November/December 2016

NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2016

VOLUME 26 | ISSUE 6

Dear Members and Friends: Feast your eyes on an inspiring winter garden scene. In December, we invite you to enjoy our Holiday Starlight Stroll. Visitors will enjoy holiday-themed activities during the day. As you stroll through the garden, you will be transported to a fantastical place of spectacular lights that brightens up the garden. We extended our hours to 7pm, seven days a week with occassional exceptions for private events. Please check our website for schedules and details.

The Japanese Friendship Garden recently installed additional LED lighting along the canyon pathway. In addition, we are replacing existing lights with LED bulbs as part of our commitment to green practices and energy saving. On your next visit, notice the newly planted azaleas in the lower garden. Azaleas have long been adored for their brightly colored flowers and outstanding form and foliage. They typically bloom in spring, their flowers often last several weeks. There’s nothing more beautiful than a flowering shrub in full bloom.

Japanese Friendship Garden Society of San Diego 2125 Park Blvd. San Diego, CA 92101 (619)232-2721 | www.niwa.org | jfgsd@niwa.org

10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival

Sat, March 7th (10am - 4pm) | Sun, March 8th (11am - 3pm)

Nonprofit Org. U.S. Postage PAID San Diego, CA Permit No. 2949

CHANGE SERVICE REQUESTED

JFG Members FREE Kids 6 & under FREE Non-members: $6 Adults, $5 Senior, Student, Military

Celebrate spring and the blooming of our cherry trees at the 10th Annual Cherry Blossom Festival!

SEE cultural entertainment and demos TASTE authentic Japanese street foods and drinks TRY fun crafts and kids activities SHOP unique gifts Enjoy samples from our Beer & Sake Garden sponsored by Asahi Beer and Gekkeikan Sake!

Bring your picnic blankets to enjoy Hanami, the Japanese tradition of cherry blossom viewing! **Food, beer and sake garden, and kid’s area tickets sold separately. In the event of severe weather, Festival will be cancelled. Please check our website for the latest information.

IN THIS ISSUE .

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Meet our New Chi Kung, Volunteer at the Garden, Eva Struble: Heavy Glass, JFG Compost Program

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Balboa Park Sustainability Award, JFG Starlight Stroll, Members Only Event, Coming of Age

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Calendar & Class Schedule Performances and Demonstrations

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Welcome Members, Donors

December Nights Yakisoba December Nights is around the corner. JFG celebrates December Nights by cooking delicious yakisoba, chicken teriyaki, and hot cider for Balboa Park visitors. Bring your family and friends to volunteer with us and be part of JFG’s annual tradition! December Nights is a fun opportunity to participate in the biggest holiday celebration in historic Balboa Park. This year, December Nights falls on Friday, December 2nd from 3pm to 11pm and Saturday, December 3 from 12pm to 11pm.

A BI-MONTHLY NEWSLETTER FOR THE MEMBERS AND VOLUNTEERS OF THE JAPANESE FRIENDSHIP GARDEN SOCIETY OF SAN DIEGO

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eet Our New Chi Kung Instructor

Christian Drugan is a Chi Kung Practioner deeply moved to help other find good health and peace of mind. He has practiced Chi Kung for 5 years and is ready to share this ancient healing art with you.

He started his path as a healer with massage therapy, where he learned how to listen to the needs of his body and the bodies of others. During this time he discovered Chi Kung and was forever changed by its ability to heal himself and those around him. Most people know him for his positive can do attitude and peaceful aura.

Now with a working knowledge of western and eastern alternative medicine he continues to work on bridging the gaps between the two worlds. Chi Kung is an ancient Chinese health care practice that integrates Physical postures, breath techniques and focused intentions. Chi Kung has often been called a moving meditation. The postures and movements are fun and gentle. Anybody at any age can practice Chi Kung. This class focuses on using breath to movement techniques for self-healing and cultivation of Chi energy. Chi is the vital life force that moves though us at all times. Kung means to practice mindfully.

