Japanese Trivia Energy, He Also Loves to Cuddle! He Can Often Be Found Sleeping in the Laps of His Loved Ones! Karma and Baxter Often Visit at Nikkei Senior Gardens

NIKKEI SENIOR GARDENS Around the Garden

Issue 63 May 2014 Introducing... May INSIDE THIS ISSUE: Karma and Baxter

 Page 1

Introducing Karma & Baxter  Page 2-3 Garden News & Views Nurse’s Notes

Announcements Volunteers & Donations  Page 4-5 Outings & Upcoming Outings Nikkei Village Moments  Page 6-7 Calendar of Activities Karma and Baxter were adopted by the Motoyasu family in  Page 8-9 early April. After the passing of their Rottweiler in 2013 the family was deeply missing the companionship of a furry four-legged friend. Special Events After much searching, they found Karma at a local shelter in Santa  Page 10 Clarita. Just a few weeks later they adopted Baxter at the same NSG Team News shelter.  Page 11 Karma is a dachshund mix, who loves lots of affection! She is a Word Search Puzzle daddy’s girl, always wanting to be by Michael’s side. Baxter is a Garden Giggles Terrier mix, who is full of energy! He loves to play with his sister,  Page 12 Karma and anyone else who has some time. Don’t be fooled by his Japanese Trivia energy, he also loves to cuddle! He can often be found sleeping in the laps of his loved ones! Karma and Baxter often visit at Nikkei Senior Gardens. They love to visit with all the residents, because of the great massages they are Quote of the Month given….and the extra yummy treats too! We welcome Karma and Baxter not only to the Motoyasu family, but “Where we love is home - to the Nikkei Senior Gardens family as well! home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.”

The Nikkei Senior Gardens family would love to know your life story. To share ~Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr. your history, please contact Desiree Norihiro, Director of Life Enrichment at (818) 899-1000 or [email protected]. Garden News ...and Views Page 2 Nikkei Senior Gardens

Celebrated April Birthdays Nurse’s Notes

By: Marissa Fontanilla

Mild Cognitive Impairment Explained Kay N. Yoshie S. Susumu M. Noticeable memory loss doesn't always mean Alzheimer's disease. All adults forget names and/or lose keys, this is often due to stressed lives and aging bodies. However, there's a degree of the problem that's more serious -- though not severe enough to be defined as dementia. It's a subtle decline in mental ability known as mild cognitive impairment (MCI).

Two Types of MCI Betty J. Mary F. 1. Amnestic MCI, significantly affects memory as well as other cognitive functions. 2. Non-amnestic MCI, affects cognitive functions other than memory. This form of MCI is linked with frontotemporal or Lewy Body Dementia.

Causes of MCI  A neurodegenerative disease.  A vascular condition,  A psychiatric condition, such as depression or an injury, such as brain trauma.

Signs of MCI Aryana with the birthday cakes! These are subtle changes may or may not be A chocolate mousse cake and a warning signs, but present reasonable red flags that white cake with strawberries. warrant a medical exam. Possible signs of MCI:  Forgetting appointments or regularly scheduled events (Sunday dinner or a weekly club meetings). Increasingly repeats questions or stories.  Our Newest May  Asking more questions about managing finances. Resident! Birthdays  Occasionally forgets to take medications.  Difficulty with language, reasoning & judgment. 1—Sue L.  Although still capable, has less interest in cooking

3—Sats Y. Not everyone with MCI goes on to develop dementia. However, early diagnosis of Alzheimer's and other 5—Tsunemi N. forms of dementia can help families make better 8—Sachiko S. long-term plans and possibly delay the progression of symptoms. It's smart to take action when you first Sue K. 11— Miyo H. suspect a memory problem or notice behavioral changes in an older adult. First, notify the primary 14—Ted F. physician of changes and be sure a full medical Please help us workup is completed, including an extensive inter- welcome Sue K. to our 15—Sue O. view, memory tests, and lab tests to rule out other community by saying 21—Saburo O. ailments. “Hello” or Konnichiwa”! Announcements Issue 63 Page 3

REFER A FRIEND AND RECEIVE $500 OFF PLEASE JOIN US ONE MONTH’S RENT

Mother’s Day Luncheon As a resident of Nikkei Senior Gardens you have the added value of referring friends to live in your beautiful community with you as their neighbor. Saturday, May 10, 2014 At 12:15pm If they decide to join you in living here, you will receive $500 off one month’s rent once they have lived here for two months.

