Finally we have some news!  Following the meeting Monday, we have final approval on the building permit and have already started payment to Bill at Intrepid to begin demolishing the existing foundation to rebuild that base.  As of yesterday, the dumpster was on site to gather the debris.  I am uncertain of the exact time frame for that portion of the demolition, but am as excited as anyone else to finally see progress. 

We've gone round and round with the county over the repetitive reviews that were required and are already pursuing some reimbursement for funds that were charged erroneously.  This final permit means that we can actually get started.  Bear in mind, the building and it's erection have already been paid for.  So, as soon as it is possible to schedule that stage and the foundation is complete, keep an eye out for the shell to go up and start showing major steps to the end result we are all impatiently waiting for.

I've sent emails to nearly lodges in nearly every state except Utah and Wyoming so far.  These emails were asking for the assistance of any Lodge, Legion or Chapter that could help us minimize the future requests we will need to make to finish the final financing for the new Lodge.  We have had a few responses so far and a call from Scott Hart to Gary Hall (our territorial manager) to ensure that the request was legitimate.  In addition, we were also approved for just over 4000 in grant money to help aid with some of the purchases that we will need to get the Lodge functioning.  With so many of our members having promised help once we finally reached this stage, the Board and I remain hopeful that we will be able to manage any mortgage reasonably and come back stronger than ever.

I want to say thank you to all of those who've remained optimistic and supportive through this extremely laborious process.  It has been a real challenge for all of us.  A special shout out to Randy Johnson as he first took this on following the fire and it nearly defined his term as President.  And a special thanks to Steve Ross, our current President, for stepping back into that roll.  Without all of their contacts and the huge benefit of Paul Sabel's knowledge and connections, I can only imagine how much harder this would them.  Arizona City was and is the tight-knit community David against the red-tape Goliath of the county we live in.  In the end, every moment of frustration will be rewarded as we open those doors and stand proud as Moose!

Thank  you for all each of you do as Moose!

On behalf of the Board.....

Fraternally yours,

Robert Mathis

Administrator