This visitation from our sister city takes place for 4-5 days in the summer or fall of every fourth EVEN-numbered year (ie. 2010, 2014, 2018...). Participants help with the planning, hosting, meals, transporting (by private car or driving a van), etc.  While overnight home-stays are optional, the delegation typically stays at a local hotel.

This visitation takes place for 4-5 days of every other fourth EVEN-numbered year (ie. 2012, 2016, 2020...), usually in the fall. Participation involves having FUN! We are royally entertained by our Kato hosts, and may include overnight home-stays while there. Members of the delegation usually have the opportunity to visit other cities in the Orient as part of the package. Any costs are the responsibility of the individuals. There is a $100.00 surcharge for these trips to cover association membership (mandatory) and visitation costs of the Association.

Typically, we will have one or two visitations of teachers or other groups from the Kato area each year, on an informal basis. We like to have such visitors think of the Olympia area as their "home away from home" and to provide short home-stays and meals as requested.

These visitations take place every ODD-numbered year. They are somewhat longer and involve overnight homestays. Participation thus involves planning, providing meals and home-stays, and helping with transportation. We consider these visitations from Kato students to be one of our most important activities.

Our student visitation program is a real "exchange" program. High school students from the Olympia area visit Kato every EVEN-numbered year. Participation by our Association involves selecting the students who will go to Kato, and accompanying the students as Chaperones on the trip. Home-stays are provided for both students and accompanying adults in Kato. Like the student visitations from Kato, we consider these visitations by our students to be one of our most important activities. All students and chaperones pay their own way, as well as expenses for any gifts given.  There is a $100.00 surcharge for these trips to cover association membership (mandatory) and visitation costs of the Association.

Committees   Garden Committee

This committee has been in existence since the start of the Olympia-Yashiro Garden project. Garden work parties are scheduled as needed (usually 9:30-noon Tuesdays). It will also perform other on-going functions, such as fundraising, help city staff on maintenance, and advising the staff on improvements. Visit the garden at: 1010 Plum St. SE, Olympia (next to Olympia City Hall).  Group Leader:  Lowel Cardas.   Publicity & Membership Committee This committee develops and implements programs for publicizing the activities of our Association and for obtaining new members.