Just think. Relax among your friends. Play cards. Watch a movie Adults: $25 or enjoy the resident garden, all with friends that you are familiar Children 5—12 years: $12 with! Children Under 5 years: FREE And we will give you $500 off one month’s rent for each person that you refer that moves to Nikkei Senior Gardens. if you want to have your friends living here with you and you R.S.V.P. by May 7, 2014 at (818) 899-000 or want $500 off a month’s rent, then see Marc Aronoff, Director of [email protected] Sales and Marketing for more details.

Volunteers & Donations

April Volunteers Mieko Akima Sam Kanno Yoichi Kimura Wes Kaihara Gail Maeda Harry Nakada Toji Hashimoto Kiyoko Kamii Hisano Tilner Keiko Roter Emiko Kami Lois Okui Tami Shiotani Kay Kami Akiko Idian Debbie Nicklaus Asako Giegoldt Carrie Wong Hitomi Hashimoto Kumiko Mori Akiko Bloom Mark Yokomizo Yasuko Jones John Goka Jr.

Donations

Arts & Crafts Supplies Calendars Jig-saw Puzzles A BIG THANK YOU to Gail Maeda and the volunteers for all their dedication and Monetary Donation Bingo Prizes DVD Movies support with Watercolor Class over the Holiday Décor Chocolates Arare past two years. We will miss Gail’s guidance and instruction and wish her Books all the best with her future endeavors. Nikkei Senior Gardens will continue to hold watercolor class, please join us We Thank You For Your Continuing EVERY OTHER SATURDAY. Generosity and Support! Outings Page 4 Nikkei Senior Gardens

Hanami at Lake Balboa

Residents were able to enjoy a bento lunch down by the lake and after took a quick stroll to view the beautiful blossoms in bloom!

Pictured left, front to back: Mary G., Lois Y., Stan Y., and Atsuko M. Pictured right, front to back: Shi- zuko W., Kay T., Ida K., and Ted F. all enjoying bento at Lake Balboa.

Upcoming Outings

May 2, 2014 at 1:00pm Wednesday, May 21, 2014 at 1:00pm Griffith Park Observatory, Griffith Park, CA Marukai, Gardena, CA

May 7th & 9th, 2014 at 1:30pm Friday, May 23, 2014 at 1:00pm Walmart, Porter Ranch, CA Nijiya, Los Angeles, CA

May 14th & 16th, 2014 at 1:00pm Wednesday, May 28, 2014 at 9:30am Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game Exhibit Lunch at the Poppy Fields, Lancaster, CA Japanese American National Museum Los Angeles, CA Wednesday, May 30, 2014 at 1:30pm Trader Joe’s, Porter Ranch, CA

DODGERS: Brotherhood of the Game Exhibit Japanese American National Museum, Los Angeles, CA The Dodgers: Brotherhood of the Game exhibit allows visitors to explore the team’s past through four players and a Hall of Fame manager, each of whom made history in his own right: Jackie Robinson, Fernando Valenzuela, Chan Ho Park, Hideo Nomo, and Tommy Lasorda. It also allows visitors the opportunity to look beyond statistics and performances on the field and gain understanding of the role the four men and the Dodgers’ helped shape American culture, contributed to advancements in civil rights, and promoted international baseball. Please join us for a trip to the Hollywood Bowl Museum on, May 14th & 16th, 2014 at 1:00pm. Admission Fee: $3 Nikkei Village Moments Issue 63 Page 5

Arts A visit from our facorite furry friends! & Therapy dogs, Tuna and Lacey Crafts

Fred & Teruko working on dot marker art.

Sadie with therapy dog Tuna. Thank you Joy & Lacey and KC & Tuna! Butterfly artwork with Tosh, We look forward to your next visit! Carolyn and Fumiko.

Nikkei Village Residents Have Fun While Exercising!

Sari, Yoshiko, and Teruko participating at Bon Odori.

