Pictures - San Fernando Valley​Japanese American Community

SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
JAPANESE AMERICAN
COMMUNITY CENTER
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY JAPANESE
AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENTER
Website: www.sfvjacc.com
Fifth Anniversary of the Japan Earthquake Tsunami
Issue 25
January/
February
2016
By Nancy Oda
On February 27, we will gather at the Center to remember the March 11, 2011 disaster, at 11:30, the newly formed SFV Taiko
will welcome us to the event.
More than 15,983 people lost their lives as of October 9, 2015 on the day that the earth shook to a revised 9.0, and lives were
changed forever. So, we invite you to the J.E.T. Fundraiser on Saturday, February 27. The current tally of orphans is 1,700 who
still appear traumatized by the experience and overwhelmed by the changes they have
been through over the past four years. Sustained efforts to lend them a sympathetic
SFVJACC MISSION STATEMENT
ear, along with support from the community and society will be crucial in healing their
To promote the Japanese culture
emotional scars. As always; it will be a memorable and emotional day. For us, it is an
and preserve the Japanese
opportunity to practice compassion.
American experience through
The Southern California Disaster Foundation's president, Bill Hopkins, and volunteer,
education, events and
Mikkie Lo, will bring more than 12 exhibits that will help you prepare for emergencies
activities for our community .
with lifesaving and safety techniques. They will be in the gym since we may have rain.
Continued on page 2.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Happy New Year! Despite the heavy rain we’re having, I hope everyone is having a prosperous and
healthy new year. I would like to welcome our new Board members Lisa Sugino, Bing Lau and Jeremy
Tsuneishi. These young Board members will bring new knowledge, fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the
meeting table. I’m looking forward to working together with our current members in nurturing and developing
them so that they will become future leaders of our community center. As for many of our committees
(Finance, Endowment, Future Planning), the members are very well qualified and knowledgeable as they
support the Board. I’m very thankful to all of them.
At the New Year’s Luncheon we were privileged with the presence of Consul General Harry Horinouchi
and his wife Madame Sabine Horinouchi and our special guests. Thank you to Kimiaki Chiba for being a wonderful MC host.
Thanks to all the entertainers - the SFV Taiko group who performed for the first time since the start of their group last year, our
hula group, Hula Wahines, with their Hawaiian spirit and the Minyo group with their Shamisen singing and dancing Japanese folk
songs. It was very entertaining this year! We would like to give special thanks to Akiko Manaka for her time and effort in
organizing and planning this event and seeing it every step of the way. In addition, thank you to all the volunteers and helpers
who came to lend a helping hand, Our hats go off to you! I attended the Meiji Senior Citizens Club’s 50 th Anniversary Luncheon
celebration and I was amazed to see close to 300 members attending the event. The Meiji Seniors Club provides so many
programs and activities and they’re a very vital part of our Community Center. We thank them very much! As we look forward
to another 50 years we wish and pray for their continued success, good health and long life. I still have a few more
organization’s New Year’s party to attend!
One huge change for this year will be NO SMOKING on the Community Center property. However, we have designated a
small smoking area between the Judo and the Pioneer Building. We hope that everyone that comes to the Center will have fresh,
healthy and clean air to enjoy the outdoor. We ask for your cooperation and your understanding. Also, in the future we are looking at “GOING GREEN” to have our cc newsletter online.
Finally, the demolition of the house, resurfacing and re-striping the parking lots
have been completed. When you visit the center you will notice the new look and
be surprised! We were able to add about 30 parking spaces along the property
wall. Also, we have changed all the lights in the Dr. Sanbo Sakaguchi Hall to LED
to save on energy cost. More to come!
Last year due to safety and maintenance issues we were able to make several
improvements at the center. This year we will be focusing on water and utility
reduction, solar energy and a few other projects with help of the Future Planning
Committee. They will make suggestions and recommendations on future projects
for the Community Center. The Future Planning Committee has a big job ahead of
them. We will keep you informed as we move forward. So, let’s work together for
the common goal to make this Community Center a great
place to enjoy and remember.
Last note! Please mark February 27, 2016, on your
Continued from front page - JET Relief Fundraiser
calendar for the 5th Anniversary of Japan’s Earthquake and
A candle lighting memorial ceremony will start at 12:00 in
Tsunami (JET) Awareness Faire. Please come join us as
Dr. Sanbo Sakaguchi Hall. Our special guest includes
we remember the survivors and the victims we lost in the
the Chiba Family relatives from Japan who are bringing a
Tohoku Tsunami. Thank you.
PowerPoint to give us an update on conditions in Japan.
Paul Jonokuchi
Assistant Fire LACFD Chief Michael Y. Takeshita will also be
telling us ways to prepare.
Compassion is the most important lesson that we can
teach our children so many have been enlisted to participate.
The poster was created by Kylie Okazaki, 10th grader,
daughter of Danny and Yumi. She chose family and love as
the central theme. Children from the Valley Japanese
Community Center YK ballet class and SFV JACL Suzume no
Gakkou campers will perform. In addition, Helena Jeen from
Japanese Language School will sing "Hana ga Saku”, a song
of hope. The J1 class will also entertain with “AIUEO”. For
the finale, our Meiji Ondo will bring the spirit of Japan.
Thank you to the SFV Minions for setting up the exhibit in
the gym. The SFV Athletics are donating a homemade bake
sale. The 8th grade SFV Hawks will be selling souvenir fleece
blanket for $30 each with a $5 discount for seniors over 70
years old. EGAO and Chocolates 4 Japan will be selling
crafts too. All proceeds will be wired to the selected
orphanage.
