Newsletter – August 2016

2016-08-Img01Bonsai Notebook

The August 13 meeting at the Arboretum will be an opportunity to learn about the ficus (fig) family of trees.    Ficus trees do very well in our climate, and our guest Ken Fuentes will share a lot of details on the care and training of figs.

Ken has been involved in bonsai for about 40 years and is a founding member of The Conejo Valley Bonsai Society.  Before moving to California, Ken lived in Miami, Florida and was a member of the Bonsai Club of Miami.  He has worked with many bonsai masters including John Naka, Ben Oki, and Warren Hill.  Ken has been a demonstrator, working on ficus trees, at the Bonsai-A-Thon.

The details Ken shares will be applicable to all ficus varieties with some noted variations.  Come prepared to ask questions and learn.

2016-08-Img01Meeting Time And Place:
Aug 13, 2016 at 7pm
LAC Arboretum/ Palm Room

President’s Corner

This message is late for most of our members, but it is important to our club history.  Long-time member Bruce Hisayasu passed away June 13.  He and his wife, Yaeko, who survives him, were active in our club for many years.  They were the first club members I met when I joined the club.  I loved that Bruce asked questions of every demonstrator who presented at our meetings.

Bruce sold bonsai pots, and was a prominent source of pots in Southern California.  A lot of local bonsai people have old Japanese pots purchased from Bruce and Yaeko.  They stopped coming to meetings a few years ago when Bruce could no longer drive at night.  We have missed them ever since.  Rest in peace, Bruce.

~Dave

July Highlights

We enjoyed a pleasant evening outside at our July meeting in the backyard of Peter and Marissa Macasieb.  Our informal gathering away from the Arboretum, due to a summer concert conflict, was an opportunity to keep the flow of our monthly meetings.  We had a large turnout, and members roamed around Peter’s collection, which keeps growing every year.  Peter was available for questions and proudly talked about his trees and how they were acquired.  He has several groups of trees set aside for demonstrations and workshops.  Trees cover every available space throughout Peter’s yard.  Marissa mentioned that she tried to keep the pool deck off limits to bonsai, but it appeared Peter has started encroaching there also.

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Thanks to Marissa and our members who brought refreshments, there was a lot of food and drink.  The food and socializing made for a great evening. The meeting was a nice alternative to our regular monthly routine,  We greatly appreciate the hospitality of Peter and Marissa.

A Special “thanks” to Peter & Marissa  and to all who brought food & goodies to share at our July meeting.

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Newsletter Update

  • Our membership dues are vital to SABS remaining financially viable. The dues for each year are due in January.  Past members who have not yet renewed are encouraged to do so at this time.  If you joined SABS during Oct-Dec 2015 then your membership is current until Dec 2016.
  • The SABS newsletter is one of the “perks” of  belonging to our club.  When your membership is not renewed by the end of March the membership lapses and you will no longer be illegible to receive this newsletter directly via email and/or US mail.  The newsletter will always be available on our website: www.sabonsai.org

Members Corner

This space is meant for any bonsai related stories or information a member would like to share.  Make your submissions to Dave & Lorraine Miles at [email protected].

Continuing the club history:

In September 1966, the Descanso Gardens Guild and Santa Anita Bonsai Society had the first “Autumn Bonsai Festival” at Descanso Gardens.  There were over 100 trees on display and demonstrations for the public.  The following year there were 85 trees displayed by 17 members of SABS.  Jim Barrett’s demonstration had standing-room-only attendance.

More next month…

Upcoming Events

August 20-21
Nanpu Kai 28th Annual Show
10am-5pm both days, at Japanese American Cultural Center
224 S. San Pedro St., Los Angeles

Sept. 28 – Oct. 2
Kofu Bonsai Kai Annual Exhibit
at Bowers Museum, 2002 N. Main St., Santa Ana, CA
714-567-3600

Oct. 27-30
39th Golden State Bonsai Federation Convention
at Double Tree by Hilton
2001 Point West Way, Sacramento
details – www.gsbfconvention.org

Come Join Us

August Meeting
Date: Aug 13,  2016
Time: 7pm
Location:
LAC Arboretum, Palm Room
301 N. Baldwin Ave
Arcadia, Ca  91007

There will be a Board Meeting at 6pm prior to the general meeting

2016 Monthly Meeting Dates

Aug  13 —  Ken Fuentes
Sept 10  — at the home of  Steve & Judy Anthony
Oct 8 — TBA

2016 Refreshment Schedule

Aug  —-J. Gibbs, P. Macasieb, D. Miles, A. Sigimura
Sept —-bring a favorite dish or dessert to the Anthony’s home