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August 2009 |
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Sangha
President’s Message Richard Kai
The Board of Trustees Ministerial Affairs Committee started the search
for a minister once Socho Ogui announced that Reverend Kaz’s growth as
an apprentice serving under Rinban Bob Oshita had matured to a point
where Reverend Kaz was ready to lead a sangha and assume temple duties.
The committee met with Socho on several occasions to express what
qualities the Betsuin was looking for in a minister to replace Reverend
Kaz; then the search was on.
As a result, if you haven’t noticed, there’s a new minister in town.
It’s easy to understand why this person may have slipped past you since
he’s already part of the fabric of the Betsuin with his presence at many
events held at the temple. Please welcome Reverend Peter Inokoji-Kim as
the temple’s newest minister! (Applause! Applause!)
One of the more significant goals of the committee in its search for
Reverend Kaz’s replacement was to return to the days of Camelot —
otherwise described as the Dream Team of Reverends Yukawa and Oshita. We
had a number of objectives as we pursued avenues that could lead us to a
new minister. The hunt, as you can imagine, was difficult since one
objective was to recreate the second coming of the Yukawa-Oshita team.
The objectives for the new minister search had greater clarity after
several discussions with Rinban Bob on what he believed were the
qualities and attributes for a new minister. His outline was based on
the depth of experience that could be divided into three categories:
apprentice, mid-level and seasoned veteran. Only a handful of
individuals met the high standards established by the committee and
Rinban Bob for the person who would ultimately come to serve at the
largest temple in the BCA.
Our selection narrowed quickly as we began our journey led by the
ministerial search’s objectives. Only a trio of apprentice, mid-level
and experienced ministers made our final list. After all was said and
done, the committee submitted the name of Reverend Peter Inokoji-Kim as
the next apprentice to serve under the watchful eye of Rinban Bob.
Reverend Peter comes to the Betsuin from the mountain passage of Denver,
where he served in the Ministers’ Assistant Program (MAP), and received
recent Kyoshi ordination from the BCA. Reverend Peter is no stranger to
Sacramento; he considers our temple as his second home (now first) and
enjoys being around our vibrate sangha, and programs offered by the
Betsuin. He and his fellow MAP grads — Reverends Tim and Carol Castle
and Patti Oshita, as well as Senseis Grace Hatano and Koichi Mizushima —
are very familiar with each other’s work habits and personal
characteristics, and they still like each other (just a joke, folks).
Together they have been the mainstays to implement a number of projects
established by Rinban Bob and the BCA’s Youth Advocacy Council.
Reverend Peter’s most recent employment was as a high school math
teacher in Denver. He graduated from West Point (a military man working
under our free-spirited Rinban?) and served our country during a time of
war. He then went to work for Pfizer for a period of time before his
teaching gig in Denver (the aftermath of war can drive one to drugs in
different ways).
Reverend Peter and his wife, Aileen, will be making their way to
Sacramento on the week of August 4, just in time for the annual Cultural
Bazaar. Please take the time to welcome Reverend Peter to our temple and
Sacramento as he and his wife adjust to living at sea level; the air is
a lot easier to breathe in the Valley as compared to the Rocky
Mountains.
A team of volunteers has been working steadily to renovate the Dorsett
House over the past few weeks. They have done a yeoman’s job working
with a 50-year-old facility to get it ready for Reverend Peter and
Aileen. Many thanks go out to all of those who have worked tirelessly to
make this house ready for Reverend Peter and Aileen.
As an update, Reverend Kaz has settled in at Ekoji temple in Virginia
after making a cross-country trip the middle of June. The Nakata family
was welcomed by the sangha upon arrival and has moved into their plush
quarters on the temple grounds. My thanks to all the Sangha members who
cared for Reverend Kaz during his more than five-year stay with the
Betsuin, and seeing him off safely to his home at the Ekoji temple. We
all wish him well.
On other fronts, the Board has been dealing with a few items over the
past few months that may be of general interest to the sangha.
Representatives from the Betsuin’s affiliated and sponsored
organizations met with the County of Sacramento with regards to
understanding the health and food preparation standards for advertised
temple events. We are continuing to work with the county to bring our
facility up to code, where feasible and cost-justified, and will seek
other remedies to reach compliance with the environmental health codes.
One of the two items the Finance Committee has been working on is done.
We have converted our accounting software from MAS 90 — an accounting
system that is geared toward mid-sized companies — to the more
user-friendly QuickBooks Online. QuickBooks was chosen for a number of
reasons: lower maintenance costs, availability of technical support,
access to financial reports through the Internet and simplicity of
operation.
The Finance Committee’s second item has to do with the Betsuin’s
investment policy and cash position. The Finance Committee met with the
Betsuin’s financial advisor regarding our portfolio and has been paying
close attention to the expense side of our temple’s budget. Though the
stock market has suffered over the past six to nine months, the
conservative investment policies by the members of the Finance Committee
from years ago have proved wise and prudent during these turbulent
times.
