First of all we really have to thank Tim Kong and Steve Jang for their outstanding performance as co-auctioneers at our annual fund raiser. There was a plethora of donated material, and for that we thank all the generous members for providing. Also kudos to Phylis Rizzi who put together a yummy buffet and donated the wine to keep us all fueled. And finally thanks go to all those present who kept the bidding lively and went home with new challenges. We look forward to seeing these trees again showing the progress of new and dedicated insights. It is our goal and stated purpose to improve our trees along with our skills.
The auction provides monies which allows us to offer speakers, teachers and other programs to the membership. For all meetings in the park the club pays rent on the space and for special programs we pay for instructor fees and material costs. When the club books a workshop it is up to the club members attending to pay the instructors fees and costs. The club schedules the room and covers the rent, insurance etc. We always need a set minimum number of attendees to cover instructor’s fees and keep the cost per person reasonable.
Along those lines in response to requests to bring more instruction to the membership we had scheduled several workshops this year. However we have not been able to adequately fill them and have had to cancel two so far. Also the second part of the Bonsai Basics workshop had only one third of the class returning to repot their trees. We want to provide opportunity to the membership but cannot schedule these events without the commitment of other members. For those wanting to improve their skills through workshop participation watch the newsletter for notices of future workshop programs and let me know if there are specific subjects or teachers you would like the club to bring in.
Additionally the GSBF convention Nov. 3-7 offers many chances to take classes with some of the most skilled bonsai artists in the world today. Your trees will not improve if you do not practice your skills and seek to improve them, and my own experience has taught me that working with skilled teachers is the way to grow.

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