Wednesday June 29, 2022
Holly Moose Lodge #1168,
The Board of Officers want to take a moment to update our Holly Moose Lodge family. The developments since the fire have been keeping the Board extremely busy. We met for a Board Meeting last night (6/28) at Backroads Bar & Grill. The owners of Backroads and fellow Holly Moose members, Gary & Tina have graciously offered the front part of the restaurant so that we may continue our required meetings on the 2nd & 4th Tuesday of each month at 5:30 pm.
The insurance company was contacted immediately and they have had an adjuster to the lodge the morning after the fire. Due to the risk of further collapse of Andy’s Place that meant we could not enter the lodge without an escort from the Village Fire Department Inspector. It remains a dangerous situation with the remaining wall on Andy’s precariously above the lodge roof. The ATF and Oakland County Inspectors are still investigating the cause.
We were able to secure the monies that were left onsite. The photos that have been shared on our Facebook page showed significant water and smoke damage. We are fortunate as the only fire damage to the lodge was the upper siding of our back patio, nothing else. The main thing is, there were no injuries. Everything else can be rebuilt or replaced! Thanks to our insurance, all lodge employees will paid their average weekly wages on a monthly basis. We are working on getting that going soon. The mail is now being forwarded to a PO Box as the bills don’t stop. We have cancelled our monthly services such as internet, cable etc…
The lodge roof, yes, our new roof, will need replacement as there are numerous holes in it from falling debris. The Social Quarters and basement have significant water damage. The Dining Room & Kitchen appear to be untouched other than smoke damage. Once a restoration company is selected, we will begin the remediation process once they get the green light to begin. As of Wed. 6/29, the status of the buildings’ structural integrity has yet to be determined. Until then, we are in a holding pattern.
The lodge is secured and cannot be touched until liquor and lottery inventory can be handled, as they are regulated by the State of Michigan. Again…another holding pattern. Our Social Quarters Manager, Bob Schultz, is working closely with the State on this piece. The roofer has been contacted and we have more meetings with restoration companies this week. We have been told by our Village Manager that our outdoor seating area needs to be taken down immediately. We have today, 6/29 for this to happen at 6 pm. Volunteers would greatly be appreciated.
We discussed the Holly Moose Family Picnic and IT IS STILL ON! Please join us at Lakeside Park on Sunday, July 31st at noon and bring a dish to pass. This is a much needed gathering that will bring us together for the first time since the fire. Blues Brews and BBQ scheduled for August is still a go as well. More details to follow.
With all this said, we still need your help! Your Moose Membership is needed now more than ever. Should your dues expire, you can renew them easily online at https://secure.mooseintl.org/QuickPay . Remember, we are Holly Moose Lodge. We support the children of Mooseheart and the elderly of Moosehaven. We will be back stronger than ever with your help!
“A burden heavy to one is borne lightly by many”
