Sellersville Moose Family Center #1539 Women of the Moose Chapter #471 Serving our Members and Community

Editor: Harry Ricker Asst. Editor: Chris Perry February/March 2009 Issue #12

Moose Fraternity 121 Years Old

Though the Moose fraternal organization was founded in the late 1800s with the modest goal of offering men an opportunity to gather socially, it was reinvented during the first decade of the 20th century into an organizational dynamo of men and women who set out to build a city that would brighten the futures of thousands of children in need all across North America.

When Dr. John Henry Wilson, a Louisville, Ky., physician, organized a handful of men into the Loyal Order of Moose in the parlor of his home in the spring of 1888, he and his compatriots did so apparently for no other reason than to form a string of men's social clubs. Lodges were instituted in Cincinnati, St. Louis, and the smaller Indiana towns of Crawfordsville and Frankfort by the early 1890s, but Dr. Wilson himself became dissatisfied and left the infant order well before the turn of the century. Dr. John Henry Wilson

It was just the two remaining Indiana Lodges that kept the Moose from disappearing altogether, until the fall of 1906, when an outgoing young government clerk from Elwood, Ind., was invited to enroll into the Crawfordsville Lodge. It was on James J. Davis' 33rd birthday, October 27 that he became just the 247th member of the Loyal Order of Moose.

Davis, a native of Wales who had worked from boyhood as an "iron puddler" in the steel mills of Pennsylvania, had also been a labor organizer and immediately saw potential to build the tiny Moose fraternity into a force to provide protection and security for a largely working-class membership. At the time little or no government "safety net" existed to provide benefits to the wife and children of a breadwinner who died or became disabled. Davis proposed to "pitch" Moose membership as a way to provide such protection at a bargain price; annual dues of $5 James J. Davis Founder: to $10. Given a green light and the title of "Supreme Organizer," Davis and a few other Mooseheart & Moosehaven colleagues set out to solicit members and organize Moose Lodges across the U.S. and southern Canada. (In 1926, the Moose fraternity's presence extended across the Atlantic, with the founding of the Grand Lodge of Great Britain.)

Davis' marketing instincts were on-target: By 1912, the order had grown from 247 members in two Lodges, to a colossus of nearly 500,000 in more than 1,000 Lodges. Davis, appointed the organization's first chief executive with the new title of Director General, realized it was time to make good on the promise. The Moose began a program of paying "sick benefits" to members too ill to work--and, more ambitiously, Davis and the organization's other officers made plans for a "Moose Institute," to be centrally located somewhere in the Midwest that would provide a home, schooling and vocational training to children of deceased Moose members.

A Message from the Governor t From the Desk of the Administrator As I sit here thinking of what to write, we Ladies, and Co Workers, are faced with another big project. Our parking At the time I am writing this letter, there lot is now in need of repair. Just like every other is snow on the ground. But spring is just around project it requires money. Your officers have the corner and will be very welcome. come up with fund raisers to help, but we need My year as Governor is coming to a close. you, our members, to come into the Lodge and The new Brothers, Governor will be installed on take part. For without you and your support we Sunday April 26th. Why don’t you plan on do not have a Family Center. attending the installation of the new officers? We had several major issues occur in the In just a few months we will be electing a new last year which required a very large board. New challenges will be facing them. expenditure of monies. We have embarked on A Nominating Committee has been posted on the several fund raising events to replenish our board in the social quarters. Please feel free to resources. I thank you for supporting these talk to these men if you are interested in being endeavors. part of the board of your Lodge. There are 4 This year the Appreciation Dinner will be appointed and 7 elected officers of the board. held on April 4th. Several people had approached me about having this dinner later because of the The new door system has been installed and is unpredictable weather in February. Invitations working great. Just keep in mind the new cards will be forth coming as the date nears. need to be in contact with the receiver. So those The Moose Legion will be sponsoring a of you with thick wallets or big purses put your breakfast on March 29th with eggs to order. At card on the outside. the same time we will be having our spring meat shoot. In an attempt to raise funds there are a lot of The Easter egg hunt will be Saturday Fun Fund raisers planned for the upcoming April 11th. year. Watch the web site and the communication I would like to thank everyone that has board in the social quarters for these events. supported me for the last two years and made my job as Governor so fulfilling. As most of you know, I always have a lot to say. I plan to offer my continued support to I was told to keep it short, but must say the all the incoming officers and wish them every Lodge owes the Governor Charles Staley and his success. board a big thank you for a great year! Please come out and support your Lodge in the coming months. In closing I thank all of you for being a part of Fraternally yours, the greatest family fraternity in the world. The Charles E. Staley Lodge cares for both young and old while Governor continuing to improve the community.

