December 2000

President's Message

December is our welcome to the coming Holidays Bring a favorite dish, the turkey is on the club Save room for all the good food. Also check out the tree that some of our members decorated at the Garden Center.

On meeting night bring your decorated bonsai so we all can enjoy them WE will share donated raffle items and someone will go home with a treasure There will be a sign up sheet for Terry Ward's fourth Wed. study group, an excellent chance for a refresher and new ideas for our newer members Open to all Remember to collect your pot and Nandina (also two small rocks?) for our January program with Elaine There are only 40 places, so sign up early.

We will also need to know how many want to go collecting in January.

Many thanks to Chuck for the yearling workshop It looked like the helpers had a good time too.

This is the end of my two years, busy with help from all All the little things were big to me Friends kept the size of the mountains down to hills so that I could keep up I can't say enough about all our great bonsai people.

Do come to our party, Sandra will do her magic and we will all have fun One of these days I need to learn to use this computer and type so Pat's job is easier.

Calendar of Events

Dec. 13 Monthly Meeting

Christmas Party!!!!!
7:30 PM
Zilker Garden Center
Refreshments by: Everyone

Dec. 20; NO Board Meeting

Dec. 25 Merry Christmas

Dec. 27 NO members workshop

2001

Jan. 6-7; Bay Island Bonsai
Haywood, Ca.

January 14; Club Dig (Tentative)

January 21; Club Dig; (Tentative)

Feb. 24-25; Bonsai-A-Thon
San Marino, Ca.

March 23-25; LSBF in; Dallas

Mar. 3l - Apr. 1 Zilker Garden Festival

April 12-15 ABS in New Orleans

May 19-20 Austin's Annual Show

May 25-28 Bonsai Societies of Florida
Orlando, Fl.

May 31-June 4; 4th World Conv.
Munich, Germany

Oct. 15-19 Bonsai on Board - BCI
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines

General Meeting Minutes

 The meeting was called to order by President, Alisan Clarke, at 7:35 PM. She asked Terry Ward to explain the display that he had set up so that everyone would have an idea of what they would be doing this evening He went into limited detail because of time.

Gloria Norberg presented the slate of officers, as published in our last newsletter Chuck Ware made the motion we accept the slate by acclamation Shelia Ware seconded and it was unanimous.

Chuck Ware exhibited the blue atlas cedar that Mas Imazumi did to replace the tree that cracked at the lecture/demo that he did We applauded the gentleman for "going the extra mile".

Elaine White previewed the January meeting by example Then she explained the elements and what each person needs to do & bring.

Pat Ware showed an example of the Christmas decoration we hope to do for the Zilker tree we will be doing Those who do needlepoint were asked to do some Also, the budget was passed to everyone so that they could vote later.

The workshop started with the new members paired up with old members and working on Korean boxwoods.

The members not involved in that group were treated to a scroll painting workshop Fun was had by all

Eileen Deeter made the motion we accept the proposed budget, Don Rehberg seconded it, and it passed unanimously.

The meeting adjourned at 9:20 PM.

The LSBF State Convention; is early so fill out the forms TODAY and MAIL IN NOW!

REMEMBER! to bring a covered dish to the Christmas Party sign up sheet was forgotten at the last meeting.

The club will provide the meat and drinks plus Sandra Vitone will do the lovely table decorations. Bring a decorated BONSAI tree for all to see!!!!!; Bring some item for a raffle that all will enjoy - does not have to be bonsai related This is our last social for the year. Also, please bring any suggestions for programs for next year.

Attend, enjoy the camaraderie and have fun!  

Special Board Meeting Minutes

Alisan Clarke, President, called together Mike Powers, Gloria Norberg, Chuck & Pat Ware to go over the proposed budget Pat explained the differences from last year ; and that last year we had proposed a $1600. deficit , but to date have only a $1200. deficit which includes the $1000. donated to the State Exhibit which wasn't in the budget This year's proposed deficit is primarily due to the fact that we host the joint meeting this year All agreed to let the membership vote on this budget as is.

Board Meeting Minutes

The November board meeting of the Austin Bonsai Society was called to order at 7:05 PM at the Austin Area Garden Center by President Alisan Clarke. It included both present and "soon to be"board members Present were Alisan Clarke, David Gordon, Candy and Mike Hansen, Els Ulug, Chuck and Pat Ware, Gloria Norberg, Jim Allan, Elaine White, and Charlotte Cranberg.

