Grand Nest Bulletin Volume 111 111th Grand Nest Convention Issue

July 11-13, 2018 Edmonton Pond Hosts the Grand Nest in Edmonton, AB Internet Address --- http://www.BlueGoose.org E-mail Address: [email protected] Future Conventions

Indianapolis July 17-19, 2019

Hartford July 18-22, 2020

Mid Year Grand Nest Officers Meeting Indianapolis, IN

2016-2017 GRAND NEST OFFICERS

Most Loyal Grand Gander Grand Keeper Mark Robertson Archie Gillis Challenge Insurance Group Inc. PO BOX 28103 10466 Mayfield Road Dartmouth, NS B2W6E2 Edmonton, Alberta T5P 4P4 Res: 902-434-4627 Res: 780-435-4274 Cell: 902-414-4628 Off: 780-447-7992 [email protected] Cell: 780-918-4829 Email: [email protected]

Grand Supervisor Grand Wielder: Kim Bilbrey Terrence M. Maloney 145 Cousins Drive Robertson - Ryan Carlisle, OH 45005 12940 Walnut Rd. Res: 937-743-6155 Elm Grove, WI 53122 Off: 937-746-0964 Res: 262-782-7658 Cell: 937-901-7557 Off: 414-221-0341 Email: [email protected] Fax: 262-782-7608 [email protected]

Grand Custodian Judge Advocate: Dan Rich Lorena Kohlruss 25 Minister Brook Drive Box 976 Simsbury, CT 06070 Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A7 Res: 860-651-5450 Res: 250-924-4777 Cell: 860-841-7833 [email protected] Cell: 587-777-2745

Grand Guardian Michael Smith Grand Nest Historian: 3419 US 301 N #800 John Bishop Tampa, FL 33619 310-3083 Olivet Street Off: 888-782-3473 Halifax, NS Cell: 407-468-4640 B3L 4R2 [email protected] Canada Res: 902-455-6332 [email protected]

Blue Goose Holds Grand Nest Convention in Savannah, GA

This was a convention of many firsts: First with a convention app for your mobile device. First to incorporate a charity event into the convention agenda. First to donate extra convention food to charity. First to donate newly purchased convention furniture to charity. First to hold a program for first-time attendees.

182 Ganders, spouses and guests, including six children from across the US and Canada journeyed to Savannah, GA to attend the 111th Blue Goose Grand Nest Convention from July 11-13, 2017. The convention was held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in the heart of Savannah’s bustling tourist district. The hotel was located between River Street and Bay Street— an outstanding location within easy walking distance of hundreds of shops, restaurants, and attractions

Tuesday July 11, 2017

The Grand Nest Officers met on Monday afternoon and Tuesday morning,

As our families arrived to register, they found “the Nest” – a huge space that housed the registration desk, the Grand Nest historical archives, and served as a lounge and central meeting area. At the end of the convention, all of the furniture and extra supplies purchased for the Nest were donated to the local Salvation Army for their new teen center.

For 42 Ganders (max capacity), the Convention’s first formal activity was boarding a bus to take us to a voluntary charity activity at the Second Harvest Food Bank of Coastal Georgia. Second Harvest sorts and repackages 14 million tons of food donations for distribution in twenty-one Georgia counties.

We helped them with their backpack program for food donations to 300 state agencies. Our mission was to create weekend snack bags for school children of distressed families. The idea behind it was that when kids get school lunches, the school at least knows the kids get one good meal a day. But what exactly they ate over the weekend was unknown.

So with that in mind, we divided our volunteers into three teams and set up an assembly line that stuffed zip lock bags with a fruit, canned chicken, a can of soup, a can of chili, a box of raisins, a bag of chips, a white milk, a chocolate milk, and 2 fruit bars.

The assembly line experience was enhanced by music and some impromptu karaoke (tunes by Michael Jackson and Run-DMC seemed to be crowd favorites) and some Ganders stepped up their game by mixing in dance moves

It was very inspirational to see our international collection of fellow volunteers working so hard, and cooperating as a team. Before we knew it, we had bagged 645 bags for the kids. What a wonderful and gratifying experience that was. In fact, we finished that task so quickly, we moved on to a second task - that of separating the countless bags and boxes of donated items into three categories - glass jars, cans, and soft goods.

That night’s Welcome Party was held just a short walk from the hotel at Savannah Smiles Dueling Piano Bar, where we had a rousing good time. The entertainers were excellent! And did a great job of singing, playing, and taking song requests. One of the singers did a pretty good job of rapping for us! Some of our Ganders stormed the stage as we saw and heard a blazing hot version of “Mustang Sally” with Michigan’s Joe Coccia on drums and British Columbia’s Stacey Rose on vocals.

The evening’s excellent Southern styled barbecue dinner was catered by Paula Deen & Sons, who also provided us with several items to use in a raffle. The raffle proceeds were donated to the Salvation Army. In addition, all leftover food from the Hyatt was donated to the Salvation Army. Our Ganders had a great time laughing and singing and even taking the stage.

Upon registration, each convention attendee received a passport containing the convention agenda, information about the Southern Region ponds, and photos of the Grand Nest officers. A fun convention activity was having your Passport “stamped” to signify either attendance at an event or tracking down a Grand Nest Officer or a designated representative of a Southern Pond. At the welcome reception, passport photos were taken at the photo booth, passports were stamped, pins were traded, and it was a great time catching up with old friends to start the convention.

Wednesday July 12, 2017

After a full breakfast, we walked over to Regency Ballroom A as the 111th Grand Nest Meeting was ready to get underway. MLGG Linda Meik welcomed the group, gaveled the meeting to order, and remarked that “Savannah welcomes you with true Southern Hospitality”.

The flags were presented by the American Legion Post 184 of Thunderbolt, Georgia. The national anthems of Canada and the United States were sung by the Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters Gospel Choir, then MLGG Meik delivered the invocation and led us in the Blue Goose ritual prayer.

American Legion Color Gullah Geechee Ring Shouters Gospel Choir Tables in “V” Formation Guard

Linda recognized some all of the attending veterans from the Southern Region, and next introduced the Grand Nest officers at the front of the room, with a twist – because instead of the traditional long head table, each officer sat at a small individual table at the front of the stage. The tables were arranged in a “V” formation to symbolize the flight of the goose.

Next to be introduced were the spouses, family and guests of the Grand Nest Officers, the attending Past Most Loyal Grand Ganders and their spouses, the Deputy Most Loyal Grand Ganders, and the Convention Planning Executive Committee of Ray Wicker, Keith Strohecker, and Mary Kay Marchetti. The morning’s speaker was Queen Quet Marquetta L. Goodwine, the Chieftess of the Gullah Geechee Nation. She entered the room singing a soulful hymn and educated us on the history of Georgia’s Gullah Geechee culture.

The Gullah are descendants of African slaves from North Carolina to Florida, and the Sea Islands, noted for their distinctive language and creole ethnicity. Some of their ancestors were sold into slavery right here in Savannah, on River Street and the ballast in the slave ships ended up as cobblestone for Savannah’s streets.

Queen Quet was well prepared to speak to our Convention, and noted that since our proper name is The Honorable Order of the Blue Goose, it was “nice to be among honorable people.” She spoke of Blue Goose’s belief in charity – “What a blessing….to Queen Quet Marquetta L. Goodwine fly out on blue wings to help people”. She eloquently wove the Blue Goose precepts of Character, Charity and Fellowship into Gullah Geechee history and lore. She spoke of our industry, and how “the next time the storms of life are raging”, she’ll think of “the assurance of dealing with honorable people” like us and our “one hundred and eleven years of being people of character that value charity and fellowship”

Grand Wielder Terry Maloney offered some instructions to the delegates and MLGG Meik and Ray Wicker made some housekeeping and agenda announcements before we recessed for a break and moved into the Memorial Service.

The Convention’s Memorial Service started with a performance of “Amazing Grace” by the Gullah Choir. The Commemoration of Departed Ganders service was conducted by Barrett Leslie and Cathy Johnson of the Tennessee Pond. The name of each Pond was called and the members of that Pond stood in unison. If a Pond lost a member during the year, the name was called and a blue feather was placed in a V-shaped frame.

After the Commemoration, three PMLGGs were eulogized – Jerry Simpson (1986-87), George Harwood (1996-97), and Gerald “Jerry” Hale (2004-05).

PMLGG Simpson was eulogized by his son Phil Simpson. He spoke of his father’s experience in the insurance industry with the Florida Rating Bureau, and at the agency and company levels. As MLGG, he took time from work and visited every Pond while on half salary. He attended a total of 40 conventions, of which 33 were consecutive.

PMLGG Harwood was eulogized by Grand Keeper Terry Maloney. George was a big supporter of Blue Goose and worked “behind the scenes”. When no one else from the Southern Region was willing to do so, “he stepped forward to lead our Order and showed everyone how to lead a successful convention with limited resources”. He was a Blue Goose member for 42½ years. Terry closed his eulogy with a series of personal remarks on his friendship with George.

PMLGG Hale was eulogized by Grand Guardian Dan Rich who described Jerry’s qualities as an inspirational leader, a clear thinker and negotiator, an incredible story teller, and his knack for putting people at ease. “He was always smiling and laughing, always glad to see you, and always made you feel so lucky to be in his company. It was no wonder that people naturally gravitated to him”. He was a 30-year Blue Goose member and served as the Order’s Grand Nest Historian at the time of his passing. The Kentucky Pond conducted a very creative and thoroughly entertaining Kentucky Derby themed Model Initiation Ceremony. Things got off to a fun start with a red jacketed bugler’s call to the starting gate for the “Blue Goose Derby” with special guests Ryan Maloney and Linda Meik wearing oversized hats to suggest the twin spires of Churchill Downs. The Initiation team wore jockey silks and the familiar “honks” of the ritual were replaced by bugle notes.

The ritual was tweaked to rename the officer positions - “the Wielder of the Whip”, “Guardian of the Purse”, and the “Most

Loyal Trainer”, etc. The initiation was full of horse racing lingo punctuated by bugle calls. The four initiates donned jockey hats, mounted their stick horses, and were led to the starting gate as “My Kentucky Home” was played. The familiar “Blue Goose Salute” was modified to suggest a horse simultaneously galloping and being whipped. The ceremony culminated with the goslings skipping and galloping around the room in the Blue Goose Derby. All of the racers were awarded a rose garland in exchange for their humiliation. The Model Initiation team of Doug Dawson, Angie Gabbard, Kristi Vaughn, Tom Elderi, and Shannon Seebert did a great job and thoroughly entertained the convention.

