Volume 18, Issue 1 January 2013 Tomodachi · 2017. 7. 26. · Jim Niiro Linda Kusuda Marvin...
Transcript of Volume 18, Issue 1 January 2013 Tomodachi · 2017. 7. 26. · Jim Niiro Linda Kusuda Marvin...
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Nov to Jan 2
Helen Hikiji $ 500
Helen Hikiji 128.20
Mary Iwami In memory of son
Craig 300
Marilyn Murata 150
Sonoe Koyasu 500
S C Kendo Federation 300
Fusako S Sato In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
Joe Moore In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 100
Donna Bejarano In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 100
Charles A LaMantia In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 40
Sachiko Kusumi In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
Derek Hodson In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 100
Mary Iwami In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 75
Terry Green In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 100
Carol Coffman In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
John R Jackson In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 35
Henry Kumada In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 20
C T Masao 100
Carlos Aguirre Tr In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 10
Michigan State University In memory
of Roy Okimoto Sr 100
Teresa Maxwell In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 25
Virgil Lew In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
Kazuyo Murayama In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 30
Toshiko Nagata In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 20
Vicki Maranon In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 20
Marvin Kobayashi In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
(Continued on page 2)
友
達
Hi Everyone! HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope everyone enjoyed their Holidays. I just can’t believe the year 2012 has come and gone and
the year 2013 is upon us already. At our November Board of Directors meeting we held an election
for our next President. The election took place and it was unanimous. I accepted to be President for
the year 2013.
On December 2nd, we held our annual General Meeting at the Center. There were two members
nominated to the Board of Directors: Lyn and Calvin Chang. They were unanimously accepted to
the Board of Directors. They have been long time supporters of our Center extending leadership and
service to the Gakuen and NYS organizations.
Attention, all graduating seniors! We will be accepting applications for the NERIO/SEJSCC Scholar-
ship. The form will be available on the SEJSCC website (SEJSCC.org). The deadline to submit the
application is February 22, 2013. The scholarships will be presented at the annual Recognition
Dinner on May 19th. Scholarship winners must be present at the dinner to receive their award.
This year ‘s Center clean up will be held on March 24 Sunday from 9 to 12 noon. The Center would
like several volunteers from each organization to help out. We will be working outside and cleaning
inside. Bring your gloves and cleaning apparatus. The Center appreciates all the help extended for
the continuance of this wonderful Center.
Richard Shinomoto
P R E S I D E N T ’ S M E S S A G E
Volume 18, Is sue 1
January 2013
Southeast Japanese School & Community Center
14615 Gridley Rd. Norwalk CA 90651-0434
Website: www.SEJSCC.org 562.863.5996
Tomodachi
J I M N I I RO H O N O R E D AT M E E T I N G
At our annual general meeting on December 2nd, it was a timely occasion also to honor Jim Niiro for
his outstanding service as Treasurer and Board Member for our Center for many, many years. There
was an unexpectedly large attendance and those attending noticed the perplexed look on Jim’s face
when his family and relatives came walking in and settling down at the tables.
This honor was a complete surprise to Jim (although everyone else knew about it) and at this point he
had no idea what to make of it. Karen Toyoshiba (our hula class instructor) began the program by call-
ing on Jim that we were honoring him and to show our appreciation for his dedication and outstanding
service. She then asked Mary Iwami to speak of his history. Mary spoke about his dedication and lead-
ership that began back in the 1960’s when he coached teams, and also conducted meetings to create
a Youth Activities Group with by-laws and officers. This was the beginning of the NYS. Norwalk Youth
Sports as we know it today. Parents then wanted their young children to participate in baseball and
basketball and play and compete with other children from other organizations. She spoke of his contin-
ued leadership on the Board when the Center was going through growing phases and when they
needed direction, he helped bring clarity
and decisiveness. Jim was a leader and
they needed one. Jim also worked quietly
and did what was required i.e. repairing
fixtures inside and working to keep our
landscape attractively trimmed. Also how
he maintained his treasury records con-
verting to online computer system. What
a job but he did it all. After her talk, Karen
presented Jim a large wrapped gift which
he needed Dick Mercer’s help to open. It
was a large beautiful quilt that she had
made with Becky Shinomoto’s help. All of
the Center’s organization had designed
block’s of art work that depicted their
organizational wishes and appreciation
for Jim. (cont’d on page 3)
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Tomodachi Page 2
Board of Directors
If you wish to contact any of the
board members, please call the
Center and leave a message.
