IN THIS ISSUE. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Dear Members and Friends:

The pleasant days of summer shimmer through the broad leafy canopies of the trees as we walk through the Garden to give us shelter from the warm sun. With each day of summer the Garden reveals a new face for the season. The expansion provides new views of our first water feature to be completed and open to the public by our 14th Annual August Moon Gala and Awards Dinner. We are preparing the site to start construction of our new Pavilion

building thanks to the generous personal donation from Dr. Kazuo Inamori. We anticipate commencing construction of the Pavilion by December, with projected completion by March 2015. We continue to add background trees to enhance the appearance of the expansion area .

In an effort to make Balboa Park more pedestrian friendly, parking was removed from the lot in front of the Museum of Art in the Plaza de Panama last month. As of June 2013, Mayor Filner announced a plan to reduce the amount of automobile traffic through the heart of the Park, which will include resurfacing of the Plaza de Panama, as well as a proposed plan to close the Cabrillo Bridge to traffic on weekends. We do not anticipate this change having a large impact on visitors of the Japanese Friendship Garden. The parking lots south of the Organ Pavilion will remain open to the public.

JULY/AUGUST 2013 VOLUME 25 | ISSUE 16

Volunteer Program, High-lighting Our Volunteers, Faces of Japan

Discovering Zen, Arigatou Big Dave, August Moon Gala, New Technology at the Garden

Calendar & Class ScheduleDonation Summary & New Members

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A BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO

Water Feature Workers Pouring Concrete

Volunteer Appreciation DinnerWhile volunteers had a fun time and delicious dinner, the Garden recognized all who have

been with us for the past years. Last year, volunteers gave 6,576 hours of time to help garden, docent, run the office, complete special projects and events, and deliver programs. Over 200 people help annually—but our helpers are more than just volunteers—they are often lifetime partners in our efforts to complete the garden expansion and become internationally recognized. See for yourself in our list of the top ten highest hours given in 2012-2013.

Guy Kiyoi (408) Kazuyuki Abe (385), Harold Kuhn (295), Toshi Kiyoi (274), Mark Halverson (209), Hiro Komatsu (189), Ruth Voorhies (158), Kuniko Kuhn (148), David Brazier (135), Jack Chapman (122).

Highlighting Our VolunteersThe featured Docents of the Month are Harold Kuhn, one of our longest docents, and Joan

Cudhea, one of our newer docents. Joan has been an outdoor tour guide since she was five, starting at a wildlife sanctuary in Massachusetts! Joan’s familial ties to her daughter-in-law, who was raised in a small village in the province of Okayama, drew her into the culture.

Joan’s advice to future docents: “Don’t be afraid! You don’t have to know everything. People are so very appreciative of our little hidden gem in Balboa Park.” Joan leads the canyon tours on Wednesdays at 1pm.

Harold became involved in the Garden through his work with the Yokohama Sister City Society and was instrumental in developing the Garden’s curriculum for the 5th grade learning program which he ran for many years. In 1996 he was made an honorary member of Ikebana International and in 2003 he received the Kansha Award for his service to the community.

Faces of JapanAugust 1-October 27,2013

“People are people, wherever and however they live…” – Lev Tsimring

Lev Tsimring travels the world to photograph people rather than famous landmarks or beautiful landscapes. Our upcoming exhibition, Faces of Japan is a display of his work from two trips to Japan in 2001 and 2010. In his photographs, Lev captures the soul of the country by capturing fleeting moments of daily life in Japan. After

looking through all of his past work, Lev has reached the conclusion that regardless of how different or contrasting a countries’ culture or language are, there are a great deal of similarities.

Lev Tsimring was born and raised in Russia where he learned the basics of photography from his father. Lev

moved to San Diego in 1992 where he currently studies physics of living systems at UCSD. In the last 10 years, his photography grew from a mere hobby to a full-blown artistic endeavor. Lev regularly exhibits his works in group and solo exhibitions, has won several prestigious awards, and in 2005 published his first book of photography, “Through my eyes”.

More of his work can be found at www.levtsimring.com

Join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, August 1st from 6:00 – 8:00pm. Light refreshments will be provided. Please RSVP by July 31st at (619) 232-2721 x104, or online through www.niwa.org on the “upcoming exhibition” page.

