2024 The APA Living Today May/June Edition

VOLUME 06. NO. 3

UNITY.

DIGITAL EDITION

MAY

/

JUNE

2024

4 BUSINESS COMMUNITY

Your Legacy For The Future Page 4, 5, & 6

Mental Performance: Unlocking Your Full Potential Page 8 & 9

12 14

20 10

TRAILBLAZERS

Dr. Sammy Lee: Olympic Champion and Goodwill Ambassador Page 10 & 11

ENTERTAINMENT

New ‘Shogun’ Series Is A Cut Above The Original Page 12 & 13

IN THE COMMUNITY

Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Page 14

A Letter To The Senior Ready To Graduate. You Are Nearing The End. Page 16 & 17

NEWS & EVENTS

Patty Judge, Executive Director and President, Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation receives the California Association Directors of Activities Harry Bettencourt Award

Page 18 & 19

Lodi Parkinson’s Support Group Receives Grant Page 20 Launch Of The 2024 Science Blast Program Page 21

THE APA LIVING TODAY

PHONE

916.747.9366

Jim Chong

EMAIL

jtc.publicist@gmail.com

ONLINE

https://issuu.com/apalivingtoday

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Terri Torres DIRECTOR

Jim Chong

ART DIRECTOR

Layne Imada

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS & SOURCES

Val Acoba

Mafae Yunon-Belasco

Nico Belasco

June Bond

Jessie Bowen

Leslie Edman

Elite Publications

Beverly Engkabo

Toby Gomez

Phillip Hon

Ines Ruiz-Huston

Linda Norris

Tanya Parmelee

Anna Sass- HerLife

Carrie Sass - HerLife

Michelle McCowan-Smith

Terri Torres

Cathy Wei

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Tim Ulmer

Jim Chong

Deadline to submit newsworthy information from non-profits, charitable organizations, or other sources is the 19th of each month for the following issue. Submitting information does not guarantee it will be featured. Submit information to: jtc.publicist@gmail.com • Attn: Jim Chong

The APALT is digitally published bi-monthly by the APA Living Today. APALT does not assume responsibility for the authenticity or accuracy of news materials furnished for publication.

APA Living Today 2024

Looking forward to getting through the 2nd half of 2024, so many items have advanced when it comes to understanding where we are as a community. As we continue with this edition of the APA Living today digital publication, We are planning for the future expansion and release of how to better capture momentary and historic events locally, nationally, and even nationwide.

The reality is that we are all interconnected and as we once again take time focusing on the current and upcoming events they do add to our further understanding as to how next year will go. Our hope is that this publication can spur on many thoughts for you individually to help you get engaged in what is important to you.

During these times of much hustle and bustle, it is important to take the time to reflect and absorb our surroundings and happenings today. This will help us understand what resonates with us and if we are so inclined to plan for what we personally want to accomplish in our lifetime…starting with the steps of preparing for next year.

We want to always remember those that have paved the way for where we are today. We have an incredible opportunity to create our own legacy and to consider and think about how we want to be remembered.

I want to take the time to also thank all the contributors, advertisers, sponsors, and organizations who are invaluable in helping us create quality content and the past publications. I want to also specifically highlight Layne Imada who has been my mentor and sounding board on helping make this distribution relevant and feature rich. This is what makes this publication significant. It’s not about each piece but rather the sum of all parts that make this publication significant. Thank you all for your feedback and submissions.

– Jim T. Chong, “Build your dream and legacy to become your Reality.”

by contributing writers and sources are their own and do not reflect the opinions of the newspaper’s owners, editor or staff. Would you like to submit your event and be

WANT TO ADVERTISE! CHECK OUT OUR RATES!

Jim T. Chong

Your Legacy For The Future

By Jim T. Chong, Legend Maker

Jim T. Chong

“What legacy will you leave and how will you be remembered?”

For many, this is something that we can all take time to reflect on and possibly ponder. Many people live life randomly while others intentionally. Just what is the ultimate difference in the timing?

Those that discover early on how they want to live start to think about what kind of impact they want to make and whether consciously or subconsciously, plan certain steps to start leaving their “footprints in the sand” for others to see. On the other hand, many do not really take the time to consider the impact and imprint of their life for the future until the later years. Depending on when they realize how they want to be remembered, sometimes there are regrets if they don’t have enough time to create the memories for the present and future generations to come. This is often referred to as a LEGACY.

In participating with various communities and ethnicities, one thing we can all be assured of. We will all leave memories behind for everyone we come into contact with. As we experience different events whether it be a parade, a performance, or a cultural event…we are having imprints made on us.

Similarly, we create memories through our stories and interactions with people. Whether we are considerate and respectful or are mean and selfish we will leave an impression which decisions will be made from for the others that are the recipients on how we live our lives.

My hope is that you take the time to understand why you believe you are here so that you can understand your personal purpose in life. This is an extremely individual decision where you get to play by your own rules. One helpful thought is to determine the words that describe how you want to live life and be remembered and what methods you want to convey YOUR life.

