Talk Story |
By Gail Sharp
January 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 "January Talk Story" as the subject.
“The photo of the group in the January news is of the VJCC's multi-centers building committee, way back in the '50s. I recall the names of very few of the members as I was only in a hand full of the meetings because of my work schedule -- memory is very bad!
1st row, 2nd person, Mits Nakagiri, 4th person, Toru Ino, 5th person, myself, [Sus Ioki], 6th person, Jin Asakura.
I'm sorry I can't name more of them at this time, but maybe Jim Nakagiri remembers the faces just from the photo. I hope this helps you to complete the list.” - Sus Ioki
Thank you to Sus for getting the ball rolling and for the suggestion to talk to Jim Nakagiri! With so many more people to identify, everyone has another month to submit some information about this vintage photograph before we publish the next head scratcher. :-)
The Venice Japanese Community Center has always been a big part of my life-whether it is participating in basketball, taiko or mentoring other teams. The Community Center has allowed me to create life-long friendships and stay connected with the Japanese American community.
I always enjoyed going to the VJCC Festival during the summer to play taiko and dance alongside my friends. The VJCC also gave me the opportunity to do various community service activities, such as mentoring younger basketball teams and volunteering in the Festival booths.
The most joyous memories I've had at the Community Center were of being part of my basketball team, Venice Hot Shots Too, and playing with Koshin Taiko. I started basketball when I was 6 years old and my teammates are my dearest friends to this date. We had such fun playing in basketball games. I initially started taiko at El Marino Elementary School and continued with Koshin Taiko. It was a great experience performing at different venues, but I loved performing especially at the VJCC Festival.
I've shared so many memories with these two groups, memories that I will forever remember and cherish. I thank the VJCC for giving me the opportunity to be part of these two groups and stay connected with the Japanese American community.
