Volume 14 | Issue 2
February 2020
Moosehaven News
Heart of the Community
Upcoming Events
  • Lakeshore Lodge Steak Night
  • Alabama Days at Moosehaven
  • Movie Matinee at Moosehaven
  • Golfing at Bent Creek
  • Centennial Hall Social sponsored by Opportunity Lodge
  • District Meeting & Sports at Macclenney Lodge
  • Sweetheart Dance sponsored by Opportunity Lodge
  • Dinner Dance at Mandarin Lodge
  • Horse Show and BBQ at the Florida Sheriffs Boys Ranch
  • Fried Chicken Night at Lakeshore Lodge
  • Breakfast at Mandarin Lodge
  • Island Theater
  • Mardi Gras Party and Ice Cream Social
  • Johnny Cash Tribute Concert
  • Bingo! Bingo! Bingo! 
The Five Love Langues - What's Yours?
My daughter has been trying to get me to read the book The Five Love Languages to help me understand "what motivates me" when it comes to how I give and receive love. I thought I was doing fine on my own but I figured it couldn't hurt to take a look.

Do you know the 5 Love Languages? Here they are:

l. Words of affirmation – using words to build up the other person. “Thanks for
taking out the garbage.” Not – “It’s about time you took the garbage out. The
flies were going to carry it out for you.”

2. Gifts – a gift says, “They were thinking about me. Look what they got for me.”

3. Acts of Service – Doing something for someone that you know they would
like. Cooking a meal, washing dishes, vacuuming floors are all acts of service.

4. Quality time – Giving someone your undivided attention.
Taking a walk together or sitting on the couch with the TV off – talking and
listening.

5. Physical touch – holding hands, hugging, kissing are all expressions of love.

Out of these five, the book indicates that each of us has a primary love language which speaks more deeply to us than all the others. Discovering someone's language and speaking it regularly is the best way to keep a relationship alive.

It seems to me that one might 'speak' more than one love language, depending to whom they are 'speaking.' As an example, I do things for someone based on what I know they like, or what I think may make them happy. If that means I devote my time to them, or praise them or even buy them some small token to show I was thinking of them, well I guess I am 'speaking' multiple love languages. I only know that making the people in my life happy is what makes me happy.

If that corresponds to one or more of the Love Languages, then my daughter will be happy. I'm still going to do what I always do and I love that it doesn't have a label!

Happy Valentine's Day!

Marina Mathews
Director of Communications & Events

Look Who's Talking
Just John
John Capes, Executive Director
“Don't you ever get the feeling that all your life is going by
and you’re not taking advantage of it?”   Ernest Hemingway

Finite, beautiful, painful, possible, unknown, miraculous, tragic…all adjectives describing our lives and a reminder of how swiftly it can change.

January was a difficult month at Moosehaven with the loss of so many friends. Let’s face it, we are all familiar with death for it is an absolute and inevitable. However, we received another chilling reminder of both the sanctity and fragility of life last week when a helicopter carrying nine individuals crashed in Los Angeles. The losses included parents and children on their way to a basketball game. One of the passengers was a man in the prime of his life. By all accounts, he was a terrific father, an outstanding player, a widely respected coach and beloved by all who knew him.
His name was Coach John Altobelli.
Surprised? You thought I was referring to Kobe Bryant? I’ll get to him, but first let me talk about Coach Altobelli. 
He was described by another coach as “one of the finest human beings alive.” The coach went on to say, “He won state in California this year…again. Many major league players and coaches credit their success to his mentoring. And he’s being recognized as National Coach of the Year by the American Baseball Coaches Association. But he’d never tell you any of that. Because what makes him truly great is that Coach Alto’s too focused on others, too busy investing in his players and too engrossed in loving his family.”
It was love of family that put him on that helicopter with his wife Keri and daughter Alyssa. They joined Payton Chester, her mom Sarah Chester, Christine Mauser and Ara Zobayan as the lesser-known passengers of the tragedy that claimed the lives of NBA superstar Kobe Bryant and his daughter, Gianna.
For many, the focused attention on Kobe Bryant’s death raised an unspoken and nagging truth: If a man with hundreds of millions of dollars, unmatched athleticism, global fame, a beautiful family and an illustrious NBA career is mortal, perhaps the rest of us are too.

