Around the Garden May 2015 Issue 75 May INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Page 1 The Art of Rubber Block Print Page 2-3 Garden News & Views Nurse’s Notes Special Events Page 4-5 Upcoming Outings Nikkei Village Moments Page 6-7 Calendar of Activities Page 8-9 Outings Volunteers & Donations Announcements Page 10 NSG Team News Who Am I? Contest Page 11 Word Search Puzzle Garden Giggles Super food of the Month Page 12 Japanese Trivia Quote of the Month “Gratitude is the gateway to greatness.” ~Tavis Smiley The Art of Rubber Block Print Last year, Nikkei Senior Gardens introduced a new art class, Rubber Block Printing, lead by instructor Loren Kantor. Nine months later….the class has thrived, becoming one of our most popular classes. Loren, a talented block print artist for over nine years, was looking for a way to connect with his mother who had Residents carving away. been diagnosed with dementia. He decided to give it a try with his mother, using an image of “Toto” from one of her favorite movies, The Wizard of Oz. Loren witnessed his mother become more happy and relaxed than he had seen her in years, even humming the tune, "Somewhere Over the Rainbow,” while carving. Since then this has become their Thursday night ritual. Loren decided to share this experience with others and began teaching classes at local senior communities. In class, residents choose from a variety of rubber blocks with designs imprinted on them. After selecting a rubber block, they use a specialized tool to carve the design. Carving the rubber is described as easy and smooth as putting a knife through butter and is an activity that even those who may suffer from arthritis, may enjoy because of the easy mechanics of the carving process and tools, which have wide-grip handles. When the block is complete, the artist transfer their art to paper, by printing the carving with special paint. The class has become a huge success and all the participants continue to challenge themselves with more complex prints at each class. Loren states, “Of all the places I teach, Nikkei Senior Gardens is clearly my Pictured, Left: A rubber block carving Right: A geisha print made by Dr. Bob. favorite. “ The Nikkei Senior Gardens family would love for you to share your life story. For More information, 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 April Birthdays Nurse’s Notes By Kelly Garfalo, LVN Walking: The Best Kind of Exercise Kay N. Mary F. Yoshie S. Miyo H. Susumu M. Betty J. Masako K. May Birthdays 1– Sue L. 3—Sats Y. 8—Sachiko S. 14—Ted F. 15—Sue O. 20—Ken Y. 21—Saburo O. One of the most important and useful physical activities people of all ages can do is walking. It is very important for people to start the walking program gradually, to start very easy and then to increase the volume as time passes and as they get better. Walking should be incorporated into anyone’s lifestyle. In the case of the elders, the physical exercises such as walking, can improve bone strength and cardiovascular fitness. On top of that, the muscle mass will be increased, and the body fat will be reduced. Walking is one of the best physical exercises for the elderly because it does not cause too much strain on the body, and it has lots of benefits. Before starting the walking routine, it is advisable to consult your doctor. There might be cases when he will not recommend walking because of some preexisting conditions. If that is the case, maybe you should consider doing something else instead. Walking should be fun, and it should be an enjoyable experience. Because of this, if you do not like to walk alone, one of the best things you could do is to take a walk with a friend. You could also take your furry companion for a walk, which he will enjoy too. You could go to certain interesting places, such as parks, or recreational areas, and then take a walk there. It is very easy to be inactive, but becoming active once again, can be just as easy. You could establish a schedule, and stick to it. For example, you