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Sangha
President’s
Message Allan Hoshida The 4th annual BCA Youth Advocacy Committee (YAC) Youth Summer Retreat was once again held at our temple from July 6 through 13. Eleven high school students from throughout the Western U.S. participated in this intense one-week retreat. Our thanks go to: Reverend Bob, Patti, Carol, Tim, Grace, Koichi and Peter Inokoji-Kim for leading/organizing this retreat; chaperones Charlene Grinolds of White River and Susan Bottari of San Mateo, who spent the whole week with the youths; Reiko, Gladys and Crew, who made dinners for the kids; Sharon Yoshimura and her crew for preparing the lunches; Alan and Marta Wada for taking pictures to document activities throughout the week; our office and custodial staff for supporting this effort. Once again we had the privilege of having Socho Ogui spend the Obon dance evening with us and presenting the graduation certificates to all of the YAC youth participants on the final Sunday ceremonies. My hope is that BCA will devote much more time, effort and resources that encourage this type of positive learning activity for our youth and future leaders. Our 62nd annual Bazaar is just around the corner, August 9 and 10, the second weekend in August. Our thanks to chairman Steve Kawano and the Bazaar steering committee, coordinators, booth chairs, etc., who have been busy preparing for this event. Please come out to help support our biggest fundraiser of the year. As many of you know, not only is the Bazaar a major contributor to our general operating fund (approximately a third of our annual budget of $500,000 is raised from Bazaar — the others being membership dues and donations), but this is truly a coming together of our whole Sacramento community. Each year our Bazaar is a wonderful opportunity to open up to our neighbors, family and friends to experience/soak in the many wonderful foods, smells, flavors, activities that are part of our culture, history and background. This is truly a unique experience. Thanks for all of your help and assistance in continuing this great tradition. (Note: as each of you go about your duties/responsibilities, please consider taking on more leadership roles within those groups that may need or request it. My hope for the older generation is to teach and pass on to our younger generations how things are done, maintain the level of quality of foods/activities, but also to nurture and encourage younger folks to participate and take on more responsibilities. As stewards of a great tradition, we are but temporary caretakers.) Thanks to Roy Imura for overseeing and leading the parking lot improvement project. I heard lots of good compliments on the condition of the pavement during the Obon dance. Great job, Roy. Per our discussions at executive committee and general board of trustees meeting, we will be having a visit by Kent Matsuda, BCA 21st Century Campaign Committee representative, here at our temple in the near future. Kent wishes to promote and distribute up-to-date information on the campaign, answer any questions sangha members may have, and certainly to encourage anyone who may wish to contribute to do so. Further announcements will be made when date/time is set. One observation and reflection that Socho Ogui shared with me on his visit this past weekend as part of Obon services and Youth Retreat: He senses a great volunteer spirit of helping each other in all aspects of our temple community. This he says is what Jodo Shinshu Buddhism is all about: doing things beyond just yourself, working cooperatively and being truly interested in the welfare of everyone. Thank you all for making our temple a great place to be. I am writing this message just before Meriko and I are taking off to go to Maui for work/vacation and meeting up with some friends. Please have a safe and enjoyable summer vacation. Rinban Bob Oshita Hello and welcome to the month of August… The Betsuin highlight of every August is our annual Bazaar. Always held on the second weekend, this year’s Bazaar will be held on the weekend of August 9 and 10. After the War, many Issei, Nisei and Kibei returned to rebuild their homes and their lives; and to re-establish their community here in Sacramento. But in the late 1950s, what was once Japan Town underwent a plan some called “urban renewal.” The physical community of buildings; the stores, hotels, cafes, restaurants, gift shops, pool halls, cleaners, garages and service stations were “redeveloped” out of existence. That is why the Betsuin moved from 4th and O to our present site in 1959. Although we still have a few businesses in the vicinity, that visible sense of community was demolished when those familiar buildings were torn down. But what really amazes me is the incredible spiritual sense of community that Sacramento continues to have. And I feel this