JETAA Portland - Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association

* JETAA EVENTS PAST EVENTS *

Scroll down the side for a monthly breakdown of past JETAA activities.

Saturday, December 11th

Over 40 people came out to celebrate at Bush Gardens on December 11, 2004. It was a great crowd as we said "sayonara" to 2004. We started the Bonenkai with a Sukiyaki Dinner that provided plenty of food for everyone. Ahh...the "natsukashi" of the traditional tatami rooms with the familiar smells of the sukiyaki dishes brought back memories of times back in Japan. Great conversation and "catching up" were enjoyed by all.

After Dinner, the always entertaining "white elephant" gift exchange provide many surprised and tons of entertainment. Gifts of left-over "omiyage" and crazy Japanese trinkets stirred the crowd into hilarious frenzy. The most sought after gifts included a dancing Pocari Sweat can and an "Ichiban" headband.

After the gift exchange, we fought the crowd and poured into the karaoke lounge to engage in the traditional art of drunken crooning. You can tell from the pictures that it was a really great time!

The 16th Annual Origami Workshop, sponsored by the Consulate-General of Japan at Portland, was held on Sunday, December 5th at the World Trade Center Portland.

About 500 participants of all ages enjoyed learning the Japanese art of paper folding. Twenty-four volunteers (including JETAA Portland's Stephanie Mack) took part in the Origami Workshop as instructors. They demonstrated 15 different figures such as airplane, bookmaker, candle, crane, etc. While instruction was held, the Moshi Moshi Project entertained participants with educational games and songs.

JETAA Portland's Stephanie Mack was our representative. She taught all those eager to learn the art of making origami poinsettias. The consulate really appreciated our help as we strive to help out in the Japanese community.

The movie this month was 'Welcome Back, Mr. McDonald', a hilarious and entertaining film about a radio station that makes up their LIVE drama show on the air! The actors kept changing the plot as the story progressed which made for a hilarious situation of events "behind the scenes" at the radio station! It was a really funny movie.

We had a double feature movie night with "Top Secret", the hilarious spy spoof which is where Val Kilmer got his big break! An oldie but a goodie!!!

After the movie we had a casual game night -- bring along your favorite party game to add to the mix! Bring any desired refreshments -- popcorn provided.

Our 2nd Annual Halloween party provided JETAA members with a frightening night of fun! The spooky lair of Bob & Beth's Schnyder's house provided the atmosphere for this year's Halloween party. Black lights combined with lighted pumpkins and heads of Frankenstein set the mood for a frightening evening.

JETAA members and friends dressed up in a variety of costumes; a mix of Japanese-related as well as random, yet hilarious outfits. Vice-Consulate Mr. Watanabe served as this year's judge. This year's Japanese costume winner was a Japanese "Salaryman" won by JETAA friend Tomoko. JETAA Treasurer, Kim Bartsch, won for the second year in a row by dressing up as Martha Stewart in jail, complete with black and white stripped prison uniform with makeup and pearls.

A special thanks goes out to Bob Schnyder, Cindy Bingham and Kim Bartsch for setting up all the spooky decorations.

- We watch Japanese/Japan-related movies!
- We critique them with interesting people!
- We consumed popcorn and tasty beverages!
- We had a blast playing games after the movie!

The movie we watched this month was the original "Shall We Dance", a cute, insightful, and entertaining film chronicling a Japanese salaryman's discovery of ballroom dancing (and a beautiful dance instructor). Through the intimacy of dance, the protagonist finds himself challenging the rigid rules of interpersonal relationships he had always taken for granted, and developing a deeper understanding of the people and culture around him. Avoid this year's craptastic remake and see the real thing!

After the movie we had a casual game night with plenty of refreshments and popcorn. It was a great kickoff to our monthly event!

Will Porter
Social Chairman

Uwajimaya was the site for the annual Japan Festival held on September 18th and 19th. Those of us who braved the wet and windy weather soon found the free sample booths. Included were a variety of sakes, beers and snacks from Japan. “The Sapporo Reserve was excellent!”, exclaimed a very happy Bob Schnyder. The party then moved to the main stage where our friend Kuma played drums for a J-POP cover band. After a few drinks at the beer garden, we couldn't’t take the cold any longer and headed for Sambi.

A few drinks later (are you seeing a trend here) and it was time for the nijikai. This was held at the Family Karaoke Studio. For those who have never been, it is a very natsukashi karaoke box. Although it is mainly a Korean hangout, there are plenty of English and Japanese songs to embarrass one self with.

Kuma's vocal styling was very impressive on "Elri, My Love" and even encouraged Beth Schnyder to sing along, who told us weeks later, "I haven't been able to get it out of my head since."”

Bob and Kim Bartsch collaborated on an impressive rendition of Bad Medicine, while Demaree Raveaux and Britt Sexton lent their voices to numerous songs.

A good night all in all, but unfortunately (or should I say fortunately?) no pictures are available, only great memories.

The sun was trying to break through the clouds and hopes were high as our foursome approached the first tee. It was the first annual JETAA Masters Tour at McMenamin’s Edgefield.

Teams were composed of three or four players and the ball was played from the best shot. This allowed people like me to leech off of the nice shots made by the rest of my team. Our team was bringing up the rear, but we were lead fearlessly by Justin “Tiger Woods” Kulpa. The rest of our team consisted of myself, Bob, and Beth. We knew that with four of us we had the best chance of winning, but could we deliver? The front nine went by with unprecedented speed.

We lost Beth to an injury (dry throat), but continued on undaunted in our quest for the cup. On the back nine we were feeling and looking good…until the 7th hole. Without going into details, we finished two over par. Returning to the club house for drinks, we felt a little nervous.

