MONTEREY PARK — The Monterey Park Japanese American Senior Citizens’ Club held its 42nd annual installation of officers and New Year’s luncheon at the Quiet Cannon Restaurant in Montebello in January.
The mistress of ceremonies was Janice Uba, recording secretary, and the invocation was given by Rev. Alfred Tsuyuki of Konko Church of Los Angeles. Vice President Jack Miyagawa welcomed the members, friends and guests with open arms.
Monterey Park Mayor Hans Liang welcomed the members from Monterey Park and adjoining cities throughout Southern California. Recreation Superintendent Ben Herrera presented the Centenarian Society Award to Frank Shoda and Mitsuko Yamashita.
The 88 Years Young Awards were given to Agnes Arakawa, Yoshie Emi Bristow, Sumiko Endo, Grace Fujikawa, Alyce Fujimoto, Matsie Fujitsubo, Sumiko Hazama, Masuko Matsy Isozaki, Haruo Hank Kanemoto, Sue Tsuruyo Okamoto, Eddie Sakemi, Tsurue Sugimoto, Eiko Tamagawa, Sadayo Wads and Shigeko Yoshimura.
Jack Miyamoto presented the prestigious Volunteer of the Year Award for 2014 to Betty Burris for her outstanding work throughout the year and said the club is very fortunate to have such a dedicated board member.
Keynote speaker was David Ono, KABC news anchor. He showed clips of the Vietnam War and told some ghost stories. Entertainment was provided by vocalist/ukulele master Daniel Ho.
Herrera installed the following officers for 2015: Janice Uba, president; Charlotte Okada, vice president; Jack Miyamoto, recording secretary; Paul Isozaki, treasurer; Charlotte Okada, corresponding secretary; Ray Mayeda, audio engineer; Grace Kanada, auditor; Rose Mayeda, historian; Sally Yamada, installation/New Year’s luncheon; Christine Kizuka, membership; Pat Gibo and Harriet Taguchi, newsletter English editors; Yuriko Anderson, newsletter Japanese editor; Ray Mayeda, photographer; Jean Yamashita, Masa Ozaki and Donna Yamashita, socials; Betty Burris, Gladys Itamura and Jean Tanaka, trips and tours; Ray Yamashita (chairman), Leslie Shima and Don Yamamoto, trustees; Bob Miwa, ways and means; and Bill Shishima, advisor.
Monterey Park Japanese American Senior Citizens’ Club is one of the largest senior clubs in Southern California with over 550 members.
The club endeavors to improve the quality of life for senior citizens. It provides a rare opportunity for seniors to enjoy fellowship, good food, entertainment, humility and lots of socializing.
Members enjoy recreational activities, make new friends, renew friendships and stimulate a spirit of fellowship. The club arranges tours locally and abroad, lectures, exhibits, bingo, informative meetings and a host of exciting entertainment.