THE MALDEN ADVOCATE–Friday, March 1, 2024 Page 9 CELEBRATING | FROM PAGE 1 monetary donations, volunteer hours worked and miles driven) annually. In an interview at the Malden Moose Lodge No. 1910 at 562 Broadway, Rte. 99, in Malden last Friday afternoon, Malden Moose President Ed “Porky” Strong said the Lodge is one of many throughout the United States and Canada that support the two facilities. “If something happens to anyone under age 18 with a parental hardship, they are able to live there,” 54-year member Strong said, regarding Mooseheart. “They usually get a college scholarship, or they will join the service – they give them a high school education and a chance to join the ROTC or enter a trade.” “That’s the reason that I’m involved in the Moose organization,” Strong said. “I don’t have any children of my own, but those are my kids.” For 33-year Lodge Administrator Henry Dorazio, of Malden, he became invested following in his father’s footsteps, also named Henry, who was the original administrator in 1959. “It’s satisfying to me,” Dorazio Malden Moose Administrator Henry Dorazio by the founding fathers memorial, which includes his father – also named Henry. said. “Circling back to the children’s home, they live in family-like settings situated on farmland and attend public school. “Similar to an assisted living facility, they have a dining room, hospital, activity center and a lounge,” said Strong about Moosehaven. “It is paid for by seniors’ social security checks.” Keeping it local, the Malden Moose Lodge has 522 members with active memberships – and over 100 of them are women. Dues are $60 yearly, with the exception of this year’s special discount: $40 annually off ered during the club’s anniversary. The discount is in honor of the Malden Moose’s 65th anniversary, which will be highlighted with a visit from Moose International Chairman John Sipes on Thursday, March 14 at 6 p.m. Malden Mayor Gary Christenson, Police Chief Glenn Cronin and Assistant Fire Chief Lennie Dunn are slated to be in attendance. Besides providing for children in Illinois and seniors in Florida, the Moose gives back localMembership, shown from left to right: Bartender/Past President Bobby Freni, Administrator Henry Dorazio, Senior Regent Kathy Hannan and members Patty Graffam, Steve Graff am, Karen Dellemonico, Mike Thompson and Paul Webber in front of the bar. (Advocate photos by Tara Vocino) ly. According to Senior Regent Kathy Hannan, they initiated a Toys for Malden drive, amounting to approximately 700 toys this year, which are dropped off at the police station. “I’m a Moose member, because giving back to children and the elderly is amazing,” Hannan said. Dorazio added that the Moose runs a peer pressure prevention program in elementary schools and churches for approximately 40 children. The Moose also raises $2,500 for the Breast Cancer Association at a Halloween dance. In addition, the Moose has a sock drive for veterans and collects backpacks for Housing Families in Malden. Each local lodge collectively donates $500, according to Dorazio. As far as activities, Hannan said the Lodge has shuffleboard, bocce, a pool table and darts – open from 1 to 10 p.m. weekdays and later on weekends. To become a member, fill out an application at the lounge.
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