Scientist posthumously honored

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) honored the late Dr. Bell M. Shimada, a Nisei Japanese American fishery scientist, by naming a fisheries survey vessel in his name in Moss Point, Miss.

The 208-foot Bell M. Shimada was launched on Sept. 26. It is the fourth vessel of a class designed to collect data on the nation’s commercial fisheries, other sea life, and ocean conditions. 

Shimada was born in Seattle and attended the University of Washington School of Fisheries in 1939. He obtained his doctorate degree from the UW in 1956. By this time, he was a senior scientist, and he developed and published valuable information on the spawning, distribution, and feeding patterns of tuna, gaining national and international recognition. 

Shimada married the late Rae Shimojima, a native of Portland, Ore. She was a secretary to the POFI Director. They have two children, Allen and Julie.

A community election

An election for the International Special Review District Board was held on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Two positions were up for election this year.

Robert Ha won re-election to Position #3 for a district business person, property owner, or employee. Bill Lee won Position #5, an at-large position.  The two new board members began their terms in December.

In 1973, the International Special Review District Board was created to preserve, protect, and enhance the cultural, economic, and historical qualities of the district.   

The Board is composed of seven members — five elected by the International District community and two appointed by the mayor. Board members’ terms are for two years and members may serve up to two consecutive terms.

VABAW’s annual banquet

The Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington’s annual banquet was held on Oct. 28 at the Triple Door. The theme for the evening was “Ambassadors to Our Communities.” The sold-out event was packed with 230 guests.

The event kicked off with hors d’oeuvres and drinks followed by a three-course dinner catered by Wild Ginger. The keynote speaker was Jerilyn Brusseau, co-founder and president of PeaceTrees in Vietnam, an organization that sponsors the clearance of landmines in the Quang Tri Province of Vietnam.

The event concluded with a fashion show of traditional Vietnamese “ao dai” dresses by designer Thai Nguyen.