‘Celebrate Japan’ raises money for Misato, Winona’s sister city

As part of a citywide effort to raise money for earthquake relief in Misato, Japan — Winona’s sister city — Saint Mary’s hosted “Celebrate Japan” Thursday, May 5. This event, combined with other fundraising efforts on campus, raised more than $2,000 for Misato.

Al Thurley, a Winona City Council member, wrote: “A very sincere and huge thank you to you and all the folks at Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota who most generously gave of your time, materials and facilities to assist Winona help our sister city, Misato, rebuild from the earthquake. Thank you, thank you, thank you!”

SMU to host ‘Celebrate Japan’ May 5 to raise money for Misato, Winona’s sister city

As part of a citywide effort to raise money for earthquake relief in Misato, Japan — Winona’s sister city — Saint Mary’s University will host “Celebrate Japan” Thursday, May 5.

The event, a cultural showcase of Japan’s rich culture and traditions, will run from 6 to 8 p.m. in the Toner Student Center. The showcase will begin with an announcement from Winona Mayor Jerry Miller.

Other events will include:
• Japanese woodblock printing demonstrations, “Moku Hanga,” by SMU’s Preston Lawing
• Origami with Sandy Wernimont from the Winona Middle School
• Japanese dance, provided by Winona State University students from Japan
• A Japanese martial arts demonstration by SMU’s Francis “Fritz” Speck and other members of Minnesota Genbu-Kai Karate
• Sushi (served by Chartwells Food Service) in limited quantities
• Japanese poetry readings by Winona Poet Laureate Ken McCullough of SMU and former Poet Laureate Jim Armstrong of WSU
• A reading from “Sadako and the 1,000 Paper Cranes”
• Reiki massage by Gerry Naal
• Live music with Patti Darbo
• A Skype message from Misato
• And more

Donations are encouraged. Misato bracelets and T-shirts will also be available for purchase.

Fifty homes in Misato were completely destroyed in the March earthquake. Three times that number of houses were damaged. Many businesses and roads are in need of repair. The Misato residents are in need of funds to buy essential supplies like food, water and clothing. For more information on citywide relief efforts, visit http://misatorelief.hbci.com.

When the week of fundraising events is completed, a check from the Winona Community Foundation will be given to the City of Winona to send directly to officials in Misato.

For more information about SMU’s “Celebrate Japan,” contact Chandu Valluri at Ext. 1466 or cvalluri@smumn.edu. For more information on the benefit week, contact Bead Kerr at bker.1995@gmail.com, Joe Lepley at joseph.lepley@winona.k12.mn.us or Glenn Petersen at gpetersen@winona.edu.

SMU joins citywide efforts to help sister city in Japan

The Winona-Misato Friendship Association —whose members include current and past student ambassadors, their families and staff or community members, who have traveled to Misato, Japan — are helping to organize a city/area wide benefit for the town of Misato in Miyagi Prefecture, Japan.

Fifty homes were completely destroyed in the 8.9 earthquake. Three times that number were damaged. Many businesses and roads are in need of repair. Thankfully, no fatalities occurred, but more than 30 residents needed medical attention.

The area continues to experience aftershocks and communication because of power outages is inconsistent. The Misato residents are in need of funds to buy essential supplies: food, water and clothing.

SMU along with Winona State and other area businesses and institutions have been requested to support the city-wide initiative.

At SMU, “Misato Mondays” will begin next week. Collection jars will be available Mondays, April 11, 18 and May 2 at high visibility areas around campus. Additionally, collection jars will be available at Gaslight this weekend, Sunday Mass and the track and field meet April 30.

Special Misato wristbands will soon be available as well.

A week-long benefit effort is being planned May 1 through May 7 throughout Winona. One day during Misato Week, Saint Mary’s will showcase various cultural aspects of Japan through special public events. Details are being finalized. When the week is completed, a check from the Winona Community Foundation will be given to the City of Winona to send directly to officials in Misato.

Current pictures from Misato and pictures from past trips are available at at http://misatorelief.hbci.com.

For more information about Saint Mary’s participation, contact Chandu Valluri at Ext. 1466 or cvalluri@smumn.edu.

For more information on the benefit week, contact Bead Kerr at bker.1995@gmail.com, Joe Lepley at joseph.lepley@winona.k12.mn.us or Glenn Petersen at gpetersen@winona.edu.