I chose pictures and stories. Here you will find pictures of things I have been associated with where you will most likely form an impression about me whether you know me personally or not. My hope is that in everything I do, I can have a POSITIVE IMPACT. I also want to make sure that my second 50 is

filled with PURPOSE, EXCITEMENT, ADVENTURE, and NEW EXPERIENCES. You can note the words that reflect where my life will be headed and what I want to accomplish in my future years.

Much can be said about why this is important to me, but more importantly, what words describe your future path? In the upcoming years, here is to the LEGACY we will all be leaving. As a famous series once quoted, I hope you live life to the full…”Live Long and Prosper.”

I would love to hear your comments. Please contact me with any thoughts you may have about this subject.

Jim, McKenzie (Miss Glamorous Intl 2024 Queen), Marlen Gallo (Founder and CEO Miss Glamous Intl), Jennifer Murphy (Oregon USA and “Go Girl” Influencer), Norm Johnson (Seattle Sea Hawks)

Your Resource to create YOUR story.

For More Information, Contact: Jim T. Chong the Wok Star & Legend Maker Direct Line to Text/Call: (916) 747-9366

Email: jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com

Website: JimTChong.com

Are you interested in helping us share about your culture or community? We want to hear from you. Contact Jim at (916) 747-9366 or jtc.legendmaker@gmail.com

straight

Honoring Robert Kenneth for his upcoming launch of 2BARisingStar.com and Singing Contest Sponsor at Citywide Karaoke Event.

Citywide Karaoke at Trax in Roseville CA with Alice, Robert Kenneth (Founder of 2B A Rising Star), and Alan Helmer (Boat Flipper)

To stay connected or learn more about Miss Glamorous International or Cover Story, please visit the following websites: MissGlamourInternational.com CoverStory.com

McKenzie (Miss Glamorous Intl 2024 Queen)

Presented to Marlen Gallo (Founder and CEO Miss Glamorous Int’l) by Leo Lev (Founder of CoverStory.com)

At Sircles Invesor Event is Miss Glamorous Intl Team - Eva (Marketing Director), Marlen Gallo (Founder and CEO), Jim (Media PR Publicist), McKenzie (2024 Queen), & Dora (Coach)

Mental Performance: Unlocking Your Full Potential

By By Dr. Jessie Bowen, mental performance coach.

Jessie Bowen

We all experience tired days and feel run down physically and mentally. Understanding your mental performance and how it works can be a powerful weapon for achieving success.

In today’s fast-paced world, mental performance plays a pivotal role in achieving optimal performance, wellbeing, and personal growth. It encompasses a wide range of mental skills, attitudes, perspectives, strategies, and processes that can be developed and harnessed to enhance our abilities in various domains of life.

Mental performance refers to the application and development of mental skills, attitudes, perspectives, strategies, and processes that lead to optimal performance, well-being, and personal growth. It involves harnessing the power of the mind to enhance performance in different areas of life, including sports, academics, career, and personal relationships.

The Importance of Mental Performance in Achieving Optimal Performance

While physical abilities are important, it is often the mental aspect that makes a significant difference in achieving optimal performance. Mental performance sets the foundation for success by enabling individuals to manage stress, stay focused, make effective decisions, and maintain a positive mindset. It is the driving force behind peak performance and acts as a catalyst for personal growth.

Key Mental Skills for Enhancing Performance

To optimize mental performance, individuals need to develop certain key mental skills. These skills include:

Focus and Concentration

The ability to concentrate and maintain focus is crucial for achieving peak performance. By training the mind to stay present and focused on the task at hand, individuals can enhance their performance and avoid distractions that may hinder progress.

Resilience and Adaptability

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and adapt to changing circumstances. Developing resilience helps individuals overcome obstacles, learn from failures, and persevere in the face of challenges.

Visualization and Imagery

Visualization is a powerful mental technique that involves creating vivid mental images of desired outcomes. By visualizing success and rehearsing positive scenarios, individuals can enhance their performance and boost confidence.

Developing a Positive Mindset for Mental Performance

A positive mindset is crucial for mental performance. It involves cultivating an optimistic outlook, reframing negative thoughts, and focusing on strengths and possibilities. Developing a positive mindset requires self-awareness, selfcompassion, and the willingness to challenge limiting beliefs.

Strategies for Managing Stress and Pressure

Stress and pressure can negatively impact mental performance. It is important to develop effective strategies for managing stress to maintain optimal performance. These strategies can include deep breathing exercises, time management techniques, and engaging in relaxation activities such as yoga or meditation.

Building Resilience and Mental Toughness

Resilience and mental toughness are essential for overcoming challenges and achieving long-term success. Building resilience involves developing coping mechanisms, fostering a growth mindset, and seeking support when needed.

Visualizing Success and Goal Setting

Visualizing success and setting goals are crucial components of mental performance. By visualizing desired outcomes and setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals, individuals can align their actions and efforts towards achieving success.

