Good DAY!
A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 1, Issue 3 l Fall 2017
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A HISTORY ABROAD From rural America to the far ends of the Earth,
the Grange has made a difference for 150 years
‘Catastrophic and Complete Failure’
Grange: Communism’s Insurmountable Obstacle
Estimated $1M bill looms after total loss of national headquarters chiller
One scholar believed a grassroots organization that affects change could cause or deter anything
Legacy Families to be recognized New program will honor membership of generations
Get Ready to Set Sail Lecturer will host a cruise as part of sesquicentennial celebration
ONLY THE BEST FOR GRANGE MEMBERS
Quality, affordable, Medicare programs, Retirement planning tools, Lifetime income plans, more! We’re American Senior Benefits (ASB) a nationwide insurance and financial services marketing company specializing in serving Americans over the age of 65. Starting now we’re ready to serve Grange members and their families with personalized services and top-quality insurance and financial services products. Headquartered in Austin, TX and Kansas City, KS, we have regional and district offices across the U.S. And we’re one of the fastest- growing insurance sales organizations. Our specialties include: • Medicare Programs, including top-selling Medicare Supplements • Helping clients receive guaranteed Income for a Lifetime • Putting in place protection for your hard-earned assets (such as your home) Here’s something great — every plan is customized for you and you never pay a penny for our consultations. Approved by State Granges The State Granges we are working with have endorsed our program. That means so much to us, and we hope that you, as a Granger, will take a look at what we have to offer! After all, the program was designed specifically for you. Effective immediately, we’re proud to be associated these Granges: The Connecticut State Grange, New York State, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Maine, Nebraska, Indiana, and Iowa. Other Granges are coming on-line fast. We hope to be providing services in every Grange State by the end of 2017. We believe this is going to be a long-standing relationship that will benefit Grangers every step of the way. Get more information, free, without any obligation.
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NATIONAL NEWS & VIEWS
HQ chiller ‘catastrophic failure’ results in nearly $1M estimated bill How our grassroots structure may have staved off communism in U.S.
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MEMBER RECOGNITION
Granges celebrating milestone anniversaries Members receiving recognition for years of service
STATE & LOCAL GRANGE NEWS
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150th Gala sponsorships, tickets available
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2 grants given for Deaf Awareness projects A look at the Grange trademark & licensees
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JUNIOR GRANGE Tips to make your community more pollinator friendly Junior DIY: Seedballs
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Master’s Recipe: Beet Brownies Russian beet salad enjoyed while member was in Peace Corps
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS Legislative Briefs Meetings help raise Grange profile in D.C. Long road ahead for Farm Bill
GRANGE YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS
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FOOD NEWS & RECIPES Beets are in focus for fall
NC Youth Prepares for American Idol TX Hall will benefit from $20K grant for repairs State Briefs & Session Roundups
GRANGE FOUNDATION Georgia educator honored
Local CA Grange hits the airwaves
Regional Conferences offer fun, insightful experiences
CLASSIFIEDS
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Read congratulations and announcements & learn how to place your own Across nation, unique fundraising items are on sale
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PERSPECTIVE: Grange Beyond our Borders From exchange programs to present outreach, a look at the broad influence of our Order
HOBBIES New book explores Grange’s economic influence DIY: Fall centerpiece
LAST WORD National Officer Roger Bostwick reflects on inclusivity and utility of Grange for citizenbuilding Opening and Closing side-by-side in English and Spanish
Good Day!™ magazine wants to be a part of your business or Grange’s success. Ad space is available in upcoming issues at low rates for designed ads and classified ads related to Grange events, fundraisers, etc. Email National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios at communications@nationalgrange.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 102 or (301) 943-1090 for our ad rate sheet.
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MEET THE Publisher Betsy E. Huber National Grange Master (President) betsy@nationalgrange.org Editor Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director communications@nationalgrange.org
Staff Subscriptions Assistant Stephanie Wilkins National Grange IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org
Creative Editor Ferderica Cobb National Grange Intern fcobb@grange.org
Copy Editors Stephanie Tiller National Grange Convention/Operations Director stiller@nationalgrange.org
ADDITIONAL SUPPORT
Christopher Sebastian National Grange Intern intern@nationalgrange.org
Burton Eller National Grange Legislative Director beller@nationalgrange.org Loretta Washington National Grange Sales, Benefits, Programs and Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org Stewart Hughes National Grange Controller shughes@nationalgrange.org
Christine Hamp National Lecturer lecturer@nationalgrange.org
Charlene Shupp Espenshade National Grange Youth Leadership Development Director youth@nationalgrange.org
Pete Pompper National Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org
Samantha Wilkins National Junior Grange Development Director junior@nationalgrange.org
NATIONAL GRANGE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Sandor Szima Building Engineer
OUR
Jimmy Gentry, NC, Overseer jwgentry@ncgrange.com F. Philip Prelli, CT, Chairman philip.prelli@snet.net
Officers
William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward
Duane Scott, WI, Secretary
Brenda Rousselle, VT, National Lady Assistant Steward
duanerscott@yahoo.com
Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain
Joe Fryman, NE
Dwight Baldwin, IO, National Treasurer
jfryman@huntel.net
Judy Sherrod, TN, National Secretary
Leroy Watson, NH
Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper
leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org
Claire Logan, RI, National Ceres Susan Noah, OR, National Pomona
ASSEMBLY OF DEMETER
Marie Nicholson, MT, National Flora
Bruce Croucher, NY | Roger Bostwick, KS | James Owens, ME
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Features 101
YOUTH AMBASSADOR
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Grange plays key role in thrilling new novel by Oregon-based writing duo.
Kennedy Gwin shows resilience and passion for community, family and Grange. BOOK CLUB: FICTION
40 BAND OF GRANGERS
Jam session leads members to form new band that includes former Nirvana bassist Krist Novoselic
WHO WE ARE
®
The National Grange was founded as
areas of agriculture – including those who
a fraternal organization for farm families
just like to eat – and our local Granges
in 1867 – opening its doors to men and
provide millions of dollars and hours of
women equally from the start.
service to their neighbors annually.
From rural free delivery of mail to the
Each Grange operates as a grassroots
direct election of U.S. Senators by the
unit, taking on projects most appropriate
people, Grangers have influenced so many
for their communities and advocating
aspects of American life and culture.
based on their members’ beliefs.
Today we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all
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Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.
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Grange Membership
BENEFITS
Below is an overview of just some of the benefits that are available to Grange members across the country. A full detailed list can be viewed on the National Grange’s website: www.nationalgrange.org
$
SHOP
We have partnered with Office Depot/Office Max, Shop.com, and The Azigo Cash-Back Shopping Mall. When you shop at these locations or use these services, you are giving back to the National Grange and receiving special deals in the process.
FINANCE
The National Grange has partnered with TSYS Merchant Solutions, which has been serving merchants for more than 30 years and offers a payment processing program tailored to your business needs. If you have a small business, this advantage could help you.
TRAVEL
R/
X
With discounts from Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Hertz, Avis, and Budget rental car services, as well as other hotel and rental car businesses, these exclusive Grange benefits are sure to help you when planning your next vacation.
HEALTH
Our partnerships with Comfort Keepers, one of the top companies in the eldercare industry, Life Line, and the Medical Air Services Association, the oldest prepaid emergency transportation and screening organization, are sure to give you piece of mind about your health.
PHARMACY
We have multiple partnerships to help Grange members obtain discount pharmacy cards. CVS Caremark offers the RxSavings Plus Card. The U.S. Pharmacy Card is a free discount prescription card available to Grangers. Last offer excludes members in NC. Also, a partnership with National Affinity Services, allows access to the public subsidized government marketplace.
INSURANCE
We have partnerships with United of Omaha Life Insurance Company and MetLife Home and Auto Insurance to give our members discounts on insurance rates and deals. Excludes Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, and North Carolina.
... and many more plus new ones added regularly. Check our website for all active benefits. www.nationalgrange.org
FROM THE
Executive Committee Our commitment to transparency in operations continues, and this quarter has been a challenge in many ways for the leadership of the National Grange. As we have dealt with the untimely expiry of the National Grange Headquarters chiller unit, we have had to focus again mainly on finances related to our Order. The replacement of the 27-year-old chiller unit will take about four months. In that time, temporary units had to be rented to provide our staff and tenants with a reasonable climate in which to work during the steamy DC summer/fall. The new unit will have to be specially designed to work with our aging electrical system and boiler. It will take an estimated 10 to 12 weeks before it is on site and installed piece-by-piece in our subbasement. The replacement is project to cost about a million dollars, including the temporary chiller rentals. When the executive committee met in May, we heard a presentation from a building consultant on the various options for upgrading and different use of our nearly 60-year-old building. Because of its unique location, we have considerable options, but each requires investment by our organization. One concern raised at that time was our boiler unit, which heats the building and is also nearing the end of its expected lifespan. When the chiller unit suffered a catastrophic and complete failure on Aug. 3, the committee contacted the consultant to discuss the situation and learn if there was considerable advantage to replacing both the chiller and boiler, which share the circulation piping, simultaneously. In the end, we chose to be frugal and replace only the necessary part now, repairing one section of the boiler and hoping that when the time comes to replace the boiler, we find ourselves in a considerably more positive financial condition. In a bit of financial good news received during our May meeting, we learned that DC Water had provided us a $15,000 credit on our water bill due to a billing error. We also discussed the leases held by tenants in the building and upcoming vacancies. Staff is working hard to identify new tenants during this turnover so as little income as possible is lost.
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“The replacement of the 27-year-old chiller unit will take about Four months. In that time, temporary units
had to be rented to provide our staff and tenants with a reasonable climate in which to work during the steamy DC summer/fall. The new unit will have to be specially designed to work with our aging electrical system and boiler.” At that same May meeting, the committee also took action to approve the 2017 National Convention host committee’s proposed budget and the site of the 2020 convention in Valley Forge, PA. We hope you’ll mark your extended calendar now for the 154th annual session. We also revised the hosting instructions for national convention. Additionally, it was reported that nearly 700 people or Granges had subscribed to Good Day!™ magazine at that time. This number has increased slightly since, but we hope to see a very substantial growth in subscribers as state conventions are held around the country and some members are learning of the magazine for the first time. We believe this product is beneficial to every member and every Grange for many reasons, including membership recruitment and retention, and more. We do hope you are sharing with others and suggesting they purchase a subscription so they, too, may share the good news of the Grange. Finally, we briefly discussed the issue of the Grange trademark and finding a member of Congress interested in sponsoring legislation to grant us special protection for our trademarks in effort to reduce the costs of its defense. More than 100 organizations, including FFA, 4-H Club, Peace Corps,
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National Grange President Betsy E. Huber and Convention/Operations Director Stephanie Tiller look at parts of the temporary chiller outside the building after the 25-year-old chiller system suffered a catastrophic and complete failure and was deemed by our technicians a total loss.
Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America, the Olympics, American Legion and others have been granted such statutory protection, but no new groups have been added to the list since the mid-1990s. Further research is being done regarding potential sponsors of such legislation and possible costs. We look forward to seeing many of you at the 151st Annual National Convention in Spokane, WA, starting on November 7. This is a full-slate election year including two Executive Committee seats up for election on Thursday morning, November 9. We hope you are enjoying this sesquicentennial celebration so far and are considering ways in which you can help the Grange live up to its motto: Esto Perpetua (to be perpetual/live forever). We need advocates in every Grange who will remind our Brothers and Sisters of the value of their membership and need for a strong and financially secure Grange to improve our communities, our states and our entire nation. Consider being a sponsor for our 150th Birthday Gala on December 4, 2017. For only $25, you can have your name or your family’s name listed in our program. For $50 your Grange can be recognized as proud to be a part of this historic celebration. You can also leave a lasting legacy by consulting your financial or legal adviser for details on how you can make the Grange a part of your family as part of your estate plans. There is no time like today to secure the future of the Grange. Fraternally, The National Grange Executive Committee
Inside the sub-basement, pipes and other pieces of the boiler and chiller system show signs of age. One of the building’s three boilers had also been out of service and will be repaired during this process.
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GIVE TO Grange Contribute to the National Grange Building Fund
With necessary repairs like the chiller unit, the National Grange is in need of your help. You can make a difference by donating directly to the National Grange or to the Grange Foundation. Your donations help in many ways to strengthen our organization and ensure it truly lives on forever. Esto Perpetua. STEP 1. TELL US ABOUT YOU. Name of Donor(s) _______________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________ Phone or Email (optional) _____________________________________________________________ STEP 2. SELECT FUNDS OR PROGRAM(S) YOU WOULD LIKE TO SUPPORT. Please indicate the amount you wish to donate to each fund or project. Choose as many as you wish to support and indicate the percentage or amount of your total donation you wish to go to each fund or project selected. If you do not indicate amounts, an equal distribution of your donation will be made to each. Unspecified donations will be credited to the Grange Foundation Endowment/General Fund. NATIONAL GRANGE A nonprofit, agricultural fraternity designated as a 501(c)(5) by the IRS. ______ National Headquarters Building Fund ______ Internship Program ______ Legal Protection Fund
GRANGE FOUNDATION A nonprofit organization, focused on the betterment of rural America and agriculture based on education and leadership development, designated as a 501(c)(3) by the IRS. Donations to the Grange Foundation may be tax deductible. Consult your financial advisor. ______ Endowment/General Fund ______ Junior Grange Fund ______ Grange Youth Fund ______ Community & Leadership Development Fund ______ American Arts and Culture Fund ______ Kelley Farm Fund ______ Communication Fellows Program ______ Grange Radio Project
STEP 3. INDICATE THE TYPE OF CONTRIBUTION YOU WISH TO MAKE. 100% of all proceeds go to the programs you wish to support.
Check One.
______ I wish to make a one-time donation of $______________.
______ I pledge my support to the Grange with monthly contributions of $ _____________.
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STEP 4. PROVIDE YOUR PAYMENT DETAILSs. Check one. _____ I have enclosed a check, made payable to National Grange OR National Grange Foundation. _____ I wish for my donation to be made via credit card (Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted). Monthly contributions will be automatically debited from your card on or about the first of each month until you contact the National Grange and request for monthly donations to end. Name on card ____________________________________________________________ Card Number _____________________________________________ Expiration Date ________/_________
CVC __________
Signature __________________________________________________
You may also go online to www.nationalgrange.org/give or call Loretta Washington at (202) 628-3507 ext. 109 to make your contribution today. STEP 5. SEND YOUR COMPLETED FORM to the National Grange at 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006 and relax, knowing you have honored our past and helped to secure our future.
MAKE THE GRANGE PART OF YOUR FAMILY You may also to include the Grange in your estate planning. Consult your legal or financial planning professional, then contact National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios at (202) 628-3507 ext. 102 or (301) 943-1090.
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MASTER’S CORNER Betsy E. Huber
Several years ago, while President of the Pennsylvania State Grange, I had the opportunity to attend a GrangeGermany/USA (GG/USA) Friendship Program reunion. (Read about this lifechanging program in this issue.) I am so proud of the Grange for helping to conceptualize and sponsor this program in the 1950s and totally amazed that it is still affecting lives today. Children and grandchildren of the original participants still meet together annually, in Germany or in the U.S. at reunions like the one I attended or on a smaller, more informal scale. Friendships formed after World War II are still strong and continuing through several generations. What a great legacy for the Grange! This, of course, is just one example of how the Grange, for a century and a half, has been changing lives in big and small ways. From giving women a voice and vote to providing these German students an opportunity to expand their horizons and that of their descendents for generations to come, the Grange has no ordinary history - but sometimes it’s easy to forget just how vast our influence has been. Look around your State Grange and you may find someone who in their youth exchanged visits with other members in different states as part of the GISYE (Grange Inter-State Youth Exchange) program. These participants learned independence, leadership, and selfconfidence by spending a month with a previously unknown Grange family in another state. Many of these families are still close friends years later. While formally this program no longer
exist, it is possible to consider how it or something like it may be implemented to impact today’s generation of young leaders. We must not dwell on our past history, great as it has been lest we lose sight of the fact that the Grange is the same organization with the same values as it was 150 years ago with the same ability to provide unique, positive and life-changing opportunities for its members young and old. I can attest that every day, the National Grange works hard to improve the lives of Americans and people around the world in a variety of ways, and has ideas abounding that we hope our finances will one day allow us to implement. But that does not stop you from taking a look closer to home. I want you to challenge yourself and ask: What is my Grange doing today to change lives in our community? Are we discussing big issues and writing resolutions to make our nation and the world better? Are we serving our community to help others less fortunate? And how are we opening our doors to tomorrow’s change-makers, mentoring them to become the citizens we need and neighbors we wish for? Each of our Granges can learn from our past and accomplish momentous things today like we did in our history— and even more! We must honor the legacy left us by our predecessors. We cannot allow our Grange to be diminished by sinking into apathy. A Grange full of DO·ers will attract members to join in the activity, allowing you to do even more. Often we look back and remember
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how powerful and significant we were in the early years. But we forget that we will remain relevant by looking outside the walls of our Grange and creating programming and outreach to meet today’s challenges and create new opportunities. The responsibility is on each of us as we strive to be good patrons, good stewards, good neighbors and friends, to do the best we can and invite others to join us to continue our progress Fraternally,
Betsy E. Huber Master/President National Grange
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From the desk of the AMANDA LEIGH BROZANA RIOS When I started putting together the idea for this issue – one themed around the breadth of the Grange’s reach internationally – I never thought the most inspiring and almost unbelievable tale I would hear would actually be more US-focused, but if there’s one thing I’ve learned in my years with the Grange, it’s never say never. So, my story begins with a story from National Grange Executive Committee member and former Legislative Director Leroy Watson who was reflecting on some of the greatest achievements of the organization abroad and how the Grange became involved in projects ranging from outreach in central Europe to far flung island nations like Haiti and the Philippines. In his discussion about the Grange as a player in the game of international diplomacy, he noted that it was not just our members or people in varying positions of authority in the US government who saw the structure of the Grange as a truly positive force for teaching those across the world more about food, farming and cooperation – but indeed at least one scholar from our Cold War nemesis, the Soviet Union, saw it as well. Watson said over the course of his employment with the Grange, he had the opportunity on a few occasions to meet with a man who was called by the New York Times in his obituary “the bridge between the Cold War superpowers.” Dr. Georgi A. Arbatov, best known for his frequent appearances on shows such as Nightline, was well known in Washington circles and had ties with American politicians of all stripes. He was employed as the Soviet’s top “Amerikanist,” who founded the Institute for U.S.A. and Canada Studies of the
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Russian Academy of Sciences (ISKRAN) in our own organization’s centennial year, 1967, and directed it until the mid-1990s. Arbatov sought out the meeting with Watson because of his own academic interest in the organization that, according to the dissertation he wrote in the early 1950s while at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, was vitally important to the maintenance of a democratic structure for the United States. Arbatov posited that it was the Grange’s structure of grassroots policy making and advocacy that made measurable impact in the “real world” of US politics that stood the single most important foot on the scale balancing democracy with communism. Just as in other nations, Arbatov said, the working class, especially those involved in the labor of food, farm and field, were for generations falling farther and farther behind the bourgeoisie who held most of the both fiscal and political power. Unlike most of Eastern Europe, China and North Korea, Cuba and African nations such as the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia and Mozambique to name a few, the United States never went far beyond flirting with the idea of a communist structure because its proletariat never were completely isolated from power. This, Arbatov said, was because people found a place that was familiar and welcoming to the working class as both a social and political outlet with a great deal of influence and success in Congress and the judiciary system. The secret structure that lingered in the Grange from days when those representing the railroads would try to infiltrate meetings to learn who was a member of the Order and use it to discriminate in transporting their wares to market, provided a veil that
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Editor
Dr. Georgy A. Arbatov suggested in his 1950s dissertation that the Grange played a key role in maintaining the democratic structure of the United States. disgruntled workmen and poor mothers took to believe grievances aired in a Grange Hall were done so safely. In fact, politicians who found their way to the Grange without family history in the organization were accepted, too, because people believed they had been influenced enough by the process of discussion and policy creation in the Grange Halls that they would fairly represent the working class when in Washington or their own state houses. A member who argued successfully in their local Grange for a resolution to support the establishment of an administration to oversee the construction of power-generating dams saw that resolution pass among like-minded peers at their county and state level, then move to a floor of national delegates and from its success there become a policy
of importance to the entire well-respected organization. The passage of their resolution led to a groundswell of action that was not struck down violently or ignored outright. Instead, the words “supported by the Grange” meant township supervisors or town selectmen, state or national Senators and Congressmen took the time to listen. For the good of the people (or good of the person seeking reelection), public officials often voted in a way that reflected the interests of the proletariat adorned with blue, green, pink or gold sashes who gathered at their doors. When Watson met with Arbatov, the organization had shrunk far from its membership peak in the 1950s when Arbatov saw it as the gate that must be scaled in order for communism to have a potential for success in the United States, but in those decades when membership numbers dropped off, ISKRAN never did take its eyes off the Patrons of Husbandry. The think-tank that at its height employed more than 300 people worked to feed back to the Kremlin “unbiased” analysis of the economic, political and military development in the U.S. It had a substantial spy operation, part of which was observing nongovernmental organizations in America, the most important of which for Arbatov was the Grange. Even into the later years of the Cold War, Arbatov told Watson that people from his organization would try covert measures to get their hands on copies of Grange Journals of Proceedings, because he believed such documents held the key to understanding the concerns of the working class and policy movements the Kremlin could exploit in order to show the American people they were not being served well by the democracy they wished to defend. The Kremlin would believe in a nation so large there was no way to stop the whispers of communism, which promised a better system with greater equality for those that woke each morning to put food on the tables of their own families and families around the nation and the world, from becoming the war cry of a working class of so many.
“Arbatov posited that it was the Grange’s structure of grassroots policy making and advocacy that made measurable impact in the ‘real world’ of U.S. politics that stood the single most important foot on the scale balancing democracy with communism.” But a man awarded the Order of the Red Star military honor for his involvement in the Red Army during WWII would, along with his colleagues, convince them that their expectations were thwarted by the power of an organization that supported civic engagement and provided for their neighbors through missions of good deeds. For our more seasoned Brothers and Sisters celebrating milestones in membership, and those turning in forms to be recognized as Grange Legacy Families, take a moment to bask in the pride knowing that your commitment to the Grange over these many decades has indeed been a commitment to American Values and Hometown Roots as our tagline reads. In a time of many challenges, I hope you’ll read this with pride and be inspired to tell others just how important an organization like the Grange can be to the success of a democratic republic we are proud to call home.
CLEARANCE Grange patches are available for $2 each. The maroon or green sew-on patches are 3”x4” while the gold heat-sealing patches are 2.5”x3”
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Get Ready for Great Annual Convention of rich farming history, but also, very visually
By Ferderica Cobb
will be held at a special venue.
appealing,” said Director of Convention The 151st Annual National Grange Convention in November will be a
and Operations Manager Stephanie Tiller While
at
convention,
Grange
celebratory affair as the organization
members can also attend the Great
gets even nearer its Sesquicentennial
American Quilt and Handicraft Expo,
Anniversary.
which will be held November 10 – 12.
From November 7-11, in Spokane,
The purchase of any item will support
Washington, hundreds of members are
the Grange Foundation with all proceeds
expected to gather at Hotel RL by Red
going to the nonprofit 501(c)3.
Lion, Spokane at the Park, located at 303 W. North River Drive, Spokane. part in fun and educational workshops,
As one can expect, there is so much to look forward to at the 151st Annual National Grange Convention, so go ahead and plan your trip today!
registration fee increases to $30.
year and focus of the organization both
the opportunity to socialize with others
legislatively and through service and
to the exciting talent on display at the
outreach, and much more.
Evening of Excellence to the knowledge
National Grange President Betsy E. Huber said one of the most important are
and skills they can pick up while there – registration cost is a steal,” Tiller said.
the
The convention is one day shorter
opportunities to share time with Brothers
this year in the effort of being good
and Sisters from around the country.
stewards of Grange members’ resources,
“The Grange is a big family, and the convention is like a happy family reunion,” said Huber. “Even if we may see each other only once a year, when we join together it’s like no time at all has elapsed.” Attendees can also expect great speakers, meal functions, and fun tours.
but attendees can still expect a packed, worthwhile schedule. Since it’s an election year, officers are up for election, including for president. Executive committee members Leroy Watson and Duane Scott are not up for re-election as they are in the middle of two-year terms that began last year.
“This year’s tours to Steptoe Butte and
The Evening of Excellence talent
Palouse are anticipated to be not only full
show will be extra special this year, as it
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presented for those interested.
through September 1. After September 1, “For everything attendees get – from
conventions
executed drill. Workshops will also be
Registration for the convention opened
learn more about the upcoming Grange
of
will open Friday’s session with a well-
in April and early bird rates of $25 apply
Each year, attendees are able to take
elements
As always the youth officer team
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Book your room Hotel reservations can be made by clicking on the hotel link on the National Grange website or by calling directly to the hotel. This option is open to general registrants. Delegates, Officers, and Youth must book their room through Stephanie Tiller by emailing stiller@nationalgrange.org or by calling (202) 628-3507 ext. 113. If calling the hotel directly, registrants should be sure to mention the National Grange room block to get the discounted rate of $119 +tax per night. Rooms must be booked by October 3.
Samuel Hicks, left, a member from Riverside Grange, California, and history enthusiast, visited the National Headquarters in June and gifted a print, hanging to the right, depicting the remaining original navel orange tree William Saunders gave to Riverside native, Eliza Tibbits. With Hicks, holding a gavel made from the other original orange tree are, in back row, intern Christopher Sebastian and IT Director Stephanie Wilkins, front row, intern Cait Cady and Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios.
Guest brings By Ferderica Cobb
color to Grange HQ
The National Grange office had a special visitor in June who was on a mission. Sam Hicks, an Iraq war veteran from Riverside, California, was seeking an artifact of special importance to him - a gavel made from one of the original navel orange trees that was gifted by first National Grange President William Saunders to Eliza Tibbets of Riverside. The gift sparked an industry that is still central to the identity of Riverside natives today. “I couldn’t tell you when my love of Riverside history began, but I love it,” Hicks said. “The people, the things they accomplished and how it affected the rest of the country…” According to the San Diego Reader, in 1873, William Saunders, a botanist with the United States Department of Agriculture and one of the eight founders of the National Grange, gifted a pair of navel orange trees from Bahia, Brazil, to Tibbets. The trees had not been successful in other regions of the U.S, but it turned out that California was the perfect place for these new sweeter, seedless oranges. They grew fruitfully, and clippings from the two original trees were later cloned to produce many navel orange groves across the state, thus sparking California’s booming orange industry that people see today. “These two trees brought prosperity and wealth to California that hadn’t been seen since the gold rush, the difference being that the orange was able to continue to be grown,” Hicks said. “Today the Washington navel is grown around the world, and every Washington navel tree alive is a direct, identical budded descendant of those first two trees sent to Eliza Tibbets.” While one of the original trees still resides in Riverside, the other tree died in the 1920s, and its wood was used for various things,
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including making the gavel that Hicks was in search of. Hicks discovered that the National Grange office had the gavel that had been given to Saunders, and being a history enthusiast, he wanted to see it in person. “I love pictures, I love reading stories, but seeing, holding a piece of history, one that was made from the one of the two trees that changed the face of America’s agriculture was thrilling,” Hicks said. “When I found out the national Grange had a gavel that was given to William Saunders and no one I asked within Riverside had any recollection or information on it, I felt like I stumbled on a great secret.” Hicks was very excited when he got to confirm that the gavel exists and inform the National Grange team of the gavel’s history and the connection that Riverside and the Grange share. “I love the connection between people in history and how it shows how a small detail, or a relationship can lead to amazing things,” Hicks said. During the visit, Hicks presented the National Grange with a print of a painting of the remaining parent Riverside Navel Orange tree. The framed print was immediately hung in the National Grange front office. “It’s a really nice piece that you have to look at for a moment to understand,” Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios said. “I think that will help spark conversation and visitors can see just how far and wide the Grange’s influence in American agriculture really is. We truly are thankful for the kind gesture from Mr. Hicks.” “My hope is that visitors and friends of the National Grange will be able to realize they have a connection to its founder through more than their love of history and agriculture, but also through the rich Citrus history that Saunders is ultimately responsible for, that originated in a small southern California colony called Riverside,” Hicks said.
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Legacy
Families to be Recognized
By Ferderica Cobb
office. Anyone can nominate family,
In honor of the Grange’s 150th birthday,
the
National
Grange
is
starting the Grange Legacy Family Commendation
program
to
honor
those families whom have five or more generations involved as Grange members. National President Betsy Huber said it’s important to acknowledge those families who have been the backbone of
their
community
Granges,
and
sometimes their State and National Grange for generations.
Grange Legacy Family Commendation
including family members themselves, but they must include information as to whom of the family was a member in what Grange with clear five-generationor-more- lineage. The first honorees will be recognized at National Convention in Spokane, Washington in November. The family will receive a certificate, and each family
to the recipients and will increase family pride because they connect dearly to this organization. “They’re proud of their heritage. They’re proud to say, ‘My grandfather was in the Grange.’ It’s going to be interesting to see how many will come forward to be recognized.”
member can receive a copy upon request.
Since family is a core value of the
Loretta Washington, National Grange
Grange, Washington believes this legacy
Sales, Benefits and Programs Director,
family recognition is a great way for
believes this recognition will mean a lot
families “to look back at their legacy and
“We give recognition to individuals who have been a Grange member for 25, 50, 75, 80, and even 90 years, and we want to recognize families and encourage the next generation to keep up with that and keep that legacy going,” said Huber. Applications for recognition will be sent out to members and an online form will also be available. Applications should be mailed in to the National Grange
The Gray family from Ekonk
Community Grange, Connecticut,
will receive a Grange Legacy Family
Commendation. Pictured here, Trevor
Gervais, back, Jacob, Rebecca (Gray), Allen and Clifford Gervais, second
row, Mason Gray, Marion Emmons,
Jared Gervais, Sue Gray, Russell Gray holding Brianna Sue Gervais, third
row, Nicholas Sharpe holding Lillian Sharpe and Deborah Gray Sharpe
holding Russell Sharpe, bottom row.
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
see what’s yet to come with the little ones.”
“Several couples met in the Grange and eventually got
Former National Membership/Leadership Development Director and
married. So it does bring families together,” said Huber.
fifth-generation Granger Joe Stefenoni said it
Washington and Huber both believe that the Five
will be a tremendous honor for his family to be recognized as
Generations Family Legacy Recognition program will help
a legacy family.
encourage young members to stay active in the Grange.
“Multi-generation Grange families are the ideal example of how the Grange has changed and adapted to best serve our communities over the years while still maintaining our core traditions and principles,” said Stefenoni, who is a member of Sebastopol Grange No. 306 in California. He said the Grange holds a lot of meaning for his family. “The Grange has been something that connects our family,” said Stefenoni. “For me, it is also a way to learn some of my family’s history in the community.” Stefenoni also considers the Grange as an extended family.
“It’s training the next generation to be DO·ers, to learn how to give back to the community at a young age, and then they continue that as they get to be adult,” said Huber. Huber also hopes the recognition program will bring publicity to the Grange.
“They will invite their neighbors
and friends to join, thus increasing pride, membership, and exposure to the Grange,” said Huber. She believes the Grange is a great legacy to carry on in families.
“You could say that I grew up in a Grange Hall and during my
“Grange is such a great organization for building character,
lifetime in the Grange I have had a countless number of Grange
building confidence as a young person, leadership training,
aunts, uncles and grandparents in addition to brothers and sisters.”
teaching on how to be good citizens that I don’t think there is
Of course the Grange is also the creation site of some
another organization that has so much to offer at all ages as the
families.
Grange,” said Huber.
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17
From left,
Outstanding Young Patron Mandy Bostwick, KS,
Ben McEvoy, MA,
Ferderica Cobb, MS, Cait Cady, CA, and
Youth Ambassador
Kennedy Gwin, WA, take time on their
lunch break to show off shirts the youth team designed
to celebrate the Grange’s 150th Birthday.
Interns full of energy, smarts
By Benjamin McEvoy, Mandy Bostwick, Ferderica Cobb, Kennedy Gwin This summer the National Grange
provided internship
opportunities to several young college students from different fields and backgrounds to work in the Washington, D.C. office. National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller said he and the rest of the staff feel passionate about hiring interns. “Interns bring a fresh perspective, ideas, and National Grange truly appreciates their hands on help,” Eller said. “If all college students were like our interns, America’s future would never be in doubt.”