Lyn & Calvin Chang
Jim Niiro
Linda Kusuda
Marvin Kobayashi
Kimie Matsumoto
Fred Matsumoto
Carrie Nakatani
Richard Shinomoto
Tosh Teramoto
Bob Yamada
Thanks to all our supporters, our school had an-
other successful year. 2013 is the year of the
snake. Our school will begin January 5th.
Thanks to our wonderful parents, the
students enjoyed cultural experiences all year
long. On the last school day of the year, students
enjoyed toshikoshi soba, a tradition for New
Year’s Eve to pass from one year to the next. A
very special visitor from North Pole came to
school and visited all the students and brought
presents.
Students will again experience culture
with a taste of ozooni, a tradition of mochi eating
on New Year's Day. The students will also listen
to the story of how the 12 animals were selected
to represent the years.
Kimie Matsumoto G A K U E N N E WS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
(Continued from page 1)
Naomi Nishi In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
Helen Diosdado In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
Colleen Wakai In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 100
Leslie Nishimura In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 25
Oscar Domingo Encarnacion In
memory of Roy Okimoto Sr 50
Molina In memory of Roy
Okimoto Sr 50
Gloria Quan In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
Larry Jones In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 35
David Fujii In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
John Brain In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
M/M Yuso Kurihara 500
Serah Hanze In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 20
Norwalk Kendo Dojo 300
M/M Ernest Ikuta 200
Tobi Matsumura 38.48
Todd Mathes 65
M/M Paul Ogasawara 100
James Ozawa 100
Curtis Hedberg In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 100
Regina Ann Ellestad In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 150
Sean K Connelly In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 40
Katherine Vincent In memory of
Roy Okimoto Sr 50
Thank you for your kind generosity
and continuing support.
明けましておめでとうございます
All students participated in the annual
nengajo contest. The cards are on display in
the hallway. Students will vote for the best card
in each age category. A few of our best ones
were sent to the national contest. In the past
we had a number of winners from our school.
After two long weeks of winter break,
the students will be ready for the end of the first
semester. We will be preparing for the mid-term
examinations to be held at the end of the
month.
The annual New Year celebration din-
ner will be held on January 26th at 6:30 PM in
the dojo. It will be a potluck. All students of the
school will provide the entertainment. Mark
your calendars.
Tomodachi”, P. O. Box 434,
Norwalk CA 90651-0434.
Tel: 562,863-5996. Published
6 times annually by the
Southeast Japanese School and
Community Center, 14615 Gridley
Rd, Norwalk CA 90650. A no
charge newsletter informing all
participants of activities on a one
per household basis. Bulk Mail
Postage Paid at Norwalk, CA.
Editor: Mary Iwami; Advertising &
Mailing: Mary Iwami, Mas Onoda,
and Norwalk Nikkei Seniors.
H I K A R I
Mary Jane Mayeda
Hikari hopes that everybody had a
wonderful Christmas and here’s to
another great upcoming New Year.
May you have good health, prosperity
and a safe year.
Hikari Taiko’s 38th annual Christmas
party was a wonderful day with al-
most 100 people attending. Great
food, games, great company and
great performances from all the
classes.
Congratulations to Lou and Sharon Saeng, this
year’s winners of the Tak Murata Award.
I’d also like to thank the members of the board of
directors, Linda Yasunaga, Dara Ny Chen, Gladys
Kamikawa and Glen Mayeda for a great year. Also
Hikari Taiko’s instructors Julie Koga, Kurt Hamra,
Gladys Kamikawa and Yoko Kawamura with new
music pieces.
