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Grand Nest Bulletin Volume 112

112th Grand Nest Convention Issue

Central Region Convention Hotel Link https://book.passkey.com/gt/217015367?gtid=3cbab170d5c85ff1533f660193ae62dd

July 18-22, 2020

Hartford Pond hosts the Grand Nest Internet Address --- http://www.BlueGoose.org

E-mail Address: terry@BlueGoose.org

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Future Conventions Hartford July 18-22, 2020

Mid Year Grand Nest Officers Meeting Orlando, FL February 15th-17th Embassy Suite

2018-2019 GRAND NEST OFFICERS

Most Loyal Grand Gander Kim Bilbrey

145 Cousins Drive Carlisle, OH 45005 Cell: 937-901-7557 Email: kim@bilbreymarketing.com Grand Supervisor Dan Rich 25 Minister Brook Drive Simsbury, CT 06070 Res: 860-651-5450 Cell: 860-841-7833 dsr23@comcast.net Grand Custodian Michael Smith 808 3rd Ave. West #601 Bradenton, FL 34205 Cell: 813-300-9926 mwsmithpe@gmail.com Grand Guardian Wendy Knizek 306-4180 Lougheed Highway Burnaby, BC V5C 6A Canada Res: 604 949 1211 Off: 604 299 3900 Cell: 604 377 2220 wendy@canwestclaims.bc.ca

Grand Keeper Linda Meik 4032 Knighterrant Drive Roanoke, TX 76262 Phone: 682-715-5341 lindameik9@gmail.com Grand Wielder:

Terrence M. Maloney Robertson - Ryan 12940 Walnut Rd. Elm Grove, WI 53122 Res: 262-782-7658 Off: 414-221-0341 Fax: 262-782-7608 terry@bluegoose.org

Judge Advocate:

Lorena Kohlruss Box 976 Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A7 Off: 250-753-2202 lkohlruss@shaw.ca

Grand Nest Historian: John Bishop 310-3083 Olivet Street Halifax, NS B3L 4R2 Canada Res: 902-455-6332 unclebish@eastlink.ca

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Blue Goose Holds Grand Nest Convention in Edmonton, Alberta

162 Ganders, spouses and guests, including twelve children from across the US and Canada journeyed to Edmonton, Alberta Canada to attend the 112th Blue Goose Grand Nest Convention from July 11-13, 2018. The convention was held at the Westin Edmonton in the heart of downtown Edmonton, in close proximity to dozens of shops, restaurants, attractions, and Sir Winston Churchill Square.

Wednesday July 11, 2018

The Grand Nest Officers met on Tuesday morning and afternoon. Ganders who registered for the Convention Golf Tournament had a 9:00 Shotgun start at The Ranch Golf & Country Club.

Prior to the evening’s Welcome Party, two special meetings took place - a mandatory parent’s meeting and a get together to welcome our first time conventioneers where MLGG Mark Robertson and his fellow Grand Nest Officers answered questions about Blue Goose. The Northern Migration Welcome Party was held in the Manitoba and Saskatchewan rooms on the second floor. The check in desk

resembled a game warden station, where we registered our souvenir goose bands and received a wrist band that snapped tight around our wrists. Next, we went to another station where our wing spans were measured and recorded. All the while, we had to dodge a shady looking poacher who ran around with his pop gun in search of illicit game.

The reception room had the Convention memories shared by our Ganders (during their on-line registration) displayed on the walls and it was wonderful to read so many of the heartfelt memories. Prizes were awarded in some fun categories – longest wing span, shortest wing span, who was born the farthest distance from Edmonton, who had the most flights to reach Edmonton, and whose Goose Band matched two lucky numbers. Our good friend Gordie Goose was there and became a popular partner for some memorable selfies with our members and some Canadian themed props.

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We had a great dinner of pasta, beef, chicken, two green salads, potato salad, soup, rolls and a big dessert spread. Pond pins were traded, and it was a great time catching up with old friends to start the convention.

Thursday July 12, 2018

After a full breakfast, we returned to the Manitoba/Saskatchewan rooms as the 112th Grand Nest Meeting was ready to get underway. MLGG Mark Robertson welcomed the group and gaveled the meeting to order. We heard the sounds of a bagpiper as the flags were presented by the Royal Canadian Jasper Place Legion #255, and Tia Gonzalez led us in the singing of O Canada (English and French versions) and the Star Spangled Banner. MLGG Robertson remarked that the “land on which we gather is on Treaty Six Territory” which was a traditional gathering place for Alberta’s indigenous people. He spoke of respecting and honoring their ancestors, language, history, culture and our responsibility to protect Mother Earth.

Next up was the introduction of the head table, the spouses, family and guests of the Grand Nest Officers, and the attending Past Most Loyal Grand Ganders and their spouses.

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Mark asked the Convention Planning Executive Committee (Andrew Happer, Neil Miller, Rod Goruk, Tony Thibaudeau, Ken Lakhram, Mike Sherban, Keegan McLennan, David Buzzeo, Halie Wispinski, Ivy Spero, Tracy Fata, Madelaine Amundson, Robin Chuchmuch, and Raina Rudko) to approach the podium and were presented with plaques for their contribution to the convention. Convention Chair Andrew Happer gave the invocation and asked for spiritual assistance as we follow our paths to develop Character and Charity and Fellowship in our Ponds

and our communities. Edmonton City Councilor Michael Walters welcomed us to Edmonton and acknowledged that “so many people travelled far to get here because I counted your banners”. He recognized, and thanked us, for our dedication to local and international charities. Michael made us laugh when he asked if he could bang the gavel because he “really wanted to”. Ken Lakhram of the Convention Committee introduced the morning’s keynote speaker – Diane Brickner, CIP, ICD.D, Past President and CEO for the Peace Hills Insurance Group (Edmonton, Calgary, Vancouver and Winnipeg).

As the leader of a company that is very much involved in community service, she remarked that while looking at our website, she was “struck by how much our values mirrored” hers with respect to shared values, such as giving back, continuous learning, and volunteering, She spoke of the Fellowship of Blue Goose, and how relationships are built over time, and the challenges that result when technology stresses speed to the detriment of relationship building. She urged us to “trust in your friends” and not sacrifice relationships for technology. Other key themes included Continuous Learning because “your brain requires exercise, so be open to new ideas”, volunteerism (Blue Goose already knows this because “it is who you are and it is what you do”. She learned this lesson early in life as a young girl in Saskatchewan where the community banded together to build an ice rink or support a bereaved family.

Andrew Happer Michael Walters Ken Lakhram Diane Brickner

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The Peace Hills Insurance was the first insurer to be started by Canada’s indigenous people, and their strategy and values of Community Service, volunteerism, and education sure do mirror ours, don’t they? Grand Wielder Terry Maloney offered some instructions to the delegates on regional meetings and delegate expense, and Andrew Happer made some housekeeping and agenda announcements before we recessed for a break and moved into the Memorial Service.

The Convention’s Memorial Service was conducted by Brennan Mills of the Saskatchewan Pond. The name of each Pond was called and the members of that Pond stood in unison. If a Pond had lost a member during the year, their name was announced and a Pond member stepped forward to receive a rose in honor of their departed Gander. In honor of Canada’s recent election to liberalize their marijuana laws, the British Columbia Pond conducted a raucous and cannabis themed Model Initiation Ceremony that seemed like

outtakes from a Cheech and Chong movie. In fact, scenes from the dopey duo’s movie projected on screens at the front of the room throughout. The Initiation team tweaked the ritual by replacing honks with bong bubbles, and contemporary references to texting, dudes, and Twitter.

Eleven “wannabee party dudes” marched in to the totally mood appropriate funky strains of “Lowrider” by War. The ballot box saw Cheezies and Nanaimo Bars (generally only known north of the border) replace the usual black and white marbles, and when the ballot box was examined, we discovered that “the munchies are unanimous”. Joe Connors (MLG role), Wendy Knizek (Admonition), and Special Guest Guy Charron (Charge) did a great with the ceremony, as did all of the committee members Martin Moran,Angela Shears,

Lisa Nykoluk, Brock Gooyers, Laura Warwick, Lisa Nykoluk, Kathleen Untershutz, and Justin McConville. We noticed so many nice little touches with props and Canadiana themed accessories. . The All Industry Luncheon kicked off with more goose band drawings and a charitable donation.

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Halie Wispinski made a presentation on behalf of the Edmonton Pond to the WICC (Women in Insurance Cancer Crusade). PMLG Tony Thibaudeau, a WICC board member, accepted the donation. The Luncheon’s Guest Speaker was Shawn Kanungo. His talk was on “Strategy in the Age of Disruption” and focused on “the intersection of creativity, business, and technology”. To introduce his central theme of progress and technological change, he projected a 1906 street scene of Fifth Avenue in Manhattan that was packed with horses and buggies. He followed that image with one from 1913, illustrating that in just seven years, every horse and buggy had been replaced by an automobile. The pace of change has become a “runaway train” and that pace is so rapid that much of what might be perceived as original thought has already been “done” hundreds of times. In reality, “the internet is just a huge copy machine in a drag and drop world”. He entertained us in a wide ranging talk that touched on innovation, technology, consumerism, digital media, a sharing economy, crowd sourcing, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and the challenges they create for insurance and finance. After lunch, the Regional Breakout meetings followed, as the Canadian, Southern, Eastern, and Central members and delegates met to discuss the issues facing their respective regions. A series of three special meetings were also offered after the Regionals ended, on Convention Hosting, Finance, and Engaging Membership. We met in the lobby at 5:15 to board our buses to the Ukrainian Youth Unity Complex for the evening’s Family Night Dinner. As we walked in, we were greeted by a costumed Jello shooter team (Cossack pants, red boots. red and black embroidery on a white shirt for the gentleman and a velvet vest and apron over a multi-colored woven skirt with a flowered head piece with flowing ribbons for the young lady). Monies collected to buy the Jello shots were donated to the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. Tracy Fata welcomed us and gave us some background on Ukrainian immigration to Canada. Between 1891 and 1914 (depending on sources) between 170,000 and 240,000 Ukrainians fled overcrowding and malnutrition in the old country and arrived in Canada. Most of them were farmers, and settled in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. Today, 1 in every 5 Albertans can claim Ukrainian ancestry.

We saw some gorgeous Ukrainian native costumes and some gorgeously decorated Ukrainian Easter Eggs. We heard Ukrainian songs and were wowed by three athletic Ukrainian dances. Our meal was a Ukrainian feast! We started off with a loaf of Kolach for each table. It was a braided circular sweet yeast bread and we learned that “the intertwined stands of dough represent the generations of family and the circular shape represents the continuity of life”. We loaded up our plates with salads, pickles, roast pork loin, lemon fish, cabbage rolls, perogies (potato and cheese dumplings), nalysnyky (Ukrainian cheese filled crepes), vegetables, roast potatoes, rolls and butter, Coffee and dessert squares ended our terrific meal. The combination of Blue Goose fellowship, colorful costumes, Ukrainian music and dance, and that very good food combined to give us a very enjoyable evening.

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Family Night Dinner

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Friday July 13, 2018 After breakfast, the convention resumed and we enjoyed a presentation for the 2019 Convention in Indianapolis. The Convention will be held from July 16 to 19 at the Alexander Hotel where the room rate will be $169 per night. The hotel features a Nourishment Hub for snacks from 7:00-4:00 daily, and the rooms and common areas are adorned with artwork. There will be an early bird registration promotion that will earn you bourbon, cigars, and wine. We can look forward to an Iron Chef-like event where our participants will be judged on 3-4 courses. There will be some free time to see the sights, and some type of a volunteer event. We’ll have a Welcome Concert, magician/escape artist, and fun and games at Punch Bowl Social to entertain us. A motion was made and passed to hold next year’s convention in Indianapolis. PMLGG Mark Robertson introduced the Order’s Deputy Most Loyal Grand Ganders and asked them to stand and be recognized.