The All Industry Luncheon featured motivational speaker Billy Riggs, who entertained us with a fascinating mix of magic and inspiration. He used a series of baffling tricks such as levitating tables, reassembling torn up newspaper pages, and seemingly impossible Rubiks Cube solves to illustrate his talking points about leadership, character, integrity, honor, trust, and teamwork.

After the luncheon, Grand Wielder Terry Maloney told us the Savannah Convention featured the largest contingent of first timers ever - 27 to be exact with 24 of them coming from the Southern Region. He asked the first timers to stand and be recognized, while he reminded the rest of the convention of their “duty to welcome them”, make them feel at home and “answer their questions”.

The roll call of delegates was next as the Ponds from Alabama to Wisconsin were called.

MLGG Meik spoke about “Change and Transformation” and summarized the “foundational business process changes” in our industry with respect to a consolidating marketplace, and changing workforce demographics. She argued that these changes offer even more reasons for people of “common interests to band together”, and how a “common effort and mutual bond” can allow us to “do so much more than one of us could do alone”.

Grand Custodian Kim Bilbrey spoke about the sometimes difficult journey facing our Puddles as they become Ponds. She spoke of the newly published Guide on Pond and Puddle organization we hope will provide clear information of Pond and Puddle roles, as well as Blue Goose as a whole.

PMLGG Joe Coccia spoke on “How to Properly Run a Pond” on behalf of Grand Supervisor Mark Robertson who was unable to attend the convention because of illness. He urged Ponds to “be selective” and choose leaders that had “good character”, and “to be passionate about charity”. He reminded the convention that revised Wielders and Keepers guides were available.

An open discussion was next concerning the challenges the Order is facing. PMLGG Bill Olson of the National Capital Pond reassured the convention that someone from the Southern region would step up to join Grand Nest and would have the help and support of all Ponds. Archie Gillis of Nova Scotia spoke of how we have to get better at approaching people and asking them to join. Grand Custodian Kim Bilbrey of the Dayton Pond spoke of her love for Blue Goose, her sadness that we are in the shape we are in, and our need for leaders; Martin Moran of the British Columbia Pond spoke of the struggle to balance the old with the new, and our need for participants rather than attendees, Kevin Brady of the Hartford Pond spoke of our need to communicate better and promised some new ideas in tomorrow’s Marketing and Communications Committee report, and Ray Wicker of the Texas Pond spoke of the mission of Blue Goose and growth, participation, and the knack that “natural leaders” have for knowing what to do.

Regional Breakout meetings followed, as the Canadian, Southern, Eastern, and Central members and delegates met to discuss the issues facing their respective regions.

The evening’s Family Night Dinner Cruise was held on the Savannah Riverboat Cruise's Georgia Queen. The boat was immense- in fact it looked like a three-story apartment building. It held 1,000 passengers, measured 230 feet in length, and was an impressive 68 feet tall with three grand ballrooms and multiple bars.

Our buffet dinner was wonderful -lots of hot entrees, a carving station, and some excellent shrimp and grits. Many ganders spent a lot of the time on the 5,000 square foot open aired top deck where we were entertained by one great guitarist/vocalist. The sightseeing and scenery were wonderful. We had some great views of the sunset and of the many passing ships on the river. We even saw a few dolphins playing around in the water. The combination of Blue Goose fellowship, cool sea breezes on a hot summer night, the very good food, the gorgeous scenery, and that great music combined to give us a very enjoyable evening.

Thursday July 13, 2017

After breakfast, the Edmonton Pond’s Andrew Happer, Tracy Fata, Neil Miller, Halie Wispinski, and Gordie Goose gave us a preview of next year’s convention in Edmonton, Alberta.

Gordie had become quite a popular fixture in Savannah, and had redefined the phrase “Party Animal”. He was seen everywhere making the rounds, visiting half the Gordie Goose pubs in Savannah, posing for hundreds of photos, and getting into all sorts of mischief and compromising situations. He is also quite active on social media and has his own Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts - all are good places to follow him for convention news.

We saw a video that highlighted some of the cultural and entertainment sights and attractions that will serve as a backdrop to next year’s Edmonton Convention.

The Convention will be held from July 11 to 13 at the Westin Hotel where the room rate will be $169 Canadian. The Convention rate is $385 and just $50 for Neil Miller, Halie Wispinski Andrew Happer children. The convention website will be up in January.

The hotel is in the heart of Edmonton’s downtown district known as Sir Winston Churchill Square. Some of the city attractions we can look forward to include the Art Gallery of Alberta, live music at City Hall Square, the Ice District (Canada's largest sports and entertainment venue), the Old Strathcona District (with shopping arts and entertainment facilities).

There are over 40 summer festivals scheduled in Edmonton next summer, so the odds are real good that you’ll find something to your liking.

Youth and Spouse destinations include the West Edmonton Mall (the largest shopping mall in North America and the tenth largest in the world, and its 800+ stores) and Fort Edmonton Park which is a recreation of what an Edmonton village may have looked like in the 1880's, 1900's, and 1920's. Tracy Fata, Halie Wispinski

Edmonton is a four-hour drive to Jasper and Banff so there is plenty to do before or after the convention. The Calgary Stampede (a 3 hour drive from Edmonton) runs from July 6-18, so you can visit either before or after the convention.

MLGG Linda Meik called Thursday’s meeting to order, and introduced Grand Wielder Terry Maloney for the roll call of delegates.

MLGG Linda Meik reported on her year in office, a year that was “challenging and inspiring. What a year it has been!”

She thanked the Convention Planning Executive Committee of Ray Roll Call Wicker, Keith Strohecker, and Mary Kay Marchetti for their hours of hard work and dedication. She also thanked the Southern Region Ponds and Puddles for making the convention “an everlasting memory”.

She told us how proud she was of the charity work at the Savannah convention, and her hope that this will continue.

The highlights and accomplishments of her year in office were overseeing the updated revisions to the Wielder’s Guide, MLG Guide, Pond and Puddle Operations Guide, updating and expanding the Pond Awards, the transition from 5 regions to 4 and the corresponding changes to our Call to order constitution and by-laws, and enhancements to our computer system.

Linda asked “how accurate are our database records?” Accuracy affects our membership

rolls and financial obligations, so “how can we communicate with our members if we don’t know who our members are, or how to get in touch with them?”

She said that “each officer at every level of our organization needs membership support” and that we “must find committed leaders, and not people who just put in time”. We can’t have a Pond rely on “the same two or three people, we need to develop leaders”.

Linda visited many Ponds and represented Blue Goose at many industry functions during her year in office. In September she attended the Hartford Pond’s tribute to Jerry Hale where she presented him with a gift from the Grand Nest, and she also attended the PLRB in St. Louis.

In November she attended the Eastern Region PLRB and a Virginia Pond meeting in Richmond, as well as a Tennessee Pond Initiation Meeting, and in December she attended Michigan Pond’s Christmas Charity Luncheon.

The New Year saw a January visit to the Chicago Pond, a March visit to Louisiana and to Kentucky where she met with Don Greeno’s widow, April visits to Edmonton and Northeast Ohio, May visits to Charlotte, and a June visit to Alabama and with members of the Dakota and Peace Garden Ponds.

Seeing the dedicated work of Ganders across North America confirmed her belief that “passionate professionals can break through the barriers to make a difference in their communities”.

When Linda joined the Grand Nest five years ago, her address of acceptance included comments on “what the various letters in Blue Goose represent to me”. She revisited those comments in Kim Bilbrey presents Linda Meik with Quilt as “Thank You Gift” Savannah. B = Best of the Best – Yes we are! L = Love of fellow mankind. U = Unity through great fellowship. E = Everywhere – all corners of our great lands. G = Ganders – head the call. O= Onward to great growth in membership. O= Over the top in charity endeavors. S = Sailing into the future with new technology. E = Educate others about our great organization. Grand Wielder Terry Maloney’s report on the year started with the pronouncement that “Linda really stepped up as MLGG” with her efforts to strengthen the Southern Region and her

concept of a Southern Region convention. The Southern Region raised $57,000 before registrations and the convention drew 30 sponsors and 27 first timers (24 from the South). He singled out the Florida Pond for their excellence in adding 38 new members. Successes in Charlotte and Atlanta and Alabama led to over 100 new members in the Southern Region, where it became one of the three of four regions with positive growth. Linda’s busy travel schedule and her success in the South is “an inspiration for those who will follow her.”

Terry singled out the Saskatchewan Pond and Brennen Mills for their superb year where they added 26 members and vaulted into the Order’s top ten. The ten largest Ponds were Michigan (306) in the top spot, followed by Quebec (226), St. Louis (168), Hartford (164), National Capital (151), Saskatchewan (149), Edmonton (143), Ontario (143), Nova Scotia (134), and Alberta (132).

Terry said he was looking for photos of nine PMLGGs, especially our second PMLGG Arthur Hegben from 1907.

He cautioned on the use of nicknames in the Blue Goose database because they interfere with the ability to search names and send correspondence. For example, don’t enter Terry “nickname” Maloney – just use the name Terry Maloney.

Grand Nest Historian John Bishop commented on the “love and compassion we showed to our lost PMLGGs and their family members who came here”. He also commented on some of the musical talent that had been on display at the convention and quipped that we have enough singers and musicians “to form a Blue Goose chorus”. He oversaw a productive year for the Grand Nest Historian John Bishop curation of Blue Goose history and have now erased a six year gap in our annual histories. He thanked Neil Miller for his contribution in providing photographs for the histories. He said that we are working to regionalize the historical archives and started this year by highlighting our Southern Pond memorabilia for display in Savannah. He asked the Canadian Ponds to do the same next year.

PMLGG Lorena Kohlruss completed her first year as our Judge Advocate, and thanked Linda Meik for her guidance throughout the year. She focused on the future of the Honorable Order and last year’s amendment to realign the regions, update the by-laws, and clarify our JA Lorena Kohlruss language regarding Dual Members.

DMLGG Joe Lothschultz of the Michigan Pond delivered Grand Keeper Randy Wilson’s report on Audit. The Order ended the year with $74,457 in revenue, $32,676 in Operating Costs, and $38, 600 in Membership Expenses for a surplus of $3,181. Randy expressed a need to be more diligent in fiscal management, i.e. dues payments, multiple signatures on Pond accounts, government filings, and Pond fiscal control and reports to officers. DMLGG Joe Lothshultz

The Grand Nest Committee reports on Charity, Membership, and Communication / Marketing followed.

