Good DAY!
A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 6, Issue 1 l June 2022
Philanthropy in the Modern Age Although always a part of American culture, the way people give - and who we give to - has changed drastically over the past few decades. From major philanthropy to individual donations, how have we shifted our interests, and what comes next?
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Good DAY!
N & V
GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS
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LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
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THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA
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I
IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION
30
F
FOUNDATION
40
M
MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION
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JUNIOR GRANGE
61
GRANGE YOUTH
65
J
Y H & L
F & R
L W
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17
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HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE
76
FOOD & RECIPES
81
LAST WORD
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Perspective
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PHILANTHROPY Helping Rural America Grow From funding for national and international causes from major donors and philanthropists to individual donors giving $10 on Facebook, philanthropy looks different for everyone. How can we set up a lasting legacy for the future?
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 pvonada@nationalgrange.org. Reproduction or distribution of any part of this magazine is prohibited by anyone other than a Grange member or a chartered Grange without written permission from the National Grange Communications Department.
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE ®
www.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, Grange has influenced 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.
®
OUR
Betsy E. Huber, Publisher National Grange President President, Grange Foundation President, Grange Advocacy betsy@nationalgrange.org Philip J. Vonada, Editor Communications Director pvonada@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org Burton Eller, Advertising Partner Legislative Director Executive Director, Grange Advocacy beller@nationalgrange.org
Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.
OUR
Officers
Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org
Betsy Huber, PA, President betsy@nationalgrange.org
William “Chip” Narvel, DE, National Steward
Chris Hamp, WA, Vice President champ@grange.org
John Plank, IN, National Assistant Steward
Lynette Schaeffer, IL,
Executive Committee Chair lschaeffer@grange.org Susan Noah, OR
Executive Committee Member snoah@grange.org Leroy Watson, NH Executive Committee Member & Grange Advocacy Board Chair leroyawatson@nationalgrange.org William “Buddy” Overstreet, TX, Executive Committee Member boverstreet@grange.org Ann Bercher, MN, National Lecturer
lecturer@nationalgrange.org
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Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org Samantha Wilkins Operations Coordinator & National Junior Grange Director samantha@nationalgrange.org
Kathy Gibson, MA, National Lady Assistant Steward Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain Joe Goodrich, VT, National Treasurer
Mandy Bostwick Youth & Young Adults Development Director youth@nationalgrange.org
Debbie Campbell, PA, National Secretary
Pete Pompper Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org
Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper
Sean O’Neil Legislative Assistant soneil@nationalgrange.org
Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres Kay Stiles, MD, National Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora
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Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Betsy E. Huber
I’ve been doing a lot of reading
for the last two years, but hopefully by
and scanning of the organizational
now your Grange is back to in-person
documents
meetings, fulfilling those desires for
and
files
in
the
subbasement of the Grange building,
socialization.
and I am continually amazed at the
Another founding principle of the
numbers of Granges and thousands
Grange was legislative work. Farmers
of members who flocked to join us,
joined together to fight the railroad
even 100 years ago - before the
monopoly because there is power in
age of advertising, internet, or even
numbers. The same is true today. Our
telephone. Word of mouth and some
lobbying and influence in the nation’s
charismatic leaders were effective tools
Capitol is still strong and an important
to grow our Order in the 1800s and
part of the Grange organization.
early 1900s. As a child on the farm, I remember
While not everyone is as interested in
legislation
and
government
Nights, legislative banquets, and open forums on current topics of interest.
what a big event the twice-monthly
regulation as I am, it certainly affects
The U.S. seems to be filled with
Grange meeting was for our family.
everyone in their daily lives. It is a great
Grange, church, family gatherings and
benefit to belong to an organization
dissatisfaction about our government
the annual milk producers banquet
like the Grange that can look out for
were our only social activities. Imagine
your best interests, even if you’re not
what it was like in those early days of
always paying attention or connected
the Grange when farmers were really
to what our leaders are doing.
isolated on their farms and didn’t even have those social outlets!
The Grange gives you opportunities to stay informed and up-to-date on
leaders and their actions or lack of actions on things we care about. Instead of griping and complaining, why not get involved in something that can make positive change? Next time you’re caught up in a conversation about problems, suggest
What was it that attracted so many
issues that are important to you - the
people to join us? I believe it’s the
monthly View from the Hill email,
same primary reason that attracts
annual Legislative Fly-in, email alerts
people today - social interaction. The
when an important issue comes
isolation of rural life didn’t end with the
up, even training our youth to be
in your local precinct, can have
advent of telephone and television;
influencers and advocates through the
great influence on what happens in
it’s still present today as we’ve seen
annual DC Experience.
the Capitol. National Grange has a
that the complainer do something about the issue by joining the Grange. A group of people, especially voters
through the pandemic. In every survey
Some State Granges have an active
legislative department that can teach
of Grangers I’ve seen, the number one
legislative program also, keeping you
you how to be an effective citizen
reason they join or stay in the Grange
updated on statewide government
influencer. Start by signing up for
is friendship and fellowship. Zoom
activity. Many Community or Pomona
legislative updates on our website
meetings have partially filled this need
Granges hold Meet the Candidates
www.nationalgrange.org/subscribe.
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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 2022/23 Issue
Due Date
Hits Mailboxes
V6, I3
August 31
October 2022
V6, I2 V6, I4 V7, I1
June 30
November 30 January 31
August 2022
January 2023 March 2023
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 Philip Vonada by email at pvonada@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (814) 404-7985 for details.
WRITE FOR US 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, and must be your own original work. 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.
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Guidelines & The Fine Print Entries may include: photo essay (at least three photos that together tell a story with captions identifying the people in the photo if applicable and what is happening in the scene); short story (max. 1,500 words); poem; essay/article (maximum 1,500 words and must include at least two relevant photographs with captions); skit (no more than six speaking characters; should not take more than 10 minutes to perform and should not require an 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.).
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Each entry must be submitted digitally and include name, address, phone number, 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
is
acknowledgment
that
publication is authorized. In the case of Junior submissions, this is acknowledgment of right to publish by both Junior and their parent/ guardian. All submissions must be made via email to pvonada@nationalgrange.org.
Editor
From the desk of the PHILIP J. VONADA When you look around your communities, I’m sure you see things that you would like to change or enhance. Whether its a lack of after-school programs for youth, dilapidated buildings, empty or junk-filled lots, or hunger or poverty, the needs of your community could be endless. And I’m sure you’ve wondered - what can one person do about this?
So what can you do? • Make
your
community
involvement
fun
and
interesting. • Recruit
volunteers
and
partner
with
other
organizations. • Make your community involvement visible, and don’t ask for anything in return. This includes
That’s where organizations like the Grange come into
not being “pushy” about Grange membership
play. While it’s not impossible for one person to make a
- non-members are equally important in Grange
difference, there is always strength in numbers. There is
volunteerism.
always something to be said for working together. Each year, Granges across the country hold fundraisers, donate money or objects, or perform other community service in their hometowns and wider areas. Totaled, there are hundreds of thousands of hours, tens of thousands of dollars, and countless items being given by Grange members. In this issue, we are exploring some methods of rural philanthropy - how and why people give in their hometowns. Philanthropy is the desire to promote the welfare of others, expressed especially by the generous donation of money to good causes. But philanthropy isn’t just the donation of money volunteerism counts as philanthropy, and that’s something the Grange does extremely well. According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy, an hour of volunteer time was worth about $27 in 2020. During Grange Month, National Grange Community
• Participate
in
community
events
to
increase
awareness and involvement. • Properly manage your social media and web presence so people can find you after they see you out in public. This is a great way to involve your youth members! • Say thank you to your volunteers and to people who donate to you. • Leverage your volunteers’ specific talents and know how to ask. • Communicate - volunteers don’t always know exactly what’s needed, and sometimes they are slow to step up until they know how they can help. • Be proud of your successes and highlight them show your community and your volunteers exactly what your impact is.. As we move into the summer months, this is a great
Service Director Pete Pompper honored three Granges
time to involve whole families in your Grange’s mission.
for the volunteer work they do in their communities - work
Identify a solid, actionable need in your community, come
that is specific to the towns and areas where they serve.
up with a plan, and set it in motion. Find a way to make
Jonesboro Grange #357 (Maine), Cibolo Grange #1541 (Texas) and North Fork Grange #763 (California)
your community better, invite people from all over to get involved, and make a difference.
have all seen incredible growth and notoriety because of
And then throw a thank you and recognition event
their work, but I know that not a single member of these
afterwards - we know that everybody appreciates a
Granges would say that they are in it for themselves.
“reward” for their work, and that the treats taste that
Instead, the work that they do in their communities creates
much better when somebody knows exactly what kind of
a ripple effect, and others have taken notice.
impact they have made because of their valuable time.
