Details

Written by Your Board of Officers

Published: 01 January 2021

Dear Moose Members,

With the passing of our beloved Governor C.M. Bunky Clark, Bruce Chappell has been appointed Governor for the remainder of his term. We look forward to Bruce carrying on the leadership left from Bunky.

As the pandemic has caused us to lose loved ones, businesses to close, and many good people to lose their sole source of income, we hope and pray your families are staying safe and healthy during this time. The lodge like many restaurants and businesses is suffering financially.  The lodge continues to operate with some expenses that cannot be cut back and with a very limited income.  If our lodge is going to survive, we need every member to help. We have created a safe environment with our social distancing of tables and gaming machines.  We have a mandatory mask-wearing policy with individual disinfectant stations spread throughout the lodge.  We are also wiping down tables, machines, and doors regularly. You might be asking how can I help our lodge? Here a suggested list of ideas. You can still assist if you are unable to attend the lodge.

• Have a meal or order a Grab & Go at least once per week
• Order Sunday Breakfast
• Play our gaming machines
• Make a cash donation to the lodge for operating expenses

Grover Gaming has continued to update the current machines with new and exciting games.  Have you tried College Rivals Football?  We are having some really high payouts on these and other games.  We also relocated the ATM to the new social quarters too.

If you decide to make a cash donation to lodge operating expenses, please ask for a receipt.  Many members give to their favorite charities, consider making one to your Moose lodge.

In closing, if our lodge is going to survive, we need your financial support. If you have ideas please let the Board of Officers know as soon as possible. 

Thank You for all your support and consideration. Have a very safe and joyful holiday season.

Your Board of Officers

Details

Written by Dan Sullivan

Published: 20 December 2020

To our Moose Family members,

The holiday season is a good time to look back on the past year and to reflect on all we’re thankful for. Here at our Lodge, we’re grateful for many things—among them, our dedicated co-workers and the loyalty of our members who stood by us through this very challenging year. 

We’re driven by our vision to create a better everyday life for many by offering a fraternal place to give back to our communities and a place with great friends, good food, cold drinks, and more.  Never has our vision resonated with us so strongly.  We feel that home is the most important place in the world, now more than ever, and we’re here to help you stay safe, and continue to give to our local communities where we can.

It has been especially difficult with the death of our Governor Bunky Clark.  His death has been a huge shock to everyone here.  He was a great mentor, a friend, and an incredible Moose member.  It hurts to know he will not be with us for the years to come.  And, with the current pandemic conditions getting even worse, we continue to struggle to move forward in the right.

So, I am here to ask for your help.  Our lodge is in need of your patronage.  We are trying to serve food that everyone likes at very reasonable prices six days a week.  Our Grab & Go during the spring pandemic was a lifesaver.  We again ask that if you can stop by and purchase anything.  Every dollar helps!  If you are wondering how bad things are, we ask you to come to our next general Moose Membership meeting on January 7, 2020, at 7:30 pm.  We have been discussing things we can do to help the lodge.  If you think you can help we need your volunteering and ideas now!

Please remember that not only do we continue to do Grab & Go each open day, but we are serving the best breakfast in town on Sundays to our members and qualified guests.  Speaking of qualified guests, because of the pandemic our new membership drive is not going well.  If you signed up a member and have not seen them in sometime please check in on them.  We call this a member buddy check!  If you know of a friend, family member, or coworker that would be a good Moose member, please invite them down to see the lodge and maybe have breakfast on Sunday.

If you plan to visit the lodge, please know that we have protocols in place to help keep our members and co-workers safe, such as face-covering requirements, physical distancing guidance, temperature checks for members, rigorous cleaning and sanitation, and strict capacity limits. 

This year has brought into sharp focus what is truly important, and that is caring for people. I would be remiss if I didn’t take this opportunity to also thank our members, co-workers who came together to support our mission and communities.  

From our Moose family to yours, we wish you a safe, happy, and healthy holiday. 

Be well

Details

Written by Dan Sullivan

Published: 11 December 2020

C.M. Bunky Clark Jr. our Governor sent in his last Loyal Order of Moose application on the morning of December 11th, 2020.  Anyone that knew Bunky knows that this could be the truth.  It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart to report a break in our Defending Circle that Brother Bunky Clark passed suddenly this morning at home.

