John ascended to the role of chairman in 2024. A former exchange student, John acts as leader of the commission’s extremely popular sakura festival tea ceremony, and as an exchange program Event Planner.

​

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.

​

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 Public Relations. After 5 years in the classroom, she also took up the role of Japanese Instructor.

Chu joined commission activities as a volunteer in 2024 and became one of the BTSCC's tea masters in 2025. She is a local tea practitioner under the Urasenke School of Tea located in Philadelphia, PA. Her expertise and delicate refinement in the art of Chadō are one of the main cultural attractions of the BTSCC Cherry Blossom Festival.

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.

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. 

Deirdre joined the commission in 1997, and served as a valuable member 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.

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.

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.

​

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!