Pictured left: Residents following Pictured above: the instruction of Tsuya tossing a ball Inez at morning with helper Kelli. exercise. Pictured left: Marie with Takako at Bon odori. May2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

7 ACTIVITY LOCATIONS 1 Doctor Day 2 3 D - Dining Hall 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D This monthly newsletter can also S - Solarium 8:45 Morning Walk—D G - Game Room (2nd FL) 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise w/ Vanessa-D be viewed at F - Family Dining Room 9:30-10:30 Wellness Check—P 9:00 Mieko’s Café—F 10:30 Watercolor P - Podiatrist Office DAILY MOVIE 10:30 Ladies Meeting—CR 9:30 Morning Stretch— D Painting- D B - Beauty Salon 11:00 Outing to 1:00 Mah Jong - G 1:30 Book Club Meeting– S T - Movie Theatre (2nd FL) Griffith Park Observatory At 1:30pm & 6:30pm 2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot-D 2:30 Blackjack - D www.nikkeiseniorgardens.com CR - Conference Room (Lobby) 1:00 Sequence— D New Activities in Blue 3:00 Poker— D Every Day 2:30 Nickel Bingo - D

4 5 KODOMO NO HI & 6 Doctor Day 7 8 Doctor Day 9 10 8:45 Morning Walk—D CINCO DE MAYO 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie Wong—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie-D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:30 Exercise with Inez-D 10:30 Nickel Bingo—D 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise w/ Takako -T 10:30 Crochet - D 9:00 Men’s Coffee Hour- CR 10:30 Cooking Class- F 1:30 Outing to 10:30 Japanese Calligraphy—D 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Puzzles & Sudoku - G 1:15 Outing: 10:30 Bingo - D 9:30 Exercise: Chair Yoga - D Walmart 12:30 Resident Birthday Party- D 10:30 Nickel Bingo—D 12:15 Mother’s Day SFVJACC Swinging 10:30 Arts & Crafts- D 2:00 Bon Dance—D 1:00 Outing to Luncheon—D Band Concert - $ 3:15 Wii Bowling & Tennis- D 1:30 Karaoke “Koinobori craft” Walmart 2:00 Blackjack - D 2:00 Bingo - D 1:00 Trip to Public Library 6:00 Mah Jong - G 3:00 Hanafuda—D 1:00 Sequence— D 3:00 Poker— D 3:00 Cards - D 2:00 Singing - D 2:30 Social Hour —D 5:00 Cinco De Mayo Fiesta-D 11 12 13 Doctor Day 14 15 Doctor Day 16 17 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie Wong - D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie-D 9:00 Men’s Coffee Hour - CR 9:30 Exercise with Inez-D 10:30 Nickel Bingo—D 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise —D 10:30 Crochet - D 9:30 Exercise: Chair Yoga - D 10:30 Cooking Class- F 1:30 Outing to 10:30 Ladies Meeting—CR 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Watercolor 10:30 Bingo - D Japanese American 10:30 Nickel Bingo - D 2:00 Bingo - D 10:30 Arts & Crafts- D 1:00 Mah Jong - G Painting- D 2:00 Bon Dance—D National Museum (JANM) 1:30 Outing to 3:00 Cards - D “Loom bracelets” 2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot-D 2:00 Blackjack - D 10:30 Therapy Dogs—S 3:15 Wii Bowling & Tennis- D Exhibit: DODGERS: JANM—Exhibit: DODGERS: 3:00 NO POKER— D 2:00 Singing - D 6:00 Mah Jong - G Brotherhood of the Game—$ Brotherhood of the Game—$ 1:00 Sequence— D 18 19 20 Doctor Day 21 22 Doctor Day 23 24 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie Wong - D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie-D 9:00 Men’s Coffee Hour- CR 9:30 Exercise with Inez-D 10:30 Bingo—D 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise —D 10:30 Crochet—D 9:30 Exercise: Chair Yoga - D 10:30 Cooking Class- F 1:00 Outing to 10:30 Japanese Calligraphy—D 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Puzzles & Sudoku - D 2:00 Bingo —D 1:00 Trip to Public Library 10:30 Bingo - D Marukai (Gardena) 1:00 Mah Jong - G 10:30 Nickel Bingo - D 2:00 Blackjack - D 10:30 Arts & Crafts- D 3:00 Cards— D 2:00 Bon Dance—D 1:30 Karaoke 1:00 Outing to 3:00 Poker— D “Owl Wind Chime” 3:15 Wii Bowling & Tennis- D Marukai & Kinokuniya 3:00 Hanafuda—D 2:00 Singing - D 6:00 Mah Jong - G 1:00 Sequence— D 2:30 Social Hour —D 25 26 Memorial Day 27 Doctor Day 28 29 Doctor Day 30 31 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie Wong - D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie-D 9:00 Men’s Coffee Hour - CR 9:30 Exercise with Inez-D 9:30 Outing to 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise —D 10:30 Crochet - D 9:30 Exercise: Chair Yoga - D 10:30 Cooking Class- F Poppy Fields 10:30 Ladies Meeting—CR 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Watercolor 2:00 Bingo - D 10:30 Arts & Crafts- D 10:30 Bingo - D 10:30 Cards & Games with 1:00 Mah Jong - G 10:30 Nickel Bingo - D Painting- D 1:00 Resident & Food Council 3:00 Cards - D “Flag pin” Desiree—D 2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot-D 1:00 Outing to 1:30 New Resident Meeting—D Trader Joe’s 2:00 Singing - D 3:00 Nickel Bingo—D Welcome Party—D 2:00 Bon Dance—D 1:00 Sequence— D 3:15 Wii Bowling & Tennis- D 2:00 Blackjack - D 6:00 Mah Jong - G 3:00 Poker— D **Calendar Events Subject To Change. Please check the Main calendar near the dining room for updates.** May2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1 Doctor Day 2 3 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise w/ Vanessa-D 9:30-10:30 Wellness Check—P 9:00 Mieko’s Café—F 10:30 Watercolor DAILY MOVIE 10:30 Ladies Meeting—CR 9:30 Morning Stretch— D Painting- D 11:00 Outing to 1:00 Mah Jong - G 1:30 Book Club Meeting– S At 1:30pm & 6:30pm Griffith Park Observatory 2:30 Blackjack - D 2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot-D 1:00 Sequence— D 3:00 Poker— D Every Day 2:30 Nickel Bingo - D