The Finance Committee will be looking closely at the flow of income,
donations and results from fund raisers over the next few months as part
of the second item. The committee will provide its view of income
trends, cash position, and provide the Board of Trustees with a
long-term prognosis and actions over the next few months that may be
necessary to maintain a prudent General Fund reserve. The Board of
Trustees will keep the sangha apprised of the results of the Finance
Committee’s mentally challenging work. Rinban Bob Oshita
Hello and welcome to the month of August….After a mild beginning, the
summer of 2009 has truly arrived. The recent temperatures have been in
the high 90’s and low 100’s. And of course we hear folks commenting on
the oppressive heat. But what would a Sacramento summer be without the
heat? It only makes us appreciate the evening Delta breeze even more.
In our Jodo Shinshu tradition, we often hear that to “live a life of
nembutsu” is to live “a life of appreciation.” We know this, but so
easily we fail to appreciate all that we have. Each year for the past 25
years, I’ve taught a group of 9- and 10-year-old Cub Scouts and Girl
Scouts. They sign up for the annual Metta-Padma Award classes (which are
Scoutings’ Buddhist religious awards).
One of the assignments is the signing of a “No Monku Contract.” In this
exercise, the parents get to choose one day where the student must go a
full 24 hours without a single monku (without complaining, whining or
becoming angry). The parents love this more than the kids. If my
students should monku even once…then they have to start all over again.
It’s not as easy as it sounds.
The reason I created this “No Monku” exercise is to help them to view ”a
life of nembutsu” from another perspective. In Jodo Shinshu, we are
encouraged to “live with appreciation.” But when we complain or
criticize or become angry…even just a little bit, at that moment, there
is no room in our hearts for even the smallest feeling of gratitude.
In other words, “a life of nembutsu” (a life of gratitude) is to try to
live “monku-nashi” (without complaining, criticizing, whining or
becoming angry). However warm this summer may become, let us try our
best to live appreciating each day, however the weather may be. After
all, what would a Sacramento summer be without the heat?
Looking forward to seeing you all at our Annual Betsuin Bazaar on August
8 and 9! Please come out and especially welcome our new minister,
Reverend Peter, and his wife, Aileen, to the most wonderful temple in
BCA!
Tim Castle
As I sit down to write this month’s ministers’ assistants article, I am
truly overwhelmed by the events of the past week. From July 6 through
12, the Sacramento Buddhist Church (SBC) was again fortunate to host the
5th BCA Youth Advocacy Committee Youth Retreat.
Over the seven-day retreat, the participants learned proper etiquette
while on the Onaijin (altar), how to prepare the altar for services, how
to lead chanting during service, to prepare and present dharma talks,
kansho ringing, general Buddhist history, and about our Jodo Shinshu
traditions and teachings. It was truly amazing to see the growth that
each of the participants made during the week.
Although labeled as a “youth” retreat, the level of discussions and
abilities of the participants really reflected that they are young
adults eager to learn and take their ideas to the next step…out into the
real world.
Although the week was full of the nembutsu feeling of “wowness,” what
really stood out in my mind was listening to the dharma talks that the
participants wrote and gave during our daily services. While I often
find some topics difficult to talk about during service, these talks
were full of total and complete honesty that brought varying emotions to
all who listened. Some of the talks brought out laughter, while during
others there was not a dry eye in the hondo.
In the end, we closed out the retreat with a great sense of enthusiasm
toward what the participants had accomplished and looking forward to
seeing our new dharma buddies soon.
The ministers and ministers’ assistants were especially proud of our two
Sacramento participants, Emily Furukawa and Matt Nitta. Their dharma
talks showed me that while my mind is often cluttered, theirs are full
of clear thought and a fresh perspective of the dharma. Both Emily and
Matt showed that they are reaching a point in their lives where
questions abound and having fun is a must. But more importantly, both
showed a great deal of pride in their temple and their families.
It is through the efforts of so many people at SBC that we were again
able to host this retreat. From the “robe ladies” who put their hearts
into each and every stitch of the retreat robes and furoshikis, to the
volunteers who made such delicious food for us to eat, the facility
volunteers who made sure everything was clean and in working order for
all, the YAC Committee members and BCA, our YAC mascots
(Leann/Keri/Erin) and especially my Dharma Buddies for Life (“DBFLs”) —
RB, Patti, Carol, Gracie, Koichi, Peter (soon to be Reverend Peter at
SBC) and Reverend Aoki from Vancouver — it is because of all of you that
I am able to walk the Dharma Path surrounded by my friends.
