by Lee Squires

Hello bonsai friends,

The close election is over and I was elected by acclimation by the hardy members that braved the Cantonese selections at the Jumbo Buffet in December at our Holiday/Christmas party. As promised during my campaign, I will run this organization with "change", and you all can expect an educational and fun 2009. I was last President in the late 70's for a three year term run. As I remarked at our party, Kenny Popp and I are the only members still active in the club that trimmed, potted and wired through that regime of long ago. I guess we were some of the only ones that could keep a tree alive for more than 6 months!

President John did a great job over the last two years and his bonsai act will be hard to follow, but I’ll give it a try. Thanks for all you did, John. My outgoing gift to him was a “bonsai potato” kit, and we all expect great things from him as he cultivates his new "tree".

Our 2009 meeting schedule is presented below. It promises to be interesting and educational to all, we hope. During the first two workshop meetings in January and February we will enter into unexplored territory. Bonsai professional & club member, Doug Philips, will lead us through an approach grafting method of producing a fine Trident Maple bonsai. This will take some skill and finesse and involves soldering, frame building and transplanting bareroot maple trees. At least 75 trees will be needed for one finished specimen. This is not a cheap workshop and cost details are located on page 1. Don’t be afraid or squeamish to take this workshop. Doug and others will be there to help you, and your finished product will be well worth the price. Instead of waiting 20 years to have a great tree, it will take a fraction of that time.

My goal this year is to retain members. I have seen many, many, many people over the last 30 years join the club, kill a tree or two, and drop out. We need to stop this cycle by creating viable, good looking trees for new members and maintain the interest of veteran members. Please e-mail me (squi9997@insightbb.com) with ideas that will help accomplish this goal.

Thank you all and see you in January.

Lee Squires - President