4 5 KODOMO NO HI & 6 Doctor Day 7 8 Doctor Day 9 10 8:45 Morning Walk—D CINCO DE MAYO 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie Wong—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie-D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:30 Exercise with Inez-D 10:30 Nickel Bingo—D 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise w/ Takako -T 10:30 Crochet - D 9:00 Men’s Coffee Hour- CR 10:30 Cooking Class- F 1:30 Outing to 10:30 Japanese Calligraphy—D 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Puzzles & Sudoku - G 1:15 Outing: 10:30 Bingo - D 9:30 Exercise: Chair Yoga - D Walmart 12:30 Resident Birthday Party- D 10:30 Nickel Bingo—D 12:15 Mother’s Day SFVJACC Swinging 10:30 Arts & Crafts- D 2:00 Bon Dance—D 1:00 Outing to Luncheon—D Band Concert - $ 3:15 Wii Bowling & Tennis- D 1:30 Karaoke “Koinobori craft” Walmart 2:00 Blackjack - D 2:00 Bingo - D 1:00 Trip to Public Library 6:00 Mah Jong - G 3:00 Hanafuda—D 1:00 Sequence— D 3:00 Poker— D 3:00 Cards - D 2:00 Singing - D 2:30 Social Hour —D 5:00 Cinco De Mayo Fiesta-D 11 12 13 Doctor Day 14 15 Doctor Day 16 17 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie Wong - D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie-D 9:00 Men’s Coffee Hour- CR 9:30 Exercise with Inez-D 10:30 Nickel Bingo—D 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise —D 10:30 Crochet - D 9:30 Exercise: Chair Yoga - D 10:30 Cooking Class- F 1:30 Outing to 10:30 Ladies Meeting—CR 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Watercolor 10:30 Bingo - D Japanese American 10:30 Nickel Bingo - D 2:00 Bingo - D 10:30 Arts & Crafts- D 1:00 Mah Jong - G Painting- D 2:00 Bon Dance—D National Museum (JANM) 1:30 Outing to 3:00 Cards - D “Loom bracelets” 2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot-D 2:00 Blackjack - D 10:30 Therapy Dogs—S 3:15 Wii Bowling & Tennis- D Exhibit: DODGERS: JANM—Exhibit: DODGERS: 3:00 NO POKER— D 2:00 Singing - D 6:00 Mah Jong - G Brotherhood of the Game—$ Brotherhood of the Game—$ 1:00 Sequence— D 18 19 20 Doctor Day 21 22 Doctor Day 23 24 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie Wong - D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie-D 9:00 Men’s Coffee Hour- CR 9:30 Exercise with Inez-D 10:30 Bingo—D 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise —D 10:30 Crochet—D 9:30 Exercise: Chair Yoga - D 10:30 Cooking Class- F 1:00 Outing to 10:30 Japanese Calligraphy—D 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Puzzles & Sudoku - D 2:00 Bingo —D 1:00 Trip to Public Library 10:30 Bingo - D Marukai (Gardena) 1:00 Mah Jong - G 10:30 Nickel Bingo - D 2:00 Blackjack - D 10:30 Arts & Crafts- D 3:00 Cards— D 2:00 Bon Dance—D 1:30 Karaoke 1:00 Outing to 3:00 Poker— D “Owl Wind Chime” 3:15 Wii Bowling & Tennis- D Marukai & Kinokuniya 3:00 Hanafuda—D 2:00 Singing - D 6:00 Mah Jong - G 1:00 Sequence— D 2:30 Social Hour —D 25 26 Memorial Day 27 Doctor Day 28 29 Doctor Day 30 31 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 9:15 Taichi w/Carrie Wong - D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk—D 8:45 Morning Walk– D 9:30 Exercise w/ Yukie-D 9:00 Men’s Coffee Hour- CR 9:30 Exercise with Inez-D 9:30 Outing to 9:30 Exercise with Takako—D 9:00 Let’s Sing & Talk - CR 9:30 Exercise —D 10:30 Crochet - D 9:30 Exercise: Chair Yoga - D 10:30 Cooking Class- F Poppy Fields 10:30 Ladies Meeting—CR 9:30 Morning Stretch— D 10:30 Watercolor 2:00 Bingo - D 10:30 Arts & Crafts- D 10:30 Bingo - D 10:30 Cards & Games with 1:00 Mah Jong - G 10:30 Nickel Bingo - D Painting- D 1:00 Resident & Food Council 3:00 Cards - D “Flag pin” Desiree—D 2:00 Dominoes: Chicken Foot-D 1:00 Outing to 1:30 New Resident Meeting—D Trader Joe’s 2:00 Singing - D 3:00 Nickel Bingo—D Welcome Party—D 2:00 Bon Dance—D 1:00 Sequence— D 3:15 Wii Bowling & Tennis- D 2:00 Blackjack - D 6:00 Mah Jong - G 3:00 Poker— D **Calendar Events Subject To Change. Please check the Main calendar near the dining room for updates.** Special Events Page 8 Nikkei Senior Gardens

