Board Meeting, February 23, 2008, 10am

Attending: Tom Willems, Mitzu Yamazaki, Nobuko Utterback, Norio Seki, Rosemary Kowalski, Janet Powell, Koji Kubo, James Opper, Mike Nishimuta, 3 guests (Vivian Seki, 2 exchange students) 

Scholarship Report: Tom reports that Max wanted to set up a scholarship account at Frost Bank. James moves that scholarship money be moved to the Wells Fargo account and then transferred to an account at Frost Bank. Tom seconds the motion. Motion passes. Rosemary asks the amount. Tom reports $50,000. Tom asks who is currently on the scholarship committee. Rosemary replies that it was Max and Suzanne, but no one now. Tom states that the board needs to decide who will serve on the scholarship committee. Board identifies Yuko Kawabe, Robert Langston, Taeg Nishimoto and Yabe-san from Trinity University to be nominated. Tom moves that the board nominate these persons. Rosemary seconds. Motion passes. Suzanne of Frost Bank will provide direction on how the money is to be spent. Rosemary indicates that the scholarship committee will report to Suzanne. 

JASSA's correspondence: Mike suggested that Tamaki have access to the JASSA post office box for general correspondence. Norio will check to see if he has the key. Hiroko also had a key and is also checking. A suggestion was made that the PO box be changed. Tom stated that you cannot forward mail from one PO box to another. Norio will contact Tamaki about the key and mail. She will be in charge of checking mail. 

JASSA's email: Mike explains the protocol for handling new memberships via online, mail or Paypal. Hiroko is was sending welcome to JASSA emails to new members. Tamaki is in charge of new membership. She will have to add member information to members list and newsletter mailing list. Nobuko gets forwarded any new emails to add to the email notifications list. Mike has a list of members who have paid via Paypal. 

Small Business membership: Mike indicates that many small businesses are now joining JASSA. Many join for the advertising. However, several of these small businesses have indicated that the $500 fee per year was not affordable. Mike proposes creating a small business membership with a lower fee. James moves that a Membership Benefits committee be formed to clearly identify what benefits each level of membership will have, including this new small business level. Tom seconds. Motion passes. Janet, Mike, James and Kubo will serve on this committee. 

Fiesta Float: Norio brings up idea that was suggested of having a Fiesta Float. He suggests the item be tabled. Board concurs. 

Girls Day display: Norio needs a thank you letter for the donor of the Girls Day display to JASSA. It is currently being kept at his garage and needs to be transferred to JASSA's storage. It is explained that the display is set up the first week of March. The board needed ideas of where best to have this displayed. Japanese Tea Garden opening ceremony and San Antonio Public Library was suggested. Set up and take down of the display may take one hour. Mike suggests it be displayed where people can't touch it once set up. Rosemary also mentions a special kimono that was given to JASSA and would like it displayed. She suggests we lend it to San Antonio Museum of Art. Tom makes the motion to loan these items to SAMA if they wish to display them. Mike seconds. Motion passes.

 Japanese Companies Association Annual Charity Golf Tournament: Norio announces that the JCA Annual Charity Golf Tournament takes place on May 17, Saturday at Golf of Texas. Rosemary donates to it every year. All the proceeds go to the Japanese supplemental school. Rosemary would like to invite a representative of JCA to speak at the March 9 General Meeting about this tournament and its purpose. They are in need of sponsors and announcements. Mitsu mentions that Mr. Yokou wants JCA to be involved in JASSA. Norio attends JCA's meetings as a representative of JASSA. JCA and JASSA are honorary members of each other. But apparently JCA does not get our information or emails. Mitsu will send a JCA email list to Nobuko. 

Supervision of Tamaki: James brings up that Hiroko and Ava were supervising Tamaki but that someone with more time will have to be designated. Rosemary suggested Michiko. James expressed that it is a shame that Tamaki is not being utilized as she should be. Rosemary will meet with Tamaki on March 3, 10am to discuss the future and get an update on what she is currently working on. Need to identify personal time versus JASSA time for her activities. Rosemary welcomes any other board member to attend this meeting. 

Opening of Japanese Tea Garden: Rosemary announces the opening of the Japanese Tea Garden. A private ceremony will be held on Thursday, March 6. She would like to know of any musicians that can be invited to perform, particularly drum players. There is no local taiko group. Hidei, keyboard player, was suggested to be contacted to play for this occassion. Norio says he will probably do it for a fee. Norio will contact. Rosemary also would like 4 persons to serve as greeters, preferably dressed in kimonos at Thursday's ceremony from 4 to 8pm and Saturday, March 8 for the general public opening ceremony. Janet Powell's exchange students can volunteer but will need to borrow kimonos.  

NAJAS Meeting and Grant: Mitsu and Rosemary attended the Sixth International Symposium of America-Japan Societies in Washington, DC., February 5-8. Main topics were big festivals, corporate sponsorship, events to attract membership. Most of  the other societies have staff. Our small society does not compare to many of the other long standing societies in the big cities. We are young and small. There was lengthy discussion on reciprocal membership. The Japan Foundation announced a new initiative aimed at promoting sustained growth and innovation within Japan America Societies. Support will be provided for projects that seek to increase the capacities of Japan America Societies and to enhance networking among and between societies. The Japan Foundation is the foundation that granted us money to bring Tamaki to work for us. Documentation on the two types of grants was provided by Mitsu. Mike said that the City has a grantwriter that could be available for us to use. Mike and Mitsu will work on a draft for the grant. Deadline for preliminary proposal is March 14. Deadline for full proposal is May 16. Several ideas were presented including annual fundraising events for various things such as scholarship, perhaps the Japanese supplemental school. Rosemary also indicated that we need to talk to the San Antonio Area Foundation. The Area Foundation offers a variety of different types of funds to meet the specific organizational needs of a nonprofit.  For example, a nonprofit may establish a fund to invest its operational assets, protect its endowed monies to meet future needs, provide a relatively constant source of annual income, provide a vehicle for specific project funds, accept Real Estate and other planned gifts to help fulfill its mission in the short term and/or in perpetuity.  She will invite a representative from the Hispanic Fund to make a presentation. Suzanne of Frost will probably not have time to do this for JASSA. Rosemary will meet with Reggie of San Antonio Area Foundation on Wednesday February 27, at 4pm on Broadway and Houston downtown. Mitsu and Mike will join to discuss the possibility of finding a person to help write the grant for the Japan Foundation. 

Visiting Drs. from Kumamoto: Nobuko, Hiroko, Kubo and Rosemary were all involved in meeting with the visiting doctors from Kumamoto and took them out to lunch and see the sights.  

Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce: Mitsu announces that the AAACC will have a membership drive mixer at Radius Cafe on March 13. 

Asian Festival: Rosemary spoke with Mary Ellen Smith, Director of Volunteer Programs, and she indicated that she will need help and support to keep this festival going year to year. We need to investigate how we can help. 

James moves to adjourn. Janet seconds. Meeting adjourns at 12:30pm.

Board Meeting Oct 10, 2007

Attendees: Rosemary Kowalski, Hiroko Fay, James Opper, Robert Langston, Norio Seki, Don Olsen, Mike Nishimuta, Koji Kubo, and Tamaki Masuda

Rosemary called the meeting to order at 6:15 p.m.

1. Minutes of the Last Board Meeting. The minutes of the last board meeting will be on the website, if there are no corrections, it is considered to be approved by Board.  

2. Financial Statement. James explained about the financial statement of 2007 and September.  The statement will be filed for audit.  “Dues” category will be added and dues paid to NAJAS, AAACC and Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce will be included under the category.

3. 2008 Budget.  The budget committee was organized and members are; James Opper, Norio Seki and Mike Nishimuta.  The budget committee will have a separate meeting to make a proposal of the budget for 2008.  By end of this year, the budget for 2008 should be approved.  Office rental, telephone will be deleted from the budget but JOI coordinator’s apartment will be included.  Japanese speech contest will be recalculated.  

4. Japan “Matsuri” Festival on Saturday, Oct. 20th. The Matsuri schedule is available on the JASSA website, although there is minor correction.  Hide Kataoka will play keyboard selections at 11:35 and Tim Cassler will play Honkyoku for Shakuhachi at 11:55. The necessity of establishment of Public Relations Committee to release information about JASSA is discussed.

