I had the great privilege to be the keynote speaker at the Eastern Buddhist

League (EBL) Conference in Chicago this year over the Labor Day weekend.

The EBL was founded in 1945 primarily for those Jodo Shinshu followers who

were relocated from the West Coast during the internment of people of

Japanese descent during WWII. The current group consists of the Cleveland

Buddhist Temple, Ekoji Buddhist Temple, Midwest Buddhist Temple, New

York Buddhist Church, and Seabrook Buddhist Temple. Also included are

two non-BCA temples: Toronto Buddhist Church and the Buddhist Temple of

Chicago. The original group included a Shin sangha from St. Louis and

Detroit, which are no longer in existence.

Due to geographic and demographic differences, the sanghas of the Eastern

District of the BCA have evolved in many ways different from West Coast

sanghas. Initially they were comprised of Japanese Americans who chose

not to return to the West Coast following the end of WWII. This small core

soon became augmented by non-Japanese Americans interested in learning

and practicing the Buddhist Teachings of our Jodo Shinshu School of

Buddhism. The fact that they were predominately urban sanghas and were

more ethnically diverse contributed to the differences. Geography

contributed as well. Unlike the West Coast, the temples east of the

Mississippi are separated by long distances. The two closest temples, Ekoji

in Virginia and the Seabrook Temple in New Jersey, require a 3½ hour drive

each way.

The Eastern Buddhist League (EBL) Conference’s theme this year was

“North American Buddhism: A PATH FORWARD.” I was given the

opportunity to address the conference twice. As the keynote speaker, I felt it

was my responsibility to present to the conference my ideas that could serve

as a cohesive starting point for the conference discussions. While the

conference theme implied a discussion of activities that would take place in

the future, I directed my talks on the need to be secure in the present in order

to be able to move into the future of Jodo Shinshu on the East Coast.

My first talk focused on how we personally view what it means to be a

Buddhist. In order for us to share the Buddhist teachings, we need to reflect

on how we understand the role of Buddhism in our life. In the first session,

we addressed the question of how people identified Buddhism. Is it a religion,

philosophy, a way of life, a type of psychology, or all of the above? The

answers varied among the group, but the process of personalizing our

relationship with the Dharma was meaningful.

(continued on next page)

Placer Buddhist Church 3192 Boyington Road, Penryn, CA 95663

(916) 652-6139

October

2017

10 THE PBC

BULLETIN

BCA THEME: まことの人生を歩もう

LIVE A REAL LIFE MAKOTO NO JINSEI WO AYUMOU

月

A Dharma Message by Rev. Kurt Rye

115th Year

Resident Minister

Rev. Kurt Rye

revkurt.placer@gmail.com

Minister’s

Assistants

Rich Kawahata

Ron Kawahata

Michi Mitani

Ed Nakamoto

2017 PBC Officers

President Ron Kawahata 1st Vice President David Unruhe 2nd Vice President Ed Nakamoto Recording Secretary Yvonne Yoshikawa Treasurers Ted Uyeda Jackie Itogawa Auditors Glen Matsuoka Ted Nishimoto

Editorial

Committee

Rev. Kurt Rye

Daniel Cota

Jackie Itogawa

Rich Kawahata

Ron Kawahata

Janice Uyeda Kemper

Isabel Meyer

Michi Mitani

Fusae Miyamoto

Ed Nakamoto

Joyce Uyeda Parks

Susan Higashi Rumberg

Miwako Yamashiro

(Dharma Message continued)

The second talk dealt with how we see ourselves as a sangha. In the second session, we explored how our

churches/temples were perceived by someone walking through the door for the first time. How do we appear

to newcomers? What type of image do we want to present to the public? Do we want to be a cultural center,

a gathering place, or something else? We worked on mission statements to clarify our views.

Upon reflection, I see that Placer Buddhist Church, with its forward-thinking sangha and leadership, has been

addressing and are continuing to address these issues. Placer Buddhist Church is a very dynamic

community. We are grateful for our past. We are engaged in the present. And we look forward to the future.

Many Thanks to:

Jeanne Schmidt for listing the books in the library. You can check out the book(s) by listing the

book(s) in the checkout yellow folder.