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olunteer at the Garden!

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va Struble: Heavy Grass November 4th - January 22nd, 2017

The Japanese Friendship Garden presents the work of artist Eva Struble in the Inamori Pavilion. Struble‘s work in painting and printmaking are influenced by the cultural, political and physical landscapes where she lives.

”Heavy Grass” features a site-specific painted installation using gleaned material from garden for reuse. Eva Struble was born in Elsmere, Kentucky and received MFA in painting from Yale University in 2006. She has taught at San Diego State University since 2011.

Opening reception: November 4th 5pm-7pm. Admission $5, RSVP at registrar@niwa.org.

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FG Compost Program

At JFG, much of our garden green waste is composted.

The mature compost provides healthy soil for the plants.

When we compost our our organic waste, we create a rich and nutritious soil when mixed with clay soil. The process of mixing the two soils not only breaks up the native soil, but adds mineral nutrients which are then absorbed by the plants.

Join the JFG Volunteer Team today! The Garden always welcomes new volunteers and holds a volunteer orientation monthly. Sign up here! (http://signup. com/go/GvgLnu). Internships are available for students seeking school credit. Email your resume and cover letter to volunteer@niwa.org.

This month we’d like to highlight Yoko Kimizuka. Yoko has been volunteering at the Garden since April 2016 and has greatly contributed to the Garden’s programming! Her Kawaii Origami classes have been super successful and the last class was sold out! Yoko is also on her way to becoming a JFG docent. Thank you for all you do, Yoko!

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Furthermore, since the use of compost in our soil allows for better water absorption, this program will help to reduce our water usage. Not only will this program be beneficial to the larger environment: by reducing our waste usage and enriching the soil (this actually attracts a larger number of worm and insect life which is also good for the greater ecosystem), it will also allow us to maintain healthier plants and reduce our expenses. n the future, we hope to incorporate educational programming so that locals and visitors alike can learn to incorporate this practice in their homes. We’d like to give our Horticulture staff and volunteers a special thank you for making this program possible.

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alboa Park Sustainability Award

We are honored to report that we recently received the Balboa Park Sustainability Award. We were one of two recipients in 2016.

We received the award for our composting program. Through this program, we have begun to recycle our green waste, compost it, and re-use it to nourish our soil. The clay soil that is native to the Garden is very dense. This makes it difficult for plants to thrive because it is challenging for plants to absorb water and their roots to expand.

Through collaboration and ongoing communication, the Sustainability Program has developed a shared vision for “greening” Balboa Park.

It continues to advance solutions that will help protect Park resources and strengthen economic viability, while enhancing visitor experience and enjoyment.

The Balboa Park Sustainability Program is dedicated to the demonstration, measurement and promotion of sustainability best practices within the Partnership’s 28 member institutions in Balboa Park, San Diego. The Sustainability Partners’ Breakfast is the first ever Balboa Park Sustainability Awards. These awards recognized and honored Balboa Park institutions that completed innovative sustainability projects.

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FG Holiday Starlight Stroll

The Japanese Friendship Garden warmly invites you and your family to enjoy winter festivities here this December. The garden will be open to the public December 4th – 24th, 10am – 7pm (we may close early for special occasions) with decorative illumination to enjoy during the longer night hours.

Stay tuned for an upcoming schedule of activities that include cooking, origami ornaments, new year nengajo cards, decorative trees, and more. Concessions will be available for purchase within the Garden. Please check our website www. niwa.org for schedules and details.

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embers Only: Sake Appreciation & Tasting Event November 19, 2016

The Japanese Friendship Garden and Kuracali Sake & Beer Brewery are teaming up to offer an exclusive event for JFG members! The staff from Kuracali will be giving guests an overview on how to make sake, describing various qualities and tastes with samples!