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Discovering Zen The Garden has a rather conspicuous area of raked gravel with a number of large stones

seeming to emerge from out of the deep. This is adjacent to and visible from within our Exhibit House. In Japan this is called kare-san-sui, which literally means “dry-mountain-water.” But many people refer to this as a Zen Garden. Is it really? Kare-san-sui gardens can be found in many places in Japan today: in homes, restaurants, libraries, even pachinko parlors. Likewise, many Zen temples do not have any dry gardens and instead use lawns, flower beds, or even hardscape. The composition of stones and gravel in our kare-san-sui should be viewed in the same way one enjoys the other arrangements of stones or plants in the garden, with an open, unprejudiced mind. The viewer is called upon to use his or her own imagination and creativity. It’s like gazing up at the clouds or staring at a campfire. The fewer preconceived ideas about what it might mean, the better. Maybe then, perhaps, will you get a spontaneous flash of insight. Now that’s Zen!

Arigatou Big Dave For those who visited the Garden in the last couple of months, you probably

bumped into Big Dave under the wisteria arbor by the office. And for those who had time to stop and chat, you probably found yourself staying a while longer and enjoying the company you were with. That’s how Big Dave was and will always be remembered amongst the Garden staff, Board, volunteers and even passerby. On June 9th 2013, Big Dave passed away. As President of the SD Bonsai Club, Big Dave generously donated his time and energy to reviving the Garden’s Bonsai Exhibit. Eager to help in any way he could, he brought back to life many of the current bonsai. The Garden would like to send its deepest condolences to the family of Big Dave. His immense heart and unwavering support will always be remembered. Arigatou Big Dave – thank you!

August Moon Gala August 15, 2013

The 14th Annual August Moon Gala and Awards Dinner will be held on August 15, 2013 from 5:30 PM-8:30 PM. This year’s celebration honors Kate Leonard and Richard Forsyth. Gala guests will enjoy a seated dinner, silent and live auction, and live entertainment. Gala festivities will open with the ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the first phase of our long awaited canyon expansion, where guests can explore the area on a self-guided tour.

Members: $90/seat, $900/table Non-Members: $105/seat, $1,000/table (Entry to VIP reception and guided tour at 4:30 PM available for an additional fee.) We have numerous corporate sponsorships available and are now accepting donations for our Silent Auction. Contact (619) 232-2721 for more details.

New Technology At The Garden We will be adding new technology to the Garden by August 2013 to enhance our

visitors’ learning experience. Thanks to an Institute of Museums, Libraries, and Services (IMLS) grant, the Garden and the Balboa Park Online Collaborative have teamed up to install a Multitouch Table in the Exhibit House. The touch table will allow visitors to explore Japanese gardens all over the United States using an interactive map featuring panoramic pictures. Two audio tours will also be added to the visitor experience

at the Garden. There will be a walk-through and a stop- based tour to allow visitors to learn at their own pace. Both tours will be web-based, and accessible through the official JFGSD website with any mobile connection. For visitors without smart phones, JFGSD will provide free rentals of headsets and iPads.

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The Garden offers a unique variety of classes and demonstrations to all visitors. It is a vital part of our mission to provide educational programs that promote understanding of the Japanese heritage among people of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Please call the office at (619) 232-2721 X105 or email: programs@niwa.org to register. Fees help to cover class expenses and support the Garden. Cancellation Policy: Refunds are made only in the event of the Garden’s cancellation of the class.

Docent Tour ScheduleUpper Level (Free with Admission)July 7 (Sun), 13 (Sat), 21 (Sun), 27 (Sat) 11am & 1:30pmAugust 4 (Sun), 17 (Sat), 18 (Sun), 31 (Sat) 11am & 1:30pm

Expansion Area ($2 additional fee for non-members)July 3, 10, 17, 24, 31 & August 7, 14, 21, 28 (Wed) 1pmJuly 13, 27 $ August 17, 31 (Sat) 12:30pm & 3pmJuly 12, 19 & 26 (Fri) 1pm

Class ScheduleCraft Club (First Mondays)Date: July 1 & August 5 Time: 10am -12pmFee: $10 General (annual fee)Description: The Craft Club welcomes all who have an interest in paper crafts! We make greeting cards, origami, ornaments and gift items to sell at the Garden’s gift shop. New members who want to help the Garden and learn more about traditional Japanese crafts are invited to join our group.