Cait Cady
Mandy Bostwick
Mandy Bostwick. Mandy is starting her fifth year as a third-grade
teacher at Valley Falls Elementary School in Valley Falls, Kansas. Bostwick is an active member of Pleasant View Grange No. 1459 and also serves as Kansas State Grange Youth/Young Adults director. Last year she was elected to be State Ceres, a position that both her mother and grandmother served in. She represents Young Adults at the National Level as the National Grange Outstanding Young Patron.
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Bostwick had a great experience interning with the organization she knows and loves. “I was able to use my Grange background and knowledge to assist on various articles for Good Day!™ magazine and made great connections with Grangers from across the country. “ While at the national office, she was able to delve even deeper into the history of the Grange. “I have enjoyed getting to do in-depth research on the international affiliations that we had during the 50’s-80’s, and learning more about our rich history,” said Bostwick. While in D.C. Bostwick also had the chance to visit Gallaudet University, where she hopes to attain her masters degree in the near future.
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Cait Cady is a junior political science and history major at the University of California-Berkeley. Cady is originally from Phoenix, Arizona, where she is passionate about exploring Arizona’s national parks and supporting the Arizona Diamondbacks. She is very interested in political history, especially 18th century political history, which is perfect because that includes the founding o the National Grange. “One of my favorites parts of interning at the National Grange was working in a building full of so much history and knowing that
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
I was helping continue the Grange’s inspiring legacy of legislative advocacy,” said Cady. As a legislative affairs intern, Cady gained valuable experience for her future career. “I enjoyed learning more about how the political process works and how people can influence their representatives,” said Cady. “I am thankful that this internship gave me the opportunity to attend hearings on Capitol Hill, thoroughly study an array of rural policy issues, and meet passionate people from all over the country.”
Ferderica Cobb
Ferderica Cobb is a recent graduate from the University of Mississippi with a Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications. This summer she interned for the National Grange before pursuing an MBA this fall. As a recent graduate, Ferderica was excited to utilize her skills she learned in her magazine and journalism courses. Cobb met National Grange Director of Communications and Development Amanda Brozana Rios back in April at the Amplify Clarify Testify (ACT) magazine conference held at their alma mater. Brozana Rios was invited to the conference to speak about her experience with launching Good Day!™ magazine, and Cobb been one of the top finishers in magazine competition at the conference. The two had the chance to connect and talk about the Grange and Brozana Rios’s plans for the magazine, which led to the internship. “Getting the chance to interview people from all over, to write a variety of articles, and to compile and design the material into a complete layout for Good Day!™ was an extremely valuable, immersive experience,” said Cobb. “Being able to utilize the concepts I’d learned in class and to place those energies into a national magazine was an amazing opportunity.”
Kennedy Gwin
Kennedy Gwin is a sophomore at Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, majoring in politics and government with a possible minor in global studies. Gwin grew up in Hoquiam and Humptulips, WA and is an avid member of Humptulips Grange No. 730. She served as a delegate for her Grange at this year’s Washington State Grange Convention and was a member of the Legislative Committee. She is also currently the National Grange Female Youth Ambassador. Gwin is grateful that she was able to learn more about Grange legislation during her internship. “I learned lots about rural broadband, rural education, and crop insurance as well as how these effect everybody and not just the average farmer.” Gwin said one of her favorite aspects of the internship was the opportunity to meet new people and make new connections. “This internship has taught me more about networking in DC as
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well as given me opportunities to network with people in the field,” said Gwin. “I also had the opportunity to meet really wonderful people and work with a great team at the National Grange office.”
Christopher Sebastian
Christopher Sebastian is a senior International Affairs major at George Washington University. He grew up in Sterling, Connecticut, just 45 minutes west of Providence, Rhode Island, and is a member of Ekonk Community Grange. He is an avid fan of the Washington Nationals and highly enjoys attending the games when he is not interning or studying for class. Sebastian said he is very grateful for his internship with the National Grange and considers it “an experience like no other” and has increased his confidence in the power of the voice of the American people. “It can be very easy to become disillusioned with the system in this city, and to wonder where- if anywhere at all- the voice of the American people can fit in within the beltway,” said Sebastian. “I have seen so many wonderful things and met so many wonderful people here that I can leave confident that rural America still has a voice and that there is no mountain insurmountable if we climb it together.”
Benjamin McEvoy
Benjamin McEvoy is a senior Marketing student from Emerson College in Boston. He is originally from Wrentham, Massachusetts, 45 minutes south of Boston. Not just a student, McEvoy is currently serving in the United States Marine Corps. As a marketing major, he is passionate about collaborating with others and constructing plans that will help any company or organization to have their message heard. The National Grange was his first internship, and he said it was a great experience. “I was able to use my college experience from Emerson College to help with the Grange’s communications,” McEvoy said. He says he enjoyed living in D.C. while learning new marketing skills from Brozana Rios. “It was a great experience living in D.C. and working with Amanda,” said McEvoy. “She helped me improve my skills in Adobe Premiere Suite, which will be extremely valuable in my future. I will miss the hustle and bustle of D.C. as well as the family hospitality the Grange gave me over the summer.”
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Celebrate Our 150 th
Anniversary
ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY YEARS By Wesley V. Ryder Danville Junction Grange No. 65 The Order of Patrons of Husbandry Will soon hold a celebration. Whether Birthday or Anniversary, It’s a mutual collaboration.
While there are changes in objectives To serve well our community And strive to fill a lifelong void With dedication and with unity.
For 150 years the National Grange Has existed and served her Patrons: The rural farms and families, The Husbandmen and Matrons.
A Granger is a generous one With funds and thoughts and time. Whatever labor a project needs, No members will ever decline.
The social life of farm families Centered on church and the Grange. Social and political issues Resolved to bring about change.
We survive because we’re loyal, And the fellowship is so bonding. Friends for life—a Family With love with all responding.
We must mention the Founding Fathers, Who envisioned the farmer’s need. Together they founded this Union With deep meaning and sacred creed.
I’m proud to be a Granger. We hold out heads up high. For community service projects, Our dedication will never die.
The extensive ritual and floor work Impresses all its loyal members. The degree work still seems relevant Like the parts that one remembers.
May our Brotherhood continue forever To serve a purpose wide and broad. Our strengths and our endeavors Are extended to all from one GOD.
Granges all around the country are celebrating our 150th anniversary with special items for sell, events, contests and more! Check out some of the collectible items in this special section. GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE
20 ®
www.nationalgrange.org
Enjoy Special
Sesquicentennial Products!
®
Price: $25 for 1, $60 for 3. Contact Oregon State or mail in the order form below to order yours today! Oregon State Grange is selling aprons featuring the sesquicentennial logo.
Decorative, hand painted, watering cans or tea pots commemorating 150 years of Grange. Each item is original. No two items are alike. Call 719-
Vermont State Grange is selling pins for the 150th Anniversary. To order, visit vtstategrange.com
748-5004 or email florissantgrange@gmail.com to order. $20 each (plus shipping).
There are a limited number of sesquicentennial coins left for $25 each. Buy your coin today by contacting Loretta Washington at (202) 628-3507 ext. 109 or by emailing sales@ nationalgrange.org!
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www.nationalgrange.org
Allow two weeks for delivery on single items. Bulk orders (10 or more) may take a bit longer and receive a 10% discount.
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Be a part of our historic celebration On December 4, 2017, the National Grange will hold a Birthday Gala in Washington, D.C., where we will honor legislators who work in a bipartisan manner to secure a robust future for rural America and the agriculture sector.
We invite you to show your pride in being a part of our 150-year-old fraternity by becoming a sponsor. Limited tickets are also available. Contact Amanda Brozana Rios or Betsy Huber for more details.
Member-Only Opportunities Have your Grange recognized in the program under: “Our members are honored to be part of history, continuing the legacy of our founders in elevating rural interests, serving our neighbors and stitching communities together as blocks of the American quilt across place and time.”
Have your name** listed in the gala program under: “Together with our Brothers and Sisters across the nation as proud Grange members during this sesquicentennial celebration.” **Individuals, couples or family names. Contact for details/information.
$50
$25
To Celebrate With Us, Please Complete and Return this form Your Name _________________________________________________ Preferred phone number/email _____________________________________________ ____ I wish to be a MEMBER CELEBRATORY SPONSOR ($25) (Ex. of acceptable submissions: Tina L. Little, Tulane, LA; Jackson & Jeffrey Little, Ozie, AZ; The Little Family, Wilson, UT; Benjamin Wright, Tina Little & Family, Boris, MS.) NAME as you wish it to appear.* _________________________________________________________________________ (If you would like to sponsor for more than one individual, please list additional names as you wish them to appear on individual lines on a paper and attach to this form) ____ Our Grange wishes to be a GRANGE CELEBRATORY SPONSOR ($50) (Ex. submission: Walker Grange No. 321, Winston, MO) GRANGE name, number, town and state. __________________________________________________________________ PAYMENT OPTIONS ____ Paid by Check, Enclosed (Make Payable to NATIONAL GRANGE) ____ Please Charge to my credit card for the total amount listed above.
Name on Card ____________________________________________________
Card Number ________________________________________
Exp. Date __________
Card Type ____ MC ____Visa
(We do not accept American Express)
CVC (on back of card) ___________
SIGNATURE ____________________________________________________
_____ Contact me at the above number/email so I may pay with my credit card by phone. RETURN TO: National Grange (Attn: Gala), 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006 by November 15.
Corporate and other major sponsorship opportunities are still available
for this once in a lifetime event. If you know someone who works for an organization that may wish to show its appreciation for the Grange’s 150 years of service to rural America and agriculture, please pass this information along today.
Individual Tickets available for $150 per person. Contact Betsy Huber or Amanda Brozana Rios to purchase. Limited quantity available. Deadline for purchase is November 15.
Honoring
L egacy
THE BUILDERS OF OUR
GRANGE ANNIVERSARIES 125 YEAR GRANGES
100 YEAR GRANGES
• •
• • • •
Silver Lake Grange #105, WA Home Grange #129, MI
Scrubgrass Grange #1705, PA Addy Grange #603, WA St. Urban Grange #648, WA Broadway Grange #647, WA
If your Grange is celebrating 100 or 125 years of service to your community, please contact Loretta Washington at the National Grange six weeks in advance of your celebration to receive a plaque and letter for $10, including shipping.
MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES 85 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Oregon •
Margaret Thorpe, Columbia Grange #867
75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Maine • Beverly Lashua, Danville Junction Grange #65 • Massachusetts • Donald McBride, Shelburne Grange #68 New York • Dorothy Vail, Freedom Plains Grange #857 • Marion Fleming, Birdsall Grange #1117 • Ruth Weykman, Newark Grange #366 New Hampshire • Miriam R. Stier, Joe English Grange #53 • Sarah Moore, Wingold Grange #308 • George Davis Jr., Crown Point Grange #65 Ohio • Mary Alice Roush, Smithville Grange #2514 Pennsylvania • Normal Folchman, Brandywine Grange #60 Rhode Island • Edith Keach, Chepachet Grange #38 • Doris Palmer, Chepachet Grange #38 • Esther Campbell, Kickemuit Grange #24 Vermont • Leslie Skinner, Capital City Grange #467 • Elden Brown, North Branch Grange #483 Washington • Elinor Zonneveld, South Camano Grange #930 • Florence Taylor, Washougal Grange #69
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80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Edith Remington, Ekonk Community Grange #89 New York • Charles Butts, Wheeler Grange #1416 • Elcy Altoft, Warsaw Grange#1088 Ohio • Dan Rehm, Smithville Grange #2514
MEMORIAL NOTICE NANCY VALENTINE Nancy E. Valentine, 72, of Portland, Indiana, Past National Delegate and wife of John Valentine High Priest Emeritus, passed away June 26, 2017. Nancy was born on July 11, 1944, in Portland, the daughter of Everett and Bertha (Benn) Hummer. She married John on March 30, 1962 and graduated from Portland High School that year. She was a member of Portland Grange and served in several offices in all levels of the Order. She was secretary of several civic organizations, and a substitute teacher for Jay and Blackford schools. She retired from the US Postal Service in 1998. She is survived by John; two
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daughters, Annette Stultz and her husband, Larry, Portland, and Stephanie Hastings-Throckmorton and her husband, Bill, Indianapolis, a son: Gary, and his wife, Anne, Carmel, Ind.; five grandchildren and one great-grandson.
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MEMBER RECOGNITION
50 YEARS OF CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Franklin L. Behlman III, Beacon Valley Grange #103 • R. Wesley Hopkins, Ekonk Community Grange #89 • George Molodich, Ekonk Community Grange #89 • Fred Schwalm, Whigville Grange #48 • Thomas M. Sweet Sr., Ekonk Community Grange #89 • Eric Williams Jr., Ekonk Community Grange #89 • Leona Wilson, Manchester Grange #31 Delaware • Laura Brown, Midland Grange #27 • Rodney Dempsey, Harmony Grange #12 • Joan Hitchens, Midland Grange #27 • Roland Hitchens, Midland Grange #27 Illinois • Elaine Hecathorn, Hopewell Grange #1742 • Bonnie Zulian,Hopewell Grange #1742 Indiana • Paul Hoffman, Indian Trail Grange #2361 • Norma Niemeyer, Indian Trail Grange #2361 Maine • Clayton C. Collins, Cape Elizabeth Grange # 242 • Marjorie Farrand, Somerset Grange #18 • Mark L. Johnston, Manchester Grange #172 • Brenda L. Lake, Manchester Grange #172 • Edward Lincoln III, Manchester Grange #172 • Nancy Post, Meenahga Grange #555 • Robert Smith, Farmington Grange #12 Massachusetts • Nancy M. Peck, Shelburne Grange #68 • Edna Stevens, Dunstable Grange #31 • M. Robie Stevens, Dunstable Grange #31 • Marjorie Turner, Dartmouth Grange #162 • James D. Wholey, Shelburne Grange #68 Michigan • Diana Wagner, Home Grange #129 New Hampshire • Alfred Cameron, Henry Wilson Grange #205 • Aloha Cameron, Henry Wilson Grange #205 • Jean Cameron, Henry Wilson Grange #205 • William Cameron, Henry Wilson Grange #205 • Estelle M.B. Decatur, Wingold Grange #308 • Clinton N. Gordon, Joe English Grange #53 • A. Jane Heath, Centennial Grange #185 • Raymond Tucker, Henry Wilson Grange #205 New York • Ruth Curtis, Pleasant Valley Grange #838 • Ruth DeVaul, North Barton Grange #45 • Nancy Pocock, Bergen Grange #163 • Gertrude Schoen, Curriers Grange #1273 • Patricia Swift, Bergen Grange #163 • Charlie Traver, Pleasant Valley Grange #838 • J. Daniel Weber, Bergen Grange #163
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Ohio • Steve Chadwick, Morgan Grange #829 • Priscilla Gresser, Smithville Grange #2514 • Judith A. Lauby, Lake Grange #1744 • Helen Shoemaker, Nimishillen Grange #1627 Oregon • Loretta Downs, Mohawk-McKenzie Grange #747 • Gary Prichard, Goshen Grange #561 • Cleta deBoer, Boulevard Grange #389 • Val Richmond, Boulevard Grange #389 Pennsylvania • Peggy A. Jamison, Gideon Grange #2010 • Diane E. Marino, Brandywine Grange #60 • Marie Miller, Donegal Grange #1495 • Lois Moore, Kimberton Grange #1304 • William Smith, Chester Valley Grange #1496 • Elsa Walters, Kimberton Grange #1304 • Wayne Walters, Kimberton Grange #1304 Rhode Island • Diane Brule, Kickemuit Grange #24 • Eileen Hebert, Chepachet Grange #38 • Beverly Hurd, Chepachet Grange #38 Vermont • Anna Clemons, Middle Branch Grange #463 • Thomas Goulette, Riverside Grange #455 • Bruce Porter, Riverside Grange #455 • Carroll Porter, Riverside Grange #455 Washington • Verna Bauscher, Pine Grove Grange #115 • Willard Bauscher, Pine Grove Grange #115 • Dennis Berdan, Bee Hive Grange #385 • Peter R. Bolinger, Methow Grange #1142 • Clarence Bradshaw, Washougal Grange #69 • Ray A. Breitenbauch, Washougal Grange #69 • Betty Carpenter, Farqher Lake Grange #853 • Mike Compton, Bee Hive Grange #385 • Fred Esvelt, Strange Creek Grange #374 • Isadore Gore, Manson Grange #796 • Norm Gutzwiler, Bee Hive Grange #385 • Sue Henning, Wheatland Grange #952 • Curtis Hughey, Washougal Grange #69 • C. A. Larson, South Camano Grange #930 • Patricia Major, South Camano Grange #930 • Don Marsh, Farqher Lake Grange #853 • Floyd Morasch, Wheatland Grange #952 • Esther Muenscher, Ten Mile Grange #399 • Richard Qualey, South Camano Grange #930 • Donald D. Pullar, Ten Mile Grange #399 • Mae Reimer, Bee Hive Grange #385 • Helen Rhea, Ten Mile Grange #399 • Ronald J. Rhode, Washougal Grange #69 • Frazier Sytle, Manson Grange #796
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STATE ALASKA
Briefs COLORADO
State Master Brad Sworts sworts@mtaonline.net (907) 746-4900 In July, members of Northland Pioneer Grange No. 1 in Palmer were part of a final meeting on a proposed master plan for an arboretum that has been a project of the Grange for 25 years. The master plan includes details on reconstructing the entrance paths, relocating signage to the new entrance and creating a parking area, as well as constructing areas for educational and recreational gatherings so the arboretum can continue to be a working classroom, community display and provide space for woody plant research. The arboretum was established nearly two decades before Alaska was admitted to the union as the 49th state by Dr. Myron Babb, a scientist with the Agricultural Research Service USDA . Research that occurred at the arboretum helped feed the people of the arctic state and produced information about the best plants for landscape in such a climate. Along with the FFA, the Grange annually has a clean up day at the facility, which drew attention from the city. The city then recruited interns to map the arboretum and Sustainable Design Group, a local planning and landscaping firm volunteered to produce the master plan. 14th Annual Convention | Sept. 29-Oct. 1 (Palmer)
State Master Cindy Greer hcrdgreer@frontier.net | (970) 588-3386 On July 18, Animas Valley Grange No. 194 hosted a free presentation entitled “Planting to Support Bees and Other Pollinators” to discuss the importance of attracting certain types of bugs, birds and bats who move pollen from one part of a plant to another which helps the plant produce fruit or seeds. The event, attended by 25 people from the community and Grange, was useful for those who both farm or garden, especially providing information specific to pollinators native to Colorado and the best time of year to plant varieties of flowers and other plants that attract pollinators such as herbs like mint, chives and oregano. Carol Tyrrell, state liaison of Four Corners Beekeepers, was the lead speaker and said that a third of all food crops depend upon help from pollinators. Attendees learned how much pollinators affect our food source and without them the potential loss that could occur of crops like apples, peaches and other tree fruits as well as a good proportion of vegetables. - Submitted by 2016 Communication Fellow Elizabeth Hiner 144th Annual Convention | Sept. 21-23 (Colorado Springs)
CALIFORNIA State Master Ed Komski
their Hall to begin chipping away at their $6,000 goal. In
ekomski@castategrange.org | (760) 310-6500
December, the Hall will be turned into a winter wonderland
Christmas is coming early in California, or at least for members of Humbolt Grange No. 501 in Eureka.
where children will visit with Santa and pick out gifts for their families.
In conjunction with the Eureka Host Lions Club, the
Humbolt Grange Secretary Kathy Moley sees this as a
Grange is raising funds for the Santa’s workshop project for
“community building project” with the potential to connect
kindergarten students at two local elementary schools.
the schools and students with the organizations for more
In August, they held a rummage sale and flea market at
programming in the future.
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CONNECTICUT
IDAHO
State Master Noel Miller president@ctstategrange.org | (860) 742-8839 Members of Colchester Grange No. 78 spent time with Veterans who reside in the Harrington Court Healthcare Facility, discussing their experiences during WWII and the Korean War. The event, held just before Memorial Day, allowed residents and Grange members to exchange stories of what it was like on the homefront and warfront, and talk about how each saw the experience of war domestically and abroad change the social and economic conditions in the U.S. Colchester Grange member Catherine Russi wrote in her synopsis of the event, “Our conversation concluded with our observation that the generations that experienced these Wars were resilient, innovative, and knew the value of cooperation and sacrifice. We thank them for their service both on the battlefields and on the homefront.” 133rd Annual Convention | October 19-21 (Norwich)
DELAWARE State Master Michael Lynch mklhpl89@aol.com | (302) 731-4260 The Delaware State Grange served up their famous chicken dinners, hamburgers, and homemade cakes to many of the more than 300,000 visitors of the State Fair in mid-and late-July. Dozens of Grange, FFA and 4-H members, and other friends helped with the stand, coordinated by State Master Michael Lynch during the 10-day event. Money from sales at the stand is used to help fund State Grange programs including the Rural Road Safety project, which was highlighted in the Grange-owned building on the State Fair grounds where diners enjoy their meals at large picnic tables. 131st Annual Convention | December 1-2 (Dover)
FLORIDA State Master Barbara Borderieux bborderieux@tampabay.rr.com | (941) 729-8036 Manatee Grange recently met at Fisherman’s Village in Punta Gorda to take a sunset cruise and go to dinner. The cruise was beautiful and dinner was tasty, fun was had by all of our Grangers both young and old. We continue to meet the first Tuesday and the third Saturday of each month. This spring we will be hosting our annual flashlight Easter Egg Hunt and Baby Shower for the North River Crisis Pregnancy Center, as well as our memorial program.
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State Master Harold Eshelman alaskawoundvet@gmail.com | (208) 377-4771 Maple Grove Grange No. 224 has unveiled a display of antique, horse-drawn farm equipment on the grounds of their Hall in an effort to educate others about the evolution of farming. Included in the display is equipment from current and former Grange families. Ten pieces, including a potato digger and dump rake from long-time member Don Somers and a manure spreader from the parents of Idaho State Grange First Lady Jacquie Eshelman, are part of the display. There is also a mowing machine, single bottom two-way plow and horse drawn disc that came from State Master Harold Eshelman’s cousin and a corrugater and walking plow from his grandfather. Bill and Melvina Grant, both members of the Maple Grove Grange, supplied a cultivator, and a tractor drawn disc was gifted to the Grange. The display includes a sign honoring the Grange’s sesquicentennial. 109th Annual Convention | October 11-13 (Coeur d’Alene)
ILLINOIS State Master Lynette Schaeffer schaeffr@att.net | (618) 537-4237 About 30 children of Belvidere were part of Flora Grange’s Safety Town Day Camp held for the 16th year in a row in early June. The camp, which was free for area children ages 5-8, was held at the Boone County Fairgrounds from 9 to 11 a.m. each day. It exposed children to multiple area authorities and introduced them to a variety of safety topics. Included was water safety with a presentation by the Belvidere Park District, fire safety presented by District No. 2 Rural Fire Department, ground water safety by Boone County Soil and Water and weather safety, with a presentation by local TV anchor Candice King. A locally based traveling petting zoo, Serenity’s Barnyard Angel-Babies, gave a presentation on animal safety. Several members also presented programs such as stranger danger by Sara Ellwanger, safety at home by Beth Carson, bike safety by Tom Ratcliff and Muriel Jahn and sports safety by Bill and Billy Zonzo. After each safety presentation, there was a fun time with various crafts and treats provided by the Grange. 146th Annual Convention | Sept. 15-17 (East Peoria)
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INDIANA
MAINE
State Master John Plank
a real good job” and are a shining light for the future of the Grange.
State Master Rick Grotton ricti@aol.com | (207) 582-5915 The members of East Sangerville Grange No. 177 are tough and their community is all the better for it. The Farmer’s Committee of the “The Fightin’ 177” has come together to create a round-robin style weeding party that meets Sunday afternoons at a well-deserving farmer’s property and help them catch up on overdue weeding. Several hours of work have been put in on area farms including the first to get the treatment: Two Roads Farm in Sangerville. The snap pea field was in good shape after about three and a half hours of work by the group who was then treated to a tour of other crops on the farm and to meet the livestock. Helios Horsepower Farm in Guilford owners Lizzy Koltai and Andrea Price sent the group out to the scallion patch when they arrive the next week, where Grange Secretary Rod Hamel said the saying “many hands make light work” proved true. After two hours and a huge portion of the scallion rows complete, the group “demobilize from Guilford and head to Sangerville for some cattle rustling,” helping two local farmers capture a cow that had escaped a few weeks prior and had returned with a vengeance on the farmers’ fence. “Our weeding party of nine people plus Ben’s dad proved a worthy adversary for the cow and after a mere 90 minutes and threats of creating some steak tartare, we had her safely eating some silage in a barn ready for transport home,” Hamel said. Hamel said the group is not only interested in helping commercial farms but will also assist homesteaders and woodlot owners who need assistance. “These weeding experiences have a side benefit because they allow our busy Grangers to get together for a bit of socializing and still get some farm work done!”
148th Annual Convention | Sept. 9-10 (Kellogg)
144th Annual Convention | October 19-21 (Skowhegan)
johnpplank@gmail.com| (765) 563-6735 Indiana State Grange members brought a new product to the table at the Cass County Fair this July, sending fairgoers squealing. Members from different State Grange committees took turns staffing their sought-out Elephant Ear Stand this July at the Cass County Fair and delighted attendees with their newly introduced fried pork rinds in addition to elephant ears and elephant droppings – a smaller version of the fried dough sprinkled with cinnamon and sugar. Small batches of the pork rinds were made each morning before the large crowds arrived and the success of the product is still being evaluated to see if they will continue to sell it in 2018. 147th Annual Convention | October 20-22 (Monticello)
IOWA State Master Dwight Baldwin kbaldwin@gmrc.com | (641) 526-3420 The Iowa State Grange held their annual Junior camp in late June with about 40 campers in attendance. The four-day camp included games, swimming, crafts, singing and more. Campers stayed in the rustic state-owned dormitories and had all meals and some programming in the nearby hall. They conducted a Junior Grange meeting and filled all the stations, learning about Grange ritual and the history of the organization. State President Dwight Baldwin said the children “did
KANSAS State Master Roger Bostwick rogerbostwick@hotmail.com | (785) 633-9950 Two couples, new to Gardner Grange No. 68, couldn’t be held back. Daryl and Leslie Arndt and Doug and Sandy Finnicum got the idea of bringing back to the town a farmer’s market run by the Grange – something that Gardner had previously done but lost the space to hold it about five years ago and had not pursued since. The Arndts and Finnicums quickly got the information, insurance and vendors needed to make the market successful with help from the city, fair board and parks and recreation and addressed problems with the previous market including visibility of location, parking and community involvement.
Since it opened, nearly 400 visitors now attend the event weekly and many vendors have sold out of items on occasion. Fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, flowers, bath and body items, dog treats, kettle corn and other items can be found at the market that is co-sponsored by the city. The city had planned a ribbon cutting ceremony for the 16-booth market held on the Johnson County Fairgrounds just outside the Gardner Grange Hall on Thursday evenings from 4 to 7 p.m., but it was canceled due to storms. 146th Annual Convention | October 6-8 (Manhattan)
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MINNESOTA
MARYLAND State Master Allen Stiles springvalleyjerz@hotmail.com | (443) 789-9934 During the June meeting of Medford Grange No. 188, members enjoyed the company of several guests including the recipient of the Grange’s Community Citizen Award. Joe Linthicum, who serves as the advisor for Francis Scott Key High School FFA, was honored for his 42 years as an agriculture educator. Many of his students have won county and state awards and have gotten much out of his classes and advising over the years. Carroll County FFA Creed Speaking winner Elsie McKenzie, along with her parents, Tom and Nancy, were on hand as she presented the FFA creed to the members in attendance. She was interested to learn that the creed was written by a Grange member and learned more information about the Grange. 143rd Annual Convention | October 19-21 (Frederick)
MASSACHUSETTS
State Master TJ Malaskee tj.malaskee@mngrange.org | (612) 384-5883 Clear Lake Grange and the Aitkin County Fair Board presented a couple with the Aitkin County Outstanding Senior Citizens award in July as part of a program to honor those over 70 who do significant volunteer work in their communities. Jerry and Dolores Wickham, who primarily work with residents of the assisted living facility, Maryhill Manor, were given the award in a short ceremony. For 17 years, the couple has delivered Meals on Wheels to the Manor residents and transporting senior and disabled individuals who are clients of Coordinating Area Resources Effectively (CARE) to appointments, on shopping trips and for other errands. The couple was especially of interest to the Grange because of their work for nearly a decade and a half with the Fare for All cooperative food program that allows people to buy food in different scale packages and for different price points in order to reduce costs and potential food waste for low income individuals. They also purchased food and prepared Thanksgiving meals for Maryhill Manor residents for a decade, helped with a free Christmas dinner at a local church as well as Lenten suppers. 145th Annual Convention | October 20-22 (Paynesville)
State Master George Thomas gthomas52@comcast.net | (781) 828-0669 When a family asks a Grange for help, most often the answer is yes. That was the case when a local family who has a relative with cancer, asked Dartmouth Grange No. 162 to hold a blood drive at their Hall. This was the first such drive the Grange had held in conjunction with the American Red Cross, and they deemed it a success with more than 40 people donating. Eight Grange members volunteered during the event, helping with the canteen and thanking those who donated. The Grange is looking into scheduling another drive at a later date.
State Master Scott Nicholson montanastate@grange.org | (406) 369-0749 Members of Corvallis Grange No. 17 helped add a bit of shine to a local fairgrounds building earlier this summer. About a dozen members, including National Grange Flora Marie Nicholson, gathered with paint, brushes and rollers to beautify the premium office at the Ravalli County Fairgrounds as a community service project. After the project was complete, members gathered in a pavilion to enjoy fellowship and food.
145th Annual Convention | October 19-22 (Milford)
79th Annual Convention | October 5-7 (Hamilton)
MONTANA
MICHIGAN State Master Christopher Johnston
Inside the Hall, members serve hot dogs, soda and chips for a
msgprez19@yahoo.com | (989) 634-9350 State Grange President Chris Johnston and his wife, Connie, served as marshals for the Home Grange’s annual Fourth of July Parade. The event, which has been held for
free will offering. The Johnstons had the honor of presenting Home Grange with a 125 year Grange Award and enjoyed games, displays and interaction with 4-H members and advisors.
more than 30 years, lines up on one mile of the country road and then parades another mile to the Grange Hall.
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144th Annual Convention | October 20-21 (Owosso)
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NEW JERSEY
NEBRASKA State Master Kevin Cooksley kscooksley@gmail.com | (308) 872-2659 In July, members of Riverview Grange No.392 traveled to Elmwood, about an hour south of Blair, where the Grange is located, to tour the Bess Streeter Aldrich Home and grounds. Born in Iowa, the author of 12 published books including “A Lantern in Her Hand,” Bess lived much of her life and raised her family in Elmwood. The outing, organized by Riverview Grange member Ruth Jensen, included lunch served by the ladies of Elmwood Christian Church, one of whom recalled that her good friend, the late Helen Embry, had given her a Grange Cookbook that she greatly enjoyed. Members also viewed barn quilts that had been a project of the Elmwood Murdock FBLA and toured the Murdock Museum, visited the Vintage Estates Vineyard for pizza and wine tasting and took in a show at the Lofte Community Theater in Manley.
State Master John Benedik johnbenedik@hotmail.com | (908) 806-2794 Grandview Grange No. 124 surprised first responders who attended their recent annual Community Night event in a big way. The Grange typically provides a dinner and certificates of appreciation to honored recipients along with a $1,000 donation. This year as the fund drive for a much-needed new Flemington First Aid and Rescue Squad complex had just started, and Grandview gave the effort a kick start of an additional $5,000. The Grange also gave each of the appreciation awards recipients a Grange paperweight, which they greatly appreciated. 145th Annual Convention | October 20-22 (Swedesboro)
129th Annual Convention | Sept. 8-10 (Columbus)
NEW YORK State Master Steve Coye
NEW HAMPSHIRE
steve@nysgrange.org | (607) 756-7553
State Master Chris Heath cheath@nhgrange.org | (603) 988-9703 In August, members from all around the state came out to enjoy a 90th birthday party for the State Junior Grange. The party, organized by State Junior Director Joann Brandt, was held at the State Grange Headquarters building in Hooksett. Activities included crafts and contests, a Junior Grange business meeting, and of course, cake. The celebration included information about the start of the Junior Grange program in the state by then-State Ceres Mary A. Farmer when she organized Mountain Laurel Juvenile Grange in Northwood, Lewis W. Nute Juvenile Grange in Milton, Osceola Juvenile Grange of Campton and Starr King Juvenile Grange of Jefferson. The state also holds a record of having three Juvenile (now Junior) Granges – Bay, Harmony and Winnisquam - organized in one day in 1939. Attendees built bird houses, made bead angels, and competed to see who could build a small boat that would float with first and second place winners advancing to the regional competition that will be held at the New England Grange Building during the Eastern State Exposition “Big E” in West Springfield, MA.
