special lecturer kangaku chik¯o nait¯ostephen & jean kashiwada..... in memory of chizuko mary...

FEBRUARY 2015 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 52, NO. 2 PAGE 7

Traditionally, family memorial services are held for loved ones ondesignated anniversaries. These are precious occasions to honor thetreasured memories of our beloved ones and to realize how fortunate we

are to be embraced by Amida Buddha’s Light of Wisdom and Life ofCompassion.

If you have a loved one who has passed away in the following years, andwould like to schedule a family memorial service, please call the Temple office.Year ofDeath2014 1st annual memorial 1 year from date of death2013 3rd anniversary memorial 2 full years from date of death2009 7th anniversary memorial 6 full years from date of death2003 13th anniversary memorial 12 full years from date of death1999 17th anniversary memorial 16 full years from date of death1991 25th anniversary memorial 24 full years from date of death1983 33rd anniversary memorial 32 full years from date of death1966 50th anniversary memorial 49 full years from date of death

2015 FAMILYMEMORIALSERVICESCHEDULE

“MODERN SOCIETY ANDTHE TEACHINGS OF THE

PURE LAND”

Special LecturerKangaku Chiko Naito

(Kangaku: Eminent Scholar of Jodo Shinshu)Professor Emeritus, Ryukoku University, Kyoto, Japan

FEBRUARY 21, 20151 P.M. – 4 P.M.

BUDDHIST CHURCH OFFLORIN

7235 Pritchard Road, Sacramento

Fee: $5Contact: Reverend Yuki Sugahara (Buddhist Church of Florin)

(916) 383-1831 [email protected]

NORTHERNCALIFORNIADISTRICTSPECIALLECTURE

Fall semester wrapped up with New Year and end-of-semester celebrationsfor the youth and adult students. Spring semester has just begun. Adultclasses started on February 2. It is not too late to join a class. Fill out the

registration form and come to a Monday class ready to have fun learning.Church members get a 20% discount on Monday tuition. This semester, adultclasses offered on Mondays include:• Beginner level 2: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.• Intermediate level 1: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.• Intermediate level 2: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.• Intermediate level 4: 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.• Nihongo-only class: 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.• Kanji class 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

For more information on the adult classes offered, visit: http://sakuragakuen.org/classes/adult-classes/ or contact Mrs. Thomas at: [email protected].

Saturday Kinder class is open for enrollment throughout the year. We offerintroductory and advanced versions of our Kindergarten program. Thissemester, youth classes are building on the foundations laid down in fall.Saturday’s students are looking forward to the annual spring events, includinga speech contest and a field trip to San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival. Tolearn more about the school, visit http://SakuraGakuen.org or call (916) 542-0557.

SAKURAGAKUENJAPANESELANGUAGESCHOOLJOHN MCDONNELL

JANUARY 2015 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 52, NO. 1 PAGE 6

QUESTIONSANDANSWERSWITH YOUTHPROGRAMPARTICIPANTS(CONTINUED)

What do you plan to do with your training?I find that I can use my training in everyday life, whether it’s being considerateand thinking about others, or even simply appreciating and being grateful forthe many things I have in life. I use the skills I learned at the retreat toparticipate in services on the onaijin whenever I can and will hopefully usethose skills to be a significant member of many church groups and of the YACin the future.

•••••

Although Ty, Steven, Keri and many students have benefited with YAC tuitionsupport and program underwriting from the LEF, the temple and sangha arethe true beneficiaries. We appreciate their dedication to the temple andcommunity as they learn, grow and “shape the future.”

3\jdw6/Ws4BXejr^

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Happy New Year! These chilly winterdays of the New Year are full of ritual, memories and promise. Toastedmochi warms the misty mornings and is a great way to start a healthy

day. This year of the sheep is the perfect time to start a Japanese language class.The spring classes for adults begin on February 2. See http://sakuragakuen.org/classes/adult-classes/ for the latest course offerings that include beginning toadvanced, kanji and refresher classes to our high school after school class.

Registration for the adult spring semester is on January 12 at 7:30 p.m. in theannex. Classes require a minimum of 8 students to be held, so register onJanuary 12 to ensure a spot in the class of your choice. Drop by registration forour Monday dean, Mrs. Thomas, to assist you with enrolling in the mostsuitable course for you. Buddhist Church of Sacramento members get a 20%discount on tuition for Monday classes. For more information about the adultprogram, email Mrs. Thomas at [email protected].

Monday classes, excluding test preparation and kanji courses, do not requirehomework. They are designed for busy people with just 90 minutes a week tohave fun learning Japanese. Our teachers are not only skilled at teachingJapanese as a second language, but they have great stories to share that keepthe learning exciting. A potluck at the end of the semester caps youraccomplishments and is always fun. Potluck entertainment stretches the gamutfrom Elvis impersonators, Placer Taiko and hula dancing. All this ANDlearning or refreshing a second language — the Monday language classes are abargain.

Join us as we take the opportunity of the New Year to look back and at thesame time to look ahead as we reflect on all who have shaped us and what wecan share and learn from each other. Enjoy this Year of the Sheep, the year ofthe generous, kind and clever.


