SJ JACL Installation: Jason Yonehiro, Neil Kozuma, Amy Halcrow, Tom Oshidari, Sharon Uyeda, Leon Kimura, Councilmember Ash Kalra (Henry Uyeda in foreground)
The 4th Street Bowl Coffee Shop has been the scene of many San Jose JACL activities. The Coffee Shop seems to have been there forever and many of us old-timers remember going there with the “gang” to bowl or grab a bite after the movies, etc. It’s nothing fancy but a place with a lot of memories.
On Friday, January 8, 2016, San Jose JACL held its 2016 Installation Dinner meeting there. Councilman Ash Kalra was there to do the honors of installing the officers: Co-Presidents Tom Oshidari and Sharon Uyeda, Past President Leon Kimura. VP Civil Liberties Jeffrey Sera (absent), Secretary/NCWNPDC Delegate Neil Kozuma, Treasurer Mark Yamamoto (absent), and NCWNPDC Delegate Morgan Chang (absent). Board members Amy Halcrow, Joyce Oyama, and Jason Yonehiro plus members Lucy Matsumoto, Ray Matsumoto, June Nakamura, Judy Niizawa, Vi Onishi, Margie Oyama, Marge Tsuji, Emi Tsutsumi, Yosh Uchida, Kay Utsumi, Henry Uyeda and Jean Yamaguchi were also in attendance. Guests were Ryan Kawamoto, Executive Director of Yu-Ai Kai and Kimiko Kikuchi.
Then we got down to the serious part of the meeting: enjoying the bountiful buffet that was laid before us by Jan and Kenny Nakatsu of 4th St. Bowl. After partaking of two kinds of salad, rolls and cold cuts, pasta, meatballs, chicken wings, and huge tender ribs, we felt we were doing honor to the new year and the new Board.
During the business meeting, it was voted to change the Executive Board quorum from eight to six. Jason Yonehiro also facilitated a discussion on the current on-going renovation of the IMB. Members brought up areas that needed repair or upgrading. A Wish List was created listing, among other projects, the conversion of the men’s restroom into a unisex handicapped restroom, re-doing the floors and carpeting and upgrading the kitchen. All of these items would necessitate continuing fundraising. On a positive note, at the end of 2015, fundraising had surpassed the $50,000 matching goal set by Ray Matsumoto – thanks to many generous donors.
All in all, an evening of good food and good company, a nostalgic trip to the past, and an ambitious commitment to the future.
(by Marge Tsuji)
