#ng157
CONVENTION PROGRAM November 14-18, 2023
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Table of Contents Welcome
4
National Grange President
4
John Percy, Destination Niagara
5
Mayor Robert Restaino
6
Region Host Committee
6
Grange Supply Store
7
Social Media Sharing
8
What You Need to Know
9
Hotel Floor Plan
12
Convention Center Floor Plan
13
Session Committees
14
National Grange Staff
15
Distinguished Granges
15
Schedule
16
Speakers
23
National Grange Officers
28
Assembly of Demeter
29
Cover Photo by Anthony Rodriguez on Pexels
#ng157
The 157th National Grange Convention
WELCOME
National Grange President Welcome to the 157th Annual National Grange Convention in Niagara Falls! I am so glad that you decided to join us as we meet together for our annual “family reunion.” It’s been so exciting to see how Granges have increased their activities and assistance to their communities in so many new and different ways. I believe Grange has truly had a rebirth across the country. While you are here at the convention, take advantage of all the educational opportunities by attending workshops and visiting the Showcase with all its exhibitors. Also be sure to sit in the business sessions where you can see Grange policy being made--the last step in our grassroots process. All sessions are open to Fourth Degree members (except the brief Seventh Degree Opening) so you can listen to the reports and deliberations of the delegates. The Northeast Region has planned exciting tours of the area, including the Falls Cave of the Winds, the Power Station, and Old Fort Niagara. We have excellent speakers lined up for all the luncheons and workshops. The Showcase will feature displays of the quilt block and photography contests and Junior Grange contest entries. Make time to look through the state winning Community Service notebooks for ideas to take home and try in your own Grange. For me, the best part of the National Grange convention is the fellowship, seeing long-time friends and making new ones. Be sure to talk to as many Grangers from other areas of the country as time allows. I guarantee you will leave at the end of the week with many new friends. Share successes and great things you do in your Grange, and listen to others’ good ideas that work in their communities. You will return home with renewed enthusiasm for this great organization. We’re all here to celebrate our historic roots and our multitude of activities of the last year as we rejoice that we are “Raised Right Here.”
Betsy E. Huber President, National Grange 4
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
WELCOME
Welcome to Niagara Falls On behalf of Destination Niagara USA, it is my pleasure to welcome the National Grange to Niagara Falls USA! Our dedicated team has been planning for your event for many years, and will be available on-site to assist with making the 157th Annual National Grange Convention a memorable event for all attendees. We are excited that you are finally here to enjoy the natural wonder of Niagara Falls State Park and many other top attractions within the destination firsthand. The experience of hearing and seeing 600,000 gallons of water cascading down nearly 200 feet into the gorge is a bucket-list adventure that amazes over 9 million visitors a year! Thank you for allowing us to host your event and for giving us the opportunity to share the beauty of Niagara Falls USA with you. Our team at the Niagara Falls Convention Center is committed to making your experience in our destination as enjoyable as possible, so please reach out if you need anything while you are here. Reanna Darone, Director of Convention Sales can be reached at radarone@niagarafallsusa.com and Ashleigh Frieday, Director of Events can be reached at afrieday@nfconventioncenter.com. Please enjoy your stay in Niagara Falls USA, “Where Adventure Comes Naturally.” Sincerely,
John Percy President & CEO Destination Niagara USA
5
The 157th National Grange Convention
WELCOME
Welcome to Niagara Falls To the Members of the National Grange: On behalf of the City of Niagara Falls, NY it is my pleasure to welcome you for the 157th Annual National Grange Convention on November 14-18, 2023. Our world famous city is delighted that you have selected us for your prestigious event. Beyond the breathtaking beauty of the Niagara Falls/ we hope you will have time to enjoy our downtown entertainment as a part of your visit. As the nation’s oldest agriculture organization our county is a fabulous location for your convention as we boast many incredible orchards/farms and vineyards. I am sure that you will enjoy your stay in our city and I look forward to seeing you.
