20th Annual Christmas Potluck And Raffle
Saturday, December 6, 2014
Lunch about Noon, raffle after lunch
It’s time for the club’s annual Christmas party, potluck, and raffle! Once again, there should to be lots of good fun, good company, and a good raffle. Come and wander around the backyard and critique my bonsai collection, have lunch, and stay for the raffle. Husbands, wives, and friends are welcome, of course. It’s always a lot of fun. Weather Underground is predicting nice weather, so p lease come! There’s a map attached to this newsletter, but call if you get lost. It’s a true potluck, so bring a dish to share with the group. If you have anything bonsai-related to donate, please bring it. The proceeds go to the club treasury. There are no other club events until 2015!
President’s Message:
The holiday season is upon us. Everyone had a great time participating in Jim Barrett’s pot making workshop and came away with several companion vessels. I have already planted several items in hopes they will be ready for our show. I do have the pots for at least two people. I will bring those to our Christmas Party at Joe’s house. If you can’t be there to receive your handiwork, you may email me at tompostart@yahoo.com to pick them up.
We have had a large enough response to Ann Erb’s workshop class that we will be offering it on the 2nd Saturday for the first semester for sure. Having the workshops greatly enhances your bonsai collection.
I do hope to see everyone at the gathering at Joe Olson’s house. Great food, great companionship and your chance to come away with bonsai materials for you to work on during the coming year.
~ Tom
Last Month: Critique Of Club Members’ Trees By Club Members
Lots of interesting trees were brought in, too many to show here, and there was a lot of spirited discussion about them. Stephen Yee’s cascade juniper, the tree in the picture, was particularly interesting in light of Daniel Martinez’ recent presentation on his visit to Ryan Neil’s nursery. Daniel’s presentation got Stephen to wondering about the provenance of his tree, so he e-mailed Ryan with his questions. Here are some excerpts from their exchange of messages. Stephen wrote to Ryan saying “Daniel mentioned that you studied Horticulture at Cal Poly SLO around 2002. My son started school that same year at Cal Poly SLO and we visited the campus regularly. On one occasion probably around summer time, we visited the Horticulture department/garden area and I purchased a bonsai juniper from two young men who were working on a few bonsai trees. I am now wondering if you were one of those two young men there busy working on your trees?” Ryan’s answer to Stephen: “I have to smile when I read your email since I not only was one of the two kids selling trees at the horticulture unit, but I actually remember you and the tree you purchased! Haha, it’s a crazy memory by association and I rarely forget a tree even back to my bonsai beginnings. I hope your bonsai journeys are going well and that your son found Cal Poly to be as amazing of an education and college experience as I did. I can’t even begin to say how much my education has done for me in my career.”
Plant A Seed Award To Tyler Deblauw
The GSBF Plant a Seed Program grants $100.00 to elementary school, high school, and college or university level horticulture students. The recipient must use this grant money for bonsai expenses such as books, tools, plants, or lessons. GSBF member Clubs may nominate a candidate for the grant. Club President Tom Post nominated Tyler DeBlauw, our enthusiastic youngest member, for the award, and the request was approved. Here’s Tom presenting a check to Tyler as his mother, Cheryl, looks on.
Follow-up On Jim Barrett Pot-making Workshop
Jim brought our glazed and fired handiwork up with him when he was hers for the Saturday workshop on November 15.. Here’s a picture of Jim and his wife Helen with some of the pots. They look good, don’t they?
Coming Events:
Dec. 26-Jan. 2, 2015
25th Anniversary Aiseki Kai Show, Huntington Botanical Gardens, 1151 Oxford Road, San Marino. California Aiseki Kai presents its 25th annual show featuring more than 100 outstanding examples of suiseki and other viewing stones. For more information see: www.aisekikai.com or contact hutch@aisekikai.com. 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Closed Thursday, January 1.
