Supported by many awesome volunteers, Genki Gumi is always full of energy. This time, we would like to introduce the art therapy classes held in Coquitlam and Steveston.

One of our volunteers, Hannah Guo, studied art at the Canadian International Institution of Art Therapy (CIIAT) and currently volunteers with the Coquitlam Genki Gumi. In February, Hannah hosted an “Art Therapy: Neurographic Mandala” session. First, participants drew a circle and added geometric-like lines within it, rounding the intersecting points into curves. They then colored in the resulting patterns, which resembled brain synapses, to complete their artwork. This art form is said to promote relaxation and stress relief by encouraging positive thoughts while drawing the patterns and focusing intently on coloring. During the class, everyone chatted happily while finishing their pieces.

The Coquitlam Genki Gumi meets at the Maillardville Community Centre on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of each month from 1:30 PM to 3:30 PM. Hannah's art therapy classes also include many other interesting themes such as “Blue Love - Expressing and Receiving Love Through Art” and “My Inner Garden”.

If you are interested, please contact MIKA at:

coordinator@tonarigumi.ca

Men’s Club Cookie-Making for Valentine’s Day

On February 11, the Tonari Gumi Men’s Club took on a fun challenge in the kitchen—baking cookies! They made simple butter cookies topped with jam, as well as matcha-flavored cookies.

The freshly baked treats were beautifully packaged and presented as Valentine’s Day gifts to the Tonari Gumi staff, in appreciation of their continued support. It was a wonderful opportunity for the members to experience both the joy of creating something by hand and the happiness of giving to others.

As for how they tasted… you’ll have to ask the Tonari Gumi staff!

🌸 Hina Dolls on Display at TG 🌸

Our beautiful Hina dolls are now on display in the TG lounge in celebration of Girls’ Festival. The display brings a touch of spring and tradition to our space, and we are delighted to share it with our community.

We invite everyone to stop by, celebrate Girls’ Festival, and take photos with the dolls. It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy this special cultural tradition together.

A heartfelt thank you to our amazing volunteers, Utako and Taka, who carefully and beautifully set up the display. We truly appreciate your time and dedication.

Baked Goods Donation

Recently, we received a generous donation of more than 200 handmade baked goods — including cupcakes, cookies, muffins, and anpan (red bean buns) — all beautifully prepared and looking absolutely delicious.

These treats were lovingly made with the heartfelt wish of bringing joy to seniors who live alone or in care facilities and who receive the Tonari Gumi bento delivery service because going out or preparing meals on their own is difficult.

Each baked good was carefully crafted and just seeing them was enough to bring a smile to our faces. We are certain they will deliver moments of happiness and warmth to the seniors who receive them.

We would like to extend our deepest gratitude to this generous donor (who wishes to remain anonymous) for their kindness and their support of the seniors in our community. We would also like to acknowledge and sincerely thank another long-time Tonari Gumi volunteer (who also wishes to remain anonymous) for arranging this contribution.

We are truly grateful for everyone’s generosity and support. Thank you so much.

Let’s Enjoy Japanese Movies

Monday March 2nd: Why not enjoy a Japanese movie in a relaxed setting? (WITH English subtitles)

We will be screening Shall We Dance? (1996, 136 min) Directed by Masayuki Suo.

An ordinary office worker discovers the world of ballroom dancing, leading to laughter, inspiration, and heartfelt moments. Join us with popcorn in hand!

No registration required. ($2 participation fee)

Feel free to drop by!

Renovation Update: Building Permit Approved & Construction Underway

We had originally anticipated receiving our Building Permit in December 2025. However, after five months of waiting, we were pleased to finally obtain approval on Friday, January 23, 2026.

Our final day of programs at 2R was Wednesday, February 4. With a tight timeline, our team worked efficiently and had just one and a half days to pack, move, and clear the space. Contractors arrived on the afternoon of Friday, February 6 to begin preparation work, and the renovation officially commenced on Monday, February 9, 2026.

Progress has been swift. Within the first couple of weeks, all interior walls were removed, and after one month, the transformation is well underway. It is exciting to see the space evolving so quickly.

Please note that major construction work is scheduled during Spring Break. Due to the scale and intensity of the renovation during this period, Spring Break will be extended to three weeks this year to minimize disruption to our programs and ensure everyone’s safety.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely thank you for your understanding and continued support as we move through this important improvement project.