The uncomfortable reality is that, in the United States alone, there are more than 300 traffic accident deaths each day. More than 30 of those are children.
We can choose to get on with our lives as if there is no urgency. We can choose to take this day for granted, endure the monotony within it, complain about our political system, grumble about work, nag about personal problems before going to bed exhausted, but ultimately unaffected.
Or, we can embrace how fragile life is, what a profound gift each day is and how awesome it is to simply be alive. We can stop moping around, stop making excuses, stop waiting for circumstances to get better before we get better. Instead, we can start to live passionately in the moment courageously saying words like, “Thank you,” “I’m sorry” and “I love you.”
To be truly alive, we must think, participate, act and live as though it is our last day for we are not promised tomorrow. Each day matters. I challenge you to live it fully and passionately. 
For now, I am…

Just John

Bill's Board
Bill Tippins, Director of Operations
While looking through some notes in an old pad on my desk, I came across several quotes that made me pause. I am not sure they make for an interesting article but they made me think a little. Unfortunately the notes are old and I did not write down where I found some of them, so I will not be able to provide the original source for all. So here they are and hopefully someone will find them interesting.

  • Grace is when God gives us good things that we don’t deserve
  • Mercy is when God spares us from bad things we deserve
  • Blessings are when God is generous with both
  • Charity: When the word charity is used in scripture usually it means love but it also means giving, an act of kindness or generosity to others
  • You have not lived today until you have done something for someone who can never repay you - John Bunyan
  • God has given us two hands, one to give with and one to receive with - Billy Graham

It may seem odd but I was thinking of Moosehaven and the Moose when I wrote down these notes. When we give to Moose Charities, pay our dues, buy that raffle ticket and contribute to the rocker or cradle fund, stuff money in the jar as it is passed around the social quarters and all of the other ways we provide support to Moosehaven and Mooseheart, it is an act of generosity to others. It is an act of love. The residents of Moosehaven have participated in acts of giving in many different forms for decades. Now they benefit from the gifts received from others who follow in their footsteps of generosity and love. Students at Mooseheart receive generosity now so they may go forward and serve later. Give with one hand and receive with the other.

Moosehaven residents and Mooseheart students experience blessings, whether it seems like it at the time or not. Moosehaven and Mooseheart are places where many good things are available and where we can be spared from many of the hardships of life. Residents of Moosehaven and Mooseheart are blessed because others give their time, substance and love to someone who can never repay them.

This is what the notes made me think about, as disjointed as it may be. Hopefully you will have thoughts of your own.
Bill Tippins   

SIMPLY HELEN
Helen Taylor, Director of Resident Services, Chaplain

COMMON SENSE ANYONE????

This past week was one of those weeks when I thought more than once, “don’t people have any common sense?” And in case you are wondering, this was not directed at a resident.

I decided to see “What the Bible says about common sense?"  I found a lot of good information from Bible Knowledge.com in an article, “Consider Well our Steps from Proverbs,” written by Michael Bradley.  The book of Proverbs proclaims the benefits of gaining wisdom and also shows the folly of being a fooI, or to put it a little nicer, it’s foolish to not exercise common sense!   

In Proverbs 8:5 , some translations speak of the need to develop “common sense,” which other translations simply call “prudence” or “discretion.” Therefore biblically, common sense can be thought of as a combination of wisdom and discretion. Wisdom is knowing what to do; discretion is knowing when and where to do it.

Proverbs, which proclaims the benefits of gaining wisdom, has much to say about making sound judgement in practical matters.  

  • Proverbs 3:21 (MSG) says, “Dear friend, guard clear thinking and common sense with your life; don’t for a minute lose sight of them.”  Common sense will take you a long way in life!
  • Proverbs 8:12-14 speaks of wisdom, insight, knowledge and sound judgment. So while one may have wisdom, insight and knowledge, we see one also needs sound judgment.
  • Proverbs 13:16 (GNB) says, “ Sensible people always think before they act, but stupid people advertise their ignorance. “
  • Proverbs 3:13–14 says, “Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; for her proceeds are better than the profits of silver, and her gain than fine gold.”

“ Common sense is the foundation of all authorities, of the laws themselves, and of their construction. ”  Thomas Jefferson

When we seek God’s perspective, we can make decisions based upon their eternal significance rather than selfish interest. When we choose to make decisions based on wisdom , we are exercising common sense. Instant gratification is the enemy of common sense. How many of us can look back on some of the bad decisions we’ve made over the course of our lives and see now they were the result of us not thinking about the possible consequences that would unfold as a result of our actions?

“The plans of the diligent lead surely to plenty, But those of everyone who is hasty, surely to poverty.” Proverbs 21:5

“The simple believes every word, But the prudent considers well his steps.” Proverbs 14:15

The next time you have to make a decision on anything significant, carefully consider the consequences of your actions. What will result if you move in one direction versus another? Someone is depending on your “COMMON SENSE.”

