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Sangha
President’s
Message Allan Hoshida Happy New Year to everyone. I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season with family and friends. It is truly an honor to have been asked to serve as your 2007 Betsuin president. Together with the rest of the Board of Trustees, I will try my best to serve you and our temple. I look forward to working with all of you to continue the wonderful Jodo Shinshu Buddhist tradition here in Sacramento that has existed for over 106 years. First, I want to thank Ted Yoshimura for serving the last two years as Betsuin president. It was indeed a pleasure to work along side a great individual truly interested in serving our members and temple in the best way possible. Thanks, Ted. I look forward to working with our new Board of Trustee members Roger Ito and Pauline Sing. Roy Imura will be serving an additional one-year term. Rotating off the board, I would like to thank and acknowledge Rose Nagao, Kathy Fong Yokota and Stacy Matsunami for their past years of board member service. Also rotating off the Executive Committee are Keith Kato and Mark Ely. Keith especially I wanted to thank for his many years of service to our temple, as past president and lending his thoughtfulness and experience to our executive committee. Our 2007 Executive Committee is comprised of the following individuals: President Allan Hoshida President-Elect Don Masuda Treasurer Richard Kai Secretary Mary Ann Miyao Auditors Valerie Fong, Diane Muranaka Past Presidents Ted Yoshimura and Bobby Tanaka Ministers Rinban Bob Oshita, Reverend Kaz Nakata Elected last year to serve the 2007-2009 term are the following board members: Mark Amioka, Valerie Fong, Frank Hirota, Don Honda, Eddie Imai, Roger Ito, Steve Kawano, Don Masuda, Mary Ann Miyao and Pauline Sing. Our goals and objectives for 2007: 1. Continue our many outstanding programs and make improvements where appropriate. 2. Identify major/minor facility improvements. 3. Continue to provide educational programs. 4. Develop and progress with Legacy Endowment Fund. 5. Support Reverend Bob’s involvement with BCA and Socho Ogui’s vision for Jodo Shinshu Buddhism in the United States. 6. Continue to develop/enhance/support the minister assistants and youth programs. (Note: Carol and Tim Castle, Patti Oshita, Grace Hatano and Koichi Mizushima, together with Reverend Bob and Reverend Kaz have helped/assisted with the Florin, Lodi, Walnut Grove temples last year, as well as organizing and leading the BCA Summer Youth Retreat for the last two years). 7. Continue to encourage member involvement and participation. 8. Provide greater involvement in community events/activities. Regarding the Northern California District Council (NCDC), Roy Imura has been elected as president and Mary Ann Miyao as secretary. The two designated representatives from our temple will be Allan Hoshida and Don Masuda. In addition, Mary Ann Miyao is serving on the BCA National Board as secretary. To borrow from Socho Ogui’s motto, which has been reiterated on many occasions, ours is “…to challenge oneself to search in the midst of the uncertainties of work and life, and to not be afraid of trying new things or making mistakes along the way.” With this thought in mind, please join me, the Board of Trustees, ministers and members, in our unique path and journey we call life. In closing, if any of you have suggestions, thoughts to make our temple better, please feel free to drop me a note at any time. You can do this by addressing a letter to me at the church or e-mail at office@buddhistchurch.com. I look forward to working with everyone at our temple. Rinban Bob Oshita Happy New Year and welcome to the year 2007! For years now, my annual theme has been, “World Peace Begins with Gassho.” This phrase comes from writings of Rev. Gyomay Kubose; and considering the growing fear, anger and distrust felt worldwide, his words become more meaningful with each passing day. To understand that “World Peace begins with Gassho” is to realize that world peace begins with me. Even in our daily lives, too easily, we point fingers and blame others for our unhappiness or discomfort. And too often, without thinking, we tend to argue with and blame