Bento lunches may be ordered for $10.00 each. Please
Paul Jonokuchi presented Officer Munguia with a $500
order by calling Lois Okui, Administrative Coordinator at (818)
donation for their Christmas Basket Program. They
899-1989 before February 13 .
use the donations to fill baskets with food, clothes and
toys for needy families.
2
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
For the Months of November/December 2015
Donations
Chuck Itagaki
Matching Donation
Janet Saisho
In memory of husband Giro Saisho
Toshi Sugii
Donation from the sale of her donated items
Albert and Mitzi Kushida
Taro and Mary Ishimoto
Greg Kimura
United Way charitable contribution
David and Candice Linder
Satomi Nishimoto
Jill Yamashiro
Anonymous
IBM charitable contribution
Use of Facilities
Tuna Canyon Detention Station
Bruce and Annette Takashima
Thursday Nite Basketball
Yoga Class
SFV JACL
Monday Nite Basketball
Ping Pong Club
Wednesday Nite Basketball
Hitomi's Cooking Class
Meiji Ondo Group
Jan & Co
Bridge Club
Ikenobo Ikebana
Aloha Club
Tuesday Exercise Class
Ballroom Dance Class
Senior Arts & Crafts
Mandolin Class
Friday Mah Jong
Friday Exercise Class
Harmonica Class
DONATIONS TO HOT MEALS
For the Months of November & December 2015
Jill Clever ......................................Fruit cocktail
Pat Donato ....................................Pumpkin pie for sister Sandy
Nobuyuki's birthday
Nancy Fukumoto ...........................Osterizer
Fumi Miyata and John Chiang Kaneda ..... JACC Holiday cake
June Imamoto ...............................Persimmons
Roy Imazu .....................................Kim Chee
Gary and Chisato Kanagi ..............Cake in memory of aunt Mildred
Kado
Marilyn Kishi ..................................Cookies for the volunteers
Al and Mitzi Kushida .....................Monetary donation
Geoege Matsumoto ......................Persimmons
Chiz Morita ....................................Chopsticks (500)
Musashi Restaurant ......................150 lbs. rice, 5 gal. oil, 5 gal. mirin,
4 pkg. chopsticks
Yuriko Muso ..................................Apples and kiwi
Karl and Sandy Nobuyuki .............Plastic forks and knives
Mr. and Mrs. Nomura ....................Senbei for the volunteers
Julie Otake ....................................Misc. cooking utensils/equipment
Kimiko Rasmussen .......................Cooking equipment
Marge Sato ...................................2 Sets of measuring cups
Robert and Setsuko Sato ..............Monetary donation
Yone Takimoto ..............................Fukujinzuke
Leo Tanaka ...................................Persimmons
Jean Yamada ................................Persimmons
Sylvia Yamashita ..........................Bridge mix for the volunteers
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE FOR
THEIR GENEROUS DONATIONS!
Thank You To The Following For
Donating To The SFVJACC New
Year’s Luncheon
Miscellanous
Coffee donation
Copier donation
Ralph and Anna Ahn ...... Automatic bread maker
Don Akamine ................................... 3 lbs. Coffee
Shirley Docken.............. 2 (3 lb) Coffee, 1 (3.5 lb)
Coffee Mate
Patti Kimura .......... 5 Boxes (200 bags) green tea
Yaeko Mochizuki.........................2 (2 lbs.) Coffee
Ping Pong Club .......... 1 (3 lb) and 1 (2 lb) Coffee
Eiji Sato .......................... 3 Reams of Copy paper
Curly & Flo Sato............................... 2 lbs. Coffee
Chatsworth West United Methodist Church
Kimiaki and Sayoko Chiba
FIA Insurance Services, Inc.
Yas and Nancy Gohata
Toji and Hitomi Hashimoto
Ken and June Kageyama
Harold and Ellen Kameya
George and Frances Murakami
Ken and Priscilla Mui
Harry Nakada
Fumio and Kazuko Nakama
Karl Nobuyuki
Kay and Nancy Oda
SFV Hongwanji Buddhist Temple
SFV Japanese Language Institute
Margaret Takimoto
Valley Japanese Community Center
Kenji and Kyoko Watanabe
Hiroshi Yamaguchi
Meiji Senior Club
2016 Las Vegas Trips
February 8-10 May 9-11
August 8-10
November 7-9
3
2015 Income & Expenses
For the Twelve Months Ended October 31, 2015
Statement of Income
Nov 14 - Oct 15
Nikkei Senior Gardens
Nikkei Senior Gardens
Donations
Bert Corona Charter School
Fund Raising
Dividends & Interest Income
Membership
Hot Meal Income
Use of Facilities
New Year’s Luncheon
Property Tax Reimbursements
CC News  CC News Ad
$144,728
142,702
102,000
53,713
46,051
37,115
25,376
19,570
3,190
916
378
Donations
Total Income
$575,739
CC News  CC News Ads
Bert Corona Charter School
Fund Raising
Dividends & Interest Income
Memberships
Hot Meal Income
Use of Facilities
New Year’s Luncheon
Property Tax Reimbursements
Statement of Expenses
Nov 14 - Oct 15
Maintenance & Supplies
Maintenance & Supplies
$52,022
Utilities
33,363
Insurance
28,641
Salaries
26,744
First Phase of Paving/House/Lot
23,000
Replace Back Parking Lot Gate
21,718
Donations/Orei
18,264
Demolition of House
18,124
Hot Meal Expenses
15,687
Fund Raisers
14,676
Binds for Pioneer Bldg & Kitchen
13,289
Back Parking Lot Lights
12,500
Website
9,282
Office Equipment & Supplies
7,603
Scholarships
5,000
Professional Fees
4,036
New Kitchen Doors
3,475
Newsletter
3,245
Property Taxes
3,050
Payroll Taxes
2,545
Telephone
2,431
Postage
2,114
Koden
600
Total Expenses
$321,408
Utilities
Insurance
Salaries
First Phase of Paving/House/Lot
Replace Back Parking Lot Gate
Donations
Demolition of House
Hot Meal Expenses
Fund Raisers
Blinds for Pioneer Bldg & Kitchen
Back Parking Lot Lights
Website
Office Equipment & Supplies
Scholarships
Professional Fees
New Kitchen Doors
Newsletter
Property Taxes
Payroll Taxes
Telephone
Postage
Koden
4
SFVJACC Q UASI E NDOWMENT C OMMITTEE - U PDATE
By Kenji Watanabe
The San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center established a Quasi Endowment Committee. The initial
meeting was held on February 10, 2014. Unlike most Endowments where only the interests or profits from the investments can
be used, the Quasi Endowment allows the funds to be accessed as needed for future projects.