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Editorial: A Tradition of Civility year, I can’t help but to think about the erosion of civility in
By Chris Hamp
every aspect of our daily lives. We see this erosion of civility on
Vice President, National Grange
our television, on our social media feeds, at sporting events,
I have had the opportunity to travel back and forth across the country attending Grange events for much of my adult life. Often, I am asked, “What is the Grange?” or, “What makes you so passionate about this organization?” My responses most frequently center on my belief that the Grange has been, is - and can forever be - this country’s greatest builder of citizens and community leaders. Why? Because of four tenets, what I refer to as the Four C’s, which form the bedrock foundation on which the Grange has operated, and operated very well, for almost 155 years: Civility, Compromise, Collaboration, and Common Sense.
in our neighborhoods, on our roads, at the grocery store, and especially it seems at every level of government. So how do we collectively combat this loss of civility? How do we ensure that each of us as individuals is not contributing to or condoning this behavior? Our task, indeed our duty and our charge, is and must be, to continue to lead by example. Also, we must trust the process – in this case the process is our 155 years of experience that has always insisted on a full measure of grace and mercy by all participants. One great way for each and every local Grange to exercise civility publicly and to lead by example is to host candidate forums or open public meetings to which you invite all candidates for public office to participate in a safe, constructive, learning environment where politics and pettiness are replaced
• Civility: concern for others. • Compromise: to give a little to find common ground for the greater good.
with courtesy and consideration. To ensure civility, make sure you take the time beforehand to establish and communicate the following for your candidate
• Collaboration: working together for the benefit of all. • Common Sense: a focus on issues which have been well vetted and are good for the whole.
forum or open public meeting: a clearly-identified schedule with time limits, non-negotiable rules of engagement such as all questions must be submitted in writing to the moderator or
To me, the greatest and most important of these tenets is
interruptions will not be allowed or tolerated, and finally you will
civility due to its deeper, more benevolent thought process of
need a moderator with the skills necessary to be non-partisan,
showing concern for others. I would also strongly submit that
impartial, calm and professional.
civility must never be confused with respect (regard for another’s
These events not only reinforce the correct process and our
qualities or abilities) which is often shown with no intention of
expectation of civility with our members, but demonstrate to
civility.
both the candidates and the attending public that civility and
As we turn the pages on the calendar and begin to see and hear more and more evidence of this being a midterm election
civil discourse is not only important and refreshing but is still alive and well.
Let’s hear your story
Indeed, being a Grange member is one of the most rewarding experiences. For many, the story of how they came to join the Grange does not capture the essence of how they came to be a Granger and what that means in their lives. We want to hear from you! What is your #GrangeStory that tells how you became a Granger? Did you see application of degree lessons to your daily life and relate them to friends and coworkers? Did you find yourself embracing new ideas and finding ways to overcome differences? Submit your story of no more than 650 words and a photo, if applicable, to Philip at pvonada@nationalgrange.org by July 1 for potential inclusion in a future issue of Good Day! or use on our social media.
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National Grange appoints representative to UN Council By Chad Smith
National Grange is esteemed to be
2021 Communication Fellow Gatekeeper, California State Grange
such, enjoys the privilege of continued
one of 30 charter organizations, and as participation.
Dave Roberts is a Granger through
This year, on UN Day (October 24),
and through. His family has lived and
the COO is holding a large event at the
farmed in Connecticut since 1629, and
Bahai Event Center next door to the
has been a part of the Grange for five
United Nations Headquarters in New
generations. These days, Roberts is
York. In addition to this, they recently
the Lecturer for the Connecticut State
drafted a resolution condemning the
Grange.
invasion of Ukraine by Russia, which was
Previously, he served as the Mayor of
endorsed by the National Grange.
Solana Beach, California, then a County
Roberts is the Chair of the 75th
Supervisor of San Diego County for 12
Anniversary Committee of the COO this
years until he retired and returned home
year, and continues to work to create
to Connecticut.
strong and long-standing collaborations
In addition to this, he was recently
between the COO, The National Grange,
appointed a Delegate to the The
and the Lions Club International. He has
Council of Organizations of the United
a history of success in these endeavors.
Nations Association of the U.S.A., as a
Recently,
Roberts
authored
a
Dave
Roberts
of
Barkhamstead,
Connecticut was recently appointed as
the National Grange’s delegate to the United Nations Council of Organizations.
representative of the National Grange
program proposal focused on Nepalese
Photo provided
as well as the Lions Club International
immigration related to education and
Organization.
business, which was selected by the
“Let’s use our Charter position to
The Council of Organizations of the
Connecticut chapter of the COO for
United Nations Association of the U.S.A.
implementation.
(COO) is celebrating its 75th anniversary
created in response to an influx in
in 2022, having been founded by Eleanor
Nepalese immigrants and refugees in
Roosevelt following World War II.
Connecticut following periods of civil
This
proposal
was
The COO was created to advise the
unrest and natural disasters in their
United States delegation to the United
native country. Over the last two years,
Nations Conference on International
Roberts has met many Nepalese families
Organizations. Today, they focus on four
who have settled in West Hartford, and
main topics world-wide: Humanitarian
this program has empowered outreach
Relief, Human Rights, Healthcare, and
to this group and helped to make them a
Education. These topics intersect with
functional part of the community.
the Grange at every level of the Order.
As a child, Roberts was able to visit the
get kids involved!
These experiences
had a profound impact on me as a kid. I want to see our youth have the same opportunities to help guide them into the future,” Roberts said. “Once a year, the Lions Club holds an event where members meet in the United Nations Chambers. I want Youth and Junior Grangers to become involved with these events and outreaches.” Dave Roberts was Raised Right Here.
His actions, ambitions, and
efforts have furthered the cause and
good
United Nations as well as Washington,
reach of the National Grange. Granges
dovetail between what the National
D.C. These experiences influenced and
across the nation can find, through his
Grange is interested in, and what the UN
motivated him to get involved, and grow
efforts, an opportunity to become more
is interested in. This gives the National
into the powerful advocate of progress
involved in the Grange, in the United
Grange a great “in” to get a seat at the
and collaboration he is today.
He is
Nations, and in their home communities.
table,” says Roberts.
passionate about seeing Grange Youth
For more information on the United
The COO consists of more than 100
receive the same kind of opportunities
Nations
nonprofit and humanitarian organizations
that ignited a passion for public service
https://councilorganizations.org.
from around the United States. The
and participation in himself as a child.
“These
topics
present
a
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or
the
COO,
please
visit
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National Grange honors Champions of Rural America
Award Recipients Rep. Dan Newhouse (WA), Sara Wyant, and Nona Bear, with National Grange President Betsy Huber at the National Grange’s Champions of Rural America reception on April 26.
By Philip J. Vonada Communications Director On April 26, the National Grange presented the Champion of Rural America Awards during a reception at the organization’s historic headquarters near the White House to four deserving recipients. “This is one of the most important awards that could be given,” said National Grange President Betsy Huber. “For 155 years, the Grange has worked through nonpartisan means for America’s agricultural communities and rural residents nationwide. The process of selecting these Champions is something we take very seriously, as we want to ensure that our honorees are truly deserving because of their lifelong efforts.” Huber and National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller believe that each of this year’s honorees is a true “Champion” for the people living and working in rural America.