It is with great pleasure that we welcome you to “Flow into the Future” in beautiful Niagara Falls, which is truly a majestic wonder. The thunderous roar and wondrous sight of 600,000 gallons of water plummeting nearly 200 feet never fail to amaze new visitors and returnees alike. Try to visit The Falls in the daytime as well as at night when Niagara Falls is transformed into an incredible, multicolored water and light masterpiece. The Conference and Event Center is especially welcoming in its proximity to the hotel, and the Falls being just a few blocks away. We are also pleased that The Niagara Falls Culinary Institute is one block behind the hotel and that we were able to find affordable tours to offer to you. The Session offers some great speakers as well. Our seven-state Northeast Region has been working diligently to ensure that you have a wonderful 157th National Grange Convention and an exciting and memorable week. We thank you in advance for donating to our community service project of collecting socks, hats and mittens for Community Missions of the Niagara Frontier. Please do stop by the Host Region Office to visit us and let us help you in any way we can. Fraternally,
6
Paula Turner & Linda Sanderson NE Region Host Committee Co-Chairs
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
GRANGE SUPPLY STORE
Find us in the Showcase! Visit the Grange Supply Store for some deals and steals! Offering some deep discounts on a wide range of supplies for your Grange meetings, awards, jewelry, and more! Some products include:
• • • • • • • • •
Grange Socks “Lift Up Your Hands” songbook Dues Envelopes Annual Membership Card Book Grange Belt Buckles Grange Dues Receipt Book Subordinate Grange Manuals Junior Grange Manuals Guidelines for Grange Leaders
• •
Grange 10-inch Decal Jewelry including: » 4th Degree Pins » Junior Grange enamel pins » Years of service pins from 5-80 years » Golden Sheaf pins » Past Master pins & buttons » Sash / Lapel pins » 7th Degree pins » Grange Headquarters pins • and more!
Can’t find what you’re looking for in the on-site store? Check in with Loretta Washington or make your orders online at grangestore.org. Items ordered during session will ship after Thanksgiving.
Items are priced to move - you won’t find a better discount!
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The 157th National Grange Convention
SOCIAL MEDIA SHARING
Follow us on Social Media
#ng157
National Grange, National Junior Grange National Grange Youth, National Grange Lecturer @nationalgrangeofficial @national_grange_youth | @national_junior_grange @nationalgrange National Grange
Share your National Grange experiences and follow along so you don’t miss a thing!
Throughout the week of the Convention, be sure to take to social media to share your experiences from session. From photos to video clips to behind-the-scenes information, we want to see it! Use the hashtag #ng157 so we can easily find (and share) your posts. You may see your own photos or videos TM in the weekly Patrons Chain newsletter, Good Day! magazine, or promotional materials for future National Grange events! The National Grange Communication Fellows, Youth Team, staff members, and other guests will be running the National Grange social media channels during the week, so please tune in so you don’t miss a second of the events around Session. From banquet speakers to workshops and special events, there’s plenty to be seen. Livestreams of many of the events will also be shared across social media platforms, so be sure to tell your Grange (and nonGrange) friends and family back home that they can be a part of the action as well. Follow along and share the excitement!
e
Th
Patrons Chain The official weekly newsletter of the National Grange Subscribe at
ribe www.nationalgrange.org/subsc 8
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
What You Need to Know > Registration Desk (Main Registration)
Staffed by volunteers on the host committee, this is the first place to go for all Convention information. Stop by this desk to pick up all Registration packets. For registration issues, please see Debbie Ploof. Monday Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:
12 noon - 5 p.m. 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon)
> Convention Name Badges
To participate in Convention events, including workshops, exhibits, Session, Evening of Honors, Evening of Excellence, and the hospitality suite, all convention attendees must wear a convention name badge. In addition, all meals require tickets for entry, which are located on the back of your nametag. Wearing your Convention name badge to local restaurants may also score you a discount!
> National Grange Office
This is the location of the member services and concierge services for Delegates and National Officers. Please see Loretta Washington and Pete Pompper, On-Site Convention Coordinators, for all issues related to meeting room scheduling, audio/ visual services and hotel catering arrangements. For room reservation issues, please see the front desk. Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday
9 a.m. – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 10 p.m. 8 a.m. – 7 p.m. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. (noon)
> Front Desk of Hotel Please direct all of your questions and concerns related to your sleeping rooms to the front desk. 9
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
The 157th National Grange Convention
> Hospitality Room (Jade - in the hotel) Your convention host region provides refreshments daily. Join us in the Hospitality Room for relaxing, snacking and spending time with your fellow Grangers. Monday: & Tuesday: Wednesday : Thursday: Friday: Saturday: &
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m. – 9:30 p.m. 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 7:00 a.m. – noon 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
> Region Host Office (Adams) Your Host Committee office serves as the member service desk and concierge service for all convention-goers. Book a return shuttle to the airport, view local restaurant menus and area maps, arrange for special transportation, and more! Monday: Tuesday: Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday: Sunday:
&
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 9:30 p.m. – 10:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. – noon
> Seventh Degree Take or witness the Seventh Degree on Saturday, Nov. 18th in the Event Center. The cost to take the Seventh Degree is $30. Tickets must be purchased by Saturday at 10 a.m. at the Registration Desk. It is free to witness the Seventh Degree for any Seventh Degree member. *Applications available all week at registration desk for both the Sixth and Seventh Degrees.