Cortland County Pomona Grange had three good
months with their team taking top honors in all three state sports tournaments.
The Pomona team bested three other teams in
April at the state’s dart ball tournament, then went on to placing first among ten teams of four in bowling and five teams of three in golf.
State Grange President Steve Coye said the
double-win didn’t come at the expense of anyone’s feelings. “All tournaments are for fun, only friendly competition,” he said. “Many are once a year bowlers or golfers.”
The golf tournament, held in July, was conducted
in scramble format while the bowling tournament, held in June, allowed for general handicaps for men and women or handicaps from leagues if a player participated in a league at home. 145th Annual Convention | October 20-24 (Auburn)
144th Annual Convention | October 26-28 (Lanconia)
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OKLAHOMA
NORTH CAROLINA State Master Jimmy Gentry jwgentry@ncgrange.com | (704) 878-0000 Over the past few months, Corriher Grange has presented Quilts of Valor (QoV) to three of its members who are WWII veterans. The Quilts of Valor organization, started in 2003, has a mission to provide all conflict veterans tangible items that can provide comfort and allow them to fell the appreciation of their community for their service. Philip Sloop was the first to receive his QoV during a party celebrating his 100th birthday. A special ceremony was held in at JM Robinson High School in Concord for the presentation of a quilt to Hoke Karriker.
State Master Billy Shufeldt bshufeldt.okgrange@gmail.com | (918) 842-0242 During a recent meeting of the Greene County Pomona Grange, about two dozen members gathered to interact with a special guest. Truitt Taylor, a member of the Oklahoma Union FFA and State FFA officer, visited the Grange meeting and talked to members about his involvement in the organization, and the similarities between Grange and FFA. He also talked about what his favorite subjects are, his plans after high school and more. 102nd Annual Convention | October 20-22 (Tulsa)
The final of the three presentations was on June 3, during a Corriher Grange meeting where Paul Campbell was given a quilt. Each was thankful for the outpouring of support and honor of their service. 89th Annual Convention | Sept. 14-17 (Charlotte)
OHIO State Master Bob White farmerbob@dbscorp.net | (937) 354-3243 Watch your wallets. Cakes from Timber Run Grange No. 1898 in Muskingum County, can get pricey. The Grange, which has for many years contributed a cake for the Carr Center Cake Auction, saw their entry and related incentives including a year’s membership in the Grange and tickets for their ice cream social, go for $120 earlier this year. The auction, which has been held for 30 years, is the primary fundraiser netting more than $100,000 annually for the Carr Center, a locally funded program to provide adult
OREGON State Master Susan Noah master@orgrange.org | (503) 316-0106 Oregon’s Youth and Young Adults accepted the challenge from Washington State Grange’s Youth to participate in a project to help those in need stay warm this winter. Youth involved with the project, called “Keeping Oregon Warm,” collected gloves or mittens, hats, caps, scarves and socks, handmade or store-bought, and brought them to the State Convention in June where the 973 items were sorted, counted, packaged and sent home with members from several counties where they will be distributed to those most in need. The concept was born out of a presentation to Oregon Youth two years ago by now-National Youth Ambassador Kenny Gwin, who then served as Washington Youth Master. Gwin visited the Oregon State Grange Convention and talked about the project. State Grange Youth and Young Adults Director Connie Suing said she never believed it would net so many items or cause so much enthusiasm but has already started planning to do it again next year with a goal of 1,200 items.
care and therapy for seniors and others who need help and support. Local TV and radio companies broadcast this auction live, with volunteers accepting bids from the public for the hundreds of cakes and incentives offered. Other Granges in the county also joined the auction this year, providing cakes and other items for the cause. 143rd Annual Convention | October 18-22 (Dublin)
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SHARE YOUR NEWS! Don’t forget to submit your news for potential inclusion in our State Briefs. Share with others what you’re doing and get ideas for new projects, fundraisers and outreach! Email your information to communications@ nationalgrange.org.
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PENNSYLVANIA
SOUTH CAROLINA
State Master Wayne Campbell president@pagrange.org | (717) 737-8855 Hillcrest Grange No. 1674 and friends were in for an unforgettable summer evening mystery adventure on June 28, starting with a surprise wagon ride to a farm where the Grange had been organized and chartered in 1916. Two part-Haflinger bay-gelding horses, under the reigns of Somerset County Commissioner James T. Yoder, and his wife, Ann, pulled the wagon full of Grange members from the parking lot of a local church through scenic Lincoln Township to its destination on the Yoder’s Rabbit Ridge Farm. At the farm, the horses were unhitched and treated with apples and carrots for their strenuous efforts while the Grange members held a short meeting then congregated for fellowship with two generations of the Yoder family – Ann, James and his parents, Vernon and Clara Yoder – on the porch and were served homemade vanilla ice cream with a variety of toppings. Hillcrest’s program director, David R. Hay coordinated the evening’s mystery event, and said it was “an impressive opportunity” for the members of the Grange to “revisit the farm where Hillcrest Grange was organized and the place where life was breathed into an organization that has served Brothersvalley Township families and promoted country living and family life through the leadership of many community-minded and spirited individuals” for more than a century. 145th Annual Convention | October 19-22 (Scranton)
State Master Larry Spencer gto65@cox.net | (401) 206-6866 Members from across the state were on hand to help with the annual Washington County Fair, run by the Grange, which includes rides, food and games. In attendance was National Junior Grange Ambassador Jomni Tarbell, who traveled with a family friend from New York to the event. Tarbell was welcomed by Rhode Island members and spent the entire day at the fair, interacting with children and adults, checking out the Junior Grange agriculture display by Moosup Valley Junior Grange and meeting with State Junior Director Judi White. She also assisted the Rhode Island State Grange at the membership booth and spoke to a number of people who were interested in learning more about the Grange and the Junior
131st Annual Convention | October 5-7 (Warwick)
TENNESSEE State Master Judy Sherrod judysherrod@netzero.net | (865) 862-8211 A legacy family of the Statesville area invited most of the community to their housewarming party at the end of June after many of the people of the small, tight-knit community had a hand in rebuilding the home after a fire. Statesville Grange, with 20 members, along with the Woodmen and a local home demonstration club, the FCE raised money to allow the family to rebuild and furnish their home. The groups sponsored a spaghetti supper at a local restaurant and provided other donations that assisted the couple to get back on their feet after the disaster. 109th Annual Convention | October 13-15 (Greenville)
TEXAS
RHODE ISLAND
Grange program.
State Master Edsel Williams edselw1@outlook.com | (843)362-2759 The State Grange held its annual meeting in August, with National President Betsy Huber in attendance as the honored guest. The members talked about challenges facing the Granges in the state and how they can attract younger, active members. A beautiful memorial service was held to honor several members who passed away in 2016-17.
State Master Jack Smithers tsg.jacksmithers@yahoo.com | (210) 635-8915 Alamo Grange No. 1446 in San Antonio hosted its annual pet vaccination drive in May at Oak Island United Methodist Church where the Grange meets. The vaccination drive began in the mid-late 1970’s when there was an outbreak of rabid coyotes around the local farmlands. The Grange uses the event to provide low cost vaccinations, discounted heartworm tests and prevention, discounted flea prevention, deworming, basic wellness checkups, and the opportunity for community members to ask questions to the veterinarian at no additional charge. The Grange works with the schools to send fliers about the event home with kids and teachers talk to students about of taking pet health seriously. At times, Alamo Grange member Samantha Wilkins said, the Grange would see more than 200 pets in day, with cars lining the highway with people seeking to have their pets treated. Some people, she said would drive more than 50 miles to the event. Today, other local Granges in Texas offer annual vaccination drives as well.
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33
VERMONT
WEST VIRGINIA
State Master Brenda Rousselle
State Master James Foster
brousselle@myfairpoint.net | (802) 878-5877
jefoster63@gmail.com | (304) 349-4985
On Saturday, July 22, the Vermont State Grange sponsored a
In early August, members of Rainbow Grange
Degree Day in celebration of the 150th Anniversary of the National
No. 527 helped fill closets of those in need in their
Grange where the first Four Degrees were exemplified in full form
community.
with a Tableau for each season.
The Grange, which takes donations of clothes,
Joe Goodrich, Lester Gibbs, Andrew Wright and Kendal Holden
household items, toys and more, collects items all
were in charge of each of the first four degrees respectively, as
year then holds a one-day giveaway event where
well as supplying props and costumes for their teams.
families in need can come to pick out items of
Donna Ploof baked a special 150th anniversary birthday cake
interest.
that was enjoyed by nearly 100 Grangers in attendance following a ham dinner with all the fixings.
Grange member Misty Ross said she often meets people at the Hall who wish to donate items
In addition, some of the most meaningful and oldest regalia
and sorts them throughout the year, throwing away
available in the state were on display along with information from
ripped and stained items. She washes the clothes so
program directors.
they are clean for the event and with other members of the Grange help sort them to ease the two-day
90th Annual Convention | October 14-15 (Blackstone)
process of putting all the items on display. Each of the five years the Grange has held the event, there have been between 35 to 40 families
VIRGINIA
who have benefited from the generosity of those cleaning out closets, rooms or basements.
State Master James Taylor
When the giveaway closes, Ross said the Grange
vagranger@aol.com | (804) 790-9002 Terrapin Neck Grange No. 932 held its second annual fishing
sometimes donates the remaining items of interest to families who have lost their possessions due to fire
tournament in early June. The kids and family event included free admission and a picnic by
or floods or other disasters.
the Grange, which suggested an item for the food pantry be donated 146th Annual Convention | October 13-14
as payment for the event but was not required. Trophies were awarded for top catches.
WISCONSIN
146th Annual Convention | October 20-22
State Master Duane R. Scott wisconsingrange@gmail.com | (920) 723-6660
WASHINGTON
Milton Grange No. 670 took the time to
celebrate patriotism and get their name out to the
State Master Tom Gwin
community this summer.
tagwin@wa-grange.org | (360) 943-9911 Late in August, Cowlitz Prairie Grange No. 737 hosted its 53rd Annual Threshing and Gas Show, filled with activities for young and old, that kicked off with a tractor parade. The “Threshing Bee” as many call it, featured early 20th century farm equipment such as a 1920s steam-powered tractor powering
About 10 members of the Grange took part for
a second year in the annual Fourth of July parade attended by nearly 20,000 people.
Members handed out candy and 1,000 water
bottles with the Grange name on them from the float
a 1936 thresher, a horse-drawn water pump, also powered by
they had made that celebrated 150 years of Grange.
steam, and much more that allows attendees to see what farming
145th Annual Convention | Sept. 21-23 (Reedsburg)
had been like in earlier times. Several people took part in the tractor pull and lawn mower pull and children enjoyed the straw bale money scramble to find change.
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State Session Round-Up OREGON
The most interesting
visitor to the 142nd
Annual California State
By Suzy Ramm This year the Oregon State Grange Convention was held at Florence on the Oregon coast. Attendance for the six days was 258 with 63 Subordinate/Community and 11 Pomona Granges represented. Many issues were debated as delegates addressed 85 resolutions. A highlight of the Legislative part of the convention was a report on the ongoing opposition by Grangers to Oregon Senate Bill 181 which, if adopted, would have subjected many Oregon non-profits to yearly reporting to their county assessor, or they would face losing their exemption from property taxes. It was unclear if this would have affected all Granges or only some Granges, depending on how they were chartered, but would have surely affected many of Grange’s non-profit partners. During convention, the pressure on the legislature, which was still in session, was stepped up with a social media, email and postcard campaign. More than 80 postcards were sent from convention attendees to their legislators reminding them of the Grange’s opposition to Senate Bill 181. The bill, adopted by the senate, died in the house committee upon adjournment in July. Another highlight of the convention was the pep rally for the GrangeUp ‘17 program. All convention attendants were invited to the rally where 7Up floats were served in GrangeUp ’17 mugs. Many Granges shared stories on how they are applying the program in their Grange and what was working for them. All in attendance came out with renewed energy to push the program forward and see a substantial net gain in Grange membership for 2017.
Grange session may have
been Greta, the pet goat
of Mack Ellis, left, and
Lauren Linkemyer, right.
CALIFORNIA The 142nd Annual Session of
was new members Mack Ellis and
the California State Grange was a
Lauren Linkemyer’s kid. The couple
success. In total, 91 Granges were
brought
eligible
and
pictured above, who was extremely
presented.
friendly, housebroken and very quiet.
seven Several
for
representation,
charters
were
Granges
were
their
pet
goat,
Greta,
noted
State Overseer Josh Harper said,
for their longevity, including six
“It was a joy to have Greta and her
Granges celebrating 80 years, and
‘parents’ at the Session.”
three Granges celebrating 95 years
Delegates
worked
hard
on
and 28 Granges were lauded for
resolutions and 31 were passed in total
net membership gains. Also, 16
including policy related to beginning
members received the Sixth Degree.
farmers
Speakers and guests included Undersecretary
Jim
Houston
and
ranchers
support
through development programs and
of
student loan forgiveness, American
the California Department of Food
Sign Language education in public
and Agriculture, National Grange
schools,
Legislative Director Burton Eller,
passenger rail support and more.
Washington State Grange Master
Some
Tom Gwin, Tom McKern who serves
implications and will come before
as chairman of the board of Grange
the delegates at the National Grange
Insurance Association and Jeffrey
convention in November.
Skinner of Schiff Hardin, the law firm
including resolutions
Attendees
high have
raised
school, national
more
than
representing the National Grange
$2,000 to support the trips of those
and California State Grange in legal
representing the state at the 151st
matters related to the California
Annual National Grange Convention
Guild.
in the Youth and Junior programs
Less official but certainly
taking home the prize for cuteness
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and the Evening of Excellence.
35
WASHINGTON By Kennedy Gwin The 128th Annual Session of the Washington State Grange Convention was held June 28 – July 1 at the Ocean Shores Convention Center in Ocean Shores. More than 225 convention delegates considered 46 resolutions and 10 standing committee reports. Resolution topics ranged from “Banning Glyphosates in WA State” to “High School Career Path Training” and “Highway Rumble Strips”. Delegates were appointed to committees, ranging from Agriculture to Legislative issues to Transportation.
enjoy the Pacific Ocean in the warm sunny weather. The Junior Grangers took a tour of the tidal pools at the Ocean Shores Interpretive Center and had the opportunity to have a hands-on experience with the plants and animals that reside in them. There were over 1,000 contest entries displayed at the convention. Awards were presented in many categories for both individuals and Granges.
Each
There were 46 candidates for the exemplification of the
committee completed their work in a timely manner before
Sixth Degree, which was highlighted by a teenage rose drill
reporting to the delegate body. Delegates adopted 21 resolutions, of which 6 are of national significance and will be forwarded on to the National Grange for their consideration.
team from the host counties. National Grange Lady Assistant Steward and Master of the Vermont State Grange Brenda Rousselle served as representative.
The State Grange Youth Group hosted and spent the day
The 129th Annual Session of the Washington State Grange
with the State FFA officers. After observing the delegate session
will be held June 27-30, 2018 at the Skagit County Fairgrounds
and discussing rural issues, the youth walked to the beach to
in Mount Vernon, WA.
TEXAS The 2017 Texas State Grange Convention was held at the Poteet Grange Hall on July 28-29.
CLEARANCE
Delegates acted on seventeen resolutions. They approved lobbying Congress to revamp the U.S. healthcare system, to streamline the H-2A visa immigration program, and to protect the integrity of food standards. Many beautiful contest entries crafted by members of all ages were on display. 70 people
3-piece Grange Cookie Cutter Set Each set comes with a Grange Emblem, flag and Grange Hall cookie cutter and a recipe card with two recipes from a Grange Cookbook. Markdown Price: $5 for 1 Set, $10 for 3 Sets
attended the closing banquet where two Quilts of Valor were presented to Grange veterans State Master Jack Smithers and Tom Roeder. A highlight of the convention was the beautiful Sixth Degree, including the famous Texas Rose Drill.
National Master Betsy Huber attended
the Session and updated attendees on National Grange activities.
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Repaired, Refurbished, Renewed By Ferderica Cobb
damaged when a tree fell on top of it
that the land must always be used for
several years ago.
conservation purposes.
the
beautiful
Long Valley Farm is comprised of 1,430
After several members of the Cape
meadows, forests, trails and
wetlands
acres and is a main attraction of Carvers
Fear Grange visited Carvers Creek, they
of Carvers Creek State Park sat a worn,
Creek State Park. In the 1700’s the land
were eager to find a way to support the
shabby, dilapidated little building. Its back
was part of a large plantation known as
park. They felt that this former working
wall was crumbling, its shingles dangling,
“Ardnave” and was a working farm from
farm could help educate the community
and its roof partially missing. Many would
1912 to 2004.
on the importance of agriculture in history.
Nestled
among
not know that this structure was once
It was donated to the state by The
Park Superintendent Jane Conolly
a vital part of the Long Valley Farm on
Nature Conservancy of North Carolina
suggested that refurbishing the battered
which it stood. This circa 1940’s pump
which had received the land and its
pump house would be a great way for the
house was the primary water source for the
buildings from the estate of James Stillman
Cape Fear Grange to help. When the tree
farm section of the property before it was
Rockefeller. Mr. Rockefeller’s will stipulated
fell on it, the roof and the rear wall were
Before restoration, the pump house was severely damaged.
damaged extensively. “The collapse or loss of this building would be a loss of the unique character of the park and its farm history,” Conolly said. As a building in a state park, it is required that the building be renovated in a historically-accurate manner. This would include utilizing pine lumber and a tin roof re-purposed from demolished buildings on site. Due to unforeseen circumstances, completing the project would not be easy. The Cape Fear Grange members were ready to select a date for the project when the park was hit with a double whammy. First, the park received about 10 inches of rain on September 28, 2016. A week later Hurricane Matthew swept through the area and deposited another 15 inches of rain. The dam and spillway on site were overwhelmed and severely damaged by the volume of rain. The flooding also caused considerable damage to the access roads and other areas of the park. For these reasons, the Grange members agreed to postpone the project while the park staff focused on more urgent repairs. Ken Plummer, president of the Cape Fear Grange said their members were
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37
“We worked hard to restore the building, but it was a labor of love since we enjoy working together and contributing to this worthy cause” Cape Fear Grange members worked hard to restore the building. very understanding of the need for
“Our team was very proud of the
postponement. “We knew we would have
finished pump house. We worked hard
the chance to help when the park was
to restore the building, but it was a labor
ready,” he said.
The members of the Cape Fear Grange
of love since we enjoy working together
hope that maintaining the integrity of
and contributing to this worthy cause,”
park structures helps visitors understand
Plummer said.
the use and importance of the structures
Finally, on April 29, a 10-member team from the Cape Fear Grange, along with Superintendent Conolly, were able to refurbish the pump house. The renovation included replacement or reinforcement of the structural supports in the building and the roof, siding repair and replacement, and the installation of the tin roof. The shingles on the exterior walls were also removed to return the structure to its original condition.
required to operate the farm. They also
for the Grange members’ work. “Managing
look forward to providing further support
a state park is a lot like running a farm.
to the park in the future.
The list of work to be done is endless and must be prioritized. The work on the old
Many thanks to Ken Plummer for his
pump house completed by the Cape Fear
submission for this story.
Cape Fear Grange members pose in front of the newly restored pump house.
The renovation was a team effort, and “There was definitely
a division of labor on the team, primarily based on the level of construction knowledge of each team member,” said Plummer. Some members manned the equipment while others removed damaged wood. Some assisted with cleanup whereas other members focused on replacing the structural wood and installing the roof. The team completed the project in approximately 6 hours. The result was a beautifully restored pump house that accurately resembled the original.
38
thankful for their efforts.”
Superintendent Conolly is very grateful
everyone worked well together to get the task completed.
Grange was a great success, and I am very
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airwaves
KLLG, an AM radio station run by Willits Grange, California, is about to celebrate its second anniversary. Photo courtesy of Facebook.
Local Grange takes to By Benjamin McEvoy A few years ago in a small closet at the Little Lake Grange, something special was being constructed. Grangers in the Little Lake Grange were creating an AM radio station. These members of the Grange wanted to establish their first radio station to help celebrate their community and to entertain their diverse listeners. The radio station prides itself on collaborations with the listeners. They have an open forum where listeners and the programmers can come together and share their ideas on the air. The radio station is an asset to the community because it’s a local program for and by the people of Willits. It is also important because it serves as a great communicator in times of emergencies, big or small. The radio station is very unique in different aspects including its diverse array of music programing. KLLG boasts a variety of musical tastes including bluegrass, blues, reggae, eclectic mix, jam band, country, punk, electronic, R&B, new music, rock, music news, and even a live jazz show. When the airwaves aren’t live with music, the station has sessions about politics, news, the community, poetry, and interviews on diverse topics. Michelle Cummins is the program director at KLLG, and she is very thrilled by their early success. “Within the Grange organization, there have been differing opinions throughout the creation of the station of its viability as a project,” Cummins said. “However, now that the station is running and successful and
offering pertinent programming, the value of the station is being recognized more and more. The same goes for the community.” Cummins has big plans for KLLG’s future. First, they hope to start streaming the station online within the next couple of months. “We would also like to build a second smaller recording studio so that we can have someone prerecording content while the on-air studio is in use,” said Cummins. In October, KLLG will have their second birthday party with local bands for entertainment. Last year’s event sold out and raised $5,000. KLLG fundraisers have included live music, puppet shows, a rummage sale, an intimate show at their local pub, and a crowd funding campaign. They have also received membership, donations, and volunteer support. Cummins is grateful for the enthusiasm they are receiving. “The outpouring of support from the community is a beautiful thing,” she said. From the humble beginnings in a small closet of their Grange, KLLG is destined to make a major impact in their community and further. Their unique collaboration with their listeners, diverse musical selection, and NPR-style shows make them a tremendous find on the airwaves. To learn more, go to KLLG.org.
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39
Giants in the Trees members, from left, Ray Prestagard, Krist Novoselic, Jillian Raye and Erick Friend enjoy “inclusive democracy, humanity, peace, prosperity, sustainable living, compassion, community and decentralization,” according to their profile. Image Courtesy of Facebook
Giants in the Trees are Grangers By Amanda Brozana Rios Long have Granges in small towns been the outlet for musically inclined residents. That holds true today in Wahkiakum County, Washington, where a familiar name for 90s rock aficionados and three friends took a casual jam session at Skamokawa Grange Hall in spring 2016 and turned it into a new, well-touted musical venture. Krist Novoselic, the former bassist for the band Nirvana and current president of Grays River Grange No. 124, along with Grange members Jillian Raye, Ray Prestagard and Erik Friend, “wasted no time at all composing their first two songs” at that
WATCH To see the music video, go to tinyurl.com/ GITTSasquatch The song is also available on iTunes.
looking forward to inviting them to our Five Mile Prairie Grange someday soon.” Novoselic
plays
both
his
traditional bass as well as accordion on some songs. Front-woman Raye adds some earthy vocals, banjo and also occasionally picks up the bass. Prestagard leads with guitar and harmonica while Friend rounds
the group out on the drums. The music produced from this quartet has been described in many ways, including “ambient country with a heavy groove”
jam session, and the band Giants in the Trees was born. “Eventually, as more material was produced, the group
by a local entertainment publication, Coast Weekend. Rolling
started playing shows such as the Wahkiakum County Fair and
Stone said “Sasquatch,” their first single released in July, “strikes
a special benefit raising over $2,400 for needed repairs to the
a sweet spot between psychedelic folk and bluesy alt-rock with
Grange Hall,” according to the band’s Facebook page.
its banjo plucks, distorted power chords and harmonica blasts.”
“Granges have long been the place for people to come
They have also played a number of shows across
together to express talents and entertain their communities,”
Washington, several at Grange Halls or Grange events, and in
National Grange Lecturer and fellow Washington Granger
Oregon. Recently they played Fort George Brewing Company
Chris Hamp said. “I’m excited to hear that Krist and other
in Astoria and Portland’s “southern-inspired honky tonk” The
members of the Grange have gotten this band together and
Fixin’ To to large crowds. They have now returned to their rural
are playing both Grange events and larger gigs and giving back
refuges and to the studio where they are recording their first
to the communities that help to inspire their unique sound. I’m
album.
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‘We’re with y’all...’ NY Grange Takes on Cause in KS after Wildfires By John Cromie, President, Milton Grange No. 685 (NY) Every month, a couple of weeks after
community that we are all part of a larger
its membership meeting, Milton Grange’s
human ecosystem where service to others
executive committee and primary officers
is still at the heart of a life well lived.
meet to organize activities and discuss program objectives.
At its April 2017 meeting, one of the
Milton No. 685,
members of the executive committee,
formed in 1890, had been, for its first 100
Eric Smassanow, asked the others what
years, a fairly typical Grange in upstate
the Grange should do in response to
New York.
the Midwest fires. The rest of us vaguely
By the early 1990s, no longer a social
remembered news articles of a couple
center for the rural community west of the
of weeks before about wild fires and
Village of Ballston Spa, the organization
destruction.
was struggling – a story that is not unique
about the charred hundreds of thousand
to this small Grange. With the knowledge
acres, thousands of cattle dead and miles
and assistance of the then State Grange
of fencing being destroyed.
leadership, Milton Grange reinvented
Smassanow continued on
For us in the northeast, the figures
itself and has gone on to serve its local
were
incomprehensible,
but
we
community and the larger agricultural
understand how natural elements create
community and has become vibrant
economic hardship for farms.
again.
years before, we had pulled together with
“The outward reach of Milton Grange helps remind members and those in the community that we are all part of a larger human ecosystem where service to others is still at the heart of a life well lived.”
Several
The outward reach of Milton Grange
nearby Greenfield Grange to hold a wine
Schoharie Valley after Hurricane Sandy. A
helps remind members and those in the
tasting to benefit the residents of the
year ago, late frosts had decimated local apple crops. The executive committee decided to get more information about the various relief efforts by reaching out to the Kansas State Grange. Roger Bostwick, Kansas State Grange President, was contacted and through him we learned there were no community Granges with whom we could partner in the areas of the state affected by the fire. However, Bostwick brought up another issue of which we were unaware. The fires would have been much
An individual signs a petition asking that crop insurance and conservation be adequately funded in the 2018 Farm Bill.
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worse if a concentrated effort had not been made to rid the range of natural, dry
41
local milk by Stewart’s, a family/employee
the petitions addressed to the senators.
owned regional group of convenience
The aides learned about Grange, the
stores that began as an ice cream shop in
importance of niche and supplemental
Ballston Spa over 70 years ago. By 2017,
income farming in the northeast, and the
hundreds of families look upon Sundae
plight of Midwest farmers.
on the Farm as an annual tradition, and Shelly Smith’s wide range of individually baked pies have joined the ice cream, a la mode. In past years, Milton Grange joined other
not-for
profits
at
the
event.
Sometimes it had a raffle to raise funds and other times to have fun.
Always,
Milton Grange was there to promote the Grange. For this Father’s Day, a Grange
Almost everyone we asked signed petitions.
Many had to locate their
residence on a map to determine who was their Congressperson. a
few
individuals
refused,
Only mostly
those philosophically believing in a limited government and no subsidies. The petitions will be sent to the representatives’ Washington offices with
member offered $150 in gift cards to one of the local home improvement big boxes with which to purchase prizes for the Alexandrea Smith, a Dairy Ambassador, pulls a winning ticket from the basket held by Milton Grange President John Cromie. tinder. Private, local, and state funds were inadequate to fund that work.
Rather,
it depended on conservation funds provided in the last Federal Farm Bill. Crop insurance, which had assisted our local apple growers, was also part of the Farm Bill and provided some compensation for lost cattle and destroyed fencing. Bostwick
requested
that
raffle. Raffle ticket price was determined $2 for one; $5 for five. Another member searched out agency and private relief efforts and found that The Farm Journal Foundation had teamed up with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. Until July 31, the Buffett Foundation committed to match each dollar given to Farm Journal up to a million dollars. He contacted Farm Journal and received excellent graphics for the Grange booth. Milton Grange members voted to use its treasury to match the amount received at
Milton
the raffle.
Grangers contact their representatives
A third member wrote simple petitions
and senators and ask for their support in
to the two area representatives in
the upcoming debate over the 2018 Farm
Congress, Elise Stefanik (R) and Paul Tonko
Bill. It was essential that its conservation
(D) and to the state’s Senators, Charles
programs and crop insurance receive
Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, both
adequate funding.
Democrats, asking that crop insurance
Now Milton Grange had two causes.
and conservation be adequately funded
After discussions, Grange members
in the 2018 Farm Bill.
settled on using their booth at Sundae
Half
a
dozen
Grange
members
Congressman Paul Tonko speaks to Milton Grange member Mary Ann Morgan.
a cover letter from Milton Grange. Tickets for the prizes (a battery/AC powered blower and pruning tools) were pulled and $276 was realized. That sum, matched by Milton Grange and again by the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, will produce $1,104. It is a minor sum given the need, but with it is a message from a small Grange in the Northeast.
on the Farm to raise funds and awareness
appeared to man the booth, sell tickets,
Smassanow equated our effort to an
of the Midwest fires.
ask for signatures, and talk about the
experience he and his wife had while
Day, the event had been held on various
Grange.
happenstance,
traveling rural Louisiana in the aftermath
farms throughout Saratoga County for
the adjacent booth was set up by
of 9/11. When a waitress heard they were
over 20 years.
aides to Congressman Tonko.
The
from New York, her immediate response
suburban and urban families to working
Congressman appeared, learned of our
was a three-syllable expression, “We’re
farms, its hook was ice cream made from
efforts, purchased tickets, and signed
with y’all.”
42
Set for Father’s
Designed to introduce
Purely
by
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Grad, 96, gets
Diploma at Grange Hall
By Ferderica Cobb Elmer Grange No. 29 in New Jersey has been the site of many great events since being rebuilt nearly two years ago, but for one family in the community, a very special event in early August may be the best. On August 1, 96-year-old Leona “Auntie Lee” Paulus walked across the Grange Hall stage to receive her high school diploma. According
to
NBC
Philadelphia,
Paulus had to quit school after eighth grade because her family needed her help on the farm during the hard times of the Great Depression. She was disappointed and recalled crying as she watched the school bus go by. However, Paulus never lost hope of someday returning to school because she had always enjoyed learning. Finally, many years later she earned her high school diploma in June after excelling on official HiSET exams offered through the Educational Testing Service. At the ceremony, Paulus got dressed
In early August, 96-year-old Leona “Auntie Lee” Paulus received her high school diploma at a ceremony held at Elmer Grange Hall, New Jersey.
“Stay and do it. Get all the education you can. That’s what you need.”
in a cap and gown and walked in with “Pomp and Circumstance” playing. The New Jersey Department of Education and HiSET awarded Paulus her diploma. Jack Robinson, a member of Elmer Grange President
and and
former
State
National
Grange Executive
Committee member, said he was proud
of everyone, from today’s students to people going back to school to further their education.” National Grange Community Service Director Pete Pompper says he was happy to see Elmer Grange open their doors to partake in celebrating this significant life event of their neighbor.
New Jersey State Grange President
“It shows the Grange’s commitment
John Benedik says that the Grange
to the importance of education and
was happy to help celebrate Paulus’
achievement no matter what the age,”
admirable
for
Pompper said. “This goes back to
education has always been a key value
our core values of strengthening our
of the Grange.
communities by supporting education
accomplishment,
“Beginning with its founding in
by supplying dictionaries for ‘Words for
1867, the Grange has long assisted
Thirds,’ making sure rural schools have
our country’s citizens who have faced
supplies or honoring a National Grange
“[For] this event we provided the hall
challenges,” said Benedik. “Growing up
Teacher of the Year.”
at no cost as it was a one-in-a-life time
in the 1920’s, Paulus was not afforded
opportunity for a wonderful lady. This is
the same educational benefits that
what a Grange’[s] community outreach
today’s children have. The Grange has
“Stay and do it. Get all the education
should be,” Robinson said.
long been an advocate for the education
you can. That’s what you need,” she said.
when he saw the Grange Hall as the site of all the festivities surrounding Paulus’s joyous moment.
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Paulus told NBC that she wants to inspire young people in their schooling.