The sake is crafted by hand from the Kuracali headquarters in San Marcos, which is the first sake-making facility in San Diego county.

Kuracali’s sake flavors range from Ginger, Mango, Pumpkin Spice, Habanero, and more! The event will be held at the Japanese Friendship Garden Reception Plaza (enter from our back gate) on Saturday, November 19 from 5pm to 7pm.

For tickets $20, Please RSVP to Nicole Garrison, JFG Membership Coordinator, at 619-232-3997 or membership@niwa.org by Monday, November 14, 2016.

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oming of Age Ceremony

January 8, 2017

Come join the JFG and celebrate the Seijin-shiki, the Coming of Age Ceremony. The event is a rite of passage for young adults between the ages of 17-20 years old.

The event is internationally themed and people of all backgrounds and

cultures are invited to attend. The program will include a reception, music, international fashion show and words of encouragement from a community leader. All ethnic attire is highly encouraged. Discounts may apply for larger groups. Please call for details.

More information at: www.niwa.org/comingofage.

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Calendar & Class Schedule

The Garden offers a unique variety of classes and demonstrations to all visitors. It is a vital part of our mission to provide educational programs that promote understanding of the Japanese heritage among people of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

Please call the office at (619) 232-2721 or email programs@niwa.org to register. Fees help to cover class expenses and support the Garden.

Cancellation Policy: Refunds are made only in the event of the Garden’s cancellation of the class.

Docent Tour Schedule

Please check the website for updated schedules Upper Garden 11am Sun, Mon, Thurs, Frid, Sat

Lower Garden

12pm/1pm Sun, Wed, Thur, Sat

Upper & Lower Garden 11/12 & 11/26

11am & 1:30pm (Upper), 12:30pm & 3pm (Lower) Public tours are FREE with admission-no registration necessary (Tours subject to cancellation, please verify schedule online or by phone )

Class Schedule Yoga classes

Date: Wednesdays (Gentle) & Thursdays (Hatha) Time: 9:00am – 10:00am Fee: $6 Members, $8 General Attend 5 classes and get the 6th Free) Description: Relax your body & calm the busy mind! Enjoy a mindful yoga class in the peaceful serenity of the Garden.

Practitioners of all levels are welcome. Please bring a mat & water, and avoid heavy foods before class.

Mornings can be cool, so dress in comfortable layers. The class will be held either at the koi pond or at the lower garden pavilion deck.

Please inquire at programs@niwa.org or 619.232.2722.

Instructor: Lisa Hampton (Wed),Timothy Weir Schultheis (Thu)

Sogetsu-style Ikebana Class (Tuesdays)

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Date: Every Tuesday Time: 9:30am – 11:30am Fee: $15 one session, $50 for four Description: This weekly Sogetsu School ikebana class is designed for a wide range of talents from novices to advanced students.

Please bring your own kenzan, a shallow container, Ikebana (gardening) scissors, flowers and branches.

Instructor: Yumi Rakers

Meditation (Tuesdays) (No class on 3rd Tuesday of each month)

Date: Every Tuesday except for 3rd Tuesday Time: 1pm - 2pm Fee: Free with admission Description: Meditation is a great tool for relaxation and peace of mind which also helps us deal with negative thoughts, emotions and situations. Your instructor will teach several techniques including breathing to guide you. Meditation will be held in front of the “Sekitei” (rock garden) viewing room. The bare simplicity of the raked white gravel and grey rocks absorbs our thoughts and is devoid of clutter. One is able to gaze without judgment, without criticism, nothingness, reaching the quietude of oneself.

Instructor: Yumi Rakers, R.Y.T.

Go Club (Wednesdays)

Date: Every Wednesday Time: 3pm – 4:30pm Fee: Free with Admission Description: Go, the national game of Japan, is the oldest board game in the world. This introductory class is intended for students, but all are welcome to attend. Classes are typically held in the Activity Center. Each class will include instruction and time for individual games.

