Tonari Gumi Newsletter October 2025
- administration6102
- Sep 29
- 8 min read
Table of Contents
Tonari Gumi’s Mission Farm Tour
A one-day excursion out to the Arima family farm on Saturday, September 20th was a wonderful opportunity for seniors and other TG members to enjoy nature, share meals and relax in the company of others. Temperate sunny weather and a light breeze provided perfect encouragement for participants to engage (or not) in light farm work harvesting produce such as tomatoes, eggplants, apples, nashi, peppers, corn and potatoes. The fruits of our labour were shared with everyone.
The trip was open to all TG members for a modest fee of $25, which included transportation by minibus and TG van to Mission, snacks and lunch and farm produce to take home. The trip would not have been possible without a last-minute collaboration with Collingwood Neighbourhood House, who provided a minibus and driver. Thank you to Susan Woodland and her team, whose assistance prevented a last-minute trip cancellation. In this case, they provided essential support to TG and confirmed our belief in the value of community outreach and relationships.
A shout-out also goes to the Arima family who graciously hosted not only the TG crowd for a good part of the day, We are also deeply grateful to Mr. and Mrs. Shinozaki for their warm kindness and generous support throughout the day. Three board members (Makiko, Makoto, and Carol) and volunteer Jenny, who is a lead cook in the TG kitchen on Fridays, all volunteered to help make this event a success. Makoto coordinated all aspects of transportation for the day, while the other three arrived early to assist with setup and cleanup and provided support all day long to the 32 participants with an average senior age of over 80 years old.
Tonari Gumi looks forward to organizing similar outings in the future in support of seniors’ wellbeing, building friendships and strengthening community bonds.
🍂 Tonari Gumi Fall Bazaar – Nov 1st 🍂
Tonari Gumi is delighted to host our annual Fall Bazaar on Saturday, November 1st, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM at our center.
This year’s bazaar will be filled with exciting attractions for all ages, including:
• 🍱 Delicious food prepared by our volunteers
• 🎨 Handmade crafts created with care
• 🤖 Moving Toys Workshop – build a simple spinning robot with batteries and a motor (two sessions available)
• 👧🧒 Kids’ Activity Area featuring kingyosukui (goldfish scoop), yo-yo tsuri, and other fun games
It’s a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the season, support Tonari Gumi, and connect with friends in the community.
🍁 Fall Bazaar Volunteers Needed! 🍁
We’re looking for volunteers to help with the Fall Bazaar preparation, set-up, kids’ activity area, and clean-up.
• Bazaar Prep: October 30 & 31, 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
• Bazaar Day (November 1):
o Set-up Volunteers: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
o Event Volunteers:
• 10:00 am – 1:30 pm (lunch break after 1:30 pm)
• 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm (until clean-up is finished)
o Kids’ Activity Area Volunteers: 10:30 am – 4:00 pm
o Clean-up Volunteers: 2:30 pm – until finish
If you’re available to lend a hand, please contact Rie at Tonari Gumi:
📞 604-687-2172 Ext. 106
Your support makes this event possible—thank you!
Tonari Gumi Volunteer Party Moves Indoors, But Spirits Remain High!
Smoky skies couldn't dampen the spirits of Tonari Gumi's dedicated volunteers and staff at their appreciation party on September 6th. Though originally planned for the fresh air of Jonathon Rogers Park, the event was seamlessly relocated to the Tonari Gumi building to ensure the comfort and safety of all attendees.
The celebration brought together around 80 people, including a host of dedicated volunteers, hard-working board members, and staff, all gathered to honor the invaluable contributions of the volunteer team. The afternoon was filled with gratitude, community, and lively entertainment.
