Turtles from coast to coast (and beyond!) stuck their necks out Tuesday night for a lively virtual gathering. We had about a dozen Turtles on shell from Alaska, Massachusetts, New Jersey, North Carolina, Arizona, and Canada—proof the Pond spirit travels well.

We ran a quick Turtle Race—numbers 1 through 6—and lucky number 4 won the day. Congratulations to Alan Hogan (MA)! Alan snagged an official Turtle Club T‑shirt.

Want to host your own race? Search “race” at TurtleClub.us to find the race page.

Here is our official Turtle Derby winner shirt. Not available for sale, only awarded during Turtle Club Us Pond gatherings.

But you can be a Jockey in Training!

Big thanks to Brian Bolt, Grand Turtle, for sharing updates from the Lagerhead Turtle Pond. Highlights:

• Founded in 2021; now 25 strong—and holding steady at 25.
• Meet on the 3rd Sunday monthly at 2:39 pm at Coop’s HL.
• Officers keep things humming: the Turtle Secretary records minutes; the Turtle Treasurer manages donations.
• Charity focus:
• Sponsor two families each December with a turkey dinner (all the trimmings) and children’s gifts.
• Past donations include support for Camp Huronda (Type 1 diabetic camp), blankets to a rescue animal clinic, and annual December food drives for two local pantries.
• Bar game we love:
• Their local watering hole stocks pint glasses with Turtle decals. One glass has the logo upside down—whoever gets it buys a pint for the other Turtles present, unless they present their wooden Turtle coin. Delicious risk, delightful reward.
• Community and fun:
• Annual pool party, games day, axe throwing, bonfires, Halloween costumes, and a Christmas dinner.
• Every Turtle’s birthday gets a rousing “Happy Birthday” at monthly meetings.

• Celebrations: Anniversaries, birthdays, and a round of good spirits—literally. Happy 19th Anniversary to Pam and Tony!
• Spirits & sips: We compared notes on jalapeño martinis, a Danish caraway-and-coriander liqueur, and some spicy finds from northern Michigan. Cheers to expanding horizons and bar carts.
• Benzel’s Pretzels: Tony filled us in on his brother’s rehab story and the company’s expansion—robots and all—plus where those pretzels pop up.
• Holiday share: Dave spotlighted “Gnorman’s Christmas Countdown,” an interactive Advent Calendar, for Apple devices, created by his nephew—perfect for festive family fun. 
• Merch idea: We’re drafting a brochure insert to include with orders—quick Turtle Club background + how to join the fun.

Mark your calendar for our next virtual Pond meetup on December 16. Bring a beverage, a story, and your best clean-minded misdirection.

Until next time, keep it fun, keep it clean, and keep procuring new Turtles.

Are you a Turtle?

You bet your sweet ass I am!

Dave