Hikari students enjoy coming to classes and
learning new pieces.
New beginning class will start Sunday, January
13th at 12:15 pm. We still have room for couple
more people so if interested, please contact Mary
Jane soon as possible.. First class is free.
562 924-1454
Hikari’s Christmas party photos.
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Tomodachi Page 3
J I M N I I R O H O N O R E D
There were 87 in attendance and everyone was thrilled to see him
singularly honored. We are grateful to Karen who initially thought
of the idea and asked our Center organizations to help with mes-
sages for Jim to be replicated on the quilt. Donations were col-
lected which paid for the famiy and relatives’ lunches and an addi-
tional gift to Jim.
Bento luncheon continued and the general meeting commenced
with the approval of the present Board to continue through 2013
and the addition of two new Board members Lynn and Calvin
Chang. They are long supporters of our Center actively involved
through Gakuen and NYS and directly helping and contributing to
our various Center functions. These efficient members are most
welcome. Jim reviewed the treasurer’s report, followed with pres-
entations by Kimie Matsumoto, Director of the Gakuen (Japanese
School), Kendo coverage by Brian Yoon in the absence of Kodama
sensei who was ill. Other brief speakers followed. Raffles were
drawn for prizes and this general meeting was one appreciated
and enjoyed by all. Many then proceeded to the conference room
to get a better look at the quilt that was spread over tables.
The editor includes additional history about the hard work Jim and
the Board encountered during the early 1970’s. The old aikido
building was condemned by the city of Norwalk which required
some major decisions by that Board. It was decided that a new
building was mandatory. A new building committee was formed.
They set high goals and decided to include a gymnasium, kitchen
and classrooms. How to raise funds? The committee walked the
streets of neighboring cities at night and solicited funds. They
went in pairs four or five times a week. This went on for over a year
until they received pledges and money sufficient to begin serious
planning. Special fund raising events followed. They raised
$100,000. They acquired an architect and an realtor/developer
helped the building committee tremendously regarding aspects of
building requirements, city and state requirements. etc. and fine
tuned initial plans. Twelve men signed as collateral to back the
$200,000 loan with the California Union Bank. Jim was one of
them.
The new building was completed and dedicated in 1977 including
the gymnasium we enjoy today. What an effort it took for these
men at a time when such an endeavor was so far reaching. Jim
became the treasurer and has remained in that capacity and on
the Board ever since. In order to make loan payments, many fund
raising events followed. Those were busy and serious times. But
the effort of these few men established a place hundreds enjoy
today . Is it similarly possible to raise funds and build such a com-
plex today?? It’s doubtful. So we give thanks to people like Jim.
We have much to appreciate. Let’s maintain it well so that future
generations can continue to gather here to learn and enjoy!
Cont’d from first page N O RWA L K Y O U T H
Project Blue Angels Gives Back This holiday season the Blue Angels worked with an organization
called SPIN ,Serving People In Need. SPIN helps Orange
County’s homeless, working poor families, and individual find
permanent housing, substance abuse recovery, and self suffi-
ciency. The Blue Angeles helped by adopting a family for
Thanksgiving. After a Saturday practice we went to the grocery
store and bought all the fixings for a turkey dinner and then we
delivered the food to SPIN the week of Thanksgiving. And for
Christmas we put together hygiene kits that included socks,
shampoo, soap, toothpaste, toothbrush, combs, etc., which SPIN
volunteers will deliver to the homeless in Orange County. We
had a lot of fun working together as a team to help those less
fortunate.
Jim’s family and relatives
"The Norwalk Blazers forgoes practice and spends the entire Satur-day at Disneyland. Who knew these boys can eat! On top of the lunch
and dinner, the boys were devouring hot dog, churro, turkey leg, cot-
ton candy, potato chips.....basic foods for these basketball champi-
ons! The parents are still wondering what the boys enjoyed more:
food or the rides at Disneyland."
