(1) Morning Greetings by Yukio Ito

I walk for my health every morning. I seldom meet people so early in the morning, but sometimes I do and we greet each other.

Some, however, a few do not reply to my friendly greeting, and some even reply with a rude, "Who are you?" I wonder why they are so unfriendly --- it makes me sad.

I think that greeting fellow early birds makes us both feel good. A friendly greeting in the morning makes my day. I wish I knew how to have some of my fellow early birds also reciprocate my friendly morning greeting.

(2) HESS and I by Yuriko Ogasahara

I had two purposes when I joined HESS. First, I wanted to make friends with people who lived in this city. Second, I’d like to improve my English.

The best part about HESS I think is that almost every time members have to express themselves in English. As for me, I don’t like making speeches. But when I have to, I encourage myself to think about what to say. As a result, that makes a good exercise. Also I always enjoy events with other members.

Attending HESS meetings has become a important part of my life.  

(2) English is my lifework by Hiroshi Matsuoka

My first encounter with English was as a first year student in junior high school. I remember the first page of the text book was ‘I am Jack Jones and you are Betty Smith’. Because of my high school English teacher, I came to like English. He was a unique teacher and he told us about his experiences in the war. He taught us not only English but also English conversation at school, some time for hours. I remember listening with concentration when he spoke. He was a wonderful teacher who always had time for us. It was very lucky for me to come across him.

The chance for me to become a member of HESS was on my first trip to Canada. I noticed I seriously lacked the ability to speak English. Just then I found HESS was recruiting new members on a public information board at Hachioji city council. At once I attended a HESS meeting at Hachioji Civic Hall. But their conversation level was high compared to mine and I couldn’t understand the adviser at all. What was the lesson for me today? I was worried so much and then I changed my mind. I decided to learn English seriously. For example, I tried to learn English from lessons on TV and radio. I tried to read English newspapers for English customs. Once on TV a simultaneous interpreter, Prof Masao Kunihiro said ‘If you want to master English conversation you should try reading the Junior High School English text book and repeat’. Gradually I could understand English, reading, listening and speaking. In every day life for example, I sometimes spoke to foreigners at the bus stop, on commuter trains, at parks and sightseeing spots. It was very interesting for me to hear of their countries lifestyles, customs, history, nature and environment, etc. 11 years have passed since I became a member of HESS. Continuation is power. After this I thought I will continue learning English for my brain training and aging prevention. English is part of my life and my life work too.

Attending HESS meetings has become an important part of my life.