Virtual Valentine's Day: Choco Love!

Do you love chocolate? So do we! JETAA Chicago has partnered with JETAA Music City to put on a virtual Valentine's Day event about one of our favorite things — CHOCOLATE.

Join us on Saturday, February 13th from 11 am - 12 pm CST for a presentation from JETAAMC President Ashley Fox and Chicago-native, JETAAMC Member Amber Mahjé about Valentine's Day in the United States and Japan. This event is open to the public, so bring your family and friends!

We will also have a raffle and two attendees (one from each region) will win a prize from local chocolatiers! REGISTRATION REQUIRED via JETAA Music City's Zoom Account.

Register for the event here!

Feel free to bring your favorite chocolate to our virtual event, because participants will be able to share what chocolates they love the most and why! We look forward to seeing you there!

Questions? Contact us at info@jetaachicago.com.

Get to Know Our Officers - Featuring Our Outreach Coordinator, Dylan Coffey!

JETAA Chicago officer elections are coming up on March 1st! In light of this, we wanted to take the time to shine a spotlight on our current officers (election term from November 2019 - March 2021) in order to get to know the people behind the headshots, and to learn more about what they do in their roles as officers. This will be an 8 part "Get to Know Our Officers" series in which we will highlight each officer leading up to the elections and come to know their motivations, values and legacy.

Last week we introduced our Marketing Coordinator, Alexis Palmer. Next we would like to introduce our Outreach Coordinator, Dylan Coffey (he/him), who was an ALT in Miyagi Prefecture, Kesennuma City from 2016-2019!

Tell us more about your JET experience.

My three years in northern Japan were a blast! My city was almost completely destroyed in 2011 by the earthquake/tsunami, so I had a very unique experience. By volunteering and getting involved in my local community, I grew and learned so much about myself and life. I wouldn't be where I am today without JET!

When did you join/how long have you been on the JETAA Board? What positions have you held?

Outreach Coordinator since 2019

What inspired you to step up as a leader and join the JETAA Chicago Board?

Even before leaving JET, I knew I wanted to be involved with the alumni community immediately upon returning home. I wanted to stay connected with Japan and JET, as well as continue volunteering and "paying it forward" to future generations.

Describe your officer duties and what you have enjoyed about said duties.

My time with JETAA Chicago has been a wild ride! As the leader of the Survival Series, which assists Outgoing JETs before their arrival to Japan, I have created multiple events geared towards preparing our area's Outgoing JETs for their time in Japan! With COVID-19 being the main obstacle this year, it has truly been a learning experience. I have learned a lot and I think going fully virtual this year allowed us unparalleled engagement within our chapter.

What could be a healthy and/or needed culture add to JETAA Chicago?

I think that, even after COVID-19, having a strong virtual presence in our chapter is key. By having some events become virtual, we can have engagement across our chapter as well as with other chapters. JETAA Chicago encompasses such a large area (Indiana, Illinois, and Wisconsin) which is difficult to make sure all of our members are involved. I feel continuing virtually would create the best chance at engagement, and possibly even bring new additions to our roster.

What is one highlight, accomplishment, and/or something you're proud to have been a part of during your time serving as an officer?

I have felt honored to serve during the difficult time that was 2020. To be able to assist in transitioning our Survival Series to a virtual format, I have been proud to see how many alumni stepped up to assist as well as Outgoing JETs attending our events despite the pandemic.

For you, what sparks joy?

- Family

- Friends

- Japan

- Travel

- Video Games

What is your favorite Japanese "thing" near where you live now (and/or in the Midwest)?

Because I am a true Hoosier at heart (Indianapolis, born and raised!) I would like to shed light on a little-known new restaurant in Downtown Indianapolis! It is called Hinata Fine Dining, and is a Japanese-owned fine dining restaurant serving VERY authentic Japanese cuisine! Due to the very strong Japanese economic presence in Indiana, it is the ideal place for a business meeting or to enjoy the best Japanese food that Indiana has to offer! Go and try it!

Connect with Dylan via LinkedIn!

Shinnenkai Night Two! Join Our Cultural Connections Happy Hour(s) Tonight!

Three days of fun, each with its own focus! Help JETAA Chicago celebrate the culture of Japan and our community’s continued connection to it while supporting our local partners! As always, the Shinnenkai is open to the public!

Register for the event HERE!

Schedule of Events

Cultural Connections Happy Hour(s) - Saturday, Feb. 6 - 7PM-9PM CST

A casual evening for enjoying our shared connection to Japan. Special guest alumni Joe Palermo (Gunma, 82-83, author of No Pianos, Pets, or Foreigners! My life in Japan in the 80's) will be on hand to talk about his experiences and then attendees can go head to head and test their knowledge with a US-Japan themed trivia. Donate with the "+Trivia Pack" for the bonus of having the chance at a few amazing prizes, including a a one-of-a-kind calligraphy piece crafted by Oda-Sensei with the JCC!

Sunday Family Fun-day - Sunday, Feb.7 - 2PM-3:30PM CST

Participate in a variety of craft activities including origami and a nengajo design workshop!

(PAST) Kick-off Celebration - Friday, Feb. 5 - 6PM-7PM CST

Our welcome ceremony, with special guest Consulate General Okada and a Haiku presentation from the Resident Poet at the Japanese Arts Foundation, William Seiyo Sheehan!

General Admission is free for all three days, but attendees have the option to upgrade to expand their experience and support our partners. Check out the Guestlist for more information.

Register for the event HERE!

And in the spirit of strengthening our community’s connection with Japan, this year proceeds from the “Activity Supply Pack” and “Trivia” upgrades are benefitting two organizations in Chicago that have been incredible partners to our chapter over the years: the Japanese American Service Committee and the Japanese Culture Center.

WE HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Questions? Contact us at info@jetaachicago.com.