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The 2022 Champions of Rural America are Senator Joe Manchin (DWV), Representative Dan Newhouse (R-WA 4th), Sara Wyant, founder of AgriPulse Communications, and patient rights advocate Nona Bear. “One doesn’t have to explain the rural and small-town citizen to Joe Manchin: he is one,” says Eller, noting that Manchin’s upbringing and life in West Virginia strongly influence his votes and positions for his constituents. “In this day of rampant partisan politics, Senator Manchin is all about bipartisanship on Capitol Hill.” Senator Manchin’s work for rural America has included keeping promises to seniors and veterans by protecting Social Security and Medicare. Like previous recipients Sen. Debbie Stabenow (D-MN) and Sen. Pat Roberts (R-KS), Representative Dan Newhouse continues to champion agriculture and work with legislators and advocates from many different industries to fight on behalf of America’s farmers, ranchers and rural
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Photo by Philip Vonada residents. Eller says Rep. Newhouse “is the consummate example of one of the Grange’s slogans, ‘American Values. Hometown Roots.’” “Representative Newhouse comes from rural America and truly understands the people he represents – and he fights for not only his own constituents but all of Washington and rural citizens across the country,” Huber says. “We are grateful to be able to honor Dan Newhouse with this award, as he truly is a champion for rural America.” “I can’t tell you how much of an honor this truly is,” Newhouse said while accepting the award. “The National Grange has truly been a unique and important part of the fabric of rural America for a century and a half... I can’t tell you how much it means to be recognized for the small part I’ve been able to play in helping to promote our industry - agriculture - and build, maintain and grow our rural communities... We will be successful if we continue to work
together.” Huber said that while those at the top rungs of government who have received the award have done much for rural residents, a lot of the work to “bring the horse to water” is done by respected groups and individuals with a history of leadership in areas that matter most to rural Americans. One of the primary connectors for many rural Americans is Agri-Pulse Communications’ founder and President Sara Wyant. “Sara’s Agri-Pulse is the first thing read every day by the movers and shakers at the intersection of agriculture, policy and government,” says Eller. “Sara is a real reporter: knowledgeable, informed, fair, unbiased, nonpartisan and deeply committed to what she does.” “Agri-Pulse connects the people who live in rural America directly to the people who make decisions about rural America,” says Huber. “Sara has created an unbiased direct approach to reporting the news for the benefit of those throughout the agricultural spectrum.” “As someone who grew up on a farm and has been familiar with the Grange all of my life... thank you,” Wyant said. “It is such an honor to be recognized. I have had this passion for a long time - that if we could better educate people on rural America,
and get them informed on the issues - the pros and cons of different topics, then they can become better advocates - just like [the Grange is].” “Your advocacy has made a huge difference,” Wyant continued. Patient rights and healthcare reform advocates have a true champion in Nona Bear. “Nona works tirelessly to address and advocate for the needs and concerns of older Americans,” Huber says. “Her work connects major national nonprofit health advocacy organizations to the people. She is an incredible, thoughtful spokesperson for the health care needs of rural America.” “America’s patient population has a far greater public voice today Sara Wyant accepts her award from National as a result of Nona Bear’s ability Grange President Betsy Huber at the to build alliances across patient Champions of Rural America reception. advocacy interests,” adds Eller. Photo by Philip Vonada “In 1992 or 1994, I called [the our economy and as part of our national Grange] to talk about insurance reform and healthcare reform,” Bear said security; they fight to ensure equitable in her acceptance. “And that remarkable access for rural Americans in relation to meeting with [Leroy Watson]... led me on to business, healthcare, educational and all the years since when it’s been a privilege other opportunities; they place a value and an honor to work with the Grange. on doing the right thing and serve the From working on taking the word out public above any political party, and they about Medicare Part D - which the Grange consistently work across the aisle, placing did remarkably into rural America, to being an emphasis on bipartisanship in their the first and only group legislative work or advocacy,” Huber during the meth crisis to said. “But also, we expect that each provide resources that local recipient show perseverance in the fight law enforcements could not for rural Americans and embody our core get anywhere... the Grange values of faith, hope, charity and fidelity put that together. Who does and live by our motto: in essentials, unity; in nonessentials liberty; in all things, that but the Grange?” “The Grange is the only charity.” During the evening, Wyant and Bear organization that is looking after every aspect of life in were also honored with the National Grange Community Service Director’s rural America,” Bear added. Huber said the award Pin. “These pins are very rare,” Huber criteria were established said. “They honor the work you do in in line with the Grange’s communities nationwide to help make grassroots priorities and them better.” Previous Champions include Sen. values. Nona Bear (center) poses with Grange Advocacy “Our recipients are Debbie Stabenow, Sen. Susan Collins, Executive Director Burton Eller and National expected to show a clear Rep. Collin Peterson, Rep. Greg Walden, Grange President Betsy Huber. understanding of the FCC Chairman Ajit Pai, Sen. Pat Roberts, Photo by Philip Vonada importance of agriculture in and the National Rural Health Association.
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President’s Ruling:
Executive Committee vs. Board of Directors Sometimes in a Grange, a question comes up that is not
to the President of the National Grange. The decisions by the
clearly answered in our Digest of Laws, the book that contains
President of the National Grange on appeals of rulings made by
all the rules and regulations for all levels of Grange. The Digest is
Presidents of State Granges shall be final.
very detailed, but sometimes an interpretation of a word or phrase is needed to explain the meaning of a rule. The Digest states that “The right to make rulings as to Grange Law and Usage is vested solely in the Masters of the various Granges of the divisions of the Order.” Questions arising in a Subordinate/Community or Pomona Grange shall be decided by the Master/President of such Grange, subject to an appeal to the President of that State Grange.
The National Grange President must report all rulings made during the year to the annual meeting of the National Grange. The Grange Law Committee reviews the President’s rulings and determines if they shall stand, or if the Digest needs to be amended to cover or address the ruling. If a Grange member has a question or is unclear about something in the Digest, they should first ask their Subordinate/
Questions arising in a State Grange or referred to the President
Community President. If he/she is not sure of the answer,
of a State Grange by any member thereof or by the President of a
that president can and should request a ruling from the State
Subordinate/Community or Pomona Grange shall be decided by
President. Only State Presidents can request an official ruling from
the President of that State Grange, subject to an appeal therefrom
the National Grange President.
The Grange EC (also known as the Board of Directors) does not “run” the Grange, but acts as a backstop in case of emergency that requires immediate action that cannot wait until the next meeting. QUESTION:
A question has been raised pertaining to the definition of “need” in this context. The dictionary states “need refers to an urgent requirement of something essential or desirable that is lacking.” Definition: 1. Necessity; compulsion; obligation. 2. A lack of something useful, required, or desired.
RULING:
In the context of the Digest Section 4.10.6 (A), need means an urgent matter that cannot wait until the next regular meeting of the Grange. For example, emergency means a pipe is broken in the hall and water is flooding in—a plumber is needed immediately. Need means the pipes are springing pinhole leaks and in danger of worse leaks—a plumber is needed in the next few days. In both of these cases, the EC should meet to approve the expenditure for a plumber. If the pipes are old or made of lead and all need replacement, the question should be brought to the entire membership for discussion and vote. It is not urgent or a “need” that must be handled immediately. In the general definition of “need” almost anything could be included. All bills “need” to be paid. We “need” refreshments at the meeting so they need to be purchased. We need a sound system for the hall before an event and the Grange doesn’t meet before then. This is not the meaning of “need” in Section 4.10.6 (A). If there is a question of whether the matter is urgent or not, we should always err on the side of the member’s rights. A major benefit of Grange membership that differentiates Grange from other organizations is the individual’s voice. Grange gives each member a voice in meetings, activities, policies, and priorities and that validates the grass-roots foundation of our organization. If a Grange finds that decisions must be made more quickly for its efficient operation, it could consider meeting twice a month or hold additional meetings (4.9.2 (A)). It is also permissible to call a special meeting with proper notice. Matters can be investigated by standing or special committees and reported back to the Grange, but the committee report must be adopted by vote of the Grange before any action can be taken. All decisions of a Grange should be made by the membership of that Grange, unless there is a true emergency that requires immediate action to save property or lives. The Duties of a Grange Executive Committee
as detailed in the Digest and Installation ceremony • The Executive Committee (EC) is a set of elected officers, usually 3 but the Grange can choose to have more or designate certain officers either voting or ex-officio as set in its By-laws • Responsible for custody of the invested funds of the Grange • Advice and counsel to encourage fellow officers in their duties • Authorized between regular meetings, in time of emergency or need to act for the Grange • Always and only in conjunction with the worthy president • Any action taken between meetings must be presented to the Grange at the next regular meeting for its adoption or rejection.
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The power of ritual By Rob Henning Executive Director, Earth Conscious Life Ritual appears in a lot of places in our lives… …and we may not even notice. More importantly, we may underestimate the power of these rituals, and the positive impacts they have on our health: spiritually, mentally, and emotionally. Still, something that seems so simple could be the glue holding our lives and relationships together. But why? And how? Rituals can help give our lives meaning and restore our connections with spirituality, the world, and others. What’s more, they can trigger a healing process in ourselves and our loved ones that nothing else could even come close to. For hundreds (if not thousands) of years, ritual was foundational to healing of all types, in many different cultures and regions all over the world. From simple and personal, to elaborate and communal, this type of healing didn’t work like pills, surgery, or even supplements— but on a spiritual or social level instead. An example of a small and simple ritual: leaving flowers on a loved one’s grave. Most people may not think much of it, but this ritual is as old as humanity itself. (Did you know that the oldest archeological burial sites almost always include flowers?) It’s a way of remembering and communing with loved ones once lost. Regardless of what you believe in, it’s a way of telling the dead: “I remember you, love you, and miss you.” In this way, the ritual can be healing. It helps someone process and move through their grief. In fact, it could be seen symbolically as transforming grief into something new: with flowers representing life and rebirth. On the other hand, we have bigger rituals in our cultures that many of us see as even more strongly associated with healing. A good example: the sweat lodge, sauna, or temezcal ceremonies. These rituals can have powerful detoxifying effects on the body. But symbolically, they are also meant to represent purification and detoxification of the soul, and even collective purification when done in a group (with all participants witnessing and supporting one another’s purification). Rituals can have powerful effects, lots of meaning, and even bring us together in an emotional way… …that physical remedies might not be able to. But what happened to ritual in Western culture? We still do have some strong rituals. But not as many as our ancestors did. And unlike back then, these rituals aren’t front and center to modern healing. Some theorize that a society's lack of 'rites of passage' (especially for teens and those coming into adulthood) creates the conditions for youngsters to seek out mischief, alcohol, drugs, or other forms of 'initiation' around the high school and college years to achieve a feeling 'crossing' into a new stage of social acceptance. For all age groups, instead of rituals, our go-to healing methods are pharmaceuticals, surgery, or visiting a psychologist. What is lacking in those other forms of medicine (though they do have their place!) is a sense of connectedness to humanity, community, significance, and meaning… …things that conventional medicine couldn’t even get close to, especially in sterile places like hospital rooms or psychiatry offices. We also lack rituals that help connect us to nature and the earth. Our ancestors had rituals that honored the rise and fall of the sun, the bounty of harvest season, and the inextricable bond we share with planet earth… …because you are part of the planet, and the planet is part of you. In a world that is losing the value and memory of ritual, the responsibility falls on those of us with this awareness to re-integrate powerful tradition into our own lives. Times are always changing, but it's possible that a revolution into a true regenerative, healing future is one which circles back to many older or even ancient traditions. I hope you can take a moment to ask yourself: what rituals do you hold onto to help heal your family, your community, and even honor your connection with nature around you? It could be something simple…even the simplest rituals have immense power.