Susie Strom for $36.13 in coins for the JSC Bottle.

All the people who signed the get-well card for Mary O'Malley.

Daniel Cota for the printed program for the September Monthly Memorial Service.

All the bakers who brought in baked goods for the above service.

Rev. Kurt, Daniel Cota, Grace Yoshikawa, Hitomi Hirota, Susie Strom, Teruko Yoshikawa, Hatsuko Nakata, Mich Nishimoto, Julie Iso, Nobie Morishige, Amy Takemoto, Ginny Ayala, Martha Nishimura, Fusae Miyamoto, Isabel Meyer, and Michi Mitani for covering the new Dharma Service Books.

All the people who came out to help at our Food Bazaar.

Looking Ahead to October:

1 Monthly Memorial/Ohigan Service with Rev. Kurt at 10 AM. Coffee Klatch available.

8 Regular Dharma Service at 10 AM with PBC's Minister’s Assistants (MAs) as Rev. Kurt will be in Florin.

12 Bingo and Luau at 10 AM for Senior Program.

14 Fall Seminar with Revs. Shelley and Matthew Fisher from Reno at 10 AM. Lunch provided. Sign-up sheet available.

15 Regular Dharma Service with Rev. Kurt. Last Reno Gathering for the year.

16 Chanting (asaji) at 9 AM.

18- 31 Japan trip

19 NO BUDDHIST EDUCATION (STUDY) CLASS

22 Regular Dharma Service with PBC's MAs at 10 AM.

24 NCDC meeting

29 Regular Dharma Service with PBC's MAs at 10 AM.

31 BCA Conference Planning Meeting

We encourage children and adults to attend Dharma Services and Dharma classes. We have classes for

children (four years old and older) and adults. We will continue with Kindness as the theme for this 2017-

2018 school term. Please bring in quotes or stories about Kindness for the Dharma School Bulletin Board.

By Michi Mitani

At the September 3rd meeting, we reviewed the Obon and Reno Howakai, both of which took place in August.

We had a very successful Obon with a large turnout for both the service and the dancing. The Reno Howakai

was moved to a Wednesday so the members could participate in the Minister’s service at the Reno Buddhist

Center. Over 40 ministers, 25 Reno Howakai members, 20 Reno Buddhist Center members, and 3 members

from Placer Buddhist Church attended. Everyone commented that hearing 40 ministers chanting was

emotionally/spiritually moving.

October will be a busy month. Please note that our October 1st meeting following the Memorial/Ohigan

Service will be our officer nomination meeting. Elections will be held in November. All members are

encouraged to participate.

Also in October will be our Annual Luau and Senior Bingo event. Please contact Grace Yoshikawa if you are

interested in attending. Live entertainment and wonderful Hawaiian food will be available.

Also, mark your calendars for the Fall Seminar, which will take place in the Hondo on October 14th. Please

advise Michi Mitani or Rev. Kurt if you plan on attending as we need to get an accurate headcount for the

complimentary lunches that will be served to attendees.

Next Meeting: October 1st following Monthly Memorial Service.

October Toban: Rocklin/Roseville.

2017 Toban Schedule:

Rocklin/Roseville: January, May, October

Auburn/Newcastle: February, June/July, November

Lincoln/Penryn: March, August, December

Loomis: April, September

***********************************

2017 PBC Scholarship Recipient By Rich Kawahata

Shiloh Penn-Henry, graduate of Del Oro

High School Class of 2017, was the recipient of the Placer Buddhist Church Scholarship of $1,000. While at Del Oro, Shiloh never missed a day of school over his four years of attendance. It’s noteworthy that, while in high school, he managed to work part-time at a retail store and local restaurant.

Shiloh is currently attending Sierra College to complete his lower division work, with the plan to transfer to the University of Nevada, Reno and pursue a major in Business Administration. Shiloh is the son of Jerry Henry and Charles Penn.

Shiloh is pictured with his PBC Scholarship and a Certificate of Congratulations from the Buddhist Churches of America that were presented to him on September 3, 2017.

