A baby boomer himself, Rev. Marvin Harada of the Orange County Buddhist Church, delivered an inspirational Dharma message, in which he set the tone for the day and reflected on what the Dharma has to offer baby boomers at this point in their lives.

Following the Dharma session, the 80 seminar participants were able to participate in life enrichment sessions covering topics such as “Alzheimers/Dementia & Eldercare,” led by Ken Tanimoto, and “Midlife Financial Concerns” led by Derek Seo and Koichi Mizushima. A third session offered an open forum with ministers. 

The day concluded with a closing service and memorial to fellow baby boomers who had passed away. After a delicious Hawaiian Luau dinner participants were able to participate in Karaoke, watching and listening to classic R&B groups from the 70’s or game playing. 

For many of the 80 participants, this was their first visit to the new Jodo Shinshu Center and for some, it was their first visit back to a BCA program since their YBA days some 30 years ago. Talk is already resonating for next year’s Baby Boomer seminar now scheduled for Nov. 1, 2008 at the JSC Center. 

CBE Director Rev. Kodo Umezu would like to acknowledge the following committee members and volunteers who helped to make this one-day seminar, which was the largest seminar to date held at JSC, a resounding success: Judy Kono, Ken Tanimoto, Brian Nagata, Emiko Katsumoto, Lisa Mayeda, Susan Bottari, Lena Yin, Erick Ishii, David Watanabe, Patti Oshita, Vic Iwamura, Rev. Kiyo Kuwahara, Janet Umezu, Terry Morioka, Lynn Nakashima, Leslie Ohashi, and Alan Hirahara. The CBE would also like to thank all those who brought the delicious refreshments and food for the seminar, and a special thank you to the Berkeley Buddhist Temple for the use of their facilities.