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Showing posts with label PJCI. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PJCI. Show all posts

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Akebeko Project #2, March 2015

This weekends event search took us back to one of our regular haunts, The Pasadena JCI.
Today they hosted the Akebeko Project.
This link has a few wonderful pics of some of those involved.

PCJI website Link to their piece on the Akebeko Project







Website for the Akabeko Project

All proceeds benefit a film making project to by Pacific Film Currents in order to continue to bring our awareness to the on going needs of the people of Fukushima.

Donations can still be made at the website:
Donation Tab Link








Here are a few pictures from today's event.
We began to fill up right as the doors opened.



We started with a paper unpainted doll. Mine was a Daruma.



As the Day progressed, there was a constant flow of participants.

Comunity members became artists for the day. 









Even my family and I had our own creations too.






Sunday, March 1, 2015

We went to the Annual Luncheon at the PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute today.


We've been going every year for quite some time.
This year was special because they honored a long time supporter and friend, Pasadena Major Bill Bogaard. Mayor Bogaard has announced his plan to not re-run for the Mayor position, so this was an opportune time to present his award.

Consul Izuri Shimura from the Consulate General of Japan Los Angeles Office was also in Attendance.


We arrived 1/2 hour early and it was already beginning to fill up. As always the Luncheon was very well attended. The Pasadena Nikkei Seniors are always especially generous.

The event was opened by one of PJCI's own performance groups, Kodama Taiko.


There were of course many community members who were honored along with Mayor Bogaard.

Mrs. Kiku Matsumoto and Ms. Michiko Iwamoto were presented with PJCI's 'Outstanding Service Awards'.

'Youth Achievement Awards' were given along with the 'Amy Utsunomiya Memorial youth Community Serevice Awards presented by Mr. Wade Utsunomiya.

The Introduction of our 2015 Miss Pasadena JCI was done.

The closing performance was given by Bando Hidesomi, another group that does their practice at the PJCI.


Thursday, June 12, 2014

Monday, March 10, 2014

This past weekend the Takeda Family organized a host of volunteers and over 100 participants for their Akabeko Project. We came later in the afternoon, so many had already finished painting their Akabeko, But the Center (PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute), where the event was held, was still quite lively.




The Akabeko Project was organized to create a fun and educational event at the PJCI for the community.
By participating and donating funds were raised for Ohana Ouenjya.



According to the post card handed out to participants:
"Ohana Ouenjya is a non-profit organization supporting children with mental, physical, and developmental disabilities. They provide early child developmental support for children ages 2 - 5 years old with known or suspected disabilities. In addition, the organization provides developmental support, after school service, and transportation for youth ages 6 - 18 years old. Due to the limited capacity within the adult facilities, greater numbers of high school graduates are joining their organization.

Ohana Ouenjya is located in Motomiya city, the center of Fukushima Prefecture. They provide services to some children who were affected by the nuclear disaster. Because of their home's proximity to the power plant, their hometowns are now categorized as evacuation zones. They were forced to evacuate from their hometowns and live in new places they are not familiar with including temporary housing, rented homes, or with family and friends.

Many parents worry about radiation, therefore limit the amount of time their children can play outside. The children cannot enjoy the outdoors as they used to, as they are not allowed to play in parks, playgrounds, pools, the river, and other areas.

Yachiyo, Amy, and I each painted one of our own; though I didn't get a picture of Amy's, here's what Yachiyo and I came up with. enjoy.




http://akabekoproject.wix.com/akabekoproject#!event-details/c1nzq


Sunday, March 2, 2014

March 2, 2014 PJCI Annual Luncheon

PJCI Annual Luncheon March  2 2014.
PJCI - Pasadena Japanese Cultural Institute.
Every year the PJCI hosts a beautiful little Bento Box Luncheon.
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 current and previous Nissei Week Miss Pasadena JCI Queens, Princesses, and Candidate were there.
Other members of the Nissei Week 2013 Court came out to support the event as well.

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.




Saturday, February 22, 2014

Akabeko Project sign up by Feb. 25th

Last few days to sign up for the Akabeko Project.
My family and I are going.

"Join us on Sunday, March 9 from 1:00PM to 5:00PM at the PJCI for the Akabeko Project, an art activity to benefit children with disabilities in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.

Participants will paint and decorate an akabeko (red cow) that you can take home as a remembrance of your contribution. Supplies will be provided to paint, decoupage and more. Each akabeko is handmade in Japan by a family workshop located in Fukushima Prefecture. Bring your creativity and imagination!

RSVPs are required." (I think the RSVP must be post marked by Feb. 25th)

Visit our website at http://akabekoproject.wix.com/akabekoproject