➥ IN THIS ISSUE
JET Preparation Seminar 2001.................................1 Editor’s Rant....................2 Re-Entry and Career Seminars..........................2 Welcome Back Party!.......2 Consulate News...............3 New Webmaster Needed 3 Farewell to Consul-General Kusumoto..................3 Hikes! Hikes! Hikes!........ 3 New Re-Entry Website.....4 Garden Tour.....................4 JET Mentor Network........4 CLAIR News....................4 JETAA Networking Weekend in Whistler........5 Japan Day / Japan Suitcase...........................5 Yahoo eGroups News......6 Wacky Japan News..........6 JETAABC, Thanks!..........8 Japan Suitcase................7 Important Events..............7 Newsletter Online.............8 Alumni News... ................8 What is JETAABC?......... 8 Contact Information.........8
www.jet.org See you at the Welcome Back Party!! Sept 29th, 8 pm Fox & Firkin Pub back room, 2nd Flr. 1762 Davie Street (at Denman St.) Vancouver, BC
2001 JET Preparation Seminar a SUCCESS! by Adele Pransky, JETAABC Events Coodinator
Well, I had an idea that this event was large and would take some advanced planning but, WHEW! I can honestly say that planning and executing this event was hard work, made much easier by a great organizing team of course! My hat goes off to those JETAABC members who have taken on the task of coordinating this weekend event in the past, including Boleyn Relova, Paul Donovan, and Krista Watson. Like most things that you have to work for, however, it came with great rewards - JETAABC’s time and effort made those about to go on the JET Programme feel a sense of calm for the first time since they signed their letter of acceptance. Many naïve and starry-eyed new JETs could finally get their plethora of questions answered and be given direction and advice. Held at the Canadian College of English Language on June 2nd and 3rd, we had five floors of classroom and meeting space at our disposal, not to mention a wonderful view. New this year were the ‘value-added’ services of providing “Canada-jin” t-shirts and maple leaf lapel pins at cost, as well as offering a 3hour Japanese cooking class at Nikkei Place to be held on July 14th. In addition, we addressed the needs of new JETs’ parents for the first time by offering a one-hour seminar exclusively for the parents of new JETs to answer questions and dispel their worries. We were fortunate to have two JET Alumni and one JET Alumni parent on hand to provide answers and advice. With 40 parents attending this seminar (and the Reception which followed), it was a great success, one I hope will be continued in the future. I think the Seminar can be summed up nicely by the words of a new JET who said to me, “I have to go home…there’s just so much information in my head that it’s making me dizzy!” A job well done, JETAABC! The Preparation Seminar was made possible by many generous JET Alumni: Thank you! Thank you! Thank you! Stand up and take a well-deserved bow! Organizers: Elizabeth Stephen-Baba (Speaker Coordinator), Adam Christie (Registration Coordinator), Angie Freedman (Food & Beverage Coordinator), Wendy McAvoy (Master of Ceremonies), Carolyn Ali (Handbook Editor), Terry Rogocki (Venue Coordinator)
Editor’s Rant I hope everyone has been enjoying a wonderful summer. All the new JETs departed from Vancouver in late July and early August. Many eager and nervous faces were amoung the crowd but I’m sure everyone survived the nasty mushi-atsui heat of Japanese summer! I’m sure we can all relate! There are many awesome fall events coming up in the weeks ahead! If you’ve just returned or are looking for some great career advice or direction, come out for the Re-Entry and Career Seminars in October! This one day workshop is fantastic as a source of career information, but also motivation and dealing with some of the reverse culture shock newly returned JETs may be feeling. I’m off for another run as my big marathon day draws near (Oct 7th!). Hope to see you all at the next JETAABC event! Mata ne! Take care, Matt.
