VMA Communications

04/26/24

VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Bonnie Kidwell (Communication Connection May 2024)

04/12/24

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached are the latest Moose Charities reports for the Moosehaven AAA Project (Honor Roll Report) and All Giving. As it stands all units of Virginia have given a total of over $596K to this project, far exceeding our $400K goal. Outstanding! Please be sure to thank everyone who has contributed and remind them they can still give to help reach the $10M goal. Also let them know that Ohio has given over $3M and we can't let them get all of the credit! LOL I was fortunate enough to be at the ground breaking for this project last month and the biggest question from the residents at Moosehaven was, "When will this be finished? We want to live long enough to enjoy it!". So it is up to us to get it done by making sure the money is there when it is needed. Who knows, we may be the ones using it in the future!

Also attached is the Per Capita All Giving report. We have 66 Lodges who have qualified for the Premier Lodge Award on Moose Charities giving of $1 more or meeting the per capita amount of $6.75 per member. We have some more who are very close to reaching their goals so let them know what they need to give this month to do that. Some of them are assured of having a plus one in membership and it would be a shame to miss the PLA because of Moose Charities giving. Also remind your Lodges that endowment each month is also important and they need to send that in as well. 

And here is the big news! For the first time that I know the Lodges of the VMA has contributed over ONE MILLION DOLLARS to Moose Charities! Give yourselves a big pat on the back because we never would have hit that number without all of your help. Thank you so much for all you do!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

04/08/24

VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Bonnie Kidwell (Communication Connection April 2024)

03/18/24

VMA Official Communication from VMA VCU Children's Hospital Chairman Dennis Harlow

Greetings to all,

I would like to thank each and every lodge, chapter, district and Moose Legion that have made donations, and many generous donations, to the Children's Hospital of Richmond Foundation.  Any amount, large or small, is truly appreciated. 

I would like to request moving forward that your donations be sent to the VMA Office for forwarding to the fund.  There is a very specific address, and unless the checks are made out properly AND sent to the correct address, they either have to be sent back to the issuer, or applied as they are made payable to.

Please make checks payable to:  Children's Hospital of Richmond Foundation

And mail to:

Post Office Box 1063

Bedford, VA  24523

Your checks will immediately be forwarded to the charity, and ensure credit to the intended fund.

Fraternally,

Dennis Harlow

VCU Children's Hospital Chairman

Virginia Moose Association 

03/11/24

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

We currently stand at $583,069.31 (145%) on the Moosehaven AAA Project with almost a year to go. I attended the groundbreaking ceremony at Moosehaven this week and things are moving forward on the new recreation center. The residents are excited and grateful for everything we do for them. So far over $7 million has been raised on the $10 million project. Ohio leads the way with over $3M given so far, Florida is 2nd with about $650K (they haven't hit their pledge yet!), and we are in 3rd place. There is still money needed to complete the project so if your Lodges have any gaming proceeds to donate this is as good a place as any. We have 58 Lodges who have met their 3 year goal with 5 Lodges who have given over 400% of what we asked for. There are still some Lodges struggling to give and that's ok but if they have gaming that money has to be spent so what better place than our future retirement home!

On the Premier Lodge requirements we have 57 Lodges who have already met the giving requirements (some have missed too many endowments however) and three more who need to give less than $100 to qualify. It is crunch time with less than two months to go! So, if you have Lodges that are want to meet the requirements and receive their PLA then they need to step it up. Remember they can use gaming money to make donations to Moose Charities and can donate to any number of programs including the AAA Project. We need as many Lodges getting their Premier Lodge Awards as possible to help in our quest to be Top Association so spread the word! It takes all of us working together to make this happen and keep our future bright!

All units combined in our Association have given over $122M to Moose Charities this Moose year so let's keep the ball rolling and take care of our children and seniors the best we can! Thank you for all you do and may God bless you all!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

03/04/24

VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Bonnie Kidwell (Communication Connection March 2024)

02/09/24

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and sisters, first let me say THANK YOU! For the first time since I've held this position as Moose Charities Chairman, the Virginia Moose Association has passed the one million dollar mark in Moose Charities giving. And it is all because we have members who care. Please be sure to let your members know how special they are and how much their efforts are appreciated when it comes to supporting our children and seniors. 

The contributions to the Moosehaven AAA Project have reached $545,345.09. We now have 56 Lodges who have met their three year commitment with actually a year left to go on the three year project! Outstanding! Please let these Lodges know how much their contributions are appreciated. We will be breaking ground on the project at Moosehaven on March 5th to get things started but money is still needed so let's keep the ball rolling and show the fraternity we are the top association when it comes to caring!

We have 53 Lodges who have met their Moose Charities giving of $1 more or per capita towards receiving their Premier Lodge Award. It is getting toward crunch time with only two and a half months to go. Please look at the report and help your lodges meet the goals so they can qualify. Remember they can use gaming proceeds toward achieving this goal. We have 13 Lodges who owe less than $1000 to meet the requirements and it should be achievable for many others. Also remind them they need to make sure endowment is sent in each month. Remind them that anyone who does not send in Endowment between now and our August Convention will be called out when I give my report and asked to explain why they didn't send it in on time. This is not a threat, it is a promise they should heed! 

Also remind Lodges about the Rocker Fund for Moosehaven. They should all be selling the rockers in their Social Quarters. Make it fun and have competitions between Lodges in your Districts. Last year we only took in around $12K so I challenge them to double or even triple that! It's a great way to allow your members, who don't come to meetings, to contribute to the endowment fund.