A Regional Challenge, introduced in yesterday’s regional meetings, was announced. The Pond that raises the most funds to assist next year’s Indianapolis Convention will receive twelve bottles of wine. PMLGG and Grand Nest Historian John Bishop eulogized PMLGG Richard (Dick) Philippsen, Chair of the 1989 Convention aboard the Queen Mary and our host for the 2004 Los Angeles Convention. John spoke on a personal note about his years on the Grand Nest serving with Richard, and he always found him to be helpful and

cooperative. Hail Friend and Farewell. The Convention Committee’s Tracy Fata drew a winning ticket among the early convention registrants for a quilt that bore the convention’s logo. Grand Wielder Terry Maloney’s roll call of delegates was next as the Ponds from Alabama to Wisconsin were called. Terry remarked that we were observing the 25th anniversary of the 1993 Edmonton Convention. Commemorative key fobs were created in 1993 to honor that year’s Convention Committee, and Terry presented three of the key fobs to Mark Robertson, Neil Miller, and Andrew Happer.

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An alarm was noted when Gordie Goose went missing and a ransom note was discovered. Gordie became quite a popular fixture at last year’s Savannah Convention, where he was seen everywhere! He seemed to have visited half the pubs in Savannah, and posed for hundreds of photos with our attendees. He continues to be quite active on social media and has his own Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter accounts. Gordie’s ransom note (from the Blue Goose Commandos), demanded a ransom payment of $25 in unmarked loonies for his safe return. As instructed, the ransom was placed in an envelope and left

with a bagman, better known as Grand Wielder Terry Maloney. Gordie was eventually sighted and returned after some difficult and trying hours in captivity. We’re still not sure who kidnapped Gordie, but descriptions of the perpetrators given to the Edmonton Police sketch artists created two images that looked suspiciously like Wendy Hubbard and Kevin Brady of the Hartford Pond. Terry Maloney recognized two important groups at the convention. He asked our

new members and Life Members to stand and be recognized. Some light hearted merriment was next as MLGG Marc Thurber and DMLGG Jacques Cuierrier of the Quebec Pond explained the presence of a new banner before the convention – for the GUY-BEC Pond in recognition of Guy Charron’s name becoming synonymous with the Quebec Pond.

Grand Supervisor Kim Bilbrey called upon MLGG Robertson for his report on his year in office. He opened by saying that in his five years in office, he met so many terrific ganders that became close friends. Mark confided that this was a trying year in which an expected budget deficit of $9,355 for 2018 coupled with a 2017 deficit of $9309 could not continue and needed to be addressed. He stressed that there are only two options to balance a budget, either increase revenue or decrease expenses. Revenues are fixed to the dues payable which cannot be amended without a vote so the only option available was to cut expenses.

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Mark placed a moratorium on Grand Nest travel, pond visitation, and marketing in an effort to control expenses. As MLGG he did not travel during his term and asked his fellow Grand Nest Officers to follow that lead. He discussed the $5,000 marketing budget and asked how effective is it? Similarly, he asked us to re-examine spending money on Grand Nest Officers attending other insurance industry conferences or taking out media ads. Do these activities actually generate any new memberships? Or do Ponds grow internally at the local level, from active pond members reaching out to their local industry businesses and signing up new members to their ponds. How effective is a National marketing plan at stimulating local pond growth? Going forward he discussed the need for Grand Nest to support the ponds or regions hosting future conventions. Convention costs are always a concern and any assistance Grand Nest can offer to help ease that burden will assist ponds and regions in stepping up as convention hosts. Mark authorized this past years Grand Nest Mid-Year meeting to be held via Skype in order to help cut convention expenses for the 2019 convention hosts. It was a learning experience and continues to need some work if it is going to eventually replace the in person meetings. He indicated the corresponding savings from hosting a Skype meeting to the Central Region was in the range of $5,000 to $8,000 towards their convention budget for 2019. He mentioned that in our constitution and budget Grand Nest is responsible for the room costs of its members during convention. In the past this expense has been gratuitously picked up by the convention hosts however going forward this may have to become the responsibility of Grand Nest in an attempt to help hosting ponds and regions with their budgets and to encourage future hosts in stepping up to take on a convention. In picking up the hotel room costs and moving to a Skype mid-year the potential savings to a future convention host could be $12,000 or more. Mark spoke of the need for financial accountability with the need for a minimum of 2-4 signatures on Pond bank accounts. As a case in point, he mentioned the Greater Chicago Pond. With only a single signatory on their bank account. That signatory was not cooperative with Grand Nest’s efforts to restore the “Not for Profit” status of the Greater Chicago Pond. When the dust had settled Grand Nest incurring a one-time legal expense in excess of $5,000. This is exactly the type of situation which can

be avoided with every pond maintaining a minimum 2–4 signing officers for their banking. Mark said ‘we must learn from our mistakes and diligently seek financial reform”. Grand Supervisor Kim Bilbrey presented Mark with gifts from the current and past Grand Nest officers – poker chips, a Harley Davison clock, and two books – a history of Harley Davidson and “Planet Golf”. Grand Wielder Terry Maloney’s report on the past year started

with a reference to an increasing phenomenon - the many requests he gets from Ganders to “unsubscribe” from Grand Nest e-mail communications. Terry explained that Grand Nest messages are necessary to maintain our contact with the membership. When faced with a request to “unsubscribe” a member, Terry communicates back to that Pond’s Wielder and asks for help in explaining to that person ”what we are all about”. Terry encouraged the Ponds to make a phone call to those with delinquent dues and to try and spend “as much attention on membership retention as on attracting new members”.

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During the past year, we took on over 400 new members. The ten largest Ponds were Michigan (266), followed by Quebec (226), St. Louis (166), National Capital (162), Hartford (157), Ontario (140), Saskatchewan (138), Nova Scotia (137), British Columbia (131), and Alberta and Edmonton, tied at 124 members. Terry closed by telling all that Pond pins will undergo a price increase on September 1st, and he asked the Ponds to be sure to send their website links to Grand Nest. Grand Nest Historian John Bishop commented on his prior request that the Ponds create plans to capture and preserve their history. Just twelve of the fifty Ponds responded to his inquiry, and he said our goal should be to create an initiative to do so. He offered some tips on how to do that.

1) Decide what you want to acquire and don’t duplicate old efforts.

2) Make a list of what you need 3) Set time lines and assign tasks 4) Send out updated status reports 5) Store your reports in an accessible place

John mentioned that he had some CDs with a recording of a 1949 speech by PMLGG Lloyd Wallace on Blue Goose history and origin of our Order.

PMLGG Lorena Kohlruss thanked Mark Robertson for his leadership throughout the year. She focused on the important issues facing our Order and provided opinions to our Ponds on several issues including membership. She saw this as an indicator of our Ponds efforts to grow and be creative. She reported that no issues were referred to the Jurisprudence Committee during the year.

Grand Keeper Archie Gillis delivered his Audit report for the July 1 to June 30.fiscal year. Some of the key budget issues were legal fees, insurance and bonding, Canadian relief, Grand Nest Convention cost, and savings on travel and marketing. He asked the Ponds to follow fiscal management and “keep a critical eye open” on their finances and have a minimum of three or more signing officers with duals needed for check writing.

The Grand Nest Committee reports on Membership, Charity, and Communication / Marketing followed. PMLGG Linda Meik delivered Grand Supervisor Kim Bilbrey’s Membership report, which looked at our Rush for Goslings campaign for new member recruitment, and our Member Retention campaign. It was the committee’s findings that we never really had a known and consistent Pond-to-Pond plan for Rush, and that Pond reporting was very poorly submitted. Since Rush” wasn’t universally understood –should we continue it, modify it, or have an open approach to recruiting as opposed to a specific month at the beginning of the year, similar to the university fraternity and sorority rush campaigns from which our campaign was named.

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Whatever happens to our “Rush for Ganders” campaign should not minimize the importance and need for us to replenish and reinvigorate our Order. The Retention report asked us to examine many questions about our members. Are we expressing the value of membership to our current members? Do our Constitution and By-Laws accurately reflect our industry’s demographics in 2018? Should we consider expanding our membership criteria to other related groups whose dividing lines have blurred, such as financial services? Linda championed a book she recently read Retention Wars by Mark Levin. It looks at how organizations can keep their members, and has “wonderful concepts” for us to consider adopting. Grand Custodian Dan Rich’s Charity Committee report

stated that this year 26 of our Ponds had filed the charity report. The Committee sent the report application out on February 7th instead of including it with the May Wielders mailing to give the Ponds more time to prepare the report. The year saw reported monetary donations of $238,528, reported volunteer hours of 2,329 hours, reported donations of collected goods of $69,650, and reported scholarship awards of $10,425. Improvement opportunities for the overall impact of Pond reports include 1) Increased inclusion of photographs, 2) Increased participation by more Ponds, 3) Increased compliance with the June 1st deadline, and 4) Increased use of documentation for charitable activities and donations.

We saw several common themes emerge from the data with respect to the types of charities that appealed most to our Ponds. The top categories were Youth Support (60 mentions), Community Aid and Homeless Shelters (54), Public Health (26), Food Banks (19), Military and Veterans (8), Animal Care (7), and Special Olympics (6). Grand Guardian Michael Smith’s Communication and Marketing Report outlined a detailed proposal for Blue Goose to use a uniform website template. This website model would be based on what the Boy Scouts of America and the Elks Club use – a website managed by a third party administrator with a main page for the organization and a hub for “chapters” and members.

Their recommendation to fund an RFP (Request for Proposal) to draw up requirements for that bid was placed under consideration, but not acted upon, for budget concerns. The morning’s program continued with the presentation of the 2018 Grand Nest Awards. Grand Historian John Bishop presented The First Timers Award for the Pond with the most first-time convention attendees. The winner was the British Columbia

Pond. Judge Advocate Lorena Kohlruss and Grand Wielder Terry Maloney presented The Regional Growth Awards.

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The Central Region Awards for the highest % increase was won by the Cincinnati Pond at 46.67% and the award for the most new & reinstated members was also won by the Cincinnati Pond at +28. The Southern Region Awards for the highest % increase was won by the Alabama Pond at 38.46%, and the award for the most new & reinstated members was won by the Texas Pond at +20.

The Eastern Region Awards for the highest % increase was won by the National Capital Pond at 19.33%, and the award for the most new & reinstated members was also won by the National Capital Pond at +29. The Canadian Region Awards for the highest % increase was won by the British Columbia Pond at 24.78%, and the award for the most new & reinstated members was won by the Quebec Pond at +37. Grand Custodian Dan Rich presented the four Charity Awards. These awards were expanded last year from the single Gordon Crowther Charity Award to four charity awards, each recognizing a different aspect of our charitable work. The Community Service Award, awarded to the Pond that had an outstanding year of volunteering their time and services to charity was awarded to the British Columbia Pond. The 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 Saskatchewan Pond. The 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 Hartford Pond. The Gordon Crowther Charity Award, for the Pond with overall outstanding charitable activities, was won by the Michigan Pond. Grand Guardian Michael Smith presented the Communication Award for the Pond with an outstanding communication strategy. We had a tie this year, as the Edmonton and Texas Ponds were both named for this award. The 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 Dick Chenard (31 years of membership) for the Central Region, Jacques Cuierrier (30 years of membership) for the Canadian Region, Lisa Kane (28 years of membership) for the Eastern Region, and Mary Kay Marchetti (18 years of membership) for the Southern Region. Judge Advocate Lorena Kohlruss reported that no constitutional amendments were presented this year. As we approached the BC/Alberta/Yukon meeting rooms for the Family Luncheon, we were greeted by a curious sight. We saw table a long row of tables filled with all sorts of colorful little plastic toys in what appeared to be an assembly line. But more on that later...

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We were entertained by street performers and a mime before some more fund raising for the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton. Terry Maloney auctioned off two pieces of Blue Goose memorabilia –a 25-year old key fob and a 110 year old cloisonné leather luggage tag. The high bids, plus some additional Gander donations raised over $600 for the hospital.