those closest to us. At such times, we might easily wonder, if we cannot have harmony within our family, how can we begin to hope for something as great as world peace? In Buddhism, in Jodo Shinshu, we are encouraged to see that peace begins right here and right now. And it begins with me. World peace begins with my gassho, with my peace of mind. World peace begins with me. Nurturing awareness in our minds and in our hearts, Reverend Kaz and Michi, and Patti and I wish everyone a year of peace and happiness that begins with our own life of gassho. Gratefully, RB Minister's AssistantMichiko Yukawa Happy New Year! Okagesama de, we are able to greet the new year of 2007. A new beginning. A clean slate at the start of a new year. How exciting! Our minds are filled with great anticipation, wonderful dreams, great hopes. What will we do during the next 365 days to make this year special, to live fully each day? “World Peace Begins with Gassho,” the 2007 BCA theme, reflects a hope for the new year. Here in the Northwest, we live near Fort Lewis where young men and women, often with their young families, come from throughout the United States to complete their training before they are sent to the Middle East. Sadly, almost daily, we read in the newspapers about these young, dedicated and courageous lives coming to an end in a war zone so far from home and family. The hope for peace is an urgent and immediate hope. But you may ask, “Why Gassho?” In his book, “Cocktails,” Rev. Masao Kodani writes, “Gassho is considered one of the most beautiful of gestures and is the Indian (as well as among Buddhists the world over) a gesture of greeting, farewell, thanks and reverence. In ancient India, there were 12 forms of the Gassho. In later centuries, this Gassho was adopted by the Christians as the gesture of prayer.” Certainly, it is a gesture understood anywhere around the world. Reverend Kodani further writes that Gassho means “joined palms.” We all know that our hands need to be open to join the palms together and an open hand, rather than a closed fist, has always been a gesture of peace. Reverend Kodani continues, “It (Gassho) is the symbol of the multitude of different things being, at the same time, One.” Truly then, world peace can begin with Gassho. But you may further ask, “But how can my gassho bring about world peace?” Isn’t that a rather grandiose ambition, rather impossible for one to achieve? Some years ago, we traveled through the Canadian Rockies and experienced the grandeur of Mother Nature. These mountains, thousands of feet high, and icy glaciers, formed millions of years ago, made us think about the insignificance of our short lives compared to the magnificence of nature. Recently, we had the opportunity to fly over these Canadian Rockies. At 30,000 feet, one cannot even see cars, much less people walking on the roads. How then could one’s gassho possibly bring about world peace? Please consider the following poem by one of my favorite writers, Reverend Kenryu T. Tsuji, who so eloquently expresses his thoughts in “Eternal Now” (published in a collection of his writings, The Heart of the Buddha-Dharma) In the beginningless, endless flow of time each life is a mere ripple, existing only for an instantaneous moment and disappearing forever. But each life is a unique experience with beauty and truth, all of its own with no identical counterpart in history and none absolutely the same in the future. Your life, my life — is attuned to the rhythm of the cosmos and to the heartbeat of reality. Each life exists in the Eternal Now. Each idea that is thought, each word that is spoken, each action that is taken, changes the whole pattern of the universe for the universe is interdependent. Think, speak and act, then, always in the eternal now with compassion and understanding for your own enlightenment and for the enlightenment of all sentient beings. With your “ripple,” with my “ripple,” in 2007 we can contribute to world peace with Gassho. Namo Amida Butsu. Greeters’ ProgramWinter/Spring 2007 During the Dharma School session, the following Betsuin Board members will warmly welcome visitors to Dharma Service on Sundays. January 1 No Dharma Class Happy New Year January 7 Frank Hirota Shigeko Tanaka Marc Ely