5. “Bonenkai” End of the Year Party on Sunday, Dec. 2nd.  Robert is in the final stage of making a contract with Blue Star Art Complex. The room allowed 200+ guests and the cost is $1000/100 guests.   Robert will also check the availability of Girl Scout office but it may not allow us to have alcohol.  Robert will check with Howard Hu about the cost of food and JASSA board will decide the fee for members and non-members ($20 for members and $25 for non-members in last year).
 
6. Establishment of JASSA Scholarship Fund.  Scholarship committee is organized and members are; Suzanne Peterson from Frost National Bank, Max Navarro from Operational Technologies Corporation and Bruce Harrison from Quan, Bordette & Perez, P.C.  Mr. Fukuta from Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas, Inc has agreed to serve as  honorary chairman. Solicitation letter will be sent to companies in San Antonio in a week.  JASSA Scholarship fund raising dinner is planned to be held on Tuesday, November 20th at visitor center of Toyota Motor and people who donated will be invited.  JASSA will open a new bank account dedicated for the scholarship fund in Frost Bank.  JASSA will allocate the fund to Unversities in San Antonio which have Japanese Classes.  Each School will decide the recipient of the scholarship and each school’s scholarship guidelines will be applied to recipient.  Hiroko Fay will keep the Board informed.  

7. Luncheon and Lecture by Mrs. Nobuko Iinuma on Nov. 3rd. The Japan Companies Association is sponsoring a lecture by Nobuko Iinuma, an author who writes about Japanese-Americans, as part of their annual event. The Japan Companies Association is paying for her expenses, and JASSA will arrange a lecture in English at Sushihana on Saturday, November 3rd.  Lecture fee of $500 will be paid by JASSA to Mrs. Iinuma. Norio will discuss with Howard Hu about the cost for the lunch and e-mail board members.  Norio to select the title of her lecture and inform Mike.  Mike will upload the information on the website.  

Rosemary commented that extra items on the agenda are not items that necessarily need to be addressed, but are ongoing projects to keep in mind.

The date for General meetings and Board meetings for 2008 were selected.

General Meeting: March 9 (Sun), June 14 (Sun), September 14 (Sun), December 7 (Sun)
Board Meeting (every 2nd Wednesday of the Month) : Jan. 9, May 14, Aug. 13, Oct. 8

The meeting adjourned at 8:50.

General Membership Meeting Sep 9, 2007

Mike Nishimuta opens meeting and introduces the nominees for JASSA Board officers. Mike asks new members to introduce themselves. Mike asks new corporate members to introduce themselves.

Rosemary Kowalski then addresses the membership. Thanks Emilio for use of the Girl Scout facility, at no charge to JASSA, that in October they will be moving to a new building, and that we will be welcomed to hold meetings there. Rosemary completes 20 years as a JASSA member. Thanks Mitsu Yamazaki for working with JOI to help JASSA get Tamaki Masura for the next 2 years. Thanks Nobuko Utterback for providing temporary housing for Tamaki. Thanks Mike Nishimuta for helping Tamaki find housing and necessary items. Thanks UIW, Tom Willems, and others for their help and work. With Tamaki onboard, expects JASSA will get lots of recognition. Thanks Suzanne Peterson of Frost Bank for accepting chairmanship of the scholarship fundraising dinner. JASSA's goal is to raise $50,000. Welcomes any corporation to buy tables and dinners. Howard Hu of Sushihana will be catering the event. Thanks to Max Navarro for establishing the event in November. Rosemary pledges the first $5,000 to the scholarship fund. Rosemary introduces Tamaki Masura. Rosemary is happy how much JASSA has grown.

Tamaki Masusa addresses the membership. She explains that she was assigned by JOI to serve JASSA for the next two years. She is from Fukuoka, Japan. Her family lived in Houston when she was between the ages of 1 and 3. She is a licensed pharmacist, worked at Sankyo for 10 years, worked in New Jersey and Germany for 3 years, and returned to Japan in 2005 to start new companies. Her new office at the UIW is at the International Conference Center. Has been in San Antonio one month, already moved to an apartment on Austin Highway. Welcomes any members to visit her at the new office. Her new email is tamaki@jas-sa.org.

James Opper gives the treasurer's report as of August 2007, copies provided. Rosemary motions to approve the report. Norio seconds. Motion is passed.

Norio Seki addressed the membership to conduct the election of Board officers for 2008 for one year. Explains that only 20 members are needed for a quorum. Introduces Michiko Tonegawa, Rick Havel, Tim Brogan and Dr. Katsuhiko Shimizu as the election committee members. Norio asks the nominees to be recognized. Norio asks for any further nominations from the membership. A member points out that Don Olsen's position as parliamentarian was not listed on the ballot. Rosemary explains that the parliamentarian position is an appointed position, not an elected position. Norio makes the motion to cease nominations. Toni Gustafson seconds. Motion is carried and nominations are ceased. Norio then calls for a voice vote to accept all nominations into office. Membership votes and the ayes have it. None against. Norio asks the new 2008 officers to be recognized at the front of the meeting room.

Mike Nishimuta announces upcoming JASSA events. Alamo Asian American Chamber of Commerce symposium in September; Matsuri festival October 20. Mike asks Toni Gustafson to speak about the program. Toni asks for volunteers to help with setup, take down, and other activities. See her about volunteering. November 9 Carol Johnson announces a Japanese cultural event at Radius downtown. There will be Okinawa dancing, haiku reciting, and taiko drumming. December 2 JASSA will have their Bonnenkai catered by Sushihana. Location yet to be determined. Mike opens the floor for any other discussion and thanks Rosemary for all she has done for JASSA.

Gus McCloskey announces the opening of his new gallery for his ceramic arts on September 29 in Boerne. The name of the gallery is Hisago. Will send out invitations to the opening. Rosemary announces that she will be 83 years young and will celebrate it in Paris, France. Mike presents Rosemary with a birthday card signed by JASSA members.

Tim Brogan moves to adjourn the meeting. Janet seconds. Meeting is adjourned at 1:55 pm and members proceed to enjoy refreshments.

Board meeting July 11, 2007

Attendees: Rosemary Kowalski, Hiroko Fay, Nobuko Utterback, James Opper, Robert Langston, Mitsu Yamazaki, Tom Willems, Norio Seki, Don Olsen, Mike Nishimuta, Koji Kubo, Chris Espinoza, and Ava Perrill.

Tom opened the meeting at 6:20. The Alamo Asian Chamber of Commerce will be having a banquet and all-day symposium on September 15th. They will be hosting the Texas Federation of Asian American Chamber of Commerces, and Mayor Hardberger will be attending. The cost will be $1200 for a table of 8 people, including registration for 4 people to attend the day-time symposium. The event will be at the Marriott Riverwalk. Norio suggested that JASSA sponsor a table. James suggested that we let our corporate members attend the symposium. Symposium attendance alone is probably $90, and $65 for members of the Alamo Asian Chamber of Commerce. The Japan Companies Association is buying a table. This is the first time for San Antonio to host the event (the location rotates each year). Mike made the motion, seconded by Tom and approved, that JASSA sponsor a table. Tom will send the details of the symposium for Nobuko to distribute. Sponsors who sign up early will have their name on the invitation. It was also suggested to invite some non-Board members.

The Japan Companies Association is sponsoring a lecture by Nobuko Iinuma, an author who writes about Japanese-Americans, as part of their annual event. The Japan Companies Association is paying for her expenses, but her lecture for their event will be in Japanese. Could JASSA arrange a lecture in English? We would only need to be responsible for a location for the lecture and her speaker’s fee. She will be here on November 2nd. Norio believes the lecture fee might be $500-$1000. Mike will check to see if we could use the community room or the library at Our Lady of the Lake. Norio will obtain more information.

Rosemary commented that extra items on the agenda are not items that necessarily need to be addressed, but are ongoing projects to keep in mind. The minutes of the last meeting were approved, and Mike has posted them on the website.

James presented his financial report. There was one correction: he has received the money from Boeing for the Kelly USA event. He asked if JASSA’s increased income would affect our non-profit status. No one thought it should, but Tom is going to double-check.

Rosemary asked if all the payments for Consul General Kamo’s dinner had come in yet. There is only one outstanding payment. JASSA paid $9723.61 for this dinner, expected income is about $9000, so the cost to JASSA was about $700.

Hiroko mentioned that no records are kept of “in-kind service” (the hours that volunteers work), and we need to start keeping these records, for instance to qualify for certain grants. Tom asked if the time could be entered on the website, and Ava suggested that Tamaki could work on these records. Don suggested we check with other Japan America Societies to see how they keep their records. Nobuko suggested we have sign-in sheets at the various events. Don wanted to make sure the event organizers were not given this additional responsibility. Mike will check with the Dallas JAS and NAJAS on this issue.

