By the time most of you read this newsletter, SLOBC’s Obon Festival will be just about upon us. Many of the volunteers look forward to this important and enjoyable event whether it’s making delicious food to be sold, meeting friends and family members who they saw a year ago, or dancing in the Bon Odori. Of course, when it’s over, they are relieved and glad to be able to rest – until next year (or our Crab Feed).

We recently lost a long-time member of the church – Suzy Eto Bauman passed away at the age of 106. It was just a few months ago that we paid tribute to our centenarians: Suzy Bauman and Shizuko Kumabe, both of whom have been very active in the church. Suzy lived a very remarkable life and her stories could make for an interesting book. My condolences to her family.

SLOBC was recently the temporary home for two groups which come here every July: Saishin Dojo from Los Angeles, and Camping in the Sierras from Fresno. Sixth graders from Saishin Dojo enjoy the “rural” atmosphere we offer and the abundance of activities available. They tried clamming at Pismo Beach and brought in a haul of clams despite the cold water. The students also did service projects for the church: digging weeds and completing the cranes on sticks to be given away at the Obon Festival.

High school students from Fresno spend a weekend away from Fresno Buddhist Church and Betsuin, coming to a much cooler weather here while deepening friendships with fellow students. The 10 students and 14 adult counselors and leaders do eat well during their stay, culminating with a Saturday evening steak dinner. The counselors put together a program filled with activities. Camping in the Sierras is a program started in 1962 and after the recent wild-fires at Yosemite, decided to use our facilities.

Our two enhancement projects are underway. The gables on both ends of the roof have been painted along with the Dharma Wheel which stands out in its gold color. The concrete roof tiles have been stacked on the temple roof and will be laid down after our Obon Festival. The rest of the temple’s exterior will be painted after the roof is completed. Both important projects are in recognition of our 100th Anniversary which will be celebrated next February. Planning for this milestone event was put on pause mode as we concentrated on the Obon Festival.

If you can break away from your normal schedule, please come out to our Festival on Saturday and enjoy this cultural event. See you there.

Gassho,
Gary Hongo