Talk Story |
By Gail Sharp
August Photo
What can you tell us about this picture? Who are these people? What were they doing? When was it taken? What significance to our Community Center does the photo represent?
Send your comments to talkstory@vjcc.com with "August Talk Story" as the subject.
June Photo
“Ever had to pee really badly but got stuck in the middle of an ondo dance? That’s what happened to Michael Tani (6) while imitating Debbie Hirami on the left. Following them is Alyson Tani (4) during the 1989 VJCC summer festival. Michael and Alyson are two of Shig and Sonoye Gamachi’s three grandchildren. Michael and Alyson still attend the festival every year, but Michael’s “unique” style of dancing never gained much popularity.” - Alyson and P-Chan (aka Krystin) Tani |
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:-) Thank you Alyson and P-Chan! Your article contributions to the newsletter are always fun to read. Do either of you know any of the fellows pictured in the May photo? Maybe your mother and aunts can help you with names.
May Photo
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“My name is Joe Mizufuka. I was an active CYC Championship baseball coach. The coach pictured with the team is definitely Toll Okazaki. Here are a few more ball player names that I got thru my son, who also played in the CYC baseball league. [In the] photo standing from left to right: 1. _, 2. _, 3. Eric Sasaki, 4. Steve Okazaki, 5. _, and 6. Wade Hojo. Kneeling left to right: 1. Roger Yano, 2. Gerald Yamashita, 3. _, 4. Reggie Benigno, 5. Norman Kumagai, and |
Coach Toll Okazaki. I have a few more team members I can question. That’s it for now. Mahalo.”
- Joe Mizufuka
“Hi. The Braves' coach is my dad, Toll Okazaki. And if he was still here, he would probably remember the boys in the picture. I think Randy Hamashita is in the center front row next to a Benigno. I think top row 2nd to the left is a Kosaka and Wade Hojo is in same row, extreme right. It was very nice to see the photo in your newsletter.” - Diane Okazaki
:-) The May 2007 photo is clearly a popular one in which to be pictured. There are two or three positions that have more than one possible claimant! If we name every CYC ball player from the ‘60s to identify the 1961 Braves, so be it. Look through old team photos. If you were a CYC team parent, ask your kids. If you were a CYC player, ask your parents. Keep the names coming in to talkstory@vjcc.com. Woohoo! Go Braves!