More NYS coverage on Pg 5
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Tomodachi Page 4
Southeast Japanese School & Community Center Activities List
If you are interested in any of the activities at the Center, please contact the person listed below
Southest Gakuen: Kimie Matsumoto 562 926.2536 Hikari Taiko: Mary Jane Mayeda 562 924.1454
Shuji (Calligraphy): “ “ Norwalk Nikkei Seniors: Toby Fusato 562 865.7368
Ikebana (Flower Arrgmt): Ogawa Sensei 714 893.1245 Tanden/Yoga Class: Mrs. Koyasu 562 865.9652
Guitar Class: Yuji Hata 562 695.1908 Japanese Classical Dance: Akemi Jensen 562 691.2764
Norwalk Youth Sports: Rich Tamaki [email protected] Nawahine ‘O Kawena: Karen Toyoshiba 562 949.0203
Kendo: Jean Kodama Sensei email: [email protected] Hawaiian Karaoke Club: Leslie Goshi 323 722.7229
Karate: Brock Nishimura 714 826.9128 Ukulele Class: Kamaki Keawe Call Karen: 562 949.0203
Norwalk Karaoke Club: Ed Korin 714 870.1013 Norwalk Dance Club: Edna Kurihara 714 847.1173
Judo: Jim Glick 714.315.8503
N O RWA L K K E N D O
Menjo (rank certificates) were given to those who passed the shin-
kyu shinsa in October. Attendance awards were presented to Yoon
Brian, Yoon Courtney, Moon Joshua, and Moody Anthony. And finally, the
outstanding kenshi awards were announced. Each year Norwalk Dojo
helps sponsor two kenshi to go to Canada in February to represent us at
the Steveston Kendo Tournament. This year the sensei selected Kariya
Yoshijiro and Chang Jeffrey. Thank you for your dedication and good
example, and good luck in Steveston!
Our first keiko of 2013 will be on Friday, January 4th. Get a good
start on those New Year’s resolutions and come out to practice (even if
you haven’t been with us for a while)! And for iaidoka, start preparing
now for several events in February: Kishimoto sensei’s visit 2/9-10,
Yamaguchi sensei Memorial Iaido Tournament 2/10, and Oda sensei’s
visit 2/14-18.
Finally, best wishes to everyone for a great 2013, and thank you for
supporting Norwalk Dojo.
Norwalk Kendo Dojo practices Mondays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm and Fri-
days from 7:30 to 10:00 pm. New members are welcome: beginners
are accepted on the first Friday practice of each odd month. The iaido
group practices from 9 to 10 pm on Mondays; iaido beginners are ac-
cepted in January, April and July. For information about Norwalk Dojo,
including upcoming and past events as well as how to join, please see
the dojo website at http://www.eanet.com/norwalk, or send email to
This past fall was certainly a difficult one for the dojo, with
Yamaguchi sensei’s passing in October and Koh sensei returning to
Taiwan in November. We will miss them both dearly, but we know
they are both watching over us.
Fortunately, we did have some bright points, starting with the
SCKF Team Championships on September 23rd, where our
women’s team (Yoon Courtney, Hahn Danielle, Domen Sumi) took
3rd place and our yudansha team (Kim Andrew, Yoon Brian, Chang
Jeffrey, Domen Sumi, Kariya Yoshijiro, Yoshimura Steve) also took
3rd place. Also, congratulations to everyone who passed the shin-
kyu shinsa (ranking examinations) on October 21th: Lim Jennifer
(5kyu), Moon Joshua (5 kyu), Hahn Lance (5kyu), Kim Andrew
(2dan), Huang Michael (2dan), Takeshi Nakagawa (3dan), and an
extra big congratulations to Chang Jeffrey who passed 4dan. With
Kariya Yoshijiro passing 4dan in April, we now have two new sensei
at the dojo.
Our Christmas party on December 21th was, as usual, a fes-
tive event with lots of great food. We thanked the sensei: Chief
Advisor Henmi Sensei, Senior Advisor Fukawa sensei, Head Instruc-
tor Kodama Jean, and Assistant Instructors Yoshimura Mike, Yoshi-
mura Steve, Takanashi Takeo, Kariya Yoshijiro, and Chang Jeffrey.
