Good Day! Spring 2020 [V4I1] by National Grange

Good DAY!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 4, Issue 1 l Spring 2020

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Service, adaptation in time of crisis Sewing masks and 3-D printing personal protective equipment for healthcare professionals, a food pantry on a Grange Hall porch, meetings by teleconference to decide how to help our neighbors: the response to COVID-19 showed the best of our Order Photo by Greg Reynolds, E-Member, New Mexico

Grange Membership

BENEFITS Below is an overview of some of the benefits that are available to Grange members across the country. A full, detailed list can be viewed on the National Grangeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website: www.nationalgrange.org/benefits

SHOP

We have partnered with Office Depot/Office Max and The Azigo CashBack 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

With discounts from Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Hertz, Dollar Car, and Thrifty 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 peace 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. We are proud to announce a new benefit partner, Clouse Insurance Agency. State-based and property-based restrictions apply. Contact agency directly. 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/benefits

Good DAY! 8

NATIONAL NEWS & VIEWS

ESSAY: Rural students struggle with connectivity during crisis, concerns for falling behind ESSAY: Census impacts are far reaching National Grange produces PSA focused on rural response to 2020 Census National Grange welcomes new intern Conference room renovation complete at HQ First-in-the-Nation Primary Fly-In a success

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

Quarterly Round-Up: A look at the actions taken on behalf of members, rural communities and agriculture this quarter RESOURCE: How to write good resolutions

FCC steps up to plate before, during COVID crisis to chip away at digital divide

FOUNDATION

New t-shirt with positive message, “We’re in this together” unveiled, proceeds to go to Granges affected by crisis

AROUND THE STATES

PERSPECTIVE: Rural Health Disparities & COVID

Virus not the first crisis rural healthcare faces, but may push it to breaking point Connectivity proves a challenge for members using telehealth for first time

Oregon Grange holds alternative seed swap

Granges provide variety of services, projects to help communities struggling with pandemic, including birthday parade for pre-Junior; National produces videos about making masks

Pennsylvania has more than 100 wooden quilt blocks installed at major state facility

Junior Ambassador issues challenge to all to rally around member diagnosed with virus

Ohio Juniors deliver books to children’s hospital

MEMBER NEWS, SUBMISSIONS & RECOGNITION

Institutional knowledge corralled into new Grange Resource Binder Charter, new members welcomed; milestones celebrated; past leaders memorialized RESOURCE: Grange Meeting Order of Business English | Spanish Side-by-Side translation

Daily web series brings information, entertainment - including virtual Grange talent show - to isolated members and friends New York Grange establishes little food pantry on porch at just the right time Shut ins rediscover Victory Gardens RULING: Master’s ruling on virtual meetings - attendance and voting (2016) Granges can provide feedback on use of technology for meetings to apply for future

American Flag is focus of new 5-star Passport with letter to Granges encouraging support

Iowa Caucuses prove why paper still essential AT&T partners with health-tech to take on opioid abuse

JUNIOR GRANGE

Junior Ambassadors do much to elevate Grange name, prepare for future

2020 Ag Week different, but priorities unchanged

Lecturer creates 6-member advisory committee Grange Partners with ‘Rural Matters’ podcast

™

GRANGE YOUTH & YOUNG ADULTS

COLLABORATION: Youth, Juniors learn about government, take on role as advocate at first Washington DC Experience; attendees interviewed about rural connectivity Ambassadors, Young Couple discuss what it means to cultivate connections and how Grange has been a positive light in their lives

HOBBIES

SUBMISSION: Essay looks at life imagined

FOOD & RECIPES

Grange has deep connection with tangy early spring treat: rhubarb Master’s Recipe: Rhubarb Upside Down Cake

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LAST WORD

Now is time for Granges to provide fellowship, plan to throw open doors after social isolation comes to close

Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange. located at 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006. ISSN: 2688-6030. | All comments and questions can be directed to communications@nationalgrange.org

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Staff

WHAT’S THE GRANGE? The National Grange was founded as a fraternal organization for farm families in 1867 – opening its doors to men and women equally from the start. From rural free delivery of mail to the direct election of U.S. Senators by the people, Grangers have influenced so many aspects of American life and culture. Today we continue to advocate for rural Americans and those interested in all areas of agriculture – including those who just like to eat – and our local Granges provide millions of dollars and hours of service to their neighbors annually. Each Grange operates as a grassroots unit, taking on projects most appropriate for their communities and advocating based on their members’ beliefs.

Officers William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward

F. Philip Prelli, CT, Overseer Executive Committee Chair philip.prelli@snet.net

John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward

Executive Committee Secretary master@orgrange.org Leroy Watson, NH, Executive Committee Member leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org Lynette Schaeffer, IL,

Executive Committee Member schaeffr@att.net Stephen Coye, NY,

Executive Committee Member & Grange Foundation Board Chair steve@nygrange.org Chris Hamp, WA,

National Lecturer lecturer@nationalgrange.org

Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios, Editor Communications & Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate communications@nationalgrange.org Loretta Washington, Subscription Manager Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Samantha Wilkins Operations Manager & National Junior Grange Director samantha@nationalgrange.org

Betsy E. Huber, PA, President betsy@nationalgrange.org

Susan Noah, OR,

Betsy E. Huber, Publisher National Grange Master (President) & President, Grange Foundation betsy@nationalgrange.org

Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Assistant IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

Karen Overstreet, TX, National Lady Assistant Steward

Burton Eller Legislative Director beller@nationalgrange.org Joe Stefenoni Membership & Leadership Development Director membership@nationalgrange.org Mandy Bostwick Youth Development Director youth@nationalgrange.org

Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain

Pete Pompper Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org

Sherry Harriman, ME, National Treasurer Judy Sherrod, TN, National Secretary Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper

Heather Simon Intern intern@nationalgrange.org

Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres

Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer

Kay Stiles, MD, National Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora

REMINDER As of November 2019, the National Grange has discontinued its toll-free number. Please direct all calls to our office at (202) 628-3507.

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Features YOUTH RISING

GRANGES RESPOND

Grange Youth and Junior members learned about government in action and took their issues to legislators as part of first Washington DC Experience

Across the country projects have proven the diversity of need, talent and passion of members can lead to amazing local outreach

FOLLOW THE BLOCKS

More than 100 wooden quilt blocks are now permanently installed at PA State Farm Show Complex to start conversation about rural culture

ADVERTISE WITH US Our quarterly publication welcomes advertisers. Up to a 20% discount may be offered to Grange members on their ad purchases. All rates shown are for pre-designed content submitted at least 2 weeks in advance of press date for an issue. You may request rates for ads to be designed by our staff.

GOOD DAY!™ PRESS DATES 2020-21 Issue Due Date Hits Mailboxes Summer

May 15

July 1

Winter

November 1

January 1, 2021

Fall

Spring

August 1

February 1

September 1 April 1, 2021

Classified ads are also welcomed at $0.50 per word up to 25 words, $1 thereafter; $2.50 per website, email, or other link regardless of word count; $5 per photo (will appear no larger than 1.5”x1”). Special requests (bold design, font increase) available for extra charge. All copy should be submitted no later than 10 days prior to the due date. National Grange assumes no responsibility for that which is advertised in Good Day!™ and reserves the right to reject ads deemed offensive or irrelevant.

Please contact Amanda Brozana Rios at communications@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (301) 943-1090 for details.

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Renew or subscribe today!

You can renew or subscribe at nationalgrange.org/goodday and pay by credit/debit card or set up auto-renewal!

OR you can return to National Grange, 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006, ATTN: Good Day! this clipping or paper with the following information, as well as a $16 check per subscription/renewal made payable to National Grange at Name

Good DAY!

Vol. 1, Issue 2 l Spring 2017

SUMMER CAMP

Take a trip down memory lane with us as we hear about favorite summer camp memories from Grangers

GIFT IDEAS FOR DAD

THROUGH THE EYES OF A YOUTH AMBASSADOR

With Father’s Day right around the corner, check out some perfect and easy gift ideas

VOICES OF RURAL AMERICA HEARD ON HILL

Meet Asa Houchin, one of the National Grange’s Youth Ambassadors

Members from across the country participated in the annual Fly-In to advocate on Grange issues in April GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE

____________________________________________________________

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Good DAY!

Vol. 1, Issue 1 l Winter 2017

FAMI LY TRADI TI ONS APRIL IS GRANGE MONTH!

COOK RANCH PHOTO ESSAY

Ask your community to reflect on what it would be like without DO·ers

Phone

www.nationalgrange.org

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Address ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ Email

A quarterly publication of the National Grange

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FUTURE OF THE GRANGE Browse our Junior and Youth sections to see what young Grangers are up to

Go on an adventure around this Idaho cattle farm and small town way of life

GENERTIONS APART, TOGETHER National Grange Young Patron Mandy Bostwick is no stranger to Order’s spotlight

GOOD DAY! MAGAZINE

Do you dream of being a published author or artist? This is your chance! This is your magazine. Submissions may be made by any Grange member in good standing, especially including Junior and Youth members. The work must be your own original writing or drawing. For Juniors, you may get your parent, guardian or another mentor or adult’s assistance to write or draw 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. All work must be in good taste and appropriate for our audience. The National Grange reserves the right to reject any submissions. While you can provided a submission on any topic, we also have some ideas for your inspiration for upcoming issues based on our expected content. For ideas, feel free to email communications@ nationalgrange.org. Guidelines & The Fine Print Entries can be any of the following types: photo essay (at least 3 photos on the same topic that tell a larger story) with captions for each photo identifying the people in the photo if applicable and what is happening in the scene; short story (max. 1,000 words); poem; essay/article (maximum 1,500 words and must include at least 2 relevant photographs with captions); skit (no more than 6 speaking characters; should not take more than 10 minutes to

Good Day!

perform and should not require elaborate set); D-I-Y (do-it-yourself) project with supply list, step-by-step instructions and photos of each step; or open category (examples include but are not limited to a coloring book page related to Grange or agriculture; comic strip or box; recipes, etc.). Each entry must be submitted digitally and include name, mailing address, phone number and email (if applicable) and Grange details (name, number and state of Subordinate Grange and office held). Junior 1+ members can list the Subordinate or State Grange they are affiliated with. E-members can list National Grange E-member. Submission of entry is acknowledgment that publication is allowed. In the case of Junior submissions, this is acknowledgment of right to publish by both Junior and their parent/guardian. Submissions may be made via email to communications@ nationalgrange.org. Several entries will be published in each issue of Good Day!™ magazine and others may be included in a future online edition or webpage related to the magazine.

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designed for We plan our layout so that many of our pages can be pulled out and either completed and returned or copied and given to members or friends. Help us share the news of our Order and encourage people to get their own subscription to Good Day!

distribution

Complete & Return 6

Renew/Subscribe

Esto Perpetua: Appeal Form

Grange Barn Quilt Block locator

Copy & Hand Out/Post 2

Grange Member Benefits

Foundation Shirt Fundraiser for Granges: “We’re in this together”

RESOURCE: Grange Order of Business English | Spanish side-by-side

5 Tips for Telehealth

Master’s Ruling (2016): Virtual Meetings

82-86

Junior Grange Passport: The United States #2 - American Flag (with letter, passport and worksheet)

93-96

Rhubarb Recipes

99 Back

Census PSA: Shape your child’s future Grange Store @ Monroe Classic Sales

Cover Photo

E-member Annie Montes, who lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico, was personally impacted by the COVID-19 virus. In March, she watched as her mother struggled with the effects of the illness she was exposed to while working at the local hospital as a Registered Nurse and then saw the course repeat itself when her mother’s boyfriend, a Nurse’s Assistant at the same facility, began showing symptoms of COVID-19. The lack of proper personal protective equipment that led to her mother’s illness spurred Montes who began sewing cloth masks, made with slits so that an N95 filter can be inserted but they can also be worn over N95 respirator masks. Montes, like so many other Grange members who participated in the effort, sought any way she could help those on the front lines, and produced dozens of masks for local nurses at the hospital where her mother works.

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Esto Perpetua Ensure the

Grange future in 4 easy steps

Contribute to the National Grange Building Fund or Other Worthy Projects

With necessary repairs like the new roof, the National Grange is in need of your help. You can make a difference by donating directly to the National Grange. Donations to Grange Foundation help in many ways to strengthen our organization and ensure it truly lives on forever.

STEP 1. 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 General Fund.

NATIONAL GRANGE

STEP 2. CALCULATE YOUR TOTAL DONATION. 100% of all proceeds go to the programs you wish to support.

A nonprofit, agricultural fraternity designated as a 501(c)(5) by the IRS.

I am making a $_________ donation to National Grange.

$______ National Headquarters Building Fund

I am making a $_________ donation to Grange Foundation.

$______ 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.

$______ General Fund

STEP 3. PROVIDE YOUR PAYMENT DETAILS. Check one. _____ I have enclosed checks made payable to National Grange and/or Grange Foundation. _____ I wish for my donation to be made via credit card. (Visa, MasterCard and Discover accepted) Name on card ___________________________________

$______ Junior Grange Fund $______ Grange Youth Fund $______ Community & Leadership Development Fund

Card Number ____________________________________ Expiration Date ________/_________ CVC __________

$______ American Arts and Culture Fund $______ Kelley Farm Fund

Signature _______________________________________

$______ Communication Fellows Program

You may also go online to www.nationalgrange.org/give or call Amanda Brozana Rios (202) 628-3507 ext. 102 to make your contribution today. STEP 4. 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.

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MASTER’S CORNER Betsy E. Huber QUILTS!

During my term as Pennsylvania State

I love quilts—quilts of all sizes, colors,

designs,

pieced,

Grange President, I was approached

appliqued,

by Barbara Gross, a Granger in a rural

embroidered, hand-quilted, machine-

area of the state, with the idea of a

quilted….the possibilities are endless.

Pennsylvania Grange Heritage Quilt

I am far from an expert quilter, but I have made two large and a few small quilts and many quilted pillows. I think my love of quilts relates to my love for puzzles. A pieced quilt is like a

Trail. The first Grange quilt block was placed on Barb’s Grange, Scrubgrass #1705, in June 2009, and I was there to dedicate it.

puzzle that must fit together precisely,

The idea took off quickly, and within a

with all the pieces in the right place

couple years over 100 quilt blocks were

where they belong.

hung on Grange halls and fairgrounds

Quilts have always been a symbol

across the state.

Another wonderful aspect of Grange and quilts is our relationship with the Quilts of Valor organization.

of American Values, Hometown Roots,

Every year since then, Barb and

comfort and family, old fashioned home

her husband Glenn have presented

Grangers have eagerly embraced this

and warmth.

workshops for people to design and

project too, making beautiful patriotic

paint their own blocks, with more

quilts for servicemen and women and

participants each year.

veterans to thank and honor them.

In difficult times like these, when we are facing an unprecedented moment of mandated social isolation, quilts are

Last year, as you will read in this

a cozy friend. For many, quilts have

issue, more than 100 Grange Heritage

been gifted to them by loved ones, and

Quilt Blocks were hung in the PA Farm

wrapping yourself in one while feeling

Show building for thousands to see,

community members who have served

alone can make you think of all the

many made by members at our annual

our country. This is a great project that

wonderful times spent and memories

Family Festival that also focuses us on

fits so well with Grange ideals and allows

made and just make the day better.

one of the great aspects of the Grange

use of our skills in a wonderful way.

Scraps of otherwise useless fabric are

- that there’s something for everyone

lovingly sewn together to create useful

in the family to take part in, and from

articles and creations of great beauty.

our earliest years we can cultivate

Many small pieces come together to

connections that will last a lifetime.

Grange or our communities.

We are a group of many diverse and

personalities,

that

fit

old days,” when neighbors visited

together perfectly for a useful purpose.

neighbors and got together on Sunday

Being in a Grange meeting is like being

afternoons for a meal.

wrapped in a soft, warm quilt—you are

This is the reason the Grange planned a quilt trail.

I know there are many of you who love to quilt, so I want to see lots and lots at the National Grange Convention this

Quilts fit well with Grange. people

are presenting quilts to Grangers and

of quilt blocks in the Lecturer’s contest

make a beautiful creation—like our Quilts remind people of the “good

Many Granges across the nation

year in Valley Forge. Even if you don’t quilt, it’s very simple to make one block that can be combined with others to make beautiful, warm, cozy works of

welcomed with friendship and love, just

art. Why not sit down right now and get

like a visit to Grandmom’s house.

started!

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

From the desk of the AMANDA LEIGH BROZANA RIOS I wish my grandmothers were alive to see what is happening in the world. Of course, I’d be terrified for their health and safety in the midst of this COVID-19 pandemic, especially since both compromised their lungs for their adult lives by smoking. I wonder what they’d think of the sports-announcer style reporting of new cases and deaths from the virus that is quickly sweeping the globe; the people wild in the aisles of the grocery stores buying toilet paper and soap in droves; the overwhelming mixture of terror and nonchalance about what could come tomorrow or the day after that. Both would laugh and agree that it may be my father’s fault - he finally broke down and got a smartphone just as the outbreak was beginning. Something must have snapped loose and plunged us into this spiral when he started using apps and connecting to the world through the data plan he now has. There is truth that with age comes wisdom, and their observations would help me make sense of the world on fire in front of my eyes. But then I realize they are with me. They’re guiding my hand to make purchases of items that can be stored easily and substitute for other raw ingredients if necessary. They’re reminding me that panicking only leads to poor decisions. They’re showing me my fortunes when the world wants me only to see how I’ve been put out. They’re breathing a chill onto my fiery nature when calmness is paramount. They’re helping me realize that my talents and skills may not be put to use in a patient’s room, but can be used to keep at bay the wolves of loneliness and depression nearly all of us are feeling as

we’re mandated into social isolation. But these days, I’m finding it hard to talk about what I’m feeling. I cannot remember a time when I was short on words, but they must have all fallen out during my frequent, recent jawdroppings. When I do talk about the events of the eon we are living in, I start hoping that a puzzle of words will fit together just right and all will be restored to the way it was Before. “The Before Days” I’ve dubbed them. But there will be no more days like Before, only days masquerading as the normal we were used to. And maybe that’s OK, because in the Before Days, we didn’t have enough grandchildren unknowingly soaking in tactics to make any situation surmountable or maybe not enough grandparents giving life lessons just in the way they approached each day. Or maybe we all were just too sure nothing so monumentally disruptive would come that we felt it unnecessary to prepare with skills and knowledge and wit and resolve. Skills, like stretching our resources and bringing something to the table so a barter or trade is always an option. Or skills that help us feel in control or of assistance, like sewing masks. Knowledge of what can be frozen, what can be dried and what will last long enough to be useful. Or knowledge of market adjustments and long-term planning. Wit because - at least in my redheaded world the opposite is anger and the derivative is fear - neither of which are useful when the going gets tough. Resolve, like getting out of bed and making a new routine even if the old one is still belting out a siren song. Or to

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Editor

To my grandmothers. Betty (Bolich) Brozana and Iris (Nash) Gray Sorry Granny and Nan for the photo choices - apparently my albums are social distancing themselves from me right now. allow yourself to be down, but never out. Maybe, too we all just need more faith. More hope. More charity. More fidelity. And then we will slowly adjust to whatever is coming - I’ll leave the politics and squabbling to you to decide what that horror may be - and wait the next life-changing thing. I just hope it doesn’t involve a run on toilet paper.

GUEST ESSAY For rural students, limited connectivity means the struggle is real to keep pace with peers when e-learning is in play By Noah Berning 2019-20 Indiana State FFA Treasurer I love snow days. Or at least I loved snow days. Those days that use to be filled with playing in the snow and enjoying the day away from school. However, once I reached high school, those days were injected with e-learning. The concept of e-learning is brilliant. In theory, it allows for students to spend part of their day to continue the academic calendar and not have to make up the day later in the year. However, there is a major issue that challenges this idealistic situation: poor internet connectivity in rural areas, such as the one that I grew up in. Students in those areas spend their e-learning day dealing with a loading webpage rather than actually getting something accomplished, simply because they are underserved—or not served at all—in terms of internet connection. And believe me, students are not the only ones negatively impacted by this dilemma. The agriculture industry is a perfect example of another sector that is greatly hindered by the lack of broadband deployment in our country. The agriculture industry is constantly evolving from a technology standard, and these new advancements and enhancements are helping the industry reach the lofty goals ahead, if adequate internet is available. These advancements include the use of drones and business management programs to simplify and enhance the data recorded for each farm. In addition, having internet access can help to keep the quality of living in rural areas on par with urban areas. To utilize these programs, the industry needs to have high quality internet access, just as I needed in high school to make sure my math papers were turned in on time. As the agriculture industry evolves, we have seen—and will continue to

see—a shift to technology throughout the industry. This demands a broader scope of broadband development so that those producing agricultural products can utilize these advancements. This past December, I had the chance to visit with agricultural businesses across the state of Indiana and saw some of those programs in action. One key technology is the use of drones to do quick, fly-over scouting trips of the customer’s fields; allowing for the company to find spots of particular interest much quicker than a traditional in-field scout could. I also had the chance to see an insect trap that records the predominant insect species located in the field of interest and sends back data and photos to the farmer, allowing them to know which pest control tactics should be used. Yet, according to the USDA, twenty-nine percent of U.S. farms have no access to internet, making the use of these programs impossible (“Rural Broadband”). Farmers in these underserved areas also miss out on the opportunity to implement different data and business management programs. Granular, a program under Corteva Agriscience, is one example of a data recording system that allows for producers to organize all of their farm data into a central location. A local cooperative in Indiana also utilizes an online application that allows its customers to retrieve chemical application, crop scout photos, field maps, and more in a condensed location as well. However, according to the Federal Communications Commission, 39% of rural areas that have internet connection, do not have the sufficient speed to run programs such as these. This compares to the only four percent of urban areas that fall into that same category (“Rural Broadband”). Therefore, without proper connection in those rural areas, we are missing out on

Post Script

COVID sheds new light on broadband need In light of recent events concerning COVID-19, this issue of rural broadband will most certainly— if it has not already—become even more prevalent on the minds of countless people across this country. This is mainly because of the sharp and quick transition to e-learning and teleworking methods. With the severity of this pandemic, it is certain that these measures were necessary; however, it is also showing how critically unprepared we were for this flip. From my personal experience, my duties as an Indiana FFA State Officer have been transitioned to telework. Weekly video chat meetings and scrambling through online files have continued on next page

continued on next page

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taken place of our usual office work. Although these methods allow us to find the right venue to complete our tasks, internet restrictions have caused me lots of issues in completing what needs to be done. The connectivity is much too unreliable, and I know I am not alone in this situation. Another major issue is entirely intertwined with the concept of e-learning. As aforementioned, e-learning provides a great concept in terms of getting things done in these tough and unusual times. However, similar to my own telework, students in rural areas are experiencing such issues that their tasks are either taking way too long, or simply cannot be accomplished. This is not even to mention areas that have such poor connectivity that they do not even have an e-learning program set in place, who cannot advance in their school year during this pandemic. Both of these scenarios are causing students to fall behind to their urban and suburban counterparts who have that access. The question that no one really can answer at this point is, just how far behind are our students going to fall? With all of these complications that we are seeing, I do believe that there is a possible “light at the end of the tunnel.” As more and more people shift to doing their tasks at home, rural broadband is presenting itself as an even more monumental issue than ever before. The world is being forced to turn digital, and we are seeing just how unprepared we really were. At this point in time, it seems like—just like my Wi-Fi this morning—our world is going to be drastically slowing down. Yet, I do believe that this event could provide a new opportunity to show the importance of broadband development. Primarily because it has reared its head at all of us, as we attempt to deal with this transition; if any legislators did not know just how big of a problem it is, they better know now. And even if the magnitude of this issue is not apparent yet, this situation provides a whole new leg to stand on for rural broadband supporters. It is said that a lot of people are “visual learners;” and if that is so, I do not believe that could be a better visual to show just how important broadband development truly is, than what we are dealing with right now.

opportunities to help producers better manage farm data to help increase farm efficiency. Beyond all of the advancement in the agriculture industry, there is another key reason that increased broadband deployment is vital. It can help to improve the off-farm life. First, proper connectivity allows producers to keep in touch with the world around them. Whether that is listening to the local farm podcast to check on commodity prices or just simply staying in touch with worldwide news. Not to mention that it would allow students in those areas to complete their assignments for their e-learning days. Thus, the deployment of enhanced broadband can help to make sure rural communities do not fall behind

Grange partners with ‘Rural Matters’ podcast, encourages listening By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications and Development Director In March, the National Grange became a marketing partner with Rural Matters, the nation’s leading podcast launched in 2017 that focuses on rural education, business and health. As such, National Grange is helping to cross promote the podcast that informed the audience about important issues facing rural America, and is mentioned as a marketing partner in each episode. The podcast has tackled topics such as the opioid crisis, rural broadband, transportation and the corporatization of education in rural communities, women’s leadership in faith communities, STEM education, mental health and rural suicide, and much more. A new episode appears every two weeks and often features guests and experts that shed new light on series issues important to Grange members and part of our priority issue areas. Prior to the explosion of the COVID crisis, podcast host Michelle Rathman had taken part in the National Rural Health Association annual Rural Health Policy Institute in Washington DC, moderating a panel discussion focused on the rural hospital closure crisis, which we look at in depth, starting on page 54 in this issue of Good Day!™. The episode, number two in a series on rural health, is now available as well as all other episodes of the podcast, through all major platforms and online at http://ruralmatters.libsyn.com, where you can learn more about the show.

the rest of the world. Altogether, the agriculture industry has a long road ahead. Precision agriculture and agricultural technology help open doors to simplify the path ahead. Rural broadband plays a vital role in utilizing those to their fullest potential as well. Therefore, it is very important that we keep pushing for broadband deployment, to ensure the industry has to chance to reap the benefits of the technological evolution that we are seeing. I applaud the Grange for the work its done on this issue for nearly as long as I’ve been alive, and urge you: keep advocating for this issue, help feed the world, and save our snow days.

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“We are rooted in rural America — committed to making a difference in the lives of our customers, not only by deploying broadband, but by staying true to the community-focused values that are at the core of our company.” – DARBY MCCARTY, CEO, SMITHVILLE

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

GUEST ESSAY

Joining Grange a great blessing in my life By Ann Barbour Member, Exeter Grange #12, RI Becoming part of the Exeter Grange has been on of the biggest blessings of my life in recent years! It has made me more cognizant of my role in the community where I am a resident, a parent and a teacher. Becoming a member of the Grange has brought life and pride into my 1802 farmhouse and brought me friendships that will last a lifetime. One of those friends nominated me for a Teacher of the Year Award from the Exeter Grange in 2015. On the evening when I received my award, I was in awe over the traditions and stories of “yesteryear” at the Grange while watching others be awarded for decades of service to their community. I had to sign up and become a member. The first meeting I went to was the Christmas Party. They said to bring some Dunkin’ Donuts gift cards for the homeless veterans of Rhode Island. I wanted to get my third grade class involved, as we had been supporting military efforts that year, so Celeste Spencer brought in some women from the Ladies Auxiliary that supports the VA Hospital in Rhode Island to talk to my students about this project. The children said they wanted to help, so the night of the party, I brought 29 gift cards for the homeless vets. The Exeter Grange members sprung into action and wrapped the gift cards in little bags filled with candy and Christmas cards. There were over 50 little bags to distribute that year. This year, after our amazing Veterans Day celebration, I told my students about this project. They decided the could beat the record. By the Christmas party, there were 42 gift cards for the homeless vets! When our cards were combined with the Grange members’ cards, a record number of homeless vets were able

Submitted Photo Ann Barbour’s third grade class at Metcalf School, Exeter, Rhode Island gathered more than 40 Dunkin’ Donut cards for the homeless veterans as a service project in connection with Exeter Grange, where she is a member. to get a hot cup of coffee, a donut and a treat on Christmas morning. Teaming up with the Exeter Grange for projects like this allows my students to participate in activities that build a stronger community, a stronger state and a stronger nation, all fundamental beliefs of the Grange.

National Lecturer announces creation of advisory board By Chris Hamp National Grange Lecturer I am excited to announce the creation of the National Lecturer Advisory Board (LAB). The Advisory Board consists of five members from across the country, representing each of the Grange convention regions, with subject matter expertise in the following disciplines: Arts/Entertainment, Literary, Handicrafts, Home Skills and SelfImprovement; as well as a youth member to insure perspective from this critical membership sector. The Advisory Board is composed of Phil Vonada, Pennsylvania, for Arts/

Entertainment; Vonnie Meritt, Oklahoma, for Literary; Bonnie Mitson, Idaho, for Handicrafts; Gwen Swenson, Minnesota, for Home Skills; Mary Jordan, Massachusetts, for Self-Improvement; and Eliot Wilser, New York, representing the Youth. My intent for this Lecturer Advisory Board (LAB) is that it becomes a place to discuss, suggest and try new things; to capitalize on each member’s expertise and experience to positively affect Grange and Grange members at all levels; and to assist me as National Lecturer to make good decisions in regard to programming and contests. I believe that the position of National Lecturer is most effective if led as a team, not

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be an individual sport. It is also my intent to create programming and resources that are timely, engaging and viable for every Grange and Grange member across the country. The strength of the Grange is at our community Grange level; back when, now and for always! I want to give a special thanks to each of these Grangers for saying, “I’d Be Delighted,” and for their willingness to try something new. Stay tuned for great ideas and resources from the LAB!

GUEST ESSAY

Accurate Census count matters in more ways than you may know; taking part a vital service to your community By F. Phil Prelli National Grange Vice President & Chairman of the Board Have you completed your census form yet? While you are at home practicing your “social distancing” and wondering what to do, why not take a few minutes to complete your questionnaire. As the Grange is informing its members and the general public in their Public Service Announcement, PSA, it is important that every household completes its census form; so that we are all counted. I filled mine out a few days ago and it took less than 10 minutes. I completed mine on line but if you are not comfortable using a computer or do not have access to a computer you can do it on the phone. Just follow the easy instructions that were mailed to you. We all understand the census count is used to establish how many congressional districts we will have in

our State starting with the 2022 election, as well as drawing the boundary lines for each district. As important as this is, the count is used for so much more. It is also used as the base to establish our State Legislative district lines and in many larger cities to draw up wards or city council districts. There are many reports generated from the census information that are a benefit to our States and Communities. Census totals will determine the amount received in Federal Assistance for many programs. More than $675 billion in federal funds was distributed in the 2015 fiscal year for health, education, housing and infrastructure programs. Accurate census numbers ensure that funding is equitably distributed for these programs. Some of these programs include such things as, Medicaid, highway construction, school lunch programs, Head Start and other public sector investments. When looking at the demographics

from these reports, Federal Agencies as well as States are better able to plan for major Projects. This would include the Department of Agriculture; the Urban and Rural Development Office uses the reports in funding such projects as waste water treatment plants, school improvement projects and many others in our rural areas.