Luncheon entertainment was provided by Ron Pierson, an expert in sleight of hand magic. He dazzled us with a very entertaining show that saw handkerchiefs changing colors, made things appear, disappear, separate, re-combine and then reappear. Aria Kohlruss assisted on particularly dazzling rope trick.

Throw in some card tricks, knife throwing, disappearing cups of water, knots that fell off of a rope, and pulling paper currency from within a whole lemon and you get a pretty good idea of just how much fun we had watching his show.

On our lunch tables were paper bags and crayons, and we were asked to decorate the bags with messages for the young patients of the Stollery Children’s Hospital. As we exited the luncheon, we took our newly decorated paper bags and filled them with those colorful toys and trinkets we saw on the way in. Later that day, the bags were delivered to the hospital. It was a great idea to have our Ganders and guests participate in such a creative charitable event. Before we went back for the afternoon, many ganders came forward to make monetary donations to the hospital and several drawings were held to benefit the upcoming Indianapolis and Hartford conventions. The afternoon session started off with a motion to hold next year’s convention in Indianapolis that was unanimously approved.

After a delegate roll call, the slate of Grand Nest officers for 2018-19 was presented. Judge Advocate Lorena Kohlruss will continue to serve in her role and said she is “glad to assist and address the ongoing challenges before our Order”. Grand Nest Historian John Bishop will continue to serve in his role and said ”we have done some great things with our history and hope this will continue”. Linda Meik will assume the duties of the Grand Keeper and said she is “honored to be appointed and serve with these Grand Nest Officers that show a passion for Blue Goose”.

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Nominating speeches and the installation of our four elected officers was next as Kim Bilbrey of the Dayton Pond became our Most Loyal Grand Gander, Dan Rich of the Hartford Pond became our Grand Supervisor, Michael Smith of the Florida Pond became our Grand Custodian, and Wendy Knizek of the British Columbia Pond became our Grand Guardian.

The Grand Nest’s newest elected officer, Wendy Knizek, shared her thoughts with the convention and thanked her many Blue Goose mentors. She confessed that when she joined Blue Goose in 2012 she really knew nothing about the Order. Looking back, she never regretted her decision to join. At the St. Louis and Savannah conventions, saw the “big picture” of Blue Goose and the dedication to charity that we all share. She is looking forward to being on the Grand Nest and will rely on teamwork built among her fellow officers, her Ponds, and our Life Members to give advice and counsel. Dan Rich and Michael Smith offered brief remarks before our new MLGG, Kim Bilbrey took the podium for her address of acceptance. Kim described her Blue Goose journey- how she knew no one when she attended her first Grand Nest Convention in Reno in 2009. She spoke of the friendship Lynn Maloney extended to her, and how welcome she felt by all after her initiation. She spoke with pride of the puddle development in her region- Cincinnati (now a Pond), and Indianapolis and West Virginia. She spoke of becoming a DMLGG and her memorable 2014 visit to the Eastern Regional Meeting in New York where she toured the 9/11 site and attended the NY Yankee home opener against Baltimore.

L-R Grand Nest Officers Kim Bilbrey, Michael Smith, Dan Rich, & Wendy Knizek

being installed by PMLGG Joe Coccia

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She spoke of the many overtures of kindness extended to her by our members across the Order, singling out Linda Meik, Bill Olson, Laura Krause, and our partners from PEC – Cheryl McShane and Denice Waldhuetter. She observed that we all have one thing in common – our calling to help people and expect nothing in return.

That evening, the Edmonton Convention culminated with a cocktail reception and Grand Banquet and Ball, where we enjoyed great food, great fellowship, and great entertainment. The entertainment was outstanding as we met an amazingly creative musical duo known as Bare ‘n Von Hair. They combined musicianship, vocals, creative song lyrics, sketch comedy, and mixed media videos for a wonderful show that had people laughing for two hours. We heard that old 50’s classic Blue Moon reimagined as Blue Goose, we saw a funny parody of “Lord of the Dance”, we heard and saw a great cover version of Phil Collins’ In The Air Tonight (with a spot on version of that signature drum riff), we saw some very funny musical comedy videos, we played Blue Goose Family Feud, we heard a very funny song about the Canadian provinces, we learned that the polka rhythm can be applied to any musical genre, we saw funny parodies of Simon and Garfunkel and hockey interview clichés, and heard a conflicted redneck song.

2018-19 Grand Nest Officers

Back Row: Michael Smith, John Bishop, Dan Rich, Terry Maloney

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Audience participation was also on the agenda as Aria Kohlruss sang a lovely Blue Goose song, Joe Coccia sat in on drums, we participated in a cowbell competition, played music trivia and crashed the stage in a Guitar hero Elvis Presley dance-off.

Somewhere within the busy evening, we found time to honor Terry Maloney’s 30th anniversary as our Grand Wielder and presented him with a 30 year old bottle of Scotch. The Edmonton Pond hosted an outstanding convention and we were all impressed by their hospitality and attention to details. We are very grateful to the Convention Committee for their efforts to plan and produce such a thoroughly enjoyable event. Respectfully Submitted, Dan Rich, Grand Supervisor Photos by Neil Miller Special Acknowledgements to Tracy Fata and Wendy Knizek for their respective details on the Family Night Dinner and Model Initiation

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Grand Nest Officers and Spouses 2018-2019

Standing – John Bishop, Michael Smith, Tim Bilbrey, Dan Rich, Susan Rich, Terry Maloney Seated – Lorena Kohlruss, Wendy Knizek, Kim Bilbrey, Lynn Maloney, Linda Meik

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Most Loyal Grand Gander Report 112th Grand Nest Convention

Mark Robertson, MLGG 2017-2018 Grand Nest Officers, past and present, Delegates, Ganders and Guests.

Well it’s been an interesting year to say the least. Five years ago, my convention

chairperson Andrew Happer turned the table around on me and asked if he could put forward my

name as the Edmonton Ponds representative on Grand Nest. At the time I figured why not, I was

pretty sure that I could make the commitment to serving for the five years. During that time, I have met

with many Ganders and have had the pleasure of making some very dear and lasting friendships.

Usually it is at this point in which previous Most Loyal Grand Ganders are able to expound on

their memories from various pond visitations occurring during their final year on Grand Nest.

Unfortunately, that was not the case. This past year has been one froth with financial difficulties as

we’ll hear from our Grand Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg later today. The year started out with a

review of the Grand Nest Budget from 2017 and the proposed 2018. Originally, the budget for 2017

indicated a surplus of some $3181 while indicating a deficit of ($9,573) for 2018. Looking into this

further I discovered that there were several items that should have been taken care of during 2017

which were missed and carried over into 2018. The first item was $6,134 insurance payment, the

second was the Grand Nest Convention Fund which showed only $780 having been spent rather than

$7136.15. Now that investigation led me to a simple conclusion. Our current Grand Nest budget was

following the “Generally Accepted Rules of Accounting” which simply put means that an expense is

recorded in the year in which it is paid and not the year in which it actually occurs. That principle is

fine when you’re putting together financial statement to be filed with the Government, in fact that is a

must and we continue to provide those statement issued from our accounting firm and filed with the

IRS. But the purpose of a Budget is for internal information. It needs to show the memberships an

accurate picture of where we have been and where we are going. A budget should be comparing one

year to the next so that adjustments can be made. So, having looked this over I made the decision

that it would be better for our internal budgets to represent more closely what that year actually ended

up at. So I moved the two items above back into the 2017 numbers resulting in a deficit for 2017 of

$9309.15. I felt that information is more helpful to our membership than seeing a massive jump in

expenses in one year, while having a misrepresented surplus in another year. The entire idea of a

budget is to compare one year to the next and address any concerns or patterns which immerge.

Having done this, it was quite obvious that with a deficit of $9309.15 in 2017 and a budgeted deficit of

$9,573 for 2018. It is quite clear that we have a problem arising as Grand Nest cannot continue this

trend. There are only two ways in which to balance a budget. One is to increase revenues, the other is

to decrease expenditures. Well, we are bound under our constitution to charge a specific amount for

dues, so that leaves cutting expenses as the only true option. Immediately, I placed a moratorium on

spending, from the Marketing budgeted at $5619, Pond visitations budgeted at $1873, Executive

travel budgeted at $1600. Putting a freeze on these three items freed up $9,092 which would almost

balance the “internal budget” of course there are extenuating circumstances which arise during any

term, so some amounts were put through. In the end I took the position that as the current leader of

our order I could not see my way around spending money reimbursing myself on travel expenses and

promotional outings while taking on a legacy of deficit budgets. This situation is not going to get better

on its own, it needs to be addressed going forward. I am bringing this all to your attention because it is

important and if unresolved may eventually lead to the demise of this most honorable order.

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So, I have no tales of adventures to share with you today, what I do have are some words of

encouragement. When you look at these two deficit years you may wonder why or how did we get into

this situation? There are three large items within the budget expenses. Grand Nest Convention,

Canadian Relief, and Delegate Expense. All of these items are held within our Constitution so

changing those will not happen easily. Marketing with a budget in excess of $5,000 can be dealt with

easily. Ask yourselves, where do we find new members to join our ponds? Advertising in National

publications or magazines? Chasing other industry conventions and functions? Or do we grow our

ponds internally, with current members bringing forward acquaintances, co-workers and colleges to

join in memberships to their ponds. I think if you go back to your ponds and ask your membership that

question it will not become a surprise when it’s discovered that most members join because they are

brought forward by an existing member. Last year I asked all of the delegates in Savannah to go

home and ask their membership to just bring one person to a meeting, sign up one person to

membership – if everyone does that our membership numbers will increase.

The other thing which happened this year, was the actual payment of the Grand Nest

Convention expense which covers the hotel room costs and travel for your Grand Nest officers during

convention. In prior years the convention hosts have graciously paid the room expense for the Grand

Nest. In discussions at Grand Nest it was agreed upon that the convention hosts could remove that

expense from their budget line if a notation was provided at the bottom of the convention budget

recognizing that this expense could possibly be picked up at the end of the convention.

In doing this it has provided some relief to the host ponds and hopefully will encourage future

ponds to take on the task of hosting conventions. My own personal belief is that going forward this

expense is going to be placed squarely on the shoulders of Grand Nest as provided for in our

constitution.

We need to assist the host ponds or regions as much as possible with expenses incurred

while hosting conventions. This past year marked the first year that we did not physically hold a Grand

Nest mid-year meeting. We held an electronic meeting using remote computers to access a meeting

website. The cost of doing this was nil to the host pond and nil to the Grand Nest as travel to a

physical site was not necessary. Now that doesn’t mean that it all went smoothly, far from it, but it was

a learning experience and one which I believe should be embraced in the future. The cost of hosting a

mid-term meeting averages between $5000 to $8000 dollars to the upcoming convention hosts. This

meant that Dayton Pond was able to save this money in their convention budget. Edmonton pond

spent $6500 hosting the midterm for the Southern Region. It is my own opinion that those funds can

be used more productively hosting a successful convention. The same rings true for the Grand Nest

hotel expenses. So in the end the convention host ponds may be able to realize a budget saving of

close to $12000. Which translates into $12000 less they have to worry over and collect.

In recent years the trend has been for convention host to use a portion of any surplus funds

taken in from hosting a convention to be forwarded to the next regional host to help start their

convention funding. I think that is a great idea. Other portions have be held back for future convention

funds for when they may be needed or it comes time to host another convention, and if there are still

some funds left over then donated back into the pond which eventually turns into donations towards

charity events. That seems to be a very Tote Fair way of handling convention profits.