January 14 Mark Amioka Richard Kai Kelvin Mark January 21 Pauline Sing Ken Koyama Denis Ishisaka January 28 Valerie Fong Allan Hoshida Keith Kato February 4 Don Honda John Fujimoto Ken Furukawa February 11 Roy Imura Diane Muranaka Shirley Sekeres February 18 Eddie Imai Roger Ito Diane Shimosaka February 25 Steve Kawano Brian Okamoto Sheryl Kajioka March 4 Don Masuda Bob Tanaka Mark Umeda March 11 Mary Ann Miyao Ted Yoshimura March 18 Frank Hirota Shigeko Tanaka Marc Ely March 25 Mark Amioka Richard Kai Kelvin Mark April 1 Pauline Sing Ken Koyama Denis Ishisaka April 8 Valerie Fong Allan Hoshida Keith Kato April 15 Don Honda John Fujimoto Ken Furukawa April 22 Roy Imura Diane Muranaka Shirley Sekeres April 29 No Dharma Class Dharma Teachers Conference May 6 Edddie Imai Roger Ito Diane Shimosaka May 13 Steve Kawano Brian Okamoto Sheryl Kajioka May 20, Don Masuda Bob Tanaka Mark Umeda May 27 Mary Ann Miyao Ted Yoshimura June 3 No Dharma Class: JACL Picnic June 10 No Dharma Class: Dharma School Picnic From The OfficeUnder the leadership of Ellen Ito, the following members met and repaired all of the Service Books. We ask that all of you take extra care in putting the Service Books back in the racks. Thank you, ladies, for a job well done! Thanks to our “dynamic three-some” of Wayne Fong, Billy Hatano and Ted Ito for helping with our membership mail out. We really can’t do without you. Thanks! Church MaintenanceEd Imai Over the past month, the Betsuin is sincerely appreciative to the following church members for volunteering their time and effort for church maintenance needs: - Sam Adachi, John Itagaki, Robert Ito, Mike Nagai, Eiichi Okamoto for preparing and painting exterior doors of classroom #1 and main entryway. - James Amioka, Eric Chipchase and Marty Sakata for shaving off bottoms of kaikan doors. - Frank Hirota and Gary Traganza for replacing urinal valve in men's annex bathroom and for repairing door locks on annex and main dressing room doors. - Ed Imai for replacing ballast in annex classroom. - Roy Imura and Ed Imai for removing rooftop leaves of facilities. - Yosh Nakamoto for repairing kaikan yellow fiberglass chairs and wooden tables. - Tomio Masaki and Akio Seo for stabilizing shelving in Meri’s office. - Courtney, Marianne and Mike Kashiwagi for installing pull-down global map as a part of Girl Scout award. Bazaar61st ANNUAL JAPANESE FOOD & CULTURAL BAZAAR! Date: August 11th & 12th Time: Noon till 9:00pm Admission: FREE! Mieko Oto 10th Year for Toshi Oto Eleanor Nobuye Koji Nishimoto In Memory of Taizo Nishimoto Irene Hoshiko In Memory of Larry Hoshiko Susie Imai Kazuo & Molly Kimura In Memory of Nobujiro & Motoyo Nakamura Mitzie Muramoto In Memory of Kay Muramoto Geraldine Tsukiji In Memory of Mildred Nakano Yoshiko Doi In Memory of Nizo Doi Don & Lillian Ishii In Memory of Tomiko Hoshiko Sadao Nagao Yaeko Tademaru Junichi Yamamoto Alan Wu Hello, goodbye. Hi to 2007, see ya to 2006! Okay, another year has come and gone, and a new one has just begun. That reminds me of an old song that goes something like this: We’ve only just begun to live, White lace and promises A kiss for luck and we're on our way. And yes, We've just begun. You know the rest . . . come on, admit it, you know the rest! Aha! I knew it! What are the odds that you would lean on me about these old sayings that help with the songs in the key of life as I walk the path down Abbey Road? IF I were a bettin’ man, I would guess 25 or 6 to 4 or something astronomical like that. We’ve only just begun to live the year 2007, or the year 4705 for those using the calendar unadulterated by the greeting card marketing and merchandising industry. However, I must warn you that the year 4705 has many triple-bad-luck days, so beware! And step on a crack, break your momma’s back … hmmm, sounds very superstitious to me! White lace and promises should have nothing to do with sports unless the new lacey white jerseys arrive soon. Actually, we promise never to have white lace on our uniforms. Don’t forget to kiss each member of the Sports Committee for luck as we’re on our way to get hip-deep in tournament schtuff, yes schtuff. And yes, we’ve just begun heading down the homestretch in the preparation and tasks involved with this year’s tournament, which