By Daniel Cota

PBC Board Meeting Highlights

By Yvonne Yoshikawa, Recording Secretary

Attendance: Rev. Kurt, Butch Enkoji, Susan Goto, Darin Hirota, Rich Kawahata, Ron Kawahata, Doris Mar,

Isabel Meyer, Michi Mitani, Fusae Miyamoto, Ed Nakamoto, Ted Nishimoto, Ted Uyeda, Jr., Grace Yoshikawa,

Yvonne Yoshikawa

The meeting was called to order at 6:30 PM by Ron Kawahata. Rev. Kurt led us in gassho.

1. Reports

a. President’s Report and Correspondence: Ron reported thank-you cards were received from Lydia Maggio, Ed Yamada Family, Carole Kawamoto, and Katsuko Hirota.

b. Minister’s Report: Rev. Kurt provided an overview of the various events over the past month. He was a guest speaker at Enmanji, Sebastopol and at the Eastern Buddhist League Conference held in Chicago. Sensei thanked Ed and Nancy Nakamoto, Ron Kawahata, and Jackie Itogawa for their assistance at the Minister’s Fuken held in Reno. He also announced Rev. Candice Shibata will be starting at the Florin Buddhist Church in January, 2018.

c. PBWA: Fusae Miyamoto distributed the August Activities Report and gave an overview on PBWA-related events for the month.

d. Dharma School: Michi Mitani distributed the Dharma School report for September/October. The Fall Seminar is scheduled for October 14, 2017 at 10:00 AM.

e. Social Welfare: The Board extends get well wishes to Mary O’Malley, Jeannie Schmidt, Eugene Nodohara, and Rod Imai.

f. Membership: Doris Mar reported the current membership is 218.

g. Senior Program: Ed reported there were 44 attendees on the bus trip to the Nugget Rib Cook-Off on August 31st. The next event will be Bingo and Luau on October 12th.

2. Old Business

a. Facility Usage Agreement for Members and Non-Members: Tabled until next meeting.

b. Sexual Harassment Policy Update: Michi reported the committee is working on the final draft. Once the final draft is completed, a copy of the draft will be distributed to the board for review.

c. 53rd Annual Food Bazaar Update: Ed reported the committee has met and everything is on schedule. The tent went up on September 3rd. Construction will take place on September 16th. Manju making is scheduled for Sunday, September 17th, at Del Oro High School.

d. Church Bulletin: Ed reported that during the bulletin meeting, it was suggested to add a page to the bulletin for advertising to help offset the cost of bulletin. After discussion, it was agreed the committee check with other temples on this topic. It was also suggested the committee submit a formal recommendation to the board on how they would like to proceed.

3. New Business

a. Parsonage Landscape – Sierra Bonsai: Ed and Ron received a request from Sierra Bonsai to work on the garden in front of the parsonage to show their appreciation for the use of the church facility. They would like to build a retaining wall around the garden and add ground cover. The estimated cost is $4000. Sierra Bonsai will contribute $1500 and the cost to PBC is $2500.

b. Penryn Fire Department Oktoberfest: Ron stated he has received a request from the Penryn Fire Department to use the parking lot for their event. They will not be using the tent. The event is scheduled to take place from 11:00 AM – 9:00 PM and will consist of music, food trucks, and drinks.

c. 2018 BCA Calendar: Rev. Kurt announced he has received a letter from BCA for a calendar request. It was agreed to order 200 calendars to be mailed out to the members.

d. 2018 PBC Board Member Nominations: Ed stated the Nominating Committee is usually made up of the past five presidents. It was suggested to change the structure of the committee to include other organizations of the church.

e. Other: Susan Goto thanked the Board and members of the church for the support shown to the Goto family.

Rich Kawahata reported Joe Vasilj is holding the Big Joe’s Scramble. He has received a letter requesting a donation. It was agreed PBC be a Hole Sponsor.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:30 PM. Rev. Kurt led us in gassho.

Member Spotlight

By Joyce Parks

and diversity of healthcare today, and find the

challenges of finding better ways to improve quality

and service to be extremely rewarding,” says Allan.

