中華公所12月1日改選 會員會籍再成爭論焦點

紐英崙中華公所主席阮鴻燦（中）和職員，左起，翁宇才，黃立輝，
李嘉玲，雷景林等人主持董事大會。（周菊子攝）

            (Boston Orange 周菊子波士頓報導) 紐英崙中華公所（CCBANE）將於12月1日辦理換屆選舉，44名董事將各自以神聖一票決定，2016，2017兩年，由誰主導中華公所事務，管理逾2000萬元資產。

            中華公所選舉小組召集人雷景林在會議上宣佈，今年的選舉，共有44名董事有投票權，會籍有爭議的龍岡親義公所，世界廣東同鄉總會，海僑聯誼會等3僑團，這次選舉將無權投票。

            投票時間將比往年延長一小時，從早上九點開始至傍晚七點止。

甄氏宗親會董事甄錦雲表示該會為僑團會籍問題感到糾結。（周菊子攝）

            創辦世界廣東同鄉總會，以梁忠孝堂代表身份出席中華公所董事大會的梁添光，代表世界廣東同鄉總會做董事的梁永基，以及作為海僑協會代表的董事余仕昂，代表黃氏宗親會的黃國威等人，聽罷雷景林的宣佈，紛紛起立，申訴，指選舉小組無權自行決定哪個董事有投票權，應由董事大會全體討論，通過，才可做定論。

            中華公所主席阮鴻燦表示，根據律師建議，在會籍爭議未解決之前，不宜讓這些僑團參與投票。

 紐英崙中華公所中文書記雷景林宣佈，只有44名董事有資格投票。（周菊子攝）

            持不同意見者隨之舉手搶發言，激動揮舞雙手，甚至走到台前，有的表示這些會籍問題已拖了不下兩年，這晚無論會開到多晚，都應解決此事。有的重提舊事，指黃光野擔任主席時，以龍岡公所開了先例。不同意見者還爭論，當年到底是黃光野自己做的決定，還是真有董事大會通過了暫停會籍決議案。也有人不斷提出，剝奪或賦予會員會籍權利，都應有三分之二的董事支持才算數。

            甄氏宗親會董事甄錦雲表示，該會在內部討論過好幾次，對僑團會籍問題感到很糾結，認為中華公所應該拿出一套辦法來。

立者左起，梁添光，陳家驊，何遠光等人為僑團會籍爭論。（周菊子攝）

            紐英崙中華公所在過去這幾十年間，雖曾一度面對財務困難，迄今財政報告上也仍有向華埠信託會借款50萬元未清償的紀錄，但在聯邦房住局（HUD）限制到期，大同村由中華公所全權擁有後，中華公所頓時成為有錢老爺，除了泰勒街90號的中華公所大樓，有214戶住宅單位的大同村，以及租給中國超市的喜露街50號等不動產之外，根據截至今年9月至10月的總收入154,773.34元，總支出90,537,40元這損益結算，現金流都有每月約6萬元結餘。

            由於中華公所目前的財務狀況頗佳，掌握著大同村如何經營，喜露街50號如何發展的命運，華埠社區內有心人士私下幾乎都表示，中華公所未來由誰主導很重要。

三家庭屋物業稅漲11%

波士頓市府上週寄出物業估值及稅單給屋主，小型的三家庭以上樓宇物業，漲幅高達11%。

波市府新發出的物業評估稅單，單家庭屋及共管公寓，平均只漲了1%，二家庭屋漲約8%，三家庭屋以上卻漲了11%。

大波士頓人多年以來都認為，擁有一棟三家庭屋，是經濟穩定之路，最近，市內租金高漲，擁有一棟這樣的物業，更成發達象徵。現在卻招來沈重稅捐。

這高價稅單不單只反映了物業價值漲了多少，也透露出越來越多年輕專業人士住進傳統上是工薪階層所住的東波士頓，多徹斯特等地之後，屋主們拿到的租金更高。

不過這高漲的新稅，卻也讓新一代波士頓人，更難像以前的居民那樣，藉出租公寓獲取額外收入，藉以跳進中產階級。

從許多方面來看，已佔波士頓住宅房屋量約四分之一的三層樓式家庭住宅，從來沒像現在這麼熱門過。

根據波士頓基金會最近的一份報告，大波士頓租金，在過去三年間，漲了約11%。在翻修大樓中一戶共管公寓房屋的中位價格，也漲到477,000元，和2009年相比，幾乎漲了一倍。一棟樓價值超過百萬元，一點也不出奇。