YAC Retreat = Wowness = Nembutsu
In Gassho. Greeters’ Program
From The Office
Child/Elder Abuse Training: October 7
Don Honda is organizing a child/elder abuse training session for all
leaders and Dharma School teachers. He is planning to schedule the
training on the first Wednesday of October (October 7) at 7 p.m. Watch
for more information in September. Church MaintenanceEd Imai
Over the past month, the following members performed maintenance on the
Betsuin’s facilities. The Betsuin is sincerely appreciative to the
following members for volunteering their time and hard efforts:
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Kelvin Mark and Steve Sasaki for transporting donated almost-new
refrigerator for church use.
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Gary Oshita for repair of Annex air conditioning unit in time for
the 2009 Youth Retreat. John Fujimoto for diagnostics of the cooling
problem. Adult Buddhist AssociationKen Furukawa
Hats off to those intrepid women on the Legacy Endowment Fund Board
(LEFB)! Thanks to Ruth Seo, Marcia Matsuda, Joyce Sahara and Valerie
Fong, the rummage sale was a great success! It was a lot of work, but
the community service and camaraderie were great benefits, not to
mention the proceeds to the Legacy Endowment Fund. A complete listing of
thank yous is posted on the main bulletin board in the church hallway,
since the list of names is much too large to publish for this blurb.
However, let me extend special thanks to the many volunteers who sorted,
priced, stacked, folded, set up tables, cooked food, worked as cashiers,
security, baggers and cleaned up afterward. Many individuals contributed
their precious time and effort, as did the wonderful organizations of
the temple: ABA, Seniors, SBWA, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts and Dharma
School.
I must also let the sangha know that all of the leftover items were
donated to several charity and service organizations, so the items that
did not sell came to a likely useful end! In so many ways this intense
event illustrated the many fine qualities of the Betsuin community: the
selfless giving, the volunteer spirit and the desire to participate in
activities that benefit others!
Although there may not be another big benefit event for awhile, you may
be sure that the LEFB is planning more educational workshops and is open
to other ideas for benefits over the remainder of the year and into
2010. These may not be the usual activities of an endowment fund
organization (think of your alma mater), but they are in character with
this temple community where we express "okagesama" by honoring our past,
continuing the legacy and shaping the future.
Frances Kondo
In Memory of George Kondo
Joanne Kimi Makishima
In Memory of Joe Makishima
Grace Nakao
Koji & Keiko Nishimoto
In Memory of Hisayoshi Ninomiya
Ken Matsumoto
In Memory of Frank Matsumoto
M/M Makoto Shirai
Sally Yamaichi
In Memory of Henry Tanaka
Sumiko Morisawa
Yoshiko Morisawa
In Memory of Mother
Misako Takeuchi Alan Wu
Greetings fellow sports fans. The month of August brings us very little
in the way of sports here at the church, but rest assured that these dog
days of August will be gone and we will be hip deep in the sports
business again, and truth be told, we could all use a little break on
the sports front. We take a break because our annual food Bazaar will
require our undivided attention for a few weeks leading up to the Bazaar
weekend of August 8 and 9.
In some circles, dancing is considered a sport, but in our case with
Obon dancing, we just dance very slowly in circles and only work up a
sweat when it is a hot July evening. But this year’s Obon Odori was met
with a rather mild July evening. It was in the low-mid-90s, warm but not
miserable hot, so it was an enjoyable event for all. It seemed that
there were more dancers this year because it appeared to be a little
more crowded and congested, and some of the dancers had to step out a
little and make their own line just to avoid running into each other.
But this is a good problem to have; it was not only very nice to see our
sangha members dancing, but to also see our friends from the community
join us in our annual tradition. If this keeps up, we will need more
space and have to venture out of our parking lot and maybe dance around
the block. At the very least, we would dance around our friendly
neighbors and prevent the tow trucks from prowling the alley; late after
hours; when everyone else is closed up and gone home.
In other circles, alleys are a sports venue for the serious bowler; just
ask our resident serious bowler, Ray Valdovino. Well, not so serious
nowadays, but Ray is still our local professional bowler and has been
working hard to get our bowling league off the ground, and it looks like
we will be firing them balls down the lanes this fall beginning on
Sunday, September 13 at 1 p.m. at Land Park Bowl on Freeport Boulevard.
This is just a preliminary schedule, and when everything is nailed down,
you will be notified of the official schedule, so stayed tuned, and tell
your friends. This is intended to be a fun, relaxing diversionary event
for both adults and kids who have never bowled before and/or for those
who are just as good as Ray, so come on down and join us.
Dear Bodhi Tree,
I have often heard people talk about “the home court advantage,” or “the
home field advantage.” Just what exactly constitutes home court/field
advantage?