remarkable sense of community especially when we come together for our annual Betsuin Bazaar. It is as if for one weekend in August, each year, our Sacramento’s J-Town comes to life again. Although it often seems that our Bazaar has a life of its own, in reality, it takes hundreds of people working together to bring it to life each year. And it is so satisfying to see it all come together. Reverend Yukawa often said, “If we only made one dollar, it would be worth having just to bring people together.” And I find it impossible to imagine a Sacramento summer…without the Betsuin Bazaar. This Bazaar is a worthwhile event on many, many levels. With this in mind, I would like to make a special request to have more people come out to help with the pre-Bazaar preparation and most importantly for the Bazaar cleanup on the Monday immediately following the Bazaar. This too is what it’s all about — helping each other and keeping our spiritual sense of community alive and well. See you throughout the month of August! Gratefully, RB Tim Castle Welcome to a busy August! With July’s Youth Advocacy Committee Summer Retreat, Obon and Bazaar construction behind us, we begin to gear up for Bazaar, which is right around the corner. This month, I thought I would go out on a limb and fill the ministers’ assistant (MA) article with a short book review and recommendation. Over the past few years, I have had a number of people come up to me and ask for a book recommendation. As part of our ongoing education, the Sac MAs continue to meet twice a year in Berkeley for our MAP Quest seminars. While our class topics change every time, we always make time for a book assignment and a short paper. In April, we were assigned Reverend Hozen Seki’s book, The Great Natural Way. To fully understand Reverend Seki’s book, I must first talk about the time and environment that Reverend Seki lived and worked in. He came to the United States in 1930, when Jodo Shinshu Buddhism was only 30 years young in the U.S. The country was just in the beginning of the Depression, and Reverend Seki wanted to spread the Dharma at the L.A. Betsuin. Three years later, Seki packs up and begins to spread the Dharma in Arizona. After only four years there, he decides to begin the first temple in New York in 1937/1938. In looking at these accomplishments, I am amazed at the timing of trying to spread the mostly unheard of teachings of Buddhism in America. New York during the Depression must have been an environment full of misery. Thousands of people unemployed and many more just trying to survive…who more in need of the Nembutsu teaching? The Great Natural Way is a collection of many topics and formats that Reverend Seki used over the years. The theme in common to the book is nature and our natural environment. It is this sense of naturalness that would make an impact upon those in the U.S. listening. By bringing this naturalness into his dharma talks, the obvious language and cultural differences were eliminated by speaking about things on common ground. I found that one of the most significant thoughts from Seki could also have been an alternate title to his book: “Don’t make the teaching of the Buddha a heavy load”. I take this statement very personally. I think too often we focus on the academic aspects of our learning…all very important, but nothing without heart and real life to teach us and remind us of the everyday aspects of Buddhism. Reverend Seki furthers this thought with the following: “When you study…, do not depend on the characters or the sentences or constructions, but try to test through your heart. The second theme that I appreciate from Reverend Seki is the idea that Nirvana, Pure Land and Amida are always near to us. I think this is yet another purposeful attempt by Reverend Seki to demystify these terms and make these ideas more tangible to all of us. Reverend Seki quotes the Meditation Sutra: “…Amida’s land is really very close, not far away.” Overall, I am left with the thought that Reverend Seki is a great storyteller. He tells stories about frogs leaving their homes to see the world beyond their pond, stories of foxes and dogs, and even stories about a dying man and his numerous wives. These are just a few examples of Reverend Seki’s attempt to use symbolism to explain some of our more difficult Buddhist concepts. For me, this is an effective tool…I need these simple stories! So put The Great Natural Way on your summer reading list. You can find this book at the BCA Bookstore website for only $12 — the price of three peppermint mochas at Starbucks. Buy it and read it! Greeters' ProgramFall 2008 September 7 Roy Imura Diane Muranaka Shirley Sekeres September 14 Eddie Imai Roger Ito Diane Shimosaka September 21 Steve Kawano Brian Okamoto Sheryl Kajioka September 28 Gordon Nitta Bob Tanaka Mark Umeda October 5 Mary Ann Miyao Ted Yoshimura Robbie Midzuno October 12 