We also thanked the current officers: President Yoon Brian, Vice
President Takeshi Nakagawa, Treasurers Nagasawa Gayle and Hahn
Janet, Tournament Chair Kariya Yoshijiro, Toban Chair Moon Gina,
Membership Chair Kim Kay, asa well as Advisors Yoshimura Ted,
Domen Megumi, Tanaka Fukuyo and Hamamura Junko, and Domen
Sumi. Thank you to everyone for all your hard work and support!
ATTENTION GRADUATING HS SENIORS - 2013 NERIO/SEJSCC SCHOLARHIPS High school Seniors, please check the Center’s website, www.sejscc.org or ask your coach or instructor for the Nerio/SEJSCC scholarship application form which will be available by the end of January. The scholarships will be awarded on Sunday, May 19,
2013 at the Center’s Annual Recognition Dinner. You must be present to receive the award. Please mark your calendar and save
that date. Deadline for submission is February 22. Be complete with your answers. Include all of your academic awards, participa-
tions in sports, extra curricular activities and community service work. NYS will also award scholarships so please check with
coaches for their application.
Karen Toyoshiba who made the quilt for Jim.
Becky Shino-
moto helped
sew the quilt
also. It is a
beautiful piece
of work.
Here members
admire the art.
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Tomodachi Page 5
N O RWA L K D A N C E
Rosie San Miguel
NDC Fall Social—Nov. 24
It was obvious that the holiday season was fast approaching
putting DJ Yuso Kurihara in a Christmas mood. Dance clubs in atten-
dance were Em Yamada, Langley, Prudy Gin and Joe Yoshida. The
NDC was honored to have dance instructors David Shinjo and his
partner Toi Nakamoto in attendance, most especially, because of
their busy exhibition schedules.
Hostess for the evening was Helen Hikiji. Helen has the right touch to
plan a menu perfect for a wintry evening. The main entree of chili and
rice served with a cabbage salad and jello dessert was a big hit.
Thanks to the thoughtfulness of Helen, Edna Kurihara and Harriet
Yamada for their contributions of chili, cabbage salad, jello dessert,
whipped cream, onions, and grated cheese. The efficient volunteers
assisting the ladies in the kitchen were Jim Noe, Irene Yip, Sonita
Seng, Jean Ikemoto and Connie and John Ciranna.
Edna followed the theme of the evening and selected Jingle Bell Rock
and the Merry Christmas Baby for the line dances. There was a spe-
cial feeling throughout the evening that makes the quote of familiar
tune very meaningful. “Faithful friends who are dear to us, gather
near to us once more, through the years we all will be together, etc.”
This represents the sentiment and appreciation for all who came to
have a nice time. Thank you all for your continued support.
NDC New Year’s Eve Dance—Monday, Dec. 31
There were many who worked diligently early in the day to complete
the decorations in the hall for the New Year’s Eve dinner dance.
Many thanks to Edna and Yuso Kurihara, Helen Hikiji,
George Ishikawa, Betty Oshiro, Harriet Yamada, Jim
Noe, Kenny Yukimasa , Richard and Gloria Sakoda, Geoff and
Karen Chow, and John and Enid Leung. The colorful balloons
suspended on the ceiling and along the edge of the stage, the
décor on the walls and tables transformed the hall to a festive
atmosphere. The 77 guests in attendance were in their finest
attire and ready to party.
Paul Tran’s Unique Catering received many compliments. The
teriyaki chicken, beef with mushrooms, chicken salad, rice,
tsukemono, green beans with almonds, cauliflower polonaise
and assorted fruits were delicious. Many took advantage of
going for second helpings.
With beautiful potted plants selected by Helen Hikiji on each
table and many door prizes donated, the management commit-
tee specifically laid out a nicely planned evening. Game coordi-
nator Harriet Yamada, preplanned simple, but fun games. DJ
Yuso Kurihara and wife Edna planned the dancing music and
line dancing to allow a nice blend throughout the evening.
