The following article was published in the January 11th, 2006 issue of the Argus Courier
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Moose Lodge rejuvenated with new members

By HOLLY SCHNEIDER ARGUS-COURIER INTERN

Once plagued by dwindling membership and limited activities, the Moose Lodge of Petaluma is now bustling with new members and more activities.

For the last several years, the lodge had gradually lost membership as aging club members died and few new members joined. The family life that had once been present within the Moose halls was lacking, according to Donald Fredericks, a second-year trustee member.

But this turned around dramatically last year, thanks in large part to new member John Crowley, who invited many of the recent inductees. Seventeen men were sworn in December -- the largest total in one month in recent history -- and membership increased by 40 during 2005.

Crowley, who was inducted into the Moose Lodge earlier this year, has done a lot to revamp programs and rejuvenate interest in the group. He has started a monthly Conversation Café, where members get together and discuss issues of importance to themselves and the community. The Conversation Café is held the second Thursday of each month and is open to the public. The topics on Jan. 12 will be "Petaluma and Gangs: Social and Political Aspects" and "Development in Petaluma."

"I'm interested in rejuvenating the lodge," Crowley told the Argus-Courier in October, "because it is a wonderful organization and because it is underutilized." Crowley is interested in ways to draw people together and this is just what he is doing at the Moose Lodge.

With many more joining, the local Moose Lodge is reclaiming its once family-centered atmosphere. Children are coming with their parent members to join in nightly activities and simply be a part of an organization that looks to bringing families closer together.

"You go out to dinner and you just ignore everything and everyone else around you," said Fredericks. "But here you're surrounded by other people to converse, discuss, or just chat with. It's a chance to know other people."

Some of the monthly events that members look forward to include a game night, a classic movie night and a band night with live music by a local musical group.

The Moose Lodge is not a male-only organization. Women have been serving as a chapter in the area since 1923 and remain active. Female members, such as Susan Bono, see that when efforts are combined common goals are met.

"It's that idea of being able to be part of an organization that might be involved in doing some public works," said Bono, "or maybe being able to use the hall to have political discussions or see a movie."

Fees are low and all go to aid in the furtherance of the organization's humanitarian goals. Plans for the future are to continue expanding in order to ensure continued success in all that the Moose members have in store.

Newcomers will join their veteran counterparts to support the local and nationwide Moose efforts. Mooseheart, west of Chicago, is an established children's community for those who need emotional, financial and educational care. Moosehaven, in Jacksonville, Fla., is home to many elderly Moose members and their wives and are provided with a social and stimulating environment.

Stan Wilson has been a member for 50 years and remembers when Petaluma's Moose members met at Hermann Sons Hall. The club moved to its current quarters at 300 English St. in 1960. Wilson, who is 75, continues to come by each morning to clean the building.

Members who travel can expect an open-armed welcome from any lodge in the country -- a place to get a meal and stay the night. The bonds that are made among members go beyond brotherhood or sisterhood, as Fredericks recalled of his trip across the country.

"I would show them my membership card and it was as though I was with family, he said."

To inquire about membership, or for more information about the Moose Lodge, call 782-0475.

(Contact Holly Schneider at argus@arguscourier.com)