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Event Description
Annual meeting & luncheon
On Sunday, March 17, we had our general meeting and luncheon at the Poughkeepsie Galleria Community Room.
With the event scheduled to start at 12:30, a number of volunteers arrived more than an hour beforehand to help set up the room and prepare the bento boxes.
We were pleased to fill the tables with 37 members and guests. As people took their seats, they discovered that their bento boxes were also accompanied by dorayaki, fried rice crackers, a mandarin orange, a soup packet, and a bottle of water! At a separate self-serve table, there was salad, kimchi, and tea.
The new Chair, Ms. Ryoko Hirano, opened the meeting by introducing MHJCA’s new officers. We then heard from the treasurer Ms. Atsuko Shimojo, who gave a brief report on the annual income and expenses. After that, it was time to eat and have fun!
Everyone seemed to enjoy the various items within the bento boxes. While many were familiar with all of the food, others were delighted to learn about and try dishes like shira-ae (a type of mashed tofu salad) for the first time. It is moments like this, where we’re able to share culture through food, that feel meaningful to us as an organization.
People also browsed and shopped the mini market set up by members. Displayed across tables were handmade items, like pouches made from kimono fabric, gluten-free matcha cookies, sumi-e postcards, and wreaths (which sold very quickly). There were also paperback books, cards, small toys, and a variety of Japanese pantry items.
The entire room was lively and filled with chatter as old friendships deepened and new ones formed.
This event was a success thanks to the help of many hands, including those who cooked, packed the food, prepared the tables, and took photos. There are too many people to name individually, but we would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who worked so hard to make this event possible.
The power of food is great, and we hope to be able to do more events like this in the future.
MHJCA
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