On Saturday, June 5, 2010, the Gowanda Moose Riders held their Third Annual Charity Bike Run in conjunction with the Hollywood Happenings. In addition to the ride, the riders held a Chinese Auction and also had raffles and a week-end long 50/50. Through the efforts of President Don Rosier, the committee chairmen and many of the Moose Riders, a total of $4000 was collected. On Wednesday, July 14, the Moose Riders presented the following checks to the designated charities: $2000 to Roswell Park Alliance, $1000 to the Historic Gowanda Hollywood Theater, and $1000 to the Gowanda Food Pantry.

The long-awaited International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee finally arrived. Despite mother nature's wrath the first week-end in May, 2010, with severe flooding in the Nashville area. In a period of less than two months, 2800 reserved rooms at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel were re-booked into 42 downtown Nashville hotels and all meetings and entertainment arrangements were moved to the Nashville Municipal Auditorium and the Nashville Convention Center. Shuttle service was arranged for all attendees of the Convention.

The City of Nashville, the Convention Bureau and Moose International should be commended for their excellent scheduling of all events. The people of Nashville extended open arms and an open heart to well over 6700 Moose members and showed true southern hospitality wherever we went. The Mayor of Nashville thanked everyone at the first Joint Session for sticking with Nashville despite the many changes in scheduling. Signs were posted all over Nashville welcoming and thanking the Moose for helping them during their rebuilding times.

During the Convention, the following Higher Degree conferrals took place: 568 College of Regents; 275 Star Recorders; 270 Fellowships; and 54 Academy of Friendship (most recipients of this degree were conferred at their own State Mid-Year Conference).

Men's meetings, women's meetings, joint meetings, Legion meetings, and a series of workshops throughout the week provided valuable information including changes, membership information, information about Mooseheart and Moosehaven, Moose Charities, etc. We were fortunate to have a chance to listen to two of Mooseheart's recent graduates speak and also two residents of Moosehaven talked about their experiences at the "City of Contentment".

In the evening entertainment was provided. A special performance of the Grand Ole Opry was held for Moose members and their guests. There were also comedy shows and other musical venues.

The new theme for 2010 - 2011 was introduced -- THE TIME IS NOW... All present were told THE TIME IS NOW to increase membership and strengthen the beliefs of the Loyal Order of Moose and the Women of the Moose.

At the International Convention in Nashville, Tennessee it was announced that all members in good standing (both men and women) now have the opportunity to have next year's dues paid in full. To take advantage of this great incentive this year, you just have to sign two new members during the period June 1, 2010 and April 30, 2011. It is necessary for the new members to pay their application fee and first year's dues and be enrolled prior to April 30, 2011 to qualify.

International has stated that this incentive program will continue in the years to come so you may NEVER HAVE TO PAY DUES AGAIN ! ! ! just by continuing to sign two new members each year from (May 1 to April 30).

On Saturday, July 3, Gail Frederickson was conferred with the esteemed College of Regents Degree at the 98th International Conference of the Women of the Moose in Nashville, Tennessee. Congratulations Gail for a well-deserved honor. Gail was one of 568 recipients from across the United States and Canada to receive this high degree. (see photo section)