October 2015 - Placer Buddhist Church

Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663
(916) 652-6139
th
2015
10月
THE PBC
BULLETIN
113
Year
BCA THEME:
まことの人生を歩もう
LIVE A REAL LIFE
MAKOTO NO JINSEI WO AYUMOU
A Dharma Message
By Rev. Kurt Rye
Resident Minister
Rev. Kurt Rye
Hello Placer!
Minister’s
Assistants
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Michi Mitani
Ed Nakamoto
I am incredibly grateful and honored that you have chosen me to serve
as the resident minister for Placer. It is an amazing culmination of
different causes and conditions that have returned me to the valley in
California. My first ministerial assignment was to the Fresno Betsuin,
and I quickly came to appreciate the vitality and warmth of those who
live in the valley.
2015 PBC
Officers
President
Rich Kawahata
1st Vice President
Ron Kawahata
2nd Vice President
Ed Nakamoto
Recording Secretary
René Yamashiro
Treasurers
Ted Uyeda
Jackie Itogawa
Auditors
Howard Itow
Glen Matsuoka
Editorial
Committee
Rev. Kurt Rye
Jackie Itogawa
Rich Kawahata
Ron Kawahata
Janice Uyeda Kemper
Robert Meyer
Isabel Meyer
Michi Mitani
Fusae Miyamoto
Ed Nakamoto
Joyce Uyeda Parks
Susan Higashi Rumberg
Miwako Yamashiro
One of the most basic teachings of the Buddha is the three treasures.
Though it seems a simple statement of commitment. it is also very
profound. As stated in the beginning of the Three Treasures: “Rare
is it to receive life in human form; yet now I have received it. Rare is
it to hear the Buddha Dharma; yet now I have heard it. Unless I cross
this illusive world in the present life, in what life could I possibly cross
it?”
I encourage all of us, the Placer Sangha, to take the time to reflect
and appreciate the work and devotion of the Issei founders that
created a Buddhist church over one hundred years ago. The temple
is not simply a building, but a place for us to gather to hear and share
the Dharma. It is a place where we can find our collective strength. It
is a place from which we can reach out to the larger community. And
more importantly, it is place where we can come together as family
and friends to make the Sangha grow and show one another
compassion.
As it was sad for me to say goodbye to the Ekoji Sangha, it is exciting
for me to become part of the Placer Sangha. I have already felt the
warmth of the Sangha and look forward to getting to know all of you
better and share many years expanding our understanding of the
Dharma together.
In Gassho,
Rev. Kurt
Dharma School News
By Michi Mitani
Looking Ahead to October
 Oct. 4 - Monthly Memorial Service/Perpetual Memorial Service with Rev. Rye. The Perpetual Memorial
Service honors those past PBC members who no longer have living family members to offer incense in
their memory. Their names are then placed on the Perpetual Memorial List called Eitaikyo. PBC
maintains the list, and current members of PBC offer incense in their memory.
 Oct. 11, 18, 25 - Regular Dharma Services with opportunities for children and adults to attend class.
We offer classes for children from pre-school age through high school, and adults are always welcome.
Please pick up the Fall Dharma Schedule on the counter in the lobby. The schedule
covers October through December. Please note that, with Rev. Rye as our resident minister, we will have
coffee klatches only on the Monthly Memorial Service Day and on any major Buddhist holidays.
President Fusae Miyamoto called the September 6, 2015 PBWA meeting to order at 12:05 PM after a wellattended welcome reception for Rev. Rye.By Susan Rumberg
Ongoing classes and upcoming events
With most ongoing classes taking a break during a busy September, it appears that October will be another
busy month as classes resume and with other events planned. Please mark your calendars for the
following activities.
Oct. 2, 9:00 AM
Oct. 4, 8:30 AM
Oct. 15, 10:00 AM
Oct. 16, Noon
Oct. 18
Oct. 21, 10:00 AM
Oct. 24, 2:00 PM
Friday exercise resumes
Tai Chi resumes
Senior Program: Bingo and Luau (by reservation only; please RSVP by
October 1st)
Calligraphy
Reno Howakai
Haiku resumes
Keiro Party (please submit form by October 14th)
The success and continuation of these activities depends on your participation and support. Forty-two
members enjoyed the September 3rd bus trip to the Rib Cook-Off at the Nugget in Sparks, NV. We look
forward to equally great turnouts for other events.
