Acknowledgement
The Monterey Bay Chapter #231 of Ikebana International was privileged and honored to host the 16th North American Regional Conference in 2008.   We were delighted to have more than 325 Ikebana members and friends attend from North American and many other regions of the world.
            Our sister chapters, Sacramento Chapter # 26, and San Francisco Chapter # 31, assisted us all through the planning stages.  San Francisco chapter took complete charge of the Breakfast Forum.  Sacramento chapter planned the Agenda meeting and provided the lovely table arrangements for the Sayonara dinner.
            Our Chapter was chartered in 1988.  We celebrated our 20th anniversary as a chapter with this very special event.  This was our first major event.  We have been introducing Ikebana to our community through demonstrations in various garden clubs, schools and the Hospice, the La Mirada Museum and holiday fund raising programs at the local Buddhist Temple.
            The success of the 16th NARC is due to the support of the San Francisco and Sacramento Chapters, and our sponsors, the seed money given by Chicago Chapter, the Yen 500,000 by Headquarters, donations by Fusako Hoyrup and the Wafu School of Ikebana, California Chapter, Wafu School of Japan, and all of the members who registered to join us on this beautiful central coast of California.
            We would also like to honor the generous contributions of Robert Schruben and Swati Mehta who contributed financially.  We also wish to thank Betty Jetter who provided the beautiful menus for the Sayonara Dinner as well as other printed materials.
            We are also very grateful to all the Monterey Bay members who devoted many hours for the past four years volunteering for the Big Sur Marathons and the Half Marathons to raise the needed funds for the Conference.  These members were formidable in their devotion to these fundraising events:  Mary Finney Gold, Emiko Greer, Ursula Groebli, Betty and Bob Jetter,  Masako and Isao Kondo, Kozue Knowles, Louann Lampa, Pat Leslie, Caterina Marsh, June Matsuoka, Tomiko McBride, Barbara Moody,  Marti Myszak, Emiko Peterson and son George, Sydney Roussel, Terri Schruben, Marlene Stamm, Mary Anne Wiley, Carol and Bud Marchette.
The Conference was a financial success and we have sent $5000.00 to Ashville Chapter #74 and $5000.00 to Headquarters through Ikebana Inc. Fund.  We also plan to give some support to local worthy nonprofit groups.
Thank you all for this support.                        NARC2008 Committee

Pearl Kimura

Jane Redmon

Bernice Allison

Setsuko Kimura

Anna Maria Roeper

Elaine Arita

Kozue Knowles

Masuri Sasaki

Yumiko Aso

Yurie Kobayashi

Kimi Shibata

Janet Best

Chizuko Korn

Nobuko Shibuya

Marcia Borel

Joan Kosinki

Linda Stansen

Chieko Buxton

Mieko Kubota

Jennie Sterling

Jo Ellen Budnick

Helen Lanz
Susie Lim Skain

Michiko Sugita

Mary Burnett de Gomz

Bonnie Lopez

Joan Suzuki

Susan Cano

E-Ling Lou

Hiroko Szechinski

Ricardo Carrasco

Janice Lu
Tatania Limonaeva

Mieko Taketa

Janice Cashman
Natalia Cherkashima

Ingrid Luders

Chai Tan

Beverly Corbett

Nancy Macleod

Helen Tan

Gail Correia

Tempe Manners

Helen Tashima

Phyllis Danielson

Carol Marchette

Terri Todd

Valerie Eccleston

Tova Matatyaou

Robyn Torres

Atephanie English

Almira Matsuda

Bertha Tottori

Kazuko Ernst

June Matsuoka

Tuan Tran

Lucille Evans

Janet Melac

Marina Trofimyuk

Bessie Fooks

Michii Takao

Rosamond Vallejo

Hiroko Fukahara

Natalia Mislavskaya

Kaye Vosburg

Seiko Furlan

Dolores Moffat

Connie Watts

Ingrid Galvagni

Barbara Montemayor

Mary AnneWiley

Heidi Gierschewski

Remani Nambiar

Nobuko Yamakoshi

Ikuko Harada

Tae Nakazato

Young Yum

Sumie Hasagawa

Shoka Narimatsu

Shirley Hill

Thanh Nguyen

Fusako Hoyrup

Joanne Nishi

Shuji Ikeda

Rimiko Ogura

Anita Inglis
Natalia Ivanova

Don Olsen

Betty Jetter

Sylvia Owens

Elaine Jo

Georgene Premo

Tomoko Kabsawa

Pauline Pezzolo

Sachiko Kaizaki

Tori Powers

Marie Kawai

Jessica Rao

Chicago 27

San Francisco 31

Buffalo 50

Marie Kawai

David Staats

Susie Lim-Skain

Jo Ellen Budnick

Michiko Suzuki ( C )

Martha Wiltsie

Natalie Mislavskaya

Norma Jean Doud

Kimi Yanagisawa ( C )

Jan Wilsie

Delores Moffat

Takako Michii

Reiko Akiyama

Seattle 19

Mary Murato Uyeno

Kamakura 51

Satsuko Kimura

Peggy Booth

Shoka Narimatsu

Stephanie Tomiyasu

MichikoSugita

Shirley Hill

Thanh Nguyen

Rochester 53

Mitsuri Sasaki

Lorna Holt

Pauline Pezzolo

Saskia Eller

Nobuko Shibuya

Mei-Lan Huang

Georgene Premo

Gail Newman

Yurie Kobayashi

Barbara Montemayor

Jessica Rao

Honolulu 56

Tomoko Kabasawa

Nobuko Ohgi

Elan Rosenquist

Ethel Aotani

Sumie Hasagawa

Nobuko Relnick

Phyllis Roth

Elaine Arita

Nobuko Yamagashi

Shizue Tanaka

Edith Rubesin

Sunny Lee Corey

Tae Nakazato

Winette Waggoner

Kika Shibata

Bessie Fooks

Shizuyo Nakayama

Cleveland 20

Linda Stansen

Betty Tanaka

Toyoko Hida

Ingrid Luders

Sally Sutherland

Jean Marutani

Midori Purdy

Hong Kong 24

Joan Suzuki

Ethel Ochiai

Kiyoko Horikoshi

Lucille Evans

Nancy Tao

Julie Oba

Mineko Odaka

Pittsburg PA 25

Chai Tan

Bette Uyeda

DC 1

Janet Best

Helen Tan

Lorna Kawahara

Carmel Boyd

Joan Kosinski

Robyn Torres

Charlotte Muraoka

Diana Cull

Geraldine Tinder

 Lina van Scherrenburg

Karen Bowman Kirk

Valerie Eccleston

Merlyn Williams

Agnes van Boeschoten

BerthaTottori

Diane Flanagan

Shirley Winkler

 Liz Vernon

Charmaine Yee Hollison

Seiko Furlan

Sacramento 26

Sydney 36

Omaha 60

Rosalie Ingenito

Marie Le Donne

Sammy Yu

Carla Imray

Fay McLaren

Rosemond Vallejo

Buenos Aires 40

ST. Peterburg  65

Joyce Overhotlzer

Ronda Huggins

Nelida Casali

Patsy Beyer

Jane Redmon

Bonnie Lopez

Albuquerque  41

Sapporo 69

Judith Roa

Helen Tashima

Alice Mann

Ikuko Harada

Margaret Starkey

Dorothy Sparks

San Antonio  46

Philadelphia 71

Ann Waring

Juan Vallejo

Don Olsen

Marcia Borel

Los Angeles 4

Christine Bunn

Toshi Estep

Alda Giangiulio

Mona  Lutz ( C )

