[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 137 (Thursday, October 17, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1917]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN TRIBUTE TO MOOSE LODGE NO. 169, BAY CITY, MICHIGAN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2002

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Moose Lodge 
No. 169 of Bay City, Michigan, as its members prepare to celebrate 
another successful year of service since the founding of the 
international organization in the early 20th Century. In Bay City, 
Lodge No. 169 has been providing outstanding community service, 
particularly in its mission to serve the needs of children and 
families, since 1945.
  The Loyal Order of the Moose was founded by Dr. John Henry Wilson as 
a fraternal organization and social club, but it wasn't until James J. 
Davis, a young government clerk from Elwood, Indiana, became a member 
that the group took root as a force to look after the interests of 
working families. Davis initiated a program to pay benefits to members 
too ill to work and made plans for an institute to provide a home, 
schooling and vocational training to the children of deceased members.
  Since 1913, one of the primary missions of Moose members has been to 
fund and operate Mooseheart, a 1,200-acre Illinois home and school for 
children in need. In addition, they run Moosehaven, a 65-acre Florida 
retirement community for senior members in need. These residents, 
entrusted to the care and support provided by Lodge members, are living 
reminders of the humanitarian efforts put forth by Moose members 
worldwide.
  In Bay City, Moose members have been instrumental in providing 
assistance to young boys and girls in our community for many years with 
programs to donate toys to disadvantaged children and in many other 
ways. Under the leadership of Governor Tom Centala, Bill Schram and 
other leaders past and present, the Lodge has dedicated itself to 
responding to the needs of children in Bay County and beyond. We owe 
them a debt of gratitude for the work. The organization stands as a 
shining example of how a group of individuals can join together for the 
greater good and smooth the paths of those who follow in their 
footsteps. They have not only served their membership well, but they 
also set a high standard of excellence for the entire community.
  Finally, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in 
congratulating Moose Lodge No. 169 for their significant contributions 
and in congratulating them for many years of success. I am confident 
they will continue to make Bay City proud by nurturing and caring for 
disadvantaged children for many years to come.

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