One last note and then I will close off my year in office. I believe in complete transparency

especially when it comes to financial matters. For those of you who have attended past conventions

you know that you’re Grand Nest Officers the past couple of years have been going on and on –

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harping to you about the need to make sure your ponds organizational structure is sound. We

continually bring up the topic of bank account and accountability. The need for a minimum of 2 but

hopefully as many as 4 officers or past officers with signing authority at your banking facilities, a need

for 2 signatures on all checks withdrawing funds. After about 3 years of inactivity, the Greater Chicago

Pond wanted to reactivate their status as a “Not for Profit” organization. Unfortunately, over the years

it became the responsibility of only one individual to look after the pond finances. There was only one

signature authorized at their banking institution. That person for reasons of their own, was not

cooperative in authorizing the Grand Nest or any Blue Goose member to obtain the records needed to

gain back their Not for Profit status. In 2017 it was decided to push forward on this topic with legal

representation. In the end we spent just over $5000 in legal fees with the result being that the Greater

Chicago Pond still did not have their Not for Profit status and could not begin the process of gaining

back and growing their pond. This legal expense will not continue forward so it should be considered

an “Extra ordinary Expense Item” with a onetime occurrence with that expense being paid for in 2018

fiscal year.

So, it is important that we learn from our mistakes, that we understand the importance of

maintaining a proper organizational structure within our ponds and that we pay diligent attention to the

running of our ponds.

It has been a fantastic 5-year term serving as a Grand Nest Officer. With each passing year I

was fortunate to meet more and more Ganders attending our conventions. Over the past years I have

gained many new friendships which I hope will continue long into the future.

It has been my great honor and privilege to serve this past year as your Most Loyal Grand

Gander, and I am looking forward to my future role as a Past Most Loyal Grand Gander with

continued involvement within our most honorable order.

Respectfully submitted,

Mark Robertson MLGG

July 2018

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Newly Elected Most Loyal Grand Gander Acceptance Speech

112th Grand Nest Convention

Kim Bilbrey, MLGG 2018-2019

I am not sure even where to start…. This ride I have been on with Blue Goose since I heard about it has been a whirlwind. I was introduced to Blue Goose by Jane Rogaliner from the Columbus Pond back in 2009. we had an agreement that I would teach her my business model and she would teach me about this fraternity called “Blue Goose”. She invited me to the Reno Convention to find out more about it, and of course since I love to travel I said yes… next thing you know my husband and I are on a plane heading to Reno, not knowing really anything about it. When we arrived Jane wasn’t there yet, and we didn’t know anyone … so we headed to the pool, before she arrived and low and behold we heard people talking about Blue Goose and so we walked over and the first person we met was Lynn Maloney… she was very friendly and opened us with welcome arms. I remember that nervous feeling but she calmed it right down by introducing us to others fellow ganders. I learned a lot about the organization at that convention and also my husband and I both got initiated there and became members. I was so excited about meeting everyone, hearing all the charity work that was done across the US and Canada and having lots of fun while doing it. I thought this is the place I belong and the group to do it with. My passion is helping others and what a good fit to do that with. When I came back to Ohio, I was on fire telling everyone I knew about Blue Goose and even decided to start a puddle in Dayton because of it. Joe Coccia was a big supporter and also the Michigan Pond of believing in us and encouraging us the whole way… many conversations Joe and I had become a vital piece in where we are now. Before no time, we became a Pond. We were asked to host mid-year meetings after just a short time, which we were honored… and of course those that attended our first one we held will always remember the Dayton Pond for the boating accident during the heavy thunderstorm, and our suite being ransacked by alumni - but the hotel did make it right the second night by hosting a beautiful suite with food and beverages. As our course continued, we grew, we raised money, gave a lot to charity, had many volunteer hours, and had so MUCH FUN doing it along the way. We also started a few puddles – Cincinnati, Indiana, and West Virginia. And happy to say that Cincinnati also became a Pond. My next step, I was approached to be a DMLGG. That was a good role under Randy Wilson. I learned a lot more about the organization at a higher level and also acquired some new friendships along the way. I soon worked my way up to Central Region President and enjoyed working closely with other members of the region as well as the Grand Nest Executive.

I was invited to the Eastern region mid-year meetings twice and was honored to be included (little did I know at the time – “what the plan truly was”) lol In April 2014 I truly was touched by being able to go to the 9/11 memorial ground zero in New York and also the opening day of the Yankees… that trip was very memorable…. That would be the beginning of talks to become a Grand Nest Member…. Some of the “boys club,” won’t mention any names, approached me in a cute little upstairs bar and started talking shop with me…I thought we were just talking, had no idea – it would lead me to this. They kept telling me I would be a perfect fit for Grand Nest, and that they needed younger

26

people in these leadership roles, and time for a change. I was very honored that my peers thought that much of me and wanted to see me continue to grow in the organization. I remember telling them that I would need to go back and get the support of my board to be able to confirm if indeed I could do this… there is no I in team – so I needed my teams support. I also wanted to do a conference call with PEC to see what this convention planning was all about. The scariest part as I am sure it has been with most officers is raising the money to host a convention. Again, I had many talks with Bill Olson, Terry Maloney, and John Paris about can we really do this…we are such a young Pond and no money…and they continued to be in our corner, encourage, and believe in us. Cheryl and Denice with PEC also was a huge part of making our decision that we could move forward as their expertise of doing conventions would take that stress off of us. So, we signed up for the 5-year plan and started our new beginning. While I have been on the Executive – I want to say I have been truly blessed by a woman that came out of nowhere on me and became my true inspiration, my mentor, and also has saved me on many instances – her name is Linda Meik. I truly am very thankful for her, her guidance, her friendship, and her belief in me and my Pond. She has held our hand the whole way and can’t thank her enough for all she has done. I am a very busy woman – owning a marketing company, spend many hours on relationship building with customers, spending time with family and friends, enjoying down time at the lake, and time to exercise, and of course play time with Max and Boomer my doggies. I couldn’t be here to today without all the support from my husband, my family, and many friends in and out of the industry for all their love and dedication and helping me see this through. IF I have forgotten anyone, please forgive me – so many of you have been there for us through all of this.

I have given countless volunteer hours, my heart and soul to this organization on many levels and have had many emotional moments of tears and happiness… all of it has been very much worth it. I want to thank each and every one of you for the opportunity to be standing in front of you and my focus this year is to focus on our group, making us the best we can be, and treating each other with love and respect and know I am going to do my best to be a good leader. I have gained so many new friendships across the US and Canada and for that I will always be grateful. All you Blue Goosers are awesome people! We all have the same thing in common – helping people without wanting anything in return – that speaks volumes. I want to try and visit as many ponds as I possibly can this year and let each of you know what a difference you are truly making in society. Keep up the fantastic work! I hope to make each one of you proud! See you all in Indy!!! I LOVE BLUE GOOSE

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REPORT OF THE 2018 GRAND NEST

CHARITY COMMITTEE

Janice Folzenlogen (Cincinnati Pond) Chair

Carrie Miller (Cincinnati Pond)

Wende Goetz (Cincinnati Pond)

Melisa Klusman (Cincinnati Pond)

Dan Rich – Grand Nest Advisor

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Introduction

The story of Blue Goose Charity during 2017-2018 started in the heat and humidity of

Savannah on July 11, 2017 with a charitable team building activity of sorting food at

America’s Second Harvest of Coastal Georgia. As the Convention transpired, excess food,

craft supplies, and furniture were donated to the Salvation Army.

In September, our Ponds worked as a group to send donations to the North Texas Food

Bank to offer our support to the victims of the hurricanes that went through Texas & Florida

This set the tone for a big year of donations of community service hours, donations of goods,

donations of funds, and scholarship awards by so many of our Ponds across North America.

Defining Charity Award Criteria

This was the second year of the expanded Charity Awards, where we went from one Charity

Award winner to four. Our committee was faced with formulating the award criteria for these

new awards as a guide for future committees going forward.

The overall winner (Gordon Crowther Award) remains on a 5-year eligibility period, as a way

to recognize more Ponds and not discourage Ponds with lesser resources. Accordingly, the

below five previous winners of the Gordon Crowther Award were not eligible to be

recognized as a winner for the same award in Edmonton:

2017 –Cincinnati

2016 – Texas

2015 – Dayton

2014 – Hartford

2013 – Edmonton

Last year, three additional Charity awards (Community Service, Charity Fund, Scholarship)

were awarded for the first time. We established a modified set of rules for these important

awards; that is no repeat winners of the same award for five years, but this DOES NOT affect

eligibility for a different award.

Last year’s winners for these three new awards were:

2017 Community Service- National Capital Pond

2017 Charity- Hartford

2017 Scholarship – Kentucky

These Ponds are now on a 5-year eligibility period for the same award, but that restriction

does not apply to other awards.

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Mid-Year Reminder

The Charity Award applications are historically distributed in May with the Convention mailing

to the Pond Wielders, and one of the issues we‘ve run into in the past is that some Ponds

weren’t sure who the ‘right‘ person was to fill out the application, then it takes a while for that

Pond to send the mailing to the ‘right‘ person, and then it may take that ‘right‘ person a while

to research and complete the document and then it may take that ‘right‘ person a while to

submit it to Grand Nest.

As a result, it put a lot of stress on the Ponds late in the year as they sprinted to complete the

applications, it put a lot of stress on the Charity Committee as they faced an avalanche of last

minute applications, and worst of all, some Ponds weren’t able to submit their applications

before the filing deadline.

Our committee wanted to change that, and we did so by sending the Charity application out

on February 7th, to “give every Pond plenty of time to sort out who will be responsible for

completing the application”, enabling the Ponds to complete the application throughout the

year, and eliminating the need for “overwhelming research projects trying to recreate

everything your Pond did between July and the end of May”.

When you look at the breakdown of when this year’s reports were received, we believe our

effort was successful. We encourage subsequent Charity Committees to do the same.

Four Year Look back at Applications Received

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Here are the detailed results reported on this year’s 26 reports:

In 2018, the Charity Committee received 26 applications. This was five more than received

last year, but the total was down two reports from just three years ago

In 2018, reported monetary donations by all submitted reports totaled $238,528. This is a

43% increase over 2017.

In 2018, reported volunteer hours on all submitted reports totaled 2,329 hours. This is a

prodigious 328% increase over 2017.

In 2018, reported donations of collected goods totaled $69,650. This is an 83% increase

over 2017.

In 2018, reported scholarship awards totaled $10,425. This is a 5.3% increase over 2017.

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Improvement Opportunities

Our committee was very impressed by the wide range of deserving charities our Ponds

supported during the year. Opportunities to improve the overall impact of your reports

include:

Increased inclusion of photographs

Increased participation by more Ponds

Increased compliance with the June 1st deadline

Increased use of documentation in all four categories

Common themes in charities we supported

We saw several common themes emerge from the data with respect to the types of charities

that appealed most to our Ponds.

The top categories were

Youth Support (60)

Community Aid and Homeless Shelters (54)

Public Health (26)

Food Banks (19)

Military and Veterans (8)

Animal Care (7)

Special Olympics (6)

In conclusion, our committee was very grateful for the opportunity to look at this very

important core belief of Blue Goose. We encourage every Pond to participate next year and

help us drive these numbers even higher.

I am very grateful to Janice Folzenlogen, Carrie Miller, Wende Goetz, and Melisa Klusman of

the Cincinnati Pond for their dedication to the committee, and the many hours they spent

reviewing applications, holding meetings, and participating in conference calls.

Tote Fair,

Dan Rich

Grand Custodian of the Goslings

Character, Charity and Fellowship Since 1906

(Rev 7-17-28 –Added Alberta and Regina, amended Michigan)

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Grand Nest History Report 112th Grand Nest Convention John Bishop, GNH 2017-2018

Grand Nest Officers, past and present, Fellow Ganders.

In late January of this year, and again in early March, I sent out a request for information to our ponds and puddles, through our Grand Wielder, to tell me if there was an existing history of the pond or puddle. 12 ponds responded with varying replies that were both interesting and informative. My intent was to see what was going on but also to suggest if a history had not been created to look into creating one. As I have said in the past, history will be lost forever if not captured for prosperity.

Some of the ponds that reported suggested that an early history had been created but not brought up to date. Others said that they are a work in progress. Others reported that they are looking into appointing a pond historian, some said they had lots of information to pick from such as PMLG lists and meeting minutes and still others reported that it was either hard to find information or help or time to do it.