These reports are

also used by others to determine the need for hospitals, new roads, other transportation systems as well as other public sector investments. The census is also used in times of a National or regional emergency or disaster to determine where help and assistance are most required. Just imagine how it is being used now. So you see that the census is more than just counting the population. It has so many other uses. So again I ask if you haven’t completed your form take the 10 minutes to do it and make sure you are one of the ones counted.

Grange produces PSA urging participation in 2020 Census media, their websites and at events - virtual or with hope,

By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director

physical in the coming months. We also hope members will encourage one another to

On April 1, the start of Grange Month and National

participate in this important endeavor that shapes many

Census Day, the National Grange announced it has become

parts of our everyday lives and the future of our communities.

a parter with the U.S. Census Bureau in an effort to urge every individual to do their part for an accurate count. As part of that effort, the Grange created a public service announcement (PSA) and joined with Comcast to deliver it to

To access the PSA, go to bit.ly/grange-census where you will be able to view or download it. You may also reproduce the print PSA that appears in the inside back cover of this issue or go to 2020census.gov for other materials. We encourage Granges to hold programs about

most markets across the country in which the company has a

the importance of the census and a Junior Passport will

footprint and the Grange has influence.

soon be released with activities for kids using Census

The 30-second PSA is also available for Granges to use and every Grange is encouraged to share it on their social

data and strengthening their math skills. Look for it at nationaljuniorgrange.org in mid-April.

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EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE REPORT

‘Thus ours is a social order’ By Leroy Watson National Grange Executive Committee Member To state that this article is vastly different than the one I had intended to write just a few weeks ago for Good Day!™ would be a massive understatement. Back then I had hoped to introduce Grange members to the possibility of an exciting new membership benefit and membership recruitment program that could help revitalize our local Granges and increase our presence in rural communities by addressing an unmet need for additional retirement savings options for rural small businesses and their employees who make up the backbone of the rural economy in our country. Today, in contrast to the optimistic prospect of discussing a new member benefit program, our thoughts and prayers as Grange members have turned to the rapidly unfolding, uncertain and troubling situation that is imposing economic uncertainty and social distancing on our world. The Covid-19 virus pandemic is still spreading, forcing the closing of schools, universities, government offices, recreational facilities and businesses where large numbers of people congregate to conduct their affairs. It has forced agencies of government at all levels and in nearly every nation around the globe to either strongly recommend or impose restrictions on social gathering, and even personal travel outside of our homes. Without these efforts, potentially millions of people will die from the effects of the virus. While anyone who contracts this virus has a chance of seeing it progress to levels of intensity that will threaten their lives, the truth is that the risk of fatality disproportionately falls on some of the most vulnerable members of society, the old and those with preexisting medical conditions that weaken their ability to fight off the virus. This heroic effort to contain the virus and not overload our medical infrastructure, however, will come at a huge social and economic cost. The economic consequence may be even more devastating, at least in the short run, than the Great Depression, which started 90 years ago. There will be consequences that cannot be fairly attributed on hubris, greed or “market failures” of the private sector or on the mismanagement, politization or partisan motivations of our elected and appointed leaders to anticipate and prepare for this pandemic. Instead, the blame properly lies squarely with mankind’s oldest, most ruthless and most tenacious adversary… nature. As Grange members, we have an important responsibility to keep this fact in perspective and use our knowledge and experience to help our fellow citizens understand that this is not the first time our nation has faced the social challenge of pandemic and disease. Most of us are aware that the Grange was founded during a time of social and political upheaval in

the years following the Civil War. But it was equally a time of public health upheaval. The most gifted political leader of his generation, Abraham Lincoln, died at the hands of an assassin. Just as important from our perspective, the Lincoln family, suffered huge personal losses from pandemic diseases, demonstrating that in the 19th Century, even the “First Family” was not immune to the silent killers of disease. Edward Lincoln, died at age 3, probably from tuberculosis. William Lincoln died from Typhoid fever at the age of 11. Youngest son, Tad Lincoln, died at the age of 18 from complications attributed to tuberculosis. During the Civil War, infections killed more soldiers on both sides than all of the carnage of all of the battles combined. In 1867, deadly pandemic diseases were a common fact of life in America. While not completely understood by medical science at the time, most contemporary public health officials recognized that isolation, quarantine and what we now call social distancing had to be a part of everyday life to slow the spread of these diseases in our population. So given these common concerns 150 years ago, it is somewhat surprising that our Founders would boldly proclaim in the opening charge of the installation ceremony, “Thus, ours is a social order-“. I believe that the answer as to why America and particularly America’s farmers needed a strong social order, despite grave concerns over the incidents of disease in our society at the time, is answered just a few sentences later in that same charge. The sentence “We ask none to join us who can not see good in their fellow beings” teaches us, I believe, that the Founders wanted us to see our Brothers and Sisters not from a perspective of the risks they posed to our personal health but from the perspective of the value they could contribute to the Grange to help address the most important social problem of the era, the spread of multiple, often fatal or crippling, pandemic diseases in our communities. In our Grange ritual and traditional experiences, I believe we can still see echoes of these concerns. In our oath of office we pledge to follow “all edicts issued by proper authorities”. While this is a somewhat broad pledge, it is difficult to imagine this not applying to public health orders, such as quarantines. The presentation of the traditional officers stations in a Grange hall strongly suggests social distancing. The repeated references in our ritual to attend to “the sick and in distress”, to “help the fatherless and the widows” and to partake of “the sweet smelling savor of pity which feels for the wants and relieves the distresses of our Sisters and Brothers” all harken to a mutual responsibility we have all accepted as Grange members to assist and comfort those members of our society who face hardship and grief from natural forces, such as disease and pandemic, that are beyond their control.

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Today we mostly read about these experiences in history books. However, one source of real-time historic experience with pandemics that we should not overlook is our Grange meeting minutes. With hundreds of active Granges in existence that can date their charter to more than a century ago, these humble recordings of local Grange activities will often contain significant references to the public health concerns of our nation. I urge Grange members who look to serve their community during this public health crisis to review their minutes and publish excerpts that show how our predecessors used the social networking influence of our Order to address these concerns. Likewise, we have older members who still remember when crippling diseases, like polio, had no treatment or cure. How whole communities could be locked down in order to stop the spread of a disease. Oral history conversations with these members asking them to recall these times and their feelings, recorded for posterity and published on your Grange’s webpage or Facebook page, could help

many people today who have fear about the Covid-19 virus to understand that they are not alone nor are they the first to experience feelings of loss of control and anxiety related to public heath issues. Until very recently, our society had largely presumed that medical science had “conquered” all the major, existential pandemic threats facing us or, at the very least, that our tremendous investment in science and medical infrastructure would easily deflect the need for the draconian sacrifices of wealth, income, freedom and even human life that we now are experiencing to defeat a common foe of humanity. As Grange members we are uniquely situated from our history, our traditions and most importantly our values as a “social order”, to help the 21st Century understand what our Founders implicitly understood in the 19th Century, that even though “nature always bats last” that we will get through this, as difficult and painful as it will be for some, and that we are all in this together.

National office welcomes intern with long resume aboard In late January, the National Grange welcomed Heather Simon to the Washington, DC office. Simon graduated from The University of California Santa Barbara with a degree in International Relations and Economics and later on obtained an ABA approved Paralegal Certification from The University of San Diego with honors. After graduation from The University of California Santa Barbara, she went to Berlin, Germany to study at a language school for six months and then decided to move to Washington, DC and worked for Emerson Electric Company for three years as a Legislative Assistant, supporting Emerson’s advocacy and grassroots efforts. Simon then returned to California to work for the City of Temecula’s, City Manager’s office. During her tenure there, she earned her Paralegal Certification. Simon’s interest in international relations led her to London where she worked on a one-year student visa and transitioned into the marketing communications industry working for Kantar Millward Brown, a global leader in brand strategy, consulting, advertising development and media effectiveness. Upon returning to the States, Simon transitioned into the marketing public relations industry where she worked with health and beauty clients for more than 10 years, collaborating with non-profit

HEATHER SIMON organizations such as Children With Hair Loss, the American Hair Loss Council and major corporations such as Bosley and Hair Club. Heather’s passion was to return to Washington, DC and re-enter the grassroots advocacy industry. She found no better place to make that return than to the Grange. Heather has extensive experience as a Senior Marketing Project Manager and specializes in B2B and B2C marketing, servicing companies and non profit

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organizations in various industries supporting sales and operations teams through multichannel campaigns, direct mail marketing, social media, and trade shows that have led to increases in sales and new business development. In her personal life, Simon is an accomplished pianist, enjoys being part of the InterNations, a member organization where individuals help support one another through the process of moving to and establishing themselves in a new country and she is a passionate soccer fan and has been involved in supporting the FC Bayern Munich fans advocacy efforts across the USA. As part of Simon’s role with the Grange staff, she will utilize her prior advocacy grassroots and marketing expertise to assist in organizing events, membership and media relations. She is excited to be back in Washington, D.C., and be a part of The National Grange and its efforts to strengthen individuals, families and communities through grassroots action, service, education, advocacy and agriculture awareness. National Grange Legislative Director called Simon a great asset to the office. “She’s bright and has a big heart and when you give her something, she’s just right on top of it,” Eller said. “Anytime we have an excellent intern like Heather, we are able to do so much more for our members.”

Photo by Africa Speight The first floor Goss Conference Room at the National Grange Headquarters building in Washington, D.C., recently underwent a needed renovation and was reopened in early March for tenant and Grange use.

Conference room renovated, upgrades made to National HQ By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director The National Grange Headquarters, located in the heart of Washington D.C., saw several improvements over the past few months, including a noticeable face lift to the Goss Conference Room on the first floor. The room, used daily by the National Grange and our tenants, had many signs of wear and tear since its last renovation, along with many outdated features. National Grange Operations Coordinator, Samantha Wilkins, worked with various contractors and vendors to prepare for the project, which took just over a month to complete before it had its debut for the Washington DC Experience hosted by the National Grange for our Grange Youth and Junior Grange members at the beginning of March. “This was a much-needed improvement for our building, our tenants have been asking for this for quite some time now. They are happy and we are happy about all the possibilities this renovation has made for us,” Wilkins said. Previously, there had been little technology available for the room, and users were looking for a more modern incorporation of screens for presentations and a sound system, all of which were added as part of the project. “It was important to us to include technology that could incorporate all devices and have a vast variety of capabilities. With this we were able to provide new screens (TVs) to display information, an entirely new sound system and wireless microphones, complete Bluetooth capabilities and more,” Wilkins continued. Besides technology updates we were also able to update all the paint, flooring, lighting, ceiling, and furniture throughout the space. In addition, the attached kitchen was given a major face lift with new lighting, cabinetry, and counters. A garbage disposal

and dishwasher were added as well as new appliances including a larger refrigerator which has the capacity to hold platters and large trays often brought in for events by the Grange and our tenants’ special events. “All of these touches give it a more professional look and feel, increased functionality and generally make us more marketable as a space for our current tenants and potential future tenants. We also have plans to rent this space out for outside events,” Wilkins said. The project came in under budget at just about $35,000 but was well-worth the price tag for such a valuable piece of real estate within the 11-story building. In addition to the conference room renovation a new roof was installed last fall and anchors were added to the roof, required by OSHA for window-washers to use. Anchors had not been required when the building was built in 1959 and windows had not been washed for several years because of the recent OSHA requirements. “You’d be surprised how quickly the windows, especially street-side, become cloudy in the city with all the soot and smog,” National Grange President Betsy Huber said. She said tenants were happy to hear they would soon have a clear view of the city again, and they are very pleased with the new conference room and some of the little touches that have continued to make the 60-year-old building “home.” Wilkins and Huber both said there is still much on the to-do list – some projects that are clear to see while others may be more hidden but essential. “Our elevators, some of our wiring and other integral parts of our systems, and restrooms are all nearing or past their lifespan,” Wilkins said. “There are many improvements we need to and would like to make,” said Huber. “We will continue to make progress as funds allow.”

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Fly-In a successful venture in civic education By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director

and Adam Terrell Member, Walpole Grange #125, NH More than two dozen members from across the country took to the streets and phones as part of the 2020 Legislative Fly-In prior to the First in the Nation Presidential Primary this February in New Hampshire. The attendees got an up-close and personal lesson in civics, and though they were hands-on with campaigns, the process was educational and partisanship was nowhere to be found in attendees interactions with one another during the event. Even when attendees, who identified with both major parties and included some with political leanings in the Libertarian field as well, gathered together to watch the Democratic Primary Debate only a discussion of issues was had. “It’s incredible to watch Grangers display the way democracy should be, talking issues, not parties or slinging mud. The Grange spirit is a civil one,” event coordinator National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller said, “People of all political stripes talked without a mean sentiment in a very Grangerly fashion about the answers candidates gave and the platform of the Trump Administration to offer a balance. It’s pretty incredible in this day in age, but very necessary for the health of our nation to have these type of encounters.” This is the fourth time since 2004 that the Grange has held this event, deviating from its typical Washington D.C.-based Fly-In that focuses on teaching members how to advocate on issues of importance within Grange policy. Instead, members learned about the history and cultural importance of

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios Washington State Grange Lecturer Leslie Wells, left, learns how to use an app on a smartphone provided to volunteers at the Amy Klobuchar campaign headquarters in Manchester, New Hampshire, as part of the 2020 National Grange Fly-In. the “First in the Nation” primary that is celebrating its 100th year, visited campaign

headquarters

various

candidates of their choice, canvassed, made calls on behalf of the campaigns, attended rallies or other candidate events New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner - who is charged by state law with ensuring the state’s primary will always be the first such contest every four years - gave a history of the primary and discussed why he believed it should remain his state’s responsibility to serve as first in the vetting process of presidential hopefuls. Attendees

visited

one

campaigns of their choice – several going to Trump campaign activities while others split among the Democratic challengers’ offices, most participating as

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phone bank volunteers or neighborhood canvassers. In the evening, they ate dinner together and compared stories and observations. Those who have participated in the past noted that they seemed more connected than previous years as campaigns were using apps to make calls, provide canvassers information on where to visit and more. Leroy Watson, who has attended each of the First in the Nation Primary Fly-ins, having helped create the event when served as National Legislative Director in the early 2000s, said each year has a bit of a different twist due to the adaptation of technology, but the Grange members’ approach to the event remains mostly the same, saying Grangers often look at the person, not party when choosing the campaigns they

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios ABOVE: Participants at the 2020 National Grange Fly-In collected various campaign items will taking part in phone banks, doorto-door campaign work and more while in Manchester, New Hampshire, in early February. BELOW: National Junior Grange Ambassador Bryce Danko of Pennsylvania speaks with New Hampshire Secretary of State Bill Gardner after a presentation. wish to participate with at the event. As for technology, he said Grangers got a glimpse into the future coming to a campaign near you. “This primary, this year provided us an insight into what the process will look like and what campaigns on all levels will look like in the near future.” For those who were politically uninvolved in previous elections or had grown apathetic, the event educated and inspired them to take an active role. Diane Andrews of Rhode Island said that is one of the great gifts of the Grange: “it lets you know how much of a voice you have. Whatever your opinion is matters.” There were three attendees under 18 including both Junior Grange Ambassadors, Brianna Gervais of

Connecticut and Bryce Danko of Pennsylvania; and youth attendee Ava Grenier-Riley from Rhode Island. Grenier-Riley said she wanted to attend the event because she realized while taking an AP U.S. History class this school year she didn’t “really understand much about politics and the whole political process and we’re starting to get to the point in history where I have to…. I recognize that It’s important to understand.” She tagged along with her mom, Kelly, who attended as the State Grange Legislative Director, and watched her first debate while at the Fly-In. “Engaging youth in the process helps to have conversations with voters and show that Grangers are interested in making sure people understand process,

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Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios Grange Youth Derek Snyder, right front, of Valley Grange #1360, Pennsylvania, was part of a group that stopped at a campaign rally of then-candidate Pete Buttigeg, prior to leaving New Hampshire. Here he is about to shake the candidate’s hand. civic duty and civility,” Kelly Riley said. Rebecca Gervais, Brianna’s mother, agreed with Riley, nothing that she felt it was important for her daughter to have such an experience to shape her as a citizen. “If you can experience something like this, hopefully you can take ownership so when you get older it means something to you. She’ll be more likely to be part of the process and take the initiative to realize it’s her responsibility as a citizen when she’s of age.” Many other attendees were happy to see young people at the event. “I know what I know now is because I listed when I was young to other people and I gathered opinions all through the years,” attendee Warren Chamberlain, a member from Massachusetts, said. “It’s nice to be able to share that with other people and not impose my opinion on others.”

New Hampshire Grangers did much to prepare for the event and welcome attendees to the Granite State. Former New Hampshire legislators Bob Haefner and Tara Sad assisted with on-the-ground event coordination, setting up speaker and coordinating schedules and transport with other volunteers from the State Grange, several of whom were on hand Saturday morning to serve breakfast to the attendees at the New Hampshire State Grange headquarters. State Master Chris Heath, proud to show off their building and talk about living through the excitement every four years of the primary season. Also included in this year’s Fly-In was a tour of a Manchester-based museum with exbibits focusing on the history of presidential politicking in the state. They learned the requirements for someone to make it to the presidential primary

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ballot in the state and found out that a combined total of about five dozen candidates were to appear across both parties’ tickets in 2020. On Sunday, before leaving the state, a few attendees stopped by a rally being held by the Pete Buttigieg campaign in Nashua, a way to see one more piece of the political puzzle in New Hampshire. There, attendees also spoke briefly with a Bill Weld supporter. Weld is a Republican candidate and former governor of Massachusetts. Nathan Strawder said the event was an experience unlike anything he would be able to take part in his home state of Kansas where the primary is held, long after most of the candidates struggling to get votes in early states have dropped out of the race, in early May, which may be canceled or reformatted entirely because of the COVID outbreak.

Foundation fundraising shirt for sale to help Granges By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director The National Grange Foundation launched a fundraising t-shirt in March with hopes to appeal to the masses – far outside the Grange – but with a goal of assisting those Granges who are impacted by the COVID crisis or are working in their communities to assist others, potentially to the financial detriment of the Grange. Such is the case with several Granges that have opened their Halls free-of-charge to other groups doing good work, or who have put together free food deliveries to local hospitals and more. These actions are what Granges are built to do, but sometimes come at a cost to perform. So too, Granges are missing out on events that often double as fundraisers or rental income while still doing things to help individuals in their community or the community as a whole. Joan Smith, Foundation Board President, said she hopes everyone will share the shirt information with friends and family. “The appeal is there,” Smith said. “The Grange name is on the shirt, but it’s a shirt for everyone who believes in the message: ‘We’re in this together.’ The shirts look great, they fit great, and they speak to so

ORDER Online at bit.ly/itt-shirt or by phone at (301) 943-1090; discounted bulk orders must be placed with Amanda STYLES Unisex Small-5XL; Womens Small-3XL; Youth S-XL; Onesies Newborn, 6, 12, 18 and 24 months PRICE Ranging from $12-$17.50 based on style and size. FREE U.S. SHIPPING

A red t-shirt with the message “We’re in this together” is being sold by the Grange Foundation as a fundraiser to help Granges continue the good work in their communities. The design is also available on women’s cut shirts, youth size shirts and onesies as pictured below.

many of us at this time with all kinds of professions and lifestyles referenced around the virus.” She said she hopes Grange members and others will buy a shirt as a gift for those who are essential workers as well as one for themselves to truly show unity at this time. “They’re out there, putting themselves at risk so we can get care or get food or gas or whatever,” Smith said. “They’re heroes, but we’re also part of the solution when we’re staying home and helping to flatten the curve. This shirt helps show that and I’m sure someone would find it a great gift to receive one and know you were thinking of them because there’s nothing we can do to thank them enough.” Beach Community Grange members in Virginia saw the shirt and felt that it sent the right message at this time, but wanted to make sure the entire community stood in solidarity. Melinda Hankins reached out to the Foundation to purchase a bulk of shirts that the Grange could sell as a fundraiser, piggybacking off the Foundation so that proceeds went to help both organizations. “Since our Grange is unable to have it’s April fundraiser bingo, which would have been to benefit the Foundation’s

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Youth and Junior programs, the shirts were a perfect opportunity. One to send the message to the Community that we truly are all in this together,” Hankins said. “Second, this will help the Grange Foundation and third, it allows our Grange to do more in the future. Truly a win all around.” Shirts are available for purchase at bit.ly/itt-shirt (case sensitive) and are shipped free within the U.S. They are red, 100% cotton, and come in sizes from newborn onesie to unisex 5XL, with youth and children’s sizes available, ranging from $12 to $17.50 based on size and style. Smith encouraged everyone to wear it when it comes in the mail and share photos with friends as well as the link so they can also buy a shirt. For discounted bulk orders, contact National Grange Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios at communications@nationalgrange. org or by phone at (301) 943-1090. Shirts may be personalized for a small additional fee with your Grange name or information on the back. You may also place your single-shirt order by phone with Brozana Rios.

Juniors deliver books to Ohio children’s hospital By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director Stelvideo Junior Grange #216 recently donated and delivered about 300 all-new books to Dayton Children’s Hospital in a service project that came at just the right time. “We had no clue that coronavirus would become such a big situation, and had planned this service project long before the pandemic hit,” Junior Leader Susan Gunckle said. “Some of the kids at hospitals can’t access certain services right now or have fun activities that would normally be scheduled, so having books on hand gives those kids something to do while those services may be suspended.” The project came to Gunckle in September after she learned from a friend who works at the Children’s Hospital of a cart used to take books around to patients of nearly every room of the 178-bed facility every afternoon Monday through Friday when there are books available. Once told about the idea, the Juniors were in! While the culmination of the project was the delivery, much planning and work to raise money and purchase the books which ranged in age-orientation from baby to teens - went into the project. With the help of an online book sale through the Usborne Books company, called an “Usborne Books Party For A Purpose” the Junior Grange was able to tell many in their community and across the Grange world about their desire and had support from as far as Pennsylvania with an order placed by National Grange President Betsy Huber. “I couldn’t believe all the people who helped, people I wasn’t even sure who they were,” Gunckle said. Members of the Junior Grange also committed to personally purchasing two books each for the patients, and all reported that they felt good about the effort. By doing the Usborne fundraiser, the company agreed to donate back half of all sales over $250 for the group to buy additional books for the cause. Gunckle said individuals purchased

Photo by Timothy Clopp of Timothy Clopp Photography Stelvideo Junior Grangers and parents delivered about 300 books to the Dayton’s Children’s Hospital in March. books for themselves or others through the fundraiser as well as for the children at the hospital. Those sales added up to more than $1,200, and as promised were given about $640 in credit toward the purchase of Usborne Books. Other donations rolled in, including books from Amazon or other sources, purchased by individuals who heard about the project, as well as monetary donations from individuals, new books purchased and donated by Junior Grange members and new duplicate or triplicate books provided by a local library. In all, the group took about 300 new volumes to the hospital. “We had a nice big variety,” said Hinshaw, ““This is a nice lesson for our Juniors to learn that Grange is more than meetings, making crafts and going to the county fair and putting up the booth. Giving to others makes a difference.” Seven Juniors — Joey and Calen Clopp, Moxon and Haddie Gilpin, Jaden and Dessie Wolf and Madelyn Dillon — were part of the delivery, along with Darke County Junior Deputy Lynne Hinshaw, Junior Leader Susan Gunckle and Junior parents, Holly and Tim Clopp, Ashley Gilpin, Heidi Wolf and Sarah Loxley. Kelly Wills, director of volunteer resources at Dayton Children’s Hospital, took the group to the book closet on the lower floor of the hospital and showed them the supplies on hand. She told the group that all children at the hospital can take a book and keep it, and if

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they have siblings who are there visiting, they can get a book as well and keep it. Junior Granger Moxon Gilpin said he “liked to be at the hospital and helping other kids,”according to a report that appeared in the local newspaper, the Daily Advocate, about the initiative. “My favorite part was when we got to the hospital,” Junior Joey Clopp told reporter Linda Moody who was covering the story for the Daily Advocate. “I was really excited to donate the books. I’m glad we could do something to make their day better.” Afterwards, they held a pizza party for the Juniors and their families thanks to money donated by Ohio Granger Deb Hamilton, who specifically told the group to “save some for a pizza party for your Juniors - they deserve it!” Gunckle said. She said the group is already planning to do the project again next year. “This was fortunate timing and we’re so happy we were able to cultivate the spirit of giving in these Juniors that they’re carrying with them to think about what more they can do with all the current needs going on,” Gunckle said. In addition to this project, Stelvideo Juniors, along with Stelvideo Grange just recently bought, put labels in, and sent a letter home with all the students and donated dictionaries to all Arcanum thirdgraders. “Our Grange feels blessed and honored to be able to do these two big community service projects,” Hinshaw said.

Photo courtesy of Silverton Grange’s Facebook Page Despite the emerging COVID-19 crisis, Silverton Grange #748 in Oregon still held their annual seed exchange, with a selfserve station, to the delight of their community.

Oregon Grange cancels full-fledged seed exchange, finds success with alternative swap during social distancing By Cayla Catino President, Silverton Grange #748, OR Every year for the past few years Silverton Grange #748 has hosted Seedy Saturday in March. The purpose of Seedy Saturday is to empower residents to grow their own food and exchange seeds that grow best in our region which promotes health, resiliency and connecting to nature. Seedy Saturday is a free community event, with local seeds donated by seed companies and local growers coming together to add their seeds to the exchange. There are also vendor booths from farmers, local artisans, and gardening experts and programs such as the local Master Gardener’s Program. This year most vendors were going to provide a kids activity such as planting in egg cartons or gluing seeds to a paper towel to practice spacing. We even had local musicians booked to play and a local nursery was going to donate trees and starts that we were going to sell to raise money for the Grange. In the past, we have had over a hundred people come through our doors for this Free community event. This year we sadly had to cancel due to the COVID-19 outbreak, but since we still had lots of seeds we decided to put the seeds outside the Grange and have a self-serve seed station.

Instead of a three-hour event, the seeds were available 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. It was a beautiful warm weekend out in Oregon, 60 degrees and sunny. A few Grangers stayed at the hall for a while on Saturday to beautify the landscape of our Grange, prep the garden beds, and greet people who came by. We even had containers and soil for community members to plant their seeds right there and bring them home with them. Even though it wasn’t the event that we had planned we enjoyed the time together in community - outside and 6 feet apart of course. Like many Granges, the Silverton Grange has gone through its ups and downs and is being re-birthed. The leaders of the Grange are young (in their 30’s!) and are excited to continue the legacy of serving the community. Adam McKinley, who is currently serving as the Treasurer/ Secretary, and I met when we worked together at GeerCrest Farm, an educational homestead outside of Silverton. Being involved in Farm-life education is how they got introduced to the Grange. Other well-attended community events that the Silverton Grange hosts is a MLK Celebration and Potluck in conjunction with Silverton People for Peace. Last year the Grange Partnered with the Local Startup Food Co-op to host a Pie Contest & Auction in November which raised over $2,000 and we are hoping to make this an annual event as well.

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State Grange draws attention with permanent installation of more than 100 barn quilts By Philip J. Vonada 2019 Grange Communication Fellow Driving along the Pennsylvania countryside, you’ll see them - dotting the edges of barns, homes, county fair buildings, and Grange Halls. Not unique to the Commonwealth, but certainly a fairly common sight, painted wooden quilt blocks evoke feelings of comfort and connectedness in a way viewers can sometimes not even describe. Celebrating the heritage and spirit of Americana, these “barn quilts” as they are often called because they had mostly been affixed to the sides of barns, originated in neighboring Ohio when Donna Sue Groves sought to pay tribute to her mother, a renowned quilter, by painting a quilt block trail on her old tobacco barn. Groves worked with neighbors to hang blocks throughout Adams County, creating a trail which motorists could drive to see a “clothesline of quilts.” She and her friends hoped that perhaps this trail would contribute to the local economy by encouraging tourists to buy goods and crafts from the area after their tour. Her “Snail’s Trail” block was added to her barn in 2003 and from there the idea spread like wildfire from Ohio to neighboring states, through Canada and the western United States often organized and documented on “quilt block trails.” In Pennsylvania, the State Grange Heritage Quilt Trail, was born of an idea from Scrubgrass Grange member Barbara Gross, who envisioned the pieces of art adorning Grange halls and fairs. The State Grange has claimed the market, dedicating blocks with a plaque and placing them on the organization’s website, which includes a trail map. According to the Quilt Trail’s website,

Photo by Amanda Brozana Rios Heritage Quilt Blocks hang in the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, after the permanent installation of the 108 pieces of art was unveiled during the 2020 PA Farm Show in January. “The mission of the Pennsylvania Grange Heritage Quilt Trail is to celebrate and promote the culture, heritage and viability of the Pennsylvania State Grange by placing quilt blocks on Grange Halls and other suitable buildings throughout the Commonwealth.” There is also a brochure about the trail available for those interested in the inherently rural art or following to find new blocks. “A lot of the quilt blocks are elusive,” said Gross. “You have to hunt, almost like a treasure hunt. It can be a good family activity and gets people out in the country.” While the trail is not new, having started in 2009 officially, it had a boom in early 2020 when more than 100 blocks were installed to be on permanent display at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex, the site of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event. There are other large installations. Nearly a dozen blocks dot the grounds of the Centre County Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall, where Gross leads quilt block painting during Pennsylvania State Grange’s annual Family Festival.

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However, the one at the PA Farm Show Complex is certainly the largest in the state and may have the greatest number of blocks in one location across the nation, after the State Grange, in partnership with the state Department of Agriculture, unveiled 108 unique blocks during the 2020 Pennsylvania State Farm Show in early January. In a Facebook post honoring the unveiling of the “PA Preferred” quilt block, Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding said, “This trail focuses on strengthening our agriculture heritage for future generations.” In a later interview, Redding lauded the art and the dedication of the Grange to add to the cultural landscape in the state and said the blocks, which are now a permanent exhibit located in the corridor beside the Main Exhibit Hall at the complex, truly improve the space. “They’re wonderful,” Redding said. “Not just in the beauty, but the story they tell.” Redding said his department received a lot of “wonderful feedback of people just admiring the art.” The State Grange also provided a very

special block to the State Department of Agriculture Building with the PA Preferred logo in the center, the signature marking initiative of Pennsylvania grown or made agricultural products. “We want this to be more than just the week of farm show and being entertained and looking at the art and checking it out, but we want them to think about where did it come from, where do I find it in the landscape,” Redding said. “And you can’t tell the story of the Pennsylvania Farm Show or Pennsylvania agriculture without the Grange.” The Grange name and website are touted multiple times throughout the hallway near the blocks. Now boasting more than 200 barn quilts, with more being added regularly, the trail is part of the identity of the State Grange and helps introduce people to the artform and the celebration of American heritage embraced by the organization. Other Granges take part Today there are several states with Quilt Block Trails and many Granges participate, with more added every month it seems. Washington State Grange has its own Heritage Trail of Grange Hall Quilts, a contest and program, and many of the state’s more than 200 Granges have

Photo courtesy of the Pennsylvania State Grange Facebook Page Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding, third from left, watches as State Grange President Wayne Campbell, right, and Barb Gross, fourth from left unveil a special block in the state’s Department of Agriculture Building with the PA Preferred branding in the center. installed large blocks on their buildings, including Five Mile Prairie in the Washington State trail. Christine Hamp, National Lecturer and Secretary of Five Mile Prairie Grange, said often when students receive dictionaries from the Grange as part of the Words for Thirds program, they draw the iconic block that hangs on their building and appears on all their marketing material. “When they see that block, they immediately think of our Grange,” Hamp said. “It’s really very cool.”