President Alisan called for a discussion of the budget as some questions had been raised Charlotte Cranberg moved that copies of the end of year statement reflecting the budget be made available at the January meeting The motion passed A copy of the budget has always been available for members to peruse.

Elaine asked for an annual pledge by the Austin Bonsai Society to the permanent exhibit Chuck Ware moved that we budget $500. in 2001 and that it be a line item in future budgets The motion passed.

Treasurer Pat Ware reported that $423.76 was the cost of the Gustafson visit after income and expenses were calculated.

December 1st the Christmas tree for the bonsai society will be decorated at the Garden Center.

Pat asked if we wanted to help the Moon Festival with replacing the lanterns that were lost in the storm James Allan moved that the Bonsai Society give $100 The motion passed.

The board agreed that we vote "yes" at the next Austin Area Garden Center meeting to add to their bylaws.

The Christmas party was discussed. Sandra Vitone  will be in charge of the table decorations.

The meeting adjourned at 8:25 PM.

LSBF Minutes of October 14, 2000

The President Buddy Allen called the meeting to order at l:03 PM.

Bob Swindle moved that the minutes of the last meeting be accepted as presented. John Miller seconded Motion passed.

Pat Ware distributed the Treasurer's report Pat stated that only two clubs have submitted reimbursement receipts for Dennis Makishima's programs and requested clubs to get their receipts turned in Airfare for Dennis was $70. higher Received refund from airline for Dan Robinson flights Texas speakers receive $75. plus 30 cents per mile for their programs Eight speakers are on the current list, which include Mike Hansen, Buddy Hensley, Marty Klajnowski, Vito Megna, John Miller, Yvonne Padilla, Chuck Ware, and Terry Ward Bob Swindle moved that the treasurer's report be approved as submitted Yvonne Padilla seconded Motion passed.

Buddy Allen requested that any officers that have budget estimates for next year to please submit this information to Pat to include in the January Budget.

Chuck Ware reported very favorable response to Dennis Makishima's programs, Buddy will send Dennis a thank you note.

Chuck recommended Hal Mahoney to be our Texas Tour artist in the fall of 2001 John Miller seconded Motion passed Attendees discussed the timing of the 2002 Texas Tour to be in the spring or summer with Mary Miller as the possible touring artist. Chuck will contact Mary regarding a spring or summer tour and report at the next meeting in January Chuck agreed to continue as the LSBF tour director Buddy requested that each club submit their preferred times to Chuck A vote tour time and artist will be tables until the January meeting.

Yvonne Padilla distributed the Convention financial statement A profit of $6,563.55 will be split between LSBF and Corpus Christi Bonsai club There were 72-74 full registrants this year compared to 90 in 1994. The raffles did very well Attendees agreed that the abbreviated report is a very good format.

John Miller distributed the LSBF Convention programs and registration forms for the March 23-25, 2001 The convention will be held at the Renaissance Dallas North Hotel Guest artist will be Pedro Morales, Craig Coussins, Greg Setter, Vito Megna, and David Schlesser Workshop and demonstrations materials will include Buttonwood, Trident Maples, San Jose Juniper, Japanese Maple, Shohin Black Pine, Caussurina, Shimpaku and Seiju Elm.

Chuck Ware presented an overview of the 2002 Bonsai convention in New Braunfels The convention will be held on November 15-17th at the Civic Center There are 8-10 motels in the area Twelve workshops will be held Friday afternoon, Saturday morning and afternoon and Sunday morning There will be exhibit, vendor, snack and storage areas Food will be catered or prepared on-site Artist signed up so fare are Mark Noelander and Dennis Makishima Materials will be Scot Pine, Black Bine, Azalea, Native Grape Vine, Japanese Yew, Crab Apple, Boxwood Microphylla, Jasmine, Chinese Box Orange and Korean Hornbeam.

Due to Spring 2001 and Fall 202 convention timing a motion was made by Libby Huffman to schedule the LSBF meetings to the Summer of 2001 & 2002 Pat Ware confirmed that the Austin Area Garden Center is available on June 23, 2001 and June 22, on 2002 Libby moved that these dates be placed on the garden center calendar Bob Swindle seconded Motion passed.