N & V
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Silver State gets ready to shine By Samantha Wilkins National Grange Operations Coordinator The Western Host region is excited to invite Grangers and friends from across the country to the Silver State! We are just over five months away from the opening of the 156th National Grange Convention, set to be held in Reno-Sparks, Nevada from November 15 through 19, 2022. Many new and exciting things are being planned by the Host region and you are sure to have a memorable experience in Reno! This year, you are invited to kick off the 156th annual session of the National Grange with a welcome reception on Monday, November 14. This reception is open to all who register for the convention. The welcome reception will be full of entertainment and will include a large welcome from the Western states. Nevada Grangers are excited to welcome members to their state and showcase some of the amazing things they are doing, like the Youth Fair Program, cultural art dancing and more! Also, new this year is the “Experience Pass!” Instead of taking a tour bus out of the hotel, we are bringing the tour to you. Those who purchase an ‘Experience Pass’ during their registration process will have the opportunity to stop in throughout the day on Friday, November 18th and Saturday, November 19th to participate in handson education and fun, with local artisans, vendors, and people connected to the agriculture industry. This is an event open to all ages and is sure to bring a ton of fun to your convention experience. Just like past conventions, Grangers will also have the opportunity to watch the Delegates of the National Grange debate policies and resolutions, discuss important changes, and make decisions for the future of the Order.
The Western States are working together to bring the exemplification of the Sixth Degree to the session on Saturday morning and, following that exemplification, the Assembly of Demeter will exemplify the historic Seventh Degree. If you have never had the opportunity to visit the Silver State or had the opportunity to obtain your Seventh Degree, now is the time! Throughout the week, you will have the opportunity to join in on workshops from different departments that could benefit you and your local Grange. There will also be time to meet with the National Grange leadership, learn about programming, and participate in contests and activities for Youth and Junior Grange members alike.
Registration Information
Early Bird Registration ($32) is open through September 9, 2022 General Registration ($37) will be open until October 19, 2022 Late Registration ($42) closes for meal options on November 1, 2022 Registration on Site will be available at the late registration cost, but you will not be able to obtain tickets to any meals Register at www.nationalgrange.org/156th-annual-national-grange-convention
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Plan your stay in Sparks Nugget Casino Resort The convention hotel features five awardwinning restaurants, fitness amenities, shopping, more than 900 casino games, and much more! State-of-the-art hotel rooms feature views of the Sierra Nevadas or the Reno-Sparks skyline 1100 Nugget Avenue Sparks, NV 89431 Reservations: (800) 648-1177 Room Rates: Use code “National Grange” and request the Resort Tower for closest access to everything happening during session. Sunday - Thursday: $103.02 Friday & Saturday: $125.72
Traveling to Reno by air?
Fly to: Reno/Tahoe International Airport The Nugget Casino Resort provides shuttle
service to and from the airport daily from 7:00 a.m. - 8:30 p.m. • Departs the Nugget from Valet parking area every hour on the hour. • Departs the Airport every hour on the half hour outside door D of the baggage If you are arriving after shuttle hours, Marty Billquist will be picking you up from the baggage claim area. registering
• Welcome Reception^ by Western Host Region - Monday, 6:00 p.m. • Advocacy Luncheon^ - Tuesday,12:00 p.m.
claim area.
When
Convention highlights will include:
for
the
National
Convention, please have your flight or travel information ready for the host committee.
• Opening of 156th Annual Convention*, with the President’s Addresses - Tuesday, 2:00 p.m. • Salute to Agriculture Luncheon^ - Wednesday, 12:15 p.m. • Grange Hall of Fame and Quilts of Valor presentation - Wednesday, 7:30 p.m. • GROW Club Dinner^ - Thursday, 5:45 p.m.
Other Sparks/Reno area Attractions • National Automobile Museum
• Session Opening by Youth Officers - Friday, 8:30 a.m.
• Mt. Rose Ski Resort
• Experience Pass Event^ - Friday & Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
• Animal Ark sanctuary
• National Grange Honors - Friday, 7:30 p.m.
• Nevada Museum of Art • Terry Lee Walls Nevada Discovery Museum
• Sixth Degree Conferral - Saturday, 10:00 a.m.
• Rancho San Rafael
• Seventh Degree Conferral - Saturday, 1:00 p.m.
• Sierra Nevada Zoological Park • Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts • Nevada Historical Society Museum
• Grange Celebration Banquet^ - Saturday, 6:00 p.m. • Evening of Excellence - Saturday, 8:00pm
• The Reno Arch • Fleischmann Atmospherium Planetarium • Sparks Heritage Museum
*Opening of Session only open to Seventh Degree members ^Ticketed Event
• National Bowling Stadium
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Fire Sale and store updates
VINTAGE PLAQUES
JEWELRY All Past Office (Master, Lecturer,
Designed in 1947, these
Secretary, and Past Junior Master)
wooden plaques have a felt
pins, various Degree charms and
backing. Size is 11.5”x13”, with
ties bars, and sash/lapel pins are
space to add an engraving for
on sale!
your Grange Hall.
Membership years of service pins
Limited number available.
are available in 5-year increments
Sold as-is.
from 5 years through 80 years $25 each, including shipping. Prices vary.
FASHION
Own a part of history
Junior Grange Polo Shirts
commemorating the National
White polo shirt with the Junior Grange
Grange’s Headquarters in
logo. Available in adult sizes (M, L, XL).
Washington, DC. These limited-
Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.
edition pins are sure to be collector items! Each pin includes a card with details about the Grange Building. Available in bulk at steep discounts!
Ladies’ Silk Scarf Pink ladies’ scarf with Grange wheat emblem. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.
Effective Immediately, any Grange Supply Store “rush” orders that require expedited arrival (7 days or fewer from time of order) will have a $25.00 expedition fee added to the order, in addition to the shipping fee. This includes any seals,
Belt Buckle Solid pewter with antique finish, fits most standard belts. Buy 3 or more
certificates, and membership recognition applications.
to receive a discount.
There is a change in price with Membership Recognition seals and effective June 1, 2022 The 25 Years Award (Silver Star) certificate and folder is $12.00 each; The Golden Sheaf Certificate is $12.00 each; the 75-Year Diamond Certificate and folder is $12.00 each; 80-year letter & 85-year certificates and letter in a folder with letter from National President signature is $12.00 each
Order at www.grangestore.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 109 GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE
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Long-term priorities achieved; National Grange looks at what’s next By Sean O’Neil Legislative Assistant
currently pushing for its passage in the
that the funds must be spent in a manner
House of Representatives.
which connects as many unconnected
Similarly,
Grange
rural Americans as possible. And further,
Since the start of the 117th Congress
is supporting the Growing Climate
the National Grange has worked with
in January 2021, The National Grange
Solutions Act, a bill which has been
healthcare partners in Washington, D.C.
has
legislative
stuck in the House of Representatives
to advocate for increased coverage
priorities including investment in rural
since 2021. This bill would allow the
of novel cancer screenings, certain
infrastructure
and
US Department of Agriculture to create
vaccines, and other important medical
necessary postal service reforms. At the
and operate a carbon credit system which would compensate farmers for
products under Medicare.