In FY 2013-2014, Allan and the hospital’s Senior

Leader Team represented Sutter Davis Hospital in

Washington D.C. when it was selected to receive

the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality

Award. Allan proudly cites that Sutter Davis

Hospital was one of only two hospitals in California

to receive this Presidential award for outstanding

quality and service.

In addition to his professional life, Allan derives a

great deal of personal fulfillment from giving back

to the community through volunteer work. At the

PBC, he dedicates both days annually at the Food

Bazaar, and always makes himself available

“behind the scenes” for audio-visual support at

church functions. Outside the PBC, Allan has been

a volunteer pharmacist for the past 20 years at

Community Care Health Centers in Yolo County.

Additionally, for the past 10 years, he has served

on the Board of Partnership Health Plan, a health

system providing care to Medi-Cal patients in 14

Northern California counties. For the last 4 years,

Allan has served on the Advisory Council to the

Yolo County Board of Supervisors on Health. In

Boy Scouting, Allan has served as Scoutmaster for

his son’s troop, District Chair for Roseville and

Granite Bay and, later on, for the Golden Empire

Council Board.

At age 63, Allan says he has no intention of slowing

down any time soon. “I’m humbled and grateful to

have had the opportunities I’ve been given in life.

Today, I enjoy a sense of balance and meaning

through my work, my family, my church, and my

community. With continued good health and

support from my wife, I look forward to remaining

an active member of our wonderful community for

many more years to come,” says Allan.

Throughout his professional career, Allan

Yamashiro has been recognized for his many

impressive achievements, but he has never forgotten

his roots and, to this day, remains as close as ever to

his family and to the community he grew up in.

The oldest of three children born to Tadao and Miwako

Yamashiro of Penryn, Allan’s siblings include Myra

Okasaki and Bruce Yamashiro, who both live locally.

Allan and his immediate family have been living in

Roseville since 1992. All three siblings are actively

involved with the PBC and frequently attend services

with their mother. “While our mother has been

managing well on her own for the past 5 years, we feel

so fortunate to be able to live near her and to be

available on short notice if ever we’re needed,” says

Allan.

Allan and his wife Virginia, a Registered Nurse, have

been married for 32 years and are proud parents to

their two children, Kevin and Megan. Following in his

father’s footsteps, Kevin is a pharmacist living in Los

Angeles, and Megan is a physical therapist living in

Menlo Park, California.

After graduating from Del Oro High School, Allan

launched his career path in pharmacy at Main Drug in

Loomis, interning for the late Hiroshi “Doc” Takemoto

and his son Gordy. “I owe them a debt of gratitude for

mentoring me fresh out of high school. After working

for them, I was convinced that I wanted to pursue a

career in the pharmaceutical field,” says Allan.

Following graduation from UC Davis with a Bachelor

of Science degree in Bacteriology, Allan moved to

Southern California in 1976 and earned a Doctor of

Pharmacy degree from the University of Southern

California. Upon graduation, he was quickly hired by

Cigna Health, Medical Center in La Mirada, California,

first as a pharmacist and later on as Director of

Pharmacy. Allan remained in that position for 16

years before moving back to Placer County to accept

his current position as Ancillary Director at Sutter

Davis Hospital.

In his current position, Allan is responsible for

overseeing the management of multiple departments

ranging from Pharmacy, Laboratory, Radiology,

Cardiology, Physical Therapy, to Food Service, Plant

Operations, and Security. “I appreciate the complexity

In Memoriam Next of Kin on Record In Memoriam Next of Kin on Record

Ayala, Vidal Ayala, Virginia Matsuda, Shinobu Matsuda Hiroshi

Fujitani, James Shiro Fujitani, Jean , Fujitani, Shigeru

Matsuda, Yone Matsuda, Hiroshi

Fujitani, Tomitaro Fujitani, Jean, Fujitani, Shigeru

Matsumoto, Roy Matsumoto, Tsuneko

Goto, Margaret Miyoko Goto, Robert Matsumoto, Yoneko Hayashida, Marie

Goto, Sada Goto, Robert Matsushita, George Tamaribuchi, Satoru

Goto, Tom Goto, Robert Mihara, Kaneichi Mihara, Masayuki

Grandin, Katherine Ayala, Virginia Miyamoto, Kenzo Miyamoto, Eddie & Miyamoto, Fusae