Corriher Grange in North Carolina installed a 7-foot by 7-foot block during Grange Month 2019 with the State Grange’s logo in the middle. They are now part of the Rowan County Barn Quilt Trail. Gold Trail Grange #452 in Coloma, with a large wood rustic structure that looks like something out of an old western, stands out because of its green, red and yellow block in the 1860-90 Star Shadow pattern. It is listed as part of the El Dorado County Farm Trails Quilt Trail Project.

The couple behind the Pennsylvania Grange Heritage Quilt Trail A sewer from a young age, Gross spends much of her time painting and teaching others how to make the wooden quilt blocks along with her husband Glenn. Classes range from 12 to 28 people, and she has had “students” ranging from the ages of 8 to 93. Often, Barb teaches new block painters by helping them create a two-by-two-foot block, which she says many people put on garages, porches and other personal buildings. The blocks used for the trails are much larger, up to eight-by-eight feet. Gross says the quilt blocks spruce

up buildings add a sense of pride to communities. “It makes you think. It’s nostalgia. It speaks of love, comfort, warmth, family and community. There’s definitely an emotional attachment that goes along with quilts and quilt blocks.” Many blocks match the personality of their Grange or painter. For example, Barb said her Grange chose to paint and display a Carpenter’s Square pattern due to the number of community service building projects that the Scrubgrass Grange completes.

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BARB AND GLENN GROSS

Grange blocks across nation sought The National Grange is hoping to create comprehensive list of Grange Hall Quilt Blocks. If your hall has a block or is working on one, please email the following to National Grange Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios at communications@nationalgrange.org: • Grange name, number and state, and charter date (as well as reorganization date if applicable) • A digital photo of your block (high resolution, in focus, well-lit) • The date (or year) of installation • Location of your Hall (address) • Block design name (if applicable) • Up to 100 words details about the block including artist(s) • Trail(s) your block is a part of • Contact information for submitter (email and phone number)

Photos by Lindsay Schroeder

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California hosts successful first Family Heritage Conference By Joe Stefenoni National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director What happens when you bring together members and non-members, Juniors, Youth, and Adults, add a dash of information, focus on hands-on activities, blend in a bit of Grange history, and borrow a few new ideas? You end up with the California Grange Family Heritage Conference. From age 6 months to nearly 80 years of age, they came to the State Grange office in Sacramento, California to spend President’s Day weekend learning about the Grange. Participants hailed from the coast, Wine Country, the Central Valley, Northern California, Sacramento area, and what some refer to as God’s Country - northeastern California. Some members brought family and friends to introduce them to the Grange, and it sounds like they were convinced to join local Granges. Registration was priced low to just cover conference meals and material expenses. Everyone pitched in when the dishes needed to be washed, tables moved, and of course cleaning up. Meals included such Grange favorites as a pancake breakfast and a spaghetti dinner. Saturday at 2 p.m. following a welcome

Submitted Photo California Grange Heritage Conference attendees participate in Art Night.

Submitted Photo Attendees at the California Grange Heritage Conference held in February took part in a variety of activities, team building workshops and competitions throughout the weekend event. Here, they are participating in a felt-making workshop led by Ellie Bruce of Little Lake Grange. and introductions by Conference Director Katie Squire, attendees began with small group discussions about what provides sustenance in our daily life and how the Grange fosters the same things with the activities which we provide in our communities. Granges were challenged to become a Distinguished Grange by the membership of Central Union Grange #559, and it was noted that having a hall was not a requirement. Grange Youth and State Officer Ellie Bruce led a hands-on workshop making artisan felt. Following dinner, attendees participated in an Art Night program, led by Christina Webster, which featured a painting of a cherry tree bathed in the glow of a full moon, very appropriate so close to Washington’s Birthday. Sunday was devoted to teams creating loaves of bread to provide part of the evening’s dinner and some friendly competition; learning about the first Four Degrees and the Code with Deputy State Master Steven Hood; conquering the fear of speaking in public under

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tutelage of Josh Harper; finding out how easy it is to make fresh goat cheese; hearing about different opportunities to make quilt blocks for competition and Quilts of Valor; sharing information about how Granges with halls can promote gardening at the Grange with input from Santa Cruz-Live Oak, Orangevale, and Rio Linda Grange members: and joining together to draft a resolution under the direction of Agriculture and Water Committee Chair Vince Scholten. Following dinner the State Public Speaking

contest

was

held

with

Analise Scholten receiving first place in 14-19 Prepared Speech and Erica Kroesen

topping

the

35+

Youth

Alumni competition. Immediately after, attendees took a turn at Family Game Night and construction of quilt blocks. On

Monday

morning

certificates

of participation were handed out and everyone helped load the supplies, clean the facility, heading home to share what they had learned, and shouting vows to return next year.

READER SUBMISSION

New Grange takes shape thanks to translated materials By Steve Hood California State Grange Deputy Coalinga is a small city on the west side of the San Joaquin Valley in Fresno County. The city is home to Pleasant Valley State Prison and Coalinga State Hospital, both units of the California Corrections System. It is also home to a community college, West Hills College. Other than these, the main industries here are agriculture and petroleum drilling. The population is about 13,000, of which about 54% is Latino. Coalinga Grange fell defunct more than a decade ago. They had been renting to a Spanish-speaking church, and as the Grange fell apart, the church stepped in and took care of the building. This church group is led by a youngish (in his early 30’s), totally bilingual pastor, Lupe Mendez. The majority of the group is totally Spanish speaking, with a couple of them fairly bilingual in Spanish and English. It is a pretty conservative church, with the women mostly wearing dresses/skirts and some of them wearing some form of a cover over their heads. They are a very friendly, welcoming group, and are a pleasure to work with, even with language barriers. During the “troubles” of the California State Grange, the leadership of the Guild group went to visit and spoke with the group, getting them on track to reorganize, but after collecting some moneys and information, left them hanging. As the real California State Grange came back together, communication was reopened about reorganizing a Grange there, but we realized that we did not have the materials to really make it happen. The language barrier was the issue. It had been made clear to the group that the Grange Hall was the property of the Grange and that the best way for the group to keep access to the Hall was to reorganize a Grange there. The California State Grange leadership, mostly State Deputy Bob Clouse, kept in touch with the group and met with them once before I came on board as a Deputy State Master. During this time, the Spanish translations started coming online, so I was ready to get the reorganization process going. I know I would not have been able to get the group going without Spanish language materials and thank all of those who made those materials possible, including Amanda Brozana Rios at the National Grange and her husband, who is also fluent in both English and Spanish, who has completed the Subordinate Manual translations. I set up a time to meet with the group in August. I do know a little bit of Spanish, but not so much as to do a good job discussing everything that needed to be discussed, so Lupe served as an excellent translator between me and the group. Upon hearing my explanation of what the Grange is and does, the group was eager and ready to reorganize Coalinga Grange #779. They realized that a lot of the activities they do as a church, serving the community in various ways, would meld right into the Grange. After having some discussion, they realized there are other

Submitted Photo Acting California State Grange President Jan Saxton, right, and State Grange Deputy Steve Hood, back, present Coalinga Grange President Lupe Mendez with the new charter for the reorganized Coalinga Grange #779 in February. community service activities they could do better as the Grange. At our next meeting on November 9, 2019, they had 15 folks that had signed the charter application and I collected the application along with their chartering fee and $100 for the new Grange kit. They met on their own a couple of times while I waited for the Charter to arrive. On February 1, 2020, Acting State Master Jan Saxton, and I presented them with their charter. Some members of my Grange, Central Union Grange #559, also attended the meeting and we filled in for a couple of absent officers. With our assistance, Coaling Grange held their first “real” Grange meeting in a beautiful mix of Spanish and English. Some of the officers who were a little more comfortable with English wanted to read their parts in both languages. For those of us long-time Grangers, it was really neat to hear the words of the Manual in a different language. I know if we didn’t have the Spanish translations, Coalinga Grange would still be defunct. There is no way someone could have worked with this group and gotten them going as a Grange because of the language barrier. And because of the nature of the community, a Spanish speaking Grange is going to work there. We have many other communities just like Coalinga, where a Spanish-speaking Grange would work. Now that we have the materials to do so, I think we will end up saving some Granges and Grange Halls here in California in communities that have a large Latino population, just like Coalinga.

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TOOLS FOR MEMBERSHIP

Subordinate Meeting Order of Business (English | Spanish) ORDER OF BUSINESS

ORDEN DE NEGOCIOS

1. Opening the Grange.

El comienzo del Grange

2. Roll call of officers.

Llamada de rol de los oficiales

3. Reading records of last meeting.

Lectura de los registros de la ultima reunion

4. Proposals for membership.

Propuestas de membresia

5. Balloting for candidates.

Boletas para candidatos

6. Conferring degrees.

Conferir grados

7. Reports of standing committees:

Informes de comites permanentes:

A. Legislative-Agriculture

Legislativo-Agricultura

B. Women’s Activities

Actividades de mujeres

C. Youth

Juventud

D. Junior

Junior

E. Community Service

Servicio Comunitario

F. Deaf Activities

Actividades Sordas

G. Membership

Afiliacion

H. Others

Otro

8. Report of special committees.

Informe de comites especiales

9. Report of Grange services.

Informe de servicios del Grange

10. Communications.

10. Comunicaciones

11. Have the reports to the Pomona and State

11. Si los informes de la Pomona y del Estado han

Grange been duly and promptly made?

sido debidamente y puntualmente hechos?

12. Bills and accounts.

12. Factura y cuentas

13. Unfinished business.

13. Negocios inconclusos

14. New business.

14. Nuevo negocio

15. Is any member sick or in distress?

15. Algun miembro esta enfermo o angustiado?

16. Lecturers program.

16. Programa de profesores

17. Suggestions for the good of the Order.

17. Sugerencias para el bien de la Orden

18. Reading and adopting minutes.

18. Leer y adoptar minutos

(Optional. May be read as third order of

(Opcional. Puede leerse como tercer orden

business at next meeting.)

comercial en la proxima reunion.)

19. Closing the Grange.

19. Cerrando el Grange

[Note: Whenever a special meeting is held

[Nota: Siempre que se celebre una reunion

for conferring degrees the Grange must be

especial para conferir titulos, el Grange debe

opened in full form in the Fourth Degree;

abrirse en su totalidad en el cuarto grado; luego

then closed in the Fourth and opened in the

se cierra en el cuarto y se abre en el grado a

degree to be conferred. When degree work

conferir. Cuando se completa el trabajo de

is completed the Grange must be raised to

grado, el Grange debe elevarse al cuarto grado

the Fourth Degree and always closed in full

y cerrarse siempre en forma completa. Consulte

form. See Passing to Different Degrees for

Pasar a diferentes grados para obtener mas

instruction.]

instrucciones.]

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30 ®

www.nationalgrange.org

Institutional knowledge collected into new Grange Resource Binder By Joe Stefenoni National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director The Order of Patrons of Husbandry is one of the few organizations that has been around for 152 years and that can boast of such a long and uninterrupted tenure of existence. Over the course of that century and a half of service and evolution, a wealthy bank of institutional knowledge has developed; passing from generation to generation, leader to successor and mentor to mentee. Institutional knowledge is a mixture of the experience, processes, procedures, expertise, values, and information possessed by organization members. Institutional knowledge can span generations and encompass crucial trends, projects and perspectives that help define our organization’s history. The International Federation of Library Associations and Institutions breaks institutional knowledge into two groups: 1. Explicit or tangible knowledge, including documents, records, and reports that can be stored and passed between people. 2. Implicit or intangible knowledge, including personal stories, skills, and intuition-based learnings that are more difficult to communicate. This type of knowledge can often be transferred through trainings and mentorships. Institutional knowledge is the unseen box that holds the basic knowledge, culture, history and traditions of the Grange from which the next generation of Grange members build their foundation of leadership. This can range from where Grange bank accounts are located and who can sign a check to the history of the Grange’s accomplishments. The loss of institutional knowledge risks the loss of not just that history, but also the sufficient training and

Photo by Joe Stefenoni The new Grange Resource Binders and USB drive with digital documents provides guides for new and established Granges alike. It is available for purchase from the Grange Supply Store and will be part of every new Grange charter kit. information needed to develop the next generation of Grange leaders. Having had the privilege of growing up in a Grange family and in an area with a number of strong, healthy Granges, there were countless Grange grandparents, aunts and uncles who, along with my parents, served as my mentors. These mentors passed to me invaluable institutional knowledge that now serves as my foundation that I use on a day-to-day basis as National Grange Membership Director. My foundation of institutional knowledge didn’t just come from mentors, but also from events from Community and Pomona Grange meetings to National Grange conferences. Today, we still have these group opportunities in the form of our State Grange Conventions, National Grange Regional Leadership Conferences and National Grange Convention. We should also consider how we can efficiently and effectively create opportunities to transfer necessary institutional knowledge to new members

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and the next generation of leadership. As the years have passed, and our mentors have passed to the great Grange above, it’s necessary for a new generation of mentors to take up the mantle of teaching and instruction. Many State Granges are proactive in hosting a state-wide (or regional for larger states) conferences where new leaders begin their training, experienced leaders are able to hone their knowledge and the State Grange is able to hear from members about how their Granges are succeeding or struggling. My experience is not unique, which presents the question of “how do we slow the loss of institutional knowledge”? In a Harvard Business Review article from 2013, Ron Ashkenas outlines three steps of how to accomplish this goal. First, it’s necessary to build a strategy. Second, the key information that every leader and team member should know needs to be identified. Finally, technology should be employed to create a process that continually collects, curates and updates

institutional knowledge making it a living body of work. Over the last half-decade, the State Grange of Illinois has been holding G.R.I.T. (Grange Resource, Information and Training) days, which have been adapted by the Minnesota and Oregon State Granges. The Washington State Grange holds regional meetings across the state and the California State Grange is working to revive a series of “Grange 101” conferences. Over my tenure as Membership Director, I have noticed that we do not have any collection of what we would deem to be our own institutional knowledge. It was especially apparent that our institutional knowledge was not being passed on to new Granges and their members when a Community Grange is organized or reorganized. In an effort to address this, work began on identifying, collecting, categorizing and producing a single volume that transmitted over 150 years’ worth of institutional knowledge. Last month, I was proud to officially release the first version of the “Grange Resource Binder.” The binder is organized into seven sections: Business Information, Grange Meeting Information, Grange Law, Officer Resources, Grange Program Information, State Grange Information and Miscellaneous. The information is a curated collection that communicates our 150 years of institutional memory and encourages Granges to incorporate new 21st century technologies. The sections contain resources that include how to conduct an annual audit, how to set up a PayPal account for your Grange, handbooks for Subordinate/Community Grange Masters, Secretaries and Treasurers, a guide on how to write a resolution, and how to maintain your Grange’s “grange.org” website. Since many of these resources will be used on a regular basis by Granges, each Grange Resource Binder comes with a USB flash drive that is preloaded with resources that Granges can print and use. “The Grange Resource Binder is a fantastic starters manual for new Granges, to instruct them on proper meeting procedures, setting up an EIN and bank account, and required insurance coverage,” National Grange President Betsy Huber

said. “But it is also very beneficial to an existing Grange with new officers, or even just to remind longstanding Granges of their responsibilities. Every Grange should have one of these books available for reference.” Special acknowledgments go to the Oregon State Grange and the California State Grange. Oregon took the general structure of the Grange Resource Binder and created their own, tailored to their programs, activities and services. Each Grange in Oregon is being visited by a representative of the State Grange and given their own copy of a resource binder. The California State Grange has already given a Grange Resource Binder to their core leadership and all State Grange Deputies. California State Grange Deputy Lawrence Jaffe said there was a lot for a new Grange, or one coming back into the Order, to gain from the binder. He applied this to one Grange in particular, saying, “They’re basically starting from scratch. However, they don’t have to start with nothing as we have pretty much everything we need to get them going in the binder.” At the recent State Grange Presidents conference each State Grange Master/President was given a Grange Resource Binder to take back to their state. This means that at least one copy of the Grange Resource Binder is in almost every Grange state. As of January 1, 2020, all organized and reorganized Granges will be receiving the binder as part of the startup materials they receive in their infancy. Grange Resource Binders are available to purchase from the National Grange for $30 each, plush shipping. A digital copy can be downloaded from the National Grange website by going to the “Member Resources” tab and looking under “Membership/Leadership Documents.” I would be remiss not to thank the people that made this possible from the general concept formation all the way through editing and revisions. Bill & Lillian Booth, Martha Stefenoni, Ed Luttrell, Roger and Melanie Bostwick, Betsy Huber, Amanda Brozana-Rios and the National Grange staff.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Honoring

L egacy

THE BUILDERS OF OUR

GRANGE ANNIVERSARIES 125 YEAR GRANGES

100 YEAR GRANGES Ohio • Collinsville Grange #2264 • Loudon Center Grange #2276 • Salt Creek Valley Grange #2314 • Pleasant Grange #2311

• Thurman Grange #1416, Ohio • Indian Camp Grange # 1424, Ohio

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES 80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Washington • Mansford Grange #710 • Quimper Grange #720 • Humptulips Grange #730 • Kennewick Valley Grange #731 • Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737

MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION POLICIES AND COST

Connecticut • Arlene G. Boucher, Ekonk Community Grange #89

If your Grange is celebrating 100, 125 or 150

New York • Irwin Townsend, Bath Grange #294

contact Loretta Washington at lwashington@

years of service to your community, please

nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-

Ohio • Nick Rock, East Plymouth Grange #1548

3507 Ext. 109 at least six weeks in advance

of your celebration to receive a plaque and

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Rena Bigotto, Glastonbury Grange #26 • Arline Tolette, Cheshire Grange #23

letter for $10, including shipping. The names of Granges celebrating 150 years will also be engraved on a perpetual plaque hung at the National Grange Headquarters.

Kansas • Betty Reynolds, Neosho Valley Grange #1883

Shipping and handling (s/h) charges for

Maine • Malena Stimpson, Topsham Grange #37

increased to match all other Grange Supply

Massachusetts • Allan W. Gaspar, Rowley Grange #204 • Gertrude E. Lacey, Charlton Grange #92 • Marion Reynolds, Charlton Grange #92 Oregon • Doris Ashbaugh, Beavercreek Grange #276 Washington • George L. Austin, Green Bluff Grange #300 • Donna Jellison, Catlin Grange #199

Golden Sheaf and 75 Year membership awards Store s/h charges. Golden Sheaf certificates

and 75-Year Diamond Certificates are $10 each plus shipping & handling based on order total. Order total up to $10: $4 s/h; $10.01-$19.99: $5 s/h; $20-$49.99: $7 s/h; $50-$74.99: $9 s/h; $75-$99.99 : $10 s/h; $100-$124.99: $12 s/h; $125-$249.99: $15 s/h; $250+: $20 s/h.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

MEMBERSHIP RECOGNITION

50 Years OF CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Colorado • Harry Greer, Marvel Grange #479

Connecticut • Alan Champagne, Ekonk Community Grange #89 • Joesph Molodich, Ekonk Community Grange #89 Delaware • Robert Thompson, Capital Grange #18

Peggy Keaton, Little Muskingum Grange #2621 Ruby Kover, Bath Grange #1331 June Truax, Bath Grange #1331 Dale Wilson, Blue Ridge Grange #1448 Sherry McBurney, Perry Grange #2729

Oregon • Ruth Graham, Tigard Grange #148 Pennsylvania • William Harvie, III, Edgewood Grange #688 • Raymond O’Keefe, Victor Grange #159

Iowa • Eric Pederson, Chester Royal Grange #2181 Kansas • Grace Moody, Gardner Grange #68 • Wilbur Dingus, Jr., Gardner Grange #68 • Michael Ficken, Gardner Grange #68 Maine • Terry Hussey, Bauneg Beg Grange #382 • Josiah Pierce, Mt. Etna Grange #147 • Elizabeth Fuchs, Mt. Etna Grange #147 Massachusetts • Nels Christenson, Williamsburg Grange #225 • Phyllis Campbell, Boxborough Grange #131 New York • Doris J. Gearing, East Chatham Grange #1066 • Rhonda Davis, Star Grange #9 • Alice L. Spoor, Hamptonburgh Grange #950 • Don H. Spoor, Hamptonburgh Grange #950 North Carolina • Anita Gentry, Troutman Grange #1292 • Sharon Carter Underwood, Ferguson Grange #809 Ohio • Keith Drew Ashley, Racine Grange #2606 • Edna Armstrong, McCutchen Grange #2360 • Sandy Cisler, Little Muskingum Grange #2621

• • • • •

Washington • Allen Jorgensen, St. Andrews Grange #832 • Betty Reynolds, St. Andrews Grange #832 • Peggy Ziak, Grays River Grange #124 • John Gardner, McMillin Grange #848 • Dale Klein, McMillin Grange #848 • Allen Scholz, McMillin Grange #848 • Hendrik Feenstra, Haynie Grange #169 • Darrel Yost, Selah Heights Grange #608 • Claudia Jean Swift, Skagit Valley Grange #620 • James Cook, Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 • Avon Hill, Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 • John C. Miller, Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 • Kenneth Norberg, Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 • Andrew Wilson, Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 • Roger Shaw, Silver Lake Grange #105 • Terry Thaves, Twanoh Grange #1118 • Rodger B. Lance, Washington Grange #82 • Gene Gayken, Fruitvale Grange #348 • Ted Fagerness, Oakview Grange #311 • Kerry Elmer, Fargher Lake Grange #853 • Norman Gray, Fargher Lake Grange #853 • Douglas Hagedorn, Fargher Lake Grange #853 • Gary Hagedorn, Fargher Lake Grange #853 • Frances Johnson, Fargher Lake Grange #853

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

WELCOME TO THE GRANGE FAMILY, NEW MEMBERS

Charter Members of New Granges Camp Grange* #1299, NC • Joshua Bethany • Jessica Cameron • Liz Cartwright • Riley Dew • Joshua Drop • Guy Ferrell • Jodie Horne • Baylor Howerton • Faydra Lackey • Carson Lackey

• • • • • • • • • •

James Lesley Julius Locklear Amber Long Brady Marley Nathaniel Ramirez Jacob Ramirez Colby Rountree Cole Settle Nicholas Zurawski Alexandria Brunner

Capital Grange #2111, PA • Emily Webb • Morgan Ruziecki • James Swetlick • Sean Swetlick • Michael Howard • Kathryn Prestia • Michelle Zandome

• • • • • • •

New Members of Reorganized Granges Coalinga Grange #779, CA • Rosemary Estrada • Martin Sanchez • Maria Felix Sanchez • Benito Sanchez • Ramona Pulido • Garibaldi Garcia • Maria Gomez de Garcia • Raul Robles • Yolanda Robles • Said Cifuentes • Sara Zarate • Anastasia Cifuentes • Jose Revolledo • Elegunda Ortega • Guadalupe Mendez

Vaca Valley Grange #298, CA • Matthew Engelhart • Terces Engelhart • Sheri Mendes • Ben Lyons • Denise Lyons • Melissa Benzinger • Bruce Brazelton • Alexis Kootoed • Rosemary Loveall-Sake • William Brazelton • Denise Revel • Daniel Schwartz • LeAnna Shrontz • Mark Van Pelt • Leslie Van Pelt • Ethel Hoskins • David Lewis

Vince Phillips Claudia Phillips McKinsey Bailey Rachel Bailey Jim Bohmer Shelly Bohmer Joel Figueras

Has your Grange recently welcomed a new member? Make sure they are recognized!

Birdsview Grange #957, WA • Jessie Mattingly • Bill Voigt • Kris Voigt • Brayden Engler • Sara Voigt • Kelsey Mason • Randy Mason • Dustin Claybo • Edward Giecek • Derek Roberts • Whitney Storms • Blaine Storms • Chelsea Johansen • Cody Johansen • Daniel Brown • Kimberly Brown • Julie Voigt

Anyone may submit the names of new members so they can be recognized in Good Day! magazine using the online form found at tiny.cc/NewGranger (case sensitive) or by calling Joe Stefenoni at (707) 328-0631. NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: JUNE 1

New Members around the Nation Adna #417, WA • Jessica Franklin • Thomas Hamilton • Shirley Billings • Dave Johnson • Eileen Johnson

Bee Hive #385, WA • Kevin Newell • Lynn Newell • Cameron Newell • Alyssa Newell • Kadice Compton

Albany #1611, OH • Marlene Rhinehart

Black Lake #860, WA • Priscilla Mayo

Baw Faw #34, WA • Bryan Kennedy • Farley Walker

Brighton Park #163, WA • Jennifer Taylor Buena #836, WA • Kayla Derrey • Melinda Derrey Calispel #500, WA • Diane Stone

Blue Ridge #1448 , OH • Hank Braniger

Camas Valley #842, WA • James Miniffani • Aeydin Newell • Lori Newell

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Cedar Valley #306, WA • Ruth Jester • Carol Harris • Ken Gallagher Chimacum #681, WA • Norm Macleod • Rob Story Clear Creek Valle #1843, OH • Howard Hugus Collinsville #2264, OH •

Becky Hileman

Columbia Valley #938, WA • Jacob Lyle

Fargher Lake #853, WA • James Zimmerman

Cove Spring #2414, OH • Steven Sampson • Thelma Sweet • Elizabeth Bair • Mark Bair

Five Mile Prairie #905, WA • Bill Manuel • Vonnie Manuel

Darrow Street #751, OH • JoAnn Hickey Dry Creek #646, WA • Geri Thompson East Hill #786, WA • Beth Bradly East Oakville #902, WA • Liz Marriott • Tyler Marriott • Robin Witt • Kevin Witt • Tammy Summers • Brian Summers East Wenatchee #1012, WA • Gerald H. Genger • B. Wayne Dresker Edgewood #266, WA • Darryl Crombie • Ronna Sandner Enterprise #784, WA • Gregg Wicks • Steve Clapp • Althea Clapp • Pete Peterson • Becky Peterson • Roy Lamm • Bridgette Lamm Ewing #2028, OH • Crystal Patton • Ryan Patton • Emma Schluep

Issaquah Valley #581, WA • Marjorie Steffin • Paul Gamman

Molson #1069, WA • Sheryl Oien • Mel Wood

Kellogg Marsh #136, WA • Bobby Patterson

Monroe-Dan Emmitt #847, OH • Sean Carman • Connie Powell • Denise Barton

Forest #153, WA • Jenny Snodgrass

La Center #48, WA • Kristen Simons

Fort Colville #533, WA • Veronica Randall • Tracey Delyea • Lee Walth • Janet Walth

Lexington #2672, OH • Morie Longgood • Linda Jordan Little Muskingum #2621, OH • Carl Kramer • Lori Schultheis • Ashley Schultheis • Bill Williams Jr. • Sherry Williams

Fruitland #999, WA • Nancy Brandt • Bev Forstron • Lea Rodford • Stephen Reams • Betty Schroeder • Ronald Schroeder • Faith Hall • Allen Hursh

Limerick #1917, OH • Floyd Rister • Ruby Rister Long Beach #667, WA • David Seals • Robert Gray

Green Bluff #300, WA • Fred Lear • Jordan Kuhnkey Greenwood #1061, OH • Alex Cole Greenwood Park #590, WA • David Cummins Haynie #169, WA • Melissa Kudsk Hazel Dell #1124, WA • Alyssa Rice • Sean Rice Hope #155, WA • Ronetta McConnell Inland #780, WA • William Jonston

Lummi Island #925, WA • Willie Kelley • Kavin Kelley • Sand Golob • Don Williamson • Lynette Williamson • Steven McLain Marion #276, WA • Michelle M Vander • Arthur Storbo • Perry Dahlquist • Paula Loreman • George Mckay • Micah Cook Matlock #357, WA • Raymond Jacquez • Anastasia Jacquez McLane #383, WA •

William Truaz

• •

Arlen Veleke Andrew Sehmel

Meridian #265, WA • Norma J. Constantine Mile Branch #933, OH • Coen Grimm Minnehaha #164, WA • Deanna Sutton

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Moses Lake #1151, WA • Sandy Golob • Don Williamson • Lynette Williamson • Steven McLain Morgan #829, OH • Samuel Williams • Ami Frost • Derrick Campos Mossyrock #355, WA • Janice Kuper Mt View #98, WA • Matt Hartmand • Alice Strunk • Bill Ekman • Tamera Woodruff • GiGi Pomerantz • Lynn Mason Oakview #311, WA • Sandra Lund • Ryan White • Rebekah Escober • David Escober • Renee Bates Olalla #1125, WA • Judi Marasco • Brittany Villareal Olivesburg #2641, OH • Brooklyn Nusbaum Painter Creek #1923, OH • Troy Roberson Pike #1669, OH • Kenneth Wolf Pleasant Hill #101, WA • Peggy Parr • Bill Kielman • Pamela Kielman • Scott Smith Prosperity #315, WA • Micky Vogel • Heather Johnson • Heather Sparkman

Quillisascut #372, WA • Tawni Zerba • Myle Zerba • David Johnson • September Johnson • Joe Vodmick • Penny Vodmick Quimper #720, WA • Otte Smith • Ed Boring • Kathleen Hudson • Gabriele Bartelmeiner Ralston #943, WA • Barbara Jolly • Jennife Noser • Aaron Noser • Beverly Cobb • Linda Key • Luke McRae • Marsha Smith • Robert Shockley • Joann Shockley • Grace Lembo Richand #1899, OH • Rylee Dennis Rose Valley #953, WA • Nathan Martin • Brianna Cassity