Ron Brown

Yasu Livingston

Sarah Goetz

New York 7

Suzanne Carder

Portland 47

Jane Holben

Chizuko Korn

Ching-Li Chang

Phyllis Danielson

Mary Kaser

Leehwa Sheih

Phyliss Cima

Flora Henninsen ( C )

Catherine (Pat) Leskey

Chicago 17

Norman Cima

Michelle Neth

Mary Ricketson

Kazuko Ernst

Barbara Comer

Carmen Sivertson

Lorraine Toji

Susan Haney

Gail Correia

Elizabeth Wolf

Sally Williams

Anita Jencks

Joan Finnie

Charlotte 49

Cary Webb Sears

Elaine Jo

Carole Gray

Marcia Wright

Sumako Solenberger

E-Ling Lou

Christie Hastings

Buffalo 50

Young Yum

Zara Raneses

Nai-Mei Huang

Jo Ellen Budnick

Ashville 74

Suzuko Shimosawa

Fusako Hoyrup

Norma Jean Doud

Terri Todd

Taipei 105

Shuji Ikeda

Takako Michii

Augusta 81

Lansing Chen

Norma Jennings

Kamakura 51

Adriana Fisher

Linda Loewenstein

Pearl Kimura

Stephanie Tomiyasu

Colorado Springs 95

Marjorie Yang

Helen Klee

Rochester 53

Jan (Ayama) Cashman

Naples 106

Sharon Krawetz

Saskia Eller

Eileen Kin

Carol Brocklesby

Noriko Kunimi

Gail Newman

Tempe Manners

Stephanie English

Gwen Le

Charlotte 49

Middle Georgia  112

Fiona Li

Marcia Wright

Yuko Hancock

Frankfurt 199

Donna Scott

Heidi Gierschewski

Anna Maria Roeper

San Diego 119

Toronto 208

Monterey Bay 231

Hiroko Fukuhara

Maina Choy

Janet Melac

Janet Judge

Norma Piggott

Marti Myszak

June Mason

Zurich 214

Joanne Nishi

Helen Miyahira

Christine Hamer

Rimiko Ogura

Rumi Rice

The Jordan  226

Sylvia Owens

Hiroko Szechinski

Hind Shalan

Emiko Peterson

Ruby Sharpe ( C )

Mexico City 228

Tori Powers

Helene Van Deloo

Miriam Arroyo

Linda Raezer

Deborah Warriner

Selma Eckstein

Jane Ramirez

Ottawa Centennial 120

Berenice Montes

Terri Schruben 30

Nancy Macleod

Esther Salinas

Eunie Shiffman

Miami 131

Monterey Bay 231

Marlene Stamm

Mieko Kubota

Mary Jane Abercrombie

Heidi Strudler

James McMeniman

Yumiko Aso

Fumiko Tanimura

Susan Cano

Francie Blinks

Atsuko Veio

Jennie Sterling

Chieko Buxton

Connie Watts

Orlando Winter Pk 132

Chuck Chapman

Mary Anne Wiley

Ricardo Carrasco

Beverly Corbett

Sydney Roussel

Sun Cities 167

Mary Finney Gold

Osaka 234

Fran Milford

Emiko Greer

Sachiko Kaizaki

Biberach 174

Ursula Groebli

Hyderabad 250

Helen Lanz

Anita Aston Inglis

Remani Nambier

Bermuda 180

Betty Jetter

Moscow 256

Louise Lampier ( C )

Shieley Jones

Tatania Limonaeva

Carol Sims ( C )

Jeanie Kesselring

Marina Trofimyuk

Barbara Spiering ( C )