43
Grange gets $20K for Hall By Ferderica Cobb Cibolo Grange No. 1541, Texas,
repairs
organizations, which means receiving
“When people need help or need a
contributions from some organizations
place in the community for the event,
through service rather than money.
we want to be able to provide that.
was awarded a $20,000 grant in May
National Association of Women in
We just want to be known as the go to
for building repairs to their 60-year-
Construction have provided many in-
group to go out in the community and
old hall that is used as an event and
kind donations.
get things done.”
meeting facility for many organizations in the small community. The
Guadalupe
Valley
Electric
Cooperative had previously used the hall for many years for their annual meeting but had ceased using the facility
because
of
the
building’s
decline. “We’re pretty well outdated. You really can’t serve a community very well if your facility is not up to standards,” said Dave Weaver of Cibolo Grange. “There was a growing need to make the facilities as user-friendly as possible,” Cibolo Grange President Lori Wuest said. When members of the Grange began making repairs to the building, individuals
associated
with
the
“Being able to work with them has
Wuest says Cibolo Grange is very
been a tremendous blessing really,”
grateful to receive the grant so that they
said Cibolo Grange Secretary Dave
can continue serving the community
Weaver.
through the Grange hall.
Weaver believes the renovation,
“Our Grange has come back to
which is set to begin in late August, will
life and now, with getting the grant,
help get Cibolo Grange back on the
we will be the center once again in
grid again.
our community,” Wuest said. “These
“When we sort of reopened in 2013,
funds will indirectly go right back to
our motto was ‘back on main street.’
the community we serve, but allowing
We’ve been in the same location
so many organization[s] to use the hall
for 75 years, and what we wanted to
and a very low rate while still getting
be is known as one of the leaders in
our name out in the community as an
the community again,” said Weaver.
influential part of our community.”
Cibolo Grange No. 1541, Texas, receive a grant check from the local Guadalupe Valley Electric Cooperative for $20,000 to make repairs to their Hall, which is used as a community center.
electric coop recommended Cibolo Grange apply for a Power Up from GVEC. The grants are available to nonprofit organizations that benefit the community. “The grant process was rather detailed and labor intensive, however with the fortitude and perseverance we were able to complete a nice package to GVEC,” said Wuest. Cibolo Grange will be using the funds
for
stabilizing
the
building
foundation, replacing the roof, and making the bathroom ADA compliant which is important for the special needs group and PTSD support group that meets there. Part of the grant entailed receiving some in-kind donations from other
44
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Oregon Grange names couple
Agriculturalists of the Year
By Ferderica Cobb At this year’s Oregon State Grange convention, John Eveland and Sally Brewer of Marys River Grange No. 685 were announced the winners of the Agriculturalist of the Year Award. The couple began Gathering Together Farm on five acres of land 30 years ago, and that has since grown to 60 acres, with gross sales of $2.5 million. Eveland said the success of the farm has exceeded any expectations they might have had at the start. “We didn’t have any expectations like that. It definitely has evolved over that period of time. Our expectations have grown over the years and have changed,” Eveland said. Eveland and Brewer have made sure to take others from them community along with them in their success.
“We feel like we’re just a part of this community, and food is just an intricate part of our culture about what makes life enjoyable, And we feel like by the food we donate and by the people we employ, by the economic activity we create within the community, we feel like it’s good for everybody.”
They employ up to 120 people on the farm with a payroll of $1.2 million, and they also mentor younger farmers. “We feel like we’re just a part of this community, and food is just an intricate part of our culture about what makes life enjoyable,” Eveland said. “And we feel like by the food we donate and by the people we employ, by the economic activity we create within the community, we feel like it’s good for everybody.”
Tilth, which sets worldwide standards for the organic industry. “Organic food is important because organic systems work to provide food for people that’s nutritious and safe,” Eveland aid. “I think we do a better job at that than if we had done it conventionally.” They open their farm to organic farming group tours and worked with other farmers to develop new organic practices.
“Certainly their greatest accomplishment is creating a
“I think organic food production leads us in a direction
fantastically successful diversified organic enterprise, built
that is more sustainable and ultimately will provide healthier
from the ground up, which has filled a need in their community
food for future generations as well as our own,” Eveland said.
and region,” said Jay Sexton of Marys River Grange. “And
“Their remarkable success as organic farmers is due to
while doing this they have created a stable skilled workforce
their level-headed efforts over time to adopt and experiment
that has expanded the possibilities of the farm, and all it’s
with new endeavors: the CSA’s the multiple markets, the
aspects, supporting a large number of families.”
restaurant, - being willing to hire good people and expand their enterprise, diversifying and distributing the responsibilities
SUCCESS IN SALES
for the multiple efforts to their very competent labor force,”
Together Farm sells directly to more than 100 restaurants and to 350 families through a Community Supported Agriculture Farm Box program.
said Sexton. They started selling at farmers markets in 1987 and currently sell at eight farmers markets, including the two
The couple has been very passionate about farming organically and was very involved in developing the Oregon
largest markets in the state. Gathering Together has a roadside farm stand with an
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45
attached restaurant, which prides itself
the Agriculturalist of the Year Award,
successful agricultural enterprise, their
in making its own pasta, baking its own
it recognized the efforts of their entire
role in the development of the organic
bread and pastries, and preparing its
team.
food movement, their philanthropic
own meats, and using fresh organic produce from their farm. The two care deeply about their
“For me the Agriculturalist of the
sponsorship and support of the under-
Year award speaks to our farm as a
insured farm worker medical clinic, and
large group of people who are all very
their involvement in their subordinate
a
dedicated to providing healthy food,”
Grange.”
monthly Farmworker Medical Clinic at
said Eveland. “It’s a big honor, and
He says Eveland and Brewer have
there’s a lot of great people who have
been inspiring others and helping
dedicated their working lives on this
younger people to follow in their
farm. Many of them have worked over
footsteps.
community
and
have
supported
Marys River Grange, which provides free medical attention to under-insured farmworkers.
Their
involvement
in the Grange placed a crucial role in helping to save it in 2009 when membership had declined significantly and remaining members had decided to close the Grange until the couple garnered nearly 50 new members. “We lived at the end of Grange Hall Road for a long time… it was in danger of being absolved, and I didn’t think it was a good idea to have a Grange Hall
20 years with us, so it’s a group thing,” said Eveland. Sexton said there were many reasons
Farm and have gone on to believe
why Eveland and Brewer were excellent
in themselves and start their own farms
candidates for the award including “their
and companies,” Sexton said.
John Eveland and Sally Brewer are organic farmers in Oregon and are known in the community for successful farming enterprise as well as for their role in saving Marys River Grange back in 2009.
Road with no Grange,” said Eveland. Since then, Marys River Grange has maintained a strong membership, has been mentioned in many national media stories about young farmers developing new interest in the Grange and celebrated its 90th anniversary this year. Sexton said he considered “their vision in advocating for the continued existence of their local grange and the demonstration of their influence and persuasiveness in motivating almost 50 people to join an organization” as significant accomplishments. Eveland said he believes the Grange, in general, plays an important role in the United States. “In our Grange, I see a lot of young people who are farming and wanting to revive their rural communities, and I think that’s good,” Eveland said. “And I think that it’s an important aspect to the revival and maintaining of family farming in the United States.” Eveland said when they received
46
“Many young farmers have begun as farm workers at Gathering Together
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Rising Star
Grantham Grange Youth of Year to audition for American Idol By Ferderica Cobb Talented 16-year-old Kasey Vann of Grantham Grange in Wayne County, North Carolina, has sung in church, at sporting events, at anniversary celebrations, in talent shows and at school functions, and this fall she will be adding American Idol auditions to that list. “I’ve always heard ‘Dream Big and Go chase your dreams’,” said Vann. And she will be taking that mindset to the American Idol stage in Charleston, South Carolina. “It’s been my passion to sing. I love singing because it shows emotion. It really speaks to me, and I just love music in general.” Vann’s grandmother, Ann Denning, says Vann has been singing since the age of two or three years old. “Ever since she was little, she sang. She’s always been singing and dancing.” Denning describes her granddaughter as “a people person” and “a person of high integrity.” Vann says country music is her strong suit. “Most people say I sound like Carrie Underwood and Miranda Lambert,” she said. The high school junior is not new to the spotlight; she also made it to the second round of America’s Got Talent back in February. She’s also a star in Grantham Grange. Grantham Grange President John Crawford said Vann is a talented and outstanding young lady. “She [has] been in four different dance academies. She’s been active singing in her church. She [has] also done fundraisers in the community, like feeding the homeless.” Vann’s talents and community involvement led her to being chosen as Grange Youth of the Year for Grantham Grange. “She’s a role model for our community, and we thought she would be an excellent candidate to represent our Grange. She’s very motivated to do her best,” said Crawford. Vann said, “The support from my Grange is amazing. They give me opportunities, and they support me 100 percent. And they are always telling me ‘You know you got it. You’re the best. You can do it if you put your mind to it.’” Grantham Grange is excited for Kasey, whom will be performing at a 150th Anniversary Celebration at Wayne County Fairgrounds in October and will also be representing North Carolina at the Evening of Excellence at the 151st National
16-year-old Kasey Vann, who is a member of Grantham Grange, North Carolina, says singing is her passion.
Grange Convention in November. “We’re very proud of her. She’s a good singer,” said Crawford. State Grange President Jimmy Gentry believes it’s not just the voice but the quality of character that makes Vann special. “She’s just a good girl,” Gentry said. “Kasey is a very talented young lady. We are proud of her!” Vann is excited and looking forward to her audition, no matter the outcome. “I really want to audition for the overall experience and just trying something new and just giving myself something bigger than imagined, and putting myself out there because you never know unless you try.” She says her family members are also some of her biggest supporters, telling her “to go for it, and you should never give up on your dreams. And always move forward and don’t look back!” Denning says she is confident that her granddaughter has what it takes to win American Idol. “I do believe she has the determination and the initiative to do it, and she has a beautiful voice. And I think she will do well in it.”
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47
Unbeatable fun at PA Family Fest By Ferderica Cobb
helped conceive more than a decade ago. “I noticed that we had youth camp, junior camp, state
Amidst dozens of green 10 foot by 10 foot tents and
session and a leadership school for officers, but we didn’t
several RVs and campers, there were kids running around
have anything that included everybody,” Huber explained.
playing, long-time friends catching up in hearty conversation,
“And since we’re a family organization, I figured it would be
families biking together, and people indulging in great food.
good to have an event that gets the whole family together.”
In fact, upon arrival into this cordial atmosphere, one would think they were walking into a huge family reunion. These were the sights and scenes of the 14th annual Pennsylvania Family Festival.
Huber said she would like to see every state hold a version of Family Festival. “It’s one weekend where you can get as involved and immersed in Grange as you want while still being a part of the
The event was held from July 20-23 at the Grange fairgrounds in Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, and it was only fitting that about 150 people were present to celebrate the Grange’s 150th birthday, which was the theme for this year’s event.
family atmosphere and enjoying the best of the organization and its energy,” Huber said. Michael Adams, State Steward and president of Hamburg Grange No. 2103, agrees that the flexibility of the event is
Various workshops and activities made the weekend a “fun learning event” filled with camaraderie and fellowship according to State President Wayne Campbell.
very appealing as well as the family atmosphere. “You can do whatever you want. You can take a nap the entire time or go to all the workshops,” Adams said. “I think
“Every year is special. This is the one event you get to come to that you get to see people you don’t get to see except at statewide events like this,” Campbell said.
it’s just the fact that you can bring your family, the grandkids. And you get to see all your Grange friends.” Thursday evening opened with the president’s workshop,
National Grange President Betsy Huber was on hand for the weekend, something as then-State Grange President she Attendees say a prayer over hand-made “wraps of love,” that PA members made throughout the year. The shawls will be given to those who donated an organ or whose loved one was an organ donor.
during which Campbell opened the floor for Grange members to express their concerns, ask questions, and give feedback. Campbell spoke on the importance of each individual Grange catering to the needs and desires of its members. “We have to be versatile. We have to be open to change,” he told the audience, encouraging them to come up with new projects that relate to their particular Grange members’ interests. There were a variety of workshops to choose from. Denae Zvarick of Keystone Grange No. 2 hosted a photography workshop, in which she covered some of the basics such as the rule of thirds, focal lock, photo resolution, and set-up for portrait and group photos. Many, young and old, enjoyed a Zumba class as well. Cindy Leibensperger of Pioneer Grange No. 1777, who was trying Zumba for the first time, said it was a good addition to the event program. “It’s a workout, gets you to movin’ and sweatin’. Shows how bad you are at coordination,” she said while laughing. Gail Switzer, 26, of Marion Grange No. 1853 found the Zumba class amusing. “It was fantastic and funny, just participating with
48
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Grange members participate in a Zumba class during the annual Pennsylvania State Grange Family Festival in July at the Centre County Grange Fairgrounds.
everybody and watching others who you’ve never seen dance
Tanner Davis and Princess Autumn Tworkoski, as well as Youth
before,” she said.
Ambassadors Grace Wadsworth and Jacob Mengel, were
Zumba instructor Stephanie Whitesell of Bellefonte, said she really enjoyed teaching the class to Grange members and was pleasantly surprised by the male participation and enthusiasm. “I loved it! This was a great crowd. I don’t get many men in
introduced. Andrew Kieffer from Berks County and Denae Zvarick from Montgomery County, were announced as Young Patrons. Denae Zvarick of Keystone Grange No. 2 paints a wooden quilt block, or barn quilt, at the event.
my class, so it’s nice to have some guys here,” she said. One of the most popular attractions of the event was the quilt block painting. Families and individuals gathered for hours painting intricate quilt patterns on wooden boards to take home and hang on or in their houses, barns or use in other creative ways. Amy and Rick Koenig painted several quilt blocks while there, calling the hobby “an addiction” that has resulted in about 20 blocks painted by the couple over the past five years attending Family Festival. “I think we like it so much because first, it’s something that we do together, and it takes something old, such as quilting, becoming new,” Amy Koenig said. Other
activities
included
a
workshop
on
financial
security, bingo, a tour of Boal mansion, and a Bike/Hike-athon. Donations from the Bike/Hike-a-thon will go towards sponsoring an autism service dog. Also during the event, the state Junior Ambassadors, Prince
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
49
Iron Nun encourages Grange DO·ers Grange hall, and drew more people
By Ferderica Cobb
to the event that also served as a
Sometimes in life we let our fear
membership drive.
of failure hold us back from trying new
The program opened with barbecue,
things. Our insecurities talk us of out of
bluegrass and a video about why it’s
big endeavors. Society’s expectations
great to be a Five Mile Prairie Grange
shape how we act.
member, showcasing activities, events
Many things can hold us back from
and the family focus.
reaching our highest potential and
When Buder stepped up to the
allowing us to develop to a better
microphone as the keynote for the
manhood and womanhood, constricting
evening, the audience was amazed,
us and quelling our ability to be the
inspired and motivated by her spunk and
DO·er we seek to become.
enthusiasm.
But Sister Madonna Buder, also
“I think a lot of people saw, ‘Here’s
known as the “Iron Nun,” knows that
an everyday gal from next door that,
doubts, fears, and societal expectations
through hard work and perseverance,
are no match for perseverance, ambition,
has not let age or anything else get in
faith and determination – a message she
the way of what she loves doing,” said
brought to the more than 80 people
Hamp, who worked with the National
gathered at Five Mile Prairie Grange No.
Grange to stream the speech live on the
905 in Spokane, Washington, in early
National Grange Facebook page. It can
Heidi Scott, Vice President of Five Mile
still be seen by going to the National
Prairie Grange, said her four kids took
Grange Facebook page and clicking on
away some wise pointers from the Iron
the videos tab.
Nun. She says one theme that stood out
June. The
event,
part
of
the
DO·er
campaign, brought the 87-year-old nun who, since her late 40s, has completed in more than 300 triathlons and over 40 Iron Man Triathlons – each of which consists of a 2.4-mile swim, a 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile marathon run – to the hall where National Lecturer Chris Hamp serves as secretary. The activity night was hosted in conjunction with the fire station’s open house night, located next door to the
they should or should not do.
Hamp said one of the key takeaways
to them was a quote along the lines of “It
from her message was that you’re only
starts with a dream, and then you need the
limited by yourself – something Buder
dedication and the determination and the
speaks of often.
drive to reach your destination.”
“The only failure is not to try because
She felt like this was a great,
your effort in itself is a success,” Buder
encouraging message for her kids to hear.
says to the world in one YouTube video.
“My oldest is 14 and my youngest is 7, and
The triathlete has broken many records and was even featured in a 2016 Nike commercial, “Unlimited Youth,” which aired during the Olympics. Much of her message was aimed towards the kids in the audience because a lot of couples with children attend the Five Mile Prairie Grange events. She encouraged them to chase their dreams, to try new things, to let their hearts guide them and to not allow themselves to be pigeonholed into what society says
50
SISTER MADONNA BUDER Photo courtesy of USAF Maj. Don Kerr
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I felt like that was applicable to all their ages,” said Scott. “They loved it; they thought it was a wonderful experience.” Jessica DeGroat often takes her four kids to Five Mile Prairie Grange activities because they always enjoy the events, and seeing the Iron Nun ended up being a great experience for them. “It
was
really
good
and
really
motivational for them. They had seen her IRON NUN continued on page 53
Iowa Grange makes
Seedballs, helps pollinators
By Ferderica Cobb Chester Royal Grange No. 2181 in Iowa rolled more than 1,400 seedballs for pollinators during a milkweed seedballing event they hosted in April. The Grange partnered with Milkweed Matters which strives to increase breeding and feeding habitats for monarch butterflies and other pollinators by making seedballs and tossing them along the sides of the road during largescale bike rides. Members of Chester Royal Grange became interested in making seedballs as a result of their Grange theme last year, “Birds, Bees, Butterflies and Other Things.” President Gene Edelen and his wife Maria learned about Milkweed Matters at an informational about the monarch butterfly and other pollinators and took the idea of seedballs back to their Grange. “The Grange has always been a strong supporter of the environment and education. Learning about the plight of pollinators, habitat needs and what we can do to help seems like a natural fit,” Edelen said. In 2016, Chester Royal Grange made around 800 seedballs, in 2017, nearly 1,400 and in 2018 they plan to continue to increase production again. “Making it fun and getting the public involved, just makes it even better,” said Edelen. So they decided to host a public milkweed seedballing event to benefit the Milkweed Matters Initiative. They got the word out to the local press, and Milkweed Matters provided the speaker, the dirt/clay mix, and the seeds.
A seedball will be planted or tossed along the side of a road and when it seeds sprout, the milkweed will help pollinators. A great crowd gathered, and Edelen believes the event helped to raise awareness about their Grange as well as inform people of the challenges facing pollinators. “We got young and old, members and non-members, to come to our Grange Hall to learn about pollinators and do something to help the future of MAKE SOME! pollinators,” said Learn how to Edelen. make your own People from seedballs with the community the Junior DIY were happy to pages 93-93 pitch in and help,
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and many kids were also in attendance. “Making kids aware at an early age is something that hopefully they will keep with them and share with others,” said Edelen. The seedballs made at this event as well as those made from similar events across the state will be used to educate Riders in the 2017 Registers Annual Great Bike Ride Across Iowa. The riders will take the more than 60,000 seed balls and toss them into ditches as they are participating in the seven-day bike ride. “Participating in this type of project keeps us all aware of our environment and what we can do to help,” Edelen said.
51
2 Foundation grants awarded the speed of interpreting the meeting or
By Ferderica Cobb
The
For decades, the Grange has had an
Grange
interest in deaf awareness and hearing loss prevention.
Foundation
Each year the Grange Foundation
the complexity of language as beginning signers, to make the experience positive for our friend who had joined,” Amanda Brozana Rios, New Deal Grange secretary and National Grange Communications
provides support in the form of grant
and Development Director said. “The
money to worthy programs submitted by
Grange as a whole cares so much about
State Granges. This year two applicants - Maryland
for the grant to allow the local Grange
State Grange and the State Grange of
some funds to pay for an interpreter
Minnesota – received $250 toward their
during meetings as necessary and to
projects.
have someone on hand during the State
the deaf, but yet we were doing a very poor job of helping our deaf member feel accepted and be active. It was kind of heartbreaking since our deaf focus was what drew her to become a member
Organized last October in Greenbelt,
Grange’s convention or banquet dinners
Maryland, a community with a large deaf
to raise awareness about deaf issues and
The interpreter will also teach New
population, New Deal Grange No. 447
increase interest in sign language in the
Deal Grange members basic signs to
was chartered with a deaf member who
state.
communicate with deaf members and
struggled to keep up with discussion during meetings. Maryland
52
State
Grange
applied
in the first place.”
“My husband, Victor, and I are
neighbors in the Greenbelt community in
currently in our fourth ASL class, but
order to promote inclusivity and greater
there was no way we could keep up with
understanding of the challenges faced
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by the deaf or hard of hearing.
Those participating in the program will be given a lapel
“Hopefully this opens the door again to have our member
button stating “I’m taking part in the State Grange of
return to meetings and bring in other deaf and hard of hearing
Minnesota’s Day without Hearing,” as well as business cards
members of our community so they can participate in our
explaining the program.
activities and service opportunities,” Brozana Rios said. The State Grange of Minnesota plans to use their deaf awareness grant to host A Day Without Hearing marathon, which will be a one of a kind experience that will allow people to understand what it’s like to function without hearing in today’s society. According to the grant proposal, 500 participants will be given earplugs to simulate hearing loss, which they will wear
Participants will also have the option to write about their experiences, which will go on the State Grange of Minnesota blog. “It brings a different sense of awareness to those of us who are able-bodied, to be able to create empathy and understanding for those who are hard of hearing or deaf,” Malaskee said. National Grange President Betsy Huber says she is glad that
the entire day, literally placing themselves in the shoes of those
the Grange puts such an emphasis on deaf awareness and that
who are hard-of-hearing. The State Grange of Minnesota will spread the word through Granges, social media, and Thinkself Minnesota Deaf
it inspires Grange members to delve deep in their interactions with the deaf community.
Adult Education & Advocacy.
“For well over 50 years the National Grange has had a
State President T.J. Malaskee looks forward to increasing deaf awareness while continuing to build the relationship between the Grange and Thinkself. “I hope it creates a sense of awareness and empathy and can get the program that Thinkself does for their students into a broader light and get the word out about the Grange as well,” Malaskee said. “It’s a great opportunity to create a partnership with another organization.” Different groups will distribute the earplugs to participants,
special focus on Deaf Awareness. Our signature program, the Sign-a-Song contest, has opened the door for many young Grangers to a career in sign language interpreting and working with the deaf and hearing impaired,” Huber said. Huber says she is excited to see the impact that Maryland and Minnesota make with their deaf awareness grants, and she hopes more Granges continue to host activities that include the deaf community.
who will be asked to do their normal daily routine while wearing
“I encourage each Community Grange to submit a project
the earplugs. Some will host a gathering afterwards to recap
to your State Grange and encourage your State Master or Deaf
the day and discuss their experiences.
Activities Chairman to apply for these competitive grants.”
IRON NUN continued from page 50 commercial and were really inspired by what she was able to achieve, and being able to hear her speak to them in person was really encouraging,” said DeGroat. The DeGroats also have a special memory from the night because the Iron Nun called three of DeGroat’s children
remember that,” Jessica said. Everyone in the audience seemed very attuned to and appreciative of the nun’s message and many seemed motivated to be a DO·er for their community, Hamp said. “It was just pretty awesome having
“The only failure is not to try because your effort in itself is a success.”
somebody that has had that level of success on a worldwide stage be so willing to share
members, friends, citizens and neighbors
their path, share their insight into who they
to be DO·ers, to be active, to have
are as people,” said Hamp. She said the Iron Nun definitely
compassion, to see issues and needs and to be able to act and make that better for
to go up on stage and let them lead the
embodies the characteristics of a Doer,
audience in declaring, “I will do my best
and that type of mentality is what the
everybody within that community,” said
and let God do the rest.”
Grange teaches.
Hamp. “That’s what Grangers do and
They still say that and they still
“It’s incumbent upon all of us as family
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®
www.nationalgrange.org
that’s what Granges do.”
53
Foundation honors Georgia By Ferderica Cobb National Agriculture in the Classroom and the Grange Foundation selected Carol Baker-Dunn of Georgia as the winner of the 2017 Agriculture Advocate Award. Baker-Dunn said she was “absolutely shocked” when she found out she won the award. “I never would’ve guessed anything like that would’ve happened!” BakerDunn said. Grange Foundation board member Joan Smith – who also serves as president of Potomac Grange which is the DC state contact for National Agriculture in the Classroom – presented the Agriculture Advocate Award plaque and check to Baker-Dunn at the annual National Agriculture in the Classroom conference in Kansas, where more than 400 K-12 teachers and educators from across the country attended. “She was well-spoken with great energy,” Smith said. “She grew up in agriculture, and we appreciate her trying to share that with the educational community.” Donna Rocker, Coordinator for Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom, says Baker-Dunn was very deserving of the award. “Carol Baker-Dunn is a DO·er. She [is] creative. She doesn’t say no and she doesn’t take no for an answer,” said Rocker. She describes Baker-Dunn as passionate and driven. “When you combine her passion for agriculture and education with her innate drive to get things done, you have a person who manages her work in the poultry industry with pumping up teachers
and volunteers like herself to bring agricultural literacy to the schools in her county,” said Rocker. Baker-Dunn is a self-proclaimed “country girl” who grew up on a 2,500acre row crop farm in the little town of Obion, Tennessee. She moved to Georgia for work and was surprised at how quickly the school system was growing. However, she was even more shocked at how little the kids knew about where their food comes from. She knew she had to do something about this lack of agricultural literacy after going to her son’s pre-K class
educator
to do a presentation and a 4-year old challenged her that “milk doesn’t come from cows; it comes from grocery stores!” From there, she was inspired to take matters into her own hands and start educating kids about agriculture. This led her to help establish the Georgia Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture which oversees agricultural literacy outreach in schools throughout the state. She also started an elementary school agricultural reading program, a school garden implementation effort, a book barn lending library, and a classroom grant funding opportunity.
Georgia educator Carol Baker-Dunn, left, receives the Grange Foundation Agriculture Advocate of the Year award in July at the National Ag in the Classroom annual conference from Foundation board member, Joan Smith, right.
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When she heard about the Georgia Agriculture in the Classroom Educator Workshop/Farm Experience in 2015, she began setting up meetings with school district
administrators
and
Georgia
Agriculture in the Classroom. She worked with her employer Perdue Farms to include a tour of the poultry processing plant. Teachers from around the state went to the workshop. It was a huge success and led to another full workshop in 2016. Her connections with agribusiness and the schools culminated in a STEM project
that
allowed
elementary
students to design systems to help with plant efficiencies at Perdue Farms. She said her employer has been great throughout the entire process. “Perdue has always been extremely
Baker-Dunn interacting with kids in Georgia.
supportive,” Baker-Dunn expressed.
Photo used with permission from National Agriculture in the Classroom
Smith said it was the connection Baker-Dunn made for the students with industry that helped her nomination stand out. “I think her work in getting Perdue to allow school visits is admirable,” Smith said. “There will always be jobs in agriculture because there are more and more people on the planet to feed. Even as the technology expands and we create more efficiencies in agriculture, the career field is going to continue to grow alongside the population.” National Grange President Betsy Huber says she is pleased that the Grange Foundation board approves this
partnership
every
year
with
“ There will always be jobs in agriculture because there are more and more people on the planet to feed. ” 56
National Ag in the Classroom.
that have never been exposed to any of
“It allows us to meet and offer
this stuff, get excited about it. Just the
encouragement to wonderful people
look on their faces,” said Baker-Dunn.
who
“That’s worth more than any paycheck
are
agriculture
dedicated in
their
to
advancing
communities,
especially among children,” said Huber. “If we teach children to value farmers and their work, we can ensure the future of American agriculture for generations to come.”
that I could get out of it.” Rocker says people like Baker-Dunn are crucial to Agriculture in the Classroom because while the organization strives to develop the best materials and dynamic
Baker-Dunn and Georgia Ag in the
training workshops for teachers, their
Classroom are now working towards
mission could not be accomplished
making it a standard for teachers
without volunteers.
to incorporate agriculture into their curriculum in their school system.
“The local volunteers are the ones available to go into the classroom on
Baker-Dunn said is very proud of the
a regular basis to read books or do
progress that she’s seen in the schools.
activities, provide local grants, help
“One little argument with a 4-year old has grown into this, and I am absolutely still blown away by what my teachers are doing and how they are embracing it,” said Baker-Dunn. She loves the enthusiastic response the kids have when learning about agriculture, and that alone makes it all worth it for her. “The biggest thing is seeing my kids,
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build school gardens, and all the other things that create that community partnership,” Rocker said. Baker-Dunn says she encourages others to volunteer to help promote agricultural literacy. “It’s easy just go read a book to a bunch of kids; you don’t have to do anything else. Start there,” she said.
Natal Grange No. 302, Columbia County, Oregon, displays the Grange logo, a registered trademark, on their sign at their Hall. Granges may use the logo for identification, publicity, fundraising and more, according to the Bylaws of the National Grange.
Trademark: Our Brand Matters By Nelson Drake Imagine for a moment that you are standing in your local supermarket trying to figure out which brand of soda you want to buy. All you do is simply look for the label of the brand you prefer and grab that soda off the shelf and continue shopping. Now imagine trying to find your favorite soda if all of the labels looked exactly the same; suddenly the simple act of buying your favorite soda becomes a game of chance.
that might seek to intentionally confuse the
trademarks can also identify services, such
consumer about the source of the goods.
as insurance or banking, and in this case
Both of these functions are a crucial part of
are called service marks.
running a successful business, which is why trademarks must be protected. By now I’ve used this term, “trademark,” a couple times without even defining it.
Service
marks
allow
businesses
that offer identical services with minor differences to differentiate themselves from one another. It is thanks to these
Simply put, a trademark is any sign or
service marks that consumers know the
symbol used to distinguish the source of
difference between GEICO and Allstate,
goods and services. This includes things
or Bank of America and BB&T, or the
like the name of a business or its logo.
National Grange and the Future Farmers
Essentially, trademarks tell consumers who
of America.
you are and what you are selling.
Beyond identifying the source of goods
In my supermarket example, the iconic
or services, having a trademark also gives
This is the reason that trademarks are
“Coca-Cola” in script is the trademark.
a business the authority to prevent others
so important. They enable businesses
By merely looking at the label you know
from using a mark that is either identical
to distinguish themselves from their
where the soda comes from, and you also
or confusingly similar to their mark without
competitors.
know that it is not a Pepsi.
their permission.
In addition, having a trademark allows a
In addition to distinguishing similar
In our supermarket example, imagine if
business to protect itself from other brands
or identical goods from one another,
Pepsi started putting “Coca-Cola” on their
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57
bottles. A consumer looking for a Coke
“Grange” and must appear with the G
would see the bottle and assume that the
capitalized.
product is a Coke and buy it assuming that
In addition, the business must
it is a Coke. As a result, Pepsi would have
continue to offer a high-quality product
cost Coke a sale and even worse could
or service because the National Grange
hurt Coke’s brand if the consumer felt that product they purchased was inferior. The National Grange uses trademarks and service marks for similar reasons: its marks provide consumers with a way to distinguish the Grange from similar organizations and protect the image that it has spent the last 150 years building. My job as Trademark Protection Manager is to ensure that the National Grange’s
trademarks
are
adequately
protected from unauthorized infringers.
has attached its reputation to the licensed business. If the business offers low quality products or services, it reflects poorly on the National Grange and harms its trademark. quality control surveys that ensure that business is offering products or services that are of acceptable quality. However, it is difficult to do my job alone because new businesses are started
Businesses may seek to use one of
every day, and the National Grange’s
the National Grange’s trademarks, but
licensees are located in various states
they must first get a license. A license
around the United States.
allows the National Grange to retain
As a result, I need your help to make
ownership and control of the mark while
sure that businesses are not infringing
simultaneously permitting the licensed
on the mark or, in the case of a licensed
business to market products or services
business,
with the Grange marks.
inappropriately.
Once a business is licensed to use one of the Grange’s marks, it is also my job to ensure that the licensed business is using the mark appropriately. The most commonly licensed mark is
are
not
using
the
mark
If you ever have any questions or are concerned about a business’ use of a Grange trademark, please do not hesitate to contact me because it helps me protect the Grange and resolve any potential issues. In addition, please reach out and
Simply put, a trademark is any sign or symbol used to distinguish the source of goods and services.... Essentially, trademarks tell consumers who you are and what you are selling. 58
®
Therefore, part of my job is to conduct
contact me if you would simply like to know more about any of the Grange’s marks, its licensees or the licensing process. Nelson Drake Trademark Protection Manager National Grange 1616 H Street NW Washington, DC 20006 Phone: (202) 628-3507 ext. 105 Fax: (202) 347-1091 www.nationalgrange.org This article, sponsored by the Grange Foundation’s Trademark Protection Fund, may be reproduced and shared.