One more thing, the annual Moose Charities fund raiser "The Blessing of the Bikes' is coming up in May. If you have Moose Riders in your District this is a great way to raise a little money for Moose Charities. They don't have to go to Mooseheart to participate. Registration is now open so they can register their team on the Moose Charities website and have a virtual ride to raise the money. It's a great way to put the fun in fundraising!

As always thank you for what you do for our children and seniors. You are the ones who keep the wheels rolling and the money flowing! 

I've included PDF and Excel versions of the reports for your use. Thank you for what you do and let us work together to continue to make Virginia the number one Association in the fraternity!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

2/02/24

VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Bonnie Kidwell (Communication Connection February 2024)

1/11/24

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters, 

The members of Virginia are truly amazing! As of December 31, 2023 the members of Virginia, all units combined, have given nearly $850,000.00 to Moose Charities and its various programs. Of that total, $536,528.15 has gone to the Moosehaven AAA Project (Honor Roll List) and exceeded our goal of $400,000.00 by over 34%. We have 55 Lodges who have met their three year goal and some who gave over 400% of what was asked of them. I am overwhelmed with the generosity of our members when it comes to giving and thank each and every one of you for helping make this possible. But don't stop now! There are still funds from gaming that need to be donated somewhere so let's continue to keep it in our Moose family by contributing to things like the AAA Project, the Mooseheart and Moosehaven wishlist on the Moose Charities website, and our Endowment fund, because together we make a difference in the lives of others.

We have 45 Lodges who have met their per capita or $1 more to qualify for the Premier Lodge Award and others who are very close. Please remind all of your Lodges that they still have to send Endowment in every month and not to wait until the last minute to send it. As long as they send something by the 10th of each month they will be fine. It's very simple, either send it by check (earmarked for Endowment) or pay it online on the Moose Charities website under "Donate" (in the upper right hand corner) Fraternal Unit Endowment. Sadly, we have Lodges who miss Endowment that give generously to other projects and would otherwise qualify. Don't let this happen to your Lodges!

I've included PDF and Excel versions of the reports for your use. Thank you for what you do and let us work together to continue to make Virginia the number one Association in the fraternity!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

1/02/24

VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Bonnie Kidwell (Communication Connection January 2024)

12/13/23

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters! 

We have hit the $500, 000.00 mark on the Moosehaven AAA Project  (Honor Roll List) and it is is thanks to the generosity of the members of the Virginia Moose Association and all of your hard work! They will be breaking ground on the new building in March but there is still money to be raised. If your Lodges are looking for someplace to put their use of proceeds for gaming there is no better place than Moose Charities to help the programs at Mooseheart and Moosehaven!

We have 37 Lodges who have qualified for the Premier Lodge Award with their Moose Charities giving and many more who are close. This is outstanding given we are only a little over halfway through the Moose Year. So let's keep up the momentum by reminding our Lodges to send in their endowment every month and continue contributing to the various Moose Programs. We have a Moose Youth Awareness Congress in Virginia in 2024 and contributions to Moose Youth Awareness count towards Moose Charity giving when sent directly to Moose Charities and earmarked for that program. As a reminder, have your Lodges be sure to earmark their checks for where they want them applied and be sure to send endowment in by the 10th of the month. Endowment is recorded on the date received and some send it at the end of the month and it arrives too early or too late depending upon which month it was supposed to count. We'd hate to have someone miss out because of something as simple as that.

Thank you for all you do!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

12/04/23

VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Bonnie Kidwell (Communication Connection December 2023)

11/06/23 (1 of 3)

Hotel Information for Mid-Year Confernence from VMA Convention Manager, Robbie Robertson

To All:

Mid-Year Conference 2024  will be held January 18th-21st, 2024.  We will again be in Hampton, Virginia, and offering four different locations for housing for the event.  

All meetings of the convention will be held in the Hampton Roads Convention Center.

Reservations will be open on Monday, November 13th, beginning at 8 a.m.  All information, to include online reservation links, call in numbers and codes for the Moose rate will be on our website at virginiamoose.net, -About the VMA-Conferences and Conventions. 

Please note important information listed below: 

LODGING RATE: Will be $124.00 net rate plus tax. Per night

DEPOSIT POLICY: You must pay for a one-night deposit at the time of reservation. The deposit is refundable if canceled at least 14 days before arrival. You will forfeit the first night's deposit if canceled less than 14 days before arrival. (The Association is not responsible, nor can we assist in regaining deposits in the event you do not cancel in time)

CHECK-IN POLICY:

Check-in time for all hotels is 4:00 pm

Early Check-in:

EMBASSY SUITES HOTEL: check-in before 2 pm will require a fee of $25 per hotel policy.

The Courtyard does not have a specific price-as rooms available; they will check people in, but rooms are not guaranteed until the hotel check-in time.

Hyatt Place charges $20-$40 based on the time needed to check-in.

Holiday Inn Express- If someone needs to check in early, they will do their best but not guaranteed.

Thanks

Robbie Robertson

Convention Manager

Virginia Moose Association

434-607-5726

Robbie.robertson51@gmail.com

Jim Ragland

Assistant Convention Manager

804-747-8439

11/06/23 (2 of 3)

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached you will find the Per Capita and AAA Projects (AAA Honor Roll) reports for the period ending 10/31/23. We are doing well with 33 Lodges already qualified for the PLA through their Moose charities giving. Remember that the year is at the midway point and some Lodges are behind where they should be at this point. If the total in the last column exceeds the amount already given then they need to step it up if they wish yo qualify for the Premier Lodge award. Remind them they can use proceeds from gaming to increase their Moose Charities giving and the AAA Project is a good place to start! Also remind those that have already qualified that they still need to send in Endowment each month.

