Secretary Wing Yee officiated the noon ceremony. Chairman Kan delivered
a brief speech, welcoming all the members and relatives who attended.
He said, "We not only celebrate the 1007th anniversary birthday of
Revered Yee Jing today. We also wanted to feel thankfulness for our
ancestor; we are here to celebrate and to reflect on the life and times
of our ancestor on the anniversary of his death on June 30, 1064".
After the ceremony,
everyone enjoyed a buffet lunch. Martin Yee Elegantia College Principal Visits Vancouver Mr. Tso Kai-lok MH (B.So.Sci., Dip-in-Edu., M.A.), Principal of Elegantia College (Sponsored by Education Convergence) and Member of the Education Commission, visits Vancouver on July 19. Members of the Vanouver
YFT board of
Directors welcomed him and Mr. Johnson Yee (Vice Chairman of the World
Yee Family Association), Ray Chiu (Senior Manager - Inbound and Group
Sales Development of Silkway Travel and Destination Management
Incorporated. We all spent an evening
together at the Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant. A few of us
have met
Mr. Tso in 2004, when the 2nd World Yee Convention was held in Hong
Kong. He invites us to visit Elegantia College in 2009 after the
next World Yee Convention. Martin Yee Vancouver YFT 2007 Summer Picnic This year the Vancouver
YFT Society Annual Summer Picnic was held at the Trout Lake Park on
July 22nd (Sunday) at noon.
The weather forecast
for
that day was 50% to 90% chance of rain, and rain had fallen heavily
in
the early morning. It stopped raining by
daybreak so our picnic was not
rained out, as we were led to believe by the weather
forecast. Some members might have been discouraged
from attending after they heard the news. The turnout was reduced
slightly. We apologized sincerely to the
Tse's (as we might not have contacted them in time this year) and the
Mah
Directors (lunch meeting schedule clash), nevertheless, sixteen of our
Mah's cousins came and joined us for the picnic. We have over hundred
people participated in this year’s event.
The Vancouver YFT
members, their families, Yee Fung Toy Alumni, the YFT Seniors Group,
relatives and the Mah cousins spent an enjoyable afternoon
together, chatting, enjoying their delicious lunch, waiting eagerly to
see if their tickets are drawn for the prizes.
This year we did not
have any games for the kids. Our YFT board is considering suggestions
for changes or improvements for next year, hopefully a new format will
be
will be decided by the next family outing.
We would like to thank
Steven Yee and George Yee for organizing this annual event once more. A
great job well done! Martin Yee
Mah Benevolent Society's Celebration and Open House Event Congratulations to the Mah's moving to a new Clubhouse in August! Nine members of the Canada and Vanouver YFT board of Directors attended the celebration and open house event of the Mah Benevolent Society on August 5th. Our Mah Cousins welcomed us with open arms.  We all witnessed a very
historical event that day, a celebration of the moving of the Mah's
Club House to their new premises, a celebration by members, friends,
relatives and their Yee cousins to share their happiness. Their
celebration ceremony was
very impressive, including the traditional lion dance.   According to the Mah
Benevolent Society's web page, they have moved from their 41
Hastings Street
East Clubhouse to their new Clubhouse on 418 Hastings
Street East in August.   Since May of 1960, 41
Hastings Street East has been the location of the Mah Benevolent
Society Clubhouse.  The upper floors of the
three storey building was served
as the base of the Vancouver Branch: the second floor provided the
facilities of the Social Club and the third floor was the location of
the Athletic Association, which was started in the mid 80s. The
building was originally constructed in the early 1900s (estimated to be
around 1901), housing various businesses on its ground floor, while a
rooming house occupied the upper floors. The types of businesses
occupying the ground floor was varied and included dentists, real esate
agents, a pool hall, clothing shops, tailors, a furniture store, a
consignment shop and presently, a social enterprise operated by United
We Can. The new Clubhouse
building was discovered on the day the membership at large approved the
listing of 41 Hastings Street East for sale. This building was
renovated by the previous owners and was unused after the completion of
the work. It consists of a ground
floor and a second floor that spans
more than half of the ground floor, with a total area of 4,900 square
feet. The ground floor has a large area in front, which can accomodate
special meetings and occasions and provides a training area for the Mah
Athletic Association. There are offices located towards the rear half
of the ground floor suited for Society business. The second floor has a
