JETAA Technology Regional Conference – Jan 29-31 (Portland, OR)
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This is going on this weekend! Follow updates on the official website and also via Twitter: http://twitter.com/jetaarc
FYI, JETAA Portland will be hosting a very unique and cool JET Alumni Conference at the end of January that is intended to focus specifically on technology issues and challenges facing JET alumni chapters.
A blog/website has been set up for the JETAA Technology Regional Conference at http://regionalconference.jetaaportland.com if you’d like to see what’s going on and perhaps even find ways to contribute.
Contact US Chapter Representative Ryan Hart with any questions at us1.jetaausa [at] yahoo.com.
Brainstorm Crew: Request for article writers from JQ Editor Justin Tedaldi
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The latest issue of JQ (JETAA NY Quarterly) Magazine has hit the stands, and now Editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2000-01) working on the next issue and seeking writers. Read on for more info. (It also actually stands on its own as a great list of JET-relevant things and interesting JET alums.)
Hi, Brainstorm Crew!
Hope everyone’s enjoying the start of the new year (a link to JQ’s current issue is here in case you haven’t seen it yet, thanks always for your contributions and ideas and feel to link the new issue to your own sites/blogs to promote us). Below are the story ideas needing takers for our March 2010 issue and beyond. De wa…
Deadlines are as follows:
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5: Registering a story assignment with me at magazine@jetaany.org, or pitching an idea of your own for approval. All suggestions are welcome. We’ve been picking up more new writers with each issue, and I encourage all first-timers whether you consider yourself a seasoned writer or not. (Just mind the deadlines!)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 14: Deadline for submitting a final draft of your story. Extensions will be granted on a case-by-case basis, less so for new writers.
I would also greatly appreciate added assistance with the following:
AD SALES CALLS: More sales means more JETAANY-sponsored events. It takes under two minutes to get an answer in most cases. Write for more info.
COPY EDITING/PROOFREADING: For those of you who like reading this thing cover to cover. Multiple times.
YOUR OWN STORY IDEAS: Anything’s fair game! Some of our most interesting material comes from suggestions from our more dedicated readers.
Now the fun stuff. Below are the story ideas. Thanks for reading and providing your support, and e-mail at magazine@jetaany.org with any other questions/ideas.
**************************************
CONSULATE GENERAL JAPAN CARAVAN
This is a decade-plus program run by New York’s Consulate General of Japan that sends consulate staff (American and Japanese) to New York high schools and junior high schools to introduce students to Japanese culture. Earlier this month, I participated as a volunteer and enjoyed taking part in a Q&A with a very enthusiastic anime/manga club and faculty. The purpose of this article will be to increase awareness of the program so more JETAA members can get involved.
ASIA SOCIETY
Earlier this month NYC’s Asia Society held a concert called “Hogaku,” or Japanese folk instruments played with modern flair. We’ve never profiled Asia Society, so this would be a great time to find out more about how they select their Japanese attractions and exhibitions. www.asiasociety.org
TENRI CULTURAL INSTITUTE
Tenri Cultural Institute is a non-profit organization with a mission to promote the study of Japanese language and the appreciation of international art forms. Based in Greenwich Village, it also houses the Tenrikyo Church, which has its own interesting history. http://www.tenri.org/
Japan Nite 2010 at Bowery Ballroom
Annual concert featuring indie acts from Japan. This year’s edition will be held Sunday, 3/21 at Bowery Ballroom. I’m looking for a preview piece con the history of the festival with quotes from either members of one of the groups or the promoters. (Info for all acts at ticket homepage below.
Lineup: Red Bacteria Vacuum / Omodaka / JinnnyOops! / Okamato’s
http://www.boweryballroom.com/event/4053
Japan Society’s Spring 2010 Performing Arts Schedule
This season features kyogen, live theater and music. Am open to profiles/reviews of any of the following listed at the page below.
http://www.japansociety.org/performingarts
Exhibit: Kuniyoshi Monster Prints at Japan Society – PREVIEW OR REVIEW
Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters: Japanese Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from the Arthur R. Miller Collection, March 12-June 13, 2010, at Japan Society Gallery
Thrashing sea creatures, samurai warriors, and a giant, looming skeleton are among the distinguishing subjects of the brashest of Japan’s Ukiyo-e masters, Utagawa Kuniyoshi (1797–1861), whose populist oeuvre is to be presented by Japan Society Gallery from March 12 to June 13, 2010.
