Around the Garden
March 2015
Issue 73
March
INSIDE THIS ISSUE:
 Page 1







Thank You To Our Volunteers
Page 2-3
Garden News & Views
Nurse’s Notes
Special Events
Page 4-5
Outings & Upcoming Outings
Nikkei Village Moments
Page 6-7
Calendar of Activities
Page 8-9
Special Events
Volunteers & Donations
Announcements
Page 10
NSG Team News
Who Am I? Contest
Page 11
Word Search Puzzle
Garden Giggles
Superfood of the Month
Page 12
Japanese Trivia
Quote of the Month
An eye for eye only ends up
making the whole world blind.
~M.K. Ghandi
Thank You To Our Volunteers!
Nikkei Senior Gardens is very
fortunate to have a wonderful
relationship
with
the
local
community.
From which, many
individuals dedicate their time to
volunteer at various activities and
special events offered to it’s
residents and families here in the
community.
Stan Date and the Crossway Church
members at our Sunday Service.
The strong support of many volunteers
enables our communities activities program to offer an array of life
enriching activities, such as Cooking Class held by Hitomi Hashimoto,
Mahjong by Sam Kanno, Men’s Coffee Hour with Harry Nakada, TaiChi
with Carrie Wong, and many more.
In recent months Nikkei Senior Gardens has added Sunday Service,
thanks to Stan Date and the Crossway Church members. In addition, a
Buddhist service was added to the calendar, thanks to Reverend Patti
and the SFV Hongwanji Buddhist Temple members who lead the
service.
Reverend Patti and the Hongwanji
Buddhist Temple Members at
Buddhist Service held at NSG.
Thank you to all of our volunteers!
Whether you come on a weekly
basis or once a year, we appreciate
all you do for our residents and
families! You make a difference in
our community and touch the lives of
many that reside at Nikkei Senior
Gardens and for this we are truly
grateful.
The Nikkei Senior Gardens family would love to know your life story. To share
your history, please contact Desiree Kitagawa, Director of Life Enrichment at
(818) 899-1000 or [email protected].
Garden News ...and Views
Page 2
Nikkei Senior Gardens
Celebrated February Birthdays
Nurse’s Notes
By Kelly Garfalo, LVN
Lillie B.
Kiyoko H.
Grace M.
Marian T.
Kay T.
Shizuko W.
Mari W.
Chiye H.
Suzie K.
March
Birthdays
1—Stan Y.
25—Kaoru S.
17—Noriko A.
29—Tomiye Y.
25—Fumiko S.
30—Seiichi O.
The Importance of Taking Your
Medications Correctly
To get maximum benefit from your medications, it is important to take
them exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Your chance of a better
health outcome improves when you take your medications as directed.
Four out of ten older people, still do not take their prescriptions
according to their doctor's instructions. Could you be one of them?
Talk To Your Health Care Professional.
Ask the right questions before starting any new medication.
 Why you need the drug?
 How and when to take the drug?
 How to store the drug?
 What might happen if you don’t take the drug as prescribed?
Make sure you never:
 Use your medication for any symptom of illness other than the one
for which it was prescribed.
 Take someone else's medication or give away your medication.
 Take more or less of a medication, unless otherwise directed.
Get Organized
These helpful tips will help you organize your medical information.
 List all medications that you take, which include prescriptions, overthe-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
 Jot down questions you want to ask your health care professional.
 Keep your medical information in your wallet along with your
insurance card, including: Emergency contact, primary physician,
and allergies.
Use these helpful tips in regards to taking your medications correctly
and don't hesitate to ask your primary physician questions!
Our New Residents!
June U.
Marian T.
Koji & Akiko O.
Martha & Masao K.
Yuki H.
Ken & Satoko Y.
Help us welcome our newest residents to the community!
Also, join us on Saturday, March 28, 2015 for our New Resident Welcome Party!
Sue N.
