San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center

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Manzanar Reunion For valley people who were interned in Manzanar, this notice is to inform you of the Manzanar reunion to be held in Las Vegas in August, 2012. (Details below). In April 1942, nearly all the flower growers and farmers were forced to leave their homes, businesses and farms and were sent to the Manzanar Relocation Center in Inyo County. They assembled in the city of Burbank to take the long bus ride to Manzanar. The route took them through the valley, through Lancaster and beyond on Highway 395. It was a tough trip for all since there were no freeways, no toilets on the bus, and very crowded in the bus with babies, children, and the elderly. Partway through the trip, there was a restroom break in the desert. The women and girls went to one side of the road and the men and boys went to the other side to find any bush that provided some privacy. There were a number of buses with lots of people, so you can imagine the throngs that had “to go”. At last the trip ended toward the evening when they reached Manzanar and the valley people were scattered mostly in blocks 13 through 17. Those less fortunate valley families were scattered in other than those blocks. Now you can relive the moment and reunite with fellow inmates at the reunion by signing up and seeing your friends and classmates.The valley people will be picked up at the community center, there will be a pit stop at Barstow, and there is a restroom on the bus. You do not have to go in the bushes. To be clear, this reunion is for anyone interested in the history of the experiences of those who went to Manzanar. We hope the children and grandchildren will accompany their aging and infirm parents or relatives and accompany them to the event in case they need help in getting around. If you know of anyone who is not on the mailing list, share this newsletter with them and let them know they are welcome to attend. The program includes a mixer, a slot tournament, and a banquet with a short program. The Manzanar Historic site rangers will be on hand to provide information and brochures. And just think you just may hit the “big one” while attending. Details: Date: August 20, 21, and 22 (Monday,Tuesday, and Wednesday) 2012. Place: California Hotel, Las Vegas Costs: (Package costs will be sent with application form). Includes different packages from bus only, to a full package including meal coupons, room and bus ride. (Ask for application form if you are not on the mailing list). Pickup Point: San Fernando Valley JACC Information: Dorothy Oda 805-529-1067 oda.dorothy@gmail.com Katarou Histories is a 10 week interactive program for high school students and adults to collaboratively foster an understanding of identity, community and the importance of preserving oral histories in the San Fernando Vall ey’s Japanese American community. Through a series of interactive workshops and discussions, participants will learn the significance of telling their own stories and preserving their oral histories through creative outlets. Starts Thursday, June 14, 2012 � 6-9:30 PM 10 For more information: visit: www.jaclpsw.org Call: 213-626-4471 email: programs@jaclpsw.org
Rising Stars Reflection By Hawk Kuwata The Rising Stars Youth Leadership Program was a very unique experience. The program helped me and two dozen high school students learn skills that will help us in the future. (These lessons were taught by professionals in their fields.) The workshops that were taught were team work, assertiveness, speaking to persuade, financial fitness, cultural values, and networking. All six of the workshops From L to R: Kohei Itokazu, Cody “Hawk” Kuwata, Matthew Remnick, Brandon Isa, Dustin Niizawa, Evan Niizawa and Kevin Sato. were very fun, interesting and taught me a lot. As the final test of our newly learned skills, the students planned and organized the Annual Rising Stars Miniature Golf Tournament to raise money for next year’s program. The sessions taught the students important life skills in a fun interactive environment. The assertiveness and speaking to persuade workshop helped to develop my confidence when giving presentations at school or boy scouts. It also helped me be more effective in persuading my parents to go out or do something fun. The cultural values workshop gave me a better understanding on what it truly means to be Japanese American and have a greater respect and appreciation of my Japanese heritage. The networking workshop gave the students the opportunity to talk to Japanese Americans in high ranking position in the community. We were given the task of engaging in a friendly conversation to learn more about their job and just have fun talking to new people. I was surprised to discover so many Japanese Americans who had important positions and belong to my very own community center like Mr. Glenn Miyagishima, Battalion Nine Chief. Organizing the Annual Golf Tournament was a lot of work! We were divided into three groups; logistics, sponsors and raffle and lastly publicity. I was in the publicity group. My group was in charge of advertising the golf tournament. Everyone in the group wrote an article and received advice by a Rising Star mentor on how to improve the article. The group voted on which article they liked the best and it was placed into the Rafu Shimpo. My article, unfortunately, was not chosen. But the experience taught me the different ways to write an article and how much detail and thought that has to be put into everything that is written. My group also made flyers, a YouTube video and updated a website with the golf tournament information. Even though I was not in the other groups, I realized there is a lot of time and work that goes into organizing an event. From the Rising Stars program, I have learned valuable skills, met amazing people and done things that most kids my age would not have done otherwise. The program taught me important skills that I will use the rest of my life. The people that I have met through the program will always be remembered as very good friends and advisors. It was an amazing journey starting off as a group of 25 teenagers who most have never met before. After 5 months of classes and working together we have formed a bond of friendship that will always be remembered. The program offers a unique and one of a kind experience. 2012 Rising Stars Class 11
Page 1 and 2: SAN FERNANDO VALLEY JAPANESE AMERIC
Page 3 and 4: Acknowledgements March—April 2012
Page 5 and 6: Ohana is the word in Hawaiian cultu
Page 7 and 8: Scholarship winner Nicole with her
Page 9: Are You Interested In Saving Money?
Page 13 and 14: COORDINATING COOUNCIL ORGANIZATIONS
Page 15 and 16: “Connected to God-Connected to On

San Fernando Valley Japanese American Community Center

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