Signed: Just curious
Dear Just Curious,
There are many factors that give the home team the advantage in any
given game. Some of these factors are real and concrete, and there are
others that are nebulous and intangible. For example, a team that
practices every day will begin to notice the characteristics and
imperfections of the game area, like where the gopher holes are, where
the ruts are, or where the dead spots and slippery spots on the floor
are. The home team could also get some assistance from the referees and
umpires, but that is a whole other can of worms. Then there is the Chi
or energy force that the home team enjoys due to the fact that the
visiting team usually has less fans watching the game. So just by the
natural course of events, the home team usually has some sort of
advantage, and if not, it can be created, as in the case of Red Auerbach
of the Boston Celtics. It has been said that Coach Auerbach oftentimes
did whatever he could to make the visiting team as miserable as he
could, like turning off the heat and water in the visitor’s locker room.
But here is an example of effect the positive energy force had on a home
team as reported in The Oregonian:
For one night, the stands were full and the playing field was level. For
one night, the fans — “We have fans?” the Roosevelt girls were surely
thinking — convinced a winless basketball team that it could do no
wrong.
For one glorious night, the community laid hands on a high school that
has been left by far too many for dead.
At the end of the loneliest of seasons, 1,600 cheerleaders packed the
Roosevelt gym Tuesday for the Rough Riders’ final home game, then spent
two hours applauding Ahoefa Ananouko on the boards, Ericca Ducre on the
break and Ilena Allen at the three-point arc.
When they had every reason to be intimidated, the girls were inspired,
outscoring Madison 12-4 in the final quarter to lose by a single basket,
31-29. When asked what made the difference, Monique Carlson — the team’s
lone senior — said, “The support. Everyone was watching us. This is the
most support we’ve ever had.”
She wasn’t nervous? Only when the entire gym stood and welcomed her to
center court before the opening tip, Carlson said. “Then my hands
started shaking and my stomach turning.”
The rest of the time? “I knew that if I was personally nervous, the rest
of the team would be nervous, too. Since I’m one of the captains, I have
to pretend that everything is OK because everyone is looking up to me.”
Everything isn’t OK at Roosevelt High. Eighty percent of the students
are on free or reduced lunch. Thanks to the nonchalance of city, county
and state agencies, Roosevelt has “become the social-service safety net
by default,” said Nora Lehnhoff, who coordinates those services.
“On any given night,” said Principal Deborah Peterson, “we have a lot of
kids who don’t know where they are going to lay their heads.”
None of that was forgotten Tuesday, just briefly overwhelmed by hundreds
of people who, like me, couldn’t bear the thought of these girls playing
another game in a cold and empty gym.
See you all next time.
Important dates to remember:
August 6:
Skewer beef and other prep for Bazaar
August 8-9:
Bazaar Weekend
August 10:
Bazaar Clean-up
September 13:
First day of Dharma School Marty Sakata
It seems as if summer has finally arrived! Despite the funny weather
we’ve been having, Pack 50 Cub Scouts have kept very busy this summer.
Dens continue to meet to work on their requirements to achieve their
next rank, and the pack is getting ready for its last few events for the
summer.
Our Webelos II den came out on June 27 to help with the Obon tent
pull-out. There were 10-plus boys and their parents out there in the
morning hours helping to hang the tent and paper lanterns. I’d like to
thank them and all the other Scouts and parents who came to help out.
We’re packing our tents and checking our gear as we get ready for one of
our big summer events that includes more than 120 campers comprised of
Pack 50 Cub Scouts and their families. At the end of July, we will be
spending a weekend in tents at Rollins Lake, California. The Scouts will
be busy working on achievements, participating in fun activities,
enjoying great food and telling plenty of “Big fish stories.” A special
thank you goes out to our camp coordinators Glenn Noguchi, Nick Shebert,
Dean Mar, Min La and Norm Tanaka for organizing this event.
Our final Pack 50 event for the summer will be the annual Bazaar on
August 8 and 9. All Scouts and parents will be working shifts clearing
tables, working in the hot dog booth and cooking at the BBQ chicken pit,
and wherever else manpower is needed. Your help is greatly appreciated
to put on this spectacular event.
Scouts — Don’t forget to wear your Class B shirts!
Can you believe summer is almost half way over! Along with the start of
school, Pack 50 will be gearing up for another fun-filled year! More to
come in September! Ken Furukawa
Although this is officially the summer break for the local school
systems and for Sakura Gakuen as well, the Sakura Gakuen Board of
Trustees, teachers and the Parent Teacher Committee are already
preparing for the next school year! We invite everyone to think about
the many benefits of studying and practicing a “second language,”
especially with the convenience of Saturday or weekday evening hours!
The programs at Sakura Gakuen are geared for school-age children to
adults, and span the spectrum from introduction to advanced studies. On
top of that, there are new benefits for temple members and families as
well!
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For general information, please go to the temple website,
www.buddhistchurch.com, look under organizations, and find the
Sakura Gakuen link.