We have hit over $460K on the AAA Project but we shouldn't slow down now. Let's keep it up and make the $500K goal by mid-year in January! We still have some lodges who have given nothing and others that have given very little. Remind them that with the gaming regulations that they must give away 20% of their electronic money and this is a good place to give!

Thank you for all you do and keep up the good work for our children and seniors. Remember that Moosehaven is the lowest cost retirement plan you will ever find!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

11/06/23 (3 of 3)

VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Bonnie Kidwell (Communication Connection November 2023)

10/11/23 

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached you will find the latest Moose Charities total giving and Moosehaven AAA Project reports (Moosehaven AAA Honor Roll). Please look over these reports and use them at upcoming District Meetings or on your Lodge visits to let your Lodges know where they stand. As of September 30 we have hit our goal of $400,000.00 on the Moosehaven AAA project but let's not stop there. I'm challenging our Lodges to try and hit the $500,000.00 mark by next convention. Just to let you give them an example, Ohio has pledged $2 million and have already hit ¾ of that mark. Their Association is similar to ours in size so what's stopping us? With the 20% use of proceeds we are required to give there should be some extra money out there somewhere. I want to recognize Middlesex Lodge for giving nearly 500% of what was asked of them with only 315 members so please be sure to use them as an example! Sadly there are still five Lodges who are on the Brown list for giving nothing and a few more just above it. I know some Lodges struggle but if they have electronic gaming then they have to give some of that money away. Let's remember giving begins at home!

Our Per Capita numbers are looking good at around 85% of what we need to give to meet the $6.75 amount per member and we have 20 Lodges who have met the Moose Charities giving qualifications for the Premier Lodge Award. Just remember, they still have to send in the Endowment each month as another qualification and some have been lacking in that department. Stay on top of thins and remind your lodge frequently to sent it in.

Thank you for all you do!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

9/19/23 

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached are the Per Capita and Moosehaven AAA Project reports as of 8/31/23. Please note these totals on the AAA Project do not reflect any money given at our recent convention. When those totals are added in we will be very close to reaching the $400,000.00 commitment we made in less than two years. What I am asking is that we try to go a little extra and make it to $500,000.00. If the Lodges who have not yet reached their goals do their part and the rest kick in what they can this should be no problem. Just to give you an idea of what I'm asking of you, the Ohio Moose Association has committed to a promise of $2,000,000.00 and have almost reached their goal. In fact they have already given around half of all money collected for the project so far. Once the project is complete our Association will be recognized as one of the top donors, as they were on the recently completed MAC Project at Mooseheart, with a plaque on the wall showing our total. With our new gaming use of proceeds requirements let's not forget our seniors at Moosehaven. Who knows, any one of you may be using these new facilities one day and you will be able to say, "We did that!". Please pass the word and let's get this done!

On the per capita we have 13 Lodges who have met either the per capita amount or $1 more and many more are very close. Please be sure to remind lodges that even if they reach one of those requirements they still need to send in endowment every month to qualify for the Premier lodge Award. We have some Lodges who are forgetting this on a regular basis and it needs to stop. That money is collected on behalf of our children and seniors and is not theirs to keep. It must be sent to Moose Charities in a timely manner. There is absolutely no excuse for not doing this given they can do it online in a matter of minutes. Please go to the Lodges who are not doing this and find out why. Time is crucial for some since there are quite a few that have already missed the max. I'm counting on your help to get this done!

Also while you're at it get them to form a team for the upcoming Rudolph Run virtual 5K. It's easy to do at the Moose Charities website and every Lodge should have received an email on how to get it done. Let's show the other Associations that we truly know how to take care of our children and seniors by showing our support for this fun activity. There are different donor levels that bring different levels of recognition. Once again let's use some of the proceeds from gaming and keep the money in house by donating to Moose Charities!

As always, thank you for what you do to make our Association the top association in the fraternity!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

9/12/23  - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Bonnie Kidwell (Communication Connection September 2023)

8/07/23 (1 of 2)

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

I'm looking for volunteers interested in helping out at the Moose Charities Table at the upcoming convention. If you would be interested in helping please let me know. The times are Thursday from about 3 PM-6 PM and Friday- Saturday from 8am until the meeting starts, after the morning meeting until the afternoon meeting, and after the meetings until around 5-6pm. Volunteers should have some knowledge of the various programs of Moose Charities but it is not required!

Also anyone wishing to donate a basket to raffle for Moose Charities please let me know ahead of time so I can make sure to have the tickets and such available. Proceeds will go toward the Moosehaven AAA project. If we can get a few people to help we can spread out the work.

Thank you!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

8/07/23 (2 of 2)

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and sisters,

Attached you will find the Moosehaven AAA Project and Lodge Per Capita Report. We have 12 Lodges who have met the Per Capita or $1 more giving to Moose Charites already! Just be sure to tell them to continue sending in their endowments on a regular basis to qualify for the Premier Lodge Award. Use the last column on the report to help Lodges know how much they need to give to qualify for the Premier lodge award. If you divide that number by the number of months left in the Moose Year it can give them an idea how much they need to give monthly to meet their goals. 

43 Lodges have given their full commitment or more to the AAA Project which is outstanding! Be sure to thank them for their generosity. We have met 88.7% of our goal with over $354,950 collected. Let's try to hit $500K by January at Mid-Year. With the new use of proceeds percentage for electronic gaming Lodges need a place to put that money. Why not keep it in house and give to Moose Charities? Who knows which one of us might need that security in the future?

