(Post by Todd Wong)
Cherry Tree planted, Sen. Ruth acknowledged as $ 1/2 Million donor, Joy given George Woodcock Lifetime Achievement Award. It was a wonderful busy busy day of celebration at Joy Kogawa House on April 25th.
3pm: Press conference, introduction of formerly anonymous $500,000 donor (Sen. Nancy Ruth) + baby cherry tree planting.
3:40pm: we sat inside the living room of Historic Joy Kogawa House and listened to CBC Radio One’s Arts Report by Paul Grant. Paul had interviewed Sen. Nancy Ruth, Bill Turner and Joy Kogawa for his story on how the house was saved, and how Sen. Nancy Ruth’s formerly anonymous gift of $500,000 was important.
In this picture Hon. Iona Campagnolo, Sen. Nancy Ruth and Joy Kogawa. (All photos by Todd Wong)
Hon. Iona Campagnolo (former BC Lt. Gov. speaks about importance of preserving culture and heritage represented through Historic Joy Kogawa house. She stands next to Joy Kogawa and Bill Turner (TLC executive director).
4pm: VIP reception – where we sold 6 baby cherry trees that will be planted at designated public sites (I want to plant one at Government House in Victoria)
Joy Kogawa signs books for MP Ujal Dosanjh and Vancouver councilor Heather Deal – two of the politicians we first contacted in 2005 to find ways to save the house and ensure its heritage designations.
8pm: Music and Poetry with Joy Kogawa and Friends, featuring poets George McWhirter, Heidi Greco, Marion Quednau, soprano Heather Pawsey, flautist Kathryn Cernauskas, pianist Rachel Kiyo Iwassa, and composer Leslie Uyeda.
Author Joy Kogawa reads to a packed house in her childhood home. Composer Leslie Uyeda stands 2nd from left. Vancouver Public Library Community Programming director Janice Douglas sits in the front row, 3rd from left.
Following the music, Joy was presented with the George Woodcock Literary Achievement Award from BC Bookworld Publisher Alan Twigg, Vancouver Public Library Community Programs Director Janice Douglas, and historian Jean Barman.
Alan Twigg speaks of Joy Kogawa’s acomplishments.
Joy Kogawa accepts the George Woodcock Literary Award.
This morning Joy Kogawa sent this email out to our Historic Joy Kogawa House Society:
Dear Friends,
For a day of unalloyed happiness —
I have had many many wonderful days in my life — but this one! It was the happiest. If ever I’ve felt at home…. Or felt the love that underlies all…
My friend Heather Pawsey, soprano wrote:
Last night was one of the most beautiful and profound evenings of my musical life. Heartfelt thanks to everyone behind Kogawa House. May it continue to rise and spread its wings.
Pictures and more details to follow.