On Sunday, November 16, the Sacramento Betsuin Dharma Schoolacknowledged and thanked Mrs. May Arai and Mrs. Mieko Oto for theirmany years of dedicated service to our Dharma School program,

specifically the 6th Grade class. Mrs. Arai had 36 years of teaching and Mrs.Oto had 47 years of teaching at theBetsuin. Along with their families,Steve Hiromoto shared how he wasfortunate to spend 520 or so Sundays(13 years) teaching with the twoladies.

With help from Steve Hiromoto andSandy Tokunaga, they were able togather family members to join them atthis special service. Bobby Tanaka andGillian Ohta shared their memories ofthe ladies. A special flowerarrangement (donated by JerryTokunaga) and cake (donated by SteveHiromoto) were given to the ladies.They also received a certificate fromDharma School Superintendent

Valerie Fong, commending them and thanking them for their years of service toour Dharma School program.

Congratulations, Mrs. Arai and Mrs. Oto!

RECOGNITIONFOR MAY ARAIAND MIEKO(CHOKO) OTO

Reverend Patti, Valerie Fong,Mrs. Mieko Oto, Mrs. MayArai, Jan Arai Phillips,Reverend Bob

DECEMBER 2014 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 51, NO. 12 PAGE 8

Thank you for your support of the language school this last month at theRamen Fest. The generosity of The Best Betsuin is greatly appreciated.

This fall has been a flurry of energy at the Saturday school with the excitementof Undokai (Sports Day), Aki Matsuri (Fall Festival), cooking and the other funcultural activities our teachers have shared with us. December will be a bitquieter as our young students focus on their studies in preparation for the fallsemester final exam. This is a chance for beginning students to show off theirmastery of the kana (phonetic writing system). Our teachers use fun mnemonictricks, songs and imagery to help with memorization. Weather permitting,students can be seen in the courtyard with hiragana and katakana flashcards inone hand and onigiri in the other. Advanced students are practicing practicalspeaking skills with skits and simulations of being in a restaurant or asking fordirections in Tokyo. After the exams, the Saturday students and their familieswill have a potluck luncheon. The annual theme is “my heritage” and the rangeof dishes, from curry rice and gyoza to borscht, ravioli, tamale and somosa, willbe mouthwatering.

Monday evening’s adult students are anticipating the New Year’s potluck(January 26) and cultural activity (TBD). It has been said that food defines aculture and the school’s activities are big on food as well as making learningfun. Enrollment for Monday spring classes is on January 12, 2015 at 7:30 p.m. inthe annex. Continuing students can register in their current class. Springsemester begins February 2, 2015. For more information, contact Dean Thomasat [email protected] or check out the adult class web pages:sakuragakuen.org/classes/adult-classes/

SAKURAGAKUENJOHN MCDONNELL

As the morning air gets chilly, the traditions of the season stir. Anticipation ofthe mochi tsuki rises. Mochi and mandarins are staples of the holiday, as well asintegral to the traditional okasane. This month, the Sakura Gakuen ParentTeacher Committee (PTC) will be selling organic satsuma mandarins (mikan) asits principal fund raiser. Place your order now and pick up in the annex whenyou pick up your mochi in the kaikan on December 13.

Please use the above form to order mikan (satsuma mandarins). Additionalforms may be found in the hallway by the Sakura Gakuen display, the newbulletin board in the annex or online at: sakuragakuen.org/forms/fundraiser-forms/

Hello members: Troop 50’s annual Crab Feed will be held on Saturday,January 17, 2015, at the Buddhist Church Kaikan. Seating will begin at4:30 p.m. and dinner will be served promptly at 5:30 p.m.

You may request tickets from the Buddhist Church office or speak to anyTroop 50 Boy Scout, who would happily sell you a ticket. The tickets are $45.Dinner includes all-you-can-eat salad, bread, savory pasta, Dungeness crab anddessert. You may also place a “to go” order and dinner will be packaged foryou to take out.

Checks can be made payable to “Boy Scouts Troop 50.” If you need furtherinformation, please contact Kay Fong at 628-5224. Thank you for all yoursupport.

ANNUALCRAB FEEDNICK SHEBERT

JUNE 2014 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 51, NO. 6 PAGE 8

The excitement is intensifying as the members of the Betsuin Choir arepreparing to host the first-ever Choir Festival in the Capital City onSaturday, June 21! We welcome you to join us at 1 p.m. in the Hondo to

listen to our guests as they have been preparing months on their individualarrangement of songs.

The directors of the choirs are:Fresno Toshiko NorimotoMountain View Jim GrayPalo Alto Alice FukushimaSacramento Alice KurotoriSan Francisco Misaye AbikoSan Jose Nancy Hikoyeda

The day’s events are as follows:9:30 – 10:15 Registration (Kaikan)10:30 – 10:55 Opening Service11:00 – 11:30 Mass Choir Rehearsal11:45 – 12:30 Individual Choir Warm-Ups & Lunch1:00 – 3:00 Individual & Mass Choir Performances4:00 – 5:00 Entertainment & Dinner (Kaikan)

We would like to express our heartfelt thank yous to the following people fortheir generous donation to our choir:Lorna M. Fong .................................. In Memory of Mary Kawano FongGrace Hatano .................................... Special DonationStephen & Jean Kashiwada ............ In Memory of Chizuko Mary Sakaishi

In Harmony and Gassho,Sacramento Betsuin Choir

CHOIRFESTIVAL:JUNE 21

INTRO TOBUDDHISM

The support of school by the sangha is greatly appreciated. The Kodomono Hi onigiri sale was a success with the onigiri selling out in recordtime. Domo arigato gozaimasu.

