Hi everyone. How about our celebration of the 4th on the 10th at Moose Park. From where I stood it was great. A big thank you to all who helped out. Paul Chyle got a little wet, and Pat Cross needed a little in and out of the dunking tank. Thanks Pat. I didn’t ride the plank because I can’t swim.
Thanks to all the folks who brought food. It was m-m-m-m m-m-m-m good. The grandson and all other kids had a great time in the bounce house. The band was good, if a little loud. Thank you to all the children who shagged balls for the dunking tank. Thanks Tanya. Steve, your pitching arm is not what it used to be. Thanks to all the officers, both men and women. This outing was so much fun that we’re planning a picnic in September. Watch the newsletter for info on that.
The chicken cook-off was also a lot of fun. Rich Warren won that event, but he was warned that he won’t be so lucky next time. Good job, Rich.
If you had fun at this picnic, you’ll have more in September. I almost forgot to thank Troy Gilbert for the music. Thanks Troy.
There will be a Turkey Shoot on August 1st. Dale Payne will be helping out with that one. Sometimes we forget to thank a very important person...our Administrator. Thanks, Richie, for all you do.

Larry Hampton, Governor

Our Moose of the Month is Dale Payne.

The Time Is Now” for all of us to step up to the plate and truly pass the word around as to what the Moose Lodge is all about. What a great time we all had at the International Convention in Nashville Tennessee. “The convention that almost wasn’t”. Nashville wanted us and we wanted them. We could not have asked for a better set up, even mother nature could not keep us away. The weather cooperated greatly and the shuttle buses were beyond organized. (with the exception of once???) By far there was much information put out and I for one could write all day regarding this information. New WOTM general law books are available, check with one of the officers. I have them in the office. Outlines of the meeting are available at www.mooseintl.org. “Never pay dues again,” you will be hearing this over and over again. Beginning June 1, 2010, when you enroll a new member you will receive “The Time Is Now” theme pin. When you enroll your second new member, your next year dues will be paid by Moose International. You just cannot get any better than that. All you have to do is enroll two new members every year and your dues will be paid for you.
Congratulations to Rita Bryant and Judy Towe on receiving their College of Regents Degree, and Elaine Murphy on receiving her Star Recorder Degree. Congratulations to our own Lodge #356 on receiving their “Premium” Award. It has been years since the Lodge has received any awards and we are very thankful for all the hard work Richie and all the officers and members have done.
“Moose Charities” please remember them when you are taking charitable tax-deduction. Our children have to be our number one concern. “Gimme Five” is in their 3rd year, have you made your contribution. If not it is not too late. ($36.50 per year x 5 years = $182.50). Also each Women Of the Moose chapter has been challenged to help with the Katherine Smith Center at Moosehaven. $6.50 per member as of May 1, 2009. We are well on our way of this commitment but have not completed it. All members are encouraged to help fill this challenge. “The Time Is Now”. Thank you Pat and everyone who contributed to the “Uncle Sam” raffle. This really helped toward our continual commitment we have to our children though Moose Charities.
What great fun we all had at our Family Day at the Moose Park. Thanks to all who helped put together the cleaning up of the park from the flood and putting together the fun day enjoyed by many. The joint officers had so much fun we are planning another one on October 9th. Stay tuned for more information. Co-worker of the month for June, is Judy Towe, don’t forget to tell her thanks for her hard work.

I would like to thank all of the members who brought all of the excellent food & desserts for the picnic that was held at Moose Memorial Park on July 12th. A good time was had by all. Even the loyal members who allowed themselves to be dunked in the dunk tank that was donated by the Teamsters, or maybe it was the UAW, through Troy Gilbert.
  The board of officers are looking into the feasibility of moving our regular membership meeting to 6 o'clock instead of 7 o'clock, to see if it makes it any easer for our members to come to the meeting. Please let us know if this would help.
  Moose International has updated our file system. if you let me know your e-mail and cell phone numbers, I can then put them in the system. Also, if you know you are going to be moving, please let us know so you will still get your newsletter and any mail from International.