Fresh from its spring 2009 showing at London’s Royal Academy of Arts, where it was the surprise smash hit of the season, Graphic Heroes, Magic Monsters: Japanese Prints by Utagawa Kuniyoshi from the Arthur R. Miller Collection marks the first major exhibition of Kuniyoshi’s work in the United States in nearly 30 years. The exhibition has been organized by the Royal Academy in collaboration with Arthur R. Miller and The British Museum. The vast majority of the 150 color woodblock prints on display are from the Arthur R. Miller Collection, New York, generously loaned to Japan Society by the American Friends of the British Museum.
ISSHONI LONDON – JET Alum Vanessa Villalobos
London JET alum’s blog: events, news, review and interviews. I met her back in December and this would be a good Q&A piece for any JETs wanting to learn more about how our alumni groups operate overseas.
http://www.isshonilondon.co.uk/
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isshoni-London/119415767689
http://twitter.com/IsshoniVanessa
JQ Magazine’s Winter 2010 “Food and Film” Issue Is Out Now!
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JQ Editor Justin Tedaldi (CIR Kobe-shi, 2001-02) has worked hard to put out another fantastic issue of JETAA NY Quarterly Magazine (aka JQ). O-tsukare sama deshita, Justin-san!
Start the decade off right!JAN/FEB 2010 ISSUE: Click image below for our homepage
Click here to SUBSCRIBE via PayPal
Editor: Justin Tedaldi – magazine@jetaany.org
JAN/FEB 2010 TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page 3……..Letter From the Editor / Letter From the Secretary
Page 4……..Nippon News Blotter / JetWit Baby
Page 5……..Peace Corps Calls Out to JETs by Marea Pariser
Page 6……..Gearing Up for Grad School by Aly Woolfrey
Page 6……..At the ISE Cultural Gallery by Michael Glumac
Page 7……..Harumi Kurihara: The JQ Interview by Yukari Sakamoto
Page 8……..Nihonjin in New York – Featuring Filmmaker Takayuki Tanaka by Stacy Smith
Page 9……..Lisa Katayama on 2-D Love, Japan Pop by Crystal Wong
Page 9……..The Legacy of Tokyo Story by David Kowalsky
Page 10……JETlog – Featuring John Ellis-Guardiola
Page 10……The Language(s) of Love: Wendy Nelson Tokunaga by Nichole Knight
Page 11…….Bridge Building with Filmmaker Aaron Woolfolk by Lyle Sylvander
Page 12……The Funny Page
JETAA Chapter Beat 1.27.10
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Happy Hour – Friday, January 29th, 6:00 at Fleming’s. Join NEJETAA for their first happy hour of the new year this Friday.
- Career Workshop – Wednesday, February 17th NEJETAA will be holding it’s career workshop for JET alumni. This year’s theme is, “Marketing Yourself in a Tough Economy,” so come on out and get a leg up on that new career. Location and times to be announced.
- Eugene Subchapter Event – Friday, January 29th, 7:00 at Sakura Japanese Restaurant. Spend the evening out with the JETAA Eugene Subchapter group this Friday night.
- Technology Regional Conference – January 29th through the 31st at the Mark Spencer Hotel. JETAA Portland is hosting a regional conference on “Technology and Implementation” to discuss technology and how it can benefit all JETAA Chapters around the world.
- J-Lunch – Friday, February 5th, 12:00 at Thai Kingdom. Come share your love of Japan over lunch with others in the DC area.
- Happy Hour – Tuesday, February 16th, 5:30 at the Hawk and Dove. Get together and share some laughs with the group in DC.
- JBook Meeting – Monday, February 22nd, 6:30 at a location yet to be determined. This month’s selection will be “The Makioka Sisters” by Junichiro Tanizaki.
- Kaiwa – Thursday, January 28th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- Family Okonomiyaki BBQ – Sunday, February 21st, 11:30 at Synergy Parkland in Kings Park. Free BBQ and soft drinks in the park, as well as dessert and watermelon provided by the Consulate General. Spend the day outdoors and catch up with old friends.
- Japanese Conversation Club – Thursday, January 28th, 6:30 to 8:30 at 1424 Weller St. JCCCW is extending a special invitation to JETAA members who are interested in a conversation get together.
- Shakuhachi Workshop – Saturday, February 6th, 1:00 to 4:00 at the Renfrew Park Community Centre. Mr. Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos will be performing a musical workshop on the Shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. Participants will learn how to play and will receive their very own hand carved flute made by Mr. Ramos himself.