Fraternally Yours, Phil Febus Administrator

Women of the Moose

WOTM General Laws

Sr. Regent Message Section 39. DROPPED FOR NONPAYMENT OF DUES FINES OR OTHER CHARGES. Dear Co-Workers, a. Non-payment of dues - Every member shall be in This will be my last newsletter. The next couple of arrears after the expiration date of her dues and becomes a member not in good standing. An expired member shall months will be very busy as we prepare for our not be entitled to any privileges of membership, including upcoming Chapter year. but not limited to: 1) Attending fraternal meetings. Saturday March 21 we have our St Patrick's Day 2) Attending association meetings or social factions. dance run by Barbara Staley, who is our College 3) Enjoying the privileges of any social quarters or Of Regents chairperson. The D J will be Rock N home. Ron. Cost will be $10:00 per person with door 4) Participating in any fraternal gatherings or activities. prizes and raffles (8.00pm - 12.00am). Come out and have a good time. An expired member does not qualify as a guest for admittance into any Moose Home. It is the member's responsibility to know the date her dues will be Chairperson Joyce Koehler (Family Involvement) delinquent. A member's failure to receive notice of her is running an Easter Flower Sale Thursday April 9, dues or arranges shall not release her from her Friday April 10 and Saturday April 11 providing responsibility to pay her dues on or before the dues there are flowers remaining. Chairperson Sarah expiration date. Moose International shall drop from the Beyers (Star Recorder) is having her yearly bake rolls any members in arrears after the expiration of twelve sale Friday April10. Please bake one of your cake (12) months. specialties and bring it to the Lodge about 4:30pm that day.

We thank you for all your help. In case anyone wonders why we the WOTM have all these Please Contact our Chaplain fundraisers? This is how we make money to Kathy Ferrigno support the charities to which we donate eg. Mooseheart, Moosehaven as well as local At 215-538-2960 charities.etc. etc. if you have information about a Co-Worker who is ill

The children's Easter Egg Hunt will be on Saturday or has suffered a death in the family, so that April 11, 2-4pm. Signup sheet will be on the table appropriate actions may be taken. by the Lodge door- note child's name, age, and whether boy or girl.

Key Card Holders A new key card system has been installed. Please contact the Harrys Hints Administrator about getting a new card. Your old one will not work with the new system. You Wish-Bone Thousand Island must turn in your old card to get a new one or Salad Dressing there will be a $4:00 charge for a new card.

I thank all the Co Workers, Chair People and Remove white rings and spots from wood Officers for all your dedication, support and help during the past 12 months. furniture. Thanks are also due to the men and women of the Lodge/Chapter who ably assist when required, especially at the WOTM monthly Wipe Dressing on and let stand for one (1) breakfasts. hour, and wipe off Just a thought, "The future depends upon what we do in the present"

Fraternally Yours BettyThomson Senior Regent. Sports Report St. Patrick’s Day Dance