Bunky was born on April 23, 1946. Bunky joined the Moose in March of 1990.  He has held the highest fraternal offices in our Vienna Lodge #1896, the Bull Run Moose Legion #185, and in the Virginia Moose Association’s District 4.  He also held the positions of Moose Legion Ambassador for Northern Virginia and Governor of the Moose Legion Ritual team.  Bunky attained his Fellowship degree in July of 2002 and his Pilgrim Degree in May of 2009.  He was a mainstay of so many different Virginia and Moose International conventions and Moose Legion team ritual events over the years.  To say he loved the Moose doesn’t quite adequately describe his devotion to the Moose.  Bunky was a member that when asked always gave of himself.

Bunky you will be so missed; Good Night Brother Governor.

Updated 12/12/2020:  To all of Bunky’s friends, family, and extended family members,

We want to let you all know that Maureen wants to wait for a Celebration of Life.  With the current pandemic conditions, she wants to wait until it is safe to gather so she can hug each and every one of you.  She thinks Bunky would want this.  She is planning a church celebration at the Grace Evangelical Lutheran Church with a reception at the Vienna Moose for all to attend.  She asks that we all wait to send flowers until we can all get together again.  She will let us know a date in the future.  Thank you all for your understanding.

Details

Written by Carl Thomas

Published: 08 November 2020

Today is Sunday, November 8, 2020, we just got done serving breakfast to the members.  It was an amazing morning.  We served 25 breakfasts and 7 of them were for the littles.  It is so nice to have the little ones coming into the lodge again.  I want to thank all the members that have been coming out to help with our new every Sunday breakfasts.  Thanks to Jeff Sargent, Dave Kish, Gwen, and Darren for everything they do for the lodge.  As you all know we were shut down because of a COVID-19 exposure for a week.  Thanks to everyone that has made it into the lodge since this scare.

We are working on getting more safe events in the lodge.  Did you make it out to the Bonfire with Ron Thayer at the lodge on October 17, 2020?  It was another great safe event with a lot of kids in attendance.  We have the Koolerators scheduled for November 14, 2020, starting at 5:00 pm and running until 8:00 pm.  We are still looking for more events to bring you into the lodge.  Do you have any ideas for safe events?  Let us know!

I have noticed, on occasion, Lodge business being discussed in the social quarters.  Rarely, if at all, are these observations brought forward to the general meetings.  I urge all members to take advantage of sharing observations at the general meetings so that we can consider these ideas which have the potential of benefiting the Lodge operations overall.  That is why our general meetings always include an agenda item called "For the good of the order".

Speaking of meetings, all LOOM members are invited to attend our twice a month General Membership meeting on the first and third Thursdays at 7:30 pm.  This is where we discuss current matters for the lodge and future items.  We are still discussing what to do for our 61 st birthday on December 2, 2020.  If you would like some input into this please come out.  We would love to hear what you want to do!

If you have been to the lodge recently, you might have noticed that we removed a big evergreen tree in the front.  It was getting too large and was encroaching on the flag poles.  Many thanks to Gerry and Darren for this work (Father and Son Landscaping).  We are also having issues with the super big oak tree next to the lodge.  We are working with an arborist to treat the tree for the next year.  We are also going to be working on the playground soon to remove the fabric under the gravel because it is not allowing water to get to the roots of the big tree.  We really hope we can save the grand old tree.  We want to thank Stan and his crew (SR Tree) for trimming the big tree.  We are grateful to have them also as members.

In closing up, we have some new Grover Games to play at the lodge.  We have a new College Rivals Football and 2020 High Rollers game.  They are both a lot of fun to play.  We look forward to seeing and serving you soon here at the lodge.

Details

Written by Senior Membership Reporter

Published: 01 November 2020

We wanted to keep the membership up to date with our current membership drive.  Yes, we know there is a pandemic going on.  We know these are trying times.  But we are an extended family that cares about each other.  So, I am asking all of you to call and make a buddy check with someone you know within the fraternity.  It doesn't even have to be a member of our lodge!  If you are a member of one you are a member of all lodges.  If you have not seen someone in some time or not seen them post on Facebook (if you are on Facebook) for some time check in on them.

This year's membership quota for this 2020-2021 year is 55 new members.  We are well behind our previous year's new member rate at this point in the year.  We would hate to see us not make the quota for this year.  So, do you know of a worthy friend, family member, or maybe someone you meet at a local restaurant or bar that might make a wonderful Moose member?  So far this year, we have signed up "7" new members since the last May.  We only have five months to sign up 48 more members.  We really need your help.

Virginia Moose Association Membership Info

• Application and Quota Report
• Last Year to Current Year Compare (AED) Report
• Top Sponsors Report

Remember they do not have to sign up the first time they come to the lodge.  Why not bring them in for breakfast some week in the future and show them around!  We are serving breakfast each Sunday now!

