December 2022 Newsletter

PO Box 2682, Olympia WA 98507-2682

www.olympiabonsai.org *** https://www.facebook.com/OlympiaBonsaiClub/

CHANGES TO MEETINGS IN 2023 - PLEASE READ!

During the pandemic the Lacey Community Center (LCC) made some changes to their room usage.  The room where we have met for so many years  is now being used on Thursdays by one of their own classes.  Instead of meeting in that room, in 2023 we will have our meetings in a sectioned off area of the larger room where we hold the auction.  

In January the LCC is always closed for the first two weeks so the meeting (Swap Meet) is always off our normal second Thursday schedule.  This year we were unable to reserve the room for the third Thursday.  Please make a note on your calendar that the meeting will be held on January 26th. 

NO MEETING OR WORKSHOP IN DECEMBER

Have a wonderful holiday everyone.  See you in 2023

NOVEMBER MEETING - A REPORT

Scott Elser from Portland gave us a great presentation on deciduous trees, specifically Japanese Maples and Crab Apples.  He brought several examples including a maple that was well developed and one that was field grown (wild looking). With Cole and Gerry’s assistance he leaf stripped it so we could see the skeleton of the tree.  Drawing opinions from the crowd about what was the front and which branches to remove, Scott transformed the tree in front of our eyes.  He forgot his wire so we didn’t get to observe that but he stressed that this was the time of year to wire your deciduous trees.  However he also cautioned that you need to be careful to remove the wire in the spring or you would get scarring.  

NOVEMBER WORKSHOP - A REPORT

We had a great turnout for the workshop.  Rick C. gave us a 2 hour master class in wiring and other methods of moving the branches on your tree, complete with hands-on practice and a live demonstration using Darrell as a tree.  If you haven’t been to a workshop recently please make a note of the workshop dates below.  Joe K has been lining up a great slate of instructors with instruction tailored to the time of year.  Hint: this means NOW is a good time for wiring. 

NEW NEWSLETTER EDITOR - BETH REDFIELD

Our new newsletter editor Beth has set an new record for getting involved as a volunteer in the club.  

Before she even joined the club, Beth volunteered to help out at the auction last summer. Upon learning that Nono was stepping down from her newsletter duties Beth quickly volunteered to help out.  Let’s now help her out by sharing any newsworthy bonsai information. You can contact her at bethredfield@yahoo.com . A big thanks to Beth for filling this very important role. 

NEW HOURS FOR BONSAI NORTHWEST

Hooray! The new owners of Bonsai Northwest are finally opening their store in Maple Valley but with very limited hours.  Sunday -11 a.m.- 4 p.m. Here’s the address and phone number.

Bonsai Northwest

23710 SE 221st Street, Maple Valley, WA  98038

(206) 242-8244

PACIFIC BONSAI MUSEUM SOLSTICE CELEBRATION

While the club may not be meeting this month that doesn’t mean there aren’t good bonsai related activities in December. The Pacific Bonsai Museum is holding their 9th annual Solstice Celebration on Saturday, December 17th 2022, from 4PM to 7PM.  The trees will be illuminated with soft holiday lights. Visitors are encouraged to BYOF "bring your own flashlights" to explore the collection after dark. There will be family friendly activities: free scavenger hunt for kids called "I Spy Bonsai", Candy cane give-away. Visit the pop-up shop, a local glass artist will have hand-crafted glasses, floats and ornaments for sale.  Holiday tunes will set the mood.  As usual the event is free of charge, suggested donation of $12 for those who wish to support the museum.     

2023 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

January Meeting

1/26 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

January Workshop

1/21 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

February Meeting

2/9 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

February  Workshop

2/18 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

March Meeting

3/9 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

March  Workshop

3/18 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

April Meeting

4/13 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

April  Workshop

4/22 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

May Meeting

5/11 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

May  Workshop

5/20 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

June Meeting

6/8 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

June  Workshop

6/17 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

July Meeting

7/13 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

July  Workshop

7/22 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

August

No meeting or workshop

September Meeting

9/14 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

September  Workshop

9/23 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

October Meeting

10/12 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

October  Workshop

10/21 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

November Meeting

11/9 7PM / Lacey Community Center 

November Workshop

11/18 10 AM - 2PM  /  North Olympia Fire Station

December 

No meeting or workshop

Officers

President Sam L.             

Vice President Darrell A.

Secretary Kent R.

Treasurer Eduardo M.

Workshop Volunteer Coordinator

Gerry O.

Past President 

Gerry O.

Board of Directors

Cole N.    

Librarian 

Volunteer Needed

Newsletter

Beth R.