Cleveland, Ohio, claims Don as its very own, but his parent moved to Cincinnati when Don was 3 years old. He grew up in Anderson Township, attended Anderson High School, and later spent some time in the Navy. He enrolled in Parsons College in Iowa, graduating in 1965.

Fate smiled on Don when a friend proposed a blind date to Don, and he could a "South Seas" girl by the name of Julia. The union of the pretty Julia and Don was blessed with children - Scott, who, after graduation is doing dental research at Ohio State, and Joshua who, after completing his Masters, embarked on his own business in Computer Science.

Don joined Cincinnati Financial Corporation 31 years ago, in property and personal lines, and is now Vice-President. The companies offices are in the Fairfield area, a short commute from Don and Julia’s home in Indian Hill. Don has opened his garden to members for visits.

Don actually had a fascination with potted trees and plants long before his interest in Bonsai. His interest in "trees in pots" increased when he met our late, beloved member, George Fujikawa, at the old Kenwood Plaza, at a Bonsai show.

Don joined BSGC in 1986, and has served the Bonsai Society in a variety of offices and committees. This is Dons’ second term as 1st Vice-President and Program Chairman. We are lucky to have such a dedicated, helpful and friendly member.

Carole was born just across the street from the Civic Garden Center, at Bethesda Hospital, circa 1941. Carole’s parents moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for wartime work in connection with the atomic energy program, then later moved to Michigan, where Carole grew up. After graduating from high school, Carole attended Baptist City College in Jefferson City, Tennessee, graduating with a degree in psychology, which she put to work at General Electric, here in Cincinnati.

There may be a bit of controversy about whether a battery of tests she gave to future husband Bob caused her to recommend he be hired, or whether those tests revealed some special attributes that would make him a good husband. Regardless of the test results, the marriage is a smashing success, and produced a son, Steven, who is now doing graduate work in chemical engineering. They will soon celebrate their 32nd wedding anniversary. Carole worked for also Kroger, then for the University of Cincinnati for four and one-half years. Bob still works at General Electric.

During a period of time in South Carolina, Carole developed an interest in Bonsai, but there was no one else locally to share her new-found hobby. Later, after returning to Cincinnati and attending a Zoo Bonsai show in 1991, Carole met and was encouraged to join our Society by Mary Gert.