The Role of Self-Talk in Mental Performance

Self-talk refers to the internal dialogue we have with ourselves. It can either be positive and empowering or negative and self-defeating. Positive self-talk can boost confidence, motivation, and resilience, while negative self-talk can hinder performance and contribute to self-doubt.

Seeking Professional Help for Mental Performance Enhancement

Sometimes, seeking professional help is necessary to optimize mental performance. Mental performance coaches, psychologists, and therapists can provide guidance, support, and specialized techniques to address specific challenges and enhance overall performance. Working with a professional can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of their strengths and weaknesses and develop personalized strategies for success.

Dr. Sammy Lee: Olympic Champion and Goodwill Ambassador

By National Museum of American Diplomacy. Stories of Diplomacy May 14, 2021

Born in California in 1920 to Korean immigrant parents, Dr. Sammy Lee represented and served the United States in many ways. By the 1950s, Lee was an Olympic gold medalist, a U.S. Army physician, and a goodwill ambassador for the State Department.

Lee’s worldwide celebrity status and ability to charm fans led the State Department to tap Lee to be a pioneering goodwill ambassador to Asia and Europe. As a goodwill ambassador, he represented the United States as a democratic land of opportunity and equality in countries where communist propaganda was spreading.

Domestically, his high profile as an Olympic champion and cultural ambassador raised awareness of how racism damaged perceptions of the United States overseas.

Becoming an Olympic Diver in the Face of Discrimination

Having watched the 1932 Los Angeles Olympics as a boy, Sammy Lee dreamed of becoming an Olympic diver. However, his local public pool only allowed racial minorities on Wednesdays, which were called “international days.” These restrictions severely limited Lee’s ability to train.

A sympathetic local coach, Jim Ryan, took on Lee as a student. He taught Lee to dive in a sandpit, which Lee later credited with strengthening his legs.

While attending Occidental College as a student-athlete, Lee entered into an Army Student Training Program in 1942. Through the program, he secured tuition payment for his medical education. Lee would study at the University of Southern California School of Medicine while serving in the U.S. Army Reserves.

He continued to train throughout his education

and military service and won several national titles, ultimately making it onto the U.S. Olympic Diving team.

In the 1948 London Olympics, Lee won the gold medal in platform diving. During the 1952 Helsinki Olympics, he was serving as a physician in the Korean War, but the Army granted him one month’s leave to train and represent the United States. Lee was the first diver to repeat as a gold medal winner in the same event.

In 1953, Lee became the first person of color to win the James E. Sullivan Award, the Amateur Athletic Union’s award for the nation’s best amateur athlete.

Sammy Lee: The Diving Diplomat

In 1954, while on leave from the U.S. Army Medical Corps in Korea, Lee represented the United States as a U.S. Department of State goodwill ambassador. Through the State Department, Lee traveled to Japan, India, Sri Lanka (at the time known as Ceylon), Pakistan, Turkey, Singapore, Vietnam, Burma, Hong Kong, and the Philippines.

Lee had the Army Medical Corps’ full support to represent the United States as a cultural diplomat. As Major General Leonard D. Heaton of Walter Reed Army Medical Center said in approving Sammy’s leave from the Army, “I am sure that your presence will mean more than many bullets, tanks, and so forth.” – Major General Leonard D. Heaton, in approving Sammy Lee’s leave for the Army.

Sammy Lee was one of the first Asian American goodwill ambassadors to counter Soviet and Chinese Cold War propaganda about the United States. While Lee spoke about his achievements, he also addressed how the United States people and their government were acknowledging discrimination and working to address racism.

As a Department of State goodwill ambassador, Lee gave diving exhibitions for fans and aficionados and classes for local divers. As a physician, he also visited hospitals and medical schools.

U.S. embassies often had to improvise to find appropriate venues for exhibitions. In one case, Sammy dove off of a platform specially constructed by the Pakistani Army. In another case, he dove off a table.

Lee excelled in creating people-to-people ties, with divers in each country asking him to return for further coaching. His ability to engage in tough conversations on race in America and the value of democratic principles with composure and humor gained him respect from host countries. People identified with Lee. They saw him as a representative of America who truly saw them as equals. As Dr. Sammy Lee said himself, “… it did give me great pleasure to dive for them and to show them that despite minor shortcomings in my country here and there, we are able to guide our destiny and become what we want to become.”

U.S. diplomats praised his communication skills and sense of humor. One embassy official noted, “Dr. Lee seemed willing to dive off anything to carry out the program.” Several embassy officials reported back to Washington D.C. that he was the first U.S. goodwill ambassador to receive positive and unbiased coverage from local pro-Communist newspapers.

Correspondence Regarding Sammy Lee’s Sports Diplomacy

Lee’s primary contact with the State Department for his tour was Harold “Hal” Howland, for the International Education Exchange Service. Howland advocated strongly for the tour within the Department and frequently corresponded with Lee throughout the tour.