With that plug for our lodge breakfasts, we know many are staying away right now.  We get it!  We know your family's safety is paramount to you!  But, when you don't come in and frequent the lodge, the money we have to pay employees, pay the electric bills, and purchase food and drinks for the members dries up.  We need your help to stay vibrant and supporting of our communities.  I didn't want to sound so dire!  But our situation is not unique.  It is happening to all lodges all across the United States.  To everyone that reads this, thank you for all you do to support this lodge and our community.  You always make us proud to call you members/friends/family!

Details

Written by Dan O’Neal - Special Project/Fundraising

Published: 08 August 2020

To the Moose Legion Secretary, Directors and Members of Bull Run Moose Legion #185, 

On behalf of the Moose Legion Council, Our Director Bob Neff, and President John Prough, we want to thank each jurisdiction for their donation to the Endowment Fund.  Your contributions through the month of August 2020 total $1133.00, which is $1.92 per Moose Legionnaire. 

Please remember endowment funds should be sent monthly, but a minimum of once per quarter.  In addition, jurisdictions exceeding $3.00 per-capita by April 30th receive 30 bonus points toward the Moose Legion Award of Excellence. This is how most jurisdictions will achieve the upper levels of award.

Total dollars collected for the Endowment Fund by the "President Division" amounts to $2,896.61.  The Grand total from all six divisions amounts to $15,458.45.  The Endowment Fund Competition "Top 10" standings for the 2020-2021 Moose fiscal year in the category of "President" consisting of Moose Legions with 426 thru 600 Moose Legionnaires is as follows:

Next month’s contributions will provide your jurisdiction an opportunity to move up in the standings within your division for this Moose fiscal year.  Statistics and competition standings from all jurisdictions in every division can be found in the Moose Legion area of the Moose International website.

Thanks again for all you do and please convey our gratitude to your members for the outstanding service they provide to our fraternity.

Fraternally,

Dan O’Neal

Special Project/Fundraising

International Moose Legion Council

Details

Written by Dan Sullivan

Published: 20 July 2020

The Loyal Order of Moose held its election on Thursday, July 16, 2020. There was a good turnout to support the lodge even with everything that is going on in the world.

I would like to express my thanks to the current board for all their hard work over the last year. Our lodge has endured many difficulties in the last year. I want to thank all that have supported our board of officers. We have some of the hardest working and most generous members of any lodge. We are in a better place because of your hard work! We do have more to accomplish this next year. I want to thank all the members of the lodge that came out to vote with me for Lodge board candidates.

We will be looking for candidates that wish to join the board for the positions of the trustee.  Stay tuned for more information.

The lodge is hosting a Moose Legion Conferral and Celebration this Sunday, July 26, 2020, starting at 10 am.  We will finish the day around 6:00 pm with the installation of our officers for the lodge.  We invite all members to attend.

Fraternally,
Dan Sullivan
Governor
Vienna Moose Lodge #1896

Details

Written by Scott Hart

Published: 15 July 2020

If you have been around me during a day in the office over the course of the last 15 years, then you have probably heard me say, “It is going to be a big day at Mooseheart today!” No doubt that every day at Mooseheart, Moosehaven, and in our Lodges has the potential to be a “big day”; but Friday, June 26, 2020, at approximately 7:15 pm changed the way I define what is and what isn’t a “big day.” The Judiciary Committee report was read on the floor of the Convention which included the results of a momentous delegate vote.

I don’t feel I’m going too far out on a limb by saying the General Law amendment vote that rewrote the way for a unified fraternity was the most important in our 132-year history. I am proud to be part of an organization that recognized the need to change and brought gender equality to our Lodge membership. Doing this on the first vote with 77% of the delegates approving the amendments is absolutely incredible! Congratulations and cheers to a brighter future because of this giant step forward.

Given the weight and complexity of the move to a One Moose Lodge membership model, it is going to take a little time to prepare for a smooth transition. The date of May 1, 2021, will usher in the slate of organizational changes and when we get to Cincinnati, Ohio for the 133rd Annual International Moose Convention (June 30 – July 4, 2021), we can celebrate the dawning of a new era in our Moose fraternity.

Congratulations to all who have been elected or appointed to serve our fraternity on a Board, Council, or Committee, or as a Deputy Grand Regent, Deputy Supreme Governor or Moose Legion Ambassador. None of this would have been possible without your leadership and willingness to consider the needs of others greater than your own. I appreciate your commitment to our Moose fraternity – together we are unstoppable – together we are One Moose! God Bless!