波市府的評估長郎若考（Ron Rakow）表示，當市府研究今年的物業稅單時，這些樓宇就顯得很突出了。波士頓市裏三家庭的平均估值漲了20%，漲到581,002 元，二家庭屋漲了17.1%，漲到534,953元。

朗若考說，波市府只是在反映市場現象而已。那完全是由銷售所主導的。

            實際的稅率並沒有增長那麼快，波市府降低了稅率，以符合2½條款的限制，市府提供給住宅屋主的減免，也因此提高了7.5%。

            許多共管公寓或單家庭屋的業主，儘管看到物業價值大幅增加，實際上卻拿到費率較低的稅單。不過有些小房東卻大感震撼。

            根據波市評估局資料，各種房屋的平均稅率增幅約為，單家庭屋漲1%，平均3,535元，兩家庭屋漲8%，平均3,924元，三家庭屋漲11%，平均4,431元。共管公寓漲1%，平均4,167元。

            一名南波士頓三家庭屋業者看到稅單從9,000元漲到12,500元時，就嚇到了。她說，那是漲了不只三分之一啊，簡直太不像話了。

        這屋主幾年前拿出存款，又借錢，翻修了房屋，現在有專業人士租住她的三家庭屋，其中一個二睡房單位去年公告租金是2900元一個月，她自己在一樓經營髮廊。她和房客一樣，都不希望因為租金高漲而失去房客或失去租住處，但她也實在不想像許多其他南波士頓人一樣，把這房子翻修成共管公寓，然後賣掉。她決定現在承受任何漲幅，但是下次再來一個這樣的漲幅，她就要重新考慮了。

            在牙買加平原擁有一戶兩家庭屋的夫婦，收到的稅單漲了20%，約1200元一年。他們的稅單，去年才漲了15%。他們是35年前以37,000元買下那棟房屋，自己動手整修，然後眼見整個社區慢慢改善。

            去年有個鄰居把一棟三家庭屋以110萬元賣給了另一個鄰居。那個鄰居把房屋改成三戶共管公寓後，根據房地產紀錄，總共賣了將近210萬元。

            這對夫婦已退休，靠著一份固定收入過日子，租住在他們樓下的人也一樣。在他們無意出售房屋之下，這額外的1200元稅款，總得找地方拿。他們說，要不是自己承受，就得漲房租。

TREASURER GOLDBERG AND ABCC KICK OFF “OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAYS”

TREASURER GOLDBERG AND ABCC KICK OFF “OPERATION SAFE HOLIDAYS”

Program Targets Holiday Drinking During National Impaired Driving Crackdown

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Alcoholic Beverages Control Commission (ABCC) this holiday season will focus efforts on bars across the Commonwealth known to have sold alcohol to convicted drunk drivers, Treasurer Deb Goldberg announced today.

“This enforcement helps to prevent impaired driving and reduce overall criminal activity,” Goldberg said. “The program is an effective deterrent to overserving and a proven tool for promoting safer roads and highways in Massachusetts.”

Run in conjunction with the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration’s (NHTSA)  Impaired Driving Crackdown, the ABCC’s Sale to Intoxicated Persons (SIP) program will be in effect Thanksgiving Eve through New Year’s Eve.

The ABCC will also work with local police departments that have identified high-risk locations in their communities.

Alcohol is involved in 40 percent of traffic crash fatalities resulting in 17,013 fatalities and injuring an estimated 275,000 people annually costing billions of dollars. Data indicates that well over 50 percent of impaired driving arrests originate at bars.