One of several U.S. news articles highlighting the accomplishments of Lee’s 1954 goodwill ambassador tour to Asia. Photo courtesy of Dr. Sammy Lee’s family.

In his letters, he writes about Lee’s glowing reports from abroad to Washington D.C.

Foreign Service Officers posted in the various countries Lee visited were responsible for organizing his trip itineraries and providing Lee briefing materials. They often wrote Lee once he departed to his next tour stop with follow-up reports and kind thank-you letters to Lee. Organizations that Lee met with also wrote to Lee before and after his visits.

Sammy Lee Returns to California

After traveling throughout Asia to advocate for the United States as a country of equal opportunity, Lee returned to California to find that he still had a role to play in the struggle to end discrimination at home.

Lee married his wife Rosalind in 1950 and they welcomed their first child in 1955. As he established his private medical practice, local realtors prevented Lee and his family from buying a home in a segregated Orange County, California neighborhood called Garden Grove.

Due to his high profile from his Olympic medals and State Department tour, Lee’s situation attracted widespread political attention and public outcry, including supportive comments from Vice President Nixon, who had grown up nearby.

In response, neighboring communities offered to welcome the Lees. They bought a house for their growing family in Anaheim, California.

By highlighting how racist housing restrictions could be used in anti-U.S. Cold War propaganda, Lee’s case contributed to the decline of the discriminatory practice.

The event helped force the nation to come to terms with how America could not defend its ideals abroad if it did not practice what it preached at home. As the San Francisco Chronicle commented in 1955, “Here was an American of Oriental descent, demonstrating to Asians that despite Communist propaganda the United States is a land of tolerance and opportunity. The story of Major Lee’s reception in Garden Grove [California] will embarrass our country in the eyes of the world.”– San Francisco Chronicle, 1955

The Legacy of Sammy Lee

The year after his service as a goodwill ambassador, Lee retired from the Army and began an ear, nose, and throat practice in California. He also operated a diving and swimming school and served as a diving coach for the national teams of South Korea and Japan and individual U.S. Olympic medalists.

In 1986, when the University of Southern California established its Korean Heritage Library, Lee and other members of the Korean American community aided in fundraising efforts. The resulting endowment has allowed the Korean Heritage Library to document the contributions of Korean Americans to California and U.S. history while highlighting the community’s commitment to an independent Korea. Dr. Sammy Lee passed away in 2016 at the age of 96.

Sammy Lee showed the world what it means to be an American. His legacy is one of service, social justice, and dedication. To this day, Sammy Lee inspires diplomats, whether citizens or government officials. His story is a testament to the power of cultural diplomacy and the importance of showcasing diverse figures abroad.

Sources:

Diving into Integration: Sammy Lee, Historical Memory, and the Complexity of Housing Segregation in Cold War California (KCET-PBS)

Sammy Lee: A Life That Shaped the Currents of California and U.S. History (KCET-PBS)

The golden friendship between the two first Asian American Olympic champions (NBC)

Sammy Lee Climbed Above Racism, Dove Into Olympic History (PBS) Diver’s Ambassador Life Showed Bigotry Is Never Far From The Surface (WBUR – NPR)

An Olympian’s oral history: Sammy Lee, 1948 and 1952 Olympic Games, diving (LA84 Foundation)

You Bet Your Life #55-30 Sammy Lee, Olympic diving champion (‘Hand’, Apr 19, 1956)

Acknowledgments

NMAD wishes to thank Mrs. Rosalind Lee and Bill Brown for their support on this project.

Lee served at the U.S. Army Hospital in Korea as a military physician in December 1953. AP Photo/George Sweers.

Lee waves to cheers during U.S. Olympic team festivities in New York’s Times Square, April 2012. AP Photo/Bebeto Matthews

Lee with his wife Rosalind and daughter Pamela Lee after moving into their new home in Anaheim near the neighborhood that excluded them. November 1955. USC Libraries. Los Angeles Examiner Photographs Collection.

Sammy Lee (center) with silver medalist Joaquín Capilla Pérez (left), and bronze medalist Günther Haase (right) via Wikimedia Commons

New ‘Shogun’ series is a cut above the original

By Mark Schilling • The Japan Times March 9, 2024

The five-part mini-series “Shogun,” based on James Clavell’s 1975 bestselling novel of the same name, was a smash hit for the NBC network in September 1980, spurring a boom of all things Japanese in North America. The show, which 33% of all American households with a television saw either completely or in part, was reportedly responsible for making sushi trendy in a country where prime cuts of tuna were once consigned to cat food.

Now, a new 10-episode series also titled “Shogun” and streaming has become a massive hit, recording 9 million views worldwide in the first six days since its release on Feb. 27, while winning praise in Japan and abroad for everything from its use of subtitles instead of dubbing for the Japanese dialogue, to its respectful and rounded treatment of its female Japanese characters.