The Endowment Committee is comprised of three appointed members. They are Dick Kaku, Gene Matsushita and Kenji
Watanabe (Chairman). Our financial advisor is Dave Nagano, Assistant Vice President of Investments with Wedbush/Morgan
Securities Inc.
The initial investment amount was $500,000, which was comprised of donations from Nikkei Village, Dr. Sanbo Sakaguchi
and other CC savings.
The approximate investment distributions are:
10% Commodities i.e. gold, wheat, oil etc.
20% Long-term bonds
20% Real estate (REIT)
50% Index funds S&P 500 etc.
The overall long term investment goal is targeted for 7%.
The SFVJACC Board of Directors will approve or disapprove investment recommendations by the Endowment Committee.
Regular attendees to the Endowment meetings are Nancy Oda, Denise Tanaka, Paul Jonokuchi, Dave Nagano and the Three
Committee members. The Endowment meetings are scheduled for February and August of each year or special meetings may
be called by the Chairman when necessary.
The Committee is in the process of establishing a Legacy Society with an informative Brochure.
(L-R) Kenji Watanabe, Paul Jonokuchi
and Consul Harry Horinouchi performed
the Kagamiwari Ceremony (breaking of
the sake barrel).
2016 Board & Cabinet (L-R): Liz
Doomey, Denise Tanaka, Danny
Okazaki, Akiko Manaka, Nancy Oda,
Bing Lau, Lisa Sugino and CC
President Paul Jonokuchi. Missing:
Jeremy Tsuneishi
5
Meiji Senior Citizens Club
By Linda Yamada
On January 16, 2016 Meiji club celebrated their 50th Anniversary New
Year’s Luncheon with 260 members and friends in attendance. The
program began with Kadou Gin (Ikebana and Shigin performed
simultaneously). Congratulatory message was given by Consul Hayashi of
Japanese Consulate’s Office and Paul Jonokuchi, President of SFVJACC.
Awards were given to 19 members that were inducted into the 85 Year
Old Club as well as John Ito who will reach his 100th birthday this year.
Sumi Yamaguchi was honored for her service as recording secretary for
Meiji Club for the past 15 years.
Lunch was a delicious bento, sekihan, sashimi, sunomo and kohaku
mochi. Entertainment was provided by our members and many raffle prizes
were distributed.
All in attendance received a red insulated bag with goodies.
Thank you everyone who supported and helped with making this event a
success. A special thanks to the parents and players of Wildcats, Gang
Green, and Hawks who volunteered to help with set up and clean up.
Everyone enjoyed the luncheon and went home smiling.
Thank For Your
Generous Donations.
Baba, George
Fujimoto, Kisui
Furuyama, Teruko
Gohata, Yas & Nancy
Goto, George & Grace
Hazard, Hisako
Hirasuna, Richard & Susan
Inaba, Ken & Shigeko
Kageyama, Ken & June
Kunimasa, Emiko
Kushida, Albert & Mitzi
Longworth, Wally & Joy
Matsuda , Ike & Yoshi
Matsumoto, Mary
Mitarai, Evelyn
Mochizuki, Yaeko
Monji, Yoshiko
Morita,Chizuko
Nakada, Harry
Nakama , Fumio & Kazuko
Oda, Kay & Nancy
Okamoto, Peggi
Pasadena Nikkei Seniors, Inc.
Sakaguchi, Dr. Bo & Iku
Sato, Eiji & Marge
Schuetze, Janet
Seinan Senior Citizens' Club, Inc.
SFV Japanese Language Institute
SFV Landscape Gardners Association
SFVJACC Coordinating Council
SFV Japanese American Community Center
Shigekuni, Phil & Marion
Shinsato, Ray & Jean
Shishido, Anna
Sugahara, Kishi
Sugahara, Michiko
Sugii, Toshiye
Tanijiri,Katie
Toshima, Ron & Jeannie
Valley Japanese Community Center
Yamada, John & Kay
Yamada, Linda
Yamaguchi, Hiroshi & Yoshiko
Yamaoka, Ruby
Other Donations
Liz Doomey
Gene/ Genevieve Lew
Kimiko Miseroy
Nikkei Senior Gardens
Craig Tanaka
Union Bank
Linda Yamada
6
LADWP
Judd Matsunaga
Nakano Nursery
Ritsuko Shinbashi
Umeya Rice Cake
Michiko Tokunaga
Koda Farms
Floor Covering For Gym
By Tadao Okui
In September, Hoops for Friends, a non-profit organization, which holds a basketball tournament each year in Las Vegas had
asked me if there was anything they could donate to the Center. With the monies they generate from this tournament, Hoops for
Friends donates to local Japanese Communities. The electronic scoreboard in our gym was donated by them a few years ago
and installed by some of our Athletics members.