Instructor: Ted Terpstra

Craft Club (First Mondays)

Time: 10am -12pm Fee: $10 General (annual fee) Description: The craft club meets the first Monday of each month.

Each session, the group makes unique items which the Garden offers for sale at the main entrance. The crafts include book markers, note cards, and gift cards.

Japanese Language Class

Date &Time: Nov 10-Dec 22, 6pm – 7:30pm Fee: $199 for 6 classes, $125 material & registration Fee Berlitz interactive class for beginning adults. Students learn Japanese through speaking it. Students speak at least 50% of class time through language immersion. Register online! www.niwa.org/language-class

November Cooking Class

Date &Time: Nov 5, 12, 19 10:30am – 12pm Fee: $25 Package A (1 adult, 1 child),$30 Package B (1 adult, 2 children) ,$40 Package C (2 adults, 1 or 2 children) Instructor: Rachel Filtz See website www.niwa.org/cooking

SHICHI GO SAN

Date &Time: Nov 12, 13, & 19 | 9am – 4pm Fee: Garden Members: $110 per child (10% sibling discount applies), $150 per adult Non-Members: $120 per child (10% sibling discount applies), $160 per adult Description: Shichi-Go-San (meaning 7-5-3) is one of the most widely practiced traditions in Japan. Girls of age three and seven years old and boys of age three and five years old will be celebrated for the wellbeing and growth in traditional kimonos and photographed in our beautiful Garden.

Please register at www.niwa.org/753.

Cultural Demonstration & Performances UrasenkeTea Ceremony Demonstration Date & Time: Saturdays Nov 5 at 1pm & 2pm Nov 8 at 11:30am Fee: Free with admission Location: Exhibit Hall Instructor: Urasenke San Diego Association

Corporate Memberships We now offer membership levels for your entire workplace! Corporate Membership with the Japanese Friendship Garden is the perfect way to reward employees, encourage team building, and foster cultural understanding. There are five corporate levels featuring benefits such as: yearlong memberships for employees and their families, corporate recognition in our newsletter and website, tickets to JFG’s Annual Gala, discounts on corporate events and more!

If you’re looking for an exceptional wellness benefit package for your company, contact Nicole Garrison, JFG Membership Coordinator at 619-232-3997 or visit our website at: http://www.niwa.org/ corporate-membership-levels-and-benefits for more information.

Thank you to our Donors Kengo Yamamoto Community Service Association Karen Stephens Buddhist Temple of San Diego San Diego Foundation-Thomas C. and Lilyan B. Frank

Koto & Shakuhachi (Saturday)

Date & Time : Nov 12, 1pm-2pm Free with admission Musicians: Kyoko Takeda (koto) & Jon Crick (shakuhachi)

Tibetan Bowl Concert with Diane Mandle

Date &Time: January 29 (Sunday) 5pm Fee: $15 Pre-sale, $20 at the door An intense transformational sound immersion with Tibetan Bowls, Bells, Planetary Gong, and Percussion. www.niwa.org/ soundenergy

JFG Programs partly funded by

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Welcome NEW Members

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Alan and Gina Walstad Alejandro and Berenice Picazo Alejandro Negron Alex Tirazona Alexander and Tanner Marker Alexis Abille Alicia and Pablo Moreno Amy and Steve Fritzenkotter An Gia and Chau Minh Vu Anaymee and Benny Cifuentes Angel and Kathy Day Angel Rhea Angela and Isaac Choong Anita Meyer Anna Visciano Anthony Johnson Aprile and John Gampel Arnold and Curtis Tan Ashley and Robert Mitchell Barbara Felix Ben and Robin Dishman Bethany and Daniel Neubarth Brad and Thao Peddigrew Brandon and Christine Walker Brian Perks Brian Snyder Bryan and David Lee Caden Gossard Camryn Mccurdie Candy and Young Vanderhoff Caren and Michael Barnes Carol and Stephen Cross Cary and Nancy Prescott Catherine Harriss Charlene Kung Chelsea and Joshua Bell Chris and Tina Stone Christine and Karen Anderson Christopher Smith Clarissa and Jason Jose Cleo Van Doren Collette Parr Cynthia and Brian Snyder Cynthia and Colin Craft Cynthia Guider Daniel & Angelique Villasenor David and Denise Ector David and Elizabeth Froman David and Mark Austin David and Michelle Everson Dean Delibertis Debi Lee Deidra Krutop Delia Risbrough Denise Agostini Dennis Nicely Derek and Christine Tran Donna and Didier Balmat-Jantz Donna and Peter Mallen Donna Tang Ed and Donna Jimenez Ed and Ellen Offstein Edward and Kiyomi Denion Eiko Hollowell

