It’s been an exciting year for JETAA Toronto. At our Annual General Meeting (AGM) in January we reviewed the activities of the past year. For those who missed the meeting or some of our events, here’s our retrospective of 2010/11!
April 2010 – Rock Climbing
At our second time holding this popular event, we had 25 people join us at the Rock Oasis climbing gym, followed by a some nice hot ramen to soothe our weary muscles.
May, 2010 – Hanami Picnic
In one of our most popular annual events, 30-plus JETAA members, family and friends joined in as we enjoyed some gorgeous sakura in High Park. The combination of great weather and great company can only be outdone by this year’s picnic.
June, 2010 – Jays vs. Yankees Yakyuu Day
Our family-friendly baseball outing brought 20 fans together at the Rogers Centre. The Jays might have narrowly lost, but they scored enough runs to give us all free Pizza Pizza, so really it was a victory for us!
July, 2010 – PDOT, Pub Night & Cooking Class
This year’s predeparture orientation brought out 18 JETAA volunteers, 10 JAVA volunteers and Japan Consulate staff out for three days of events to help prepare over 60 new JETs for their experience in Japan. Afterwards, we had a casual nomikai at the Bedford Academy pub’s back patio, where the new recruits got lots of great advice from the alumni there. A week after PDOT the departing JETs learned how to make some simple but oishii Japanese dishes at our Cooking Class.
August, 2010 – Natsu BBQ & Scavenger Hunt
Our collective love of food, fun and summer was brought together in one event. We had 15 people join us on Toronto Island for a BBQ and a scavenger hunt that won’t be soon forgotten.
October, 2010 – Career & Re-entry Seminar
Back from JET and at a loss? We’re here to help. And so we did, as 15 recently returned JETs came out for some job advice, information about Toronto’s Japanese community and had a chance to connect with other JETAA members.
October, 2010 – Cosmic Cosplay Bowling
JETAA’s foray into the world of cosplay and glow bowling took a huge leap as 15 people strutted their stuff on the alley. Gutterballs a-plenty but it was an awesome time for all.
November, 2010 – Speaker Series: Ms. Setsuko Thurlow
Setsuko Thurlow is a Japanese-Torontonian who survived the Hiroshima Atomic Bombing and has become a world-reknowned figure in the fight against nuclear weapons. All 20 attendees at the Speaker Series were emotionally moved by Ms. Thurlow’s tale, strength of character and courage.
January, 2011 – AGM/Shinnenkai & Speaker Series with Jeff Minthorn
Our Annual General Meeting was productive and fun as we reviewed our yearly activities and voted in the executive for the 2011/12 Fiscal Year. After celebrating the new year with a shinnenkai at Milestones at Yonge & Dundas, we moved on to the local pub for a nijikai.
Also in this busy month, we had our second Speaker Series event with Jeff Minthorn of VERGE Magazine. Jeff regaled 25 attendees with exciting stories about his international experiences and the passions that led him to create Verge Magazine.
February, 2011 – Ski/Snowboard Trip
Our foray into winter sports in December was cut short by rainy weather, but in February we were able to take advantage of the ample snowfall at Snow Valley. Eight intrepid borders and skiers went out on the perfect ski day.
Our year is almost over, but we still have our Hot, Hot Art & Photo Show coming up on March 5. Ostukaresama deshita to everyone for an amazing year of great events with JETAA Toronto. We hope to see you at some of our upcoming activities soon.