Bits ‘n Pieces
 PBWA Bylaws - Draft copies of proposed revisions to the Bylaws and Policies & Procedures were
distributed. They will be discussed at the October 4th meeting and all are welcome to attend.
 Yagura Skirt - PBWA will cover the cost of the dry cleaning.
 Monthly Memorial and Perpetual Memorial Service (Eitaikyo) – Scheduled for Sunday, October 4th.
Coffee klatches will be held prior to the monthly memorial services and other special services only.
 Next PBWA Meeting - Sunday, October 4th, 11:00 AM (or immediately after memorial service).
 October Toban - Lincoln/Penryn
Member Spotlight
By Joyce Parks
As one of PBC’s most active members, Grace
Yoshikawa has dedicated countless hours
over many years as both a leader and a “behind the
scenes” worker. Her generosity, straightforward
demeanor, and unassuming personality are just
some of the qualities that characterize Grace.
Whatever the task, Grace could always be relied on
to show up on time and get the job done. In 2012,
Grace was one of five PBC members recognized
for outstanding service to the church. A plaque with
her name on it is on permanent display in the
church lobby.
Prior to the war, the Yoshikawa family resided in
Newcastle, where her father farmed local fruit
orchards as a contractor. In 1939, while pregnant,
Grace’s mother traveled to Hiroshima, Japan to
help take care of a family member who was ill. It
was there that Grace was born. Her siblings
include two older sisters: Alice, who lives in
Newcastle; and Frances, who lives in Clarksburg,
California. A younger sister, Lillian, who lived in
Sacramento, passed away in 1997. Her brothers
Henry and John both live in Sacramento.
Upon their return from Tule Lake in 1945, the
Yoshikawa family first settled in Ophir, where Grace
attended grade school for a year. Later on, the
family settled in Loomis, where they bought the
home where Grace currently resides.
After
graduating from Loomis Grammar School and
Placer High School, Grace went to work for the
State Department of Motor Vehicles in Sacramento,
where she was employed for 43 years, retiring in
2000.
Since retiring, Grace has thoroughly enjoyed the
freedom of pursuing her interests. Her hobbies
include traveling, gardening, and crafting, but finds
her participation in PBC activities to be the most
rewarding. In addition to being in charge of the
Sweet Shop at the annual food bazaar, and serving
as PBWA’s correspondence secretary, Grace also
serves on the steering committee for PBC’s Senior
Program. “I enjoy working with Ed Nakamoto,
David Unruhe, and Jean Fujitani on that
committee,” she stated. “Not only do I enjoy the
social interaction, but also the challenge of finding
creative ways to engage seniors. This year we will
be offering a luau, along with bingo and live
entertainment, garden tours, speakers, and casino
side trips - and we’re always open to new ideas!”
Grace also enjoys attending PBC’s popular
Japanese folk dance/fitness classes led by
instructors Amy Hamada and Misao Hirabayashi.
The 2-hour classes are held every Friday, and the
dances learned are later taught to members of the
Reno Howakai for their Obon Festival.
In May of this year, Grace was one of four
members who represented PBC at the World
Buddhist Women’s Convention, sponsored by the
Jodo Shinshu Buddhist Temple of Canada. The
event was held in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and
attended by roughly 2,000 women (and men). Its
theme, “Embraced by the Oneness of Life,”
focused on fellowship and the relevance of
Buddhist principles and teachings in modern day
life. In addition to the program, the convention
organizers offered tours of the surrounding area’s
spectacular geography, cultural attractions, and
wildlife. “I find these conventions to be very
worthwhile because they draw Buddhists from
diverse backgrounds and experiences,” says
Grace. A seasoned traveler, she attended their
previous conventions held in Chicago, Honolulu,
and Sao Paulo, Brazil. The next one will be held
in 2019 in San Francisco. After a lifetime of travels
throughout Japan, Europe, Scandinavia, the
USSR, as well as the continental U.S., Grace says
she is now ready to put away her suitcases for the
time being.