Grand Custodian Kim Bilbrey’s Charity Committee report stated that this year 21 of our 39 Ponds had filed the charity report that is included in the May mailing to the Wielders. She asked more Ponds to be diligent in filing the report because “we have so much compassion and need to show our accomplishments as a whole.” Kim cited Blue Goose support of causes for veterans, children, pets and the homeless. The year saw a reported total of $166,559 in cash donations, $38,000 in value for items collected, $9,900 in scholarship donations, and 710 Grand Custodian Kim Bilbrey volunteer hours of community service.

She challenged the Ponds to get their charity reports in next year and to increase each Pond’s charitable contributions by 5%.

DMLGG Dustin Bales of the Manitoba Pond delivered Mark Robertson’s Membership report. He urged the Ponds to keep your membership data current and accurate. Only the Central Region filed a Rush for Goslings report and he asked the other Regions and their Ponds to be more diligent. PMLGG Joe Coccia suggested that perhaps we could send optional dues notices to Life Members, who al-though they are exempt from paying dues might be glad to make a donation to the Order.

Grand Guardian Dan Rich’s Communication and Marketing Report was next, and his committee suggested we 1) look at our industry footprint, and ask ourselves “how effectively are we promoting the Blue Goose “brand?” 2) examine our Pond websites, and take a critical look at the Grand Nest Website as well for improvement opportunities in their look, management, and keeping their content fresh and dynamic. Six years ago we saw that barely 40% of our Ponds had an operating website. Today that percentage is 75%. But for the Ponds that still don’t have websites – how can we help them? Is website creation something each Pond has to figure out for themselves, or is there a way Grand Nest can support them? Dan then introduced Kevin Brady, the Hartford Pond’s Webmaster to talk about some of his observations and recommendations.

DMLGG Dustin Bales GG Dan Rich Kevin Brady

Kevin started by asking how many of our convention attendees were under 30 years of age? The response was just five. Kevin reminded us that Blue Goose has no brick and mortar locations, and while we may all be experts in our fields, we are not website experts. A survey sent out by our Committee showed “we have no useful data”. The time commitments for Pond website maintenance are many, and related website issues of business continuity and a succession plan jeopardize the way we must communicate with the young members of our industry.

Kevin suggested a website model based on what the Boy Scouts of America and the Elks Club have done – a managed website by a third party administrator with a main page for the organization and a hub for “chapters” and members. Kevin will prepare a written proposal to put out for bid because we “must change to attract our new ganders.”

The morning’s program continued with the presentation of the Grand Nest Awards, which were updated and revised for 2017.

The Membership Award for the greatest % of increased membership was won by the Florida Pond at 97.3%.

The First Timers Award for the Pond with the most first-time convention attendees (previously known as the Peace Garden Award Cup) was awarded to all Ponds (Alabama, Columbus, Dayton, Edmonton, Florida, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, National Capital, North Carolina, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Texas, Texas/Georgia, and Virginia) with first time attendees.

The Communication Award for the Pond with an outstanding communication strategy (previously known as the Link of the Year) was a tie, as the British Columbia and Tennessee Ponds were both named for this award.

The new Gander of the Year Award is bestowed upon a Gander that has demonstrated strong Character, great Fellowship, and given in Charity for all of Blue Goose. This year’s regional winners are Patty Semke for the Central Region, Neil Miller for the Canadian Region, Barb Mikulski for the Eastern Region, and Ray Wicker for the Southern Region.

Our charity awards have been expanded from the single Gordon Crowther Charity Award to four charity awards, each recognizing a different aspect of our charitable work.

The new Community Service Award, for the Pond that volunteers in their services to a local charity, was awarded to the National Capital Pond.

The new Charity Fund Award, awarded to the Pond that has raised funds for local charities by including all of their membership in their fund-raising efforts, was awarded to the Hartford Pond.

First Time Convention Attendees

The new Scholarship Award, awarded to the Pond that provided one or more scholarships to a deserving individual and the effort displayed in raising these funds, was awarded to the Kentucky Pond.

The Gordon Crowther Charity Award, for the Pond with overall outstanding charitable activities, was won by the Cincinnati Pond.

The Regional Charity Awards were renamed to Regional Growth Awards.

The Central Region Awards for the highest % increase was won by the Peace Garden Pond at 24.53% and the award for the most new & reinstated members was a tie between the Michigan and St. Louis Ponds at +20.

The Southern Region Awards for the highest % increase was won by the Florida Pond at 97.3%, and the award for the most new & reinstated members was also won by the Florida Pond at +36.

The Eastern Region Awards for the highest % increase was won by the National Capital Pond at 25%, and the award for the most new & reinstated members was also won by the National Capital Pond at +38.

The Canadian Region Awards for the highest % increase was won by the Saskatchewan Pond at 23.58%, and the award for the most new & reinstated members was also won by the Saskatchewan Pond at +29.

After the awards, DMLGG certificates were distributed, special recognition plaques for outstanding services were awarded to John Bishop, Joe Lothschultz, and Dan Rich, and Savannah Convention Tri-Chairs Ray Wicker, Keith Strohecker, and Mary Kay Marchetti were recognized for their time and effort in planning the convention.

Special Recognition Awards

John Bishop Keith Strohecker, Mary Kay Joe Lothshutz Marchetti, Ray Wicker

After a lunch break, a motion was made, seconded, and accepted that next year’s convention will be held in Edmonton, Alberta.

Nominating speeches and the installation of the 2017-18 slate of Grand Nest officers ensued. The new officers are Mark Robertson of the Edmonton Pond as Most Loyal Grand Gander, Kim Bilbrey of the Dayton Pond as Grand Supervisor, Dan Rich of the Hartford Pond as Grand Custodian, and Michael Smith of the Florida Pond who agreed to serve as Grand Guardian.

MLGG Mark Robertson in back (via Skype), L-R in front, Grand Guardian Michael Smith, Grand Supervisor Kim Bilbrey, and Grand Custodian Dan Rich

MLGG Robertson re-appointed John Bishop as Grand Nest Historian, Lorena Kohlruss as Judge Advocate, Terry Maloney as Grand Wielder, and appointed Archie Gillis of the Nova Scotia Pond as Grand Keeper.

Archie Gillis thanked MLGG Robertson for his appointment and addressed the group by saying that “Blue Goose is only as good as all of us” and that he is looking forward to serving us all.

The Grand Nest’s newest elected officer, Michael Smith, shared his thoughts with the convention and told us of his journey to Blue Goose. Michael served in the Navy and Naval Reserves for ten years where he studied electronics, and after his military obligation ended, he continued to study electronics in college. He had run through the officer chairs with other

organizations and one day heard about Blue Goose. “I was struck by our mission and our record of doing good for others.”

Even though illness had prevented Mark Robertson from attending the convention, we were able to leverage technology and have him sworn in and deliver his address of acceptance by Skype.

He congratulated Linda and the Southern Region and said he was sorry he couldn’t be here to join everyone and participate in the Passport concept which intrigued him. Mark also asked everyone to turn to the Ganders to their right and left, and tell them “I appreciate you being here.”

Mark spoke of the Blue Goose qualities of the people in the room – “We all have Character, because we are here ! We all have Fellowship –just think of the new and old acquaintances in the room. We all promote Charity because we all lend a hand to help our neighbors.” These are the qualities we should all advertise.

Mark issued a challenge to very Gander- invite one person to your next meeting.

Terry Maloney awarded a PMLGG pin and plaque to Linda Meik, Linda received a Blue Goose comforter from her fellow officers, and she gave gifts to her Convention Executive Committee.

That evening, the Convention culminated with a cocktail reception and “Dancing Through the Decades” themed Grand Banquet and Ball. We enjoyed great food, great music and great fellowship. The band, “Coastal Breeze” did a great job and sure had everyone up dancing all night.

The Southern Region hosted an outstanding convention and we were all impressed by the history, beauty and hospitality of Savannah. We are very grateful to the Convention Committee for their efforts to plan and produce such a thoroughly enjoyable event.

Respectively submitted,

Dan Rich, Grand Custodian of the Ganders

Photos by Neil Miller

Grand Nest Officers and Spouses 2017-2018

Standing – Archie Gillis, Dan Rich, Terry Maloney, Gary Kohlruss, Tim Bilbrey, Michael Smith Seated – Patricia Gillis, Susan Rich, Lynn Maloney, Lorena Kohlruss, Kim Bilbrey, John Bishop

Most Loyal Grand Gander Report 111th Grand Nest Convention Linda Meik, MLGG 2016-2017

Grand Nest Officers, past and present, Delegates, Ganders and Guests.

Good afternoon, well here I am at the closing of a year as your MLGG and what a year it has been. These last five years, which believe it or not has flown by, of serving and moving through the various chairs at the Grand Nest level have been challenging but very inspiring. When I first stepped forward, I felt a bit apprehensive about taking on the role of a Grand Nest Officer, as at the time, no single Pond in the Southern Region wanted to support an officer or take on hosting a convention. Sitting in the Reno airport following the 2009 convention, Ray Wicker and I began to explore the concept of pulling the Southern Region together to host a consolidated Regional Convention. What I was convinced of, was that if someone would work with each Pond first hand, we could come together in unison to host a convention. I told myself, that if I undertook this step, I was going to try and be the BEST representative I could be for all the Ponds & Puddles and not just in name but I would be there in person for each Pond. With a few conversations with some PMLGGs, Grand Nest Officers at the time and our Grand Wielder, all my apprehensions were slowly laid to rest.

First, let me first single out the Southern Region’s Three Musketeers (one for all-all for one) – the Convention Chair persons of Ray Wicker, Keith Strohecker and Mary Kay Marchetti and thank them for their incredible dedication. A BIG thank you to each, and every, Southern Region Pond and Puddle for your support over these last few years. We truly came together as one collective group to host this convention and make it an everlasting memory for those here today.

My year in office as your Most Loyal Grand Gander, began with election and installation in St. Louis. It was with gratitude for the trust that you all placed in me that I accepted this position. At the St. Louis convention, the Grand Nest had established a recognition of and for Jerry Hale, our Grand Historian at the time. As most of us know, Jerry faced one incredible health challenge. We asked the Hartford Pond to take and present an honor of recognition to Jerry. The Hartford Pond went into immediate organizational mode and set up an evening for a Jerry Hale Tribute. So, in September, I flew to Hartford to represent Grand Nest, to assist in presenting and bestowing our heartfelt tribute to him, his family and the Hartford Blue Goose members. What an emotional challenge and above all an honor!

In St. Louis, I stated that we were experiencing some winds of change, and that we all needed to continue working together on the pathway of success onto a journey of significance. I spoke about how we look at things can impact our journey, and the example I gave was: when gold is mined, several tons of dirt must be removed to get even an ounce of gold. Now one does not go into the mine looking for dirt, but one goes in looking for gold. Let me share with you the ounces of gold that we achieved this past year.