If you have a concern or idea you’d like to share with me, use our online form: “Tell the Director-General.”

Details

Written by Dan Sullivan

Published: 11 July 2020

We hope you, your family, and extended families have been safe during this trying time.  We know this has been hard for all of you.  We are pleased to have not heard of any lodge members stricken by this virus.  We have heard many stories of friends and other families that have not been so lucky.  At the beginning of this pandemic, we made the decision to furlough all paid employees until times were safe to start again.  We want to thank all the amazing volunteers that continued to help the lodge pay the unending bills during our Grab & Go meal services.  Without their help, we would be in an even bigger hole.

Meanwhile, the nation's leading infectious diseases expert warned Americans that the nation is still "knee-deep" in the first wave.  With all the states around Virginia showing an uptick of new infections and hospitalizations, the board of officers made the hard decision to continue our closure until Tuesday, July 28, 2020.  As you know many of our lodge members are of an age and have underlying medical conditions that make them more at risk than the general population.

Our current plans (that are subject to change based on future information), we will be opening the main hall as the temporary Social Quarters.  We will be abiding by all CDC, State, and Fairfax County regulations on functioning during a pandemic.  Face masks are not optional, if you cannot wear a mask please stay home.  If you need a mask we have one for you.  We have been rearranging the Main Hall to include the movement of the gaming machines downstairs.

We cannot stress the value of our volunteers during this time.  We also want to thank all the members that came in and made a purchase of any size during this time.  Because our volunteers were getting tired, we also decided to give them a break.  We will not be holding Grab & Go’s until we re-open.

Finally, we started holding our General Membership Meetings outside in the pavilion the first and third Thursdays of each month at 7:30 pm.  At the last meeting, we announced to the membership the slate of board officers running for the 2020 - 2021 year.  Below is the list of candidates.   We invite all members to come out for our election on July 16, 2020.

• Governor:  Bunky Clark
• Jr. Governor:  Bruce Chappell
• Treasure:  Jeff Sargent
• Prelate: Jaime Connelly
• Trustee: Gerry Piddington

As we get more information, we will be reaching out via our website, Facebook, email blast, and text messaging.  Meanwhile, please be safe!  We want to also let members know that we will be holding the Bull Run 185 Celebration on Sunday, July 26th. We will be posting the schedule soon.

Details

Written by Scott Hart

Published: 28 May 2020

We are in the midst of a pandemic that is testing every fiber of our being, our Fraternity and our nations. As a Fraternity that is nearing 132 years old this April, we have weathered many trials over that time. It has taken the collective strength of our membership to carry the Moose Mission forward in good times and bad. This point in our history will be no different. We will care for one another, serve our communities and provide a loving home for our children at Mooseheart and our seniors at Moosehaven.

During this time when many of our Lodge homes are not accessible to the general membership due to precautionary measures or state restrictions, let’s remember that there are a few things that we can do –

Be safe in this time of uncertainty and look to the guidance provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and follow state/provincial and local orders to minimize the impact of this pandemic (www.cdc.gov)

Give our Lodge a good deep cleaning. Invite a limited number of men and women over a period of several days to tackle different parts of the building. Let’s just not sanitize, but thoroughly clean areas that have needed it for a while.

Work the Expired Member List by phone and let them know the good that your Lodge provides in the community and for Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Every Administrator and Recorder should be able to provide a copy of the monthly list.

Make needed repairs or updates that the Board has been meaning to do – a new coat of paint goes a long way to providing a fresh look when food and beverage service begins again.

Communicate with your members. This isn’t the time to stop the Lodge Newsletter or let the Lodge website slide. If your Lodge doesn’t have a Newsletter, consider a special mailing with a letter from the Board of Officers reminding them of the good things that have happened in the past year at the Lodge and what good things lay ahead.

Review the Lodge Safety Report and take corrective action.

Take a complete inventory of Lodge, Social Quarters’ and kitchen supplies and order items that you will need when the Lodge reopens.

Put together a Lodge Calendar of some of the old favorites with a mix of new activities to involve all members and their families.

Check up on your elderly members. Make sure they are okay and see if they need anything. This is a great way to keep them connected and feeling valued.

Doing the above will make you fully prepared when the Lodge doors reopen. Our members and their guests will be hungering for fellowship and social interaction. Let’s make sure the Moose is the first place they want to visit!

As we look to tomorrow, let’s be safe, be healthy and be One Moose!

If you have a concern or idea you’d like to share with me, use our online form: “Tell the Director General.”