UMA NOITE MACAENSE

UMA News Bulletin Fall Issue 2018 Page 1 of 28

Vol. 58. No. 3 A Publication of UMA, Inc Jul - Sep 2018

Editor: Daniel Gomes, 2021 Ptarmigan Drive #1 Walnut Creek, Ca 94595 E-Mail:[email protected]

UMA NOITE MACAENSE By Pauline de Assis

UMA’s annual extravaganza event, the Noite, was in the planning for weeks, with the Social Committee putting

their heads together to give us a truly elegant, unforgettable evening of song and dance on August 11th. It was

held at Rossmoor’s Event Center because the hall is so big, able to accommodate well over 100 guests, and indeed

there were close to 120 guests ready to dance the night away.

Because UMA wanted to spoil the guests, they went all out with preparations. Many volunteers were busy in the

kitchen, forming like an assembly line, to put together the appetizers, desserts, and the entrees, while others the

decorations, centerpieces, the place cards, the bar. But it all went smoothly, everyone doing their part.

By 5:30 the guests strolled in, in their colorful aloha attire and headed to their assigned table. As they mingled

and greeted one another, the bar was inviting, attended by Rick Oliveira. Of course, with their drinks, there was

something missing - ah yes, the appetizers. Out came the cheese toasts and chilicote for each table, who could

resist?!

It wasn't long before the Jun Simundo band got set up and began to play some of the ever popular pieces. When

all got settled in, Sandy Souza, UMA President, welcomed everyone to this festive night. She also called up the

General Counsel of Portugal, Maria Joao Lopes Cardoso, who gave a very short speech, in appreciation of the

invitation to our Noite as well as feeling so welcomed among the UMA members. Sandy then called Flavia

Greubel, Vice President, to introduce all the Noite helpers to thank them for their help in putting this event

together.

Sandy then introduced our MC for the night, Robert (GL) Remedios who said a few words and then began calling

table numbers to begin the queue for the fabulous feed ahead. Also busy were the raffle ticket ladies who made

sure to approach each table for raffle ticket sales.

The long food table, set outside of the dance area, was laden with so much yummy dishes such as Minchi, Curry

Chicken, Vaca Estufada, assorted vegetables, Salmon, Capella and last but certainly not least, rice. Platters were

piled high because the guests didn’t want to miss out on any of the dishes. Wine, of course, was what

complemented the food; they went so well together.

As soon as the musicians had their fill, they brought the hall to live with their drums, guitars and their vocalist

who belted out the familiar tunes, just marvelous to hear. Some barely finished their meal and were already on

the floor dancing to the beat. Soon jives, waltzes, cha cha, line dances, etc. had everyone on their feet and feeling

the rhythms, slow, fast, faster, twirling and swaying to each song. It was just so invigorating and heartwarming

- what better way to enjoy an evening with friends and relatives if not to wine, music and song!


Noite Macanese

It seemed too good to last because the 9:00 o’clock hour rolled around so soon; the band took a break and it was

time to draw the raffle winners. In first place was Lily Roliz with $100, second was Magdalen Pereira with $75

and third and fourth prizes of $50 and $25 to the lucky winners. Well, after all that dancing, we needed more

nourishment and lo and behold, trays of sweets were brought to each table - delicious Pudin de Arroz Pulu,

Batatada, Pao de Leite and Genete - wow, so delectable and irresistible!

No time to waste, those dancing feet were still kicking up as the musicians kept bringing it on. Well, as wonderful

as it was, and the clock ticked on, some dancers began to call it a night and were ready to leave. The band played

one or two more songs, then thanked UMA for the opportunity to be a part of our Noite and hoped to come back

again!

Once more, UMA wishes to thank all the members and guests for making the Noite evening such a big success,

but more importantly to all the ladies/gentlemen who gave their time and energy to make sure all the facets of

such an event went smoothly for the enjoyment of all - what a fantastic dinner dance party it was!


.


Noite


UMA THANKSGIVING MASS by Pauline D’Assis

The good UMA folks came together once again on a sunny summer morning on July 7 to the Good Shepherd

Church in Pacifica to thank The Lord for the many blessings bestowed on us throughout the past year.

