The 2008 VJCC Leadership |
By Michiko Yamamoto
Next year marks the 87th anniversary of the Venice Japanese Community Center’s existence. This milestone is possible because of the vision, dedication and drive of the Issei pioneers who founded the Center and those who have served in a leadership capacity since then.
At the December 12 Annual Membership Meeting, the VJCC members who were nominated and elected for Cabinet and Board of Directors positions follow in the tradition of selfless service to the Center. Leading the VJCC for a second year as President is Jack Kurihara. Also serving for a second year is Ross Yasuda as Executive Vice President. Rounding out the Cabinet are those individuals who, without any fanfare, have been serving in their respective positions for a number of years: Jim Akioka as Facilities Manager-Vice President; Sharon Aratani as Treasurer; Hitoshi Shimizu as Auditor; Ken Sogabe as Membership Assistant; Randy Tamura as Membership Vice President; and Kelvin Uyeda as Corporate Secretary.
The five openings for three-year terms on the Board are being filled by: Mickey Fukunaga, Kazie Kame and Bob Kawano—the three of whom agreed to be renominated to continue their service on the Board—and Gail Sharp and Ross Yasuda, who are joining the Board for the first time. Remaining on the Board to fulfill their tenure commitments are: Jim Akioka, Cliff Asai, Dave Hirota, John Ikegami, Eric Inouye, Hitoshi Shimizu, Ken Sogabe, Sue Sogabe, Randy Tamura, and Rich Yang.
While the Cabinet and Board of Directors are elected by the membership, other VJCC leadership roles are by appointment. The Komon is composed of Shig Gamachi, Min Ioki, Tokuji Matsuda, and Tad Suzuki. Ken Sogabe and John Ikegami also serve as Advisors. There are also the appointed officers, who, to date, are: Max Kobayakawa (Festival Chair); Emy Murakawa (Recording Secretary); Kuni Nishiya (Rental); Jun Oyama (Treasurer, Assistant); Gail Sharp (Corresponding Secretary); Bob Shibasaki (Historian); Melvin Shimizu (Auditor, Assistant); and Mari Tamura (Assistant Recording Secretary). In addition, Irene Matsumura serves as liaison to the L.A.P.D. Pacific Division Advisory Council, and Gail Sharp serves as liaison to the Del Rey Neighborhood Council.
Others who play a critical and demanding role in their steadfast commitment to getting the monthly newsletter published and delivered are the members of the Community News staff. Kazumi Ota has served untiringly for countless years as the Editor. Working with him are Ken Inada (Production Staff); Rikio Ishikawa (Production Staff); Miyuki Kuwahara (Japanese Typist); Jennifer Ogasawara (Graphic Designer); Jun Oyama (Treasurer); and Tad Suzuki (Production Staff).
Working to complement the Community News staff is the Communications Committee. That Committee is composed of Aileen Hongo (who, with Dianne Kujubu Belli, writes the “Senior Moments” column); Jay Miya; Emy Murakawa (who pens the “Cultural Corner” column); Don Nishimoto (Webmaster); Jennifer Ogasawara (Graphic Designer); Gail Sharp (who puts together the “Visions” and “Talk Story” columns); Steven Sato, Kelvin Uyeda; Michiko Yamamoto; and Tiffany Yoshikawa.
The Center’s staff is a group that must be lauded for its commitment, industriousness, and conscientiousness. You cannot go to the VJCC without seeing them, usually working on one project or another. These dedicated individuals include Alan Matsuzaki (Maintenance-Assistant Facilities Manager) and Roseann Yoshida (Office Manager). And, also assisting with PA system responsibilities are Roger Gishi, Jim Nakagiri and Kelvin Uyeda.
And, finally, of course, recognition must be given to the many individuals representing our clubs and organizations who volunteer their time and energy to make the VJCC the vibrant place that it is. It is through their attendance at Executive Council meetings, work on committees, and active participation in events such as Clean-Up Day, Summer Festival and Bingo Night that the Center continues to grow and serve the community. To perpetuate fulfillment of its mission for generations to come, the VJCC needs additional members to help out … please include more active participation at the Center in your New Year’s resolutions.
Senior Moments - Happy New Year!
By Aileen Hongo
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Happy New Year! In Japanese, akemashite – omedetoo is literally translated as “congratulations on opening,” |
which conveys the auspicious opening of the New Year. It’s a time when resolutions are made along with other inspiring initiatives reflecting a fresh start for the year.
Recently, at my annual doctor’s visit, I found my cholesterol was on the borderline – my doctor said more exercise would take care of it without medication. I confessed I’ve slowed down on my exercise and gained a few pounds. He asked me how much I would like to lose. I eagerly said “20 pounds!” He looked me in the eye and said slowly, “How MUCH would you like to lose?” I meekly replied, “10 pounds?” He smiled – “Great! That’s more achievable! Your goal is to lose ten pounds by the time I see you next year!” I walked out of the office feeling quite jubilant and confident that I could lose ten pounds by the same time next year.
That one visit taught me a great lesson – that maybe we put too much on ourselves, set the bars too high and then feel guilty if we cannot achieve our goals. This thought process is popular in the New Year when hundreds of resolutions are made only to be broken in a few months - and not for the lack of effort!
As we get older, everything from metabolism, movement and mind tends to slow down. So setting unrealistic, unachievable goals can really be a letdown. I suppose the best New Year’s resolution would be to set realistic, achievable goals. OK, maybe you won’t lose 50 pounds or cut the fat/sodium/sugar from your diet, or even get to the gym every day. But here are some simple healthier goals that you can ease into:
| INSTEAD OF: | TRY: |
| Sweets/Pastries/Ice Cream | Fresh fruits with frozen yogurt; lowfat pastries |
| Chips or Senbei | Baked veggie chips or edamame |
| Coffee/Tea | Decaf green /barley tea |
| Sitting in front of the TV for hours | Walking for 10 minutes a day or reading a good book |
Another good resolution is to try taking up a new hobby – dancing, music, and cooking just to name a few. How about joining a book club or a line dance class? Puttering around the house or garden is also good exercise and keeps your mind and body active! Remember to keep the resolutions simple and achievable, and you will be amazed how much you can accomplish in 2008!
| The VJCC is seeking to provide an exercise class, primarily aimed at seniors and preferably of a cultural nature. Interested individuals who can offer a class should contact the VJCC Office (310-822-8885 or office@vjcc.com) by Monday, February 4. |