The Culver City Sister City Committee (CCSCC) is having its quarterly membership dinner on Wednesday, March 7 at the Del Rey Yacht Club. The dinner is a way for the CCSCC to highlight the club’s activities and will include a presentation by the two delegate runners who recently took part in Japan’s Senshu Marathon. Membership in the club is not required in order to attend the dinner.
One of the Culver City Sister City Committee activities for the year is the Kaizuka Marathon Exchange. The exchange involves the CCSCC sending two runners to Kaizuka Japan to take part in the KIX Senshu Marathon in Osaka and Kaizuka City sending two runners to Culver City to take part in the Los Angeles Marathon. This year Iyob Tessema and Jessica Dorsey, both from the Culver City Real Estate area, represented Culver City in Japan. Dorsey won the open Women’s Division, the first ever exchange participant to do so.
Martin Feinberg, Culver City Realtor, remembers that last year’s Kaizuka runner, Shogo Uraguchi, placed 61st (out of over 30,000 runners) at the LA Marathon.
According to Dorsey, “I had a tough day out there and was in more pain than usual, much earlier in the race. The incredible support of our hosts, the Mayor and City Council, as well the residents lining the streets along the course with signs, noisemakers, and chants of “ganbatte!” made the discomfort bearable, and motivated me to not give up. I 100% owe the win to my new forever friends in Kaizuka.”
Tessema, who has completed over 65 marathons, had medical issues at mile 18. He spoke fondly of the opportunity he and Dorsey were given to tour historical sites in and around Kaizuka City.
“Japan is a beautiful country with many historical sites that are very well maintained. During our tour I observed how meticulously hard working the people, and was especially impressed how their senior citizens take pride in keeping their streets & recreational parks very clean,” said Mr. Tessema.
This year’s Culver City Sister City Committee dinner will begin at 6:00 p.m. with no-host cocktails. Dinner is scheduled at 7. Entrée choices are fillet of sole, broiled filet mignon and vegetarian pasta primavera. Appetizers will be provided and complimentary wine will be served with dinner. Cost is $45 per person for sole or filet mignon and $35 for pasta.
The Del Rey Yacht Club is located at 13900 Palawan Way, Marina Del Rey. RSVP to Colleen Jones at 310-463-2627 or call for more information. Martin Feinberg, Realtor, notes that payment must be received by Friday, March 2.
For further information on the Culver City Sister City Committee, visit the website: www.culvercitysistercitycommittee.org or e-mail ccscc.inc@gmail.com.