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.