By contrast, the theatrical version of the 1980 series about an English ship pilot who becomes a samurai in early 17th-century Japan bombed at the Japanese box office, and an Asahi network broadcast of all five episodes sagged in the ratings. A big reason was the show’s perceived disregard for Japanese history and culture, though it represented an improvement over Hollywood’s previous depictions of the country and its people, such as Mickey Rooney’s notoriously racist portrayal of a Japanese landlord in the 1961 film, “Breakfast at Tiffany’s.”

Giving fictitious names and storylines to characters based on real-life figures and having the married Catholic interpreter played by Yoko Shimada hop into the bath nude with Richard Chamberlain’s hero offended many local sensibilities then and even now. “It is so far removed from the historical facts that I could not get emotionally involved,” wrote a recent commenter on the Japanese Filmarks movie review site.

Nearly two decades later, director Edward Zwick decided to take a more authentic approach in making “The Last Samurai,” an action drama coscripted by Zwick about an alcoholic American army captain, played by Tom Cruise, who is hired to battle samurai holdouts against the rising tide of Westernization.

In a 2002 email asking me to be a script adviser, Zwick admitted to fudging history in the film — once again a real-life figure, the “last samurai” Saigo Takamori, would be given a fictional name — but added that he wanted to get the “descriptions, interactions and issues” correct to keep the Japanese audience from laughing in the wrong places.

“I honestly believe (and this is, perhaps, the greatest hubris of all) that I can present rounded, complex, heroic Japanese characters to an international audience,” Zwick wrote. To help ensure that happened, I sent him notes, some of which he incorporated into the film, and brought veteran scriptwriter Yo Takeyama into the project.

Together, we spent long hours over a three-month period at a Japanese-style inn in Tokyo’s Kagurazaka district going over every line of the script — which had been badly translated into Japanese — making changes and additions. Zwick also brought us to the shoot in Kyoto and asked Takeyama, who had scripted many hit period dramas, how Ken Watanabe’s Saigo stand-in should approach and address Emperor Meiji, played by kabuki actor Nakamura Shichinosuke II. (An impressed Takeyama later told me that Zwick was the first director in his entire scriptwriting career to invite him to the set.)

“The Last Samurai,” in which Cruise’s character finds spiritual redemption while a captive of his samurai enemies, became the year’s biggest hit at the Japanese box office following its November 2003 release. I like to think Takeyama and I had a small role in that success.

So when I virtually attended a February press conference for the new version of “Shogun,” I was relieved to hear showrunner Justin Marks, series co-creator Rachel Kondo and producer and star Hiroyuki Sanada echo much of what Zwick was saying two decades ago.

Five years in development, the series still follows the outlines of Clavell’s novel. (The late author’s daughter, Michaela Clavell, served as an executive producer and presumed protector of her father’s legacy.)

But the husband-and-wife team of Marks and Kondo, along with their collaborators, updated the show in everything from the storyline — Cosmo Jarvis’ pilot, Blackthorne, is more part of an ensemble than a “white savior” hero — to the depictions of samurai-era Japan.

“I thought this was a great story to introduce our culture to the world,” said Sanada, who plays a character modeled on warlord Tokugawa Ieyasu. (The actor also appeared in “The Last Samurai,” as well as many other Hollywood films over the years.) “I tried to make it as authentic as possible as a producer We hired Japanese samurai period drama specialists for each department. So I believe it’s going to be a big step for the future, for both me and the industry.”

Diplomatically noting that the 1980 series “took great strides to bring Japan to American awareness,” Marks said that “we had to come to a new understanding of why it was important to tell this story today. ... What mistakes have we made in our cultural past when trying to represent Japan through our industry? And how can we avoid that?”

Watching the first two episodes of the series (all that was available at the time of writing), I saw swords come out and heads lopped off as characters talked of death — honorable or not. In other words, standard tropes for Hollywood representations of pre-modern Japan, “The Last Samurai” included.

But the main Japanese characters, from Sanada’s canny warlord Toranaga to Anna Sawai’s conflicted interpreter Lady Mariko and Tadanobu Asano’s

brusque samurai commander Yabushige, are complex individuals, not broadbrush caricatures.

And the story is mainly focused on them and the era’s power struggles, with Toranaga finding himself in danger of being bested — and perhaps beheaded — by rival Lord Ishido (Takehiro Hira) and his allies. This reflects real Japanese history, while risking a level of detail that might baffle non-Japanese viewers (but given the critical raves and strong viewership numbers abroad, might have not).

Additionally, the production values, from Blackthorne’s storm-ravaged ship to the richly colored kimonos of the aristocratic characters, are top notch, even though it’s obvious that the Osaka Blackthorne enters with his samurai captors is a CGI creation. (Not able to digitally conjure up 19th-century Japan, Zwick spent months shooting on location in New Zealand.)

Japanese critics and fans have responded with far more raves than brickbats, echoing the series’ 99% “fresh” rating on the Rotten Tomatoes site. As one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter): “It’s a historic achievement that a story set in Japan, where everything is done with authenticity, is being distributed to the world.” And Sawai’s Mariko need not jump into the bath with a barbarian to boost ratings.

