During Mr. Crowders visit he presented the local police and fire departments each 2 dozen tommy moose, 4 Moose Legion Vests, and a spioza bear for little Harley. Our own Indy Dancers held a membership drive within their organization and sponsored 8 new Members, and donated $500.00 to the Moose Charities Safe Surfing. Check out the photo's.

Most of us know, as long standing members, of our Lodge how easy it is to be caught up in the day to day politics, volunteerism and daily events that make up the life of being a Moose Lodge member and how it sometimes seems like fighting a loosing battle. We strive to maintain members, sign new members, conduct fundraisers, Bingo and Raffles for a good cause that enables our Lodge to donate to needy families in our community and help to support Mooseheart & Moosehaven.
I think we all can agree that sometimes we wonder if we are truly making a difference in the world,
With that said, It was recently brought to my attention that one of our own Moose Members exemplifies what it means to make a difference. On a cold day in February 2001, in the small town of Poland, Indiana a house fire breaks out trapping a 4 year old little girl named Angela. The local Volunteer Fire Department was dispatched to the scene, one of these volunteer firefighters was Moose Member Lanny Armour. Upon arrival at the fire it was stated that the little girl was in-fact trapped in the burning house. Without hesitation or concern for his own life Lanny and two other volunteer firefighters went into the burning structure and rescued little Angela, she had sustained major burns to 30 percent of her body and Lanny suffered a leg injury during the rescue.
Today, Eleven years and eight surgeries later Angela is a High School student in Brazil, Indiana. There is no doubt that some emotional and physical scars remain but she is alive and well thanks to the heroism of Lanny Armour.
Since the event, Lanny has been decorated with medals and letters of commendation from Local, State and National Agencies including the United States Congress. Moose Lodge 17 is proud to acknowledge Lanny as a member and as a part of our family fraternity. His actions on that day in 2001 epitomize what it means to be a hero, putting the needs of others first. This is what we are, and should be all about as Moose Members – Helping those who cant help themselves, supporting our community, our fellow members and Mooseheart. So the next time you ask yourself “Why we do this” Think about Angela, Lanny and the other people that the Moose Family affects everyday…. And you will know why.

Please check out the photo's in the Album.

Wesley I. Crowder serves as Supreme Governor of the Loyal Order of Moose. He was elected to this position “ which also serves as Chairman of the Moose International Board of Directors “ at the 123rd International Convention in Anaheim in July 2011. He had previously served as Supreme Jr. Governor in 2010-11 and Supreme Prelate during 2009-10. Wes had served on the Supreme Council, the fraternity's corporate Board of Directors, since June 2005. He had previously served since 2004 on the Moose heart Board of Directors, and on the Moose International Government Relations Committee since 2001.

      Wes joined Bedford, VA Lodge 1897 in 1963.  He served his Lodge as Governor, Past Governor and Sports Chairman and many other Lodge activities.

      At the state level, Wes served as District 6 President, Past District President and District Chairman for the Virginia Moose Association Transportation System.  He is a Past President of the Virginia Moose Association and served as Deputy Supreme Governor, Outer Guard and Sergeant-at-Arms.

      A member of the 50 Division of the Moose 25 Club, Wes received the Fellowship Degree of Honor in 1974, and the Pilgrim Degree of Merit in 1982.

      In addition to his Moose involvement, Wes is an active supporter of his local school district and is a leader of numerous homebuilders€™ associations in Virginia. He is on the board of the Safe Surfing, USA Foundation, and also serves on the Department of Charitable Gaming Advisory Board for the Commonwealth of Virginia. He resides in Bedford.

In June 2011 we had a new band called the Headliner Band, Below are some of the comments

Carl Baxter- the best band he has ever seen in here

Mike Easamannan - These guys are really great!

Angie Moore- I really think I'm at a concert!

Everyone was suprized at the laser light show.