Here are a few tips for creating a history.

1-Decide what it is that you want to capture, what you want to know and why you are doing it. The old adage: plan your work and work your plan comes to mind.

2- Find out what has been done already, don’t reinvent the wheel as they say and you might find that your work will have been reduced considerably by what you find.

3- Make a list of necessary equipment, people and materials.

4- Make a sequence of tasks and end dates. Set specific time lines for tasks. Thinking ahead will help foresee pitfalls.

5- Continuously conduct update reports. Where you are with the project. The pond will be interested in what you’ve done to that point.

And finally

6-When completed store your primary sources and copy in the best place possible so as not to get lost and easily is retrievable for updates.

When I was a teenager, many many moons ago, in school we had what we called Provincials. They were unified exams put out by the provincial government I think to bring some continuity across the province. One of the subjects of course was history. I always did well in them because I would gather up all the past exams, find out which questions were common, work out the answers and then memorize them. I never remembered anything that way but I did learn how to organize and that is what history is-the organization of information into retrievable data to use in the future.

My friends it has again been a pleasure to serve you and our Order as Grand Historian. I want to thank all those ponds who responded to my questions and I hope we have impressed upon you the importance of recorded history, not for us but for your pond.

John C. Bishop, PMLGG

Grand Nest Historian

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Grand Treasurer Report

112th. Grand Nest Convention

Edmonton, Alberta

I am presenting this report as Grand Treasurer of the Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International.

Our fiscal year is July 1, 2017 to June 30, 2018. Copy of our Income Statement for the year as received is

attached.

This report is on the basis of available information provided. As such we show a loss of $9573. Part of this is

609 Insurance and Bonding cost of $15,760. Over budget $4164. Added to the loss are Professional Fees of

$5147. These two items total $9311. Canadian Relief was $6622. As per our Constitution Section 19 with a limit

of 1.25

GNO Convention costs represented $7772. Last year St. Louis budget picked up these costs.

Marketing provided a substantial savings of $5564. and Visitation $1873. This is a savings of $7437. This

resulted in the responsible action of MLGG Mark Robertson who put a moratorium on any travel, pond visitation,

and marketing expenses.

We in Blue Goose are always looking to have large numbers of delegates, a worthy cost. However we went over

budget $2531. This is a trend we hope continues.

Emblems cost was $10323., with sales of $2458. leaving an inventory of $7865.

The following is a summary of the Liabilities and Stockholders Equity, Fund Balances.

Benevolent Grant Reserve $50,000.00

Emergency Convention Fund Res. 4065.00

Interest Received 8.47

HOA Pond Retired Fund 22566.00

Archive Reserve Fund 4782.00

Operating Reserve 34,8667.00

Current Year loss (15,129.00)

Total Fund Balances $101,159.00

Last Year reserve Funds were $112,977.00 a decrease of $11,818.00

As eluded by Randall Wilson PMLGG ,Grand Treasurer 2017, I echo his words Ponds must be mindful of their

responsibilities. The executive and members in general must look to their Pond Officers to do the job they were

elected to. Make sure you have regular financial reports from your KGGE. File your taxes as warranted by law.

Look to your own resources and if required go outside to other Ponds. Contact your Grand Treasurer.

As GKGGE it is strongly recommended ALL PONDS/PUDDLES have a minimum of three signing offices, four

would be ideal. (This to cover off illness, vacation, long term travels) It is proposed there be two signatures on all

checks, and monies payable to a signing officer have two other signatures. To accomplish four (4) signing

offices one can use a past officer with accounting capacity. The Pond/Puddle should choose what works best for

them.

Any inquiries contact me at 902-414-4628

Thank you to MLGG Mark Robertson for this honor to serve, PMLGG Randy Wilson my mentor.

Respectfully submitted,

Grand Treasurer

Archie Gillis

34

Newly Elected Grand Guardian Acceptance Speech

112th Grand Nest Convention

Wendy Knizek, GGOP 2018-2019

I would like to take this opportunity to first thank PMLG Mike Sully and PMLG Bryan Fitzpatrick

of the British Columbia Pond for nominating me to represent our Pond at Grand Nest. Both

members are integral backbones of our Pond and their confidence in their nomination for me gave me

the courage to move forward and accept this honoured position to represent B.C. and Canada.

I would also like to thank PMLGG Lorena Kohlruss and PLMGG Mark Robertson for their guidance over

the past couple of months leading up to this time. Your support means a lot.

Mostly, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize PMLG Angela Shears. Angie first introduced

me to Blue Goose. I was at a crux in my career, and reached out to Angie, who is one of my competitors

for some advice (I’m sure she will tell you a different story!). She convinced me to join the Blue Goose.

I knew nothing about Blue Goose, even though I had been in the industry for over 10 years, and had

never attended a meeting or event related to Blue Goose. She said I would meet lots of people, which

would either help me grow my own business or give me the opportunity to find other avenues. The first

meeting I attended Angie had initiated me into the Order, which was less than 2 weeks after my daughter

was born. I haven’t looked back since. Clearly, she has the ability to get things done!

Three years later, Angie convinced me to join her at a convention in Baltimore, albeit with the caveat

that we would be going to the Big Apple for a 3-day adventure prior. When we arrived in Baltimore after

a 3-and-a-half-hour bus ride from New York, we were met in the hotel lobby by PMLGG Bill Olson, at

that moment, I knew we were in for a good time!

That whirlwind three days included the Saskatchewan boys hanging their provincial flag from the hotel

room window, the hotel being evacuated from a fire alarm in the midst of getting ready for the Grand

Gala, meeting Officer Trice in the hopes that PMLGG Guy Charon would not get arrested, and shopping

for and wearing matching dresses to the final party with some new friends. Great memories and lots of

laughs…. I was hooked!

Since then, I have attended the St. Louis and Savannah conventions, which has allowed me to meet

amazing people throughout the United States and Canada who have also become great friends. This

fellowship has allowed me to appreciate all aspects of the insurance world and gain insight to the various

regional differences in the industry, which there are many. There is always something new and different

happening, the world of insurance is never boring!

Those conventions also helped me realize the amazing charity work which is being done by all the

Ponds across the United States and Canada. When I first joined, the BC Pond had only one charity

driven event, which was the annual Salvation Army Christmas toy drive lunch, still a well attended event

today, however we have now added our February Month of Caring and for each meeting we try to do a

little something to give back. I also think this is a reason many of our new members join, and we look

to continue to grow this aspect of our Pond.

I am nervous and excited for the opportunity to be on the Grand Nest Executive and am looking forward

to continuing to be part of a growing and thriving organization. I believe in teamwork, and for me, this

35

not only includes the Grand Nest Executive, but all members of the organization. I often look to our life

members for support and advice, as I myself am a relatively new member, joining in 2012. I enjoy the

positivity that people in this organization posses and especially in light of the sometimes-daunting

insurance world.

Looking through our archives, B.C. Pond has hosted two previous conventions in 1937 and 1968, so

we are long overdue to host another one on behalf of the Canadian Region, which I look forward to and

I hope that everyone will be able to attend in 2022!

Tote faire!

BIOGRAPHY

I was born in Calgary, Alberta in 1975, and moved to North Vancouver, British Columbia in 1980. I now

reside in Port Moody, B.C. with my husband and three kids.

I graduated from Simon Fraser University in 2002 with a bachelor’s degree in Geography with a focus

on Urban Planning. I finalized my Chartered Insurance Professional designation in 2017.

My insurance career started in 2000, when my friend needed office support for his independent

adjusting business, Can West Claims Inc. I continued working here in the support role and after

graduating University I began training and taking courses to assist further in claims handling and

eventually became a licensed independent adjuster in 2004. When I started, Can West Claims was

one office with two adjusters. I am now a partner in the firm, and which has 3 offices and 6 ½ adjusters.

I joined Blue Goose in 2012 and was elected to the Guardian of the Pond position in 2014, I moved to

the Keeper of Golden Goose Egg role in 2015, when that officer retired, and to the Most Loyal Gander

position in 2017. I have also assisted with the Membership and Retention Committee, under current

MLGG Kim Bilbrey and PMLGG Linda Meik, in 2017.

I have had the privilege of attending 3 conventions to date: Baltimore, St. Louis and Savannah. I enjoy

the opportunity to be able to travel to and explore destinations which I never expected to, and to share

it with my Blue Goose family is a bonus!

I am married to Kyle Werier and a mom to three children, Vance (11), Levi (9) and Annika (6), whom I

help with homework, school projects and shuttle to various activities, such as soccer, curling, rugby,

field hockey, gymnastics and basketball in my spare time! You can also spot me volunteering at the

kid’s schools on various occasions. During the summer months, we enjoy spending time at my family

cabin on the Sunshine Coast in B.C.

I look forward to, and am humbled by, the opportunity of being part of the Grand Nest Executive.

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Newly Elected Grand Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg Acceptance Speech

112th Grand Nest Convention

Linda Meik, GKGGE 2018-2019

Greetings,

I am extremely honored to be appointed as the Grand Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg.

I started my tenure, or should I say my learning opportunity, as the GKGGE role at the

Calgary Convention in 2012, what an honor then and what an honor here today.

I am proud to serve along with these outstanding passionate Grand Nest Officers, and

together we will all strive to bring further strength to our precepts of Character, Charity and

Fellowship!

We are now embarking on year three of the Grand Keeper being an appointed position.

There has been much to consider in how to structure this position and how this position can

not only be helpful to the Grand Nest Operations but the local Ponds and Puddles. Our goal

has always been to develop and put an in-depth Pond Financial Guide in place for the Ponds

and Puddles.

We all must work towards a sound fiduciary responsibility to not only our own Chapters but

the entire organization. We each need to understand what we do in our Ponds/Puddles can

have an impact on the entire organization.

To create this soundness for the Honorable Order of Blue Goose, we all must help in this

development of a sound guide. So, with that said, I look to reach out to several of you, who

are a lot smarter and wiser than me for assistance. If we each set a side a small set of time,

we will add another very solid support pillar to our organization.

As the Grand Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg, should anyone need help/guidance in the

areas of using the Blue Goose database or how to timely collect dues, please reach out to

me…. I am your helping hand.

Looking forward to the tomorrows!