Frank Hirota Shigeko Tanaka Marc Ely October 19 Mark Amioka Richard Kai Kelvin Mark October 26 Don Honda Ken Koyama Denis Ishisaka November 2 Valerie Fong Allan Hoshida Keith Kato November 9 Don Honda John Fujimoto Ken Furukawa November 16 Roy Imura Diane Muranaka Shirley Sekeres November 23 Eddie Imai Roger Ito Diane Shimosaka November 30 Steve Kawano Brian Okamoto Sheryl Kajioka December 7 Gordon Nitta Bob Tanaka Mark Umeda December 14 Mary Ann Miyao Ted Yoshimura Robbie Midzuno December 21 No Service December 28 No Service From The OfficeI want to thank Leann and Kerry Castle for helping us during the YAC Retreat. They were really helpful to us. Thanks for your help, girls! Church MaintenanceEd Imai Over the past month, the following members performed maintenance on the Betsuin’s facilities. The Betsuin thanks the following members for volunteering their time and hard efforts:
BazaarTent Raising and Chochin Helpers Many thanks to all who assisted in raising the tent and helping with the chochin.
62nd Annual Japanese Food & Cultural Bazaar AUGUST 9TH & 10TH NOON TIL 9:00PM FREE PARKING FEATURING: SACRAMENTO TAIKO, SECOND WIND, AND MANY MORE! 13th Annual Sacramento Buddhist Church Senior’s Golf Tournament Teal Bend Golf Course Wednesday, August 20, 2008 ALL SENIORS AND FRIENDS OF SENIORS ARE WELCOME! Modified Shotgun start at 7:30 am. Four Player Scramble Format. Each team will consist of high low handicaps to make the teams “even.” Don’t worry about making up a foursome. $65 per player Includes Greens Fee, Cart, Closest-to-the-Hole Contests, Prize Fund and a delicious lunch prepared by Reiko and Crew! Check payable to Brian Hatano, 8959 Sonoma Valley Way, Sacramento, CA 95829, or leave at church office, attn: Sr. Golf Tournament c/o Grace Hatano. Deadline: August 5. Chairpersons: Brian and Cindy Hatano, Leland Kato and Marty Yasuda. For more information, contact Brian at fourhats@comcast.net.Tetsuo & Yoshiko Pat Okamoto 1st Year for Fumiko Horita Heidi Sakazaki In Memory of Kurato Sakazaki Koji & Keiko Nishimoto In Memory of Hisayoshi Ninomiya Gail Horita Gee In Memory of Fumiko Horita May Kurimoto Grace Nakao In Memory of John Nakao Shoya & Ikuko Sakazaki In Memory of Kurato Sakazaki Asayuki & Hiroko Shimizu M/M Makoto Shirai Sally Yamaichi In Memory of Henry Tanaka Misako Takeuchi Alan Wu Letter to Home Dear Mommy and Daddy, How are you? I am fine. The weather here is good. How is the weather at home? When you sent me away to summer camp, I did not want to go, but when I got here, the first thing we did was have a picnic. There was short chanting by Mr. RB and the other the people wearing black, and no Junirai for us, and then they handed out awards for perfect attendance, and scholarships, and then there was food. Some lady named Miss Reiko and her Crew set up the food and we ate, then there was Mr. Eddie. Mr. Eddie set up some games and races. I ran in a race and beat all the other kids by miles. The other kids could not run too fast because I think their diapers made them run slow, but I beat them all, and I got a prize and went back for more food. But when I dropped my prize, I turned around and saw that all the other kids who did not win were getting prizes too. At first I was getting mad, but then I remembered what Mr. RB taught me, so I took a deep breath and thought about the other kids and not myself, and it was all good. Oh, I almost forgot, we took a field trip too. We went down the river to some other camp named Walnut Grove, and helped put up the tent over there. This was not just a tent for us to sleep in, but a huge giant tent that almost covered the whole camp ground. That was kinda fun too. There were some Boy Scouts there too helping. They were talking about how one year some man was up on a ladder and he fell on a fence and had the fence sticking through him, just like the CSI show we saw on TV. The guy on CSI died, but Mr. Jeff went to the hospital and got all better and still comes out to put up the tent, but does not get on ladders anymore. Some of the scouts were talking about how easy it was to pack for camp because they never take a shower or change clothes; they have very little to pack. Man, I told them my backpack was so heavy I almost fell over and was like a turtle on its back. So what they do is just jump into the lake and that’s how they stay clean at camp. I thought that is a neat idea. Then they also told me that when I am in the lake and it feels like the water gets very warm, quickly turn around and swim away and do not get any in your mouth, they did not tell me why, but they help me and give me good advice. I like these scouts. Then we had to set up the tent at our own camp, and since we did one already, I thought it would be a snap, but our tent was like way bigger than the other one. Our tent was bigger and taller, and was like over 100 pieces, and it took a lot more people to