Norman said the UIW office space should be ready by about August 15th, and Hiroko is hoping we can move things directly from the Josephine office to Incarnate Word. However, the IW office is only 10’ by 10’, so not everything now in the Josephine office will fit (for example, the conference table). Norman is 99% sure Incarnate Word will be able to provide a room for our coordinator.

The office at Incarnate Word is being provided to us free of charge. We were paying $430/month for the Josephine office. This amount plus the $200 stipend from JOI should cover apartment costs for the coordinator if necessary.

We discussed what type of materials Tamaki should bring from Japan, such as examples of cultural materials to show at various events. Hiroko will contact her about this.

The Texas Education Agency is looking for Japanese language teachers to participate in a Japanese language teacher certification program. Hiroko knows two non-JASSA members who she will contact. Hiroko also suggested we reimburse the teachers $300 from Rosemary’s budget. Mike asked how JASSA would benefit from this. TEA will be picking committee members from the participants to certify future Japanese language teachers. Tom reminded us that any educational activity will bolster our 501(c)3 status.

Barry Cotton asked for our help with the haiku contest. Chris suggested we form a committee to work on it. Mike said he mentioned it to Habitat for Humanity, and they will be participating. Mike will contact Barry for more details.

Four high school students from Kumamoto will be coming to San Antonio for a year. Koji will send more information to Nobuko so she can email it to members. Robert suggested we hold a reception for both the students, their host families, and our JOI coordinator Tamaki.

Rosemary promised Dr. Agnese that JASSA will promote Incarnate Word in Japan. Hiroko will be doing this at sites she visits in Japan in exchange for our free office space. The World Affairs Council contacted us about a speaker, but we didn’t have anyone suitable.

Mike asked anyone with articles for the newsletter to send them in to him as soon as possible. The meeting adjourned at 8:00.

Board Meeting May 7, 2007

Attendees: Rosemary Kowalski, Hiroko Fay, Ava Rae Perrill, Robert Langston, Don Olsen, Janet Powell, Vivian Seki, Katsu Shimizu, James Opper, Toni Gustafson, Michiko Tonegawa, Tom Willems, Nobuko Utterback, Koji Kubo, Mike Nishimuta, and Norio Seki.

The meeting began at 6:10. Rosemary asked for the minutes to be sent to board members by email before the next meeting. Janet Powell needed the addresses of the 06 board members. She said JASSA’s taxes are due May 15th, and she has prepared an extension if it is necessary.

James Opper asked for Pay Pal information. He said the Japanese Speech Contest is not in the budget, and asked if it should be included next year. This issue will be addressed when next year’s budget is being prepared. The Shinnenkai expenses were over budget since the budget was only $50. James motioned to accept the Shinnenkai expenses, Mike seconded, and the motion was approved.

The treasurer’s report has been filed for audit.

Tom Willems was introduced as the new 1st Vice President and Koji Kubo as the new Sister City Chair. Tom was voted in by email, and Koji was appointed by Rosemary.

Tom has lined up 7 underwriters for the dinner for Consul General Kamo. They include the Japanese Companies Association, the Asian American Chamber of Commerce, the RK Group, Southwest Research, the Port of San Antonio, and Marriott. All of the presidents of the colleges have been invited, Mrs. Shirane will be attending, and Henry Cisneros may be the keynote speaker. There is enough money to invite around 180 to 185 people. JASSA members will be invited after all of the dignitaries have responded. This event will show the connection between JASSA and local corporations. The new president of Toyota Mr. Fukuda, who will also be the head of the Japanese Companies Association, may attend. JASSA needs to create and send out invoices to the corporations for this event. All of the JASSA corporate members have been invited.

There will be various gifts for Consul General Kamo. He will be made an honorary Texas citizen and an honorary citizen of San Antonio. Everyone who has sponsored a table will be able to personally present a gift. Each corporation gets to present one gift and have 1 person seated at the head table. Tom suggested Consul General Kamo be made an honorary shogun of JASSA. Hiroko suggested a gift representative of Texas, perhaps a set of longhorns.

JASSA’s responsibility for the JOI coordinator is lodging. Rosemary will see if lodging is available at Incarnate Word.

JASSA is looking for new office space. Radius won’t work; they only have part-time space available. The International Center does not have space at this time, and there is nothing at the Asian American Chamber of Commerce. Mike has talked to 2 commercial realtors. The RK Group just opened downtown offices; Rosemary will check the area. The current office is costing $430 per month. The Nonprofit Resource Center might have suggestions, and we could check with the Manticore Society (German) which has a house in King William. Rosemary has a friend with a nonprofit website that can be checked. Mike suggested sending an email to members for ideas. He will draft it and send it to Nobuko.

Hiroko asked that everyone please answer her emails.

Currently, JASSA’s general liability annual premium is $500. Coverage through NAJAS would only be $250. The due date for application is this Friday. The board members voted to change the insurance to NAJAS. Their insurance will begin August 1st, and the current insurance will end in October.

Mike and Hiroko get email from NAJAS. Hiroko will forward them to board members.

JASSA wishes to thank the Japanese Companies Association and Toyota for sponsoring Gold Tables at the dinner for Consul General Kamo.

Toni said attendance at Kumamoto En was low because there was no publicity. Mike suggested this would be changed by our JOI coordinator. Toni said JASSA needs its own amplifiers and pop-up tents for events. It was suggested that the storage area be inventoried when things are taken out for the Folklife Festival. Toni would like the basic program for Matsuri to be in place by June.

The airport was contacted about JASSA having a display, but they said there was too much construction to consider it right now.

Rosemary sent a thank-you note to Dave Henkin, who went to pick up a projector for our general meeting at the Girl Scouts.

Two board members must be elected to serve on the Election Committee. Hiroko told first-year board members not to volunteer, since election committee members cannot serve on the board next year. The committee finds nominees for next year’s officers, handles the mail-in ballots and the election. Board members cannot serve more than 2 years in the same position. Norio and Dr. Shimizu were approved as members of the Election Committee.

A corporate membership was sent to Sysco.

NAJAS announced the passing of their member Jim Abegglen.

Austin is sponsoring a haiku contest in August. All non-profits have been invited to participate, and create haiku about non-profit activities. Mike would like JASSA to be a co-sponsor, or perhaps provide a judge for the contest.

Rosemary received tickets from Dr. Lien and Mr. Lu of the UTSA business school for the Hon-Wa Dance Troupe performance. She cannot attend, so Robert and Hiroko will be using her tickets.

Rosemary handed out Fiesta medals, and Toni suggested we have JASSA pins, and later Fiesta medals. The meeting ended at 7:35.

Board Meeting Feb 5, 2007

Attendees:  Rosemary Kowalski, Mike Nishimuta, Mitsu Yamazaki, Ava Perrill, Vivian Seki, Katsushi Okamura, Hiroko Fay, James Opper, Nobuko Utterback, Toni Gustafson, Robert Langston, Janet Powell, Ikuko Groesbeck

Rosemary complemented Mike on the calendar on the website.  He mentioned that the online calendar on the website could be updated by anyone. 

Rosemary asked if everyone at the meeting was a voting member.  Hiroko said she and Katsushi were not. 

Rosemary said she would be attempting to keep the meeting to one hour, as all of the other meetings she attends are able to move that quickly.

Katsushi presented the 06 financial statement.  The Dec 31st ending balance was $36, 682.  The beginning balance at the first of the year had been $23, 780.  Rosemary remembers the balance about 4 years ago was around $9,000.  Since we had so much income, we must file Form 990EZ.  Janet is a CPA, and has offered to complete the form for free (the usual price would be about $700).  Janet will be the head of the telephone committee.

Mike said that there is a link to the newsletter on the website.

Minutes from the November 28th board meeting were presented by Vivian.  We did not take the time to read them at the meeting.  Anyone with questions, comments, or corrections was asked to email them. 

Rosemary would like to discuss board member responsibilities at a future meeting.  Since the group is becoming so large, we should have groups working on projects, and the leader of the project should report on it.  Hiroko asked everyone to be sure to read their responsibilities in the bylaws.  Toni said there were not a lot of details on responsibilities in the bylaws. 