Elinor Merl Elizabeth and Jeremy Young Elmer and Brenda Araiza Eric and David Faunce Erica Westcott Erik and Aiying Blime Erin Grimes Estelle Arens Esther and Matthew Doyle Esther Kirchheimer Evelin Ruppert Evelynne Chavarria Frances and Anna Starling Frances Pascual Frank and Thomas Camacho Fumi Nakatani Gabriela Macias Gary and Barbara Schacker Gary and Cutler Skaggs Gary Wollberg Geoff Houston Gerald and Michelle Paine Gordon and Claudia Anderson Grazyna and Michael Waters Gregor and Caridad Andree Hadeah & Alexander Chamberlain Heather and Jeremy Anderson Heather & Sherman Blinn-Smith Heather Cook Heather Murray Ian and Karen Sinks Irene and Naum Levinson Irene and Stephen Gramaglia Jack and Cathy King James and Susan Kenny Jamil and Noren Padcayan Janice and Manuel Martinelli Jean Vitale Jenna and Kevin Trovalli Jennifer and Ken Rick Jenny Baker Jessica and Daniel Snyder Jessica and Linda Battaglia Jill and Chris White Jill and Steve Kaplan John and Aulivia Lopez John and Heidi Ann Wagner John and Melanie Hartzell John Griffin John Perry Jose Saavedra Judith Springer Judy and Victor Alvarez-Gallardo Judy Johnston Julia and Mark Heying Julia Davenport Julia Goltsman Kaity and Chris Sakurai Karel and Linda Hanson Karen and Caitlin Curl Karen Scott Karen Sova Karla and Angie Lloyd Karla and Erick Luna

Kate and Aldo Needham Kathy and Reuben Farris Kathy Helling Kelly and Miranda Tamaya Kerry and Nathaniel Schlossberg Khalid Taha Kim Kirkpatrick Kim Murphy Koa and Catherine Nuuhiwa Kris and Kathy MacLennan Krista Kuhlman Kristen and Nikki Mays Larry and Jane Ledford Leah and Vanessa Simpson Leah Curtis Lelde and Centurio Kalnina Leonard and Tasha Johnson Leslie and Liz Hudak Linda and Ben Chmielewski Linda and Marek Groat Linda and William Krauss Lisa Rothstein Lucien and Yvonne Niang Luis and Maria Nuno Lyndi and Tony Logan Malini Thiagarajan Marc and Darlynne Menkin Marc Greenfield Marcia and Floyd Forman Fronius Margaret Krause Mari Krueger Maria Danilychev Maribeth Condon Marie and John Ohle Marie Keech Mariko and Damian Cavey Marilyn and Ken Tripp Marilyn W Marjorie Haubry Mark and Nancy Urata Mark Woh Marlo and Mario Ramirez Martha Minney Mary and Mark Womack Mary and Teruko Witztum Mary Houle Mary Lomtadze Megan and Jordan Young Meiling and Jerry Hager Melissa and Lindsay Hake Melissa and Ron Marcy Michael and Michelle Hijar Michael Cameron Michelle Paine Michiko Smith Minji Park Morris and Heather Hooten Muff Warren Murray and Michiko Smith Nan Katona Nancy and Eric Vogel Nanda Ferreira Nantawan and Jonathan McLeod Naomi and Matt Itaya