set it up. Mr. Steve was the guy in charge, I think. Everyone was yelling at him, and he was yelling at everyone, and oh, Miss Reiko and her Crew were there again with all kinds of food. It was funny that after we ate, it seemed like there were less people to help finish putting up the tent. I do not think Mr. Steve was very happy about that. It took longer, but we got the tent up anyway. It was pretty funny to watch Mr. Tim move around on that little platform thing with wheels that lifted way way up. It looked like he was gong to tip over. It looked like he was having a lot of fun. Even though camp has been fun, there was a time when I had to help Miss Reiko in the kitchen. I had to put away the food, but when I looked in the 7 or 20 refrigerators and freezers, they all were stuffed with food, I mean they were all stuffed with stuff, with no more room for anything, but I managed to find a crack in between stuff and just crammed in what I had. I think I hurt my shoulder trying to push the door closed. I just know I do not want to be around when someone opens that door. I even think I saw some labels with 1999 on it. Oh yeah, we were told that we will have to go to the main building and help put meat on a stick. They call it skewering beef. I have to remember to go and skewer beef. I told my scout friends to remind me to go skewer beef, so I will not forget to skewer beef. Oh no, I gotta go now. I think it's time to make an ashtray. If I am late, I have to work kitchen duty again. I will finish my letter when I get back. Alan Important dates to remember: August 7: Skewer beef and prep for Bazaar August 9-10: Bazaar weekend August 11: Bazaar cleanup Denis Ishisaka The Cub Scouts, friends and families stayed cool during the month of July. Along with Boy Scout Troop 50, the Cub Scouts enjoyed a wonderful evening at the Wackford Aquatic Center in Elk Grove. Everyone had a great time cooling off in one of the pools or were having fun sliding down the water slides. A big thank you goes to Sharon Siu and Teri Yasuda for co-chairing this event. Thanks, ladies! Everyone had a great time! Masako Thomas Fall semester is from September 8, 2008 to January 19, 2009. Our classes are designed for busy people like you: once a week, small class size (6 to 15 students per class), offering classes for beginners, and up to kanji level 3. Tuition is $160 per semester class. Registration fee for a new student is $10. Register early by mail before the Fourth of July and save $10. Please check Sakura Gakuen adult classes website. Contact Masako Thomas at 482-8770, or sakurahanami@hotmail.com. Richard Kai The Obon festival is an annual Buddhist event for commemorating one’s ancestors and bringing back the memories from days gone by. It is a time for families to reunite, have a serving of teriyaki beef sandwiches, knock down a few snow cones, and visit with friends at the mid-summer’s Obon Odori held at the Betsuin during the month of July. The Hondo was filled with families and friends observing the annual Obon/Hatsubon Service held on the Sunday after the Obon Odori. More than 68 families paid tribute to their loved ones lost during the last year; it was a service where board members, chairs of the Betsuin’s affiliated and sponsored organizations and well-wishers offered incense in memory of their passing. Mr. Akio Seo in his annual tradition served as the chairperson for the service. The second important summer event rose upon the Temple closure of the Obon festivals. The continued planning for the Temple’s summer cultural event and largest fundraiser, under the leadership of Steve Kawano, got under full swing preparing for the opening of the 62nd annual Bazaar on August 9 and 10. There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into making the Bazaar a success. It takes a lot of person power to make the engine run smoothly. It is your opportunity to show gratitude and pay back the Betsuin and the organization members who slaved throughout the year to provide your family with sports and scouting programs, Dharma School education and Sunday classes, adult women and men Buddhist association activities and other fun-filled events. The cry for help should not be prompted by a phone call or for anyone to find it convenient to whimper weak excuses similar to my dog ate my homework. If you’re not available the weekend of the Bazaar, then help with pre-Bazaar activities such as facility construction, scrubbing vegetables, hauling ladders, sweeping and dusting, dismantling the food booths or the post-Bazaar task to tear down the canvas tent the day after the event. Come on out and lend a hand. You’ll be handsomely rewarded by the gratitude of those who need your help and through the filling of your belly with Reiko and Glady’s best grub out of the kitchen. Upcoming Events: August 9-10: Annual Bazaar September 7: First Day of Dharma School Service and Class Registration September 14: Dharma School Service and Class Registration Continues September 21: 2008-09 Dharma School Year Begins Donations Dharma School “courtyard” gratefully acknowledges donations from the following: Fumi Ishihara Utako Kimura Frances Kondo Oto’s Marketplace Tomi Tanaka Paul & Jackie Wakabayashi Emi & Louie Watanabe Sueko & Haruo Yamashita Girl Scouts Troop 569