The 2001 JET Re-Entry & Career Seminar Saturday, October 13th, 9am-4:40pm at the Canadian College of English Language 1477 Pender St. (at Nicola St.) Vancouver, BC This is a full day event, with the morning dedicated to exploring issues related to re-entering one's home country as well as how to market yourself to find the job you really want. The afternoon will focus on several small groups presentations to let you know what's hot in the BC job market and how to sell your skills set with a polished first impression and a great resume to back it up, learn about the private and public education system, as well as the IT industry and opportunities in the trade market. You may have attended our Re-entry and Career Seminars in the past, but this year we have new topics and new speakers with fresh insight! There will be something for newly-returned JETs, our Alumni, and your friends at this seminar - I guarantee it! (Please note: As this event is hosted by JETAABC, there will be a $10.00 charge for non-JETs who would like to attend.) WHEN:
Saturday, October 13th, 9:00 am - 4:40pm
WHERE: Canadian College of English Language 1477 Pender Street (at Nicola St.) Vancouver, BC. PLEASE RSVP BY OCTOBER 10th/DIRECT INQUIRIES TO: Adele Pransky at adelesky@hotmail.com or call 684-5868 ext.230
Saturday, September 29th - Welcome Back Party! JETAABC will be hosting a WELCOME BACK PARTY! It is a chance for newly returned JETs to meet again and for JETAABC Alumni members to welcome them back. Free eats, good people, reminiscing about Nihon and lots of free advice from you folks who know what it's like to come back home. ALL newly-returned JETs, JET Alumni, and friends are welcome! Come join us! (Please note: As this event is hosted by JETAABC, there will be a $5.00 charge for non-JETs who would like to attend.) WHEN: Saturday, September 29th, 8:00 p.m. WHERE: Fox & Firkin Pub, back room on the 2nd Floor, 1762 Davie Street (at Denman St.) Vancouver, BC, tel. 604-605-1112, Limited parking is available at the back of the Pub (or call 604-953-3333 for bus info.) PLEASE RSVP BY SEPT. 27th/DIRECT INQUIRIES TO: Adele Pransky at adelesky@hotmail.com or call 684-5868 ext.230
News From the Consulate Hello from the Consulate, I'm updating my JETAA mailing list. If you finished your contract last year and returned to Canada, please email me following information. Also, if you are not on my mailing list (if you are not getting a bimonthly JETAABC newsletter and wish one), email me!
Hikes! Hikes! Hikes! We're trying to build up to bigger and better hikes so now's the time to get off the sofa you couch pota-tosu (you know who you are!). If you have any questions or suggestions for outdoor activities (such as ocean kayaking at Deep Cove, any interest?) give me (da new JET hike meister, Marcus Lem) a call at 738-6315. I prefer telephone to email because I'm a spaz and typing is painful for me. And I will sign passport applications, but won't look at rashes unless they're really interesting. Marcus
I need following information from you: full name, mailing address, tel/fax, email, years on JET (start year and end year, e.g.1999-2000) assignment place, ALT or CIR Thank you!
(editor’s note: he’s a MD if you’re wondering...)
Ellie Nakano Consulate General of Japan Tel: 604-684-5868 ext. 240 Fax: 604-684-6939 email: programs@consuljpnvan.com
We will be meeting @ 7:45 a.m. @ the YWCA as the West Lion is a rather long hike and days are getting shorter. Please note there will be a quota of 10 people maximum for this hike. First to RSVP Ron @ Ron_Foster@telus.net (604) 433-7844.
Consulate-General of Japan in Vancouver has launched New Website! www.japancg-vancouver.org
JETAABC Webmaster Needed! Our web site has been described as the 'Mercedes' amongst the JETAA chapter web sites. We love this honour and hope to see it improve to the Ferrari or even Rolls Royce of sites. To do this we need you. If you are Web Design/Graphic Design friendly please contact Paul at paul@donovan.sh
FAREWELL IN HONOUR OF CONSUL GENERAL & MRS. KUSUMOTO
Sept: The Lions (grrr baby, grrrr) Oct: Burnaby Lake Nov: Campbell River Valley Dec. No Hike
For those that want a less strenuous hike the same day meeting at the same place at the same time, see the details below: Is a seven-hour hike too long for you? Come and join the 'mellower' hike with Boleyn Relova. We'll be meeting at the same time and place as the other hikers. When? Where? Meet? Duration? Lunch?
