Message from our President, Paul Jonokuchi

I hope everyone is enjoying the remaining month of summer and keeping cool. In June, the SFV Buddhist Temple had their annual Obon Festival at the Community Center. Saturday was much cooler than Sunday, but the turn out was great. People enjoying dancing, eating ethnic food and playing bingo with their families and most of all, seeing old friends and meeting new friends.

The Endowment Committee is meeting quarterly and they are working to establish a Legacy Society Fund where members can donate assets such as their estate, property, car, etc. to the Community Center. The funds that we invested are doing quite well.

We would like to thank Grant Kuwata, Troop 719, his parents and all the volunteers who came out to help and support Grant’s Eagle Scout Project at the Center. For his project, Grant built three traditional Japanese fences in the area by the flag pole in the back parking lot. When I came to see the project in the morning, parents had brought their own power tools to cut the wood and the kids were sanding and painting the cut boards. It was quite amazing to see so many volunteers working together. I want to tip my hat to Grant and all the volunteers and say thank you for a job well done. 

I had a chance to help pick up fish in San Diego for the Hot Meal Program. It was quite an experience! All the stories that you heard is true! Bert Inouye, Eric Kayegama and I left the center around four in the morning. On the way down, we had a blow out and had to call AAA. It was an unexpected adventure! By the time we arrived at the Wharf, it was around seven o’clock. We helped unload the fish from the boat and sorted out the fish. Fortunately, Richard Goka was on this trip and he caught a “first place” tuna that weighted 268 lbs. So, exchanged a few of our smaller fish for this big catch. It was so nice of him. We came back to the center at around noon and were greeted by the volunteers who were to put the fish in the freezer. One nice thing was that we were treated to a nice breakfast

A new wrought iron fence and gates along the Remick Street will be going up shortly before the Japanese School starts in August.

We are always concerned with safety and security of the Center and finally the lighting in the rear parking lot behind the Japanese School was installed. Now, evening parking will be much brighter! 

The Future Planning Committee is chaired by Margeret Takimoto. They met at the end of July to prepare a survey that will be going out to our members. The survey will consist of what kinds of programs and facility usage you would like to see at the Center in the future? So, please take a few moments to fill out the survey and return to the Center. It is very important for us to hear your opinions and suggestions since each one of you is a part of this future planning of our Center.

 A few of us from the Center will be attending the Nisei Week Coronation at the JACC to support Kelsey Nakaji Kwong. Let’s all support Kelsey!! 

Paul Jonokuchi, President