Judy Morita-Joe Brownies 4 has been enjoying their summer by having a great pool party in June that included lots of swimming, crafts, games and a barbecue. In the month of July, the girls got together again by going to Discovery Kingdom. They will get together again in September for another year of scouting. Juniors 1 celebrated their end-of-the-year party by going to Adventure Zone for laser tag. The girls had lots of fun playing laser tag against their parents. Working up an appetite, the girls enjoyed lunch and social time with their parents and fellow Girl Scout sisters at a local restaurant following the game. August is our annual Bazaar and the Girls Scouts will be working at the indoor pastry booth. We would like to thank everyone for their continuing support through their donations of baked goodies to the booth and by purchasing the delicious items from the pastry booth. Legacy Endowment Fund BoardRuth Seo The Legacy Endowment Fund theme, “Okagesama,” reminds us that we enjoy the benefits of many wonderful advantages today because of individuals who gave their time, talents, and effort to make these things possible. The Legacy Endowment Fund exists today because of the vision and pioneering efforts of many committee members who spent countless hours laying the groundwork so that the fund could become a reality. With the feeling of Okagesama, we wish to acknowledge and thank those who worked to make this possible. In 2001, Reverend Kosho Yukawa led the effort for the establishment of the Endowment Fund as it was his dream to create a means by which funds could be generated to ensure the continued success of the Sacramento Buddhist Church. Under the chairmanship of Aileen Nishio, the first group was the Betsuin’s Board of Trustees Planning and Evaluation Committee, composed of Reverend Yukawa, Valerie Fong, Akio Seo and Mark Umeda, with Sherman Iida and Mike Nagai giving advisory support. Their hard work developed the basic purposes, concepts and parameters for the fund. In June 2002, a new Board committee chaired by Wayne Kurahara joined the existing committee and added Richard Kai, Curtis Ishii and Thomas Okamoto to the group. They worked on the mission statement, bylaws, policies, brochure and fundraising ideas. In April 2005, the Board of Trustees approved the mission statement and bylaws, which made it possible to create an independent Endowment Fund Board. Wayne chaired two golf tournaments through the Sacramento Adult Buddhist Association, which raised more than $35,000 for the Endowment Fund. The first Legacy Endowment Fund Board was initially chaired by Bobby Tanaka. He was succeeded by Ted Yoshimura, who is presently the chairman. Others serving on the first board include Valerie Fong, Mark Umeda, Hank Nishikawa, Ken Furukawa, Marcia Matsuda, Ruth Seo, Allan Hoshida and Kelvin Mark. Joyce Sahara recently filled the vacancy left by Hank Nishikawa. Reverend Bob and Derek Seo have helped in advisory capacities. Major accomplishments have been the production of the brochure and the informational packet distributed to the Sangha, selection of the fund investment manager, informational workshops, funding guidelines, and supporting the Ministers’ Assistants Program Kyoshi Ordination as the first recipients of the Legacy Endowment Fund. Special recognition goes to Valerie Fong and Mark Umeda, who have steadfastly served on the committees from the initial organization in 2001 to the present date. Valerie has kept the minutes for many years and Mark shares his legal expertise. The journey over the last seven years has resulted in the successful creation of the Legacy Endowment Fund, which generates funds through the interest earned on long-term investments. Your donations help the fund grow and will help realize the goals and dreams of keeping the Sacramento Betsuin strong and vibrant for years to come. With gratitude and much appreciation to all who have and continue to contribute, the spirit of Okagesama lives on as we “Honor the Past, Continue the Legacy, and Shape the Future” through the Legacy Endowment Fund. Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association Utako Kimura PRE-MEETING SERVICE: JULY 2Rinban Bob Oshita led us in the chanting of the Juseige, a brief period of meditation, harmony and unity. Reverend Nakata was excused to enjoy being with Kanon — and of course Michi — this even though Reverend Nakata shared that caring for Kanon-chan and Michi was more work than being at work.Rinban shared with us that there have been Sangha services the last two Sundays (Sunday School is in recess for the summer).In the opening of the sermon, Rinban posed a question: “How does one handle people who are rude when you try to be nice?” Rinban explained that we must first understand the question. Buddha did not teach “niceness.” The intent of Buddhism is to be “real,” seeing reality. It is one who comes and goes as he or she is. Only one who is awakened knows true compassion. One must possess both wisdom and compassion.The best way to explain this, Rinban continued, is through the story of Genshin — an 11th century religious teacher and writer. The Emperor realized the brilliance of Genshin. The Emperor told Genshin that he wanted him to be head of the temple. Genshin answered that he only wished to teach, so the Emperor built him a school. In late autumn, several deer came down to forage around the school. Genshin stopped talking and started to beat the deer. After seeing Genshin beat the deer, many of his students left the school because they felt he was a hypocrite, teaching them about compassion and yet beating the deer. All left except one student. This student asked Genshin, “Why did you beat the deer?” Genshin said he loved the deer. Because he loved the deer, he knew that soon the hunters would come. Genshin wanted the deer to realize that when they saw humans they needed to run away.Rinban pointed out that this act becomes both wisdom and compassion. If you have only wisdom, you become cold. If you have only compassion, you become an enabler. As you go through life, please remember this story. Use it to make sure that you are both wise and compassionate.OPENING Sandy Nishimura-Yee led the Opening Gassho. President-Elect Lynn Kurahara welcomed everyone. PRESIDENT FUSAKO TAKAHASHI RESIGNATION President-Elect Kurahara read a letter received from President Fusako Takahashi submitting her resignation from the presidency as well as other SBWA committee memberships, indicating that at this time, her need is to be there for family. The Board accepted her resignation with much reluctance. A letter has been sent accepting her resignation with understanding and gratitude, lauding her leadership. The Board expressed its thank you to Fusako for her ever-present cheerful manners, dedication and guidance to ensure the Sacramento Buddhist Women’s Association has quality accomplishments. In addition, extended to husband Noboru a speedy return to good health. We will miss you, Fusako. President-Elect Lynn Kurahara will succeed Fusako Takahashi. Congratulations to Lynn. We look forward to continued accomplishments through your efficient and gracious leadership. CORRESPONDENCE, DONATIONS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTSWe are pleased to remain faithful in sharing with you the generosity of friends and fellow members presenting us with monetary and thoughtful notes. We thank each with heartfelt appreciation.Fusako Takahashi Appreciation for Being Allowed to Serve as SBWA President Kazuko Uyeminami 25th Year Memorial for Joe Uyeminami CORRESPONDING SECRETARY - SUEKO YAMASHITA AND UTAKO KIMURA We wish to call attention to the great support and care we receive from our Sangha Editor Cliff Adams. We recognize the monumental task involved in at least formatting our “expert” writings into the monthly, very special newsletter to be enjoyed by members and friends. Thank you, Cliff. HISTORIAN – VI HATANO We are pleased to report that a disc of photos has been received from Reverend Kaz — history in the making. Historian Vi Hatano invites everyone to share pictures to become a part of SBWA history — please send them to her. Conferences and Meetings – Alice Kataoka AND HIROKO TSUDA 2009 Federation of Buddhist Women’s Association Conference – October 9, 10, 11 at the DoubleTree Hotel, Sacramento Chairman Alice Kataoka reminded members of the FBWA meeting scheduled for 1 p.m. on July 16, 2008 at the Sacramento Buddhist Church. The primary agenda item is the conference budget. The committee remains open to receiving suggestions for possible program participants. Refreshment-serving members are Junko Egi, Fumie Ishihara, Heidi Sakazaki and Tomi Tanaka. The FBWA meeting follows the NCBWA meeting, also scheduled for the same date. RELIGIOUS – MOLLY KIMURAObon/Hatsubon services were held on Sunday, July 13, with Guest Speaker Socho Koshin Ogui. Oshoko representative at the 9:30 a.m. service was Lynn Kurahara. The 1:30 p.m. service was chaired by Molly Kimura with organist Machiko Kimura and oshoko representative Alice Kataoka. Refreshments were served by Rieko Inaba and Fusako Takahashi. Obon — a time to remember our friends and family no longer with us with dancing on Saturday, July 12, and the services — enjoyable and memorable. Social Services – Marcia Matsuda and Mitzie Muramoto· Reverend Shiro Nishi, whose BCA-sponsored funeral service