Masako Kondo

Natalia Cherkashina

Kozue Knowles

Nataliya Ivanova

Patricai Leslie

Panama 257

Janice Lu

Pilar Pravia Hasebe

Carol Marchette

MAL

Caterina Marsh

Sonoko Endo

June Matsuoka

Gary Strobel

Tomiko McBride

Anne Bryan

Swati Mehta 10

Ingrid Galvagni

Barbara Moody

Mary Burnett de Gomez

Program of the 16th North American Regional Conference
May 10, 2008: Set up began the morning of May 10th.  Several of the key members of the committee moved into the hotel for the preparation.  We were able to begin storage of materials needed for the Outdoor workshop and the vases required for all the workshops in the two workshop rooms, Cottonwood and Redwood .
 We also packed the bags to be given to all registered participants in the Redwood Room, and then moved them on May 11th to the closets in the Foyer in preparation for the Registration tables.
May 11, 2008: The Exhibition hall was set up with the tables and risers as required by Exhibition Chairman Connie Watts.  The Exhibition arrangements by Fusako Hoyrup, Wafu School, Kika Shibata, Sogetsu School, and Shuji Ikeda, Ikenobo School , were created during the morning to be ready for the Registration.
Registration opened at 2:00 pm.   There were tables for General  registration,  a table for the Exhibition  information,  a Workshop table and a table for Tour ticket pickup and additional payments needed because of the increase in fuel  costs for some  tours.  Members had been warned and notified of this possibility.  Because some people had registered for two tours on Tuesday, they did not have time for a lunch break.  We provided a lunch packed by the hotel for these people. 
The Ginza and the Hospitality room began set up in the Portola Room and opened that afternoon.  The Ginza had several  ceramic artists, Bruno Kark, Peninsula Potters, Hiroshi Ogawa, and Barry McAllister,  Masaoka  Glass Design containers, Joy Kennedy Collections, Patti Walker Wells jewelry and clothing, and Cha-Ya  Japanese Shop were also vendors.  On reflection, we probably had too many ceramic artists.
The hospitality room served coffee and tea and the goodies brought by members from many chapters, Sunday afternoon through Thursday, 1:00pm
California poppy tee shirts created by Pari and greeting cards created by our own members, were sold.
 Shuji  Ikeda donated his lovely ceramic basket for silent auction which gained a final bid of $1500.00, for the benefit of NARC2008.
The Agenda Committee meeting was held in the Portola special dining room at 7:00pm.
The Agenda Committee was organized by Marie LeDonne and Liz Vernon, who served as Parliamentarian.   See Agenda Report, page
May 12, 2008 Exhibition set up and Registration continued.  There was an Outdoor workshop led by Ron Brown and members of the San Francisco Chapter in the afternoon.  The Outdoor Workshop was very popular and was filled very soon after our Registration was opened.  We have had a waiting list since that time.  Unfortunately, we had several cancellations . These places were filled by those on the waiting list.  A Local Tour led by ITL Events was offered and filled.
In the evening at 5:30 pm we had arranged for a local Mariachi Band to welcome our guests to the Opening of the Exhibition.  Jeanie Kesselring,  Master of ceremonies, opened the ceremonies. 
Our guests included Yasumasa Nagamine, the Consul General of Japan in San Francisco; Libby Downey, Vice Mayor of Monterey; Mr. Larry Oda, President of the Japanese America Citizens League; and Mrs. Ila McCutcheon past mayor of Seaside and current  Monterey County Supervisor
The Invocation was given by Marcia Lockwood, Minister of the  Saint Mary’s Episcopal Church.
Headmaster Wafu Teshigahara gave a welcome address, followed by Marie Kawai, International President. Carol Marchette welcomed all members and guests and invited Marie Kawai to cut the ribbon made from Monterey Cypress and copper wire,( created by Tuan Tran and Sumi Metz).  The exhibition was then enjoyed while the band played.
 7:20PM We boarded the busses for the short journey to the Monterey Bay Aquarium where a strolling wine dinner was provided.  The Aquarium is magical at night. All returned to the hotel before 11:30. 
May 13 Our first business meeting was held at 8:00.  The Big Sur Tour began at 9:00 am with 24 passengers.  This actually was too close to the business meeting.  More time must be allowed for the business meetings.
The Aratame Ryu workshop led by Sumi Metz and assisted by Tuan Tran and the first Wafukai workshop began at 10:00 am.  The Aratame Ryu workshop had 30 participants.  A good time was reported by all.  The Wafukai workshop had 27 participants.  This was the first of three given by the headmaster.  All the Wafu workshops were handled by Fusako Hoyrup’s very competent group.  Everyone I met who attended reported that they enjoyed it very much and learned a lot.
We offered two tours in the afternoon:  A movie and wine tour which had 24 participants, and the Steinbeck Museum and flower tour, visiting Matsui Orchid Nursery (one of our sponsors), had 43 participants.  Some members took both the morning and afternoon tours, which did not allow time for lunch, so we provided a box lunch prepared by the hotel for these people.
The afternoon workshops began at 1:30pm, Ohara and Ichiyo.  Both workshops had 30 participants.  Mrs. Luders, Ohara Master Teacher, and Mrs. Jo, Ichiyo Master Teacher, gave very interesting and enjoyable workshops.  Some of the materials required by Mrs. Luders were hard to obtain in our area, so there was some difficulty and we had to make substitutions which did not set well with her.
The evening was free to explore Monterey.
May 14 The day began with the Breakfast Forum at 8:00am.  Nearly 200 people had checked the Breakfast forum on their registration forms.  However, only 180 turned up for breakfast which left 2 empty tables.  They had paid for the breakfast, but did not appear. 
The Demonstrations began at 10:00 am in the Steinbeck Forum of the Conference Center connected to the Portola Hotel. Jeanie Kesselring was Master of Ceremonies, and introduced Betty Jetter who presented the background of Shuji  Ikeda .  He gave a beautiful Ikenobo Demonstration assisted by two Master Ikenobo teachers, Fumie Hane, Mitsuyo Tao and our own member Masako Kondo.  Shuji is also a well known ceramic artist.  He donated a beautiful ceramic woven basket to be auctioned for the benefit of the 16th North American Regional Conference.  It was purchased by Patti Hill, who is a collector of baskets and Ikebana containers.  We are very grateful for this generous donation of $1500.00 by Shuji Ikeda.
1:00 pm, Kim, “Kika” Shibata gave a very inspiring Sogetsu Demonstration assisted by members of the Sacramento Chapter.
An afternoon tea in the Foyer of the De Anza ballroom gave a pleasant break with Koto music by our members Masako Kondo and Yoshi Okazaki.
3:30 pm  Wafu Teshigahara presented a beautiful full stage arrangement using our Monterey Pine branches,  incorporating giant helaconia, delphiniums, baby breath, and King Protea.   Very large mossy branches were also included .
All the demonstrations were professionally filmed for a DVD and photography by the audience was not allowed to distract the performance on stage.
5:00 pm  A Liaison meeting was held in a workshop room.  See minutes of meeting.
5:30 pm International President held a reception for NARC committee members.
Evening was free.
May 15 8:00 am Business meeting
10:00 am Wafu Kai Workshop led by Wafu Teshigahara
10:00 am Sogetsu Workshop led by Kika Shibata
1:30 pm Wafukai workshop led by Wafu Teshigahara
1:30 pm Ikenobo Workshop led by Shuji Ikeda
6:30 pm String music was provided to welcome members and guests in the foyer of the De Anza Ballroom for a no host cocktail party.
Dinner was served at 7:30.  We were entertained by several local artists representing the cultural makeup of our community and had big band style music for dancing.

*We decided to have only two special tables at the Sayonara dinner for those who had to speak.  We felt it was important for all members to be able to meet and enjoy the company of Past International Presidents and other dignitaries.  We think it is beneficial to the organization to have this opportunity.  We hope that no one was offended; we just wanted everyone to mix and get to know one another.
Carol Marchette
Conference Chairperson

Part Two: Business Meetings
Agenda and Resolutions
Committee Marie Kawai, Marie Le Donne, Janet Melac, Midori Purdy, Liz Vernon, Carol Brocklesby, Diana Cull, Stephanie English, Phyllis Danielson, Hiroko Fukahara, Amira Mastsuda, Barbara Montemayor, Robyn Torres, Bertha Tottori, Sumako Solenberger, David Staats.
Minutes: Dinner Meeting at the Portola Plaza Hotel May 11, 2008
Chaired by Marie Le Donne,    Hosted by Janet Melac of II Monterey Chapter
Representation from Sacramento, Chicago, Naples, San Francisco, Philadelphia, Monterey chapters
Mrs. Kawai gave opening remarks, as did Marie Le Donne
Discussion points in preparation for upcoming business meeting:
Proposed resolution from Monterey Chapter:
“ That no more than one regional conference be held per any given year (given the apparent conflict this year, with the European Regional Conference to be held in Paris this fall. Many prospective participants indicated that they could only attend one conference per year, amongst other reasons”.  Proposed resolution to be placed onto the Business meeting agenda:  Ayes passed, no opposed.
Proposed resolution regarding the adoption of the Standing Rules, and discussion around the need to remove the words ‘Study Groups’, as per Mrs. Kawai, this is no longer applicable to Ikebana International.  It was decided that this particular issue did not require placement onto the business meeting agenda, per se, as those changes could be made prior to the business meeting:  Ayes passed, no opposed.  Wording was later changed on the Standing Rules, removing the phrase ‘Study Group(s), and inserting the words ‘Prospective Chapter.’