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Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
General Registration Main Registration Showcase Cataract National Grange Office Red Jacket Host Region Office Adams Communication Fellows Office Business Center SHIPmates Office Olmsted Youth & Junior Activities Porter/DeVeaux Session Meeting Cascades I Hospitality Room Jade (hotel) Evening of Honors Event Center Sixth Degree Cascades I Seventh Degree Event Center Evening of Excellence Event Center Board of Directors Meeting Chairman’s New Delegates Workshop Whitney Meals Cascades II
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
> Event Room Assignments
> Committee Room Assignments Audit & Budget Governor’s Agriculture Schoellkopf Citizenship Tubman Conservation Whitney Education & Health Hennepin Grange Growth & Development Tesla Grange Law Chairman’s Transportation & Labor Castellani
> Showcase (Cataract) The Showcase is the place to see the best programs of the states, see winning contest entries, learn about the National Grange’s departments, and so much more. You can also learn about the many programs the National Grange has worked on this past year, including partnerships with USAging, PCORI, the Affordable Connectivity Program and FCC, and others. You can also support the GROW Club by bidding on raffle items and much more here. Wednesday: Thursday: Friday: Saturday:
5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. 8:00 a.m. – noon 11
The 157th National Grange Convention
CONVENTION CENTER FLOOR PLAN
FIRST STREET
OLD FALLS STREET
Registration
Cascades II Cascades I
THIRD STREET
12
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
Niagara Falls, New York
HOTEL FLOOR PLAN
Sheraton Niagara Falls
Convention Center is Directly across Old Falls Street
Connector Crew The Connector Crew is comprised of Grange members charged with ensuring that each and every registrant feels connected and that their attendance gets off to a great start. You will find the Connector Crew folks, apparent by their bright blue vests, in the convention registration area and the hospitality room. Meet the Connector Crew, make some new friends, and enjoy every bit of this year’s Convention! 13
SESSION COMMITTEES
The 157th National Grange Convention
Session Committees Agriculture Vince Scholten, CA - Chair Lynette Schaeffer, IL - Sec. David Allen, NC Wayne Campbell, PA Kevin Cooksley, NE James Correll, DE Glenn Gibson, MA John Plank, IN Mike Russell, OH Allen Stiles, MD Debbie Vine, WI
Audit & Budget Joe Goodrich, VT - Chair Judy Sherrod, TN - Sec. Dwight Baldwin, IA John Benedik, NJ Joyce Billquist, MT Debbie Campbell, PA Sandra Green, NY Duane Hamp, WA Chip Narvel, DE Buddy Overstreet, TX Bob Poling, NJ
Citizenship Tricia Taylor, NH - Chair Gary Wardle, CO - Sec. Barbara Borderieux, FL Melanie Bostwick, KS Chris Hamp, WA Sherry Harriman, ME Christopher Johnston, MI Elaine Smith, NY Corey Spence, MA Kendal Holden, VT Royal Vine, WI -
Conservation Don Schaeffer, IL - Chair Kay Stiles, MD - Sec. Matt Espenshade, PA Barbara Foster, WV Jimmy Gentry, NC Tom Gwin, WA Richard Javaux, ID Billy Shufeldt, OK 14
Education & Health Mark Gibbons, DC - Chair Martha Poling, NJ - Sec. Anita Gentry, NC Lisa Goodrich, VT Danielle Hartley, RI Eileen Javaux, ID Gene Lohrman, IN Mark Noah, OR Debbie Russell, OH Jay Sexton, OR Kathy Wardle, CO Gail Switzer, Youth Team &
Grange Growth
Paula Lohrman, IN - Chair Martha Stefenoni, CA - Sec. Kathy Baldwin, IA Ann Bercher, MN Becky Correll, DE Kathy Gibson, MA Karen Overstreet, TX Maureen Prelli, CT Lena Shufeldt, OK Autumn Whitaker, Youth Team
Grange Law Joe Stefenoni, CA - Chair Cindy Greer, CO - Sec. Roger Bostwick, KS Errol Briggs, VT David Bryant, WA Robert Buck, CT Walter Hartley, RI Susan Noah, OR Phil Prelli, CT Leroy Watson, NH
Labor, Judiciary, & Transportation Susan Plank, IN - Chair Connie Johnston, MI - Sec. Marty Billquist, MT Christopher Dean, MA Harry Greer, CO Richard Harriman, ME Toni Hoyman, OR Ted Powell, CT James Taylor, VA Cheryl Watson, NH
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
President