We completely updated and issued a revised Wielder’s Guide, revamped the Most Loyal Gander Guide and updated and revised the list of Awards we give out at the convention, which then resulted in us revising the Pond/Puddle Operational Guide. These Guides are posted to the international website under resources. Note: These guides are only just that – helpful tools to the Ponds and Puddles. We have received a lot of positive feedback indicating that these guides are a valuable resource. Yet, they are living, breathing documents and will need to have regular updates to keep them current for our membership.

Also, during the year, the Grand Nest computer server was upgraded. We had to move off one server onto another for Blue Goose to increase our organizational capabilities.

We consolidated Five Regions information, membership and financial, into four Regions. And, I am proud to say all the records balanced. With the consolidation, we also had to update the C & BLs to reflect this change.

Membership continues to be our top focused concern as we move forward on this “Journey of Significance.” Blue Goose has and continues to demonstrate its “significance” through the CHARACTER of its members and the CHARITY work it has accomplished.

The Blue Goose Organization has had an on-line membership database since 2006 for Wielders to keep the membership updated at the Pond level, rather than sending everything to Grand Nest. But what we began seeing is that we have Ponds with users who have never accessed the database. The questions that then comes forth are: How accurate is the membership listing for the Pond and/or our organization? If records are not updated with correct information including email addresses for each Gander, then how are members being made aware of the activities of Blue Goose? Therefore, we focused on bringing several of the Ponds current not only in their membership rolls on the database, but their financial obligations to Grand Nest.

One cannot stimulate, or energize, membership, if we do not know who the members are or how to get in touch with them. We can’t instill the Blue Goose passion and purpose for a successful organization if we do not have the proper information on each member. Passionate and purposeful members are the lifeblood of our Order and keep us delivering a standout organizational culture. Without purpose, a Pond is just putting in time. A Pond without purpose is a Pond without Passion!

What we note and are seeing is that there is we not only have a retention problem in the Blue Goose, but our Ponds officer positions all too often are stagnant. When a significant event occurs to one of the officers, the Ponds are put in a difficult position, and they often just fill the vacancy with anybody and not someone who embraces the Blue Goose Pond’s goals. Each Officer at every level needs the support from each member to achieve success.

The Blue Goose Organization cannot sustain this lackadaisical commitment, we must find leaders at the Pond/Puddle level who are committed to do the best job they can, follow the Constitution & By Laws and help the organization succeed. Also, the Ponds will not survive if it is the same 3 or 4 folks who keep doing everything. We need to continually develop new leaders and promote the honor of these roles. Consistently continue to develop instructional guides or tools and be there to support each Pond/Puddle succeed.

We EACH must step up to move the organization forward. Just sitting and talking about it is not going to get us down the road, nor sitting back and waiting for someone else to make the difference.

During this fiscal year, I was fortunate to visit several Ponds and Puddles  In early September, we organized a Blue Goose Social prior to the Central Region PLRB getting underway. A big thank you to the St. Louis Pond folks for stepping in to be the hosts for this event. We had 92 stop in for some great Blue Goose fellowship.  In November, the Eastern Region PLRB was held in Richmond, Virginia. I traveled to Richmond where we had 96 attend our Social. While in Richmond, the Virginia Pond had their monthly meeting whereby not only did I get to attend, but so did our Grand Custodian, Dan Rich and his side kick, Kevin Brady. A fun and enjoyable evening. The next day, I flew to Nashville, where I attended the Tennessee Pond Social event and took part in initiating some new ganders.  In early December, Randy Wilson, GKGGE attended the Christmas party of the National Capital Pond. At this charity luncheon Randy was also awarded the “Life Time Achievement” award from National Capital Pond.  Also in December, I traveled to Michigan for its Officers’ Dinner and Charity Christmas Gala. I had a great time. If you know me, I do not like cold weather, as it does change my personality.

Joe Coccia kept telling me it was from the door to the car and the car to the door and that I would survive the minimal cold blast of air. Well I did, as I am here! Joe Coccia was also honored by being named the 1st recipient of the James Gleason Award in recognition of his character and generosity he displays. Jim Gleason was the Michigan Pond MLG in 2011, the year the Michigan Pond hosted the 105th Grand Nest Convention.  In January, I made a visit to Chicago. Terry Maloney joined me for this informational gathering. This was to see what we could do to revitalize Blue Goose in this area. One of the highlights of this meeting was having a PLRB employee attend our gathering.  In March, I traveled to Kentucky to attend their meeting and I also got to have one incredible visit with Don Greeno’s wife, Kerry. This was indeed a highlight of my travel. Also, in March, I traveled to Louisiana Pond to enjoy some of their great hospitality.  In April, I traveled to Edmonton (site of the 2018 convention) for the International Blue Goose Grand Nest Officers Mid-Year Meeting. Additionally, in April I traveled north to the Northeast Ohio Pond. Joining me in Northeast Ohio was Janice Folzenlogan and by phone was our Grand Guardian of the Pond, Kim Bilbray.  In May, I was off to Charlotte’s Blue Goose Pond Meeting. Here I had the honor of being part of thanking one super lady for her dedication of keeping her nose to the grindstone to see that the North Carolina Blue Goose could fly high and strong. Ms. Tracy Copley you are one dear lady and a friend I treasure. I also had the honor of giving Pat Morgan is 50-year membership pin.  In June, I was off to meet up with John Beldam in Birmingham, where we attended the Alabama Pond meeting. How exciting to see a Pond, which a year ago was ready to turn in their Charter, get revitalized. A big thank you to Cathy Hester for being my partner in this effort. John & I tagged team it by being part of their new Gander initiation, but we also got to install a new slate of officers for 2017-2018. What an honor for me to stand beside Mr. Blue Goose as he recites “The Charge”. What is also exciting about this is that I believe this is the first time on over 6 years that the Alabama Pond now has a full slate of Officers to lead them through this next year.  Also, in June, I caught up to Dale Cowan – Dakota Pond. We have consolidated the Dakota Pond into the Peace Garden Pond. Dale had lots of historical items that he handed over to me and I will be presenting to our Grand Historian for the archives. In addition, meeting up with Dale Cowman and his wife was the Peace Garden Wielder, who drove down from Fargo to join us. What a great time we had and some great conversation.  We have been blessed with great leadership at the Grand Nest Officer level these past many years, all of whom inspired me to give my very best to continue to advance the strength and vitality of our beloved Order.

I would like to thank my fellow Grand Nest Officers and PMLGGs who participated in the many decisions and discussions we have had this year. I urge our Grand Nest and our Members to embrace change where it makes sense if it is in the framework of our Traditions and Values, that enhances our Journey of significance. If the change conflicts with our Constitution and By Laws, then we should use the proper resources and established protocol available to us to make the change.

Using our past success combined with new ideas and knowledge, passionate professionals can break through to the next level of service to our membership. Transformational Time!

I must also acknowledge the support of my family, I know that they think all I do is Blue Goose work and are probably wondering what the heck is she going to do now. Are they ever in for some surprises????!!!!

I would also encourage each of you to consider how you can further the Blue Goose mission back home and make a difference in your community and your respective nations.

When I first stepped up to the Grand Nest, I gave an acceptance speech in Calgary that ended with what the various letters of Blue Goose symbolized to me. Let me repeat them here again today!

B – Best of the Best! Yes, we are! L = Love of fellow mankind. U = Unity through great fellowship! E = Everywhere – all corners of our great lands.

G = Ganders heed the call. O = Onward to great growth in membership. O = Over the top in charity endeavors. S = Sailing into the future with new technology. E = Educate others about our great organization. Boy, have we ever been on an incredible Journey of Significance!

As I leave the role of MLGG, I hope to continue to help guide this ship thorough Blue Goose waters and continue to help in the mission of re-dedication to our heritage of building character, supporting charity and fostering fellowship, as we continue on this journey of significance together.

Finally, I am very proud to be in the grand company of our Past Most Loyal Grand Ganders. Thank you all for allowing me to be of service to you as MLGG.

Respectfully submitted,

Linda Meik, MLGG July 2017

Newly Elected Most Loyal Grand Gander Acceptance Speech 111th Grand Nest Convention Mark Robertson, MLGG 2017-2018

Good morning everyone, I see that everyone is bright eyed and full vigor this morning ready to take on the days challenges.

I must firstly apologies to everyone in attendance here today for not being able to make it to Savannah myself this year. The passport to the South intrigued me from the first time PMLGG Linda Meik announced that Savannah was in the running for 2017. I believe it to be a fabulous location for the 111th Honorable order of the blue goose international convention. So, I hope you all have had a great time and enjoyed PMLGG Linda, her convention committee and the Southern regions hospitality over this week.

I am going to try and keep this as simple and as quick as I can. I know you all have more pressing fun events to undertake rather than to listen to a dry and boring speech that goes on and on and on. So, buckle up and let’s hit it.

Firstly, I would like to thank the Edmonton Pond for allowing me the opportunity to sit on Grand Nest these past 4 years and now to take hold of the helm for this last 5th year as your Most Loyal Grand Gander.

Secondly, I would like to thank all of you out there in Savannah. For it is with you and your dedication to your pond that we are all assembled here today taking in this 111th convention. I want everyone to stand up please if your able, now I want you to turn to one of the person sitting next to you, right or left it matters not. Now look that person directly in the eye and repeat to them “I appreciate everything you do” now wait, don’t sit down just yet – now turn to the other person next to you – look them in the eye and repeat “Thank you for being here” Now you can sit down. Isn’t that a good way to start things off.

Every person in this room is what I call “A Stand Up Gander” and I just wanted everyone to acknowledge the fact that the people who are here today have dedicated their time, their effort, their finances to be here today and to represent their ponds. When the call came, you all stood up and said,“I can do this” “I will do this”.

It is this fortitude which will sever our order going forward. We need to bring in new members whilst holding onto our current members. How can we do this, simply put – by going back to our roots and observing and practicing our cardinal precepts. Character which everyone in this room has exemplified by the simple act of being here today representing your ponds. Fellowship which although I was not able to be a part of this year I know that you all have renewed old acquaintances and met some new acquaintances to renew upon next year. And lastly Charity, that act which binds ourselves together in the single purpose of helping to make someone else’s life a little bit easier, lending a hand to those less fortunate.

It is through Charity and acts of kindness towards others which will help increase our membership in the coming future. Many people within the insurance community are looking for a path to channel their charitable endeavors. Blue Goose offers that opportunity. Everyone enjoys that “Feel good Feeling” you get when you help others, when you give back to your community. Leading by example our ponds can provide the necessary outlet for everyone to participate and contribute. But of course, it remains the combination of all three precepts which will cement relationships and help in the growth of our most Honorable Order.

