Henry Kaku, a Japanese-American educator, community leader and nationally recognized storyteller, will be the guest speaker at the Three Quarter Century Club Celebration on Oct. 21 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church. The event honors residents ages 75 and older from Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga who have helped shape the Lamorinda community. Kaku will speak about his family’s experiences in World War II internment camps.
After a four-year hiatus, the Three Quarter Century Club Celebration is returning to Lamorinda this fall, honoring residents ages 75 and older who helped shape the community into what it is today.
The gathering, set for Oct. 21 at Lafayette-Orinda Presbyterian Church (LOPC), will recognize seniors from Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga from 2 to 3:30 p.m.
The event began in 2000, but was paused after a virtual edition in 2021 drew limited participation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
One of the organizers, John Fazel, said the celebration is not only about recognition, but about giving longtime residents an opportunity to reconnect.
“Lamorinda has been very youth-centric for many years, but our seniors deserve to be celebrated,” said Fazel, who is a member of Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, which is co-sponsoring the event with Lamorinda Village. “They love seeing old friends, sharing stories and simply enjoying time together. It’s important for their health and well-being, and it’s just the right thing to do for our senior families.”
The Three Quarter Century Club is believed to be the only event of its kind in the U.S., bringing together seniors 75 and older, along with a caregiver if needed, for an afternoon of stories, laughter and recognition.
This year’s program will feature special honors that include crowning a King and Queen, recognition of the Longest Married Couple, and naming the “Baby of the Year” – the youngest member to have just reached 75.
A powerful guest speaker
The highlight of the afternoon will be guest speaker Henry Kaku, a nationally recognized storyteller who lives in Petaluma. Kaku will share his Japanese-American family’s experiences during and after World War II, when they were forced into internment camps following the attack on Pearl Harbor.
“I personally don’t know what the most powerful lesson was for my family,” Kaku said. “But I would imagine that all they could think about was to survive, and fearful of not knowing what was going to happen or for how long they would be incarcerated.”
Despite his father’s honorable service in the U.S. Army, the family was later deported to Japan. Kaku’s story centers on his father’s persistence and determination to return to the United States, rebuild his life in Northern California and confront the challenges of being welcomed home.
“For most people, I hope they learn that this part of American history did occur,” Kaku said. “By learning about it, we can help prevent it from ever happening again. I also hope that we as Americans learn from our past experience and not let prejudice guide us.”
Kaku has been sharing his family’s story for more than 25 years, speaking to high schools, colleges, universities, Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, and community organizations.
Fazel said Kaku’s message of resilience mirrors the strength of Lamorinda’s seniors, many of whom endured their own hardships while building lives and families in the community.
The last in-person celebration took place before the pandemic, and the 2021 virtual event – which featured stories from George Hardeen about his great-uncle Harry Houdini – didn’t resonate as well with the virtual format.
“Most seniors weren’t comfortable with Zoom, and the response wasn’t what we hoped,” said Fazel. “Since then, we’ve received many requests to bring it back in person. The joy and smiles when seniors see old friends again is really what this event is all about.”
Service above self
For Lamorinda Sunrise Rotary, the event also reflects the organization’s broader mission. Rotary International’s motto is “Service Above Self,” a principle that members say comes to life through programs like this.
“Our joy is in giving,” said Fazel. “And in return, we receive tenfold in the satisfaction of seeing our community thrive.”
The celebration continues to grow, with the addition this year of seniors from Orinda, Lafayette and Moraga.
“This is the only Three Quarter Century Club in the country, and it belongs here in Lamorinda,” said Fazel. “It’s a way of showing gratitude for the people who helped make this community such a wonderful place to live.”
Fazel expects about 140 attendees, and advance reservations are required. Seniors and their caregivers can register by calling Lamorinda Village at 925.283.3500 or emailing info@lamorindavillage.org. Attendance is free and open to individuals age 75 and older, along with their caregivers of any age.