Matsuri: Toni talked to Barbara Saitan, program manager at the library, to discuss changing the date to avoid conflict with Hispanic Heritage events.  A little later, but before Halloween, would be best.  Toni suggested Saturday, Oct 20th, with Oct 27th as the alternate date. 

Radius: Toni met with Elizabeth.  JASSA was sponsored last year, but will be able to participate as ourselves this year.  They’re discussing a date in September, but want to avoid Yom Kippur on the 22nd, or Diez y Seis.  Friday the 28th is a possibility; her 2nd choice is the 7th (Labor Day weekend).  The program was small and put together quickly last year.  Toni would like to expand the program for this year.

The 90th anniversary celebration in April: reservations must be sent in by the end of February.  Attendance cost is $250.  Dr. Ishimora, a retired doctor in Tokyo and JASSA member, might be able to attend for us if no U.S. members can go.  Mitsu is going to Tokyo on a business recruitment trip ending April 22nd, and might be able to stay over.

J-link: This is a social networking platform sponsored by the National Association of Japan America Societies.  It was discussed at the NAJAS meeting in Houston.  Mike will be keeping us updated on the program.

Texas NAJAS regional meeting: Hiroko and Rudy attended.  Rudy, Rosemary’s intern, took notes at the meeting.  They handed out the color JASSA information page that Hiroko created.  Rosemary complemented Hiroko on her work, and Hiroko thanked Mike for his work on the page.

UTSA Great Conversation program: February 27th, from 6:30 to 9:00 at the Institute of Texan Cultures.  This program is a fundraiser for UTSA organized by Dr. Harriet Romo.  There are tables of 10 people each, with 1 VIP at each table.  You sign up for the table whose host you want to talk with.  Each table costs $1500. Rosemary suggested we purchase seats at the table with Mrs. Shirane.  JASSA would pay $750 for five seats and Dos Cocinas would pay $750 for four seats.  Dinner is included. James asked how this event was of interest to JASSA.  Rosemary said that Mrs. Shirane was our number 1 booster, that San Antonio wouldn’t have Kumamoto as a sister city or Toyota in town without the efforts of Mrs. Shirane.  It would be a coup for us to sponsor her table.  Robert made a motion to accept Rosemary’s plan, which was seconded by Mitsu, and carried unanimously.

Japan Outreach Initiative (JOI): Robert summarized this program, which would bring us an intern from Japan for two years.  This program is only available to a 501c organization.  Our responsibilities would include providing a supervisor, a place to work, finding housing, and being responsible for mileage expenses after a certain limit is passed.  Mitsu said that the interns are responsible professionals, not students.  Rosemary said it might be possible to house the intern at UTSA.  Mitsu said that the plan was to have the intern act as a full-time employee to organize and expand JASSA.  Mitsu was working to fill out our application, and let everyone else know what other materials he needed to complete it.  Rosemary thanked Robert and Mitsu for working on this project.  James moved that we proceed with the application process, Mitsu seconded, and the motion passed. 

Bonnenkai: Robert suggested we choose a larger venue.  Sushi Zushi was great, but we need more space.  Robert would like a firm punctuality policy.  He doesn’t want another delay in a meeting like the one we experienced at Shinnenkai.

Asian Festival: We need volunteers to inventory the materials in the warehouse.  We need volunteers at RK on Friday to chop vegetables.  The festival would like people in traditional costumes for the beginning parade.  Michiko, Hiroko, and Katsushi have done a lot of the work for the festival.  Toni said they wanted very splashy decorations this year.  Toni is performing.

Robert would like to create a calendar of not only events, but what needs to be done for each event.  There’s no compilation of these jobs, because everyone only knows  their own part.  Mitsu said we could add information to the on-line calendar.

The Southwest School of Art will be having an event on Akihiko Izukura.  He was a weaver known for creating without waste, by folding fabric rather than cutting it. 

There will be a concert by Duo Sakyo at OLLU and at SAMA.  Volunteers are needed to usher at the Duo Sakyo concert at OLLU.  Don Olsen will be creating ikebana for the event.  OLLU has no budget, so they cannot pay Don.  Hiroko suggested he create two, one for inside and one for outside, for a one-time cost of $150.  Toni suggested we do so.  Mitsu suggested we email our corporate members about sponsoring this event.  Admission to the concert is free.  Toni motioned that we make the $150 contribution, James seconded, and the motion was passed.  Mike mentioned that we need to thank Don for his work.

Rosemary suggested the following dates for board meetings:  March 14th, July 11th, and October 10th.

Mike said SAMA and SA Parks want to post information on their events on our website, and he said that was no problem.  We can promote the restoration of the tea gardens there, and include a link to their website.  We’d need to contact Bonnie Conner at the Parks Foundation.

Mike said the Japanese Companies Association will be holding their golf tournament in June.  Mitsu didn’t think the date had been set yet.

Asian-American Chamber of Commerce dues of $50 have been paid.

Mitsu talked about the Japanese Companies Association meeting.  He arrived late because he’d been at the meeting with Maria Domoto about JOI.  They had a friendly golf tournament a few weeks ago, which was a great success.  These tournaments are fundraisers for the Saturday school.  Mitsu suggested we might try to help them when we have a coordinator.  They’ll hold a farewell tournament in either March or April for a member who is leaving.  The annual tournament will be in June.  Hiroko mentioned that JASSA could also do golf tournaments as fundraisers.  Jack Parker, the owner of Tapatio Springs, has offered to host the event, and wishes to participate in the planning.

JASSA received a thank you note from Mrs. Cisneros.  A sympathy card had been sent by the board after her mother’s death. 

Rosemary was amazed that we had finished our business in an hour and 20 minutes.

Hiroko would like the board to approve the purchase of 3 easels ($80 at Office Max) to use at various events.  She has one at home that has lasted for 10 years.  Rosemary said she could get them wholesale.  Hiroko prefers metal easels with adjustable legs.  She said the foldable ones are much easier to transport to events.  Robert moved to buy the easels, Ikuko seconded, and the motion carried.

Mitsu volunteered to respond to a letter Rosemary had received from a man volunteering to work for JASSA. 

The meeting was adjourned.

2007 Shinnenkai Luncheon, Sunday, January 7, 2007.

There was a delay in beginning the program because of traffic congestion. The program was opened at 1:25 by Robert Langston, who introduced 2007 President Rosemary Kowalski. Rosemary welcomed the guests, and thanked Norio and other past officers for their work for JASSA. She expressed the desire for JASSA to find more corporate members, saying that an important part of the effort would be making sure corporations were able to benefit from their membership. More corporate members would help us to sponsor events. Rosemary announced that Angie Hwang was the new coordinator for Asian-Pacific Initiatives at Incarnate Word. She said that we had been contacted concerning the Japan Outreach Initiative, and would be seeking more information. She also announced that Consul-General Kamo from Houston had accepted an honorary membership in JASSA. Rosemary announced that Port SA has joined as a corporate member, thanks to the efforts of Max Navarro. She also thanked Michael and Mike Nishimuta for their wonderful work on the website and newsletter. She announced a Shinnenkai at Artpace on January 16th to honor the artist-in-residence. Some members plan to attend the regional meeting of Japan America Societies on January 27th. Since JASSA is unable to pay for the trip at this time, the members attending will pay their own way. Martha Blackwelder will be speaking today about an upcoming exhibit at SAMA. There will be a large meeting in Philadelphia in June for all Japan America Societies, and Rosemary will be attending. We received this information as a member of the National Association of Japan America Societies. Since we have no paid staff, dues were only $500. The best way to contact Rosemary is to leave a phone message, rather than email.

Michael Rosales, a member of the San Antonio International Affairs Department, spoke about his work with Kumamoto City. He also said they were working on a television program that would appear on TV 21. This year is the 400th anniversary of Kumamoto Castle.

Robert Langston introduced the 2007 board members and committee chairs.

Martha Blackwelder, curator of the Asian wing at SAMA, talked about the 2007 events at the museum. She mentioned a French Impressionist exhibit that was closing today, and gave out 12 free passes for the exhibit. She announced the upcoming exhibit “The Genius of Shibata Zeshin”, which would run from February 17th to May 6th. She handed out brochures regarding the exhibit.

Mitsu announced the first event of the year for the Alamo-Asian Chamber of Commerce. It will be held on January 24th at 6 pm on the 3rd floor of the International Conference Center at Incarnate Word. There will be free refreshments, music, and many networking opportunities. There is a brochure at the registration desk, and everyone is welcome.