I asked some Community Center and Athletics members if there was something that is needed. About this time, we had
been looking into purchasing a vinyl floor covering for those events (Obon, Pancake Breakfast) when we had to cover the gym
floor. In the past, we would use a plastic tarp and tape down all the edges with blue painter’s tape which was quite a job. We
found that the floor covering was going to be a major expense ($6,199.00) for the Community Center and we were thinking of
holding off on the purchase and just use what we had been using in the past.
After talking with Gerald Morita, founder of Hoops for Friends, and trying to think of things that the Community Center would
need, I asked Gerald if he would be willing to help us with the cost of the floor covering for our gym. I was able to get a quote for
a vinyl floor covering from Greatmats and forwarded it to Gerald. One morning I received a call from Angie, the Greatmats representative and she told me Gerald Morita was going to pay the full
cost of the floor covering. I couldn’t believe it! What a generous thing
for Hoops For Friends to do!
When the shipment finally arrived, I didn’t realize how much of a
challenge this was going to be. FedEx called and told me the driver
couldn’t unload the shipment because it was too big for their lift gate. I
had to organize a group to help unload the shipment. The shipment
had to be dismantled and taken off the truck piece by piece since no
forklift was available. With the help of Aaron Sanwo and Randy
Furushiro from the Ping Pong group, Gary Nakada and John Doomey,
we accomplished the task with no one getting hurt. Also, I didn’t
realize the rack had to be assembled after unloading it from the truck.
Finally, the SF Emerald’s fathers, Jeremy Tsuneishi, Chris Geromini,
Chris Battle, John Badua, Luc Lac, Randy Burris, Keith Kowta and
Anthony Nagasuka from Athletics did the daunting and difficult job of
putting the rack together (the directions were limited).
I want to thank Gerald Morita and Hoops for Friends for this major
donation to our Community Center. Also, thank you to all who helped
The SF Emerald’s fathers did the challenging job of
with unloading the rack and vinyl floor covering and to those of you
assembling the massive rack. Thanks, looks great!
who put the rack together.
SFV J APANESE L ANGUAGE INSTITUTE
M OCHI -TSUKI
J-School started their new year with the
Japanese tradition of making mochi
(Mochitsuki). With the help of the
Sakamoto, Takeshita and Motoyama
families, the students pounded
sweet rice and rolled the
paste into mochi. What
a fun and delicious
experience for the
kids and parents!
7
SAVE THE DATE!
FAMILY DAY PICNIC
Saturday - May 14, 2016
A New Chapter
By Harold Kameya
Way back in the 1950s, my parents
mentioned the importance of education
and the need to keep learning. Today,
with technology changing so rapidly, the
need to keep up with changes, news and
events in our rapidly changing world is
very obvious!
Regarding the
need to keep learning, our community
center has a lot of
books in its library.
Did you know that
you are able to
download e-books
and audio books and music from your
city library? If you bought kindle e-books
from Amazon, did you know that you
could loan many of them out also?
You just need your friend’s email
address, and Amazon will send it out to
that person. Note that while you have
loaned your ebook out, you will not be
able to read it on your computer.
However, in 2 weeks, presto, your book
is automatically retrieved, and is back in
your possession! For more information,
go to: http://www.amazon.com/gp/help/
customer/display.html?
nodeId=200549320
At Orcas Park
Come join the fun!
Our JACL chapter has a new president:
Phil Shigekuni! Please congratulate him
and ask how you can join our chapter!
Aloha,
Harold Kameya, past president
Useful Things To Know
 When you’re looking for something in a room,
look in the opposite direction you’re used to
reading. You’re used to scanning left to right
quickly due to reading, so scanning in the
opposite direction forces you to slow down
and actually think/observe.
 A US dollar is 6 inches long, use it to
measure object quickly.
 The amount of times you need to push down
per minute during CPR is the beat of “Stayin’
Alive”.
 If you’re going to hide something, hide it
above eye-level. People never look up when
they’re searching for something hidden.
8
CLASS
OF 2016
DR. SANBO SAKAGUCHI
Suzume no Gakkou
AND
LILLY SAKAGUCHI
THIBIODEAUX
SCHOLARSHIPS
Summer Camp
June 13-17
Applications available on
the SFVJACC website
Grade 2-5
Early bird registration by
Due on April 1, 2016
April 30, 2016
Cookies
are
$5/box.
Support Girl Scout Troop 1466!
The girls will be selling cookies at the CC before the following events:
Saturday, February 6
Japanese Language School New Year’s Party
Saturday, February 20
Super Bingo Volunteer Appreciation Dinner
Saturday, February 27
JET Relief Event
Please see the CC website for more information.
9
Riding Bikes
By Old Wakaba, Bud Sagara
A major milestone for a kid is learning to ride a bicycle. Riding a bike was not only fun, but it also
bestows a sense of freedom and independence. Granted, we all had to ask our parents permission to go to
a specific destination; but once we were out there in the neighborhood, anything along the way was an
adventure waiting to happen.
