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Event Description
2017 Year End Luncheon - BONENKAI
The end of the year 2017 is coming close, and the special lunch Bento box
was definitely the best way to enjoy together with nearly 50 people to
celebrate what we have achieved this year. There were many volunteers, not
only our members but also their families & friends, came to help 2 hours
before the luncheon began for setting up and packing the box. I want
everyone to know, with Onuma-san couple’s help, most of the food were made
by Atsuko-san alone who spent hours, accordingly almost all night, to
prepare the ingredients for the Bento. It was her dedication to do something
special to make others happy, and that hospitality spirit is exactly the
perfect example of how our organization has been standing strong. And, there
we had many others also volunteered to help today - All were busy with doing
something. English and Japanese language were crossing everywhere. Everyone
was smiling and laughing. Someone asked what they are as some of the items
not familiar while they are common Japanese food and typically found in
Bento-box. I realized it was the best opportunity for them to learn about
typical Japanese food. At the end, “Voila!”, there was this gorgeous lunch
created by our Bento-volunteer team!
In the back of the room, Tanka workshop instructor, Chikako-san, displayed
her students’ final work. Some were from Calligraphy workshop as well.
Suzumi-san, our Ikebana Flower workshop instructor, also displayed
Ikenobo-style flower arrangement to make the atmosphere more celebration
mood. On the side, there were tables with Japanese groceries and veggies for
sale. The other side of the room there was video showing our events this
year set up by Miyake-san so the rest of our members could see our
activities. Then, we had Mochi, sticky rice cake, freshly steamed then pound
(by machine) as traditionally Japanese people would provide Mochi at
celebration and festival. All smiles and laughter were captured in photos
taken by Toyoo-san. Our Year-end Luncheon, “Bonen-kai” in Japanese, was
ended with raffle. They were little prizes but all donated by members with
big and generous heart.
Throughout year, just like today, our volunteers offered help to make others
happy, and others came to appreciate their dedication. That’s what our
organization was established for, and today was one of many we had witnessed
the cultural bridge we started building 15 years ago has become bigger and
stronger. Thanks to all who helped today, and thanks to all for joining us
to share the laughter. The 2017 was another wonderful year.
Midori Shinye
Chair
PS. Every time we had a gathering like this, I promised myself to say hello
to each of the participants, especially to new members and non-members who
came as our member’s guests, to introduce myself, but again I failed as I
got tied up with so many things throughout the entire event. I truly regret
for having missed another opportunity and sincerely apologize for not
meeting each of you. Please come back to the next gathering.
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