Sunday, September 23 Stanley Park 8 a.m. at the YWCA Parking Lot About 3 hours At a West-end restaurant
Consul General Yuichi Kusumoto, who has served Bring water, snacks and rain-gear, just in case. over two years in Vancouver, has been re-assigned to Khabarovsk, Russia as Consul General for Japan. Please RSVP with Boleyn at (604) 522-8761 or boleyn@canada.com so that we'll be expecting Mr. and Mrs. Kusumoto have greatly devoted their time to the Japan-Canada Community during their you. posting here. We would like to express our appreciation for their great enthusiasm and support of the JET Programme. All the JETAABC members express our deep thanks and greatest wishes for their continued support and success in the future. Good luck and come and visit us all in Canada again soon!
NEW RE-Entry Website Coordinator! Carl Brodie has accepted to be the Re-entry Website Coordinator. Let's help him out with some topics returning JETs may be needing! Here are topics on the list so far... - where to live...different areas in the BC esp. Van. area A member from the Vancouver Japanese Gar- -rent costs deners Association will take you on a tour of the -where to buy Japanese food and appliances Nikkei Garden. Come learn about and enjoy the -how & what to pay as far as taxes go beautiful landscape of the Nikkei Garden with an -good Japanese restaurants (cheap or not) interesting and knowledgeable guide. -where to take Japanese lessons -where to study martial arts Date: Saturday, September 22nd -where to meet Japanese people -any other cool ideas or information!! Time: 2 - 3:30 p.m. E-mail him, please!! zashi_kyoto@yahoo.com
Garden Tour
Location: The Nikkei Garden National Nikkei Heritage Centre 6688 Southoaks Crescent, Burnaby, BC (Kingsway & Sperling) Skytrain: Edmonds Station
CLAIR NEWS
Did you get your 2001 JETAA Directory? The latest issue of JET Streams was mailed out in January 2001 along with the JETAA Directory. If you haven’t done so already, please take a moment to send your updated address information Admission: FREE to CLAIR to ensure you receive copies of the “JET Streams” Newsletter and the JET Alumni AssoPlease call the NNHC Office in advance to reserve ciation Directory. Send your updates to: your spot in the tour. (604) 777-7000 CLAIR: JETAA Liaison Feel free to forward this message to anyone who Shin Kasumigaseki Building, 19F may be interested in joining this FREE tour. Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda-ku Tokyo, Japan, 100-0013 Fax: +81-3-3591-5350 The JET Mentor Network E-mail: jetaa@clair.or.jp Developed by Dan McKelvey & Linda Kennedy or make use of the JETAA Membership Update form at: JMN, located on the Internet at: http://cheno.com/menhttp://www.jetprogramme.org/e/former/form.html tor, is a network of present and past JET Programme participants interested in professional networking to gather career information, find a foothold for future employment, or simply seek a "senpai" for some advice. Free to all JETs, JMN offers registered users the opportunity to search a database of JET mentors - JET Alumni who are users themselves - in order to network with people working in a preferred job function, industry, etc. Users can browse an entire list of mentors, or they can limit their search based on their personal preferences. A list of mentor matches is displayed after each search, and the user can send a message to any mentor through the web site.
www.clair.nippon-net.ne.jp
JETAA Networking Weekend October 5-7, 2001 Whistler, BC What? Where? When? Why? Attendees? Hotel?
Cost?
JETAA Informal Social Networking Weekend Whistler, BC October 5-7, 2001 A chance for JETAA members and friends to get together, network, sightsee and have fun! JETAABC, PNWJETAA (WA, OR, ID), JETAA (Oregon) and friends Pinnacle Hotel in Whistler Village North Call the hotel directly ASAP at 1.888.999.8986 to book a room. Tell them you are with JETAA or JET Alumni to get the special $99Cdn rate. Look for Christie McJannet, Sales Coordinator, if you have any problems. Check out www.pinnaclehotels.com Hotel $99Cdn per night (2 per room, extra $15Cdn pp) Reserve your rooms before September 28th, please. SUGGESTED AGENDA
Friday
Arrival
Saturday Saturday Saturday
10am Meet and Greet at the lobby 11-3pm FREE — Sightseeing/hiking 3pm Meet at the lobby to go wine-tasting at a winery (30 min away) Maximum 12 people for the tour. Check out www.whisterwine.com 7pm Meet at the lobby for dinner 10pm Meet at the lobby for evening event
Saturday Saturday Sunday
10am Meet at the lobby 10:30am Brunch at the Chateau Whistler Sunday Check out or stay another night For more information, please do not hesitate to contact Boleyn Relova (JETAABC, JETAAi Canadian Representative) at boleyn@canada.com or 604.522.8761. Please let your Chapter and Boleyn know if you come, so that we’ll be expecting your arrival.