Filo Macs from the East Bay had a rather long drive as traffic snarled ever so slowly to reach the Bay Bridge.

Those living in Rossmoor had an additional 10 to 15 minutes delay due to an accident at the gate where a car had

hit a water hydrant. But never mind all the delays, everyone did arrive at 11:00 or so to participate in our

Thanksgiving Mass. As in many years past, we were able to have Fr. Lahey gladly celebrate Mass for the

Macanese people of the Bay Area, even though he has some health issues.

President Sandy Souza welcomed all who made it, to join in one voice and in unity to lift our hearts in song and

praise. Our Macanese choir, under Zinha Gomes’ guidance made it all the more beautiful. The angelic singers

were, of course, Zinha, Vilma Remedios, Felice Santos, Mimi Rodrigues and John Madeira. Together with them

the faithful made the church ring out.

Ramon Xavier did the first reading, Pauline de Assis the second, Alice Veira the prayers of the Faithful and Sandy

Souza, the general intercessions. After reading the gospel, Father Lahey gave a very short homily. He then gave

the faithful dispensation of the mandatory Sunday Mass because our Thanksgiving Mass fulfilled that obligation,

but did say that The Lord would be happy if we did attend Mass on Sunday as well. We’re sure some did for

additional blessings.

Alice Veira and Linda Madeira assisted Father with Communion and wine. At the conclusion of Mass, the choir

and the faithful sang the closing hymn in one loud and glorious voice. Amen to our annual Thanksgiving Mass,

a beautiful tradition faithfully kept.

After celebrating Mass and giving thanks, what better way to enjoy a little time with friends and relatives than a

hearty meal?! So, all the faithful sauntered into the church hall, quickly found a seat and had themselves a cup

of tea or coffee while waiting for the food to be brought out. It was the delicious smell of the food that had

everyone soon in a queue to fill their platter. And that they did - with dishes such as chicken with mushroom,

green beans, sweet and sour battered fish, the all vegetarian dish with tofu, mushrooms, etc. and rice, of course.

Some went back for seconds, or later packed portions to take home.

Where there is food, there’s usually much socializing. Friends and relatives certainly enjoyed the lively chatter

as they ate and drank. The busy kitchen helpers soon placed dessert plates of blueberry and lemon pudding on the

lunch display table, to complete the meal. It was very satisfying to spend a Saturday morning/afternoon in

adoration and thanksgiving and then enjoy a meal together in friendship and camaraderie - quite the UMA way

as one may recall!!

In fairness, this get together could not have happened without many willing hands to coordinate and help with

details, and we have to give many thanks therefore, to Flavia Greubel, Sandy Souza, the choir and others who

gave of their time and efforts to give UMA another amazing Thanksgiving Day! Thanks to everyone who

participated!


Thanksgiving


Thanksgiving


PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Dear Members,

Trust this message finds you all well.

It is hard to believe that this year has flown by and it is time for elections for the Board’s new term.

Ballots were not sent out as we have the exact number of applicants for the new term.

They are as follows:

Sandy Souza (Incumbent)

Flavia Greubel (Incumbent)

Pauline De Assis (Incumbent)

Joanne Segovia (Incumbent)

Rick Oliveira (Incumbent)

Vilma Remedios (Incumbent)

Maria Fatima Gomes (Incumbent)

Ray Xavier (Incumbent)

Magdalen Pereira

Our Annual General Meeting will be held on November 10, 2018, 11.00AM at the Macau Cultural Center.

Do plan to attend the meeting, if possible, for updates on UMA.

Since our last Bulletin, we had several well attended events, namely, our Annual Thanksgiving Mass, our highly

successful Noite Macaense (attended by the Portuguese Consul General of San Francisco, Maria Joao Cardoso)

and lastly, our Annual Lawn Bowls Tournament.

Articles and photos are in this Bulletin.

In closing, the Board and I send best wishes to all for a Happy Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas and a very,

healthy and peaceful New Year.