- Come-and-Try Gateball Day – Sunday, January 31st, 3:30 at the Canberra Croquet Club. JETAA Canberra is hosting its annual Come-and-Try Gateball afternoon. Come try your hand at this little-known Japanese sport.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, February 3rd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just contact Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA Chapter Beat Shinnenkai Special
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for a special edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
明けましておめでとうございます！Chapter Beat is back after a short hiatus with this 新年会 special. Check it out and find out where the party is happening near you.
- Saturday, January 23rd, 6:00 at Caesar’s Italian Restaurant.
- Saturday, January 30th, 6:00 in Houston. Celebrate the new year with good food, music, games and your friends at JETAA Texoma. This event will be potluck style, so don’t forget a tasty treat for everyone.
- Friday, February 5th at Coo Izakaya in Civic.
- Sunday, January 31st, 5:00 to 7:00 at a Japanese Restaurant as yet to be determined.
- Japan Young Professionals Shinnenkai – Tuesday, January 26th, 6:00 at V Bar. The JYPG is hosting its first networking event of the new year, don’t miss it.
- JETAA Shinnenkai – The new year celebration happens on February 19th, so mark your calendar now. More details to follow for this night of food, fun and festivities.
- Saturday, January 30th, 6:00 at the Unitrin Building. The 7th annual new year’s celebration kicks off in two weeks with food, games, Japanese music, gyotaku fish painting and more.
- Saturday, January 30th, 7:00 at Naniwa. Usher in the new year with all you can eat shabu shabu and all you can drink beer and sake with your friends at JETAANY.
- Tampa Subchapter – Sunday, January 24th, 5:30 in Tampa. Get together with alumni and friends to celebrate the new year.
- Saturday, January 30th, 7:00 at the Portland City Grill. This year’s Shinnenkai is being combined with the Sautrday evening regional conference reception hosted by CLAIR, so join in for some fun, food and prizes.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA Chapter Beat 1.19.10
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- East Bay Nomikai – Thursday, January 21st, 6:00 at Ozumo. Join the JETAA NC group at Ozumo’s sake lounge in welc
- Free Kaiwa Class – Starting January 27th, every Wednesday from 6:30 to 8:00 at Golden Gate University, the Consulate General of Japan, San Francisco and the JET Alumni Association of Northern California are sponsoring a free Japanese conversation class. Take advantage of this generous opportunity and brush up on those rusty Japanese skills.
- Super Bowl Hike – Sunday, February 7th, 10:00 at the Greek Theatre. Get a little fresh air and exercise before the game, and join JETAASC for a hike from teh Greek Theatre to the Griffith Observatory.
- Upcoming Member’s Retreat – JETAASC is planning a member’s retreat in Big Bear in February. Expected dates are from Friday, February 19th through Sunday the 21st, more details to come.
- Shakuhachi Workshop – Saturday, February 6th, 1:00 to 4:00 at the Renfrew Park Community Centre. Mr. Alcvin Ryuzen Ramos will be performing a musical workshop on the Shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. Participants will learn how to play and will receive their very own hand carved flute made by Mr. Ramos himself.
- New Year’s Cooking Class – Saturday, January 23rd, 11:45 at the National Nikkei Heritage. Learn to make authentic Japanese Shogatsu food with Naomi-sensei, including four different recipes and a dessert.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, February 3rd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Nihongo Dake Happy Hour – Monday, January 25th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Dust off that Japanese vocabulary and come out for a night of fun with PNWJETAA.
- Happy Hour – Thursday, January 21 st, 5:30 at Bar Louie. Get together and share some laughs with the group in DC.
- Snowboarding Trip – February 26th – 28th in Killington, Vermont. Alumni, family and friends are welcome to join in on this weekend of skiing and snowboarding up in Vermont.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
Any JET alums in Delaware?
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I stopped by the CLAIR-NY office yesterday (which is the de facto JETAA NY headquarters), and was asked by Taichi Hanzawa (one of the JETAA USA & Canada Liaisons) if I know of any JET alums in Delaware.
I know we have an increasingly active JETAA Philadelphia sub-chapter. But I don’t know of any JET alums by name who live in Delaware.
So, if you are a Delaware-based JET alum, or if you know of any, I’d love to hear from you. Just e-mail Steven at jetwit [at] jetwit [dot] com.
Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
Writing opportunity: JETAA Pacific Northwest Newsletter seeks submissions!
