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I want to take this opportunity to tell everyone on the 2004 convention committee and all of our Idaho-Oregon Buddhist Temple members that you did a terrific job hosting the 57th Annual Northwest Buddhist Convention on February 13-15. I heard many compliments about the convention, but the team deserves the accolades. The hospitality was warm and welcoming. The food was delicious. The theme worked well. The fellowship was outstanding.
I was very nervous about being able to get this convention off the ground. Many thought it would be next to impossible, but the power of teamwork created a great event. Thank you, team, for making this a memorable convention!
After coming down to earth from the most enjoyable Northwest Conference ever, I wish to express our congratulations on such a super undertaking, the facilities, the programming, and the special reception extended to all out-of-towners with so many Ogochiso by the Fujinkai (what would we do without the Fujinkai, the backbone of any organization?) Ida-Ore is most fortunate in having such a learned person as Kathy Chatterton to lead and plan such interesting and instructive programs to suit all attendees....just super. I want to make a special notice of appreciation to the young Transportation staff who were so outstandingly responsive to al requests asked of them...I've been so used to driving on my own and this time, because I came on a bus was unable to maneuver at will so, these boys were right there to accommodate my every wish....it was truly arigatai!!!
After each conference, comes critique time but I doubt whether you'll find any new or different ways to improve what turned out near perfect already. Nevertheless, in the search for any improvement, this dedication of all members help to keep your Sangha's continuation of "oneness" on the path of the Onembutsu.
Congratulations again with our heartfelt thanks!
Gratefully in gassho.
If you spend some time in Japan, you will eventually be forced to sing "My Way" at a karaoke bar. I understand that Frank Sinatra actually hated the song. That's one thing he and I have in common. There are little bars in Japan with karaoke equipment and they often have only one to three songs in English. If you don't want to sing "My Way", your other choices will be "Love me Tender" (the Elvis song) and "Diana" by Paul Anka (the original of which I have never heard).
Although I don't like "My Way", it's not that I'm a snob. I do like Sinatra's version of "My Funny Valentine" for instance. Perhaps the song irritates me because it lioinizes the very egocentricity that Buddhist tradition encourages us to let go. "My Way" is not just how Frank Sinatra (or Paul Anka who wrote it) lived. It is how we all live. We all live by seeing the world through the filter of our prejudices. That which is opposed to my own preference is bad. That is good which accords with my way.
I thought that the Press crucified Howard Dean. Maybe they were just being accurate and it seemed cold to me because I was seeing it my way. I think Bill Murray should get an Academy Award as best actor for "Lost in Translation". By the time you read this you will know whether or not the academy saw it my way.
Again, although I like many Sinatra songs, e.g., "That's Life," I hate "My Way". Maybe Frank Sinatra disliked the song for the same reason I do. It rings too true. It puts the way I live right out there for anyone to see. Many people do like the song because they see it as an affirmation of a sort of rugged individuality. I always saw it as extolling self-centeredness and vanity. Perhaps that isn't what the song is about at all. I always saw the song that way because I saw it my way.
What a sigh of relief, and happy to have it over with, was the feeling after hosting the NW Convention. We had over 300 delegates registered -- "thanks" to all the other NW delegates (four chartered buses) who made the effort to attend. It was just wonderful to see old friends and make new friends - it was like "one big family atmosphere." We thought we had perfect weather for our delegates, but we had to share some of our "snow" on the last day. A big "THANKS" to our Convention chairpersons, Roy Hasebe and Kathy Chatterton for all their effort and time. I think all of the committees deserve a pat on the back for overseeing their duties - they all did their jobs above and beyond - that's what makes any Convention a success. We would like to thank our supervising minister, Rev. Gibbs, for his early arrival to help us out on the minister duties - it was appreciated very much. Evaluations sheets were passed out - and lots of wonderful comments were received. Tacoma will be hosting next year's NW Convention, Feb. 18-20, 2005.
Thanks to the Fujinkai who hosted the "welcome delegates" for the Friday Night arrivals and those who packed their registration packs with a light dinner. The hot udon noodles, sushi, rice balls, teriyaki chicken, salads, sashimi, finger jell-o, plus all other goodies were appreciated very much. The Registration Committee, Susan Inouye, and Robert & Terry Fukuda were there to greet the delegates with their name tags and a carrying muslin bag with a large initial of their names pressed on. The nametags were wonderful, espeically the large bold names on them so a person could read the names without squinting. Have to mention Jeanne Ozawa, who took over the tremendous job of the "Coffee Breaks" with all of her goodies - even fried rice was made for those who wisheed, which was a surprise to many, but they loved it!
Just want to mention that new carpeting was installed - sure looks nice! Thanks to the Fujinkai who paid for the expense of the installation.
Activity Days is still going on Wednesday's. We had some wonderful food demonstrations given. Some of the demo's included "Corn Chowder with Crab" and bread sticks, "Navy Bean Soup" and rolls by Mae Nakano, and Ben Plaza made "Pheasant Smetana" and "Flana" (Basque custard). We will be doing demos for the next two months so come and join us.
The Fujinkai meeting is scheduled for March 7th at 1:00 p.m. A post Convention meeting will follow immediately after the Fujinkai meeting. All committees don't forget to bring any comments to the meeting so we will have something to refer to for our next Convention.
A special thought goes out to everyone, but especially the ones that haven't been otu because of teh weather, sickness or for other reasons. You are missed.
Feb 1: Karen Hata was chairman and gave the Dharma talk.
Feb 8: Laurel Saito was chairman and Grant Saito gave the Dharma talk. This was also our Valentines party. The teachers made their famous "Bingo" sandwiches and Jeanne made a delicious tortelini soup. The children made Valentines cookies and dirt cups for dessert.
Feb 15: Northwest Buddhist Convention.
Feb 22: Karen Hata was pinch hitting for voiceless Mary Ann Shimojima and George Gledhill gave the Dharma talk.
Feb 29: Sandy Belknap will be chairman and give the Dharma talk.
All of the Dharma School Children and teachers are wishing Jamie Hasebe a speedy and complete recovery!! We miss you, Jamie, hurry home.
Idaho Oregon Buddhist Temple
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Ontario, Oregon 97914
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