A Word from Our New President

Valued members,

In November 2020 I visited Bonsai West for the first time, expecting to buy an exotic houseplant. I came home with a $17 spruce and a million questions. Before I knew it, bonsai had become a part of my daily life. I was constantly thinking about bonsai, watching bonsai videos, and reading bonsai forums.

I finally joined NEBA in May 2022 to cultivate a stronger connection with the bonsai community. I got that and so much more. NEBA provided access to experienced club members and professionals that have been instrumental in my growth as a bonsai practitioner. As the NEBA president, I want to pay it forward so that every current and future member can receive the same value.

Our former president, Alex Manoogian, has done a phenomenal job organizing eclectic, informative, and appealing workshops. I am happy to announce that Alex, at my request, has agreed to fill the role of Vice President. It is thanks to his efforts that we already have a number of exciting events lined up for this coming year. Together, our main goal will be to continue delivering high quality learning opportunities for all current and future NEBA members.

Another significant priority will be to foster accessibility, diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community. NEBA has become a strong ambassador to the general public thanks to the Topsfield Fair. As our membership continues to grow, so too will the challenge of ensuring everyone feels valued and welcome. Bonsai is an intimidating hobby. Our job is to make it less so by encouraging the pursuit of bonsai at any and all levels, by any and all persons, at any and all budgets.

I truly believe the sky is the limit for NEBA, but I need YOUR help to get us there. The board and I have a lot of ideas for how to improve the club and add value for YOU, our members. We know you have ideas as well, and we want to give you the resources to implement them. As president, I intend to create opportunities for more individual members to get involved. Help us build a NEBA that is efficient, sustainable, and ready to do more for our community.

Sincerely and happily,

David Furman

President