So, it is with great pride that I accept your confidence in me to help guide the honorable order of the blue goose international over this next year as your most loyal grand gander.

So that is about it – a little lovin a little speech, and now lastly a challenge. As your Most Loyal Grand Gander – I would like to instruct all of you here today by challenging each and every one of you to go back to your communities, to go back to your chosen fields of endeavor and to grab hold of at least one individual, a coworker, a friend, an acquaintance and reach out to that person to invite them to the next meeting of your pond. Should everyone here in attendance do that one single act – it may increase our numbers by 200 and more importantly it may be the start of an avalanche. Sol I challenge all of you – reach out to one new member – and next year I will be taking down names, and reminding everyone to tote fair.

Thank you.

MEMBERSHIP REPORT 111th Grand Nest Convention Mark Robertson, MLGG 2017-2018

Membership Report HOBGI 2017

It’s all about the numbers, and the numbers are only as good as those reporting the numbers. When ponds fail to keep their members data current in the Blue Goose data website then errors result. We are only as strong as the weakest link, so it is of the utmost importance that ponds report their member information correctly to the data base and make any changes to that information as current as possible.

As you can see from the screen (hoping that the screen does work) the past year saw a reduction in the number of New Members signed up. We are down 70 goslings being initiated from the previous year. The saving grace this year is in the number of drops, the bracketed numbers mean less drops than last year, so we dropped 30 members less than the prior year. This effort of maintaining current members will help our numbers moving forward. The big drops involved closing down 3 ponds this year which doesn’t happen that often so hopefully next year these numbers will improve.

The totals per region without including life and dual members indicates that over all we are down 80 members from the previous year. Life members total roughly 678 with approximately 76 Dual members. While the dual members do in fact pay dues in both ponds the life members do not pay any dues.

This moves us to the New Members – and the report for Rush for Goslings. Again as you can see, the numbers can only reflect those ponds who have reported in with their events and their goslings initiated from hosting the event. Two regions, Eastern and Southern filed no reports with their DMLGG’s for their region. Hence there is nothing to report – but I am confident that some of you did host events and did initiate new goslings attributed to those events. But we need to be more diligent with reporting in so that all ponds and regions can be accredited with their efforts. Michigan pond and St Louis Pond experienced remarkable numbers from hosting their events.

Going forward, for the ponds out there who are struggling with ideas for hosting Rush events, I am confident that if your wielder reached out to the wielder’s from either Michigan, St. Louis , or Saskatchewan ponds – they may have some suggestions on how they did this and the types of events they found most popular. It may not work for every pond or region but in the spirit of fellowship please do not be afraid to reach out to your fellow ponds.

Thank you all for your attentiveness and we look forward to turning the numbers around in 2018.

Oh and we look forward to seeing everyone in Edmonton a year from now!

Grand Keeper Report 111th Grand Nest Convention Savannah, Georgia

I am writing to report on this past year in service to the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International as the Grand Keeper.

Fiscal year ended June 2017 financial statements were not available as of the date of this report so I am reporting on the eleven months ended May 2017 financials. Please note; however, that the final financial results for the entire fiscal year are included in the Grand Nest Bulletin that is published following the convention. A copy of the May 2017 fiscal year to date financial statements is attached for reference.

During the current fiscal year to date, the Blue Goose International has been operating under budget. And, based on my conversations with the Grand Wielder, I believe that we will likely finish the fiscal year under budget. The eleven months ended May 2017 shows an $11,670 surplus; however, there are receipts received of $6,400 and expenses paid of $11,500 plus Canadian Relief during the final month of June. Net of these expenses, the Grand Nest will be under budget for fiscal year ended June 2017.

The reasons for being under budget include that we incurred less expense than anticipated in a couple of categories. One was the “GNO – Convention” expense item, which was under budget by $3,720 as a result of the St. Louis convention budget picking up the cost of Grand Nest Officer hotel rooms. This expense item should continue into the new fiscal year as we cannot anticipate that the local host Pond will pick up officer hotel rooms. Another category was insurance and bonding. With some of the additional coverages now offered by the Grand Nest, we increased the budget for that expense item, but ended up not requiring the entire amount. Yet another category is the marketing expense budget where we incurred less than budgeted. It is my recommendation that the Grand Nest expend these funds in suitable ways and that we continue to project the same level of expense for fiscal 2018. The expenses that were under budget offset the fact that Grand Nest dues came in less than budget.

The St. Louis convention fund issued its final report following the convention last summer. The convention came in well under budget, which allowed the St. Louis Pond to not have request reimbursement from the Grand Nest for the hotel rooms of the Grand Nest Officers. In addition, the St. Louis Pond convention donated $10,000 to the Central Region Fund for the purpose of supporting the Dayton Pond and its convention in Indianapolis. And, finally the St. Louis fund donated $1,000 to the Grand Nest Growth fund. These funds, together with proceeds collected at the convention from the memorabilia raffles were donated to the Grand Nest. These funds will be added to the Grand Nest Marketing and Membership Fund for use is supporting growth initiatives of the Grand Nest.

There are no current outstanding liabilities of the Grand Nest and following is a synopsis of the fund balances of the Grand Nest:

Benevolent Grant Reserve $50,000 Emergency Convention Fund Reserve 4,065 Retired Pond Fund 22,566 Archive Reserve Fund 4,662 Marketing and Membership Fund 6,980 Operating Reserve 24,704 Total Reserve Funds $112,977

The above presumes that there will be no current year surplus or deficit, which is our expectation.

During the course of the current fiscal year, we learned that we need to be more diligent about working with our Ponds on their fiscal management. This includes collecting and managing the local dues to the Grand Nest and assuring that they are paid on time. Secondly, assuring that there are multiple signers on the Pond checking, saving and investment accounts and where someone leaves to replace them on the accounts to maintain continuity. Thirdly, fiscal control, each Pond should provide financial reports to its officers and board that includes a copy of relevant bank statements. And, finally, that the Ponds (especially our Ponds in the United States) need to assure that they are filing the appropriate forms with the government. For the United States this depends on the size of the Pond’s assets and volume of its revenue. Smaller Ponds can file the 990-N postcard and the larger Ponds can file the 990 informational return, which has a long and short form.

If any Pond requires assistance with the financial aspects of their Pond, please contact a member of your Pond who is an accountant in the insurance business or your regional Grand Nest Officer or the Grand Keeper for assistance.

Respectfully submitted,

Randall Wilson, PMLGG Grand Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International

Newly Elected Grand Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg Acceptance Speech 111th Grand Nest Convention Archie Gillis, GKGGE 2017-2018 Acceptance of GKGGE July 13, 2017

MLGG thank you on the appointment of GKGGE. To my fellow Grand Nest Officers and Ganders I look forward to serving this great Order.

Fellowship, Character and Charity is the cornerstone of our Order.

Please in ALL PONDS have 3 signing officers, four would be better. You do not want to sign a check payable to yourself. Avoid obvious conflicts within your Pond.

If you get an e-mail from me inquiring about an issue or seeking information please respond.

Ganders if you change e-mail addresses or phone numbers please let your Pond know. This is imperative.

Without my wife Patty this position would be impossible to fill, thank you Patty for your support.

Respectfully Archie D. Gillis

Report of the Judge Advocate Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International Annual Convention and Meeting July 11th-13th, 2017 Savanah, Georgia

Most Loyal Grand Gander, Grand Nest Officers and Ganders:

As most of you are aware, this is my first year as Judge Advocate, and I am pleased to report to you as Judge Advocate here at the 111th Annual Meeting of the Honorable Order of Blue Goose, International, that under the guidance, leadership and relentless efforts of our Most Loyal Grand Gander, Linda Meik, Grand Nest was able and has continued to focus on the betterment and future of this Order.

As you may recall, at the 2016 Convention in St. Louis, an amendment to realign the Regions from five to four was passed. Following the Convention the Constitution and Bylaws Committee made the appropriate revisions and changes to the CBLs to realign the Regions from five to four Regions and this was sent out to all the Ponds.

Also there was an inadvertent modification/ typo to the Constitution and Bylaws in July 2009 (Section 10), now Section 9 – which was changed back to the original wording. “Any Gander elected to membership in this way shall pay the full local Pond dues to both Ponds, but shall be required to pay the Grand Nest dues only through the Pond with which he was originally affiliated.” This change did not require any vote, as there were no prior amendments passed to change the Section to the Dual Pond Membership Section.

There have been no requests for further changes to the Constitution and Bylaws. At the 2016 Convention in St. Louis, there was some discussion about changing the language regarding the duties and name of Grand Keeper to Grand Financial Officer however, there has been no further follow-up or requests made concerning such changes.

While Grand Nest continues to be focused on the expansion and growth of our Order generally, it is important to emphasize that Grand Nest also understands the necessity to continue to educate and strengthen the existing Ponds and Puddles. This year revisions were made to the Pond Operations Guide, MLG and Wielder Guides. Additionally, MLGG Meik, personally paid very close attention to the individual Ponds and Puddles over her year as MLGG, and dealt with any key issues closely with the Grand Nest Officers. Grand Nest continues to explore ways for the continued vitality of our Order.

It has been a great privilege for me to serve this past year as Judge Advocate of the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International. I remind everyone, that we must ALL be proactive to ensure the continued growth and survival of our Puddles and Ponds “our Order”. As we continue to work towards common goals and achievements, remember, always be true to our guiding principles of charity, character and fellowship.

