PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Updates from David Ikeda David Ikeda, JSS President Happy Canada Day! Spring seems to have come late this year. The High Park sakura which usually bloom in April instead flowered in mid-May and the cool rainy weather seemed to continue into what should be summer. We have been very busy here in […]
Newsletter
COUNSELLOR’S CORNER: Time never stops, everyone ages
COUNSELLOR’S CORNER: Time Never Stops, Everyone Ages Takanori Kuge, JSS Counsellor The population of Japanese Canadians, even “Newer” Japanese Canadians, is aging. This fact is reflected in the cases that I have been dealing with as counsellor for JSS. Our organization is becoming more involved with cases involving senior’s issues such dementia and various […]
REPORT ON EVENT: Longtime Board Member Tokugi Suyama honoured by JCCC
REPORT ON EVENT Longtime JSS Board Member Tokugi Suyama honoured by JCCC Longtime board member and former counselling supervisor, Tokugi Suyama was honoured by the JCCC with the Ishizue Award. Both he and his deceased brother Kunio were given the honour on April 18, 2019, along with 5 other individuals who have made “exceptional contributions […]
CALLING VOLUNTEERS: Summer Festival
Chie Takano Reeves, JSS Volunteer Coordinator Event: Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival) Date: Saturday July 13 The season of the JCCC Natsu Matsuri (Summer Festival) has arrived. As a way to get the community to learn about JSS, and also as a fundraiser, we will be cooking and selling takoyaki (octopus balls) and yaki-onigiri (grilled rice […]
JSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A snapshot of what’s on our agenda
JSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A snapshot of what’s on our agenda Workplace Values The Board approved the JSS Workplace Values put forward by the Executive Committee and the printed sign that will go up in the office. Thanks to Anthony Liliefeldt, a long time supporter of JSS and design expert, for designing the sign […]
JSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Board Members
Board Members The Board regrets that Anthony Liliefeldt and Michi Chun are no longer able to serve as board members due to other personal and professional obligations. We are grateful for the valuable contributions they made as board members and their continued commitment to supporting JSS in other capacities. The Board is delighted to welcome […]
PARENTING: EarlyON Child and Family Centres, wonderful resources for parents
PARENTING: EarlyON Child and Family Centres, Wonderful resources for parents Meaghan Tanaka, JSS Board Member and mother of two little boys This past January, 18 months after bringing our first child home from the hospital, my husband and I welcomed our second child into the world. My husband and I have decided that I […]
RECIPE: Lettuce Wraps
RECIPE: Lettuce Wraps Quick, easy, and inexpensive, these flavourful lettuce wraps make a nice light meal on a hot summer day. Ingredients 1 pound ground chicken (or pork) 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 onion, diced 1 (8-ounce) can whole water chestnuts, drained and diced 2 scallions, thinly sliced 1 tablespoon olive oil 1/4 cup hoisin […]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Updates from David Ikeda
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Updates from David Ikeda David Ikeda, JSS President As I write this message it is mid-February and like most I am anxious for winter to end. And what strange winters we are having, with record Arctic like cold periods followed by record warm ones the following week, and then back again to the […]
JSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A Snapshot of What’s on Our Agenda
JSS BOARD OF DIRECTORS: A Snapshot of What’s on Our Agenda JSS Board of Directors Workplace Training With the start of 2019, JSS is embarking on its obligations under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) ensuring that everyone — staff, volunteers, and Board members — receives training. JSS is also looking into other […]
COUNSELLOR’S CORNER: Cautionary Information for Young Visitors to GTA
COUNSELLOR’S CORNER: Cautionary Information for Young Visitors to GTA Takanori Kuge, JSS Counsellor Each year thousands of young people from Japan make their way to the GTA to legally work and live under the Working Holiday visa program. For most of these visitors, their stay will be a great chance to increase their skill and […]
LIFE LESSONS: Like a Dandelion Puff Wafting in the Breeze
Yukie Fuchigami My journey was like a dandelion puff wafting in the breeze. I landed on the Land of Maple Leaf. Award Winning Tanka (Abroad Japanese Cultural Festival in 2005) Canadians always ask me, “Why did you come to Canada?” I often answer, “To learn English.” One day, a gentleman shrugged his shoulders […]
HEALTH: 5 Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions
HEALTH: 5 Tips for Keeping Your New Year’s Resolutions Nelson Beltijar, Certified Personal Trainer and Athletic Therapist Five, Four, Three, Two, One … Happy New Year! As the ball drops in Times Square on January 1st, many people make the resolution, “This will be the year that I get my Health, Wellness, and Fitness back.” […]
JUST FOR FUN: Horoscopes for 2019
JUST FOR FUN: Horoscopes for 2019 Lian Nitta Capricorn (Dec 22- Jan 19) You love rules. This year try to worry less about what others think of you and break some of your own rules. Take some time off work to enjoy traditions with friends and family. Aquarius (Jan 20 – Feb 18) You are […]
RECIPE: Lacy Oat Cookies
RECIPE: Lacy Oat Cookies These light cookies provide just enough sweetness to satisfy a sugar craving. You can combine the oats with coconut, crisped rice cereal, or a mix of both depending on personal preference. Ingredients 1 cup unsalted butter ¾ cups Turbinado sugar 1 egg 1 ½ cups large flake rolled oats 1 […]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: A Special Message from David Ikeda
David Ikeda, JSS President As a special way of expressing my thanks, I wanted to make sure that the following was not lost in the middle of my usual President’s Message. I want to express my gratitude, and indeed the gratitude of the entire JSS organization to Mrs. Junko Yamamoto for her many years of […]
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Updates from David Ikeda
David Ikeda, JSS President This fall has been a special time for us at JSS. In September, we held our first Board meeting after the summer break. We also held our annual Volunteer Appreciation party to thank all of the community members who take time out of their lives to help our organization and […]
UPCOMING EVENT: 2018 Holiday Drive
JSS 19th Annual Holiday Drive Japanese Social Services is starting its annual Holiday Drive Program. Once again we are calling upon members of the community to embrace the holiday spirit and reach out to the less fortunate among us. The success of this program so far lies heavily with the co-operation of agencies such as […]
REPORT ON EVENT: Volunteer Appreciation Lunch
On September JSS held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Lunch. It was a pleasure for members of the JSS Board of Directors to meet some of the amazing and talented volunteers that are the heart of JSS. Once again, the ‘Human BINGO’ icebreaker turned into a fierce competition. As they have done many years in the […]
REPORT ON EVENT: Summer Festival
The Halloween candy has been given out to the trick-or-treaters and the stores are already filled with Christmas decorations. The balmy weather of the summer is a distant memory, but the second Saturday of July stands out in the minds of the JSS Staff and Board Members. July 14 was the 2018 JCCC Summer Festival […]