May is Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month – a celebration of Asians and Pacific Islanders in the United States. A rather broad term, Asian/Pacific encompasses all of the Asian continent and the Pacific islands of Melanesia (New Guinea, New Caledonia, Vanuatu, Fiji and the Solomon Islands), Micronesia (Marianas, Guam, Wake Island, Palau, Marshall Islands, Kiribati, Nauru and the Federated States of Micronesia) and Polynesia (New Zealand, Hawaiian Islands, Rotuma, Midway Islands, Samoa, American Samoa, Tonga, Tuvalu, Cook Islands, French Polynesia and Easter Island).

Like most commemorative months, Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month originated with Congress. In 1977, Reps. Frank Horton of New York introduced House Joint Resolution 540 to proclaim the first ten days in May as Pacific/ Asian American Heritage Week. In the same year, Senator Daniel Inouye introduced a similar resolution, Senate Joint Resolution 72. Neither of these resolutions passed, so in June 1978, Rep. Horton introduced House Joint Resolution 1007. This resolution proposed that the President should “proclaim a week, which is to include the seventh and tenth of the month, during the first ten days in May of 1979 as ‘Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.’” This joint resolution was passed by the House and then the Senate and was signed by President Jimmy Carter on October 5, 1978 to become Public Law 95-419. This law amended the original language of the bill and directed the President to issue a proclamation for the “7 day period beginning on May 4, 1979 as ‘Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week.’” During the next decade, presidents passed annual proclamations for Asian/Pacific American Heritage Week until 1990 when Congress passed Public Law 101-283 which expanded the observance to a month for 1990. Then in 1992, Congress passed Public Law 102-450 which annually designated May as Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.

The month of May was chosen to commemorate the immigration of the first Japanese to the United States on May 7, 1843, and to mark the anniversary of the completion of the transcontinental railroad on May 10, 1869. The majority of the workers who laid the tracks were Chinese immigrants.

In 1992, Congress expanded the observance to a month long celebration that is now known as Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month. Per a 1997 U.S. Office of Management and Budget directive, the Asian or Pacific Islander racial category was separated into two categories: one being Asian and the other Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander.

Source: Asian Pacific Heritage.gov Facts: 2019 U.S. Census Bureau

Dear Graduate, as your graduation date draws ever closer, we want to congratulate you all! We would like to leave you with this letter

written by writer Jaycie Owens.

A Letter to the Senior Ready to Graduate You are nearing the end.

By

Jacie Owens • Originally written in 2016.

Please note, some wording has been changed to reflect all graduates.

Congrats! You are nearing the end; you have finally made it through the long years you never thought would end. You made it through the late night cramming, the endless extra-curriculars and so much more that made your school experience unique.

You persevered through the classes where you learned material you knew you would never use again, as well as the early morning and late night classes you never wanted to wake up for. You made it through the drama you thought for sure ruined your life as well as the heartbreak that made you not want to walk the halls again.

These moments are almost gone and in the past, and we are certain you are so excited to leave the place where everyone knows who you are. As the days become numbered, you look forward to your independence.

I know you are excited for the future, but please remember what you are leaving behind.

You have passed your last Friday night football game. The next time you return to that stadium, you will be watching from the stands in a different atmosphere. You are coming up on your last dance. You will never shop for a dress that makes you feel beautiful or ask the girl of your dreams to dance with you again.

You won’t be in the student section cheering on your team with your best friends again. You won’t dress up for homecoming again. You won’t be a part of a team with your best friends. All these moments that went by so fast, so quick you didn’t even take time to realize it was your last, are gone.

Soon you will walk out of your school hallway for the last time as a student. You will finish your final test with the teacher or professor you hated but they took the time to know your name. You will return your books, your computer, and say your goodbyes.

Then you will open the doors, so excited to leave the place you called hell on multiple occasions. Perhaps in this moment you will realize that this school will never be the same.

You are now an alumni, and you will never be the same walking in those hallways the way you were for all those years. You are no longer a student, upperclassman, teammate or friend. Everything changes the moment you walk through those doors.

Soon you will walk across the stage, accept your degree or diploma and say you did it. At that moment, look around. There are so many people you will never see again. The person you did countless projects with is going across the country and might never come back.

The person who lapped you in the mile is now going into the military, and you have no idea when you will see them again. The friends you spent endless Saturday nights with are leaving too. The people you grew up with, the ones who knew your birthday and favorite subject, won’t surround you.

Perhaps you find comfort in leaving familiarity, but remember that these moments are your last. Appreciate them.

You will leave your parents (or not), your pets, and your siblings. You are packing a ton of years of your life into boxes as you try to gauge how much clothing you’ll need to bring because you have no idea when you’ll be home next

You are leaving homemade meals and short drives to places you love. You are leaving everything you have ever known. Your parents will go back home, and you will be stuck alone at a place you now have to live at for the next few years of your life.

