Washington Township Moose Lodge 2138 is a fraternal organization that organizes various events for kids in need that impact the local community.

"There are about 1,500 Moose Lodges across the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Bermuda. There are eight lodges in Central Indiana, including Beech Grove, Greenfield, Greenwood, Indianapolis, Richmond, Shelbyville, Speedway and our location at 5146 Brouse Avenue. We host events for 'Outside the Box' (www.outsidethebox.org) which provides services for special needs individuals from their upper teens to adults. We have weekly and monthly events, including live bands, trivia contests, pizza parties and karaoke. Recent events included a Valentine's Day party and Christmas Talent show. The men and women of the Moose organize different events throughout the year to raise funds for various Moose Charities. We provide Tommy Moose dolls to police and fire departments that are given to kids suffering from traumatic events and we are also involved in various food drive programs. Last year, the Loyal Order of Moose celebrated their 100th anniversary at the annual convention held in Las Vegas," explained Eric Renner, who is administrator and board member at the Moose Lodge 2138, Chapter 2399.

"The Washington Township Lodge is open seven days a week. We have a great bunch of dedicated members that join together for fun and good laughs, all the while remembering we're supporting a greater mission of kids in need and our senior members. A prayer ceremony occurs every night at 9 p.m. where everybody stands up, bows their head and repeats prayers. People remember what we're here for - it's a bit of a reminder to everyone what our cause is," he noted.

"A big group used to have meetings somewhere else before Thanksgiving in 2012. We brought a group together to see the Notre Dame-USC (University of Southern California) football game at the lodge. About 40 of us joined right away and our membership has really grown since then to about 200 individuals," Renner added.

"We revitalized the place, paving the parking lot, painting the lodge, repairing the AV (audio-visual), HVAC (heating ventilation air conditioning), roof and installing a satellite TV system," said Stan Bright. He is the current governor of the Washington Township Moose Lodge. His father, Dave, was also a member of the Moose Lodge here. Bright retired from Allison Transmission, where he also worked with Delco Electronics and Allison's Gas Turbine Division. Renner is the National Sales Manager for Sports Select that installs wireless entertainment systems for sports bars and restaurants.

Broad Ripple Moose Tracks, (http://lodge2138.moosepages.org) is their bi-monthly newsletter that lists their future events and charity work, including a golf outing that sponsors holes to support Special Olympics. A January 31 concert by the Village Ramblers included member Steve Papesh, former principal of Broad Ripple High School. A recent Chili cook-off supported Mooseheart and Moosehaven.

The Moose organization's two main causes are Mooseheart Child City & School (www.mooseheart.org) a 1,000 acre campus for children and teens in need located 40 miles west of Chicago. They may be recommended there by a Moose member. Some learn trades while others go on to college.

Moosehaven (www.moosehaven.org), a 70-acre retirement community near Jacksonville, Florida on the St. John's River, provides care and independent living for senior members. It has been home to the Loyal Order of Moose and Women of the Moose since 1922.

Moose Charities (www.moosecharities.org) is a registered non-profit in Mooseheart, Illinois that provides resources for the continued operation and support of the Mooseheart Child City & School and the Moosehaven retirement community.

There will be a State Mid-Year Conference for Moose Lodges around Indiana the weekend of March 20-22 at Indianapolis Wyndham Airport. Other events include a State Spring Euchre party in La Porte April 25-26 and a Day at the Races at Churchill Downs in Louisville on May 16. Their 127th International Convention will be in Nashville, Tennessee from July 3-7.

An application and membership review process are among the required steps to becoming a Moose Lodge member. Questions can be answered by calling 251-4452.

Dr. Henry Wilson established the first Moose Lodge in Louisville, Kentucky. Initially organized as a men's fraternal organization, his vision continues today with a combined membership of 1,000,000 members providing financial generosity and volunteerism.

Washington Township's Moose Lodge members continue Dr. Wilson's mission in a community of fellowship supporting their senior members and youth for a bright tomorrow.