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This just in from JETAA Pacific Northwest:
With the Holiday Season and the cold Northwest winter upon us, PNWJETAA is putting together our annual newsletter. Every year, we welcome any contribution our members can make, and would love to hear from you. From the tribulations of Climbing Mt. Fuji, to the observations of a friend-of-jet observing the dynamics of the JETAA crowd from afar, any and all submissions are welcome, and appreciated! This newsletter is a chance to showcase the talents of our diverse alumni, and it is only through contributions from members like you can we make it a success!
The Due Date for this year is Sunday, December 20th, as we plan on having these puppies in the mail by the start of the new year! Please send your articles, prose, photos, stories, haiku, art etc. to:
pnwjetaa.mediacoordinator [/at/] gmail.com
…and direct any questions you may have to the same address. We are looking forward to your work!
All the best, and Happy Holidays!
Ben Erickson- PNWJETAA Media Coordinator and the rest of your PNWJETAA Officers
JETAA Chapter Beat 12.3.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- Nomikai in December, Special Happy Hour Fundraiser – Monday, December 14th, 6:00 to 8:00 at Sports Basement. Join JETAANC for a special fundraiser on Monday night. Free drinks, snacks and a 10% discount on all your holiday shopping are just a part of this fun event. Tell your friends and make sure to RSVP.
- 26th Japanese Discussion Group’s – Saturday, December 5th, 3:00 in the Inner Sunset area of San Francisco. This month is Education Month for the Japanese Discussion Group, and the first topic will focus on infant/toddler parenting differences in Japan and the West.
- Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, December 4th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.
- 2009 Bounenkai – Friday, December 4th, 6:30 at Kaname. Buffet style dining, Wii karaoke, and good friends–what better way to send off 2009 and welcome in 2010.
- Seattle-Kobe Holiday Party – Sunday, December 6th, 4:00 to 8:00 at the Pt Edwards Club House in Edmonds. Join the Seattle-Kobe Sister City Association for their annual holiday potluck dinner.
- JBook Meeting – Monday, December 14th, 6:30. This month’s book club meeting will focus on Jake Adelstein’s book “Tokyo Vice: An American Reported on the Police Beat in Japan,” an interesting look at organized crime in Tokyo in the 1990s. Start reading now.
- Bounenkai – Sunday, December 13th, 5:00 at Tono Sushi. Join JETAADC in bidding farewell to 2009 and welcoming the new year with food, games and good friends.
- Japanese Cuisine and Karaoke Social – December 5th, 6:30 at Tokyo Marina. Come out and join the Chicago JETs for some sushi, nabe and other Japanese cuisine followed by a night of karaoke at Lincoln Karaoke at 9:00.
- San Diego Subchapter Yokohama Sister City Holiday Party – Sunday, December 13th, 11:30 at the Bahia Resort Hotel. The San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society is putting on a holiday party, so join JET San Diego and share in the upcoming festivities.
- JETAA SC Bounenkai – Saturday, December 12th, 6:00 at the Brodard Chateau in Garden Grove. Celebrate the end of 2009 with JETAASC. Participate in the Secret Santa exchange and stick around for the Nijikai afterwards.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA Chicago Elects New Officers
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JETAA Chicago 2009-2010 Officer Election Results
- President: Robert Corder
- Vice President: Christine O’Reilly
- Secretary: Sarah Miller
- Treasurer: Thomas Osugi
- Social/Sports Coordinator: Parry Koriath
- Community Outreach Coordinator: Kristin Kutella
- Technology Chair: Kevin Greene
O-medetou gozaimashita! Yoroshiku onegaishimasu!
JETAA Chicago Website: http://www.chicago.jetalumni.net/
Sign of the Times: JET alum works to save language programs in Fairfax, VA schools from budget cuts
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The following request was posted to the JETAA DC yahoogroup by JET alum Tina Meek (Saitama-ken, 1990-92):
I’m co-leading an advocacy called Fairfax FLAGS (Foreign Language Advocacy for Grade Schools), which is working to save its elementary school foreign language programs, currently at risk of elimination due to Fairfax County schools‘ budget crisis.
All 13 language immersion & 32 FLES (foreign language in the elementary school) programs are on the chopping block. This includes the amazing Japanese immersion programs at Great Falls, Floris and Fox Mill Elementary (where my daughters easily learn the language I struggled with during my JET years!).