Mark your calendars for Saturday, March 14th, Winter is almost over and time to start thinking 2009 for a night of dancing to the music from Rock n’ Ron about summer sports: Quoits, Golf, and and the wearing of the green to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Baseball. There will be a cash bar, free chips and pretzels for snacking, and food available to purchase from the First let me tell you who won some of the kitchen. We will also have drawings for door prizes! winter sports. Long board winners for the first So plan to come out and join the fun from half were Kay Erney and Cherrie Miller 8:00 PM to 12:00 Midnight. Look for posted signs in the Winners of the second half were Janet Mattern Lodge with all the information. Tickets $10.00. and George Keefer. Janet and George were This fund raiser for Mooseheart and Moosehaven victorious at the playoffs for the championship is sponsored by the College of Regents Committee. for 2008/2009. Chairperson is Barbara Staley.

The indoor Quoits League didn’t have a winner due to me losing some score keeping napkins (I Flea Market wonder who was ahead?). The League players th all had a great time this first year. Thanks to all On June 27 2009 the substitute players. The Quoits League Details to follow in signup sheet will be posted on the bulletin May – June board around April 1, 2009. We need help Newsletter getting the grove and pits back in shape for the summer. The date for this will be either May 2, or 9, 2009. This will be posted on the bulletin Lillian Rose Ricker Arrived Jan. 8, 2009 board.

Golfers, contact Terry Weirbach for your information,

Have a great Spring Glenn (up and running) Miller Sports Committee Chairman

Let us know your announcement. Moose Golf League

The Sellersville Moose Golf League held its annual banquet at the Lodge on Saturday, January 31. A total of 109 members and guests were present, by far surpassing last years’ attendance of 88. Following dinner, awards and prizes were handed out. The 2008 overall Golf League champions were Terry Ament and Tom Ament. They defeated Whitey Dietrich and Dennis Hollenbach in a closely contested final round.

Terry Weirback, President, expressed thanks to Phil Febus, Administrator, Chef Jack, Steve & Joe (bartenders), Michelle & Anna (waitresses), Bruce Horrocks, Mike Hefner, Brian Weirback and to all individuals who donated prizes.

Golf League Members: 2009 Golf League meeting is Monday, March 23 at 7:00 at the Moose Lodge. Your attendance is requested and appreciated.

All men of the Moose: Have you been a past Golf League member or are you considering joining the Golf League for the first time? If so, please join us on March 23 to learn more and sign up. We have a limited number of openings available for new league members. If you plan on being a substitute player, we would also appreciate your attendance at the meeting

4 Days 3 Nights At the Pop Century Resort Meal plan 4 day park hopper passes

Tickets can be purchased at the Lodge or from any board Member for $5.00 William Penn Moose Legion # 3 Members Disney Raffle Sales 1st Annual Banquet The response to our Ladies Appreciation Night Disney Raffle has been April 18th 2009 good. Many of our Lodge Tickets are $ 20.00 ea members have purchased Installation 5:00 pm tickets, as well as Welcome ------members who don’t visit Invocation ------the Lodge regularly. We have even had requests Hot Appetizer ----- from members as far away Dinner 6:00 – 7:30 as South Carolina, and Chicken Cordon Blue Parsley Potatoes Florida. Steam Ship Garden Salad Any tickets we sell will create profit. The Lodge Baked Haddock Dinner Rolls prints 2,000 newsletters every other month for Steamed Broccoli / Cauliflower Melody Lodge members. Only a fraction of these members actually come to the Lodge, but the Lodge Assorted Pies Coffee / Tea continues to incur expenses that need to be paid. Ceremony 7:30 – 8:00 Just this last New Year we had to spend $6,000 to Golden Ball Ceremony get the beer cooler repaired. Guest Speaker – Shawn M. Baile Your Lodge needs your help. We have only a few Social Hour 8:00 – 9:00 more months before the drawing. We need you to buy a ticket (or tickets). If you win, you’ll have a Open Bar Mixer 1 Hour nice vacation you can use or give away, or even Music by Dj Alex – 50/50 and Raffles sell. If you don’t win, You will be supporting your Lodge. Tickets are $5.00 each – only 1,000 will be sold. Let me say this again. The money generated by this raffle will stay in your Lodge. Please help support your Lodge.