Sakura Gakuen wound up the year with a lovely promotion and graduationceremony in William Land Park. Some of the students have been taking classessince kindergarten! We had three graduating students who have attended foreight years, mastered the school curriculum and eaten untold numbers ofonigiri on Saturday mornings for snack. Graduates gave short speechesdemonstrating their skills. Certificates of completion, report cards and giftswere handed out after everyone sang the traditional graduation song “Hotaruno hikari” in Japanese. Parents were reminded of the fun coming up at theAugust Bazaar, before the potluck picnic commenced. The potluck was arainbow of tastes from traditional Japanese summer dishes — zaru somen,chirashizushi, yakisoba, yaki onigiri, suika (watermelon) and refreshing mugicha —to tamales, somosa and macaroni salad. Sharing culture and expanding ourhorizons is part of the school’s mission, and what a memorably delicious wayto promote that on the last day of the school year.

Interested in learning or refreshing your knowledge of Japanese? Want toprepare for a trip to Japan?• Enroll in Adult Monday afternoon-evening classes on August 18 at 6 p.m. in

the Annex for classes that begin on Monday, September 8. Contact Thomassensei for more information about the Monday class offerings.

• Fall registration for the Saturday children’s school is Saturday, August 23,with the first day of instruction on September 6.

If you are curious about the language school, drop by the Bazaar’s Ginza boothand talk with a parent or teacher about the program or visit the school’s webpages at www.sakuragakuen.org.


ALL YOU NEED TO KNOWABOUT BUDDHISM

FOR ANYONE 9 YEARS OLD AND UP

MONDAY, JUNE 2 AND MONDAY, JUNE 9, 7–8:30 P.M.BETSUIN CLASSROOMS

REVEREND BOB WILL BE GIVING TWO1.5 HOUR SESSIONS

Please sign up in the Temple Office.Any questions? Contact Reverend Patti: [email protected]

MAY 2014 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 51, NO. 5 PAGE 6

EWASTE DONORS TO LEFBJust a reminder, LEFB has a Legacy Endowment Fund e-Waste Program. Thankyou very much for past donations.

The LEFB thanks and acknowledges generous donations to the e-wasteprogram from the following: Brian Hatano, Sam & Gladys Adachi, KeikoSawada, Carolyn Nagata, Hachi Kawakami.

Any individual or businesses that would like to schedule a free pick-up at yourhome or office, please call (800) 317-3112 or go to www.eWaste4good.com.Remember to specify that you wish your donations to go to the SacramentoBuddhist Church Legacy Fund.

LEGACYENDOWMENTFUND(CONTINUED)

Sign up in the temple office! Questions? Please contact Reverend Patti [email protected].

May 29, 7 p.m. – ClassroomsLet’s Talk about Your Meds — Tips and Advice from Your Friendly Pharmacistwith Dr. Denis Ishisaka.

THURSDAYNIGHTMEDICALSERIES

May 5, Kodomo No Hi, Children’s Day, is a celebration of kids. Thisyear, the school will hold its 2nd Annual Onigiri Fundraiser onSunday, May 4. Made by students and families of the Saturday youth

school , beautiful O-hina sets and carp-styled Spam musubi along with bakesale items are on the menu that morning after service (10:30 a.m.–12 noon). Theproceeds will fund the school’s many enrichment activities as well as basicoperating costs.

In January, the Saturday youth students were treated to mochi, and Kanto andKansai versions of o-zo ni, practiced shodo skills as they wrote appropriate NewYear’s kanji. The adult students were treated to an evening of’vibrant culturecourtesy of Placer Ume Taiko. As part of the spring speech contest of youthstudent-written speeches about Japanese culture, students and guests weretreated to sakura mochi from Osaka-ya and a selection of Japanese sodas.

Last month, an all-day field trip to San Francisco’s Cherry Blossom Festival wasenjoyed by Saturday students. As we have a growing number of new familieswho are not heritage learners, the trip to SF’s Nihonmachi was a new experiencewith all the sights, sounds, smells and flavors. It was fun to watch theexcitement grow on the faces of our new students. The trip also provides apractical lesson in using their language skills. Please support the school and itsmission to promote an appreciation of Japanese culture and language with yourcontributions to our fundraisers (onigiri in spring and ramen in late fall).

You may see students muttering in Japanese or thumbing through flashcardsthis month as they prepare for the final exam on all they have mastered thisyear at Sakura Gakuen. This year, there may be at least three graduates fromthe school. This is a major accomplishment demonstrating an eight-yearcommitment to learning Japanese and devoting their Saturdays to another dayof school. These students do not need luck to pass their final exam; they justneed much-deserved admiration from us all.