will be the 36th Annual Betsuin Basketball Tournament. And yes, you can participate and contribute to our tournament through our Booster Ad Opportunity. Your booster ad will be prominently displayed and become permanently entrenched in the tournament’s rich history and the much coveted Tournament Program. Some people still have all 35 tournament programs preserved in a hermetically sealed mayonnaise jar on Funk and Wagnalls’ porch to pass on to future generations. So, please use the Booster Ad Form found in this Sangha and become a part of history. Act now, the January 15 deadline is quickly approaching. So, light my fire and get those booster ads in by the 15th! We would like to thank to Mrs. Ota for all her efforts and perseverance in researching the origins of our tournament. Oh yeah, and to Rod for being able to count to 36. And yes, we’ve just begun this past December with our new mochitsuki chairperson, Laura SooHoo. Many thanks go out to Laura, and Martha Kushida our MochiMama emeritus, for another mochitsuki that ran as smooth as the mochi being run through the grinder for the fifth time … and that’s what I call smooth! Great job ladies! We would also like to express our appreciation and gratitude to all the sports families and BWA Fujinkai members for coming out on Thursday to wash rice, and Friday to set up the kaikan, and Saturday to make this event so successful. And of course this event would not be this event without the food being served by Reiko and Crew, so many thanks to them too. Aw heck, hugs and kisses to every single person who helped and participated in our annual mochitsuki, especially to our now-experienced and tenured veteran MochiMama, Laura SooHoo! Rumors have it that Ms. SooHoo will be back for an encore performance! The story goes that she’ll be our MochiMama when the cows come home or when I’m 64! Thanks again, Laura! And yes, we will be taking team pictures during January, so please stay tuned for details from your Team Mom. And yes, there will be a Super Bowl this year, so please remember that all basketball games will be played on Super Bowl Saturday, February 3. And yes, 4,704 years have passed, never to be seen again, never to be lived again, such as it goes as the undeniable truth of impermanence, so live each day as if it will never come again, because it won’t, and that’s the way of the world. Have a wonderful 4705 (2007 for others)! I’ll be seeing you. Ciao babies. Important dates to remember: December 31, 2006 – New Year’s Eve Service – Extra Credit (Catch it if you can) 2007 January 1: New Year’s Day Service – Extra Credit (The very last one) January 6-7: League games resume January 13: Picture Day for E Division January 14: Picture Day for Divisions D, C, B January 15: Tournament Booster Ads due January 21: Picture Day for I Division and Lil Hoopers February 3: Super Bowl Saturday-All games played today February 4: Super Bowl Sunday-No Games except the Super Bowl March 3-4: 36th Annual Betsuin Basketball Tournament Bobby Tanaka On December 15, 2006, Pack 50 held its annual End-of-the-Year Party and celebrated a highly successful year in 2006. The Pack 50 leadership wishes to thank their Pack sponsor, the Buddhist Church of Sacramento, the Boy Scouts of America River City District, their hard-working and dedicated parents, and their high-achieving and fun-loving Cub Scouts for making all this happen. Everyone at the party had a wonderful time by enjoying the delicious Megami obento dinners, the fine entertainment put on by each of the dens, the holiday caroling and the wonderful camaraderie. Special thanks for organizing this event go to End of the Year Party Chairman Glenn Fujii and his committee members: Taryn Abe, Susan Bennett, Anna Fong, Nancy Okamoto, Jill Shebert, Jessica Su and Elaine Tanaka. Pack 50’s 35th Anniversary Special Blue and Gold Event On Friday, February 16, beginning at 7 p.m. in the kaikan, Pack 50 will host a special Blue and Gold event commemorating the Pack’s 35th anniversary! All former and current Scouts, parents and leaders are invited to this event! If you read this and were ever a member of the Pack 50 family, please pass this message on to other former members and encourage them to attend this event. The Pack wishes to have