ASF Garden Soiree: A Nordic Kick-off

Traditionally, we launch our year of annual activities in September.  This year, our Program Committee, led by Ellen Zissler, organized a relaxing garden party in late September at the home of Bonnie Yonker in Carpinteria.  Light refreshments, including beverages from the Island Brewery, were served. to the sound of wonderful background music supplied by guitarist Bob Schetter of “The Invocations.”

Our featured speaker was Carpinteria Mayor Wade Namura whose book, “Creating Destiny,” – the story of his family’s journey from a very different part of the world -- Japan.  His inspirational talk served to remind us that ours is a country of immigrants from all parts of the world, including Asia and Scandinavia, and though there are likely to be differences in culture, there are parallels in the struggle to adapt.