Thank you for all you do and I'll see you in a couple of weeks in Hampton! If you have any questions come to the Moose Charities Table at convention and I'll do what I can to help!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

7/14/23 

VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection July 2023)

VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached are the Moosehaven AAA Project and Moose Charities Per Capita reports as of 6/30/23. As of that date we have given over $350K of our $400K commitment to the AAA Project. We have 43 Lodges who have already given their 3 year commitment and 19 more who have given at least one year's worth. Great job for those who have been giving to this project. We have reached over 73% of our goal in less than two years so I want to up the ante! Ohio has pledged ONE MILLION $ and I see no reason we cannot reach at least 1/2 of that at $500,000.00. I'm asking you to get the word out about this and, given our need to give away 20% of electronic gaming proceeds, see if our Lodges can step up to the task. I know we can do it because we have done it before on other projects over the years. We were the #2 Association in the fraternity for a reason and part of that reason is our big hearts when it comes to helping children and seniors.

We also have 10 Lodges who have already met the monetary requirements for the Premier Lodge Award (as long as they make sure to send in Endowment every month) and many others who are very close! Unfortunately, we have a couple of Lodge who have contributed nothing and there is no excuse. I'm asking all District Presidents to remind their Lodges that the money they collect for Endowment is not theirs to use any way they see fit. It is a liability that must be sent in to Moose Charities when it is collected. Be sure your Lodges understand this simple fact.

We are off to a great start this year for Moose Charities giving so let's keep up the momentum. We have a proud past in Virginia when it comes to giving and the future looks bright as long as we keep it up!

Thank you for all you do!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

06/14/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Secretary, Artie Ransone

For your information; These updated policies  were adopted at the Annual Convention held 8-20-22. The policy titled "Executive Committee Nominee" added paragraph 2, the policy titled "Nominee for Association Elected Office" corrected language in paragraph 1 and the policy titled "District Petty Cash" was new.  The remaining policies adopted 6-24-21 remain in effect.

Thanks.

Artie Ransone

05/25/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Executive Administrator

Just a reminder that submissions for the Memorial Book are due in by Friday, June 2.  Next Friday!  As of today, I have only received 30 of the 84 expected.  Due to scheduling events between now and State Convention, no late entries will be accepted.

The office will be closed the following days in the upcoming month: 

Monday, May 29th.

Thursday and Friday June 1st and June 2nd

Thursday and Friday June 15th and June 16th. 

Wishing you all a safe and enjoyable Memorial Day Weekend!

Paula

VMA Office

05/22/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

It's time to start thinking about your Moose Charities giving for the 2023-24 Moose Year. We had a great year last year with 74 Lodges meeting or exceeding their goals. Let's see if we can get everyone on the list for Premier Lodge Awards this year by meeting our new goals. The per capita amount this year has increased to $6.75 per member. Some lodges will make this and more. Others will try to give at least $1 more and that's ok too. We are happy to accept anything your Lodges are willing to give to help our children and seniors. I've attached the new report with the new numbers. Everything is pretty much self explanatory but if you have any questions do not hesitate to call. The number in the last column is the easiest path to qualify for the premier Lodge Award. If you divide that number by 12 it will give you a monthly amount to use as a goal. Please share this information with your Lodges and get them on the path to success. We have a proud past in the Virginia Moose Association as the first Association formed in the Moose. Let's make a bright future for our children and seniors by giving whatever it takes to meet our goals.

Thank you for all you do!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

540-353-4645

05/10/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

First of all I would like to thank everyone for their hard work this year. Thanks to you we had 74 Lodges this year who met their $1 more or per capita giving goals and qualified for the Premier Lodge Award for Moose Charities giving. All together Virginia Lodges gave nearly $700K to Moose Charities (excluding Safe Surfin money). The members of the VMA, Lodges, Chapters, Moose Legions, and others gave over $900K. This is outstanding and couldn't have been achieved without your hard work and dedication. Please review the attached report and give credit where credit is due to your Lodges.

On the Moosehaven AAA Project we are well on our way to meeting our $400K goal with a total of over $294K (73%) given. We have 61 Lodges who have given at least one year's worth and 38 of those have already met their three year goal! We still have a few on the brown list so let's help them get out of the brown and into at least the bronze before year end! 

Let's send out reminders to our Lodges to send in their endowment on a monthly basis, participate in the Cradle and rocker funds, and keep the AAA Project rolling along. Let's be proud of our past but keep working toward a brighter future and show the fraternity which Association has the biggest heart!

Thank you for all you do!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

540-353-4645

04/17/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and sisters,

It's crunch time for your Moose Charities giving. As of March 31 we have 61 Lodges that met their per capita or $1 more goals in Moose Charities giving. We have 10 more who need to give less than $500, and this doesn't include anything sent in for Endowment this month, to qualify for the premier Lodge Award. We still need everyone to send in Endowment and sadly some who have qualified in their giving amounts failed to send in the required number of Endowments. Please remind everyone that if you take up endowment it is not your money to use in the Lodge and must be sent to Moose Charities monthly. On a good note, according to my calculations, as an Association our Lodges gave over $11 per capita. That exceeds the fraternity wide per capita of $6.51 per member and is outstanding! Thank you on behalf of the children and seniors for your generosity in supporting Mooseheart and Moosehaven. 

For the Moosehaven AAA Project our Association has collected over $257,000.00 so far. This is over 58% of our goal of $400,000.00 and we are well on our way to reaching our goal. We have 33 Lodges who have already met their 3 year goal, 4 who have met 2 years, and 13 who have met 1 year. There are 10 who have yet to contribute so let's help them find a way to raise a little to help us reach our goal. With the changes to electronic gaming use of proceeds we have to give 20% to charity so what better charity than our own? Remember the old saying, "Charity begins at home"? Well why not remember our home for seniors in Moosehaven and this project when giving away your charitable gaming dollars? 