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Tuition discount will be offered to temple members for the Monday
evening adult classes. Please check the website link on
buddhistchurch.com.
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Families of temple members can waive the Parent Teacher Committee
fees for enrollment in the children’s Saturday morning program,
including the high school credit classes. Check out the website link on
buddhistchurch.com.
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For further information, please come by the Ginza booth at Bazaar
where you can meet current and former teachers, students and parents of
the program.
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More immediate information can be had by contacting current and
former Board of Trustees members:
Ken Furukawa
Bobby Tanaka
Ellen Shinfuku
Barbara Sasaki
Judy Inaba
Registration/first day of class will be September 12, 2009. Last day of
class will be June 12, 2010. Ken Furukawa
August is upon us and this generally means two things: Bazaar and the
end of summer! Both are things we look forward to, and wish would not
happen... for various reasons that I will not dwell on here. However,
both are important events to our sangha, and are another set of mile
markers that will go by along the highway trip of our lives. As your
family, like mine, plans for short or long trips and then lives through
them, try to enjoy every moment. Whether they are fun, boring, filled
with laughter or even arguments, these moments of our lives become the
past immediately. As the past, we cannot change them, but we should try
not to dwell on them. To paraphrase one of the frequent passages read by
Dharma School service chairpersons through the years, we should strive
to view individual events in our lives (especially those negative ones)
like the currents of a stream going around a rock or other obstruction.
As the past they often take on a different color, and just like old
pictures, the details become fuzzier and the contrasts become softer. In
a few years some of those moments will take on another role as a
milestone memory of the journey in our lives. We will remember some, but
most will fade into the past and disappear. Hopefully, the majority will
be pleasant, if a little fuzzy on the details, later on in our lives.
Talk to me and my family at the end of the summer to see how we did!
I wish to apologize for a gross oversight on my part in the July
article. I failed to thank the many people who made the Dharma School
picnic at Land Park — a wonderful event!
- Richard Kai for reserving the choice spot with tables, trees, space,
and of course a restroom!
- Barbara Sasaki for renting the bounce houses; the kids had a blast!
- Barbara Sasaki and Eddie Imai for running the games and the prizes; it
sure looked like fun!
- Reiko Kurahara, Gladys and Sam Adachi, Mike and Rachel Nagai, Bill and
Grace Hatano, and many others for preparing and serving the food for the
hungry horde. What is a picnic without great food?
- Bobby Tanaka for being the sound guy; gone are the days when everyone
sat up close!
Speaking of the past, I was reminded that I forgot to include a list of
those students who achieved “perfect attendance” status in the 2008-09
Dharma School year. The list is long and impressive:
1st Year Perfect Attendance
Tyler Ham – Nursery I
Holly Ham – 4th Grade
Derek Kochi – Nursery 1
Cody Kurahara – 4th Grade
Drew Tanaka – 3rd Grade
Davis Yasuda – 5th Grade
Nikki Tanaka – 1st Grade
2nd Year Perfect Attendance
Jordan Shimosaka – Nursery I
Haley Arakaki – 6th Grade
Miya Ikemoto – Nursery II
Lyndsie Mark – 7th Grade
Kyle Wong – Nursery II
Emma Maron – 9th Grade
Ryan Ikami – 4th Grade
Alex Ng – 4th Grade
3rd Year Perfect Attendance
Cara Ishisaka – Kindergarten
Kaelyn Hosokawa – 7th Grade
Marcus Yamamoto – Kindergarten
Courtney Matsuo – 7th Grade
Sydney Hosokawa – 4th Grade
Josh Honda – 9th Grade
Daniel Okino – 4th Grade
Keith Ikami – 11th Grade
4th Year Perfect Attendance
Mason Oto – Kindergarten Gregory
Ito – 6th Grade
Thomas Ito – 3rd Grade
Cameron Takeda – 6th Grade
Sydney Takeda – 3rd Grade
Teryn Hara – 10th Grade
Michael Horita – 5th Grade
5th Year Perfect Attendance
Morgan Yamamoto – 2nd Grade
Tyler Ito – 4th Grade
Andrew Ikemoto – 3rd Grade
Kristine Yabumoto – 5th Grade
Melissa Otow – 3rd Grade Jason
Otow – 6th Grade
Corey Tanaka – 3rd Grade Sydney
Kajioka – 7th Grade
Chad Wong – 3rd Grade
Kimberly Yabumoto – 7th Grade
6th Year Perfect Attendance
Morgan Oto – 2nd Grade
Amanda Borges – 5th Grade
Allison Tanaka – 3rd Grade
Jennifer Yip – 8th Grade
7th Year Perfect Attendance
Brian Ishisaka – 5th Grade
Steven Tanaka – 6th Grade
8th Year Perfect Attendance
Jamie Adachi – 5th Grade Brianna
Fujimoto – 7th Grade
Niki Fujimoto – 7th Grade Stacey
Lee – 7th Grade
9th Year Perfect Attendance
Meghan Yamamoto – 7th Grade
Sienna Horita – 8th Grade
10thYear Perfect Attendance
Russell Okino – 8th Grade (receiving an ojuzu)
12th Year Perfect Attendance
Erin Okino – 10th Grade (receiving a Wisteria bookmark)
14th Year Perfect Attendance
Kristen Adachi – 10th Grade (receiving a Wisteria bookmark)
I wish to congratulate the students and their chauffeurs for a job well
done! And as a reminder, it all starts again Sunday, September 13!
