I wrote about my membership of Matsuyama Chuo Lions Club before, which was established a half century ago to serve people in Matsuyama city. After I joined it last year, I have often taken part in various voluntary activities. In this entry, I'll relate one of them.
I live in Matsuyama City and half its water supply is dependent on the Ishitegawa reservoir and another half is obtained from underground water. The authorities have recruited volunteer workers once a year for cleaning the water intake. My club has been joining this event for more than 10 years and I attended the event for the first time.
The number of volunteers was far beyond my expectation and there were about 700. We got together and listened to the briefing about the cleaning. My club members were manned at the 200-meter long section of the river which flowed into the reservoir. At the briefing, I knew that the water of my house was supplied from the reservoir, not from underground water. This fact made me more serious about cleaning the river.
In Japan, all TV broadcasting systems were changed from analogue to digital last July. The city authorities were afraid that lots of TV sets might be discarded illegally in remote areas. However, no TV set was found in the area in which 700 people cleaned up. I was proud of that.
(Vocabulary)
membership [U] 会員であること, 会員の資格[地位]
What is the cost of membership? 会員になるにはいくらかかりますか．
Herr Klaus!
Long time no see. I'm still learning German and I underwent the German level check (Dokuken, 独検) last month. I'm sure I'll receive the 4th grade certificate. I'm going to step up to the 3rd grade to enjoy German bier and wine. By the way, my youngest daughter lives in your city. She is a medical student. So, I have opportunities to visit you. My German vocabulary is poor yet, but if I can chat with you in German, it's great. I have to learn Korean now for some reason and I'll restart learning German in late April. See you some day.
Posted by: KUMO | Dec 02, 2011 at 07:11 PM
Doc! - good job! Yes, volunteers is still written in big letters over here in Japan. And I am sure many people appreciate your efforts!!
Posted by: Klaus D. Orth | Dec 02, 2011 at 07:06 PM
Dear Shiroi_Tora
Thanks. I'm delighted to receive your comment.
Posted by: KUMO | Dec 02, 2011 at 07:04 PM
The number of people who showed up is a testament to the unity, and the power derived from that unity, of a group of people with a sense of purpose.
It is even more heartening to see people living their beliefs through their efforts.
The type of people who give to others through their skills and efforts are the best type to be around. They are unselfish in nature, and conscious of the social bond that makes a community.
That is the type of effort that grows the soul. It is so good to see it in others (Although it is no surprise...the Japanese are known throughout the world as being some of the most socially conscious people...ones who's great strength lay in their ability to work together...their sense of teamwork).
Posted by: Shiroi Tora | Dec 02, 2011 at 01:52 PM