Simply Helen   

Up Close And Personal With
Robert and Grace LaBossiere
Rachel Meierdierck, Admissions Clerk
This month we get up close and personal with Bob and Grace LaBossiere. Their last name is pronounced “la-boss-ee-air”. Bob was born in Marlborough, Massachusetts but grew up in New Hampshire. Grace was born in the Bronx, New York and grew up in Manhattan. Bob’s parents, Gladys and Norman, had four children; Bob, Elaine, Roger and Leon. Grace’s parents were Loretta and Frederick Boile. Her sister Lorraine resides in New Jersey.

Though Bob and Grace did not know each other until they were older, their lives began much the same. Both went to Catholic schools for the majority of their schooling. Bob remembers learning French while in school in Massachusetts. His mother warned it was not the same French that would be taught in the classrooms in New Hampshire. Bob ended up having to learn English as a second language just to be able to return to school. Grace was drawn to accounting in school. She did so well she became a teaching assistant.

Bob has three girls Bobbie, who lives in Florida; Penny who lives in Minnesota; and Peggy, who lives in South Carolina. Grace’s children are Thomas, who lives in Tennessee; Marie, who lives in New York; and Michael, who lives in New Jersey. Together they have 16 grand kids and 22 great grandchildren!

Both attended some college courses. Bob was trained throughout his service in the Air National Guard and the Air Force. He originally joined in 1957 and completed 11 weeks of basic training. Bob served for a total of 9 years between the two branches. He was a mechanic for Palm Beach County, specializing in the repair of firetrucks. His last few years required constant travel and he decided to retire in 1996. Grace educated herself to become a teaching assistant. She worked for the Palm Beach County school system and retired in 1994. After retiring, she worked as a bartender at the Moose Lodge and the VFW and retired from there in 2005.

Bob joined the Moose in 1966 and Grace in 1984. He has signed 107 members over the years, is a 9-time Governor and has held every seat except Prelate. They both held active roles as volunteers for many years, doing whatever was needed to help the fraternity, the Lodge, the Chapter and their fellow Moose.

Bob and Grace were married in 1992 at their Lodge, which is where they met. Bride, groom and all who attended had a wonderful time!

Before retirement to Moosehaven Bob was a “roller king”! He knew every move you could make on roller skates. Grace loved doing crafts but is waiting until she has a bit more spare room to begin again. Now, living on campus, they both enjoy Sunshine jobs, solitaire games, reading and of course relaxing!

Bob and Grace decided the time was right for full retirement as regular maintenance of the home and RV became too much. It was time for them to relax. For the LaBossieres, coming home to Moosehaven means peace, quiet, relaxation and no worries . Grace says, “It’s great to feel useful.”

Bob’s advice to our next generation, “Be careful who you vote for, don’t believe everything you hear and use your own mind.” Grace advises, “Kids today are growing up too fast. The world needs to slow down.”

Be sure to LIKE the Moosehaven Facebook page to see posts about all of our events and resident activities!
FEBRUARY RESIDENT BIRTHDAYS

F. Ross Fleet
Faye McCravy
Mary McGinnis
Bob Powell
Rena Croft
Paula Thompson
Billy McFarland
Bob Desilva
Myra Douberley
Bob Shay
Iris Odle
Donald Bult
Jerry Christen
Joseph Vorndran
Janice Hardesty
Billy McGahey
Bruce Young
Carol Ann Olsen
Bill Lazuka
Jim Reynolds
Alfred Neesen
Don Scheer
Berval McAleer
Edna Olle
FEBRUARY ANNIVERSARIES

Bruce & Jolene Young
Bill & Bernadette Plowden
Cliff & Connie Athey
Bob & Grace Labossiere


Every now and then someone does something 'more' or 'goes above and beyond' in their daily jobs. For those people, we give a SHOUT OUT and say thank you!!!
  • Cathy Joslin, Environmental Services, is recognized for her fast assistance during a resident incident, which helped in the outcome.
  • Maintenance Department is recognized for their quick cleanup of debris on Monday following a weekend storm.
  • Morrison Living/Dietary Department is recognized for once again providing an outstanding meal for our visiting Councils.
  • Dwayne Mims, Director of Purchasing, is recognized for being 'The Man' when it comes to donations for our Golf Invitational.
  • Jim Haddock, Director of Finance, and his staff are recognized for all of their hard work during this period of Budget and Taxes.