Please be sure to recognize those Lodges who continue to send in their endowment regularly and contribute to our projects in a big way. Give praise where praise is due. Remind them that it takes all of us working together to keep our fraternity strong and the stronger Lodges need to help the weaker Lodges when the need arises. As we end this year let's do it with a bang and make our Association the top Association with the biggest heart when it comes to giving. By working together we can make it happen!

Thank you for all you do!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

540-353-4645

03/20/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Pilgrim Chairman Glen Sydnor

Brothers,

There will be a Higher Degree Gathering hosted by Waynesboro Lodge #1309 on May 19-May 20, 2023.  We ask that any brothers that hold the Fellowship Degree or Pilgrim Degree join us at any time during the two day span to enjoy fun and fellowship.  

There will be a Pilgrim Meeting held on May 20, 2023 at same location, beginning at 10 a.m.  Dress code is casual for the duration of the weekend.

If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to reach out to me at 804-761-2330.

Fraternally,

Glenn Sydnor

Pilgrim Chairman

Virginia Moose Association 

3/16/23 - VMA Official Communication from Safe Surfin' President, Eddit Worth, Letter to all Lodges

03/14/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and sisters,

Attached you will find the Moose Charities Per Capita Report and Moosehaven AAA Project reports. Please look at these and congratulate the Lodges that are doing well and speak to those that can do better! 

To date we have raised $232,990.64 (58.24%) of our $400,000 goal and it hasn't even been a year! Outstanding job! We have 31 Lodges who have given all we asked for and some even more! Sadly, we also have some who have given nothing so please be sure to tell them what this money will be used for and to see if they can do something to raise a little money to help. Use the flyer telling about the project.

I've also included the latest figures on per capita and $1 more giving to qualify for the Premier Lodge Award. As of February 28th we have 53 Lodges who have met the per capita goal or $1 more in Moose Charities giving. We also have quite a few more wh oare very close. It's crunch time with March and April left to give. Be sure to remind the Lodges that they must send in their Endowment each month to qualify as well. Remember that Safe Surfin' donations do not count towards the total Lodges are required to donate. 

The money donated to Moose Charities also helps us in our Top Association quest so, with the new gaming requirements of 20% use of proceeds, what better place to send that money than Moose Charities for any number of projects including the AAA Project of wish list items!

Thank you for all you do and keep up the good work of supporting our children and seniors because it is you that MAKE IT HAPPEN!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

540-353-4645

3/02/23 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection March 2023)

02/15/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and sisters,

Attached you will find the latest reports on the Moosehaven AAA Project and Lodge Moose Charities giving. There are still quite a few Lodges who have given nothing to the AAA Project so please remind them that the new gaming regulations require 20% use of proceeds for charitable giving, and this would count towards that percentage. We have already collected over $180K on this project in about 6 months' time which is outstanding. Thank your Lodges that have given and try to get the others to at least give 1 year's worth before our next convention in August.

We are also doing well on our Moose Charities giving. Remind Lodges that the money they give to Safe Surfin' does not count towards their per capita. That doesn't mean they should not support that worthy cause, it just means they need to make sure to give enough to Moose Charities' other projects to qualify for their Premier Lodge Award per capita amount of $6.51 per member or $1 more that they gave last year. The endowment report will be coming soon so remind your Lodges they must continue to give their endowment every month to qualify as well. We have 47 Lodges who have already qualified through their giving and many more who are nearly there. Please use this report to help them achieve their goal so we can get as many Lodges as we can their Premier Lodge Awards as a reward for their hard work and dedication.

Also remind your Lodges about the Rocker Fund this month. Last year we did $11,587 on this project. Let's see if we can't do a lot better this year! The Cradle Fund made $2,400 more so there is no reason we can't do the same, or better, with this one.

Thank you for all you do and let's make it happen and show we are the top association with the biggest hearts!

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

540-353-4645

2/01/23 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection February 2023)

01/13/23 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and sisters,

I hope everyone had a great holiday season and are gearing up for mid-year in Hampton! Attached you will find the latest Moose Charities Per Capita Giving report as of 12/31/22. Remember, this report includes everything your Lodge has sent to Moose Charities for everything except Safe Surfin'. This report shows what your Lodges need to send in in order to qualify for the Premier Lodge Award either by giving $1 more than last year or meeting the per capita amount of $6.51 per member. We already have 41 Lodges that have met one or both of these requirements but we want to see everyone make their goals! Remember Lodges also have to send in their endowment each month as well. Charles should be sending that report out soon so you can make sure your Lodges are fulfilling their obligations in this regard. Now remember, just because a Lodge has met their requirements it doesn't mean they don't need to send anymore! We still need to boost our per capita giving to work on the Top Association Award. Some Associations give over $9 per member and we can too if everyone pitches in. They can give to any number of programs at Moose Charities to help our children and seniors and should continue to do so.

I've also attached the latest Moosehaven AAA Project report. As of 12/31/22 we have given over $162,440.04 of our $400,000 pledge which is about 40.6% and outstanding given it is only about 6 months in to the three year project. Let's keep the momentum going and knock this thing out! We have 25 Lodges who have already met their three year goal but, again, they should not stop there since we have some Lodges who may not be able to meet their goals. Be sure to thank those who have given and remind those who haven't that "a burden to one is borne lightly by many" and to give what they can to help the cause. We can make this happen!

