November 19th, 2014
Certificate for Homma Kancho and Nippon Kan presented by
Denver Parks Department Tina Meyers to Nippon Kan Vice President Emily Busch.
Every year for the last 24 years, in both the spring and the fall, Nippon Kan has volunteered in partnership with the Denver Parks Department to work on projects to beautify Denver parks all over the city and front range areas. Over the years Nippon Kan volunteers have helped turn flower beds, created bike and hiking trails, cleaned up rivers, paint over graffiti, plant trees and much more with the Denver Parks Department. Nippon Kan volunteers work hard and are well organized, so much so we have been nicknamed the “Nippon Kan Army” by Parks Department organizers. On this day in November, the Denver Parks Department held a recognition dinner at the Denver Zoo inviting leaders from volunteer groups all over dinner to recognize their accomplishments. In attendance from Nippon Kan was Nippon Kan Vice President Emily Busch and Special Advisor George Pazmino.
This project began 24 years ago when Homma Kancho decided he wanted more from celebrating his birthday than a hangover. “I want to do something more healthy and long lasting with students” said Homma Kancho. Our first spring volunteer project held to celebrate Homma Kancho’s birthday was held in Cheesman park, turning the flowerbeds for winter. This project is now a city-wide project called “Putting the Beds to Bed” and is held every October throughout the city.
Report by
Nippon Kan Vice President
Emily Busch