Sangha Picnic this Saturday

Summertime, and picnicking is easy!

This year’s potluck picnic is set for this Saturday, August 17, and the weather forecast is looking good.

Everyone is invited – Sangha, friends, children, and dogs! We’ll get underway this year at 11 a.m. with some of the games from the Buddha Bazaar that we had to postpone on a rainy Buddha’s Birthday weekend in May. Lunch will follow at 1:00. Bring a vegetarian (no meat, poultry, or seafood) main dish (enough for eight people) or a dessert to pass. The Center will provide sweet corn, fruit, beverages, and ice cream. The children’s games will resume at 2 and will finish with a tug-of-war.

We’ve hired a lifeguard to be on duty at the pond from 11 to 3, so you may want to bring swim wear. Be aware that the bottom of the swimming area is rather slippery.

You can also bring blankets or folding chairs. If you need a ride or can offer one, give us a call at the Center (585-473-9180), and we’ll coordinate.

Request from the Kitchen: Once you’ve parked in the lot behind the barn, bring your dish directly to the Mill House (there will be signs). To help the clean-up crew, please put your name on your serving utensils and container(s). And please label your dish, particularly if it’s vegan and/or gluten free.

Safety note: If you’re planning to hike in the woods, be aware that Lyme disease, a serious tick-borne infection, has become a problem in our area. Information is available online from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/lyme/.

Founder’s Day This Sunday

On Sunday, August 18, the day after the picnic, we celebrate Founder’s Day. We’ll be listening to an audio recording of one of Kapleau-roshi’s teishos. During the brunch that follows teisho, you can check out our annual Kapleau-roshi photo exhibit, on display in the Oak Room.

Elephant Path Documentary

Zen Center member Todd McGrain’s 45-minute documentary about African elephants, based on his daring trip there, is streaming for free, until September 5, on Al-Jazeera at this link.  

Todd is the sculptor responsible for the black basalt centerpiece in the Arnold Park Founder’s Garden, the sculpture “Spinning Still” at Chapin Mill, and the soon-to-be-installed sculptures in the Chapin Mill Retreat Center courtyard.