JAPAN DAY & JAPAN SUITCASE PRESENTERS The Consul-General of Japan is seeking interested JET Alumus to present lectures to schools which help promote and explain various aspects of Japan. The Program is called “Japan Day” and consists of a series of lectures and demonstrations which take part at the Consulate in downtown Vancouver.. JETAABC has also been gathering Japanese “stuff” for a similar program called “Japan Suitcase” which would be more of a road-show idea. It is a great opportunity to share your Japan experience with a very enthusiastic audience. An honorarium that includes transportation fees is provided to presenters for their efforts. Interested JET Alumni should contact Ellie Nakano at the Consulate regarding “Japan Days” at 604-684-5868 ext. 240 Fax: 604-684-6939 email: programs@consuljpnvan.com Contact Angela Tan at: angelkeik@hotmail.com if you interested in “Japan Suitcase” or have anything to donate.
This Week’s Tales of the Weird and Wacky from Japan! - Tokyo Q Magazine The Japanese government set up a headquarters to gather information about the terrorist attacks in New York City. U.S. military bases across Japan were put on a high state of alert. The worst typhoon in 12 years hit Tokyo with flood-causing rain. At least 5 people were killed with 3 persons still missing. The Japanese market hit another record low. Investors, disappointed in Koizumi, have said the honeymoon's over, and they are waiting for him to do something concrete to turn the economy around. The first case of mad cow disease in Asia is suspected to have occurred in Chiba prefecture near Tokyo. In June, the Japanese government had asked the European Commission not to publish a report which concluded that there was a risk, however slim, of a mad cow disease outbreak in Japan because of recent cattle and meat imports from various EU countries. A teacher in Fukuoka prefecture was suspended for taking 20 leaves of absence to attend funerals of fictional relatives. Over five years, he claimed that 19 aunts and uncles had died, and one grandmother. A travel company announced it had set up a club for tourists who want to travel to space. They say the five-day trip will cost about $98,000. The space tours may start as early as 2003. Club members can also visit Japanese spacerelated facilities and experience zero-gravity for a few seconds in special airplanes. The Tokyo Metropolitan government has said it will take drastic measures to fight crows in the city. Earlier tactics in the spring of removing nests and eggs have failed to reduce the number of crows. It was reported that Tokyo Governor Ishihara had once proposed serving up crow pies. Foreign Minister Makiko Tanaka had to apologize for yet another ministry scandal after Akio Asakawa, a ministry official, was found to have defrauded the nation of 423 million yen by padding hotel bills. It was business as usual in Kabukicho, the scene of last week's fire. One change, however, was that the city has banned the ad banners which often cover windows and emergency exits in the entertainment district. A gyoza (meat dumpling) restaurant in Utsunomiya has announced the existence of two new "dumpling deities" who will promise either good health or luck in love if you eat their gyoza.
