It is hard to believe autumn is upon us and the holidays are right around the corner. For the third year in row, our Lodge held its annual Lodge Revitalization Day on October 15th. Despite having a low turnout of volunteers, we were able to complete most of the tasks that were planned. Major tasks that were completed include trimming the trees in the back lot, painting the kitchen, and touching up the paint around the lodge. Thank you to everyone that showed up.  Without the help of our volunteers, our lodge would not be the great place it is!

I’d like to personally thank three members whose volunteering stood out over the past months. First is our Junior Governor Steve Petty. Once again he coordinated the lodge revitalization day, and used his repair expertise to help us complete the tasks at hand. What stood out this year is that he attended and led the painting of our kitchen from a wheelchair, due to the fact he had major knee surgery. Second, I would like to thank Jeff Elliott for his efforts coordinating and leading our members at the Dulles Days Plane Pull. With his efforts and the team that attended and raised money for the event, our Lodge was able to raise over 2400 dollars for Special Olympics. Third, I would like to thank John Scofield and Tommy Shaver for using his expertise to trim the trees in the back lot and power washing the lodge. I was able to assist with this task and could not believe how he could climb up a tree with a running chainsaw. As always, there are too many other volunteers to name in this message and I do not want to leave anyone out, so I will just say thanks. Your help does not go un-noticed around the lodge, and I can’t put into words how much I appreciate everything you do.

In case you are not aware, this newsletter will be the last printed one you will receive, unless you have requested a paper one to be delivered to you. If you would like to continue receiving this newsletter in paper format, please send the back cover of this newsletter to the lodge ensuring that the mailing label is not torn, and able to be read by our Administrator. The ending of “paper newsletters for all members” will save us hundreds, if not thousands of dollars, that can be used to help other areas of the lodge, our local community, and Moose Charities. I have noticed that there is some interest in a beginners “how to” computer class. For all that showed an interest, I hope to have something going in January or February. I will have more detailed information and hopefully a date for the class by the next Governor’s message. Stay tuned, we’ll get you on the internet soon!

One last note: please check this newsletter and our website www.centrevillemoose.com for upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. In December, we’ll have are traditional Adult's Christmas party. In addition, the ladies will be holding their traditional Breakfast with Santa. Both of these are great opportunities for less active members to return to the lodge and for members to bring their families up. Thank you for being a member of our Lodge and for everything you do to help make it the great place it is. I wish everyone a very merry Christmas, happy holidays, and a fantastic New Year.