Bikes in my day had big fat tires and did not have gears. The faster one pedaled, the faster one would
go. Climbing hills meant having to stand up on the pedals and pump harder. The color of my bike was a combination of faded
red and rust to go along with a red and white checkered seat. My Dad took me downtown
many years ago to purchase it at a police auction for unclaimed property. Some kids had
fancier bikes painted in neon colors, with red reflectors, and handgrips with plastic streamers;
but my bike was more of a well-worn, trusted companion akin to a cowboy and his horse. We
would set baseball cards that we had doubles of using clothespins into the wheel spoke to
make that characteristic flapping sound. Accidents did happen. Kids on bikes would sometimes crash to the pavement, but splashes of red-orange Mercurochrome or sprays of Bactine would make a kid as good as new. Dents on bikes were fixed with a hammer and we
repaired our own flat tires with a kit that came in a can. We would find the leak by putting the
inner tube in a bucket of water and check for bubbles. The can’s lid was used to roughen the inner tube’s surface at the point of
the leak, glue was dabbed on the spot, and then a rubber patch was pressed onto the glue.
Each school morning, a group of us would ride our bikes to school. The older kids could ride without touching the handlebars. The rest of us had to hold our notebook and lunch pail with one arm and use the other to steer. My lunch pail had Roy
Rogers and Trigger printed on it. The girls had it easy because they had baskets on their bikes to carry their stuff. No selfrighteous boy would be caught dead riding a bike with a basket on it. Our elementary school had a large section of bike racks
where we could lock up our bikes for the day. My bike lock key was on a thick piece of string that was tied to a belt loop and
then put in my pocket so it would not be lost. It seemed like everyday some kid would lose his bike lock key and would have to
sit forlornly waiting for a parent to pick him up after the office called home. Once a year, there was a big event at school when
bicycle licenses were issued. Parents had to fill out forms the night before, and then a man would put a sticker on the bike,
usually on the support bar just below the bike’s seat.
A typical weekend bike trip would be to Fernangeles Park in Sun Valley to play over-the-line, basketball or just goof around
with friends. The pool at the park was only about three feet at the deep end so it was attractive to families with small kids. We
would not swim there because we heard that little kids peed in the pool. This adventure usually ended in a trip to Steele’s
Market on Laurel Canyon, just half a block from the park. This was a favorite destination for neighborhood kids. Even though it
was a small mom and pop store, it had an enticing selection of cheap candy and the patience to allow kids to slowly make their
choices for their pennies. We bought types of candy that are not usually seen today, like Red Hots, candy buttons, Chiclets,
Pixy Stix, Flying Saucers, Chum gum, candy cigarettes, hot cinnamon toothpicks, and Jujubes. We would buy wax lips or
moustaches so that we would look goofy while riding to Yummy’s, a hamburger joint, across
Laurel Canyon to peer at the small alligator in the parking lot pond.
It was routine to ride to the Yamamoto’s or the Ito’s house to go swimming, but the long trip to
Hansen Dam on a bike was a major undertaking. We would pack lunches and have WWII
surplus water canteens strapped to our belts. Back in the 1950’s and 1960’s, there were two
lakes behind the dam. The main one was for power boats, sail boats, and water skiers. The
overgrown back lake was used for fishing. My Uncle Hank would take me fishing there sometimes and we would be lucky if one of us landed a small bluegill. There was also an area we
called the “swamp” at one end of the back lake that was a great destination for kids. It was a
muddy marshland, where kids could hunt for crawdads, look for buried treasure, and hope to not find anything dead because the
smell in the swamp seemed to indicate otherwise. Along Foothill Boulevard, one could still see vegetable and flower farms that
were worked by Japanese American families. These families were part of the pioneers who built the Community Center. It is
hard to imagine today that there were once so many thriving farms in the San Fernando Valley just a few generations ago.
Getting on a bike is a passport to being a kid again. You can
hear the wind and feel the road. The thrill of coasting downhill at full
speed rivals anything at Disneyland today. None of the concerns of
Giving Campaign or
the world like work, money, or diets seem to matter. Why do we
Matching Gifts
forget such joy when we grow up? The allure of the world pulls us
away from the life we were meant to lead. In Ephesians 4:1-2, the
Does your work place or company do
Apostle Paul tells us how we should live our lives: “As a prisoner for
employee giving campaigns or matching gifts
the Lord, I, then, urge you to live a life of the calling you have
to non-profit organizations? Consider naming
received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with
our Community Center as a recipient. Thank
one another in love.” We will never be perfect in this life, but we can
you to our members that have been doing
go into the world in Jesus Christ with a changed heart to heal rather
this for years. Your donations do help!
than to hurt, to encourage rather than to destroy, and with hope
rather than despair.
10
SFVJACC Athletics
Pancake Breakfast!
Saturday, March 19, 2016
7:30 – 11:00 am
Donation $4.00 per person
12953 Branford Street  Pacoima, CA 91331
Pancakes, Sausages, OJ, Coffee!
Raffle Prizes!
Please Support the CC Athletics Programs
and our Boys and Girls Athletes!
Scholarship Applications Available For High School Seniors
WAYNE YAMAMOTO MEMORIAL AWARD - The purpose of this award is to recognize a
senior boy who has contributed to the SF Boys Athletics program by his participation, performance and/
or service to the program. Any or all awards and performances in athletics/scholastic activities
accomplished in high school will be considered. This award is open to all senior boys graduating from high school this
year. The candidate must have participated or is currently participating in the Community Center Boys Athletics program.