Suzanne Scott distributed and presented a sub-committee report to address the declining convention attendance and possible future convention locations, formats and programs After much discussions Bob Swindle made a motion that all delegates bring written plans, ideas and suggestions to the January LSBF meeting Yvonne seconded Motion carried After the vote it was suggested that; ask the clubs to send their written recommendations to Suzanne Scott by Christmas day so she can collate the responses for the January 20, 2001 meeting Terry Ward presented a written report on the definitions of a seminar and convention for consideration in future convention planning.

Chuck Ware stated that the Texas Stars demos at the conventions has outlived its usefulness and recommended that the clubs contribute small materials like trees, pots, stands, etc in lieu of the demo materials Chuck said the clubs could develop some pre-bonsai materials that could be used in the workshops and it would hopefully get more clubs to get their membership more involved in the convention It was recommended that delegates discuss this idea with their clubs and bring feedback to the January meeting.

Pat Ware stated she has the BCI speaker's book if any of the clubs need to use it for reference.

Yvonne Padilla said her Brazilian Raintree is published the recent issue of Bonsai Today Congratulations Yvonne!

Elaine White state that the preliminary work to set up a State Bonsai Exhibit is underway with legal documents, survey of the proposed site, security planning, architectural advise and election of local Austin directors to work on long term planning Other clubs will be invited to participate in the planning once the up front paperwork is completed and long term planning development.

Terry Ward distributed the Texas Bonsai Annual Report 1140 copies were sent out at a cost of $859.13 which is 75 cents each Actual cost is 58 cents There are 4-5 advertisers this next year, Terry asked for feedback from each of the clubs on the number of copies they really need for their club distribution Terry recommended a budget of $925, which is a increase of $32. over last year's budget ($27. is printing cost increase.) Bob Swindle moved we approve the budget as presented John Miller seconded Motion passed.

Terry distributed copies of the Texas Bonsai for delivery to the clubs by the delegates Terry also distributed a survey asking for the types of trees that have been successfully grown throughout the state The feedback results will hopefully eat to an article to encourage hobbyist, especially beginners to work with new varieties of trees Terry asked for feedback by Thanksgiving.

Bob Swindle moved to adjourn the meeting Chuck Ware seconded Motion passed.

Meeting adjourned at 3:45 PM. 

Study Group Notes

Intermediate Bonsai Classes Offered

Classes begin on Wednesday, January 24th and finish on Wednesday, March 28th Please see the calendar below for dates, locations, and times These classes are ideal for anyone wanting to gain bonsai skills and as a refresher for bonsai veterans It is not necessary to have taken last years classes to enroll in this series Classes are open to all skill levels and will be taught by Terry Ward.

The cost is $10.00 per person for the entire series You may register at the November or January club meetings or at Class 1. Make your registration check payable to the Austin Bonsai Society. Because classes are progressive, attendance is limited to registrants only.

Basic bonsai tools, a selection of aluminum bonsai wire and table cover, such as a garbage bag, will be needed. Minimum tools would be bonsai scissors, wire cutters and chop sticks. A concave cutter would be a most useful addition Details of what you will use will be covered in Class l.

There; are two additional items which are essential to bring to every class:; An eagerness to learn and a willingness to participate!

Class 1 

• *Welcome To The Wonderful World of Bonsai Overview of upcoming classes. 
• *Classic Styles and Part 1 of Material Selection Guidelines Introduction to classic bonsai styles and how to use them to our advantage. 
• *Interactive Questions and Answers 

Class 2 

• *Material Selection, Part II 
  How to see bonsai in rough material using multiple examples. 
• *Interactive Questions and Answers

Class 3 

• *Wiring 101 And Shaping By Pruning 
  Basics Overview of wiring and pruning techniques for some commonly used bonsai material. 
• *Workshop 
  Hands on wiring and pruning practice. Students to bring their own tree(s) to work on. 
• *Select Topic for Class 4 
  Students will decide what topic or workshop they want to cover in Class 4. 
• *Interactive Questions and Answers.

Class 4 

• *Students Choice 
  Topic or workshop will be as selected by the students. 
• *Review Of Material Selection Guidelines 
  A review to aid students in the selection of their plant material to use in Class 5.