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HELP PROTECT THE GRANGE’S BRAND • A trademark is a sign or symbol that differentiates your goods. • Trademarks help people to recognize your brand and protect your goodwill. • The Grange has several trademarks for goods and services. • Make sure to use the Grange logo with the (R). • If you would like to use the Grange’s trademarks for commercial purposes, please contact the National Grange Office for more info about licensing. The (R) is
one of the symbols that
signifies a
trademark.
The Long History of our Mark By Nelson Drake
“By licensing this mark, the Grange is able to visually manifest its support for the product or service that the licensed business provides.”
This year marks the 150th year since Oliver Hudson Kelly and his associates started the National Grange and began its
campaign
to
promote,
among
other things, communal cooperation, and self-sustaining farming practices in
agricultural
communities
across
local farmers and
America.
artisans.
During the intervening years, the
By
Grange has used a number of different tools to assist in its efforts to promote the interests of rural and agricultural ®
communities. One of the most important tools the National Grange possesses is its
P of H Grange and Design
trademarks, which it uses to distinguish itself and its services from similar
the
“Grange”
mark
to
these
businesses,
visually
or services being offered adhere to the core values that are an integral part of the Grange.
plays
Grange is better able to continue its
an active part in
mission to support and advocate for
the expansion of
agricultural communities across the
Grange
and sustainable agricultural practices.
are licensed to businesses outside the
mark
Through its trademarks, the National
from groups who seek to free-ride off
In addition, some of these trademarks
the
National
the
organizations and to protect its image
the last century and a half building.
essence,
indicates to consumers that the goods
licensing
consumer awareness about local farms
of the reputation the Grange has spent
In
Another important National Grange trademark is the “P of H Grange &
country by providing consumers with a way to distinguish the Grange’s goods and services from those of
Design” mark, which has been in use
similar associations.
In addition, by
since 1900 (featured above).
licensing these trademarks the National
Grange to assist in the promotion of
The “P of H Grange” mark is a
Grange is able to preclude others from
the National Grange’s mission beyond
visual mark that incorporates important
improperly benefiting from its name,
the activities of the respective State and
themes from Grange history such as the
Local Granges.
seven-sided polygon, which represents
which prevents organizations – whose goals may be against the Grange’s
One of the most widely known, and
the seven founders and the seven
licensed, National Grange trademarks
degrees, or the sheaf of wheat, which
is “Grange,” and it has been in use
signifies the Grange’s commitment to
that the Grange has worked so hard to
since the Grange’s inception in 1867.
advocating for agricultural communities.
build. In short, by using and licensing
The National Grange licenses this mark
This mark is used in association
its trademarks effectively the National
to businesses that support their local
with a number of Grange activities such as publications, charitable events,
Grange can ensure that it will continue
agricultural communities.
values – from tarnishing the reputation
to successfully advocate for rural and
businesses
clothing, and even farmers’ markets.
that license the “Grange” mark are
By licensing this mark, the Grange is
restaurants that are committed to
able to visually manifest its support for
while simultaneously guaranteeing its
a “farm to table” experience which
the product or service that the licensed
continued growth and success the next
showcases the talents and products of
business provides.
150 years to come.
For
example,
many
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agricultural communities in America
59
Official Grange
Licensees
Community Organizations
Farming
Friends of the Grange
Brooklyn Grange LLC
10 Broadway Ave, Sayville, NY 11782
63 Flushing Ave, Building 3 Ste. 1105, Brooklyn NY 11101
The purpose of Friends of the Grange
is to
The Brooklyn Grange is the world’s largest rooftop soil
preserve the legacy and educate the public on the
farm and is located in New York City. The venture began in
history of Islip town and especially that history of
May, 2010 with a mission of creating a fiscally sustainable
the 19th Century where Islip came into its own and
model for urban agriculture that produces agricultural
to raise funds for the improvement of and the repair
products for the local community.
and restoration of the structures at the Grange. This is
Grange cultivates crops on over two acres on rooftops
envisioned to be an effort that will include the history
across Brooklyn and Queens. As they’ve grown they have
groups and schools as well as the businesses of the
expanded beyond their original mission by beginning to
area to promote learning and commerce in a public –
keep egg-laying hens and launching a commercial apiary to
private partnership to benefit the area and the town.
produce honey. These products are then sold to restaurants,
Friends of Zenger Farm (Urban Grange Educational Center)
CSA members, and to the public at weekly farmstands.
Currently, Brooklyn
The Coyote Grange
11741 SE Foster Rd, Portland, OR 97266 Zenger Farm was originally a dairy farm operated
3476 271st Ave, Appleton, MN 56208
by Ulrich Zenger in the Johnson Creek watershed.
The Coyote Grange is a certified organic farm that is
After his death, Ulrich’s son continued to live on the
located near Appleton, Minnesota along the Minnesota
farm and in 1980 began an enterprise that would
River.
preserve the farm and allow future generations to
along with other various farm products. Their products
develop a mutually sustaining relationship with the
can be purchased via a CSA, on the farm, or at Bergen’s
land, as well as a respect for its heritage. In 1995
Prairie Market in Milan, Minnesota.
the land was purchased by Portland’s Bureau of
provide restaurants around the state with their products
Environmental Services to promote environmental
for use in their meals.
They produce organic carrots and strawberries
In addition, they
stewardship. The farm now operates as a educational space for schools and the local community by offering summer camps and field trips.
Grange Hall Cultural Center
15 S. Jefferson St, Wilson, Arkansas 72395
3033 E. First Ave, Ste. 410, Denver, CO 80127
is proud to be a vital part of the agricultural heritage of
Stone Barns Center for Food and Agriculture (Virtual Grange)
the Arkansas Delta. They are passionate about growing
630 Bedford Rd, Pocantico Hills, NY 10591
Whallonsburg Civic Association (Whallonsburg Grange Hall)
Wilson Gardens is a farmers first organization that
beautiful fruits, herbs and vegetables in healthy, living, soil without the use of synthetic pesticides, herbicides, or fertilizers. They also offer their community an opportunity to become partners in their farm via their Community Supported
P.O. Box 54, Essex, NY 12936
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Wilson Gardens
Agriculture
(CSA)
program,
in
shareholders receive a share of the farm’s bounty.
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Restaurants & Eateries Genuine Hospitality Group, Inc. (Grange Community Kitchen)
Granger Tavern, LLC (Grange Kitchen and Bar)
22 Main St, Hamburg, NY 14075
118 W Liberty St, Ann Arbor, MI 48104
A restaurant that is located in the historic Hamburg
Chef Brandon Johns created Grange Kitchen
Grange Building. The owners, Brad and Caryn have
& Bar with the idea that the freshest ingredients,
sought to restore the building to how it looked when
grown sustainably and sourced from people they
it was built in 1812 with a full-service dining room, full-
know are the basis for the best food. The restaurant’s
service bar, as well as an outdoor patio and sidewalk
commitment to local and sustainable sources reflects
café. Towards this goal, the restaurant believes in
both their commitment to the community and their
responsible
cooking,
commitment to bringing the best of the farm’s bounty
and flavorful food, which is highlighted by the open
to the table when it’s fresh and at the peak of its flavor.
farming,
ingredient-driven
kitchen that showcases a wood-burning oven. In order to accomplish these objectives the ingredients and menu are inspired by what is in season and utilize goods obtained from local farmers and producers.
1635 Amsterdam Ave, New York, NY 10031 Located in the heart of the beautiful & historical
Grange & Grub
section of West Harlem, Hamilton Heights, guests
14809 Purcellville Rd, Purcellville, VA 20132 Grange and Grub is a chef owned and operated, family operated farm and market.
Hamilton Point Granary LLC (Grange Bar and Eatery)
Visitors can
purchase products ranging from meats, eggs, and various “To Go” products, which are made fresh daily.
enjoy savory, farmer’s comfort fare, balanced cocktails mixed to perfection, craft beers, local and international wines and fine tunes, all in a 2,400 sq. ft. space within a relaxing and friendly neighborhood setting.
Historic Cold Spring Foundation (Cold Spring Grange Restaurant)
The Grange at New Milford, LLC 1 Ryerson Rd, Warwick, NY 10990 The Grange Restaurant provides diners with a farm-to-table experience. The ingredients used in the restaurant almost exclusively come from local farms or artisans in an effort to support the local farming community. As such the menu changes daily based on the availability of in-season produce available in the community.
720 Route 9, Cape May, NJ 08204 Cold Spring Grange Restaurant, located at Historic Cold Spring Village in the Cold Spring section of Lower Township, began its life in the late 1800s as Cold Spring Grange No. 132. During the early 20th century, the Cold Spring Grange was the focus of many Township of Lower activities, serving as a school, voting site and meeting hall in addition to supporting project and programs relating to the Grange.
Grange Café P.O. Box 1125, Duvall, WA 98019 A cafe featuring regional ingredients, handdelivered by local farms. Cheese and dairy are sourced from local artisans, and the highest quality meat and
Sacramento Hotel (Grange Restaurant) 3300 Douglas Blvd, Ste 369, Roseville, CA 95661. The Citizen Hotel’s Grange celebrates the flavors of
game are available on the menu.
California’s Central Valley with farm-fresh ingredients
Grange Hall Burger Bar
lunch, brunch and dinner served with sophistication.
and seasonal menus. Simple and elegant—breakfast,
844 W Randolph St, Chicago, IL 60607
Urban Grange Coffee & Bakery Company (Urban Grange Coffee & Bakery) 1594 Edgewater St NW, Ste 180, Salem, OR 97304
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Breweries, Wine & Cigars
Portage Bay Grange (Smooch Arts) 4110 Roosevelt Ave NE, Seattle, WA 98105
Smithington Enterprises, LLC (Atwood Ales)
Portage Bay Goods offers an eclectic selection of cards and gifts alongside items lovingly crafted by local
4012 Sweet Rd, Blaine, WA 98230 Atwood Ales is the first and oldest brewery in Blaine, Washington. The brewery follows the farmhouse tradition by which beer is brewed using ingredients that are largely grown, harvested, and processed on the farm where the
artists. They are also committed to supporting Seattle’s local art scene by featuring a different artist each month. In addition they also host special events for Fremont Third Thursday.
brewery is located. One of their products is a Farmhouse Ale called “Grange” whose name pays homage to the century old building where it was brewed. Their products can be found throughout the state of Washington such as in nearby Bellingham or the Seattle Metro Area.
Retailers Monroe Classic, Inc. 249 Muirfield Way, San Marcos, CA 92069
Queensway Limited (La Granja) (Winery)
Monroe Classic is the exclusive licensed provider of all National Grange products from the Grange
13363 Portofino Dr, DelMar, CA 92014
store. Products include: shirts, pins, jewelry, and other
Crowned Heads (Headley Grange Cigars)
assorted items that can be found on their website, www. promoplace.com/grange.
740 Freeland Station Rd, Ste 212, Nashville, TN 37228 Crowned Heads is a premium cigar company that focuses on producing cigars of artisinal quality in Nashville,
Maine Grange Store, Inc.
Tennessee. As such, they maintain a strict focus on every
P.O. Box 49, East Baldwin, ME 04024
quality of their brand, from the end product to their customer service. Their Headley Grange cigar reflects this attention to detail. The cigar itself was inspired by Led Zepplin’s “When The Levee Breaks” and its unmistakable drum beat. The finished product has a bold, gutsy flavor that perfectly matches the heavy, portentous lead-in to the song.
Miscellaneous Delaware Grange Mutual Insurance Co. 9 E. Lookerman St, Treadway Towers Ste. 212, Dover, DE 19904
The Arts
Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad (Grange Hall)
Grange Theatre ArtisTree
479 Main Ave, Durango, CO 81301
2095 Pomfret Rd, South Pomfret, VT 05067 This 90-seat theatre is located inside of the what used to be the Teago Grange Hall and features local and New York talent. The theatre hosts plays, special events, and theatre classes.
The Durango and Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad is a privately owned railway company that maintains period railway equipment that has long since been replaced by more modern machinery. On their railway, travelers can experience the very best Colorado has to offer whether it be wildlife, waterfalls, or majestic landscapes as it winds
This list is accurate as of the editorial deadline, Aug. 1, 2017. Licensee changes are ongoing. Please check with the National Grange Trademark Protection Manager for any additions or deletions.
through the San Juan National Forest. After taking a ride you can stop in their Grange Hall market where you can buy, sell, or swap Western railroad artifacts with local merchants.
Fishwing LLC (The Grange) 166 Broadway, Providence, RI 02903
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Legislative
Briefs
Burton Eller has been the Legislative Director at the National Grange since 2014 and previously worked at many agriculturallybased organizations, including the USDA and the Farm Service Agency
HEALTHCARE
INFRASTRUCTURE The National Grange is a member of the Rebuild Rural Coalition that testified recently before the House Agriculture Committee at a hearing on rural infrastructure needs recently.
The coalition’s top priorities are to
increase rural competitiveness through improvements in roads and bridges, clean water, reliable electricity and broadband internet access. Coalition members are anxious to see infrastructure legislation begin moving
At the end of July, the Senate’s attempt to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) collapsed. Last minute attempts failed to salvage pieces and parts of the Senate bill so a comprehensive health care package could be written in conference with the House-passed health care legislation. In the end, there were no easy answers to the “pay for” elephant under the capitol dome. For the foreseeable future, health care professionals expect insurance markets to remain unstable and expensive with additional insurance market withdrawals and unbalanced risk pools around the country. Rural health concerns continue to mount. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention finds rural residents are less likely to contract cancer than their urban counterparts but are more likely to die from it. Rural residents have fewer choices for diagnosis and intervention than do urbanites. The Chartis Center for Rural Health reports that 80 rural hospitals have closed since 2010 and 41 percent of rural hospitals now are operating at a negative margin.
on the Hill. However, it appears that with health care legislation out of the way, comprehensive tax code reform could be next in line first pushing infrastructure into next year.
RURAL BROADBAND The National Grange recently filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) n support of the Commission’s Notice of Proposed Rule-making on Restoring Internet Freedom.
The Grange noted
that previous reclassification of high-speed internet as a utility service caused a decline in broadband investment and encouraged the Commission to return to rules that protect internet user’s online rights while encouraging broadband build-out.
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FARM BILL The National Grange joined the dairy industry to secure $500 million over the next ten years to provide greater levels of Margin Protection Program insurance coverage. These funds will carry forward to the upcoming new Farm Bill. Farm Service Agency funding for farm loans will hold at the same level FY 2017, thanks to the efforts by the National Grange and several rural lender organizations; with farmers and ranchers facing difficult economic conditions ahead, now is not the time for FSA to run out of loan money. Included in the FY 2018 budget resolution proposed by the House is a $10 billion reduction in agriculture spending over ten years. Congressional agriculture committees will decide what programs to trim. Supporters of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance program (food stamps) are gearing to defend SNAP from program cuts in the new farm bill.
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From left, National Grange President Betsy Huber, Sales, Programs, Benefits and Membership Recognition Director Loretta Washington and Legislative Director Burton Eller, meet with Sonny Ramaswami from the National Institute of Food Agriculture to discuss agricultural research.
Meetings raise Grange By Ferderica Cobb The National Grange has been meeting with high profile officials from different organizations in D.C. with the goal of advocating for the needs of the people of rural America. National Grange President Betsy Huber said the outreach has been effective so far, especially thanks to the great focus on rural just before and after the 2016 presidential election. She and Legislative Director Burton Eller have contacted a variety of people across business, government and other organizations focused on agriculture and rural issues. “Burton and I are scheduling meetings with leaders in DC to raise our profile and reintroduce the Grange as a source of grassroots opinions and information,” Huber said. In July, Sonny Ramaswami from the National Institute of Food Agriculture met with the National Grange team at the 1616 H St. NW Grange headquarters where they discussed the history of agricultural research and the Grange’s historical support for public research. “Most of the officials we meet with are familiar with the Grange but have not heard from us in a few years,” said Huber. “They are happy to reconnect with us as a source of information and opinions from the heartland. Of course they are impressed that we have been
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profile in D.C.
around for 150 years and they are somewhat familiar with our rich history of advocacy for the common man and agriculture.” Eller says meetings like this are powerful in building relationships and getting one’s message across. “The electronic age has not replaced face-to-face meetings for delivering messages effectively,” Eller said. “One’s advocacy position is best remembered when there’s a name and face to go with it.” Huber was appointed to the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Board and as such has a working relationship with Chairman Ajit Pai. She serves on working groups looking at streamlining federal siting and state model code. “He is a huge advocate for expansion of broadband and equality of access to rural areas and he sees the Grange as a partner in this, his priority issue,” Huber said. “Our members have told us examples of their struggles for access, and he has seen many more examples in his travels around the U.S. As a member of the FCC Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee, I am helping to identify barriers to deployment and working on model codes to incentivize companies to work in rural unserved and under-served areas. In early September, Huber will interview Pai for Grange Radio, discussing the digital divide and other issues related to rural
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PROFILE continued on page 67
Farm Bill 101 A Long and Contentious Journey Ahead
By Cait Cady On July 30, eight members of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture from around the country assembled in a crowded auditorium at Angelo State University in West Texas. The setting surely contrasted with the committee’s elegant, chandeliered hearing room back in Washington, D.C. During the three-hour listening session, lawmakers heard emotional testimony from a local peanut farmer who has helplessly watched his young neighbors lose their farms, a food bank director who confronts entrenched rural food insecurity every day, and a cotton grower who fears for the future of his son who will soon take over the family farm. Yes, it’s that time again when members of Congress are preparing to write a piece of legislation at the very heart of rural America: the 2018 farm bill.
What is the Farm Bill?
The farm bill sets national agriculture and food policy by comprehensively appropriating money to a number of programs and agencies administered by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). It affects all Americans because it touches everything from Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) – formerly known as food stamps – to crop insurance to conservation and forest management. Farm bills have been a major part of American agriculture policy since the 1930s when lawmakers sought to help farmers grapple with the disastrous effects of the Great Depression and a huge legislative priority of the Grange and other rural and agricultural serving organizations. Just like the federal government, itself, the size and scope of the farm bill has grown dramatically over the past nine decades. Today, the farm bill has become a huge omnibus bill, which means it addresses several divergent policy areas, going far beyond its original role of setting agriculture policy. Farm Bills are typically enacted every four or five years; gaps between bills have ranged from one to nine years. The Agriculture Act of 2014 is the most recent rendition of the farm bill and remains in effect today. The 2014 farm bill is set to expire September 30, 2018, giving Congress only one short year to hash out their differences and pass another farm bill.
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The 2018 farm bill’s journey will start in the House and Senate agriculture committees where members from both parties will debate the future of American agriculture, nutrition assistance, and conservation. Throughout the summer, both committees have been holding public hearings in Washington, D.C., and listening sessions around the country in order to get a sense of what policies Americans want to see in 2018. At a recent Senate agriculture hearing, Chairman Pat Roberts (R-KS) announced that he hopes the committee can produce a draft of the bill by the end of the year, a pragmatic decision that will get the bill out for ACT NOW a vote well before the September Visit our web page, 2018 deadline. nationalgrange. A year might sound like plenty org/take-action for of time to write a single piece of more information legislation, but the politics of the about how to farm bill are increasingly complex get involved and because it brings together contact your lawmakers representing vastly representatives. different constituencies. Members from cotton growing districts, urban districts, or districts home to active research universities all have very different priorities and visions for the farm bill. When crafting a huge piece of legislation under serious budgetary constraints, lawmakers contentiously compete to ensure that the farm bill meets the specific needs of their constituents.
Budget Battles
As lawmakers negotiate the multibillion-dollar farm bill, they encounter questions always at the center of heated budgetary debates, such as which programs should be prioritized, how much money do they need to run efficiently, and how will we pay for them. Lawmakers writing the 2018 farm bill will already be working with a smaller budget than they had three years ago because the 2014 farm bill cost the federal government less than the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) predicted. This difference can largely be attributed to fewer people signing up for SNAP benefits due to the economic recovery. Congress is increasingly looking to reign in federal spending through drastic budget cuts that touch almost every agency
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POLICY AREAS COVERED BY THE FARM BILL
and department. In March, the Trump Administration released a 2018 budget that cut billions from programs under the purview of the farm bill, including rural development projects, SNAP and crop insurance. Chairwoman of the House Budget Committee Diane Black (R-NC) is also seeking to make ambitious cuts to government spending, originally aiming to cut $70 billion from agriculture over the next decade. The two budget proposals have been met with skepticism by members of both parties in the Senate and House Agriculture Committees, who are on the frontlines of crafting agriculture policy. Politico recently reported that after several weeks of heated negotiations between House Agriculture Committee Chairman Mike Conaway (R-TX) and Chairwoman Black, Rep. Conaway was able to secure much more modest cuts to agriculture. Now, the House Agriculture Committee will likely need to work a roughly $10 billion cut, spread over the next decade, into the upcoming Farm Bill.
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Even as some lawmakers see the $10 billion cut as a victory for agriculture in the face of deficit reducing fervor, it has a number of detractors on both sides of the aisle. Ranking Member of the House Agriculture Committee Collin Peterson (D-MN) released a statement speaking for House agriculture Democrats, “The cuts as outlined in the Majority’s budget resolution will make it much more difficult, if not near impossible, to pass a new farm bill.” Democrats are afraid of how the cuts will be distributed throughout the farm bill, fearing that nutrition assistance programs will be forced to absorb most of the impact. On the other side, some conservative members of the House Republican caucus are upset that Chairwoman Black balked under pressure and is not pursuing more drastic cuts. A smaller than anticipated cut might anger the House Freedom Caucus, but larger cuts would likely completely derail farm bill negotiations.
The Role of SNAP
While debating the future of agriculture
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Crop insurance
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Commodity programs
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Conservation efforts
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Agricultural export programs and foreign food aid
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Nutritional assistance, such as SNAP
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Farm credit programs
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Rural economic development, including grants for infrastructure and telecommunications
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Agriculture research
•
US Forest Service management programs
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Investment in renewable energy and biofuels
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Support for specialty crops
policy, lawmakers are frequently forced to confront the elephant in the room: SNAP. The program remains a critical safety net for millions of low-income families, and the amount of money appropriated to SNAP in the farm bill has steadily risen over time. According to the Congressional Research Service, SNAP funding made up 80 percent of the 2014 farm bill. SNAP has long been seen as one of the most controversial elements of the farm bill drafting process. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have delivered impassioned pleas to spare the program from spending cuts entirely or make drastic cost saving reforms. Members of Congress are put in a tight situation as they try to integrate a $10 billion cut into the farm bill, and SNAP is one of the few programs leaders have publicly stated may fall victim to cuts. Republican leadership and the Democratic minority
have already had heated exchanges over what programs to cut, and SNAP is frequently the topic at hand. The prospect of cutting SNAP, in any way, angers most Democrats sitting on the congressional agricultural committees. Given the controversy and partisanship that surrounds SNAP, many people wonder why we don’t just simplify the farm bill by separating SNAP and agriculture policy into two separate pieces of legislation. This is a tempting proposition, but not possible due to the present political climate and the country’s changing demographics, and as such, something not in the advocacy
package of the National Grange. Rolling a multitude of divergent programs into one huge omnibus bill has become a staple of agriculture policy out of political necessity. It is the surest way to bring together a diverse group of lawmakers, who represent different constituencies and different interests. With people continuously flocking to cities, most members of the House today represent urban districts. Thus, the majority of representatives do not have a vested interest in agriculture policies. According to Kansas State agriculture economics professor Barry Flinchbaugh,“If we remove food stamps and nutritional policy from the farm bill, it will be the last farm bill.” Simply put, combining different policies into one bill brings more people to the table. Members of Congress from largely urban districts gain no electoral advantage from supporting multibillion dollar agricultural policies, but their majority status makes their support essential to passing a major piece of legislation. Nutrition assistance programs, like SNAP, affect all districts and states, which makes every lawmaker have a substantial stake the farm bill’s eventual success.
PROFILE
Grange Priorities for Farm Bill The National Grange, as it has for decades, is committed to fighting for a fair Farm Bill that will serve the diverse needs of our members. Crop insurance is one of the highest priority areas and our efforts will focus on asking lawmakers to ensure it remains well funded and fair, providing a critical safety net for those in one of the riskiest professions in the country. Another long-standing priority for the Grange is the support of research institutions that provide rural America with innovative and competitive agriculture research. The Grange will continue to support successful USDA conservation measures that work with communities to preserve our nation’s plentiful land and resources for future generations. Lastly, we will fight for investments in rural development and infrastructure projects that will help local economies thrive. The National Grange encourages our members to take an active role in advocacy for a fair, robust and responsive farm bill. “Voices of people in rural America as part of the process are invaluable,” Legislative Director Burton Eller said recently. “The farm bill impacts all of us and it’s important for lawmakers to hear directly from their constituents.” Eller urged anyone interested in farm, food and rural issues to visit the National Grange website and become an advocate. The 2018 farm bill has a long and winding journey ahead. It is difficult to predict what the final version will look like, but for now, Eller said, we must all “play our part to see that we have a 2018 farm bill that works for everyone.”
Huber is looking forward to more meetings in the future. “I would love the opportunity to meet with USDA Secretary Perdue and with President Trump’s Agricultural Advisor Ray Starling,
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who is a Grange member from North Carolina,” Huber said.
broadband infrastructure. Huber and Eller also have a meeting scheduled in September with Anne Hazlett, the new Assistant to the Secretary for Rural Development at United States Department of Agriculture. Huber hopes these meetings will help the Grange develop ongoing relationships with the organizations. “After these introductory meetings hopefully the door will be opened to these officials, and they will be encouraged to contact us for input on upcoming important issues, like immigration, water policy, the Farm Bill, food security, and infrastructure legislation,” Huber said.
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Eller said he is excited about all of the meetings the National Grange is getting to partake in and believes the Grange has the ability and reputation to make lasting change in issues that affect people in rural parts of the country. “Our hope is to speak from the true rural grassroots about priority issues of Grange policy,” said Eller. “A multitude of groups, most with little or no constituency, try to speak to, for and about rural America, but the Grange is the only organization truly representing all forms of life and culture in Rural America. The Grange message has validity.”
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Rural America needs this Lifeline
do not make rural residents the scapegoat for problems that
By Betsy Huber National Grange President
they do not appear to have created. When we asked our Grange members about access to
Not long before the 4th of July weekend this year, the
broadband, you told us there were problems – and the data
federal Government Accountability Office (GAO) released a
supports your reporting. The FCC’s 2015 Broadband Progress
report that purported to expose fraud and abuse in the Lifeline
Report found that more than half (53 percent) of rural Americans
program providing free cell phone and broadband access to
lack access to high-speed broadband. (Inner cities areas also lag
qualifying low-income households. The watchdog organization
somewhat behind affluent suburbs, but do much better overall
uncovered some evidence of problems that generated a lot of
than the rural U.S.) And much of our rural communities may lack
headlines.
such access for many years to come. In fact, if you look at a map
But one interesting aspect of its findings has been overlooked:
Nowhere in the report does it indicate that
of the portion of rural America west of the Mississippi River that is served by broadband, you will see what is a high-tech wasteland.
low-income rural participants in the Lifeline program are the
The stakes for rural America in the future of Lifeline are
problem when it comes to fraud and abuse. So, the question
higher than many understand. For low-income Americans in
logically arises:
urban areas, Lifeline is often only about getting a cell phone. In
If low-income rural Americans are not the
rural areas, it’s that … but also the closest thing many individuals
problem when it comes to Lifeline, why punish them? Whatever the Federal Communications Commission (which
may have to broadband access. So, an FCC or Congressional
oversees the Lifeline program) and Congress may do to tighten
crackdown on Lifeline that hurts rural Americans not only puts
up the Lifeline program, I will be fighting to make sure that they
the bite on the wrong people, it also shortchanges them twice
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“The FCC’s 2015 Broadband Progress Report found that more than half (53 percent) of rural Americans lack access to high-speed broadband.”
over: once in terms of cellphone access and second in terms of broadband. Of course, no one opposes fiscal responsibility in the Lifeline program. Everyone will support smart efforts to reduce fraud. But It is unfair and insensitive to call for overkill fixes for problems that can easily be rooted out and treated in a surgical way. Not only has the FCC in recent years enacted sweeping reforms tackling
concerns
about
the
Lifeline program, but it also took additional steps in 2016 to make sure that cellphone and broadband services would be even more efficient. If the GAO
has found more concerns that need fixing, let’s deal with those. But we don’t need to throw out the baby (rural access) with the bathwater. What about scaling back the funds available for Lifeline or creating a co-pay requirement of some kind? Many of the 12 million Americans using wireless Lifeline today are in rural areas and these struggling individuals – including the elderly, disabled and veterans – would simply be squeezed out of the program under a cut (sometimes referred to as a “cap”) or a co-pay arrangement. Experts say that Lifeline has one of the lowest participation rates -serving only 28 percent of eligible households. Cutting or “capping” the program at a lower level than is now the case means the share of unserved eligible individuals will just go up. Why have a means-tested program only to deny coverage to millions who meet the test? Should a veteran living in rural America really be denied access to a program? Should a farmer? In the same vein, the co-pay approach that is designed to force program participants to have some “skin in the game” does not make sense. For starters, there is no evidence it will work to reduce fraud and abuse. By definition it also means that the poorest program participants will be least able to make the “co-pay” and therefore fall out of the program. In what scheme of things does it make sense to force the very people most in need out of a federal poverty program? Kicking low-income rural Americans to the curb in the name of “fixing” Lifeline would send a clear message that Congress is abandoning the goal of universal access to telecommunications services. The National Grange will work long and hard to make sure that does not happen. Source: Numbers derived from data in the 2014 American
Defense of Lifeline Cheryl Leanza, Policy Advisor, United Church of Christ, OC Inc.: “ Communications is a human right -- a tool that connects us to our communities, helps to disclose injustice, and facilitates innumerable aspects of modern life. Lifeline is the only program that assists households with the cost of broadband internet. Fortunately, last year the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) modernized the Lifeline program and established new, more rigorous safeguards. We insist that FCC Chairman Ajit Pai move ahead swiftly to ensure the new eligibility verification process will be implemented as quickly as possible.”
Michael Copps, Former FCC Commissioner; Special Adviser, Common Cause: “The bottom line is the FCC must fix what little needs repair and get on with the job of making broadband accessible to those who cannot afford the high prices providers charge for something everyone must have.”
Free State Foundation President Randolph May: I generally support free market-oriented communications policies, nevertheless, I have been a long-time supporter of a properly structured and implemented Lifeline program... The GAO report finds that the FCC has more work to do to ensure against fraud and abuse of the program and to verify that those receiving benefits are indeed eligible... The GAO report’s findings will help focus on the need for reform.”
Community Survey (ACS), US Census Bureau
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PERSPECTIVE
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The Grange Abroad: International Outreach Overview
76 79
Blazing a Trail: The Grange in Canada
Germany-USA Program: Creating Lasting, Borderless Friendships
The Grange of our Ancestors
Beyond our Borders
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A Trace Remains: ‘Grange’ Student Association active in the Philippines
Taking the Grange of Yesterday and Today to Senegal
The Grange Abroad By Jenna Spinelle
to fight against the Axis countries in WWII. “The political structure of the United Nations is designed to
Although Granges are formed among members from the
address issues of abject poverty and starvation and things like
same community, their footprint extends far beyond the borders
that, which fits nicely with the mission of the National Grange,”
of a county, a state or even the United States as a whole.
Watson said. “They are training people to be excited about
The Grange has been an international organization from
democracy.”
the very beginning. The organization’s first president, William
In the summer of 1942, National Grange President Albert S.
Saunders, grew up on a farm in Scotland. Saunders brought
Goss sent a message to China on behalf of the 800,000 Grange
some of the ideas he observed there to form the basis of the
members at that time. The message was sent on United Nations
Grange’s traditions.
Day and designed to speak to a country that was in danger of
“The entire ritual structure is based on the concept of foreign
being controlled by Axis power Japan.
culture,”National Grange Executive Committee Member and
“Wars may destroy our cities and our industries, but to the
organizational historian Leroy Watson said. “Saunders was
end of time agriculture will continue to be the most important
extremely influential and became quite successful when he
occupation of man, for all people depend upon it; and those
moved to the U.S. as an adult.”
nations will live whose roots are most deeply grounded in the
Over the past 150 years, the Grange has worked with
soil,” Goss’ message read. “We who work upon the soil pledge
countries around the world to provide food and help train farmers
to you, the farmers of China, and to the farmers of all the United
in remote villages from Haiti to Guatemala to the Philippines.
Nations, that we will not fail you. We shall give the best there is
Grange members hosted exchange students from Germany in
in us until victory for the United Nations is achieved.”
the volatile years following WWII and drove through cold, dark winter nights to assist Granges in Canada.