Our Deepest Condolences
to the Families of
Shizuko Nakamura …… 7/07/1919 - 9/07/2015
Mae Hamasaki ............. 2/15/1923 - 9/12/2015
November Monthly Memorial Service
Each month, family members are encouraged to attend the Monthly Memorial Service (Shotsuki Hoyo) to
remember their loved ones who had passed away in that month. To that end, beginning with this issue, the
PBC bulletin will include a list of names that will be announced at the following month’s Monthly Memorial
Service. Also included will be the “Next of Kin on Record.” We recognize that some of the information may
need updating, so we ask members to please contact Nancy Nakamoto with their desired changes.
Nancy can be reached at (916) 412-0851, nancy@nakamoto.us, or 3454 Majestic Dr., Rocklin, CA 95765.
In Memoriam
Next of Kin on
Record
In Memoriam
Next of Kin on
Record
Ayala, Vidal
Ayala, Virginia
Moriguchi, Kamejiro
Moriguchi, Kazuko
Fujitani, James Shiro
Moriguchi, Shizuko
Moriguchi, Kazuko
Nagaoka, Tokuzo
Nagaoka, Rick
Goto, Margaret Miyoko
Fujitani, Jean , Fujitani,
Shigeru
Fujitani, Jean, Fujitani,
Shigeru
Goto, Robert
Nakamoto, Michino
Nakamoto, Edward
Goto, Sada
Goto, Robert
Nakamura, Natsu
Nakamura, Howard
Goto, Tom
Goto, Robert
Nakashoji, Heikichi
Nakashoji, Frank
Grandin, Katherine
Ayala, Virginia
Nishikawa, Mie
Yamashiro, Yoshiko
Hada, Mitsuo
Hada, Jane
Nomura, Sadao
Nomura, Frank
Hamada, George Kiyoto
Hamada, Amy
Oda, Tetsu
Oda, Shoji
Hamasaki, William
Ogawa, Tatsuo
Yamane, Edward
Hanamoto, Jack Sadao
Hamasaki, Emi,
Hamasaki, Joanie & Don
Sasaki, Lila
Onga, Yoshiji Roy
Onga, Ray
Hanamoto, Max Masato
Hanamoto, Yuriko
Osaki, Oritsu
Yamane, Aiko
Hashimoto, Jack Masao
Hashimoto, Shizuka
Sakamoto, Mitsuhiko
Sakamoto, Eiko
Horiuchi, Edward Yasuo
Nimura, Helen
Seo, Setsuyo
Seo, Ben
Horiuchi, Hisa
Shin, Billy Katsuhiko
Shin, Jane Y.
Horiuchi, Sandra Kiyomi
Nimura, Helen,
Nimura, Nobuya
Enkoji, Butch T.
Takemoto, Gosaburo
Takemoto, Tsugie
Ihara, James Yutaka
Ihara, Tomiko
Takemoto, Hiroshi “Doc”
Takemoto, Tsugie
Ikeda, Mitsugi
Regan, Darlene
Takemoto, Matsuye Irene
Takemoto, Amy
Ikeda, Sakuyo
Regan, Darlene
Takemoto, Tsunematsu
Takemoto, Amy
Iwasaki, Robert Kumaji
Kubo, Martha
Tsuetaki, Yuji
Tsuetaki, Hideko
Kagawa, Hatsuno
Hirota, Tom
Umehara, Suga
Kubo, Martha
Kaneko, Toyo
Kaneko, Mae
Uyeda, Masataka
Uyeda, Michiko
Kashima, Tsuruyo
Yokota, Ken
Uyeda, Minoru
Uyeda, Michiko
Kubota, Kuni
Yamada, Chiyoye
Uyeda, Tsunesuke
Enkoji, Diane
Kuwahara, Masato Sam
Sugioka, Hisako
Wakinaka, Tane
Nimura, Nobuya
Matsuda, Shinobu
Matsuda Hiroshi
Wakinaka, Yorinosuke
Nimura, Nobuya
Matsuda, Yone
Matsuda, Hiroshi
Yamamoto, Eijiro
Yamamoto, Haruye
Matsumoto, Yoneko
Hayashida, Marie
Yamamoto, Fujimi
Yamamoto, Calvin
Matsushita, George
Tamaribuchi, Satoru
Yamane, Tsuneo
Yamane, Aiko
Mihara, Kaneichi
Mihara, Masayuki
Yamashita, Yoroku
Mikawa, Ronald
Miyamoto, Kenzo
Yoshikawa, Albert
Yoshikawa, Michael
Miyata, Harry
Miyamoto, Eddie &
Miyamoto, Fusae
Miyata, Kawaye
Yoshioka, Chikako
Nodohara, Keiso
Miyata, James
Miyata, Kawaye
Fujitani, Tomitaro
August Reno Howakai
By Fusae Miyamoto
On August 16th, 11 members attended the Reno Howakai service with Rev. Yukiko Motoyoshi. The Howakai
service began at 2 PM. Rev. Motoyoshi began her Dharma talk reminiscing about the atomic bomb dropped