Sharing of a Culture: Tangi T. Passover Cedar Island Dance Performance

This year at Nikkei, we decided to participate in multi-cultural events to experience different celebrations. It is a way for our residents, families, and team members to share their traditions. Marc Aronoff, Director of Sales and Marketing shared his this Resident Assistant Tangi T. April with a Passover Cedar. Residents learned about the story volunteered her time on her day off of Passover, the Passover Plate and it’s significance. We to perform cultural dances of her native island. also were able to try some of Marc’s matzo ball soup. Thank you Marc! Thank you Tangi!

Garden Cooking Class Time! with

Chef Carlos On Saturday, March 29th, residents, along with volunteers Chef Bella and family member, Dennis Myose, prepared and seeded the resident gardens for the spring crops! Thank you all for your hard work! We Alice sitting under look forward to the new crop! the fig trees.

Chef Carlos stepped in to lead cooking class, while Hitomi was off. At class, Chef helped the residents to make mini edible fruit arrange- ments with assorted fruits on sticks Sats, Bella, Kay T., Matsuko, Matsuko and Vanessa dipped in chocolate. went bare-foot into the soil and Mary digging the to seed. troughs. Special Events Issue 63 Page 9

Happy Easter!

On Saturday, April 19, 2014 residents gath- ered for our Easter Eggstravaganza! The festivities started off with an Easter egg hunt in the resident gardens, where they had fun gathering treat filled eggs! There were also Arts & Crafts tables under the Gazebo, where residents could color or create an Easter egg ornament. The morning activities were followed by a wonderful Easter luncheon prepared by Chef Carlos and the dining services team. The menu consisted of a Smoked salmon dip, Basil-lime fruit salad, Baked ham, roast leg of lamb, whipped sweet potatoes, lemon-chived roasted vegetables and a Angel food ginger-coconut frosting cupcake. The event was concluded with a beautiful cello, piano and soprano performance by Manami and Billy Tobenkin.