Special Events
Issue 73
Page 3
Setsubun
Celebration
On February 3, 2015, residents gathered under the
Gazebo on a beautiful day to partake in a traditional Setsubun
activity. Setsubun (節分) is the day before the beginning
of spring in Japan. The name literally means "seasonal
division", but usually the term refers to the spring Setsubun,
properly called Risshun (立春) celebrated yearly on February
3rd as part of the Spring Festival or Haru Matsuri (春祭). The
custom of Mamemaki first appeared in the Muromachi
period. It is usually performed by the toshiotoko (年男) of the
household (the male who was born on the corresponding
animal year on the Chinese zodiac), or else the male head of
the household. Roasted soybeans called "fortune beans" or
fuku mame (福豆) are thrown either out the door or at a
member of the family wearing an Oni (demon or ogre) mask,
while the people say Fuku wa uchi! Oni wa soto! (鬼は外! 福は
内!), which means "Demons out! Luck in!" and slam the door.
Residents and team members were able to enjoy this tradition
of mamemaki, by throwing fukumame at the Oni or Orge,
played by Executive Director, Michael Motoyasu.
February
Performances
Rubber Block
Print Class
With
Loren Kantor
Noriko working on
a cat print.
Pictured Above: Kazue
K. came for a afternoon
piano performance.
Pictured above
& left: Kay
Nakasone’s
grandchildren
gave our resident’s
a special treat,
by displaying their
musical talents.
Lois and June working on their
rubber block carving.
Outings
Page 4
Nikkei Senior Gardens
San Fernando Mission
And
Bob Hope Memorial Gardens
In February, residents were able to view the the
history held within the walls of the San Fernando
Mission. Pictured far left, Lois, Ken, Satoko, and
June looking at the artifacts on display. They
also enjoyed the beautiful weather with a walk
through the Bob Hope Memorial Gardens.
Pictured Right, Tanny, Mark, Marian, Satoko,
Ken, Lois, and June enjoying the gardens.
Upcoming Outings
Wednesday, March 4, 2015 at 1:00pm
Northridge Mall, Northridge, CA
Friday, March 6, 2015 at 1:30pm
Trader Joe’s, Chatsworth, CA
March 11th & 13th, 2015 at 1:30pm
Walmart, Porter Ranch, CA
Monday, March 16, 2015 at 11:30am
Hometown Buffet, Van Nuys, CA
Wednesday, March 18, 2015 at 11:00am
Hanami at Lake Balboa, Los Angeles, CA
Friday, February 20, 2015 at 1:30pm
99 cents store, Pacoima, CA
Wednesday, March 25, 2015 at 1:00pm
Marukai, Gardena, CA
Friday, February 27, 2015 at 1:00pm
Marukai & Kinokuniya, Los Angeles, CA
Hanami, Lake Balboa, CA
Please join us as we dine outdoors at Lake Balboa. Enjoy the beautiful
spring weather, a stroll by the lake under the Cherry Blossom trees for
Hanami and a bento box made by Chef Carlos and his dining team.
Space is limited for this outing. The sign-up sheet will be posted one
week before, please make sure to place your name on the list. The
outing is set for March 18, 2015 at 11:00am.
Admission Rate: NONE
Nikkei Village Moments
Page 5
Issue 73
Setsubun
Celebration
Pictured
Right: Tosh
and Fred had
fun throwing
the mame at
the Oni.
Pictured Left:
Teruko and
Aiko with the
Oni.
Time For Exercise!
This month, Sari
and Toshiro
celebrated their
Birthdays with
parties in Nikkei
Village.
Singing Time with Sue
Pictured Above: Residents stretch with
Salve. Pictured Below: Residents
playing ball toss with Sue.
Residents enjoyed singing time with Sue and
sang along to her beautiful piano playing in the
dining room.
March 2
Sun
1
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie—D
10:30 Crochet—D
1:00 Sunday Service—T
1:30 Movie—T
2:15 Bingo—D
3:15 Cards—D
6:30 Movie—T
8 Daylight Savings
Time Begins
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie—D
10:30 Crochet—D
1:00 Sunday Service—T
1:30 Movie—T
2:15 Bingo—D
3:15 Cards—D
6:30 Movie—T
Mon
2
8:45
9:00
9:30
10:30
1:30
1:30
2:00
6:30
9
Morning Walk—D
Men’s Coffee Hour—F
Exercise: Chair Yoga—D
Arts & Crafts—D
“Wood Painting Craft”
1:30 Celebrating the Life of Miyo M.
