PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

This year has sped by so fast. We’ve had a lot of activities so far this year. In February we had 10 French students visiting. Then in April we had a delegation of adults go to Okazaki, Japan, which included our Mayor Steve Rosansky, Councilman Don Webb and Mrs. Webb.

What a wonderful time we had in Okazaki! We had a visit with Mayor Koichi Shibata, a visit to Dr. Okada’s hospital with a tour and a very nice reception. At the reception at Dr. Okada’s hospital we were able to meet our favorite Sumo wrestler, Kotomitsuki, and the artist Issei Yamauchi. We attended a reception one evening hosted by the Okazaki International Association.Then Dr. Kamiya held a traditional tea ceremony for us. I was honored to mix and serve the cup of tea to our host after all was served. A few of us went out and did Karaoke one evening. What fun! Then we had to say our good byes.

In July I was fortunate to be able to attend the annual Sister City International Conference in Fort Lauderdale, FL along with 4 teens. It was so very nice to meet and learn what other sister cities do around the world. Yes, I met individuals from Japan, China, and even Ireland. In 2008 it will be in Kansas City and 2009 they will venture to Dublin, Ireland.

While visiting in Japan the City of Okazaki asked me if we would be willing to host 6 essay winners and a city official in our homes this year. In the past the essay winners come every 3 years and would stay in a local hotel. Of course, I said yes, and once we returned, much planning and preparation occurred for our guests who arrived on Oct 5th. just a few days after the 6 Okazaki exchange students who arrived on Oct 3rd. Thank you to the committee that consisted of Dixie Allen, Jeannie Celeketic, Dan Hoffmann, Kathy Leek, Kent Moore, Justin Myers and Connie Skibba.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank our hosts of the essay winners. I would like to extend a huge thank you to each of you for graciously hosting and attending to the needs of our Japanese guests. The word back from Japan is that everyone enjoyed their visit to Newport Beach with the beautiful blue skies and ocean. Just as the exchange students who didn’t want to return to Okazaki, the adults also felt the same. So thank you to the hosts, Dixie Allen, Dory Ford and Family, Judith (Judy) Kambestad, Gerry Kawamura, Kent Moore, David, Makiko Widerman and Hannah, and Councilman Don Webb and Jan Webb for making it such a memorable visit.

Highlights of the essay winners’ stay.
On the day of arrival Kent Moore hosted a lovely reception in his home. Thank you so much. The following day was family day for our guests. Then on Sunday we had a picnic with all the host families and membership; we also included the exchange students, their host families and their chaperones. We had a nice dance demonstration performed by the exchange students. Mr. Ogina and Mrs. Suzuki (two of the essay winners) with the assistance of Makikio Widerman did an Ikebana floral demonstration for us. On Monday they toured the city of Newport Beach with our tour guides, Ced Fields and Sam Tate. The highlight of the day was going to the Newport Beach Police Station and shooting guns in the shooting range. They did squeeze in a quick shopping trip to Fashion Island guided by Kathy Leek and Linda Fuller. Monday evening we all attended the annual Rotary BBQ and carving of the pumpkins with the exchange students. What fun seeing the many carved Jack-O-Lanterns! The exchange students put on their dance and then adults also did a number. Some of us even joined in on the dance.

The next day was off to tour the main Newport Beach Library, Mariners Library, the Environmental Nature Center, Balboa Peninsula, and harbor cruise guided by Ced Field, Sam Tate, and Kent Moore. In the evening we had a very nice dinner at Newport Landing. Their last day while visiting was spent at Disneyland and California Adventure guided by Dixie Allen and myself. Everyone enjoys the Happiest Place on Earth. The highlight of the day was having a late lunch at Club 33. Thank you Flossie and Val.

After the essay winners had returned to Okazaki and reported to the city about their trip, we have been asked again to host the essay winners in our homes in 2010. Of course, I said yes.

I will let Dan Hoffmann chair of the Okazaki committee report to you on the student exchange. I do know that the visits went very well. As they were saying goodbye at 5:45 am, there were many sad and teary-eyed faces. Thank you Dan for doing a GREAT job!

2009 will commemorate our 25th anniversary of sister city relationship with Okazaki.

We are currently taking applications for the French exchange which will occur with the Antibes Students visiting Feb 13 – 24 and the Newport Students going to Antibes:
Apr 1 – 12. We now have a new Antibes committee chair, Justin Myers. Welcome.
But we will surely miss the co-chairs, Marie Atkins and Fay Bosler, who have done excellent work over the years with this committee. With much appreciation to you both for the years of service co-chairing this committee.

The Christmas breakfast is fast approaching. December 6, at 8 AM at Five Crowns Restaurant in Corona del Mar.

Wishing each of you a Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

By Cherri Penne-Myers