CITY OF BOSTON ISSUES SAFETY TIPS AHEAD OF HOLIDAYS

CITY OF BOSTON ISSUES SAFETY TIPS AHEAD OF HOLIDAYS

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh today issued safety tips ahead of the launch of the holiday season. "While residents are enjoying this holiday, it is always important to exercise caution," said Mayor Walsh. "I encourage the public to review our safety guidelines and be safe this holiday season." Cooking When cooking large items such as turkeys, always make sure to have the proper sized pan to prevent the overflow of hot liquids on to the stove or a person. Never leave the stove area unattended. Familiarize yourself with how to contain a grease fire. Having a small fire extinguisher nearby is always a good idea. They are readily available at local home improvement stores. Keeping combustible items away from the stove is also recommended. If frying a turkey outdoors, start with having the propane tank and the burner at least two feet apart. This is to be done on the ground away from items that can burn such as porches, garages and trees and leaves. Use a turkey in the 8-10 pound range that is thawed out and dry. If grilling outdoors remember that charcoal grills must be on the ground away from the house. Propane grills can be on the first floor porch as long as there are stairs to the ground and there is some clearance from the home. To help protect pipes, avoid pouring fats, oils and grease down drains. Let fats, oils and grease cool and dispose in a container, in the trash receptacle. In all cases when cooking, it is best to keep children and pets away from the cooking area. Candles Special precautions are needed to burn candles safely. Use candle holders that have a firm base and keep candles away from combustible materials such as wreaths, trees, curtains, and paper decorations. Never leave candles unattended, and always extinguish candles before going to sleep. Christmas Trees When purchasing a Christmas tree, select only a freshly cut tree. The needles should not be falling off from dryness. When you place the tree inside, start with a tree stand that has a water receptacle and is non-tip. The stem of the tree should be cut diagonally to allow the tree to soak up water from the stand. Water should be added twice daily to prevent the tree from drying out. For stability, consider adding some wire near the treetop and run it to nearby walls. If you prefer artificial trees, purchase those that are flame retardant. Trees should be at least three feet away from heat sources such as fireplaces, candles, and heating equipment. Never block an exit with the tree. Remove trees as soon as possible after the holidays. The Public Works Department will collect Christmas trees for composting from January 4 -15. Don't put them in plastic bags and make sure to take off decorations. Place curbside by 7 AM on recycling day. Holiday Lights Use only Underwriters Laboratory (UL) approved lighting. Start by a careful examination of the lights. Before plugging a set of lights in, look for cracked sockets, frayed, loose or bare wires, and loose connections that could cause an electric shock or start a fire. Never overload your electrical system. Do not connect more than three light sets together. Whether on a tree or on the house never staple or nail the light sets. Lights should be unplugged during the night. Fire Safe Toys When buying children's presents, avoid toys made of highly flammable materials and make sure that all electric toys have the label of an independent testing laboratory such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL). Heating Systems, Fireplaces & Chimneys Heating systems, fireplaces and chimneys should be looked at and serviced by professionals. For fireplaces, burn only appropriate material and never burn trash or paper. Always use a fireplace screen and dispose of the ashes in a proper metal container. Smoke Detectors Massachusetts law requires a working smoke detector outside of each separate sleeping area and one on each level of the home, including at the base of each stairway. Make sure toddlers and older children can recognize the sound of a smoke detector and know how to respond. Teach children never to hide under a bed or in a closet when a detector sounds. Families should also have a meeting place outside in the case of fire. Portable Heaters Portable heaters are not meant to be the main heat source for a home. Electric powered portable heaters should never be left on while sleeping and must be kept at least three feet away from combustible materials. Use only UL approved heaters that shut off automatically when tipped and always follow the manufacturer's directions on use. Liquid fueled space heaters such as those filled with kerosene are illegal for indoor use in Massachusetts. Carbon Monoxide (CO) Detectors Carbon Monoxide (CO) is a colorless, tasteless, odorless toxic gas, which is produced when fuel burns. CO poisoning occurs most often from faulty heating equipment such as furnaces not properly vented, a blocked chimney flue or a malfunctioning stove. Exposure to CO can cause headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea, vomiting or loss of muscle control. The best first aid for CO poisoning is plenty of fresh air followed by immediate medical treatment. CO detectors are now required in the homes by law. They must be within 10 feet of sleeping areas. In addition, they need to be on every level of the home including the basement and attached garages. Look for UL approved detectors and follow the manufacturer's instructions for placement and operation.

Governor Baker Invites Public to State House Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House

Governor Baker Invites Public to State House Christmas Tree Lighting and Holiday Open House

Open House Encourages Residents to “Make it a Massachusetts Holiday!”

BOSTON – Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito welcome members of the public and their families to attend the annual State House Christmas tree lighting ceremony and Holiday Open House on Tuesday, December 1, 2015 from 4:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The theme of the Open House, “Make it a Massachusetts Holiday!,” will showcase Massachusetts farmers, food producers, agricultural partners and tourism venues. Guests will also be able to enjoy holiday carols and a special visit from Santa Claus.

“We look forward to welcoming everyone to the State House to get into the holiday spirit and learn about all Massachusetts has to offer this time of year,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “I encourage everyone to join us in lighting the State House Christmas tree and learning how to support Massachusetts-based producers and tourist sites this holiday season.”

“Massachusetts has an array of locally-produced and hosted holiday products, tourism opportunities and family-friendly events,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “As we kick-off the holiday season, I hope everyone will join us in making this a true Massachusetts holiday.”

