Each year, our Good Neighbor Awards honor some of the dedicated neighbors who volunteer their time to help seniors and people with disabilities get the resources and support they need to age and thrive in their own homes and neighborhoods. We are delighted to honor Reiko as our 2019 Good Neighbor Honoree for the Merced Extension Triangle Community Connectors.
Reiko Hatakayama likes to help. A retired school teacher, Reiko is committed to growing the MET CC program and doesn’t hesitate to reach out. She embraces talking about the program in the community, recruiting new members, welcoming first timers, and introducing them to the program regulars.
Reiko loves to bake and is expert at flower arranging. Her handiwork graces the room at all METCC celebrations. During the growing season, her plant cuttings and small bouquets extend a welcoming note.
When it comes time to growing the METCC program, Reiko is out there working.
Connector Who Wears Many Hats
While Reiko’s primary commitment is to the METCC program, she willing shares her skills at other locations. She has taught workshops at Cayuga on cupcake decorating, corsage making (with orchids from her own garden), and drawing for beginners. An extremely modest person, Reiko is a great listener, careful with her words, and sincerely interested in the other person. Her attention to detail and genuine caring makes participants feel they are involved in something wonderful.