Thank you to all that attended, we hope you all had a wonderful Easter! NSGSpecial Team Event News Issue Page 4010 Nikkei Senior Gardens

Nikkei Senior Gardens Around the Community Team Member of the Month

Dinora Soriano

Dinora Soriano joined the Nikkei Senior Gardens team as a Resident Assistant in Nikkei Village in 2009 and recently joined the Environmental Services Department as a Housekeeper. She is compassionate about caring for our residents and is a dedicated team member, who is always Team members started the day with a Fun April Fool’s Day prank willing to lend a helping hand. Dinora is an integral part of on Executive Director, Michael. the Nikkei Senior Gardens team and we thank her for all her hard work!

Congratulations Dinora!

Cook Bella helping the residents prepare the gardens for seeding.

Who Am I?.....

 My favorite color is Purple.  My favorite food is Barbacoa burritos from Chipotle.  I love to watch documentaries about outer space.  My can recite the Greek alphabet.  My hobbies are drawing and reading.

HINT: I am in Business Management Department.

Please submit your answer by completing the form below and returning April Answer: Jonathan H. to the front desk by Sunday, May 18th for a chance to enter into a Raffle April Winners: Ted F. for a $20 gift card to Target! The winner will be announced at the next Prize: $20 Target Gift Card Resident Council Meeting held on May 19th, 2014. GOOD LUCK!

CUT ALONG THE LINE This portion to be completed by NAME:______APT #:______the Concierge ONLY: Date Submitted :___ /___ /___ ANSWER:______Time Submitted: ______Word Search Puzzle for May Issue 63 Page 11 ANIMALS #3 Find and circle all of the words that are hidden in the grid. The words may be hidden in any direction. ALBATROSS LEMUR ALPACA LIZARD ANACONDA LOON ARMADILLO MARMOSET ASP MARTEN BADGER MOLE CARIBOU MONGOOSE CHAMELEON MULE CONDOR MUSKOX COUGAR OCELOT COW OSTRICH CROCODILE PANDA DINGO PHEASANT EGRET POSSUM ERMINE PUFFIN FALCON PYTHON FERRET SHARK FINCH SKUNK GERBIL SNAKE GIBBON SQUIRREL GROUSE SWALLOW GULL VULTURE HARE WARTHOG HYENA WILDBEEST IGUANA WOLF

Did you know?...

Garden Giggles  Cinco de Mayo is in celebration of the Battle of Puebla, which took place May 5th of 1862 during the French intervention of Mexico.

 The Empire State Building officially opened on May 1, 1931.

SUPER FOOD OF THE MONTH BRAIN FOOD

Blackberries RIDDLE:  Rich in Vitamin C and it’s dark blue color ensures one of the highest antioxidants levels of What has a face and two fruits. hands but no arms or  High levels of tannin, a form of legs? astringent, reduces intestinal inflammation, and alleviates hemorrhoids. For answer, see Page 12. NIKKEI SENIOR GARDENS 9221 Arleta Avenue Arleta, CA 91331 Phone: 818 899-1000 Fax: 818 834-5728 www.NikkeiSeniorGardens.com RCFE License #197607606

Nikkei Senior Gardens Directors

Michael Motoyasu Executive Director

Marissa Fontanilla Director of Resident Care Services

Marc Aronoff Director of Sales and Marketing Gabriela Perez Director of Business Services Desiree Norihiro Director of Life Enrichment Carlos Marquez Director of Dining Services

Japanese Trivia Solution to Word Search

The Golden Week (ゴールデンウィーク) in Japan is a col- lection of four national holidays held within seven days. The four holidays are Showa no hi, Kenpo kinenbi, Midori no hi, and Kodomo no hi. Showa no hi, is former Emperor Showa’s birthday, celebrated April 29th. Following, on May 3rd is Kenpo kinenbi or Constitution Day, on this day in 1947 the new postwar constitution was put into effect. Midori no hi, also known as, Greenery Day, is a day dedicated to the environment and nature. Lastly, Kodomo no hi or Children’s Day, a day where families pray and wish for success of their sons by hanging carp streamers and displaying samurai dolls symbolizing power and success in life. This one week span of holidays is one of three busiest holiday seasons in Japan, besides New Years and Obon week. Many people take vacation during this time, and some companies even close down completely to allow their employees time off, making Golden Week the longest paid vacation period of the year for many Japanese establishments. BRAIN FOOD Riddle Answer: A clock.