Hada, Mitsuo Hada, Jane Miyata, Harry Miyata, Kawaye

Hamada, George Kiyoto Hamada, Amy Miyata, James Miyata, Kawaye

Hamasaki, William Hamasaki, Emi, Hamasaki, Joanie & Don

Moriguchi, Kamejiro Moriguchi, Kazuko

Hanamoto, Jack Sadao Sasaki, Lila Moriguchi, Shizuko Moriguchi, Kazuko

Hanamoto, Max Masato Hanamoto, Yuriko Morimoto, Kazuyoshi Morimoto Sadako

Hashimoto, Jack Masao Hashimoto, Shizuka Nagaoka, Tokuzo Nagaoka, Rick

Horiuchi, Edward Yasuo Nimura, Helen Nakamoto, Michino Nakamoto, Edward

Horiuchi, Hisa Nimura, Helen, Nimura, Nobuya

Nakamura, Natsu Nakamura, Howard

Horiuchi, Sandra Kiyomi Enkoji, Butch T. Nakashoji, Heikichi Nakashoji, Frank

Ihara, James Yutaka Ihara, Tomiko Nishikawa, Mie Yamashiro, Yoshiko

Ikeda, Mitsugi Regan, Darlene Ikeda, Ikeda, Sandra

Ogawa, Tatsuo Yamane, Edward

Ikeda, Sakuyo Regan, Darlene Ikeda Onga, Yoshiji Roy Onga, Ray

Iwasaki, Robert Kumaji Kubo, Martha Osaki, Oritsu Yamane, Edward & Natsuye

Kagawa, Hatsuno Hirota, Tom Seo, Setsuyo Seo, Carol

Kaneko, Toyo Kaneko, Mae Takemoto, Gosaburo Takemoto, Tsugie

Kashima, Tsuruyo Yokota, Ken Takemoto, Hiroshi “Doc” Takemoto, Tsugie

Kubota, Kuni Yamada, Chiyoye Takemoto, Matsuye Irene Takemoto, Amy

Kuwahara, Masato Sam Sugioka, Hisako Takemoto, Tsunematsu Takemoto, Amy

(continued on next page)

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, the following is an advance

copy of the names which will be announced at November’s Monthly Memorial Service on November 5th.

Also included is the “Next of Kin on Record” for each name. We recognize that some of the information may

need updating, so we ask members to please contact Nancy Nakamoto with any 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

Tsuetaki, Yuji Tsuetaki, Hideko Yamamoto, Fujimi Yamamoto, Calvin

Umehara, Suga Kubo, Martha Yamane, Tsuneo Yamane, Aiko

Uyeda, Tsunesuke Parks, Joyce Yamashita, Yoroku Mikawa, Ronald

Wakinaka, Tane Nimura, Nobuya Yoshikawa, Albert Yoshikawa, Michael

Wakinaka, Yorinosuke Nimura, Nobuya Yoshioka, Chikako Nodohara, Keiso

Yamamoto, Eijiro Yamamoto, Haruye

***********************************

PBC’s Fall Buddhist Seminar

We want to remind members that PBC’s Fall Buddhist Seminar is scheduled for Saturday,

October 14th. Our guest speakers will be Revs. Shelley and Matthew Fisher from Reno. A

complimentary lunch will be served. If you haven’t already done so, please return your completed

registration form to PBC by no later than October 7th. We look forward to seeing you!

Registration Form PBC Fall Buddhist Seminar

Saturday, October 14, 2017

10 AM – 12 Noon

Name(s) of Attendee(s): _________________________________________

_________________________________________

Total Number Attending: ______________________

Phone Number: _________________________________________

Staying for Lunch? Yes ______ No ______

Please return to: Placer Buddhist Church

3192 Boyington Rd.

Penryn, CA 95663

November Monthly Memorial Service (continued)

Gato’s Corner By Rev. Kurt

I spent the Labor Day weekend in

Chicago. I had been invited to be the

keynote speaker at the Eastern

Buddhist League (EBL). It was nice to

see friends and sangha members from

the East coast. I had served the Ekoji

Temple in Fairfax, Virginia for over two

years and had not seen the members

since I transferred back to California.