could walk each morning on 9 A.M. It is very likely that by doing so each day, it will be hard to quit. Please join us for morning walks every day at 8:45am. Special Events Issue 75 Page 3 Easter Dinner This year Nikkei Senior Gardens held a celebratory Easter Dinner held on Good Friday for all our residents and families. Everyone enjoyed an variety of salads at the salad bar and a buffet of prime rib, honey baked ham, seasonal vegetables, rice, shrimp tempura, and assorted sashimi. The night finished off with an assortment of cakes at the dessert bar. Thank you to the entire Nikkei Senior Gardens team for a successful event, but most especially to the dining service team for a delicious meal and to all the residents and families that attended! We hope you all had a very Happy Easter! Making Matzo Ball Soup with Marc Aronoff Sales and Marketing Director Marc Aronoff showed the residents of Nikkei how to make his mother’s delicious Matzo Ball soup for Passover and also explained the history and traditions of Passover. Marc and the ladies made enough for everyone to enjoy! Thank you, Marc, Takako, Mary G., Suzie, Lois, Rits, Anne, Sue N., Marian, Ida, Atsie, Chiye, and Kiyoko H.! Upcoming Outings Page 4 Nikkei Senior Gardens Friday, May 1, 2015 at 1:30pm Trader Joe’s, Chatsworth, CA May 6th & 8th, 2015 at 1:30pm Walmart, Porter Ranch, CA Wednesday, May 13, 2015 at 1:00pm Descanso Gardens, La Cañada Flintridge, CA Friday, May 15, 2015 at 1:30pm Kohl’s, Sun Valley, CA Wednesday, May 20, 2015 at 1:00pm Marukai, Gardena, CA Friday, May 22, 2015 at 1:00pm Marukai & Kinokuniya, Los Angeles, CA Japanese Garden at Descanso Gardens La Cañada Flintridge, CA Descanso Gardens is a unique Southern California landscape distinguished by its specialized botanic collections, historical significance, and rare natural beauty. Their mission is to “practice exemplary stewardship of Descanso's distinctive character and assets; offer people an experience close to nature; and cultivate understanding of the natural world and people's place in it through inspiration, education and example." Discover the tranquility of a Japanese-style garden that blends design elements of classic tea, strolling and zen gardens. Cross an arched bridge and stroll on shaded paths along a koi-filled stream to the Full Moon Tea House, Full Moon Tea House and koi pond. designed by Whitney Smith and built in 1966. To join us for our visit on Wednesday, May 13th at 1:00pm, please R.S.V.P. on the sign-up sheet posted on the announcement bulletin board (located near the dining room) the week of the outing. NSG Special Rate: $4 George C. Page Museum: Tar Pit Discoveries Los Angeles, CA Located in the heart of metropolitan Los Angeles, the Page Museum at the La Brea Tar Pits is one of the world’s most famous fossil localities. This onsite Museum displays Ice Age fossils — including saber-toothed cats, dire wolves and mammoths — from 10,000 to 40,000-year-old asphalt deposits. But visitors can also watch the processes of paleontology unfold. Every day inside the glass-enclosed Fossil Lab, scientists and volunteers prepare fossils including “Zed,” a recently discovered male Columbian mammoth. To join us for our exploration visit, on Wednesday, May 27th at 1:00pm, please R.S.V.P. on the sign-up sheet posted on the announcement bulletin board, (located near the dining room), the week of the outing. NSG Special Rate: $5 Nikkei Village Moments Page 5 Issue 75 Crafty Time with Salve A visit from Lacey and Tuna The residents of Nikkei Village enjoyed a visit from Lacey and Tuna. Thank you Joy and Lacey & KC and Tuna for visiting, we can’t wait to see you next month! Resident Fred concentrating hard on his coloring project, pictured top right. While residents Sets and Hisaye work on decorating their Easter egg ornaments at Crafty time with Activities Assistant Salve, Pictured bottom right. Bean Bag Toss Watercolor Painting Class Pictured Above: Dollie working on a painting a yellow fish. Residents enjoyed a bean bag toss competition. Pictured