This week in our Monday morning circle, Patricia announced that last Saturday her mother who was a very good friend of ours in the community of Cascadia, passed away in Lion’s Gate Hospital at the age of 93.
After that we talked about the weather, stars, sports and our weekends. Also Ruth announced that next week the volunteers will be switching workshops.In the afternoon, one group did seeding, another group went for a walk and the last group cut willows at Loutet Farm.
On Tuesday, Wednesday Thursday, we broke into our eurythmy, painting, reading, writing, clay and singing groups.
In our Thursday morning college, Ruth T. announced that this year’s theme for carnival will be the history of Vancouver. Then Takashi told us the history of the Japanese coming to Vancouver. In 1877, Manzo Nagano was the very first Japanese man to start a new life in New Westminster. After that many more men came over by ship and started to work as fishermen, loggers and berry farmers. At that time, only men were allowed to come to Canada. When not working, the men wrote letters and sent photos of themselves to girls in the hopes that they would get married and start a family. The Japanese women that came to Vancouver worked in the canneries beside the men. We also learned that the Japanese built communities in and around Vancouver. The area most populated with Japanese in Vancouver is on Powell Street. There the Japanese opened up a lot of businesses such as shops, restaurants, liquor stores, pharmacies and a sewing store. The religion of the Japanese people is Shintoism. Most families worship at a small shrine at home or at a public shrine. Japanese people honor many different nature Gods. After that Takashi told us that the most celebrated celebration in the Japanese culture is the Japanese New Year. Also the Japanese show a great deal of honor and respect for others by bowing with great grace.

Manzo Nagano (永野 万蔵 Nagano Manzō, 1855 – 1923) was the first Japanese person to officially immigrate to Canada
During our bell practice, Lorna announced that Leslie is preparing a musical get together with snacks for the families on Feb. 14th, at 3:00 p.m. in Circle Hall. The bell players will be playing some pieces on the bells.
On Friday morning, we sang Happy Birthday to Caity. On Friday afternoon, one group went swimming and another group went for a walk.