Fraternally, Lorena Kohlruss, Judge Advocate, PMLGG

A W A R D P R E S E N T A T I O N

MEMBERSHIP AWARD: This coveted award for the greatest percentage increase in membership went to the FLORIDA POND

GORDON F. CROWTHER CHARITY AWARD: The criteria is based on all types of varied works of charity. The winner of this year’s award is the CINCINNATI POND

COMMUNICATION AWARD: This is awarded to a pond which has an outstanding communication strategy. The winner of this year’s award is the BRITISH COLUMBIA AND TENNESSEE PONDS

GANDER OF THE YEAR AWARD This award bestowed upon a Gander that has demonstrated strong CHARACTER, great FELLOWSHIP and given in CHARITY for all of Blue Goose. This years regional winners are CENTRAL REGION – PATTY SEMKE, CANADIAN REGION – NEIL MILLER, EASTERN REGION – BARB MARKUSKI, SOUTHERN REGION – RAY WICKER

COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Awarded to the Pond that volunteers in their services to a local charity. This year’s award goes to NATIONAL CAPITAL POND

CHARITY FUND AWARD Awarded to the Pond hat has raised funds for local charities. Not necessarily on the greatest amount of funds, but what has the Pond done to include all their membership in the fund-raising effort. HARTFORD POND

SCHOLARSHIP AWARD Awarded to the Pond that provided one or more scholarships to a deserving individual(s). This award is not based on the greatest amount of scholarship dollars but on the effort displayed in the raising these funds. KENTUCKY POND

REGIONAL GROWTH AWARD: The best Region determined by using 5 membership award criteria is the CANADIAN REGION

East NATIONAL CAPITAL** ….. 38 - Most New & Reinstated NATIONAL CAPITAL * ….. 25% - Best % Increase

South FLORIDA ….. 36 - Most New & Reinstated FLORIDA ….. 97.3% - Best % Increase

Central MICHIGAN** AND ST. LOUIS ….. 20 - Most New & Reinstated PEACE GARDEN ….. 24.53 % - Best % Increase

Canada SASKATCHEWAN ….. 29 – Most New & Reinstated SASKATCHEWAN ….. 23.58% - Best % Increase

* 2ND Year in a row ** 3RD Year in a row

COMMITTEES 2017-2018

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS Jim Mathew Brennan Mills, Canadian Region Grand Nest Advisor: Lorena Kohlruss 3000 Brookview Drive 882 57th St. East Plano, TX 75074 Saskatoon, SK S7K 5Z1 469-569-2246 – Phone Daren Boggs [email protected] 306-270-5184 – Phone 9326 Olive Blvd., Ste. 200 [email protected] St. Louis, MO 63132 Cari Koniowski 314-726-2310 – Work 827 Saul Drive Dave Beger, Central Region 314-352-4927 – Home Hubbard, OH 44425 Cunningham, Felthouse & Hayes [email protected] 330-565-3835 – Phone 18444 W. 10 Mile Road, Ste. 200 [email protected] Southfield, MI 48075 Sarah Smith Dumbacher 248-423-0900 – Work 303 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 3500 John Sterrantino 248-752-0181 – Cell Atlanta, GA 30308 Williams, Ripa and Associates [email protected] Phone: 404.885.6148 4951 Keller Springs Road, #205 [email protected] Addison, TX 75248 Matthew Williams, Eastern Region 972-931-8307 – Work 340 Hill Carter Parkway JURISPRUDENCE 972-407-9861 – Home Ashland, VA 23005 Grand Nest Advisor: Lorena Kohlruss [email protected] 804-475-5363 – Work [email protected] Karen Karabinos CONVENTION AND BUDGET 303 Peachtree St. NE, Suite 3500 OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE RETENTION Atlanta, GA 30308 Grand Nest Advisor: Archie Gillis GN Advisor: Kim Bilbrey Phone: 404.885.6313 [email protected] Bill Olson, PMLGG Dick Chenard Westminster American Insurance Company 1135 Paradise Lake Drive Jim Hailey, III 8890 McDonogh Road, Suite 310 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 400 Poydras Street, Suite 2000 Owings Mill, Maryland 21117 616-690-3039 – Cell New Orleans, LA 443-291-4049 – Work [email protected] 70130 443- 562-7250 – Cell Phone: 504.272.2779 [email protected] Mike Nardulli [email protected] McLarens Randy Wilson, PMLGG 22 West Main Street, Suite 14 COMMUNICATION RGL Forensics Patchogue, NY, 11772 USA GN Advisor: Michael Smith 1422 Eldridge Payne Road, Ste 240 516 383 4385 – Cell Chesterfield, MO 63017 [email protected] Kevin Brady, Chair Res: 636-397-1655 19 Fenwick Street, 3rd Floor Off: 636-812-0292 Sabrena Fernandez Hartford, CT 06114 Cell: 314-496-3437 Carolina Conservation 860-8416-7848 – Work [email protected] 131 Dutchman Blvd 860-416-7848 – Home Irmo SC. 29063 [email protected] Linda Meik, PMLGG 803-201-6774 – Cell 4032 Knighterrant Drive [email protected] Garrett Maloney Roanoke, TX 76262 12940 Walnut Rd. Phone: 682-715-5341 Wendy Knizek Elm Grove, WI 53122 [email protected] Can West Claims Inc. 414-791-7628 – Cell 4 Aspen Court [email protected] Port Moody, BC V3H 4V6 MEMBERSHIP 604-299-3900 – Work Mary Kay Marchetti GN Advisor: Kim Bilbrey [email protected] 15237 Whispering Wind Circle

Montpelier, VA 23192 RUSH FOR GOSLINGS

804-237-7334 – Work

804-883-7004 – Home Daphney Elliott, Chair Southern Region [email protected] 9506 Enmore Lane

Frisco, TX 75035

MARKETING 972-342-8728 – Work

GN Advisor: Michael Smith 972-342-8728 – Home

[email protected]

Ryan Maloney, Chair 12940 Walnut Rd. Elm Grove, WI 53122 [email protected]

CHARITY Grand Nest Advisor: Dan Rich FINANCIAL GUIDE Grand Nest Advisor: Archie Gillis Janice Folzenlogen -Chair 841 Miami Ridge Dr Ashley Hansen, Southern Region Loveland, OH 45140 1312 Glade Road 513-623-1525 Colleyville, TX 75032 Cell (513) 623-1525 817-788-3008 – Work [email protected] 214-212-8547 – Cell [email protected]

Carrie Miller 1318 South Elm St Joe Lothschutz, Central Region Dayton, OH 45449 Walworth and Nayh PC 937-901-0566 3033 Orchard Vista Drive SE, Suite 306, [email protected] Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-575-1122 – Work Wende Goetz 616-677-3061 – Home 100 Southlake Dr [email protected] Dayton, OH 45459 937-509-6329 Gene Newman, Eastern Region [email protected] Loss and Risk Inspection Service 8642 Spruce Run Ct. Melisa Klusman Ellicott City, MD 21043 5706 Treeside Drive 443-851-9596 – Phone Liberty Township OH 45044 [email protected] 513-254-9578 [email protected]

HISTORIAN AND ARCHIVES Grand Nest Advisor: John Bishop

Terry Maloney

Robertson - Ryan 12940 Walnut Rd. Elm Grove, WI 53122 414-221-0341 – Work 262-782-7658 – Home [email protected]

Dan Rich 25 Minister Brook Drive Simsbury, CT 06070 860-651-5450 – Home 860-841-7833 – Cell [email protected]

Linda Meik

4032 Knighterrant Drive Roanoke, TX 76262 682-715-5341 – Cell [email protected]

35 HONORABLE ORDER OF THE BLUE GOOSE OPERATING STATEMENT

16-17 16-17 17-18

INCOME ACTUAL BUDGET BUDGET 501 DUES - CURRENT YEAR 77,248 78,595 74,925 502 CANADIAN RELIEF (5,130) (4,100) (6,622) 503 DUES - PRIOR YEAR (475) 2,200 117 511 SALES - EMBLEMS 2,796 2,000 2,000 531 INTEREST - MONEY MARKET 18 100 100 541 GN DONATIONS ______0 0 0 TOTAL INCOME 74,457 78,795 70,520

OPERATING EXPENSES 601 GRAND NEST OFFICE 22,332 22,332 22,332 605 TELEPHONE 948 950 950 607 POSTAGE 121 250 200 611 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,088 600 600 613 I.T. SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE 3,619 3,500 3,500 615 DATA SUPPORT 1,218 1,200 1,200 617 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 0 250 250 619 ACCOUNTING 3,350 3,360 3,350 629 GNO - PRINTING, ETC. _0 150 100 TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 32,676 32,592 32,482

MEMBERSHIP EXPENSES 609 INSURANCE & BONDING 9,906 10,025 9,500 621 GNO - POND VISITATION 2,687 1,965 1,873 623 GNO - CONVENTION 7,136 4,500 7,100 625 GNO - EXECUTIVE COMM TRAVEL (Mid Year) 2,704 1,800 1,600 627 GNO - EMBLEMS 1,157 500 650 631 CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS 1,070 1,965 1,873 633 SPECIAL OLYMPICS 500 500 500 637 MEMORIALS 0 100 100 638 MARKETING 5,296 7,280 5,619 641 DELEGATE EXPENSE 12,711 11,000 13,000 645 POND EMBLEMS 4,177 500 500 647 HOST POND FUND 3,746 3,800 3,700 TOTAL MEMBERSHIP EXPENSES 51,090 43,655 46,015

TOTAL EXPENSES 71,276 76,247 78,497

SURPLUS OR (DEFICIT) (9,309) 2,548 (9,355)

CURRENT ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES/FUND BALANCES 104 CASH IN CHECKING 57,091.80 410 BENEVOLENT GRANT RESERVE 50,000.00 106 CONVENTION CONTINGENCY FUND 4,065.34 430 EMERGENCY CONV. FUND RESERVE 4,063.48 108 CASH IN MONEY MARKET 22,555.64 110 CASH IN CERT OF DEPOSIT 25,000.00 440 INTEREST RECEIVED 1.86 124 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE EMBLEMS/PINS 0.00 EMERGENCY CONVENTION FUND BALANCE 26,631.44 129 INVENTORY EMBLEMS 7,467.00 460 ARCHIVE RESERVE FUND 4,681.79 TOTAL ASSETS 116,179.78 ARCHIVE FUND BALANCE 4,681.79 480 MARKETING AND MEMBERSHIP FUND 6,980.00 490 OPERATING RESERVE 24,704.38 CURRENT YEAR SURPLUSS 3,182.17 TOTAL LIABLILITIES & FUND BALANCE 116,179.78

36

CENTRAL REGION

D.M.L.G.G. Janice Folzenlogen, OH, Indy, 6223 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45213 Work: 513-731-7950, Home: 513-774-7866, Cell: 513-623-1525, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Fred Fernandez, Chicago, Iowa, 23875 Drake Rd. Farmington, MI 48335 Work: 877-207-7775, Home: 248-478-7386, Cell: 313-215-3371, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Patty Semke, St. Louis, Mid-Missouri, 154 Hughes La ne, St. Charles, MO 63301 Work: 636-896-9995, Home: 636-947-0944, Cell: 314-952-0157, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Joe Lothschutz, Financial, MI, WI, Walworth and Nayh PC, 3033 Orchard Vista Drive SE, Suite 306, Grand Rapids, MI 49546 Work: 616-575-1122, Home: 616-677-3061, Cell: 616-677-3061, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Ken Miller, UT, Seattle, 4920 Mountain Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84124 Home: 801 244-2344, [email protected]

Pond and Year Chartered Most Loyal Gander Wielder of the Goose Quill

Cincinnati Janice Folzenlogen Melissa Klusman July 22, 2016 841 Miami Ridge Drive 5706 Treeside Drive 60 Ganders Loveland, OH 45140 Liberty Township OH 45044 513-623-1525 – Cell 513-759-6851 – Phone 513-774-7866 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

