by George Buehler

I'm taking my GLBS newsletter editor hat off and putting on a different one. As most of you know, I am on the Board of Directors of the American Bonsai Society (ABS). For a project I am working on, I have received a membership list of the ABS. One of the things I notice is that John Callaway and I are the only members here in Louisville! That is hard to believe! I would have expected some of the GLBS long time members to also be ABS members. Maybe it is a sign of the times, only so many magazines on bonsai can be read with all the other things going on in our lives.

But to those unfamiliar with the ABS, let me introduce you.

Unlike several other bonsai clubs, the ABS is dedicated to the learning and teaching of bonsai. Part of their mission statement is: "our purpose is to promote knowledge of and interest in bonsai and to serve as a focal point for bonsai learning in North America. We provide a variety of educational and support services, as well as publishing a quarterly Bonsai Journal for the bonsai community." Membership in the ABS can quickly aid the bonsai learning curve for those new to bonsai and refresh the knowledge gained for those longtime bonsai enthusiasts.

Membership in the ABS is just $40 per year for single members or $50 per year for family membership. Of course there are other levels of membership also available. All memberships include an annual subscription to BONSAI: Journal of the American Bonsai Society and free membership in the ABSForum, our email bonsai discussion group.

The Journal is published 4 times per year and is packed with 'How to' articles as well as containing other interesting articles and specimen pictures. The ABSForum is a place where questions can be asked of other members, and I guarantee you will get some very detailed and accurate responses to questions.

You can join online by going to the ABS website (www.absbonsai.org) and clicking on the 'Join ABS Now' button to go to the secure page where you can join. They take MasterCard and Visa.

Within a day or two, you will receive an email (and I highly recommend entering an email address when you join) verifying your acceptance and a notification on how to register for the ABSForum.

I have included a paper membership form in this newsletter for those of you who would rather do it manually.

Please consider joining.