Sincerely,

Sandy Souza


ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Saturday, November 10th, 2018 at 11.00am

AT THE MACAU CULTURAL CENTER

109 J STREET, FREMONT, CA 94536

AGENDA

1. Roll Call

2. Approval of Mid-Term Minutes of June 19, 2018

3. Treasurer’s Report

4. Membership Chairperson’s Report

5. President’s Report

6. UMA- Website

7. UMA Bulletin

8. Lunch Break

9. Confirm and Seat the new Board of Directors

10. Election of the Officers for the new Term 2019-2020

11. UMA’s 60th Anniversary

12. Proposed Events for January 1-December 31 2019

13. Proposed Budget for January 1-September 30, 2019

14. Review of Various Committees

15. Report on MCC

16. MCC Board of Directors

17. MCC Assistants

18. New Business

19. Old Business

20. 2019 Annual General Meeting

21. Adjournment



Kaylie Klotz

2018 Jorge Rosario Scholarship Recipient


NOSSA SENHORA DE FáTIMA

Sponsored by Macau Cultural Center, USA and Fundação Oriente, Portugal

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2018

11:15 AM MASS

ST. ANNE'S CATHOLIC CHURCH 1600

ROSSMOOR PARKWAY WALNUT CREEK, CA

94595

12:30 PM LUNCH

CLUB ROOM, CREEKSIDE CLUBHOUSE ROSSMOOR

Directions: Tell Security you are going to Creekside Clubhouse.

After clearing Security, go straight on Rossmoor Parkway.

After the 3rd STOP Sign, turn Right into Parking lot.

Club Room is 1st room on the right when entering the Clubhouse.

COST:

$12.00 FOR CASA DE MACAU, LUSITANO & UMA MEMBERS

$20.00 FOR NON-MEMBERS

(No refunds for no shows)

Please RSVP by October 1 with names of attendees to [email protected]

or Flavia Greubel at 925-285-2051

Mail check payable to:

MACAU CULTURAL CENTER

582 Market St # 2001, San Francisco, CA 94104

mailto:[email protected]


You Are Invited To

at the

MACAU CULTURAL CENTER 109 - J Street, Fremont, CA 94536

Date: Sunday, December 9, 2018

Time: 11:30 am – 4:00 pm 11:30 am Egg Nog

12:30 pm Lunch

Cost: Member $ 30.00 (will be refunded at door)

Non - Members $ 40.00 (Non Refundable) Deadline for Reservations: December 1, 2018

Max Capacity: 110 Persons. Please make your reservations early as space is limited – first come first served0

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Please make checks payable to UMA, Inc. and mail to: Joanne Segovia at

1417 Oakmont Dr. #1, Walnut Creek, CA 94595 – Tel: (925) 639-2464 Email: [email protected]

Name(s): _________________________________ _________________________________

Address____________________________________________ Tel No: ___________________

Reservations may be made for tables of 8. Please list names on back of form. Thank you.

There will be no refunds for no shows!


UMA, Inc Officers & Directors

UMA Website Address: UMA-Casademacau.com

Title Name Home Address Phone (Fax) Email

President Sandy

Souza

1800 Golden Rain Rd #2

Walnut Creek Ca 94595

925-639-7708 [email protected]

Vice-

President

Flavia

Greubel

1232 Skycrest Drive, #2

Walnut Creek, Ca 94595


Treasurer Joanne

Segovia

1417 Oakmont Dr, #1



Secretary Pauline de

Assis

1124 Singing Wood Ct, #5



Director Maria

Gomes

2021 Ptarmigan Dr. #1,



Director Rick

Oliveira

1256 Skycrest Drive #5



Director

Luiz

Ozorio

1309 Skycrest Dr #4



Director Vilma

Remedios

2616 Saklan Indian Dr #2



Director Ramon

Xavier

2061 Pine Knoll Drive #1



UMA EVENTS' CALENDAR FOR 2018

Annual General Meeting Saturday, November 10

Annual Christmas/Members' Appreciation Lunch Sunday , December 9

Joint Casa Events:

Our Lady of Fatima Mass & Lunch Sunday, October 14





Obituary

Figueiredo, Marie “Figgy”, passed away on July 21, 2018 at the age of 102. Her husband, Guilherme

“Bill” Britto, predeceased her some years ago.

