President's Perspective:
Our Sangha brings honot to the Temple

Tak Ikeda, a longtime member of the Tacoma Buddhist Temple,recently passed away after a prolonged illness. The memorial service for him was filled with many relatives, friends and associates, and it must have been heartwarming for his family. For us at the Temple, it is a great loss, but knowing he will be in a better place gives us solace. Goodbye Tak, and hit a lot of home runs and catch a lot of fish!

The recent focus groups, chaired by Merilee Alexander together with several talented and dedicated advisers, encouraged members to give input into issues that pertained to their particular age group’s interests. Not surprisingly, every group came back wanting more workshops, disabled parking, publicity for our Temple events such as Obon to encourage more outside participation, just to name few of the overall suggestions. Watch this newsletter for more on the focus groups in the future.

I received approval from your board of directors to allow the Myokyo to publish those members’ names who have paid their yearly membership donations for years 2006 and 2007. The monetary amounts will not be listed. Publication of these lists will help members track their membership donations so there is no confusion about whether they have paid. Remember that membership donations may be paid monthly, quarterly, twice a year or annually. I requested a list from Membership Chairman Delbert Sasaki which is included in this issue of the Myokyo.

There are not adequate words to describe Toyo Nakagawara. To say she is witty, outspoken, devoted, kind and a great friend to us all at the Temple are great understatements. She has been a most valued mentor to me in so many ways. So when Linda Teal suggested to have Toyo installed as one of our advisors or Komon, to The Board of Directors, the vote for that Honor was a forgone conclusion and a resounding “YES.” So Toyoko-san, Komon, thank you for all the years of your guidance and of your ‘grapevine.’ Even though you may not be able to attend our board meetings now, your spirit will always be within these walls guiding us, and we know that you are just a phone call or visit away. Domo arigato-gozai masu, thanks for everything that you and Minoru-san bring to the Temple!

With gratitude and in gassho,
Frank Kawasaki