Happy Friday!

Join host Brenda Reeb on February 11, 4:30-5:45 pm EST, on Zoom for this Friday social event. How was your week? What are you looking forward to over the weekend? Want companionship in a socially distant way? Need help with something? We’ll use a round-robin format to check in with everyone who wants to speak. Contact Brenda for meeting ID and passcode.

Saturday Dokusan

On February 12, Sensei will give the first Saturday-morning dokusan in a long time. These were instituted years ago to accommodate members who can’t make it to the regular dokusans held during the week. If you’re interested, take a seat in the zendo on the left side, near the Kannon Room, any time before 9:00 am, and an announcement will be made before dokusan begins.

And Sunday Teisho

Sensei will give teisho this Sunday, February 13. Join us at 8:30 am in the Arnold Park zendo or on Zoom.

Dharma Reflections, Sunday, February 13

All are welcome to join this monthly Buddhist study group on Zoom, on Sunday, February 13, from 1:00-2:15 pm EST. More information and this month’s source material are available here.

Supporting Local Critical-Care Nurses

Feel like giving back? Join fellow Sangha members in sending notes of gratitude to local critical-care nurses! These front-line workers not only care for patients with COVID-19, but for anyone who requires intensive care. All day, every day, that’s what they do, and the pandemic has taken a toll on them and their loved ones, especially during the Omicron surge.

Some words of thanks would go a long way toward lifting their spirits. Participants may drop off notes through the Link mail slot until Sunday, February 13 at 4 pm. They will then be hand-delivered the next day – that is, Valentine’s Day – to Strong Memorial Hospital by Center member Dick Rosin. However, don’t worry too much if you miss the initial deadline; this is an ongoing dana project.

Click here for more details on how you can participate in this continuing effort to recognize the compassion, dedication, and sacrifices of local nurses. Younger members of our Sangha, including our Zen kids, are especially invited to contribute!

Volunteers (Very Much!) Wanted

The Center’s Development Committee endeavors to attract participants to our training programs, workshops, and special events. As part of our efforts to create a regenerative and more inclusive community, we are hoping to expand our outreach to attract a younger, more diverse audience. Right now, we need two volunteers in these specific areas:

Social Media Specialist If you have excellent writing skills, a solid understanding of popular social-media platforms, and a degree and/or real-world experience in social media, the Development Committee could really use your help. Design, photography, and/or videography skills would also be a big plus.

Public Relations Specialist We need someone to build relationships with local and national editors, and execute an annual PR plan that will raise our profile locally and nationally. Maybe even internationally. Excellent writing skills are important, as well as the ability to represent the Center effectively.

Interested? Please contact the Development Committee’s Chair, Chris Pulleyn.