Colorado Jerry Womack Ron Gardner February, 1908 7644 S. Harlan Street 2561 Marlin Way 10 Ganders Littleton, CO 80123 Castle Rock, CO 80109 303-903-6560 – Work 303-842-4419 – Phone 303-979-1347 – Home [email protected]

Columbus (Ohio) LaShawn Hill July 22, 2007 Columbus, OH 43215 78 Ganders

Dayton Kim Bilbrey Derron Oakley July 23, 2010 PO Box 194 8920 Thomas Road 73 Ganders Carlisle, OH 45005 Middletown, OH 45042 937-901-7557 – Phone 513-464-6529 – Phone [email protected] [email protected]

Michigan Shanna Bryant Richard P. Chenard November, 1906 Servpro of Lansing 1135 Paradise Lake Drive SE 236 Ganders 1868 Holloway Drive Grand Rapids, MI 49546-3862 Holt, MI 48842 616-690-3039 – Work 517-699-4451 – Work 616-676-1960 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

Mid-Missouri July, 2014 48 Ganders

Northeast Ohio Cari Koniowsky Dan Caldwell July 22, 2016 827 Saul Drive 855 Tod Ave 34 Ganders Hubbard, OH 44425 Youngstown, OH 44502 330-565-3835 – Phone 330-301-2554 – Phone [email protected] [email protected]

Peace Garden Chadd Piper Ruth Cleland June 16, 1955 25 17th Street South PO Box 757 41 Ganders Fargo, ND 58102 West Fargo, ND 58078 701-232-2455 – Work 701-282-8053 – Work 701-799-6418 – Home 701-277-0383 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

St. Louis Bill Schimweg Ronald Farber October 4, 1916 709 Hilltop Woods Court 26 Queen Ann Drive 117 Ganders St. Louis, MO 63025 Hazelwood, MO 63042 636-938-7586 – Home 314-909-3129 – Cell [email protected] 314-839-0575 – Home [email protected]

37 Utah Joyce Kalmar John Paris July 26, 1914 4073 W. 3670 S. 10345 Michaun Ct. 42 Ganders West Valley City, UT 84120 South Jordan, UT 84095 801-269-1200 – Phone 801-386-2832 – Work [email protected] [email protected]

Wisconsin Home Nest Andy Kahrs Timothy T. Seider June 19, 1906 N92 W15600 Megal Drive 3328 Turnberry Oak Drive 95 Ganders Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 Waukesha, WI 53188 262-250-1101 – Work 414-270-6826 – Work [email protected] [email protected]

SOUTHERN REGION

D.M.L.G.G. Barabara Curtis, VA 2107 Buckeye Drive, Henrico, VA 23228 Phone: 800-942-0225 X5027, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Ashley Hansen, TX, 1312 Glade Road, Colleyville, TX 75034 Work: 817-788-3008, Home: 817-742-2475, Cell: 214-212-8547, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Paula Pietroski NOVA, Tidewater 15316 Blueridge View Drive, Centreville, VA 20120 Phone: 703-266-1573, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Tracy Copley N.C., 657 Melbourne Court, Charlotte, NC 28209 Work: 704-756-9220, Home: 704-840-6998, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Donna Harwood, FL, 8349 Dunham Sta Drive, Tampa, FL 33647-3387 Phone: 813-929-6287, [email protected]

Pond and Year Chartered Most Loyal Gander Wielder of the Goose Quill

Alabama Jeff Turnipseed Linda Meik December, 1908 1905 Vestavia Court, Apt. C 4032 Knighterrant Drive 18 Ganders Birmingham, AL 35214 Roanoke, TX 76262 850-512-9275 – Cell 682-715-5341- Cell [email protected] [email protected]

Arizona Gerry Silver November 28, 1931 5132 N. 31st Way, Unit 128 13 Ganders Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-954-7219 – Home [email protected]

Florida Lynnette Selfslaghs Linda Meik April, 1908 2742 Blueslate Ct 4032 Knighterrant Drive 44 Ganders Land O’Lakes, FL 34638 Roanoke, TX 76262 813-629-3097 – Phone 682-715-5341- Cell [email protected] [email protected]

Kentucky Rob Shrader Kristi Vaughn May, 1907 13050 West Hwy 42 9009 Sagebrush Court 44 Ganders Prospect KY 40059 Louisville, KY 40228 606-224-3055 – Work 502-212-8427 – Work [email protected] [email protected]

Louisiana Jeff Waltz Nanette Giraud December, 1907 1100 Poydras St. #2900 20 Elaine Ave, 53 Ganders New Orleans, LA 70163 Harahan, LA 70123 504-308-1314 – Work 504-738-1080 – Work 504-427-2779 – Home 504-650-4005 – Cell [email protected] [email protected]

North Carolina Ashley Garten Linda Meik May, 1907 14409 San Paola Lane 4032 Knighterrant Drive 36 Ganders Charlotte, NC 28277 Roanoke, TX 76262 704-641-0749 – Work 682-715-5341- Cell 276-219-0233 – Cell [email protected] [email protected]

Tennessee Jenny Sterrett Kathy Johnson August, 1915 3140 Hidden Creek Drive. 2630 Elm Hill Pike, Ste 130 35 Ganders Cane Ridge, TN 37013 Nashville, TN 37214 615-872-3754 – Work 615-495-3974 – Work 615-516-7274 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

38 Texas James Mathew Linda Meik January 31, 1907 3000 Brookview Drive 4032 Knighterrant Drive 114 Ganders Plano, TX 75074 Roanoke, TX 76262 469-569-2246 – Phone 682-715-5341 – Cell [email protected] [email protected]

Virginia Andras Koppanyi Mary Kay Marchetti May, 1907 2232 Heathland Drive 15237 Whispering Wind Circle 68 Ganders Midlothian VA 23113 Montpelier, VA 23192 804-601-4463 – Work 804-237-7334 – Work 908-809-2105 – Home 804-883-7004 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

CANADIAN REGION

D.M.L.G.G. Jacques Cuierrier, c/o Cuierrier & Associates Inc., 955, Boul. Des Seigneurs, Bureau 27, Terrebonne, Que., J6W 3W5 Work: 450-964-9394, Cell: 514-231-0404, Fax: 450-964-4882, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Lynne Fawcett, AXA Pacific Insurance, 1200, 321 6 Ave. SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 4W7 Work: 403-269-9900, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Dustin Bales, National RUSH chair, 70 Keats Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3K 0S3 Work: 204-985-3804, Home: 204-612-1712, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Brennan Mills, RUSH chair 882 57th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7K5Z1 Phone: 306-270-5184, [email protected]

D.M.L.G.G. Martin Moran, Kergnaghan Adjusters, Ste. 300, 1445 West Georgia Street, Vancouver, BC V6G 2T3 Work: 604-688-5651, Home: 778-554-8599, [email protected]

Pond and Year Chartered Most loyal Gander Wielder of the Goose Quill

Alberta Ann Marie Graziano Mike Peck November 19, 1916 #104,305-4625VarsityDrive NW c/o CEP Sintra 82 Ganders Calgary, AB T3A 0Z9 2435 – 42 Avenue NE 403-282-0026 – Work Calgary, Alberta T2E 8A3 [email protected] 403-230-2344 – Phone [email protected]

British Columbia Wendy Knizek Martin Moran March 3, 1917 306-4180 Lougheed Highway 102-15290 103A Avenue 86 Ganders Burnaby, BC V5C 6A7 Surrey, BC V3R 7A2 604-377-2220 – Work 778-554-8599 – Phone [email protected] [email protected]

Edmonton Halie Wispinski Neil Miller July 1, 1953 1272 Latta Crescent 54 Arbor Crescent 100 Ganders Sherwood Park, AB T6E 6A8 St. Albert, AB T8N 3R1 780-643-5451 – Work 780-458-2526 – Home 780-934-3737 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

Manitoba Kimberley Boultbee Keith Phillips May 12, 1915 70 Keats Way 30 Autumnlea Path 68 Ganders Winnipeg, MB R3K 0S3 Winnipeg, MB R2G 2C2 204-985-1778 – Work 204-949-8666 – Work 204-885-7085 – Home 204-668-6670 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

Nova Scotia Robert Purdy Archie Gillis March 15, 1955 c/o Patterson Law, 1718 Argyle Street 1 Lombardy Lane 102 Ganders Halifax, NS B3J 3N6 Dartmouth, NS B2X 3E4 902-405-8130 – Work 902-414-4628 – Phone [email protected] [email protected]

Ontario Chris Schmidt Laurel DiMaso June, 1908 3190 Ridgeway Dr., Unit 10 First General Services GTO 117 Ganders Mississauga, ON L5L 5S8 219 Westcreek Drive 905-820-0188 – Work Vaughan, ON L4L 9T7 [email protected] 416-938-4874– Phone [email protected]

Quebec Louis Pearson Sylvie St-Amour May, 1914 4422, route 132, bureau 410, 990 Osborne 212 Ganders Ste-Catherine, QB J5C 1V9 Verdun, QC H4H 1X5 514-799-7400 – Phone 514-543-9113 - Home [email protected] [email protected]

39

Regina Earl Cameron Cas Pielak September 1, 1958 2260 11th Ave 103 Glencairn Road 67 Ganders Regina, SK S4P 0J9 Regina, SK S4N 1N2 306-751-1705 – Work 306-536-5340 – Work [email protected] 306-761-0276 – Home [email protected]

Saskatchewan Brennan Mills Jamie Birns July 1, 1954 882 57th Street E #3-2217 Hanselman Court 140 Ganders Saskatoon, SK S7K 5Z1 Saskatoon SK S7L 6A8 306-270-5184 – Phone 3063610020 – Phone [email protected] [email protected]

EASTERN REGION

DMLGG Susanne Hubbard, Bay State Pond and Ocean State Puddle, 45 Church Street, Auburn, MA 01501 Phone: 508-797-2455, [email protected]

DMLGG Gene Newman, Financial, National Capital, Penn, 8642 Spruce Run Court, Ellicott City, MD 21043 Phone: 443-851-9596, [email protected]

DMLGG Wendy Hubbard, Hartford and Westchester Ponds, 68 Highland Ave. Northfield, MA 01360 Phone: 413-774-3781 Ext.302, [email protected]

DMLGG Michael Nardulli, New York City, Garden State, Independent Adjustment Company, 22 West Main Street, Ste. 14 Patchogue, NY 11772 Phone: 516-294-7200 Ext. 12, [email protected]