Ice Cream Sundae Social- D
2:30 Singing—D
6:30 Movie—T
16
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie—D
10:30 Crochet—D
1:00 Sunday Service—T
1:30 Movie—T
2:15 Bingo—D
3:15 Cards—D
6:30 Movie—T
8:45
9:00
9:30
10:30
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie—D
10:30 Crochet—D
1:00 Sunday Service—T
1:30 Movie—T
2:15 Bingo—D
3:15 Cards—D
6:30 Movie—T
29
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie—D
10:30 Crochet—D
1:00 Sunday Service—T
1:30 Movie—T
2:15 Bingo—D
3:15 Cards—D
6:30 Movie—T
11:30
1:30
2:00
6:30
3
Hinamatsuri
8:45
9:30
10:30
10:30
1:30
1:00
2:00
3:00
3:30
6:30
Morning Walk—D
Exercise—D
Cooking Class—F
Bingo—D
Movie—T
Mahjong—G
Bon Dance—D
Wii Tennis— D
Wii Bowling—D
Movie—T
10 Podiatrist Day
8:45
9:00
9:30
10:30
15
22
Morning Walk—D
Men’s Coffee Hour—F
Exercise: Chair Yoga—D
Arts & Crafts—D
“Hinamatsuri card”
Outing to Public Library
Movie—T
Singing—D
Movie—T
Tue
8:45
9:30
10:30
10:30
1:00
1:30
2:00
3:00
3:30
6:30
Morning Walk—D
Exercise—D
Cooking Class—F
Bingo—D
Mahjong—G
Movie—T
Bon Dance—D
Wii Tennis— D
Wii Bowling—D
Movie—T
17 St. Patrick’s Day
Morning Walk—D
Men’s Coffee Hour—F
Exercise: Chair Yoga—D
Arts & Crafts—D
“Shamrock craft”
Lunch at
Hometown Buffet—$
Movie—T
Singing—D
Movie—T
8:45
9:30
10:30
10:30
1:00
1:30
2:00
3:00
3:30
6:30
Morning Walk—D
Exercise—D
Cooking Class—F
Bingo—D
Mahjong—G
Movie—T
St. Patrick’s Day Social—G
Wii Tennis— D
Wii Bowling—D
Movie—T
23
24 Doctor Day
8:45
9:00
9:30
10:30
8:45
9:30
10:30
10:30
1:00
1:30
2:00
3:00
3:30
6:30
30
31 Doctor Day
8:45
9:00
9:30
10:30
8:45
9:30
10:30
10:30
1:00
1:30
1:30
2:00
3:00
3:30
6:30
Morning Walk—D
Men’s Coffee Hour—F
Exercise: Chair Yoga—D
Arts & Crafts—D
“Yarn Bunny Craft”
1:30 Movie—T
2:00 Singing—D
6:30 Movie—T
Morning Walk—D
Men’s Coffee Hour—F
Exercise: Chair Yoga—D
Arts & Crafts—D
“Easter Chick Card“
1:30 Movie—T
2:00 Singing—D
6:30 Movie—T
Morning Walk—D
Exercise—D
Cooking Class—F
Bingo—D
Mahjong—G
Movie—T
Bon Dance—D
Wii Tennis— D
Wii Bowling—D
Movie—T
Morning Walk—D
Exercise—D
Cooking Class—F
Bingo—D
Resident Council Meeting–D
Mahjong—G
Movie—T
Bon Dance—D
Wii Tennis— D
Wii Bowling—D
Movie—T
Wed
4
9:15 Taichi w/Carrie
10:30 Nickel Bingo—
1:00 Outing to
Northridge M
1:30 Movie—T
6:30 Movie—T
11
9:15 Taichi w/Carrie
10:30 Nickel Bingo—D
1:30 Outing to
Walma
1:30 Movie—T
6:30 Movie—T
18
9:15 Taichi w/Carrie
11:00 Outing to
Hanami at La
1:30 Movie—T
1:30 Family Forum—
3:00 Nickel Bingo—D
6:30 Movie—T
25
9:15
9:30
10:30
1:00
Taichi w/Carrie
Exercise—D
Nickel Bingo—D
Outing to
Marukai (Ga
1:30 Movie—T
6:30 Movie—T
Daily M
Monday—Sat
1:30 & 6:30
Sunday
6:30pm On
2015
Thu
5
Wong—D
—D
Mall
art
ake Balboa
—D
D
Doctor Day
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise with Takako—D