A Job Well-done JETAABC!! I just wanted to write to express my appreciation for all you've done for the soon-to-be-in-Nihon Vancouver JET's. You've personally helped ease any concerns we've shared, and your presence from the outset gave us a great impression of the program and what we're in for (a whole lot of wonderful). I hear Vancouver has one of the strongest, most energetic Alumni in the world - I believe it! I think we are so lucky to have gotten the opportunities we've had, and I've taken them all. From the week-end seminars, to the teaching course, to the Japanese lessons (Hayashisensei was the best!), and the less mind-boggling stuff like the bbque and cooking class, it's all been top-notch, fantastic, and helpful. I know at times it must have been stressful trying to organize it all, not hearing back from people, getting mediocre turnouts for awesome events, but I can tell you, it's been quite rewarding. So, with that, domo arigato! for all your time and energy and see you at the pre-departure orientation. - ahh, I can't believe I leave so soon!! kampai! Lindsay Marsh (or, rinji masshyu :)
Special Announcement regarding eGroups As you may already know, eGroups merged with Yahoo! in August 2000, now becoming Yahoo Groups. This is the email broadcast service JETAABC uses to communicate messages to JET Alumni Members who have subscribed to this service. It’s goal is quick and easy communication regarding JETAABC business and events. Don't worry, all the features you know and love about eGroups have carried over and we've added some new functionality that we hope you'll enjoy. - All eGroups email and web addresses will continue to work. - All of your group information and membership has been maintained. You will continue to receive and post mail, just like you always have in the past. If you haven’t joined our Yahoo e-mail group yet, send an e-mail to the Subscribe address below and we will add you to our mailing list. Post message: jetaabclist@yahoogroups.com Subscribe: jetaabclist-subscribe@yahoogroups.com Unsubscribe: jetaabclist-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com URL to JETAABC Yahoo Groups Page: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jetaabclist
Events, Events, Events This year JETAABC has planned a very busy schedule of activities that offer Alumni many chances to get involved. The schedule is always subject to change, so be sure to check our website: www.jetaabc.bc.ca or subscribe to our Yahoo Group for the latest updates (see page 6). Please note that some events require an RSVP so we can make reservations in advance. Thanks!
September Date & Time
Place
Event
Saturday, September 22nd, 2 - 3:30pm
The Nikkei Garden Garden Tour National Nikkei Heritage (see page 4 for details) Centre
Saturday, September 29th, 8pm
Fox & Firkin Pub (see page 2 for details)
Welcome Back Party and Mixer - everyone welcome (see page 2 for details)
Sunday, September 23rd, AM
Hike the Lions, (details on page 3)
Hike with Mokuyokai (contact Marcus Lem)
Thanksgiving weekend, October 5-7, 2001 Saturday, October 13th, 9am- 4:40pm Evening TBA Sunday, October 28th
November Date & Time
So you've been back from Japan for a while now and you still have a lot of cute, little Japanese items, which you couldn't bear to part with or couldn't give away as "omiyage" to your friends. They're lying around your place, cluttering up your place and basically collecting dust. Well...here is the answer to your problem!
You can donate these wonderful items to JETAABC to go into the "JAPAN SUITCASE". Place Event What is this, you ask? Well, the JAPAN SUITJETAA Informal Social Whistler, BC CASE is a new program Networking Weekend (see page 5 for details) which we hope to be starting soon. It is basically a suitRe-Entry and Career Canadian College of English Language (see Seminar- Adele Pransky at case full of Japanese items and information about Japan adelesky@hotmail.com or page 2 for details) which could be used to call 684-5868 ext.230 Informal dinner educate children in elementary schools in the Lower Liz’s Place, #4 - 1839 W. Monthly JETAABC Meeting Mainland. Everyone welcome Hike with Mokuyokai Burnaby Lake If you would like to get (contact Markus Lem) involved, or like to donate a few items, please email us at angelkeik@hotmail.com Place Event Thanks!
October
Date & Time
NEED TO GET RID OF SOME OF YOUR JAPANESE STUFF?
TBA (check website)
Liz’s Place, #4 - 1839 W. Monthly JETAABC Meeting 5th Avenue
November 1st - 4th
London, England
JETAA Intl. Conference
November 25th, AM
Campbell River Valley
Hike with Mokuyokai (contact Markus Lem)
NEWSLETTER ONLINE! You can view the JETAABC Newsletter online in full colour at www.jetaabc.bc.ca! Download as a PDF file. If you would NOT like to receive a paper version in the future, e-mail the membership coordinator Albert Ngai <albngai@home.com> so we can save a few trees.