1. Proposal to allow for some flexibility in the four minute rule regarding presentations of resolutions at business meetings; it was generally agreed that a particular presentation about Ikebana International, Inc. could go for as long as seven minutes, so long as the presentation was just that, a presentation, with plans to discuss more fully at a later time.  Ayes passed, however some opposed.
2. Issue surrounding the request for a refund from a particular chapter’s group of participants who cancelled their plans to attend after the deadline.  Group decided that there were sufficient rules in place around this issue, and that no further discussion would take place, at least within either the agenda or business meeting venues, thus no need to add to the business meeting agenda at this time.
3. Discussion around SF Chapter’s request for clarification on the payment of annual dues:  what is acceptable AFTER the deadline, what if paying very late into the year (pro-rate membership), should there be ABSOLUTE, NON-NEGOTIABLE deadlines for payment of dues.  Mrs. Kawai and Mrs. Purdy indicated that this was a subject that needed to be addressed by Ikebana International HQ, and not through a business meeting discussion.  This was also in issue that had been brought to HQ before.  We are to look for clarification on this in an upcoming issue of Sakura News.

Credentialing committee formed, inclusive of Betty Jetter and Terri Schruben and the additional appointment of Pearl Kimura to the committee. They will check credentials of delegates. Particulars of the credentialing process were discussed, as was the verification of the appointment of alternate delegates.

4. Issue around appointment of regional liaison-elect, due to the passage of five years between conferences, current regional liaison-elect Carol Gray of SF Chapter would like this to be addressed in the event she cannot continue on in this role (she now becomes regional liaison for the next five years).  Problems developed when the prior regional liaison was no longer able to perform her duties, much discussion around communication pathways, need for use of email, web, etc, versus hard copied information.  Stephanie English of Naples Chapter offered to be considered for the regional liaison elect role.
5. Issue around appointment of regional liaison-elect, due to the passage of five years between conferences, current regional liaison-elect Carol Gray of SF Chapter would like this to be addressed in the event she cannot continue on in this role (she now becomes regional liaison for the next five years).  Problems developed when the prior regional liaison was no longer able to perform her duties, much discussion around communication pathways, need for use of email, web, etc, versus hard copied information.  Stephanie English of Naples Chapter offered to be considered for the regional liaison elect role.
6. Introduction of the emerging role and importance of an ‘Ikebana International, Inc.’ by Sumoko  Solenberger of Philadelphia Chapter:  many smaller chapters are not incorporated, nor can they accept donations; II, Inc, would have website to disseminate information to all chapters, receive tax deductible donations, distribute them according to the wishes of the donors.  Mrs. Solenberger will present her PowerPoint at the business meeting.
7. Additional appointments made: Carol Brocklesby as Time Keeper, David Staats as Minutes Approval Chair, Liz Vernon as Parlimentarian.

Gifts from Mrs. Le Donne and Mrs. Kawai were given to the attendees.
Business meeting set for Tuesday May 13, 2008

Business Meeting 1.

MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING #1
16th NORTH AMERICAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
TUESDAY, MAY 13, 2008
8:00AM De Anza III
OPENING
Janet Melac, President of Monterey Bay Host Chapter #231 and chair of the business meeting, called the meeting to order at 8:15AM.
Conference Chair Carol Marchette (Monterey Bay Host Chapter #231) welcomed the delegates.
International President Marie Kawai greeted the delegates and said she welcomed an open exchange of ideas.  She announced the appointment of a new Honorary Advisor to the International Board, Mr. Tsunenari Tokugawa, an 18th generation member of the Tokugawa Family.  There are now three honorary advisors:  Mrs. Etsuko Hattori, Mr. Haruhiko Ishikawa, and Mr. Tokugawa.  President Kawai encouraged all chapters to support the “Green Campaign”, e.g. by planting trees.  Lastly, she expressed her appreciation to Marie Le Donne, Chair of the Agenda and Resolutions Committee, and the committee members for organizing the business meeting.      
            Chair, Janet Melac, introduced the Business Meeting Committee:
            Agenda & Resolutions Committee Chair         Marie Le Donne
            Recording Secretary                                         Diana Cull
            Time Keeper                                                    Carol Brocklesby
            Credentials Chair                                             Betty Jetter
            Parliamentarian                                                            Liz Vernon
            Minutes Approval Chair                                              David Staats
            Tellers                                                              Stephanie English & Amira Matsuda
            Chair, Janet Melac, confirmed that a quorum was present and asked for a motion to adopt    the Credentials Report.  It was so moved, seconded and adopted by unanimous consent.           There followed motions to adopt the Standing Rules and the Agenda, which both       passed by unanimous consent.
            Marie Le Donne introduced the members of the Agenda & Resolutions Committee:
            Diana Cull                                           Sumako Solenberger
            Robin Torres                                        Carol Brocklesby
            Barbara Montemayor                           E-ling Lou
            Bertha Tottori
            Amira Matsuda
            Jennie Sterling
            Stephanie English
            Rosamond Vallejo, Sacramento Chapter #26, presented Resolution #1.
RESOLUTION #1     Proposed by Monterey Bay Chapter 231
            WHEREAS, The North American Regional Conference, Monterey California, May 11-15, 2008, and the European Regional Conference, Paris, France, October 15-19, 2008, are to be held in the same year and WHEREAS, It is difficult for members to travel to and to attend more than one conference in one year, BE IT RESOLVED, That no more than one Regional Conference be held in one calendar year. 
            Discussion:  Don Olsen, San Antonio Chapter #46, said that this is not a good resolution because there are 8 regions and if there is only one regional conference a year, there would be 9 years between a region’s conferences.  He added that chapters need the freedom to work out the best schedule since the regional conference purpose is to serve their own region.  He recommended that the resolution be defeated.
            Phyllis Danielson, Portland Chapter #47, agreed with Mr. Olsen’s comments and said that                 one region cannot dictate to the other regions and the others can choose their own time.               The International Board would have to make such a decision if it was to be enforced.
            Cary Webb Sears, Philadelphia Chapter #71, said this resolution was discussed at their          chapter meeting and they agreed that it would spread out the regional conferences too far
            apart.
            Terri Todd, Asheville Chapter #74, said she would like to know what the Monterey Bay       Host Chapter was thinking when they proposed the resolution—why are they in favor? 
            Chair, Janet Melac said that, since the resolution would not be voted on until the second       business meeting, they will have a member of the host chapter speak about the            resolution         at that meeting.
            OTHER BUSINESS
 Chair, Janet Melac, introduced Carol Gray, San Francisco Chapter #31, as the Regional Liaison for the next 5 years.  Carol announced that there will be a meeting of chapter liaisons on Wednesday evening at 5pm.
Carol Brocklesby, Naples Chapter #106, nominated Stephanie English, current Naples Chapter President, as the Regional Liaison Elect.  Chair, Janet Melac asked if there were any other nominations.  There were none.  The nomination will be voted on at the second business meeting.
Chair, Janet Melac, announced that there are three chapters that want to host the next North American Regional Conference:  Asheville, NC Chapter #74; Dallas, TX Chapter #13; and Naples, FL Chapter #106.  Terri Todd spoke on behalf of Asheville, Amira Matsuda spoke on behalf of Dallas, and Stephanie English spoke on behalf of Naples.  Chair, Janet Melac, said that she and the Parliamentarian will discuss the process for taking a vote on the location of the next NARC at the second business meeting.
Chair, Janet Melac, announced that the second business meeting will start promptly at 8:00AM on Thursday, May 15 rather than 8:30AM as listed in the program.  She asked that members check in at 7:45AM. 
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 8:45am.
There were 55 persons in attendance.
Submitted by Diana Cull, Washington, D.C. Chapter #1.

