Dear Friends, 2026 is well launched as we begin the month of February. This is also the time of the holiday of love - Valentine's Day on February 14. Following soon after is the third Monday in February, the national holiday called President's Day. This year it is on February 16, to honor George Washington's birthday and also the birth of Abraham Lincoln. The Lunar New Year, also known as Losar in Tibetan, begins on February 17, celebrated by a quarter of the world's people, and 2026 is the year of the Female Fire Horse, according to the Zodiac. In Asian traditions, the Lunar New Year celebration lasts at least 7 days, and sometimes as long as 16 days.     CENTER ACTIVITIES   Regular meditations continue at the Jizo Peace Center. The Meditation Room is dedicated to peace as honored in all religions. This month the Center starts a new program of Meditation and Music on the New Moon. This month's New Moon is on February 17; also the beginning of the Lunar New Year. At 7:00 pm, there will be Meditation first and then any type of music can be shared. Tea and cookies will follow. We are beginning to visualize the WZM Awards for Compassion for this year. Each Award is $350 based on a winning essay by a graduating high school senior. Essay submissions as well as donations are welcome!   PINE MOUNTAIN MEDITATION CLUB The Pine Mountain Meditation Circle meets at the Clubhouse every Monday at noon for an hour. There are six rotating leaders - off this month will be SunJay and Izumi. All can attend - donations appreciated. February Meditation Leaders include: February 2 Chika February 9 Ruth February 16 Chris February 23 Connie Below is a picture of the current meditation leaders: from left to right Izumi, Chika, SunJay, Simran, Chris, Ruth     CELTIC MUSIC This group rehearses on Tuesday nights from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Clubhouse with a snack break in the middle. Ruth plays fiddle. Some of the musicians as well as dedicated fans are great bakers who bring fresh or store bought treats to share. Our Tuesday Nighters have been invited back to the Frazier Park Library to give a concert in July, 2026. This event is something to look forward to.     EMPOWERING READERS OC TUTORING PROGRAM The 2 fourth grade students assigned to Ruth (on line) continue to develop their reading skills. The learning curve greatly improves when they are able to read smoothly in phrases rather than with the choppy "one word at a time" habit.     ANANDA ASHRAMA This Ashrama has been located in the beautiful foothills above Los Angeles for over 100 years. It offers public services on Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings as well as private services three times a day.     The Jizo Peace Center wishes blessing and peace to all!