Sequim Prairie #1108, WA • Debra Marshall Silver Creek/Ethel #160, WA • Jeremy Shodgress Silver Lake #105, WA • Scott Schroeder • Selena Schroeder • Hal Hagen • Judy Hagen Skamokawa #425, WA • Leah Cristaldi Skokomish #379, WA • Kim Randall • Minoa Randall South Bay #250, WA • Jordan Pelton • Bill Dole • Sally Jacky • James Clinton • Naralie Rambeaut South Camano #930, WA • Chuck Durland • Isabell Durland • Robert Biggar • Tracy Gilroy • Mason Hinn

South Union #860, WA • Charlene Shafer • Neal Shafer St. Andrews #832, WA • Gail Matsumara Star #778, OH • Anthony Veronesi Stranger Creek #374, WA • Kay Miller • Dan Armstrong • Jennifer Harvey • Warren Pullig • Jill Pullig Stevenson #121, WA • Liz Green Swauk Teanaway #984, WA • Laura Schwab • Lenny Schwab Terrace Heights #586, WA • Carol Von Gohren Thurman #1416, OH • Michael Smith Tieton #845, WA • Michael Hugill • Joyce Powell

The Valley #1048, WA • Jill Jorgenson • Bob Jorgenson • Thelma Fry • Nicholas Shrofe • Polegi Eneliko • Leilani Leova • Matthew Hill • Roxanne Hill Tri Community #1008, WA • Kim Hoff • Brenda Grob • George Grob • Zach George Twanoh #1118, WA • David Barber • Mickey Barner Violet Prairie #996, WA • Kathleen Greco • Moz Wright • Shar Tiffany • Kim Habel • Gary Kline Williamsport #1815, OH • Andy Wick • Andrew Carver • Julia Carver

Salmon Creek #853, WA • William Baker Sammamish Valley #286, WA • Andrew Ely • John Hughes • Deborah Poarch • Silvia Basanih • Cosetle Clinton San Juan Island #966, WA • Valdi Bjarnason • Tim Clark • Eva Elasiquie • Cloud Oakes • Marilyn O’Connor • Rev Shannon • Kem Sommers • Liz Smith • Gavia Boyden • Eric Geiger • Gay Graham • Ron Hanson • Sharon Lannon • Grace Lembo Selah Heights #608, WA • Peggy Campbell

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

MEMORIAL NOTICES NORMAN MICHAEL KELLER Past First Gentleman, Illinois State Grange Norman Michael Frederick Keller, 87, Past National Delegate, fourth generation family farmer of the historic Keller Farm in O’Fallon Township, Ill., born December 25, 1932 on the farm, died peacefully at home February 4, 2020, surrounded by his family. Norm had been employed as a machinist for Union Electric for over 32 years. He loved working on the family farm and was especially proud of the diversity of livestock and crops on the farm. He took great pride in sharing the agricultural experience with others, especially offering student tours of the farm. He welcomed visitors and loved that people came to see him at the farm. Norm never missed an opportunity to show others his chickens, turkeys, cows, ducks, ponds, and all the other features

that make the Keller Farm such a legacy within the community. N o r m served in the US Army during the K o r e a n Conflict. Norm was a lifelong member of the O’Fallon United Church of Christ, and has served in many leadership roles throughout the years. He was a former O’Fallon Township trustee, was active in the Enterprise Grange, and was a proud member of “Norm’s Club,” whose exclusive membership was only open to men named Norman. Norm was a member of the Paralyzed Veterans of

America and was grateful to PVA for the services provided. He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Mathilde (Heyd) Keller; and his sister, Arline Magee. Surviving are his wife of 62 years, Henrietta, whom he married June 22, 1957; their children Cynthia (Dave) Vogler, Michael (Ruth) Keller, and Andrea (William) Norton; grandchildren Scot (Carrie) Vogler, Kimberly (Patrick) Richards, Byron Keller, Kayla Keller, Sophia Norton, and Ava Norton; greatgrandchildren Morgan Vogler, Brayden Vogler, and Kellan Richards. Also surviving are his sisters Pauline Kraemer, Ruth (Gene) Augustin, and Linda Niebruegge. Cards and condolences may be sent to: Henrietta Keller 655 Keller Lane O’Fallon, IL 62269-4218

DOROTHY JANE SHIREMAN Past First Lady, Indiana State Grange Dorothy Jane Shireman, 93, Past National Delegate, died January 12, 2020, surrounded with the love of her family. Dorothy was born March 21, 1926, in Columbus, the daughter of Glen Scott Setser and Inez E. Mengler Setser. She married her high school sweetheart, Wendel E. Shireman, October 6, 1946. She and Wendel joined Columbus Grange not long after their marriage, becoming delegates for their Grange at the State Convention for the first time in 1953, and in 1959

were honored to represent the state as Young Couple. Dorothy served as State Womens’ Activity Chairperson and both of them were Youth Directors of the Indiana State Grange. She was also State Ceres from 1991-99. From 1977-85, they were delegates to the National Grange during his term as Indiana State Grange Master. She was also a member of the First Lutheran Church and the Bartholomew County Extension Homemakers. She worked with her husband at the family farm. She also worked

at Reeves Pulley and Trojan Powder Company. She is survived by their sons, Steve, Michael (Brenda) and John (Joyce), all of Columbus; grandchildren, Matt (Cheryl) Shireman, Susan (Zach) Armstrong, Scott (Jeny) Shireman, Jennifer (Jeremy) Kittle, and Glen (Heather) Shireman; great-grandchildren, Clayton Shireman, John Armstrong, Charles Shireman, Emily Shireman, Adam Shireman; great-greatgrandchild Rylynn Shireman, and niece, Debbie Finke. She was preceded in death

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

by her parents; her husband, daughter-in-law, Terrilyn Yeley Shireman;

granddaughters,

Angela Shireman and Stacy Shireman Stater; sister, Shirley Alvis and nephew, Jeff Alvis. Cards and condolences may be sent to: Steve Shireman 7060 W 200 N Columbus, IN 47201

JUNE HENDRICKSON Past Master, Washington State Grange June Hendrickson, Past National Delegate, 77, of Des Moines, WA, died Monday evening, March 23, 2020, at her home. June passed away peacefully after a long and courageous battle with various types of cancer for almost forty years. She was predeceased by her parents, Alice and Clark Fairchild. She is survived by her loving husband, Jack, of 50 years; her son, Jeff Hendrickson (Dawn) and daughters, Julie Ziegler (Jeff) and JoAnn Xydis (Jason). She has six grandchildren that she

loves to no end: Ahnika, Evan, Hannah, Nolan, Jonny, and Joslyn. June was born and raised in upstate New York. After graduating from University at Albany, New York, June was a high school Latin teacher. June met the love of her life, Jack Wayne through her cousin Doug. She and Jack married in 1969 and June moved 3,000 miles west to Washington State to start the rest of her wonderful life’s journey. After having three young children, June graduated from the University of Washington with a degree

in Accounting and became a Certified Public Accountant, eventually owning her own accounting practice. June was a devoted member of the Des Moines United Methodist Church. She was also an active member of the Grange for over sixty years and was the first female WA State Grange Master. Although June fought her terrible illness for many years, she never complained and when asked how she was feeling she would reply, “Oh pretty good.” June always put her family and friends

first, was a loving wife, mother and grandmother and will be forever missed by all. Cards and condolences may be sent to: Jack Hendrickson 24731 12th Avenue S Des Moines,WA 98198

MARGARET A. SENDEWICZ

LARRY REA

Past First Lady, Connecticut State Grange

Past Master, Oregon State Grange

Margaret A. Sendewicz, Past National Delegate, 79, of Danbury, passed away peacefully on March 15, 2020 at Bethel Health Care with her loving husband by her side. She was born on March 26, 1941 to William and Sophie (Novicky) Andros of Danbury. Shortly after her birth, her mother passed away, and on November 1948, she was adopted by Frank and Dorothy Salerno. Margaret graduated from Danbury High School in 1960 and worked as a medical secretary in the office of Dr. Dean Edson. On June 29, 1963 she married Robert J. Sendewicz. After giving birth to three sons she worked as a waitress at the Ridgewood Country Club, the Holiday Inn and other restaurants in the area. She belonged to the Ladies Auxiliary of the Polish American Citizens Club and served several years as President. She was a member of the Grange for forty-one years and served as

secretary of Redding Grange #15. She was a past Voting Delegate from Connecticut to the National Grange. She enjoyed bowling and crocheting and made several afghans for friends and family. Margaret enjoyed life with friends and being a part of three large families. Margaret is survived by her loving husband, Robert, of 57 years. Her sons, Kevin of New Fairfield, Brian of Danbury, and Eric and his wife Amy, of Spring Hill, TN. Her loving granddaughters Jessica, Jacklyn, Julia and Jenna Sendewicz of Tennesse, and grandson Connor Sendewicz, of Danbury. She is also survived by her brother Walter Andros of Danbury and several brothers and sisters in law and numerous nephews and nieces. Cards and condolences may be sent to: Robert Sendewicz 2 Cole Place Danbury, CT 06810

Larry Dean Rea, 80, Past Master of the Oregon State Grange, passed away on January 21, 2020 at home. Born July 29, 1939, he married Margo Ann Hudkins October 16, 1960 in Salem, Oregon, and shortly thereafter moved to Texas for training in the United States Air Force. She proceeded him in death, passing in 2006. He is survived by sons, Christopher Rea and Timothy Rea both of Gresham, Oregon. Brother Larry joined Fern Hill Grange #592 in the spring of 1998 and was a life member of the Oregon State Grange, serving in several capacities on the state level, including State Deputy, a member of the state Grange Executive Committee and Assistant to the State Master. He was elected State Master in June 2010 and served until resigning effective December 31, 2011. Cards and condolences may be sent to: Chris Rea 30515 SE Pipeline Road Gresham, OR 97080

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

MARGARET “PEGGY” DAWSON O’DAY Past First Lady, Delaware State Grange Margaret (Peggy) Dawson O’Day, 100, passed into the arms of Jesus on January 21, 2020. Peggy was born in Newark, Delaware, on August 3, 1919, and graduated as an art major in 1941 from the University of Delaware. She demonstrated her talent in painting and sculpting. In 1941 she married Ralph J. O’Day and moved to Bristol, Tennessee, where they lived for a year before they moved to a farm west of Seaford. Ralph and Peggy raised their five children on the farm. Peggy was an active member of Gethsemane UMC in Reliance, Delaware, since 1942. There she demonstrated her love for Jesus by teaching Sunday school and serving as president of the UMW. She was also choir director, pianist, and organist for many years. She loved to make quilts and made a quilt for each of her children and her 13 grandchildren. The Delaware State Grange was a

meaningful part of her life, where she served in local and state offices. In 1964 she won a National first place for her sewing sampler. Again, in 1984 she won the National Grange sewing contest for a dress made for a grandchild. She also won honors for her photography. Ralph and Peggy served a term as Matron and Master of the Delaware State Grange, spending countless hours publishing the Grange newsletter. Many hours were spent manning the food booth at the state fair in Harrington. Teaching 5th grade came later in life as the last of her children started school. She

taught in West Seaford and Fred Douglas. After moving to the ACTS Manor House in 1989, she used her talents to benefit others by serving in the Honeysuckle Players, playing Wii bowling, being involved in fashion shows, and playing games with the residents in the memory unit. Most days would find her visiting in the health care unit. She was preceded in death by her husband of 67 years, Ralph, parents Earl and Adelta Dawson, and sisters Libby and Adelta. She is survived by five children—Jack O’Day (Joan), Edie Sipos (Joe), Gail Olive (George), Joe O’Day (Sue), and Jim O’Day (Carol)—13 grandchildren, and more than 30 great-grandchildren. Cards and condolences can be sent to: John O’Day 39821 Dukes Rd. Bethany Beach, DE 19930

BERNICE KNIGHT Past First Lady, Texas State Grange Bernice Armke Mueller Knight, Past National Delegate, on January 18, 2020 was privileged to meet the Lord at the age of 92. Bernice was born in Comal County on March 1, 1927 to Carl Armke and Alma Seiler Armke, the eldest of three girls. She attended several county elementary schools and graduated from high school in Blanco, Texas. She was married on February 6, 1946 to Clarence Harry Mueller and they had one son Larry Mueller. She was a very involved member and leader at Bracken United Methodist Church, where she served in various capacities including MYF Co-

Sponsor with Clarence, UMW President, Trustees President, and church financial recording secretary for 37 years. After Clarence’s death, she married Orcenith Franklin Knight, on November 6, 1964. Bernice and Orcenith were extremely involved in the Grange and she served in the Bluebonnet Grange for more than 30 years. She said that being elected to the Office of National Grange Pomona, was the honor of her life. Bernice lived a full life, always dressed to impress and ready for any event. She enjoyed home making, dancing, crocheting, embroidery and many other crafts. Her zest for

life and positive outlook carried her through many physical trials from a young age through her final days. She was a bright star for her friends and family and she will be missed dearly. She is survived by her son and daughter-in-law Larry Mueller and Susan, her grandchildren Bobby Mueller and Hillary, Cody Mueller and Melanie, and Stacy Mikolajczyk and Jason, seven great-grand children Graham Mueller, Colton Mueller, Kendall Mikolajczyk, Cooper Mueller, Grady Mueller, Carter Mueller and Griffin Mueller and a host of extended family and friends. In lieu of flowers a memorial may be made to the Bracken

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United Methodist Church or Cemetery or the Texas State Grange. Cards and condolences may be sent to: Larry Mueller (son) 38075 Sierra Drive New Braunfels, TX 78132 Karen Overstreet (niece) 2738 Oak Island Dr. #9 San Antonio, TX 78264

Quarterly National Grange

Legislative Update

Did you ever wonder... “what’s National Grange doing to help communities like mine?” The answer is A LOT, especially on the legislative front. Here is a look at actions taken recently on behalf of our members. LEADING A COALITION

for cures, lagging innovation, and more where the health care industry needs to focus on diverse communities.

The National Grange is leading a coalition of patient groups to raise awareness of the dangers of imported drugs that may be ineffective and even dangerous. Most recently, the National Grange joined the Oklahoma State Grange and sixteen patient and veterans groups on a letter to the Oklahoma Legislature which is considering a bill to allow imported prescription drugs. The letter cautioned that the assumption these medicines from Canada and certain European countries are safe is not correct. As an example, Canada allows drugs manufactured in a third country to be transshipped through Canada with absolutely no oversight as to the drug’s safety or effectiveness. A drug mixed in a third world country may be a worthless placebo, the wrong formulation, a different concentration or it may contain ingredients that are actually harmful to the patient’s health. PARTNERED & PROGRESSING Responding to the coronavirus pandemic, the National Grange and the patient advocacy community are urging House leadership to quickly pass H.R. 5076, the Protecting Seniors Through Immunization Act. The legislation makes structural changes to Medicare Part D to reduce out-of-pocket costs and increase access to vaccines to those over the age of 65. The National Grange, agriculture groups and rural interests are asking Congress to fully fund the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network for FY’20. Mental health challenges faced by farmers, ranchers, farm workers and rural residents are 48% higher than one year ago. The National Grange joined underserved groups throughout the country on a letter to urge Congress not to overlook underrepresented segments of our population during the health care policy-making process. There are socio-economic health determinate disparities such as rising health care costs, under-resourced hospitals, insurance coverage gaps, lack of addiction care services, underrepresentation in clinical trials

National Grange members have always asked for the choice to receive paper copies of notices, invoices, reports, statements and more rather than be forced to go online for these. Yet, the federal government and most large corporations are intent on going paperless, like it or not. The National Grange and the Coalition for Paper Options have been waging a campaign to allow consumers the option to continue receiving paper bills, reports, statements, account updates, etc. instead of being forced to receive these electronically. A 2019 Toluna consumer survey indicated that 86% of Americans want the right to choose how they receive their communications. The coalition supported 38 House cosigners on a letter to the Secretary of Labor to oppose a proposed rule requiring mandatory electronic disclosures by default. Representatives Larson (D-CT) and Buchanan (R-FL), and Senators Wyden (D-OR) and Cassidy (R-LA) have introduced the bipartisan Know Your Social Security Act which would restore the printed statement until such time as the wage earner chooses to transition to online statements. The National Grange has been pushing for better broadband mapping data to better target big holes in rural broadband coverage. Bipartisan legislation passed by Congress and signed into law by the President this winter creates more accurate mapping to better direct public and private investment to rural areas. The National Grange and the Connect Americans Now Coalition have been urging the Federal Communications Commission to remove regulatory barriers to TV white space technology. The integration of unused TV white spaces with other broadband technologies will help extend connectivity to the “last mile” in rural areas. In March, the FCC removed previous regulatory barriers and will allow greater use of unlicensed TV white spaces for broadband delivery. The National Grange is partnering with agriculture, fresh produce, commodity, forest and food groups to urge

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Congress to fully fund USDA’s Market Access and Foreign Market Development Programs for FY’20. Both export promotion programs are contingent upon 100% matching contributions from participating exporters. SIGNED ON & BRIEFS FILED The National Grange and a group of business organizations petitioned Senate and House leadership of the Homeland Security and Government Affairs Committees to include funding in the coronavirus relief package as necessary to keep the Postal Service fully functioning during this crisis. The National Grange along with independent and small business interests on a letter to President Trump, House Speaker Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader McConnell urged immediate action to minimize the number of businesses closed and workers unemployed as a result of necessary actions to stem coronavirus infections. Many of the group’s recommendations were included in the coronavirus relief package. The National Grange has joined with the Reserve Officers Association of the United States to support H.R. 801, The Reserve Component Employer Incentive, Compensation and Relief Act of 2019. The bill, introduced by Representative Tim Ryan (D-13, OH), would allow employers who hire military reserve members to claim a tax credit up to $11,000 per employee. The National Grange sent a letter of support to the Hill urging House leadership to act on the bill. The National Grange joined scores of small business, agricultural, land owner, food, citizen and retiree groups to support the pending introduction of the Death Tax Repeal Act by Senator John Thune (R-SD) and Representative Jason Smith (R-MO-8). The National Grange joined a majority of American agriculture and allied industry groups to urge House Speaker Pelosi and Minority Leader McCarthy to move the bipartisan Farm Workforce Modernization Act (H.R.5038) through the House to address the labor crisis facing agriculture throughout the country. The bill cleared the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 18-12 the week before Thanksgiving and could reach the House floor before Christmas. Sponsors of the bill are Zoe Lofgren (D-CA-19) and Dan Newhouse (R-WA-4) with 24 Democrat and 20 Republican co-sponsors. The bill does have Republican opposition to its provision that allows current experienced farm workers to earn legal status. The National Grange and the Oklahoma State Grange filed a brief with the Oklahoma Corporation Commission in support of its proposed funding increase of the Oklahoma Lifeline Fund. Lifeline supplies wireless services for millions of low-income

Americans, especially those in remote rural areas with no access to robust broadband. Minnesota’s Angie Craig and Pennsylvania’s Lloyd Smucker along with several cosponsors have introduced bipartisan H.R. 4919, The Responsible and Efficient Agriculture Destination Act (TREAD), to give farmers and ranchers more haul time flexibility when transporting live animals and perishable goods. The National Grange supported introduction of TREAD and will urge its passage by Congress. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, the National Grange along with agriculture, food, medical and health care groups urged the Department of Transportation to waive hoursof-service rules for critical industries to allow truck drivers to make uninterrupted long-haul deliveries in order to keep the nation’s supply chains open. The Department granted the waiver. STATEMENTS RELEASED Altering the genetic code of animals has the potential of leapfrogging several generations of natural selection to improve disease resistance, enhance animal well-being and increase the quantity and quality of food produced according to a statement released by National Grange president Betsy Huber. She urged FDA to move quickly to approve these techniques in food producing animals while assuring such techniques do not introduce unintended harmful consequences. In many cases, more confirming research may be necessary. To better navigate the animal biotechnology landscape, the National Grange is supportive of USDA and FDA splitting regulatory oversight of gene-edited animals. FALLING ON DEAF EARS The National Grange has supported the reauthorization of the Satellite Television Community Protection and Promotion Act of 2019 (STELAR) before it expired December 31. Unfortunately Congress allowed STELAR to expire. This leaves 870,000 satellite TV subscribers vulnerable to higher fees and the possibility of losing local and regional programming. It is imperative that Congress address retransmission fees and the negative impact on rural communications access. GRANGE BOOSTS SMART AGRICULTURE National Grange president Betsy Huber has been appointed by FCC Chairman Pai to serve on the FCC’s Accelerating Broadband Deployment on Unserved Agricultural Lands working group. The objective is for the FCC to learn from onthe-ground experiences of those using technology in modern farming how to better meet connectivity demands.

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GRANGE MEMBERS’ “MAN IN WASHINGTON” Burton Eller has been the Legislative Director at the National Grange since 2014 and previously worked at many agriculturally-based organizations, including the USDA and the Farm Service Agency. Contact Burton by email at beller@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-3507 ext. 114.

STAY INFORMED, DO YOUR PART TO MAKE GRASSROOTS EFFORTS WORK

Remember, our advocacy is only as good as our policies - researched and well-written, debated with passion and civility and our members’ grassroots efforts. Be part of the campaign to keep rural America moving forward by staying informed and answering the calls to action sent by your State and National Grange. Make sure you’re receiving the View from the Hill monthly e-newsletter and other legislative alerts by email from the National Grange and take part. Make sure to take a copy with you to your Grange meetings so other members can stay informed as well. To ensure you’re on our email list, provide your name, Grange name, number and state and your email to National Grange IT Director Stephanie Wilkins at swilkins@nationalgrange.org today and thank you.

Our policy starts with you: A guide to writing good resolutions The Grange has a long history rooted in member participation in our policy development through our resolution process. Each Granger is tasked with addressing voids and surpluses in our policy and can propose to implement these changes by offering amendments to your local and State Granges. Drafting resolutions may seem like a daunting task at first, but if you follow three simple steps listed below, you will soon be on your way to writing a clear and effective resolution. First, it is important to know the anatomy of a resolution. There are three main parts: the Title, the body or Whereas section, and the conclusion or Resolved section. 1. The Title should clearly state the issue to be addressed. For example, if you are drafting a measure to deregulate the postal service, your title should be something along the lines of: Example: Deregulation of the Postal Service rather than just Postal Service 2. The Whereas section is where you get to make your argument for why this resolution is necessary. This section does not become policy but explains to other Grangers why the issue is important and provides details, data, and other reference material so they can be better educated on voting for the issue. Example: Whereas, the federal government imposes unreasonable regulations and mandates on the U.S. Postal Service but no longer funds any of the organization’s operating costs; and Whereas, the U.S. Postal Service will continue to be forced to

close local post offices and reduce services under such a business model; and Whereas, the U.S. Postal Service could survive and compete if allowed to create its own business model free of Congressional oversight; and Whereas, the National Grange has a rich tradition in helping to ensure the rural free delivery of mail; be it 3. The Resolved section must be a complete sentence which sums up what your resolution is trying to achieve and can stand alone without any of the supporting information. Example: Resolved, that the National Grange support legislation that creates an autonomous U.S. Postal Service which can set its own operating procedures and business model without the undue regulation of the federal government. Writing Resolutions that Stand the Test of Time In closing, make sure your resolution can stand the test of time. A good deal of Grange policy dates back 75 years or more and continues to be relevant because the ideals and concepts hold true today. However, we also have policy that is out-of-date and relates to issues that have been dealt with on the local and congressional levels. If you have a resolution that deals with an issue that is connected to a current event or particular bill, your resolution may be included in the committee of jurisdiction’s policy statement for that year, rather than passed as a resolution. Rest assured that this is still very important and is actually a better home for your resolution. Good luck and happy policymaking!

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2020 Ag Week was different but our priorities remain unchanged By Betsy E. Huber National Grange President For many across the country, new approaches to how we gather, and how we don’t, may be the most poignant uprooting to our usual way of life. This year’s Ag Week and Ag Day (March 2228) were among the expansive catalog of canceled and postponed events. Since it began in 1973, Ag Week has aimed to increase our understanding and appreciation for sources of our food, the people, processes, and economic benefits of U.S. agriculture. COVID-19 has presented an array of new threats to cities as well as rural America. Mitigating against these risks calls for new practices and behaviors. Though

“On March 13, I was appointed to the newly formed Federal Communications Commission Precision Ag Connectivity Task Force. Specifically, I will be serving on the working group dedicated to Accelerating Broadband Deployment on Unserved Agricultural lands. I am excited by the opportunity to assist FCC Chairman Pai and the other commissioners again, this time to find ways to close the gap for farmers and ranchers who have unique wireless connectivity needs as use of precision agriculture expands.”

unfamiliar, our course in the face of these threats often relies on familiar tools. Leveraging technology will be a critical component of how we make the necessary changes to how we live, learn, and work, going forward. As we confront the array of concerns related

the

coronavirus,

mobile

mobile technology is nothing new.

Task Force. Specifically, I will be serving

Connectivity was critical to modern

on the working group dedicated to

farming long before these recent threats

Accelerating Broadband Deployment on

to our health and the economy. Mobile

Unserved Agricultural Lands.

devices have become essential to our entire agricultural ecosystem.

I am excited by the opportunity to assist FCC Chairman Pai and the other

connectivity will be vital for everything

To produce food for hundreds of

commissioners again, this time to find

from online education, working remotely

millions of people in the United States

ways to close the gap for farmers and

and checking in with loved ones to

and overseas, U.S. farmers have adopted

ranchers who have unique wireless

longer term planning.

mobile technologies that revolutionize

connectivity needs as use of precision

allow

the way they manage their operations.

agriculture expands.

us to stay close figuratively while

Apps enable them to irrigate and apply

From streamlining communication,

literal closeness remains ill advised.

pesticides with precision, identify the first

to allowing remote crop monitoring

And our smartphones are often our

signs of disease in crops and livestock,

via wireless sensors, to guiding farm

first connection point to information

and communicate with customers and

machinery, there are scores of examples

and updates from federal and local

contractors simultaneously, all while they

of ways in which modern farmers and

authorities.

are in the field.

ranchers rely on mobile devices to make

For

some,

these

devices

For many of us in and around the

On March 13, I was appointed to the

agriculture industry and those of us who

newly formed Federal Communications

reside in rural America, adoption of

Commission Precision Ag Connectivity

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their operations not just more efficient, but more sustainable. These

benefits

are

especially

important in the context of the near certainty that in the not

That exclusion would be devastating for the nearly 40% of

too distant future many of us will be focusing on increasing

Farm Bureau survey respondents who said they rely on Android

efficiencies and stretching resources in the face of more

devices—not to mention the millions of other Americans who

economic hardship than that to which we are accustomed.

do as well.

In the face of uncertainty about international trade battles

On February 14, the same Irish troll filed a second ITC

and concerns about environmental stewardship, mobile

complaint, this time threatening even wider harm to rural

technology is indispensable to farmers struggling to stay

access to mobile devices.

productive and competitive.

Brazenly, the troll asked the ITC to bar the importation

A survey conducted at the American Farm Bureau

of touchscreen products from Amazon, Apple, ASUS, LG,

Federation’s 101st Annual Convention & Trade Show in Austin,

Microsoft, Motorola, Samsung, and Sony. Combined, those

TX of more than 250 conference attendees – including farmers,

companies comprise over 90% of the U.S. smartphone and

ranchers, and others working in the sector – provides a snapshot

tablet markets.

of the widespread use of mobile technology in agriculture and

If the Commission goes along, this order would present a

underscores the need for government policies that promote

sweeping blow that would drastically widen the digital divide

continued access to mobile devices.

and hamper the array of modern agriculture operations that

When convention attendees were asked, “How important

rely on mobile connectivity.

are mobile electronic devices or other connected technologies

Federal agencies should be encouraging, not hindering,

with apps, to your farm or farm-related activities?,” the results

rural access to affordable connected devices. Farm Bureau

were stark. 86% of respondents said mobile electronic devices

Convention

or other connected technologies were either “Essential” or

nearly unanimous when asked whether they believed that

“Very Important.” Less than 3% said mobile technology was

“government policies and institutions should never restrict

“Not Important.”

farmers’ access to the latest technology and mobile electronic

Essential                         55.95%

attendees

agreed—the

respondents

were

devices”:

Very Important               29.76%

Strongly Agree                 86.51%

Somewhat Important     11.51%

Somewhat Agree            11.11%

Not Important                 2.78%

Somewhat Disagree             .79%

But continued access to the mobile devices that farmers and ranchers need is not a foregone conclusion. Several government agencies have correctly recognized the hurdles

Strongly Disagree              1.59% That’s a compelling statement about the strong bond between today’s farmers and mobile technology.

that rural communities face in securing mobile access; the FCC,

The more those farmers can harness the power of mobile

for example, has pledged billions in funding to establish 5G

technology to become more efficient, competitive, and

connectivity in rural communities, which has the potential to

sustainable, the better for everyone.

transform agriculture.

The U.S. government must remain committed to fostering

Unfortunately, however, another federal agency is placing

equal access in rural America.

rural access to modern technology at risk. The U.S. International

As policymakers strive to bridge the rural-urban divide on

Trade Commission (or “ITC”)—an agency that is supposed to

high-speed internet access, mobile technology plays a critical

protect American industry against unfair foreign competition—

part in advancing the next generation of telecommunications

has in recent years seen a host of petitions filed by rent-seeking

technology, making it imperative for farmers to have access to

entities threatening “exclusion orders” that would ban the

the latest mobile technology that will enable the transformation

importation of smart phones and other connected devices that

of agriculture. It is critical that agencies fully consider the effects

are used widely in rural America.

of their actions on the public especially where government

One current ITC case that we are watching anxiously

action could substantially hinder rural connectivity.

targets devices made by Amazon, Dell, HP, Microsoft, Motorola

Closing the market to the vast majority of mobile devices will

Mobility, and Samsung. The exclusion order, which is requested

harm rural America and our agriculture industry, among others.

by an Ireland-based patent troll, would bar the importation

The ITC must not prioritize patent troll profits over connectivity,

of more than 50% of all Android smartphones and 97% of

particularly at a time when mobile devices are especially critical

premium Android smartphones, in addition to 80% of Android

for protecting the public interest and preserving our way of

tablets.

life.

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American Farm Bureau Federation

CONVENTION SURVEY 2020 JAN 17— JAN 20

A survey conducted at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 101st Annual Convention & Trade Show of conference attendees including farmers, ranchers, and others working in the agricultural sector.

How important are mobile electronic devices or other connected technologies with apps, to your farm or farmrelated activities?

Do you agree or disagree with the following statement: Government policies and institutions should never restrict farmers access to the latest technology and mobile electronic devices.

(218)

86 J 2 1 11 +

STRONGLY AGREE 86.51%

STRONGLY DISAGREE 1.59% (4)

ESSENTIAL 86

(216)

NOT IMPORTANT 2.78% (7)

SOMEWHAT IMPORTANT 11.51% (29)

SOMEWHAT DISAGREE 0.79% (2) Attendee Occupation

+32J68

or VERY IMPORANT

SOMEWHAT AGREE 11.11% (28)

FARMERS & RANCHERS 68% (165)

RESULTS BASED ON (252) RESPONSES TO THIS SURVEY.