above, Marie and Tosh took turns throwing bean bags into the basket. Pictured Right: Sets focusing hard on her goldfish painting. May 2 Sun Mon Tue Wed ACTIVITY LOCATIONS This monthly newsletter can also be viewed at www.nikkeiseniorgardens.com 3 4 Morning Walk—D Exercise w/ Yukie—D Crochet—D Nikkei Residents Fellowship Service—T 2:15 Bingo—D 3:30 Cards—D 6:30 Movie—T Doctor Day 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:00 8:45 9:00 9:30 10:30 10 Mother’s Day 11 Doctor Day 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:00 8:45 9:00 9:30 10:30 Morning Walk—D Exercise w/ Yukie—D Crochet—D Nikkei Residents Fellowship Service—T 2:15 Bingo—D 3:30 Cards—D 6:30 Movie—T 17 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:00 Morning Walk—D Exercise w/ Yukie—D Crochet—D Nikkei Residents Fellowship Service—T 2:15 Bingo—D 3:30 Cards—D 6:30 Movie—T 24/31 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:00 Morning Walk—D Exercise w/ Yukie—D Crochet—D Nikkei Residents Fellowship Service—T 2:15 Bingo—D 3:30 Cards—D 6:30 Movie—T Morning Walk—D Men’s Coffee Hour—F Exercise: Chair Yoga—D Arts & Crafts—D “Koinobori craft” 1:30 Outing to Public Library 2:00 Singing—D 6:30 Movie—T Morning Walk—D Men’s Coffee Hour—F Exercise: Chair Yoga—D Arts & Crafts—D “Flower Pencil” 1:30 Movie—T 2:00 Singing—D 6:30 Movie—T First Floor 5 Cinco de Mayo & Kodomo no Hi 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 w/ Hitomi—F Bingo—D Mahjong—G Movie—T Bon Dance—D Wii Tennis— D Wii Bowling—D Movie—T 12 Podiatrist Day 8:45 9:30 10:30 10:30 1:00 1:30 3:00 3:30 6:30 Morning Walk—D Exercise—D Cooking Class w/ Hitomi—F Bingo—D Mahjong—G Movie—T Wii Tennis— D Wii Bowling—D Movie—T 19 Doctor Day 8:45 9:30 10:30 10:30 1:00 1:30 1:30 2:00 3:00 3:30 6:30 1:30 2:00 6:30 Morning Walk—D Exercise—D Cooking Class w/ Hitomi—F Bingo—D Resident Council Meeting–D Mahjong—G Movie—T Bon Dance—D Wii Tennis— D Wii Bowling—D Movie—T 25 Doctor Day 26 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 Morning Walk—D Men’s Coffee Hour—F Exercise: Chair Yoga—D Arts & Crafts—D “Kimono greeting card” 1:30 Movie—T 2:00 Singing—D 6:30 Movie—T 1:30 & 6:30 Sunday New Activities in Blue Special Events in Red 8:45 9:00 9:30 10:30 11:30 Monday—Sat Second Floor G - Game Area T - Movie Theatre 18 Doctor Day Morning Walk—D Men’s Coffee Hour—F Exercise: Chair Yoga—D Arts & Crafts—D “Panda pellet drum” Lunch at Mandarin King—$ Movie—T Singing—D Movie—T Daily M D - Dining Hall B - Beauty Salon S - Solarium P - Podiatrist F - Family Dining Room CR - Conference Room (Lobby) Morning Walk—D Exercise—D Cooking Class w/ Hitomi—F Bingo—D Mahjong—G Movie—T Bon Dance—D Wii Tennis— D Wii Bowling—D Movie—T 6:30pm On 6 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie 10:30 Nickel Bingo— 1:30 Outing to Walm 1:30 Movie—T 6:30 Movie—T 13 9:15 Taichi w/Carri 10:30 Nickel Bingo— 1:00 Outing to Descanso G 1:30 Movie—T 6:30 Movie—T 20 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie 10:30 Nickel Bingo— 1:00 Outing to Marukai (G 1:30 Movie—T 6:30 Movie—T 27 9:15 9:30 10:30 1:00 Taichi w/Carrie Exercise—D Nickel Bingo— Outing to Page M 1:30 Movie—T 6:30 Movie—T 2015 Thu 1 turday 0pm nly mart ie Wong—D —D Gardens—$ e Wong - D —D Gardena) e Wong - D —D Museum- $ 7 Doctor Day 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 8:30-10:00 Wellness Checks—CR 10:30 Ladies Meeting—S 1:00 Mah Jong—G 1:30 Movie—T 2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot—D 3:00 Uno—S 6:30 Movie—T 14 8:45 9:30 10:30 12:30 1:00 1:30 1:30 3:00 6:30 21 8:45 9:30 10:30 10:30 1:00 1:30 2:00 3:00 6:30 28 Doctor Day Morning Walk—D Exercise with Takako—D Japanese Calligraphy—D Resident Birthday Party—D Mah Jong—G Movie—T Karaoke—D Hanafuda—D Movie—T Doctor Day Morning Walk—D Exercise with Takako—D Ladies Meeting—D Buddhist Service—T Mah Jong—G Movie—T NO Dominoes Uno—D Movie—T Doctor Day 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 1:30 Karaoke—D 3:00 Hanafuda—D 6:30 Movie—T Sat 2 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:00 