President's Message

by David Johnson

GETTING UP FOR BILL

As many observant members are aware, Bill Valavanis, bonsai professional, editor and publisher of International Bonsai from Rochester, New York, will be making a return engagement to our next meeting on Monday November 13th.

We have advertised this event in the Journal, at the last October meeting and on our website. Bill will give a presentation on "Literati Bonsai". He will then critique a number of our members' literati styled bonsai. All members are encouraged to bring a literati tree for the critique if they wish. Bill will pick the trees he critiques. The only limiting factor should be time.

Members who know of Bill's talent were pleased with results last November but for newer people, many were overwhelmed. With all levels of experience in mind, one feels the need to challenge all of us to get the most of Bill visit.

Like anything in life, the more you put into something, the more you get out of it. We know Bill is coming, we know the topic, we know we have the opportunity to bring in a tree for the critique on literati trees - why not go a little further?

What about doing a little reading and research into the subject? Even though we can't access the club library before the meeting, many members have books and magazines that touch on the topic. Why not review them, and think about it and perhaps come up with a question or two for Bill. Newer members without the literature at home can access the internet including the club's website.

The main point is to take as full advantage as possible this opportunity affords. An opportunity that unfortunately doesn't come often enough.