We are very blessed in our Sang- ha Community to have so many talented and giving volunteers. One group I would like to feature in this article is all those folks that serve our community as Zone Chairs and Zone Representatives. They work in many ways to coordinate our major events such as Chicken Teriyaki Box Lunch Fundraiser, Obon, Sangha Day Picnic, Keiro Kai and Mochitsuki, keep our Sangha in- formed of Board actions, keep up with Toban (Zone service & cleanup duties) and so much more. These valuable members work hard throughout the year to make the magic happen at our Temple in conjunction with everyone’s valuable volunteer hours and tasks.
In particular, I would like to acknowledge those that rolled off as Zone Chairs and Zone Representatives, some of whom have served for many years:
- Joyce Okumura-Lee (Zone 4),
- Bob Matsumoto (Zone 5),
- John Arima (Zone 5),
- Lisa Schindler (Zone 12),
- Rick Watanabe (Zone 12) and
- David Maruyama (Zone 13).
Also, a warm and appreciative welcome to our new 2026 Zone Representatives:
- Aiko Sugimoto-Miyamoto (Zone 4),
- Derek Ives (Zone 5),
- Brent Izutsu (Zone 5) and
- Ricky Chu (Zone 12).
Many of these Zone Chairs and Zone Representatives ALSO serve in roles in affiliated organizations and Board Committees.
We could not be the wonderful Mountain View Buddhist Temple without our Zone Chairs and Zone Representatives, so a BIG SHOUT OUT to THANK them for all their hard work throughout the year!
In Deepest Appreciation,
Julie Satake Ryu
2026 MVBT Board President