President’s Message

December 2024

Here we are at the end of another year for the Midori Bonsai Club. December brings with it our Holiday Season, a time to be thankful and to reflect on the good things it has brought us.

For me, discovering bonsai and making it a meaningful part of my life has brought immense joy and appreciation for this living art form—a pursuit for which I am thankful every day. As we conclude this year's programs, my hope is that everyone in our club will continue to expand their bonsai knowledge and develop a fine collection of trees they can be proud of, just as I have been blessed to do.

Our club has grown unexpectedly larger in recent months, bringing many new faces—people eager to learn and explore what they can do with this art form. This growth has sparked new excitement and anticipation for what we can accomplish together as a club. It has also introduced new challenges for those of us who develop the programs and workshops that we all enjoyed this past year.

All of us in the club have a voice, and as fellow members, we need to speak up when new ways of doing things can be implemented. Yes, those of us in leadership roles are open to suggestions and encourage all club members to share their ideas for the benefit of everyone. Additionally, we are looking for members who would like to join our board, which organizes our meetings. If you are that person, please attend one of our board meetings, which take place every third Thursday before our regular meeting at 6:30 PM. We would love to have you sit in and share your thoughts.

Our Holiday Christmas Party

What is a great Christmas Party without a wonderful meal to enjoy? With everyone's help in bringing their favorite dishes, it will truly be a meal we can all enjoy. Here are some helpful hints on what to bring: main course dishes, side dishes, various types of salads, international dishes, desserts, and bottled water (the club will provide this).

We ask everyone to please bring their own dinner plates and silverware, and depending on your beverage preference (wine, beer, soft drinks, etc.), please bring appropriate glasses.

We encourage as many members as possible to arrive at 5:00 PM to help set up the room and tables—we can use all the extra hands!

Evening Schedule

• 5:00 PM: Set-up tables and organize the room.

• 5:45 PM: All food items delivered.

• 6:00 PM: Club meal begins.

• 6:45 PM: President's message and club election.

• 7:00 PM: Club live auction begins.

• 9:00 PM: Auction concludes.

We also ask anyone with Christmas decorations suitable for table decor to bring them along. At the end of the club auction, please line up to pay for any items you purchased, and this would also be a good time to pay your 2025 club dues.

Our Live Holiday Auction

This is our once-a-year live auction, and we ask our club members to contribute items to help support our programs for the coming year. Now's the time to gather what you would like to donate. All bonsai-related items are welcome: trees of all types and sizes, assorted pots, new and used bonsai tools, soils, chemicals, fertilizers, books, and display items—all will be appreciated. Plus, coming home with that item you've always wanted can be exciting and rewarding when you raise your number and win the bid. Before the auction begins, all participants must come up and get a large plaque with a number. That’s it—you will be supporting the club for next year!

Our Third Thursday Workshop

This will be a regular club workshop on the 19th, so bring in those trees you need help with for some good advice. Keep in mind that at this time of year, almost all of your trees can be worked on.

A Meeting You Don't Want to Miss!

Every year at this time, our board members and any interested club members meet at a local restaurant to plan and develop the club's meetings for the coming year. This year, our meeting will take place on December 17th, a Tuesday, at 5:30 PM at the Panera restaurant just off Hamilton Ave, San Jose. I'm asking everyone to reflect on what they enjoyed most over the years regarding programs and bonsai personnel we have used or encountered.

Please keep in mind the needs of our club these days, with fewer senior members and a significant group of newer members of all ages. Bring a pen and some paper to write on; I will have a printed form for everyone showing the various months and weeks we need to fill for the 12 months ahead. Please make a special effort to attend this meeting—we need your ideas and feedback!

Your President,
Jack Christiansen

Previously

Sam Tan explains the development for coastal redwood bonsai in the November meeting.