Thank You to this month’s contributors! Bruce Clarke Markus Lem Wendy McAvoy Ellie Nakano Boleyn Relova Angela Tan
Paul Donovan Lindsay Marsh Daniel McKelvey Adele Pransky Liz Stephen-Baba Tokyo Q www.tokyoq.com
Alumni News - Nasty Sushi!
What is this
Anonymous - For any of you who have ever organization called eaten at Kishu restaurant at 538 Seymour, JETAABC? or to those of you thinking of going, I have a story to share. Last Saturday, my part- So, you’ve signed up for ner and I stopped in for a quick lunch. We JETAABC, now what? Luckily, were pleasantly surprised when our food you’ve signed on with one of the came within five minutes. We were hungry most active and organized JET Alumni associations in Canada. and it looked really good. However, after I This is a rough list of what we do: took a bite into my tofu teriyaki, I noticed a • Produce a newsletter every two months. foreign object on my plate. Not sure of what it was, I picked it up with my chopsticks and, • Sponsor a pub night each month. to my horror, saw that it was a cigarette butt. • Join the Mokuyokai on a hike Yes, a cigarette butt covered in teriyaki each month. sauce and sesame seeds. We were in- • Organize an orientation seminar for new JETs in May. censed and asked to see their business li• Organize a re-entry and cence, which they couldn't produce. We career prep seminar in left and, when we got home, I called the November. health inspector. The inspector visited the • Sponsor two roundtable discussions a year. restaurant two days later and told me that • Hold major gatherings in he found 40 pounds of food that needed to September, January, and be thrown out, along with several other June. • Send a delegate to the health code infractions.
2001-2002 Steering Committee Contact Information
President - Elizabeth Stephen Home: 738-3360 E-mail: yaliz@ultranet.ca Past President - Paul Donovan Home: 608-4345 Work: 837-7953 (cell) E-mail: paul@donovan.sh Secretary - Carolyn Ali E-mail : mike&carolyn@telus.net Treasurer - Ryan Butt E-mail: rjbmaui@hotmail.com Newsletter Editor - Matthew Fedoruk Box 174, 6335 Thunderbird Crescent, Vancouver, BC, V8S 2V5 Home: 228-2160 Work: 875-4111 ext. 68485 E-mail: mfedoruk@interchange.ubc.ca Director at Large - Newsletter - Angela Tan Do you have any exciting E-mail: angelkeik@hotmail.com news to share with Programs and Events Director - Adele Pransky JETAABC? E-mail: adelesky@hotmail.com Are you getting married? Director at Large - Programs and Events - Wendy McAvoy New job? Moving? Please E-mail: wendymcavoy@yahoo.com let us know! Membership - Albert Ngai Send an email to: E-mail: albngai@home.com angelkeik@hotmail.com Island Representative - Alida Abbott E-mail: genkiali@yahoo.com and we'll announce it in the Chapter and JETAA Canadian Representative - Boleyn Relova JETAABC newsletter! Home: 522-8761 Work: 522-8761 Fax: 522-2937 E-mail: boleyn@canada.com Consulate General of Japan Contacts 900 - 1177 West Hastings Street, Vancouver, BC, V6E 2K9 Tel: 684-5868 Fax: 684-6939 Mr. Hideaki Kawai - koho@consuljpnvan.com Ms. Ellie Nakano - telephone ext. 240 E-mail: programs@consuljpnvan.com
questions or comments? Info@jetaabc.bc.ca
• •
JETAA international conference. Help produce the Cross Canada newsletter once per year. Keep a website up to date (for which we could use someone to help!!!!!!).
We do a lot, but we can always stand to improve. What are your ideas? What else would you like to see JETAABC do? One thing I’d like to see is more contact with other Alumni chapters. Does anyone have contacts they could use or ideas on how we can interact more? Let me know! Contact Liz Stephen our fearless President. yaliz@ultranet.ca
JETAABC CONTACT INFO: JETAABC Bentall Centre PO BOX 48121 Vancouver, BC V7X 1N8
WEB ADDRESS www.jetaabc.bc.ca Editor’s Telephone: (604) 228-2160