Martha Blackwelder presented a slide show about the Asian wing and upcoming exhibit. She will plan a tour for JASSA in the spring. Rosemary was one of the 20 people in San Antonio who were asked to choose their favorite art piece, and she chose the samurai armor in the Asian wing. It was great to have an Asian choice, because most of the other choices were from Latin America. The Asian wing has objects from the Jomon period to present-day. There are many objects in storage, so the exhibits are changed out twice a year. The upcoming exhibit on Zeshin will include 54 of his works, which come from the largest privately-held collection of his works in this country. He is more well-known in Europe than in the US. At age 11, he was sent to train with a lacquer artist. At age 16, he was sent to train with a painter. The strict sumptuary laws of his time forbad the use of gold and silver in lacquer work, so he began to incorporate charcoal dust and copper dust to work with new materials and textures. He created lacquer which looked like rosewood and pewter. The wave pattern had been lost for 200 years, and Zeshin recreated it. He was the first lacquer artist to become an Imperial Household Artist. During the Zeshin exhibit, the Japanese gallery will focus on the works of teachers, students, and colleagues of Zeshin. On January 17th at 2:00, there will be a lecture on Zeshin by Joe Early, an expert on Zeshin. On March 27th, there will be a lecture on Zeshin and haiku. 12:00 to 4:00 on February 25th will be a Family Art Day. On March 4th at 2 pm there will be a concert of traditional Japanese music. The museum also hosts ikebana classes with Don Olson. On April 10th, there will be a showing of the movie The Last Samurai and a tea ceremony. A new Asian catalog will be available at the gift shop.

Robert Langston introduced new members and announced the 2007 scheduled events for JASSA. He then introduced the piano music by Nobuko and her students. Yasuko is a JASSA member, and played Polka Dots and Moonbeams by Van Heusen. Kaori Matsunari is from Kumamoto, and spends two to three months in San Antonio each year studying with Nobuko. She is a professional jazz pianist in Kumamoto. She played Cole Porter’s Night and Day. Nobuko played Elton John’s Your Song.

After the impressive piano music, everyone went through the buffet line, and enjoyed the wonderful food brought by the members. After eating, Robert announced that Rosemary had brought 30 Japanese gifts as door prizes. After the door prizes were handed out, Robert closed the meeting.

JASSA BOARD MEETING, Wednesday, November 28, 2006 at RK Group Conference Room 6:00pm

JASSA BOARD MEETING, Wednesday, August 23, 2006 at RK Group Conference Room 6:30pm

Present: Toni Gustafson, Don Olsen, Katsushi Okamura, Max Navarro, Rosemary Kowalski, Norio Seki, Vivian Seki, James Opper, Mike Nishimuta, Katsu Shimizu

Norio Seki opens meeting. He thanks Hiroko Fay and Safeguard for a great membership directory this year. Lots of new corporate members.

1. Minutes of Previous Meeting. Vivian Seki reports that the Minutes of the meeting from previous Board meeting were sent and approved.

2. Treasurer's Report. Katsushi Okamura reports that the financial report was sent by mail. Board had no questions.

3. Folklife Festival. Katsushi Okamura reports on the Folklife festival. Norio thanks all the volunteers. Katsushi reports 20% more sales this year, $6,000 gross, $1500 spent on food, license $1400, Institute took 25% which is $1130, net profit is $2,000. Rosemary asks if anyone has suggestion about recruiting more volunteers for next year. Don Olsen remarks its a lot of work but lots of good exposure. Everyone agrees about about need for more help on clean up crew. Rosemary suggests hiring a clean up crew for next year. Norio suggests recruit more volunteers for clean up. Katsushi reminds everyone that major clean up is on Mondays and that's the reason it is difficult to get volunteers. Rosemary remarks that cost for 5 people a few hours is a few hundred dollars. Don suggests that this could be done in a motion for next year. Max makes the motion to budget for a clean up crew for next year. Mike seconds. Motion is passed.
Toni Gustafson remarks that her presentation was poorly coordinated with the stage performances.

4. Discussion of allowing Corporate Member to Board. Norio opens the discussion for the idea of creating a Board position for new corporate member Toyota Motor Manufacturing Texas. He states that the reason for this position is to include Toyota in our board. He spoke to Henry Kawasaki and he is in agreement. He asks the board for a vote. Max asks about what number of board members the bylaws allow. Don remarks that adding this board position will require a change in the bylaws if this will be a voting position. If not, then no changes required. Mike Nishimuta suggests to ask the JAS in Dallas about this since they have Toyota on their board. Max makes a motion that a board voting seat be made for Toyota and change the bylaws to this effect. Position could be corporate community representative. Norio suggests make this effective next year. Max suggests make one seat for corporate, have a different member each year. Don states that this seems more fair. Let different corporations serve each year. Max states that we have to decide what function this position will have. Active vs. Honorary. Norio wants this to be active position. Max remarks maybe this should be a position for corporate member drive or recruiting. Don states that because all board seats are filled, the Bylaws will have to be changed to add another board seat. Motion must be made. Don also suggests that the this corporate member could serve as membership or business and economic committee chair. Norio will talk to Kawasaki about serving for next year, if he will commit. He will update board before next board meeting.

5. Corporate Membership Night. Max Navarro opens the discussion about the fundraising event in October for Corporate members. Max reports that he and Hiroko went to SAMA to meet with the curator. SAMA is excited about having JASSA back for the Asian festival. This would be a new JASSA event. Already have a keynote speaker. SAMA will allow JASSA to rent their entrance hall area for $1500. This will be a 2-hour simple reception with live music. Max reports he is trying to get a sponsor to fund this event. SAMA would like to have it on a Tuesday or Wednesday after work hours. Toni remarks that the Matsuri is Oct 14. Max states he will need more time to organize, must be latter part of October. SAMA has October 26 open right now. Mike asks how will this event be publicized. Max suggests create a mailing list of suppliers and other to mail a flyer. Toni asks what kind of attendance are we looking for. Max thinks about 100. This event will be a JASSA corporate night. Invitees will not have to pay, but recruited to join JASSA. Don makes a motion to go ahead with this fundraiser/recruitment event. Mike seconds the motion. Board votes and motion passed. Many suggestions are made by all board members including recognizing corporations with plaques or certificates.

6. Support to Japanese Tea Garden. Norio opens the discussion about supporting fundraising efforts for the Japanese Tea Garden. Sme members attended a fundraiser that the Parks Foundation organized to raise funds for the restoration of the Japanese Tea Garden at Brackenridge Park. Rosemary remarks that the owner of the Water Street Oyster Bar donated 300 koi fish for the garden ponds once restored. Norio reports that the granddaughter of the Jingu family, Judy Jingu, has been in touch with JASSA and wants to be a part of future events and donate to the restoration cause. Norio suggests donating money to the Parks Foundation for the Japanese Tea Garden. Norio or Vivian will contact Bonnie Conner to get an update on the Parks Foundation efforts. Norio wants the board to be in support of the restoration of the garden. Mike volunteers his web abilities if needed by the Parks Foundation.

7. Matsuri. Toni Gustafson reports on plan for Japan Week in October. She remarks that she not informed in advance that she was put in charge of the festival and was not clear that this was the role of cultural chair. She remarks that she wishes she had more lead time to organize. She needs information about last year's participants, needs to find participants for this year. Needs to know if she has a budget, Katsushi reports that there is a budget for Matsuri. Tim Brogan offers to help Toni to organize. Toni says she will need resource information. Katsushi reports budget for last year was $500, which included stipend for professionals and lunch for volunteers. Toni has a concern about who gets paid and who does not. Someone will have to help her determine this. Norio suggests everyone help in gathering all the info for Toni. Festival is October 14 from 11am to 4pm. Norio will try to get a business speaker from Japan, like last year, but no takers yet. Other events for that week may be a movie festival, but need more press. Rosemary asks Toni if she will do this again next year. Toni remarks that if this is the role of cultural chair, then yes.

8. Hiring an executive secretary for the board and board committees. Norio reports that Nobuko suggested that Hiroko Fay be considered for that position since she is already doing it on her own time and with her own resources. Rosemary strongly suggests that an executive secretary is necessary to take care of day to day business, and that is most certainly should be offered to Hiroko. Don mentions that this is already provided for in the bylaws if we want to hire one. Some board members agree that around $10,000 per year, but depending on amount of hours and expenses, etc., perhaps as contracted labor. Should investigate. Don suggests that a motion be made. Mike motions that the Norio contact the national Japanese association to find out about how this will affect membership dues and asks for an existing job description for executive secretary, salary, etc. Rosemary suggests contact Anna at the Dallas JAS. Rosemary seconds the motion. Board votes and motion passed. Don suggests that we write an article explaining why this is needed in the JASSA newsletter to keep membership informed about our decision because this was controversial in the past.