School will begin September 8 for the Monday Adult classes with enrollmenton August 18 (6 p.m.–7 p.m.). The Saturday classes begin on September 6 within-person early enrollment on the morning of August 23 (9 a.m.–11 a.m.). Forthe latest information on class offerings and enrollment, see the school websiteat http://sakuragakuen.org.

The school will have a booth at the Pacific Rim Festival this month, May 18, inOld Sacramento, and also at the SacAnime convention over Labor Dayweekend. Drop by and say hello. Meet our teachers and enthusiastic studentvolunteers at these events. For more details watch our website announcementsand news.


Don’t miss out on the fun! ABA is hosting a dance, “Just Like Ol’ Times,”on Saturday, May 17, 8 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. at the Sacramento BuddhistChurch. Music will be from the ’50s through the ’80s with line dancing.

Tickets are $10 per person in advance; $13 at the door. Refreshments will beavailable.

To purchase tickets, contact Willie Hayashida at [email protected].

ABA DANCE:MAY 17

Please be aware that articlesfor the SANGHA are due onthe 15th of each month.Late articles will bepublished in the followingmonth's issue.

When sending articles by e-mail, please send e-mail to:[email protected] a cc to:[email protected] inform the churchoffice at 446-0121. Pleaseinclude the author's name.Thank you.

MARCH 2014 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 51, NO. 3 PAGE 8

Fulfill your new year’s resolution to enhance and heighten appreciation forthe teachings of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism. Save the date: Saturday, April19, to join fellow sangha members of the Northern California district

temples for “Switch On!”

Hosted by the Buddhist Church of Stockton, the one-day event will featureinspirational dharma messages by Reverend Peter Inokoji-Kim and ReverendKatsuya Kusunoki, followed by the wit and humor of Sensei KoichiMizushima’s keynote message. The afternoon will feature an interactiveworkshop and end with the upbeat sounds of “rockin’” Reverend YukiSugahara on the electric bass guitar.

Registration fees are $25 for adults and $15 for youth 18 years and under untilMarch 31. For more information, please contact the Buddhist Church ofStockton at (209) 466-6701 or at [email protected].

NORTHERNCALIFORNIABUDDHISTCONFERENCESATURDAY,APRIL 19

I’d like to start by welcoming Gordon Nitta as the new chairman of Buildingand Equipment. Because Gordon is still quite busy with several committees, Ivolunteered to assist him with some of the duties of the maintenancedepartment—such as writing some of the SANGHA articles. Also, I would like towelcome David Gellerman, a new Board of Trustees member who will serve onthe Maintenance Committee.

“Where does all the money go?” It is a question we hear periodically. Peoplewonder how the temple could have a negative cash flow problem. It wouldseem like there should be plenty of money with all the donations each month.Every month the SANGHA lists the generous contributions of our members. Whylast month alone, members donated $21,043.95 plus one very generousanonymous dana of $10,000 (thank you), for a total of $31,043.95. Plus, we havehalf the profits of the Bazaar each year.

So, back to the original question, “Where does the money go?” In addition tothe salaries, utilities, insurance, taxes, janitorial supplies, there is the issue ofmaintaining the buildings, equipment, trellises, roofs, HVACs, etc. Currently,the Board of Trusties has been discussing what to do about our aging trellises.We have determined that they should be replaced in the next two to threeyears—probably in stages. We are currently examining a few options, each onewell over $100,000. Just 1-1/2 years ago, we spent close to $60,000 in neededimprovements to obtain the tent permit. Within the last year, we spent about$2,000 on repairs to the double steamer in the outdoor kitchen. Last Bazaar, bySunday morning, two of the fryers had broken down. We’ve had themprofessionally worked on a couple of times. After talking with Sherman,Gordon and I elected to purchase two new efficient fryers on an amazing rebateprogram — about $1,650. One of our board members anonymously purchasedthe third. In the next two to four years we will need to refurbish the Hondoroof — estimated $25,000–$28,000. All of our eight HVACs are approaching 35years old. Within the recent two months, we had four heaters break down. Youmay remember one very chilly Sunday morning in the hondo recently. The costto get them pumping warm air — about $1,900. The HVAC repair man said thatwe should seriously consider replacing them because it will be increasinglydifficult to find parts. We are thinking about replacing the two hondo unitsfirst. That expense will be in the neighborhood of $50,000. These are some ofthe larger expenses we will incur in the near future. Simply put, our belovedtemple at 55 years old will need some serious attention in the near future.

As is the custom of this column, I would like to thank the following people fortheir contribution in maintaining our temple. Wayne and Lynn Kurahara, Johnand Elaine Yoshikawa, Martha Kushida, Stephen Kashiwada, Grace Hatano,Irene Takeda recently added sun reflective Mylar film to all the windows in theindoor garden area to reduce energy costs. If you have ever been in theNokotsudo hallway in the summer, you know how hot it gets. The film willreflect 30% of the sun’s rays and hopefully reduce the load on the airconditioner. Thank you all.