as many of the former Scouts, parents and leaders at this event as possible, but we need your help in contacting them! For more information and to RSVP, please contact: - Barbara Sasaki, Pack 50 Parents Activities Chairperson, (saksneg@yahoo.com, phone: 691-6079); - Bobby Tanaka, Pack 50 Cubmaster, (betanaka@pacbell.net, phone: 428-2516) - Betsuin Office (office@buddistchurch.com, phone: 446-0121) Masako Thomas Contact Masako Thomas at (916) 482-8770 or e-mail: sakurahanami@hotmail.com. Richard Kai To my one loyal follower who I know reads my monthly Dharma School Newsletter. That’s right, it’s you, Reverend Yukawa. Let it be known that the Big Dog reads my message religiously (he enjoys my little play on words). It was great seeing you last month after your cruise across the world. It was you who encouraged us to always reach for the other ring, and it was your able-bodied (excluding the tweak in his right ankle, memory loss, hearing aid, driving inability, need I go on?), right-hand man, Reverend Bob who continues to carry out your mission to bring tranquility and harmony to the Sacramento Betsuin and the BCA at large. Group thinking and planning for positive, civil outcomes are good; otherwise it’s called a conspiracy. Both of you have taught your leaders well, starting with your line of current and former temple presidents. Consider this message as my acceptance for the nomination and placement of treasurer next to my name. At least I will not have to write another article for the newsletter. Let it be known that I am a living example of not taking a lot of expertise or experience to aspire to levels of position. No experience is required to fill many of the positions of responsibility as well. All it takes is eye contact (which I personally find hard to do, if you know what I mean), a weak moment and listening to the cry of desperation (this is the same guy who had the rocks to stand up the Gomonshu for a Dharma service when he and I traveled with MaryAnn Miyao in Japan). So when he asked (begged) I feared which man would come after me — the crying man or the man of steel underpinnings. So, I told him I would await his article in December’s newsletter to determine my fate. I asked Reverend Bob to consider finding a replacement for me as your Dharma School superintendent several times as I prepare to venture into the world of Betsuin finances. That’s when RB — the smooth, slick, charmer that he is — turned his deaf ear my way and said most Buddhistically: “Aye? What did you say? Sure I will find you an assistant superintendent real soon, so don’t worry.” Hah, got you again, RK (not to be confused with Reverend Kaz, who was covertly assigned to the Sacramento Betsuin by the BCA to be the straight man for RB and Sensei Yukawa), snickering faintly as he skipped along the hallway knowingly, another mission accomplished. Boy, are these guys good. So, be it as it may, I pledge to all of you that you too can do as I by just stepping up to be in a position of responsibility within the Sacramento Betsuin’s leadership and governance structure without having to give up anything. Even if you’re not thinking of running for office, not planning to carry a level of responsibility for the temple, rest assured the three reverends already have your name on a whiteboard buried deep on a wall in a secret room in the temple. Your time will come to carry as many titles as one past member of the President’s Club who had five hats to wear at the height of his leadership role. Settle on just one for now and join the fun. It happens every second Tuesday, if not more often. January 7: Return to Dharma Service and Class February 4: Scout Sunday: No Dharma Class Donations Dharma School courtyard gratefully acknowledges donations from the following: Gladys Adachi David Fukui Vi Hatano Meriko Ishigaki Alice Kataoka Machiko Kimura Utako Kimura Reiko Kurahara May Kurimoto Yoshiko Morisawa Gary & Jan Nishi Renee Nishikawa & Family Nursery 1 Mary Orite Oto’s Japan Food Judy Sakamoto Louis Senryu Sasaki Family Sachi Sawada Teddy & Helen Sekikawa Kristen Sakamoto Wallace Sueko Yamashita Fusaye Yokoyama Boy ScoutsBenjamin Fong On November 17, 2006, the Troop had a Troop meeting and a Greenbar. The Troop Meeting started out with the usual