Mieko’s Café—F 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Nickel Bingo—D 1:30 Movie—T 1:30 Outing to Trader Joe’s 1:30 Canasta—G 2:00 Beginner’s Mahjong—G 6:30 Movie—T Movie e Wong—D —D Fri 8 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:30 2:00 3:00 6:30 Morning Walk—D Exercise—D Puzzles and Sudoku—D Movie—T Blackjack—D Poker with Toji— D Movie—T 9 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:30 1:30 1:30 2:00 6:30 Morning Walk—D Morning Stretch— D Nickel Bingo—D Outing to Walmart Movie—T Canasta—G Beginner’s Mahjong—G Movie—T 15 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:30 1:30 1:30 2:00 6:30 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:30 2:00 3:00 5:00 Morning Walk—D Exercise—D Blackjack—D Movie—T Glamour Hour—S Poker with Toji— G Mother’s Day Dinner—D 6:30 Movie—T 16 Morning Walk—D Morning Stretch— D Nickel Bingo—D Outing to Kohl’s Movie—T Canasta—G Beginner’s Mahjong—G Movie—T 22 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:00 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 29 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:30 Morning Walk—D Morning Stretch— D Nickel Bingo—D Outing to Aaron Brother’s & Bed Bath and Beyond 1:30 Movie—T 2:00 Beginner’s Mahjong—G 1:30 Canasta—G 6:30 Movie—T 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:30 2:00 3:00 6:30 Morning Walk—D Exercise —D Watercolor Painting—D Movie—T Blackjack—D Poker with Toji— D Movie—T 23 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 30 8:45 9:30 10:30 1:30 1:30 Morning Walk—D Exercise —D Watercolor Painting—D Movie—T New Resident Welcome Party—D 2:00 Blackjack—D 3:00 Poker with Toji— D 6:30 Movie—T Outings Page 8 Nikkei Senior Gardens Pacific Asia Museum (PAM) Getty Center Garden The New Way Forward: Japanese Hanga of the 20th Century Residents enjoyed a bento lunch at the Getty Center garden and enjoyed a beautiful view of the city. The outing was originally scheduled for the poppy fields. Unfortunately, due to poor weather conditions, this year’s poppy season ended early. Jean, Monica, Sue, Kay N., Atsie, and Shizuko viewing the Japanese Hanga artwork of the 20th century on display at the Pacific Asia Museum in Pasadena, California. Volunteers & Donations April Volunteers Donations Mieko Akima Sam Kanno Yoichi Kimura Arts & Crafts Supplies Magazines Harry Nakada Barbara Okita Stan Date Monetary Donation Bingo Prizes Toji Hashimoto Kiyoko Kamii Hisano Tilner Watercolor Paper Newspapers Keiko Roter Emiko Kami Lois Okui Tami Shiotani Kay Kami Akiko Idian Jigsaw Puzzles Music DVD’s Carrie Wong Hitomi Hashimoto Kumiko Mori Akiko Bloom Mark Yokomizo Yoshiko Kawada John Goka Jr. Evelyn Motoyama JoAnn Komai Karen Yokomizo Vanessa Orozco Yasuko Jones Rev. Patti Usuki Nancy Gohata Tomo Padilla SFV Hongwanji Temple Crossway Church SFVJACC Joy & Lacey KC & Tuna Coupon Packets We Thank You For Your Continuing Generosity and Support! Announcements Issue 75 Page 9 REFER A FRIEND AND Beauty Salon RECEIVE $500 OFF Hours Bach: Mondays Stylist Patty Yamashita: Thursdays & Fridays 9am-12pm & 1pm-4pm To schedule an appointment with Bach or Patty or for more information on pricing, please call (818) 899-1000 or see the concierge. ONE MONTH’S RENT 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 JOIN US FOR A w/ Dr. Teshima Mother’s Day Dinner Saturday, May 9, 2015 At 5:00pm In the Dining Room Buddhist Service By Reverend Patti Usuki Of SFV Hongwanji Buddhist Temple Will be held on the SECOND TUESDAY this month. Please see Concierge to schedule your appointments today! Every 3rd Thursday of the month In the Solarium At 10:30am Adults: $25 Children 5— 12 years: $12 Children under 5 years FREE Limited to 4 guests per apartment. Let’s celebrate our mother’s on with a wonderful meal & quality time together. Please R.S.V.P. by Wednesday, May 6, 2015 At (818) 899-1000 or [email protected] Do you need to book a Doctor Appointment? Bring your Doctor’s contact information to the front desk & They will do it for you! Nikkei