Tonari Gumi Harrison Hot Springs Trip

February 18–19, 2026 Twenty-eight members of the Tonari Gumi Social Club from Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, and North Vancouver enjoyed a one-night, two-day bus trip to Harrison Hot Springs. We stayed at the Harrison Hot Springs Resort.

As we arrived at the hotel early, many participants took the opportunity to walk into town and have lunch. Although it was sunny, the weather was windy and chilly, so we all naturally gathered at the restaurant closest to the hotel and enjoyed a pleasant time together.

Fortunately, we were able to check in early. Before and after dinner, we relaxed in the natural hot springs, making it a wonderfully restful and rejuvenating day for both body and mind.

Dinner was held in the Copper Room, where guests could choose from fish, meat, chicken, or vegetarian options. All the dishes were delicious. There was also live band entertainment, and those who enjoyed dancing had a memorable and lively evening.

The following morning, we had more time to enjoy the hot springs before sharing a buffet breakfast with a wide variety of choices. After breakfast, we began our journey home, feeling refreshed and grateful for the experience.

We would like to sincerely thank Bonsor 55+ Society Bus for generously providing the bus, and volunteer driver Nathan Woods for safely transporting us throughout the trip.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Tonari Gumi Social Club Planning Committee and the Tonari Gumi Board of Directors for organizing and making this wonderful trip possible.

By Mas Kitagawa (TG Social Club Planning Committee)

March Social Club: Let's Get Growing!

Many of us fondly remember our parents or grandparents tending Japanese vegetables—sometimes just a single shiso plant, other times large kitchen gardens filled with fresh produce like daikon, fuki, kabu, and long, slender Kyūri. Back when fresh Japanese vegetables were hard to find locally, these home gardens became vital links to our culinary traditions and cultural heritage.

As the growing season starts up, we extend an invitation to gardeners and those with an interest in Japanese cuisine and culture to participate in our forthcoming workshop, "Introduction to Japanese Spring Vegetables." Hosted by the Tonari Gumi Gardeners on Saturday, March 21st, this event will offer a brief overview of the history of Japanese vegetables, including Sansai, traditional foraged varieties found in both Japan and Canada.

The workshop will proceed with a formal presentation on prominent Japanese spring vegetables, encompassing their cultivation techniques and practical approaches for integrating them into culinary preparations. Lunch will be served, highlighting selected vegetables featured during the event. Additionally, participants will receive seedlings and seeds as part of their attendance.

We hope to see you there!

TG Member - $10

Non-Member - $15

🕒 Sat March 21, 11:00 AM – 2:30 PM

📍 Tonari Gumi101-42 West 8th Avenue, Vancouver, V5Y 1M7

Contact: ed@tonarigumi.ca

Jan-Mar Tonari Gumi Birthday Invitation

Due to renovations starting on February 4th, the date and time of our birthday party have been changed.

Tonari Gumi will hold our first quarter’s birthday party on March 26th, from 12:00 pm to 2:00 pm. A light lunch will be served.

Members born in January, February and March are warmly welcome join.

Please contact office@tonarigumi.ca to register.

Community Services Resource Information

VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX PROGRAM @ TG: March 9 ~ 27, 2026

Tonari Gumi will once again participate in CRA’s Community Income Tax Program this year.

This volunteer-based program assists eligible seniors with modest income and simple tax situation in filing their income tax returns confidentially with the help of trained volunteers.

The clinic helps ensure seniors receive the benefits and credits they may be entitled to, such as the GST/HST credit and other government benefits. Appointments are required so staff can review your tax documents. Once documents are dropped off at Tonari Gumi, tax- filing volunteers will pick up them up, file them online, and return them to clients. This process typically takes 5–10 days.

For details, please visit: www.tonarigumi.ca/services/outreach

For Those Who Wish to Receive Paper Copies of Income Tax Forms

For the 2025 tax year, the CRA will not automatically mail you a paper tax package, just because you filed on paper before. If you wish to have paper forms, you need to request or download them yourself.

1. Request Paper Forms by Mail

If you prefer physical copies mailed to you, you can order a tax package from the CRA by phone: 1-855-330-3305 (Canada only)

I called above number and following the automated answering system with simple steps, was able to order 6 paper packages. You need your SIN number (last 3 digits) and last 2 digits of your postal code to confirm mailing address.

