Courage, Honor and Commitment

Hart explains how the NJROTC program reinforces these core Mooseheart values; two current students prove his point

Mooseheart Child City & School Executive Director
Scott D. Hart

> As Mooseheart Executive Director Scott Hart watched the NJROTC Change of Command Ceremony this May, he said, he reflected how both Mooseheart and NJROTC strive to teach students to become better citizens, and that three basic values of NJROTC: courage, honor and commitment are seen on a daily basis at the Child City.

First, courage--Scott said it takes a lot of courage for an individual to say they need help, whether it be from an adult raising a child or grandchild, or from a teenager needing help to reach their full potential.

Hart shared a letter from a young lady who lived with her grandmother, after being rejected by her birth mother from the time she was born. The girl had read the article about Mooseheart in People magazine, and explained how she has changed schools seven times and wants to start a new life by becoming a part of the Mooseheart family.

“I am happy to report to you today Becky is doing well and taking full advantage of her second childhood because of you,” Hart reported.

Hart then described how he was recently called to the Admissions office, where a young child was crying uncontrollably. After meeting with the counselors in the hall, Scott learned that after the paperwork was completed and discussions about life at Mooseheart had begun, the group took a short break. During this time the child’s guardian had left--without any notice or saying goodbye.

“What courage it took that child to eventually pick their head up off the table, wipe off the tears and begin life anew at Mooseheart, Scott said. He noted how he appreciates the courage of Director General William B. Airey and Chief Operating Officer Len Solfa to step into roles that most would shy away from . . . to take head on the challenges involved in stabilizing and leading our fraternity.

Honor--It should be no surprise, Hart said, to hear that some of the children arriving at Mooseheart struggle to overcome negative habits from the past; habits of lying or using foul language, poor manners and fighting. “To change behavior, there has to be something put in its place or those bad habits will quickly take root again,” Hart said. “Mooseheart and NJROTC seek to build upon a firm foundation of honor. We want to hold our kids and ourselves to a higher standard through the Mooseheart Model of Care . . . We want our students to be faithful citizens of Mooseheart, and to honor you, its loyal supporters by their social behavior, academic achievement and spiritual growth.”

“Commitment--When children arrive at Mooseheart we expect a level of commitment to our program and community to already be there. Sometimes we find that children have yet to be taught the basic skills of following instructions or accepting decisions of authority,” Hart said. “We believe children want to learn, want to have boundaries set, and desire for someone to care enough to say no”. Mooseheart staff is committed to teaching our children to show respect toward all people, to be a positive role model and commit to a life of high moral character, he said.

Hart added that Moose members are committed to their fraternity-- and to the changes that must take place. “You are committed to strengthening the fraternity, being a beacon of hope in your community, providing an incredible home and school for children and security and comfort for our seniors,” he said.

Hart then brought to the lectern two high school students who would not have benefited from Mooseheart and NJROTC, had it not been for the commitment of the men and women of the Moose.

Krystal Ellsworth, who came to Mooseheart from Medina Valley, TX Lodge 2196 at age 11 in August 2002, was first:

“I was born to a single mother and went to live with my grandparents when I was 11 months old . . . I wasn’t the best-behaved kid in school. I came to Mooseheart because my grandma thought it would be good for me and my grandpa was having a hard time . He was later diagnosed with brain cancer and passed away last year . . . I want to say thank you to the member that invited my grandfather to join the Loyal Order of Moose, his invitation impacted far more than just my grandfather . . . I have played on the basketball and volleyball teams, I am the 4-H President, I also play the flute in band . . . Mooseheart has given me the opportunity to play sports, participate in 4-H, Band and NJROTC; In other words, Mooseheart has given me the chance to reach my full potential. Let me tell you why I enjoy being involved in the Mooseheart NJROTC program. NJROTC has been an opportunity for me to learn more about the military and has helped me be a better person . . . I have become more independent and have grown to be a better leader . . . There are always obstacles in life and Mooseheart has taught me how to overcome them . . . My future goal is to one day become a veterinarian. I hope to receive a five-year Moose scholarship when I graduate and attend Texas A&M University School of Veterinary Medicine.

