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Little
Tokyo Service Center News - March 2008
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| An Office With a Great View by Bill Watanabe |
Baby Boomers - Changing the World in the East and West
Perhaps everyone has heard by now that the population surge known as the Baby Boom generation starts to turn age 62 this year. There are, in fact, nearly 80 million Baby Boomers in America (those born between the years 1946 and 1964)! They are often pictured as the "pig in the python", this large bump slowly moving down the much thinner python. But did you also know that Japan has their own baby boom generation - a large population spike that occured just after World War II - and these folks are also just now entering the age of retirement. |
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LTSC is indebted to the Japan Foundation for funding an information exchange between us and the Tokyo Voluntary Action Center regarding this mutual phenomenon of the retirement of millions of baby boomers simultaneously in both of our countries. The nonprofits of both Japan and America face the challenge and the amazing opportunity of how to channel the tremendous volunteer potential represented by these respective baby boom generations. Click here to view the full report of this international learning exchange.
In America, this is the generation that grew up in the 1960's and took on the JFK challenge of "ask what you can do for your country (and the world)". In Japan, this is the generation that turned around a war-ravaged economy and made it into the second biggest economy in the world that puts out some of its finest products. It is no exaggeration to think that this particular generation, both in Japan and America, can change the world for good in dramatic ways.
Perhaps you are one of these "boomers" - ready to take on the next challenge in your life. Why not be a volunteer - join a charity group you believe in, or maybe start your own project! Like the single drops of rain that can combine to become a mighty torrent, you can help to change the world. Maybe LTSC can help you - just let me know! |
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| Not Without Hope: This Month's Client Story |
On February 14, Christie Vilsack, former First Lady of Iowa and co-creator of the nation’s first Verizon Tech Savvy Awards visited LTSC's DISKovery Angelina computer program. The award recognizes programs that educate parents in guiding their children to develop an understanding of computers. DISKovery Angelina was one of five recipients nationwide to receive this inaugural honor.
During her visit, Vilsack participated in the “Mommy and Me” class where mothers take the skills they have learned and teach their children how to use computers and the Internet to access educational tools and other resources. Special Valentine’s Day activities were the focus of that day’s class. Vilsack, a former teacher danced, sang, and read a Valentine’s Day story to the kids as Meliza Roa-Arreola, the LTSC Family Literacy Coordinator, translated it.
The Honorable Tom Vilsack, former governor of Iowa who accompanied his wife during the visit, expressed his support towards LTSC and the DISKovery Angelina program. |
Former Iowa Governor, Tom Vilsack and Christie Vilsack, founder of the Tech Saavy Award (fourth and fifth from left). |
The teaching strategies utilized at DISKovery Angelina will act as a model to create similar programs across the country. The Vilsacks were very impressed with the program especially the mothers and their kids willingness to learn about technology.
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| Did You Know? |
The Aoyama Tree - Then and now.
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The City of Los Angeles is currently considering the Little Tokyo Historical Society's application to designate the Aoyama Tree as a Historic Cultural Monument.
Planted in 1920, this fifty foot high ficus tree is located on a pedestrian walkway (formerly Central Avenue) in the Little Tokyo community of downtown Los Angeles. The tree is situated on a parking lot immediately north of the National Center for the Preservation of Democracy building.
The ficus tree was planted in 1920 by members of the Koyasan Buddhist Temple, founded in 1912 by Reverend Shutai Aoyama as the Koyasan Daishi Mission.
In 1920, the temple moved to a wood-frame building at 133 N. Central Ave where the ficus tree was planted at the temple's front entrance. In 1940, the temple moved to its current location at 342 E. First St. and in the early 1950s, the original building was razed by the City of Los Angeles for a parking lot. The ficus tree was left untouched and remains at the same site. |
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Information provided by the Little Tokyo Historical Society. |
| Save the Date: 10th Anniversary San Tai San Basketball Tournament |
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Little Tokyo, Los Angeles
"Til there's a Rec Center, we're takin' it to the streets!"
San Tai San is a 3 on 3 children's basketball tournament for girls and boys ages 7-12 years old. All teams are guaranteed 2 games in a fast paced and fun outdoor tournament. Registration and details will be posted shortly, please visit us online at Little Tokyo Recreation Center.
San Tai San is part of Little Tokyo Fun Fest and Nikkei Community Day festivities. Activities include cultural performances, food, health and fitness information, and arts and crafts. For more information about Little Tokyo Fun Fest, please visit: Japanese American Cultural and Community Center (JACCC)
San Tai San is hosted by the Little Tokyo Recreation Center
For more information, contact Thomas Yee at 213-473-1670 or tyee@LTSC.org
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| Funding for LTSC's Housing Collaborative |
In 1996, in response to the inequity in the development and distribution of affordable housing for low income Asian Pacific Islanders (APIs), LTSC began its work to increase the production of affordable housing in Southern California API communities through direct development of housing and technical assistance and predevelopment loans to API Community Based Organizations.
With funding from Mizuho USA Foundation of Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd., LTSC is able to continue this work today by developing projects such as affordable housing and community space for low-income families, seniors and special needs groups including survivors of domestic violence, developmentally disabled persons, and formerly homeless individuals. |
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LTSC thanks Mizuho USA Foundation of Mizuho Corporate Bank, Ltd. for its continued support of our efforts to meet the housing needs of low income families and individuals in Los Angeles.
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| Ways to Help LTSC |
Get to know us at www.LTSC.org or contact us.
Donate online, over the phone or via traditional mail.
Donate your unwanted car. We pick up all vehicles & handle the paperwork.
Sakura Lee ~ slee@LTSC.org ~ (213) 473-1613
231 E. Third St. G-106 Los Angeles, CA 90013
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