Several other major diplomatic efforts occurred throughout the WWI and WWII eras. The Grange was heavily involved
Individual projects have come and gone but the sentiment
in creating the International Institute of Agriculture, which
remains the same — helping those in need no matter where
caught the attention of Italy’s King Victor Emmanuel III and set
they live. The ideals of family and community have transcended
the stage for a decades-long collaboration between the two
language barriers and cultural differences to show just what
countries.
Grange members can do to help make the world a better place.
The institute was the brainchild of California Grange member David Lubin, and National Grange President Louis J.
DIPLOMACY
Taber was a delegate to the organization’s convention in Rome
At its heart, the Grange is a pacifist organization that seeks resolution to conflict through dialogue and diplomacy rather than physical conflict and violence.
in 1926. Taber’s visit to Rome was described as “a plain farmer from the young West, coming to the home of the Caesars
That principle guided Grange leaders when they were
and basking in the sunlight of a glorious past and a brilliant
deciding how best to help with conflicts around the world, said
present,” according to the book “The Grange — Friend of the
Watson.
Farmer,” written in 1950 by Charles M. Gardner.
“The Grange was seen as the farm organization for people
“On behalf of the delegates from the Golden West, on
who would otherwise have natural pacifist views as Quakers,”
behalf of the English-speaking peoples present, we want to
Watson said. “Our guiding principle in dealing with foreign
testify again to the matchless hospitality, to the splendid spirit
affairs is that we don’t want to fight.”
and to the indomitable courage of our friends in Italy; and
As such, the Grange was part of the efforts that led to the
to say that we will go back to our own lands with a greater
founding of the United Nations in 1945. The organization
appreciation of the grandeur of Rome that is past, and with a
began taking shape in 1942 when 26 countries came together
greater faith in the Italy that is, and in the Italy yet to be.
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Charter records for the first few Granges in Canada and charter applications from the six Granges in the Philippines are part of the historical collection in the National Grange headquarters. Taber reported back to President Calvin Coolidge about European agriculture and the Grange’s efforts to make inroads with Europe in the years following WWI.
THE CARE PROJECT As the U.S. economy solidified after World War II, the Grange once again turned its attention toward helping those in need
At the same time Taber visited Italy, another group of
across the world.
Grange members was working to provide aid to the island of
This time around, the focus was food. With its roots in
Syra, a small island that is part of Greece. A Grange couple,
agriculture, the Grange was perfectly suited to supply food that
identified as Mr. and Mrs. Fred Midgley in Gardner’s text, went
would be delivered to other countries. One of those efforts was
to the island to run an orphanage housing 1,400 children on
the Grange-CINEC project in Haiti, which brought food to one of
behalf of the Near East Relief aid organization.
the world’s poorest countries from 1980-82.
While the Midgleys’ work in Syra was not directly tied to the
The project was part of the larger CARE project, which aims
Grange, they were recommended by several Grange leaders
to fight hunger and poverty around the world. The organization
to run the orphanage, Gardner wrote. Their work generated
began after World War II - with the Grange as one of its charter
interest among Grange members and led to the shipment of
members - and is still going strong today.
cows, pigs and chickens from the U.S. to Greece.
CARE began in 1945 as a way to send food to European
In 1922, the National Grange approved the use of $1,000 to send a tractor to Armenia through Near East Relief.
countries after World War II. Twenty-two organizations from government and industry joined forces to get the organization
“The Grange tractor was the pioneer in a movement for the
off the ground, and the first 15,000 CARE packages were
importation of American farm machinery into that backward
delivered to World War II survivors in Le Havre, France on May
country, resulting in an actual revolution of Armenian farming
11, 1946.
methods,” according to Gardner. “For several years the Grange
As Europe stabilized, the program turned its sights to
tractor was reported to have done the work of fifty horses, and
countries in Africa and South America. While many organizations
operated continuously without a single day’s layoff for repairs.”
donated money to support CARE and similar efforts, the Grange
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donated food directly to ensure that it ended up in the hands of
McDowell also drew comparisons to problems farmers in Haiti faced to problems those listening to the presentation
those who needed it most. “The Grange has been the most consistent advocate for food
might have been experiencing in their own backyards — things
assistance,” Watson said. “If someone needs food, let’s give them
like soil erosion and a lack of irrigated land for farming. She
food because it’s less susceptible to corruption. Money may not
also shared how the Grange was providing solutions to those
always go where you want it to go.”
problems throughout the country.
Donating food to other countries also provided the opportunity
“Grange members know and understand the problems farmers and rural people have faced in our country,” she wrote in a report
for U.S. farmers to guarantee a sale for their crops. Beyond donating food, CARE also empowers people in underprivileged parts of the world to become farmers and solve hunger problems through agriculture. There is a particular focus on women farmers and ensuring they are paid equally for farm work. Today, CARE works in 94 countries around the world and supports more than 1,000 humanitarian aid projects. The organization focuses on disaster relief and empowering young women in countries with male-dominated cultures. While the National Grange no longer holds a seat on the board as it did for the first several decades, a few Granges still participate by providing donations to CARE and keeping its message alive for new generations who may be learning for the first time about one or both organizations. Continuing that focus on female empowerment, the Grange Women’s Activities Committee also partnered with CARE on outreach efforts in Haiti from 1980-82. Susan McDowell, a former Grange legislative assistant, represented the organization on a trip to Haiti with the CARE Board of Trustees and presented her results to the committee when she returned. The presentation highlighted the disparities between those living in Haiti’s wealthy capital city Port-Au-Prince and those living in poorer, remote farming villages throughout the rest of the country.
given in October 1981 by the Women’s Activities Committee. “Our brothers and sisters in the so-called Third World share similar problems, and confront others as well.” The chief goal of the CARE project was not just to provide free goods or services, but to create long-term stability that would continue long after the Grange was actively involved in the region. “CARE activities in Haiti demonstrate their approach of not merely providing a handout, but instead providing the world’s poor with a means of progressing and developing and helping themselves,” McDowell said in her report. “I visited several handicraft centers in northwest Haiti where, using local materials, the villagers learn to weave and punch rugs and tapestries.” CARE then sold those items in larger towns and explored the possibility of exporting them to the U.S. or other countries. These training programs did not deter from the Grange’s goal of providing food aid to those in need. In 1980 alone, CARE provided dry milk, wheat, oil and other food items to feed 257,000 Haitians, according to McDowell’s presentation. The organization also gave water to those who did not previously have access to clean drinking sources. One final program in the CARE portfolio was the Community Integrated Nutrition and Education Centers (CINEC) set up throughout the country to share information on healthy eating habits with adults and children alike. The Grange delegation visited a CINEC facility in ChevreauLombard, which it helped finance, and McDowell reported that
The Grange was a key player in the founding of the Peace Corps and raised goats and other animals for the people of Guatemala.
she was impressed with the progress she saw among a population who previously had little in the way of formal education. The Grange’s involvement in CARE ended in the 1990s, but not before additional work could be done in Bangladesh, Guatemala and other parts of the world.
Peace Corps The Grange, a pacifist organization by nature, was a key player in the founding of the Peace Corps during the Kennedy administration in the early 1960s. Many early Peace Corps volunteers served as agricultural ambassadors to farming villages around the world. Wib Justi, the first National Grange Youth Director and chief architect of the Grange Germany-USA Friendship Program,
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Germany exchange students from the 1955-56 class of the Grange’s Germany-USA Program take time to pose for a photo ans they begin their experience. oversaw the Peace Corps expansion into Guatemala from 1963-
the Grange Peace Corps Activities Fund to support members who
65. He also assisted with the volunteer training program at New
were serving.
Mexico State University and raised funds for extra materials to help ensure success of the Guatemala project.
Additional funds were also raised to provide rabbits, goats and turkeys to people in Guatemala to help fight malnutrition that
Many Grange members signed up to be part of the new
plagued the country, according to the Journal of Proceedings.
Peace Corps program, including James Gregory of Longmont,
Despite a strong start, interest in the Guatemala program had
Colorado, who was assigned to a small village in Colombia. An
waned by the 1970s. Justi had a growing family and was not able
account of his experience appears in the David M. Howard book
to devote the time and energy to maintaining it that he did with the
“People, Pride and Progress: The 125th Anniversary of Grange,”
Germany-USA Friendship Program in the 1950s, Watson said.
published in 1992.
Funding for the Peace Corps was not as generous as what was
Gregory said that serving in the Peace Corps took understanding, patience and hard work.
available from the Marshall Plan following WWII, which added to the challenges of recruiting Grange members to join the Peace
“We will give these for two years and maybe more. We all hope that you are with us and will back us up in any way possible. We can’t do it alone, but with help we can try,” Gregory said. Justi advised Grange members everywhere to support the
Corps as the years went on. “Recruiting people to go there was more difficult,” Watson said. “It’s easier to convince someone to host a kid than it was to get people to move to Guatemala.”
Peace Corps “in word and in deed, for it deserves a chance
Even though involvement in the Peace Corps declined, the
to prove itself as a positive United States effort to practice
sentiment to help those in need remains a key part of the Grange’s
international brotherhood.”
mission, Watson said.
The 1965 Journal of Proceedings reported that 49 Grange
“The Grange can support the idea of people being able to
members had registered as Peace Corps volunteers by that time.
feed themselves so they don’t get drawn into war and draw us in
The Grange’s official contract with the Peace Corps ended July 1,
with them,” Watson said. “No American benefits from someone
1965, but the National Executive Committee approved continuing
starving somewhere else in the world.”
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75
North
The Grange Goes
By Jenna Spinelle
understanding
While the Grange today focuses mainly on issues in the United States, one
of
the
organization’s
earliest
activities was outreach to our neighbor to the north. The history of the Grange’s relationship with Canada goes back almost as far as the organization itself. After an initial
between
the
two
countries that those involved carry with them today.
to seek greater independence. That independence came in the form of the Dominion Grange, an umbrella organization for all Granges in Canada.
EARLY COLLABORATION As
early
as
the
1800s,
The Dominion Grange held its first the
meeting in Toronto on September 22,
organization was conducting outreach
1874. It had 44 Subordinate Granges, a
with its neighbors to the north. Farmers
number that had grown from 22 just a
unions in Canada date back to the
few months prior.
1700s, but the Grange movement did
“It was still an agricultural society
again turned inward as they headed to
not take hold until the 1860s, when
in the 19th century, and so it made
war and the Great Depression.
Granges began to organize.
sense that a burgeoning organization
surge of cooperation, both countries
Over the years, U.S. Grange members
Enter Eben Thompson, a delegate
like the Grange would also take root in
have been involved with trying to keep
of the National Grange who organized
Canada,” said Grange historian Leroy
their Canadian counterparts up and
nine Granges in Canada throughout the
Watson.
running. While those efforts were not
1860s and 70s. These early groups were
The Dominion Grange also had
ultimately successful, the relationships
subordinates of the National Grange in
Provincial Granges in many Canadian
that were formed promoted a greater
the U.S. and, after a few years, began
provinces, including Ontario, Nova
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Scotia, New Brunswick and Manitoba.
were operated by Grange members but
The total number of Granges in Canada
remained separate from the Grange
had grown to nearly 1,000 by 1886,
itself. Grange members in Ontario also
with membership reaching more than
came together to fight against rising
25,000.
salt prices and successfully enacted
The structure
Dominion was
organizational
modeled
after
the
a salt block that resulted in a price reduction.
Rochdale Society of Equitable Pioneers,
Grange leaders in the U.S. and
which called for all members to have a
Canada remained distant but cordial
financial stake in the organization and
throughout the early years of the
was the precursor to the co-op model
Dominion Grange. The U.S. had just
used around the world today.
come out of the Civil War and was
“A lot of early Grange organization
focusing on expansion of its western
depended on people who would go
territories, so there was not much
out and organize Granges,” Watson
interest in building a relationship with
said. “The National Grange leaders
Canada. And, Canadian leaders wanted
sent several delegations and began
to maintain their independence without
forming cooperatives in the 1870s
feeling legally or financially beholden
and adopted British innovation and
to the National Grange.
corporate structure.”
Those feelings of civil separation
In practice, that model took the form of a loan company, life insurance and a joint stock wholesale company that
were
emblematic
of
the
political
relationship the countries continue to have today. “Canada in general and Canadian
This 1920’s newspaper clipping from The Vancouver Daily Word talks about Grange Master Sherman J. Lowell demanding fair pay for farmers.
Photo
courtesy of newspapers.com
farmers have always had somewhat a
Ernest Charles Drury, a farmer and politician from Ontario, was master of Dominion Grange and co-founder of United Farmers of Ontario. Photo courtesy of the Canadian Encyclopedia
degree of a love/hate relationship with neighbors to the south,” Watson said.
U.S. and Canada became involved
“Both groups decided it was a good
in World War I and World War II and
idea to remain separate but friendly.”
focused on social issues like Prohibition and suffrage. Competitor organizations
CHANGING TIMES, SHIFTING PRIORITIES
The rapid growth of the Dominion
like the Farmers Union also mounted a campaign to discredit the Grange and drive members away.
Grange proved to be unsustainable in
“Basically during that time Grange
the long term. A number of the Granges
looked inward and we were trying to
were dormant or inactive by 1886, and
solve our own problems and how to
subordinates were not receiving much
attract people to our organization,”
support centrally.
Watson said. “It was really a time of
“The rapidity with which the Order spread for some years was wonderful,”
introspection without looking as much overseas.”
reads the book “New Developments”
The same pattern held true in Canada,
by Joseph W. McArthur. “No thoughtful
where a changing economic landscape
person could expect it to continue to
caused people to move away from farms
progress at the same rate, and no one is
and into cities. As such, the Dominion
surprised that progress has slackened.”
Grange slowly eroded over time and was
Membership continued to decline
folded into other organizations like the
into the 20th century, when both the
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Farmers’ Association.
77
“It was still an agricultural society in the 19th century, and so it made sense that a burgeoning organization like the Grange would also take root in Canada.”
The Lowrys tried to provide some of that leadership, but the distance required to travel there and back was not sustainable in the long term. “I was disappointed that we couldn’t keep it going,” Lowry said. “We were trying to get them motivated, but there were people who were unwilling to come to the meetings. It’s hard to keep things going when you have a few people who are naysayers.” What started as a fruitful partnership now appears to have come to an end. But, the framework of the past remains in place for any future collaboration that may occur.
20TH CENTURY REVIVAL A new chapter in the Canadian Grange story began in the 1930s when the Clarenceville Grange formed in Quebec. The Grange was organized by R. V. Cheeseman of Vermont and was initially affiliated with the Vermont Grange, even
“The Grange has been a very common subject for researchers in Canada and there’s interest in uncovering more of what went on between the two countries back then,” Watson said.
though the town of Clarenceville shared a border with New A depiction of officers of the Dominion Grange featured
York. The Maple Leaf Grange followed in 1941, with assistance from the Westville Grange in New York. The Clarenceville
in Canadian Illustrated News magazine in 1875. Photo courtesy of the Library and Archives Canada.
Grange joined it as part of the New York State Grange but maintained its connections with Vermont. Much like their U.S. counterparts, these Canadian Granges struggled to maintain membership in the years that followed. As the founding members from the ’40s became ill or passed away, younger members were not stepping up to take leadership positions. This was the case with the Clarenceville Grange, and the Vermont State Grange intervened to try and keep the organization alive. Members Liz and Daryl Lowry traveled to Clarenceville in the 1970s to try and keep it afloat when it was struggling. The Lowrys grew up in Quebec and moved to Vermont with Daryl in 1955. They joined the Grange shortly after. Their Canadian roots made them the logical choice for outreach to Clarenceville. They would drive from their home to Canada for Grange meetings and return home the same night — which made for several long, dark and cold trips across the border. “We had to wake up the person at the border to let them know we were coming,” Liz Lowry said. “We didn’t get home until 2 or 3 in the morning and then had to get up and work the next days. It was a long trip, but it was worth it.” In the end, their efforts did not prove successful and the Clarenceville Grange became inactive. While the Grange members were friendly and welcoming, there did not seem to be much interest in taking on leadership roles, Liz Lowry said.
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Germany-USA Program Creates
Lasting Friendships
By Jenna Spinelle Few things in life ever seem to live up to the names they are given, but the Grange’s Germany-USA Friendship Program is a rare exception. From 1950-56, Grange families across the country opened their doors to hundreds of high school exchange students from Germany. Designed as a program to ease post-WWII tensions between the countries, it was a catalyst for relationships that continue to this day. It has been argued as perhaps the Grange’s most successful venture into international relations and while it has not been replicated since its official closure in the 1950s, its impact is still felt by the hundreds of participants and their families on both sides of the Atlantic. Reunions held every few years now attract second and third generations of original program participants. In an era of political turmoil not unlike the postwar 1950s, some are seeing the opportunity an exchange program could bring if tried again in another part of the world.
HISTORY
In the years following WWII, the U.S. sought to repair relations with Germany and promote a greater level of understanding between the two countries. Doing so, the government believed, would ensure that postwar Germany would embrace democracy instead of communism. This concept and related outreach was
Germany-USA program participants and their families gather for reunions regularly. formalized under the Marshall Plan, which provided $13 billion in aid to Germany and other European countries. The Grange was at the height of its membership in the early 1950s and wanted to capitalize on that movement as a way to expand its reach beyond the U.S., according to Grange historian and National Executive Committee member Leroy Watson. The changing landscape of farm work in the years following the war meant a shift toward commercial, less laborintensive farming. The U.S. Department of Agriculture was setting policy that would have an impact on farming for
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generations to come, and the Grange wanted to make sure that it had a seat at the table. Participating in the program was one way to make that happen. “Grange leaders saw that there was a need for a great partnership with the federal government,” Watson said. “They wanted to be friends with the people who are making decisions for domestic policy.” Grange members generally viewed the Germany-USA Program positively. Support came from Albert Goss, who served as Master of the National Grange from 1941-49, who went on to work as Commissioner of the Farm Credit
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Administration under Franklin Delano Roosevelt. Goss argued that civilian outreach efforts could prevent the U.S. from ending up back at war with Europe. “One of the founding aspects of Grange culture is pacifism,” Watson said. “We believed that strengthening the Democratic side of the ledger economically and politically was better than continuing to keep 15 million Americans in uniform.” At the same time, the Grange was facing competition from the Farm Bureau and the Farmer’s Union and wanted to do something to bring notoriety to the Grange. No matter what support existed within the government or Grange leadership, those involved in the program agree that it would not have happened without the efforts of Wib and June Justi. Wib, the first National Grange Youth Director, and June, his wife who was nearly always seen by his side, organized the effort and kept it going long after the initial fiveyear commitment. “The outstanding role of Wib Justi and his wife, June, probably is the reason our group of Grangers still keep together like an intact family,” said program participant Johannes “John” Kuells. “Both were like our parents and best friends always for a lifetime. I think we all loved them and still do.”
LIVING THE EXPERIMENT
Konrad Bumes Sr. was among the first group of Germans to arrive in the U.S. in 1950. He did not attend high school in Germany because his family was afraid of bombs falling in the city. He was eager to apply for the friendship program as soon as he heard about it. In the days before television, he had only seen the U.S. in newspaper photos and even that exposure was limited. Whatever apprehension he had quickly went away once he arrived at his host family’s doorstep for his year, in Pine City, Minnesota. Bumes attended Pine City Senior High School and, while there, got t oWib Justi, the first National Grange Youth Director and his wife, June.
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A 1950 article from the Reading Eagle talks about 18-year-old Konrad Weniger’s experience as Germany-USA exchange student. experience some of the elements of high school that he did not at home — from sporting events to school dances. However, his yearbook entry is quick to point out that he did not participate in sports because he “would rather go home without any broken legs.” His son, Konrad Jr., said it did not take much convincing for his father to apply for the program. His sociable personality and strong command of English made him a good fit to be a young German ambassador. “He loved the idea of going there, no one had to push him,” Konrad Jr. said. “He has always liked getting in touch with people.” When Konrad Sr. returned to Germany after his year abroad, the skills he learned in the program allowed him to get a job at American Express. He later became a civil servant in Bavaria. He also told anyone who would listen about the wonderful
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Left: Grange member Fred Reed of Arkansas escorted German exchangees aboard the “Castel Felice” for their homebound journey in 1954. Reed used to call Johannes Kuells - one of the exchangees pictured - his brother, as they were both farm kids, even though Fred came from Arkansas and Kuells from Ratzeburg, Germany. Below: Germany-USA exchange students as teenagers enjoyed many facets of American life. experience had during the year abroad. Konrad Jr. recalls his father’s stories having a great impact on his childhood and shaping his perception of the world around him. “When my father talked about his year as an FFA [member] at the high school in Pine City, Minnesota, his eyes started sparkling and made us children more curious than any school book might ever achieve,” Konrad Jr. said. Kuells spent 1953 in Elkhorn, Wisconsin, living with the German exchangee, Konrad Bumes, whose son, Konrad Bumes Jr. now organizes much of the GGUSA communications, enjoyed his time in America and credited the experience with part of his personal and professional development.
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family of Merlyn W. Loomer — an experience he calls the most important year of his life. He sang in the high school choir and visited the University of WisconsinMadison and the International Livestock Show in Chicago. “I was full of energy, optimistic and ready to learn all I could about the people, their language, their way of life, history and their problems,” Kuells said. “I wanted to share everything with my host family and classmates and participate in all activities possible.” However, Kuells said he was surprised by the lack of understanding about the world at large he observed in his American classmates. Growing up in Germany, he was well aware of the toll that WWII took on the U.S., but he said he did not observe the same level of understanding during the year abroad. “I was disappointed about the ignorance of foreign affairs, foreign countries and their problems, when I talked to many American people and a lot of my classmates,” Kuells said. “I think we in Germany get a lot more and better information about what’s going on in the world by the media. And I think we are more interested in other countries.” Improving the understanding and relationship between
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Germany and the U.S. went both ways in the Friendship Program. From Aug. 20 to Sept. 25, 1956, a group of Grange Youth took a trip to Germany to see what home life was like for the exchange students who had been living with them. Billed as the “Grange Family Tour to Germany,” the trip included stops in Munich, Heidelberg and Dusseldorf, as well as visits to German farms and a week with a host family. Sandy Button was on that trip and recalls meeting many of the exchangees along the way as they traveled the country. She hosted an exchange student named Helga Kopf, who found herself making quite a transition from the city of Hanover to a small farm in rural upstate New York. She was coming from a city where her father was a teacher to a little farm in the middle of the country and living on a dirt road,” Button said. The trip to Germany was Button’s first big trip outside the U.S. It happened in the time just after she graduated college
Documents from the 1956 Grange Family Tour to Germany.
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but before she got married. She and her future husband, Wade, were active Grange Youth members and eager for the opportunity to go. She recalls walking along the Berlin Wall and feeling scared about getting in trouble for trespassing, especially because the group didn’t speak German. “If anyone said boo to us, I think we all would have jumped,” Button said. “Hardly any of us knew any German, but we had a wonderful guide who translated.” Since that trip, Button has returned to Germany several times and has traveled to many other places in the world, including several trips to see Kopf, who now lives in New Zealand. She credits the Grange excursion with giving her the confidence to leave the comfort of home and explore new places.
LASTING FRIENDSHIPS, CONTINUING TRADITIONS
Konrad Sr. died in 1988 at age 67, at which point Konrad Jr. took over organizing program reunions. In the decade or so that followed the program’s end, there were not any known reunions. It was only once participants realized how unique their experiences were that they thought it would be good to keep the traditions and the friendships alive. The group now meets every year or two, with most of the reunions taking place in the U.S. As the original program participants pass away, their children and grandchildren are carrying on the friendships they built. Konrad Jr. had the opportunity to visit Pine City in 2001 to see the high school his father attended. He received a guided tour from the principal and got to see firsthand the place he had previously only read about in Konrad Sr.’s yearbook. “I treasure my father’s yearbook, and I know that other families have felt a positive impact spanning multiple generations on both sides of the Atlantic,” he says. “The program has had a big impact on many people’s lives and careers. It changed the whole horizon and a generation’s way of thinking.”
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Program participants meet President Dwight D. Eisenhower Traveling to and from the reunions gives children of original program participants the opportunity to learn about life in another country just as their parents did. Konrad Jr. has visited more than half of the 50 U.S. states, and U.S. hosts like Button have seen more of Germany than they ever thought they would. “We’re all getting older and the group is getting smaller, but the next generations have taken over,” Button says. “We have seen Germany so well and had reunions in so many places that it almost feels like a second home.” The most recent reunion was held in Prien, Germany, in September 2016. Activities included climbing Mount Wendelstein and exploring the town of Brannenburg. In attendance were many second and third generation program members. A special tribute to Wib Justi, who passed away in 2014, was one of the most memorable and
Germany exchange students have dinner on board the MS Italia.
poignant parts of the event. Planning for the next reunion in 2018 is already underway. “The overriding impression from all talks at the reunion was that everybody wants to keep in touch with the people and spirit of the GG/USA program across the generations,” Konrad Jr. said. “Therefore, I believe in a continuation of the reunions, be it in the USA or Germany, in 2018 or any other time. You may call me a reunion-ist.”
LOOKING FORWARD
The Grange never replicated the Germany-USA Friendship Program in any other part of the world. Funding dried up as the Marshall Plan ended and the Grange had already moved onto other endeavors by the time the program ended in 1956. “By this point, Europe is getting to be well off and there is little or no chance they will go to war with us again,” Watson said. “The early agreements for what we now know as the EU were starting and Americans are ready to start focusing on their own interests again.” By the mid-1950s, the Cold War had set in and American attitudes were starting to turn homeward once again amid the fear of Communism. The Grange too had
Fond memories are shared at reunions, held in different parts of Germany and the U.S. in the past several years. moved on to other concerns, focusing on recruiting new members closer to home rather than improving relations abroad. Some argue that a little cultural tolerance could be just what the U.S. needs now given its current political climate. Much like post-WWII America, the
misinformation
about
foreign
countries is rampant thanks to social
Several generations gather during a reunion showing the broad and lasting affect of the Grange Germany-USA Friendship Program.
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media and politicized information, some of the participants and their decedents from both sides of the program said. “Any meaningful plan to overcome differences and solve problems starts from a common understanding, and the best way to find that understanding is through dialogue and interaction,” Bumes said. “The foreign exchange model may work just as well with a country in the Middle East today as it did with Germany more than 60 years ago,” he said. “Political turbulences come and go, but they are easier to ride out when simple people on both sides of the Atlantic know and appreciate each other directly and trust that their relationships and shared values will keep the upper hand, no matter what the top brass is doing,” Konrad Jr. said. “I believe in the diplomacy of your words or in the wisdom of your silence.” But, for now, the Germany-USA Friendship Program reunions will continue and the experiment will endure as something perhaps greater than the sum of its parts. “I was very impressed by the way my American host family made me part of their family,” Kuells said. “The deep and close contacts have never ended.”
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Grange in the
Philippines
By Jenna Spinelle
with Research Assistance by Kennedy Gwin and Mandy Bostwick efforts.
National
Grange
Executive
The Grange’s international outreach
From early colonization to modern-
extends far beyond Europe and North
day Granges, the organization’s activity
America. The far-flung island nation in
in the Philippines has seen several key
the Pacific Ocean has been a source of
periods of activity from the late 19th
education and collaboration over the past
century through the present day.
saw in Vietnam, but took place largely out
1898-1930s: HISTORY AND EARLY EFFORTS
more limited.
120 years. Unlike our northern neighbor Canada and longtime ally Germany, the Grange’s relationship with the Philippines is a little
The Philippines is an island nation in
the U.S. and language barrier make it
of Spain until the Spanish-American War
more difficult to record success stories
in 1898. Once the U.S. assumed control, it
coming from there.
quickly set out to foster democracy, which included supporting agriculture. These efforts were also meant to
documented in Journals of Proceedings
counteract
dating back to the 1930s.
sprung up in response to colonization
84
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guerrilla
resurgence
was similar to the resistance that the U.S.
“The U.S. government wanted people
southeast Asia. It was governed as a colony
lot of Grange history, are meticulously
historian Leroy Watson said the situation
of view because media access was much
less obvious. The country’s distance from
But those stories do exist and, like a
Committee member and organizational
that
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in the Philippines to be prosperous and set out to win their hearts and minds,” Watson said. “One way to do that was to help them organize their agricultural population, and at the time the most successful model for how to do that was National Grange.” In the early 1900s, coconut oil was the Philippines’ main export crop. In addition
CARE AND THE CREATION OF GRANGES
to educating farmers, the Grange also
successful. Residents there did not speak
worked to bolster the country’s economy
English at the time the U.S. assumed
by ensuring that revenue from those
control, so communicating with them was
exports stayed with the burgeoning
difficult for anyone trying to do outreach
the Great Depression and the Grange
government rather than ending up in the
there, Watson said.
was ready to re-establish its international
hands of the resistance.
By the 1950s, the U.S. had weathered
“The efforts from the U.S. to help were
outreach. In the intervening years, the
According to the 1934 Journal of
met with skepticism,” Watson said. “The
Philippines became one of the founding
Proceedings, “All the revenues derived
attempts to replicate what worked in the
members of the United Nations and
from taxing cocoanut [sic] oil imported
U.S. and Canada were not as successful
received its independence from the U.S.
from the Islands shall be placed in a
in a system that did not have technology
in 1946.
separate fund and returned to the treasury
and infrastructure. To some extent it took
of the Philippines.”
root and lasted for quite sometime, but it
By the 1930s, decades after the
was never widespread.”
Spanish-American War came to an end,
As with the Grange’s other international
the Philippines was well on its way to
relationships, things in the Philippines
becoming an independent, democratic
also scaled back in the 1930s as the U.S.
nation. The 1934 Journal of Proceedings
entered the Great Depression. Leaders
also reflected this.
turned inward to focus on reassuring
“The Grange gave its hearty support
farmers at home rather than spending
to the legislation for granting complete
time and money to foster agriculture
independence to the Philippines, both
abroad, Watson said.
because we had pledged ourselves
While the work in the Philippines was
to give the people of the Islands [sic]
not 100 percent successful, the lessons
independence as soon as they had
learned would inform the Grange’s
demonstrated their capacity for self-
outreach for years to come, Watson said.
government, and because free trade
”There’s this amazing Grange process
between the Islands and the United States
of looking back at lessons learned and
has been detrimental to the interests of
trying to prevent the same mistakes from
American farmers,” according to the
happening again,” Watson said. “Those
journal.
records and those experiences really
However, not all aspects of the Grange’s early work in the Philippines was
do measure in on a lot of future Grange efforts.”
Liberation did not necessarily bring an end to the country’s troubles. It still suffered from a lack of equipment and
supplies
necessary
to
support
agriculture. The Grange was able to step in and fill this need through the CARE program and other outreach. The Philippines was reintroduced into the Journal of Proceedings in 1951, when providing assistance to the Cebu School of Arts and Trades was discussed as a new project. “This school was selected because of the fact that more people would be benefited by the assistance given inasmuch as people trained in this type of work seem to be especially needed to help the Philippines recover from the ravages of the late war, and it was felt that because of the close tie between this country and the Philippines, we would feel more inclined to render them
A resolution was put forth to translate the Grange manuals into Tagalog
aid,” the journal read. CARE, founded in the years following WWII, also provided aid to the Philippines in the form of individual connections and care packages. This work was summarized in the 1961 Journal of Proceedings. “This
year
the
Grange-CARE
Philippine Project has been one of unusual interest. It is a person-to-person and family-to-family project, and we are only now beginning to receive returns and acknowledgments from the people in the Philippines,” according to the journal. “They are so grateful for this help and many of the barrios (communities) of the Philippines have passed resolutions
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85
Gamma
(International)
or
translated
into English, ‘The Fraternal Order of the Grange (International)’.” After the founding 14 members moved
on
from
the
university,
membership waxed and waned until the 1980s when it faded completely. Cadiz said membership was not sustainable for several key reasons. “Many [students] didn’t really feel they needed to graduate as they returned to their home provinces and started running the family farms,” Cadiz said. “Many immigrated to the U.S. and those who finished their BSA degrees went on to take up graduate studies in the U.S., at [schools including] Iowa, Texas A&M and Cornell.” Students in the University of the Philippines-Los Banos (UPLB) Grange Association deliver books to kids in their adopted community. so stating.”
may
This renewed outreach also led to
happen
unrelated,
upon
an
active,
Though the D’Casanovans ceased to exist as an active organization in the 1980s,
the formation of several subordinate
much of the Grange’s current values even
its members stayed in touch and held
Granges in the Philippines throughout
though it grew from a more amusing
reunions throughout the years. Eventually,
the 1950s and 60s.
past.
those reunions led to an interest in re-
master
deputy
who
organized
that
but
reflects
Colonel Alfredo C. Sese was the
organization
A RESURGENCE: THE GRANGE NeXt GENERATION
In the 1960s, at the University of the
six
Philippines in Los Banos, 14 students
Granges throughout the Philippines,
from wealthy families had come together
including Manila, Bongabon, Vizcaya,
to create an association they called
Bonfal, Tayug, and at The University of
D’Casanovans, meaning “playboys.”