We'll be talking about these at mid-year so I hope to see you all there. Thank you for what you do and if you have any questions feel free to contact me at any time.

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

540-353-4645

1/09/23 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection January 2023)

1/06/23 - VMA Official Communication from Government Relations Chairman, Brook Archambeau

Charitable Gaming Update

12/06/22 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection December 2022)

11/21/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached are the AAA Project Report and the Moose Charities Per Capita Giving Reports. We have given a total of $148,555.40 (37%) to the Moosehaven AAA Project with 24 Lodges already reaching their three year goal! Let's keep the ball rolling and get the $400,000.00 commitment knocked out in record time!

For the per capita report we have 37 Lodges who have met their goals of $1 more, per capita of $6.51 per member, or both so that is great as well. Remind those who have already made it that they still need to turn in their endowment on a monthly basis to qualify for the Premier Lodge Award. Also anything given to Safe Surfin' does not count toward their total giving so they need to watch that as well. As we reach the halfway mark of the Moose year let's keep working to get everyone qualified for the Premier Lodge Award.

As we hit the holiday season I am thankful for the hard work each of you do for our great fraternity. Please be safe as you travel around this season and may God bless you and your families, Mooseheart, and Moosehaven.

Fraternally,

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

540-353-4645

11/02/22 - VMA Official Communication from Government Relations Chairman, Brook Archambeau

TO ALL - They have removed the 40% for use of proceeds on their demo form (that changed after the first training) and Menefee has assured me that if we lobby we can get that lowered, likely not less than 30% (hence my request below).  Please encourage district officers and lodge administrators to expressly mention the payroll piece of this, as they currently don't want us to be able to use any of the proceeds from gaming towards payroll.  I agree that we shouldn't be totally reliant on gaming for these purposes, but even Menefee conceded that he knows gaming is keeping the lights on in a lot of places, so maybe if we make enough noise about being able to use them for payroll (or at least a percentage of it), then we may get that changed.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE TO LODGES, CHAPTERS, AND VMA:

The public comment and input for the new gaming regulations/forms is currently online.  Many have already received the link and left valuable input, but please put this out to all lodges and chapters immediately.  The form closes at 11:59pm on Wednesday, November 23, 2022.  Please keep the following in mind when posting commentary:

1.  VDACS is requesting input on the forms/reporting regulations only.

2.  Use of proceeds - We would like it to be no more than 30% of net proceeds for electronic gaming.

3.  Restrictions on what we can use proceeds towards will tremendously inhibit our operating capability.  The proposed regulations prohibit using proceeds for payroll.  Please reiterate that we rely on these proceeds for light bills, payroll for those operating the social quarters, and keeping our lodges open.

4.  Please be sure to list your name, title, and lodge number.  ALL BROTHERS AND SISTERS are encouraged to offer commentary, not just lodge/chapter officers.

Here is the link:   https://townhall.virginia.gov/L/comments.cfm?stageid=9804

Brooke Archambeau

Government Relations

11/02/22 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection November 2022)

10/20/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Committee Member Charles Carter 

The Endowment Fund for the month of September received from Moose International

Thank you

Charles Carter 

10/19/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached you will find the latest per capita report for Moose Charities Giving. There has been some confusion about this report so let me explain it in simple terms. This report shows how much you have given to Moose Charities up until the date of the report. This total does not include anything given to Safe Surfin' since that does not count toward your Premier Lodge Award. This report also shows the total you need to give for the entire Moose year, 5/1/22-4/30/23, based upon the Moose Charities per capita rate of $6.51 per member or $1 more than you gave last year. The total given also includes money given to endowment, to the AAA Project, and other gifts or projects, in other words every check you send to Moose Charities counts. This money does not have to be paid all at one time and can be divided into monthly amounts. The last column on the report shows the easiest amount you need to pay to qualify for the Premier Lodge Award but is by no means all you need to give if you are able! So far we have 29 Lodges who have met the per capita or $1 more amount which is outstanding! Remember that you still have to send in endowment each month as well to qualify. We had some Lodges last year who would have qualified but missed too many endowments so don't let this happen to you! If any of you have any questions about this report fell free to call me any time and I will try to answer them if I can!

Now for the first AAA Project report! We are off to a great start so let's try to keep up the momentum. All together the members of Virginia have given over $130,000 to the project so far. We have 20 Lodges who have already given the entire three years worth we asked for so far. The total number requested from each Lodge is based on their enrollment on April 30, 2022 and a per capita number of $2.36 per member to reach the $400,000 goal in three years. This allows a reasonable amount for each lodge, large or small, to work with each year. Like any other project they should do fund raisers to reach these goals. Even in these difficult times, if we all work together, we can get this project done. Not only are we taking care of our seniors with this project but it may be something we ourselves may be using down the road! Also, remember that money given to this project counts toward total Moose Charities giving and your Premier lodge Awards! Again, if you have any questions feel free to call me any time!

Thank you for all you do!

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

Moose Charities Board Member

540-353-4645

10/05/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Heart of the Community Chairman, Chris Mcfaden 

Brothers and Sisters,

As I have been watching the news like all of you, I am in shock and heartbroken for the people of Florida. They have lost so much and it will take months to recover from this horrible disaster. We as Moose need to help these people. This is the time to really think about what the Heart Of The Community stands for. The Virginia Moose Association would like all lodges to give to the Florida Moose Association to distribute to all the areas affected. Our giving is vital to the recovery of the state of Florida and its people. Please send your checks to the VMA office. Make check payable to the VMA and ear marked to the “Florida Disaster Fund”. The VMA will collect all money and send one check to the FMA. Please help in any amount you can. All  donations big or small will help people in need.