was held on February 17, 2008 at the Fresno Betsuin, has been remembered with a sympathy card and okoden sent to Mrs. Nishi. · Shizuko Koshimizu, who passed away on June 1, 2008, has been remembered with a sympathy card and okoden sent to her daughters. A memorial service was held on June 9. MEMBERSHIP – DIANE MURANAKA AND SANDY NISHIMURA-YEE The response to our forms asking for information to ensure an accurate recording of members’ data has been most gratifying. The committee thanks each and everyone for taking time to complete the form and returning it to the Phone Tree Committee for delivery at the July 2 SBWA meeting. SPECIAL EVENTS – FRANCES KONDO 62nd Annual Bazaar: August 9-10 Frances Kondo, Lynn Kurahara, Irene Takeda and Chizuko Sakaishi have been to North American Food to place orders for ingredients needed to prepare sushi for the Bazaar. Like everywhere else, there has been dollars increase in the products we need — the dollar amount from 2007 is over $400. At the next Bazaar meeting, the committee will present for approval the recommended increase in price for the sushi. · Plastic sushi molds are available at a cost of $15 each. SBWA will purchase 10 molds for use in preparing the sushi. · Phone Tree Committee members have been asked to contact fellow members to let them know of the schedule to help in the food preparation. Friday, August 8 at 7:30 a.m., Saturday, August 9 at 2 a.m., Sunday, August 10 at 2 a.m. · Baggers needed: Elaine Yoshikawa needs baggers for Sunday, August 10 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Please contact Elaine if you can help us. Tamale Fund Outing: Thursday, July 10 The outing was a huge success. Thank you to Mary Inouye for making the arrangement for a bus ride — memorable — indeed, it was like a school bus, as was mentioned at meetings. We reminisce with enjoyment the special environment — the air conditioning was provided by the warm draft coming through an open window, that is, if the ladies remembered how to open it from days of yore. One did not need a comb, as the draft took care of it. If one did not exercise in the morning, not to worry, every bump on the road gave us up and down, sideways movements. It was priceless, a rare ride in rarified air, most enjoyable, fun ride and wonderful, wonderful experience. The driver was most cordial, helpful and thoughtful. Oh, conservative Mary went for the least expensive mode of transportation — wanted to be sure there was some money remaining to donate to the ever-smiling, hardworking church maintenance crew for purchasing special tools to use in their maintenance work. Yes, we have a caring Chair. Added thank yous go to Alice Kataoka for purchasing the tickets (yes, funded from the tamale sales) and distributing before boarding the exciting bus. The Music Circus Sound of Music was a “10”! The acting was super, from Von Trapp and Maria down to the youngest Von Trapp child. Even the German soldiers looked real. Oh, the Mother Superior and the nuns were superior. Unbelievable what electronic devices do to whet your imagination as in fleeing the enemy-infested area in their car (we only heard the engine starting, then zooming off to safety) and the Von Trapp family climbing the mountains to their new home in the Swiss Alps. We reboarded our bus — parked just outside the main entrance — the very first one, with at least six of those so-called modern motorcoaches lined up behind our bus! It was on to Mizu Japanese Seafood Buffet. We enjoyed sushi, mini cream puffs, pies, ice cream, cakes, green tea ice cream, sashimi, nigiri sushi, caramel shrimp w/walnuts, teri chicken, beef, pork, fish, soup, sushi bar, sunomono, fresh veggie salad, rice, watermelon, you name it, the entrée was there. Ensuring we were well-fed, we thank Masako Fukuda and Tomi Tanaka for arranging and paying (yes, tamale fund). A huge thank you to Mary Inouye for chairing this happy event and her committee chairs, Masako Fukuda, Alice Kataoka and Tomi Tanaka. The 2008 Tamale Fundraiser has been set for October 4 and 5. $10 will get you 10 expertly handmade tamales, neatly placed in a styrofoam box. The tamale tickets will be available for purchase beginning with the 62nd Annual Bazaar on August 9 and 10. Chairman Mary Inouye will continue to keep us posted. CRAFTS FOR CHURCH BAZAAR – SHIRLEY KATO AND MASAKO FUKUDAFriday, July 11 was the last day for crafts with Masako Fukuda. We would like to call attention to a correction of information that appeared in the July SBWA Sangha article. We needed to say thank you to Lori Hara for the donated rice sacks. Lori is the niece of the late Rose Hara. We apologize for this misinformation. ANNOUNCEMENTS/CLOSING President Lynn Kurahara thanked members for providing “good health treats” — Gladys Adachi, Jean Kaneko, Molly Kimura, Utako Kimura, Reiko Kurahara, Mitzie Muramoto, Patti Oshita and Heidi Sakazaki. Reiko Kurahara for setting up the refreshments. Dates to remember - · July 24, 8 a.m. – Sushi su preparation. · July 25, 1:30 p.m. – Kanpyo cutting · August 6 – Wednesday – SBWA Meeting. 