In her younger days she was Commissioner of the Girl Guides in Hong Kong and was very active in that

association.

Marie was very athletic. She played tennis and other sports, and was a good and strong swimmer who swam daily

even until her 80s. She loved to travel and travelled a lot with family and friends.

She is survived by many nephews and nieces in Australia, Hong Kong and here in the United States.

Marie will be sorely missed. May she rest in peace.

Osmund, James Daniel (Danny) in Macau on July, 29, 2018 after a long battle with cancer surrounded

by his loving wife Linda and children Cathy, Ronnie and Jamie. My father, James Daniel Osmund, was known

by most as Danny.

He was born in Kowloon to Luiz Antonio Osmund and Alda Maria da Silva on Sunday, August 9th in

1936. Eleven days later - on the 20th - he was baptized at St. Teresa's Church.

Last Sunday, he passed away at the age of 81 at the University Hospital in Taipa, less than a week away from his

birthday. Tragically, when Dad was only 19 his own father passed away.

He started working as a bank clerk while pursuing an Accountancy degree with the London School of

Accountancy and graduated in 1958. His career as a banker with Banque Nationale de Paris spanned 28 years,

with his last posting in Macau. He then went on to manage the Macau Canindrome until he retired.

In 1959, Danny married my mother, Evelyn Alonco, at Rosary Church with a celebration at Club de Recreio in

Hong Kong. They had 4 children - Louis, who sadly pre-deceased Dad in October 2015; my sister, Cathy; myself,

Ronnie; and Jamie - the youngest. He has 6 grandchildren: Deborah, Rachel, Antonia, Jeremy, Maddie and Max.

My parents went their separate ways in 1981 and Dad remarried Linda Leitao Ho in 1984. During their 34 years

together, they lived happily both in Macau and on Australia's Gold Coast.

As a young man, Dad spent most weekends hunting, fishing and scuba-diving. By boat, he took us kids all across

Hong Kong, exploring every bay, inlet, beach and cove.

Not only was he an avid outdoorsman, but also a talented musician. His love for music began early on in life. As

a teenager he would often perform at weddings and events. He loved to sing, play guitar and the organ.

Throughout his life, he had a passion for the game of Bridge. The game enlivened his days and nights taking him

all around the world, virtually and physically.

He became a Bridge Master and represented Hong Kong and Macau in international competitions. At the end,

even struggling with each breathe, he was still talking of Bridge hands.

Dad was surrounded by his family and close friends during his final days. His last words were:

Had a good run

Have no regrets

Am very proud of us

See you all in Heaven

Dad - we love you. Rest in Peace.


Obituary

Savant, Margarida “ Guida” Maria Marques: We celebrate the life of an extraordinary woman who

moved and inspired generations of family and friends across multiple continents with her welcoming and generous

heart. In her 86 years of life she was known as Guida, Marguerite, Mom, Avo and Auntie to husband Bernard,

children Dominic, Mark, Eric, Anna and Bernard, daughters-in-law Deanna, Angelica, Dia and Anja,

grandchildren Elsa, Nathan, Matteo, Pascal, Etienne, Vivienne and Svea, mother Elvira and father Jose, sister

Olivia, brothers-in-law John and Victor, sisters-in-law MaryAnne, Jeanette and Barbara, nephews and nieces John

Paul (and Samantha), Stephanie (and Sean), Johnny, Leila, Colin, Ben, Julian, Miya, Jaymi, Alison, David, Vicki,

Michelle, Annette, Angie and Claudine, countless cousins, friends and their children.

Born in Hong Kong in 1931, Margarida lost her father and her home during the Japanese occupation in WWII

and fled to her mother's native Macao. At the end of the war, she returned to Hong Kong where she lived until

her late 20s with her mother and younger sister Olivia. She and Olivia emigrated to the US in 1959--her mother

joined her 5 years later--and settled in San Francisco. She joined the St. Monica's Young Adult Club where she

met her husband Bernard. Olivia later married Bernard's brother John. The two former refugee girls from Hong

Kong established a family that grew to 29 members.