Thank You, Harry Ricker Fund raising chairman TRIVIA

PENNSYLVANIA MOOSE ASSOCIATION TRIVIA 11 took place on Friday February 20. DISTRICT 2 The winners will be posted in the next issue. TRIVIA 12 will take place on Friday April 3. The fun starts around 9.00pm and is all over The state of Pennsylvania is divided into by 10.15pm. Prizes are a Thursday night 16 Districts. Sellersville, along with BUFFET CERTIFICATE and a BOTTLE of Doylestown, Quakertown, Slatington, WINE. Easton and Stroudsburg comprise PMA MOOSE NEWS FUN PAGE District 2. The purpose of having Districts We have a repeat winner for the adult part of is to have individual Lodges in the same the FUN PAGE, it’s Denise Gallagher. geographic area, working together to There was no winner on the KIDS part. Come on KIDS where are you all???? further PMA and Moose International To all you parents and grandparents, have goals. the KIDS participate and put their entries in. Each District’s Officers are selected from Extra copies of the FUN PAGE are always available in the MOOSE. Just ask your the Lodges comprising the District. The friendly bartenders or waitresses for a copy District Officers, along with Lodge when you are next at the MOOSE and fill Officers and some members meet once a them in while sitting at the bar, or having month at a different Lodge to discuss dinner in the restaurant. Upon completion, drop them in the box on District problems and goals. They also the table for a chance to win. If anyone would discuss problems existing within their like to make up the questions for the kids part individual Lodges; sharing solutions to of the FUN PAGE let me know or drop them in the box on the table, and we will use them problems and goals. All Lodge members in the future. Prizes are a Thursday night are encouraged to attend their District BUFFET CERTIFICATE for the adults and a Meetings. CANDY PACKAGE for the kids.

The Districts are rated by the PMA on WEDNESDAY BINGO their performance within the PMA. The bar seems to be having more winners at Lodges are rated by their performance this time, I am sure the back room will pick up within the District and within the PMA. again in the summer months. th At this time District 2 ranks 6 in the VISIT OUR WEBSITE PMA and Sellersville ranks 1st in District www.sellersvillemoose.com 2 and 19th out of 135 Lodges in the state. for information on all upcoming events.

We should all be proud of our Lodge, our Blair Thomson (Activities Chairman) District, our State organization, and Moose International.

Fraternally, George A Keefer President, District 2

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

MEN WOMEN of the Moose

Charles Staley, Governor Betty Thomson, Sr. Regent George Keefer, Jr. Past Governor Sherrie Welch, Jr. Grad Regent Joe Borrajo, Jr. Governor Maureen Frye, Jr. Regent Phillip Febus, Administrator Kathy Ferrigno, Chaplain Al Ernry, Prelate Dottie DeWolf, Secretary/Treasurer Steve Wampole, Treasurer Fran Demarco, Recorder Glenn W. Miller, Trustee #1 Julie Karcher, Guide Harry Ricker, Trustee #2 Helene Thompson, Asst. Guide Mike Sagel, Trustee #3 Jeanette Miller, Sentinel Russ Handy, Sgt of Arms Loyce Frankenfield, Argus Whitey Dietrich, Asst. Sgt. Of Arms Elaine Balinski, Musician Jim Gallagher, Inner Guard Dot Gombert, Mgt. Cord. Chris Perry, Outer Guard

Questions or information on hall or grove rental for Weddings, Parties, Picnics, etc. can be directed to the lodge office at 215-257-4380 WWW.sellersvillemoose.com

MMOOOOSSEE NNEEWWSS

SELLERSVILLE MOOSE #1539 301 W. Park Avenue P.O. Box 147 Sellersville, Pennsylvania 18960-0147 “Moose News” Published every two months. Subscription paid automatically as part of annual membership dues.