Sogetsu-style Ikebana Class (Tuesdays) Date: July 2,9,16,23,30 & August 6,13,20,27Time: 9:30am – 11:30amFee: $15 one session, $50 for fourDescription: This weekly Sogetsu School ikebana class is designed for a wide range of talents from novices to advanced students. Please bring your own kenzan, a shallow container, Ikebana (gardening) scissors, and flowers and branches.Instructor: Yumi Rakers

Meditation (No class on 3rd Tuesday of each month)Date: July 2,9,23,30 & August 6,13,27Time: 1pm - 2pmFee: Free with admission Description: Meditation is a great tool for relaxation and peace of mind which also helps us deal with negative thoughts, emotions and situations. Your instructor will teach several techniques including breathing to guide you. Meditation will be held in front of the “Sekitei” (rock garden) viewing room. Please ask the front staff for additional information regarding the location. The bare simplicity of the raked white gravel and grey rocks absorbs our thoughts and is devoid of clutter. One is able to gaze without judgment, without criticism, nothingness, reaching the quietude of oneself. Instructor: Yumi Rakers, R.Y.T.

Morning Hatha Yoga Class (Thursday)Date: July 11,18,25 & August 1,8,15,22,29Time: 9am-9:45amFee: $6 Members, $8 Non-members (Attend 5 classes & get the 6th FREE!)Description: Relax your body & calm the busy mind! Enjoy a mindful yoga class in the peaceful serenity of the Garden. Practitioners of all levels are welcome. Please bring a mat & water, and avoid heavy foods before class. Mornings can be cool, so dress in comfortable layers. The class will be held either in the Exhibit Hall or at the Koi Pond.Instructor: Timothy Weir Schultheis

Temari BallDate: July 20 (Saturday)Time: 9am – 12pmFee: $30 Members $40 Non-membersDescription: The Dahlia Temari ball is done on a three inch ball using 15 division lines which creates a swirl design that looks like a dahlia. Each student will have the choice of ball color; black, white or yellow. Colors used to make the dahlia design are for the student to choose.Instructor: Laura Breen

Calendar & Class Schedule

Go Club (Wednesdays)Date: August 21 & 28Time: 3pm – 5pmFee: Free with AdmissionDescription: Go, the national game of Japan, is the oldest board game in the world. This introductory class is intended for students, but all are welcome to attend. Classes are typically held at the Activity Center. Each class will include instruction and time for individual games.Instructor: Ted Terpstra

Beginning SashikoDate: August 24 (Saturday) Time: 9:00am - 12:00pmFee: $25 Members $30 Non-members Description: The Japanese embroidery art of Sashiko is a simple yet elegant style of hand work. Using a simple running stitch the student will create a beautiful white on indigo design that will look lovely in any style of home decor.Instructor: Laura Breen

JFG Summer Camp (Balboa Park Half-Day Camp)$100 for members, $110 for non-members The Camp features variety of Japanee cultural activities such as Ikebana (flower arrangement), Suisai-ga (water-color painting), Sushi making, candy sushi making, Go (classic board game), Koi biology, Koi Mask making, Karate lesson, portraits in Japanese Yukata (cotton kimono), Japanese Anime class, fun games, Japanese craft making and the Garden tour.

Grades 1-2July 8-12, 1pm-4pm

Grades 3-5July 15-19, 1pm-4pm July 22-26, 1pm-4pm

Grades 6-8July 29-Aug 2, 1pm-4pm Aug 5-9, 1pm-4pm

Grade 9-12Aug 1, 9-12pm (One-Day Bonsai Workshop)

Performances and DemonstrationsKoto & Shakuhachi Performance (Saturday)Date: July 13 & August 10Time: 1pm-2pmFree with admissionMusician: Kyoko Takeda & Jon Crick

Upcoming Events:

14th Annual August Moon Gala & Awards Dinner

Thursday, August 15

5:30pm-8:30pm

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As a member of the Japanese Friendship Garden, take advantage of the reciprocal admission to the Museum of

Photograhic Arts for the entire month of September 2013.

Our Programs are partly funded by:

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$5,000 and upRoy MuraokaThe Thursday Club

$2,000-$4,999Joan CudheaDr. Hiroko JohnsonMuraoka Enterprises, Inc.Pratt Foundation

$1,999-BelowPhil AllenMichael GuberekLisa & Mark HalversonErika HiramatsuPioneer Ocean View ChurchGary & Ellen SakagawaDavid StricklandSam TakahashiAndrew Zakarian

Memorial To:

Toshiko Asakawa George Asakawa

Michael Guberek Kenosuki Ochi

Marianne Ruegseggar Fumiko Draper

Glenn Voyles Masako

“Thank you” to all our volunteers during the months of April and May. Your volunteer hours at the Garden are very much appreciated! A total of 861 hours were documented.