10:30 Japanese Calligraphy—D
12:30 Resident Birthday Party—D
1:00 Mah Jong—G
1:30 Movie—T
2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot—D
3:00 Uno—S
6:30 Movie—T
19
e Wong—D
8:45
9:30
10:30
10:30
12:00
1:00
1:30
1:30
3:00
Doctor Day
Morning Walk—D
Exercise with Takako—D
Ladies Meeting—D
Buddhist Service—T
Bento Picnic—Courtyard/D
Mah Jong—G
Karaoke—D
Movie—T
Hanafuda—D
26
Wong - D
D
ardena)
Movie
turday
0pm
nly
Sat
6
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise with Takako—D
9:00 -10:30 Wellness Checks—CR
10:30 Ladies Meeting—D
1:00 Mah Jong—G
1:30 Movie—T
1:30 Karaoke—D
3:00 Hanafuda—D
6:30 Movie—T
12
Wong—D
D
Fri
7
8:45
9:00
10:30
1:30
1:30
Morning Walk—D
Mieko’s Café—F
Nickel Bingo—D
Movie—T
Outing to
Trader Joe’s
1:30 Canasta—G
2:00 Beginner’s Mahjong—G
6:30 Movie—T
13
20
1:30
1:30
2:00
6:30
Don’t forget to SPRING your
clocks forward 1 hour before
you go to bed tonight.
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise—D
10:30 Rubber Block Print
Making Class—D
1:30 Movie—T
2:00 Blackjack—D
3:00 Poker with Toji— D
6:30 Movie—T
21
Morning Walk—D
Morning Stretch— D
Nickel Bingo—D
Outing to
99 cents store
Movie—T
Canasta—G
Beginner’s Mahjong—G
Movie—T
27
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise with Takako—D
10:30 Japanese Calligraphy—D
1:00 Mah Jong—G
1:30 Movie—T
2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot—D
3:00 Uno—D
6:30 Movie—T
Morning Walk—D
Exercise—D
Watercolor Painting—D
Movie—T
Blackjack—D
Poker with Toji— D
Movie—T
14
8:45 Morning Walk—D
10:30 Nickel Bingo—D
1:30 Outing to
Walmart
1:30 Movie—T
1:30 Canasta—G
2:00 Beginner’s Mahjong—G
6:30 Movie—T
8:45
9:30
10:30
1:30
8:45
9:30
10:30
1:30
2:00
3:00
6:30
8:45
9:30
10:30
1:00
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise —D
10:30 Estate Planning
Seminar—D
1:30 Movie—T
2:00 Blackjack—D
3:00 Poker with Toji— D
6:30 Movie—T
28
Morning Walk—D
Morning Stretch— D
Nickel Bingo—D
Outing to
Marukai & Kinokuniya
1:30 Movie—T
2:00 Beginner’s Mahjong—G
1:30 Canasta—G
6:30 Movie—T
8:45 Morning Walk—D
9:30 Exercise —D
10:30 Watercolor
Painting—D
1:30 Movie—T
1:30 New Resident
Welcome Party—D
2:00 Blackjack—D
3:00 Poker with Toji— D
6:30 Movie—T
ACTIVITY LOCATIONS
First Floor
D - Dining Hall
B - Beauty Salon
S - Solarium
P - Podiatrist
F - Family Dining Room
CR - Conference Room (Lobby)
Second Floor
G - Game Area
T - Movie Theatre
New Activities in Blue
Special Events in Red
This monthly newsletter can also
be viewed at
www.nikkeiseniorgardens.com
Special Events
Page 8
Nikkei Senior Gardens
Valentine’s Day Ice Cream
Sundae Party
Time in the Rose Garden
Seiichi and Steve
spent hours working
hard in the resident
gardens,
trimming
the rose stems back.