HOSHIKO HIRANO AWARD - This award honors the memory of Hoshi Hirano, the woman who started and
developed the Girls Athletics program at our Community Center. The purpose of the award is to a recognize senior girl
who has contributed to the Girls Athletics program by her participation, performance and/or service to the program. Any
or all awards and performances in athletics/scholastic activities accomplished in high school will be considered. This
award is open to all senior girls graduating from high school this year. The candidate must have participated or is
currently participating in the Community Center Girls Athletics program.
LAUREN TAGUCHI MEMORIAL YOUTH SERVICE SCHOLARSHIP - This scholarship is given to honor
Lauren Taguchi’s memory as an active member of the SFVJACC Athletics as well as many other community
organizations. As a student athlete, Lauren was a role model, friend and teammate who demonstrated sportsmanship
on and off the court. A $500.00 award will be given to the graduating high school senior who best demonstrates the
spirit of volunteerism and citizenship, through community service. Applicants should be responsible students, active in
school and their community, as well as have participated in SFVJACC Athletics for at least 5 years. The student
selected will receive the award to be applied towards his or her college education.
Go to www.sfvjacc.com to download all applications.
ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY FRIDAY, MARCH 4, 2016.
Winners will be notified and awards will be presented at the SF Athletics Jamboree on April 23, 2016.
11
Hiroko Aihara
Fred & Atsuko Bailey
Chris & Eiko Battle
Earl & Grace DeCastro
Neil Hashiba
Barry, Robert &
Yujin Horiuchi
Donna Igelman
Roy Kawasaki
Michi Lao
Maria Medina
Doug Nakada
Kazzy Nishida
Hector Ponce
Antonia Sillman
Yoshiko Tachikawa
Friday, September 2nd thru Monday, September 5th
Only $135 (12-Adult), $110 (5-11), $15 (<4)
You supply your own transportation & camping gear
We supply the meals, site and group activities
LABOR DAY WEEKEND - MAMMOTH LAKES - SFVJACC CAMP
Join us for Paddle Boarding, Fishing, Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking,
Exploring, Biking, Barbeques & Campfire Fun.
Four Days and Three Nights of Unforgettable Adventure.
Pictures: www.facebook.com/MonarchAdventureCamps
Don’t miss this great opportunity to camp & socialize with your family and friends, under a sea of stars. We will
show you hidden gems that only a select few have seen. The choices are endless. Visit the Mammoth Labor Day
Arts & Crafts Festival, Kayak & Paddle Board at Red’s Lake, Take a dip in a natural Hot Spring.
Catch some trout (we’ll cook them for you), check out the Mono Lake Tufa’s, Hike to the top of
Panum Crater, Try your climbing skills with our gear & instructors. Enjoy a delicious BBQ Tri-Tip &
Shrimp Dinner at the Camp Table, Roast Smores and Sing Songs around the Campfire, Take the
Gondola to the top of Mammoth Mountain, Shop the Outlets, Marvel at 101’ Rainbow Falls and
stand on top of the Devil’s Postpile. It’s all waiting for you over Labor Day Weekend 2016. You
can enroll Online and we will send you all the information.
Go to: https://monarchcamps.campbrainregistration.com/
Call: 818-304-3016 for information & the password to register for this trip.
12
COORDINATIING COUNCIL ORGANIZATIONS—MEETINGS-CONTACT PERSONS
Coordinationg Council………………….. 1st Wed., 7:00 PM………….Nancy Oda. ................ 818 786-0914
Community Center………………………. 3rd Wed., 7:00 PM…...…..Paul Jonokuchi ............ 818 894-5327
Athletics………………………………………. 3rd Tues., 7:30 PM…….Margaret Takimoto ....……818 701-7628
CC News……………………………….......... Lois Okui………...818 892-1487………. . Email: [email protected]
Chatsworth West United Methodist Church ......................................................................................
……………………………………………………. 2nd Sun., 1:00 PM……….Doreen Kawamoto ...……818 764-8850
Crossway Church…………………….. .... 2nd Sun., 12:30 PM…………Jennifer Trax .............. 818 896-1676
Nikkei Senior Gardens………………….. 2nd Thurs., 7:00 PM………….Tadao Okui .............. 818 515-8287
SFV Bonsai Club…………………………… 4th Sun., 8 AM-12 PM…….…Walter Zipusch ........ 818 993-4478
SFV Hongwanji Buddhist Temple….. 2nd Mon., 7:30 PM……..….Terry Ishigo ................ 818 899-4030
SFV JACL .......................................... 2nd Wed., 7:00 PM………Doreen Kawamoto ..……818 764-8850
SFV Japanese Language Institute .... 2nd Sat., 9:30 AM-12:30 PM…Stephen Nakata ... 818 896-8612
SFV Judo Club ................................. 4th Wed., 7:03 PM…….…...Kenji Couey ............... 818 381-7232
SFV Landscape Gardeners .............. Sat. of every other month………Nob Tamai.......... 818 347-3912
SFV Meiji Senior Citizens………………. 1st Fri., 12:30 PM……….…..Liz Doomey ................ 818 892-7381
Senior Hot Meals ............................ Tues. & Fri. (no meal on 5th Tues. & 5th Fri.) ..... 818 899-1989
Sho Chiku Bai Porter Ranch Bonsai Club…....1st Sun., 9 AM-12 PM; 2nd Mon., 5-7 PM………………...
........................................................ ......................................... Yoko Zipusch…………….818 746-6677
Sunrise Foursquare Church………………………………………….Reverend Paul Iwata ............ 818 782-8738
........................................................
Valley Japanese Community Center ………………………….....….Neil Hashiba .................... 818 732-5837
Want to reserve
the Community Center for an event?