MAINTENANCEREPORTGARY TRAGANZA

SANGHAHELPERSMisao AbeMary AmemiyaShiyoko FutabaRuth HayashiIrene HoshikoMiyoko IwataAlice KataokaMachiko KimuraYoshiko MorizawaMutsuko NoguchiTeruko OnoFaye Uyemura

OFFICEMANAGERCindy Kitade

VOLUNTEEREXTRAORDINAIRETak Ito

BETSUINOFFICE446-0121

CongratulationsNewlyweds

Akane Truong & Christopher Toyooka............... January 18, 2014


I think it is our human nature to try to capture on the calendar what natureconstantly shows us. Nature shows us that the year truly does changethroughout the passing months and at the same time there is a natural cycle tothe years repeating. While in the Sacramento Valley we start the year off in thecold middle of winter, we know from years past we will see nature opening upvery soon. As the year progresses through spring, summer and fall, the end ofnatural cycle brings us back to the end of the year.

It seems that the end of the year and the month of December is a naturallyreflective time of year. As the calendar comes to the end of the year, we can’thelp but find ourselves looking back over the last 12 months. We contemplatethe changes and challenges that have come our way. Hopefully, if we arefortunate, we find ourselves reflecting on a year in our life that is well-lived, ayear that is seasoned with reminders of all that we hold dear, and the deeplessons that we have learned on knowing love, kindness, friendship and loss.With this sense of retrospect, we then look forward to what the new year on thecalendar might bring. Through all of this though, regardless of the date on thecalendar, we need to come to realize that each and every day is a special day.We need to realize that each and every day is the perfect day to put our handstogether in gassho, and recite Namo Amida Butsu.

On behalf of Reverend Carol and me, we would like to thank the sangha of theMarysville Buddhist Church for all of their support during this past year. Welook forward to a great 2014 opening up! Lastly, only with the support of all ofthe ministers and minister assistants who make up “Team Betsuin” couldassignment to Marysville and continued coverage of Placer be possible.

With gratitude in our hearts and palms placed together… Namo Amida Butsu.

MINISTERASSISTANTS(CONTINUED)

3\jdw6/Ws4BXejr^

Akemashite omedetou gozaimasu. Happy New Year! Though partial tothe years of the rat, it is fun to watch others get excited about “their”year. Our friends born in the Year of the Horse are glowing with more

excitement than they usually exude. It is “their” time and a time for renewaland fresh starts. These cold winter days of the New Year are also full of ritualand memories. The satisfaction of the osechi lingers. Toasted mochi warms themisty mornings. The newly hung calendar catches the eye and gives pause withBasho’s poem:

Year’s endall cornersof this floating world, swept

Parents were swept up by the enthusiasm of the Saturday students enjoying theNew Year’s Culture Day as they began the year with mochi and traditionalNew Year crafts and games such as fukuwarai (like pin the tail on the donkey,but put eyes, eyebrows, mouth, etc on a blank face). After the ritual New Yearwelcome and a newly painted Daruma, the dedicated students return to theirstudies. As fall semester winds down, the recesses are punctuated with thewinter delights of warm miso shiru and hot chocolate.

The Sakura Gakuen parents would like to thank the sangha for your strongcommitment to the school and our ramen and mandarin fundraisers. You arehelping maintain a 110-year legacy Japanese language and cultural instructionin Sacramento. Thank you. If you have a group that would like some languagelessons, please contact us to see what special instruction might be arranged.

Spring semester for the Saturday youth and kinder classes begins on February 1with registration on January 25. The adult school’s spring classes begin onFebruary 3 with registration on Monday, January 13 between 7:30 p.m. and 8p.m. in the annex. Current adult class students can register in class on that day.New Monday students may register early by mail before that day to secure his/her space. The new Beginner Level 1 class for novices is from 7:30 p.m. to 9p.m. this spring. Church members get a 20% discount on Monday tuition. Formore information about the adult program, email Mrs. Thomas [email protected]. Questions about the Saturday youth and the revampedkindergarten programs can be directed to Mrs. Wood at [email protected] or the School Communications Liaison, Erica Zizak, at(916) 542-0557.

SAKURAGAKUENJOHN MCDONNELL



OCTOBER 2014 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 51, NO. 10 PAGE 12

BETSUIN ORGANIZATIONSIGNUP/INFORMATION DAY

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12IN THE COURTYARD AFTER SERVICE

Betsuin sponsored and affiliated organizations will be in the courtyard(weather permitting) to take signups and provide information. Kick offthe new Dharma School year by learning more about the programsavailable at the Betsuin.

Sakura Gakuen is in full swing with many new students eager to learnJapanese. It is not too late to join a class. See the website(SakuraGakuen.org) for more details. Church members get a 20% discount

on Monday class tuition and are exempt from the Saturday youth PTC dues.Specially tailored group classes for scouts can be arranged in preparation forthe Matsuyama trip this next summer — ask Bobby Tanaka about thisopportunity.

This summer, Mrs. Futaba Wood, the school’s dean and mentor to many at theSaturday school, retired, as did Mrs. Lawson and Buchannan. These senseihave given much to the school with their dedication and enthusiasm forsharing their love of the language and culture of Japan. They will be missed.