9. NAJA Regional Meetings. Rosemary brings up the decision by the National Association of Japan America Societies that there should be regional meetings for JAS. Rosemary has been in communication with the JAS in Texas cities including Austin, Houston, Dallas, Fort Worth. There is preliminary talk of having the first regional meeting in Houston. No date or agenda yet on that meeting. Rosemary suggests as many board members attend as possible, but probably at their own cost. More on that later.

10. Newsletter. Mike reports that we need to get out the next newsletter. Need information from the board as to what to put in the next newsletter. Vivian and/or Toni will send photos to Mike. Need president's message from Norio and information on upcoming events.

Meeting adjourns at 8:45pm.

JASSA Board Meeting Wednesday, May 3, 2006, 6pm to 7pm
RK Group's Office 1220 E. Commerce, San Antonio, TX 78205

Attendance: Norio Seki, Rosemary Kowalski, Hiroko Fay, Dr. Toni Gustafson, Mark Kent, Katsu Shimizu, Tim Brogan, Annie Brogan, Hiro Mishima, Max Navarro, Don Olsen , Katsushi Okamura, Bob Brackman (New Director San Antonio botanical garden), Mike Nishimuta

Minutes of last board meeting: Vivian Seki notes that the last board meeting minutes were taken and posted by Mike Nishimuta on the JASSA web site. Print outs were made available. Max Navarro motions that the minutes be accepted as written and that any changes be reported to Vivian. Tim seconds. Motion is passed.

Treasurer's Report: Katsushi reports that $1200 was raised at the Asian Festival. Max Navarro matches the funds raised at the Asian Festival as a donation to JASSA. With Max's donation, the total would come to $2400.

Nominating Committee: Norio reads Nobuko Utterback's note on nominating 2 members from the board for the election committee. Three current Board members, Vivian Seki, Tim Brogan and Annie Brogan are the 2^nd year terms. Hiroko Fay explains who is eligible for election committee. Tim said that he would serve on Election Committee and Annie said that she would help Tim. Max makes the motion, Mark seconds the nomination of Tim and Annie for the election committee. Motion passes. Tim adds that the other 3 must be nominated from general membership.

JASSA Office Space: Norio opens the discussion for Office space for JASSA. Hiroko reports her finding of office space on Josephine Street at an art gallery, near the Josephine Theater. Hiroko, Norio and Tim went to meet the owner Jacqui von Hents. The space is about 500 square feet; has a common meeting area; parking is available in the back of the building or across the street at other businesses after hours; two story building; also private bath and shower; large storefront window. Space also has alarm system including watch dogs. Rent includes electricity and water, but rental of $1 per day for usage of window unit air conditioner. Rent is $430 per month. Tim comments that the space is very artistic and funky. Max asks what kind of lease they want so we are not locked in for a long period. Hiroko reports 6-month lease. Max mentions that Dr. Agnese had offered space at UIW and that the cost was $1 per year. Hiroko states that the offer is generous but that no details on what space would be available to JASSA, what access we would have, and, additionally, JASSA may be associated as part of UIW. Other spaces have been researched (Sunset Station area, etc). Don asks if we would have access at night with the dogs roaming freely at the art space. Hiroko reports that the dogs are only there when the owner is not there. The owner lives on premises upstairs. Norio adds that it is an old building. Rosemary asks about insurance. Hiroko adds that JASSA already has general liability that may cover us. Rosemary asks if in the case of vandalism we would have to replace or fix such damage. Don asks if the art space could be compared to the college space. No definite space was offered by UIW at this time. Max says he is comfortable with either decision. Norio invites board members to see the office space. Toni was asking about access to UIW space. Is this an issue? Max talked to Dr. Agnese about access to it and he mentioned parking can be a problem on the campus. Katsushi states that if the space is in the administration building, no parking available anytime. If it is by the International center, parking is no problem. Tim suggests that it may be good to see what space UIW has available. Mark asks what the time line is to get a space. Hiroko has been working on it for many months and Norio suggests we finalize within the month. Don makes a suggestion to create a committee to decide. Mark makes the motion and Rosemary seconds. Rosemary suggests that Hiroko be on the committee along with Max. Mike Nishimuta suggests that we withdraw the previous motion and go with renting the art space for 6 months. Mark withdraws the motion. Mike motions that we rent the space on Josephine for $430 per month for 6 months. Max seconds. Motion is voted and passed. Dr. Shimizu suggests we keep the committee to continue the search for a better space in the six months we rent at the art space. Norio asks Hiroko to chair the ad hoc committee to search for another space. Hiroko asks Don to serve as well. Don informs board that the owner of the art space is well known in San Antonio. Tim adds that we have furniture in the storage and will need someone to move it there. Ad Hoc Committee members are Hiroko, Max, Don and Rosemary. Rosemary or Max has the authority to sign the lease. Max states that Norio should sign. Don adds that the expense for the rental space is part of the original motion and approved by board.

Scholarship: Norio opens the next item of JASSA college scholarship related to university and college students. Tim asks how many students should be recipients. Katsushi adds that we have 31,000 in the bank account. How much should be available for scholarship? Norio wants a vote on what kind of scholarship we should have and how much. Tim finds it a good idea and adds we should publicize it. Rosemary states that she thinks that it would be good to publicize 3,000 to 5,000 scholarships for students. Shimizu asks for clarification on what is meant by students in Japanese related programs in San Antonio colleges and universities. Toni suggests we research what programs are in town to compare to. Mike asks if all the programs are language related and Hiroko confirms yes. SAC has Japanese classes, some at OLLU, and UIW. Hiroko states that this encourages not only students but schools to make strong impact. Rosemary states that we need to give the money to the school not to the students. Rosemary heeds the board to be careful about who the money is given to since such an award can also affect financial aid recipients. You can also give money to the college endowment to be used specifically to language programs. Hiroko asks if a scholarship fund can be set up. Board agrees. Max adds that a separate account can be setup for that. We would have to create a scholarship committee. Norio wants to research other scholarship programs. Don suggests contact other JAS clubs around the country to see what kind of scholarships they give. Max adds that we can have fundraisers specifically for it. Tim adds how about giving a prize to Japanese speech contest participants as part of a scholarship. Don suggests appointing a committee to research the scholarship Vivian, Mark and Shimizu.

Max Navarro departs early from the meeting for another appointment.

New Business: Norio opens the next item for discussion is for lecture on Japanese culture at Ivy Academy at Eastside Boys and Girls Club. Hiro Mishima received the call for this request. The academy has students 7-12 years of age. Need someone to make a presentation to this age group. Teacher contacted him and the instructor really wants to provide these poor children with cultural diversity. This is needed on May 14th. Toni is volunteering to do this on Saturday. Toni will contact the school. Toni invites someone else to come. Hiroko volunteers. Toni will find out.

Norio opens next item on JASSA P.O. box correspondence. Norio, Hiroko and Tim now each have a key for the mail box. Tim and Hiroko will pick up all the correspondence from the P.O. Box.

Norio opens next item JASSA received free furniture from Trinity University, thanks to Ikuko Groesbeck. Room dividers, desk, office chairs, computer desk, and credenza. Tim adds that this will not fit in the storage so it is a good time for a rental space and brings up that he has extra storage space keys. Gives one to Katsushi and one to Mike Nishimuta. Rosemary has the garage door remote. Tim adds that we need access to it for Children's Day.

Norio reports on Prefectural delegation of Osaka Fu that came to San Antonio on April 23 for two day visit. Mark reports that the Osaka Fu came to experience Fiesta and San Antonio to get familiar. A plaque commemorating their visit was presented from JASSA to the representatives at the International Center.

Events: Norio reports upcoming remaining events for May and June:

Kumamoto-en day Children's Day is May 6th, 55 volunteers are participating. Hiroko is providing free bento box lunches to volunteers.