Residents Fellowship Service Hosted By Crossway Church Every Sunday In the Theater At 1:00pm NSG Special Team Event News Issue Page 40 10 Nikkei Senior Gardens Nikkei Senior Gardens Team Member of the Month Stellar Stories Do you feel a Nikkei Senior Gardens team member should be recognized for their exceptional story? Jerry Child Jerry Child joined the Nikkei Senior Gardens team in the Life Enrichment Department as a Driver in 2014. Jerry is always willing to help the team in any way he can. Often times Jerry leaves the comforts of being behind the wheel of the bus and can be found leading activities in Memory Support or working as the Concierge. Thank you Jerry for your hard work and dedication to providing exceptional care and consistent quality service to our residents, families, and team members. Nikkei Senior Gardens is honored to award Jerry with the April 2015 Team Member of the Month Award. To all residents, family members, and team members we encourage you to help us recognize our team members by sharing with us your unique stories and experiences. Please complete a Seniority Stellar Story Card (located at the concierge desk) and share with us your one-of-a-kind experience. Congratulations Jerry! Who Am I?..... My favorite food is sushi. I wish I could sing on the T.V. show, American Idol. I can read a 500-page book in one day. I’ve traveled to 46 states in the U.S. I love to spend time with my family. HINT: I work in Resident Care Services. Please submit your answer by completing the form below and returning to the front desk by Sunday, May 17th 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 May 19, 2015. GOOD LUCK! April Answer: Shizuko W. April Winner: Marilyn O. 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 May Issue 75 Page 11 Hawaii Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The words may be hidden in any direction. NI’IHAU ALOHA NAPALI COAST ARCHIPELAGO NORTH SHORE BEACHES PACIFIC OCEAN CANOEING PEARL HARBOR COFFEE PINEAPPLES GRASS SKIRT RESORTS HAWAIIAN SAND HONOLULU SCUBA DIVING HULA SNORKELING HUMPBACK WHALES STATE SUGARCANE ISLANDS SURFING KAHO’OLAWE TOURISTS KAUA’I TROPICAL KAYAKING UKELELE KONA COAST VACATION LANA’I LUAU VOLCANOES MACADAMIA NUTS WAIKIKI WAIMEA BAY MANTA RAYS WARM MAUI WHALE WATCHING MOLOKA’I Garden Giggles Did you know?... In Old English, May is called the "month of three milking's" referring to a time when the cows could be milked three times a day. SUPER FOOD OF THE MONTH Strawberries Helps burn stored fat Good for weight loss Promotes eye health Helps lower cardiovascular disease Eases inflammation Boosts short term memory Solve the puzzle by noting the position of the words. The answers are expressions we use everyday. 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 Koinobori, is a carp windsock, which are decorated all over Japan from April through early May, in honor of Kodomo no Hi (Children's Day) on May 5. In Japanese culture, the carp symbolizes courage and strength. The Boys' Festival was an event, expressing hope that each boy in the family will grow up healthy and strong. During this festival, people set up Koinobori, outside the house. A typical koinobori set consists of a yagurama which is, pair of arrow-spoked wheels with a ball-shaped spinning vane, a fukinagashi, which is a the top streamer and is followed by an assortment of colored carps. The number and meaning of the carp socks has changed over time. Traditionally, representing the father and sons of the family, it now represents the entire family, since the government decreed that converted Boy's Day or Tango no Sekku into the present Children's Day or Kodomo no Hi. As a result, the black carp represents the father of the family, the red koinobori came to represent the mother and other colors and sizes of carp came to represent all the family's children, both sons and daughters. Solution to Word Search Brain Food Puzzle Answers (From page 11): 1.) First Aid 2.) No one to blame
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