Call Tadao Okui
at 818-892-1487
or email:
[email protected]
Want to submit an
article for the CC
Newsletter?
Email:
[email protected]
CC Deadline:
2nd Friday of
every odd month.
SPECIAL CLASSES
Arts & Crafts…………………………….. Monday
Ballroom Dance………………………... Tuesday
Bowling*, Matador Bowl……..
Thursday
Bridge*…………………………………….. Mon
Country Western Music*……………1st /3rd Tuesday
Exercise Class……………………………. Tuesday
Exercise Class……………………………. Friday
Guitar Class………………………………. Tuesday
Hanafuda*………………………………… Friday
Harmonica Class*……………………… Friday
Hawaiian Hula (Hula Wahines)…..Friday
Hawaiian Hula (Ages 3-adults) .... Saturday
Hitomi’s Cooking Class ………………4th Tuesday
Ikenobo Ikebana .......................... 2nd/4th Wednesday
Japanese Calligraphy………………... 1st/3rd Thursday
Japanese Classical Dance………….. Friday
Karaoke*………………………………….. 1st/3rd Thursday
Kokusei Shigin Class………………….. Thursday (Off premises)
Line Dancing*…………………………… Thursday
Mandolin………………………………….. Friday
Tuesday Mah-Jong* .................... Tuesday
Friday Mah-Jong* ........................ Friday
Ondo Dancing* ………………………… 2nd/4th Friday
Ping Pong Club…………………………..Thurs/2nd, 3rd, 4th Tuesday
Qi Gong ....................................... Thursday (J-School)
SFV Judo Club…………………………… Mon/Wed/Thurs/Fri
Tai Chi Class*……………………………. Monday
Taiko ............................................ Thursday 7-8:30 PM
Ukulele Class ............................... Friday (Gym)
Yoga Class…………………………………. Wednesday
Zumba………………………………………. Monday
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
7:00-8:30 PM
9:30 AM
12:00-3:00 PM
10:30-11:30 AM
9:00-10:00 AM
10:00-11:00 AM
10:15-11:30 AM
1:00-3:00 PM
11:00-11:30 AM
12:30-1:30 PM
10:00 AM-1:00 PM
7:00-9:00 PM
10:00-2:00 PM
9:30-11:00 AM
3:00-6:30 PM
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
2:00-4:00 PM
8:45-10:00 AM
9:30-11:00 AM
1:00-3:00 PM
1:00-3:00 PM
7:00-9:00 PM
10:00 AM-3:00 PM
7:00-8:30 PM
7:00-9:00 PM
9:00-10:00 AM
Sunday 10 AM-2 PM
9:30-11:30 AM
10-11 AM, 11:15-12:15 PM
7:30-8:30 PM
Sally Hamamoto
Barbara Okita
George Seko
Sam Toji
Janet Schuetze
Ralph Ahn
Phil Shigekuni
Greg Librando
Yone Takimoto
Call CC office
Suzan Akamine
Mikilani Young
NJ Nakamura
Ritsuko Shinbashi
Yuriko Muso
Diane Fukuwa
Walter Fujimori
Paul Jonokuchi
Mark Nakamura
Call CC office
Asako Giegoldt
Yoko A. Kawamura
Masako Rodriquez
Aaron Sanwo
Mamie Kosaka
Kenji Couey
Florence Takaaze
Reid Taguchi
Greg Librando
Call CC Office
Margaret Takimoto
818 361-2902
818 784-5128
818 998-0682
661 255-2824
818 767-1819
818 897-1322
818 893-1581
818 896-6503
818 765-6735
818 899-1989
818 367-1723
818 692-4189
818 893-6503
818 892-0470
818 726-8935
310 217-0443
818 352-1075
818 894-5327
818 363-3038
818 899-1989
805 433-3763
818 765-3513
818 899-8777
661 755-0584
661.645.4515
818 381-7232
310 202-6693
818 571-1797
818 896-6503
818 899-1989
818 701-7628
10:00 AM-12:00 PM
9:00-11:00 AM
11:30—2:00 PM
Facilitator: Isabelle Miyata
Nikkei Pioneer Conference Room
Nikkei Pioneer Conference Room
SUPPORT GROUPS & SERVICES
Alzheimer’s Support Group………. 1st Saturday
Blood Pressure Screening*……….. 3rd Friday
Podiatrist*………………………………… 2nd Saturday
*Meiji Senior Citizens’ Activity or Service
For more information, call the CC at (818) 899-1989.
13
(Formerly SFV Holiness Church)
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY
HONGWANJI BUDDHIST TEMPLE
9450 Remick Ave., Pacoima
818 899-4030 www.sfvhbt.org
Rev. Patricia Usuki
Temple President: Terry Ishigo
BUDDHIST TEMPLE CALENDAR
February
6 10:00 am - 2:00 pm Electronic
recycling
11:00 am - 1:00 pm Udon fundraiser
7 10:00 am Shotsuki monthly memorial
service; annual general
meeting
14 10:00 am Shakyamuni Buddha’s me
morial service
18 10:30 am Service at Nikkei Senior
Gardens
21 10:00 am Regular service
28 10:00 am Regular service
March
6 10:00 am Temple clean-up
12 10:00 am BWA service/meeting
13 10:00 am Shotsuki monthly memorial
service
17 10:30 am Service at Nikkei Senior
Gardens
19 1:00 - 4:00 pm Spring Equinox
seminar
20 10:00 am Spring Equinox service
26 9:30 am Dharma discussion
5:00 pm Chili-Bingo fundraiser –
everyone welcome
April
2 9:30 am Dharma discussion
3 10:00 am Combined Shotsuki monthly
memorial and birth of
Shakyamuni Buddha service
9 9:30 am Dharma discussion
10 10:00 am Regular service
17 10:00 am Regular service
21 10:30 am Service at Nikkei Senior
Gardens
Service at Nikkei Senior Garden
on the third Thursday of each
month at 10:30 am
9610 Haddon Avenue
Pacoima, CA 91331
(2 blocks east of Laurel Canyon Blvd.
between Branford and Osborne St.)