recitation of the Scout Law, Scout Oath and the Outdoor Code. During the Troop Meeting there was a lecture about the principles of “Leave no Trace.” The Scouts listened to the lecture for the first half of the meeting and then finalized their yells and patrol names to present to the Troop. On November 26, 2006, the Scouts took their community service trip to Loaves and Fishes. The troop volunteered from 7:30 in the morning until 1 in the afternoon. There were two shifts, each having a different task. The morning shift consisted of preparing the food and setting up the tables at which the homeless people would eat. The afternoon shift required more contact with the actual people through jobs such as serving food or hosting, which is where you are almost like a waiter and attend to the homeless’ needs. December 1, 2006 was the Year End Dinner. The dinner consisted of beef, chicken and the side dishes that families brought. While people were eating, there was a presentation by the organization SMART Kids and then there was entertainment, such as skits from all the patrols and even a special one from the Senior Scouts. Following was a slide show, reflecting on the past year, and finally the gift exchange was done. On December 8, 2006 was an outing to the IMAX Theater, where the troop watched the movie “Polar Express.” After the movie the Scouts went back to the Buddhist Church, where they “slept” over; most of the Scouts played video games, etc. The next morning they all went home. Girl Scouts Troop 569Sheryl Kajioka Happy New Year from Girl Scout Troop 569! The Daisy Troop would like to extend a big THANK YOU to the Brownies 3 Troop and their families for putting on a great holiday party. The girls had a fun time with all the creative craft projects and filled up on all of the delicious food provided by the Brownie families. We’re lucky to have so many Girl Scout Sisters to share special times with! On December 8, 2006, Brownies 1 sang Christmas carols and baked cookies for the Asian Nursing Home. The girls did a great job! On December 15, 2006, Brownies 3 hosted a holiday party for the new Daisy troop. The Brownies made invitations, decorations and participated in all aspects of planning the event. Each Brownie was then assigned a Daisy to take them to various craft stations. The evening was highlighted by a visit from Santa Claus who read them a story, answered questions about living in the North Pole and listened to their Christmas wishes. Brownies 5 had a great December 2006. They completed an “All in the Family” Try it and had a holiday party at their last meeting. Everyone was content after some yummy treats and presents! They would like to thank all the parents that brought treats to the party — it was appreciated and the girls had a wonderful time! The highlight of the month was their Coats for Kids drive, via Channel 10, in which the troop collected coats from various sources (including our Sangha — thank you to all who donated their used coats!). On December 10, 2006, they took the coats to the Channel 10 studio. At the studio they were met by Sharon Ito, news anchor, and a cameraperson who filmed the girls donating the coats for the drive. They were able to participate in a studio tour, led by Sharon Ito, and were able to sit in their chairs for pictures. Along with earning a badge, they were also recipients of some special prizes from the News 10 crew. What a memorable day for the girls, followed up by being on the 5:30 news that night! Cadettes 3 completed Pet Care, Cookies and Dough, Fashion Design and Your Own Business badges to meet part of their Silver Award requirements. The next event will be held in January when the girls plan to lead a Brownie troop and complete a Try-It to meet leadership hours. At their last meeting of the year, the girls had a holiday party, made two crafts and had a gift exchange. Cadettes 4 adopted three families through the Letters to Santa Project sponsored by the Royal Oaks Post Office. Families in need can write to “Santa at the North Pole” with their wish list for Christmas. The Post Office reviews the letters and files them by zip code. The girls went to the Post Office and read numerous letters. They were touched by the dire situation and the basic needs