She balanced her responsibilities as a mother of five with an over 50 year career as a Tupperware consultant,

becoming one of the top 20 managers in the country. When she retired from Tupperware, she was given a bracelet

with five diamonds to represent her five children. Upon Bernard's death, she took up his mantle as President of

the St. Vincent de Paul Society and organized food, clothing and financial support for the needy of San Francisco.

She was a lover of music, particularly singing, and was proud to have her husband, children and grandchildren

sing for popes, presidents, symphony orchestras and opera companies.

She loved her family fiercely and announced it to any who would listen. And she always made room in her heart,

her home and her dinner table for extended family and friends. As she lay fighting cancer in St. Mary's Hospital,

she continued to play hostess to over 30 people a day. She died happily looking forward to joining her husband,

sister, mother, father, family and friends who had gone ahead.


My Tsim Sha Tsui by Daniel Gomes

This article was inspired by my good friend Bosco Correa who sent me an article on Tsim Sha Tsui, our “Heung

Ha”.

This Southern tip of the Kowloon peninsula was ceded to the British Empire in 1860, about 19 years after Britain

took control of Hong Kong Island after the Opium War. This peninsula was home to a handful of scattered villages

on a sandy beach. No one knows how it got its name but roughly translates to “sharp sandy point”. Perhaps it

was the shape of the beach which inspired its name Tsim Sha Tsui. Below is a photo of this beach taken in 1870

– I don’t think anyone of us natives would recognized this photo.

From there, timber of the fragrant Heung tree that gave Hong Kong its name “fragrant harbor”, was shipped to

Hong Kong Island, then on to Canton and the rest of the world. If you use your imagination, you can visualize

“Signal Hill” on the promontory overlooking the harbor. Many of us will remember playing on “Signal Hill”.

Remember the forts we built there and the running battle we had with the intruders of our domain?


My Tsim Sha Tsui

Who could have realized that this little sandy beach would grow into this magnificent shopping mecca called

Tsim Sha Tsui East?

The colonial government saw the potential for Tsim Sha Tsui to become a major commercial port early on. Being

the peninsula’s closest point to Hong Kong Island, it was strategically located, with deep water that would allow

even large clipper ships to drop anchor.

To realize the administration’s vision, the Executive Council passed a bill in 1905 approving funding for a large-

scale project to spearhead development – beginning with construction of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, with its

terminus in Tsim Sha Tsui. The idea had first been proposed by railway engineer Rowland Macdonald Stephenson

as early as 1864. But getting every stakeholder on board took so long that a concession was not granted until

1898.

Like the new rail link currently under construction, it came with a hefty price tag. The stretch from Tsim Sha Tsui

to Lo Wu, on the Chinese border, was only 35km long and had five stations. Built at a cost of HK$12 million,

however, it was by far the world’s most expensive railway at that time.

The most technically challenging part of the project was the construction of five tunnels. Local Chinese workers

refused to work underground, believing the “feng shui” was bad, so the company had to import labor from India

and South Africa, the latter having expertise in using explosives for excavation.

Another arduous task was reclaiming Hung Hom Bay to build the railway terminus. Records state that about 250

truckloads of earth were dumped into Hung Hom Bay every day over an unspecified period of time, gradually

pushing back the shoreline.


My Tsim Sha Tsui

The Kowloon-Canton Railway opened on October 1, 1910, and the adjacent Holt’s Wharf Godown complex was

completed in the same year. These infrastructure projects laid the groundwork for Tsim Sha Tsui to become the

busiest shipping port in the world after World War II, from where domestic goods such as dried seafood,

enamelware and textiles were exported around the world, and through which foreign goods such as heavy

machinery and industrial products were imported

Below is a picture of “Signal Hill” Observatory, built in 1908 on top of Blackhead Point, and the end of the

Kowloon-Canton railway line. The tower originally contained a “time ball” device that signaled the time to

incoming ships. Every day, at 1 P.M, a six-foot hollow copper ball was dropped from the top of the 12.8-metre-

tall structure, making a loud bang that could be heard by sailors on ships by the pier.

