Tiffin Moose to celebrate 75 years of service

The Tiffin Moose has undergone a renaissance, and the public is invited to see and celebrate the "new" Lodge 846 on Aug. 20. Josh Schooley, administrator of the Tiffin Moose, said Lodge 846 was founded in 1947, and has since been serving the local community and contributing to national Moose projects. Traditionally, he said, the Moose's membership was divided between male and female members. However, lodge 846, in addition to other lodges, "has made some pretty significant changes" in recent years. Lodge 846 has become "much more inclusive and diverse," Schooley said, and membership now is "all one thing" without divisions. The Moose, like other similar fraternal organizations, has been in a period of decline in recent years, with a lack of new members and decreased commitment and involvement from current members, he said. "We want to remind the community we are here," said Schooley On Aug. 20 , from noon-8 p.m., Moose Lodge 846 will host a 75-year anniversary Food Truck Festival to honor its years of service and re-introduce the community to the true purpose of the organization: service. "We are more than just a bar," Schooley said. "We are still relevant." Locally, he said, the Moose provides support to FISH food pantry, the Allen Eiry Center, and Tiffin Youth Football and Cheer. The lodge strives to serve "a lot of at-risk kids," Schooley said. In addition, the Moose works in conjunction with the Lions Club to provide and support Project Lifesaver, which aids those who struggle with Alzheimers, dementia, and autism, among other illnesses. The program, Schooley said, helps find "people who wander." Nationally, the Moose Fraternity funds two major projects that serve at-risk children and the older population. Mooseheart, located in Illinois, serves as an orphanage, temporary housing, and school for children who either have lost parents or whose parents are not able to care for them. In Florida, Moosehaven provides a retirement community for aging Moose members. Lodge 846's celebration on Saturday will feature a variety of food trucks, entertainment and activities, Schooley said. "Food trucks are super popular," he said, and up to seven trucks will serve visitors at the event. A DJ will play from noon-4 p.m., and the band Triple Shot will be live from 4 p.m.-8 p.m. Games, face painting, a coloring contest, bingo and other activities will be offered, and a number of local community agencies will be in attendance, he said. Schooley said approximately 60 volunteers helped plan the celebration. "Our event committee has done a great job." The Tiffin Moose currently has approximately 900 members, he said, and is "looking for people who want to volunteer." A membership area will be available during the event for anyone interested in learning more about joining the Moose. Tiffin Lodge 846 is led by lodge president Jim Montz, Ray Tittle, vice president, Josh Schooley, administrator, Tom Reis, chaplain, and trustees Steve Steinmetz, Todd Hill and Brian Ferguson. Additional information about Tiffin Moose can be found at tiffinmoose.com or by calling 419-448-9271.