“Make it a Massachusetts Holiday”

State House Christmas Tree Lighting and Open House

Tuesday, December 1, 2015

4:30 PM – 5:00 PM     Holiday Carols and Open House                     Grand Staircase

5:00 PM – 6:00 PM     Tree Lighting Ceremony                                   Doric Hall

6:00 PM – 7:00 PM     Holiday Open House and Santa Claus            Great Hall

** NOTE: All guests will enter through the security checkpoint at the State House’s General Hooker entrance where bags will be searched. Attendees are encouraged to limit or avoid bags in order to limit entry wait times. Media wishing to cover the event should arrive at the media check-in location at Doric Hall inside the State House at 4:30 PM. **

The Massachusetts Military Heroes Fund will also be on site encouraging guests to create holiday greeting cards for service men and women stationed abroad.

“We are encouraging residents to make this holiday season a Massachusetts holiday,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) Secretary Matthew Beaton. “Our annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony and holiday open house will feature farms, food businesses and agricultural partners, a visit from Santa Claus, carolers and more, making the evening a special way to recognize their contributions to our local food system.”

Massachusetts produces many agricultural and horticultural products typically enjoyed during the holiday season, including Christmas trees, poinsettias, maple products, wines and cheeses, cranberries, turkey, seasonal vegetables and wool items.

“The State House holiday celebration is a great venue for Massachusetts growers to showcase their products,” said Department of Agricultural Resources (DAR) Commissioner John Lebeaux. “Citizens and guests can celebrate a Massachusetts holiday and learn a little bit about our agriculture and food sectors: two industries that are vital to the Massachusetts economy.”

“Massachusetts is a magical place during the holidays for residents and visitors alike,”said Nam Pham, Assistant Secretary of Business Development & Interim Director of Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism. “Many of our historic sites and cultural centers are open throughout the season for families to enjoy a genuine Massachusetts holiday.”

Massachusetts attracts 22.9 million domestic and 1.5 million overseas visitors each year, contributing $18.5 billion in annual revenue.

According the 2012 Agricultural Census, Massachusetts’ 7,755 farms help to protect over 523,000 acres of open space and produce more than $492 million in agricultural products annually.  At nearly $48 million, direct market sales account for 10 percent of the state’s total sales of agricultural products and Massachusetts ranks 5th in the nation for direct market sales and 3rd for direct market sales per operation.  

Open House Participants:

Copper Kettle Bakery, Westwood

Ladybug Farm, Hubbardston

Curio Spice Co., Somerville

American Stonecraft, Lowell

New Entry Sustainable Farming Project, Lowell

Ava's Caramel Popcorn, Arlington

Shaw Farm, Dracut

Stone Harvest Farm, Petersham

Koffee Kup Bakery, Springfield

Island Alpaca Co., Martha's Vineyard

Department of Agricultural Resources

Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau

The Cape Cod Central Railroad’s Train to Christmastown, Hyannis

Old Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge

Freedom Trail Players, Boston

Old State House Museum, Boston

Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum, Boston

Musical Performers and Entertainment:

Boston Children’s Chorus, Boston

Massachusetts Army National Guard Quintet

Boston Arts Academy Choir, Boston

Everett High Marching Band, Everett

Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School, Bridgewater

William Diamond Fife & Drum Band, Lexington

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON COMMON TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION, DECEMBER 3