See you at Bazaar, and remember those outdoor eating area bussing
shifts!
In Gassho.
Dharma School Courtyard Donations
Dharma School “courtyard” gratefully acknowledges donations from the
following:
Mark Amioka
Grace Hatano
Mas Hatano
Mary & Harry Inouye
Frank & Ellen Ito
Terry Kagiyama
Jean Kaneko
Shig Kihara & Family
Utako Kimura
Emi Koshimizu
Eleanor Nobuye
Nursery II
Oto’s Marketplace
Linda Tomoda-Toy
Bob & Lori Yamaguchi Boy ScoutsCorey Yee
The Scouts, between the months of June and July, were very busy on
countless troop meetings and outings.
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On June 12, the Scouts were taught how orienteering works for
that evening. They were supposed to travel in groups of two and find
marks to navigate through the course.
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The following Friday, the Scouts all gathered at the Sacramento
Bar Regional Park to have a special troop orienteering course. The boys
were introduced to the activity of orienteering at the time when Mr.
Shebert told the Scouts how to use a map and compass. This activity was
to fulfill Second Class Requirement 1a and First Class Requirement 2.
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In another weekend, from June 26-28, Scouts chose to go to either
the Meeks Bay outing or the Smurf outing. At the Meeks Bay outing, the
Scouts did a lot of hiking with spectacular views and kayaking with
clear blue waters. They also went swimming and, of course, did rank
requirements for the boys. The boys who didn’t go to the Meeks Bay
outing went to the Smurf outing to have fun. The smurfs were taught the
basics in scouting and it was an outing to help acquire new knowledge to
know basic camping skills. Like every year, the Scouts always play a
game of CTF, which is called Capture the Flag. The boys love this game
because it gets everyone involved and everyone feels included. This
outing also helps the older Scouts get to know the younger Scouts.
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In the month of July, there was a troop meeting on July 10 where
the meeting became the SPL elections for those who qualified. The Scouts
voted after a little speech from each candidate. When everyone turned in
their voting sheet of paper, all the Scouts had to go outside in the
courtyard to do lantern set-up and drills. Girl Scouts Troop 569Carol Tamai
The girls in Troop 569 enjoyed earning their Obon patch by learning
three new Obon dances and listening to the meaning of Obon. Thank you,
Linda Ito, Donna Wong, Kathi Omoto-Goto and Sandy Kataoka for
volunteering to teach the girls the steps and movements for the new
dances. As always, we appreciate your help every year.
On Obon night, Troop 569 sold somen, spam musubi, mochi, onigiri with
tsukemono, and Hawaiian ice tea. Thank you to Reiko and her crew for
helping with the rice and overseeing our booth during set-up. Our
fundraiser was a success thanks to all of the parents who cooked and
sold the items, and to those who supported our troop.
Brownies 1
celebrated the end of the scouting year with a party at Jump Sky High.
They all had a wonderful time jumping, practicing moves and playing
dodge ball on the trampolines. Afterwards, the girls enjoyed a lunch at
Spaghetti Factory. Also, the girls attended numerous practice sessions
for Obon. On the evening of Obon, the girls put up their hair, dressed
in their beautiful yukatas and kimonos, and had a great time dancing.
Seniors 4:
Golf is not the most popular sport — it’s overshadowed by soccer or
basketball at our church. However, on June 20, Seniors 4 had their first
two-hour golf lesson at Bing Maloney. Most of the girls had never played
golf so it was an eye-opener for everyone. What looks like a simple game
proved to be challenging for everyone. Everyone did great and we now
have some girls periodically returning to the golf range. The main
lesson here was to not be afraid to try new things — golf is a lifetime
sport and knowing a little about the game will prove beneficial when
you’re an adult. Thanks to Denise Fass (also a Brownie leader with the
Land Park Council) who volunteered her time to teach our girls.
Seniors 5
enjoyed a nice dinner at Buca Di Beppo and celebrated their graduation
from high school. The girls will miss being a part of Troop 569 and will
always have fond memories of the activities, ceremonies and friendships
made during the last 12 years in the scouting program. Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association Lynn Kurahara
July’s SBWA Board Meeting was held on Wednesday, July 1, 2009.
