Awards and Recognition |
By Cliff Asai
Michael Josephson, the modern day Ethicist and radio commentator, in his poem “What Will Matter” states:
“What will matter is not what you bought but what you built, not what you got but what you gave. What will matter is not your success but your significance. What will matter is not what you learned but what you taught. What will matter is every act of integrity, compassion, courage or sacrifice that enriched, empowered or encouraged others to emulate your example.”
The poem frames the proud and long-standing tradition in our community of recognizing those who are standouts in their efforts to serve the greater community. Every year our community gathers to award the significant and outstanding efforts of its members, ranging from annual to lifetime achievements for exceptional contributions as well as service to VJCC.
The most familiar of the awards is the Person of the Year that honors outstanding service and contributions as a VJCC member for a minimum of 7 consecutive years. The Executive Council nominates and votes by secret ballot, and the person is subsequently recognized with a plaque at the Shinnen Enkai event in January. In addition, the recipient’s name is placed on a Perpetual Plaque for viewing in the foyer. Eligibility for the Person of Year can be issued more than once to VJCC members. A VJCC member is eligible more than once for Person of the Year honors.
The Lifetime Service Award recognizes 15 years of consecutive years of invaluable service to the VJCC. The VJCC member receiving this award has made a major contribution towards the overall success of the Community Center and has done so consistently year after year with both enthusiasm and dedication. Nominees for the Lifetime Service Award are first reviewed by the Selection Committee for qualifications/merit and subsequently forwarded to the Board of Directors for vote by secret ballot.
The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes 15 years of consecutive years of invaluable service similar to the Lifetime Service Award; however, the recipient must have also held a position as a VJCC Board or Cabinet member. The Lifetime Achievement Award is given to a VJCC member who has a proven record of providing an invaluable contribution in all areas of community service and has accomplished consistent achievements in the betterment of the VJCC. Nominees for the Lifetime Achievement Award are first reviewed by the Selection Committee for qualifications/merit and subsequently forwarded to the Board of Directors for vote by secret ballot. The Board Chairman presents both the Lifetime Achievement & Lifetime Service Awards to the recipient at the Shinnen Enkai in January. Both awards are granted once in a lifetime and remain the most coveted of awards given by VJCC.
The fourth and lesser-known least known? award is the Instant Recognition Award that simply recognizes a person for “something extra for the VJCC” and deserves to be singled out for an outstanding contribution. Nomination for the Instant Recognition Award can be submitted to any Council member for consideration. The Executive Vice President subsequently reviews the qualifications/merit of the nominees and decides on the appropriate award to present to the recipient.
Nomination forms and the criteria for the awards are readily available in the VJCC office. We encourage your participation in identifying and recognizing for VJCC award consideration those with whom you serve for their invaluable or indispensable service.
Visions for the VJCC
By Connie Yahata
Have you ever asked yourself where you and/or your child would play basketball, learn hula or judo or for that matter, participate in any of the other numerous activities the Center offers, if the VJCC were not here? If you are like me, the answer is a definite and resounding "NO". That's because we take it for granted that the Center will continue to be in existence for years to come. It exists due to the tireless efforts of the many dedicated individuals that voluntarily give up their time to run the Center. It not only requires manpower, it also requires the financial backing of every one of its members - and that means "YOU". Sure, we all pay our annual dues, but I'm rallying for more commitment. With the recent tragedy that occurred in New Orleans, you may have sent donations for relief efforts. I commend you if you did! However, wouldn't it be a major tragedy if we no longer had a community center? I am borrowing an idea that I heard on the radio and I want to pose the proposition to you. It's called "20 by 12." In essence, I am asking each member to contribute $20.00 a month for 12 months. That's less than a dollar a day! Once you start, don't stop at the 12th month. Let's strive to continue as long as possible. Can you imagine the extra income that would be generated if every member accepted this? We all want to see our Center expand and live on for generations to come. If we join forces, we will make it happen sooner than later! Thank you for your support!