Monthly Messages

“Let us welcome February and take every chance to show love to all we meet.”

From Valentine’s Day to St. Patrick’s Day with March Madness in between, the next two months will be filled with celebrations for all. What a great time to “show love to all we meet” and recognize your members for all they do in the Lodge and Chapter. It’s an overlooked phenomenon called “noticing.” Each time we notice what others are doing and respond with a positive remark they feel better. Think about making a random positive remark when you see someone clear a table or decorate the Lodge. You will be surprised about the impact it has on them.

It’s also time for the final Nominating Meetings and the Election of 2023-24 Chapter Officers. Don’t forget that the election timeline changed when our mandatory meetings were reduced to one a month.  Your Chapter Advocate is not only a great source of information about the election process, but she can help you start off the new Chapter year on the right foot. Many CA’s are scheduling Women of the Moose Training Sessions to coincide with the Mid-Year Conference to help the incoming Officers. Many Associations are also offering computer training so please take advantage of these sessions.

Don’t forget to review the Checklist for a Successful Year found on the back of your Officer and Treasurer Handbooks. Double check LCL.web to insure your 114 and 166 forms have been accepted.

Finally, the existing Board of Officers should plan to meet with the new Officers to make the transition to the new Chapter year run smoothly. If you present a united front, it will go a long way to encouraging other members to attend meetings.

“It is March, you have total 31 days bring positive changes into life. Believe in yourself because every February gust is followed by a March spring.”

Happy New Year! Does anyone else feel like 2022 flew by? It sure has for me. I am more than halfway through my journey as Grand Regent and I can see the finish line at the end of my “road not taken” peeking out in the distance. And that is a good thing. Soon it will be time to congratulate a new Grand Regent and join in her celebration.

January is the historical month to make resolutions for the new year. I think we make some resolutions after a month of parties, food and more food. Resolutions are great, but many of them fail because we make big leaps instead of baby steps to be successful.

The same can hold true as we enter the “home stretch” for this Chapter year. Perhaps there are goals you have not met, or you are disappointed with how this Chapter year has been progressing. There is still time to meet your 2022-23 goals.

This is the time to prepare for a successful 2023-24 Chapter Year. The choices you make in your Nominating Meetings will set the foundation for the next Chapter year. Discuss the roles and responsibilities of our Officers and Chairmen during your next meeting or have a special meeting specifically to discuss that topic. Don’t just “fill in the blanks” with someone who may create problems later on.

If you are having problems getting nominees, brag about what your Chapter does to support your Community, Mooseheart and Moosehaven when you are in the Social Quarters. Please contact your Chapter Advocate if you have questions about the election process.

Make January the first step towards an amazing year.

“Over the river and through the woods” it’s time for holiday parties, dinners, gift-giving and sometimes tummy aches. As we celebrate with our families and friends let’s not forget the families at Mooseheart and Moosehaven. Why not send a Christmas card to the family teachers, school staff and hardworking Moose employees to thank them for all they do for our Fraternity. This also might be a good time to request a Sunshine Child or Grandparent. What a great way to get ready for 2023.

Our members also carry the spirit of Christmas into their communities by supplying clothing, meals and gifts for those less fortunate than we are. Please share photos of your Community Service efforts with Moose International, and the next time you open the Moose magazine, you may see your Lodge or Chapter in living color.

It’s hard to believe that we are only a few days away from a new year. It sure seems like 2022 has flown by. It’s not too soon to discuss the 2023-24 elections. After the busy holiday season ends, we celebrate our Golden Gavel recipients and suddenly it’s February and we realize the nomination process was overlooked. Hold an orientation to discuss the roles and responsibilities of the Officers and Chairmen. It may be difficult to get attendees, but it may take the fear and mystery out of those positions. It’s worth a try.

I am truly grateful for all you do for Mooseheart, Moosehaven, your communities and each other. May your holidays be filled with happiness, peace and love. And may all your dreams for the coming year be fulfilled.

The dictionary defines September as “the ninth month of the year, in the northern hemisphere usually considered the first month of autumn.” But in the Roman calendar September is the seventh month. Bit confusing isn’t it. Somewhat like the confusion some of our Chapters are still experiencing.

Are we Chapter members,  Lodge members or are we both? I don’t think we can afford to be without the moral and financial support our Chapters give to Mooseheart, Moosehaven, their Lodges and communities. We need everyone to take pride in being a member of a Chapter, Moose Legion and Lodge. Each unit compliments the other and makes us stronger.

No matter what the naysayers tell you, there is room for all of in the Moose. James J. Davis said, “With your enthusiasm and the sparkle which you have in your eyes, I am sure you will make good.”

Welcome to May!  It’s finally Spring which brings a fresh new start for all units of our Fraternity. Congratulations to the new Officers and Chairmen whether it be for The Moose, Chapter or Moose Legion. I wish you a successful year. Your position gives you the opportunity to promote our organization and help it continue to be successful. I encourage you to listen to our members; they are our most important asset and will be the key to our success. We need to mentor our members about all the good work we do each and every day. Ask both new and seasoned members what they would like to see happen in our Moose Homes. By following through we will continue to grow.

Spring is also a time to celebrate graduation for our Mooseheart students as well as promote a new class of Moose Brothers into the Pilgrim degree. I hope to see many of you on the Mooseheart Campus on June 3rd and 4th to enjoy these joyous occasions. It is truly an honor to witness the Senior Class processional onto the stage for graduation, and cheer on the called Fellows as they march into the House of God.

Always remember we are Stronger Together, and the Moose will Make It Happen!

Cletus McManama
Grand Regent