Shortly before midnight, glasses filled with Martinelli’s cider were
poured to toast the New Year. There were cheers and well
wishes of “Happy New Year” and simultaneously, loud shouts of
laughter as guests stood beneath the lowering of money bal-
loons happily retrieving the dollar bills. The NDC members and
friends extend their best wishes of prosperity, health and happi-
ness to everyone for the coming 2013.
NYS 3rd Grade Hot Shots Christmas Party
The tough loss during their game against WPC Mochi Monsters
didn’t deter these 3rd graders to enjoy their 1st ever Hot Shots
Christms Party. It was held right after the game last Sunday at
Peking Wok restaurant in Cerritos. The event was attended by all
of the team families including all the coaches, parents and sib-
lings. The girls enjoyed the food which includes kid’s all time fa-
vorite Honey Walnut Shrimp and Orange Peel Chicken. The girls
had a lot of fun doing the Secret Santa exchange gifts and the
families kept their coolness even if the awesome gifts that they
picked were stolen during the White Elephant game! The event
was topped off when Coach Leo gave the most appropriate gift to
all of these beautiful basketball loving girls! He later posted this
picture on his Facebook account with the comment:
“When you’re a coach, you want your players to reach their
dreams! That’s a very long time so I just went ahead and
bought their dreams for them! WNBA Barbie Dolls!!!
Merry Christmas Hot Shots!”
N O R W A L K Y O U T H Cont’d from Pg 3
Front L-R Kaylee Valente, Haley Carroll, Jolie Gutierrez, Carolyn Watanabe
Back L-R Jan Lim, Amara Hizon, Catie Ishii, Michelle Lee and Coach Leo at top.
The Nikkei Seniors wish you all a very healthy,
prosperous, & happy 2013!!
ROY OKIMOTO SR.
We are saddened to know that our kind friend Roy Okimoto
Sr. has suddenly passed away. He had many friends at our
Center and we will dearly miss him. He supported our functions
and generously donated to our new building and continued to do
so. We will miss his smile and laughter as he shared his stories
of Las Vegas.
Our sincere condolences are extended to his wife Miki and
his family and relatives.
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Tomodachi Page 6
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Tomodachi
Page 7
Ukelele LessonsAvailable
Melia • Event Mgr.C [email protected]
“Songs of Hawai’i”
Kamaki K. KeaweTraditional / Contemporary
Tomodachi Page 7
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Southeast Japanese School & Community Center
“Tomodachi” A Bimonthly Newsletter
January 2013
Norwalk CA 90651-0431
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S.Postage
PAID
Permit No. 109
Norwalk CA 90650
CALENDAR
Operating Bd Mtg-1st Wed Monthly 7pm
Center Bd Mtg-2nd Wed Monthly 6:30 pm
Jan 26 Winter Social 6:30 pm
28 Gakuen New Years Party 6:30
Scholarship Appls Available
Feb 2 Monthly Bingo 6:30
22 Scholarship Appls Due
23 International Nite Social 7-11
Mar 2 Monthly Bingo 6:30
16 Jr. Basketball Banquet
23 Spring Fling 7-11
24 Center Clean-Up Day 9—Noon
Apr 6 Monthly Bingo 6:30
27 Western Social 7-11
May 4 Monthly Bingo 6:30
25 South of the Border Social
July 27-28 Cultural Festival
RECYCLE
The Center thanks everyone for recycling aluminum cans, plastic water bottles and jugs, glass bottles and jars. And a special thank you to the many people who bring their recycles from home and donate them to the Center. No time to recycle? Make it your New Year’s Resolution to bring those recyclables to the Center. We should all do our part to help the environment by reusing, reducing and recycling
the products we use.
Reminder ….. Hosted by : Ikebana/Tanden Feb 4
Dinner at 6 pm
BINGO
Feb 2 - 6:30 pm Norwalk Youth Sports Mar 2
Mar 2- 6:30 pm Dinner at 6 pm Come join us—$5 per card all night
Each game prize $20, coverall $250!