On Tuesday, May 16, Temple Chai will present a performance of the Makhelat Hashachar Japanese Christian Chorus from Kyoto, Japan at the Josephine Theater at 7:30 p.m. They asked for JASSA to be a sponsor. JASSA purchased 20 tickets at $25 each for the event. Toni reports that this is a fundraiser for the temple, and JASSA is supporting the performance by purchasing 20 tickets. JASSA will sell the tickets to anyone interested to recover the cost. If tickets don't sell, then the purchase will be considered a donation. The temple is asking a JASSA member to make a brief statement at the event and a Japanese speaking person to come help translate when the choir takes a tour. Toni will confirm with Rabbi Silverstein. Anyone is welcome to come with the tour group on Monday night. Mike adds that more information about the choir is on the web site.

General meeting at San Antonio Botanical Garden is May 20th.

The Texas Folklife Festival begins June 8th and ends June 11 at the Institute of Texan Cultures. Katsushi will ask for volunteers via email. Katsushi will provide all details. Mark adds that some of the food items can be donated if he knows what we need in advance. Rosemary announces that Mark is now general manager of the Courtyard Medical Center. Congratulations.

Norio reports that Mr. Kawasaki called Norio about what Mr. Tajima said regarding JASSA membership. He personally feels that Toyota should join. He wanted a list of the corporate members and that was provided along with a membership form to Louis De La Garza. Rosemary sent this several times already, but not sure when they will join. Norio will keep us updated.

Rosemary reports that RK Group got a contract from Toyota for an event in August where they will need 157 buses and offered a volunteer for each bus. Still not sure if the event is a go. She'll let us know.

Rosemary needs volunteers to assemble goody bags for Japanese companies golf tournament participants. Rosemary will let us know. Volunteers needed either 14th or 15th of June. Mike asks if more golfers are needed because he would like to participate. The tournament is June 17 at Bridge Ranch.

Norio adds that Nobuko's husband is having surgery. Invites everyone to see her play at the Cibolo Creek Nature Center on May 13th to cheer her up.

Tim moves to adjourn meeting. Don informs Tim that he is out of order and that it is not necessary. Norio adjourns the meeting.

Meeting Minutes taken by Recording Secretary Vivian Seki

JASSA Board Meeting, Saturday, January 29, 2006, 10:00 am
The RK Group, 1220 E Commerce, San Antonio, TX

Attendance

Norio Seki, Rosemary Kowalski, Hiroko Fay,  Mark Kent, Max Navarro, Mike Nishimuta, James Opper, Michiko Tonegawa, Richard Havel, Masato Yabe,  Toni Gustafson, Katsushi Okamura.

Norio opened the meeting, welcoming suggestions since this is his first meeting as President.

There needs to be seven board members present. Today there are six. Norio will ask the board members who are absent if they will approve this meeting. Norio thanks Rosemary for hosting the meeting. Mike is taking minutes and they are also recorded on tape. 

Norio passed out copies of the previous meeting minutes. There are only two outstanding issues. One is advertising on the website, the other is how much money we can receive during the year to avoid tax issues.  Max wants to address the letters that have been sent out.  

Toni joins and now there is a quorum. 

The minutes of the December 10 board meeting were approved as written. They are published on the web site at http://jas-sa.org/minutes.htm 

World Affairs Council Dinner

We purchased a $2000 table for the dinner for the World Affairs Council Feb 28 where Ms Shirane will be honored as Citizen of the Year.  We have $1400 leftover from last year’s budget which can be used. There are 10 seats – Norio proposes that these people attend, and we will alternate at future activities. Rosemary Kowalski, Hiroko Faye, Mary Bowman, Ikuko Grossbeck, Mike Nishimuta, Katsuhi Okamura, Michiko Tonegawa, Tim Brogan, Don Olsen and Norio Seki. 

Asian Festival Update

Feb 4, 10 am to 5 pm.  Toni is unable to participate due to a conflict. We are still looking for volunteers, we can use about 20. Katsushi has coordinated with Matt to work in the kitchen. We need about five people to help on Friday in the kitchen. Last year we purchased pre-chopped vegetables, but the higher cost reduced our profit. Food sales will continue to be priced at seven tickets. 

Budget

Katsushi presented the financial report as of December 31, 2005. We had a good year. The ending balance was $19,994.59. Dues income last year was $11,300.00. (Compared to about $6000 in previous years). Other contributions were $1425.65, and Asian Festival and Folk Life Festival income was $434.74 and $1,222.96, for a total income of $14,383.35. 

After expenses, net income for the year was $8,486.33.  

Hiroko explained how we raised our expected income from dues from year to year, while still remaining conservative. 

For the 2006 budget, we propose

Total income: $10,500

Special Events and Programs: increase from $1,950 to $2,550.

Committee Expenses: No change ($4,300)

Gen and Admin Expense: Increase from $3,542 to $4,992. 

Discussion on storage costs. It is a climate controlled. We need access about 7 times a year. The annual cost is projected to be $2,200. Rosemary will see if the storage is available across from the RK group at a lower cost.  Max Navarro offered free storage space, but it is located further away from the desired location in the central area. 

The telephone budget is $1,200. We currently do not have a JASSA telephone.

Norio asked the committee chairmen to look at their budgets and make revisions or recommendations. Toni asked what the guidelines and history on expenses were. Norio explained, for example, program budget could be used for gifts to presenters, or supplies. 

Hiroko discussed the budget, and said it is up to the committee chair to set their budget and determine what they want to do with it. If an expense is made, a receipt does need to be provided to the treasurer. Last year we budgeted $4,300 for comittees, but only $884 was used, however we spent $1,734.84 on non-budgeted items (Donation to Girl Scout Office, Sales Tax, ITC Quilt Show Reception, Kaizen Lecture). 

Toni asked to be notified of any events occurring that she might include in the cultural programs.  

The budget was approved as proposed. 

PayPal Payments

Mike Nishimuta proposed using PayPal to accept membership payments and other payments for special events such as dinners. The only fee is a 2.9% plus 0.30 for each transaction. There is no monthly fee, set up fee, or minimums. The ability and convenience of being able to submit a membership application and pay with a credit card or debit is becoming more common and expected of professional organizations. The Dallas area Japan-America Society uses a service called Auction Pay, which has a $395 setup fee. The only disadvantage is that PayPal is a common target of Phishing scams, so members must be made aware to not respond to any purported email from PayPal. If an individual wants a PayPal account, they can start one when they access the payment through the JASSA website or by going directly to https://paypal.com.   The board voted to approve adding PayPal payment options on the website membership form.  

Office for JASSA

JASSA has been in operation for 20 years. We have never had an office. Hiroko has looked at some costs. A typical office is the “3003 Building” at 410/Vance Jackson is available for $650/month, with some furnishings. It has a reception room. A conference room, kitchen is available at no cost. A shared copy machine is available with a per/copy fee. The building has about 20 offices. It requires a one year lease. 

Max and Rosemary have talked to city officials about the possibility of finding a space. 

The office would need to be available to the board at any time, which rules out co-locating in a school or office building which would be locked at 5 pm. 

Max suggested a sub-committee, and volunteered to be on it. Rosemary suggests we go back to the Botanical Gardens and talk to them. Max said we should talk to the City again, perhaps the mayor. It would be to the city’s advantage to have an active JASSA office. 

Mike asked about the Dallas Japan-America Society. They have two full-time employees. Max said Dallas and Houston have very large corporate bases to fund their offices. 

Mark Kent would like to be included in these meetings. 

Event and Meeting Schedule for 2006

Norio will email because we are running out of time. 

Recognition for Volunteer Work Hours

Hiroko spoke about recognizing and recording the volunteer service hours that JASSA members are performing. If we want to apply for any grant funds, we need to be able to document volunteer hours as “in-kind” service. Hiroko suggested that Katsushi appoint someone at the festival to record volunteer hours for the Asian Festival. 

UTSA visit to Japan 2006

Masato Yabe, an instructor at UTSA in Modern Language and Literature,  reported on his efforts and a proposal for a summer course at UTSA May 23-June 6, which would involve travel to Nagoya, and Toyko, Japan for up to 15 students.  JASSA would be a partner in this, providing publicity, coordination with Kumamoto, and possible funding. Hiroko explained the JASSA relationship to this trip. If you want to see the proposal, contact Masato at Masato.Yabe@utsa.edu.  Norio and Masato will coordinate further by email. 

New Member Recruiting

Rosemary has sent out 200 letters to corporations, non-profits and individuals soliciting their membership. She has received an outstanding 10% response. She’d like to get every University as a member. One donor who wishes to remain anonymous gave $2000, but does not want to be a member. Rosemary would like the membership committee to take over her records.  Max said he needed to set a separate time to go through these records and get a consolidated list. Max will contact Ed Kelly, who just left USAA, to see if we can re-contact Barbara Gentry to ensure they understand what JASSA is doing for the community. 