same time, policies the National Grange
achieved
long-term and
broadband,
opposes such as tax increases which would harm family businesses and farms and problematic new regulations have been defeated when proposed. As this Congress approaches its final summer and members begin to shift their focus from legislation to reelection, the National Grange is hoping to continue this trend of success and check off a few more priorities. In
this
mission,
the
National
Grange is currently advocating for the
the
National
voluntary climate-friendly practices on their farms. There are also multiple bills which would reform cattle markets with the intent to increase transparency and competition amongst meat processors, which are being supported by the National Grange in both the House and the Senate. The National Grange is involved in many important regulatory decisions being made throughout the federal government. Building on the successful
Looking forward, there are a few looming issues which may emerge throughout the summer which the National Grange will be involved in. In President Biden’s budget request that was released in March, he indicated an interest in reviving some of the tax provisions that the National Grange worked with the agriculture and family business community to defeat in the fall of 2021. And on the horizion, there are
passage of significant funding for rural
inklings of potential bipartisan efforts
broadband deployment in last year’s
to craft bills which would address issues
of legislation. The Ocean Shipping
infrastructure package, the National
such as drug pricing, inflation, and
Reform Act, a bill which would change
Grange has submitted comments to
climate change which the Grange could
the way American ports are regulated
the National Telecommunications and
potentially be involved in. Beyond this
to increase efficiency and American
Information Administration (the office
summer, the National Grange is also
exports, passed the Senate unanimously
which will oversee disbursement of the
actively participating in early discussions
in March and the National Grange is
broadband funds to states) making clear
which will shape the 2023 Farm Bill.
passage of a number of different pieces
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Grangers learn to advocate in DC events By Samantha Wilkins, National Junior Grange Director
and Philip J Vonada,
National Grange Communications Director The National Grange has always prided itself on the programs it creates to help establish strong advocates across rural America. Washington DC Experience In 2020, the National Grange Youth and Junior departments teamed up together to produce the first-ever Washington DC Experience. This event was created after realizing that there was a lack of advocacy training specifically tailored to our young members. The Youth and Junior departments created an event that would teach the basics of government and how the legislative side of the Grange works. In addition, the program was also able to bring awareness to specific policies within the Grange that were developed through the grassroots structure. Training on meeting with congressional leaders and briefings with multiple governmental agencies also took place in the inaugural event. While the pandemic took a toll on being able to hold a 2021 event, the National Grange was able to bring the Washington DC Experience back to life in 2022. From March 12 through March 15, young Grange members and their families from across the country descended upon the nation’s capital to receive vital training on how to be young
Pennsylvania State Grange Outstanding Young Patron Gail Switzer met with Nick Rockwell, Legislative Director for Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (PA-15). Photo by Philip Vonada advocates for rural America and their own communities. Participants took time to learn, have fun, and adventure around Washington throughout the week. Juniors, Youth, and parents all took part in workshops, briefings from partner advocacy groups, congressional meetings, and tours. The combination of all of this was a true Washington DC “experience.” On Sunday, participants were able to visit the National Museum of American History and take a moonlight tour of the monuments and buildings that make the capital district distinct. The March event looked a little bit different than the previous experience, as the capital was still navigating through departmental closures due to the pandemic. Even with these changes, attendees were able to learn from a wide variety of speakers: Sean O’Neil, National Grange Legislative Assistant, spoke about the basics of government and the art of persuasion; Jessie Aucoin, National Postal Museum, talked the history of the USPS, including the Grange’s involvement in Rural Free Delivery, and about an important bill that was recently passed in the federal government; Jon Conradi, Outreach Director for Connect Americans Now, spoke about rural broadband and expansion issues and the challenges communities in America are currently facing; Carrie Cochran McClain, Vice President of the National Rural Health Association, discussed the importance of advocating for more medical support in rural areas; Selena Shilad, Executive Director of Public Affairs for the Alliance for Aviation Across America, spoke on the importance of private aviation in rural America; Jeff Winton, Founder and
North Orange Grange #86 (MA) members Carrie Lehmann, her sons David and Gregory, and Axel Perez Ramos were able to meet with a member of Rep. Jim McGovern’s staff during the Washington DC Experience. Photo Provided
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CEO of Rural Minds, discussed the growing rates of suicide in rural communities and why we need to be advocates in our communities for those suffering from mental health issues; Mandy Bostwick, National Grange Youth Director & Philip
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Vonada, National Grange Communications Director, gave a
educational opportunity for Grange members. “As a truly
hands-on introduction workshop; and Amanda Brozana Rios,
grassroots organization, it’s important for us to be able to
National Grange Membership Director, spoke about applying
connect Community Grange members from across the country
the lessons learned at this event to their home communities.
to the direct action of the National Grange. The issues and
Juniors and Youth took all the lessons learned and prepared to meet with their congressional leaders. From coast-to-
policies we work on in Washington, D.C. are the direct result of the Grange’s resolution process.”
coast, young Grangers came together and marched up to the
In addition to National Grange staff, speakers at the
United States Capitol and met with their congressmen. They
Legislative Fly-In included Will McIntee, White House
were advocating for their home, their states, and the rural
Associate Director of Public Engagement; Sen. Debbie
communities across America.
Stabenow (MI); Rep. GT Thompson (PA-15); Debbie Witchey,
One of the young members in attendance this week asked
Executive Vice President and CEO, Healthcare Leadership
early on if her voice even had the possibility of making an
Council; Mike Saperstein, General Counsel and Head of
impact, and without a doubt, she can now say “Yes!”
Government Affairs, Lumos Fiber; Brittany Jablonsky, Vice
While many of the topics were heavy at this second-ever
President of Public Policy and Stakeholder Relations, Farm
Washington DC Experience, the impact that they had on
Credit Council, for the Rebuild Rural Coalition; Jeff Winton,
participants was significant. Juniors and Youth were able to learn
Founder and CEO of Rural Minds; and officials from the USDA.
in a new way about how the Grange’s grassroots process works
On Tuesday, Grange members were able to put their
and learned that they have a voice even at their local Grange.
training to use in meeting with their congressmen and staffers,
The impact of the lessons they learned during this experience
and some were also able to observe a USDA briefing on Capitol
could have significant actions taken in their hometowns.
Hill.
The Grange has always been strong in its advocacy work over the last 150-plus years and one of the unique things that
The week culminated with the Champions of Rural America presentation and reception (see page 10).
the Grange brings to the table is that even the youngest of our
The Washington DC Experience and Legislative Fly-In
members have the ability to make a significant difference in
both provide opportunities for Grange members to advocate
their Granges and communities.
directly on behalf of important issues facing rural America, and
This holds true for our Junior Grangers wanting to create resolutions for change all the way to our youth members who
also remind senators and congressmen that the Grange is a force for the benefit of all.
hold the same weight to vote on issues that even our members at the age of 108. As you wait for the next DC Experience in 2023, consider how you can be an advocate in your Grange community and how you can make a difference by being a voice for rural America. Plans for the 2023 Youth & Junior Washington DC Experience are now in the works! Dates are tentatively set for late March. We hope to see you there! Legislative Fly-In From April 24-27, Grange members from around the country took part in the annual Legislative Fly-In, in-person in Washington, D.C., and virtually on Zoom. Like
the
Washington
DC
Experience,
attendees heard from a variety of organizations about
governmental
issues
affecting
rural
America. National Grange Legislative Director Burton Eller says that the Legislative Fly-In is a key
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Sean Burris (left) of Phoenix Grange #779 (OR), sat in on a USDA briefing on the morning of April 26th. Photo captured from Zoom
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Rural population bounces back in 2021 By Tim Marema Courtesy of The Daily Yonder After losing population for most of the last decade, rural counties bounced back a bit last year, according to a Daily Yonder analysis of new Census data. Rural counties added a net of about 117,000 residents from 2020 to 2021. The gain is slight on a percentage basis – less than half a percent – but it’s the biggest annual growth in more than a decade. (This article defines rural as counties that are not located within a Metropolitan Statistical Area, per the Office of Management and Budget, 2013.) The
difference
between
2021’s
population growth and the loss in previous years was migration. Nearly a quarter million more people moved to rural counties last year than moved out. That’s a dramatic change from most of the last decade. Rural
America’s
gains
would
have
been much greater if not for a net loss in population from deaths. In the last year, 614,000 residents died, while 483,000 births occurred. That gave rural counties a net loss of 131,000 residents due to natural change – the difference between deaths and births.
net increase of about 13,000 new residents
population are shown in dark green (rural)
who moved to rural counties from other
and light green (metro). The Great Plains, Southern Black Belt,
countries. The population gain in rural counties
and Mississippi Delta tended to lose
was not universal. About half of the nation’s
population. The Central and Northern
1,976 rural counties lost population last year.
Appalachian regions also had a decline in
Rural America also had a modest gain in
The map shows the regional variation
population through international migration
in population change. Counties that lost
– the movement of people from other
population are shown in red (rural) and
countries to the U.S. Rural counties had a
black (metropolitan). Counties that gained
population. Most of the nation’s 1,165 metropolitan gained population in the last year. But the big exception is the central counties of the nation’s largest cities – places like New York, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Houston, all of which lost population in their central counties. As a group, central counties of major metropolitan areas (1 million or more residents) lost a net of 722,000 residents. The decline was from people moving out of central counties to other parts of the United States. About a million more people left these central cities than moved there in the last year. The loss was softened by a gain of about 300,000 from natural change (births minus deaths) and international migration. The national population was estimated at about 332 million in 2021, an increase of
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about 392,000 (or 0.12%) from 2020.