Philippines Campus in Quezon City.
As
Sese talked to Extension Director Harry
Althouse
about
getting
the
name
suggests,
the
D’Casanovans were not always focused
the
on their school work. Much because of
Grange’s subordinate and junior manuals
their name, they were denied a request
translated into the native language of
to
Tagolog and even helped shepherd a
organization, so they went in search of
resolution to the delegate body of the
a name that would be more acceptable,
100th annual session in Minneapolis in
according to Vini Cadiz, adviser to the
1967. The resolution seemed to have
University of Los Banos Philippines
passed committee but failed on the
Grange Association – the organization
floor according to the recollection of
that
former National Officer John Valentine
community service and scholarship.
of Indiana, who attended that session.
WHAT’S IN A NAME?
become
remains
“They
a
university-sanctioned
today
frantically
focused
researched
on and
stumbled on the Grange organization of the U.S.,” Cadiz said. “And because
Today, if you look for Grange and
Greek letter fraternities were in vogue,
Philippines in a search engine, you just
they applied using this name Phi Omega
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establishing the organization. “The idea of offering scholarships to UPLB Grange students work a registration booth during a medical-dental mission
attract students to jump-start the new organization became more evident as the U.S.-based alumni started putting their money where their mouth was,” Cadiz said. Cadiz captured these ideas in a 2006 concept paper titled “The Grange NeXt Generation” that was distributed to alumni and University of the Philippines administrators. “We launched it in January 2007, with no less than the President of the University of the Philippines in attendance,” Cadiz said. “She was a college chum and a sweetheart of the old Casanovans, and
UPLB Grange Students prepare to provide medical attention to people in their adopted community.
remained a close friend through the years.” The first members of this new organization became known as the Phoenix Batch and, unlike their peers in the 1960s, excelled at academics. That group had one magna cum laude and six cum laude graduates among its ranks, Cadiz said. It didn’t take long before their good work, and the scholarships that came with it, began to inspire others to do the same. The group now operates with the overarching values of leadership, entrepreneurship and excellence. “As attracted
they
started
growing,
they
like-minded
students
that
they vetted and invited them to join the
organization,” Cadiz said. “They were
shows how far the Philippines has come
all scholarly and very innovative in their
since the Spanish-American War, thanks
projects and became known as the
in part to the Grange.
organization of intelligent and smart students.”
show genuine concern and caring to
Today, students practice those values
these young people, they will respond
by reading books like “The 7 Habits of
positively and begin to excel, because
Highly Effective People,” networking
of the way they were treated, and the
with alumni and running a coffee shop on campus to gain real-world business experience. Like Granges in the United States, the group also puts community service on the forefront. One of their most recent projects was adopting a struggling community for five years in order to help the community with various factors such as education, waste management and health. In
different phases of this Grange
Immersion Service Program, the group distributed books, school supplies and computers for the education aspect and brooms, trash cans and other cleaning
UPLB Grange provided trash cans for waste management in their adopted community.
“It just goes to show that when you
expectations that they faced. In the end, the Grange has become one happy and loving family to everyone.” “It’s exciting to hear about likeminded young people who care about their education, their future and their neighbors,” National Grange President Betsy Huber said after learning more about the Grange Association and their current identity. “We hope we can have a relationship now that the lines of communication have been opened, even if that’s just an occasional report from their group about their impact on their community.”
supplies for the waste management
Huber said she would also love to see
aspect. The students also organized a
a modern day Pen Pal program or some
medical-dental mission for the adopted
other Grange Youth spurred initiative
community in April.
that could help expand the horizons of
Over the past decade Grange NeXt
our U.S. Grange Youth while providing
Generation has grown beyond Cadiz’s
Filipino Grange Association members
wildest dreams. She said that progress
with networking contacts in America.
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87
Starting Something in Senegal
By Laura Marie Ritchey Nebraskan
Granger
Edgar
Hicks
traveled to Africa last summer for an outreach trip. He went with the goal of teaching Senegalese farmers how to organize and maintain an agricultural cooperative
and
returned
with
an
unforgettable experience. While in Senegal, Hicks worked with a group of about 20 African farmers. The farmers, with the help of the United States
that can be pulled by a horse, mule or
Hicks was well-prepared for his duties
even person to plow, seed and fertilize.
in Senegal. His resume boasts positions
Designs were provided by the Farmer-
with agriculture-related companies and
to-Farmer program, and the plows
cooperatives including Ag Processing,
help subsistence farmers increase their
Inc. (the largest farmer-owned soybean
productivity.
producer in the world), Pillsbury, Cargill,
Hicks stayed in Senegal for about two weeks and held meetings with the
Hicks felt that the Senegalese farmers
how to create and maintain a successful
were able to identify with him because of
plow-making
his past experiences.
cooperative. He also
promoted Grange values to help the
to-Farmer program, had
farmers thrive in their community.
formed a
what Hicks called one-bottomed plows. Hicks
describes
the
plows
as
“something like a one-row planter”
has moved fourteen times for his work.
Senegalese farmers to help them outline
Department of Agriculture’s Farmercooperative to develop and manufacture
Continental Grain, and others. In total, he
“It
was
a
great
“Maybe
I
didn’t
come
with
husbandry
but I brought pictures,” said Hicks. “They
experience,” said Hicks. “That’s what I
knew maybe I didn’t come with the
was after in Africa—to teach them the
academic stuff but they saw me in a pile
economic aspect of farming.”
of corn or loading a grain train.”
Children in Senegal using the one-bottomed plow are part of the agricultural system in the developing country.
88
a
university perspective or a PowerPoint,
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Hicks poses with the Senegalese cooperative members. Hicks did not grow up on a farm or have an agricultural background, but he said he has always wanted to help feed people. Whether it was dealing with the economic aspect of agriculture or supporting the hardworking farmers his employers served, he wanted to contribute to the industry. Perhaps it was those interests that
led Hicks to join
the Grange, which he has been involved with for over 20 years. He is now a member of the Carver Grange No. 432 of Omaha. In Senegal, Hicks quickly bonded with the African farmers. A majority of the population spoke French or Wolof, a native language. Despite communication barriers and the need for a translator, the farmers were very interested in Hicks’s presentations. “Here I am in Africa, and I had better attention with them than with the farmers in my own cooperative,” said Hicks. Through his meetings and discussions, Hicks promoted the Rochdale Principles for cooperatives. He encouraged the appointment of officers, record keeping and more so the farmers could efficiently manufacture the plows. Linda-Ann Akanvou, an international program associate for the National Cooperative Business Association, deals closely with the Farmer-to-Farmer program and was in Senegal the same time as Hicks. She attended several of his meetings. Akanvou said that it was interesting to watch Hicks and the farmers form a mutual trust and respect for one another.“ Edgar realized how hard the farmers work and how hard it is for them to produce something...and they told Edgar he is one of their brothers and part of their community,” said Akanvou.
P
Hicks teaching the cooperative members about the
Grange, its history with the Rochdale movement and structure of the organization.
Hicks had the opportunity to immerse himself in the culture and everyday lifestyle of the Senegalese. Laughing, he talks about how the culture took some getting used to at first. On one particular instance, he found himself being chided by a woman for taking pictures at the market before asking permission. “I must have punched a hole in my pants trying to get my
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89
camera back in my pocket,” said Hicks. He also hesitated eating his first few
and that the plows will aid the farmers’
making a return trip to Senegal to see
efforts.
the farmers’ progress and to continue
meals, as everyone gathers around and
Hicks relates the challenges Senegal
eats from a
faces to the challenges of America in
shared plate.
the late 1800s before the Grange was
W o m e n
founded.
LEARN MORE Information about Farmer-to-Farmer is available at: www.ncba.coop/ international/ volunteer-usfarmer-to-farmer
working with the cooperative. Akanvou said that this desire to do more is normal. “When they come
Much like the Grange helped a
home they just want to go back there.
and
young America, Hicks feels that the
It’s amazing how much they learn by
children
organization can and should step up to
teaching,” said Akanvou. “You learn as
w
e
help in Africa. He even thinks that Africa
much as you actually give.”
expected to
might be “an ideal seedbed for Grange
help
philosophy.”
prepared meals, e
r
where
needed.
“They have nothing and they work
Akanvou said that the Farmer-toFarmer program always welcomes new volunteers and that she believes the
While there are distinct cultural
quite well together... they have the
differences, especially in relation to
sense of a Grange community even
Grange’s values and goals complement
gender roles, Hicks still encouraged
though they didn’t have a Grange,” said
the mission of the program.
the farmers in the cooperative to
Hicks. “Maybe get one off the ground
allow women a place in the farming
and it would be successful even given
community.
the limited resources they have.”
He said he addressed “what a
According
to
Hicks,
going
to
According to Hicks, making a trip like his can change your outlook. “There’s
a
huge
connection
in
understanding other people... we can’t
woman is and what a woman could
Africa was a great culmination of his
be” as he told them about successful
experiences. It allowed him to combine
American farms on which women help
his knowledge, skills and passions to
to the U.S. much more humble and much
with farm management.
help others.
more appreciative of organizations like
Hicks said the farmers seemed to
Hicks eagerly talks about someday
live isolated,” said Hicks. “I came back
the Grange.”
agree, but he would like to follow up on that issue. What really struck Hicks was the poverty in Senegal. He said “the farmers
Cooperative members pose with the one-bottomed plow during the seminar.
had nothing” and relied on subsistence farming to survive. These people receive little relief from their work or help from their government. “It made me appreciate the type of productivity we have in the U.S.,” said Hicks. “It made me appreciate the little things like running water, electrical
sockets,
postal
services,
traffic lights...it seems like we are too prosperous.” Despite their poverty, Hicks admired the relentless efforts of the Senegalese. The farmers reminded him of farmers and
Grange
members
back
home
because of their attitudes and work ethic. Hicks is hopeful that his assistance will help the cooperative to progress
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Junior Advocacy Guide to
HONEY BEES Help Make Your Community More Bee-friendly Honeybees are crucial to agriculture because their pollination helps crops to flourish, and without them we wouldn’t have some of the foods that we enjoy daily. The bee population is in decline, which could have negative effects on our food supply. However, there are simple steps that we all
You can even toss seedballs (as seen in the Junior DIY section) for a fun, easy planting process!
Write a Letter Supporting Pollinator Research The labs that research the impact of pests and environmental problems on bees are often closed and consistently
can take to make our community more bee-friendly. See these tips from DC Beekeeper Alliance President Toni
underfunded, leaving us with few clues about how to help our bees in changing times. Write your Congressperson to
Burnham:
support bee research!
Plant PollinatorFriendly Plants
Look for Local Honey at Farmers Markets
Plant a pollinator garden in your backyard. This can consist of flowers, herbs, fruits, or
Much of the honey at the supermarket is imported. If you want happy, healthy bees nearby, support your local beekeeper by buying locally.
veggies. Bees enjoy a lot of the same plants that humans like! Check
out
one
of
the
regional gardening guides at www.pollinator.org/guides
to
plant the plot that’s right for you and the bees in your area. You can also download the BeeSmart Pollinator Gardener app.
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Encourage your Community to Plant Trees If you live in an urban community, encourage your community to plant trees. In many urban ecosystems, trees are the main or a major contributor to pollinator forage. A single urban tree can have tens of thousands of flowers. Trees also provide habitat, clean the air, filter groundwater, and cool those summer days.
Take a Moment to See the Bees You can not see our busy beautiful bees unless you take a moment to smell the flowers. The next time you see a bee, pause and watch, and you will see the lovely, lively pollinators you are helping to protect.
Garden Organically Every neighborhood has thousands of households making millions of choices about what ends up in rivers and streams. Consumers are the main culprits in overuse, and chemicals flow in unpredictable, untested combinations into green spaces. Keep your garden simple and safe for you and the bees!
WRITE FOR Good DAY!™ DETAILS ON JUNIOR SUBMISSIONS
The work must be your own original writing. You may get your parent, guardian or another mentor or adult’s assistance to write the piece, but we expect all those who assist to adhere to high ethical standards and allow the Junior’s work to be reflected without influence by the adult/older assistant. With the introduction of Good Day!™ magazine, we want to encourage all of our young writers out there! Each quarter we will have a new topic for our Juniors to write about! Submissions may be made via email to juniors@nationalgrange.org. The winner will have their submission published in the next issue of Good Day!™ magazine. Also, there is no age restriction on any creative submission category, so Juniors interested in photography, creative expression through poetry and prose and skit-writing may submit to communications@nationalgrange.org before any deadline of upcoming editions. Most issues will not have a required or requested theme for open-category submissions. RULES FOR WRITING CONTEST •
Contest is open only to Junior Grange members in good standing.
•
Each entry must be a minimum 500 words with a maximum for 1500 words, typed and double-spaced.
•
Each entry must be labeled with name, mailing address, phone number and email (if applicable) and birthday of Junior member and the state, name and number of the Junior Grange OR Subordinate Grange with which the Junior 1+ member is affiliated
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Be a friend to the Bees by making
DIY: Seedballs
Bees are crucial to agriculture, but the bee population is declining, due in part to lack of access to wildflowers, especially for those bees in urban areas.
You can help the bees by making seedballs, which consist of flower seeds surrounded by clay and compost. You toss them into the ground, and with the right conditions, flowers will grow, thus helping pollinators like bees!
1 Gather your ingredients on a smooth, cleanable surface
MATERIALS
• Clay: Either naturallyoccurring or store bought (the nontoxic kid-kind works) • Pollinator-friendly seeds: Research what type of plants are native to your area, or check local planting guides or buy a pre-mixed pack. • Compost or worm castings: Give your seeds a good start by choosing solid nutrients. • Water: Just a bit, to hold things together only. • Gloves: If you worry about getting messy
2 Roll out a thin (less than 1/3” thick) disk of clay then cut ovals at a size of about 2 ½” by 2.”
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3 Spread your compost or worm poo on the clay, and add seeds on top. If they are tiny seeds, you could get a whole teaspoon in there; if they are large, maybe only 3 or 4.
4
Add some drops of water. Less is more. You are just trying to get stuff to stick together here. Then, fold in edges and roll everything into a ball, making sure that all the seeds and as much of the compost stay inside as possible.
5
Place some more compost in a bowl, and roll your seed ball around in it, mashing as much as you can in.
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6
Pro Tip! If you are throwing seedballs this fall, think about early spring forage for bees!
Let them dry out, and then get ready to toss them where you want flowers to grow. The sun, the rain and the ingredients in the seed ball will work together to sprout beautiful flowers for the pollinators in your area!
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Regional Conference Round-Up By Charlene M. Shupp Espenshade National Youth and Young Adults Development Director
Grange Youth work together to lift a tire over the “big thumb” of the challenge course at Great Plains Leaders and Youth Conference.
Regional conferences have evolved from a regional youth drill competition hosted by the New England Grange states into a multi-faceted event to enrich the entire Grange family. Starting in June, six regional leaders or youth conferences were hosted across the United States. “Regional conferences are a great gathering place for Grange friends to connect and learn from each other,” said National Grange President Betsy E. Huber. “It’s also a chance to try something new or to learn an idea to take home and implement at your home Grange.” After each regional conference the National Grange Youth Team would highlight something unique and wonder how it could be shared with other states and regions. “I had a really great time learning about how other regions run their workshops,” National Youth Ambassador Kennedy Gwin said. “I had a great time meeting with new friends as well as connecting with old ones from all around the country.” Each host state has something unique to offer at a regional conference. It also provides a perspective to how things connect from the work at the national level connects to the activities at state and regional events. National Youth Ambassador Asa Houchin said, “Not only did I have a great time connecting with Grangers all over the country, but seeing how the decisions made in Washington and the issues we worked this spring effected the other regions.” Houchin liked the community service aspect of the Eastern Region Youth Conference hosted in Delaware. The host committee scheduled time for the Grange
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youth to attend the Delaware State Special Olympics competition. There Grangers cheered the athletes as they competed in track and swimming events. Houchin highlighted it was interesting to watch Grange youth tackle a challenge course at the Great Plains Regional Conference hosted by the Kansas State Grange. He shared that many of the youth learned that their success depended on communication and listening to one another. Outstanding Young Patron Mandy Bostwick organized the Kansas conference. This was the first time a “Snapchat filter” was created for Grangers to use as they took Snapchat photos at the conference. At the end of the conference, she was able to compile all of the photos for a slide show. Wrapping up June, Bostwick and Houchin attended the Midwestern Regional Youth Conference in Iowa. Iowa State Grange Youth Director Samantha Hanson created an “Escape Room” challenge at the camp’s dining hall. The room was organized as a Grange meeting room. Grangers had an hour to crack the codes and unlock the boxes in the room to “free” the implements for the implement box in order to start the Grange meeting on time. National Grange Youth Ambassador Kennedy Gwin and Bostwick were impressed with the drill competition at the Northeastern Regional Youth Conference. This region hosts a drill contest annually where teams of Grange youth compete and showcase their presentation skills. It’s the closing activity for the event and draws a large crowd as Grangers from across the Northeastern region attended to see what state would win the drill plaque for 2017. Grangers were also able to visit the pollinator garden at the University of Massachusetts. The garden was constructed by a donation by the Massachusetts State Grange and is in the shape of the Grange emblem. The state’s apiary was also relocated to the garden this summer. Florida brought lots of sunshine and history.
96
Emma Edelen, Iowa, and National Youth Ambassador Asa Houchin, Ohio, raise the flag at Midwestern Regionals.
Gwin led a workshop challenging youth to engage with the resolution writing process. Rural advocacy is a passion of Gwin’s, and here she was able to engage other youth members with the ups and downs of resolutions. She provided tips on how to clearly write a resolution and why some resolutions do not pass. Winding up the conferences was the Western Regional Youth Conference. Western regionals focused several of their workshops around the concept of turning passion into action. Grangers were challenged to build towers out of spaghetti and marshmallows, mold Play-Doh into a scene that depicted what Grange means to them and took in the sights of Knotts Berry Farm. The National Grange Youth Team’s workshop theme was community service. At each conference, Grangers were challenged to develop their “ultimate community service project.” The projects ranged from organizing color runs to support a cause, establishing farmers markets and school supply drives to building community centers, establishing homeless veterans programs, and organizing a community-wide event to support arts in schools. While some ideas were grand in scale, Grangers discovered there were the starting blocks to a new community service project. At each conference the youth team led a workshop on community service, challenging Grangers to think outside
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their comfort zone and dream big. The ideas were impressive. From building community centers and partnering with other organizations to tackling homelessness and the opioid epidemic to establishing farmers markets, after school programs and raising funds for school programs, the ideas tapped into the passions of many Grangers. The team challenged the Grangers to not discount their ideas, but embrace them and make them a reality. Plans are already beginning on the 2018 regional conference schedule. More details will be posted on the National Grange Youth website as it comes available. Grangers make birthday cards for senior citizens at Midwestern Regionals.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Kennedy Gwin
National Grange Female Youth Ambassador By Ferderica Cobb Sometimes a person joins an organization out of curiosity, or perhaps to learn more about it. Other times a person joins an organization, and the establishment makes such a positive impact on the person that the organization’s values become ingrained in the individual and radiate outward into the person’s life, creating a legacy that is passed down to generation after generation, making a permanent mark. The Grange was this organization for the family of National Grange Youth Ambassador Kennedy Gwin. Around six generations of her family have been a part of the Grange, starting with her great-great-great-grandparents in the 1920s. Gwin is continuing the Grange legacy in her family, for the Grange has had a huge impact in her life, influencing everything from her major, career goals, and personal growth. The 19-year-old from Humptulips and Hoquiam, Washington is dedicated to the Grange and its values. “The Grange is something I have grown up with. The Grange has influenced every aspect of my life,” said Gwin. She grew up going to Grange camp, conventions, and other activities, and these played a deep role in her family. “The Grange to my family was a way for us all to be together and get together once a year, especially convention and camp. No matter if we were all away at college or traveling, we would always come back to the Grange.” Many of her family memories revolve around the Grange. Her earliest Grange memory was of her uncle buying a
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Gwin giving a speech as Washington State Youth Master at the
2016 Washington State Grange Convention.
longboard at a Grange auction for her brothers and her. She fondly recounted, “My dad had the brilliant idea of putting us all on it and pushed us down a hill to ‘go fast.’ We all fell off in different directions, rolling across the cement, and then he had to console all of us because we were all crying and had a few scrapes. It was bad at the time but looking back now it was funny.” Gwin has always been active in the Grange and became very involved in the political side during her sophomore year of high school, where she became captivated with the legislative process on local, state, and national levels. Since then, she has not looked back, and this has solidified her involvement with the Grange. Gwin is extremely honored to be the female National Grange Youth Ambassador. “I am very passionate about this organization and proud that I get to represent it,” said Gwin. The humble young lady says when she first won the title, it was hard for
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her to process. “I was super nervous on stage and thought I was going to have a heart attack, which is normally not like me.” However, when she got off stage, she wore a huge smile that didn’t go away for at least two weeks. “I was ecstatic and was so hyped up, I didn’t sleep that night.” She is excited to get to advocate on behalf of the organization that has been such an important part of her life. “As National Grange Youth Ambassador, I want to encourage more civic engagement among youth and get them more involved with the legislative side of the Grange,” she said. She also wants to encourage more youth-led service opportunities that allow young people to serve the community through projects that also reflect their personal interests. Gwin is a benevolent person who has always enjoyed community service. One project that she holds dear to her heart is the Keep Washington Warm project, which
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collects hats, socks, scarves, and gloves for homeless populations in Washington for the winter. The service project is run solely by youth; they spread the word about the project, count the items at convention, and sort the collection to be distributed in the area that is hosting the convention. “The idea that it is completely youth-run is what I think makes it really cool and a fun environment to work with our friends from across the state,” said Gwin. Gwin has always been grateful for the Grange’s emphasis on community service. “I want nothing more than to help improve the lives of others and through community service in the Grange I can do that.” She also strongly appreciates the Grange’s value of good citizenship, and this has influenced her major and her career choice. Gwin is an upcoming sophomore at Pacific Lutheran University and is pursuing
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Gwin sorting items collected from
the Keep Washington Warm Project.
a degree in politics and government. She’s also considering attaining a sociology and global studies double minor. The legislative experience that she has gained with the Grange shines through in her involvement on campus. This past year she was elected as a Senator for the student body and was re-elected for the upcoming year. As a Senator, Gwin is in charge of coming up with campus programming for students and writing bills to receive funding to execute the projects. She is passionate about advocating for justice and improving the lives of those around her. Some of the projects she focused on this past year included developing more campus programs for students of color, making campus more ADA compliant and accessible, and
providing funding to the Diversity Center on campus. She is also a member of the Social Action and Leadership community and a member of the Diversity Center. “I am extremely passionate about everything I do and want to pour everything I have into projects that help others,” Gwin said. Her campus involvement and Grange involvement have influenced her chosen career path. She would like to be a lobbyist for a while, advocating on behalf of a non-profit organization or possibly for public education. “I am also passionate about legislation that affects people’s lives and truly believe in the power of the people, and the Grange really believes in that idea as well,” said Gwin. After gaining some experience, she would like to run for office. Eventually,
Gwin posing with 2016 National Grange Youth Ambassador Shannon Ruso of New York at the National Grange Convention after Gwin was sashed as 2017 National Grange Youth Ambassador.
At a recent family barbecue, the Gwin family gathers. From left to right, back row, Kennedy’s older brother, Aaron, and
his wife, Nikki, Kennedy, her mother, Tammy Gwin-Cork, and stepfather, Rich Cork; front row, her father, Jerry and twin brother, Jake.
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her goal is to be Washington State
fulfilling her duties as National Grange
Governor. “I’m a big believer in setting
Youth Ambassador and is looking forward
your goals high and dreaming big, and if
to her sophomore year of college.
you want it bad enough, there is always a way to get it,” Gwin proclaimed. She loves her home state and has
She will be a residential assistant for the international honors wing at her university
a deep passion for serving the people
“My goal is to create a fun, strong
there. “I believe that the best way to
community that really fosters deep
help the people of Washington is to stay
critical thinking among residents as
and create policy that helps people in
well as uphold the diversity, justice, and
Washington,” Gwin stated.
sustainability
Her involvement with Grange has
mentality
on
campus,”
Gwin said.
undoubtedly played a huge part in the
She plans to continue developing
goals that she has set for herself, and she
skills in civic engagement, get more
is extremely grateful for the experiences
students involved in politics, and work on
the Grange grants.
a campaign this fall.
“To me, personally, the Grange is
Gwin also hopes to apply to be
endless opportunity. The Grange gives
an international peace scholar, which
me the chance to meet new people from
would allow her to study peace and
all over the country and gain experiences
conflict resolution studies abroad at the
that are extremely unique,” said Gwin. “I
University of Oslo in Norway.
have had endless opportunity to expand
“I’m mostly focused on trying to do a
my leadership skills as well as learn new
little bit of everything while I am young
skills.”
and like taking the opportunity to do
As for now, Gwin is excited to continue
these things when I can,” she said.
CLEARANCE
Grange Salutation Poster Display your Grange pride with this 18” X 24” Poster listing Grange principles of Faith, Hope, Charity and Fidelity. Great for dorm rooms for the Youth in your Grange.
Markdown Price: $7
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Gwin posing with friend Josie Emery for the Rose Drill at
the 2017 Washington State Convention
Fiction Review
Book Club Bonnie and Clyde: Resurrection Road By Mandy Bostwick Pleasant View Grange No. 1459, KS Opening outside a small Texas church cemetery in 1984, Royce Jenkins, a reporter for The Dispatch, learns the real story of Bonnie and Clyde – and a more exotic past of a century and a half old community service, rural and agricultural organization – in the new novel, Bonnie and Clyde: Resurrection Road, from Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall. “Now that Clyde is dead, I plan to tell the truth,” Bonnie tells Royce, and so begins the recounting of a story that involves a covert life of intrigue led for decades after the world believed the criminal lovers died in a hail of gunfire in 1934. The fast-paced and winding “what if” tale takes readers into the New Deal era with much bubbling under the surface. The nearly million-member strong National Grange takes on a staring role, written in as a favored character of the novel as a “secret organization defending American democracy and the working class from capitalist greed.” McFall – who, along with Hays, often impart authenticity into their novels based on the landscapes of rural America and what it holds – said the organization was a perfect fit for the story. “When we wrote Bonnie and Clyde: Resurrection Road, we knew who the bad guys were—wealthy bad-apple industrialists profiting from the Great Depression—so we wanted to balance that with an equal but opposite force for good, and the National Grange was the logical choice,” McFall said. “In a book about resurrecting legends, it was especially satisfying to dust off the unique contributions the Grange made to rural America in that
Washington D.C., but visited family often who actively farmed and lived in Berks County, Pennsylvania, a county even today filled with more than a dozen halls, clamoring with events and outreach that can’t be overlooked. After working on the novel, she has begun searching the recollections of living relatives to see if there is a Granger or two hiding in her family closet. Hays was born and raised on a Montana ranch.
era, electrification and postal delivery for example, and help
Readers will feel a connection between the U.S. during the
reintroduce the organization to a new generation… We tapped
1930s and modern America with lingering issues of income
into the history and accomplishments of the Grange as the only
inequality and a system rigged to make the rich richer as context
group with the power and vision to support and constructively
to the plot in which the outlaws are serving a greater purpose
channel the rage of our reluctant heroes.”
after their still unexplained fake-death by unknown forces.
While neither of the authors – residents of Grange-rich
Bonnie and Clyde, working covertly, are set on a course in
Oregon – are members of the organization, McFall grew up in
this first of a planned series with the characters, to thwart an
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assassination plot against President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, one of the organization’s most famous members. Grange Halls
The authors are also working tentatively on other ways to bring their characters to life.
serve as safe spaces for the pair, and for the trained Grange
“We are scoping out the screenplay and taking meetings,
reader, the hospitality of the local chapters and members is
as they say, because the concept would be a great film or
somewhat reminiscent of what founder Oliver Hudson Kelley planned when proposing r his new agricultural fraternity. The book, the first in a series of at least three planned books about the re-imagined life of Bonnie and Clyde, is perfectly targeted at Young Adults and older of the Grange, as well as other readers who enjoy history or conspiracy or both as they will find
series. Couldn’t you see any number of actresses playing Bonnie Parker at age 75? What an amazing role! But we are also keeping ourselves immersed in and focused on writing the next two books,” McFall said. Buy your copy of Bonnie and Clyde: Resurrection Road
their blood running a bit faster. A steamy scene in a Grange Hall
published by Pumpjack Press today at Amazon in paperback
and scandalous assignment by barons who the duo begins working
for $15.95 or e-book for $4.99. Make sure to use smile.amazon.
with covertly may not fit well into a reading list for older Juniors or
com and set the Grange Foundation as your organization to
younger Youth. Book two is expected to be on shelves in 2018.
receive a donation based on a portion of your purchases.
Preview
Bonnie and Clyde: Damnation By Clark Hays and Kathleen McFall
Who is sabotaging Hoover Dam? One of the 20th century’s greatest infrastructure achievements, taming the Colorado River helped put the country back to work during the Great Depression and transformed downstream
agriculture. But the massive dam faced enormous construction challenges. When Bonnie and Clyde are assigned to stop the saboteurs, the Grange member network is activated to support their mission. But Bonnie’s curiosity gets the better of her: who’s behind the Grange involvement?
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Nonfiction Review
Book Club
A Review of Jenny Bourne’s In Essentials, Unity By Christopher Sebastian Ekonk Community Grange No. 89, CT Passing mentions of the Grange in scholarship by authors looking at rural sociology or economics is not unusual, but a book completely focused on the economic impact of the Grange movement is something exciting for anyone interested in either Grange or rural American history. In Essentials Unity, written by historian Jenny Bourne, was released recently by Ohio University Press, and outlines the economic impact of the National Grange on America’s agrarian and business worlds, as well as the lasting social and cultural impacts that the organization has wrought upon the American landscape. The book takes a cautious view on the organization’s legacy, and seeks to find middle ground between the views of many American historians – that the Grange was a flash in the pan, so to speak, and has not had a lasting modern impact – and those of many Grangers themselves – that the Grange has remained a vibrant and relatively uncontroversial organization throughout its 150 years. She asserts that the impact of the Grange on community involvement and education reverberate with many rural communities in the Midwest to this day, although many of the judicial and legislative victories that modern Grangers point to as proof of a more powerful time were, in fact, more ambiguous and less decisive than we often portray them. Bourne writes at length of the Granger Laws and posits that it was scorned businessmen who initially got ‘the ball rolling’
of the American mind let the tens of thousands of wealthy or
on many of the railroad and public goods reforms that bear our
urban Americans who seldom wondered where their food came
name. Monopolies hurt more than just farmers and those who
from know that America’s farmers still had a voice and often
were caught under their unfair pricing structures. Investors who
languished in poverty and economic suppression.
were hoping for more power in the system were the initial push
Bourne also describes the shift towards education and
required for these judicial victories – although Bourne argues
community togetherness that became such a hallmark of the
that Grangers provided an important second wind that gave the
organization. By giving farmers the tools to present themselves
movement grass roots credibility. She also writes that though
in the often arcane and formal halls of government, the Grange
the legal ramifications of these laws would be short-lived, they
helped rural America to not only find its voice, but finally use it.
were far from inconsequential. Bringing them to the forefront
Not all is milk and honey, however, and Bourne is particularly
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careful when discussing the shortfalls of the
Whether an historian, an economist, a
organization.
Granger, a farmer, or someone who just
An economist’s view of the organization
wants to brush up on a great American
is bleak; collective action, at its core,
institution celebrating it sesquicentennial,
requires a return of goods for its members
this book is more than just the sum of its
greater than the dues money and hours of
words and could be argued one of the
volunteer work that they put in each month.
most important tools we can carry into
This was something that the Grange has struggled with historically. Additionally, the larger the collective grew, the harder it became to represent all members, and a lack of preparedness and oversight in the highest levels led to financial struggles in the late 19th century which can arguably still be felt today. Bourne Subordinate
uses
the
Grange
example in
of
a
Minnesota
to illustrate the shortcomings of the organization,
intricately
detailing
its
struggle to remain lively and relevant in the face of increasing opposition and
the next fifty years. For the Granger who too often cites past glories and refuses to adapt, it is a weight, telling of the shortcomings and imperfections that have caused so much trouble for so many generations of Grangers. But for the disillusioned Granger, wondering how they, too, can be a Do·er, the book is a breath of fresh air, describing the legacy of good that we can continue to bring into the 21st century. As we round out our 150th year, every Grange President, every Executive Committee
social turbulence. This section of the book
member, every Treasurer, and every
is harrowing, describing the frustrations of
secretary needs a copy of In Essentials
the officers as they tried to find funding
Unity on their bookshelf. It lays out, in
and volunteers wherever they could, and
brutal and succinct vernacular, every pitfall
serves as a cold lesson to all Grangers who
that our organization must watch for as we
try and rest on their laurels.
continue down the road to a better Grange
In Essentials Unity is a must read.
