Women of the Moose Chapter 1484 Chapter members pose for a picture during their 50th anniversary celebration Saturday, September 26, at the St. Ignace Moose Lodge. Chapter members present at the event, some of whom are pictured, include Alice Howe, Becky Crowder, Shannon Goudreau, Judy Orriss, Pat Van Dusen, MariAn Huhn, Marilyn Jana, Madelyn Stephens, Edna Collins, Nancy Hardy, Susan Aprill, Anita Marshall, Charlotte Everson, Karen McMillan, Nina Litzner, Lynn Dionne, Norma Emery, Leila Barnes, Ara Jean Leveille, Darlene Belleville, Yvonne Hanson, Gloria Gold, Trudy Craig, Darlene Goudreau, Lois Clear, Martha Stevens, Susan Ryan, Donna Robach, Rachel Coveyou, Juson Green, and Doris LaDuke. Also visiting Saturday from the group's sister Chapter 1359 in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, were Janice LaCross, Phyliss Morley, and Kim Alton. The Women of the Moose Chapter 1484 in St. Ignace celebrated 50 years of serving the community Saturday, September 26, at the Moose Lodge on Mackinac Trail.

The local Moose Lodge chapter was established in 1958 and the Women of the Moose was instituted May 24, 1959. The old Gay Log building was purchased in 1963. This building, which is no longer at the site, was replaced by the new Moose Family Center in 1976.

The local women who take part in the organization raise money to support the goals of Moose International as well as a variety of local charities. Recently, the women have given monetary support and the gift of time and work to area organizations including the Legacy House, Hope Chest store and food pantry, Meals on Wheels, Mackinac County Animal Aid Association, Warmth for Warriors, Mackinac Straits Hospital Long Term Care, Community Action, and youth activity funds.

They also help support two national facilities sponsored by Moose International, Mooseheart in Illinois and Moosehaven in Florida.

Mooseheart is a 1,000-acre community 38 miles west of Chicago where youth who need a home are given a place to live and education and vocational training through the high-school level. Moosehaven is a 65-acre community south of Jacksonville, Florida, where Moose members have the option of retiring.

One of the St. Ignace organization's yearly events is approaching in December, when members visit the St. Ignace hospital's long-term care facility to sing Christmas carols with residents.

Anita Marshall, chapter recorder, said being part of the fraternal organization and having the option to retire at Moosehaven is an encouragement for many of their members to join, but the main reason most women get involved with the Women of the Moose is to give to the community.

"Every time we are able to help the community members or organizations in need," Mrs. Marshall said, "it is the biggest thrill. That, to me, is what makes me feel the best is when we are helping the community. It's such a feeling."

After reminiscing about the history of the St. Ignace chapter and talking about what the organization is doing now for the community, the women gathered for a group picture and were each given a 50th anniversary pin in recognition of the special occasion.