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Rural Communities More Likely to Turn to Predatory Lenders By Bryce Oates Courtesy of The Daily Yonder The nation’s leading federal agency charged with protecting consumers from financial crimes issued a report last week highlighting rural challenges with the current banking system. The
Consumer
Financial
Protection
Bureau’s (CFPB) report, “Challenges in Rural Banking Access,” found that rural communities are more likely to lack access to physical bank branches, while rural people are more likely to seek credit from nonbanks and struggle with impacts of growing medical bills. “A major finding is that rural communities are more likely to be in ‘banking deserts’ while rural people actually depend on physical bank branches more than their urban and suburban counterparts,” said Shawn Sebastian, a Senior Fellow at CFPB and staff for the agency’s Rural Initiative. “So, on the one hand, rural people are more likely to need to use and depend on physical bank branches, and on the other hand are more likely to be further away from banks. That’s a clear mismatch, and in that
practices with respect to manufactured
overdraft fee, any kind of consumer financial
housing.
issue that involves you and the lender, you
The CFPB also offers services to rural organizations working on rural financial services,
community
development,
should use our complaint portal.” The CFPB receives more than 10,000 complaints
per
week
through
this
accountability by corporations, or local
mechanism. Companies are legally required
economic development. “If you are an
to respond to complaints, with an average
organization that represents rural people
response time of 15 days. “It’s a really
and you’d like to set up a training or would
important way for us to at the CFPB to track
like to access our education services, or
bad actors, a very tangible way to make sure
you’d like to kind of set up a meeting with
they are following the law,” Sebastian said.
us at CFPB, we’d love to work with you,” Sebastian said.
The CFPB is also tasked with helping rural small business owners address unfair
The report also found that despite rural
or predatory financial practices. “If you’re a
credit and banking challenges, rural people
small business owner with issues regarding
are much less likely to use CFPB consumer
banking or your credit, we really encourage
protection tools. The agency’s Rural Initiative
you to share your story with us so that we
was designed in part to help rural people
can better understand the challenges rural
and organizations find out about and use
small businesses are facing,” he said.
available CFPB resources. “One is
of
our
Sebastian access
at
our complaint
“We want to make sure that rural small best
resources
businesses are able to access fair credit
mechanism,”
because we know that in rural areas a
said,
which
consumers
can
disproportionally large number of people
the
CFPB
Complaint
Site
are employed by small businesses.”
(www.consumerfinance.gov/complaint). “If you’re experiencing an issue with a payday loan or your bank, a questionable
Sharing stories with CFPB is encouraged at the agency’s “Share Your Story” intake page.
important gap we see some downstream effects.” Those impacts lead to credit issues for rural people, according to the CFPB. “Rural people are least likely to have a credit record maintained by one of the large national credit reporting agencies, and as a result, accessing the credit that you need is harder,” Sebastian said. “Rural consumers have the lowest utilization of bank credit and the highest utilization of non-bank credit, including higher-cost options like payday loans and pawn shops and other things of that nature.” In addition to banking and credit issues, the CFPB under President Joe Biden is focused on addressing discriminatory and predatory
agricultural
credit
practices,
particularly those that target Black farmers, that can lead to loss of land and wealth, as well as working with rural people to create more fair and transparent facing lending
Source: U.S. Census Bureau. (Note: In this graph, a household is classified as urban if the household resides in a principal city of a metropolitan area, suburban if the household resides in a metropolitan area but not in a principal city, and rural if the household does not reside in a metropolitan area. This figure does not display nonbank credit use for the 14.2 percent of households where the Census Bureau suppressed specific urban, suburban, or rural status to maintain confidentiality.)
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Community murals unite and inspire hometowns other
small
By Elody Gyekis
businesses, the
Artist, Community Artist, Teacher
showed
2010
census a
population
of
just around 900 residents. “Pride in the Past. Love of Place. Hope for the future.”
I
have
done over a dozen
mural
These words dance across the top of
projects across
my community mural in my one-stoplight
Pennsylvania
rural hometown in Central PA. This is the
and
kind of town where Amish buggies pass big
states,
and
rigs in the narrow street, where immigrant
each
one
families work on large farms and roadside
has
stands pop up with home-grown vegetables
unique
all summer long. This is the kind of town
reflecting
where everyone knows everybody else,
identity of that
and neighbors look out for you and your
specific
families. But this is also the kind of town that
But that basic
has shrunk over the years, as out-migration
sentiment
has led young adults out of rural America
expressed in all of them.
into the suburbs and cities.
other
its
own flavor, the place.
Millheim, Pennsylvania is a small town of about 900 residents. Photo by Elody Gyekis
is
For those of us who are lucky enough to
Despite a recent revitalization that has
be connected to a place, whether it is a rural
endowed Millheim with a microbrewery,
town or an urban neighborhood, whether
a coffeeshop, and an art gallery and
we have lived in that place for generations
or a few years, we all love “our places” with this mixture of pride and love and hope. Pride in the Past: We all need to have pride in the heritage and history of a place. This is possible even while acknowledging when that history is far from perfect. We need to honor the experiences, accomplishments, and memories of those that came before us. We need to listen to the stories of our elders who remember, or remember those who remember, what came before. Love of Place: Places, like people, need to be loved to stay alive, to continue to thrive. If we forget to actively love a place, it begins to crumble and fall apart. Many communities have suffered economic blows as times change, industry changes, and small businesses struggle to survive. It takes love and energy and creativity to change with the times and infuse an old place with new life. Hope for the Future: To have hope for
Gyekis works on adding detail to a community mural before its final placement. Photo provided
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the future often means acknowledging what is wrong, what you want to see change. To survive unwanted change, a community has
to have a vision for what could be, and faith that the vision is possible. A mural is a bold, public, visual representation of a story. Putting our stories up on walls for all to see is a practice that has existed for thousands of years, through cave paintings, frescos, and murals. It helps to express what is important to a community. Today, murals often happen in places that have come to a crossroads and needs to reclaim and share its own story. There is not a wealth of literature that measures the impact of murals, but there are a few studies. A 2003 study by UPenn’s Social Impact of the Arts Project looked at the effects of mural projects in Philadelphia. The results showed that there were objective benefits like increased values of adjacent properties and reduced crime rates. These benefits may not be caused by the murals themselves or may have more to do with the community that cared enough to mobilize and create it, showing that this is a space that is cared for and loved. Making the project happen means connecting communities, which then inspires further projects and further connections. Communities are stronger and more resilient when they are connected to one another and support each other. Struggling
rural
towns
and
urban
neighborhoods can have much in common. Many small towns across America are turning to mural projects to kick start revitalization, express identity, to show pride and love, and to bring the community together in a unifying project. It also makes visitors feel attracted to and interested in the place. These kinds of projects can build momentum for tourism, local business, attracting new residents, and inspiring further projects. I became involved with community art as a hopeful and idealistic 18-year-old. I was looking for meaningful summer work the summer between my freshman and sophomore years as a student at Penn State University. I just happened to see a
Gyekis’ hometown mural in Millheim, Pennsylvania adorns the side of the local microbrewery and cafe. Photo by Elody Gyekis
flier in the library seeking an artist to be an
My
contribution
was
insignificant
intern to lead a community mural project in
compared to theirs, but I helped bring
Harrisburg. I had no mural experience, but
everyone together to talk about and
I was a skilled painter, and was awarded
celebrate what was good, and to make one
the internship based on my portfolio and
small corner more beautiful, transformed
interview.
from neglected to loved.
That summer changed my life. I was a
That was the summer that I learned that
teenaged white girl from rural Pennsylvania,
my artistic skills could actually be put to use
and suddenly I was living and working in
in a way that did good in the world. At the
the inner-city neighborhood of Allison Hill,
time, I loved making art, but part of me felt
Harrisburg.
that my career was selfish and indulgent. I no
Allison Hill is the kind of neighborhood
longer think that way about my fine artwork,
where nearby suburbanites make sure
but there is something tangibly different
to lock their car doors if they must drive
about community art and its greater impact.
through it, and I stuck out like a sore thumb.
I could see it in the pride that was
But I grew to love it and ended up
expressed in the project by so many of the
working on projects there for two years.
people who helped, the way we all worked
Everything about that time was challenging
together to transform an abandoned lot
and interesting and full of warmth and
that was gathering litter into a small park
humanity and surprises. The murals that
with grass and gardens and benches, next
we
struggles
to a mural. During that time, I worked with
and triumphs of the residents who were
created
celebrated
the
hundreds of people; I worked with daycare
making the best of things despite a lack of
centers, senior centers, church groups,
infrastructure, opportunity, and amenities.
schools, juvenile delinquents, and the
The theme we chose for the first mural
Dauphin County Work Release system. The
was “Live the Conversation” and depicted
inmates there could get community service
a tree full of the faces of people in the
hours if they worked with me.
neighborhood, leaders that were dedicating themselves to improving their community.