Betsy E. Huber
Legislative Director and Executive Director, Grange Advocacy
Burton Eller
Communications Director
Philip J Vonada
Membership and Leadership Development Director and Grange Foundation Associate
Amanda Brozana Rios
Junior Grange Director/ Youth and Young Adults Director
Samantha Wilkins
IT Director
Stephanie Wilkins
Sales, Benefits, Programs and Membership Recognition Director
Loretta Washington
Community Service Director
Pete Pompper
Maryland State Grange Pennsyvlania State Grange* Oregon State Grange
Bethlehem #137, NY^ Burns #160, MI Central Union #559, CA^ County Line #1751, IL Creswell #496, OR*^ Deer Lagoon #846, WA Eagle #1, PA^ Five Mile Prairie #905, WA^ Goldendale #49, WA Grantham #968, NC Gratiot #1898, MI Harveys-Aleppo #1444, PA Marys River #685, OR^ Linganore #410, MD Mica Flats #436, ID
New Market #362, MD Redland #796, OR Rio Linda #403, CA^ Russellville #91, PA^ Springwater #263, OR St. John’s #729, NC^ Stanford #808, NY Thurmont #409, MD Turkey Hill #1370, IL
DISTINGUISHED GRANGES
2023 Distinguished Granges
NATIONAL GRANGE STAFF
National Staff
Valley #1360, PA**^ * 5-year honoree **10-year honoree ^ Golden Distinguished Grange
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The 157th National Grange Convention
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
Convention Schedule
Grange Youth Programming listed in green. Junior Grange Programming listed in red.
Monday, November 13 9:00 a.m. – 10 p.m.
National Grange Office
Red Jacket
9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Region Host Office
Adams
2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. 8:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m.
Hospitality Room
Jade (Hotel)
8:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. Whitney
Coffee & Muffins New Delegates & Board of Directors
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Executive Committee Meeting LaSalle
9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. New Delegates Training Taylor Pete Pompper, Roger Bostwick, & Amanda Brozana Rios
12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Registration Open Main Registration
1:30 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
All Delegates Workshop
Cascades I
3:30 p.m. – 5:15 p.m.
Convention Overview, Budget, and Foundation Meeting for all Delegates & Officers Cascades I
5:15 p.m. - 5:45 p.m. Chairman’s
Committee Chairs & Secretaries’ Meeting
6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Host Banquet Cascades II
by invitation only
8:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Committee Meetings 8:30 p.m.
National Officers Rehearsal
Cascades I
Tuesday, November 14 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Adams 16
Region Host Office
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
Hospitality Room
Jade (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. National Grange Office Red Jacket
8:00 a.m. – noon
Committee Meetings
9:00 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Registration Open
9:00 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Showcase & Store Setup
noon – 1:30 p.m.
Advocacy Luncheon
Main Registration Cataract
Cascades II Speakers: Robert Restaino, Mayor of Niagara Falls, NY; Brian Manktelow, New York State Assemblyman
2:00 p.m. Cascades I
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
7:30 a.m – 9:30 p.m.
Opening of the 157th Annual Convention in the Seventh Degree
(Seventh Degree members wishing to witness the opening should be in Cascades I by 1:45 p.m.)
2:30 p.m. Admission of Fourth Degree Members Roll Call of Officers 2:40 p.m.
President’s Address, Betsy E. Huber
(session at ease)
Reconvene Session in Fourth Degree President’s Internal Report Committee Reports & Action 5:30 p.m.
Session Recesses
5:30 p.m.
Delegate Group Photo
6:00 p.m.
Friendship Dinner
Cascades II
7:30 p.m. – 11:00 p.m. Committee Meetings
Wednesday, November 15 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Region Host Office
Adams
7:30 a.m – 9:30 p.m.
Hospitality Room
Jade (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. – 10 p.m.