of the many families (food, new coats and clothing). The troop chose three girls, ages 2, 5, one 16-year-old with a mental disability and an 11 year-old boy. The girls and their families pledged donations and were able to purchase food for a holiday dinner, fruits and vegetables, canned goods, coats and clothing as well as toys for the children. The girls wrapped all the presents and delivered them on December 23, 2006. It was really heart warming to see the excitement and appreciation of the children and their families. The girls realized how much they have to be thankful for and how they can make a positive impact and help others. The Post Office informed the troop that they receive hundreds of letters that go unanswered so this would be a great project for other troops and organizations to undertake. Rachel Ely and Courtney Kashiwagi of Seniors 1 have completed their Gold Award projects. During the holiday break, the other girls worked on their Gold Award projects. The troop also adopted a family for the Christmas holiday season. They purchased gifts and provided a Christmas meal to the family. On December 15, 2006, Seniors 2 had their annual holiday party. On December 16, 2006, four of the six girls attended the Level One First Aid and CPR training. Completing the training allowed them to become certified for the next two years and earn the Interest Project patch for Emergency Preparedness. Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association L. M. Ito Dharma Message Rinban Bob spoke of how fortunate our Betsuin is to have so many members and so many people who are so actively participating to help our Betsuin be strong and grow. An important thing for everyone to be mindful of is the concept of “yasashi,” where minds and hearts are always soft. “Two ceramic bowls banging together will break, but if one of them is soft, then they’ll be alright.” President’s Message Heidi Sakazaki opened the meeting with thanks to everyone who worked so hard throughout the year to keep the Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association the best in the BCA. Tomi Tanaka was recognized for her 10 years of participation and contribution as a Board member. Molly Kimura did a great job as the keynote speaker for the annual memorial service for members who have passed away, tsuito hoyo. Correspondence Nancy Hashimoto on behalf of the Dharma School Choir wishes to thank the SBWA and Midori Ito for setting up the performance at the ACNH and for treating the choir and their parents to a great lunch and an enjoyable morning. Donations Family of Sumi Hirahara In Memory of Sumi Hirahara Roy Higashino 17th Year Memorial of Kay Higashino Robert, Faith (Okamoto), Jonas and Aaron Miller In Memory of Tomiko Hoshiko Ikuko Sakazaki First Year Memorial for Fusako Sasaki Heidi Sakazaki In Memory of Tomiko Hoshiko Heidi Sakazaki In Memory of Lou Sasaki Yoshiko Morisawa In Memory of Son Special Donations Joe & Alice Kataoka 50th Wedding Anniversary Committee Reports Special Events/Alice Kataoka On November 14, 2006, members of the SBWA,and Reverend Kaz and Michiko-san boarded a bus to go on a lovely tour. At the Sony Metreon, there was an exhibition of the relics and artifacts recovered from the wreckage of the Titanic. Later ,a delicious lunch was served at the Kiku of Tokyo restaurant. The highlight of the trip was a tour of the Jodo Shinshu Center in Berkeley. Reverend Umezu and Reverend Kaz conducted a short service in the kodo (educational auditorium). 51 members participated in the fun event. We thank our treasurers, Tomi Tanaka and Virginia Uchida, for all their work. Social Services/Midori Ito - Tomi Hoshiko passed away on November 11, 2006. The family gratefully acknowledged, but graciously declined the okuyami visitation. A private memorial service was held on November 21, 2007. Okoden and sympathy card was sent to the family. - Sumiye Hirahara passed away on November 17, 2006. A memorial service celebrating her life was held on November 22, 2006. A sympathy card with okoden was delivered to the family. Religious/Fusako Takahashi Hoonko Service November 19, 2006: Many thanks to Molly Kimura for chairing the service, to Machiko Kimura who played the organ, to oshoko representatives Tomi Tanaka for the 