Minutes of the February 3, 2019 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study
Present: Rose Benjamin, John DeMaegd, Cassie Eberly, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Suzanne Gray, Pat Guido,
Steve Moore, J D Nafziger, Mark Rennie, Wanda Walker, Angie Whitley and Trish Young
Location: Linton's Enchanted Gardens
Program:
John DeMaegd called the meeting to order. A treasurer's report was given with $676.17 being the balance
in the club's account. Guests from other clubs were welcomed with a nice turn-out from the Fort Wayne
bonsai club. Several new individuals came and we were happy to meet them.
John introduced our guest speaker, Mr. Jack Sustic, the former curator of the National Bonsai & Penjing
Museum in Washington, D.C.
Jack's presentation covered three areas of interest to bonsai enthusiasts. First, he discussed the evaluation
of bonsai as it relates to exhibiting. Topics covered included aesthetics, techniques, horticulture and overall
impact. The second area covered was titled "Every Bonsai Tells a Story". Many famous trees were viewed
and the story behind them was told. (Several of these trees are now housed in the National Museum.) The
third and last topic discussed was the National Bonsai Foundation. This non-profit founded in 1982
provides financial and other support to the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum. (Check them out at their
website: www.bonsai-nbf.org.)
Finally, a sign-up sheet for refreshments was available. Wanda Walker volunteered to bring
refreshments to the March meeting, scheduled for March 3 at Linton's Enchanted Gardens. In March
there will be a potting demonstration. And, members are encouraged to bring their own tree (BYOT).
[NOTE: Members with deciduous trees should only bring them to repot if they show signs of growth !]