Thank
you
gentlemen! We look
forward to
seeing
the roses blossom
soon!
Residents enjoyed ice cream sundae and a
few rounds of bingo to celebrate!
Volunteers & Donations
February Volunteers
Donations
Arts & Crafts Supplies
Magazines
Monetary Donation
Bingo Prizes
Calendars
Frames
Assorted gifts
Books
Newspapers
DVD’s
Puzzles
Mieko Akima
Sam Kanno
Yoichi Kimura
Harry Nakada
Barbara Okita
SFVJACC
Toji Hashimoto
Kiyoko Kamii
Hisano Tilner
Keiko Roter
Emiko Kami
Lois Okui
Tami Shiotani
Kay Kami
Akiko Idian
Debbie Nicklaus
Asako Giegoldt
Carrie Wong
Watercolor Supplies
Hitomi Hashimoto
Kumiko Mori
Akiko Bloom
Coupon Packets
Mark Yokomizo
Yoshiko Kawada
John Goka Jr.
Karen Yokomizo
Vanessa Orozco
Yasuko Jones
JoAnn Komai
Morris Nakamura
Evelyn Motoyama
Rev. Patti Utsuki
Nancy Gohata
Tomo Padilla
SFV Hongwanji Temple
Crossway Church
Stan Date
Kazue Kagami
We Thank You For Your Continuing Generosity and Support!
Announcements
Issue 73
Page 9
ESTATE PLANNING
SEMINAR
REFER A FRIEND AND
RECEIVE $500 OFF
ONE MONTH’S RENT
Presenter:
Kazuaki Uemura
Attorney at Law
The Law Offices of Kazuaki Uemura
Topics of Discussion:
(In Both English & Japanese)
Estate Planning
&
Business Real Estate
Join us on….
Saturday, March 21, 2015
At 10:30am
In the Dining Room
Celebrating the Life
Of
Miyo Matsushita
As a resident of Nikkei Senior Gardens you have the added value of
referring friends to live in your beautiful community with you as their
neighbor.
If they decide to join you in living here, you will receive $500 off one
month’s rent once they have lived here for two months.
Just think. Relax among your friends. Play cards. Watch a movie or
enjoy the resident garden, all with friends that you are familiar with!
And we will give you $500 off one month’s rent for each person that
you refer that moves to Nikkei Senior Gardens.
if you want to have your friends living here with you and you want
$500 off a month’s rent, then see Marc Aronoff, Director of Sales and
Marketing for more details.
PODIATRIST DAY
w/ Dr. Teshima
Family Forum
Will be held on the SECOND
TUESDAY this month.
Please see Concierge to
schedule your appointments
today!
On behalf of Ken and Ruby Maya,
they invite residents and team
members to join them for a
Ice Cream Sundae, in memory of
Miyo’s wonderful life.
March 9, 2015
11:00am
In the Dining Room
Do you need to
book a Doctor
Appointment?
Bring your Doctor’s
contact information to the
front desk
&
They will do it for you!
Please join us to discuss your
concerns and to learn about
P.O.L.S.T.—Physician’s Order
for Life -Sustaining Treatment
and learn how you can make sure
you or your loved ones health
care wishes are met in the case of
a medical emergency.
March 18, 2015
1:30pm
In the Dining Room
NSG
Special
Team
Event
News
Issue
Page 40
10
Nikkei Senior Gardens
Nikkei Senior Gardens
Team Members
Around the Garden
Team Member of the Month
Kelly, Maria, Jamie, and Portia with
Michael, our “demon” for Setsubun.
Maria Bautista
Maria Bautista joined the Nikkei Senior Gardens team in
September of 2013 as a Server in Dining Services. Maria works
hard to ensure that all our residents, families, and guests enjoy
a great dining experience. We appreciate and thank Maria for
all her hard work and dedication toward making one-of-a-kind
dining experiences for our residents and guests. We are proud
to announce Maria Bautista as our February 2015 Team
Member of the Month Award.
