Minutes of the October 4 , 2020 meeting of the Michiana Bonsai Study

Present:    Larry Benjamin, Diane Buday, John Deguara, John DeMaegd, Betty Foltz, Jack Foltz, Mary Hesser,

                        Ted Vanderbeek,Wanda Walker, Al Whitfield, Kathrine Whitfield and Norris Whitfield

Location:    Home of Larry Benjamin

Program:

 It was a cool day with of and on again rain, so we met in Larry's garage. We started out with introductions, including those of the Whitfield family. Al Whitfield became our newest member at this meeting.

Before getting to work, Larry made some announcements, including an idea for a tropical workshop as our premier event for a winter meeting. Preliminary plans call for bringing bonsai artist and shop owner Scott Yelich in from Indianapolis to run a workshop with tropicals. A tree and pot would be included. Paid 2021 members would participte free of additional charge while nonmembers would be charged for the workshop.

In addition, Larry mentioned the lineup of other 2021 bonsai events, including the Michigan All State Show at Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids, the MABA convention in Milwaukee June 10 - 13, the Chicago show the third weekend of August and the Hidden Lake Garden show in September. And, Elkhart was included in the list of bonsai activities to anticipate because Larry announced that Wellfield Botanic Garden is planning to hold a second show on the weekend of July 31 and August 1, 2021.

As we got busy, there were several different activities that people pursued. A number of us went out (between showers) to look at Larry's trees. John DeMaegd and Wanda Walker brought some freebies that some people took advantage of. Diane Buday brought a conifer that needed some pruning. And, Al Whitfield had a Japanese maple and a Chinese elm which both got "haircuts". Mary Hesser brought a juniper that she got wired as well.

In the middle of all of our work Rose brought out hot mulled cider, cold cider, lemonade and water to meet the thirst spurred by the donut holes that accompanied the drinks. Finally, before leaving Larry reminded everyone that our November meeting would start at 1:00 because Rose and Larry will provide members with lunch at this end-of-the-year social event.