MAYOR WALSH ANNOUNCES BOSTON COMMON TREE LIGHTING CELEBRATION, DECEMBER 3

BOSTON - Wednesday, November 25, 2015 - Mayor Martin J. Walsh and the Honourable Stephen McNeil, Premier of Nova Scotia, will host Boston's 74th Annual Official Tree Lighting on Boston Common on Thursday, December 3, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.  "For 74 years, the Boston Common Tree Lighting ceremony has been a symbol of the start of the holiday season in Boston," said Mayor Martin J. Walsh. "From the time Halifax sent Boston the first Christmas tree as a gift of appreciation for our help many years ago, we have shared this tradition that commemorates not only the holidays, but also a bond between the people of Nova Scotia and our City. I am proud to keep our long standing tradition alive this holiday season, and look forward to season full of fun holiday festivities and community spirit."     The celebration is presented by the Boston Parks and Recreation Department, title sponsor The Province of Nova Scotia, and presenting sponsor Distrigas/GDF SUEZ with additional support provided by WCVB-TV Channel 5, Magic 106.7 FM, the Boston Herald, and the Boston Globe.   The holiday decorations throughout Boston Common and the Public Garden include the City of Boston's official Christmas tree, a 49-foot spruce donated by Andrea and William MacEachern of Lorne in Pictou County, Nova Scotia.  Nova Scotia also donated smaller trees to Rosie's Place and the Pine Street Inn.    The holiday lights throughout both parks will light up in sequence shortly before 8 p.m. when Mayor Walsh is joined onstage by Premier McNeil, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, and Santa Claus.  The show will close with a pyrotechnic display by MagicFire, Inc.    WCVB TV's Anthony Everett and JC Monahan will host Channel 5's live broadcast of the event beginning at 7 p.m. featuring cast members from Elf: The Musical, The Voice contestant Michelle Brooks Thompson, Nova Scotia's Dave Gunning, Black Nativity, Roald Dahl's Matilda The Musical, and Berklee College of Music's co-ed contemporary a cappella group Pitch Slapped.    The lighting of the trees on the Common is made possible through the generosity of the Egan Family, the Lynch Family, the Greater Boston Visitors and Convention Bureau, the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority, Boston Bruins Foundation, Diversified Automotive Inc., John Moriarty & Associates, Thomas A. Kershaw, Steward Health Care System, and contributions from other individuals and institutions.  The annual holiday display includes the official Christmas tree from Nova Scotia and trees throughout Boston Common.  Refreshments and additional support will be provided by promotional sponsors Dunkin' Donuts, DAVIDsTEA, Polar Beverages, H.P. Hood LLC, Capital One 360, L.L. Bean, XFINITY, and Essential Water.    This is the 44th year that Nova Scotia has given a tree to the people of Boston as thanks for relief efforts following the December 6, 1917, explosion of a munitions ship in Halifax Harbor.  Within 24 hours of the disaster a train loaded with supplies and emergency personnel was making its way from Boston to Nova Scotia.    For more information please call (617) 635-4505 or visit www.boston.gov/parks.  For Boston Common parking information, visit www.massconvention.com/bcg.html.

伍少文"我的中國生活“讓移民落淚

“我的中國生活 （My Life in China）”紀錄片，上週末在薩福克大學現代劇院搏得滿場眼淚，宣佈12月1日起，將在飛機上放映。

            “我的中國生活“是波士頓長大的伍少文（Ken Eng）耗時七、八年拍成的紀錄片，經由他父親伍經堯回香港，廣州，台山的返鄉探親，憶述過去，訪談親友，檢視近代中國移民的命運。

        片中有失聯多年親友相見的歡樂，回憶偷渡，異鄉生活的艱辛，對比了中國五十多年來變遷巨大，有些人住在現代化城市，已生活富裕，有些人仍住在偏遠農村，環境艱困的各種五味雜陳心情，帶著觀眾起起伏伏。

片中伍家分別住在城市，鄉村親戚們多樣化的真實生活情景，以及他們對自己景況的坦率回應，讓這紀錄片更顯得彌足珍貴。

紀錄片主角是製片人伍少文的父親，伍經堯。片頭坦白交代1966年時，幾乎所有人都為追尋更好生活，不惜冒著可能淹死的危險，游泳6小時的偷渡到澳門，再輾轉到美國。儘管他是知識份子，有著華南師範大學高學歷，這一紙文憑在美國卻全無用處，只能到餐館打工，抑鬱難歡，妻子也因生活環境的不如意，精神分裂，但是為讓子女保有一個完整的家，他選擇“忍“下去。

觀眾們在片尾聽到伍經堯含淚坦言自己過去這些年來，人在美國，心在中國，都跟著心酸的鼻涕，眼淚全湧了上來。

許多人事後在臉書等社交媒體上留言，感謝伍少文這麼自然地拍出一代移民故事，讓他們更了解了父母輩從來沒有說出口的許多話。

伍少文坦言，他很感謝父母當年儘管也希望他當醫生，律師，卻從未逼他放棄自己對電影的愛好。1998年從紐約視覺藝術學校電影系畢業後，他就在電影界做各種工作，拍攝，音樂，剪輯都來，2006年在日本拍的一部紀錄短片，還獲邀上公視，在全美播映。2007年他在在古根漢獎金（The Guggenheim Fellowship）的五萬元支持下，著手拍此片，期間遇過經費不繼狀況，打工，籌款，才歷時七，八年的終於拍攝完成。

基於影片題材，伍少文希望將來能和教育機構合作，把這部片變成教材的一部分。

圖片說明：

            波士頓亞美電影節主任甄翠嬿（左起）和薩福克大學教授薛龍（Ron Suleski），Miky Lee和“我的中國生活”導演兼製片伍少文（左二）。（菊子攝）