As I type this letter I am reminded of a quote that one of our founding fathers James J. Davis said. “A burden heavy to one, is bourn lightly by many”.

Fraternally,

Chris Mcfaden

Heart Of The Community Chairman

Virginia Moose Association

08/11/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour - All Giving Report

Brothers and Sisters

Attached you will find the latest Moose Charities All Giving (per capita) Report. This report shows the money received by Moose Charities for the various programs you send money to at Moose Charities such as endowment, gifts at the International Convention, etc. This report does not show contributions to Safe Surfin' as they do not count toward the Premier Lodge Award qualifications as found HERE on the Moose International website.

Here is a column by column explanation of the report. It is really simple, the last column is the minimum amount you need to send to qualify for the Premier Lodge Award but is by no means all you should give!

Columns 1-3 are self explanatory with Lodge number, Lodge name, and District

Column 4 is the amount you gave to Moose Charities last year

Column 5 is the amount you need to give Moose Charities this year to reach $1 more in total giving

Column 6 is the amount given Moose Charities to date excluding Safe Surfin' donations

Column 7 is the number of members you had on roll on April 10, 2022 and is used to determine the total amount you need to give to make the per capita goal of $6.51 per member

Column 8 is total amount of your membership on 4/30/22 times the per capita number of $6.51 per member

Column 9 is the amount still needed to reach the per capita goal

Column 10 is the minimum amount contributed to Moose Charities needed to qualify for the Premier Lodge award and is based on the lesser number between the $1 more amount or the per capita amount. Our goal is for every Lodge to at least meet the per capita number but we realize this is hard for some Lodges so urge them to do the best they can.

Remember these are just target goals and should be exceeded to give yourselves some room for error. Also remember that it does no good to give the money if they miss more than two endowment reports. Give these numbers to our Lodges and help them set their giving goals. Let's make this happen so all of our lodges qualify for the Premier Lodge Award and show the rest of the Fraternity who truly is the Top Association when it comes to Moose Charities giving.

I'll see you all in Hampton if you have any questions! Thank you for what you do! Together we can make it happen!

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

540-353-4645

08/11/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour - Triple A Project

Brothers and Sisters,

As some of you who attended the International Convention in Orland already know we have a new three year project for Moosehaven called the "Triple A Project". This stands for "Always Active At" Moosehaven. This $10,000,000.00 3 year project is designed to replace the activity center currently in use that is residential building built in 1952. This is to be replaced with a building along the lines of the newly opened MAC project at Mooseheart. The new sports complex and amenity center will include a pool, gym, and multi-purpose room for exercise and dance classes. It will also include a bowling alley, indoor shuffleboard, cornhole, billiards, darts, a poker room, and a spacious social area. This project also includes a new 80X100 foot pavilion that will be built overlooking the St John's River.

Our Association's commitment to this project is $400,000.00 which is the same amount we raised for the Mooseheart Activity Center. I have broken it down on a Lodge by Lodge basis and included a spreadsheet for your use. The numbers are based on April 30, 2022 membership numbers and a per capita number of $7.07 for the entire three year period. I have listed a goal per year and a total goal for each Lodge. Since I used the per capita, the totals for each lodge are as close as I can come to making each Lodge responsible for an even share of the project based upon individual Lodge membership. As with the MAC Project some Lodges will give more than others based upon ability. All we are asking is for each Lodge to take it upon themselves to fulfill our mission of caring for our seniors to the best of their ability.

As of July 31 we have already collected $8200 with Sandston leading the way with a $5000.00 contribution. We are also looking for those Lodges who wish to make contributions to bring their checks to the banquet at our upcoming convention in Hampton. We would like to show out CEO Scott Hart how we get things done and make it happen in Virginia when it comes to fulfilling our mission. Have the checks made out to Moose Charities and earmarked "Moosehaven Triple A Project".

Thank you for all you do and I look forward to seeing you all in Hampton. If you have any questions feel free to ask and I'll do the best I can to answer them for you!

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

540-353-4645

09/23/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour 

Brothers and Sisters,

I've been getting some calls lately concerning the per capita amount for Moose Charities giving this year. For future reference the amount can always be found on Moose International website HERE  The per capita this year is $6.51 per member. The amount you need to make for Moose Charities giving this year is that number multiplied by the total members on roll on April 30th. The attached report shows the numbers your Lodges need to make for the Premier Lodge Award either through per capita or $1 more giving. The total in the last column is the easiest amount to achieve the award. Although that number could be for $1 more we would like to see everyone make the per capita number if possible. And don't let that number stop you from giving more if you can!  This total does not include anything given in September. If the Lodges take that number and divide it by the remaining months it will give them a goal to reach each month and perhaps make it a little easier. Also remind them that even though they may make this goal they still need to send in endowment each month. 

I also need the names of some of your Moose Charities Chair people. I've sent out a couple of emails in this regard and have gotten limited response back. Remember it is always easier to get the job done if we get more people involved in getting the word out. 

On a final note, remember that October is the month for Lodges to participate in the Cradle Fund. Let's see if we can't get more participation and top the total from last year ($12,449) and rock this thing! Also talk up the Virtual 5K Rudolph Run that can be found HERE or have them donate to my team "Duck Duck Moose VA" by going to the Moose Charities website. Let's put Virginia over the top on Moose Charities giving and show the rest of the Associations who has the biggest heart when it comes to Mooseheart!

Thank you for all you do and keep up the good work!