Office Phone:
818 896-1676 (English)
(818) 899-4115 (Japanese)
Please refer to our website for more
information: www.crosswaysfv.org
English Department
Pastor Roland Hazama
Pastor Raynold Nakamura
Sunday Schedule
9:009:45 AM
Sunday School for ages
junior high through adult
10 - 11:15 AM
Worship Service
(childcare for infants - Pre-K)
Kid Venture Children’s Ministries
(K - 5th grade)
11:15 - 11:45 AM
Coffee Fellowship
Youth Fellowship
Friday, 7:30 PM
Meetings at the church
for Jr. High and Sr. High
Mid-Week Home Groups
We believe that fellowship, friendship, and spiritual growth happens
best in our small groups that meet
during the week. We have a number
of groups meeting in the San
Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys.
Come, visit, and get to know our
church. For more information, please
call us or check our website.
Japanese Department
Pastor In Hyun
Please refer to our website
for more information:
www.sfjp.weebly.com
Sunday Schedule
10:00 AM
Worship Service
Lunch and Fellowship
after worship service on the
1st Sundays
Wednesdays, 10 am
Prayer @ Pastor’s house
14
Chatsworth West
United Methodist
Church
(Formerly West Valley
UMC merged with Chatsworth UMC)
Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors
10824 Topanga Canyon Blvd.
Chatsworth, CA 91311
818 341 1270
E-mail: [email protected]
FAX: 818 341 1271
Pastor: Ruy Mizuki
Lay Leader: Jim Melichar
Worship Service 10AM
Sunday School 10AM
Social Hour following service
Nursery care provided
Bible Study Thurs @ 10AM & 7:15PM
Tuesdays @ 1PM
Choir practice 1st and 3rd Wednesday @
3:00PM
Musical Director: Steve Foreman
Japanese Class – 2nd & 4th Sunday @
9AM
Instructor: Junko Wayama
Shotokan Karate of America
Fri. @ 6:30 PM Rm.1
Instructor: April Warynick
www.ska.org
1 213 437 0988
Electrobattles Dance for children
Fri. evening, Rm. 5
Instructor: Sharon James
Chi Fung Mind & Body Fitness
Tuesday @ 9AM Rm.2
Instructor: Leo Fong
UPCOMING EVENTS AT THE CC
SUNRISE FOURSQUARE
CHURCH
5852 Laurel Canyon Blvd.
Valley Village, CA 91607
English: Pastor Paul Iwata
Email: [email protected]
haruko,[email protected]
Website:
www.sunrisejapanesechurch.org
February 6, 2016
SFV Japanese Language
Institute New Year’s Party
February 7, 2016
SFV Judo Club Super Bowl
Party Fundraiser
February 27, 2016
JET Relief 5th Anniversary
Fundraiser & Disaster
Awareness Fair
Japanese: Pastor Haruko Iwata
Phone: (818) 782-8738
(818) 642-2332
Sunday Morning Service - 10:30 a.m.
(Prayer for Healing on 5th Sundays)
Sunday Evening Service - 6 p.m.
Thursday Evening Bible Study - 7 p.m.
Late Night Counseling and Prayer
on the Last Friday of the Month
From 8 p.m. to 12 midnight
Location: The Prayer Chapel’
14705 Wyandotte St.
Van Nuys, CA 91405 (mailing address)
March 19, 2016
SF Athletics Pancake Breakfast
April 3, 2016
SFV JACL - Play “Garage Door
Opener”
April 23, 2016
SF Athletics Jamboree
May 14, 2016
CC Family Day Picnic @ Orcas
Park
ALZHEIMER’S SUPPORT GROUP
If you have a loved one affected by Alzheimer’s disease, come
join us — A non-judgmental, confidential place to share ideas,
frustrations, concerns and joy.
Meetings: First Saturday of the month
Time: 10 am — 12 noon
For more info, call the Center. (818) 899-1989
Torrance Home Meeting – 7 p.m.
On the 2nd Wednesday of the month
15
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage
SAN FERNANDO VALLEY JAPANESE
AMERICAN COMMUNITY CENTER NEWS
PAID
Van Nuys, California
12953 Branford Street, Pacoima 91331
818 899-1989 Fax 818 899-0659
Permit No. 21
San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center
2016 MEMBERSHIP FORM
(Membership period: January 1 to December 31, 2016)
1. Complete the information below.
2. Tear off the membership card for your records.
3. Make check payable to “SFVJACC”.
4. Send your check and this form to: SFVJACC – Membership
□
□
Family Membership - $55.00
Single Membership - $35.00
(Please Pint)
Name _______________________________________________________________________ Phone ________________________________
(Last Name)
(First Name)
Address ____________________________________________________________________________________________________________
City ___________________________________________________________________ State __________Zip Code _____________________
Email Address _______________________________________________________________________________________________________
Emergency Contact ____________________________________________________________ Phone _________________________________
* For information, please call SFVJACC at (818) 899-1989. Thank you for supporting our Community Center.
FAX is (818) 899-0659.
16