Tote Fair,

Linda Meik, PMLGG

Grand Keeper of the Golden Goose Egg

Honorable Order of Blue Goose International

37

Report of the Judge Advocate

Honorable Order of Blue Goose International

Annual Convention and Meeting

July 11-13, 2018

Edmonton, Alberta

Most Loyal Grand Gander, Grand Nest Officers and Ganders

As my second year as Judge Advocate, I am pleased to report to you as Judge Advocate at the 112th Annual Meeting of the Honorable Order of Blue Goose International, that under the guidance, leadership of our Most Loyal Grand Gander, Mark Robertson, Grand Nest was able and has continued to focus on the betterment and future of this Order. MLGG Robertson has worked closely with the Grand Nest Officers to emphasize the important issues facing our Order and in particular the fiscal responsibilities of the Order. For example, this year was the first year the Grand Nest Officers conducted meetings including their mid meeting through video conferencing to help decrease overall expenses to Grand Nest. While Grand Nest has been very active over the year 2017-2018, I am happy to report that there have been no issues referred to the Committee on Jurisprudence and Constitution and Bylaws. However, although there have been no issues referred, there have been numerous communications to myself, as Judge advocate, to provide guidance on questions regarding membership, pond vitality and growth, pond officer roles and responsibilities, and pond operations. This demonstrates genuine efforts from our members of their ongoing involvement, commitment and belief in future and vitality of this Order. As always, Grand Nest continues to explore ways for the continued vitality of our Order by expanding our reach within the insurance community and strengthening our leadership, while continuing to educate and strengthen the existing Ponds and Puddles. 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. As I reminded everyone last year, 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

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A W A R D P R E S E N T A T I O N 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 MICHIGAN POND COMMUNICATION AWARD: This is awarded to a pond which has an outstanding communication strategy. The winner of this year’s award is the TEXAS AND EDMONTON 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 – DICK CHENARD, CANADIAN REGION – JACQUE CUIERRIER, EASTERN REGION – LISA KANE, SOUTHERN REGION – MARY KAY MARCHETTI COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Awarded to the Pond that volunteers in their services to a local charity. This year’s award goes to BRITISH COLUMBIA 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. SASKATCHEWAN 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. HARTFORD POND REGIONAL GROWTH AWARD: The best Region determined by using 5 membership award criteria is the EASTERN REGION East NATIONAL CAPITAL** ….. 29 - Most New & Reinstated

NATIONAL CAPITAL * ….. 19.33% - Best % Increase South TEXAS ….. 20 - Most New & Reinstated

ALABAMA ….. 38.46% - Best % Increase Central CINCINNATI ….. 28 - Most New & Reinstated CINCINNATI ….. 46.67 % - Best % Increase Canada QUEBEC ….. 37 – Most New & Reinstated

BRITISH COLUMBIA ….. 24.78% - Best % Increase

* 3RD Year in a row ** 4TH Year in a row

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COMMITTEES 2018-2019

CONSTITUTION AND BYLAWS JURISPRUDENCE Grand Nest Advisor: Lorena Kohlruss Daren Boggs 9326 Olive Blvd., Ste. 200 St. Louis, MO 63132 314-726-2310 – Work 314-352-4927 – Home tboggs@balblawyers.com Jim Hailey, III 400 Poydras Street, Suite 2000 New Orleans, LA 70130 Phone: 504.272.2779 James.Hailey@lewisbrisbois.com COMMUNICATION GN Advisor: Dan Rich Kevin Brady, Chair 19 Fenwick Street, 3rd Floor Hartford, CT 06114 860-8416-7848 – Work 860-416-7848 – Home kevin.brady@allstate.com Garrett Maloney 12940 Walnut Rd. Elm Grove, WI 53122 414-791-7628 – Cell Tommies20@yahoo.com Mary Kay Marchetti 15237 Whispering Wind Circle Montpelier, VA 23192 804-237-7334 – Work 804-883-7004 – Home mkmarchetti@gmail.com MARKETING GN Advisor: Dan Rich John Mastroianni, Hartford Pond, Chair Sals Clothing Restoration 355 Sackett Point Road, Unit 2 North Haven, CT 06473 860-601-5620 – Cell john@salsclothingrestoration.com Fred Fernandez, Michigan 23875 Drake Road Farmington, MI 48335 877-207-7775 – Work 248-478-7386 – Home 313-215-3371 – Cell Fred.fernandez@crdn.com

Lindsay Schroeder, Edmonton 231, 301 Clareview Station Drive Edmonton, AB T5Y 0J4 780-977-8326 – Cell lschroeder@portagemutual.com Natasha Schofield, Manitoba 2-315 Wardlaw Ave Winnipeg, MB R3L 0L5 204-942-2608 – Work 204-333-9869 – Home nschofield@cl-na.com Julie Davis, Dayton/West Virginia 8589 Ponderosa Ridge Ashland, KY 41102 jdavis@mammothohio.com CONVENTION AND BUDGET OVERSIGHT COMMITTEE Grand Nest Advisor: Linda Meik Bill Olson, PMLGG Westminster American Insurance Company 8890 McDonogh Road, Suite 310 Owings Mill, Maryland 21117 443-291-4049 – Work 443- 562-7250 – Cell bolson@westminsteramerican.com Randy Wilson, PMLGG RGL Forensics 1422 Eldridge Payne Road, Ste 240 Chesterfield, MO 63017 Res: 636-397-1655 Off: 636-812-0292 Cell: 314-496-3437 rwilson@us.rgl.com Mark Robertson, Challenge Insurance Group Inc. 10466 Mayfield Road Edmonton, Alberta T5P 4P4 780-435-4274 – Home 780-447-7992 – Work 780-918-4829 – Cell mark@challengeinsurance.ca MEMBERSHIP GN Advisor: Michael Smith Patrick Dasilva 5112 Ingleburn Lane Huntersville, NC 28078 980-395-5882 – Work 980-395-5882 – Home dasilvap@yahoo.com

Cristine Kern ERS of Hartford/Springfield 91 Prestige Park Circle, Ste. 6 East Hartford, CT 06108 860-952-2052 – Work 860-295-8284 – Home cristine.kern@ers-us.com Louis Pearson 24 Ave. Jacquard Candiac, QC J5R 1A8 514 799-7400 – Phone formationlp@icloud.com Steve Carson II Vision Restoration 5400 S. Beech Daly Road Dearborn Heights, MI 48125 888-799-1730 – Work 313-304-5665 – Cell scarson2@vision-restoration.com John Fregger Trident Engineering 2010 Industrial Drive Annapolis, MD 21401 410-224-3550 – Work 410-533-0887 – Home jfregger@tridentengineering.com Ron Farber 26 Queen Ann Drive Hazelwood, MO 63042 314-691-7105 – Cell 314-839-0575 – Home golforever4@yahoo.com Greg Williams 1308 Anglewood Drive Birmingham, AL 35216 205-542-5635 – Work 205-978-9482 – Home lgwill98@yahoo.com Laura Warwick 1805 Burnham Road Cobble Hill, BC V0R 1L6 250-746-4412 – Work 250-888-5216 – Home lwarwick@coastclaims.com

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CHARITY Grand Nest Advisor: Wendy Knizek Steve Carson II Vision Restoration 5400 S. Beech Daly Road Dearborn Heights, MI 48125 888-799-1730 – Work 313-304-5665 – Cell scarson2@vision-restoration.com Connie Haddad 41318 Schoolcraft Road Plymouth, MI 48170 877-340-1010 – Work 734-787-5922 – Cell connie@myclassiccleaners.com Russ Wendt 6106 Glengarry Drive Caledonia, MI 49316 616-893-3445 – Work 616-536-2235 – Home rwendt@modernistic.com Sharon Young 3600 Doering Drive Jackson, MI 49201 517-769-6193 – Home 517-740-9391 – Cell sharonyoung61651@gmail.com Joe Lothschutz Walworth and Nayh PC 3033 Orchard Vista Drive SE Suite 306 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-575-1122 – Work 616-677-3061 – Home jlothschutz@walnay.com Dick Chenard 1135 Paradise Lake SE Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-676-1960 – Home 616-690-3039 – Cell biggoose@earthlink.net

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 terry@bluegoose.org Garrett Maloney 12940 Walnut Rd. Elm Grove, WI 53122 414-791-7628 – Cell Tommies20@yahoo.com Dan Rich 25 Minister Brook Drive Simsbury, CT 06070 860-651-5450 – Home 860-841-7833 – Cell dsr23@comcast.net Linda Meik 4032 Knighterrant Drive Roanoke, TX 76262 682-715-5341 – Cell Lindameik9@gmail.com

FINANCIAL GUIDE Grand Nest Advisor: Linda Meik Joe Lothschutz, Central Region Walworth and Nayh PC 3033 Orchard Vista Drive SE Suite 306 Grand Rapids, MI 49546 616-575-1122 – Work 616-677-3061 – Home jlothschutz@walnay.com Derek Royster RGL Forensics 6100 Fairview Road, Suite 1100 Charlotte, NC 28210 704-227-0777 – Phone droyster@rgl.com Keith Strohecker 15731 Moss Fire Court Moseley, VA 23120 804-639-6645 – Home 804-608-8080 – Work kstrohecker@usfg.net Randy Wilson Nixon and Company Inc. PO Box 220999 St. Louis, MO 63122 636-447-7851 – Home 636-537-5589 – Work 314-496-3437 – Cell randyw@parioforensic.com

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HONORABLE ORDER OF THE BLUE GOOSE OPERATING STATEMENT

17-18 17-18 18-19

INCOME ACTUAL BUDGET BUDGET 501 DUES - CURRENT YEAR 63,535 74,925 7,1000 502 CANADIAN RELIEF 0 (6,622) (3,895) 503 DUES - PRIOR YEAR (1,253) 117 175 511 SALES - EMBLEMS 2,458 2,000 2,500 531 INTEREST - MONEY MARKET 24 100 50 541 GN DONATIONS ______250 0 0 TOTAL INCOME 65,014 70,520 69,830 OPERATING EXPENSES 601 GRAND NEST OFFICE 22,332 22,332 22,332 605 TELEPHONE 633 950 700 607 POSTAGE 108 200 200 611 OFFICE SUPPLIES 1,129 600 600 613 I.T. SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE 298 3,500 3,000 615 DATA SUPPORT 645 1,200 1,100 617 DUES & SUBSCRIPTIONS 0 250 250 619 ACCOUNTING 3,360 3,350 3,360 629 GNO - PRINTING, ETC. _0 100 0

TOTAL OPERATING EXPENSES 28,505 32,482 31,542 MEMBERSHIP EXPENSES 609 INSURANCE & BONDING 15,760 9,500 9,513 620 Professional Fees 5,147 0 0 621 GNO - POND VISITATION 0 1,873 1,565 623 GNO - CONVENTION 6,381 7,100 13,311 625 GNO - EXECUTIVE COMM TRAVEL 403 1,600 1,565 627 GNO - EMBLEMS 0 650 650 631 CHARITABLE CONTRIBUTIONS 575 1,873 1,565 633 SPECIAL OLYMPICS 0 500 500 637 MEMORIALS 126 100 100 638 MARKETING 55 5,619 3,131 641 DELEGATE EXPENSE 15,531 13,000 16,612 645 POND EMBLEMS 2,816 500 500 647 HOST POND FUND 3,452 3,700 3,131 TOTAL MEMBERSHIP EXPENSES 50,246 46,015 52,143 TOTAL EXPENSES 78,751 78,497 83,685 SURPLUS OR (DEFICIT) (13,737) (7,977) (13,855) CURRENT ASSETS CURRENT LIABILITIES/FUND BALANCES 104 CASH IN CHECKING 35,117.39 410 BENEVOLENT GRANT RESERVE 50,000.00 106 CONVENTION CONTINGENCY FUND 8,133.22 430 EMERGENCY CONV. FUND RESERVE 4,065.35 108 CASH IN MONEY MARKET 22,585.57 440 INTEREST RECEIVED 8.47 110 CASH IN CERT OF DEPOSIT 25,000.00 450 HOA POND RETIRED FUND 22,566.10 124 ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLE EMBLEMS/PINS 0.00 EMERGENCY CONVENTION FUND BALANCE 26,639.91 129 INVENTORY EMBLEMS 10,323.00 460 ARCHIVE RESERVE FUND 4,781.79 TOTAL ASSETS 101,159.18 ARCHIVE FUND BALANCE 4,781.79 490 OPERATING RESERVE 34,866.55 CURRENT YEAR SURPLUSS (15,129.07) TOTAL LIABLILITIES & FUND BALANCE 101,159.18

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CENTRAL REGION D.M.L.G.G. Janice Folzenlogen, 6223 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH 45213 Work: 513-731-7950, Home: 513-774-7866, Cell: 513-623-1525, janice@a-onecleaners.com D.M.L.G.G. Fred Fernandez, 23875 Drake Rd. Farmington, MI 48335 Work: 877-207-7775, Home: 248-478-7386, Cell: 313-215-3371, fred.fernandez@crdn.com D.M.L.G.G. Joe Lothschutz, 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, jlothschutz@walnay.com D.M.L.G.G. Ken Miller, 4920 Mountain Lane, Salt Lake City, UT 84124

Home: 801 244-2344, millerkenc1@comcast.net 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, psemke@semke.com D.M.L.G.G. Ken Zetocha, Border Area Adjustment, 623 Main Ave. E #201, West Fargo, ND 58078 Work: 701-282-8053, Home: 701-282-7525, kjzetocha@borderareaadj.com Pond and Year Chartered Most Loyal Gander Wielder of the Goose Quill Cincinnati Janice Folzenlogen Wende Goetz July 22, 2016 841 Miami Ridge Drive 100 South Lake Drive 60 Ganders Loveland, OH 45140 Centerville, OH 45459 513-623-1525 – Cell 937-509-6329 – Phone 513-774-7866 – Home wcpg72@att.net janice@a-onecleaners.com 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 – Cell 303-842-4419 – Phone cyngar@juno.com

