President’s Message

I’d like to extend special condolences to the Greenaway family on the passing of Fumiko Greenaway, mother of Bulletin editor John Endo Greenaway. Although I never had the chance to know Fumiko personally, The Bulletin and the Greater Vancouver Japanese Canadian Citizens’ Association benefited greatly from her hard work as managing editor and writer of the Community Kitchen section. John has followed in Fumiko’s footsteps, and we cannot express adequately what the Greenaway family has done in keeping the GVJCCA connected with the Japanese Canadian community though The Bulletin. Sometimes we forget how important one person can be when it comes to bringing together information, knowledge, history, arts and culture of our community through publications such as our Bulletin. On looking back over previous issues, one can really see how much our Japanese Canadian community has evolved over the past couple of decades. Thanks go to Fumiko and also to John who has graciously continued with this work and dedication. Condolences again to all the Greenaway Family from the GVJCCA and the Bulletin membership on their loss.

Upcoming very quickly is the GVJCCA Keiro-kai, being held on Saturday January 21 from 12 – 3 PM at the Nikkei Centre, located at 6688 Southoaks Crescent in Burnaby, BC. For all of those over 70 years of age wishing to attend, please register through Tonari Gumi (604.687.2172). At this annual event, the GVJCCA provides a special luncheon and entertainment program, honouring our Nikkei seniors. Many of our seniors have graciously provided invaluable support within our Japanese Canadian community for many years especially during the Internment and Redress. Those wishing to volunteer, please contact Shag Ando at 604.922.9226 or email gvjcca@shaw.ca.

For the community at large, this year’s Nikkei Community New Year’s party will be held at Nikkei Centre on Saturday, January 14. Entertainment at the Shinnenkai will be provided by the Okinawan drumming ensemble Yuaikai Ryukyu Taiko. Tickets are still available through the Nikkei Centre and participating local Nikkei organizations.

The GVJCCA will be holding its annual AGM on Saturday March 17 in the GVJCCA office from 2-4pm at Nikkei Centre. This year’s Agenda will consist of many important issues including the 511 Broadway location plus the need to add additional Directors who are willing and interested in helping the community in all areas of community development, social justice, human rights, Japanese immigration and Nikkei community relations. Please attend if you  interested in getting involved in your community. If you would like more information please contact the GVJCCA office at 604.777.5222 or email us at gvjcca@shaw.ca.

Have a great month and year!
Ron Nishimura
President GVJCCA