Signal Hill Cir. 1908

The Kowloon –Canton Railway Terminal and Star Ferry Pier Cir. 1940


My Tsim Sha Tsui

The early foreign settlers in Kowloon, were Portuguese, who from as early as the 1860s bought plots of land from

the government for just HK$25 each and built mansions and bungalows, however large developers bought up

most of the large plots of land parcels, including Humphreys Estate & Finance Company who later became Hong

Kong Land Company. Below is a picture of Carnarvon Road and Humphreys Avenue at the turn of the 20th

Century. You can see the row houses on Humphreys Avenue. A triangular shape apartment was built on the

triangular plot in the center of the picture. This apartment complex later became the HQ of the Japanese Kapetei

during the Second World War and after the war, housed married couples of the Brutish Army.

This picture was taken in 1910. As you can see Carnarvon road, Hart Avenue and Prat Avenue were just empty

fields in those days.

I was born in No. 8 Humphreys Ave. Below is a picture of my mother carrying my brother Jackie in 1925. The

Viera Ribeiro’s owned the corner house on Humphreys Avenue.

My Mother with my sibling 1925 8 Humphreys Ave – Middle House


My Tsim Sha Tsui

It is estimated that Humphreys Avenue was built around 1902 and 1903. It was originally called Avenue because

trees were planted on both sides of the road. It was the tract of land located at No. 412, Kowloon Inland Lot,

owned by Humphreys Finance & Estate Company Limited, hence the origin of the name Humphreys Avenue.

Below is an 1894 plot map of Kowloon. Kowloon Inland Lot No, 412 is in the upper right of the 1894 plot map

of Kowloon.

Kowloon Inland Lot No. 412 see the upper right of the 1894 Kowloon map.


My Tsim Sha Tsui

Picture of the Kowloon-Canton Railway, Cir 1940 Humphrey’s Ave and Nathan Road, Cir 1940”s

From the early days, the part of Tsim Sha Tsui west of Nathan Road was sealed off for use by security services.

It was occupied by the Whitfield Barracks and the Marine Police Headquarters. The rest of the neighborhood

became residential.

My grandfather moved to Hong Kong from Macau in 1880. He and his two brothers worked for the Hong Kong

& Whampoa docks and he lived with our family at No. 8 Humphreys Ave in Tsim Sha Tsui in the 1920’s. My

father was a partner in William C. Jacks & Co, who had offices in Hong Kong Island and workshops in the Holt

Wharf complex. I would ride my bicycle to Holt Wharf from Humphreys Ave to chit chat with the workers in the

1940s. Those were care free days. Below was a typical colonial home where most of us Portuguese lived in after

the Second World War.

Bob Sequeira’s old house(after wwII)


Tsim Sha Tui

Humphreys Ave & Carnarvon Road, Cir. 1920

Carnarvon Road, Cir. 1940’s

Nathan Road, Cir. 1910


My Tsim Sha Tui

Kowloon-Canton Railway Terminal, Cir 1940’ Humphreys Avenue and Carnarvon Road, Cir. 1940’s

Star Ferry Terminal, Cir 1940’s Peninsular Hotel, Cir 1940’s



2018 UMA Lawn Bowling Competition

The Annual UMA Lawn Bowls tournament was held on Sunday, Sept 16th, 2018 at the Rossmoor Lawn

Bowling Greens. A full complement of 36 bowlers, 12 mixed triples teams competed.

This year’s first place (Jorge & Raquel Remedios) trophy winners were Miguel Roliz, Sandy Souza and Marci

Englander.

The evening ended with a delicious Chinese BBQ Dinner.

1st Place Jorge & Raquel Remedios Trophy Winners: Sandy Souza, Miguel Roliz and Marci Englander.


Uma Lawn Bowing Competition

Second Place Winners: Bob Reiner, Pete Colhoun,

Magdalen Pereira (Missing)

Third Place Winners: Ray Xavier, Pauline De Assis, Alex Xavier

Fourth Place Winners

Fifth Place Winners


UMA News Bulletin

1800 Golden Rain Rd #2


2018 UMA Annual Lawn Bowing Competitors

PRESORT

STDMAIL

US POSTAGE

PAID

FREMONT, CA

PERMIT NO.7051

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UMA NOITE MACAENSE