November 2021

It finally feels like we are approaching a comfortable time of the year. We are also seeing a drop in our Covid cases and a glimmer of hope that will lead us back together. I appreciate everyone’s patience during these difficult times, and we will do our best to resume some normal activities at Placer. In the recent month, we have been able to support small family services. I am very thankful to everyone for your generous financial support during the past 1 ½ years which has allowed us to pay our bills and perform maintenance and repairs on the facility. My hope is that we continue to preserve our Buddhist temple, a heritage of honor and pride that was handed down to us from our ancestors.

Here are a few noteworthy items from around the temple.

Garden Visioning Group

Garden Visioning Group met on September 20th at Hiroshi Matsuda’s home in Newcastle. I thank Hiroshi for hosting the group and the participants which included Karen Yoshikawa, Arlene Hata, Fusae Miyamoto, Ed Nakamoto, Rich Kawahata, Liz Sasaki, Claudia Nakata, and Allan Yamashiro. With Hiroshi Matsuda and Susan Perrott and a team of faithful helpers, they have improved the appearance of the garden and surrounding landscape after years of overgrowth. If you are in the area, please stop by to look and thank our amateur gardeners when you can.

120th Anniversary

Did you know that PBC will be celebrating its 120th Anniversary? Established in 1902, many of you may remember attending the original temple in downtown Penryn. The temple was later relocated to our location on Boyington Road in 1965. The Anniversary committee will meet in October to begin discussing how we should observe this milestone in our history.

Calendar

We are hopeful that we will be able to resume many normal activities and services in 2022. A Calendar committee will convene in October to prepare a tentative calendar for the upcoming year. This calendar is published on our monthly bulletin and on our website.

Varmints

We have been seeing a number of underground burrows appear around the temple property. The culprit may be various types of rodents or squirrels. PBC will be seeking professional help to help relocate these animals. I thank Claudia Nakata for contacting and securing bids from vendors.

Dharma Forward Campaign

Approved by the PBC Board in September, PBC has donated $1,000 to the BCA’s Dharma Forward campaign in addition to amounts that you may have individually contributed. The Dharma Forward campaign helps support Education and Programs, Technology and Outreach, Facilities and Operation, and Student Scholarships and Ministerial Training.

PBC Board

The PBC Board is comprised of 15 representatives from our Sangha who serve a three-year term. Each year, five members will rotate off the Board. If you have considered serving or know of someone who would like to help, I would enjoy hearing from you. As we are an all-volunteer organization, any assistance you can give us in leadership or support in events would help us keep our organization thriving.

Again, thank you for all your support in the past and future!

In Gassho,

Allan Yamashiro, PBC President