Columbus (Ohio) Jane Rogaliner Stacey Vogel July 22, 2007 7174 Normanton Drive 9212 Sloane Ct. 78 Ganders New Albany, OH 43054 Powell, OH 43065 614-558-1587 – Work 614-793-9237 – Work 614-933-9457 – Home 614-789-5884 – Home jane@janerogalinermarketing.com stacey.vogel@erieinsurance.com Dayton Kim Bilbrey Laura Kraus July 23, 2010 145 Cousins Drive 3333 S. Tipp Cowlesville Road 73 Ganders Carlisle, OH 45005 Tipp City, OH 45371 937-901-7557 – Phone 937-344-7125 – Work

kim@bilbreymarketing.com krausl@grangeinsurance.com Michigan Steve Carson II Richard P. Chenard November, 1906 Vision Restoration 1135 Paradise Lake Drive SE 236 Ganders 5400 S Beech Daly Road Grand Rapids, MI 49546-3862

Dearborn Heights, MI 48125 616-690-3039 – Work 888-799-1730 – Work 616-676-1960 – Home 313-304-5665 – Cell biggoose@earthlink.net

scarson2@vision-restoration.com Mid-Missouri Jim Howard July, 2014 302 Campusview Drive, Ste. 204 48 Ganders Columbia, MO 65201 573-442-0131 – Work 314-922-0729 – Cell jhoward@rewhlaw.net

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Northeast Ohio LaShawn Hill Dan Caldwell July 22, 2016 Servpro of the North Coast 855 Tod Ave 34 Ganders 6856 Lake Ave Youngstown, OH 44502 Elyria, Ohio 44035 330-301-2554 – Phone 216-221-3333 – Work dcaldwell@rudick-forensic.com 216-221-3333 – Cell Lhill@servpronorthcoast.com Peace Garden Kathy Vorwerk Ruth Cleland June 16, 1955 5325 Farmstead Ct. PO Box 757 41 Ganders Fargo, ND 58104 West Fargo, ND 58078 701-298-4229 – Work 701-282-8053 – Work 701-793-2172 – Home 701-277-0383 – Home kvorwerk@nodakins.com rcleland@borderareadj.com St. Louis Damon Sagehorn Ronald Farber October 4, 1916 10000 Watson Road, Ste. L32 26 Queen Ann Drive 117 Ganders St. Louis, MO 63126 Hazelwood, MO 63042

314-822-6565 – Work 314-909-3129 – Cell 314-984-8275 – Home 314-839-0575 – Home cajuin@swbell.net golforever4@yahoo.com

Utah Kyle Ricketts John Paris July 26, 1914 20855 River Front Parkway 10345 Michaun Ct. 42 Ganders South Jordan, UT 84095 South Jordan, UT 84095

801-633-5133 – Work 801-386-2832 – Work 801-562-5226 – Home parisinsurance@msn.com kyle_ricketts@rpsins.com Wisconsin Home Nest Lynn Rabeor Timothy T. Seider June 19, 1906 W223 N798 Saratoga Drive, Ste. C 3328 Turnberry Oak Drive 95 Ganders Waukesha, WI 53186 Waukesha, WI 53188

262-522-1918 – Work 414-270-6826 – Work 262-206-1678 – Home timseider@wi.rr.com

lynnr@giertsenco.com

SOUTHERN REGION D.M.L.G.G. Tom Elder, Kentucky/ the Puddle of Lexington/Tennessee/any Puddles linked to TN Phone: 502-931-6431, elder@twc.com D.M.L.G.G. Daphney Elliott, Texas/Oklahoma/ Louisiana/Florida/Georgia/ Virginia/the two Puddles of VA Phone: 972-342-8728, daphney.elliott@gmail.com D.M.L.G.G. Paula Pietroski North Carolina/ South Carolina/Alabama, 15316 Blueridge View Drive, Centreville, VA 20120 Phone: 703-307-3869, paulapietroski@yahoo.com Pond and Year Chartered Most Loyal Gander Wielder of the Goose Quill Alabama Jeff Turnipseed Dolores Garrett December, 1908 2227 Ascot Lane PO Box 321215 18 Ganders Birmingham, AL 35216 Birmingham, AL 35232

850-512-9275 – Cell 800-292-3828 – Work jeffturnipseed@gmail.com 205-901-8995 – Cell doloresaf@apaia.com

Arizona Gerry Silver Gerry Silver November 28, 1931 5132 N. 31st Way, Unit 128 5 132 N. 31st Way, Unit 128 13 Ganders Phoenix, AZ 85016 Phoenix, AZ 85016 602-463-1095– Phone 602-463-1095–Phone gsilver8@gmail.com gsilver8@gmail.com

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Florida Lynnette Selfslaghs Marina Huff April, 1908 3650 Morgans Buff Ct. 1808 Sawhorse Court 44 Ganders Land O’Lakes, FL 34639 Lutz, FL 33559 813-629-7600 – Work 727-303-1204 – Phone 813-919-7600 – Home mhuff@cagclaims.com lselfslaghs@urinow.com Kentucky Shannon Seebert Tom Elder May, 1907 109 Forest Place Court 2010 Montfort Circle 44 Ganders Louisville, KY 40245 Crestwood, KY 40014 502-939-2949 – Home 502-493-2777 – Work sseebert13@gmail.com 502-931-6431 – Home elder@twc.com

Louisiana Scott James Hymel Nanette Giraud December, 1907 20 Elaine Ave 20 Elaine Ave, 53 Ganders Harahan, LA 70123 Harahan, LA 70123 504-554-1402 – Work 504-738-1080 – Work 504-738-9202 – Home 504-650-4005 – Cell shymel1@tvlane.edu rlgiraud@cox.net North Carolina Roger McCreary Damien Monaghan May, 1907 3806 Browns Ferry Road 4300 Barringer Drive 36 Ganders Charlotte, NC 28269 Charlotte, NC 28217 704-901-8658 – Work 704-746-1255 – Work 704-232-1378 – Cell 336-491-7407 – Home roger.mccreary@usi.com dmonaghan@goblusky.com Tennessee Jenny Sterrett Kathy Johnson August, 1915 3140 Hidden Creek Drive. 2630 Elm Hill Pike, Ste 130 35 Ganders Cane Ridge, TN 3701 Nashville, TN 37214 615-872-3754 – Work 615-883-4115 – Work

615-516-7274 – Home 615-495-3974 – Home jenny.sterrett@willistowerswatson.com kljohnson@rimkus.com Texas Roger Foltz Linda Meik January 31, 1907 5024 Milam 4032 Knighterrant Drive 114 Ganders Dallas, TX 75206 Roanoke, TX 76262

972-664-7106 – Work 682-715-5341 – Cell 214-914-3733 – Cell lindameik9@gmail.com rbfoltz@aol.com

Virginia James Porter Mary Kay Marchetti May, 1907 1001 Judson Road 15237 Whispering Wind Circle 68 Ganders Richmond, VA 23225 Montpelier, VA 23192 804-320-6000 x13310 – Work 804-237-7334 – Work 804-276-7656 – Home 804-883-7004 – Home jporter@cscofa.com mkmarchetti@gmail.com

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, jacques@cuierrier.com D.M.L.G.G. Lynne Fawcett, AXA Pacific Insurance, 1200, 321 6 Ave. SW, Calgary, Alberta T2P 4W7 Work: 403-269-9900, lynnfawcett@shaw.ca D.M.L.G.G. Dustin Bales, 70 Keats Way, Winnipeg, Manitoba R3K 0S3 Work: 204-985-3804, Home: 204-612-1712, dustinbales@wawanesa.com D.M.L.G.G. Brennan Mills, 882 57th Street East, Saskatoon, SK S7K5Z1 Phone: 306-270-5184, b.mills@fireandflood.ca D.M.L.G.G. Andrew Happer, CEP-Sintra, 101, 9932-81 Avenue NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 1W6 Work: 780-801-0715, Home: 780-988-1184, Cell: 780-420-1556, ahapper@cep-sintra.ca

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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 annmarie@grazianoinvestigations.com 403-230-2344 – Phone mpeck@sintraeng.com British Columbia Wendy Knizek Angela Shears March 3, 1917 306-4180 Lougheed Highway 421-1489 Marine Drive 86 Ganders Burnaby, BC V5C 6A7 West Vancouver, BC V7T 1B8 604-299-3900 – Work 604-926-5920 – Work 604-377-2220 – Home 604-817-4544 – Home wendy@canwestclaims.bc.ca angela@cornerstoneadjusters.com Edmonton Halie Wispinski Jennifer Marsh July 1, 1953 1272 Latta Crescent 700,10830 Jasper Ave 100 Ganders Sherwood Park, AB T6E 6A8 Edmonton, AB T5J 2B3 780-643-5451 – Work 780-428-7544 – Work 780-934-3737 – Home 780-719-8481 – Home hwispinski@wawanesa.com jennifer.marsh@intact.net Manitoba Kimberley Bales 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 204-949-2600 – Work 204-782-5094 – Home 204-668-6670 – Home

kim.bales@scm.ca kphillips200@shaw.ca 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 rpurdy@pattersonlaw.ca nstravelers@hotmail.com Ontario Ailie Bikaunieks Laurel DiMaso June, 1908 6-577 Burnhamthorppe Road First General Services GTO 117 Ganders Toronto, ON M9C 2Y3 219 Westcreek Drive

416.233.8280 – Home Vaughan, ON L4L 9T7 allie@rogers.com 416-938-4874– Phone Lauarel.DiMaso@fgss.ca Quebec Louis Pearson Sylvie St-Amour May, 1914 24 Avenue Jacquard 990 Osborne 212 Ganders Candiac QB J5R 1A8 Verdun, QC H4H 1X5 514-543-9113 - Home sylviepatate@hotmail.com Regina Carey Wagner Cas Pielak September 1, 1958 6211 Hird Cres 103 Glencairn Road 67 Ganders Regina, SK S4X 4G1 Regina, SK S4N 1N2

306-719-4502 – Work 306-536-5340 – Work 306-543-4352 – Home 306-761-0276 – Home careywagner@sasktel.net cpielak@sasktel.net

Saskatchewan Jamie Birns Brennan Mills July 1, 1954 #3-2217 Hanselman Court 882 57th Street E 140 Ganders Saskatoon SK S7L 6A8 Saskatoon, SK S7K 5Z1

306-361-0020 – Phone 306-270-5184 – Phone jamie@midwestclaims.ca b.mills@fireandflood.ca

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EASTERN REGION

DMLGG Susanne Hubbard, Bay State Pond and Ocean State Puddle, 45 Church Street, Auburn, MA 01501 Phone: 508-797-2455, susannemhubbard@gmail.com DMLGG Pat Bergin, National Capital, Penn, 10 Gorsuch Road,Lutherville, Md 21093

Phone: 410-925-4580, pbergin@vericlaim.com

DMLGG Wendy Hubbard, Hartford and Westchester Ponds, 68 Highland Ave. Northfield, MA 01360 Phone: 413-774-3781 Ext.302, wendy.hubbard@ptclwg.com DMLGG Michael Nardulli, New York City, Independent Adjustment Company, 22 West Main Street, Ste. 14 Patchogue, NY 11772

Phone: 516-294-7200 Ext. 12, MICHAEL.NARDULLI@MCLARENS.COM Pond and Year Chartered Most Loyal Gander Wielder of the Goose Quil 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

julio@servproofweymouth.com jmb@nfcexperts.com Hartford Ellen (Cristine) Kern Edward A. Callo III July 1, 1954 ERS of Hartford Springfield 755 Main Street 137 Ganders 91 Prestige Park Circle, Ste 6 Monroe, CT 06468