Professors won’t remember your name after the first semester. You will cry because you changed your major for the third time in four weeks. You have to choose classes that determine your future. Your parents won’t be there for you when you are sick. Your friends won’t be there when you have no one to eat with. You won’t have time to free read or think beyond the realms of school. You will constantly be buried in class work and anxiety. You have to rebuild yourself, by yourself.

So, senior, when you are so ready to go, please take a moment to realize what you are leaving behind. You will not get these moments back. The last dance, test, lunch, game, tailgate – appreciate them. These times are amazing and filled with memories, but do not rush these last few weeks; you will never get them back.

The future will come soon enough. As you prepare for “firsts,” you are also approaching your “lasts” – embrace them please.

ALL RISE will inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities.

Tuesday, March 26, 2024

Contact: Carrie Sass 209-612-5478 • carrie_sass@sasspr.com

Patty Judge, Executive Director and President, Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation receives the California Association Directors of Activities

Harry Bettencourt Award

[Linden, CA, March 26, 2024] California Association Directors of Activities (CADA) presented Patty Judge, Executive Director and President of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation, with the 2024 Harry Bettencourt Award. The award was presented on March 8, 2024, at the Annual CADA State Convention held in Reno, Nevada.

The Harry Bettencourt Award is presented annually and recognizes an individual of exceptional character and kindness who has contributed significantly to the leadership development of students, teachers, and/or administrators. Patty spent 33 years pursuing her passion to teach, with a heavy emphasis on student activities and leadership development. With most of her years teaching in Stockton Unified School District, she served in a variety of roles, including physical education teacher, cheerleading advisor, student activities director, student council/leadership instructor and various other leadership positions. Patty retired from Stockton Unified in 2013. Since joining CADA in 1987, Patty has been highly involved in the organization throughout her career. She has served in various capacities such as Board of Directors, Area A Coordinator, and Vice-President, before becoming the CADA President in 2009. Patty was inducted into the CADA Hall of Fame in 2013, and three years later, she received the coveted CADA Jack Moore Award. Patty shared, “The value of CADA lies in the hearts of all of us. As teachers and educators, we have a passion for working with kids to help them become all that they can become.”

Linda Cooper, a former Student Activities Director, and current member of CADA Area A Council, nominated Patty for the Harry Bettencourt Award “because of what she has done locally, statewide, and even on the national

Patty Judge and the Leadership Award she received. PHOTO COURTESY OF Lifetouch Photography.

level.” Linda shared, “Locally, Patty was instrumental in keeping the Modesto Leadership Conference a viable event, organizing it, and then training a few of us so that we could continue to host the conference. Through her work with the ALL RISE Foundation, she continues to contribute to the leadership development of students, teachers, and administrators. Patty is kind to everyone she meets, and like Harry Bettencourt, always has a smile and a hug for others. She is a role model to us all. I feel honored to be a part of her world helping others.”

Patty and her son Aaron - who is the Founder of the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation and Captain/outfielder for the New York Yankees - started the foundation in 2018. As Executive Director and President, Patty continues to develop and lead students through programs and initiatives, such as the Aspiring Leaders program – giving elementary through high school students the opportunity to learn, grow and improve their leadership skills. Patty always encourages ALL RISE team members to significantly impact students through book clubs, Master Classes, lessons on social media responsibility, character building pro-camps and workshops, and ALL RISE Mini-Grants. Through these efforts, Patty continues to lead the Foundation team to fulfill their mission: ALL RISE will inspire children and youth to become responsible citizens by engaging them in activities that encourage them to reach unlimited possibilities.

ABOUT ALL RISE

The Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation focuses on developing positive character traits; provides awards and incentive programs for schools and local organizations to encourage and reward academic improvement and excellence; supports children and youth experiencing difficult health and family circumstances; and fundraising events to support ALL RISE Mini-Grants and Programs. For more information on the Aaron Judge ALL RISE Foundation please visit: aaronjudgeALLRISEfoundation.org. P.O.Box 992, Linden, California 95236 (209) 4480993. Tax ID#: 83-1083207 501(c)(3).

Contact: Maureen Olsen molsen@softcom.net

Lodi Parkinson’s Support Group Receives Grant

The Lodi Parkinson’s Support Group has announced the receipt of a $10,000 grant to provide services to organizations working with patients and families affected by Parkinson’s Disease. The donor has requested to remain anonymous. The funds will be dispersed to organizations throughout San Joaquin County. Lodi Parkinson’s Support Group falls under the umbrella organization, Parkinson’s Association of Northern California (PANC).

Lodi Parkinson’s Group has dispersed a portion of the funds to the PANC’s Hispanic Outreach Program to use at their discretion, throughout San Joaquin County and their service area. Knockout Parkinson’s, a non-profit organization associated with the Rock Steady Boxing, in Lodi, has also received funds. This program, which was started by coach Sheldon Vicks, specifically benefits people with Parkinson’s Disease and has been hugely successful in our area.