National Grange Office
Red Jacket 17
The 157th National Grange Convention
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration Open
Main Registration
8:30 a.m.
Session Opens in the Fourth Degree
Cascades I
Committee Reports & Actions
noon 12:15 - 1:30 p.m.
Session Recesses Salute to Agriculture Luncheon
Cascades II Speakers: Lamb Family, Lamb Farms, NY; Richard Ball, New York Commissioner of Agriculture
2:00 p.m. 2:00 - 3:45 p.m. Governor’s
4:00 - 5:00 p.m.
Session opens in Fourth Degree “Training the Trainer” Presented by the FCC
Communications Workshop
Governor’s
Presented by Communication Fellows
5:30 p.m.
Session Recesses
5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Showcase Open
Cataract
6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
Youth Orientation
Porter/DeVeaux
7:30 p.m.
Session Reconvenes
Cascades I Roll Call of States Quilts of Valor & Grange Hall of Fame presentation Youth visit National Grange Session
9:00 p.m. 9:00 - 9:30 p.m. Cascades I
9:00 - 11 p.m. 9:30 – 10:30 p.m.
Session Closes National Officers / Youth Officers Meet & Greet Committee Meetings Youth Hangout
Porter/DeVeaux
9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Youth Officers Practice Cascades I
Thursday, November 16 7:30 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Region Host Office
Adams
7:30 a.m – 5:00 p.m.
Hospitality Room
Jade (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. – 7 p.m. 18
Red Jacket
National Grange Office
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration Open
Main Registration
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Seventh Degree setup
Event Center
8:30 a.m.
Session Opens in Fourth Degree
Cascades I Election of Officers Director’s Reports
9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Cataract
Vaccination Clinic with partners from the ASCP
9:30 - 10:15 a.m.
Communications Workshop
Governor’s
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
9:30 - 11:30 a.m. Porter/DeVeaux
10:20 - 11:05 a.m. Governor’s
11:00 a.m. - noon
Youth Workshop Debate & Resolutions
Membership Workshop SHIPmates
Youth & Junior Director Meeting
Whitney
11:10 - 11:55 a.m.
Revitalizing the Grange
Governor’s for your Community
noon
Session recesses
12:15 – 1:30 p.m.
Past Delegate Luncheon
Cascades II
Speaker: Ray Wigle, Erie Canal Discovery Center
2:00 p.m.
Session reconvenes in Fourth Degree Speaker: Jeff Winton, Rural Minds and filmmaker Travis Carlson Youth & Juniors join session Cascades I
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. Porter/DeVeaux
Multi-Generational Panel Discussion on Rural Mental Health
Jeff Winton, Rural Minds; Travis Carlson; and Becky Wiseman, NY FarmNet
3:15 p.m.
Past Delegate Recognition
Cascades I
3:30 p.m.
Memorial Service
Cascades I
Barbara Borderieux, National Chaplain
4:30 - 5:15 p.m.
Youth & Junior Grange Baseball
Governor’s
5:00 p.m. 5:45 - 7:15 p.m. Cascades II
Session Recesses G.R.O.W. Club Dinner 19
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
The 157th National Grange Convention
7:30 - 9:00 p.m. Cascades II
Silent Disco Dance (Youth Party) open to all
8:00 - 9:00 p.m. Assembly of Demeter Business Meeting Cascades I
9:15 - 10:30 p.m.
Committees Meet (as needed)
9:30 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Youth Officers Practice Cascades I
9:30 - 11:00 p.m. Porter/DeVeaux
Youth Hang Out Presented by Grange Foundation
Friday, November 17 7:00 – 8:15 a.m. Jade (Hotel)
7:00 - 8:30 a.m.
Committee Chairs & Secretaries Breakfast Youth Officers Practice & Headshots
Cascades I
7:30 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Region Host Office
Adams
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Hospitality Room
Jade (Hotel)
8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Seventh Degree Setup
Event Center
8:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Registration
8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
National Grange Office
Main Registration Red Jacket
8:30 a.m.
Session Opens / Youth Opening Juniors attend Youth & Junior Director Reports Cascades I
Committee Reports & Actions
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Showcase Open
Cataract
10:00 a.m.
General & Youth Tours
11:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Junior Activities Porter/DeVeaux includes lunch 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. Seventh Degree Walk-through Event Center
noon 20
(for those with speaking parts)
Session Recesses
Session Reconvenes
Cascades I
3:00 p.m.