AGRICULTURAL SECTOR, OTHER 32% (81)

FCC took more big steps to close digital divide prior to, during COVID crisis Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, a great number of announcements from FCC Chairman Pai’s office signaled the hastening of broadband expansion to rural communities. These steps have been greatly overshadowed by the virus, but it is thanks to the epidemic that we see a greater coalescing around the idea of broadband for all and the need for federal funds and regulatory changes to make that a reality. In these days of what we hope are the height of the crisis, when children and parents vie for megabits to upload and download the necessary videos, livestreams and information in order to work and learn, the story about the inequities endured for so long have been shared publicly not just by Grangers or a few articulate advocates from other organizations groups, but from a chorus of people we have been singingly loudly for over the past nearly two decades. It has also clearly illustrated the many miles that remain ahead of us on the road ahead for full and equitable access. But what steps have been recently taken that move us in the right direction? In early February, prior to the outbreak, Pai provided draft rules that would repurpose unused C-band, the mid-band spectrum most frequently used by various broadcasters and satellite companies. The move would allow for 280 MHz to be allocated for flexible use, including 5G. This proposal came just a day after he provided his fellow commissioners another recommendation to take unlicensed white space and use it to expand broadband in rural and underserved communities. National Grange President Betsy Huber said the moves were exciting and caused “a race to the inbox to see what

“All of the recent progress, from funding to proposed rule changes and more, to increase rural broadband deployment gets us closer than ever to parity in areas such as education, health services and economic progress.” -National Grange President Betsy Huber each new day (had) in store as Chairman Pai and the FCC (continued) to take huge steps forward to close the digital divide.” This follows the vote of the Commission to provide $20.4 billion over 10 years and another such on Dec. 4 of $9 billion in funds raised through spectrum auctions that will be made available to enable rural 5G deployment, both reported on in the last issue of Good Day!™. Huber, who formerly served on the FCC’s Broadband Deployment Advisory Committee from 2017-19 and has been named to the FCC Precision Ag Technology Task Force, said many of the new proposals stem from that committee’s work. In mid-March, Huber was announced as a member of the newly formed FCC Task Force for Reviewing the Connectivity and Technology Needs of Precision Agriculture in the United States. As it became clear the COVID crisis would change the way nearly every American family lived, worked and educated their children, the FCC took the lead with an effort to make sure companies opened a variety of options to consumers by asking them to sign onto the Keep Americans Connected pledge. More than 500 providers, including many rural telecommunications companies, signed on in just the first week, offering free broadband services, moving to unlimited data or removing data caps, increasing speeds for all customers or those who had students in the home

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and more. The FCC also waived Lifeline usage requirements and halted deenrollment through the end of May. Huber called the past few years’ work of the FCC under Pai’s leadership “unprecedented” in the seemingly singular focus the agency has put on broadband deployment and speed at which the commission is getting to work on solutions. Huber noted the progress is not just for the estimated more than 42 million Americans living without broadband access, a majority of which reside in rural areas. Instead, she said leveling the playing field by providing broadband access to 100% of Americans will improve lives, strengthen our communities, our economy and our democracy. “All of the recent progress, from funding to proposed rule changes and more, to increase rural broadband deployment gets us closer than ever to parity in areas such as education, health services and economic progress. Broadband allows rural residents to use telehealth services, complete courses or assignments in their home, buy, sell and trade in real-time and access secure documents on their own networks and devices rather than shared computers at libraries or other facilities,” Huber said, adding, “These measures all help to increase the quality of life of rural Americans, often engaged in agricultural pursuits or serving our nation’s farmers and ranchers.”

PATIENTS NEED FINANCIAL RELIEF.

BIOSIMILARS CAN HELP . Americans are struggling with rising health care costs. For those battling some of life’s most complex diseases and who rely on expensive biologics, they need a more affordable option. Biosimilars are a recognized, bipartisan solution to lower health care costs – providing an average savings of more than 25% compared to their reference biologics. Congress and the Trump Administration can help save seniors money by

increasing access to biosimilars, the second generation of lower-cost medicines.

F THE TIME IS NOW 48

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TO LOWER DRUG COSTS.

Iowa caucus shows why paper option is still essential We all need the option to chose paper over digital Lessons from the Iowa caucuses and a consumer-friendly move by telecom giant AT&T Everyone reading likely remembers the vote counting debacle like it was yesterday, happening in our own backyards. Poorly designed digital technology was rushed into service, and it failed spectacularly. And lo and behold, it was good old paper that saved the day. Now imagine being given the choice of using the defective caucus voting app for free, or paying $6.50 to ensure your vote is accurately counted on paper. Worse yet, what if you couldn’t even choose paper as an option? Those are precisely the false choices that major corporations are now giving their customers when it comes to critical communications, including bills, statements and payments on account. But before you despair, there is good news - the Keep Me Posted campaign is working tirelessly to ensure we all have a choice and a voice. Whether we like it or not, we have all been receiving more and more of our service provider documents electronically. Increasingly, the opportunity to choose between receiving a statement on paper or digitally is disappearing. The needs and preferences of millions of customers for paper bills and statements are frequently being ignored. For example, some customers have difficulty accessing online technology, and some have security concerns about online fraud. Others require paper communications for practical reasons such as older adults who are not comfortable with online documents, people with disabilities who find it difficult to access their files, low income households without computers or broadband service, and people in rural areas where unreliable internet access is common. About 37% of rural Americans in 2019 said they did not have broadband internet at home and were 12% less likely to have internet access at home compared to Americans overall. Less

than half of lower income Americans, who earn below $30,000 per year, do not have access to home broadband internet (44%) and do not own a laptop (46%) or tablet computer (64%). People are also increasingly relying on smartphones to make online payments, but their small size and formatting makes them unsuitable for record keeping and reviewing statements. Keep Me Posted North America (KMP) is celebrating its first anniversary as a non-profit organization addressing these issues. As a vibrant coalition of consumer groups, charities and businesses, KMP has been working to ensure that every consumer in North America can choose, free of charge, how they receive important information – on paper or electronically – from their service providers. The KMP initiative makes it clear that digital-only communication is not for everyone. A 2019 North American consumer survey on preferences and attitudes toward print and paper revealed that an overwhelming 86% of U.S. consumers want a choice when it comes to how they receive important information – on paper or electronically – from their service providers. The survey also shows that 56% of U.S. consumers find it easier to manage their finances when printed on paper and 74% of respondents are concerned that their personal information held electronically is at risk of being hacked, stolen, lost or damaged. These concerns may explain

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why 73% of respondents keep hard copies of important documents filed at home, as they believe this is the safest and most secure way of storing their information. About 45% of consumers would consider switching to an alternative service provider if they were forced to go paperless. Service providers might want to consider the risk they take when switching their customers to digital without their consent. KMP has published several fact sheets and compiled testimonials from consumers who have voiced their opinions about why paper documents are so important to them. The organization hopes that when companies are armed with the facts, they will better understand and respect their customer’s right to choose. Infographics for social media use can be downloaded at https:// keepmepostedna.org/download-thelatest-infographics-from-keep-me-posted If you have concerns about corporations removing consumer choice and charging extra for paper statements, please contact info@keepmepostedna. org with details of the case. To support the KMP campaign or share your thoughts on paper vs digital communications please go to: http://keepmepostedna. org/what-can-i-do/ About Keep Me Posted North America Keep Me Posted North America (KMP) is a coalition that includes the National Grange as well as consumer groups, physical and mental health charities and trade unions. KMP believes every consumer should be able to choose, free of charge and without penalty, how they receive important information - on paper or electronically - from their corporate service providers (ex: banks, telecoms, insurance and utility companies). KMP seeks to champion the cause of the millions who prefer paper-based communications or are disenfranchised by increased digitization and lack of choice, including many key sectors of society such as seniors, people with disabilities, low-income families, and those without the Internet or computer skills.

Great news: Major companies are listening! Keep Me Posted’s direct efforts changed the messaging used by AT&T following several complaints received from consumers in the fall of 2018. AT&T had sent an email to their customers saying that they were “going paperless” by a certain date and that, if they preferred paper statements, they would have to “opt-in” to paper via their website. Essentially, AT&T customers would be automatically switched to electronic billing without their consent. KMP, which includes the National Grange, contacted AT&T requesting that it give their customers a clear option to choose between paper and online billing and in 2019, AT&T changed its message so that customers who did not respond with an email address would not automatically be switched to online billing. The default would be paper billing.

National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller said the Grange’s long-standing relationship with AT&T was a part of the success. “Our relationship with AT&T, that stretches back decades to address issues related to rural America, helped the Keep Me Posted coalition broach this issue because AT&T has an insight into challenges those in rural communities face,” Eller said. “While many corporate service providers are aggressively pushing paperless billing to help save on costs, it is good to see that some leading corporations like AT&T are listening to their customers and no longer making paperless communication the default option,” says Phil Riebel, Campaign Director for Keep me Posted North America.

AT&T partners with health solution providers to back a variety of innovative solutions to combat opioid crisis By Burton Eller National Grange Legislative Director The opioid crisis continues to affect millions of Americans from coast to coast without any real end in sight. Previously, Americans who have had surgeries or major injuries have relied on pills to relieve the pain. According to Truth Initiative, “opioid dependence can happen after just 5 days of use.” Now, however, there are high tech solutions that can help victims of opioid addiction and suffering families. To combat this problem, the AT&T Connected Health Foundry, located in Houston, TX, has partnered with leading health solutions providers to provide nondrug pain treatment options for patients. Built on the AT&T Internet of Things (IoT) network, patient devices around the world are connected to the internet, which allows the collection and sharing of data between patients, doctors and hospitals. These cutting-edge solutions are now encouraged to be made available in all hospitals, with the goal of lowering opioid

Photo from AccendoWave Facebook Page AccendoWave is one of the connected tech devices being used to help fight the opioid epidemic. usage, to help patients and their families live non-addicted lives. AccendoWave, VerteCore and Intent Solutions will use AT&T’s connectivity to provide patients with smart devices that reduce pain. While using AT&T’s fast, reliable, highly secure network: • AccendoWave uses a headband to detect pain indicators in the brain and distracts the patient from discomfort using content delivered over a tablet. Machine learning tells the device what content works for each individual and offers choices as needed.

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• VerteCore Technologies worked with AT&T’s Houston foundry to prototype a smart back brace that uses sensors to help reduce back pain. It securely transmits data to the wearer’s healthcare team to help track the patient’s progress remotely. • tadTM is a pill dispenser from Intent Solutions that uses fingerprint access to help deter opioid misuse. It reports when pills are dispensed. It also captures access attempts by unauthorized persons and quits transmitting data if the device is broken into. These three solutions are not the only way to combat opioid use, but they are a great, drug-free start. We applaud AccendoWave, VerteCore and Intent Solutions for creating alternative options for patients to reduce pain without having to resort to pills. We would also like to recognize AT&T for empowering these three companies to support patients through a strong, reliable Internet connection. AT&T and other broadband providers delivering IoT services have opened the door to new areas of innovation needed to fight opioid abuse.

THE CONSUMER’S RIGHT TO CHOOSE

PAPER OR DIGITAL? IT’S YOUR CHOICE. 90% of people believe they should have the right to choose how they receive communications.

83%

of consumers believe they should not be charged more for choosing to receive a paper bill or statement.

27%

of American adults do not have internet access at home (33.5 million households).

34%

of those over 65 do not use the internet.

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The COVID-19 crisis is exposing the best and worst in humanity. For rural Americans, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

also a chilling wake-up call about the state of

healthcare in our communities and a gap that must be closed as part of the rebuilding that will come when the virus is at bay.

PERSPECTIVE

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re in this

together

(arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t we...?)

Inside

p. 54 - A look at rural health and care disparities before the COVID crisis and what must be addressed after p. 63 - Grange members report on telehealth use and outcomes in the land of low broadband p. 66 - Granges responded in variety of ways to meet needs

of their neighbors during the pandemic p. 70 - Pandemic helps some rediscover Victory Garden concept p. 73 - Together, apart: Granges find ways to Cultivate Connections in face of social isolation and stay-at-home orders

‘Exploding in our hands as we speak’ A look at rural health before, during and after COVID-19 By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communication and Development Director The COVID-19 crisis has ripped the mask from our eyes and put on full display many areas of concern for the U.S. economy, worker and family. One issue that has reemerged, as a major crisis point for Americans, is the healthcare system – especially concerns with rural care. The flaws in the system are not new. Since long before the outbreak, the national conversation has focused on healthcare – the top issue for voters – with Medicare for All, Medicaid expansion, and the Affordable Care Act a consistent part of the national dialogue. But this crisis has done something more – it has brought the stark realities of everyday rural health disparities and the nearly decadelong trend of rural hospital closures front of mind for many who were blissfully unaware or happy to overlook the issues. This article is being written early in the battle against COVID-19, and by the time readers finish it, there will undoubtedly be new layers to the challenge we are facing. However, some of the underlying issues faced by rural Americans will persist, and may worsen. One thing is clear: as every part of the healthcare system sticks their hand in the pots of stimulus and recovery funds that will be made available, rural healthcare entities must come away with at least their fair share, or risk losing entirely the financial capacity to exist entirely. Where we started Access Let’s first examine the rural health landscape in early 2020, prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. The CDC has for many years acknowledged that “rural Americans face numerous health disparities compared with their urban counterparts.” According to a 2017 Kaiser Family Foundation study, rural Americans face significant barriers to accessing care, including provider shortages, less early intervention and preventative care, recent closure of rural hospitals and long travel distances to providers. While about 20% of the U.S. lives in rural areas, only 11% of physicians practice in these areas. Rural Americans on average are older and sicker with higher rates of chronic disease, according to the National Rural Health Association. Additionally, rural Americans tend to be less physically active, have higher risk of unemployment and more frequently partake in high-risk behaviors such as traveling without seat belts or long-term activities with negative health outcomes, such as smoking. “We may never make rural America as healthy because of factors out of our control, such as the types of jobs done in rural communities that put people at higher risk for workplace injury, including farming, or the inability to provide competitive salaries and excellent research opportunities for specialists stationed in more remote healthcare facilities,” Dr. Erick Bourassa, professor of medicine at Mississippi

College said. “We can see some improvement, though, if rural individuals limit their risks and be conscious to live a more healthy lifestyle.” The overwhelming disparity between the number of providers per capita in rural areas (13.2 per 10,000 people) versus urban areas (31.2 per 10,000) is startling and shows just how unstable even the basic infrastructure of the rural health system is today. According to research by Xcenda, a healthcare consultancy focused on health outcomes and reimbursement, this shortage forces rural providers “to prioritize cases and patients given limited resources and time in the day to treat patients.” It feels as if a preventable death in a rural community would be the catalyst of a plot for a prime-time legal drama featuring attorneys seeking to right the wrongs of a broken system. Bourassa said some specialists that rural individuals struggle to access are actually those in common areas – like OB/GYNs and mental health professionals. “In the medical community, we know it’s not uncommon for some patients coming from rural areas to have to travel more than two hours to see doctors that the medical community recommends they see for annual or semi-annual preventive services or checkups.” For those that follow the guidelines, seeing a primary care physician, dentist and gynecologist as best practice recommends, this could mean taking several days off of work each year and spending hundreds of dollars in travel cost by personal vehicle or other transportation. “It definitely adds up in ways urban people – who often can leave their office building for a long lunch hour, walk a few blocks to a doctor and have a dental appointment or physical – would not see,” Bourassa said This means many rural physicians provide a much wider scope of services to their patients” than their urban counterparts, Xcenda research shows, noting that “it is not uncommon for primary care physicians in rural areas to act as their patients’ rheumatologists, cardiologists, or obstetricians.” For those facing sudden health crises like stroke or trauma, the reality is rural citizens will face greater than average medical response time and lengthy travel to sites of care. Affordability & Insurance In rural America, the struggle to afford healthcare is its own problem. Despite a decade that saw the uninsured number dramatically decrease and a rising hope among many that the days of such disparities among rural and urban Americans were coming to an end. In an NPR report, Robert J. Blendon, co-Director of the survey and professor of health policy and political analysis at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, said of the period after the Affordable Care Act was passed and many states expanded Medicaid eligibility, “At a time when we thought we had made major progress in reducing barriers to needed health care, the fact that one in four still

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face these barriers is an issue of national concern. Either it is still not affordable for them or the insurance they have doesn’t work — or they can’t get care from the health providers that are in their community.” A 2019 poll conducted as a joint venture between NPR, the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation and the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, provides a stark picture: more than a quarter of rural respondents said they could not get health care at some point in the last few years when they needed it, citing the cost, distance, lack of appointments at times they could make work and inability to find a provider who would take their insurance. Rural Americans also tend to be less affluent than their urban and suburban counterparts and less likely to be employed – often because of higher retirement or disability rates and greater seasonal employment than found in urban areas. But job shortages and mechanization or outsourcing of jobs without replacement also have led to higher rates of unemployment, significant in relation to healthcare because most Americans get their insurance through their employer. Rural employers, often small businesses, are less likely to offer coverage, according to a 2018 study published by the Rural Policy Research Institute. The coverage that is made available to rural employees tends to offer minimal benefits and/or higher than average out-of-pocket costs. As a result, more rural individuals have no or minimum health insurance coverage, a factor that makes them significantly less likely to seek preventative care and be seen only after health issues have become more severe. An unplanned $1,000 medical bill, for example, could derail an individual or family in rural America, or so was the response by more than 40% of respondents to a 2019 NPR/ RWJF/Harvard poll. Unfortunately, health insurance coverage is not the only barrier to care. Only 24% of rural residents with insurance, responded that they received necessary care – inhibited by distance to the provider, availability of appointments at certain times, transportation to specialists or doctors, money to cover co-pays and other fees related to service, including child-care, availability of provider who takes their insurance among other reasons. More than 10% of rural individuals are veterans versus less than 8% of urban individuals, allowing them to access Veterans Affairs (VA) health benefits, in which about 57% are enrolled, according to the Department’s website, versus 37% of urban veterans. However, the distance many must travel for care is a barrier to access. According to a 2019 VA info sheet, veterans may travel up to 12 hours for procedures – even minimally invasive depending upon services offered at their CommunityBased Outpatient Clinics (CBOCs) – that must be done at medical centers rather than clinics. Some of those procedures include laser removal of skin lesions, colonoscopies, some fairly common preventative gynecological procedures, even the removal of an ingrown toenails. Elderly veterans often use a combination of care strategies, seeking out VA medical services for some services and utilizing Medicare benefits at

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non-VA facilities for primary care and emergency care thanks to the VA MISSION Act signed in 2018. One in four non-elderly rural individuals have coverage through Medicaid. However, not all providers accept Medicaid due to low rates of reimbursement for services compared to private insurance. In a spot of bright news, Medicaid participation by doctors is highest in rural states, according to a study published in early 2019, which said about 90% of rural general practice or family doctors accept Medicaid versus 71% in urban settings. When it comes to mental health, 65% of rural counties across America do not have a single licensed psychiatrist and 13% have no behavioral health provider – psychiatrist, psychologist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, social worker or mental health counselor. This is of significant concern since a 2017 publication by the Rural Health Research Gateway suggests rural Americans are more likely than their urban counterparts to experience a major mental health issue in their lifetimes and the suicide rate in rural America is 17.32 per 100,000 rural residents versus 11.92 per 100,000 metropolitan area residents, according to a 2017 review of data by the CDC. Higher substance abuse rates are also reported in rural communities, especially alcohol and prescription opioids – overdose deaths from which increased 325% in rural counties from 1999 to 2015 according to a study published in 2017 by the CDC. Limited

treatment services and centers as well as greater distance, lack of insurance coverage and less communal resources needed, such as money for facility fees or to cover housing costs while in treatment, means the rate of individuals in rural areas taking part in voluntary inpatient services substance abuse treatment is low. When one door closes, the next may be hours away When you can’t afford or find a primary care provider, a last resort is to go to a hospital emergency room. But that’s become much harder in rural America over the past several decades. It’s unclear exactly when the balloon burst for rural hospitals. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, many rural hospitals closed in the 1980s and 90s – 119 from 1980 to 1985 and another 208 from 1990 to 2000, 7.8% of the total rural hospitals shuttered in the 1990s according to a DHHS study. In 2005, the Sheps Center for Health Research at the University of North Carolina began keeping track and reported that from the start of 2005 to April 1, 2020, 170 rural hospitals closed, eight in the first three months of 2020 alone. That’s a reported loss of more than 6,400 hospital beds in a decade and a half since data has been collected. According to the Sheps Center research, there are six main reasons for hospital closures – declining local populations; bypass of

PERCENTAGE OF RURAL HOSPITALS IN DANGER OF NEAR-TERM CLOSURE BY STATE

Delaware, New Jersey and Rhode Island have no qualifying rural hospital. Graphic based on data from Navigant “Rural Hospital Sustainability” report, February 2019

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Photo by Annie Mapp A few members of a group assembled to address their concern about the closure of the Pickens County Medical Center in Carrollton, Alabama, in March 2020, hold signs for passersby to see. local patients to farther afield hospitals with more resources; referral patterns that do not include rural hospitals; state and federal policies that impact a variety of regulatory and financial areas; technological advancements that reduce in-patient stays and other revenue streams; and mismanagement. Most cite financial problems. However, over the past decade another factor is at play: states’ decision regarding Medicaid expansion. “Hospitals located in states that have not adopted Medicaid expansion have lower median operating margin and have a higher percentage of rural hospitals operating with a negative

Alabama Media Group | AL.com file photo Aug. 23, 2011 | Used with permission After experiencing difficulty meeting payroll, the Southwest Alabama Medical Center in Thomasville, Alabama, closed its doors to patients in August 2011. Patients arriving were greeted with this hand-written sign.

operating margin,” according to a study by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, released in February. The difference is slight but critical – a median operating margin of 0.8% for rural hospitals located in so-called full Medicaid expansion states, and a -0.3% median margin for those in the 14 states who did not expand Medicaid eligibility under terms of the Affordable Care Act. The eight states with the highest rate of rural hospital closures have not expanded Medicaid, according to a 2018 article by the Georgetown University Health and Policy Institute. Overall, 47% of rural hospitals began 2020 operating in the red, according to the Chartis Center study, and for states like Texas and Tennessee where more than 50% of their rural hospitals have been identified as vulnerable to closure based on current performance levels, a pandemic like COVID-19 may easily put a final nail in the coffin for much of their rural health system where “resources are stretched thinner than ever and moneymaking services like elective surgeries are curtailed during the outbreak,” according to an April 1, 2020 report in the Associated Press. As of January 2020, the American Hospital Association reported 1,821 rural community hospitals, but with one in four at risk of closing in the near future according to researchers.

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This number is likely a conservative estimate, as oftentimes only the highest level of management understand the full financial balance sheet of the facility. That seemed to be the case with Sumner County Hospital, a small facility in Wellington, Kansas, which closed on March 12 with no prior notice to the employees or community. With of staff of only 75 it was still one of the small town’s largest employers and offered victims of serious and urgent medical crises the closest facility for some 35 miles. “In addition to being further from a hospital than urban residents,” a 2020 report produced by the National Grange in partnership with Xcenda says, “the University of North Carolina’s Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research documented how rural residents’ closest hospitals offer fewer services. Fewer rural hospitals offer surgical care, obstetric services, intensive care units, outpatient surgery, chemotherapy, and dental services, to name a few. So, while the average drive may be 34 minutes to the closest hospital, the distance to a facility with the specialty care needed can be much further. One thing is clear: rural hospitals and the proximity to patients for immediate care, do mean the difference between life and death. In 1992, there were about 20% more rural hospitals in operation than in 2015, and a 2% difference in mortality between rural and urban patients. From 2000 to 2015, as local hospitals that could offer fast, critical care were closing, the gap between rural and urban mortality rates was widening. As of 2015, an 18% difference in the rate of mortality. That’s probably because there are areas like Tonopah, Nevada, where Central Nevada Grange is located, where it takes three hours by road to get to the nearest hospital after the local one closed in 2015. Brock Slabach, a former rural hospital administrator who now serves as a Senior Vice President at the National Rural Health Association told NPR in 2019 that “delayed care can often lead to tragic consequences.” Sometimes delay doesn’t come because a whole facility has closed, but because cuts have been made to specific departments. One such area that has come on the chopping block at a disproportionately higher rate than others is the obstetrics units of rural hospitals. Over a ten year period from 2004 to

2014, 179 rural hospitals ended obstetrics care, leaving pregnant women and newborns facing health issues with a greater share of the burden of the collapsing rural health systems. Medicaid reimbursement rates are again a leading factor cited in closures of these units, as well as declining birth rates in rural communities and a lack of physicians and specialists who want to start their careers or move their practice to facilities with often little funding, poor research opportunities and a lack of technology. As a result, in many of these rural settings, family practitioners stand in for obstetricians, delivering babies and providing initial care to the new mother and baby. However anytime there is something other than a normal birth, having a care provider who is not a trained obstetrician can greatly increase rates of complication and even death for mother or baby or both. From 2000 to 2014, maternal mortality rates rose 26% overall, with rural women disproportionately affected. It will get worse before it gets better Nearly half of all physicians practicing in rural communities as of 2017 were 65 or older, according to HRSA. Only one third were under 55. For mental health professionals practicing in rural areas, about 60% are older than 55 according to a 2015 report in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Some reports suggest of the primary reasons young doctors are not setting up practices in rural communities, student loan debt – up nearly 3,400% on average for four-year graduates of medical school from 1971 ($5,500) to 2018 ($192,000) – is at the top. However, while sometimes cumbersome to attain, various student loan forgiveness products for rural practitioners are available. However a variety of studies have shown that rural practitioners earn more than their urban counterparts, especially after changes by Congress to increase Medicare payment rates for rural physicians. Add in the typical lower cost of living in rural communities as an economic incentive for practicing in rural, and you would assume the shortage would soon cease, but instead reality suggests that economics alone is not the cause. Instead, some physicians report that the barriers previously discussed make their practice more difficult and less satisfying. Because of the load these physicians carry, burnout is a very real part of the practice of rural medicine. In studies, those considering entering practice in rural areas also noted that lower quality schools and housing, less educated peers for outside or work association and their own concerns with quality medical care available in rural communities made the positions there less attractive, especially if they were starting a family. The number of medical students hailing from rural communities has dropped 28% over a 15 year period, from 2002 to 2017, according to study in the publication Health Affairs. While we all know it can be a challenge to show the beauty of small-town living to those raised in more metropolitan environments, having students from rural environments enter health professions is key to meeting physician workforce needs, according to Scott Shipman, director of primary care initiatives and clinical innovations at the Association of American Medical Colleges. If the inability to attract young talent were solely financial, the plan ahead would be simple, if not easy. But making rural communities attractive places to live, work, raise families and feel professional

A majority of physicians serving rural areas are 55 or older, and recruiting new doctors to rural communities has proved challenging. fulfillment is a multivariate task that will take years to address, if at all. Instead, we have a problem that cannot be easily solved being compounded by the reality of mortality – a workforce that will end their practice long before we may be able to find their replacements. And those replacements, may just take into account the staggering swiftness with which rural hospitals are closing and make a choice that seemingly offers more long-term employment stability. Telehealth and Air Medical Services: The White Knights? Telehealth – receiving a diagnosis or treatment remotely from a doctor or other health professional by phone, email, text message, mobile app or live video – has been touted as a potential nearpanacea to the rural health problem for many years. As the COVID crisis grows, more individuals are being asked to see doctors and get basic consultations remotely to limit exposure. However, a 2019 survey of rural Americans showed that only a quarter of rural residents already had some experience with telehealth. Nearly 7 in 10 of those said it was the most convenient method for their particular need at that time, while 3 in 10 said they used telehealth because they were unable to go to a doctor in person – almost all of them saying it was because travel to the doctor was too difficult. For those who participated in the survey who had previous experience with telehealth, 53% had received at least one prescription from their provider using the service, 25% received a diagnosis or treatment for a chronic condition, 16% for an emergency and 9% for an infectious disease. The crisis has brought to the table providers that had previously opted out of providing various care via telehealth programs, often because reimbursement is not sufficient to make this form of healthcare attractive to new providers or for providers to pick up new patients using the care model. Other providers cited concerns with HIPAA requirements and a lack of privacy that may come if they provide telehealth services.

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However during the first few weeks of the COVID epidemic, many of the HIPAA requirements that are more onerous to telehealth participants were waived as the crisis began to unfold. Another key piece of the critical and urgent care puzzle in rural America is air medical services. The most severely injured and gravely ill patients require rapid transport to larger hospitals by “air ambulances” - helicopters or fixed wing planes staffed by specially trained nurses, medics and pilots - to get the care they need. Today, 85 million Americans in rural areas rely on air ambulance services to get to a Level I or Level II trauma center within 60 minutes, the so called “golden hour” that is critical to optimize patient outcomes. When a first responder at an accident scene or a doctor at a local hospital determines a patient needs a rapid transport to survive, they are authorized to call for an air ambulance. Each year, air ambulances make hundreds of thousands of flights from more than a thousand bases strategically placed around the country. According to the “Air Medical Services Cost Study Report”, prepared for The Association of Air Medical Services and Members by Xcenda, three out of four air med flights originate from rural areas. In some states with a Grange presence, the rates are far above average – for Nebraska, 100% of flights are classified as rural, and 99.5% in Montana. But these air ambulance flights are expensive - not unexpected given the costs of effectively miniaturizing an intensive care unit and making it fit within a helicopter and then keeping teams of pilots, trauma nurses and trauma certified medics on standby 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Added to that is the per mile cost that rural individuals inherently incur in greater amounts due to the likely much farther distance from home or place of accident to trauma center. And the providers of the service are under-compensated for 72% of their transports because of low Medicare and Medicaid rates or because the patient had no insurance. Therefore, like with many other medical services, private and commercial insurance plans assume a greater percentage of the

operating costs. In recent years, insurers have begun refusing to pay for flights, sometimes leaving patients with unanticipated bills because federal law requires the patient be sent a bill covering the balance the insurer refused to pay. To solve the problem of surprise insurance denials, Congress is debating legislation that will force insurers to pay their fair share, and the National Grange has added its voice to that conversation, attempting to show how this issue disproportionately impacts rural individuals. But the legislation to rectify the problem is one of the most contested issues Congress is addressing, with air ambulance

providers saying that if Congress sides with the insurance industry, air medical bases throughout the country, including those in the most rural areas, will have to close due to insolvency. And then came the pandemic With all the stresses on the rural healthcare system, the last thing needed was a pandemic. “Rural health was a ticking time bomb, and now it is exploding in our hands as we speak,” Bourassa said in late March. In the early days of that explosion, the unleashing of COVID-19 and its potential devastating affects was met with great skepticism. “The regular flu kills more people a year,”

Telehealth and air medical services have both been lauded as important pieces of the current and future puzzle that is rural healthcare. However, unstable or nonexistent broadband connections and the expense, and often lack of coverage, for air medical services put both out of reach for many patients.