Had the other teams bested us? Being that the McMenamin’s fairways are at most 80 yards long, we figured that someone must have hit a hole-in-one and bogeyed several times. Over lunch and drinks we found that Britt Sexton and his ringer teammates—Kip and Robert—had defeated us by one stroke. We sat and chatted over burgers and beer for several hours before returning to our homes. All in all, a great afternoon.

Kintetsu International flew 15 JET alumni to Portland in late August for an awards ceremony and send-off at the Westin Hotel downtown. JETAA Portland and the Portland Consulate co-hosted the event, which included dinner and a niji-kai at Saucebox.

Kintetsu's first annual JETAA USA essay contest solicited over 160 entries from JET alumni across the country. The topic focused on projects that could be done or have already been done to encourage international exchange on a grassroots level between Japan and the United States. A panel of judges selected 15 winners, all of whom received roundtrip airfare to Tokyo and a one week Japan Rail Pass.

The winners attended a welcome ceremony hosted by CLAIR and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Tokyo before departing to their former host prefectures. Many winners have reported back to JETAA that the trip was a great success and full of natsukashii moments.

JETAA USA and Kintetsu will continue the essay contest in the Spring of 2005. It is an excellent opportunity for JET alumni to reconnect with Japan and put their creative minds to work on a project of their own. At least one of the winning essayists from this year's contest will submit his project to the upcoming International Meeting in Portland for expansion on a global scale.

For inquiries about the contest, contact Michael Barrett, Country Representative at: jetaai@jetaaportland.com

Michael Barrett
US Co-Country Representative
JETAAi 2004 Meeting Coordinator
Portland, USA
www.conference.jetalumni.org

Thanks Consul General held his annual farewell party for the departing JETs on July 30th. JETAA members along with important Japanese community members offered words of advice and wisdom before the newly departing JETs left for Japan the next day.

Thanks to everyone for coming out to this year's Sayonara BBQ. About 30 JETAA members, departing JETs, and friends joined in the picnic festivities at West Moreland Park.

view all the pictures [click here]

It was a great afternoon in spent in the sun (off and on) with JET alumni providing advice to the soon-to-be-departing JETs. Not only were words of wisdom provided but a reassurance to the parents in attendence that their sons & daughters were about to embark on a unique opportunity. Many parents were there and now have a better understanding of the JET program.

Great food was a plenty. Hamburgers, hotdogs, and veggie-burgers were complimented by excellent side dishes and tasty desserts. Everything must have been good because there wasn't much left over to clean up!

About 30 JETAA members and friends joined in the competition to reign supreme at the 2nd Annual Iron Chef Potluck Party. A plethora of Japanese dishes were prepared to battle in three categories (entrée, appetizer, and dessert) to become this year’s JETAA Iron Chefs.

In an unexpected turn of events, our judges broke tradition and honored not only the top 3 categories but also the top 3 dishes instead of the traditional categories. Here were the results:Iron Chef #1…Kim Bartsch-Daigaku Imo
Iron Chef #2…Bob Schnyder-Macha (Green Tea) Ice Cream
Iron Chef #3…Cindy Bingham-Chicken Special
(Note: The winner and many of the dishes that were prepared came from the Cookbook pictured next to Kim).

Not much was left over and there was even some fighting over the last bits (see picture).

The evening proved to have some surprises in store as Turkish dancing and Japanese videos added more fun to an already great evening. A big thanks goes out to Rose Michaels & Erin Duke for providing the perfect venue for such a great time!

NPN of the Japan America Society of Oregon (JASO) held their first Speakers Program on May 19th at Portland State University. The topic of the program was “Living & Working in Japan.” Three local business professionals spoke about their experiences working for Japanese companies and living in Japan, one was current JETAA President, Beth Schnyder. Each speaker shared their advice and opinions on working in Japan, finding housing, and being successful as an employee at a Japanese company.

In addition to the Speakers Program, NPN hosts bimonthly Sunday brunches which offer networking opportunities to recent graduates, newcomers to Portland, and those in transition in their career. The next brunch will be held on Sunday, June 27th, 11:00 am. Please check the JASO website for more information, www.jaso.org.

If you are interested in becoming a member of JASO, contact Dixie McKeel at: Dmckeel@jaso.org

Consul General gratiously opened his home to host last month’s J-Kaiwa. It was a great time with a mix of not only JETAA members & friends, but Consulate staff and members of the Japanese community. Although it was a formal affair, the mood was very light and enjoyable. It was chance for all to mix and mingle and, of course, speak a some Japanese.

Hanamikai is the spring party for everyone to once again get together and have fun. This year's weather was perfect for our Hanamikai at Waterfront Park on April 3rd. Although the cherry blossoms had come and gone, we all had a great feasting on the Kyo-fu's okonomiyaki and all of the potluck dishes. About 30 JETAA and J-Kaiwa members joined in the festivities, where the newly elected JETAA officers for 2004-2005 were announced.

view all the pictures [coming soon]

Congratulations to President Beth Schnyder, Vice President Demaree Raveaux, Treasurer Kim Bartsch and Secretary Cindy Bingham on your new positions. Our new committee members are Bob Schnyder, Website and Newsletter editor, Michael Barrett, JETAA International Meeting Coordinator, Aaron Ballwin, Sports, Will Porter, Social, Erin Duke, Assistant Social, Vicki Bridges, J-Kaiwa, Kirsten Lowe, Eugene Rep, and Robert Faulconer, Community Development.

The Japan Education/Culture Chair position is still open. Please use our JETAA contact page if you are interested.

A record 15 returnees were honored at Consul General’s home in March at the annual party to honor this year’s returning JETs. The Consulate was extremely pleased with the turnout, which shows that our Portland JETAA chapter is growing and gaining momentum.

Welcome to all the new returnees and we look forward to seeing you at the next JETAA event! Don’t forget to make sure and update your information. Update here