Installation of Officers
Cascades I
Complete business
4:30 - 5:00 p.m.
Sign-a-Song Judging
Porter/DeVeaux
5:00 p.m. Session Closes or whevener business is complete 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
Set up for Sixth Degree
Cascades I
7:30 - 9:45 p.m. Event Center
National Grange Honors
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
2:00 p.m.
CONVENTION SCHEDULE
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
Pete Pompper, emcee
Saturday, November 18 7:00 a.m.
Seventh Degree Final Preparations
Event Center
7:00 a.m. – noon
Hospitality Room
3:00 - 5:00 p.m. Jade (Hotel)
7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. 9:30 - 10:00 p.m.
Region Host Office
Adams
8:00 a.m. – noon
Registration
8:00 a.m. – noon
National Grange Office
Main Registration Red Jacket
8:00 a.m. - noon
Showcase
Cataract
8:00 a.m.
Sixth Degree Rehearsal
Cascades I
8:00 - 9:00 a.m Chairman’s
9:00 - 10:00 a.m.
Grange Foundation Board Meeting Board members only
Youth Workshop - “Leadership Dialogue”
Porter/DeVeaux
Dr. Daniel Pinti, Niagara University
9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Workshop: “Talk Saves Lives”
Olmsted
Rural Minds & NY FarmNet
10:00 a.m.
Junior Tour
10:00 a.m.
Sixth Degree Conferral
Cascades I
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CONVENTION SCHEDULE
The 157th National Grange Convention 10:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Grange Foundation - Intro to Youth Programs
Porter/DeVeaux
11:00 a.m. - noon Olmsted
11:00 a.m. - noon
Lecturer’s Workshop
Ann Bercher, National Lecturer
Youth Roundtable
Porter/DeVeaux
1:00 - 3:00 p.m.
Seventh Degree Conferral
Event Center (Ticket required for candidates/ Registration badges not required)
3:15 - 4:00 p.m.
Convocation of the Assembly of Demeter
Event Center
4:30 - 5:30 p.m. Event Center
6:00 p.m. Cascades I
8:00 - 10:00 p.m. Event Center
Talent Rehearsal / Sound Check for Evening of Excellence Grange Celebration Banquet & Foundation Auction Evening of Excellence Ann Bercher, emcee
Have a safe trip home, and we will see you next year!
Thank you to Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. for donating 300 pints of milk for the hospitality room. Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Inc. is located at 368 Pleasant View Drive in Lancaster, New York. They are farmer-owned and their purpose is to nourish life through the planting of seeds for crops, protecting water ways, caring for animals, all the jobs along the supply chain, and finally their products.
Many Thanks to the State Granges of the Northeast Region for Hosting!
New York Connecticut Massachusetts Maine 22
New Hampshire Rhode Island Vermont
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
Robert Restaino
Mayor of Niagara Falls, New York
Bob Restaino was born and raised here in Niagara Falls. After graduating from Niagara Catholic and studying history and political science at Niagara County Community College and Niagara University for undergraduate studies, Bob completed law school at the University at Buffalo. From the beginning, Bob always intended to stay and practice law in his hometown. After admission, he developed his legal practice based on a philosophy of honesty and hard work. Together with his wife, Diana, Bob embarked on a successful legal and judicial career in Niagara and Erie counties while raising his growing family. In the spirit of community, Bob has volunteered and participated in many civic activities and community organizations over the years. He continues that civic engagement today, while also enjoying the occasional game of golf, cooking, and spending time with family and friends
CONVENTION SPEAKERS
Convention Speakers
Brian Manktelow
New York State Assemblyman
Brian Manktelow was elected to the New York State Assembly in 2018. The district includes all of Wayne County and the Town of Webster in Monroe County. During his time as an Assemblyman, Brian has fought hard for policies that encourage economic growth, push to reduce unfunded state mandates and high taxes, advocate for resources to battle the growing opioid epidemic, as well as address the need to protect the natural resources in his district. Brian served in the U.S Army, attaining the rank of sergeant. He has owned and operated Manktelow Farms in Lyons for more than 30 years, and has been an active member of the Wayne County Farm Bureau. Brian’s background gives him a unique perspective on the challenges faced by everyday New Yorkers. Brian currently resides in Lyons with his wife, Crystal, with whom he shares five children. He is dedicated to family life and community. As supervisor of the Town of Lyons, he worked to protect the interests of his fellow residents during the dissolution of the village of Lyons in 2015, ensuring a positive impact on the municipality’s future. 23
The 157th National Grange Convention
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The Lamb Family Lamb Farms
Lamb Farms is a family dairy operation owned and operated by the Lamb and Veazey families. The farm has grown over time – in size, in cows, in people and in responsibilities! Lamb Farms was founded in Oakfield in 1966 when (Grandpa) Leslie and (Dad) Gordon sold their Darien Center farm to Darien Lake State Park. They purchased what is now our home farm from Roy Woller and started out milking 110 cows. Ten years later, Leslie and Gordon added Jim Veazey as a partner in the farm. Today, they have two generations and 13 family members involved in our blended family business. This arrangement allows everyone to have an area of expertise. The Lambs tend to be cow people – they enjoy managing the herd and making sure all the ladies are in tip-top shape, while the Veazeys are crop people – they make sure our crops are in order, that we have ample feed for our animals, and they also handle the farm office. Farming is a complex operation, and we feel blessed to have so many talented people in our family to help steer our ship so that one day the next generation will have the opportunity to live this fulfilling lifestyle.