Book Signing A book signing of In Essentials, Unity will take place at the Oliver H. Kelley Farm in Elk River, Minnesota, from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, October 7. Author Jenny Bourne will be speaking prior to the signing. National Grange President Betsy E. Huber is expected to make a presentation and Minnesota State Grange President T.J. Malaskee will also speak. The book is available in paperback form from Amazon for about $27 for a soft cover edition and $21.99 for the Kindle edition. Hardcover editions are also available. Make sure to use smile.amazon. com and set the Grange Foundation as your organization to receive a donation based on a portion of your purchases.
building a stronger America.
CLEARANCE
Grange Greeting Cards Mixed set of 10 cards and envelopes includes Thinking of You, Anniversary, Happy Birthday, Congratulations and Wedding
Markdown Price: $2.50 104
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DIY: Fall Centerpiece By Kennedy Gwin, National Youth Ambassador
On a cool autumn evening, there is nothing like cuddling up on a couch with a warm cup of hot cider to unwind for the day. Create this beautiful fall centerpiece to add a comforting autumn glow and set the mood for a peaceful night.
1 Gather all of your materials
Materials • • • • •
Artificial Fall Leaves Hot Glue Gun Hot Glue Sticks Artificial Sunflowers A Vase or Glass Centerpiece • Battery-operated Tea Light
2 Plug in your hot glue gun and wait for it to heat. After it is finished heating start gluing any of the leaves to the base of your vase.
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3 Keep layering your leaves! The vase can have as many leaves as you would like on it. The more leaves the more full it looks.
4
Feel free to add flowers or anything else to help create more variety within the vase design.
5 Finish layering your leaves and flowers as you see fit
6 Place your tea light in the middle and bask in an autumn glow. Pro Tip! This may be flammable so use a battery operated light instead of a candle to prevent fires in your home!
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Nothing Beats Beets By Laura Marie Ritchey Raw,
boiled,
roasted,
region and the United States. pickled,
baked, fried and canned...it’s hard to beat beets. This versatile vegetable is low in calories,
fat-free
and
packed
with
potassium, vitamin C and fiber. Beets are also a great source of folate, which promotes healthy red blood cells. “Consumer demand is very high for this high antioxidant-containing
one to two inches apart. It takes 50 to
Although they are grown in the United States, the area of beets
70 days for beets to reach maturity after planting.
cultivated each year is low compared
Beets can be useful to producers
to most other vegetable crops and
trying to grow other crops, as growing
typically does not exceed 10,000 acres.
beets can help improve soil quality.
A large portion of United States beet
“High tunnel growers plagued by
production takes place in Wisconsin.
elevated soluble salt levels in the high
The majority of table beets are
tunnel frequently turn to beets as a
grown for processing; only a small
rotational crop or intercrop,” said Ford.
portion of beets go to the fresh market. There is a growing
root crop,” said Thomas Ford, Senior
market
Extension Educator at Penn State
for
beet
PESTS AND THREATS Flea
University.
common
cultivated
belong
to
the
nuisances
includes as
bacterial among
sugar
vegetables
diseases plants.
Pests
prevented
with
pesticides
and
insecticide
sugar. The beets that consume
trying
can be eliminated or
but processed to make we
when
and foliage or spread
plant
beets, which are not eaten
and
feed on plant roots, stems
beets
species beta vulgaris. This
leafhoppers
to grow beets. Insects can
KIND OF BEETS All
beetles,
Mexican bean beetles are among
or
as
through
other
preventative
measures.
vegetables are known
as table beets.
Weeds are also a concern
when growing beets.
Red beets are the most commonly
greens, which are very nutritious and
“Weed management is critical if
consumed variety of table beets, but
can be used much like spinach. Demand
beets are to be raised successfully,” said
other varieties include yellow beets,
for premixed bagged salads has fueled
Ford. “The limited number of available
orange or golden beets and Chioggia
this trend to consume beet greens.
pre-emergent herbicides on the market
beets. Chioggia beets boast a reddish and white striped flesh, earning them nicknames like candy cane beets, candy stripe beets or bullseye beets.
PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION
for use around beets makes it more
GROWING BEETS
challenging to grow.”
A quality beet is firm, smooth and round. Beets should also have a slender tap root. This
Presidential Prejudice Despite the many benefits of eating beets,
vegetable
not
everybody
appreciates
grows
them. Former president Barack Obama
quickly and can resist frost and low
requested that gardeners refrain from
Beets are grown and consumed
temperatures, making it a good crop for
growing beets in the White House
across the world but are most popular in
northern growers. Beet seeds should be
vegetable garden because he simply
Asia, Eastern Europe, the Mediterranean
planted about a half an inch deep and
does not like them.
R
root
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Pickled Beets 9 lb beets
Boil beets and slip skin off, then
1 tsp. Whole cloves
add sugar, vinegar and spices.
1 tsp. Whole allspice
Pack in jars. Process 30 minutes
2 sticks cinnamon
in boiling water bath.
2 c. sugar 2 c. vinegar
Recipe by Susan Plank, Indiana
Sweet and Sour Beets Fresh Beets
Wash beets thoroughly: boil in water to cover
2 C. 90 grain white vinegar
until tender. Peel and cut in halves or quarters.
1 Tbsp. plain salt
Combine vinegar, 2 cups water, salt, peppercorns,
½ tsp peppercorns
cloves, and sugar; bring to a boil. Pack beets in
½ tsp. Whole cloves (Opt.)
hot sterilized quart jars. Fill with syrup; place
3 C. Sugar
caps on jars. Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes. Yield: 8 pints or 4 quarts
Master Recipe
Recipe by Mrs. Lydia Feuge, Frederickburg Grange (TX) No. 1650, taken from the National Grange Bicentennial Cookbook which is part of the National Grange Cookbook CD-ROM available at grangestore.com.
From the kitchen of Betsy E. Huber
Chocolate Beet Brownies 2-3 Medium size cooked and purred beets, to equal 1 cup
½ cup all purpose flour or allpurpose wheat flour
½ cup unsalted butter (1 stick), melted
1/3 cup Unsweetened cocoa Powder (Ghirardelli Brand)
1 cup sugar
2 Tablespoons strong black
1 tsp. Vanilla extract
coffee (optional)
2 large eggs Preheat oven to 350° F. Add eggs, vanilla, coffee, and beets. Whisk dry ingredients, flour and cocoa powder. Fold in beet mixture. Pour into prepared pan. Bake 30 minutes or until toothpick in center comes out clean. Cool completely before cutting.
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RECIPE SPOTLIGHT
Russian
Simple Vinaigrette Salad Recipe
submitted
by
Turkey Hill Grange No.
Ingredients Vegetables:
Ingredients Dressing:
1370,
6 beets – cooked, peeled
1/3 cup salad oil
and diced
1/3 cup lemon juice (from real lemons)
Illinois,
member,
Marilyn Blasingame.
8 potatoes – cooked, peeled Marilyn served in the U.S. Peace Corps abroad from June 2013 to May 2015.
and diced 4 carrots – cooked, peeled and diced
This recipe was something her host mother in
3 dill pickles – diced
2 tablespoons salt 1 teaspoon dill weed 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper (if brave, crushed red pepper)
Russia made that she enjoyed.
1 medium onion – diced
Check out her blog at mablasingame.blogspot.
How to prepare veggies:
com to read about her many adventures and
Wash and scrub – beets, potatoes and carrots and boil together.
pick up recipes from around the world.
(With Peeling on.) Check after 15 minutes and remove potatoes and carrots as they finished, letting beets continue cooking (about 10 more minutes) until done. Cool and peel. Dice the beets, carrots and potatoes into tiny size and combine in mixing bowl. Dice onion and pickles and blend in mixing bowl. You now have a mixture of carrots, potatoes, beets, pickles and onions. (Remember diced not chunk is very important.)
How to prepare dressing: Combine fresh lemon juice and oil with dill weed, add salt and pepper (adjust amounts to your taste). Pour over salad vegetables and stir (everything will turn even more purple). Chill at least two hours before serving. (Even better all night!) Serves 10-12.
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Grange Classifieds Congrats & Kudos
Greetings Rhode Island Information Director Howard Paster recently participated in three walk-a-thons benefiting various charities. Thanks for all you do, Howard! NH State Grange wishes a hearty happy birthday to the 100 year young Pauline Swain, an 80 year Sister in the Grange.
Maryland State Grange congratulates our co-Youth Directors, Amanda Brozana Rios and Victor Barreto Rios on their May 28th marriage and wishes them a long and happy life together.
Five Mile Prairie Grange No. 905 (WA) congratulates Ryan Beasley on achieving his Eagle Scout rank. His project placed a Little Free Library at our Grange hall for the benefit of the community. Maine State Grange congratulates Tina Salzarulo on receiving the 2017 Citizen of the Year award from the Surry Arbutus Grange. The happiest of birthday wishes to National Lecturer Chris Hamp, celebrating her semi-centennial year during the Grange’s sesquicentennial. - ABR & VBR Congratulations to Ringoes Grange No. 12 on the successful reorganization meeting of their Junior Grange in May.
YOUR AD HERE. Contact Amanda Brozana Rios at communications@ nationalgrange.org or (202) 6283507 ext. 102 to learn how you can put a classified ad in Good Day!™ starting at $1 per word!
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Memorials The New Jersey State Grange mourns the lost of two long time Grangers. Norman T. Robinson, past Secretary of the State Grange and a member of Elmer Grange No. 29 for 87 years passed away in April at the age of 102. James E. Johnson, past member of the State Grange Executive Committee and a 75 year member of Lawrenceville Grange No. 170 passed away in May.
Congratulations to 76-year-old Pike Grange (Ohio) member Karen Bechtol who successfully completed her year as Bolivar Strawberry Festival Queen in June!
Congratulations to St. Urban Grange No. 648 (WA) on recently celebrating 100 years of service!
New Deal Grange No. 447 (MD) is excited to hear about the reorganization of Plattekill Grange No. 923 (NY) because of our similar demographics and enthusiasm for this 150-year-old organization.
Fundraisers Announcements The National Grange has a lead on a potential new Grange to be chartered in Oxford, Mississippi. If you know anyone there or in the surrounding communities who may be interested in joining the Grange, please contact us at membership@nationalgrange.org or call or text (301) 943-1090. The National Grange has a lead on a potential new Grange to be chartered in Rogersville, Missouri. If you know anyone there or in the surrounding communities who may be interested in joining the Grange, please contact us at membership@nationalgrange.org or call or text (301) 943-1090.
Bring this ad to the National Lecturer’s workshop at the 151st in Spokane (and stay for the workshop!) to get a cool prize.
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Kansas State Grange Youth are selling 30 Oz. Grange Tumblers. $20 each with $5 shipping. Email Mandy Bostwick to order mandybostwick@ gmail.com
Maryland State Grange Cookbook for sale, $5 plus shipping. Email Scott at burall6@aol. com or call (301) 662-1652. Provide shipping address and choice of carrier. Pennsylvania State Grange is selling cookbooks full of coveted recipes. Visit the PA Grange website to purchase yours today! pagrange.org/cookbooks.html Iowa has a limited amount of their last cookbook for sale yet. It is our “Cooking with the Iowa State Grange” 2009 edition. Cookbooks orders can be sent to: Gene Edelen, Iowa State Grange, 129 Cherry Hill Rd NW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52405. Cost: $12 which includes postage & handling.
THE LAST Word It is the familiarity of routine that helped
By Roger Bostwick
to know that when my granddaughter,
to heal the wounds of a divided nation All politics aside, the world today needs a little more Grange.
And
maybe today’s Grange needs to help us
at the end of the 1860’s. today’s unpredictable society.
understand the rest of the world like it did generations ago.
It is that
stability of routine that is needed in Recent events of violence in Virginia have
many
concerned
about
the
Since I was very young, I took keen
atmosphere of distrust and uneasiness
interest in the ritual of the Grange – the
in the world today. It is human nature
meaning of the words we speak when
to fear what we don’t understand. To
we open and close our meetings, when
overcome that fear we must be allowed
we install our officers and drape our
to
charters to honor a member who has
habits, customs and beliefs of others
“gone to the great Grange above;” the
in an unintimidating environment like
way in which we greet one another and
a community space where a Grange
present the American flag and open a
meets.
learn
about
differences
in
the
Kimber,
enters
the
Junior
Grange
officially (next year) as the (eighth-
Bible (and potentially other religious
Within our meetings, the Grange is
texts of importance to our membership
to be non-partisan and non-sectarian.
generation) member of our family, she
or community); all the little things that
What better way to get to know
will be encouraged from day one to be
make a Grange meeting different from
one another if politics and religion –
open to people of other walks of life.
other things you could attend.
the two greatest dividers to mutual
But while our children, grandchildren
I have always seen its significance,
understanding and progress – are
and great-grandchildren embrace a
but today I see an even greater relevance
removed? The Patrons who participate
global society through great Grange
as images of unrest and intolerance are
in these meetings are people who, by
programming, our Subordinate Granges
frequent visitors to our nightly news.
their very nature and by way of fraternal
fail to continue that area of exploration
What is ritualism, but routine? It is
bonds and ritualistic structure, are
and personal growth.
routine that has connected one local
characterized by their respect for each
time to have similar initiatives in our
Grange to another, our local Granges to
other and other people.
Subordinate Granges – to learn about
Maybe it’s
our state Granges and our state Granges
Our Junior Grange members are
people from other cultures or other
to the National Grange and then closing
encouraged each year to learn about
nations and appreciate their heritage as
the circle, connecting the National
a new country, its people, landscape,
we honor our own.
Grange back to the local Granges – a
the languages, religions, customs and
Building a culture in the Grange
circle that has gone on for generations.
more that make it unique. I am so happy
of being interested to learn about the
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113
ways of “others” in order to accept differences and helping “outsiders” who arrive on our shores become outstanding American neighbors and citizens was important to our members and leaders from our very beginning. Did you know the Subordinate Manual was translated early in our history into German, French and Norwegian and 50
“Within our meetings, the Grange is to be non-partisan and nonsectarian. What better way to get to know one another if politics and religion – the two greatest dividers to mutual understanding and progress – are removed?”
years ago a resolution to translate it into Tagolog for the Filipino members of our Order made it through committee but did not pass the delegate body at the 101st Annual Convention. Even after our federal government stopped initiatives that funded cultural exchanges
like
our
Germany-USA
Friendship Program under the Marshall Plan, the Grange continued international outreach. Providing resources to foreign people allowed our members to learn more about the challenges people faced across the world and the diversity of nations. In the continental U.S., we also saw the need to return to our roots and ensure that Americans from one part of
for four weeks, touring Pennsylvania,
program didn’t have the same flash as
meeting and making many friends.
some of the outreach and programs
Robin and Melanie were in each other’s
done in other nations, it did serve a
weddings a few years later, traveling the
similar purpose – showing my wife and
long distance to reunite with each other
other participants how others live and
and continue the GISYE bond.
what their priorities are, based on the
Melanie was fortunate to be taken to
community and culture around them.
the State Grange building and to have
This is an invaluable lesson for anyone
supper with the Snyder Family while
to learn in order to accept others and
Luther was State Master, again making
the change that sometimes must come
Grange ties that continue today. Like
with that acceptance.
my wife and her GISYE family, many
Just as generations past came to
GISYE participants have continued to
America to seek religious and political
communicate with each other and the
freedom, land and jobs, today people
people they met during their experience
come to the United States to make a
for a half century or more.
better life, often fleeing violence in
the country appreciated and accepted
She continues to share this story with
their own nations. As they settle into
the differences of Americans from other
others as she talks about the Grange. It
their new communities, often eyes are
areas, and the Grange Inter-State Youth
opened so many possibilities to learn
upon them, looking to see if they’re
Exchange (GISYE) program was founded
and grow in her Grange experiences.
“American enough.”
Today she is my companion in
Unlike our ancestors, however, we
taking the Grange to new levels of
do not often see hands outstretched to
My wife, Melanie, was a GISYE
opportunities for all Grangers, but often
help with that assimilation. It’s important
participant, in the summer of 1976 in
we talk about how these programs that
that we honor the foundational ideology
Warren, Pennsylvania. Her host family,
no longer are in place are something we
of our organization - to foster mutual
the Hollabaughs: Bob and Jean, and
should find ways to revive for our children
understanding and cooperation within
their children, Robin, Kelly and Wendy,
and grandchildren to grow, learn and
our halls and our communities - and
became her second family and they
experience the world differently.
extend the hand of friendship.
continue a close relationship to this day.
will tell you that if not for the experience
following the principles described in the
Melanie’s brothers also participated in
of the GISYE Program, her life would
Grange’s Declaration of Purposes, how
the program, one going to Maryland to
not have led her to success in her daily
could one not make the world he or
stay with Donna and Maurice Wiles who
career.
Confidence, communication,
she lives in a better place? If we ensure
our family still is close to and no matter
people skills, competitive spirit are
that we are following the principles
our age, we still refer to as “mom and
a huge part of her daily life and the
described in it, our meetings become
dad,” and her other brother spent time
Grange GISYE Program was a big player
a safe place in which those new to our
in California.
in developing these skills.
communities – and those new to our
– something our family has great affinity for having participated.
Melanie stayed with the Hollabaughs
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this
in-country
She
exchange
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
nation – could feel welcomed.
By
But this face-to-face interaction, and our comfort in our
culturally, they had to find acceptance.
routine as we learn and accept the differences of others, is the key to social integration. We cannot expect that learning about others through social media or mass communication
Today, the Grange has so many opportunities to be a force for good, but one of the greatest may be the ability
will produce the same results as coming together to share
to reach across all social and economic lines, across all fields
a meal or discuss community concerns. People working
of occupation. In doing so, we can present to those new to
closely alongside others – as Grangers do when they plan
our communities, new to our nation or those who have some
and perform community service and events – can form a common understanding and through that can overcome
cultural identity different from our own, a safe space to learn
differences and solve problems. When people use mediated
more about each other and the needs of those around them.
communication rather than take time to interact in person,
Just as the Grange has reached out in the past during times
there is much less understanding, learning about others’ and tolerance. Instead, we tend to see people create echo chambers, reflecting and amplifying their own worldview.
of turmoil, we must do so again. In the past we had reached out overseas. Today we don’t need to venture as far. Those
People feel empowered through anonymity when they are
who are displaced from their own lands, those who are looking
online and can lash out. Their confidence in making a post or
for a new life, those who are just wanting to be accepted for
sending a message increases because they do not have to see the reader’s reactions. This is why in a time when our society is global and our
who they are, need the understanding and respect that we as Grangers have always know amongst ourselves.
neighborhoods are small microcosms of the entire world’s
Famous American chef James Beard said, “Food is our
people, we need organizations like the Grange, where we can
common ground.” If for no other reason, that is why we are
interact face-to-face with others and come to respect and care for our neighbors as we once did.
Grangers. But we can also say hunger doesn’t care about our
No matter how many generations of Grange one may have
country of origin or native tongue, our skin color or the god
in their blood, no one has ever become a Granger just by
we pray to, so welcoming people into our halls to have a meal
walking into a meeting. It takes time to learn, appreciate and
and talk about how we can make meals more available to
understand the organization – most often something people do by experiencing and practicing the ritual. Similarly, no one
others may just be the way we can begin slowly broadening
has completely become an American just by reaching our
our cultural understanding and stitching our neighbors slowly
shores. They had to share our most widely held values and
into the great America quilt.
Post Script
Amanda Brozana Rios provided for all
understanding of the deep meaning of
members a way for Granges to potentially
the words they are speaking by reading
better connect with residents of their
them in their native tongue.
communities who may be interested in
The side-by-side translation of these
nations,
Grange but whose first language was
important pieces of our meetings is
like immigrants of other nations and
Spanish. She recognized that some of
provided on the pages following this
continents before them, begin climbing
the language in our opening and closing
column. I recommend you keep it on
the ladder to the American Dream by
can be daunting even for English-only
hand and provide it to people interested
working in the agriculture industry. As
speakers
or
in learning more or becoming part of your
such, they share common ground with
enhancing their English skills would likely
Grange who are native Spanish speakers
our members – living as neighbors and
feel more comfortable and more welcome
or even native English-language students
having a deep interest in the success of
in our Halls when they are greeted with
who are learning Spanish in their high
American farms and ranches.
the opportunity to say and follow the
schools or colleges to enhance their
ritual in English while confirming their
abilities as well.
Many immigrants coming to the U.S.
from
Spanish-speaking
In late 2016, then-National Lecturer
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and
someone
learning
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115
Opening the Grange
APERTURA DE LA GRANGE Master. [Calls to order and stands during the opening
Maestro. [Llamadas a la orden y se coloca durante la
ceremony; each officer, as he takes part, should stand
ceremonia de apertura; cada oficial , ya que toma parte,
work of another day demands our attention. Let each
ha llegado y el trabajo de otro día exige nuestra atención.
while speaking.] The hour of labor has arrived and the
repair to his or her allotted station. Worthy Overseer, are all present correct?
debe ponerse de pie mientras habla.] La hora de trabajo
Dejar que cada reparación a su estación asignada. Digno Capitaz, son correctos todos los presentes?
Overseer. Worthy Steward, you will ascertain.
Capataz. Digno Mayordomo, se va a verificar.
Steward. My assistants will make examination and
Mayordomo. Mis asistentes harán examen e informe.
Overseer. Worthy Master, We find all present
Capataz. Digno Maestro, nos encontramos con todos los
report.
correct.
[The Master will call the seated officers to rise and they will
remain standing until the close of the opening ceremony.]
Master. Worthy Steward, are the gates properly
guarded?
Steward. [Examines and finds Gatekeeper at his post.]
They are, Worthy Master.
Master. Worthy Steward, inform the Gatekeeper that
we are preparing for work. Steward.
[Opens wide the inner gate.]
Worthy
Gatekeeper, the Worthy Master directs me to inform you that we are preparing for work. Gatekeeper.
[Closes tide outer gate.]
I therefore
presentes correcta.
[El Maestro llamará a los oficiales sentados a subir y
permanecerán de pie hasta el final de la ceremonia de apertura.] Maestro. Digno Mayordomo, están las puertas vigiladas
adecuadamente?
Mayordomo. [Examina e encuentra Portero en su puesto.]
Lo son, Digno Maestro.
Maestro. Digno Mayordomo, informar el Portero de
acceso que nos estamos preparando para el trabajo.
Mayordomo. [Abre la amplia puerta interior] Digno
Portero, el Digno Maestro me dirige para informarle de que nos estamos preparando para el trabajo.
Portero. [Cierra puerta exterior marea] Yo por tanto, cierro
close this Outer Gate in Faith, in Hope and Charity and
esta puerta exterior en la fe, en la esperanza y la caridad, y
Master. Right, Worthy Gatekeeper. [To Chaplain.]
Maestro. Correcto Digno Portero. [Para Capellán.] Y
will guard it with Fidelity.
guardaré con fidelidad.
And now, Worthy Chaplain, as Laborers under the Great
ahora, Digno Capellán, como mano de obra en el marco
entire Grange.]
accede a la totalidad de Grange.]
Master of the Universe, let us bow in prayer. [Calls up
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del Gran Maestro del Universo, inclinemos en la oración. [Se
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Chaplain.
Almighty Father, Maker of Heaven and
Capellán. Padre Todopoderoso, Creador del cielo y la tierra,
Earth, and Giver of all good, we return our heartfelt thanks
y dador de todo bien, nos devuelven nuestro agradecimiento
work in this glorious cause. Endow us with prudence and
demás aquí por trabajo en esta gloriosa causa. Dótanos con
that we are permitted again to meet each other here for
wisdom in our counsels as a body, that our work may be good and acceptable in Thy sight, and that our labors
may be blessed with a Liberal harvest; and when we are called to lay down our implements on earth, may we enter
the Paradise not made with hands, eternal in the heavens, and receive that welcome plaudit “Well done, good and faithful servants.”
We beseech Thee to bless the officers and members
de corazón que se nos permite de nuevo para cumplir con los
prudencia y sabiduría en nuestros consejos como un cuerpo, que nuestro trabajo puede ser bueno y agradable delante
de ti, y que nuestros esfuerzos sean bendecidos con una cosecha liberal; y cuando estamos llamados a poner nuestras implementos en la tierra, que podamos entrar en el paraíso no hecha de manos, eterna, en los cielos, y recibir esa bienvenida plaudit “Bien hecho, buen y fieles servidores.”
Te rogamos que bendiga a los funcionarios y miembros
of this Grange, and all connected with the Order from the
de esta Grange, y todos conectados con la orden de mayor
We ask all in Thy holy name.
en tu santo nombre.
highest to the lowest degree, and grant them prosperity.
All. Amen [Chaplain may also give optional prayer.]
a menor grado, y les conceda prosperidad. Pedimos a todos
Todas. Amén [Capellán también puede dar la oración opcional.]
[Opening Song]
[Canción de apertura]
Master. Worthy Steward, please close the Inner Gate.
Maestro. Digno Mayordomo, por favor cerrar la puerta interior.
Steward. [Closes the inner gate] In Faith, in Hope and
Mayordomo. [Cierra la puerta interior] En la fe, en la
in Charity, I close this Inner Gate, and will guard it with
esperanza y en la caridad, cierro esta puerta interior, y a
[Grange Salutation]
[Grange Tratamiento]
Fidelity.
Master. Patrons, in Faith, in Hope, in Charity and with
custodiar con fidelidad.
Maestro. Patronos, en fe, en la esperanza, en la caridad
Fidelity, this Grange is now opened in ample form in the
y en Fidelity, esta Grange se abre ahora en forma amplia en
Overseer, please proclaim it accordingly.
Capataz, por favor proclamarla en consecuencia.
Fourth Degree. [Master opens Implement Case.] Worthy
Overseer.
By command of the Worthy Master,
el cuarto grado. [Maestro abre Implementar la caja.] Digno
Capataz. Por orden del Digno Maestro, proclamo este
I proclaim this Grange opened in ample form for
Grange abrió en forma amplia para promover el bienestar
and for advancing the interests, elevating the characters,
intereses, la elevación de los personajes, y el aumento de la
promoting the welfare of our country and of mankind, and increasing the influence of all Patrons of Husbandry
by properly transacting our business and by exemplifying our principles in Faith, in Hope, in Charity and with Fidelity.
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de nuestro país y de la humanidad, y para el avance de los
influencia de todos los clientes de la cría de transacciones adecuadamente nuestro negocio y ejemplificando los
principios de la fe, en la esperanza, en la caridad y con fidelidad.
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Closing the Grange
CIERRE DE LA GRANGE Master. Worthy Overseer, are the labors of the day completed? Overseer. They are, Worthy Master.
Maestro. Digno Capataz, se las labores del día completaron? Capataz. Lo son, Digno Maestro.
Master. As there is no more work for us today, the Steward will see that the implements are properly secured for the night. Steward. All is secure, Worthy Master.
Maestro. Como no hay más trabajo para nosotros hoy en día, el Mayordomo verá que los instrumentos se fijan correctamente para pasar la noche. Mayordomo. Todo es seguro, Digno Maestro.
Master. [Calls up.] Brothers and Sisters: As we are again to separate, and mingle with the world, let us not forget the precepts of our Order. Let us add dignity to labor, and in our dealings with our fellow men be honest, be just, and fear not. We must avoid intemperance in eating, drinking and language, also in work and recreation, and whatever we do, strive to do well. Let us be quiet, peaceful citizens, feeding the hungry, helping the fatherless and the widows, and keeping ourselves unspotted from the world.
Maestro. [Llama al.] Hermanos y hermanas: Como estamos de nuevo para separar, y se mezclan con el mundo, no debemos olvidar los preceptos de nuestra Orden. Añadamos a la dignidad del trabajo, y en el trato con nuestros semejantes sean honestos, ser justo, y no temas. Hay que evitar la intemperancia en el comer, el beber y el lenguaje, también en el trabajo y la recreación, y todo lo que hacemos, se esfuerzan por hacer bien. Seamos ciudadanos pacíficos, tranquilos, que alimentan el hambre, ayudando a los huérfanos ya las viudas, y mantener sin mancha del mundo.
[Closing Song]
[Canción Cierre]
[Grange Salutation]
[Grange Tratamiento]
(Retire the flag. Optional.)
(Retirar la bandera. Opcional.)
Master. Worthy Overseer, please proclaim the Grange closed.
Maestro. Digno Capataz, por favor anunciar el Grange cerrado.
Overseer. By command of the Worthy Master, I proclaim this Grange duly closed until again lawfully opened, in Faith, in Hope, in Charity and with Fidelity.
Capataz. Por orden del Maestro digno, proclamo este Grange debidamente cerrado hasta nuevo legalmente abierta, en la fe, en la esperanza, en la caridad y con fidelidad.
Master. So be it.
Maestro. Que así sea.
All. So be it.
Todas. Que así sea.
Chaplain. [Benediction] May the Divine Master protect, guide and bless us all, now and evermore. All. Amen.
Capellán. [Bendición] Que el Divino Maestro proteger, guiar y todos nosotros, bendiga ahora y siempre. Todas. Amén.
Master. Worthy Steward, inform the Gatekeeper that the labors of the day are closed.
Maestro. Digno Mayordomo, informar al controlador de acceso que las labores del día están cerrados.
Steward. Worthy Gatekeeper, the Worthy Master directs me to inform you that the labors of the day are closed.
Mayordomo. Digno Portero, el Maestro me dirige digna de informarle de que las labores del día están cerrados.
[Master closes Grange with one rap of gavel.]
[Maestro cierra Grange con un solo golpe de martillo.]
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UPCOMING
Events
September is...
®
Hunger Action Month | Honey Month | Chicken Month | Mushroom Month | Piano Month
VISIT WITH PRESIDENT HUBER
HOLIDAYS & RECOGNITION DAYS
16 - Farm Aid, Burgettstown, PA
4 - Labor Day
17 - Constitution/Citizenship Day
TBD – The Big E, MA
8- Literacy Day
21 - International Peace
30 – Middletown Fair, MD
10 - Grandparents’ Day
24 - Gold Star Mothers’ Day
11 - Patriot Day
28 - Good Neighbor Day
15 - POW/MIA Recognition Day
30 - Yom Kippur
October is...
Breast Cancer Awareness Month | Fair Trade Month | Cookie Month | Adopt a Shelter Dog Month
VISIT WITH PRESIDENT HUBER
HOLIDAYS & RECOGNITION DAYS
1 - NJ State Grange Birthday Gala
9 - Columbus (Indigenous Peoples’) Day
18 - Diwali/Deepavali
7 - Book Signing, Kelley Farm, MN
13 - Birthday of the U.S. Navy
22 - National Nut Day
16 - Boss’s Day
27 - National Potato Day
17 - National Pasta Day
31 - Halloween
November is...
Adoption Awareness Month | Native American Heritage Month | Diabetes Awareness Month
VISIT WITH PRESIDENT HUBER AT THE 151st Annual Convention
HOLIDAYS & RECOGNITION DAYS 2 - All Souls’ Day
17 - Homemade Bread Day
7-11 - Red Lion Hotel, Spokane, WA, details
5 - Daylight Savings Ends
20 - Peanut Butter Fudge Day
on page 14.
7 - Election Day
23 - Thanksgiving
Great American Quilt & Handicraft Expo
10 - U.S. Marine Corps Birthday
28 - Giving Tuesday*
10-12 - Center Place Region Event Center,
11 - Veterans’ Day
29 - Square Dancing Day
Spokane, WA. See details on page 54.
December is...
* Someone special on your gift list this holiday season may appreciate a donation in their honor to the Grange Building Fund or Grange Foundation. See page. 9 for details.
Food Safety Month | Tie Month | Write a Friend Month | Bingo Month | Winter Squash Month
4 - GRANGE’S 150th BIRTHDAY!
GALA in Washington, D.C. See pg. 24 for details on tickets and sponsorships.
HOLIDAYS & RECOGNITION DAYS 1- World AIDS Day
20 - Go Caroling Day
6 - Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day
21 - Winter Solstice
10 - Human Rights Day
25 - Christmas
Celebrate our Sesquicentennial at your
12-20 - Hanukkah
30 - Bacon Day
Grange or with us & share your story!
17 - Maple Syrup Day
31 - New Year’s Eve
SEE STATE CONVENTION DATES AND LOCATIONS LISTED WITH STATE BRIEFS starting on page 27.