A portion of the funds will be used for outreach and public relations to better inform the community of services available to those afflicted with Parkinson’s Disease.

This grant is helpful to share the news, as April is Parkinson’s Disease Awareness month. Parkinson’s disease is a chronic and progressive movement disorder that involves the malfunction and death of cells in the brain that produce dopamine, a chemical that sends messages to the part of the brain that controls movement and coordination. Many Parkinson’s patients have difficulty with sleeping, tremors, handwriting, freezing of gait, loss of smell, very low voice, a “masked” facial expression, memory, and cognitive issues. But it is a “designer” disease, so symptoms vary from person to person, as does the rate of progression. There are about 90,000

new patients diagnosed each year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation. Currently there is no cure, but medications and exercise programs can make a big difference.

The Lodi Parkinson’s Support Group offers information and encouragement to those suffering from Parkinson’s and their caregivers. If you, a friend, or a loved one suffer from Parkinson’s disease, we invite you to join us in our community of caring individuals, to share your concerns and to learn how to take steps to live well with Parkinson’s. For more information, call Maureen at (209) 329-1185, Robin at (209) 269-1080, or Charlene at (916) 600-5769.

UNTIL THERE’S A CURE, THERE’S HOPE!

ABOUT LODI PARKINSON SUPPORT GROUP

Lodi Parkinson’s Disease Support Group meets the first Monday of each month (except if the first Monday is a holiday) at 10 to 12 at

801

Parkinson’s disease as well as for their family and caregivers. It provides attendees with an opportunity to share and learn from others who are experiencing

the month.

similar difficulties. A subgroup for care partners meets at the same time and place on the third Monday of

Dr. Ines Ruiz-Huston

Vice President Special Programs and Civic Engagement

2024 Science Blast Program Spokesperson

EL CONCILIO CALIFORNIA

445 N. San Joaquin Street • Stockton, CA 95202-2620 direct: 209.644.2623 • email: iruiz@elconcilio.org

Stockton, CA, April 22, 2024 - The launch of the Jose M. Hernandez Reaching for the Stars Foundation (RFTSF) 2024 Science Blast program took place on Friday, April 26, 2024, at 9:45 a.m. on the University of the Pacific (UOP) campus, in Stockton. Once again, the University and Foundation have partnered to host this world class program.

Seven hundred 5th grade students, teachers, mentors and volunteers, from Stockton, Tracy and Manteca have been invited from various local elementary schools to participate in the event.

In light of the resounding success of the 2023 Science Blast Program, the Amazon Studios film “A Million Miles Away” telling the inspiring story of Astronaut Jose M. Hernandez and, in 2022, naming of a new Stockton Charter school in his honor, the RFTSF is committed to providing an extraordinary STEM experience for these students. The STEM curriculum for this program consists of developing and enhancing critical thinking, logical reasoning and problem-solving skills at their level, based on the California Department of Education standards for math and science.

The Science Blast Program is designed to focus on the elements of STEM education, that will motivate and inspire a culturally diverse audience and to provide a college campus experience that will encourage them to reach their highest potential in STEM careers. Through this STEM event, students will be exposed to multiple science topics and be inspired to pursue a degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics. High School, Community College, and University volunteers will gain volunteer and leadership experience, as well as serving as positive role models for obtaining a higher education.

Since 2005, The Jose M. Hernandez Reaching for the Stars Foundation, managed entirely by volunteers, takes pride in its’ mission “to inspire youth to find passion in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Education, establish a family commitment to education, and develop

LAUNCH OF THE 2024 SCIENCE BLAST PROGRAM

a support network through community engagement. This is the 12th year the Science Blast Program has provided middle school students the opportunity to experience a university campus setting and give them the confidence to say “if I stay in school, I can become a scientist or an engineer.”

The Jose M. Hernandez Reaching for the Stars Foundation and the University of the Pacific sincerely thank the sponsors, volunteers, students and the many communities involved.

Lawrence Livermore National Security, LLC

United Way

University of the Pacific, School of Engineering and Computer Science (SOECS)

Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce

University of the Pacific’s Theta Tau Collegiate Chapter San Joaquin County Office of Education (SJCOE)

El Concilio California

Niagara Water

Stockton Unified School District (SUSD)

Starbucks

Tracy Unified School District (TUSD)

Costco

Pacific Gas and Electric (PG&E)

San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD)

“I am looking for established individuals that would like to pursue a lasting relationship and know what

want in a partner.”

We listen to what you want and hand-pick suitable matches for you!

I am a certified Professional Matchmaker and also a certified Relationship Coach with a deep psychology background. In years of working with the most eligible single men and women, I have established myself as the premier, elite matchmaker for my unique niche.

If you have a hard time finding high caliber singles, hate wasting time on bad dates, frustrated about online dating, contact us at: xiaoli@eliteasianmatchmaker.com (925) 457-2969