We are asking as many people as possible to write letters/emails or make phone calls on the importance of early foreign language programs to Fairfax County Supervisors, Chairman Sharon Bulova, Fairfax County Public School Board Members & Superintendent Jack Dale.
Contact information & talking points are on our website at www.fairfaxflags.org. We also have a Fairfax FLAGS Group on Facebook if you’d like to support or join our cause.
Feel free to contact me for information, especially if you went through any of Fairfax County’s language immersion programs. We’re seeking testimonials!
Loss of these programs would be a huge step backward for Fairfax County (currently a role model for early foreign language).
Thank you,
Tina Meek (Saitama-ken, Urawa-shi, 1990-92)
tina.meek [/at/] yahoo [/dot/] com
JETAA Chapter Beat 11.20.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- O-Shaberikai – Wednesday, December 2nd, 5:30 at the Holy Grail in Civic. Join in and meet Japanese people living in Canberra and other locals interested in Japan.
- Cherry Picking Trip – Sunday, December 6th in Young, New South Wales. Spend the day in the country, stopping in the small town of Young for lunch and cherry picking. Cost is free except for any cherries you want to take home.
- Western Michigan Subchapter Get Together – Friday, November 20th, 7:00 at Harper’s Bar & Grill. Calling all folks in Western Michigan for this JETAA Great Lakes Subchapter event tonight! Meet the new officers and get together with friends old and new.
- San Diego Subchapter Yokohama Sister City Holiday Party – Sunday, December 13th, 11:30 at the Bahia Resort Hotel. The San Diego Yokohama Sister City Society is putting on a holiday party, so join JET San Diego and share in the upcoming festivities.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, November 21st, 6:00 in Cerritos. Eat, drink and brush up on your Japanese with the return of the JETAASC Nihongo Dake Dinner.
- Thanksgiving Sunday Hike – Sunday, November 29th, 10:00 on the “Rain Forest Trail.” Work off those holiday pounds with some time outdoors with JETAASC, weather permitting.
- JETAA SC Bounenkai – Saturday, December 12th. Details coming soon, stay tuned.
- 2009 Bounenkai – Friday, December 4th, 6:30 at Kaname. Buffet style dining, Wii karaoke, and good friends–what better way to send off 2009 and welcome in 2010.
- 2009 Bounenkai and Quarterly Meeting – Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30 at the Cha-an Tea House. Join JETAA New York in marking the close of 2009. A small welcoming for the newly elected members to the Board of directors and farewells for the outgoing members will also take place.
- Book Club Meeting – Tuesday, December 8th, 7:00. This month’s discussion centers around Yoko Ogawa’s “The Diving Pool.” Don’t forget to bring some discussion questions for the group.
- 2009 Bounenkai – Saturday, December 5th, 6:00 at Bush Garden. Get together with old friends and bid farewell to 2009. Karaoke to follow the event, so don’t miss out.
- “Japan Through Our Eyes,” JETAA DC Photo Exhibit – Thursday, December 3rd, 6:30 at the Embassy of Japan’s Japan Information & Culture Center. Experience Japan and the JET Programme again through pictures taken and submitted by former JET participants. Stop by Thursday for an opening lecture and reception.
- JBook Meeting – Monday, December 14th, 6:30. This month’s book club meeting will focus on Jake Adelstein’s book “Tokyo Vice: An American Reported on the Police Beat in Japan,” an interesting look at organized crime in Tokyo in the 1990s. Start reading now.
- JETAA Chicago Social – December 5th, 6:30 at Tokyo Marina. Come out and join the Chicago JETs for some sushi, nabe and other Japanese cuisine followed by a night of karaoke.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
JETAA New York Board Election Results
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Omedetou gozaimashita to JETAA New York on electing its new Board members!
A little bit of context: JETAA NY became a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit entity not too long ago and as a result is required to have a Board of Directors. The first Board was appointed, so this year was the first year that JETAA NY held elections for some positions on the Board. And here are the results:
Each of the newly elected members will serve a two year term.
New Board Members
- Randall David Cook
- Clara Solomon
- Steven Horowitz
- Kia Cheleen
Reelected Board Members
- Shannan Spisak
- Katrina Barnas
Current Board Members
- Evan Hyman
- Sara Beinert
- Josh Saifer
- Megan Miller
JETAA Pittsburgh subchapter ganbatte!