9:30 service, and Mitzi Muramoto for the 11:30 service. Thanks also go to Sueko Yamashita and Fusako Takahashi in conjunction with Reiko Kurahara and Crew for providing lunch to all the ministers. The SBWA made 730 servings of chirashi sushi to serve to the congregation. Chairwoman Frances Kondo was a great leader. Thanks also go to Ikuko Sakazaki and her crew, who flavored the ingredients, Nancy Noguchi and her crew for doing the tamago yaki, and Wayne Kurahara for cooking the rice. Tsuito Hoyo Service: Thanks go to Frances Kondo for chairing the service, Machiko Kimura for playing the organ, and Molly Kimura for her dharma talk. Thanks also go to Heidi Sakazaki, our oshoko representative. Eshinniko/Kakushinniko service will also be combined with a special memorial commemorating the late Lady Yoshiko Otani on February 11. Our guest speaker will be Reverend Patricia Usuki. An 11:30 a.m. obento lunch will be followed by a 1 p.m. memorial service. At 3 p.m., we are honored to have a lecture by Reverend Usuki. We hope that all who are interested will attend this dharma talk. Special Events Bonenkai Chairwomen Mary Inouye and Masaka Fukuda did a terrific job. The beautiful decorations were done by Masako Fukuda and Yasuko Yamauchi. We would also like to thank the following people for their kind donations: Gladys Adachi, Miyo Carter, Junko Egi, Meri Fong, Francyne Deniz, Masako Fukuda, Reverend and Mrs. Futaba, Vi Hatano, Michiko Imai, Mary Inouye, Amy Ishimoto, Ellen Ito, Terry Kagiyama, Jean Kashiwada, Alice Kataoka, Kaye Kato, Shirley Kato, Eiko Kimura, Molly Kimura, Utako Kimura, Meiko Kono, Lynn Kurahara, Reiko Kurahara, Yoshi Kyhos, Cheryl Lundstrom, Janet Matsumoto, Teiko Matsuo, Yukiko Miwa, Fumiko Morishige, Mitzie Muramoto, Diane Muranaka, Michiko and Reverend Kaz Nakata, Sakaye Nishikawa, Keiko Nishimoto, Eleanor Nobuye, Teruko Ono, Jean Ota, Mieko Oto, Rinban Bob and Patti Oshita, Chizuko Sakaishi, Heidi Sakazaki, Ikuko Sakazaki, Helen Sekikawa, Barbara Takai, Adell Takata, Kiyo Tanaka, Shige Tanaka, Tomi Tanaka, Hiroko Tsuda, Gerry Tsukiji, Virginia Uchida, Helen Yamamoto, Fusaye Yokoyama, and Mr. Harley Inaba of North American Food Distributing Co., Mrs. Haruko Tocci of Honda Food Culture Museum and Ms. Naomi Takehara of Kintetsu International Travel. Dharma School Choir members and former members, accompanied by their parents and SBWA members, sang at the Asian Community Nursing Home on December 9, 2006. The singers, Kyle Adachi, Amanda Borges, Emma Maron, Annika and Gillian Ohta, Tymika Okino-Patterson and Nicole Wong, were accompanied by the very capable Michiko Okamoto. The audience joined in the singing too and a fun time was had by all. Donations The Board members would like to thank the following people for making the meetings that much sweeter: Heidi Sakazaki, Molly Kimura, Vi Hatano, Gladys Adachi, Alice Kataoka, Gerry Tsukiji, Patti Oshita, Reiko Kurahara, Utako Kimura, Reverend Kaz and Michiko. Due to the closure of the church office January 1-3, the next board meeting will be January 10. Funeral Sumi Hirahara Family In Memory of Sumi Hirahara Louis Sasaki Family In Memory of Louis Sasaki Tomiko Hoshiko Family In Memory of Tomiko Hoshiko Ayako Hirotsu Family In Memory of Ayako Hirotsu Stanley & Susan Shintaku In Memory of Carl Jesness Nishi Family In Memory of George Nishikawa Senrey Sasaki In Memory of Louis Sasaki Catherine Fujimori, Steve & Tish Fujimori In Memory of Louis Senryu Sasaki Hiroko Ninomiya In Memory of Ed Fong George & Amiko Kashiwagi In Memory of June Kawano Bill & Fujie Urakawa In Memory of June Kawano Kimiko Masunaga In Memory of Tomiko Hoshiko George & Amiko Kashiwagi In Memory of Tomiko Hoshiko Mike & Aileen Nishio In Memory of Edward Fong M/M Hitoshi Ota In Memory of Edward Fong Masako Ryugo In Memory of June Kawano Teruko Yoshikawa In Memory of June Kawano Walter Yoshikawa In Memory of June Kawano Lorraine Nagae In Memory of Toshiko Hoshiko M/M Katsumi Yamamoto In Memory of Louie Senrey Sasaki Masako Fukuda In Memory of Sumi Hirahara Bessie Ohnoki In Memory of June Kawano Memorial Bernice Omoto, April & Steven Omoto, Kevin Omoto, Robert Omoto 49th Day for Kay Omoto Ken & Sue Hashimoto Family 49th Day for Kay Omoto Roy Higashino 17th Year for Kay Higashino |
