会員の皆様、
小春日和の晴天に恵まれた10月27日。華やかな着物や浴衣で装った女性陣と、ハッピや作務衣で普段と違う粋な装いを見せてくれた男性陣、併せて10名での懇親会となりました。
会場となったレストラン「Black Powder Tavern」の名前は、アメリカ独立戦争の際、1777-1778年厳寒のバレーフォージで、イギリス軍と戦う準備をしている兵士たちへの食糧や武器（黒色火薬 -black powder- を使った弾薬など）の供給場所として、現存する建物が当時重要な役割を果たしたことに由来しています。お食事だけでなく歴史あるレストラン内部の重厚な雰囲気を楽しみながら、シェフが用意してくださった3品のコース料理を大変美味しくいただきました。
お食事中は、長テーブルを囲んで世代が違う皆で話が弾み、笑いの絶えない素晴らしいひとときを過ごしました。また、今年から新会員となった木下さんに他のメンバーからたくさんの質問が寄せられました。
普段の日常生活では着慣れていない着物を着るのに、当日の朝、苦戦した方が多かったのですが、日本から持ってきた和服が箪笥の肥しにならず日の目を見ることができたことに喜びを感じました。和装の美しさを再認識してお互いの装いを称賛しあうことができ、有意義で温かい交流会ができたと思います。
フィラデルフィア日本人会
懇親会コミッティ（バッタ二美代、ウエッチェン真須美）
Dear Members,
We had an interesting and fun lunch gathering on a beautiful October afternoon last week, with female members dressed in beautiful kimono and yukata, and other members wearing happi and samue. It was refreshing to see everyone in different and more stylish outfits than usual.
The restaurant “Black Powder Tavern” was named after the building where food and weapons (including black powder munitions) were supplied to soldiers preparing to fight against the British army in Valley Forge during the American Revolutionary War in 1777-1778. The building played an important role at the time. We not only enjoyed the three-course meal prepared by the chef, but also soaked in the rich atmosphere of this 18th-century establishment.
Also, it was a true pleasure to have a new member Ms. Kinoshita join us. She received a lot of attention and we had lively conversations and a lot of laughter gathering around the long table.
To be candid, many of us struggled to put on our kimono, as it’s not something we wear in our daily lives. However, the effort was well worth it, as our beautiful Japanese garments, which we brought from Japan, were finally brought into the spotlight and fully appreciated, rather than being left tucked away in our closets. We felt very happy and rekindled our appreciation for the beauty of traditional Japanese clothing, offering mutual compliments on each other’s attire. This was an enjoyable and meaningful event for all participants.
JAGP
Social Gathering Committee (Fumiyo Batta, Masumi Wetjen)
