Dear Brothers and Sisters of the Moose,

As this year comes to a close, I have spent some time reflecting on the last few months and I would like you all to know that I am so grateful for the Moose.

We participated in the Rudolph Run with many dedicated Moose members, and over $77,000 was raised for Mooseheart. If for one moment, you think that your efforts don’t matter, remember that this was not accomplished by one person, but by MANY individuals working together. I would like to send out a huge Thank you to everyone who donated or participated in this event. For those who were unable to join us…there’s always next year!

The graduate luncheon was especially memorable this year. As usual, Nichole and John Springsteen organized another amazing holiday meal for all attendees. The food was delicious, the decorations festive, and cordial fellowship fostered. Thank you both for continuing to organize these events. You are greatly appreciated.

My wife and I were honored to have graduate Heritier Rukumbuzi join us at our table for the luncheon. We spoke about his daily life at Mooseheart, how he came to be there, and about his future plans. We were warmly greeted by and spent time talking to other graduates after the luncheon. We discovered that many of the children have, or have had, other family members at Mooseheart. Which made me realize that we are helping generations.  All the children at Mooseheart have easier access to bright futures because of the Moose and all of our members.

The tree lighting ceremony was short and sweet this year, but no less memorable. Several people mistook me for Gary Urwiler. When they realized the error, an idea was shared that I should be Gary’s stunt double. Now, as happy as I am to participate and be a part of the Moose at every opportunity available to me, I will regretfully have to pass on the stunt-double position. (Sorry Gary, you are on your own with that one.)

As the time for the tree lighting grew near, we were gifted a small miracle. The tree lights that hadn’t been working were fixed within minutes of the Tree lighting ceremony. God blessed the hands of the gentlemen that were able to make that happen. We are so fortunate to have such skilled people who are willing and able. My heart felt Thank you to all those behind the scenes who made the day come together so flawlessly.

The WMA Christmas party was deemed a success. Everyone was invited to this event, and the turnout was impressive. After the WMA Board finished their morning meetings, we had some fundraisers, gift exchanges, and we found out why some of our members were on Santa’s Naughty list. (You know who you are!!) There was live music after a holiday dinner Prepared by the Beloit Lodge, with a great evening ending with cocktails and fellowship.

I would like to thank all our Moose members. Everyone one either participated in or donated to these events simply by being a Moose member, and you are all greatly appreciated.

As always, I will remain dedicated to my God, my family and my people of the Moose. With motivating thoughts for the futures of our lodges and the continued success of Moosheart and Moosehaven, I wish you all safety and blessings this new year.

Be kind. With the state of the world being what it is we are all a little on edge these days. You never know the battles people are facing at home and you never know how much work someone is doing behind the scenes. Every-one needs a little grace right now, so please be kind.
If you know of someone that you used to see around, but no longer do, please give them a call to see how they are doing.
When you see someone come into the lodge, say hello, make them feel welcome. We are a friendly place. A family center. This is OUR MOOSE HOME.
Please support and share our Moose events. If you are having fun, post it on Facebook. Take pictures. (Please no live videos in the social quarters.)
Invite your friends. Remember they can only come as a guest twice to hangout in the Social Quarters or to Member/Guest events. (Public events do not count in this number.) Make sure to sign them in.
We are all members. No member is greater than another. We are all here together. Board members are volunteers. There is literally only one board member that is a paid employee of the lodge. Where board members are to hold themselves to a higher standard, remember they are still volunteers. Some work full time jobs. Some are enjoying a well-deserved retirement, but it is up to the individual board member to police themselves and it us up to you to elect the members that you believe will do the best job for the lodge.
If you have great ideas bring them to a meeting and get involved. It’s great to have ideas, but there are so few that actually volunteer to bring them to life.
We need you to keep our moose home going. Do you have a little time? Do you have a talent? Please speak to a board member. If every member of our lodge volunteered 12 hours a year, just 1 hour a month, in Kenosha, that would be over 24,600 hours, can you imagine all the things we could get done?!? Take the number of members in your lodge and multiply it by 12 to see how many hours you could possibly have for your lodge! Does an hour a month seem like too much to ask?
Respectfully Submitted,
Kellee Chwala
LETTER FROM THE EDITOR
SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM POPS 3/10/2022
Pops would like to thank everyone for the well wishes. He is home and resting comfortably.

Hello my Moose Friends, I am Thomas Kronenburg from Muskego Moose Lodge 1057 and Wisconsin Moose Legion 31. I am so Honored to have been sworn in at Moose International Convention 2022 as The State of Wisconsin Moose Legion Ambassador. I want to thank all of you for becoming Moose Legion members. We, The Degree of Service, are here to assist our Lodges, District, State and communities all while having fun. We are the members, ready to help our Lodges during any functions and with day to day activities, We look for ways to increase our Lodge’s potential to become that Organization that everyone knows and those in need can come to for help. We do events to bring in members to enjoy Our Lodge, which creates funds to take care of needs in both the Moose and our Local Communities. We need to speak to our Lodge members about activities we do and the fun we have doing them. Let our potential Moose Legion member know what their yearly dues are used for and the positive effect it has on our Children at Mooseheart and Seniors at Moosehaven. Remind our Moose members that a large group of people giving a little extra takes care of So Much. Let everyone know what you do, where your money is being used and most importantly, be proud of what you accomplish. Advertise at your Lodge, but not just your event, include the outcome and what you are planning to do with your success. Be Proud, Tell People. Make sure your Lodge Moose Legion Assistant Secretary, at a minimum, is at every Lodge Membership meeting informing (bragging) our members what your Doing and what you have Accomplished.  Your actions and how you present yourself is the Key to the success of the Moose Legion. Be Proud that we give a little more, be Proud that you took that extra step. I AM.  I’m very excited to have this chance to meet with you at your Lodges, Moose Legion Celebrations and at the WI Moose Legion Fun Weekend.  Please, feel free to contact me with any issues and all accomplishment, my cell number (414) 708-7716. Again, thank you for your Moose Legion service.      Your Moose Legion Brother, Thomas Kronenburg