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was a common quip. But this was not the flu, yet something can be learned from it, says Roger Ray, a physician consulting director with The Chartis Group, a healthcare advisory and technology company. Ray told reporters recently that if the spread of coronavirus follows the same path as a seasonal flu, rural communities will experience cases later, but those cases will have a greater impact than in urban areas. Not only do the demographics line up for a greater challenge – COVID cases in older individuals and in individuals with chronic conditions, both of which are more prevalent in rural communities – but early intervention is harder because of the various issues we’ve already addressed in relation to rural health. “The beds and workforce are not there to handle a pandemic. It’s almost like the hospital is there but it’s not conditioned to take care of these folks,” said Daniel Fellenbaum, a rural healthcare expert who works for Xcenda. That was evident when Dr. Gregory Byrd, an executive at rural Woodstock, Virginia’s Shenandoah Memorial Hospital, told a reporter his staff was improvising as they went along, “all caught with our pants down.” Also, the early response, including decisions to limit gatherings and orders

for people to shelter in place took longer – if they were ever issued, since as of this report at least a dozen states had not done so. This greatly increased the likelihood of transmission and flew in the face of warnings by the CDC. “It’s not a surprise though. This is novel. It’s not like anything we’ve seen, so there isn’t a precedent to follow. And people in rural communities making decisions often aren’t consulting the large national agencies, but listening to their neighbors or their own pocketbooks for guidance,” Bourassa said. “They’re following the lead of their county or state governments, which in many of our more rural states were days or more behind the federal agencies in telling people anything other than ‘be cautious.’ They weren’t making it clear that this disease will be devastating to our nation, and even more so to our communities with already limited resources, especially healthcare options, if it gets out of hand.” The pandemic also brought about multiple changes in the way healthcare professionals could do their work, and where they could practice. As the number of COVID cases began to jump daily in March, some traveling nurses and doctors were deployed specifically to rural communities, clinics and hospitals to help fill coverage gaps. This was made

Rural communities, already susceptible to higher rates of loneliness and feelings of isolation, may have seen their first COVID infections later that major urban centers, but still felt the impact of the pandemic in health and social life.

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possible in part because, in many areas, licensing requirements were eased to allow healthcare providers to practice across state lines, something that impacted both in-person and telehealth services. The Federation of State Medical Boards supported state efforts to immediately verify the credentials and disciplinary history of healthcare professionals and CMS waived state-specific licensure requirements for Medicare and Medicaid providers who go to work in a different state to help during the crisis. Fellenbaum called the moves an experiment in action. “We’re all definitely watching to see if they remove some of these barriers to expand the rural healthcare workforce after this, or if all the rules and regulations go right back into place.” A late start, a larger impact Dr. Anthony Fauci, the nation’s leading infectious disease expert who many have put great stock in as part of the daily press briefings by the White House, dropped a bombshell speculation just before the close of March – 100,000 to 200,000 Americans could die from the coronavirus. While he walked it back a bit, saying that the number is just a projection, a “moving target” because of so many independent factors that will play into the final outcome. The fear that death will be a more common outcome for those who contract COVID-19 in rural communities comes because of all these other factors that have been at work for years in the rural healthcare space. The information flow, health literacy rates and overall trust of the government and agencies is lower in rural communities, limiting the knowledge about the disease, its spread and prevention; there are heavily ingrained cultural gathering practices of extended families and friend groups for weekly means, church services and the like; all combined with the rebellious individualism that seems to run through many small communities undermines progress from the beginning. Add, too, the allure to citydwellers of migrating to an isolated area to “ride out the storm.” There there’s the lack of doctors and upto-date facilities or clinics, which leads to less testing and early diagnoses, less monitoring of patients and greater distance patients

have to move to see providers, meaning exponentially greater chances the virus spreads as they stop to fill up, get lunch or go to the bathroom during their travel. If they become critically ill, these patients arrive to an overwhelmed system that lacks adequately staffed hospital beds, fewer and older pieces of equipment, no space to create specific containment wards and a lack of personal protective equipment for providers to use when moving from patient to patient. The smaller, poorer, less connected providers also do not have the wherewithal to duke it out - financially or with influential political intervention - against larger more moneyed systems and win their fair share of adequate resources. It’s an earthquake followed by a tsunami. Insult to injury. Unnecessary but unavoidable risk at every turn. For some states, the unimaginable is being discussed. Alaska, one of the nation’s most rural states, has only about 1,500 hospital beds in the entire state. Traditionally many severely injured or ill patients in places like Alaska get flown to the lower 48 states by air ambulances for care. If CDC estimates are correct that nearly 300,000 of its residents will contract the illness, and about 5% of those cases will require hospitalization, about 14,750 beds will be needed. While that flood will not come all at the same time, there certainly will be a shortage, stressing an already fragile system perilously thin. And that’s all without the single car accident, overdose, act of violence or heart attack. “The world is not shutting down, everyday healthcare issues that the population faces do not stop,” said Fellenbaum. According to Fellenbaum, an epidemic where many people require medical devices becomes “tricky” and may crash a rural health system in which “rural hospitals are operating behind – their cash on hand is behind.” “A large fear is that rural hospitals will have to make choices as to who gets care if they cannot offload patients to larger facilities – which are also expected to be overrun by patients,” Fellenbaum said. “How do you triage? What are the decisions that need to be made by hospital leadership? Do they have a policy? It’s a scary world to be in for

“A large fear is that rural hospitals will have to make choices as to who gets care if they cannot offload patients to larger facilities – which are also expected to be overrun by patients.” - David fellenbaum, rural healthcare expert these facilities in these times.” And if hospitals have to make those choices, the consequences to them and the rural healthcare system could be dire, Bourassa said. “Imagine if your mother was admitted to the local hospital, a small, rural one with its share of financial strain. And maybe the community around it already had its doubts about the abilities of its doctors, nurses, the technology at the facility, the equipment. If she goes and cannot receive adequate care or dies while there, it just promulgates the idea that the hospital system is not good.” “Even if the hospital makes it out of the COVID crisis,” Bourassa said, “it may not make it out of the negative community rap it will get.” If that’s the case, he said, “The next time someone is sick or has an emergency, they will actively avoid that small hospital in favor of one some distance away that is considered better and the problems the small hospital had just multiply and then that small hospital won’t be there as a choice at all.” Stimulus funds and their impact The third, and as of this writing, most massive of the stimulus bills, provides as part of its $2.2 trillion increased funding “for community health centers; Medicare payments; telehealth and home service; and public health agencies such as the Center for Disease Control and Prevention,” to the tune of $280 million, according to an early report by the Washington Post on the 880-page piece of legislation. Additional provisions will also help healthcare facilities, like the part where they can defer payroll tax for up to two years and immediate write-offs by hospitals of any

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building improvements. Rural hospitals and federally qualified health centers will be able to be reimbursed for any home health care and telehealth services they provide during this crisis, allowing additional revenue options as well as care flexibility for the facilities. They would also be able to request up to a six-month advance on Medicare payments from CMS to provide a steady cash flow in order to keep their doors open and staff paid. According to the National Rural Health Association, small hospitals will also have access to the more than $500 billion in small business emergency relief funds that come in the form of loans with capped interest rates, no early pre-payment penalty and some forgiveness opportunities. “We certainly are happy to see the availability of funding to address cash-flow needs right now for rural hospitals,” said Alan Morgan, CEO of National Rural Health Association, which was named a National Grange Champion of Rural America in 2018. “Additional long-term funding is available, but we will need to see the details on when and how much will be targeted for rural providers.” One specific area of concern because of the much higher rate of service used by rural residents for air ambulances, are efforts by health insurers to insert provisions in legislation that will set an artificially low, median payment rate these services. Should this federally mandated price control pass, many air ambulance providers have expressed a deep concern about their ability to continue operating many of the rural bases. So far, legislators have resisted the insurers’ efforts, but with more COVID-19

legislation on the way, fights on this issue will continue and may be compounded. The post-COVID world While no one knows quite how long this crisis may last, one thing’s for certain: after COVID-19 has been contained, vast health disparities between urban and rural individuals will remain. The healthcare system will have to be evaluated and reinvented in some ways, so it’s important that rural facilities and care are not ignored. “We need to work towards building a sustainable rural health care system,” said Morgan. “Not only a delivery model that works for rural communities, but a payment system that does as well. Specifically, we need to recognize that rural communities are generally older, and have more chronic health care needs. Medicare has to target these rural clinics and hospitals as essential, and develop a payment system that recognizes the concentration of high health needs in these small rural towns.” Morgan told a reporter for the Los Angeles Times “there is literally no room for error here. Rural America is a tinderbox of a healthcare crisis for those most in need.” The healthcare system will be evaluated and reinvented in some ways, so it’s important that rural facilities and care is not ignored. National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller said it is one of the top priorities of the organization and something he and Grange leadership will be closely engaged with as we move through the period of crisis back to whatever the new normal looks like. “As a nation, we cannot continue to create a health care system of haves and have-nots between urban and rural Americans,” Eller said. It’s high time for political commitment, medical innovation and high speed broadband connectivity as we come out of this crisis.” And, he said, the influence of individuals contacting their local, state and national legislators will be paramount to the fight to improve access to rural health facilities and build an innovative care system for rural individuals after the virus is contained. This pandemic created a whole new appreciation among the American public for medical and emergency personnel and for farmers, ranchers, food processors and the supply chains that deliver,” Eller said. “No one can deny, both groups are essential to life itself.”

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Barriers reported by rural members accessing telehealth By Elizabeth Hiner Colorado State Grange Lecturer & Senior Communication Fellow The COVID-19 crisis has pushed many people to use the internet for things never dreamed, including this area of healthcare access. Telehealth has been in use for years and is defined by the CDC as the use of electronic information and telecommunication technologies to support long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health, and health administration. Technologies include video conferencing, the internet, store-andforward imaging, streaming media, and terrestrial and wireless communications. Not to be confused with telemedicine, which has been in use for many years to monitors congestive heart failure, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and hypertension through machines based in the patient’s home. Jennifer Oliver of Tacoma, Washington, a member of Collins Grange #893, and LPN for more than 20 years said she has been part of that system that doesn’t go without its challenges but is much more automated and in some cases requires far less access to high-speed broadband. For urban and suburban patients, this may not be new, but to many in rural communities this practice had previously been far from embraced by the typically older, less connected and more wired for face-to-face small-town style interactions that build rapport between doctor and patient. Additionally, there are concerns about privacy and the ability to properly diagnose and treat a patient that cannot be examined in the traditional hands-on way. “Most clinicians have historically shunned the idea of telehealth/ telemedicine, as most clinicians feel

Phones seemed the only reliable technology rural members could use when trying to access telehealth services, a clear indication that further deployment of broadband will have to play a role in the advancement and expanded adoption of this method of care for rural residents. (rightfully so) that it is just one more thing that is disrupting the doctorpatient relationship,” Dr. Erick Bourassa, a professor of Medicine at Mississippi College wrote in a recent e-mail interview. “Another major hurdle to implementing telemedicine is the fact that most parts of a physical exam can’t be done - how do I check even basic vital signs (temperature, blood pressure, heart rate) let alone do an abdominal exam or check someone’s tonsils?” Bourassa acknowledged that those most staunchly opposed were having to make the choice – serve virtually or do not serve patients at all at this time. With the saturation of coverage of COVID-19 on the news, many telehealth visits, he said, have been from patients concerned because they were “feeling feverish and having a cough and/or sore throat.” Without the physical exam, and in communities where connectivity issues limit the ability for the doctor to see the patient in a real-time video setting,

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Bourassa said clinicians were often responding to these symptoms, never knowing if it would have been the same care they would have provided if the patient had been present for an in-office visit. The options, Bourassa said, for providers were to tell the patient to be tested for COVID-19 if sites were even available; to “prescribe possibly unnecessary medication to cover my bases....” Unfortunately, he said, a lot of “overprescribing to cover all possibilities,” has been happening as providers were struggling to “rule out or in diseases without a physical exam.” Grangers share common barrier in telehealth experiences Since the early 2000s, the National Grange has been working hard on the issue of broadband expansion to rural communities so rural residents enjoy the same services and opportunities as their urban and suburban counterparts, often

citing telehealth as one major service that would be made available for rural residents far flung from providers if a better broadband infrastructure was in place. Several Grange members from around the country had their first telehealth visit or a telehealth visit different from those they have had in the past, and each reported issues around connectivity and technology, but most were still happy to have the option for certain types of care. Suzy Ramm of Newberg, Oregon, a member of Springwater Grange #263, used telehealth for an annual follow-up appointment and said she has also used phone appointments for follow-ups on quarterly tests in the past. For this appointment, however, she expected to connect via computer, but was unable to and had to attend instead by phone. While not ideal, it was still better than the alternative of waiting, Ramm said, so while she will need to have some further tests in a facility or with a provider when the crisis is over, for now the basic check-in via telemedicine allowed her more time and gave her peace of mind. Ann Keaton of South Coffeyville, Oklahoma, a member of Thompson Grange #352, had her first telehealth experience in mid-March as isolation measures were moving from voluntary to mandatory, While she said the experience was a good one overall, callback time for appointments ranged from 5 minutes to never as systems were overloaded and some calls were lost in the sheer volume of requests coming in for appointments and providers learning new systems. I, too, tested the process, using telehealth for an appointment for the first time during the crisis to address anxiety I was feeling. I saved myself potential exposure and a 40-minute round trip and used FaceTime to visit with my doctor by phone because connecting by computer was impossible. Even via phone data, there was a lag in service that was frustrating. Had it been a more critical matter or if I were an impatient person with a different type of condition, there is a possibility the technical issues may have led me to abandon the appointment and not get the service I sought out. Karen Cline of Rising Sun, Maryland, and a member of Calvert Grange #424, had a completely different experience. Cline – who on a scale of rurality if there is such a thing may be on the lowest end of the scale, living about 20 miles from Newark, Delaware and within 50 miles of Baltimore and Philadelphia – said while her insurance has opened a host of telehealth options for patients at this time, she stuck with her existing physician with whom she scheduled a telehealth visit. “For my needs, it was helpful to speak to doctors familiar with my health history. However, there were serious limitations,” said Cline. “To my physicians, telehealth is utilizing a phone call as the primary means of communication. I recently have been in contact with three doctor’s offices via phone. None were

“I want the ability for doctors to be able to chat with me on video and to receive photos and videos. I do see this as an area that will expand. I hope it expands quickly.” - Karen Cline, Calvert Grange #424, Maryland able to receive photos via email or text and they were unable to utilize video technology. This was very limiting because I was experiencing something that they needed to see. Without the ability to see photos via email or text or even on video, they were really not able to help me.” Cline said the experience was eye-opening and she hopes healthcare providers reflect and find ways to expand their telehealth services in the future. “I want the ability for doctors to be able to chat with me on video and to receive photos and videos. I do see this as an area that will expand. I hope it expands quickly. I sent one doctor a link to a video conferencing solution that I have access to, but he said he was unable to use external communication methods that were not secure and authorized by his hospital system.” Bourassa agreed that there are many times telehealth – even some of the more low-tech methods – could make a large difference for people, especially those who live many miles from a provider or do not have access to transportation. He said people who had recently been seen in-office, were provided treatment and either weren’t feeling better or the doctor wished to do a follow up, would find telehealth useful. ”Instead of having them come back into the office, I think telehealth would be a great way to check in with those patients. Also, a lot of older patients have someone at home (child, spouse) providing significant amounts of care, and they get concerned and feel the need to bring that patient to the office; in many cases, a quick conversation via telehealth (with the option of showing me the bruise, the rash, the ulcer, etc.) would allow a clinician to provide recommendations and prescriptions without the need for an office visit, which means keeping the elderly patient safe at home.” While the stories collected are a small sampling, they show there are major barriers that will have to be addressed in order to truly make viable this method of care for rural individuals.

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Across nation, Granges, members pitch in By Heather Simon National Grange Intern In an unprecedented time of viral spread and crisis, Granges and individual Grange members stepped up as could only be expected to assist their neighbors in need during the pandemic. From high-tech interventions for those on the front lines to some of the simplest, but necessary outreach gestures, members are responding in a variety of ways. National Grange President Betsy Huber said the action taken by Granges and individuals is both amazing and expected. “Grangers are by nature some of the most giving and selfless people. In any time of crisis, you can see Grangers working to make sure others are safe and have what they need. Of course, many of the tried-and-true methods of giving to those in need or bringing the community together like having community dinners weren’t options, but still we saw amazing stories of Grangers and Granges at work for the good of their neighbors,” Huber said. “I would like to thank all of our members who assisted others to help stem the spread of the disease.” Build, donate, organize all part of Grange’s response The virus first began emerging on the West Coast, and Goldendale Grange #49 in Goldendale, Washington, was there. Member Richard Lefever reported the group took on three initiatives to help the residents of the area and have been working on other small donations as needs arise and they are able to fill them. First, they created simple hand sanitizing stations that can be used long after the threat of COVID has passed and be easily replicated as a service project by other Granges, Lefever said. These were distributed to local high-traffic facilities. Then the Grange made a donation of $500 to Klickitat Valley Health Hospital Foundation to help the facility purchase two microwaves for COVID patient isolations rooms it was creating. Along with a small group of dedicated volunteers, and under the direction of Aimee Nelsen-Waddell, who owns a local estate sale business and second-hand store in the area called Aimee’s Attic, the Grange created a combination donation and distribution center, stocked with essential items, including paper goods, especially toilet paper and paper towels, along with non-perishable food items and diapers. The center volunteers chose to caters their efforts primarily to young mothers with small children and confined elderly individuals living at home, filling a needed niche. They also provided delivery service. The efforts drew other local businesses leaders, such as the owner of a café and lounge who donated her entire stock of perishable items; and the state legislator serving the area, who spent a full day volunteering at the resource center. At the other end of the country, Jen Beamon of Hamburg Grange

Build sanitizing stations Richard Lefever, Goldendale Grange #49, Washington Creating portable hand sanitizing stations is an easy community service that will positively impact your neighbors and add to the visibility of your Grange. Offer them to fairs, schools, hospitals or clinics, government or administrative buildings and other appropriate places in your area. The estimated cost of materials for constructing the unit is $35 to $40, not including sanitizer, and all materials can be purchased at a local hardware store. Materials: 8 foot white PVC 5” fence post, cut in half (use other half for second unit!) White PVC post topper 5 gallon plastic bucket with lid Bolts Sanitizer unit Construction: Install onto halved fence post the sanitizer unit (and add a Grange logo sticker or vinyl to the post). Fill bucket two-thirds with sand and push fence post all the way down in center. Top off with about 3” concrete that will keep unit from blowing over or being easily stolen. Add post topper and give away.

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#2107, Pennsylvania, made the decision to stay at home as much as possible, but offered to provided personal service to neighbors in need, posting to Facebook her offer. She said it was important to spend time with her young family, making sure her kids felt safe during the crisis, but to also not forget about those who may be in need and at high risk of infection. Relief Committee Revived Meanwhile, an emergency team was being formed by Mary’s River Grange #685 in Philomath, Oregon, with member Sonny Hays-Eberts taking lead. “I am so very proud so many volunteered so quickly and willingly to help those in need,” Hays-Eberts said of the 17 who stepped up within the first week. The team, based off the idea of a Grange Relief Committee that was popular at one time, is helping people with shopping, laundry, picking up over the counter drugs, animal care and other services. They have also offered the use of the Grange hall for emergency needs, and other members even outside the emergency team are forming small telephone groups that will call each other regularly to provide a small level of comfort for those who are isolated. In addition, they donated plants they started, which would have been sold at their annual plant sale, to a local food garden and are working with a local farm to distribute seed potatoes to the community and food garden as well. They have an eye on helping small farm members with deliveries to help keep them in business in this difficult time, lessen the workload of these producers and reduce their exposure. Hays-Eberts said it’s an act that helps keep their local food system intact and secure.

Submitted Photo Lori Alsup, pictured, and other members of Central Nevada Grange’s quilters’ club got to work on masks for healthcare workers as a way to do good during the pandemic.

Submitted Photo Sasha Garcia, provides supplies to a resident of Goldendale, Washington, as part of the Grange’s food and supply bank started in response to the pandemic. Supplying the Front Lines With reported shortages of personal protective equipment (PPE) emerging very early in the crisis, many members with sewing machines or Grange quilters groups joined the millions of others around the nation creating cloth masks and covers for professional respirator masks to be donated to healthcare facilities, first responders, essential workers and more. From California to Kansas, New Jersey to North Carolina, it seemed every Granger with a sewing machine found a way to push through the panic by helping others with homemade masks. Some members even bought their first machine to take part in the effort, such as Annie Montes, a former Maryland State Grange member who moved to Albuquerque, New Mexico, a few years ago and has stayed engaged as an e-member. Montes’ mother works as a registered nurse in the nearby hospital and was one of the first in the area to test positive to COVID, something Montes said is because of the lack of PPE healthcare workers at the facility and around the country were experiencing. In just days, Montes gathered supplies, learned the ins and outs of the new machine and made dozens of masks to give to the hospital, all while learning her mother’s boyfriend, a nurse’s aide at the same hospital, had also contracted COVID. In nearby Nevada, Central Nevada Grange #23 in Tonopah, has a six-person quilt group that was activated to make masks,

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Submitted Photo Eugene Fletcher, a member of Orangevale Grange #354, California, who lives in Michigan, used his 3D printer to create frames that hold face shields in place and donated them to a local hospital. churning out more than 100 quickly based on a pattern sent to them by the daughter of member Deb Mullen Cobb. Cobbâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s daughter, Ciara Sallee, works as a pediatric nurse at a clinic in Chehalis, Washington State. She had lived in and been part of the Grange in Tonopah, but with few job opportunities in the medical field because there are no nearby facilities - the nearest hospital a three hour drive away - Sallee had taken a position in Washington, but looked home for help when the crisis hit. Central Nevada Grange sewers also made masks for the local grocery store and the EMTs in their area. Eugene Fletcher, a member of Orangevale Grange #354, California, found a more high tech solution to the PPE crisis. Fletcher put to work his 3D printing machine that he uses for his business, 3D Gene Designs, creating frames that hold face shields for healthcare workers dealing with the infectious disease. He worked as part of a team of various individuals with 3D printers doing assembly work on the PPE. Currently residing in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Fletcher was able to use a design approved by a nearby hospital and made 100 in just a few days that he took to the facility to donate. Fletcher and his group were also contacted by the Community Action Agency, an organization that collaborates with Meals on Wheels, who asked if the 3D print artists could provide their kitchen staff with face shields that can be used by volunteers preparing and delivering meals.

Fletcher and his group will be working on an easier model for the volunteers that will require less assembly and not require elastic or foam cushions. With their success, the group was contacted by MatterHackers, one of the largest distributors of desktop digital manufacturing equipment and materials in the United States, and invited to participate in making their face shields to help distribute throughout the country, which they plan to do. Granges support continued learning, worship In the central part of the country, Alamo Grange #1446 in San Antonio, Texas,

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Texas State Grange President and Alamo member Karen Overstreet, is a retired teacher who felt called to help, ensuring that children in the area continued to learn and feel a sense of normalcy during the crisis. She, along with other member of the Grange, planned lessons, combined materials, textbooks and supplies so parents could drive by and pick up their child’s packet to take home. To engage the creative and physical needs of children, member Irene Nieto created daily online activities that she shares on Facebook. Her daughter, Mari Nieto is offering virtual Zumba classes, something she encouraged children, parents and grandparents all to take part in to stay active during the isolation period. Back in Nevada, other members of the Central Nevada Grange who were not engaged in sewing masks worked to provide children with kits that include paper, scissors, pencils and crayons delivered to their homes to keep them busy while they were home from school because of closings. The children of the area, Mullen Cobb said, struggle to access learning tools online because of little or no broadband availability. Several member of Alamo Grange also attend the same local church, and while visiting her parents in the area at the start of closings forced by the pandemic, Samantha Wilkins, National Grange Operations Coordinator and Junior Director, worked with others to get the church online for streaming

Submitted Photo Alamo Grange #1446, Texas, created learning packets for children enrolled at a local school services. She said it helped bring a sense of calm and normalcy back to the lives of many of the Grange members and community members and helped to reconnect her and her family, who had moved the previous year to Pennsylvania, with the church they had been missing.

Junior Ambassador leads project to comfort member battling COVID Word gets around the Grange

over the course of the first 10 days

sick or in distress. So was the case when

more coming each day from Grange

family quickly when there is someone

since Danko posted the video with

50-plus-year member and veteran Gary

members all over the country.

Prichard of Oregon was diagnosed with

McClure

said

Martin McClure reached out - with

reported that he is no longer infected,

but remains under care of doctors in

about Prichard’s illness. He noted

order to rebuild strength and stave off

Prichard’s joy when receiving cards,

any post-COVID complications.

especially from other Grangers.

Cards, letters, and prayers are still

National Junior Grange Ambassador

welcome and may be sent to:

hopes to serve in the military when

any other Granger who wished to send

touched. He created a call to action

You can see the video by Danko at

video, posted on Facebook, in which

he challenges all Junior members and

the outpouring of support and has

Prichard’s permission - with information

he comes of age and was especially

because

thankful

Bryce Danko, of Pennsylvania, who

cheerful

was

COVID-19.

Lane County Pomona President

and

Prichard

cards or letters to Prichard. bit.ly/brothergary

More than 60 cards poured in

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Lebanon Veterans Home Resident Mail

Gary Prichard Bravo #214

600 North 5th St.

Lebanon, OR 97335

Submitted Photo Junior Granger Gretchen Reich, a 1+ member with Valley Grange #1360, Pennsylvania, delivered toilet paper to a local crisis service center.

Food banks and toilet paper in demand For a few years, Ekonk Community Grange #89 in Sterling, Connecticut, has had its own food bank. The town sends needy individuals to the Grange who provides them with monthly food baskets that includes a variety of items, including meats, fruits, seasonal items. The cost of the baskets are covered through a variety of ways, including the collection of “F bills” – the dollar bills with an F on them – from Grange members, public donations of nonperishable food items brought to dinners form members of the community who receive a raffle ticket for their donation, some generous Grange members and additional funds when needed from the Grange. Vice President Jamie Cameron posted on Facebook information about the food bank and welcomed people who were looking for a way to give back to send donations as they group expected more people may be in need of the service due to the economic fallout from the crisis.

Stanford Grange #808 in New York also has a little food pantry located on the porch of their hall. Started just weeks before the pandemic broke out, President Katie Fallon reports it came at just the right time for their upstate, rural community. Juniors were part of many efforts around the country as well, some learning new handicraft skills or getting in on service projects in various ways. In central Pennsylvania, 9-year-old Gretchen Reich deliver rolls of toilet paper to New Life for Girls, a women’s shelter that is a frequent beneficiary of donations and service efforts by members of Valley Grange #1360 throughout the year, after she learned that the facility was running low. With the support of her mom, Tina, and approval from Grange President Michael Martin, the Reichs went to the Grange Hall, which is closed until safe again to meet, and gathered the 19-roll supply from the hall’s closet to deliver. It may not be much, Tina Reich said, but “it wasn’t helping anyone by just sitting on our shelf.”

Pandemic leads shut-ins to rediscover Victory Gardens By Burton Eller National Grange Legislative Director During World War II, Americans in urban centers and suburban towns planted victory gardens to assure they and their neighbors would have food.

scrambling to restock inventory in early April. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange in Mineral, VA, just down the road from

As the economy faltered and food

the home of a National Grange staffer,

worries grew, school and community

reports having to rework its website

gardeners produced close to 40% of

because it couldn’t keep up with the

the country’s fresh fruits and vegetables

demand.

from 20 million garden plots. This

outbreak

seems

High Mowing Organic Seeds in have

Vermont says they’re having way more

rekindled a desire among many people

conversations with folks who have

to grow their own food.

never gardened before and want to get

And it’s not just toilet tissue and meat that’s flying off store shelves; it’s seeds!

Amid some really tough times for all Americans, it’s heartwarming to see our

Community gardening is booming. Seed

into it.

suppliers

report

they’re

neighbors rediscover where their food comes from.

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Victory Garden poster produced by the USDA War Food Administration during World War II.

Parade ‘best birthday present’ for future Junior

Submitted Photo

When members of East Sangerville Grange #177, Maine, heard future Junior Granger Owen Cookson’s birthday party was another victim of the COVID pandemic, they sprung to action. Cookson, who has been attending Grange meetings since he was a newborn, was turning 3 and knew it – having looked forward to his party for months. Instead, he got a parade. Members jumped in vehicles and rode passed Cookson’s home, with drivers honking and waiving along with passengers showing off handmade signs with birthday wishes – a way for the adults to feel helpful and hopeful as the unprecedented continued to unfold each day. The act of kindness was covered on the local news and included a video clip Cookson’s dad, Benjamin, had posted to Facebook, one of the earliest parade celebrations seen on social media during this time. You can see the video at bit.ly/owen3parade He said to media who covered the parade, he believed it was “the best birthday present [his] son could have received.”

