News

New Club Board Unveiled

At the Club's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on November 17, seven Members were elected to the Club's Board of Governors.

At the first Board meeting following the AGM, Michael Benner was selected to serve as representative governor for a one-year term.

Fundraising Sale a Success

The recent, Connections-organized International Bazaar raised nearly ¥4 million for local charities.

The three-day, annual sale, which ran from November 8 to 10, drew more than 1,000 shoppers and saw almost ¥20 million in sales, surpassing last year's figure.

"The joy that this event brought to our community—local vendors, shoppers, volunteers and staff—made the planning, preparations and hard work so worthwhile," says Connections President Heidi Regent.

Connections supports a number of local nonprofits through its sales, charity drives and other fundraising efforts.

Remembering Minette Nakamichi

The Club is saddened to announce the untimely passing of longtime Club employee Minette Nakamichi.

Joining the Club's Membership Office in December 2000, she touched the lives of countless Members over her 20 years of conducting Club tours and guiding newcomers through the process of settling into the Club.

Originally from Singapore, Minette moved to Japan more than 30 years ago.

A keen cook and foodie, Minette's colleagues appreciated her Tokyo restaurant tips and the freshly baked chiffon cakes she would bring to the office.

She is survived by her two daughters.

California Triumphs at Taste-Off

It was a clean sweep for California at the Seasonal Wine Taste-Off on October 13.

At this biannual event, 86 Members sampled nine reds and nine whites before voting for their favorite two from each lineup.

Indigo Eyes' 2018 Chardonnay and Crimson Ranch's 2016 Red Blend were selected as the Club's seasonal wines for November to January.

Napa Valley's Crimson Ranch also won fans for its 2018 Chardonnay, which will be featured as a seasonal wine for February to April next year, along with McManis' 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon.

All the wines will be available in Club dining outlets.

Board Election Slate Announced

The Board of Governors has approved the slate of candidates for this year's Board election.

The election will be held in conjunction with the Annual General Meeting on November 17.

The Nominating Committee-proposed list of candidates is as follows:

• American Citizens (five to be elected)
      Michael Benner
      Trista Bridges Bivens
      David Hackett
      Lauren Kawasaki
      Joe Moscato
      Nathan Schmidt
      Christina Siegel
      Michael Van Zandt
      Jim Weisser
• Japanese Citizens (one to be elected)
      Fumie Iwasa
      Tetsutaro Muraki
• Other Nationalities (one to be elected)
      Gabriela Mandrea
      Anthony Moore

Other Nominations
In accordance with the Board's call for other nominations, the following Members will also run in the forthcoming election:

• American Citizens
      Ginger Griggs
      Gregory Lyon
      Michael Popov
      Sam Rogan
      Dean R Rogers

Electioneering
In accordance with Chapter 5, Section 31 of the General Rules, unauthorized electioneering, including written communication to Club Members, other than in official Club election materials, during any election period, is prohibited. Violations by a candidate for governor, upon review and recommendation of the Nominating Committee, may result in the disqualification of the candidate. Proper decorum is expected during the election period.