The cats were very happy to see me

come home after Daniel brought me

back from the airport.

Gato: Pops, it is so good to see you! I missed you.

Saffie: Me too! It has been so boring when you were gone. There was nothing to do but sleep and

eat.

Daniel: Thanks a lot. I thought we had a good time. We did, didn’t we?

Gato: Oh Saffie is being an unrefined blabber mouth again. When are you going to grow up Saffie and

show some class?

Saffie: Gato, you are such an orange ogre.

Rev. Kurt: Come on, you two. I just got home and you are at each other already! I’m really tired. I

had a layover in Phoenix. Can we call a truce?

Gato: OK, that is only fair. Pops, I hope you enjoyed your conference. Did you see the folks from

Ekoji? They must have asked about me, “Gato the Humble Buddhist Cat.” I’m famous across the globe,

you know.

Rev. Kurt: Err, actually no one asked about you. We were busy with the conference.

Gato: What!? You must be wrong. I’m sure they have thought about me every day since we moved

back to California. They must miss me. I am such a beacon of Buddhist wisdom. I must have left a

gaping hole in the Eastern district.

Saffie: I think you left a gaping hole in your big old head!

Rev. Kurt: Again, Saffie might be a little blunt, but makes a good point. I’m sure people miss you, but

it has been over two years since we left. Things have changed and people continue on with their lives.

It does not reflect on you, rather the flow of life.

Gato: But we had so many good times together. I will never forget them.

Rev. Kurt: The events are in your memory and you can relive them any time you want, but it is in the

past. The Buddha spoke of impermanence, that everything is in constant change. It is something we

can’t change, but work with.

Gato: I guess it has been a while. Perhaps I should go on the “Humble Cat Tour” to remind my fans

of how wonderful I am. I could take old Gato’s Corner and autograph them. For a fee of course. Maybe

I could sell official Gato coffee mugs with my face on it. Or...

Saffie: So much for the “Humble Buddhist Cat!”

Rev. Kurt: Sigh, let’s watch some TV.

Reminder: There will be no Buddhist Study Class in October due to the Japan Trip. Classes will resume on

November 16th.

Reno Howakai News

By Fusae Miyamoto

On August 14th, Claudia Nakata, Grace Yoshikawa, and Fusae Miyamoto went to the Silver

Legacy in Reno and checked in. At 5:00 PM, we went to the Reno Buddhist Church to attend the

service. When we got there, there were some ministers in the service hall. By the time the service

started, there were over 40 ministers chanting the “Shoshinge.” We chanted with them, and the

sound was tremendous! It was a wonderful experience. Bishop Kodo Umezu gave the sermon.

When we sang the song, “Ondokusan,” we didn’t even need the recorded music. Their voices

were united as one great singing voice.

After the service, we went downstairs for refreshments. As usual, the Reno Howakai members

outdid themselves. Many ministers stayed for refreshments, and we enjoyed visiting with them.

On Thursday, after breakfast, Claudia drove us back to Penryn. Thanks to Claudia, Grace and

Fusae were able to enjoy a great service with the Reno Howakai members.

The Editorial Committee strives to report complete and accurate information; however, errors or

omissions can inadvertently occur. In these situations, we apologize and ask that you notify any

member of the Editorial Committee so it can be rectified. To help minimize errors, we respectfully

ask that names be clearly printed on the check and/or envelope.

Donations are reported based on when they are received by PBC. As such, donations received

before or after the publication deadline may not be shown in the current issue; however, they will be

included in an earlier or later issue.

Mark Your Calendar and Save the Date

November 2017

5 Monthly Memorial Service

PBWA Meeting

9 Senior Program

Bazaar Meeting

16 Asaji (Chanting)

Buddhist Study Class

19 Hoonko

28 BCA Conference Planning Meeting

October 2017

1 Monthly Memorial Service

PBWA Meeting

10 PBC Board Meeting

12 Bingo and Luau

14 Fall Seminar

15 Last Reno Gathering for the Year

16 Asaji (Chanting)

18–31 Japan Trip

24 NCDC Meeting

31 BCA Conference Planning Meeting