National Grange produces video with details on sewing masks In mid-March, the National Grange released a video on social media and through our website detailing what crafty individuals could do to create masks that could be used by healthcare professionals and those with N-95 respirator masks, as well as a simple mask anyone could wear to reduce their risk of infection. The 2 minute and 15 second video includes links to patterns and provides tips like calling ahead to healthcare facilities to make sure they are accepting masks and if they have specific requirements. It also notes that masks worn by the general public should be thoroughly changed and washed often, so grocery clerks and others wearing them for a shift should consider taking multiple and changing them every few hours. In early April, information about making headbands healthcare professionals can use to attach the elastic sides to, rather than using their ears, was added to the video. The video can be found at: bit.ly/covid19-mask

Photo by Bob Trombi

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READER SUBMISSION

Grange’s porch pantry came right on time for town By Katie Fallon President, Stanford Grange #808 In July 2019, I was invited while serving as National Grange Outstanding Young Patron, to a meeting at Marcellus Grange, near Syracuse New York. I brought my mom, a State Grange Junior Deputy, and Ryan Orton, New York Grange Camp Co-Counselor. I figured the more people to spread the word the better. What we did not expect upon going on this trip was the discovery of the concept “little food pantry.” The concept was so appealing: not only would it be stocked with canned foods and other non-perishables, but hygiene, cleaning products, baby items and pet food. After our roadtrip, we talked about it nonstop, and knew we had to bring this to our Grange. Our town’s closest food pantry is about 20 minutes away, but opens once a month if they have enough volunteers; the next is a 45-minute drive. Our closest grocery store is 30 minutes away. For those without reliable, personal transportation, this is a huge burden. Add to that the demographics of our town: many are low and lower-middle class families and individuals, and a lot are farming families. Food and other necessary items are sometimes just out of reach and we understood sometimes our neighbors just need something to help them get through. Our Grange had recently elected a lot of new members into offices and they wanted to step up and get to work. We all wanted to take our involvement in the community a step further than ever before. The summer is really busy with camp, New England Youth Conference and fair, so we waited to bring the idea to the group until September to give us time to do more research. When we did finally get to talk about it, I brought pictures I found of examples. The vote was unanimous to move forward. It seemed like that was all we needed, but we were wrong. We spent the next few months trying to find a cabinet to store everything. Immediately we realized anything that worked cost decent money! Our Grange is always invited to our town board meeting since our new council took office, and we take advantage of that opportunity. We get time, as well as others in town, to talk about what’s going on. We brought a flyer and showed off our concept and explained how this would help the town. After the meeting several people approached us and gave us donations. Community organizations like the Fire Hose and Lions Club said we got your back, let us know what you need. Two cabinets, a small refrigerator and a few short months later, we had a food pantry on our hall’s back porch and were open for business - err, giving - by February 15. The community continued to pitch in. Local farmers donate products, people drop off goods and Grange members and our

Photo by Katie Fallon The little food pantry on the porch of Stanford Grange Hall has been well-used since the start of the COVID crisis and donations to keep it stocked have been coming in from Grangers and individuals, businesses and organizations. Grange itself donates money. At first it was pretty easy. Every few weeks we anticipated shopping for supplies, but then only a few weeks into our food pantry’s existence, the COVID crisis came about and everything changed. Now, we go shopping for at least $750 products every two weeks. We are making deliveries to families who are quarantined or laid off. There’s even people who cannot find the essential things at the grocery stores who check with us to see if we have things like milk. We find people need things like flour, sugar, oil, ketchup, cleaning supplies, wipes, baby diapers, pet food and paper products the most. But now that kids are home from school, the need for food has picked up ten-fold, especially cereal, mac and cheese and snack foods. Some unique things are food supplement drinks. hair spray, light bulbs, foil, and toilet bowl cleaner. Never was there such a need in our community but it has honestly brought so many together. The struggle is praying for donations to buy more goods. Normally we would have held our fundraisers and been fine, but we are not allowed to host events currently. I think because the Grange has always been there for people, they are making donations, but eventually that could stop. But Grangers always find a way to help those in need.

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Grange uses ‘Cultivating Connections’ theme as guide to forge new paths during COVID crisis By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications and Development Director Grange Month is upon us and the theme could not be more apt: Cultivating Connections. Yet, the idea of making those connections for many includes human contact or proximity at meetings, open houses, events and through general fellowship with Grangers, neighbors and friends – all of which the coronavirus has made impossible in most cases. Still, National Grange President Betsy Huber has urged Grange members to remain connected – holding meetings virtually, creating or activating phone trees to check in on one another, sending cards or notes to reduce the feeling of isolation and employing any other safe method to remain connected though apart in this time of crisis. “The greatest part of Grange is that we

are all truly connected like a family, and in a crisis the people you worry about most and turn to, to get through is family,” Huber said. “That’s why it’s so important to make sure we are doing what we can to remain together, even if we’re not permitted to meet.” The National Grange has also taken steps to keep members connected and cultivate connections with those who may wish to be part of our Order. In the first days of the crisis, several Granges were able to hold meetings using the National Grange Zoom platform, including the Oregon State Grange executive committee and at least one Subordinate Grange. “We had important business we had to get through, but we couldn’t put our members at risk,” said Susan Noah, President of the Oregon State Grange and a National Grange Executive Committee member. While that remote meeting forum has been used for many years by the

Screenshot by Amanda Brozana Rios Pennsylvania State Grange Public Relations and Membership Director Lizzie Bailey was one guest on the daily “Cultivating Connections in the time of COVID” web-series that aired live and is available for playback on the National Grange Facebook page, starting in late March. Those who tuned in live could leave comments and questions that were included in the episode. The series is set to run for as long as most areas are under stay-at-home orders.

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National Executive Committee and some State Granges, for many local Granges the COVID-19 pandemic provides a reason to try the new technology. A 2016 Master’s Ruling issued by Huber, in which she made clear Grange meetings could be held virtually and those attending were enfranchised to vote, made it possible for Granges to embrace this change and have business as usual – kind of. “Virtual meetings are no replacement for real, face-to face, organized Grange meetings, but any meeting is better than no meeting at all,” Noah said. She and Huber said they hope Granges are still using the opening and closing ceremony, though with some alteration based on limitations to traditional floorwork done in presenting and retiring the flag and opening and closing the Bible. Huber said someone should still make sure those items are available and recognized in the meeting, by pledge or anthem for the flag and recognition that the Bible is opened. Huber highly recommended Grange leaders look to youth in their Granges to assist with the set-up of virtual meetings and use it as a way to empower and engage them that they will remember fondly after the crisis is over. “They’re natives to all this technology”, Huber said of the Junior-age and Youth that may be isolated with parents and grandparents who are Grangers. “Even if they aren’t members yet, ask them to help set you up on your phone or a computer to attend meetings. They may be interested in what you’re doing and stay to listen, or they may just allow you to continue your attendance and participation.” Speaking of new uses of technology, as part of the effort to keep Granges united and provide a sense of community, Communications Director Amanda Brozana Rios launched a daily live web series

appearing on the National Grange Facebook page and related groups depending on the topic. The series included a variety of presenters who provided a look at serious topics, fun discussions and tutorials. On the first Saturday of April, a virtual talent show was held to show off the musical gifts a few members from around the country have. National Lecturer Chris Hamp assisted with rounding up additional State Lecturers and other members to provide skillsbased sessions, humorous presentations and more. More events were also in planning stages at the time of this writing that would become Facebook live videos as well as three different Youth Department sponsored teleconferences – one for parents, one for teachers and one for young professionals – to swap tales about being thrust into homeschooling, learning to teach on the fly from afar and suddenly being a teleworker, respectively. During several of the first events in the series, presenters and Rios, who served as anchor/host for the series, talked about the “itch” many may feel when coming out of this period of isolation to reconnect with others in their community in meaningful ways and how that could mean a renewal of interest in fraternal organizations. “By cultivating those connections with people in our community during this difficult time, “ Huber said, “we are reminding them that they are welcome in our fraternity now or in the future.” During a Facebook Live event as part of the “Cultivating Connections in the time of COVID” series, Huber suggested members embrace technology in ways beyond the meeting. She encouraged members to take ownership of the free website

they are provided by National Grange and update it or to create Facebook Page for their Grange. On these platforms, displaying contact, event and meeting information is essential, but so too is telling the community what your Grange does of importance – including what you are doing in response to the crisis for those in your community. National Grange Community Service Director Pete Pompper said some of the outreach by Granges right now are powerful and meaningful elements of that cultivation. “People are looking for ways to give back and ways to feel as if they belong,” Pompper said. “When we show them what Granges CAN do and how Grange members never felt alone during this time of isolation; oh that’s gonna hit the spot for many of these people.” Pompper and Huber encouraged Granges to be ready to welcome the community back together and find ways to let them enjoy coming together again-- simple ways to make them feel comfortable around Grangers, in the Hall and at Grange events that may turn into a membership boom. When Hamp was the featured guest on the web series, she had a “soapbox moment” in which she told viewers that it is not too much to desire a Grange in every community across the country. “Granges are powerful and what we can do is so meaningful,” Hamp said. She referred to the autonomy Granges enjoy to meet the needs specific to their community as one of the biggest reasons why a Grange is so valuable.

Members display talents to combat loneliness in ‘Date Night In’ A virtual Grange talent show was not only a special edition of the daily live webseries “Cultivating Connections in the time of COVID,” offered by the National Grange it was also a kind of social community service for members and their friends feeling the effects of social isolation. The show aired live on Saturday, April 4 starting at 8:30 p.m. Eastern, and was dubbed “Date Night In.” The program, hosted by National Lecturer Chris Hamp and National Communications and Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios featured six performers, including two duo acts, playing live for the audience of members and friends gathered around their individual devices from across the country. “The talent show was an excellent opportunity for us to use other resources to keep our Grange family connected outside of our halls and provide us programming that was relevant and unique, not just what’s on the networks or Netflix,“ said Scott Nicholson, Montana State Grange Lecturer, who tuned in with his wife, Marie. He said this and the other daily episode of the web series shows the way the organization is “working to improve the lives of Grange members every day during this most stressful time.” Performers included Victoria and Ron Kushnir, New Jersey, Callie and Bodie Ballinger, Kansas; Addison Eyler, Maryland; and Ethan Edwards, Illinois. Brozana said she expects there will be at least two more of the shows with different performers before the crisis and period of isolation ends.

Submitted Photo Above, Victoria and Rob Kushnir of Bards Grange, New Jersey, kicked off the show with bluegrass music, and below, Ethan Edwards, Lecturer of Illinois State Grange, played cello to end the performances.

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GRANGE RESOURCE: MASTER’S RULING RULING ON VIRTUAL ATTENDANCE AT GRANGE MEETINGS March 25, 2016

I have been asked to make a ruling on the ability of Grange members to participate, and specifically to be allowed to cast votes, in meetings of Subordinate/Community Granges without being physically present; i.e. via telephone, audio or electronic video means such as computer. After studying the National Grange Digest of Laws, I find no mandate that members must be physically present in the room to participate and/or to cast a vote in a Grange meeting. I also find that Grange members who personally cast their vote via electronic participation in a regular Grange meeting are not casting a proxy vote, as that term is general understood. Proxy voting is the assignment of a right to vote by one person to another. Proxy voting is clearly prohibited by the Digest of Laws. Participating in a Grange meeting via electronic means is not assigning one’s right to vote to another person. It is exercising one’s right to vote via a different medium of communication and participation. In today’s world, people are much more mobile than in 1867 or even 1967. Grangers are required to travel for their employment or even move to another part of the country or world. Grange members proudly serve in the armed forces or the Peace Corps, far away from their communities. Some Granges temporarily relocate to warmer climates for several months of the year. Our youth may live at college for 8 months out of the year. Grangers may be nursing home residents or may be temporarily home-bound. Many of these members would like to remain connected to their home Grange while they may be unable to attend in person, and certainly their home Granges would appreciate their participation and input. Today’s technology has improved so that there is little chance of someone fraudulently attempting to participate in a meeting as a nonmember or pretending to be someone else using telephone or other audio and/or audio and video technology. Our meetings are no longer secret; we encourage future members to visit meetings in order to learn what the Grange is about. Virtual attendance at a Grange meeting could provide another means of interesting prospective members in a non-threatening manner. The Grange for many years has allowed committee meetings in which members conduct the business of the Order via telephone or computer with no negative consequences. Even portions of the National Grange Session are broadcast via computer to members far and near. I am not saying that virtual meetings should take the place of members meeting together for fellowship and activities in a Grange hall or meeting place. This is still the mainstay of our Order. I also rule that the Digest does not require any local, county or State Grange chapter to invest in an employ the technology necessary to allow remote participation at every meeting or any meeting, for that matter. Therefore, the scope of this ruling clearly allows each Grange to determine the method and means of remote participation in their meetings as necessary to accommodate the technological comfort level and traditions of their local Grange. However, members who are separated by distance or disability should not be prohibited, as a matter of Grange Law, from fully participating in Grange meetings by electronic means to keep them a part of our family. Betsy E. Huber Master, National Grange

Granges can help us learn from the COVID experience The COVID-19 pandemic that has forced Granges to go

offer alternative options for virtual meetings our order of

about their work in new ways should be something we learn

business, opening and closing and more. What tutorials or

from. National Grange President Betsy Huber has asked that

best practice documents would you like to see?

Granges who use technology like conference calls or video

All of these observations are important to inform the way

conferences during this time report back with information

forward without losing our identity as we prepare for times

about what worked, what didn’t and what may need to be

when we must all Grange in new ways by choice or because

addressed in our Manuals or our By-laws to ensure that

of outside forces.

when Granges meet using electronic means, they are well prepared for the experience.

Please send any observations to National Grange Membership Director Joe Stefenoni by email at membership@

If your Grange met virtually during this time, consider what ways in which we may change for all meetings or

nationalgrange.org or by mail to Joe Stefenoni, 120 Skyview Drive, Bellefonte, PA 16823.

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GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

Junior Ambassadors look to future of Order By Philip J. Vonada 2019 Grange Communication Fellow In November, two new Junior Ambassadors were selected to represent the National Grange’s Junior program, following an application, interview, and judging process. Brianna Gervais and Bryce Danko join Junior Director Samantha Wilkins in spreading Grange programming through the 5-14 year olds of the organization, as well as influencing adult Grange members while tackling tough issues that affect children and youth. Brianna Gervais, of Sterling, Connecticut, is 11 years old and in sixth grade. A seventh-generation Granger, Gervais is a member of Ekonk Community Junior Grange, where she is President. She also enjoys reading, drawing, helping her family, working in her dahlia garden, and she has a passion for learning new things. She is proud of her Grange heritage, she said, “Because the Grange is a good organization that helps so many others. Good friends, fun times, and doing for others are good reasons to [be] involved in the Grange.” In addition to being selected National Junior Ambassador in Minneapolis in November, she was presented with the National Junior Community Service Award for an astounding amount of community service she has provided in her community. In the coming year, Gervais hopes to help spread the word about Junior Grange while improving the work her Grange does and getting others excited about Grange, too. When asked about the National Grange’s “Cultivating Connections” theme, she says “When you cultivate a field, you are making it ready to plant… perhaps the Grange can ‘cultivate connections’ among Junior Grangers by teaching them how to be leaders and helpers in their community, giving them

Submitted Photos Brianna Gervais, of Connecticut, and Bryce Danko, of Pennsylvania, are serving as the 2020 National Junior Grange Ambassadors. opportunities to travel outside of their home state.” Gervais, herself, had this opportunity when she flew on a plane for the first time while attending National Grange session. “I am excited about my Grange adventures that are ahead of me!” she adds. The second Junior Ambassador is Bryce Danko of Newport, Pennsylvania. A freshman in high school, Danko is a member of Community Grange #1767, as well as Greenwood FFA, Boy Scout Troop #222, St. Paul’s Lutheran Church of Newport, plays baseball with his high

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school, and is a junior firefighter with Liverpool Fire Company. Danko has been a Grange member since 2014, but has been involved with his grandparents’ Grange food stand at the local fair for many years. “I hope to develop many lifelong friendships through this opportunity,” Danko says, “I have developed a lot of friendships throughout the state and nation,” because of his involvement with the Grange. “One way the Grange excites me is how it offers many opportunities to develop skills and leadership abilities

Submitted Photos LEFT: Brianna Gervais, third from left, along with her family and sponsoring Subordinate Grange President, receive a commendation from Connecticut State Senator Heather Somers to honor her selection as a 2020 National Junior Grange Ambassador. RIGHT: Bryce Danko, left, receives a commendation from Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture in January for being selected a 2020 National Junior Grange Ambassador. while having fun at the same time,” he says. He hopes to spread the excitement of the Grange and expand his horizons about how people accomplish things throughout the United States. Danko hopes to ‘cultivate connections’ “by hosting events specifically for Junior Grangers, allowing Juniors to get involved with their Grange,” and by encouraging socialization through the ranks of the Grange. Both Brianna and Bryce hope to use their year as Ambassador to learn as much as possible, while expanding the outreach of the Grange. National Junior Director Samantha Wilkins is excited to have these two Ambassadors this year. “2020 is the year that we are

focusing on the future,” Wilkins says, “Refocusing ourselves on the roots in which our organization was founded. With Bryce and Brianna, I hope to instill a passion for agriculture and grassroots activism. By attending events such as the Legislative Fly-In and the Washington D.C. Experience, they will learn about the legislative roots of the Grange, and then be able to turn those lessons into leadership workshops for their peers.” Throughout the year, the Ambassadors will make appearances at Regional Conferences, State Grange Sessions, National Grange events, and will be representing the National Grange throughout their states and regions. To see if they are able to attend your Grange’s event, contact Samantha Wilkins.

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REFLECTIONS

If I were President...

In this election year, we decided to get a glimpse into the minds of our Junior Grangers and possibly the future. Below are three submissions selected based on their writing skills. We hope you enjoy! ...by Phoebe J. Sparks I would not spend all my money like President Jackson. President Andrew Jackson was our seventh president. People used to call him Old Hickory because he fought in The Battle of New Orleans, and his vice president was John C. Calhoun; Martin van Buren. His party was Democratic. He represented the state of Tennessee. He was born March 15,1767, and he died June 8,1845 at The Hermitage near Nashville, Tennessee. Now since he spent every last penny on wine and parties, I don’t want to do that. I would want my face on a $20 bill though. Now that would be fun! I would listen to citizens like President Lincoln. Abe Lincoln was called “Honest Abe’ and “The Great Emancipator.” He was called “Honest Abe” because he would never tell a lie [now of course he would tell some lies]. He went to a speak out school which would help him later with long speeches like The Gettysburg Address [I should know how long it was, I had to memorize most of it, and boy was that a whole lot]. People called him “The Great Emancipator” because he wanted all slaves to be free, and that started the Civil War.

Abe Lincoln did not like his name at all, so he changed it to just Abe, he thought his name sounded old [like 100 years old]. He listened to what a 10 year old girl had said: “You should grow out your beard, then the women will convince their husbands to vote for you!” and that’s exactly what happened. [Women could not vote back then, Mrs. Banks, from the movie Mary Poppins, was one of the ladies who wanted the right to vote.] He was 6’4”, and is buried about 40 feet underground. [I should know I saw his burial place], and his family is buried inside a wall. He was born on February 12, 1809. He died on April 15, 1865. I would want to listen to what other people have to say. I would not murder like John Wilkes Booth. John Wilkes Booth murdered Abe Lincoln. While just after the Civil War, Abe and his family went to Ford Theater, John shot him with one shot. Abe died shortly after on a rickety bed. I don’t know much on this guy but, I’m pretty sure he was sentenced to death for murdering a president, because they both died in 1865 [he died only 11 days after Abe]. I would be like Winston Churchill. He made peace at World War II. I am inspired by him to speak up for myself. He was the Prime Minister of all the UK

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[that would be like a president for us]. He made an emoji that we call the peace sign today. He was a good leader too! He was born on November 30, 1874, and died on January 24,1965. I would want to be an author and try to make peace everywhere I go. I would definitely NOT be like Hitler. He was a ruthless dictator. He created the Nazi Army and started World War II; oh yeah can’t forget the Holocaust which killed at least … 40,000,000 people. He had 3 wives, but then he married Klara Polzl [as his third wife]. He and his third wife committed suicide. He became Chancellor for Germany in January if 1933.There was an act that said he could dictate anyone he wanted. He was injected with many drugs by Theodor Morell. I hope this enough for you to know why I don’t want to do anything Hitler does if I were president. I would be like Gladys Alyward. She was what you would call a missionary foot doctor. She adopted over 100 children [who were all Chinese].

During the Chinese Japanese War, she got badly injured [because there were no cars] and she had to walk, it was originally only a 40 day journey, but became much longer. She was born on February 24,1902, and she died on January 3,1970, at age 68, very short of her birthday. It would be very good to be like her because she helped people. I would not steal like President Nixon. He died 25 years ago, my mom was 16. He died at age 81 from a stroke. Five presidents were at his funeral, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Ronald Reagan, Jimmy Carter, Gerald Ford Jr. [his family of course would have been here]. In 1972, five men were caught stealing Watergate info in the democratic party headquarters. President Milhous Nixon was part of it and lied in court. He lied even more and said that his employees did it without his permission. He was later caught, and boy did people hate him even more then! Congress was ready to impeach him, but instead he became the first president to resign. He also had a whole lot of pets … a leopard, panda, dogs, cats...etc. It would be really bad

...by Emily Cabbage Every president (whether it be of the U.S.A., or a class, or a separate organization, etc.) wants to make an impact. They want to be the president everyone remembers. Usually, to do that, they have to perform a great feat, or accomplishment. But before their name goes down in history, they have to decide—what will their accomplishment be? If I were president, I would want to make America a more open and friendly place. I would allow citizens and immigrants to come and go as they please. I realize that because of that, America may become overcrowded; but I would prefer to live in a country with lots of different kinds of people than a country with only select types of people. I would also want to look at and pursue making national and state parks more accessible and possibly cheaper. I think that it is important for people to experience the little remaining nature in America that isn’t man-made, because it is all very pretty. We should acknowledge that, and take care of it. These are just some ideas I have to sincerely make America (and someday the world!) a better place. Emily Cabbage is an 11-year-old member of the Five Mile Prairie Grange #905 in Spokane, WA. She enjoys Grange activities with her family and friends. Thanks for reading!

I would be good to the environment like George Washington Carver. He may have been born in 1861 near Diamond Grove, Missouri, and he may have died at 52 years, no one knows for sure. He was raised as a slave and had many names such as the Young Plant Doctor, or the Peanutman [most common names]. He got the name Peanutman because he created PEANUT BUTTER! He was called the Young Plant Doctor because he helped plants at every opportunity. One day Stalin asked him if he would come to Russia to “help” with the cotton planting and he said no, and good thing too [Stalin probably would have kept him in Russia as his personal slave]! Phoebe J. Sparks is 11 years old and in 5th grade at Providence Classical Christian Academy in St. Louis, MO. She enjoys playing volleyball, coloring, sewing, studying languages, and tackling boys. She is a member of the Ohio State Junior Grange #1076.

... by Patrick Cabbage If I were to be president of the USA, I would do my best to make America a better place. I would first rid America of smoking and drugs. It plugs up your throat, which chokes you. I would do this by telling stores, “Take cigars, cigarettes and drugs away from your stores.” I would also rid America of most guns. They can be very violent, and sometimes kill people on the spot. Also, they get very LOUD sometimes, and that can be very uncomfortable to those who are not getting shot. I hope if I ever become president of the USA, I will be able to do these things, and it will make America a better place. Patrick Cabbage is an 8-year-old member of the Five Mile Prairie Grange #905 in Spokane, Washington. He enjoys Grange activities with his friends and family. Thanks for reading!

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to steal [especially like him]. It would be really cool to have all those pets though!

A letter to Granges supporting Juniors seeking the

American Flag Passport

Dear Junior Grange Mentor/Leader and Supportive Subordinate Grange: One (or more) of your Junior members is working to complete the Junior Passport that focuses on knowledge, respect and customs related to the American Flag. This passport is not meant to be earned in a single sitting or quickly. It is meant to be earned as the Junior grows, giving them something to strive to complete and allowing them to mature as they are completing it. We hope it also helps develop a profound and lasting sense of patriotism and teaches them to become a peer leader when presented with a situation where they come in contact with and can show their respect of the American flag. This passport has some very easy and very challenging components, allowing our youngest Juniors to complete activities such as drawing and coloring the U.S. Flag while learning what the colors mean and the components of the flag. It also asks that they think critically about respecting the flag, learn what we do as part of our Grange ritual to show our patriotism and respect and request assistance from members of the sponsoring Subordinate Grange in a variety of ways. First, it’s important that all of our Juniors – regardless of gender – know what is expected of those who take part in our flag presentation ceremony so they can help others and know the role of various officers in the Grange. As such, this passport asks that they role-play in each of the offices having a part in the flag presentation either at a formal Junior Grange meeting or in a supportive Subordinate Grange meeting. We hope you will allow them this opportunity or allow them to set up and cheer them on as they take an active role in a flag presentation. Additionally, for the older or more mature Juniors, this passport begins to introduce the idea of policy discussions, resolutions, debate and moderation of that debate in a Grange setting. We are all very proud that our organization allows us to express opinions and respectfully agree or disagree as Brothers or Sisters. It’s imperative we pass along this expectation and conduct to our next generation. Also, the formal resolution process can be daunting but is one of the central components of what makes ours a wonderful, and thorough grassroots organization. We must teach this process if we expect it to thrive well into our next 150 years. The passport asks for them to come up with a proposal about the flag and turn it into a Grange resolution. The proposal could be about current law, custom or Grange tradition related to the flag, but is meant as an exercise to assist them in learning how to research and write a resolution, enlist at least one other person who is to present an opposite argument on the proposal and hold debate in a civil and dignified manner in their hall. The Junior who wrote the resolution may either advocate for one side of the resolution or help to moderate, standing in as Master during the debate and receive mentoring by the Master to understand the expectations in that role. This will be difficult, but could be a great refresher for your members and officers as well as a truly impactful experience for your Juniors. One of the capstone requirements is for the Junior to come up with their own project that relates in some way to the American flag, more specifically to respect of the flag. We encourage you to assist with this project but allow the Junior to design and lead it. Entrusting them to take something from imagination to reality is an important step in building their confidence and truly encouraging our next generation to be DO·ers. These projects can be small or large, but we hope that you will do your best to support them. We hope you’ll also brush up on U.S. Flag Code and prepare to train our future leaders in how Granges respect the flag in our meetings, and how we write resolutions, research, present and debate with maturity and decorum. Without your mentorship, we cannot expect the Grange to continue operating in grassroots fashion with the wonderful fellowship and shared values that have served us well over the past 150 years. We want to thank you for your willingness to allow our Juniors excellent opportunities to learn and lead and hope each of you will become more committed to the future of our Order through this process. We want to see Juniors working on other Passports to learn how to take their seats among you in just a few short years, ready to continue our good work. Fraternally, Samantha Wilkins Betsy E. Huber National Junior Grange Director Master/President, National Grange

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The United States #2 | The American Flag

____________________________________________________

NOTES ON STEPS/STAMP WORK

Junior Leader Signature __________________________

date approved my stamp on __________________________.

___________________________ Grange #_______)

(or, if a 1+ Junior member, my mentor is a member of

of _____________________ Junior Grange #______,

name My Junior Leader, ______________________________,

date I completed this passport on _____________________.

STAMP CERTIFICATION

Upon completion, Junior Grangers will be able to • explain the parts of the flag and their meaning • show your understanding of proper handling and respect of the flag and presentation of it at Grange meetings • discuss ways in which we honor and incorporate the flag in our Grange work • display knowledge of U.S. flags over the course of our nation’s history • Learn how to research, prepare for a debate • Observe or learn how to moderate a policy discussion in a Grange meeting

LEARNING OUTCOMES

The purpose of this passport is to educate Junior Grangers about the American flag, its history, proper handling, customs and laws related to it.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Attendance at official Junior Grange or Subordinate Grange meeting, Internet access or access to U.S. Flag code publication, a full-size American flag, markers, crayons or printer/paper, computer and printer or email

NECESSARY RESOURCES

This stamp is designed to be completed sequentially as Juniors grow over several years, with culmination after Junior member has achieved at least a sixth-grade reading level. To earn the stamp, all steps must be completed but need not be done in order.

AUDIENCE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL

The United States #2

The American Flag

Step 7 Interview a veteran about their connection with the U.S. Flag. Present your findings to your Junior Grange

Step 1

Fill in each Grange office that handles the Flag Presentation during a meeting (regardless of gender) and perform the duties successfully.

Date Completed: __________________________

The United States #2 | The American Flag

Step 10 Create your own project to honor the American flag and write a 300-500 word story about it and submit the story to the National Junior Grange Director.

Step 9 Propose a change to or a new flag code, law about the flag, or custom (may include a change or addition to Grange ritual/bylaws regarding the flag) and write a resolution to support this proposal. Enlist some of your Junior or Subordinate Grange members to be part of a debate – with at least one person who will take the affirmative position in favor of your proposal and at least one person who will take the negative position against your proposal. Have your Grange mentor/leader provide the participants with your proposal and ask them not to discuss the proposal with you or make changes to it, but instead to bring it and research about the side they are asked to take to your next Grange meeting or event where you will hold (as part of the meeting or with the meeting at recess) the debate. You may participate as a debater or serve as Master during the debate. Write an essay about your proposal, the debate and the outcome. Attach essay to this passport. Date Completed: _________________________

Step 8 Show your Junior Grange, Grange mentor or Subordinate Grange your knowledge of properly folding and securing the flag between meetings.

or Grange mentor. Attach notes to this passport. Date Completed: __________________________

Step 2

Date Completed: ____________________________

On a separate sheet of paper, draw to the best of your ability and color the American flag. Identify on your drawing the following: hoist, heading, field, canton, fly and fly end. Step 3

Write a short essay (25-200 words, varying by age) as to why do you think it’s important that the flag never touch the ground? Attach essay to this passport. Step 4 Document when you see a U.S. flag flying half staff. Where: ______________________________________ When: _______________________________________ Reason: _____________________________________ _____________________________________________

Date Completed: __________________________

Step 5 Read the U.S. Flag Code. Give a presentation to your Grange, Junior Grange or other group about at least one improper use of the flag that is often seen.

The United States #2 | The American Flag

Date Completed: __________________________

Step 6 Evaluate the appearance of your Grange’s flag and give it a grade. If it is in poor condition, work with your Grange to provide the flag a dignified retirement and purchase a suitable replacement. ___Excellent/New ___Good ___Poor

_____ True or False. No other flag should be placed to the right of the United States flag. _____ True or False. When displayed flat, the stars should be in the upper left. _____ True or False. The U.S. Flag is to be flown from sunrise to sunset but not in inclement weather. What does it mean to fly a flag at half staff or half mast? _______________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ If your flag is fixed and cannot be moved or lowered, how can you show appropriate mourning and what specifications are there for doing so? _______________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________ _____ True or False. All mayors may order the U.S. flag at half staff only upon the death of an acting municipal official or line-of-duty death of a first responder. According to U.S. Flag code, who are the only people that can order a flag to be flown at half staff? _____________________________________________________________________________________ What five days each year are U.S. Flags automatically flown at half staff to start the day? ________________ ________________ _______________ ________________ ________________ On which of these days is the flag to be raised to full staff at noon? ______________________________ ______ True or False. When putting the flag up for the day on a day where it is to be flown half staff, it should be hoisted all the way to the top of the pole for a moment before being lowered to half staff and should again be hoisted all the way to the top before being lowered completely and removed for the night. Upon the death of these officials, how long should a flag fly at half staff? Sitting President ______________ Former President ______________ Sitting Vice President ______________

Former Vice President ______________

Chief of Justice of the Supreme Court (sitting or retired) ______________ Speaker of the House or Representatives (sitting or retired) ______________ Supreme Court Associate Justice or Secretary of a cabinet-level or military unit ______________ Sitting Governor ______________

Former Governor ___________________________

Sitting Senator ______________ Sitting House of Representatives Member ______________ ______ True of False. All other flags, including those of foreign nations, must fly at half staff or lower when a U.S. flag near it is flying at half staff. What is the only place where the United States flag is never lowered to half staff. ___________________ What is the only place where the U.S. flag is lowered prior to every funeral? _______________________ If the U.S. flag is flown upside down, what does it mean? __________________________________ What is the dignified means of retirement for a U.S. Flag. ______________________________________ Name three organizations that regularly conduct these retirements. _______________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________

Photo by Samantha Wilkins Washington DC Experience Participants and presenters took a tour of the nationâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s capital and made a stop at the National Grange marker on the National Mall.

