Merit Makers

Thanks go out this week to our seasonal cleaning crew of Gary Mickey, Elise Strevel and Joey Gooch. They gave up a gorgeous Saturday morning to clean our windows so the stupa view is unobstructed, make our lobby and library tidy and make our bathrooms sparkle. We all appreciate your effort and look forward to the next seasonal cleaning day where we can come together as a team to offer service to our Center.

Thanks go out this week to Patti Pandya, Gary Mickey and Venerable Lhamo for assisting in setting up the Tara altar on a consistent basis when we have Saturday sessions of "Making Praises to the 21 Taras." There is a lot of work that goes into moving furniture, setting up the altar, transferring the Taras into place and making everything beautiful so participants may make offerings before the practice begins. Thank you guys for your joyful effort!

Venerable Amy's visit could only happen in interdependence on so many dedicated people! Special thanks to Suzy Boehm and Linda Saah, who coordinated drivers, volunteers and Venerable Amy's housing host, as well as seeing to innumerable little details behind the scenes. Thanks also to our financial sponsors for making her visit possible, and to the folks who drove, greeted, set up offering bowls, offered beverages to Venerable Amy, and to everyone who came to hear the teachings.

Thanks go out this week to all the Dakas and Dakinis that helped during Losar! Volunteers served up the yummy rice, tea and cookies. Joey Gooch and Monica Schario showed us two beautiful Tibetan folk dances while the young Tibetan community shared stories, sang a song and enjoyed the holiday while miles away from home. Thanks to everyone for making this Losar so festive!

Thanks go out to this week to Lauri Robbins for inspiring us all to donate and deliver our merit boxes this season. Over the past 16 years, the Merit Box project has collected and distributed more than $1,000,000 to FPMT projects around the world. Our own dear Kadampa Center has received extremely helpful grants for 4 of the 5 Light of the Path retreats! Thank you Lauri for making this project a success!

Thanks go out this week to Tim Mulhern, who has accepted the position of Facility Team Leader for Kadampa Center. In his new role, Tim will lead the Handy Helpers Team to facilitate the management of projects – large and small – to keep our Center in tip-top shape! He'll also coordinate efforts with Grounds Manager Joey Gooch and the Serenity Gardeners. Thank you, Tim, for taking on this role and offering your time and service to our precious Center.

Thanks go out this week to all those who supported the Annual Appeal whether by giving financially, in-kind donations, offering service or planning for prostrations this year. Together we made it possible not only to reach our goal, we surpassed it! Thank you so much for believing in the Vision of Kadampa Center and supporting the place we all love so deeply.

Thanks go out this week to Kyle Hager, Dana Trent and Fred Eaker plus all those that popped in early or stayed late to help with the Holiday Party this year. We had a wonderful time together and appreciate all the kindness and effort. Thanks also to Vivian Magarino-Gomez for setting up the children's display of art, drumming and the wonderful video they made. It's great to celebrate with our Dharma friends!

Thanks go out this week to Tim Mulhern for single handily sorting our Dharma from holy images then with heartfelt practice, burning the Dharma per Lama Zopa Rinpoche's wishes. This is a highly detailed job and we appreciate Tim's diligence. We're just sorry for everyone else who doesn't get to Dharma sort now! (Don't worry, we'll always have more.) Thanks Tim for your time, patience and practice!