This fall, we welcome several new sensei to our Saturday staff: Ms. Kataoka,Mrs. Nelson and Ms. Koga. Additionally we have several assistants, includingEriko Martinez and Emi Fong. The new staff bring amazing talents in art,cooking, kendo, calligraphy and more to give our students a broad stroke ofculture in addition to mastery of the language. Undokai this year is the weekbefore the tamale sale and all are welcome to come watch and work up anappetite as the young students compete in traditional and nontraditionalUndokai activities.

Sakura Gakuen’s 3rd Annual Ramen Fest will be held on Sunday, November 23.Pre-order tickets will be available later this month and announced at service.The prospect of a tasty hot bowl of ramen on a chilly Sunday is enticing, evenon these beautiful warm fall days. Organic Satsuma mandarins (mikan) willagain be sold this November. More details on that will be in the next SANGHA

and announced after service.


Come out to the 33rd annual Florin JACL Nikkei Hot Dogs, Cupcakes, andFree Bingo Scholarship/Youth Fundraiser on Saturday, October 11, 5:30p.m. dinner (7 p.m. bingo) at the Buddhist Church of Florin, 7235

Pritchard Road (off Florin Road), Sacramento.

This is a fun, crowd-pleasing favorite for ages 8 to 80s. Savor a dozen Japanesetoppings on Nikkei (Japanese-style) all-beef hot dogs. Select from 20 types ofscrumptious cupcakes. Win some of the more than 200 bingo prizes — all foronly $10 prepaid!

Don’t miss the “classic” condiments, veggie dogs, salad, and drinks. Savor the“shoyu wienies” teriyaki dogs over rice. Check out all the neat prizes at theraffle, and activities like face painting/rub-on tattoos for the kids, pumpkindecorating, and a “world record” senbei rice cracker contest.

Florin JACL is also seeking: bingo or raffle prize donations; sponsors ($100+gold, $50+ silver, $25 bronze); cupcake bakers; and volunteers to help with set-up, cooking, serving and clean-up. Work shifts start at 9 a.m. on October 11Helping at this nonprofit event also counts for community service hours.

Advance sale tickets are just $10. Tickets are $12 at the door; $6 for ages 4–12;ages 3 and under get in free.

Mail ticket/sponsor checks by Wednesday, October 8 to Florin JACL, P.O. Box292634, Sacramento, CA 95829. Order/donor form available atwww.florinjacl.com.

To help out or for more info, just email Andy Noguchi, [email protected], orcall Marielle Tsukamoto at (916) 685-7848. To bring mini-cupcakes or cupcakes,contact Twila Tomita, [email protected] or call (916) 393-5007.

NIKKEI HOTDOGSCHOLAR–SHIP DINNER

SEPTEMBER 2013 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 50, NO. 9 PAGE 5

The summer is more than half over and it’s time to look ahead to the endof the year and beyond!

We want to give a special “thank you” to Reverend Patti Oshita for her tirelessefforts to bring exciting lectures to our Sangha members. Although we took ashort summer break, plans are in the works for more fun activities and specialguest speakers starting this month. Please watch for announcements aboutupcoming events.

As we approach the last quarter of the calendar year, now is a good time tomake additional charitable donations with the advice of your financial advisor.We have seen much success with e-waste donations, and encourage individualsand businesses to make arrangements for a free pick-up from either your homeor office. Please call (800) 317-3112, or go to www.eWaste4good.com. Be sure tospecify your wish for the donation to be directed to the Sacramento BuddhistChurch Legacy Fund. Thank you for your generous and continued support!

Please mark your calendars for the 2014 Rummage Sale, scheduled forSaturday, June 7! Since we skipped having a rummage sale this year, we hopethat you will have many more treasures ready to donate to this big fundraiser.

LEGACYENDOWMENTFUND BOARDVALERIE FONG

Donors for July 2013 to the Legacy Endowment Fund e-waste fund are:Harry and Mary Inouye, Stephen and Jean Kashiwada, June Matsubara,Oto’s Marketplace, James and Hiroko Tsuda, Eiji and Kathy Yamamoto,

and the Sacramento Buddhist Church.

Your donations are very much appreciated. Not only do they contribute to theLegacy Fund, but the waste is disposed of properly. Any individual orbusinesses who would like to schedule a free pick-up at your home or office,please call (800) 317-3112 or go to www.eWaste4good.com. Remember to specifythat you wish your donations go to the Sacramento Buddhist Church LegacyFund. Thank you for your ongoing support.

E–WASTEDONORS

Fall classes are now open for enrollment. The first Monday evening adultclass will be held September 9, but all are welcome to join an ongoingclass, if space is available. New this year: a high school after-school course

will be offered on Mondays, 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m. High school students interestedin anime, manga, conversation and culture are welcome. Church members get a20% discount on Monday classes. More information about the Monday classescan be found at http://sakuragakuen.org/classes/adult-classes, or by contactingMasako Thomas at [email protected].

The Saturday youth school is expanding its kindergarten program this fall. Inaddition to an introduction to Japanese language and culture for 4-6 year oldswith no prior exposure to Japanese, an advanced kinder course for those withsome proficiency in Japanese will be offered by Kojima sensei. Moreinformation can be found on the school’s web page: http://sakuragakuen.org/classes/kindergarten/. Saturday classes begin on September 7, but all are welcometo join an ongoing class if space is available.

