PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute.
As always the host of volunteers at the PJCI did a great job!
The PJCI is a completely 100% volunteer organization.
Today was well done and coordinated.
The event was opened by their resident taiko group 'Kodama Taiko'.
The New Officers and Board members were introduced. www.pjci.org for details.
Councilman Gene Masuda and his wife attended again, it's always great to have a representative from the local goverment take their time and energy to show support for a local group.
Outstanding Service Awards were presented to 7 Community members.
I was lucky enough to sit across from one of the receipients, Mrs. Mary Uchiyama. Well into her 80's she still goes to work, and also finds time to Volunteer with the PNS (Pasadena Nikkei Seniors); she's been on the board there for 25 years, she began there helping to translate the newsletter, served as Secretary, and also as Vice President. I was amazed by her youthfulness and vitality. The other recipients were all like this as well, volunteering tirelessly, and looking great. They were all humbled and surprised by the attention; they truly embodied all of the great aspects of Japanese Culture.
2 Youth Achievement Awards were given. One to a Pasadena Gakuen student name Akiko Akanuma, and the other to Cedrik De Guzman from the Kendo Kai..
Entertainment was provided on the Koto by Ms. Hiroko Masuda.
The 10th annual Amy Utsunomiya Memorial Youth Community Service Award was presented to Nancy Izumi Chin. Just as the seniors example this young girl volunteered tirelessly. If she's like this at 16 years old, what a great role model she's going to be for all of us.
The volunteers put all of this together in a 2 hour program. Another great afternoon for me in the Japanese Community.
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