6:45 p.m. service. 7 p.m. meeting. President Kurahara thanked Rinban Bob and everyone for attending the meeting. Rinban Oshita led the closing gassho. Drew Quan In the month of June, many activities and important events have taken place in Troop 50. For June, the theme of the month was “Aquatics” and the service patrol was led by Patrol Leader Kelly Uda and Patrol Leader Christopher Chin. On June 13, there was a tentative patrol meeting and the end of school! On June 20, there was an off-site troop meeting at the CSUS Aquatic Center with Assistant Scoutmaster Roger Ito following a Greenbar at 8 p.m. June 28-29, Troop 50 had Smurf activities at the church led by Scoutmaster Spencer Wong and Assistant Scoutmaster Gary Gotow. In the month of July, the theme was “Bazaar Setup” and the service patrol was Jonathan Lowe and Markus Mar-Lui. Historian Eric Fong thought that the month of June was “very informative of what events were coming up in the months to come.” The great fundraiser and Chevy’s was also held on July 8. The Troop received 25 percent of the food bill from each customer with a Troop 50 coupon at the restaurant. The Chevy’s fundraiser seemed very successful because many Scouts and families attended this event to try to help Troop 50. On July 11, Troop 50 had their Greenbar, Parent meeting, Court of Honor, Senior Patrol Leader election, Scribe and Historian leadership interviews, Obon setup, and the Scout overnighter. Assistant Senior Patrol Leader Scott Yasuhara said, “The 11th of July was the best event this month because we were able to sleep overnight at the Buddhist Church and we had many fun activities. There were some very memorable moments.” Scribe Matt Nitta also added, “Everyone had a great time staying overnight at the church. We played basketball and had many other activities to do. We all got along and made the night the best it could be.” Funerals Sumiko Saito Family In Memory of Sumiko Saito Sumiye Komura In Memory of Sumiye Komura Tohokujin Shinwa Kai In Memory of Sumiko Saito Billy & Grace Hatano In Memory of Sumiko Saito Bill, Marlene & Dana Ohara In Memory of Sumiye Komura Roy Higashino In Memory of George Aoki John & Kazue Tanaka In Memory of Lucille Yoshioka M/M Isamu Kobata In Memory of Sumiko Saito Memorial DeWayne Nakayama In Memory of Bill & Shizuko Nakayama Yoshioka Family In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka Yoshie & Gwen Iwasaki 7th Year for Richard Iwasaki Joann Muramoto Family In Memory of Ronald Muramoto Grace Nakao 1st Year for John Nakao Harriett Sekikawa 1st Year for Mary Sakamoto Ralph & Pearl Sugimoto 50th Year for Jane Sugimoto George & Sachi Hiromoto In Memory of Toshiko Hiromoto Abe Harold & Maizie Hiromoto 49th Day for Toshiko Abe Matsui & Cabanilla Family In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka Randy Yamada Family In Memory of Randy Yamada David & Gordon Abe 49th Day for Toshiko Abe Wayne Horita 1st Year for Fumiko Horita Brian Mori Family 1st Year for Yukie Mori Glenn & Sami Nakao 1st Year for John Nakao Karen Nakao 1st Year for John Nakao Mineko Nishimoto In Memory of Kazuo Nishimoto Shig Shimazu In Memory of Mary Shimazu Adell Takata In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka Edwin & Arlene Toy In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka James & Laura Watkins In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka George & Tule Yomogida In Memory of Roy Muraoka Billy & Grace Hatano In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka Stephen & Donna Hiromoto Family 49th Day for Toshiko Abe Hideo & Helen Ikenoyama In Memory of Toshiko Abe Tom & Sheila Inks In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka Kikuye Makishima In Memory of Bill & Shizuko Nakayama Randall Mori Family 1st Year for Yukie Mori Dennis & Jerodine Muramoto 3rd Year for Ronald Muramoto Gary Muramoto Family 3rd Year for Ronald Muramoto Mike & Aileen Nishio In Memory of Ronald Muramoto Howard Sakai 49th Day for Toshiko Abe Dennis & Diane Shimosaka In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka H. & P. Yamamura In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka LaVerne Ishibashi In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka Steve Kotani In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka M/M Isao Hamada In Memory of John Nakao Lou Ann Harada In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka M/M Sadao Itamura 1st Year for Yukie Mori Marianne Lee In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka Jeff Harada In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka Rusty & Clara Kaihara In Memory of Lucille Emiko Yoshioka George & Bette Morita In Memory of Tsuyako Saruwatari Frances Nakahara |