Business Meeting 2.

MINUTES OF BUSINESS MEETING #2
16th NORTH AMERICAN REGIONAL CONFERENCE
THURSDAY, MAY 15, 2008
8:00AM De Anza III
OPENING
Janet Melac, President of Monterey Bay Host Chapter #231 and chair of the business meeting, called the meeting to order at 8:05AM.
Terri Schruben, Credentials Committee, confirmed that 52 delegates were present, constituting a quorum.  Janet Melac asked for a motion to adopt the Credentials Report.  It was so moved, seconded and adopted by unanimous consent. 
Diana Cull, Meeting Secretary, read the minutes of the first Business Meeting.  David Staats, Minutes Approval Chair, recommended that the minutes be approved.  The minutes were approved as read.
RESOLUTION #1  Connie Watts, Monterey Bay Chapter #231, said that after careful consideration, they are withdrawing Resolution #1.
REGIONAL LIAISON ELECT
Janet Melac introduced Stephanie English, Naples Chapter #160, as the nominee for Regional Liaison Elect.  A motion to elect was made, seconded and approved unanimously. 
CONFERENCE SITE FOR 17TH NARC
Presentations were made for three proposed sites for the 17th North American Regional Conference to be held in 2013.  Terri Todd gave the presentation for Asheville, NC Chapter #74.  Amira Matsuda gave the presentation for Dallas, TX Chapter #13.  Stephanie English gave the presentation for Naples, FL Chapter #160.
Chair, Jane Melac, directed that paper ballots be passed out for the vote.  The chapter receiving the most votes would be the next conference site; the chapter with the second most votes would be the backup site.  She clarified that only delegates may vote and each delegate gets one vote. 
Marie Le Donne, Agenda & Resolutions Committee Chair, announced the appointment of two new tellers:  Nancy MacLeod and Norma Jean Dowd.  The tellers collected the votes and the winner will be announced at the Sayonara Dinner.  Marie asked for a motion to destroy the ballots.  A motion was made from the floor, seconded and approved.
OTHER BUSINESS:  Phyllis Danielson, outgoing Regional Liaison, thanked the chapters for their support and welcomed new Regional Liaison Carol Gray.  Phyllis announced that a decision was made at the May 14th liaisons meeting that in the future, the NARC newsletter would be distributed by email only.  She asked that chapters make the necessary arrangements to receive the newsletter by email and distribute it to their members.  Information for the newsletter should be sent to Carole Gray at narnews@comcast.net. 
Pearl Kimura, San Francisco Chapter #31, presented the courtesy resolution commending the Monterey Bay Chapter (see Attachment 1).  The courtesy resolution was approved unanimously.
Sumako Solenberger, Philadelphia Chapter #71, gave a power point presentation about Ikebana International, Inc. (see Attachment 2).  A question and answer session followed.  Mrs. Solenberger agreed to send copies of her power point presentation to the chapters so they may discuss this information with their members.  
There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 9:00am.
Submitted by Diana Cull, Washington, D.C. Chapter #1.

Courtesy Resolution
Whereas. The Monterey Bay Chapter # 231 energetically and diligently organized and graciously hosted the North American Regional conference of Ikebana International, exhibiting the creativity of Wafu Teshigahara, Iemoto of the Wafu School assisted by Headmaster Designate Mitsui Teshigahara.  Providing the ambiance for successfully disseminating among the masters, teachers, students and others the spirit of friendship and cordiality that Ikebana embodies.  Facilitating methods of communication with our International President, Marie Kawai about common concerns of individual chapters and Ikebana International Headquarters.
Whereas, The Monterey Chapter #231 has created an environment of beauty, gentility and charm by sharing their friendship and warmth.
Be it now resolved; that all registrants, from continent and beyond congratulate and commend the Monterey Chapter #231 especially President Janet Melac, Carol Marchette, Conference Chairperson, Connie Watts, Co-Chairperson, the many committees, advisors, volunteers, the honored guests, and sponsors on an excellent and outstanding conference.
Be it further resolved that the experience of “Friendship through Flowers” underscores Ikebana International friendship and harmony among all people of the world.
Dated this 15th day of May 2008 in Monterey California.

Courtesy Resolution
Whereas. The Monterey Bay Chapter # 231 energetically and diligently organized and graciously hosted the North American Regional conference of Ikebana International, exhibiting the creativity of Wafu Teshigahara, Iemoto of the Wafu School assisted by Headmaster Designate Mitsui Teshigahara.  Providing the ambiance for successfully disseminating among the masters, teachers, students and others the spirit of friendship and cordiality that Ikebana embodies.  Facilitating methods of communication with our International President, Marie Kawai about common concerns of individual chapters and Ikebana International Headquarters.
Whereas, The Monterey Chapter #231 has created an environment of beauty, gentility and charm by sharing their friendship and warmth.
Be it now resolved; that all registrants, from continent and beyond congratulate and commend the Monterey Chapter #231 especially President Janet Melac, Carol Marchette, Conference Chairperson, Connie Watts, Co-Chairperson, the many committees, advisors, volunteers, the honored guests, and sponsors on an excellent and outstanding conference.
Be it further resolved that the experience of “Friendship through Flowers” underscores Ikebana International friendship and harmony among all people of the world.
Dated this 15th day of May 2008 in Monterey California.

Reports by Chairmen of the Conference
I have included reports as written by the chairmen of the Conference.  Organizing and presentation of the conference is a very difficult job for small chapters. We were really stretched in our manpower.  Small chapters should get a lot of committed volunteers from other chapters.  I suggest that many attendees volunteer to help, when they register.
Our members were at times overwhelmed by what they had to do. However, we have been very pleased by the wonderful feedback that we have had from many of the attendees.  Everyone seemed to have a wonderful time.