Nick Rhea Nicole and Neela Stone Niki Krutop Nimer Saikaly Noonie and Craig Thibodeau Nora and Monique Zuazo Olga and Alexander Kaganov Olivia and Matt Cecchettini Pam and Gordon Adler Pamela and William Burns Patricia and Christina Ramirez Patricia Carte Paulo and Chris Metts Petra Oslender Primo and Ilona Vannicelli Rachel and Daniel Kanter Raghu Rau Rebekah and Logan Zinser Robert and Shirley Fleischaker Robert Deutsch Roberta Basser Rod and Joan Murcray Roxanne and David Hersh Russell Hollowell Sahar and Matt Abunadi Sam and Sophia Sprague Samantha and Jane Schlosberg Samantha and Justin Leeper Sandra Francour Sarah and Geoff Houston Sarka and Mehmet Ugur Sarra Smith Sergio and Carmen Salgado Shelley and Michael Herron Sheri Hayes Shizuka Baker Steve and Mary Scott Suhaila Devidasi Susan Kenny Suzanne and Steven Gale Suzy and Sebastian Cudmore Tanya Olivares Tara Beth Palmer Teresa Patchill Terra David Terri Croft Theresa and Robert Kim Tommie and V.C. Jackson Tricia Martinelli Trina and Victor Gutierrez Tung and Deborah Koh V.C. Groves Valerie and Marc Harada Veronica and Hector Hoyo Victor Gallardo W and C Damkoehler Warren and Iris Williams

Wendy Goldman William Payne

William Edick Yoko Kimizuka Zahlia Cronce-King Zhongyue and He Lin Zoe Thomas

Japanese Friendship Garden Board and Staff Board of Directors Dr. Hiroko Johnson Mike Kawamura Roy Muraoka Tad Muraoka Arthur Nishioka

Dr. Thelma Press Justin Rennilson Marilyn Travaglini Dennis Otsuji

Executive Committee

Dennis Otsuji, President Dr. Thelma Press, 1st Vice President Mike Kawamura, 2nd Vice President Arthur Nishioka, Treasurer Tad Muraoka, Secretary

Advisory Board Richard Davis Maurice Kawashima Michael Kinoshita Rod Lanthorne

Larry Marshall Ed McDaniel Ken Muraoka Miyo Reff

Executive Director Luanne Kanzawa Administration (619) 232-2721 Operations Assistant Marisa Rodriguez (ext. 1503) Events & Marketing Coordinator Christina Zakimi (ext 1500) Program Coordinator Frederic Hewett (ext.1505) Registrar & Exhibit Coordinator Emiko Scudder (ext. 1504) Membership & Fund Development Coordinator Nicole Garrison (ext. 1502)

Contact Us: For more information about these events please call the Garden at (619) 232-2721.

Garden Hours: Monday-Sunday 10am-7pm (Last entry 6:00pm)

The Garden may close early for special events, please visit our website for more information.

The NIWA is written and produced by staff and volunteers of the Japanese Friendship Garden. For more information about becoming a volunteer or comments for the NIWA, please contact the

Outreach Coordinator at: (619) 232-2721 ext. 1501 or volunteer@niwa.org To join our email list contact: events-mktg@niwa.org

Follow us on the web: Website: www.niwa.org Twitter: www.twitter.com/japanesegarden Facebook: www.facebook.com/SanKeiEn Instagram: instagram@japanesefriendshipgarden Blog: www.japanesefriendshipgarden.blogspot.com

Outreach Coordinator & Grant Writer Olga Cortes (ext. 1501) Senior Gardener Paul Johnson Facilities Manager Javier Palacios Head Gardener Benancio Carreno headgardener@niwa.org

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