June 2nd, 2007
Nippon Kan tradition; stretch exercises to start the day!
For 16 years, Nippon Kan has participated in an annual spring volunteer project in conjunction with the Denver Parks and Recreation Department in Denver. This year, the project focused on a section of parks linked by the Platte river bicycle trail which winds from the northeast end to central Denver. About 100 Nippon Kan members and friends pitched in to paint gazebos, mulch trees, spread crusher fine rock to abate erosion, cover graffiti and pick up trash. From the Japanese Consulate in Denver, Consul Haruo Yamagami joined in to lend a hand. Consul Yamagami has participated in other community service projects with Nippon Kan such as the homeless meal service project at the Denver Rescue Mission.
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- This years leader James Salmen. A job well done!
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- Consul Yamagami on trash detail with Nippon Kan students.
“I used to celebrate my birthday with a huge party. Back in the old days, I used to drink quite a bit, and having a party always seemed like the thing to do. The last party we had for my birthday was 17 years ago and ran from 10:00 am to 2:00 am the following morning. We gathered at a local restaurant for brunch, and throughout the day students arrived in shifts each bringing with them a bottle of wine or champagne. We drank enough bottles of wine and champagne to string a 60 inch necklace out of the corks which hung in two loops around my neck. It was defiantly a tribute to the recklessness of youth! I awoke the next morning with a massive headache and a realization. Birthdays come only once a year, and celebrating them with a party is a waste. I decided then that I would celebrate my birthday by doing something more productive than manufacturing a massive hangover.
I have not had a birthday party since. There comes a time in life when one has to say ‘enough is enough.’ Now instead of cards, presents or parties, I celebrate my birthday with this Spring Volunteer Project. I realized part of my job as leader of Nippon Kan was to be a better role model and more active in my community.”
I think everyone that was listening to Homma Kancho could understand and relate to the realizations that started our spring tradition at Nippon Kan.
Written by
2007 Spring Volunteer Project Leader
James Salmen