Donation SummaryFebruary-March 2013

Memorialize or honor your loved one by desig-nating your donation to a Garden tree or lantern. Please call (619) 232-2721 for more information.

Membership MattersBryan Lusby

Greetings!

Our new membership cards have been implemented so keep an eye out for them. They are attached to your renewal letters. We really like the new look and we hope you do too. As always we would love to hear any feedback you have so please feel free to contact us with your input at membership@niwa.org.

Also, there has been a change of staff at the Garden. I would like to introduce myself – Bryan Lusby, the new Membership Coordinator. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me. Thank you and I look forward to seeing you all in the Garden!

Welcome New Members!Gricelda AlvaMichael J. ArchuletaKatherine A. BoneteCarolyn CullenSeta DeddehHenry EagerNiamh FoleyRose GrantIsaac M. HansenDaniel HurtRichard KanekoWilliam LeeMenie LeeKazuko MaggeeRobert J. MatlinKathryn MeyerCharles Nicklin

WE ARE MOVING TO AN ELECTRONIC VERSION OF THE NIWA!

Aisha L. SallehGeorge SamuelChristina Sanchez WestonHiroko SegoviaVeronica SerranoCathy StrittmatterJason SzmigulskiPat ThomaChristina ThurstonJames TiffanyAlice TsaiBeverly VelasquezCrystal WishatVirginia M. WoffordLinda WonSteven Zurbrick

As previously mentioned in the last niwa, we are moving to an electronic version of the NIWA.

What does this mean?•All members that have registered an e-mail with us and are not on our list will only be receiving an electronic version of The NIWA.•If you want to continue receiving the hard copy of The NIWA please let us know as soon as possible to get on the list! We have only heard back from a handful of members.•If you do not have (or are unsure of) an e-mail registered with us and would like to receive the electronic version of The NIWA, please contact us at your earliest convenience.

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Board of Directors

Executive CommitteeDennis Otsuji, President Dr. Thelma Press (Hon. Degree), 1st Vice PresidentMike Kawamura, 2nd Vice PresidentDavid Strickland, SecretaryArthur Nishioka, Treasurer

Advisory BoardMaurice Kawashima Ed McDanielLarry Marshall Miyo Reff

Executive DirectorLuanne Kanzawa

Administration (619) 232-2721 Operations AssistantMarisa Espinosa (ext. 103)

Events & Marketing CoordinatorLauren Manalo (ext.100)

Program CoordinatorSeiko Pinckaers (ext.105) Registrar & Exhibit CoordinatorMarisa Takeuchi (ext. 104)

Membership & Fund Development CoordinatorBryan Lusby (ext. 102)

Volunteer Coordinator & Grant WriterJana Zawadzki (ext. 101)

Senior GardenerPaul Johnson (ext. 106)

Facilities ManagerJavier Palacios

Past PresidentsWill Hippen (1980-1984)David Osborn (1985-1986)Bruce Henderson (1987)Larry Marshall (1988-1991)Moto Asakawa (1991-1994)Tom Yanagihara (1994-2008)

Japanese Friendship Garden Board and Staff

Contact Us:For more information about these events please call the Garden at (619) 232-2721.

Garden Hours10am-4pm Monday-Friday

10am-4pm Saturday & Sunday(As of Labor Day)

The Niwa is written and produced by volunteers and staff of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For more information about becoming a volunteer or comments for The Niwa, please contact the

Volunteer Coordinator at: (619) 232-2721 ext 101 or

volunteer@niwa.org

To join our email list contact:events-mktg@niwa.org

Follow us on the web:Website:

www.niwa.org

Twitter: www.twitter.com/japanesegarden

Facebook: www.facebook.com/SanKeiEn

Blog: www.japanesefriendshipgarden.blogspot.com

Dr. Hiroko JohnsonMike KawamuraMichael Kinoshita Wendy MaruyamaTad MuraokaRoy MuraokaArthur Nishioka

Dr. Thelma Press (Hon. Degree)Justin RennilsonDavid StricklandProf. Lennox TierneyMarilyn TravagliniDennis Otsuji