Betsuin Board Bullets
July 05, 2012 Betsuin Board of Directors Meeting
by Joyce Iwasaki
The intent of the Betsuin Board Bullets is to highlight Board actions, decisions, special events and projects. Please contact the Betsuin board officers, directors, or the ministers for more details on any item.
Guests attending the Board Meeting:
Kylie Kawamoto Mae Kawamoto
Shelby Matsumoto Karen Matsumoto
Mieko Oda Fran Tsudama
Shelby Tsudama Jim McClure
Elisa Yamaguchi
Taylor Yee
o Girl Scout Troop 61304 Proposal Presentation
Girl Scouts Kylie Kawamoto, Shelby Matsumoto, Mieko Oda, Shelby Tsudama, Elisa Yamaguchi and Taylor Yee presented the Troop 61304 “Get Moving!” Journey, Innovative Service Project proposal. Their proposal is to replace the existing lightbulbs in the cottage with energy efficient bulbs. This year the troop has been learning about conserving energy and one of their discoveries was how energy efficient lightbulbs use less energy which not only help the environment but also have cost-saving benefits. The Girl Scout Troop as well as other groups use the cottage for meetings. The troop already researched the best bulbs to use to replace the existing bulbs. The girls also did research on the current PG&E costs for the cottage and will compare the bill with the bill after the bulbs are replaced. The troop plans to raise money to fund this project. One goal of this project is to help our world become a greener place.
o Motions
Through an online vote, it was moved/seconded/passed to approve the Girl Scout Service Project of replacing the existing lightbulbs in the cottage with energy-efficient bulbs.
It was moved/seconded/passed to subsidize the registration fee for the BCA Kyoshi preparation class for Dr Kenji Akahoshi. This payment is for the July 19 – 21, 2012 session.
It was moved and seconded to authorize the Obon Committee to complete the hard surface area with asphalt for barbecuing on the 6th Street property for health and safety concerns not to exceed $10,000 with funds from the facilities budget. The motion failed.
It was moved/seconded/passed to authorize the Obon Committee to complete the hard surface area with concrete for barbecuing on the 6th Street property for health and safety concerns not to exceed $13,000 with funds from the facilities budget.
It was moved/seconded/passed to allow booth spaces for the San Jose Police Department’s recruitment division and for the Consul General’s Office to disseminate updates and information about the tsunami disaster relief efforts.
o Ministers’ Report
The BCA Ministers’ Association Summer Seminar and Meeting (Fuken) will be held in Los Angeles on August 06 – 09, 2012.
The Coast District (CD) Ministers will present a mini youth workshop in conjunction with the CD Jr YBA activity on August 05, 2012.
The CD Ministers are planning a youth winter retreat during the upcoming winter break which will be open to all high school students and not limited to Jr YBA members. Details will be available in the fall.
o 2012 Priority Setting Committees
Infrastructure Committee Report by Ruth Shikada
The up to $20,000 allocation the Board approved at the May, 2012 Board Meeting for an architectural plot study plan for a new or retrofitted annex building will not be used at this time since Hayashida Architects offered to do preliminary research on this phase of the process.
Membership Report by Mas Horiuchi
A membership information table will be set up during Obon practice and a membership booth will be set up during Obon weekend.
Education Report by Mas Nishimura
The Education Committee is contacting (mail and email) BCA temples for email addresses of college students who will be studying in the San Jose area to invite them to participate in our youth activities. As data is received, the Education Committee hopes to create a “buddy system” with these students. The ultimate goal is to provide religious and organizational participation opportunities to those new to the area.
Movie Day is a concept that will be rescheduled. The concept is to watch movies and extract themes and messages from a Jodo Shinshu perspective.
o Hondo Repairs Report submitted by Greg Aso
Greg Aso obtained bids to replace the carpet on the veranda. He also obtained financial commitments from both BWA (Buddhist Women’s Association) and ABA (Adult Buddhist Association) for the $9,000+ needed to complete the project. When the work is completed, the Board may have to pay the balance. That amount should be under $100.
o Youth Department Report by Roy Yamanouchi
An all-scouts picnic is scheduled for August 11th @ Emma Prusch Farm which will include volunteer opportunities for service credits.
o Budget and Finance Committee Report by Dan Sueyoshi
Dan submitted a purchase requisition process in written form for Board approval at a later date. Dan also submitted an implementation timeline.
o Historian/Archives Committee Report by Mas Horiuchi
The Archives Committee is hosting a no tap bowling tournament on September 09, 2012 to raise funds for needed archival items.
Al Hironaga is producing obon practice DVDs and will produce DVDs during obon weekend.
o Board Recruitment/Development Committee Report by Joyce Iwasaki
The Betsuin Leadership Reception is schedule for Thursday, November 08, 2012 in the multipurpose room. Food will be catered and the room will be set up conducive for mingling. Sponsor donations will fund this event. Board members, future Board members, and the Komon Group are invited to attend.
o Communications Committee Report by Joyce Iwasaki
Roy Batchelor, the Betsuin Webmaster, continues to track recent website issues such as slow-speed performance issues, viruses. Roy has been able to restore the site when breakdowns occur, but such occurrences deter users from coming back to the site when they are met with error messages. Roy is researching options for the committee to consider.
o Adult Buddhist Association (ABA) Report by Emi Tsutsumi
ABA is hosting the annual rummage sale on August 04, 2012. Please bring donated items on August 02 -03 between 9:00 am – 2:00 pm.
AUG