Breakfast Forum Report
Ikebana International
16th North American Regional Conference
Monterey Bay Chapter #231
Breakfast Forum
San Francisco Bay Area Chapter #31(Breakfast Forum Host)
Portola Plaza Hotel, Monterey, California
May 14, 2008
8:00 A.M. – 10:00 A.M.
Welcome to the 16th North American Regional Conference Breakfast Forum. We are hoping that this Breakfast Forum will give our members the opportunity to share ideas and experiences with other members of I.I. Your constructive suggestions will help to ensure the continued growth of Ikebana International chapters throughout the world.
Please try NOT to sit with members of your own chapter. Each table will have a discussion leader wearing a name badge identifying the Table Leader who will lead the discussions and a secretary you will choose to take notes.
Suggestion Questions to Discuss are:
 1. How do you raise funds for your chapter?
             2. How do you publicize your chapter's activities?
             3. Do your dues cover your chapter's operating expenses after sending dues to HQ?
THE BREAKFAST FORUM
TIME LINE FOR PROGRAM
            7:45AM met with table leaders last instructions
            8:00 doors open
            8:15 Greetings by Gail
                                                1. will be called by table # to go to buffet
                                                2. as soon as you return to your table please start discussions
                                                3. Ikenobo demo to start at 10:00 so we want to use our time very efficiently to get you to the Ikenobo demo.
                                                4. Marie Kawai introduction
            8:20 Greeting by I.I. Pres.  Marie Kawai--- From HQ
            8:30 call to eat by table #'s
            9:30 Call Time for Topic Report
            9:50 Closing
            9:55 pick up reports

Breakfast Forum Report on Questions to Members
May 14, 2008 Monterey Bay Conference for NARC
Breakfast Forum handled by San Francisco Bay Area Chapter
HOW DO YOU RAISE FUNDS FOR YOUR CHAPTER?
WAYS & MEANS selling at meetings
Raffles
Get donations from estates
Christmas Faire
Sell Ikebana supplies
Sell books
Sell old I.I. magazines
Auction flower arrangements
Flower Show
Guest fee for demonstrations at meetings
HOW DO YOU PUBLICIZE YOUR CHAPTERS ACTIVTIES?
Library exhibits paid by FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY
Get on Garden clubs calendars
Get on Garden calendars in News paper
Get onto web site of State Garden club
Special I.I. events open to public such as Culture programs of Calligraphy, Japanese gardens, Kimono fashion show
Contact community centers do programs Follow up on guest that come to programs
Hold classes at the museum
DO YOUR DUES COVER CHAPTER'S OPERATING EXPENSES AFTER SENDING DUES TO HEADQUARTERS?
We need to do special fund raisers to get our chapter in the black.
Dues do not cover our expenses.
Need to raise dues that we keep to run chapter.
            There was not enough time to cover the third question.
            Some reports where not legible.

North American Regional Liaison Meeting
Monterey, California
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Moderators:     Carole Gray, Liaison                Phyllis Danielson, Past-Liaison
Note:  Anita Jencks came prior to the meeting to request that future newsletters be sent via email.  She displayed her latest newsletter which did not survive the US mail and was received in unreadable condition.  She was assured that this would be addressed during the meeting.
The meeting was opened with an explanation of the current process of disseminating information.  The newsletter is sent to all contacts with e-mail addresses.  All others receive hard copies, including those whose emails bounce back.  The format is Windows, Microsoft Word.
A motion was made by Susan Cano to do away with future subscriptions and send the newsletter via email to the contact person/president.  It is understood that current subscriptions will be fulfilled.  Teri Todd seconded the motion and there was an affirmative majority vote.
It was further recommended that the contact list be sent via a separate attachment so it could be copied separately from the newsletter.
A discussion for tomorrow’s business meeting will be the development of a website for NAR.  Chapter representatives expressed concern about security and wanted to limit access to personal information.  Members were assured that there is technology to address these important issues.
Phyllis Danielson expressed that she has enjoyed the responsibility of the newsletter for the past five years.  She also stressed that the accuracy of the contact list is important and that it is the responsibility of each chapter to notify the NAR liaison of all changes.
Contact for Carole Grey is narnews@comcast.net
An explanation was given for the two types of chapter contacts:
The chapter VP is the contact for Headquarters; Tokyo
The NAR Liaison is the contact for the NAR newsletter
It was suggested that chapters submit calendars of future events and newsletters to the NAR Liaison as a resource for newsletter information. 
Carole Gray asked members what they expect from the newsletter and the following were suggested:

• Information regarding future events
• Contact list or NAR
• Articles on pertinent topics
  Examples:
  1.  What do chapters charge for meetings, workshops, etc.,
  2.  information on new chapters
  3.  information on non-profit status and the government reporting process

A committee was formed to coordinate information for the newsletter.  The committee members are: Stephanie English, Naples, #106
        Phyllis Danielson, Portland, # 47
        Carole Grey, San Francisco, #31
        Lorraine Toji, Philadelphia #71
        Louise Daggs, Sun Cities #167
A final recommendation was made to have the newsletter accessible from the proposed website and also have a link to the newsletter from the II website.
Minutes will be distributed to all liaisons.
The meeting was adjourned.

Respectfully submitted,
Donna Scott
Middle Georgia Chapter

North American Regional Conference 2008

Exhibition Report:

Chairman, Connie Watts
            111 arrangements were on display at the NAR Conference Exhibition, representing nine different schools of Ikebana. Including: Wafu, Sogetsu, Ohara, Ichiyo, Shofu, Ikenobo, Saga Goryu, Koryu- Shosei-kai and Aratame.
            A few of those arrangements were the result of a compilation of two or more members, some being teachers of particular schools with students contributing their support.
Special acknowledgments should be made to Shuji Ikeda( Ikenobo), Kika Shibata(Sogetsu), and Fusako Hoyrup (Wafu), who each made amazing, large, arrangements in the foyer that framed the entrance to the exhibition room. Also special thanks to Ikebana International President Marie Kawai, Headmaster Wafu Teshigahara and his daughter, Mitsui Teshigahara for exhibiting special arrangements that were inspirational, creative, and added the elegance and uniqueness to the all over ambiance of the show.
            Thanks to modern day technology communication was great at best, it was still limiting in nature. Planning for the best and being prepared for the worst was what I believe made the exhibition successful. We had almost everyone assigned and prepared for, but we did have quite a few (approx 15) that we had never heard from who arrived expecting to exhibit. Fortunately, we were able to accommodate everyone. There was a good mix of schools and styles that made the exhibition interesting and beautiful.
            Room layout was important in honoring the different schools, but also the flow of the room is necessary to consider. Placement along a wall with as simple background as possible is important, but also placement in the center of the room to allow full view of larger arrangements and a movement flow is also important. Unfortunately, the arrangements either on pedestals or on larger platforms in the room’s center could not be photographed as well. Having some sort of background for the arrangements is more ideal for photographs. It could be done even with a moveable screen.
The hotel adequately provided most of the materials that were needed. We planned early (years in advance) for the materials needed due to the Mothers’ Day holiday that coincided with our conference. We were inadequately provided for when it came to table linens. We were able to make some adjustments and make it look the best that we could, gratefully the beauty of the arrangements distracted from the linens.
             We ordered large trashcans and carts from a source outside of the hotel for transporting water for the exhibitors during set up and take down. We could have used more than 4 but it was never an issue. We also ordered towels (outside of the hotel) and the hotel provided water pitchers, which were used each day for the exhibitors to help maintain their arrangements. Smaller trashcans subtle in style were provided by the hotel and placed in corners each day for helping maintain the room.
            Lighting should be strongly considered when planning an exhibit of this size and style. We managed, but due to budget limits, we could not afford more lighting that I felt was needed.
Name cards are the link between the exhibitor and their sense of acknowledgment. It is crucial to do your utmost to have the correct information in a timely manner to present the honored exhibitors justly.
            Being prepared with a trust worthy computer and printer is a must!
Staff: Thanks to a committed few, I was strongly supported by docents for the exhibition. The experience they brought and elegance and kindness they portrayed was abundant. The daily hour schedule and the limit in days we were open was just enough. The heat from the lights and the normal life span of the flowers, would have made it more difficult to have continued the event any longer. The docents were graceful in their fatigue as well.
            We did pay attention to conflicting workshops and demonstrations so that our hours of operation met with exhibitor’s need to tend to their arrangements as well as their own schedules.
            The well organized “flower market” also helped make for a successful exhibition. The variety, freshness and availability of flowers, suited everyone’s creative needs perfectly!
            I don’t think that you can be too prepared in organizing an event like this. Thorough communication between chairman and assistants is crucial. Maintaining patience and being prepared for the unexpected with gracefulness and humility deflects any potential chaos and unnecessary frustration, but remember that you may not be able to make everyone happy.
            Being my first conference and event to plan of this nature was exciting and nerve racking. But overall, I was happy with the outcome and appreciated the support I received from the more seasoned veterans of these events!
            Thank you, Emiko Peterson, Beverly Corbett, Chuck Chapman, June Matsuoka, Mary Anne Wiley, Masako Kondo and Thanh Nguyen, Tuan Tran, Sylvia Owens (wow! she has great stories)  Bud Marchette, Janet Melac and Shirley Jones! This exhibition was so much better because of each and every one of you!