Reverend Bob reported that Reverend Kaz arrived safely with his
family in Virginia. He also announced that Socho Ogui will be the
guest speaker for the obon service and spoke of Vi Hatano’s passing.
Preparations are being made for the summer Bazaar. We had our first
meeting on June 19 at 1:30 p.m. Mrs. Kondo asked all to refer to the
2009 Betsuin Bazaar Sushi Preparation Work Schedule handed out
tonight and requested Board members to please activate the telephone
tree with the following details:
August 7, Friday: Sushi Preparation, 7:30 a.m.
August 8, Saturday: Sushi Making, 2 a.m.
August 9, Sunday: Sushi Making, 2 a.m.
July 23, Thursday: Vinegar Cooking, 8 a.m.
July 24, Friday: Kampyo Cutting, 1:30 p.m.
August 6, Thursday: Kampyo/Shiitake Washing, 1 p.m.
August 10, Monday: Kitchen Clean-Up, 9 a.m.
DONATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS ABA Balance from Spring Food Festival Masateru Hashimoto Family In Memory of Mitsue Hashimoto Frances Kondo In Memory of son, Rory G. Kondo Koji Nishimoto In Memory of Mother Hiroko Tsuda In Memory of Yukiyo Higashidani Campaign BCA 21st Century Thank you for last payment
Kiyo Tanaka
Sewed one dozen large dishcloths to wrap tubs
Janet Matsumoto
Donated large box of plastic wrap
UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENTS:
SBWA decided to fold cranes for the Hiroshima Peace Park as part of
the Mission of Cranes for Peace. The cranes will be dedicated at the
August 9 (4-6 p.m.) Peace Event at Sac State. All cranes are to be
turned in to Sueko Yamashita on Friday, July 24. She will deliver
them to Kazuyo Morishita of the Florin JACL.
On July 8 at 8 a.m., SBWA is cleaning the minister’s residence.
Several ladies signed up for this event.
The summer Bazaar is coming up soon on August 8 and 9. Please come
out to help on Friday, August 7 starting at 7:30 a.m. and Saturday
and Sunday, August 8 and 9 starting at 2 a.m. Bring your daughters,
granddaughters, nieces and friends to share in the cultural event of
the year! In addition, they will learn the traditional methods of
making sushi that they can share with their families for years to
come.
All SBWA members are encouraged to attend the 41st BCA Federation of
Buddhist Women’s Association (FBWA) Conference on October 9, 10 and
11, right here in Sacramento at the DoubleTree Hotel.
The conference theme is “Looking Back, Looking Ahead, Passing on the
Legacy.” In Japanese it is “Kako to Mirai wo Mitsumeru.” The keynote
speakers are Reverend Diane Johnson (English) from the Myokoin
Temple in Anchorage, Alaska, and Reverend Mariko Nishiyama
(Japanese) from the Lahaina Hongwanji Temple on Maui, Hawaii. The
FBWA will also be commemorating Shinran Shonin’s 750th Memorial
Service on Saturday, October 10.
Transportation to the conference will be available, for a small fee,
through ACC Rides. SBWA will be subsidizing the conference fee.
There will be no SBWA board meeting in August. The next SBWA board
meeting will be on September 2. Steve Kawano
Volunteers for Tent, Lights, Obon Stage Set-Up
Thank you to the following volunteers who came out on June 27 at 7 a.m.
to help with the set-up.
Funerals
Hatano Family
In Memory of Vi Hatano
George Okano Family
In Memory of George Okano
Pauline Kihara Family
In Memory of Pauline Kihara
Ken Matsumoto
In Memory of Satsuki Matsumoto
Karl & Joy Hirai
In Memory of Nobuko Hirai
Alice Yagi
In Memory of Hiko Yagi
Gale Hamatani
In Memory of George Hamatani
Win & Janet Lindeman
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Heidi Sakazaki
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Stanley Klebs
In Memory of Hiko Yagi
John & Mary Ellen Helfrich
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Kimiko Masunaga
In Memory of Satsuki Matsumoto
Frances Lee
In Memory of Vi Hatano
George & Mary Amemiya
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Masako Fukuda
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Harry & Gerrie Kawahata, Jr.