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Just received a subarashii email from Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07) who is part of an effort to revitalize JET alum activities in Pittsburgh-shi (which is officially part of the JETAA New York chapter). JetWit wants to say good luck to “yins guys” (that’s Pittsburgh-ben, fyi :-) and keep us updated on how everything is going.
A small but determined group of us in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA are attempting to jump-start the JETAA – New York sub-chapter here. We’re located kind of in the middle of a rough triangle composed of New York, Washington DC, and Detroit (all of which are at 200-400 miles away), and would like to restart the subchapter to establish a local JETAA presence, form ties with the Japanese community, and spread awareness of the JET Programme.
In the last couple of weeks, we’ve gotten official permission from JETAANY and established affiliations with the Japan-America Society of Pennsylvania and the Asian Studies Center at the University of Pittsburgh, and we’re currently in the process of choosing officers and getting the word out. (We’ll be putting up a website in the near future, too.) At the moment, we know we’ll be hosting a Nihongo Dake dinner (date/time/location TBA) and quarterly events/meetups.
Like other JETAA chapters, we’re open to all JET alums, prospective applicants, and any friends of the JET Programme. We’re based in western PA, but people in neighboring areas who are also too far from their regional JETAA chapters to participate actively (eastern Ohio, West Virginia, etc.) are welcome to join us.
Any interested parties can send an e-mail to pittsburghrep [/at/] jetaany [/dot/] org.
Smitha Prasadh (Tokushima-ken, 2005-07)
Note: JetWit just checked out Smitha’s website (http://skprasadh.com) and realized that Smitha also does sugoi design work (graphic and web), illustrations and photography.
JETAA Chapter Beat 11.5.09
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Freelance writer/editor Jonathan Trace (Fukuoka-ken, 2005-08) takes us on a walk around the JET Alumni community for another edition of JETAA Chapter Beat.
- J-Kaiwa – Friday, November 6th, 7:00 at Hawthorne Lucky Lab. Practice your Japanese and spend the night out with friends at this month’s J-Kaiwa. A nijikai at Hollywood bowl will follow the event for any interested.
- Career Panel 2009 – Thursday, November 12th, 7:00 to 9:30 at Portland State University, Smith Hall room 296. Make contacts, explore the possibility of continuing education and start your job search off right with the folks at JETAA Portland.
- First Ever Eugene Subchapter Event – Saturday, November 14th, 1:00 at Toshi’s Ramen. Newly forming Eugene Subchapter is having its first event over a bowl of ramen. Don’t miss it.
- Volunteer at the JRA Food Festival – Sunday, November 15th, 9:00 to 5:00 at the Kyoto Grand Hotel in Little Tokyo. The Japanese Restaurant Association is holding its annual Food Festival and is looking for volunteers to help out selling tickets, checking ID and serving food among other duties. Help out and share in the fun.
- Nihongo Dake Dinner – Saturday, November 21st, 6:00 in Cerritos. Eat, drink and brush up on your Japanese with the return of the JETAASC Nihongo Dake Dinner.
- Japanese School in Perth’s Bunkasai – Saturday, November 7th, 9:30 A.M. at the Japanese School in Perth. JETAAWA will have a booth selling gyoza and drinks, so drop on by and share in a celebration of Japanese culture.
- Kaiwa – Thursday, November 5th and 19th, 5:30 at 43 Below. Practice your Japanese with old friends and some tasty snacks.
- Asia Society Texas Center Young Professionals Mixer – Thursday, November 12th, 5:30 at Arturo’s Uptown Italiano. JET Alumni have been invited to this month’s mixer. Make contacts, see old friends and enjoy a night out with JETAA Texoma.
- Happy Hour – Tuesday, November 10th, 5:00 to 8:00 at Momo’s Sports Bar. Come on out and relax with the JETAADC gang after a long day.
- Orlando Japan Festival – Sunday, November 8th, 12:00 in Hunters Creek Village. Share in the festivities with JETAA Florida and experience this exciting event. Karaoke to follow if enough people are interested.
- Tampa Subchapter Tsudoi – Friday, November 6th, 7:00 at Panera Bread in the Brandon Mall. The Tampa Subchapter will be hosting their monthly Tsudoi, an informal time for anyone interested in Japanese and Japanese culture.
- Happy Hour – Friday, November 6th, 6:00 at Wann Izakaya. Relax after a long week of work with the gang at PNWJETAA.
What happened at your chapter’s event? If you attend(ed) any of these exciting events, JetWit would love to hear about them. Just email Jonathan Trace with any info, stories or comments.
