Moose Lodge faces big decision after learning current home to go on auction block

The Milton Moose, which comprises Mens Lodge 1298 and Women of the Moose Chapter 2336, moved into its present home in 2008. (Courtesy photo)

MILTON - Almost 10 years after moving to its new home at the former Spinelli's Restaurant, the Milton Moose Lodge is once again facing the prospect that another move may be in the offing.

The building, which is not owned by the lodge, is going up for public auction next month after the current owner of the building ceased making tax and mortgage payment.

The Milton Moose, which comprises Mens Lodge 1298 and Women of the Moose Chapter 2336, moved into its present home on White Mountain Highway in 2008 after leaving the Quonset Hut formerly located on property now occupied by the town's new fire station.

Moose Lodge Governor Dave Barca is urging all active members to come to the Sept. 24 meeting during which membership will discuss and vote on whether they want to bid on the current lodge property - and how much - or if they want to search for a new home.

"We need everybody to come out," he said on Saturday.

Women will not be able to vote at the meeting, but their voices need to be heard and could very well impact the decision, Barca said.

The property and building that will be going up for auction is currently assessed at $270,000.

The all-important meeting is set for Sept. 24 at 11 a.m., and all active members in attendance - both men and women - will be get a free lunch, Barca added.

The Milton Moose and its members are a fraternal charitable organization that benefits many local causes including renovating the baseball field at the Milton Town Beach, helping to build the softball field behind Milton Elementary School and aiding renovations to the residence of the Loli family of Milton in retrofitting their house to allow aneurysm victim Angelo Loli to return home.

The club also helps support Mooseheart, a home for youth in Illinois; and Moosehaven, a retirement home in Florida.