Virginia Pond Dues – Pay Early and Save!

Virginia Pond annual dues will go up to $50 effective 7/1/2018. This is the first dues increase since 2012, when dues were increased at the Grand Nest level.

Ganders who pay dues for the 2018/19 Pond year prior to the 7/1 increase may do so at the old rate of $45. Dues may be paid online via PayPal, or by check made payable to Blue Goose and mailed to: PO Box 74995, Richmond, VA 23236.

A large portion of ganders’ annual dues ($27) is passed through to the Grand Nest for operational expenses and reimbursement of travel for convention delegates. A small portion of dues goes to the Southern Region’s convention fund. The remainder is used for the local chapter’s operational expenses and welfare.

Feel free to contact an Executive Committee officer if there are any questions or about dues.

Comfort Zone Camp

Comfort Zone Camp (CZC) is an organization that helps kids who have experienced the death of an immediate family member or primary care giver through week long camps and other support activities. The Virginia Pond has raised tens of thousands of dollars for CZC through its annual fall Shuckin’ & Jivin’ event. (See photos)

Precepts Put Into Practice at the 2017 Convention

Hats off to the Southern Region for hosting an outstanding convention in Savannah, GA July 11-14.

Without the help of each Southern Region Pond/Puddle we would not have been able to assemble a convention of great Blue Goose memories.

Our convention, while having some great fun, focused on our three precepts of Character, Charity & Fellowship.

The convention was filled with many firsts for Blue Goose. We were the first to have a convention app to highlight our agenda and attendees, along with sponsors. We were the first to have a charity activity start our convention and go through out the convention. We were the first to have a “First Timers” program.

Speaking of first timers….the South had over 24 “First Timers” in attendance. This is awesome and really demonstrated how the Southern Region is coming alive with enthusiasm for this great organization.

Here is an article summarizing Charity at the 111th Grand Nest Convention.

We hope more ganders will join us next year in Edmonton, Canada for the 112th convention.

Linda Meik
Past Most Loyal Grand Gander
Honorable Order of the Blue Goose International

Meet your 2017/18 Grand Nest Officers

The Grand Nest Officers inducted at the 2017 Convention are: (front left to right) Grand Guardian Michael Smith from the Florida Pond; Grand Supervisor Kim Bilbrey from the Dayton Pond; and Grand Custodian Dan Rich from the Hartford Pond; (on screen) Most Loyal Grand Gander Mark Robertson from the Edmonton Pond. Unfortunately, Mark was unable to be at the convention at the last minute and had to Skype in for the business meetings.

Photo by Neil Miller, Edmonton Pond

Registration is open for the Pond’s annual Charity Golf Tournament on June 8

The Virginia Pond will host its 17th Annual Charity Golf Tournament on June 8th. Proceeds will benefit local charities like those listed on the Pond’s charity page. Here are the details:

- DATE: Thursday, June 8, 2017
- TIME: 1pm Shotgun Start
- PLACE: Brookwoods Golf Course in Quinton, VA

Use the below form to register online, or click the following link for a printable version to register by mail. 2017 GOLF_Blue Goose Entry Form

Registrations are due by Monday, June 5. No late registrations will be accepted!

Contact one of the following individuals for more information:

Keith Srohecker, Tournament Chair ([email protected]/804-330-7730)
Mary Kay Marchetti ([email protected])

Tidewater Puddle to host its 7th Annual Blue Goose Masters

On Friday, April 7th, the Tidewater Puddle will host its 7th Annual Blue Goose Master’s golf tournament, this year in partnership with The Institute’s CPCU Society’s Tidewater, Virginia Chapter. Proceeds will benefit Edmarc Hospice for Children.

The event will be held at Sewell’s Point Golf Course in Norfolk, VA. Registration starts at 12pm, followed by a 1pm Shotgun Start. A dinner reception will follow at 6pm. Visit the event website for additional details and registration information: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/blue-goose-masters-golf-tournament-in-partnership-with-cpcu-society-tickets-31933446799

2018 NCAA

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT POOL

Fund Raiser Supporting the Virginia Pond

$10 per Square

Payouts will be as follows:

Reach the Sweet 16 $ 5

Reach the Elite 8 $ 10

Reach the Final Four $ 15

Reach the Semi Finals $ 20

Win National Championship $ 50

Total Payout = $310

Payouts by Team Accumulates until Team Loses (Except National Championship)

Reach the Sweet 16 $ 5

Reach the Elite 8 $ 15

Reach the Final Four $ 30

Reach the Semi Finals $ 50

Win National Championship $ 100

All participants will receive email of bracket and notification of winners.

Game Coordinator

Keith Strohecker 804-334-2045 US Financial Group, LLC 7400 Beaufont Springs Drive Suite 420 North Chesterfield, VA 23225 [email protected]

**BIG DAWGS**

*Toe Tappers*

Keith Strohecker 804-334-2045
US Financial Group, LLC 7400
Beaufont Springs Drive Suite 420
North Chesterfield, VA 23225
[email protected]

BIG DAWGS

Toe Tappers