March 2021

It is hard to believe that it has been a little over a year since the start of the disastrous Covid-19 pandemic. In 2021, I often ponder when activities will normalize and what would reengaging the Sangha look like. In the short term, the Garden Group has continued to meet monthly to maintain and beautify our landscape. This work includes trimming and shaping our trees and shrubs; planting flowers and ground cover; fertilizing, weeding, and maintaining the pond and koi. We also see the Exercise Group resuming practice outdoors in February. In the longer term, the PBC Board began conversations about scheduling some of our social and fundraising activities. Planning has already started for our annual PBC Annual Golf Tournament scheduled for Saturday, May 1st. Shortly, we will discuss plans for Obon and the Food Bazaar, understanding that there are still unknown factors at this time.

During the past year, PBC has learned to adapt to this new environment with the use of virtual communication methods. For example, most of us have heard or used a technology called Zoom to see and speak with one another. The Board has found this means a convenient way to conduct business virtually. This saves our members time in driving to the temple for meetings in sometimes inclement weather, for long driving distances, or in the dark. Going forward, I can see the value in practicing a combination of virtual and in person gatherings. For this reason, an Information Technology Taskforce was recently assembled to evaluate opportunities to improve the efficiency and convenience of our services. The taskforce is currently focused on improving credit card processing systems and enhancing safety through improved camera surveillance. I thank George Uyeki, David Oseto, Brian Nakamoto, Claudia Nakata, and Howard Itow for their assistance in the taskforce.

Currently, there are two active ministers serving the Northern District -- Reverends Matt Hamasaki and Candice Shibata. Rev. Matt serves Sacramento, Florin, and Placer and Rev. Candice serves Stockton, Lodi, and Walnut Grove. Rev. Tim Castle supports Marysville. I understand that there are over 10 candidates from the Institute of Buddhist Studies, both minister assistants and ministers, waiting for ordination in Japan, but travel restrictions have prevented their travel to Japan. We are hopeful a larger ministerial service staff will support our temples in the future. In the meantime, we will look at ways to deploy virtual technologies to bring ministers to our temple when their physical presence is not possible.

Lastly, I hope everyone continues to stay healthy! I encourage all of you to get vaccinated when it becomes available. If you have difficulty in finding an appointment or means for traveling to a vaccination site, please let me know so that we might help. Also, if you have any suggestions for future President’s Reflections, I would enjoy hearing from you.

In Gassho,

Allan Yamashiro, PBC President