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I remember one day, late in my first summer there, I was working side-by-side
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with one of my regulars, an inmate from the work release system. He was older and treated me in a fatherly way, having had teenage daughters himself. He was the kind of person that, despite having almost no money of his own, would hear me complain about being hungry and then use his break to spend his change on some potato chips from the corner store and then give them to me. It was towards the end of the project, and we could see that the mural panels were almost finished. He turned to me and said something like “this will be up by the time I get out. I can’t wait to bring my daughter down to see the mural and show her what I did.” Every project I do is filled with moments like this, and that is what keeps me going. That summer was 17 years ago. Each project I do is so different, but they all share these moments of meaning. It is humbling to be a part of. Currently, I am in the process of helping another rural Pennsylvania town, Middleburg, get a mural project going to kick
Gyekis, center, works alongside students on the “Dreams Take Flight” community mural in State College, Pennsylvania.
Photo provided
start revitalization of the town. I am also halfway through facilitating a mural in Phoenix, Arizona that is all about celebrating identity diversity and building mental health awareness. I have two LGBTQ young adult interns that I am training to lead the project on the ground, as I can only be on site occasionally.
Not all public art is community art. Public art can be made by
anyone and put anywhere so people can access it. Community art has to reflect the place where it exists and be meaningful to the people who will see it every day.
It has been such a joy watching them gain the confidence to
When I direct a mural project, it is all about maximizing
lead this project. That is the other thing that keeps me going: each
community engagement at every step of the way. Making sure that
project trains and empowers others to take on this kind of work and
the voices and vision of a place and its people are represented in
carry it forward to the next generation.
the design. This process starts with a lot of conversations where I listen for the themes that come up over and over again with many community members. Those themes then guide the design. The mural itself is designed digitally, and then I turn the entire mural into a giant paint-by-number project, painted on panels that are later glued up on the designated wall like outdoor wallpapering. In this way, hundreds of community members can help to paint the mural, people of all ages and skill levels can work together and have pride in making something beautiful and meaningful with their own hands. Coming together to create a community mural makes us talk about what we love about a place, and sharing that love aloud with others reinforces it. It reminds us to be grateful, and to cherish and protect those things. To tell our stories about history, heritage, and people. To acknowledge what needs to change. To build a vision
The Allison Hill mural brought the community together in the creation and unveiling of the project.
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Photo provided
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looking towards the future.
Mural brings new life to Oregon Grange and community By Suzy Ramm Senior Communication Fellow Oregon State Grange Bulletin Editor Located at the corner of the Trask River Road and 3rd Street in the small dairy town of Tillamook on the Oregon coast, Fairview Grange #273’s Hall has a new bright eyecatching mural – ‘A Gathering at the Grange.’ “The mural is for the community, for this neighborhood, as well as to bring the Grange into more of a cultural center” Eric Sappington, President of Fairview Grange and a local artist, musician and teacher explained. “The mural focuses on the farms, the children, the music, and the community,” Sappington said. “We wanted to keep it simple and represent our community. The silhouettes can be anybody, everyone can gravitate towards one or two of those things. I wanted it to be something people could see and relate to.”
A local student (right) paints the sand while, up on the ladder, artist and Grange President Eric Sappington works on the sunrise.
Photo provided
From one end to the other the 40-foot wide by 15-foot high mural, the many views
with volunteers helping a couple of hours,
repairs continued through the winter and
of Tillamook are represented. It starts on
two nights a week, and artist Larry Adrian,
into spring of 2022. Tillamook Rotary is
one end with a painting of a lighthouse
Artistic Director for the Oregon Coast
donating a new wheelchair ramp for the
representing Cape Meares Lighthouse, and
Children’s Theater (OCCT) and other
building, and many other projects and
the other end a misty sunrise over the hills.
volunteers working on the weekends.
events are planned for this historic building
our
The project took about eight weeks to
community, with the lighthouse, the ocean,
complete. “The neighborhood has been
the trees, as well as the hillsides, the figures
really excited about it because they say
agriculture
of our community: the loggers, musicians,
it really brightens their day,” Sappington
President Sappington said. “They were
the artists, the children, the farmers, as well
said.
about farmers getting together and sharing
“I
have
included
aspects
of
with a long history for the region. “Granges historically have been about and
community,”
Grange
as some wildlife. I envisioned this as if we
The mural was one of several projects
with the community.”
were standing here looking through the
completed at the Hall last summer and
The Fairview Grange, the oldest Grange
Grange,” said Sappington.
into the fall as volunteers, students, theater
in Tillamook County, was chartered in 1895,
The mural was a cooperative project
staff, Grange members and family worked
with forty-three members. It was the 273rd
between the Grange, the Oregon Coast
on renovations. With those renovations
Grange to be organized in Oregon. The
Children’s Theatre’s Foundation, which
finished, OCCT will make their new
Grange Hall was built in 1916, at a cost of
funded the project, and members of the
administration office at the Grange Hall in
$2,000, and was then considered the finest
community. “We had local high school
the old Box Office. The over 100-year-old
Grange Hall in the state.
students working on it,” Sappington said,
building received fresh coats of paint inside
“and community members helped out.”
and out, and repairs to doors, windows
microphones, amps and speakers, the
and the front area of the building. Other
Grange
The painting began in August 2021
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Built
before Hall
was
the
invention
engineered
to
of be
25
“A Gathering at the Grange” the recently finished mural on Fairview Grange, brightens the day of their neighbors as they pass by.
Photo by Suzy Ramm
acoustically dynamic, allowing speeches and musical presentations
build and fund public works of art,” Adrian said. “Most schools in
to project without a sound system. Since then, the Grange Hall has
Tillamook County have a mural that was done by us.”
been extensively used for dances, concerts, weddings, markets, and other public gatherings.
As a part of their partnership and renovations to the Fairview Grange, OCCT for the Arts Foundation and supporters
Over the years, the building became in need of extensive repair, as membership dipped. In 2011, the Oregon State Grange
commissioned Sappington to design and oversee the installation of the mural on the side of the building.
took possession of the Hall when the Grange went dormant. “The
The theatre company will be holding artist showcases, open
Hall was going to get demolished eight years ago until 10 strong
mic nights, and theatrical events at the Hall. “Our eventual goal
members stepped up to save it,” Sappington said. In 2013, the
is to use the Grange auditorium to do live theatre performances,”
Grange was reorganized and the Hall saved, now being shared
Adrian said. And like many Grange Halls, it will be open for events
with the theatre company.
such as birthday parties and weddings, in addition to the Grange’s
OCCT focuses on education in both theatre and fine arts. “We
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meetings.
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Expanding the ‘Community’ in Community-Supported Agriculture Community-supported agriculture projects, or CSAs, typically come with an up-front cost that puts them out of reach of low-income families. New England groups are trying new approaches that lower the cost to families while protecting the financial health of farmers.
By Caroline Tremblay Courtesy of The Daily Yonder If you’ve ever visited a farm on CSA pickup day, with overstuffed baskets of vegetables all in a row, the word “bountiful” might come to mind. But in many cases that bounty remains unfamiliar to lowincome families unable to pay the upfront costs the communitysupported agriculture (CSA) model typically entails. Fortunately, in communities throughout New England, that model has been shifting, still giving farmers the financial boost they need while also spreading the fresh-produce love to residents who typically wouldn’t have access. One great example is the Farm Share Program led by the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New Hampshire (NOFA-NH). “It began in 2017 and is based on the longstanding successful model of our sister chapter, NOFA-VT,” said operations manager Nikki Kolb. The programs in both Vermont and New Hampshire aim to reduce the cost of local CSA shares for residents in need of financial assistance, while at the same time ensuring farmers have the monetary support to be successful. In New Hampshire, “It was initially entirely funded by a one-year grant, with the goal of developing a sustainable, annual program,” said Kolb. It has now grown into an ongoing program funded primarily through a yearly “Share the Bounty Day” fundraiser.
Employees of Brookford Farm showing off farm-grown asparagus spears.
Photo courtesy of The Daily Yonder
need,” Kolb said.