Richard Ball
New York Commissioner of Agriculture
A native New Yorker, Mr. Ball has made a living in agriculture his entire life. His inspiration to become a farmer came from his grandparents, who were lifelong dairy farmers. At 18 years old, Mr. Ball began his own career in agriculture as a farm worker on a vegetable farm. He later became operations manager of that same farm. After 20 years there, in 1993 the opportunity arose to be a farm owner and for the past 30 years, he has been the owner and operator of Schoharie Valley Farms in Schoharie, NY, which consists of 200 acres and produces a wide range of vegetable crops, small fruits and greenhouse crops. The farm serves both retail and wholesale consumers through an onsite farm market and ships to brokers and restaurants in the local area as well as New York City. Mr. Ball has held a number of positions within agriculture and community organizations at the local, state and national level, including the New York State Vegetable Growers Association, the New York Farm Bureau, the American Farm Bureau and the Schoharie County Chamber of Commerce. He was honored to serve as the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture (NASDA) 2021-2022 President, where he helped guide the implementation of NASDA’s 24
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
Elizabeth Dougherty
U.S. Patent & Trademark Office
As the Eastern Regional Outreach Director for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), Elizabeth Dougherty carries out the strategic direction of the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO, and is responsible for leading the USPTO’s East Coast stakeholder engagement. Focusing on the region and actively engaging with the community, Ms. Dougherty ensures the USPTO’s initiatives and programs are tailored to the region’s unique ecosystem of industries and stakeholders.
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priorities and additional policies adopted at NASDA’s 2021 annual meeting. He is also the former President of Food Export Northeast. Mr. Ball along with his wife, Shirley, reside on the farm in Schoharie and appreciate having three generations engaged in the farm operation.
Jeff Winton
CEO/Founder, Rural Minds
Jeff Winton is founder and chairman of Rural MindsTM, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to serve as the informed voice for mental health in rural America, and to provide mental health information and resources. When his nephew, Brooks Winton, died by suicide in 2012, Jeff’s late mother, Elaine, who helped raise Brooks, courageously ignored the guidance of some local community members and urged Jeff to speak at the funeral about Brooks’ struggle. An outpouring of support and hearing from other farm families about their own struggles around mental health convinced him to devote a significant portion of his energies to connecting rural Americans to much-needed mental health services. In addition to being the founder and chairman of Rural Minds, Jeff is the founder and owner of Wall Street Dairy LLC, a working family dairy farm in Chautauqua County, New York, and a member of a multigenerational farm family. He has worked four decades as a communications and corporate affairs leader with Fortune 100 corporations and respected public relations and advertising agencies. This global experience spans highly diverse and dynamic industries, including the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, animal health, agricultural and consumer arenas. 25
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The 157th National Grange Convention
Winton is also chief executive officer of Jeff Winton Associates, a full-service communications and corporate affairs agency he co-founded in 2020. He has deep experience – on both a professional and extremely personal level – with efforts to educate about depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, substance use disorder and other forms of mental illness that has led him to create Rural Minds. Jeff graduated with distinction from Cornell University, Ithaca, New York, with a bachelor’s degree from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, and completed graduate level courses at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. He also served on the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean’s Advisory Council and was named Outstanding Alumni 2020. Winton belongs to a number of agricultural organizations including the American Farm Bureau, Upstate Niagara Cooperative, Holstein Association USA, and many others.