In Memory of Vi Hatano
M/M Charles Kobayashi
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Florence Lee
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Max Mizoguchi
In Memory of Hiko Yagi
Haruye Osaki
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Tsutomu & Jean Ota
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Dennis & Diane Shimosaka
In Memory of Vi Hatano
Memorial
Terry Makishima Family
13th Year for George Makishima
Manji & Kadoi & Amemiya Families
49th Day for Janine Manji
Yoshioka Family
1st Year for Lucille Yoshioka
Grace Nakao
3rd Year for John Nakao
Kristina Ishihara
1st Year for Keith Ishihara
Mary Kawamoto
35th Day for Shigeru Kawamoto
Sasamoto Family
49th Day for Yoshiko Sasamoto
Masateru Hashimoto Family
49th Day for Mitsue E. Hashimoto
Fumiko Horita Family
3rd Year for Fumiko Horita
Geoffrey Inenaga Family
7th Year for Joe Makishima
Jackie Itogawa, Lynn & Joe Furuike, Leapha & Rick Goishi
13th Year for George Itogawa, 7th Year for Ruth Itogawa
Irene Kishaba
8th Year for Hank Kishaba
Konishi Family
1st Year for Marjorie Konishi
M/M Steve Masuda
In Memory of Viola Masuda
Yukiko Masuda
In Memory of Viola Masuda
Jan Nishikawa, Gary Nishi
In Memory of George Nishi
Robert Saito
In Memory of Sumiko Saito
George & Sally Shirasago
In Memory of Sumiko Saito
Fred & Kate Shirasago
1st Year for Sumiko Saito
Urokogata Family
1st Year for Mike Urokogata
Wes & Sue Chow
50th Year for Glenn Ritsuo Morisawa
Masami Iwasa
49th Day for Mitsue Hashimoto
Mitsuko Kitade
17th Year for Viola Masuda
Wayne & Cynthia Kitade
17th Year for Viola Masuda
Bert Kitade, Diep Ly
17th Year for Viola Masuda
Tom & Carol Kudow
In Memory of Viola Masuda
Diane Makishima
7th Year for Joe Makishima
Patricia Namba
49th Day for Mitsue Hashimoto
Chieko Nomura
In Memory of Ritsuo Morishita
Eileen & Ron Otsuji
49th Day for Mitsue Hashimoto
Bernice Ouye
In Memory of Mitsue Eleanor Hashimoto
Gerald Shelton, Sharon Yokoi
In Memory of Mitsue Hashimoto
Dennis & Diane Shimosaka
1st Year for Mike Urokogata
Dennis & Diane Shimosaka
1st Year for Lucille Yoshioka
Margaret Teramoto
49th Day for Eleanor Hashimoto
Roy & Yuri Yokoi
49th Day for Mitsue Hashimoto
Kent Kitade
17th Year for Viola Masuda
Lucy Akiyama
1st Year for Mike Urokogata
Bessie Matsuo
49th Day for Mitsue Hashimoto
Steve & Keri Nomura, Kody Nomura, Jordan Nomura
17th Year for Viola Masuda
Dilford & Edna Onodera
49th Day for Genevieve Masuhara
Tamae Hayashi
In Memory of Sumiko Saito
Teruko Hirakida
In Memory of Sumiko Saito
Frank & Blossom Ikemoto
7th Year for Joe Makishima
Suenari & Alma Koyasako
7th Year for Joe Makishima
Kazuaki & Kazuye Shintaku
In Memory of Minoru Morimoto
May Kurimoto
49th Day for Mitsue Hashimoto
Masae Murai
In Memory of Hiroshi Yamauchi
Glenn & Sami Nakao
3rd Year for John Nakao
Karen Nakao
In Memory of John Nakao
Special
Ken Furukawa & Leilani Ito
In Appreciation for Emily at YAC Retreat
Lodi Buddhist Church
In Appreciation
June Nishikawa
13th Year for Hiroshi Nishikawa
Marysville Buddhist Church
In Appreciation
Ted & Sharon Yoshimura
Wedding of Jeff & Vicki Yoshimura
Ted & Tak Ito
Recovery
Gordon & Jennifer Nitta
In Appreciation for Matthew - YAC Retreat, YAC Advanced Training
for Samantha
Barbara Tanaka
Special Donation
Isamu & Toshie Kobata
Ojuzu Repair
Nokotsudo
Emi Watanabe, Terry Makishima
Flowers for Nokotsudo
Isamu & Toshie Kobata
Nokotsudo
Kimiyo Ishii
Nokotsudo Omairi
Endowment Fund
Mary Ann Miyao
In Memory of George Hamatani
Mary Ann Miyao
In Memory of George Yoshimoto
Lorraine Nagae
49th Day for Eleanor Hashimoto |
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Karl & Joy Hirai
Lynn Taketa & Mark Siegenfeld
May 30, 2009
Michele Hashimoto & Philip Han
June 6, 2009 Condolences to the Families of
George Iwao Okano
July 7, 1926 – June 14, 2009
Nobuko Hirai
May 20, 1927 – June 17, 2009
Hikoichi Hiko Yagi
March 23, 1924 – June 17, 2009
Pauline Misako Kihara
June 13, 1913 – June 18, 2009
Violet Hanae Hatano
September 12, 1931 – June 25, 2009 |
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