“My grandfather was a member of the Loyal Order of Moose -- little did I know at the time that his membership in this fraternity was going to forever change my life. In the fall of 1995 my grandfather was diagnosed with cancer and he knew that keeping up with three young children would be impossible while he battled cancer. It was a cold day over Christmas break in 1995 that I got my first view of Mooseheart. The truth was, I was seeing my new backyard, my new playground, my new school and my new home. . . I have grown up a lot in the past ten years; okay, grown up a lot on the inside and still working on growing up on the outside . . . I stand before you today as a member of the Mooseheart NJROTC. It has greatly impacted my life and when I am in uniform I am completely different, so please allow me to reintroduce myself. I am Chief Petty Officer Greenaway. . . NJROTC has taught me to be committed to my goals and made me more determined than ever to chase my dreams. My greatest achievement in NJROTC is that I have met the challenges of leadership and as of today am the most decorated in my class . . . . NJROTC provides a balance of time between classroom study and military activities, physical fitness and orientation trips, which for me means that there is little time left to get into trouble (that’s my story and I am sticking to it).. .. I love playing football, running track and participating in varsity wrestling. I also lift weights to improve my strength. (I had to tell you that because otherwise you wouldn’t notice.) This past year I even had the privilege to visit the Maryland/Delaware /DC Moose Association with my home, we had a blast and I consider that trip one of my most treasured memories. . . I want to graduate from Mooseheart High School and then attend Ohio State University on a Moose scholarship (go Buckeyes!). After college, I want to enlist in the Marine Corps and see the world from a different vantage point. After my enlistment is over, I would like to seek a job in law enforcement or marine biology. In closing I want to say, thank you for raising me, thank you for giving me the tools to do something with my life, to achieve greater things than even I thought possible. I appreciate all that you have done for me and all the other kids at Mooseheart. May God bless you all!”

For more information about the Child City, call the Admissions Office at 630/859-2000 ext. 2662 or visit www.mooseheart.org.

Director Stevens Outlines Plans for Ohio Residence Center

Moosehaven Executive Director Faye Stevens

> Sunday afternoon’s Joint General Session report on Moosehaven from Executive Director Faye Stevens detailed how Moose men and women across the country are moving our 70-acre retirement community into the future with innovative facilities and practices.

First-rate healthcare facilities are becoming reality, she said, thanks to the generosity of the fraternity, especially the dedicated Moose men and women from the state of Ohio (in conjunction with Moose Charities).

Stevens explained how the Moosehaven LifeCare Center, dedicated in June 2002, has expanded and upgraded the ability to offer quality living accommodations for residents. However, an adjacent portion of the original 1967 Schmitz Health Center, known as the C-wing, was not finished until needs were determined and assessed.

“We will revitalize it to serve our seniors in much needed transitional living space,” Stevens said. “Rooms will be suitable for use in both residential living and assisted living.”

The finished C-wing will consist of 38 spacious, modern rooms (32 for single residents and 6 for couples). In addition to the upgraded living quarters, there will be a large communal dining room that can seat 56 people. It also has easy access to recreational areas, comfortable lounge areas, and a covered walkway containing a seated area at the new entrance that faces the beautiful St. John’s River.

“This building is becoming a reality right before our eyes,”

Stevens said. “The C-wing is being transformed into a state-of-the-art residential complex named the Ohio Residence Center.” The addition to the adjacent LifeCare is scheduled to be completed by October and is estimated to cost in excess of $10 million (including its operating budget), but “thanks to the generosity of the great state of Ohio and its many dedicated Moose members and friends, we know these goals will be met,” she said.

Stevens also communicated how the Florida-Bermuda Moose Association has collected $237,000 to repair a seawall that was damaged during the onslaught of hurricanes in 2004. The fishing pier, also damaged in the hurricanes, has also been repaired through donations collected by Moose Charities, she said.

Stevens then outlined several other ongoing projects and donations by men and women across the fraternity which include:

• A $20,000 donation from the Georgia Women of the Moose earmarked for the installation of a time clock gate on the Moosehaven property. It will help employees get safely onto the property without having to use busy U.S. Hwy. 17.
  
  
• An ongoing project from the Illinois Moose Association to renovate the Moosehaven cemetery. A mausoleum was added in 2001; a canopy has been added where graveside services are held; old headstones are continually replaced as on an-needed basis.
  
  
• A special project by the Michigan Moose Association for the renovation of the Michigan Recreation Center. The first phase to add new restrooms is complete and future plans are underway to add windows across the east side of the building and add outside decking so everyone can enjoy the St. John’s river.
  
  
• An Adopt-a-Pet program started by Ocala, FL Lodge 1014. The Lodge sends in donations for food of animals owned by Moosehaven residents. The presence of pets, she said, is important as they help residents cope with loneliness and disruption in their life patterns, Stevens said.

Stevens concluded by expressing how Moosehaven could not exist without the efforts of Moose members.

“We appreciate everything you do for us. Moosehaven could not continue to function without all your efforts, hard work and continued support,” Stevens concluded.

More details on Moosehaven are posted on www.moosehaven.org, or please contact the Moosehaven Admissions Office at 904-278-1213.