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

540-353-4645

09/28/22 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection October 2022) Attachments below

Martinsville NASCAR Race Flyer

Mooseheart Cradles

10/05/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Committee Member Charles Carter 

Hello Everyone,

I'm excited to be an active member of the State Moose Charities Committee. This opportunity will give me a chance to learn the duties and responsibilities of this very important committee. Thank you Don for the opportunity to serve on this committee.

Thank you

Charles Carter 

According to MI records the following lodges did NOT make a contribution to the Endowment Fund for the month of August. 

Newport News 1119

Berryville 2139

Waynesboro 1309

Ashland 2099

Powhatan 1840

Altavista 1433

Montgomery County 1470

09/30/22 - VMA Official Communication  - From the Office of Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs 

The Office of Charitable and Regulatory Programs will be conducting regional training at 7 locations across Virginia during October and November 2022. Training will include an overview of recent legislative changes along with instruction on completing the revised Quarterly and Annual Charitable Gaming Financial Reports- Form 101 & 102.

To register, please complete the attached form and email to finreports.assistance@vdacs.virginia.gov or fax to 804-255-2666.

It is strongly suggested by the Executive Committee of the Association that Administrators/ Government Relations Chairpersons/Bingo Managers and office staff that completes mandatory forms attend this training program. 

09/15/22 - VMA Official Communication from Higher Degrees Chairman, Mark Marshall Sr.  - Virginia Council of Higher Degrees Membership Drive

The Virginia Council of Higher Degree is moving forward on a statewide membership drive. By now you should have a Chairperson in place for your District and Lodges. This Charter Membership Drive is for 90 days October 1, 2023 until December 31, 2023. Membership in 

Central Virginia 

Northern Virginia 

Western Virginia 

will begin January 1, 2023

See attachment for more details. (Application)

Please print a post on your bulletin boards. (Flyer) I will be at the Chili Cookoff with Applications and Flyers. 

P.S. the train has left the station.

Mark Marshall Sr 

Higher Degree Chairman 

804-539-6275 

08/16/22 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection August 2022)

07/25/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour - Endowment Report

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached is the Endowment Report as of 6/30/22. Please look over it and let me know if you have any questions. If one of your Lodges has a dispute remind them they need to contact Moose Charities with proof that they are wrong as I can't do anything myself to make corrections. Sorry it is so late but I had a computer crash and I had to do some scrambling to get it done! We have 13 Lodges who have already missed one Endowment. Please stress to them that they can only miss one more or they will be disqualified from the Premier Lodge Award. 

I'm still working on the per capita report for Moose Charities and as soon as I get that done I will send it out so the Lodges can set their goals for the year. I will also have something on the new three year "AAA Moosehaven Project" coming out soon so please prep your Lodges to begin raising funds for that project.

Just to let everyone know and to thank you for your efforts we raised $447,639.10 for the MAC project that was just completed at Mooseheart and exceeded our $400K goal.

Thank you for all you do for Moose Charities!

Sincerely, 

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

540-353-4645

08/11/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Moose Charities Chairman Don Ridenhour - Endowment Report

Brothers and Sisters,

Attached you will find the Endowment report as of 7/31/22. We had 76 of 83 Lodges reporting for 91%. We need to get everyone sending their endowment in on time every month. Remind your Lodges that the money they collect for endowment is not Lodge money but is intended for our children and seniors. They do not have to wait until the end of the month to send it in as long as they send it in every month. We already have three Lodges that have missed two endowments and they can miss no more and still receive the Premier Lodge Award. Our goal is 100% reporting every month and it is a simple thing to do. Set a reminder on your phones, put a sticker on the calendar, pay it when you pay your other recurring bills like electric and water, just do it every month! 

If those who show as not paying have a dispute they need to contact Moose Charities directly with proof that they paid on a bank statement or a cancelled check. The check must be earmarked "Endowment" and sent to Moose Charities.

I look forward to seeing you all next week at Hampton. If you have any questions please bring them to me at the Moose Charities table and I'll be glad to answer them the best I can.

Thank you for all you do!

Sincerely, 

Don Ridenhour

VMA Moose Charities Chairman

540-353-4645

07/18/22 - VMA Official Communication from Moose Legion Ambassador - Eastern VA - Robert A. Benjamin (Moose Legion Report) 

06/22/22 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection July 2022)

05/27/22 - VMA Official Communication from Communications Chairman, Judy Kennedy (Communication Connection June 2022)

05/06/22 - VMA Official Communication from VMA Activities Chairperson Chairman, Leslie Cudd 

Please find shown below the guidelines for hosting VMA Sporting Events.  Should your lodge be interested in hosting any events in 2023, please follow those guidelines for submission.   All requests MUST be received by September 30, 2022.  Please submit via email to lcudd1@verizon.net.  If you have any questions, feel free to contact me or the VMA office.

GUIDELINES FOR HOSTING VMA SPORTING EVENTS

1.     Requests to host sporting events must be submitted in writing to include signature of all current board members.  Deadline for submission is September 30 of the year prior to events.

2.     Lodges will submit a $350 hosting fee to the Association, due within one week of the conclusion of the event.

3.     Lodges wishing to host events must have participated in the event the year prior to hosting

4.     It is the responsibility of the host lodges to procure housing/hotel accommodations for the event, as well as any flyers, advertising, or information regarding the event for distribution or posting.  It is also the responsibility of the host lodge to provide any prizes or trophies to be awarded. The success of your event is largely based on “advertising” on Virginia Moose Association social media site, website, as well as bulk emails to lodges with details of the event.  The sooner you are prepared for your event, the sooner it can be promoted to increase participation and revenue. 

Fraternally,

Leslie Cudd

Activities Chairperson

Virginia Moose Association