President’s Message
September 2021
We're now entering into our third month since we reopened our club meetings. It's a great feeling now to have a twice-a-month program of bonsai instruction that will keep our skill levels up and appreciation for the hobby we all enjoy and cherish.
I wanted to thank John Thompson for his excellent program he shared with us on developing oaks as a great bonsai candidate. Moreover, the tree he used as his demonstration that evening will be up for bid with our Silent Auction this coming First Thursday meeting. I personally am a big fan of oaks, I have three in my bonsai collection, and if you use John’s information he shared with us this past meeting you'll have a tree that you'll be proud of in just 4 or 5 years.
Images from JT’s Oak Tree Demonstration in August.
Annual Silent Auction
This Thursday meeting will be our yearly club Silent Auction that we all can take part in selling and buying bonsai related items. This is a club fundraiser that brings out a large group of club members that are hungry to sell unwanted bonsai trees they now have too many of, or bonsai related items that are no longer used. We encourage all members to look through their collection of trees and that storage cabinet overflowing with pots, tools, books, fertilizers, chemical application containers, or whatever fellow club members might need. This is a great time for new club members to begin their bonsai collection and needed items that will help them to get started with their bonsai career.
But first, all club members that desire to sell anything that evening will need to fill out the auction selling form that can be downloaded off the email everyone will receive this week or last month’s newsletter. You will need to fill out a small description of the item (or items) you want to sell in conjunction with that single form and the starting bid you want pricewise. In addition, you will need to determine the percentage you would like to allow the club to receive out of the selling price fy [sic] listed on the form. Since this is a fundraiser, the club needs to receive a small percentage of the sale, or you can donate the complete sale price to the club, it's up to you!
As you come into the church meeting room that evening there will be tables lined up in rows that you can place your forms and items you would like to sell. The auction will take place in separate segments, usually four distinct periods of times that will run out closing that segment. Then a new bidding period will begin allowing everyone to go around reviewing items and placing their bids on each paper form. We're asking that everyone please gather the items you had won at the grand finale then to get in line at the front of the room to pay for your purchases. That’s it! In addition, if you have not paid for your 2021 club dues, this is the perfect time to care for that. It should be a wonderful evening of fun and surprises.
October’s Meeting
As a short heads up for the month of October, the first Thursday meeting will start with a different twice of format, where we will be inviting club members to come up and share in an opportunity to develop their own personal tree guided by club members that have wire and tools to help with the trees vision. We encourage new club members to volunteer and be a part of this special meeting. You will be given a tree to work with and then take home at the close of the meeting free of charge.
Is that a great deal or what! New club members, we want you to get a taste of how to get started and have a new tree to care for and develop over the years.
Have a great month of September doing bonsai everyone! 🌳