Gratitude from FL Eldercare Manager For Moose Help During Hurricanes
> I want to praise some of the most wonderful, caring, compassionate people I’ve ever met—all the people of the Pompano Moose. We have two assisted-living facilities in Pompano Beach, a block from the beach. We had to evacuate during Hurricane Frances. We had a contract with a nursing-home facility to lodge our residents during hurricanes. At the last minute they reneged on their contract. We had more than 53 residents with no place to go. I made many calls to different facilities; everyone refused, stating they had no room.
I called a friend, Carol Cooper, a member of Pompano Chapter (I had just become a member myself). Carol called the Governor (Charles Terrell); he gave permission for us to relocate all our residents to the Lodge facility. As I was very new to the Pompano Moose, I didn’t know many members.
Not only did they open their doors to us, they opened up their hearts and made us feel welcome. Billie Dalrymple played Bingo with our residents. They all helped us set up our residents’ bedding each evening, then in the morning helped us set up for breakfast, and assisted us in cooking for and serving our residents.
The Moose also accommodated us for a second hurricane! All our residents were very content and happy, and very grateful to the Lodge. It is very heartwarming to know that there are such wonderful, caring people as the members of Lodge 2157 and Chapter 600. God bless you all.
Carol Arnold
Administrator, The Lighthouse Inn Assisted Living
Pompano Beach, FL
Members’ Help after Wreck ‘Shows What Family Is’
> I’ve been a member since 1998. Our Lodge was going through some changes last summer; I was worried about our future, and the stability of the Lodge. I considered not renewing, or transferring.
But in late September my wife and I were in an auto accident. We’re here to let you know that our brothers and sisters of Lodge 1318 and Chapter 1058 came to aid of ones in need. My wife and I were out of work for three months, and if not for them, our holidays would have been horrible.
My Lodge has shown me what family is—and it’s not just the one you’re born into.
The Moose has gained two members for life—active members.
Frank Jarrett
Raleigh, NC
Strong Endorsement of ‘Tommy’, ‘Donny’ Programs
> I’ve been in the law-enforcement field for more than 40 years, and have had to deal with too many children who were victims of crime. To interview a child who has been victimized is a very difficult task to do without doing further damage to the child’s well-being. After reading about the “Tommy Moose” program, I was convinced this toy could be a positive tool in reaching out to children to gain their confidence. I have handed out many Tommy Moose dolls; I am sure that “Donny Moose” will also be a great success.
Charles Vickers
Director, Westmoreland Cty.
Victim Witness Program
Montross, VA
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‘...the most wonderful, caring, compassionate people...’
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February/March/April 2005
