by John Callaway

I would like to thank David, Andrew, Linda, and Ken for coming to last month’s Trim and Talk meeting.  We had a great time working on azaleas and discussing Japanese black pine decandling techniques.

The board worked very hard last year to put together what was thought to be a fun and exciting 2008 calendar of events.  However, attendance has been quite poor so far this year.  We even had a meeting where only 1 person showed.  This is quite disturbing as we continue to plan for the 2011 ABS/BCI Seminar, Bonsai in the Bluegrass.  We need our members to be interested, active, and engaged.

In February the club had Matt Ouwinga from Chicago come and present a great lecture, followed by a "bring your own tree" workshop.  The morning lecture attendance was a little light, and the afternoon workshop was even more so, with only 5 people participating.

The plans for this coming September are to have Julian Adams in for a lecture and workshop.  In an effort not to have a repeat of February, we are asking for people to signup and pay the $45 workshop fee in advance.  We must have a minimum of 8 people enrolled and paid by the August 12th meeting, or the club will be forced to cancel this workshop.

If you have any ideas, concerns, or suggestions for the board, please let someone know.

My 2-year term as club president is 3/4 of the way through, and I will not be seeking reelection.  Start thinking about nominations for the various positions.  The newsletter for August will contain a list of positions and descriptions of each position.  Be thinking about who you would like to nominate, or volunteer yourself for one of the positions.  Nominations/Volunteers will be taken and voted on at the August 12th meeting.  A board meeting will follow on August 28th, 7pm at Earl Cormney’s to set the calendar of events for 2009.

Doug Philips will be hosting a day of bonsai at his house just outside of Bardstown on Saturday, July 19th from 8am - 4pm.  Plans are to meet in Shepherdsville to caravan.  Bring plenty of trees to work on for the day and your tools.  Doug will be setting up the grill and asks that you bring chicken, steak, or burgers of your choice and a side.  Drinks will be provided.  Please RSVP to John Callaway by Thursday, July 17th.

2nd Tuesday – Landscape Forms July 8, 7-9pm at Bon Air Library

Linda Kossmann will be demonstrating how to create landscape forms.  All are encouraged to attend to see how to create natural looking rocks, slabs, and boulders.  If you plan to participate in the workshop on Saturday July 12th, you are required to attend this meeting. See Linda’s description of the planning and workshop on Page 1.

Following Saturday – Landscape Workshop July 12th, 10am at Cave Hill Cemetery

This is the workshop portion of the landscape form creation.  We only have room for 5 participants, and you must attend the Tuesday demonstration.  Cost of the workshop will be $45.00 and must be paid by Tuesday, July 8th.  If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to John Callaway by Monday, July 9th.  Spectators are welcome.