on Hiroshima 70 years ago on August 6th at 8:15 AM. The bomb exploded with a gigantic windstorm and a
great flash of light. Over 140,000 perished. Rev. Motoyoshi’s mother lived in Hiroshima at the time, but
she was saved because she had been standing next to a wall. Rev. Motoyoshi was born in Hiroshima two
years after the atomic bomb was dropped.
Rev. Motoyoshi spoke about a Mr. Matsuura, who lived in Hiroshima at that time. Everything was gone and
devastated, but Mr. Matsuura made sure that the streetcars in Hiroshima were running despite damage to
the rails. Everyone, including Mr. Matsuura’s sons, needed transportation. The streetcars gave the people
HOPE.
Rev. Motoyoshi also spoke of the hurricane that had struck the big island of Hawaii. They had no fresh
water for a week. She spoke about compassion, but just feeling compassion is not enough. Compassion
must be followed by action. We must do something to help: “I exist because you exist. We exist because
others exist. We cannot be happy unless others are happy.”
After the service we enjoyed the delicious refreshments and socialized with Howakai members. We
returned to Penryn tired but happy, thanks to Ed Nakamoto who rented the comfortable van and drove us
to Reno and back.
Reminders
October 15 - Sr. Program Luau and Bingo



Cost: $10 per person + Cost of Bingo
RSVP by October 1
Contact: Grace Yoshikawa
October 24 - Keiro Party



Cost: No Charge for Keiro Members (80 years or older); $20 for Non-Keiro Members
RSVP by October 14
Contact: Ron Kawahata or Ed Nakamoto
River Cats Win!
By Robert Meyer
On Saturday, August 22nd, a van full of River Cat fans attended the evening baseball game at
Raley Field. The River Cats played the New Orleans Zephyrs. The Cats had won 11 games in a row; they
had played 28 consecutive games without a day off.
New Orleans was ahead 1-0, and then the River Cats tied it up 1-1. The tie lasted until the bottom of the
10th inning when a River Cat hit sent the player on second base to home plate, winning the game 2-1.
The numerous River Cat wins over these 29 games in a row sent the River Cats from last place to second
place in the Pacific Coast League. It was an exciting game that we all enjoyed.
After hot dogs, other "goodies," and the big win, we watched the incredible fireworks display. It was a
spectacular ending to a wonderful evening. A big thank you to Ed Nakamoto for again driving us safely.
Ron Kawahata will continue to arrange for tickets to attend two River Cats games a season. He is looking
into the possibility of attending an exhibition game between the River Cats and the Giants.
The Editorial Committee strives to report complete and accurate information; however, errors or omissions
can inadvertently occur. In these situations, we apologize for the oversight and ask that you notify any
member of the Editorial Committee so it can be rectified. Thank you.
Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date
October 2015
3
4
15
18
24
27
Post-Food Bazaar Appreciation
Dinner
Dharma School,
Monthly Memorial Service,
Eitaikyo Service,
PBWA Meeting
Senior Program - Bingo and Luau
Reno Howakai
Keiro Party
NCDC Meeting
November 2015
1
5
14
15
Monthly Memorial Service,
PBWA Meeting
Senior Program - Apple Hill and
Red Hawk
NC Chicken Throwdown
Hoonko