kitchen, laundry and full bathroom. William Ma, Chairman of
the Vancouver Mah Benevolent Society, made a very memorable speech that
day, he
also told the audience regarding the most important relationship
between the Mahs and the Yees is their continuing relationships with
the Yees that have kept over a very long time and
both
Societies have become even much closer now. After the "moving in"
ritual,
Cousin William Ma took us
on a guided tour of their new facility. Followed by a very delicious
lunch. Chairman William Ma also informed us that there will be an "Official" grand opening of their new Club House on September 22nd, on that day, there will be an open house to the public, for all the other Societies, friends and supporters. A dinner reception will also be held at Floata Restaurant in Chinatown. Martin Yee
Ron Yee Visits Vancouver Ron Yee, a member of the Yee Fung Toy Society of Ontario, met some of the YFT Society of Vancouver board of directors at the Floata Seafood Restaurant on September 15. We had afternoon tea and dim sum together, chatting and reminiscing the good old days, he was very pleased to see us and to chat with us. Ron Yee was the Chairman of the Yee Fung Toy Society of Ontario from 1979 to 1984. He is also a Vice-Chair of the Toronto Chinese Freemasons Chapter, he came to Vancouver to attend the festivities of the Chinese Freemasons of Canada (Vancouver) . Before he went to see his friends of the Chinese Freemasons of Canada (Vancouver) at the other tables in the restaurant, we bid him farewell, shook his hands and hope to see him and the Ontario delegates at the 15th Canada YFT Convention in Edmonton next year. Martin Yee
Vancouver YFT celebrates Chongyang FestivalThe 9th day of the 9th lunar month is the traditional Chongyang Festival, or Double Ninth Festival. It usually falls in October in the Gregorian calendar. In an ancient and mysterious book I Ching, or The Book of Changes, A symbol system designed to identify order in what seem like chance events, it describes an ancient system of cosmology and philosophy that is at the heart of Chinese cultural beliefs. The number "6" was thought to be of Yin character, meaning feminine or negative, while number "9" was thought to be Yang, meaning masculine or positive. So the number nine in both month and day create the Double Ninth Festival, or Chongyang Festival. "Chong" in Chinese means "double." Also, as double ninth was pronounced the same as the word to signify "forever", both are "Jiu Jiu," the Chinese ancestors considered it an auspicious day worth celebration. That's why ancient Chinese began to celebrate this festival long time ago. On this day, people will eat Double Ninth Gao (or Cake). In Chinese, gao (cake) has the same pronunciation with gao (height). People do so just to hope progress in everything they are engaged in. There is no fixed ways for the Double Ninth Cake, but super cakes will have as many as nine layers, looking like a tower. This year the actual Double Ninth Festival date falls on October 19, 2007 (Friday).  Members of the YFT Society of Canada and Vancouver celebrates the Chongyang Festival at noon on Sunday, October 7 at the Mountainview Cemetery Chinese Pavilion.   Welfare Committee Director Mr. Steven Yee arranged the ceremony with his group of volunteers, in attendance were YFT Society of Canada Chairman Mr. Kan Yu, Vice Chairman Mr. Gary Yee, Advisor Mr. Dick Yee, YFT Society of Vancouver Advisor Mr. Waye Yee and his wife, Secretary Mr. Wing Yee, Treasurer Martin Yee, Director Mr. George Yee and four members of the YFT Society of Vancouver. Although the time of day was raining heavily, the whole ceremony went smoothly and swiftly. After the ceremony is over, we all drove back to the YFT House for a hearty and delicious afternoon buffet lunch. Martin Yee
Congratulations to Judge and Mrs. Bill Yee! Congratulations to Judge Bill Yee and Mrs. Bill Yee who became proud grandparents of their first grandchild, a boy, Baby Maddox Ming Yee, on Sunday, Oct 7, 2007.  Judge Bill Yee’s grandson month-old birthday「彌月之喜」party was held at the Neptune Sharkfin Seafood Restaurant「龍皇鮑翅酒家」in Richmond on Sunday, December 2nd. Attendees were mainly
close friends, relatives and family. Among the invited guests were 32
members of
the Yee Fung Toy Society of Vancouver to share this happy occasion. Proud parents Gwun and
Ada, and the
ecstatic
grandparents are all very excited indeed, as if they are
stepping into the the world of joy of another dimension. A few members of the
Yee Fung Toy Society of Vancouver have known Judge Bill Yee since High
School. Jim, David, Stan and Martin were classmates or schoolmates of
Judge Bill Yee
at the Britannia
Secondary
School in the sixties. Congratulations to the new parents and grandparents! Martin Yee
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