Congratulations Maria!
Daisy dancing with Yaeko.
Who Am I?.....

My hobby is reading books.

My favorite color is purple.

I love spicy foods.

I love Sports, but Basketball is my favorite.

I have a pet corgi (dog), named Maya.
HINT: I work at Nikkei Senior Gardens.
Please submit your answer by completing the form below and returning
to the front desk by Sunday, March 15th for a chance to enter into a
Raffle for a $20 gift card to Target! The winner will be announced at the
next Resident Council Meeting held on March 31, 2015. GOOD LUCK!
February Answer: Atsuko R.
February Winner: Chiye H.
Prize: $20 Target Gift Card
CUT ALONG THE LINE
NAME:____________________________________________
APT #:____________
ANSWER:___________________________________________________________________
This portion to be completed by
the Concierge ONLY:
Date Submitted :___ /___ /___
Received by:_______________
Word Search Puzzle for March
Issue 73
Page 11
Family Ties
Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid.
The words may be hidden in any direction.
MARRIAGE
MOM
ANCESTOR
MOTHER
AUNT
BOND
NIECE
BROTHERS
NEWLYWED
CHILDREN
OFFSPRING
CLAN
COUSINS
PARENTS
DAD
RELATIONS
RELATIVES
NEPHEW
PROGENY
DAUGHTER
DESCENDANTS
FATHER
SIBLING
FOLKS
SON
GENEOLOGY
SPOUSE
GRANDPARENT
HALF BROTHER
STEPPARENT
HALF SISTER
HUSBAND
TWINS
UNCLE
KIN
WIFE
Garden Giggles
SISTERS
TRIPLETS
Did you know?...
 Oreo Cookies trademarked and sold
for the first time by National Biscuit
company (Nabisco) in March1912.
SUPER FOOD OF
THE MONTH
celery
Contains pthalides, an
organic chemical compounds, that lowers the
level of stress hormones
and also stimulates the
secretion of bile juices,
which works to reduce
cholesterol levels.
Solve the puzzle.
The answers are
expressions we use
everyday. Solve by
noting the position of the words.
ZERO
_________
M.D.
B.A.
Ph.D
1.______________ 2.______________
For the answers, see page 12.
NIKKEI SENIOR GARDENS
9221 Arleta Avenue
Arleta, CA 91331
Phone: 818 899-1000
Fax: 818 834-5728
www.NikkeiSeniorGardens.com
RCFE License #197607606
Nikkei Senior Gardens Directors
Michael Motoyasu
Executive Director
Marc Aronoff
Director of Sales and Marketing
Gabriela Perez
Director of Business Services
Kelly Garfalo
Director of Resident Care Services
Desiree Kitagawa
Director of Life Enrichment
Carlos Marquez
Director of Dining Services
Steve Hynds
Director of Environmental Services
Japanese Trivia
Solution to Word Search
The Art of Bonseki
Bonseki
(盆石),
meaning
“tray
rocks”,
is
the
ancient Japanese
art of creating
miniature
landscapes on black
lacquer trays using
white sand, pebbles, and small rocks. Small delicate tools are
used in Bonseki such as feathers, small flax brooms, sifters,
spoons and wood wedges.
Bonseki scenes often depict mountains, seashores, and gardens. Miniature structures, usually of painted copper, may be
added to the work to make houses, temples, bridges, etc.
Bonseki scenes are generally meant to only be temporary.
However, sometimes by using special methods can be
preserved. This is called either Bonga or "Tray Picture" and
Suna-e "Sand Picture". Similar to Zen gardens creation,
Bonseki is an art interwoven with philosophy, painstaking
work to create fleeting masterpieces. While it is said that the
result is not essential, the scenes created are astounding, like
the one photographed above, inspired by the landscape of
the Shikotsu-Toya National Park.
Brain Food Puzzle Answers (From page 11):
1.) I’m on top of the world. 2.) Three degrees below zero.