East Hartford, CT 06108 203-261-0056 – Work 860-952-2052 – Work 203-926-1719 – Home

860-295-8284 – Home recon6060@aol.com cristine.kern@ers-us.com National Capital Jon Fregger Gene Newman May 17, 1948 Trident Engineering 8642 Spruce Run Court 132 Ganders Annapolis, MD 21401 Ellicott City, MD 21043 101 Ganders 410-224-3550 – Work 443-851-9596 – Work

jfregger@tridentengineering.com newmang@verizon.net New York City Deborah Holmes Michael Nardulli November, 1907 3951 Demont Road 22 West Main Street, Ste. 14 121 Ganders Seaford,NY 11783 Patchogue, NY 11772

516.242.5095 – Work 631-289-0200 EXT. 12 – Work 516.804.8370 – Home Michael.nardulli@mclarens.com

deborah@capitol-ny.com 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 aclark@mark1restoration.net frankm@curleyadjustment.com Westchester Lisa Kane Lisa Kane August, 1983 1158 Salt Point Tpke. 1158 Salt Point Tpke. 27 Ganders Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 Pleasant Valley, NY 12569 845-242-2060 – Work 845-242-2060 – Work 845-635-1812 – Home 845-635-1812 – Home kanemotors@aol.com kanemotors@aol.com

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PAST MOST LOYAL GRAND GANDERS *1906 – Walter E. Atwater, Wisconsin Home Nest *1907 – Arthur F. Hegben, Wisconsin Home Nest *1908 – Geo. C. Main, Minnesota *1909 – Geo. C. Main, Minnesota *1910 – Chas. H. Pescay, Louisiana *1911 – Thomas H. Williams, California *1912 – Wm. T. Benallack, Michigan *1913 – Ed. E. Wells, Colorado *1914 – Frank G. Snyder, Kentucky *1915 – Fred W. Ransom, Ohio *1916 – J. Ross Stewart, Ontario *1917 – E.G. Carlisle, Illinois *1918 – G.M. Wise, Missouri, Kansas *1919 – W.J. Sonnen, Illinois *1920 – John A. Hanson, Minnesota *1921 – E.D. Marr, Heart of America *1922 – M.M. Hauxhurst, Michigan *1923 – W.P. Fess, Manitoba *1924 – John F. Stafford, Illinois *1925 – W.E. Mallalieu, New York City *1926 – H. Vem Myers, Iowa *1927 – Wirt Leake, Texas *1928 – T.L. Geragthy, Quebec *1929 – J. Charles Harris, California *1930 – D.L. McCoy, Dakota *1931 – Henry L. Rose, Chesapeake *1932 – Wm. F.C. Fellers, Florida *1933 – D.A. McKinley, Washington *1934 – L. H. Bridges, Nebraska *1935 – Samuel A. Mehorter, New York City *1936 – T. Ray Phillips, Oklahoma *1937 – H.B. Leuty, British Columbia *1938 – J. Clark Buchanan, California *1939 – Ralph W. Hukill, Ohio *1940 – General J.R. Knowlan, Penn *1941 – Ben S. McKeel, Carolinas *1942 – Clifford J. Malcolm, Ontario *1943 – H.A. Reynolds, Colorado *1944 – H.A. Reynolds, Colorado *1945 – Thomas G. Linnell, Minnesota *1946 – P.M. Winchester, New York City *1947 – G.E. Edmondson, Florida *1948 – E.J. Beauvais, Quebec *1949 – E.W. Trenbath, Seattle *1950 – J. Ray Hull, Indiana *1951 – Paul M. Fell, Penn *1952 – Charles L. Beale, Texas *1953 – S.L. Sterling, Manitoba *1954 – John Henry Martin, California *1955 – A.B. Young, Heart of America *1956 – R.L. Wiseman, National Capital *1957 – Jules Simoneaux, Louisiana *1958 – R.L. Fenerty, Alberta *1959 – Mark A. Wells, California *1960 – E.C. “Gene” Saulcy, Michigan *1961 – Robert F. Stumpf, New York City *1962 – W.G. Stephens, Jr., Georgia *1963 – Frank G. Chandler, Ontario *1964 – Lester L. Large, Oregon *1965 – Earl S. Hannan, St. Louis *1966 – K.S. Carmody, Chesapeake *1967 – Geo. H. Brussel, Florida *1968 – Harry Cutler, British Columbia *1969 – Frank Hunter, Arizona *1970 – Howard Dobbs, Ohio *1971 – Joseph W. Knowlan, Penn *1972 – Browne B. Bolton, Kentucky *1973 – A.J. MacDonald, Quebec *1974 – Roland G. Lett, Utah *1975 – Ivar H. Awes, Minnesota *1976 – Gordon Crowther, Hartford *1977 – Stanley Spore, Texas

1978 – G. E. Morgan Sun Tower 1550 Bedford Hwy, Ste 711 Bedford, NS Canada B4A 1E6 Off. 902-429-4560 Res: 902-479-2076 edmorgan@ns.sympatico.ca *1979 – Charles Palmerton, Seattle *1980 – Alfred Kregel, Jr., Long Island *1981 – Douglass G. Snyder, WHN *1982 – King Luck, Alabama *1983 – Dennis N. Ellergodt, Alberta *1984 – Robert J. Rice, Colorado *1985 – David E. White, National Capital *1986 – Lyle C. Johnson, Nebraska *1987 – Phillip (Jerry) Simpson, Florida 1988 – Gordon C. Crutcher 15 Thornlea Road Thornhill, ON L3T 1X2 Res: 905-731-8389 Gordon@crutcher.ca *1989 – Harry M. Merrifield, California 1990 – Tim Holland P.O. Box 277 Ayer, MA 01432 Off. 508-772-0800 Res. 508-772-5084 1991 – John T. Zeldam 45815 Meadows Circle W. Macomb, MI 48044-3910 Res. 586-247-5677 Fax 586-247-1238 johnzeldam@ameritech.net *1992 – Bruce B. Bolton, Kentucky *1993 – Trevor E. Newitt, Edmonton *1994 – Clifford C. Needham, San Diego 1995 – Christopher J. Reith 1107 Boneset Dr. Crystal Lake, IL 60014 Bus. 815-236-9093 Res. 815-455-2522 creith.rcs@gmail.com 1996 – Larry Lewer 11 Forest Hill Ct. Fairfield Glade, TN 38558 Res: 931-707-8354 llewer11@comcast.net *1997 – George Harwood, Florida 1998 – Marc Thurber 6675, Place Beaubien Montreal, QC H1M 3V9 Off. 450-671-6147 Cell: 514-914-4023 Marc_thurber@swissre.com 1999 – Rex W. Clark 10738 9th Ave. N. W. Seattle, WA 98177 Res. 206-365-8275 pmlggrex@comcast.net *2000 – Barry L. Snyder, National Capital *2001 – Charles L. Cramer, St. Louis *2002 – Marvin P. Wilson, Jr., North Carolina 2003 – John C. Bishop 310-3083 Olivet Street Halifax, NS B3L 4R2, Canada Res: 902-455-6332 unclebish@eastlink.ca *2004 – Dick Philippsen, California *2005– Gerald F. Hale, Hartford 2006- Timothy T. Seider 3328 Turnberry Oak Drive Waukesha, WI 53188 Off: 414-270-6826 Res: 262-278-4499 timseider@wi.rr.com

2007- Keith Strohecker 15731 Moss Fire Court Moseley, VA 23120 Res: 804-639-6645 Office: 804-608-8080 kstrohecker@usfg.net 2008- Jack F. Fitch c/o Hughes Amys LLP 25 Main Street West, Suite 2100 Hamilton, Ontario L8P 1H1 Res: 289-235-9558 Office: 905-577-4050 Ext. 237 JFitch@HughesAmys.com 2009- JoAnn M. Clark 10738 9TH Ave N.W. Seattle, WA 98177 Res: 206-365-8275 pmlgjoann@comcast.net *2010- William Wasekanes, Penn 2011 - Joseph C. Coccia 33950 N. Hampshire Livonia, MI 48154 Res: 734-261-7219 Off: 989-450-4820 genrusjoe@mi.rr.com 2012 - Lorena Kohlruss

Box 976 Ladysmith, BC V9G 1A7 Off: 250-753-2202 lkohlruss@shaw.ca

2013 - Guy Charron 810 Ave De Parc

Laval, Quebec H7E 2T4, Canada Res: 450-661-5101 Cell: 514-779-3635 guy.charron4@gmail.com

2014 - John Paris 10345 Michaun Court South Jordan, UT 84095 Res: 801 253 7696 Off: 801 250 6743 Cell: 801 386 2832 parisinsurance@msn.com 2015 - Bill Olson VeriClaim Inc PO Box 412 New Market, MD 21774 Res: 301-363-8174 Off & Cell: 443-562-7250 wolson@vericlaiminc.com 2016 - Randy Wilson Nixon and Company Inc. PO Box 220999 St. Louis, MO 63122 Res: 636-447-7851 Off: 636-537-5589 Cell: 314-496-3437 randyw@nixonandco.com 2017- Linda Meik 4032 Knighterrant Drive Roanoke, TX 76262 Phone: 682-715-5341 lindameik9@gmail.com 2018- Mark Robertson Challenge Insurance Group Inc. 10466 Mayfield Road Edmonton, Alberta T5P 4P4 Res: 780-435-4274 Off: 780-447-7992 Cell: 780-918-4829 mark@challengeinsurance.ca

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

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2018 Past Grand Nest Officers and Spouses at Edmonton

Standing – Mark Robertson (2018), Linda Meik, (2017), Guy Charron (2013), Joe Coccia (2011), John Bishop (2003), Lorena Kohlruss (2012), John Paris (2014), Randy Wilson (2016),

and Marc Thurber (1998)

Seated – Peggy Robinson (Wife of Mark Robertson 2018), Joanne Charron (Wife of Guy Charron 2013), Courtney Coccia (Wife of Joe Coccia, 2011), Zelma Paris (Wife of John Paris 2014), and Libby Wilson

(Wife of Randy Wilson (2016)

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Grand Nest Officers, past and present, Ganders and guests

RICHARD JAMES (DICK) PHILIPPSON was born April 4, 1933 and took his last flight on September 4, 2017 in Beaumont California, succumbing to liver cancer.

Dick was the chairperson of the 1989 Grand Nest Convention held on the Queen Mary. He was a past president of the San Fernando Valley Adjustors Association, and of his homeowners association. He served as the California ponds MLG in 1991-92 and served as the ponds permanent Wielder/KGGE and editor of the ponds publication

Dick attended high school in Chicago and graduated in 1951 incidentally the year I was born. He attended Golden West College in Huntington Beach, California and graduated from there in 1971.

Dick married his high school sweetheart, Norma, on October 25, 1952, incidentally the year and 6 days after I was born, and left Illinois and moved to California in 1966, no specific event in my life.

Dick and Norma had 4 children-Susan, Joanne, Mary & Phillip, 6 grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren. Dick is predeceased by a daughter and son-in-law.

As far as business was concerned Dick worked for Allstate Ins. Co. until 1966 and then retired from the D. L. Glaze Co. in 2003 as an adjuster, incidentally the same year I was MLGG. We had a lot in common without knowing it.

On a personal note, Dick replaced me as MLGG in 2003 and prior to that spent 5 years with me on Grand Nest. Whatever I asked him to do he did it without reservation and completed every task to the best of his ability. I remember Dick as a kind, humorous fella always with a smile on his face and in my opinion would have made an excellent storefront Santa.

One more coincidence for you, both of our MLGG ships began with traumatic events in our lives. In his address to Grand Nest on his acceptance of the position of MLGG he quipped how he hoped that him and I hadn’t started a trend for incoming Grand Nest Officers. As it turned out we didn’t.

Hail dear friend and farewell!

John C. Bishop, PMLGG Grand Nest Historian