Howard Shintani, president of the Buddhist Temple of Alameda (left), and the son of a temple member, Hunter Dixon, invite the public to join them at the annual Obon Festival set for this Saturday, July 21, starting at 4 p.m. The free event features live music, an ikebana exhibit, taiko drums and a mini food bazaar. Talks will be held on the history of the temple and the “Training Wheels of Buddhism.” At 7:30 p.m. a traditional Bon Odori dance will take place. The temple is located at 2325 Pacific Ave. Find out more at btoa.org.
St. Barnabas Church presents its annual rummage sale from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., this Saturday, July 21, at the parish hall and school parking lot, 1427 Sixth St. To learn more call Patrick McNamara, 522-2630.
Join Rhythmix Cultural Works for another Love Our Island Art Walk, Radical Beauty Part 4, this Friday, July 13, from 6 to 9 p.m. at South Shore Center. The inner courtyards of the mall will transform into a magical landscape of music and art. Viewers will find works by Sonja Hinrichsen (above), Mark P. Fisher and installation duo Elizabeth Dante and Tomyé: Living Artist. Musicians Daniel Berkman and Jacques Ibula will provide ambience as walkers explore the shopping center in an all-new way.
Alameda Island Poets will celebrate National Poetry Month with a reading featuring John Rowe, Jan Dederick and Maurine Killough. Nanette Deetz is hosting the reading. Light refreshments will be served and an open mic follows the featured poets.
Rowe has had poems appear in a variety of small press journals and anthologies. His latest chapbook is Beyond Perspective from Finishing Line Press.
Rowe’s previous poetry chapbooks At My Wit’s Beginning and Winsome Losesome showcase his tendencies toward whimsical word play and a minimalist approach.
Warriors for the Working Day
When I was a little boy,
my mom worked,
And so one day I went to daycare,
Where she let go of my hand,
And someone else,
A woman I did not yet know,
Took it in hers,
And took care of me.
When I was old enough for school it happened again:
My mom walked me to
Wilson Elementary,
Held again my little hand,
Comforting me,
Until a different woman
welcomed me,
With excitement,
warmth and love.
