PABT Buddhist Women's Association

2020 BWA Officers

Mission Statement

We endeavor to provide opportunity to practice Jodo Shinshu Buddhism through shared experiences in genuine fellowship. We endeavor to learn through Buddhist educational activities, to promote personal spiritual growth for BWA members and the temple community at large. We support Palo Alto Buddhist Temple and community through activities to enhance the mission of the temple.

History

Buddhist Women's Association (BWA) of Palo Alto Buddhist Temple was founded in May 1926 with fewer than half a dozen women. Originally, this small group, also known as Fujinkai, met in homes of members, working and planning in support of the temple through hospitality, fund raising, welfare and community activities.

Today, over ninety years later, its scope and membership have kept pace with the growth of the temple and the focus of BWA activities is on the study and propagation of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism through shared experiences, fellowship and educational programs. The annually-elected cabinet and members meet monthly to discuss and plan a wide variety of community and educational activities to support the temple and temple community.

2020 BWA Board

President - Janet Kameda & Eimi Okano
1st Vice President - Kris Tanaka
2nd Vice President - Carol Kitaura & Terrie Masuda
Recording Secretary - Julia Miyakawa
Corresponding Secretary - Pamela Warrior
Treasurer - Miyoko Yoshii
Religious Coordinator - Bill Warrior
Representative-at-Large - Jeanette Arakawa & Gary Sakamoto
Advisers - Reverend Dean and Linda Koyama

Calendar of Events

Sunday, April 19, 2020 - 8:00 am - 10:00 am
Spring Breakfast Fundraiser

Ruby Inouye celebrated her 100th birthday at a gathering of family members
and friends at PABT. She received a congratulatory certificate from the
office of Bishop Kodo Umezu. She was also recognized with a gift from the
BWA at its annual luncheon on her 100th year milestone.

Julie Yumi Hatta, guest speaker at the Annual Installation Luncheon

New members, Michiko Hubert & Nobuko Bahnasy at the Annual Installation Luncheon

New members, Sara Tsuboi & 1st VP Kris Tanaka at the Annual Installation Luncheon

Grandma's Treasures Fundraiser, October 26, 2019

October 19 - Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Stroke Prevention
Speaker Nan Kitaura demonstrating how to make a delicious healthy drink with vegetables and fruit in a blender

September 28 - Warning Signs of a Stroke Seminar
Panelists: First row: Carol Kitaura, Wayne Kaku, Bill Warrior, and Jeanette Arakawa. Speaker: Du Nguyen, standing

Ruby Inouye Scholarship

Carly Jespersen was this year’s recipient of the Ruby Inouye Scholarship of $500. Carly graduated from Menlo-Atherton High School in Atherton and is planning to attend the University of Maryland in College Park.

The Ruby Inouye Scholarship has been offered for the past 20 years. This year’s award was the final one. The BWA is very grateful to Ruby Inouye for her generosity in supporting the many graduates.

Ruby Inouye Scholarship
First row: Father, Hans Jespersen; sister, Akimi; mother, Jennifer Yonemitsu, Carly Jespersen; Ruby Inouye
Backrow: Linda Koyama; Rev. Dean Koyama; Carly's grandparents, Mary Ann and Joe Yonemitsu