Class 5 

• *Workshop: Create A Bonsai 
  Students create a bonsai from rough material they have selected. 
• *Interactive Questions and Answers.

Class Schedule: 

• Class 1: Wednesday, January 24, Zilker Garden Center, 7:30 p.m./9:30 p.m 
• Class 2: Saturday, February 10, Persimmon Hill Bonsai, 9:30 a.m./Noon 
• Class 3: Wednesday, February 28, Zilker Garden Center, 7:30 p.m./9:30 p.m 
• Class 4: Saturday, March 10, Persimmon Hill Bonsai, 9:30 a.m./Noon 
• Class 5: Wednesday, March 28, Zilker Garden Center, 7:30 p.m./9:30 p.m.

Please Note: Each class will begin promptly at the time shown.

Ten Commandments
of
Bonsai

1. Thou shalt devise thine own potting mix Thou mayest seek advice and help from others but must formulate thine own mix according to thine own microenvironment and watering and fertilizing regiment.
2. Thou shalt determine the ph of thine own water and adjust it to slightly acidic.
3. Thou shalt immediately, or as soon as possible, remove any new plant from its original potting mix and place it in thine own.
4. Thou shalt abhor, despise, detest and hate all such vermin as squirrels and mayest not go to the local feed store and buy the 50 lb. bags of corn to feed them because "they are so cute".
5. Thou shalt take care of thy bonsai as though they were thine own children - for indeed, they art Thou shalt water them, feed them, groom them, love them and keep them from all harm.
6. Thou shalt do thine own repotting and trimming Thou mayest seek advice and assistance but must do the acual work thine own self.
7. Thou shalt not bow down and worship "The Rules" of bonsai and shalt recognize that they are naught but "guidelines"- albeit excellent guidelines Thou shouldst learn them and abide by them - when applicable and possible.
8. Thou shalt seek diligently for potential bonsai, they; being available whence and where found.
9. Thou shalt not covet they neighbor's bonsai, nor his pots, nor his tools - lest ye be willing to pay him at least 10 times its maximum true value.
10. Thou shalt do everything in they power to promote the Art of Bonsai.

Reprinted from Texas Bonsai, Summer, 1991

Editor's note: This was the former editor of Texas Bonsai and in his editorial he added, "I realize that Americans are a law abiding people and MUST have a codified set of laws or a constitution by which to abide lest they become helpless and lost As bonsai has become a religion to most of us, I have given you something higher than mere laws They were given to me in a vision as I ascended Mount Fuji and are graven into a slab of Shimpaku wood with a jin graving tool."

What Am I?

Beautiful records of the passage
O f seasons.... dwarfed and aged, survives
N atural rhythms of harmony,
S erenity, simplicity.
A n ancient artistry steeped
I n traditions.

Walking in the night,
Snow is falling,
A farewell to the year.

Shara

November 15, 16, 17, 2002

Put this date on your calender and circle it!

Plan your vacation at that time!

Austin and San Antonio are combining with LSBF to have the State Convention at that time It will be held at the Civic Center in New Braunfels All members in BOTH clubs will be working with each other to make this a success Everyone is excited about this new concept initiated at this Convention.

Offer your help and support!!!!!!

• Show Chairpersons: Chuck & Pat Ware
• Registration Chairpersons: Greg & Shelia Setter
• Treasurer: Arlene Hastings
• Vendor Chairpersons: Mike & Candy Hansen
• Goodie Bag Chairperson: Libby Huffman
• Exhibit Chairperson: Marty Klajnowski
• Transport/Hospitality Chairperson: Gary Martilla
• Co-Chairperson: Rachel Cynwinski
• Publicity Chairperson: Elaine White
• Raffle Chairperson: Gloria Norberg
• Co-chairperson: Alfred Lopez
• Monitor Chairperson:; Jeff Holmes
• Co-chairpersons: Audrey Lanier
• Charlotte Cranberg
• Food Chairperson: Sandra Vitone
• Co-chairperson: Mary Martini
• Logo/theme Chairperson:; Jim Bauman (Jimbo)
• Co-chairpersons: Jordan Merson
• Alisan Clarke
• Webpage Design: Jim Allan

Don't forget to give your volunteer hours to Don Rehberg