The event's host, David Iwaasa, warmly welcomed the guests. Makiko Suzuki, Chair of the Tonari Gumi Board of Directors, delivered a heartfelt thank you speech. She emphasized that all staff and board members deeply appreciate the volunteers for their incredible contributions to Tonari Gumi. She stressed a vital point: "If we don't have them, we cannot have our services and programs!" Following her remarks, David took a moment to introduce each volunteer personally. Afterwards, volunteers had the opportunity to share their own experiences with everyone.
After a convivial lunch, the atmosphere was electrified by a powerful and energetic performance from Chibi Taiko. Their dynamic drumming brought a vibrant pulse to the celebration, captivating the audience. The fun continued with a series of group games, sparking laughter and friendly competition among the attendees, before the afternoon concluded with prizes.
Despite the last-minute change of venue, the event was a resounding success, proving that the heart of the Tonari Gumi community shines brightly, regardless of the weather.
🎨 Tamio Wakayama: Enemy Alien 🎨
Art Gallery Outing on October 22
Join us for a special outing to the Tamio Wakayama: Enemy Alien exhibition at the Vancouver Art Gallery on Wednesday, October 22, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This is a unique opportunity to experience over 300 powerful photographs by Tamio Wakayama, a Japanese Canadian photographer whose work documents civil rights movements, cultural resilience, and community life across Canada and the United States.
Exhibition Highlights:
Dates: October 3, 2025 – February 22, 2026
Location: Vancouver Art Gallery, 750 Hornby Street, Vancouver
Schedule for October 22 Outing:
11:00 AM: Meet at Tonari Gumi
11:30 AM – 12:30 PM: Lunch (not included in fee)
1:00 PM: Guided tour of the exhibition with Mayu, Tamio Wakayama’s partner
2:00–2:30 PM: Tour concludes
You may join us at Tonari Gumi or meet us directly at the Vancouver Art Gallery.
Fee: To be announced
Note: This outing is only for Tonari Gumi members.
Please register by October 15th.
Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/ShG2R2uvmH
Or call: 604-687-2172 Ext. 106 (please leave a message)
Don’t miss this chance to explore the rich history and powerful imagery captured by Tamio Wakayama, guided by someone who knows his work intimately.
Tonari Gumi Life Seminar Report
September 9 – In-person Seminar
“Preparing a Greensleeves ~Emergency Information List~ to Provide Accurate Information to Medical Professionals”
With 17 participants, supported by two UBC pharmacy students and a Japanese nurse volunteer, seminar participants created an “Emergency Information List” summarizing essential contacts and medical information (such as prescriptions and allergies). Mr. Hyodo, BC EHS (BC Ambulance Service) and the creator of the form, explained each item on the list. Participants filled out a practice sheet with their medications and health conditions, which volunteers then entered the information to the computer and printed. The completed lists were placed in the Fraser Health–recommended “Greensleeves (also known as a Health Care Passport).” Some participants also included documents from their family doctors and statements of medical wishes to take home. One participant commented: “Living in Canada, where individual opinions are respected, I was reminded of the importance of being prepared to communicate my wishes clearly.”
September 9 – Afternoon Online Seminar
“Health Talk Seminar Series (3 sessions) with Japanese Physicians and Nurses” – Part 1: “Your Feet Are Important Partners: Foot Care to make Happy Feet”
Naomi Hirata, a Certified Diabetes Nurse Specialist from Sato Clinic (Yushiukai Medical Corporation), presented practical tips on daily foot care, such as trimming toenails, washing, and choosing shoes that are gentle on the feet. Part 2 of this series will be held online on October 28.
September 23 – Online Seminar
“S.U.C.C.E.S.S. – An Organization Supporting New Immigrants to Canada”
Ms. Ogata and Ms. Kami, who provide Japanese-language services at the Richmond office, introduced a wide range of programs, including information on online PR Card renewal procedures and seniors’ housing options offered by the organization.