World Affairs Council Gala

Rosemary asked if there were ladies who could dress in costume to line the entrance for the dinner. Michiko will see if she can find any.

Meeting adjourned.

Minutes of the Japan America Society of San Antonio Board Meeting
Saturday, December 10, 2005, 2pm
Taipei Chinese Restaurant, 2211 N.W. Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78213

Attendance: Rosemary Kowalski, Hiroko Fay, Nobuko Utterback, Carol Johnson, Toni Gustafson, Mark Kent, Norio Seki, Max Navarro, Mike Nishimuta, Vivian Seki, Zachry Kuentz

Rosemary Kowalski opens the meeting.

Agenda Item 1-- Minutes of the last Board Meeting: Rosemary asks if everyone received and read the minutes of the last meeting from September 11. She asks if anyone had comments or changes to the minutes. Motion to accept the minutes as written is made by Rosemary, everyone agrees, motion is passed.

Agenda Item 2--Financial Reports: Rosemary informs everyone that since Katsushi Okamura cannot attend and read the financial report, Hiroko Fay will instead email it to everyone to read.

Agenda Item 3--Japanese Language Classes: Rosemary asks the board if anyone attended any of the Japanese classes. General response was negative. Rosemary informs the board that she did sign up for the classes but did not attend any. She was informed that there were students interested in continuing the classes but the teachers were not present at the meeting to respond to questions. The item is tabled for the next meeting.

Agenda Item 4--Advertisement on JASSA website: Rosemary informs the board that Mike Nishimuta was asked about advertising on the JASSA website such as for job vacancies and wants to know what JASSA policy is regarding this. Mike informs the board that there may be companies or organizations that want to advertise on the JASSA website, such as companies recruiting Japanese language speakers, or companies advertising themselves. He investigated other JAS websites around the state and none advertise. He informs that we list corporate sponsors but wants the board's opinion on whether to allow companies to advertise their company and job vacancies pertinent to JASSA interests. Rosemary asks if we have received other requests for this. Toni Gustafson and Mike both state that JASSA has received email of job announcements. Mike states that if the information benefits membership he doesn't see a problem with it. Rosemary feels that there are not enough of the board members present to take a vote, so she asks that the item be table until the new board meets and let the new board decide. Mike adds if anyone has a general opinion of this topic. Carol Johnson states that she belongs to Dance Umbrella which is an organization of dance groups in San Antonio and that on their website they do post job announcements related to dance instruction, which is useful information for membership. Mike states that he could create a page just for public ads, like a bulletin board, where people could post a notice to inform JASSA members. Toni Gustafson states that she belongs to an organization called Puppeteering in New York that advertised general information from various sources for the benefit of the membership. But she personally felt opposed to paid advertisements. Mike states that members could be given the opportunity to advertise, perhaps free to members and fee-based for non-members. Toni reiterated that she is for members advertising but sees letting unknowns and nonmembers advertise could pose a problem even though the revenue would be a plus.  Rosemary asks for Norio Seki's opinion. Norio Seki states that as a 501c3 nonprofit organization there may be restrictions. Mike doesn't think that is a restriction. Norio would like to find out first. Toni asks Norio his opinion as a business person. He does not have an opinion until he knows if there is a restriction. Rosemary tables this and will be discussed at the next meeting. Norio will find out about restrictions. 

Agenda Item 5--Last Newsletter, messages from incoming officers: Rosemary states that she is happy that 5 of the incoming officers are present at the meeting. She states that the others attending are non voting appointed chairs of various committees. Rosemary asks Norio if he has the next year's list of the board meetings. Norio replies that he does not.

Agenda Item 6-- Shinnenkai: Norio opens the discussion about when and where to have the 2006 Shinnenkai, first of the year party. Rosemary adds that she has that item to discuss on her agenda. Norio states that he discussed with Hiroko Fay the possibility of having the Shinnenkai at the Girl Scout Office. The general consensus of location is agreeable with the board. Norio states that since the Girl Scout Office has a big kitchen, it is a good location. Toni states that it is a good central location. Tim Brogan asks if we have a suggested date. Rosemary asks if that needs to be decided now. The general consensus is to lock in the date now versus later. Rosemary asks that a few dates be proposed and verify that the GSO is available. Various members suggest a Sunday, possibly January 8th. General consensus that Sunday is a good day for many. Rosemary adds that GSO is a very good place to use. Suggestions for time are 1:30pm to 3:30pm or something around that to accommodate churchgoers. The general consensus of time is agreeable with the board.

Other items: Rosemary's son hosted a dinner at his ranch for the mayor of Kumamoto and his staff and they had great time Texas style. The mayor of Kumamoto wrote back a very nice letter thanking everyone.

Toni Gustafson asks to return to item 5 on the agenda regarding the messages from the incoming officers. Rosemary states that Hiroko usually helps with the newsletter. Norio states that since Vivian Seki and Hiroko work on the newsletter, Vivian will email the officers for the messages so that these may be posted in the next newsletter.

Rosemary announces that the new Ferrari Center on Rampart is interested in having the Japanese lessons taught there. A group from JASSA will meet with them about this.

Rosemary asks that everyone on the board thank Paul Cox as well as Tom Willems for helping with the Kumamoto-en reconstruction and organizing the rededication.

Rosemary will have a meeting with Rumba, an all Spanish language newspaper, on Monday because they want to write about the Japanese Supplemental School.

Rosemary informs the board about an interesting book documenting the work of a Japanese ambassador in Lithuania who saved 40,000 Jews from the gas chambers by granting them passports. A copy will be made available to members who would like to read it.

Rosemary recognizes Norio to speak about the upcoming lecture. Norio informs the board about a lecture on Japanese economics by Gentaro Yoshino, former chief editor of the Japanese newspaper Nikkei, the Japanese version of the Wall Street Journal. He will be in San Antonio on Friday, December 16 January at International Hall at the University of the Incarnate Word at 6:30pm. He will be accompanied with the Japanese consul general of Houston. He encourages all members to attend this lecture. He informs the board that there will be a questions and answer session at the end of the lecture, translated by Mitsu Yamazaki with Economic Development. Rosemary has the program available for those who want to review it.

Rosemary asks if any other business is open. Mike asks if there is any update on the national membership. Rosemary adds that her notes indicate Jorge was to find out. Mike notes that the minutes of the last board meeting indicates that he was supposed investigate membership in national Japan America Society, but that he missed that and did not do so.  Rosemary adds he can do it for next meeting.

Rosemary recognizes Max Navarro. Max brings up a conversation he had with Rosemary regarding Mr. Ed Kelly on the board of the USAA Foundation who will be retiring from the board at the end of the month and he expressed an interest in helping JASSA with funding for a permanent office. He suggested that JASSA submit a letter asking for an amount to fund a permanent office before he retires. Rosemary suggests $100,000 to purchase a permanent office. Other members suggest smaller amounts. Norio states his concern whether that amount will affect our filing with the IRS. Rosemary states that we should think big and that there is nothing wrong with that. Max concurs. Max mentions that there may be some buildings available from the city of San Antonio that will be low cost and that this would establish a relationship with the city. Norio thinks that we should go for it and asks that Max keep the communication going between everyone to stay informed of the progress. Rosemary states that the JAS office in Dallas is nice, but very small. Toni asks where it is in Dallas. Rosemary replies that it is not centralized. Norio will keep in contact with Max about it and continue researching properties for a permanent office.

Toni suggests the board think about something special that JASSA could do for the 35th anniversary of the Folklife Festival. She suggests that at the next meeting the members discuss ideas. She suggests we plan early for the June festival. Members express the problems with parking. Carol suggests Park-n-Ride. Mike says he heard that the Institute of Texan Cultures where the festival is held was going to close. Zachry Kuentz adds that he heard since the festival was not producing enough money for the Institute they were going to have to cut down the number of groups participating.

Rosemary states that the Asian Festival is in February at the Institute.  

Rosemary asks for additional items. Zachry asks if any fall out occurred as a result of a chemical spill on the Kumamoto-en garden plaques. Rosemary states that she was told the damage was minor and that would be fixed.

Rosemary asks for additional items. Norio will contact Michiko about the Asian Festival. Nobuko asks that any general emails be addressed to "Dear JASSA Members" not to individuals.

Rosemary thanks the board and adds that she has enjoyed her time as president the past two years. Meeting is adjourned.

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