Pond and Year Chartered Most Loyal Gander Wielder of the Goose Quill

Bay State Julio Capo Joe Brower July 4, 1976 333 Mendon Road 3 Colonial Drive 58 Ganders N. Attleboro, MA 02760 Mendon, MA 01756 774-219-7790 – Phone 508-381-0721 – Work [email protected] [email protected]

Garden State Arthur Weiss Al Soltis July 1, 1953 159 Ridgewood Way AJS Resources LLC, PO Box 3191 22 Ganders Burlington, NJ 08016 Wayne, NJ 07474 609-577-6689 – Cell 973-696-7777 – Work 609-386-8170 – Home 973-694-0590 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

Hartford John Mastroianni Edward A. Callo III July 1, 1954 Sals Clothing Restoration 755 Main Street 137 Ganders 355 Sackett Point Road, Unit 2 Monroe, CT 06468 North Haven, CT 06468 203-261-0056 – Work 860-601-5620 – Phone 203-926-1719 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

National Capital Barb Markuski Michelle Fitzwater May 17, 1948 8550 Veterans Hwy 2421 Crofton Lane #4 132 Ganders Millersville, MD 21108 Crofton, MD 21114 301-404-5758 – Phone 443-713-8799 – Phone [email protected] [email protected]

New York City Paula Mauro Michael Nardulli November, 1907 501 Middle Country Road 22 West Main Street, Ste. 14 101 Ganders Coram, NY 11727 Patchogue, NY 11772 516-733-1800 – Work 631-289-0200 EXT. 12 – Work 631-566-0550 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

Penn Andrea Clark Frank Marx May 1908 140 New Britain Road 79 Matthew Circle 46 Ganders Chalfont, PA 18914 Richboro, PA 18954 267-695-1100 – Work 215-627-5900 – Work 267-640-4393 – Home 215-364-8572 – Home [email protected] [email protected]

Westchester Lisa Kane August, 1983 1158 Salt Point Tpke. 27 Ganders Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-242-2060 – Work 845-635-1812 – Home [email protected]

40

PAST MOST LOYAL GRAND GANDERS 1978 – G. E. Morgan 2005– Gerald F. Hale, Hartford *1906 – Walter E. Atwater, Wisconsin Home Nest Sun Tower 2006- Timothy T. Seider *1907 – Arthur F. Hegben, Wisconsin Home Nest 1550 Bedford Hwy, Ste 711 3328 Turnberry Oak Drive *1908 – Geo. C. Main, Minnesota Bedford, NS Canada B4A 1E6 Waukesha, WI 53188 *1909 – Geo. C. Main, Minnesota Off. 902-429-4560 Off: 414-270-6826 *1910 – Chas. H. Pescay, Louisiana Res: 902-479-2076 Res: 262-278-4499 *1911 – Thomas H. Williams, California [email protected] [email protected] *1912 – Wm. T. Benallack, Michigan *1979 – Charles Palmerton, Seattle 2007- Keith Strohecker *1913 – Ed. E. Wells, Colorado *1980 – Alfred Kregel, Jr., Long Island 15731 Moss Fire Court *1914 – Frank G. Snyder, Kentucky *1981 – Douglass G. Snyder, WHN Moseley, VA 23120 Res: 804-639-6645 *1915 – Fred W. Ransom, Ohio *1982 – King Luck, Alabama Office: 804-608-8080 *1916 – J. Ross Stewart, Ontario *1983 – Dennis N. Ellergodt, Alberta [email protected] *1917 – E.G. Carlisle, Illinois *1984 – Robert J. Rice, Colorado 2008- Jack F. Fitch *1918 – G.M. Wise, Missouri, Kansas *1985 – David E. White, National Capital c/o Hughes Amys LLP *1919 – W.J. Sonnen, Illinois *1986 – Lyle C. Johnson, Nebraska 25 Main Street West, Suite 2100 *1920 – John A. Hanson, Minnesota *1987 – Phillip (Jerry) Simpson, Florida Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H1 *1921 – E.D. Marr, Heart of America 1988 – Gordon C. Crutcher Res: 289-235-9558 *1922 – M.M. Hauxhurst, Michigan 15 Thornlea Road Office: 905-577-4050 Ext. 237 *1923 – W.P. Fess, Manitoba Thornhill, ON L3T 1X2 [email protected] *1924 – John F. Stafford, Illinois Res: 905-731-8389 2009- JoAnn M. Clark *1925 – W.E. Mallalieu, New York City [email protected] 10738 9TH Ave N.W. *1926 – H. Vem Myers, Iowa *1989 – Harry M. Merrifield, California Seattle, WA 98177 *1927 – Wirt Leake, Texas 1990 – Tim Holland Res: 206-365-8275 *1928 – T.L. Geragthy, Quebec P.O. Box 277 [email protected] *1929 – J. Charles Harris, California Ayer, MA 01432 *2010- William Wasekanes, Penn *1930 – D.L. McCoy, Dakota Off. 508-772-0800 2011 - Joseph C. Coccia *1931 – Henry L. Rose, Chesapeake Res. 508-772-5084 33950 N. Hampshire *1932 – Wm. F.C. Fellers, Florida 1991 – John T. Zeldam Livonia, MI 48154 *1933 – D.A. McKinley, Washington 45815 Meadows Circle W. Res: 734-261-7219 *1934 – L. H. Bridges, Nebraska Macomb, MI 48044-3910 Off: 989-450-4820 *1935 – Samuel A. Mehorter, New York City Res. 586-247-5677 [email protected] 2012 - Lorena Kohlruss *1936 – T. Ray Phillips, Oklahoma Fax 586-247-1238 [email protected] 4532 Elgin Ave SE *1937 – H.B. Leuty, British Columbia Calgary T2Z 0E8 *1938 – J. Clark Buchanan, California *1992 – Bruce B. Bolton, Kentucky [email protected] *1939 – Ralph W. Hukill, Ohio *1993 – Trevor E. Newitt, Edmonton 2013 - Guy Charron *1940 – General J.R. Knowlan, Penn *1994 – Clifford C. Needham, San Diego 810 Ave De Parc *1941 – Ben S. McKeel, Carolinas 1995 – Christopher J. Reith Laval, Quebec H7E 2T4, Canada 1107 Boneset Dr. Res: 450-661-5101 *1942 – Clifford J. Malcolm, Ontario Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Cell: 514-779-3635 *1943 – H.A. Reynolds, Colorado Bus. 815-236-9093 [email protected] *1944 – H.A. Reynolds, Colorado Res. 815-455-2522 2014 - John Paris *1945 – Thomas G. Linnell, Minnesota [email protected] 10345 Michaun Court *1946 – P.M. Winchester, New York City 1996 – Larry Lewer South Jordan, UT 84095 *1947 – G.E. Edmondson, Florida 11 Forest Hill Ct. Res: 801 253 7696 *1948 – E.J. Beauvais, Quebec Off: 801 250 6743 Fairfield Glade, TN 38558 Cell: 801 386 2832 *1949 – E.W. Trenbath, Seattle Res: 931-707-8354 *1950 – J. Ray Hull, Indiana [email protected] [email protected] 2015 - Bill Olson *1951 – Paul M. Fell, Penn *1997 – George Harwood, Florida VeriClaim Inc *1952 – Charles L. Beale, Texas 1998 – Marc Thurber PO Box 412 *1953 – S.L. Sterling, Manitoba 6675, Place Beaubien New Market, MD 21774 *1954 – John Henry Martin, California Montreal, QC H1M 3V9 Res: 301-363-8174 *1955 – A.B. Young, Heart of America Off. 450-671-6147 Off & Cell: 443-562-7250 *1956 – R.L. Wiseman, National Capital Cell: 514-914-4023 [email protected] *1957 – Jules Simoneaux, Louisiana [email protected] 2016 - Randy Wilson 1999 – Rex W. Clark RGL Forensics *1958 – R.L. Fenerty, Alberta 1422 Eldridge Payne Road, Ste 240 *1959 – Mark A. Wells, California 10738 9th Ave. N. W. Chesterfield, MO 63017 *1960 – E.C. “Gene” Saulcy, Michigan Seattle, WA 98177 Res: 636-397-1655 *1961 – Robert F. Stumpf, New York City Res. 206-365-8275 Off: 636-812-0292 *1962 – W.G. Stephens, Jr., Georgia [email protected] Cell: 314-496-3437 *2000 – Barry L. Snyder, National Capital Email: [email protected] *1963 – Frank G. Chandler, Ontario 2017- Linda Meik *1964 – Lester L. Large, Oregon *2001 – Charles L. Cramer, St. Louis *2002 – Marvin P. Wilson, Jr., North Carolina 4032 Knighterrant Drive *1965 – Earl S. Hannan, St. Louis Roanoke, TX 76262 2003 – John C. Bishop *1966 – K.S. Carmody, Chesapeake Phone: 682-715-5341 310-3083 Olivet Street *1967 – Geo. H. Brussel, Florida [email protected] Halifax, NS Canada B3L 4R2 *1968 – Harry Cutler, British Columbia Res: 902-455-6332 *1969 – Frank Hunter, Arizona [email protected] *1970 – Howard Dobbs, Ohio 2004 – Dick Philippsen *1971 – Joseph W. Knowlan, Penn 988 Ironwood Rd. *1972 – Browne B. Bolton, Kentucky Beaumont, CA 92223 *1973 – A.J. MacDonald, Quebec Res: 951-769-8690 *1974 – Roland G. Lett, Utah [email protected] *1975 – Ivar H. Awes, Minnesota *1976 – Gordon Crowther, Hartford *1977 – Stanley Spore, Texas

PAST GRAND WIELDERS OF THE GOOSE QUILL *1914-16 Bernard A. Lehnberg *1962-88 J. B. Gravenstine *1906-08 George Heller *1916-31 Paul A. Rudd *1908-10 Charles N. Silkworth *1931-37 Charles P. Helliwell *1910-11 Walter E. Atwater *1937-51 Richard Kenzal *1911-12 C. C. Clark *1951-61 Henry L. Mauritson *1912-14 Rudolph H. Wieben *1961-62 David Armitage

2017 Past Grand Nest Officers and Spouses at Savannah

Standing – John Bishop (2003), Bill Olson (2015), Gary Kohlruss (Husband of Lorena Kohlruss, 2012) John Paris (2014), Joe Coccia (2011), Keith Strohecker (2007)

Seated – Annette Simpson (Wife of Phillip Jerry Simpson, 1987), Zelma Paris (Wife of John Paris, 2014) Lorena Kohlruss (2012), Linda Meik (2017), Courtney Coccia (Wife of Joe Coccia, 2011) Donna Harwood (Wife of George Harwood, 1997)