Travis Carlson
Filmmaker, Mother’s Day
Travis is a writer and independent filmmaker from Gerry, NY, a rural town south of Buffalo. Having been raised on a small horse farm near Amish country, he began making films with his friends before graduating from Buffalo State University. Afterward, he spent over a year volunteering on farms in Switzerland and Portugal. For five years he created films, commercials, and documentaries for the NFL’s Buffalo Bills, NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, and numerous national brands. His work won over a dozen NYS Emmy’s. Under his company, Pan-American Film Division, he adapted three feature plays to the screen and created over fifteen short films, three of which won international competitions earning entrance to the Cannes Film Festival SFC. In 2021, Travis wrote and directed the “one-shot” feature film Mother’s Day based on his lived experience with his mother’s struggle with mental illness.
Becky Wiseman
Family Consultant Case Supervisor, NY FarmNet
Becky Wiseman, LCSW-R, is the Family Consultant Case Supervisor for Cornell University’s NY FarmNet Program. She has worked in the agricultural industry for nearly 30 years, as the Associate Director for Long Island Farm Bureau, the Agricultural Stewardship Coordinator 26
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
Dr. Daniel Pinti
Associate Professor, Niagara University
Dr. Pinti has been a Professor of English at Niagara University since 2001, when he and his family moved from New Mexico. In addition to his work at NU, he is also a priest at St. Peter’s Episcopal Church in Eggertsville, New York. Dr. Pinti holds an MA and Ph.D. in English from The Ohio State University and an M.Div. from Christ the King Seminary, and previously taught at New Mexico State University. His favorite topics include the literature of the American West, Old English, Dante, the Bible as Literature, and Comics/Graphic Novels. Dr. Pinti’s current research is in two areas: nonfiction writing about New Mexico and the desert Southwest, and the Grateful Dead as a musical and cultural phenomenon.
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at Cornell Cooperative Extension, Suffolk County, and for the past six years as a NY FarmNet Family Consultant. She is a graduate of Boston University with a Master of Social Work, and has experience working with adults, families, and adolescents in county mental health, in-patient psychiatry, and private practice. Becky lives in Westhampton, New York, with her husband and two cats.
Learn what's moving on Capitol Hill, how it affects you and all of rural America, and what the Grange is doing about it in our monthly policy update.
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NATIONAL GRANGE OFFICERS
The 157th National Grange Convention
National Grange Officers
Betsy E. Huber
Christine Hamp
Lynette Schaeffer
Susan Noah
Buddy Overstreet
Leroy Watson
Ann Bercher
William “Chip” H. Narvel, Jr.
John Plank
National Steward
National Assistant Steward
Barbara Borderieux
Joseph Goodrich
National President
Exec. Committee Secretary
National Lecturer
Kathy Gibson
National Lady Assistant Steward
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National Vice President
Exec. Committee Member
National Chaplain
Exec. Committee Chair
Exec. Committee Member
National Treasurer
Niagara Falls, NY - November 14-18, 2023
National Secretary
Cindy Greer
National Ceres
Chris Johnston
National Gatekeeper
Kay Hoffman Stiles National Pomona
Welina Shufeldt National Flora
High Priest
Phil Prelli
Priest Archon
Martha Stefenoni Priestess Annalist
ASSEMBLY OF DEMETER
Assembly of Demeter
Roger Bostwick
NATIONAL GRANGE OFFICERS
Debbie Campbell
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NOTES
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Save the Date! November 12-16, 2024 We invite you to join with your Brothers and Sisters at the 158th Annual National Grange Convention in Bettendorf, Iowa! Location:
Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf 1777 Isle Parkway Bettendorf, IA 52722 (563) 441-7000 Room rate: $109 plus tax per night
MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR 2024 March 16-20 - Grange Fly-In, Ag Day, & DC Experience April - Grange Month May 1
Registration opens for the 2024 National Grange Convention
July - Junior Grange Month November 12-16
The 158th Annual National Grange Convention in Bettendorf, Iowa
December 31
Last day to make a tax-deductible donation to the Grange Foundation in the calendar year
REGIONAL CONFERENCES April 26-28 - Western Region (Washington) June 7-9 - Great Plains (Oklahoma) June 21-23 - Midwest (Ohio) July 26-38 - Eastern (Pennsylvania) TBD: Northeast