Juniors, Youth get intro to advocacy like no other By Amanda Brozana Rios National Grange Communications & Development Director Nearly two dozen members attended the first ever Washington DC Experience for Youth and Juniors in early March. The 5-day event began with welcome activities and a workshop on how to properly shake hands and make a great first impression. On Sunday, attendees toured the National Grange headquarters, enjoying being the first to use the newly renovated conference room. They also learned from past Youth Ambassadors Derek Snyder, Pennsylvania,

and

Rylee

Furr,

North

Carolina. Snyder, who is currently the State Outstanding Young Patron, is a constituent specialist for state representative Torren Ecker and presented an overview of the three branches of government and their

basic functions. He also discussed how a bill becomes a law. Furr is a junior NC State University with a major in polymer chemistry, oriented toward agriculture, and political science minor, and campus coordinator for Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization. She did a workshop on Grange policies and the difference between partisanship, bipartisan approaches and nonpartisan advocacy. The two also organized and facilitated mock interviews, employing parents and chaperones to interview both Youth and Junior participants to give them a taste of what it would be like when they visited the offices of their members of Congress. COVID-19 weighed heavy over the event and there was concern that the attendees would not be able to be seen at scheduled appointments on the Hill. More than a dozen Juniors and chaperones from Florida were unable to attend because their school had sponsored their participation

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Photo by Samantha Wilkins Tina Reich, right, of Pennsylvania, does

a mock interview with Lukas Freeman, of Nevada, in preparation for Hill visits

with legislators and their staff as part of the Washington DC Experience in early March.

and had already canceled all school trips and activities due to virus concerns. After the mock interviews, participants

took a tour of the Smithsonian National Museum of American History, then returned to the building for dinner. Potomac Grange President Joan Smith, who also serves as chairwoman of the National Grange Foundation and “state contact” for National Ag in the Classroom to Washington D.C., presented a workshop on cotton ginning and the various uses of fiber. Later the group boarded a trolley for a private guided tour of Washington, D.C. that included a stop at the National Grange monument on the Mall as well as many other well-known monuments and memorials. On Monday, the group traveled to the USDA headquarters, took a tour and met with Torey Powell, National Coordinator for Agricultural Youth Programs for the Office of Partnership and Public Engagement, who presented information about rural youth programming and opportunities. Back at the National Grange Headquarters, Jon Conradi, Outreach Director for Connect Americans Now, spoke to the group about the progress being made in the fight for broadband expansion and how these young advocates could assist. CAN, who is a partner of the Grange, sponsored several of the event meals. Next on the agenda was a tour of the Capitol then travel to Reuters News, where they toured and heard a presentation by

Submitted Photo Nathan Strawder, a Youth member from Kansas, stands with Sharice Davids, Representative for Kansas’s 3rd District, after a meeting with her on Capital Hill during the Washington DC Experience for Junior Grange members and Grange Youth. Katharine Jackson, a producer who told the group about how news decisions are made by journalists, editors and producers and what ultimately appears on their screens. After they returned to the National Grange building, National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Joe Stefenoni spoke during dinner about how to apply lessons learned this week to participants’ community Grange experience, including how to write effective resolutions. The highlight of the week for attendees was getting to meet with and discuss issues with members of Congress or their staff on

Tuesday and Wednesday. Each participant had at least three different appointments set by National Grange Intern Heather Simon. Juniors and Youth impressed with a range of subjects they advocated for, including rural broadband, telehealth, school lunch programs, sustainability, anti-bullying and cyber-bullying and much more. The event closed with a Celebration of Young Advocates dinner where Junior Ambassadors Brianna Gervais, Connecticut, and Bryce Danko, Pennsylvania, presented a review of their participation in the National Grange Fly-in just weeks before in New Hampshire.

WDCE participants speak out for rural broadband Connect Americans Now joined members of the National Grange to discuss the impact of the digital divide on their communities and policies being advanced and weighed in Washington to expand broadband connectivity in rural areas. For National Grange Youth Ambassador Alexis Kudsk and other students in Custer, Washington, keeping up in school meant trying to overcome a lack of broadband access, often only being able to submit papers by getting to the school library early. State Grange President Wayne Campbell, from central Pennsylvania, explains how the digital divide impacts rural

behind the homework gap “are falling behind, some of them

communities — especially hampering economic development

give up.” Watch Alexis, Wayne and Lorri share their experience with

and blocking access to telehealth solutions for seniors. And Lorri Freeman, a member of High Desert Grange

the digital divide in their communities at:

#23, from Fallon, Nevada, notes too many students stuck

https://bit.ly/347awwc

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Ever wonder what lobbying looks like at the National Grange?

National Grange 1616 H St. NW, Washington, DC 20006 | Phone (202) 628-3507 | Fax (202 347-1091 www.NationalGrange.org | info@nationalgrange.org

American Values. Hometown Roots.

Support for STELAR Act Reauthorization September 23, 2019

The Honorable Roger Wicker Chairman The Honorable Maria Cantwell Ranking Member Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation United States Senate

The Honorable Frank Pallone, Jr Chairman The Honorable Greg Walden Ranking Member Committee on Energy and Commerce United States House of Representatives

The Honorable Lindsey Graham Chairman The Honorable Dianne Feinstein Ranking Member Committee on the Judiciary United States Senate

The Honorable Jerrold Nadler Chairman The Honorable Doug Collins Ranking Member Committee on the Judiciary United States House of Representatives

Re: Support for STELAR Act Reauthorization Dear Chairmen Wicker, Graham, Pallone, Nadler and Ranking Members Cantwell, Feinstein, Walden, Collins: When it comes to obtaining access to basic services, rural communities are prone to experiencing gaps or interruptions. Television content is unfortunately no different. Unless Congress moves quickly to reauthorize the of Satellite Television Extension and Localism Act Reauthorization (STELAR), over 870,000 satellite TV customers, mostly in rural areas, will lose basic protections that afford them access to basic broadcast network programming in places where over-the-air signals can’t reach. Rural residents should not be needlessly punished and their access to network entertainment should not be curtailed because they live in a less convenient area to service. Therefore, the National Grange urges your support for prompt STELAR reauthorization before it expires on December 31, 2019. This important legislation will help preserve the connectivity of hardworking, rural communities by providing them access to local news, sports, and other programming of their choice. Technical limitations make it difficult for many residents in small towns and rural communities to watch broadcasting from one of the “big four” networks without STELAR reauthorization. STELAR contains a key provision that enables satellite and pay-TV providers to import broadcast signals to these communities without interruption. Our members depend on STELAR not just to access network programming, but also to keep their service affordable because STELAR encourages good-faith negotiations between broadcasters and satellite providers. This law’s importance cannot be overstated: its provisions serve as the single set of rules that help to protect consumers from programming “blackouts,” which broadcasters deploy to extract retransmission fee increases from rural residents and small businesses. Congress must take prompt action to ensure that STELAR’s protections remain in place. This law’s reauthorization has always had strong bipartisan support; when STELAR was last considered in 2014 it passed Congress unanimously. Reauthorization before the law expires at the end of this year will demonstrate that Congress is truly committed to preserving rural Americans’ access to information and entertainment. Sincerely,

Betsy E. Huber President

Each day we work on behalf of our members, joining with partners, to ensure that messages from rural America make it to legislators and regulators in Washington, D.C. and beyond. We send letters, weigh in on policy debates and more so that the needs of farmers, ranchers and those living in small town America are not forgotten.

It looks like integrity, common-sense solutions and grassroots, nonpartisan advocacy.

It looks like GRANGE. I

Youth Team brings energy, enthusiasm By Philip J. Vonada 2019 Grange Communication Fellow Each November during National Session, new Youth Team members are selected to represent the National Grange. This year, Jaycee Jette and Alexis Kudsk were chosen as National Grange Youth Ambassadors, and Tracey and Phillip Jones were selected as National Grange Young Patrons. Youth Ambassadors represent Grange Youth, age 15 to 22, and Young Patrons represent young adults, aged 22 through 35. Together with Mandy Bostwick, National Grange Youth Development Director, they work to ensure youth are given a voice in the Grange at all levels, while providing learning opportunities and engagement for youth and young-at-heart members. Youth Ambassador Jaycee Jette lives in Anaconda, Montana, and is a member of Avon Grange #125. Jette, a senior at Anaconda Junior/Senior High School, “grew up” in the Grange with her family, and says she loves being a Grange member because it gives her a place to focus on community service that makes her hometown better, while also feeling some growth, herself. She hopes to use her year as National Youth Ambassador to help cultivate connections between substance abuse organizations and local Granges. “I am really excited about the National Grange’s partnership with the Community Anti-Drug Coalitions of America (CADCA) to help address substance abuse in rural communities,” Jette said. “After attending this year’s CADCA forum I am even more excited to start helping Granges to partner with youth coalitions in their area and start working in substance abuse prevention.” The CADCA/National Grange partnership was formed in 2018, and several youth members from across the nation have taken part in trainings and conferences, learning how to help youth take charge on bringing awareness to the opioid crisis in their communities. Jette is thankful for the leadership

Submitted Photo Tracey and Phillip Jones, from Illinois, are the 2020 National Outstanding Young Patrons. The couple just had their first child, a daughter, in January. opportunities she has been given within the Grange, even as a Junior and a Youth member. When asked about why she feels the Grange should be relevant to youth and young adults, she says “I feel that the Grange should make an attempt to get into local high schools and present what they have to offer for kids. As a senior in high school, as I fill out my scholarship applications, there are many Grange-related activities on it. Without the Grange, my scholarship applications and my resume would be dry.” Alexis Kudsk, also Youth Ambassador, is from Custer, Washington, and a junior at Washington State University where she is working to her degree in mechanical engineering. She is a member of Haynie Grange #169 in Blaine, Washington, where she is a fourth-generation Grange member. “There has never been a time when I can remember not being involved with the Grange,” she says, and she helped recharter her local Junior Grange

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at the age of 12. “As a Youth, I have been given many opportunities,” Kudsk adds, including National Junior Ambassador, counseling at Junior Grange camps, statelevel youth offices, and the Washington State Youth Ambassador. Kudsk loves that the Grange has an open community where there is something for everyone, “The Grange has an uncanny ability to encourage people to step out of the comfort zone and expand their horizons, making themselves and their communities better.” She credits the Grange with making her the ‘outspoken’ person she is. “I believe in the relevance of what the organization does within today’s society,” she adds, “People feel that they are heard and their viewpoints matter. The Grange gives members a voice in legislative topics that they might not normally have.” As National Youth Ambassador, she hopes to bridge the gap to make members feel more connected across all levels. “I

hope to listen to members across the nation and create more opportunities for Youth to learn and grow as leaders,” she says, and she hopes to be able to attend as many Grange functions as she can across the nation this year. She also hopes to use the “Cultivating Connections” theme to help make a pathway for members to connect to one another and become more involved. National Grange Young Patrons Phillip and Tracey Jones were married in March 2012 and live in St. Peters, Missouri. Phillip is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer with Oates Associates in Collinsville, Illinois, and Tracey is the Navy & Marine Corps Financial Controls Team Lead for Boeing Global Services in Hazelwood, Missouri. They are members of Prairie Grange in Belvidere, Illinois, and affiliate members of Enterprise Grange in southern Illinois. The Jones family recently welcomed their daughter Charlotte in January. Tracey has been a member of the Grange since 1996, and met Phillip at the Illinois State Session in 2009. Tracey was a state Youth Ambassador and was the John Trimble Legislative Youth in National Session in Cromwell, Connecticut in 2008. “We can’t imagine not being Grange members,” they say, “We love the community you get with the Grange and the intergenerational interactions. Young people are made to feel included, and people actually care about what others have to say. The relationships we have built over time will keep us involved in the Grange for years to come.” As Young Patrons, Phillip and Tracey hope to give back to the next generation of Grangers, since the Grange has provided much for them. They would like to teach the youth “how to become more active listeners, to view mistakes as opportunities, and to have an appreciation for learning something new. Being a more active listener will help them understand other viewpoints and ideas that differ from their own; this way of thinking would enrich any team

or group.” The Joneses would also like to teach how to learn from mistakes, “Every leader will make mistakes, it is inevitable,” Phillip says, “However, being able to learn from those mistakes and adjust for next time will help minimize the mistakes that occur… It is very important to constantly learn something new as a leader, whether it is learning different leadership skills or a different way to interact with another person; it is crucial that strong leaders never stop learning.” They hope to use the ‘Cultivating Connections’ theme to help show how the Grange can help others communicate and find purpose. “From the very beginning days of the Grange, Oliver Hudson Kelley worked to cultivate connections between the north and the south to help the country rebuild after the Civil War,” they said. “Cultivating connections is just as important in the Grange today as it was then. Being able to cultivate connections across many generations is not common in today’s society, but it is fundamental to creating a lasting organization.” Tracey attributes the success she’s had within her career at Boeing to learning how to effectively communicate across generations, which she learned in the Grange. “People who grew up in the Grange will likely remain in the Grange because of the close connections made,” they added. “Likewise, someone who hadn’t grown up in the Grange will find purpose and meaning in their involvement if they are able to make connections with members and build those connections into lasting friendships.” The National Grange Youth Team will be attending regional conferences and other National Grange events throughout the year. They are also available to attend local Grange events, especially those that encourage Juniors, Youth, and Young Adults to find connection through the Grange. To contact the Youth Team, reach out to Mandy Bostwick, National Youth Development Director.

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Top: Submitted Photo; Bottom: Photo by Lindsay Schroeder TOP: Jaycee Jette, of Montana, a 2020 National

Grange

Youth

Ambassador,

pauses outside the Grange’s headquarters in

Washington,

D.C.

Alexis

Kudsk,

Washington, is also serving as a 2020 National Grange Youth Ambassador.

Life

A short story by Bradley Luberto

Member, Mayfield Grange #683, New York

The large harvest like moon signaled fall even if the equinox was still weeks away. Summer days were getting cooler, and it was almost hard to believe that only weeks ago a boy was sitting in a white farmhouse with a big porch. Up its stairs he sat at a desk before a window screen that bugs bounce against trying to get through, to the light from the lamp upon that desk. Outside the yellow sun had set behind endless acres of corn that stretch seemingly to the horizon and beyond. In the dark, crickets chip by the thousand, occasionally the splash of a fat bull frog was heard as he dove into a small creek that curved around an old apple tree not far from the farmhouse. A creek whose dampness slowly works it way through the soil towards the fieldstone foundation of the farmhouse making it just cool enough on the inside wall of the cellar, to store rows and rows of glass canning jars on a large wooden shelf. Some too old to eat stand there sealed with brittle rubbers rings under glass dome tops held in place by a wire snap. Too old to eat, but saved because they were the last, “put up” foods, canned by a grandmother who sleeps in a small grave yard also on the farm, enclosed by a rusting fence, and always too quickly over grown with weeds. Here lies a husband and wife, “Grandma and Grandpa” to most, “Mom and Dad” to others. And three children, all dead before their fifth birthday. A surprise to many that they would have risked having more, but eight would follow.

The boy sat at the desk with a book open wide, he reads of Roosevelt In Africa. A rifle hangs on the wall in his room, and in a dream like daze he looks at the old gun and imagines firing it at a changing lion, one shot, then two! But forgetting he’d have to set cap and ball at each shot as his grandfather did in a war that made a nation one again. The turn of a button brings a soft hum as a golden light alights a small dial, a whistle, a voice, a whistle and, “Good evening Mr. and Mrs. America and all the good ships at sea.” Another turn and a sleepy voice says, “Kiss me once and kiss me twice and kiss me once again, its been a long, long time,” as into the night the music fades. But now the nights were cold. The corn was gathered in stacks, the pumpkins too gathered and sold at a farm stand down by the road. Locals stopped to buy pumpkins that they could have grown if they had taken the time, while “city folk,” buy with amazement of size. A few more weeks and the small creek would be fringed with ice, the fat frog settled to its muddy bottom until Spring’s thaw. The squirrels had set in the apple tree, a large ball of a leafy nest on the highest and thinnest branches that seemed to dare the wind to blow it down. Soon snow would fall and the silent hiss that only falling snow can make, would cover each branch. A frozen land of white until one slender blade of green, weak seemingly, but strong and brave enough to lift specks of ice to look about saying, “Spring is here.”

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In spring, versatile rhubarb all the rage By Ann Olson Bercher President, Minnesota State Grange Certified Culinary Specialist As Grangers, we have very close ties to rhubarb, the harbinger of spring in Midwest Gardens, and the vegetable/ fruit that grows in most areas of the country. Oliver Kelley, one of the seven founders of the Grange, grew over an acre of rhubarb on his farm in Minnesota very early on. Living on the shores of the Mississippi River, there was transportation available to ship rhubarb up and down the Mississippi River between Sauk Rapids, Minnesota, and St. Anthony, Minnesota. And that is what Kelley did with his rhubarb crop in the late spring and early summer. Rhubarb, with its tangy, fresh flavor, relieved the wearied palettes of people who had been subsisting on potatoes, carrots, onions, dried beans and salted meats all winter. I was introduced to rhubarb when I was a student at Iowa State University living away from home, and off campus for the first time. I was renting a house with three other people and a lovely, elderly woman lived next door. She introduced me to the weird plant that was growing at the corner of the house and showed me her crop of three plants. Fortunately for me, she shared her delicious rhubarb pie recipe. She also had a fabulous muffin recipe and a jam that almost brought me to tears. Years following, I have grown to appreciate rhubarb as more than a sweet joy; it is an amazing vegetable with so much promise! Rhubarb, used today as a fruit, botanically is a vegetable. It is the startlingly tart and sour leaf stalks of a large herb, Rheum rhabarbarum. Native to temperate Eurasia, rhubarb became popular in early 19th century

England as one of the first fruit-like produce items to appear in the early spring. Easily grown, rhubarb is a herbaceous perennial plant that once grown, is almost impossible to kill. It is best grown from thick, short tuberous roots, sometimes called crowns. If you have a friend that has rhubarb plants, you may be able to split or quarter a plant and remove the roots to replant into your yard. Do this in early spring when the plants are first starting to emerge from the soil. If you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a friend willing to share, rhubarb crowns are available at most garden centers in early spring. There are over 100 varieties of Rhubarb, and they come in colors from pale pink, to brilliant red, to green streaked red, to red streaked green. Look for varieties such as Victoria, German Wine, Riverside Giant, Crimson Cherry. Ask your garden center professional for advice. Most of us adopt plants and we have no clue what variety they are. Plant your rhubarb in an area that gets full sun and drains well. Dig holes 4-5 inches deep and if you have more than one plant, place them at least three feet apart. Rhubarb can grow quite large, and

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you may want to consider this as not only a food plant, but a lovely addition to your back yard landscape. Plant the roots so they are 2 inches below the surface of the ground. If you have plants with stems, make sure all of the root portion is below ground. Water well after planting, and water anytime the soil begins to look dry. When seed stalks appear, and they are large bulbous looking things in the center top of the plant, remove them before they get too big. Seed stalks will start putting energy into seed production instead of leaf (and stalk) production, which is what you want. Sadly, you cannot harvest Rhubarb the first year after planting. You need to let your plant get stabilized and grow strong. Grow, baby, grow! The second year, you may begin harvesting stalks. They should be 12-18 inches long. Continue harvesting through the summer into late June, maybe even early July, depending on where you live. And the best test, of course, is the texture and the flavor of your rhubarb. If you have several plants, harvest equally from each plant leaving smaller stalks to continue to grow. When you harvest, you may cut the stem at the soil line with a sharp knife being careful not to cut into other stalks

nearby, or you may briskly twist and pull to remove the stalk. Use caution with this approach as you may pull up more of the plant than you should. When stalks have been harvested, you may cut off the leaves and leave them at the base of your plant as mulch, or you may compost them if you have a compost pile. Harvest season is over when stalks start growing in thin. That’s it. The rhubarb plants at the Kelley Farm are over 20 years old. Don’t want to grow Rhubarb? Fortunately, it’s available in grocery stores early in the season fresh, and in some locations year-round. It is also available in the freezer section. And yes, Rhubarb is easily preserved frozen and canned. Rhubarb’s fruit-like nature make it a natural food that is cooked, stewed or baked to use in making pies, sauces, breads, jams, jellies, drinks and scrumptious desserts. Most of us probably have that favorite rhubarb or strawberry-rhubarb pie recipe, but it’s amazing qualities and temperament also allows it to be used in savory applications as well. A bonus benefit is the nutrition and fiber content of the plant. Rhubarb is low in calories, low in fat, cholesterol free, and is high in fiber, providing approximately 5 grams of fiber per cup of cooked rhubarb. Rhubarb also contains vitamin A, potassium, and calcium. One cup of cooked rhubarb contains as much calcium as a glass of milk! (Although, calcium from plant sources is not as well absorbed by the body as calcium from dairy products.) Fresh picked rhubarb (leaves removed) will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. When cooking with rhubarb, it is best to use “nonreactive” cookware that does not react with the acid in the rhubarb. Teflon or stainless-steel cookware is preferable over aluminum and copper. Rhubarb is one of the vegetables in the mid-west that continues to grow and propagate unlike other vegetables that need to be sown each year. Other perennial vegetables include asparagus and Egyptian Onions. With the coming harvest of Rhubarb, what shall we do? I suggest making your pies and desserts, then add some new ways to use your rhubarb longer into the season. The following are recipes I have tried, and adopted from cookbooks such as Rhubarb Renaissance by Kim Ode, and The Joy of Rhubarb by Theresa Millang. Check out these books for more inspiration! Once you have made one of these recipes, I know you will find lots of ways to use them! And if you want more ideas, contact me at presidentsgmn@gmail.com. I’ve got a million!

Photo by Stacey Spensley | Flickr

Master Recipe A favorite recipe shared by Betsy E. Huber

Rhubarb Upside Down Cake Topping

3 c. fresh rhubarb, sliced 1 c. sugar

2 Tbsp. flour

¼ tsp. nutmeg

¼ c. melted butter

Batter 1 ½ c. flour ¾ c. sugar 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. nutmeg ¼ tsp. salt ¼ c. melted butter ⅔ c. milk 1 egg

To make the topping, place rhubarb in a greased 10inch skillet. Combine sugar, flour and nutmeg; sprinkle over rhubarb mixture. Drizzle with butter. Batter: combine flour, sugar, baking powder, nutmeg and salt. Add butter, milk and egg and beat until smooth. Spread over rhubarb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes. Serve warm with whipped cream or ice cream. Yields 8-10 servings.

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RECIPES

Rhubarb Beef 2 lbs. beef stew meat 2 Tbsp. butter 2 large onions, chopped 1 tsp. saffron 16 oz. beef broth ½ c. water

Photo by Ann Bercher

Rhubarb

Barbecue Sauce

Brown beef in butter in a dutch oven or in pan covered. Drain, leaving at least 2 Tbsp. of drippings in pan to saute onions. Add meat back, along with liquids and spices. Cover and simmer for about 2 hours until meat is fork tender (monitor as you may need to use more water or turn the temperature down). Add rhubarb and simmer for 15 more minutes before serving over prepared hot rice.

1 ½ c. fresh or frozen rhubarb, cut into 1inch pieces 1 c. fresh strawberries, halved 1 Tbsp. olive oil ½ medium sweet onion, diced ½ c. brown sugar ½ c. red wine vinegar 2 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce 2 Tbsp. honey 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce 1 tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. crushed red pepper flakes ½ tsp. ground pepper ½ tsp. salt 2 Tbsp. molasses ¼ tsp. cinnamon ¼ tsp. cloves ½ tsp. liquid smoke (if not grilling on an outdoor grill) 1. In a large saucepan, combine rhubarb and strawberries; add water to cover. Bring to a boil. Cook uncovered until rhubarb is tender, 8-10 minutes. Drain. (Reserve ½ cup liquid) Mash until blended. 2. In a large saucepan, heat oil over high heat, sauté onion until tender, 4-6 minutes. Add all remaining ingredients and stir in rhubarb/strawberry mixture. 3. Cook uncovered until thickened. Add reserved rhubarb strawberry liquid to desired consistency. 4. Adjust seasonings to taste.

¼ c. lemon juice 2 tsp. fresh mint (or substitute 1 tsp. dried) ½ tsp. pepper 3 c. fresh rhubarb (or frozen)

Rhubarb

Crunch

Recipe courtesy of Alexandria Tarbell, East Pembroke Grange #1157, NY 3 c. fruit, cut 1 c. sugar (less for apples) 2 Tbsp. flour 1 c. brown sugar

1 c. uncooked quick oats 1½ c. flour ½ c. butter ½ c. Crisco

Combine fruit, sugar and 3 Tbsp. flour in baking pan. Set aside. Combine remaining ingredients as you would for pastry. Sprinkle on top and bake at 375 for 40 minutes. Consider serving warm a la mode.

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Rhubarb

Salsa

1½ c. rhubarb, cut into ½ inch dice ⅓ c. finely minced spring onions 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and minced

1. If using fresh rhubarb, prepare an ice bath, and fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Add rhubarb and cook for 20 seconds. Using a slotted spoon, remove rhubarb from boiling water and submerge into the ice water. Chill for a minute, then drain and dry on towels.

2 tsp. honey 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar Kosher salt to taste Cayenne pepper to taste

2. If using frozen rhubarb, let thaw and drain on towels. 3. Combined drained rhubarb in a medium bowl with onion, jalapeno, honey and vinegar. Season to taste with salt and cayenne pepper.

Photo by Ann Bercher

Rhubarb & Apricot

Chutney

½ c. brown sugar, packed 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 tsp. fresh ginger, minced 2 tsp. jalapeno pepper, minced (remove seeds and veins to reduce heat) 1½ c. rhubarb cut into 1” pieces ¼ c. dried apricots finely chopped 1/3 c. goat cheese 1/3 c. cream cheese 1 or 2 baguettes cut into half inch slices 2 Tbsp. olive oil 6 oz. of prosciutto cut into 1” width strips

Photo by Ann Bercher

In a small saucepan, stir sugar and vinegar over medium high heat until sugar dissolves. Add garlic, ginger, and pepper and cook for 1 minute. Stir in rhubarb and apricots and continue cooking, stirring occasionally until the rhubarb begins to break down and the mixture begins to congeal (10 to 15 minutes). Let cool. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 450 degrees. Stir together goat cheese and cream cheese. Brush olive oil on the baguette slices. Toast baguette slices until golden, about 5 to 7 minutes. Spread cheese mixture on baguette, top with prosciutto and rhubarb chutney.

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Protect Essential Veterans’ Phone Services The Lifeline program was created by the Reagan Administration to provide low-income Americans with access to affordable phone services.

1.2 MILLION VETERANS RELY ON LIFELINE 12% OF LIFELINE SUBSCRIBERS ARE VETERANS Lifeline connects veterans with opportunity and lifesaving resources, including: Jobs Healthcare & Emergency Services Education Suicide Prevention Resources Ensure the nationwide rollout of the National Verifier system does not bar veterans-in-need from Lifeline affordable phone service.

PROTECT VETERANS’ LIFELINE TO OPPORTUNITY Learn more at VETS.LIFELINEFACTS.COM N GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

THE LAST

Word

By Pete Pompper

National Grange Community Service Director I don’t want this article to be the to be the last word, but hopefully the first words as we think about how are Granges going to help when this pandemic is over and life returns to some type of normalcy. I truly believe that Grangers will be there helping their communities by opening our doors and greeting those who we have not been able to see during this crisis, whether it is Grange members, neighbors or friends. For parents, the school bus driver and teachers at your local schools. People need a sense of belonging and community in our daily lives. We have a need to feel we are part of a group and Granges can help fill that need. Granges throughout our history have been places of happiness and comfort in good times and bad, where individuals can feel safe and welcome even if it is your first time at a meeting or a dinner. As we say, “Welcome thrice welcome.” Where do we as Grangers fit into this “reawakening” of our communities? What can we do? My quick answer is a lot. It is up to you how much you want to do-- it can be as simple or involved as you wish it to be. You are only limited by your imagination and budget. During the National Grange Community Service and Activities live Zoom/Facebook event on March 28, Katie Squire (CSG Lecturer) made the comment that when all this is over we have the opportunity to hold some type of graduation event for

either High School or College seniors who graduated but due to the quarantines in place had their graduations canceled. Granges have the opportunity to invite those young folks to a meeting or dinner and make them feel special for what they accomplished. For some this is the biggest event in their life and they should have the opportunity to be honored for their accomplishments. Even if you just invite your local school students who graduated or Grangers’ family members, it is the little things that count in life. One person suggested a Grange could hold a prom for those students who had this opportunity taken away because of the necessary distancing orders put in place. If there is one thing Grangers like more than ice cream it is a Grange dance with ice cream. How much fun would that be -- a Grange square dance prom! I want to see pictures of that. I heard from a Grange that is inviting the local FFA members who received an award to a meeting to be honored because they did not get that recognition at their State Convention because it was canceled. What a great idea. That is a big honor that needs to be recognized. I hope Granges throughout this country will also take this idea and run with it and make your FFA students feel proud of what they have accomplished. Open your doors or work with your local community leaders and host a picnic or block party as a community-wide event.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

It doesn’t have to be a fancy event but a simple hot dog/hamburger roast with everyone bringing a covered dish. If you need to, take the tables from your Grange hall outside and have a picnic. Have games for the attendees young and old; if possible contact and work with your local nursing home/retirement community and invite them. They would probably have a great time being outside and visiting with the community. If your community has a town square or other type of park check to see if you can hold a community party there along with any other service organizations you work with. Have a special dinner to recognize all of the small local businesses who have supported your Grange over the years by either donating supplies or raffle items for your fund raisers. These businesses have supported not only the Granges but other community service type organizations in our communities for many years and some even over generations. Now is the time we need to support them and say thank you. I look forward to seeing what great ideas the Granges come up with. I truly believe we as Grangers will step up and help our communities “reawaken”. We need to truly grasp the Grange theme this year, “Grange Connections,” and help our communities and citizens reconnect. It is what we have been doing for over 150 years and have done it well. Be proud to be a Granger and let’s go out there and do what we do best.

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