Connie Watts

Entertainment Report:
Marti Myszak
The Monterey Chapter wanted to express in their entertainment the  ethnic diversity we have on the Monterey Peninsula.  We chose both professional and volunteers from the community.  This allowed us to comply with our budget.
Ribbon Cutting Reception:  Caba Mariachi
Wednesday Tea:  Koto Music by Masako Kondo and Yoshie Okazaki
Sayonara Dinner Reception:  Linda Mahrabian, Cello
Sayonara Dinner: The Steve Chambers Quintet
Ballet Dance Kids of Monterey
Korean Fan Dance
Hawaiian Dancers
Buyo Japanese Dancers
Sakurai Folk Dance.
The hotel was helpful with sound and equipment and stage.  The food for the entertainers was not sufficient and more had to be ordered.  Trays with cold cuts and cheeses would have been a better choice.
Introduction of Entertainment for the Sayonara Dinner
           " Tonight at our conference we will be integrating the joy and beauty of flowers with the visual and performing art of dance.
            Flowers for many of you probably brings to mind the Waltz of the Flowers from the Nutcracker Ballet as well as the Traditional May Dances.
            ‘We can not help but be enticed by the floral fragrances and the beauty-whether watching flowers sway to the music of the wind in their special rhythms: revealing the cycles of the seasons which we will show in dance by “Cinderella in the Four Seasons Ballet.”
            Such an appeal to our senses was recognized by the Azerbaigani poet, Vagif Bayatly who said that “The biggest eyes in the world belong to flowers and to children.  So we want you to celebrate spring with us now, with our interpretation of flowers dancing from four different cultures.”
Marti Myszak

Hospitality Report:
Hospitality Chair:  Janet Melac
Hospitality Chairperson is responsible for all meals and at the conference.  Following is a list of events planned by the Hospitality Committee.

Business Agenda Meeting:  This event took place in the private dining room in Jack’s Restaurant in the Portola Hotel.  We were served a 3 course dinner. No wine was served. It was a nice environment for the meeting but it was difficult to talk to everyone because of the long narrow room.
 Gala Opening:  This event took place in the foyer of the Portola Hotel and consisted of opening speeches, ribbon cutting and visiting the exhibition. There was a Cash Bar set up where participants could purchase cocktails.  We then boarded luxury buses for the 7 minute ride to the Monterey Bay Aquarium.  The buses stayed on site and were available the take people back to the hotel at any time. At the Aquarium we had a strolling dinner with wine.  Hors  d’oeuvres were passed as we came in the doors and wine was available from two bars set up around the Aquarium.  There were two buffet tables set up which were very busy for the first 45 minutes as people lined up for food.  The Aquarium had a hard time keeping up with the demand.  After the first rush the crowds thinned out and there was more than enough food.  At 11 pm the final group loaded the buses for the ride back to the hotel.  Feedback for this event was excellent and everyone reported a very good time.
Tea and Koto:  This event took place in the foyer of the Portola Hotel from 2 to 3:30 pm between the demonstrations of Kika Shibata and Headmaster Wafu Teshigahara.  It consisted of assorted cookies, fresh local strawberries, tea and coffee.  Two of our members played the Koto.  This event was very well received.  The Koto music was excellent and the guests really appreciated the light snack in the middle of a day full of demonstrations.
Sayonara Dinner:  In the De Anza Ballroom of the Portola Hotel. Beautiful table arrangements were provided by the Sacramento Chapter that were given away at the end of the dinner.  MBC provided the menu cards. We were served a four course dinner with 3 wines.  The food and service were mediocre.  We had a large quantity of wine left over because the staff did not keep up on the wine service and I fear some people missed out.  There should have been more communication with the headwaiter.
Beautiful roses from a local garden were placed in the Headmaster’s and the International President’s suite along with bottles of sparkling wine prior to their arrival.

Program Report:
Ikebana International North American Regional Conference
May 11-May 15
Program Chairperson:  Betty Jetter
My first main focus was on the arrival date and times (May 11) of Wafu Teshigahara, Iemoto of Wafu School, Kika Shibata, Sogetsu School, and Shuji Ikeda, Ikenobo Society.  These were the three main demonstrators in the Steinbeck Forum on May 14.  On the day of arrival, (May 11) all three were arriving at approximately the same time and also at the same approximate time of seven of the vendors in the Ginza.  (I feel that being in charge of the Ginza and the Programs might be better served by 2 people, as it is impossible to be several places at once.  Having said that, I think that with my husband's andTerri Schruben's help, everything went very well.  (It was fortunate that Terri was in charge of the Hospitality Room that was connected to the Ginza.)    As I had no assistants, my husband spent several full days helping with the Ginza, Hospitality Room and on the 14th, all day helping Ron Brown with the demonstrations, at the Conference. 

On the first day, I had made contact with all three people and made sure that we had necessary cellular phone numbers, times of arrival and knew the needs of each one after arrival.  The only one with a need to be shown where to put his materials and also a need for help moving it was met by my husband at his car and then helped with transfers.   At this time I was available for answering questions and checking with the staff of the Forum in order to procure whatever was needed.  I also had to open, make set up changes and show the seven vendors how to bring their goods into the Ginza, as each arrived.  On the 13th, I was pretty much full time with the demonstrators, helping with the setup of materials, etc. for the next day's demonstrations. On the next day, I was with them all day, except for the lunch break in which I was back in the Ginza.  I had spent much time, before the conference and during the conference days, with each demonstrator or his assistants, learning and planning my introductions for each of them prior to each demo. 

