Not a new member but I haven't been active here for several years. And before it was just a few posts here and there.

Ok so much can change in 4 years. Recently I began on a volunteer basis helping maintain a part of a waterway off of a medium-sized lake. The part of the waterway I help maintain surrounds a wedding chapel. So either the chapel is an island or the waterway is a moat. So you get the picture. Anyways, my first project was the installation of 2 aerating fountains which probably don't have much aeration impact due to the size of lake The channel branches off of.

I'm hoping to learn lots here on the forum.

Welcome back to the posting part, Texas Fountain! If you want to learn a lot in a short time, you should join us at the PondBoss VI conference near Dallas at the Hilton Rockwall resort next week. All the info is on the main page here on the forum site.

I'd love to. But they're asking 150-200$ to join. Right now I'm just trying to get through college. If anybody can get me in I'd do it in a heartbeat. But my wallet says no.

You need to call the Pond Boss office on Monday to see if they have a student discount.

Hope to see you there.

I already did. 150$ for the student discount. A bit expensive for me. And sad too, knowing I'm going to miss seeing Kasco. Financially can't be helped though.

Was that price for the whole conference or just for one day?

Can't remember. I think the whole day. I'll find out how much the conference will cost.

Says one day conference 150$. That's for rich people. I volunteer to maintain the waterway.

I'm 22 working for minimum wage at a local car wash. Not a professional pond keeper by any stretch. I'm beginning to touch down in the field with hopes to someday turn it into a career. I'd love to go to the conference but at 150$ it's not happening unfortunately.

Your there. And your y oung. Just do it. Money well spent even if you can't eat for half a month. Do you have a wife and kids depending on you or your money.?? That's my first excuse. Then time off from work. You NEED to reconsider.

I don't have the money. Working at a car wash during a somewhat rainy winter (by Texas standards) I haven't been working much. With the event less than a week away I don't think it will be possible this year. Besides the fact I don't drive yet.

Texas Fountain, welcome and/or welcome back to the Forum!

I'm sure there are many of us who want to attend the conference this year but are unable to, due to various circumstances, some beyond our control.

Going back to your project, I congratulate you for volunteering your time while you're working your way through college!

There's a mountain of wealth here on the forum that these great folks are willing to share, information which will benefit you greatly in many ways and maybe even offer a jump-start to a lifelong career. Jot down your goals, short and long term and create a plan to acheive them. Then spend whatever time you can searching and researching the PBF (current and archived), then ask questions, and be prepared for most correct answers to include "it depends" .

1. You'll be getting input from some of the nation's leaders in all aspects of pond managment, some of which you may be fortunate enough to meet in person and/or bond a close friendship/relationship.
2. The knowledge you acquire will benefit you and the project you have volunteered to work on. This will also benefit those close to your project, again forming (sometimes) lifelong friendships and/or relationships.
3. The benefactors who realize and may be enjoying the results of the efforts you have put forth may be those same folks who help fund, personally or through fundraising efforts, your ongoing education through various means such as classes, literature, PB get-togethers or maybe even a (or this year's?) PB Conference?

This list of possibilities is endless for the individual willing to prove themselves through hard work and dedication. In this world of "it's not what you know, but who you know", be that person people notice, earn their respect and they will want to help you achieve your goals, many times without even asking!

Are you that guy?

Then as time goes on you will "pay it forward", by sharing your knowledge as those here have done with you, donating when possible to the Pond Boss Forum (PBF), and countless other ways to "give back".

I, and I know others here wish you the best and look forward to watching you grow, your knowledge increase, your enthusiasm spark and your project(s) succeed (including some failures along the way)!

Give, learn, and give some more, as the rewards are endless!

Keep us posted!

Awesome. I forgot to mention that I am going tomorrow to the expo but unfortunately I don't have any transportation. Was wondering if I paid for gas if I could tag along with someone?
If so shot me a PM.