It is highly recommended that beginning students enroll early as the firstsemester focuses on the basics of reading hiragana. Once the kana (syllabariesor phonetic writing systems) are mastered, Japanese is an easy language tolearn with limited grammatical rules and exceptions. Think ahead to collegeand consider making yourself more unique with knowledge of Japanese.Studying a foreign language also helps improve SAT and ACT exam scores aswell as basic academic skills (manipulate complex concepts, native tongueliteracy and creative thinking).

Writing a letter to Obasan is not all that can be done with the skills gained atSakura Gakuen. This year, students look forward to an exciting Undokai (sportsday) celebration, a whole-day field trip to explore Japanese culture and hanami(flower viewing), and the other fun holidays, including New Year’s,Hinamatsuri (doll festival), and Kodomo no hi (kids day).

Come learn in a friendly, fun and food-filled environment. More informationabout the school can be found at http://sakuragakuen.org or by contacting FutabaWood at [email protected].


MAY 2013 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 50, NO. 5 PAGE 6

Over the last couple of months, the following members performedmaintenance on the Betsuin’s facilities. The temple is sincerelyappreciative to the following members for volunteering their time,

expertise and hard efforts.

• For those of you who attended the Hanamatsuri play last month, you prob-ably noticed that the stage actually looked like a “stage.” By that I mean youdidn’t see cabinets and various items cluttering the sides and back walls. Inpreparation for refinishing the stage, Mike Nagai, Gordon Nitta, WayneKurahara, Bob Chavez and I cleared everything off the stage. After the floorwas finished, Wayne Kurahara, Gordon Nitta and I spent most of one daypainting all the walls flat black — like a professional stage. Without thedistractions, the audience can focus on the actors and their props.

• Cliff Adams and I permanently attached speaker wire to the kaikan walls.Each time Cliff runs wires to the back speakers it takes him 1.5–2 hours tostring the wires and later take them down. He does that three to four times ayear for various events. Next time he sets up the rear speakers, it will besuper quick, plus it looks a lot cleaner.

• I hope you noticed how nice the kaikan floors looked. Thank you, TedYoshimura, for taking point on getting bids and overseeing the refinishing ofthe floor of the kaikan and the stage.

• Mike Dishno replaced the front sprinkler valves at Reverend Peter’s house.He also replaced a couple of emitters and adjusted all the sprinkler heads foruniform spray patterns. Thanks, Mike.

• Can you believe it was 87 degrees one day last week? With the hot weatherjust around the corner, Don Honda volunteered to get all our swamp coolersup and running. Cool work, Don.

MAINTENANCEREPORTGARY TRAGANZA

The school’s Saturday students, families, guests and many others enjoyed aday of culture, food and activities for Hanamatsuri on a beautiful springday. The students impressed all with their skills in song, skits, karate and

dance. Taiko drumming by Bruce Morishita and company, koto and shamisenmusic by Naoko, and singing by Koichi and Ellie Mizushima inspired thestudents, who are now cramming for the end-of-the-year exam this month. Ahands-on demonstration of mochitsuki was organized by Ericca Ikemoto andfamily. Mami Nakashita and Kama Kennedy enjoyed their sunny poolside dutyof orchestrating the yo-yo tsuri, the traditional summer game of fishing forwater-air filled balloons. The day ended with bellies full of curry rice andmochi, and lovingly putting away the school’s delicate hina nigyo dollcollection.

The school will be hosting a fundraiser on Sunday, May 5, Kodomo no hi, in thekaikan. Please drop by after service to enjoy some handsome koi musubi andplayful onigiri, and support the language school.


SPECIAL LECTUREBY REVEREND TETSUO UNNO

SATURDAY, MAY 18, 20132 P.M.

CLASSROOMS 1–4

REVEREND TETSUO UNNOPASADENA BUDDHIST TEMPLE

Please sign up in the Sacramento Betsuin office.Any questions? Contact Reverend Patti at [email protected]

Sponsored by the Betsuin Legacy Endowment Fund



MARCH 2013 SACRAMENTO BETSUIN SANGHA VOL. 50, NO. 3 PAGE 8

Vehicle Donation Program – State of California only

• Free pick up and DMV paperwork• Tax-deductible at the vehicle’s selling price• Supports the Sacramento Betsuin

Please support your local vehicle donation program! To donate vehicles,contact the Betsuin office, (916) 446-0121.

SACRAMENTOBETSUINCARDONATION

NORTHERN CALIFORNIA DISTRICT COUNCILPRESENTS

A DELTA DHARMA MUSIC FESTIVAL

SATURDAY, AUGUST 31, 2013WALNUT GROVE BUDDHIST TEMPLE

WALNUT GROVE, CALIFORNIA11:00 A.M. – 4:00 P.M.

We are searching for musical talent from the temples represented by theNCDC, including: Placer, Marysville, Florin, Sacramento, Lodi,Stockton and Walnut Grove. Our goal is to feature a variety of

singing, dance and instrumental performances to appeal to all age groups. Anoutdoor event with a “tailgate” picnic atmosphere is the plan. We would like tofinalize our performers list by March 30, 2013.

