Order your personal copy of the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt 25th Anniversary photo album by contacting George Haas for details at gwhaas@comcast.net.
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Mammoth Auction & Sale Fundraiser 2025 – Call for Volunteers
Mammoth Auction & Sale Fundraiser 2025 – Call for Volunteers
Mammoth Auction & Sale fundraiser is scheduled to take place on March 1 and 2, 2025, at the Lakeside Park Garden Center, 666 Bellevue Ave., Lake Merritt, in Oakland, California.
This is a call for event volunteers. Volunteers make the annual fundraiser a big success.
For Mammoth 2025, Sign-Up Genius will be used again to invite, register and assign event tasks. In 2024, more than 60 percent of all volunteers signed up using the online app. Use the link below to connect with the online app.
Thank you for supporting the BGLM Mammoth fundraiser,
George Haas
BGLM Mammoth Chair
gwhaas@comcast.net
Management at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
Management at the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt
Several changes in management have recently taken place at the Bonsai Garden at Lake
Merritt (BGLM).
DIRECTOR
The new Director of the BGLM is Suzanne Muller. Suzanne formerly was Assistant Director and
succeeds Gordon Deeg. As Assistant Director, Suzanne began the transition to becoming
Director in November 2023, training under Gordon and working closely with the volunteers in
specific operational areas (finance, security, water system, etc.)
The Director’s responsibilities will continue to include overseeing infrastructure (security, water
system, etc.), finances (fundraising, relationships and grant writing with corporate and
foundation donors), scheduled events (Mammoth, Moon Viewing). Going forward, Suzanne will
increase BGLM’s engagement with local bonsai clubs, communicate on a regular basis with
garden volunteers, and work to improve the on-boarding process for new volunteers. Suzanne
will manage facilities improvements, ranging from more informative and attractive tree
description placards to improvements to the physical plant.
CURATOR
The new Curator of the BGLM is Gordon Deeg, who was the Director of BGLM from 2018 to
November 2024. Gordon’s responsibilities as Curator will continue to include managing the care
and maintenance of the garden’s tree collection, tracking and keeping a record of work done by
other volunteers and maintaining a development plan and a record of work done on each tree.
Going forward, Gordon will focus especially on training opportunities for both experienced and
new volunteers. He will work closely with the team of Assistant Curators, who, after acquiring
bonsai experience over a specified number of years, may participate in a BGLM education
program that will offer instruction by well-known professional bonsai artists. For inexperienced
volunteers, Gordon will make available training in specific areas of tree care such as repotting,
fertilization, watering, and defoliation. Gordon will seek the team’s input on their goals as
volunteers, as well as their current work schedule, their ideas for garden improvements, and
their developing expertise.
Areas of overlapping responsibilities which the Director and the Curator will share include the
accession, deaccession, and loan of trees, selecting trees for exhibit at shows, improvements to
the tree displays, allocation of resources to special projects as needed, garden landscaping,
and the overall state of the garden.
The position of Curator was previously held by Gary Tom. Gary ended his work and affiliation
with the garden in November 2024, at which time his responsibilities were taken on by Gordon.
With Gordon’s transition from Director to Curator, Suzanne took on the role of Director.
It is appropriate here to take note of Gary Tom’s decades of work in maintaining and improving
the garden. Gary’s commitment to BGLM began long before he became Curator. That the
garden is currently in very good shape, with so many healthy and beautiful trees, is a testament
to his dedication and skill. Our expressions of gratitude cannot encompass all of Gary’s
contributions. We wish him success in his future endeavors.
I am a Volunteer
I am a Volunteer
- By George Haas
December 1, 2024
I am an avid volunteer for the Bonsai Garden at Lake Merritt (BGLM), in Oakland, California. I started soon after becoming involved with bonsai in 2005. My first experience was being a docent or guide for visitors to the Bonsai Garden. I was trained by a senior docent to answer questions about the art form of bonsai, point out specific historic and legacy bonsai in the collection, open and close the Bonsai Garden, and provide security over the collection. In 2016, I was appointed marketing manager for the Bonsai Garden. I became chair of the annual Mammoth fundraiser as well.
What is Volunteerism?
By definition, “volunteerism is the practice of offering one’s time, skills, and resources for the benefit of others or the community without expecting monetary compensation.”
For the Bonsai Garden, it encompasses a wide range of activities. The core volunteers are appointed as director, treasurer and secretary. Some leaders serve on a steering committee and provide guidance and report on their areas of responsibility. It may involve helping out as docent, curator and associate curator for the care and maintenance of the bonsai and plants, managing watering and electrical systems, chairing the annual events such as Mammoth Auction & Sale, Autumn Lights Festival, World Bonsai Day, and helping out with other day-to-day operations. Of course, there are occasions when professional help is call upon providing pro bono services or contracted to do the work.
“The essence of volunteerism lies in its spirit of giving and contributing to the common good. It’s not only beneficial for the recipients but also incredibly rewarding for the volunteers themselves, fostering a sense of community, purpose, and personal growth.”
What are the Benefits of Volunteering?
Volunteering offers a wealth of benefits, both for the individual and the community. Here are some key advantages:
Personal Benefits:
- Sense of Purpose: By engaging in meaningful activities and making a positive impact.
- Skill Development: Learn new skills or improve existing ones.
- Social Connections: New friendships and connecting with like-minded individuals.
- Health Benefits: Volunteering can improve mental and physical health by reducing stress and increasing feelings of happiness.
- Career Opportunities: Gaining experience and references that can enhance your resume.
Community Benefits:
- Strengthened Communities: Volunteers help build a more supportive, inclusive, and engaged community.
- Enhanced Services: Non-profits can extend their reach and effectiveness with the support of volunteers.
- Economic Impact: Volunteers contribute their time and skills without monetary compensation.
“Volunteering is a win-win, enriching both the lives of those who give and those who receive. Have you ever considered volunteering, or do you have a cause you’re passionate about?”
What can Volunteerism Accomplish:
Volunteerism can achieve a lot more than you might think. Here’s a glimpse into its incredible impact:
Personal Growth:
- Skill Development: Volunteers can learn new skills or hone existing ones.
- Sense of Fulfillment: Giving back can bring immense personal satisfaction and happiness.
- Networking: Connecting with other like-minded individuals and building a strong community.
Community Enhancement:
- Strengthened Communities: Volunteers help build a more supportive, inclusive, and engaged community.
- Enhanced Services: Non-profits and organizations can extend their reach and effectiveness with the support of volunteers.
- Social Impact: Addressing social issues and supporting vulnerable populations, leading to a more equitable society.
“Volunteering is a powerful tool for change, capable of transforming lives and communities. Have you ever considered volunteering or do you have a cause you’re passionate about?”
Volunteering at BGLM:
Volunteers are always needed!
There are many opportunities to invest your time and energy into volunteering at the Bonsai Garden:
- Bonsai care and maintenance
- Docent
- Administration
- Gift Shop
- IT/Social Media, Writing Skills
- Landscaping
- Photography/Videography
- Special Events
For more information on volunteering, check out the BGLM website at https://bonsailakemerritt.com/join-us-as-a-volunteer or contact Suzanne Muller at queueinteriors@comcast.net.
