Members and VIPs
Meet the Commission
Joe Narkevic
Chair
Joe joined the commission in 2014 and was elected Chair in 2017. His efforts have grown outreach and awareness of Japanese culture in the Bethlehem community, and continue to foster a healthy relationship with our sister city.
John Rivera
Acting Chair & Tea Master
John is another former exchange student and acts as leader of the commission’s extremely popular sakura festival tea ceremony, and as an exchange program Event Planner.
Michiyo Salen
Acting Co-Chair & Vital Native Speaker
Michiyo tours our Japanese visitors around the Bethlehem area and has been an outstanding participant at numerous commission and exchange program events, as well as a host for exchange students.
Ellen Bearn
Former Chair
Ellen has served as part of the commission for many years, and was Chair until 2017 when she was succeeded. Always ready to step up to the plate, she continues to play an active role as a member of the commission.
Leah Bogert
Treasurer
After participating in our student exchange program, Leah has been involved with the commission since 2015. In 2024, she officially became a member and was elected Treasurer.
Nancy Topping
Former Treasurer
Nancy has also been part of the commission for many years alongside the previous chairperson, Ellen, as Treasurer. Organized and thorough, she continues to lend her support in all areas of need.
Autumn Edwards
Secretary/Media Manager & Japanese Instructor
Autumn has been involved in activities since 2016, and was a previous exchange student! As of 2024, she is now an official member of the commission serving as Secretary/Media Manager and Event Planner. After 5 years in the classroom, she also took up the role of Japanese Instructor.
Deirdre Sumpter
Former Japanese Instructor
Deirdre joined the commission in 1997, and served as a valuable member of the until her passing on September 30th, 2023. A long time veteran of education, Deirdre led our free Japanese classes at the Bethlehem Area Public Library. Her memory and legacy remain with commission members, students, and community now and in years to come.
Jen Kerchner
Yukata Master
Jen was a commission volunteer for many years before officially becoming a member in 2024. Not only does she have a great eye for detail and design in the commission's projects, but she is also an expert in the art of yukata fitting!