Interested individuals or groups please contact:[email protected] (916) [email protected] (916) [email protected]@[email protected]

DELTADHARMAMUSICFESTIVAL

It is never too late to learn Japanese. Studies suggest that learning andusing a second language can promote brain (hippocampus) growth as wellas reduce or delay memory loss. Learning Japanese can be healthy and fun.

The spring semester of Sakura Gakuen began the first week of February butstudents may still join the classes that will run until early June. Churchmembers get a 20% discount on adult school tuition (only $148 for the fullsemester for sangha members, and late starters can get it prorated). Bring afriend and ask about the “tomodachi discount.” Contact Thomas sensei [email protected] and check out the website at www.sakuragakuen.orgfor more information.

The Monday evening adult classes offered this semester are:Beginner Conversation Level 1 ....................... 6-7:30 p.m.Intermediate Conversation Level 1 ................ 6-7:30 p.m.Intermediate Conversation Level 3 ................ 7:30-9 p.m.Advanced Japanese-Only Conversation ....... 4:30-6 p.m.Reading/Writing (Kanji) .................................. 6-7:30 p.m.

For information about the Saturday youth classes, contact Wood sensei [email protected] or drop by the annex Saturdays when classes are offered(9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.) to see what the school offers our youth.

If you know some Japanese, don’t wait for next semester. You can join anongoing class any time as long as there is room.

SAKURAGAKUENMASAKO THOMAS

Welcome New Members

Steven YasudaYasuo Takegoshi

Tim Swanson & Anita Chabria


AKEMASHITE OMEDETOU GOZAIMASU.

It has been nearly a month since the language school held its Decemberfundraiser, but the warm satisfaction of a bowl of delicious ramen as well asthe fellowship and support of the sangha still lingers. The organizational

and culinary skills, dedication, patience and energy of Ken Murakami, Karenand Keith Adachi, Judy Inaba and Bobby Tanaka made the event possible. Theschool’s gratitude to those who came to support the school was apparent in thetired smiles of the workers as they cleaned up the kaikan and kitchen thatafternoon. The Sakura Gakuen Board, teaching staff and PTC (Parent TeacherCommittee) thank all who joined us on this inaugural fundraiser for the school.The PTC would also like to extend its gratitude for the continued support ofthe annual mikan (Satsuma mandarin) sale that will fund the scholarshipprogram.

This month starts off with the Saturday students learning about the traditionsof Oshogatsu or New Year in Japan. Staples of New Year like nengajo (NewYear’s postcards), otoshidama (monetary gift), kakizome (first calligraphy), andkagami mochi (decoration) will be explained while students enjoy fresh mochi.New Year’s games, including fukuwarai (pin-the-tail-on-the-donkey-like game),and several craft projects, including kadomatsu (pine & bamboo gate decoration)and takoage (kite flying) are also part of the culture day. This culture day makesfor an easy transition back from the holiday break from school, before bucklingdown to wrap up the fall semester.

The spring semester will begin on Monday, February 4 for the adult classes andon Saturday, February 2 for the youth school. Registration for the adult classeswill be held in the Annex Monday evening January 14 at 7:30 p.m. Moreinformation about registration for adult classes can be found at http://sakuragakuen.org/classes/adult-classes/ Registration for the Saturday school willbe held February 2 at 9 a.m. Forms and information about the school can befound on the website: http://sakuragakuen.org. Church members enrolling in theadult school get a 20% discount on tuition. Members who have childrenenrolled in the Saturday language program can waive the PTC dues. Parents ofprospective new students for the Saturday classes should consult with DeanWood to assess if starting in spring is appropriate, since by spring the first-yearstudents have mastered at least the hiragana syllabary (writing system). Highschool language credit may be possible for some school districts and this yearvouchers from Visions in Education for home-schooled youth are beingaccepted by the school.


Any address changes? It will be appreciated if you would notify the officeof any address changes. Keeping up on address changes will save thechurch from paying for return postage. Thank you!

Have you paid your dues?

NOTES FROMTHE OFFICE

Placer Buddhist Church3192 Boyington Rd.Penryn, California 95663Telephone (916) 652-6139

October 21, 2012

Buddhist Church of Sacramento2401 Riverside BoulevardSacramento, CA 95816

Dear Rinban Bob Oshita and President Gordon Nitta,

On behalf of the Placer Buddhist Church Sangha, I extend our sincerestappreciation for the ministerial support you have provided us duringthe past month. The Dharma talks that your ministers and minister’s

assistants have shared with us and the genuine interest all of you havedisplayed in helping our temple during this transition period have resulted inmore of our members attending the weekly services. I sense a revitalizedinterest by our members in the spiritual side of Buddhism and continuedinterest by new attendees. Please pass on to your Board of Directors and therest of your Sangha that we at Placer Buddhist Church are deeply grateful foryour continued support. Thank you.

Yours truly,Gary HongoPresident, Placer Buddhist Church

THANK YOUFROMPLACERBUDDHISTCHURCH

special lecturer kangaku chik¯o nait¯ostephen & jean kashiwada..... in memory of chizuko mary...

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