Posts made in September 15th, 2026

LAC Chairs Are ‘Like New’ Now Comments Off on LAC Chairs Are ‘Like New’ Now

LAC Chairs Are ‘Like New’ Now

Posted by on Sep 15, 2026 in Beacon News, Church News & Events, Service Opportunities

Joshua Santos, Eugene Onishi, Ron Nobuyama, and Joey Ing work hard to repair and refurbish our chairs in the Lee Activity Center.

LAC Chairs Are ‘Like New’ Now

By Dale Kaneko and Carol Okano

Video:

Over the past 26 years, our community has been blessed by the Lee Activity Center (LAC) and all that it has provided. We have held many significant events there, including Summit Worship Services, sukiyaki dinners, bazaars, memorial service receptions, conferences and reunions. Many of us have sat on those sturdy LAC chairs without realizing they needed some TLC — tender loving care.

Striving to be good stewards of our resources, the church decided to re-cover the seats rather than purchase new chairs, even though the project would require considerable labor.

Over three and a half intensive days in August, 40 generous volunteers vacuumed and deep-cleaned the chairs, wiped down the frames and re-covered nearly 300 seats. Every task — whether simple, requiring plenty of muscle or somewhere in between — was critical to getting the job done. We appreciate everyone who came out to help, as well as those who wanted to participate but were unable to do so.

Our deep gratitude goes to the following volunteers:

  • AC Arai
  • John Burnham
  • Mel Cooley
  • Susan Dittman
  • Craig Fujisaki
  • Kim Furugori
  • Sam Grant
  • Wil Hasegawa
  • Joan Hernandez
  • Lorraine Hoshibata
  • Margaret Inouye
  • Amy Kaminishi
  • Barbara Kanaya
  • Dale Kaneko
  • Janet Kometani
  • Karen Kozu
  • Steve Kozu
  • Elena Mano
  • Jim Mano
  • Kristine Martin
  • Melanie Mitsui
  • Barbara Nagaoka
  • Ron Nobuyama
  • Carol Okano
  • Lesley Okura
  • Eugene Onishi
  • Leann Onishi
  • Steve Sakahara
  • Joshua Santos
  • Donna Sekijima
  • Sally Sekijima
  • Stacy Shirouzu
  • Yuki Sofronas
  • Mike Takahashi
  • Lynda Tanagi
  • Miriam Tong
  • Sylvia Wong
  • Cristina Yamamoto
  • Jay Yamamoto
  • Keiko Yanagihara

Our “like new” LAC chairs, with their cushy, velvety seats, reflect our church’s commitment to being good stewards of what God has blessed us with. May we all continue to help one another to LOVE boldly, SERVE joyfully and LEAD courageously.

Dale Kaneko and Carol Okano are members of Blaine Memorial UMC, Seattle.


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WFR and Blaine Memorial UMC raise $20,325 for families in need! Comments Off on WFR and Blaine Memorial UMC raise $20,325 for families in need!

WFR and Blaine Memorial UMC raise $20,325 for families in need!

Posted by on Sep 15, 2026 in Beacon News, Blaine Youth Group, Church News & Events, Giving, Service Opportunities

Team Captain Justine Ing leads Blaine Memorial UMC as they embark on the 2026 Walk for Rice!

Walk for Rice: Team Blaine raises over $20K!

By Justine Ing

Thank You, Blaine Community!

A huge thank you to our Team Blaine walkers and the entire Blaine community for your amazing support of this year’s ACRS Walk for Rice!

Team Blaine had a strong turnout May 16 at Seward Park, with about 35 walkers. We were the largest team walking early on a Saturday morning to support the ACRS Food Bank.

This year, Blaine Memorial’s long-standing relationship with ACRS was highlighted at the Walk for Rice. Blaine was featured on the Walk for Rice T-shirts, and Mark Mitsui represented Blaine and the Mitsui family by delivering remarks during the opening ceremony about his father’s involvement in founding the Walk for Rice.

At the closing ceremony, ACRS recognized Team Blaine for placing second among all fundraising teams. At that time, we had raised $18,875! But the even better news is that Team Blaine continued to raise money after the Walk, and we are currently in first place!

As of this writing, we have raised an amazing $20,325 — a new all-time high for Team Blaine! Wow! Way to go, everyone!

Your generous donations will help the ACRS Food Bank provide culturally familiar food to low-income seniors and families for many months. Thank you for supporting this important community resource!

Justine Ing served as Captain for Team Blaine for 2026 Walk for Rice.


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