February Meeting 
The February meeting will be held on Saturday, February 12 at 10:00 am at Laurie R.'s pond in Gilbert. Laurie's pond is about six years old and holds 3,000 gallons. It is about 10 feet by 15 feet and 24 to 30 inches deep. This is the pond that produces the monster water hyacinths that we all took home this summer!! This is a special hands-on meeting. Laurie will be demonstrating how to divide and repot water plants. (It's rumored that she is really talented with a saw!) It may be a little early in the season, but after this meeting, we'll all be prepared! Everyone is asked to wear their grubbies, bring any plants that need dividing and/or repotting, trowels, sharp knives, extra pots, etc. Also, don't forget your lawn chairs.
 

JANUARY MEETING REVIEW 
The January meeting was held at Kurt M.'s house in Phoenix and luckily the weather was great. Kurt's three ponds are still under construction. The largest, lower pond had liner in it and quite a few happy fish. The two round upper ponds are formed out of cinder blocks. Kurt has done a great job and they are going to look wonderful when completed. His two BIG dogs, Bart and Ginger, were so well behaved! Bart gave quite a show playing with a food dish! Bob Zaranec from Paradise Ponds was the speaker. Paradise Ponds is located at 3239 E. Osborn (602-667-6913) and specializes in design, construction, repair and maintenance of ponds. Bob brought some rock samples to show as an idea for placing around Kurt's pond. He also brought three different biological filters and explained each one. He answered questions from the members and was very helpful. After the meeting we had birthday cake since the club just turned four years old.  Also, Joann made some tasty coffee cakes and also had hot cider and coffee. It was a good time and so nice to see everyone again.
 

2000 Pond Tour 
We are still looking for ponds for our tour. A few members have graciously offered their ponds, but we need more. The ponds that have been offered are quite spread out and it would be best to keep them in a general area. So far, we have South Chandler, Scottsdale, West Phoenix and Mesa. THANK YOU!! Also a couple of ponds from the last tour have been offered, but it would be nice not have to use the same ponds on this tour. (Must not be TOO bad being on the pond tour if they are volunteering again!!) PLEASE give me a call to volunteer your pond.  It does not have to be big or fancy - it's good to see all sizes and types. I have been assured that it's not a lot of work to have your pond on the tour!