Upcoming Tonari Gumi Life Seminars
October 27 (Mon) 1:30–3:00 pm | In-person (Japanese only)
Theme: Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Seniors
Speaker: Masako Anderson-Sakuma, Registered Social Worker (BC)
October 28 (Tue) 4:00–5:00 pm | Online (Japanese only)
Health Talk Seminar Part 2
Theme: “Good to Know! What Is Diabetes? Let’s Work Toward Early Detection”
Speaker: Dr. Yoshiki Sato (Sato Clinic, Yushiukai Medical Corporation)
November 24 (Mon) 1:30–3:00 pm | In-person (English only)
Theme: Depression and Anxiety Disorders in Seniors
Speaker: Masako Anderson-Sakuma, Registered Social Worker (BC)
November 25 (Tue) 1:00–2:30 pm | Hybrid (English with Japanese support)
Theme: Living with Illness – Changes and Understanding in Communication
Speaker: Support and Education Coordinator, Alzheimer Society of BC
For details and registration for October and November seminars, please visit the Tonari Gumi website.
Social Club Film Screening & Hawaiian Lunch
For our October Social Club gathering, we are pleased to present a special film screening along with a Hawaiian-style lunch.
We will show The Untold Story, a PBS documentary produced in 2012 by the Japanese Cultural Center of Hawaiʻi. This thought-provoking film sheds light on the Japanese American internment in Hawaiʻi—a history that is not widely known. A story that was once buried and forgotten has been rediscovered and retold through this important work. Unlike the Japanese Canadian experience, the majority of Japanese Americans in Hawaiʻi—who made up nearly 65% of the population—were not interned. The film provides valuable historical insights and a deeper understanding of this unique chapter in history.
Following the screening, we invite you to enjoy a light Hawaiian-themed lunch featuring Loco Moco.
Seats are limited. Please register by October 15th. Registration: https://forms.office.com/r/B5T1Cmjg8z
or call 604-687-2172 Ext. 106 (please leave a message).
Tonari Gumi Members’ Shopping Transportation Service
Would you like to go shopping with friends using Tonari Gumi’s members’ “ridesharing” Shopping Transportation Service?
If you find shopping alone difficult or hesitate to carry heavy items or buy in bulk, please take advantage of our shopping transportation Service with the Tonari Gumi Van, thanks to grant provided by Japanese Canadian Legacies Society. The cost is $5 per person to cover gas. For more information, please visit the Tonari Gumi website.
Influenza (Flu) Vaccinations
Influenza vaccinations will begin again this Fall.
For those aged 65 and over, enhanced vaccines are available that provide a stronger immune response.If you have a BC Personal Health Number but have never registered with the BC Government’s “Get Vaccine” system, you can register online.If you do not have a family doctor to consult about vaccination, you can call 811 for advice. If you need assistance making a booking, you can also call 1-833-838-2323, where interpretation services are available. For more information, please visit the BC Government website.
Government of BC Influena (flu) Vaccine information website:
Tonari Gumi Home Support・Light Housekeeping in Japanese
Are you aware of Tonari Gumi’s Japanese-language Home Support Service (simple household assistance)? We are currently offering a special promotion: the first service is free, and the second and third services are half price. For details, please visit the Tonari Gumi website.
If you are interested in volunteer-led peer groups, such as Caregivers Support Group, or any of the services by Tonari Gumi, please visit the Tonari Gumi Website.
🎶Help Us Bring Handbells to Tonari Gumi!🎶
We’re starting a new Handbell Music Activity—a fun, accessible program for seniors and people of all abilities! Handbells help improve focus, coordination, and connection while creating joyful music together.
Thanks to generous support, we’re partway there, but we still need more donations to make it happen.
💖 Wishlist:
🎵 EMUS 20-Note Junior Handbells – $209.98 / set
🎵 EMUS 20-Note Junior Handbells (Gold Edition) – $194.98 / set
Even a small contribution brings us closer to launching this new program!
📩 To donate: programs@tonarigumi.ca or visit us at Tonari Gumi.
Let’s fill our space with music, joy, and community spirit! 🎶
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