I can happily say that all of the above was a joyous experience and I recommend it to anyone.  Our chapter is small and I think that it is certainly possible to put on a very successful event, if the available people work hard.

Some important items that may make things easier.
1.  Staying in the hotel as a guest, as there is no extra time for travel and it keeps you accessible to those who need you.
2.  Having a cellular phone.
3.  Have a flashlight (very handy on demonstration day)  In our case, when the lights were low, one commentator could not
see her notes and she needed a small flashlight on the podium.) 

I was given some other last minute jobs which further cut into my time, needed for my main 2 jobs.  Terri Schruben and I  were asked to check in attendees for the business meetings on Tuesday and Thursday at 8AM.  We were told that it would only take 15 minutes and we would not be required to attend the meetings.  It turned out that we were required to attend the meetings and in fact, our names were on the agendas.  We needed to be at the Ginza and hospitality rooms at the same time, so it was a bit hectic.  We felt that we could not do a good job at the Business meetings because we did not know what was expected of us and felt that we were not prepared and therefore we had let the attendees down.                                               
24
 We believe that if jobs are given at the last minute, they should be given with paperwork and an explanation of what is expected, so that we can do a good job for the attendees.
I was also late for the Liaison meeting, as I had another conflict. (The conflict was the shutting down of the Ginza and Hospitality Room.) 
Terri and I were also in charge of the display of a very beautiful and expensive container made by Shuji Ikeda, as it was to be auctioned off
by silent auction.

Registration Report:
Registration was recorded with Excel.  The data base was set up with cells for all the information necessary on the registration form.
This allowed an accurate account of all the data needed for reference.  It was recorded as the forms arrived.  If there was an e-mail address, an immediate response and confirmation number was given and an acknowledgment of the workshops and tours that had been requested.
 If there was no e-mail address, a postcard was sent with the same information.  A copy of the registration form was made and the check was copied on the back of the form, for later reference, if needed.
Linda Raezer and Caterina Marsh printed pivot tables for each person registered, to use for backup if there was any question at registration.  Quite a few people forgot what they requested.  The pivot table was a very helpful tool.
Refunds were made for early cancellations as indicated on the registration forms.  After the first of January 2008, on the advice of headquarters, we made no refunds.  We did let a couple who requested it to send substitutes.
We did send our bag and the program to these unfortunate people. Several of these people were quite unhappy with the lack of refund. Most were very gracious and understanding of the policy.
Registration is a huge job, but very rewarding in the communication it gives one with members.
Carol Marchette

Workshop Report:  Janet Melac
I made sure that the rooms were set up and that the individual workshop chairpersons had the supplies they needed for the workshop.  This included filled watering cans, cutting bowls, plastic covered tables set in a V form, garbage cans, containers, kenzans, and any other necessary supplies.  We had a 33 gallon garbage can on a piano dolly filled with water as a water supply.
The flowers were brought to a staging area near the workshop room and the individual workshop volunteers prepared them for the workshop. 
All of the workshops were well attended and I heard no complaints, just rave reviews.  The V shape set up for the table worked out nicely so the attendees could see the leader very well and they were not too crowded.
Flower Procurement Report:  Janet Melac
Shirley Jones and Janet Melac scoured the countryside for flowers.  NARC took place the week after Mother’s Day. Because of this we contacted growers the year before and let them know that we would need large numbers of flowers the Friday before Mother’s Day.  We used local growers as much as possible and encouraged attendees to chose plant material that grows in our area.  Only the tropicals were ordered directly from Hawaii. 
The orders from the exhibition participants came trickling in over the months.  We kept a running tab of flowers and contacted people that ordered things not locally available. All participants were understanding and altered their order when necessary. When they were not specific about the number of flowers needed, (most of the time), we gave them 1 bunch of their choice. We bundled their flowers together and marked them with the participant’s name.  The bundles were available to one side of the “Flower Shop”.
Not everyone sent in an order so we made available a small “Flower Shop”.  We ordered extra long lasting flowers, local specialties and line material for the store.  Most of the line material we cut from our member’s gardens in the week before the conference.  Many times people who had preordered flowers wanted to chose different materials when they saw the variety at the store.  We allowed this and were able to sell most of the flowers.  As a rule we added $2 to $5 per bunch and $.50 to $2 per stem to our price.  Everyone thought the flowers were too cheap.  In hindsight we should have charged more but we wanted to sell all we could.
The Headmaster’s Flower Order:  All flowers for Headmaster Wafu were ordered from us through his contact here, Fusako Hoyrup.  Many, many flowers were ordered, including 160 Helaconia which we had shipped FedEx from Hawaii.  The headmaster used 13 of the 160 Helaconia and only a fraction of the massive amount of other flowers he ordered.  Needless to say the expense of these materials was immense.  Too many of the materials ordered went in the garbage, an unbelievable waste of natural resources and our chapter’s funds.

Fusako Hoyrup:  Chair for Headmaster Wafu Teshigahara and Wafu workshops
Fusako Hoyrup
SF Bay Area
Chapter #31
Wafukai Workshops & Demonstrations Chair

What went well?
       The Portola Plaza and Convention center is a beautiful venue and strategic location to accommodate the
       number of conference participants.

      The Opening reception at the Monterey Aquarium was very nice and certainly a unique setup for the enjoyment
      of all attendees.

      A lot of positive comments from Wafu members: Japan members wrote /fax to praise the hard work and great
      organization of the NARC.  A very good learning and fun experience.

      Good mix of programs – opportunity to relax vs. opportunity for event.

      All committee members were very supportive and worked very hard. It’s very nice to see so many people
      Come together to build friendships with flowers.

      The 16th Anniversary NARC is a tremendous success.

Improvements?

       It may be helpful to schedule the NARC at the end of April or the beginning of May, so as to avoid the conflict
       with Mother’s Day.

Wafu Program Committee
     
       Fusako “Seiga” Hoyrup (Program Chairman)
       Lina “Seiyu” van Sherrenberg
       Helen “Shinou” Klee
       Calvin “Hosei” Wong
       Tova “Seika” Matatyaou
       Nancy “Seirin” Locke
Exhibition

Wafu Workshops;
     Nageire Technique of Wafu School ikebana
     Participants attempt a Nageire arrangement, followed by Headmaster’s commentary and sharing session
     The workshops were very well received and we received positive comments:

• Many participants liked the setup: V shape tables and microphone
• Freshness of material along with the opportunity to make a “full size” arrangement
• Positive feedback regarding headmaster’s style of sharing his gracious comments
• Many workshop participants connected with assistants that were helping them and new friendships

were made

Demonstrations:

• All three demonstrations were received tremendously well by the participants.
• The Demonstration schedules worked well with ample time for setup/cleanup.
• • Headmaster’s demonstration was enthusiastically received with a standing ovation from conference
  • participants.  He expressed his tremendous honor being able to demonstrate the large scale Wafu Style
    Ikebana for NARC