2. Download and print forms online

• Visit “Forms and publications” on canada.ca → CRA section

• Find the 2025 Personal Income Tax Package for your province or territory

• Download the T1 General and any schedules you need

Link to forms page: canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications.html

3. Additional schedules may be separate

Some schedules are not automatically included in the 2025 paper tax package (e.g., Schedule 2, Schedule 3, Schedule 5). If you need them, you must download or order them separately.

VANCOUVER PUBLIC LIBRARY: Free Legal Support Programs

Please see below for each programs and registration information.

How You Can Get Free Lapu Lapu Legal Information and Services

Saturday, March 14^th from 12 – 1pm

In person at the Kensington Branch or virtually over Zoom

To register: https://forms.gle/vTNZVTrAAtkBvv4S7

Program in English, Tagalog, and Spanish in partnership with Amici Curiae Friends of Court

AC Legal Services

Appointments available on Saturdays from 11am – 2pm

In person at the South Hill Branch or virtually over Zoom

To book an appointment, email helpme@legalformsbc.ca

Need legal help? Volunteers from Amici Curiae Friends of Court are available for free, confidential appointments to help anyone complete legal paperwork. No personal advice provided.

Help available in English, Tagalog, and Mandarin

Government Benefits for Older Adults

Tuesday, March 24^th from 10am – 12pm

Online over Zoom

To register: vpl.bibliocommons.com/events/693a13018d33cc4900c58b5c

Presented by a legal advocate from Seniors First BC, this workshop provides an informative overview of several federal and provincial government benefits for seniors, including Old Age Security (OAS), Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS), Canada Pension Plan (CPP), Fair Pharmacare, BC Senior Supplement, and Shelter Aid for Elderly Renters (SAFER).

Nikkei Seniors Health Care and Housing Society will start Income Tax Clinic

The clinic will be held at New Sakura-so, Iwasaki Room on following dates. For further information, please contact: T. 604-777-5000 ext. 2109, E. hugsassistant@nikkeishc.com

Seniors Resource Fair @ Kitsilano Neighbourhood House

Theme: Social Connectedness: Aging well in Community.

Discover programs that enhance quality of life, provide essential services, and foster community connections. Tonari Gumi will also be there to showcase our services.

YWCA BC is hosting Digital Literacy Workshop for single parent

YWCA BC will be hosting a Digital Literacy Workshop. If you know a single mother who may be interested, please contact Shiho, who is both a YWCA staff member and a TG volunteer, will host the workshop.

To register: https: //forms.office.com/r/v6bzguaaxw

📣Messages from the Community📣

S.U.C.C.E.S.S.

Thank you for your support!

The Japanese Community Volunteers Association, “Tonari Gumi” gratefully acknowledges and thanks the following people for their generous donations in January 2026. Although we tried our best to include all of your donations, there is a chance we have missed your name. Please contact us and we will make the correction.

Monetary Donations

Kiyoshi Higashitani & Tamayo Higashitani, Kaori Yano, Toshiko Nasu, Eileen Murao, Eileen Nasu, Katsuyo Kay Fujishima, Yoko Toki, Kazuko Betty Macpherson, Ronald Okada, Machiko Nakahori, Sumiko & Takeo Yamashiro, Fusako Mori, Jane Hiromi Yip, Tom Furusawa

In memory of Jitsuko Katayama

Takeo Hayashi & Taeko Hayashi

In memory of Osamu (Sam) Tanaka

Eileen Murao

In memory of Hiroko Steward

Hiroko Stuart

In memory of Hitoshi Terazaki

Kimiko Higashi

In memory of Barbara Shishido

Margaret Shishido

In memory of Sumie Tanaka (Canada Helps)

Vivian & Richard Omori

Monetary Donations (Canada Helps)

Mark Waslen, Keiko Funahashi, Lynn Sasaki, Dan & Collen Nomura, Karen Geiger, Miki Hirai

MONTHLY GIVINGMonetary Donations (Canada Helps)

Takashi Sato, Thomas Kiyoshi Campbell, Tsutae Suzuki, Anonymous

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Art Therapy at Genki Gumi