“Local grocers, restaurants, and other community partners
In addition to raising the 25%, participating farms must be
contribute a percentage of sales from the day or donate a flat
certified organic and be members of NOFA-NH. While it might
amount to the Farm Share Program,” Kolb said. Support also
equal some extra steps, a steadily growing number of farms have
comes from other sponsors and individual donors who contribute
come on board since the program’s launch. “We want to provide farm-fresh, certified organic vegetables
throughout the year. “In addition to these existing fundraising sources, NOFA-
to households with limited income,” said Jodie Martinez. She is
NH is participating in a three-year USDA FMPP (Farmers Market
the CSA and office manager at participating Brookford Farm in
Promotion Program) grant award that will establish Farm Share
Canterbury, New Hampshire.
programs in each of the NOFA chapter states that do not yet
Owned by Luke and Catarina Mahoney, longtime practitioners
have one,” Kolb said. The effort is being led by CT-NOFA and
of organic and biodynamic farming, Brookford Farm made its
new programs will be established in Connecticut, New York, New
permanent home on 613 acres in Canterbury in 2012. The farm
Jersey, and Rhode Island.
produces vegetables, as well as raw milk, farmstead cheeses, free-
While NOFA-NH covers 50% of the cost of each farm share for
range eggs, grass-fed, pasture-raised meats, and more.
low-income residents, recipients and participating farm partners
Its home base, Canterbury, which is bordered by the Merrimack
each contribute 25%. So how do farms make up the difference
and Soucook Rivers, is well-known for its farming culture and is
without taking a hit?
even home to the Canterbury Shaker Village. Now a National
“Many of the participating farmers fundraise for the Farm Share Program through their CSA membership base, providing options for buyers to donate towards shares for community members in
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Historic Landmark and museum, it preserves the story of a thriving farm and artisan community started in 1792. Canterbury continues to honor the work of local growers,
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artists, and performers with its popular, annual Canterbury Fair. While the town offers that classic New England feel, it also has major highway access and is situated close to several of New Hampshire’s urban centers, including Exeter, Manchester, and Nashua. Brookford has pickup locations for its CSA members in each of these areas and more, even serving some people in the Greater Boston area of Massachusetts. During summer, the farm peaks at 200 to 500 shares, which includes their Farm Share members. Brookford has been part of the Farm Share Program for the last five years, and their aim is to “help increase food security in the Granite State,” Martinez said. Those that receive their reducedcost CSA shares frequently express gratitude for the opportunity to participate. “We have found that the Farm Share Program is especially beneficial for community members who identify as low-income but who do not qualify for typical food assistance programs like SNAP,” said Kolb. According to Feeding America, 119,990 of New Hampshire’s residents are facing hunger; 27,980 of them are children. Since the pandemic, Kolb has seen demand for food through the Farm Share Program increase. “Our goal is to continue to grow the program annually by adding new farms and supporting more
CSA basket from Red Fire Farm. Photo courtesy of The Daily Yonder
shares at each participating farm so that we can reach even more residents,” she said. Based in nearby Western Massachusetts, Red Fire Farm is also taking an innovative approach to enhancing healthy food and living for its neighbors. “There is a huge disparity in our country when it comes to finances and access to good food. The biggest benefit of the SNAP CSA program is that everyone is able to get beautiful, organic produce,” said CSA program manager Kelley Dennis. Since 2017, Red Fire Farm has been a SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) CSA retailer. It’s a streamlined structure to simplify the use of SNAP benefits that was launched by The Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA). “It’s not like the farmers markets where we need to have dedicated equipment to process payments,” Dennis said. Instead, qualifying CSA members fill out a form, which is then sent to DTA. The monthly benefit funds are then withdrawn automatically and sent directly to the farm. While most CSAs are accustomed to full payments received in winter, “getting the SNAP funds during the individual seasons is something that we’ve grown used to,” Dennis said. The biggest challenge in her mind is spreading the word. “I am always getting phone calls and emails from people who have just realized they can sign up,” Dennis said. Red Fire Farm is based in two primary locations. The first is a
population of 8,580. The other is about 30 minutes away in the town of Granby, with 6,110 residents. Through the purchase of these two farms and a number of rented fields, owner Ryan Voiland, who has had a passion for growing vegetables since middle school, and his wife Sarah Voiland, are able to grow enough food to serve CSA members in Western Massachusetts, Worcester, and Boston. Their produce is also sold at markets and stores, as well as through wholesale partners and a doorstep food delivery service that curates offerings from local producers. Rooted deeply in organic practices, sustainable agriculture, and farmland preservation, Red Fire places great weight on being an integral part of the community. Annually, they donate over $90,000 worth of produce to food relief organizations, like the Food Bank of Western Mass, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, and Food for Free. Generating shares for SNAP CSA members is another way Red Fire continues to invest in community support. “I love the fact that more people are learning about sustainable, regenerative agriculture and that everyone can take part in it, even if you live in the city… whole organic foods really are attainable for everyone,” Dennis said. So far, the farm has seen an increased number of SNAP CSA participants each year, and she hopes it’s a trend that will continue.
town called Montague that consists of five villages, totaling to a
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As biopharmaceutical researchers keep searching for breakthrough cures they don’t have to look far for inspiration. In this new era of medicine, where breakthroughs are transforming prevention and treatment options, PhRMA is committed to fixing America’s health care system the right way.
www.Innovation.org
The Power of the Potluck Theming your potlucks may also add excitement as it challenges
By Amanda Brozana Rios
members to step outside their comfort dish and create something
National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director
they otherwise might not have thought of. Having a theme allows you to build activities or educational programming around a specific
For many members, Grange meetings are synonymous with food.
food or invite a guest speaker with knowledge or experience with
While some see the shared meals as just a frill or perk of membership,
that specific food or theme. You could also learn about local farms
for others the potluck is a saving grace or the reason Grange remains a part of their lives. Over the past few years, I’ve heard many times the reasons why potlucks are a vital piece of the Grange experience and I’ve come to realize that we don’t talk about and think about these enough as membership, service, and educational tools. Like Natalie, Harry, and Robin* who you’ll meet later in this article, the potluck is not the immediate or only draw for prospective members. Yet, when people hear that they can have a full meal with friends, free because of their membership in the Grange, there is relief – from having to find time to do good while juggling a busy schedule; from loneliness; from food insecurity; and from so many other worries we may never know. There is also an opportunity for the Grange to fulfill at least three other vital roles we announce in our heritage work: that we build a fellowship among members, that we provide tangible benefits to those
that raise or produce the food. If you have made a good connection with a local producer, you might be able to work with them to provide your members with some of the themed ingredients to unveil the next theme, help them create their potluck item, or provide it as a prize to the person whose offering is selected “best dish.” You may also use the time to mix and mingle and start a new conversation. Make a game out of sitting with someone you may not otherwise have shared a meal with and encourage members to talk about something in small groups. From personal revelations to observations about how to improve your Grange experience, there is so much one can cover while enjoying lunch or dinner. Throughout Grange history, Grange cookbooks have been a staple at all levels of the Grange. Think about assigning someone to collect and create a print or virtual cookbook celebrating your members’ own potluck recipes. Even a simple document or website with the recipes
who choose to become members, and that we educate members,
can help connect people by reminding them of great dishes and great
helping them grow to their greatest potential.
conversations they enjoyed at your Grange.
How is it that a simple covered dish meal can do so much? And
Granges who have not recently welcomed new members may find
how can you be sure your Grange is cashing in on the power of the
this a silly exercise, but there’s no harm in trying. Moreover, it gives you
potluck?
something new to talk about to prospective members who may just
Consider naming a potluck chairperson or creating a committee including, but not limited to, your agriculture director and Lecturer. Encourage them to elevate your potlucks through thoughtful
area, food or their neighbors. * Natalie, Harry and Robin are personas built from experiences of real people in Grange membership.
preparation.
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have their interest piqued by a full meal or a fun way to learn about the
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Meet Natalie It’s been a long day. She’s getting off work late – again. The after-school program will fine her if she’s not there to pick up the kids in just a few minutes. They’ll be hungry, and so is she, but she’s not sure what’s in the fridge or freezer that she can make. Then she remembers – tonight is the Grange meeting. As Natalie established herself in her career, she struggled to eat at a reasonable hour before having children, and dinners from fast-food chains were an embarrassing staple. After the kids came, dinner became more of a priority, but juggling work and a family meant that she had to give up many other activities she had enjoyed. Grange, though, remained a priority in part because it welcomed the whole family with food and open arms. Grange nights were a relief, not a burden, in the schedule. As the kids are getting older and asking to get involved in sports and other activities, she’s not sure that she will be able to make each meeting as she does today, but she knows they will remain members and help when they can with events because of the friendships forged over food.
Meet Harry Cooking for one is hard. It’s either unhealthy prepackaged options or cooking a meal from scratch that will then be lunch and dinner for the next several days. The hardest part is looking across the table at the empty chair with something to say and no one to say it to. But tonight, he’ll share his food and fellowship with friends because there’s a Grange meeting. Harry’s Grange family rallied around him when his wife – who had also been a member – passed away. They continued to support him as he downsized and moved into a retirement community in a way that even the structured activities there and well-meaning neighbors could not. Some of his favorite meals were ones that couldn’t be downsized for a single serving, and Grange meetings gave him an excuse to cook for an army like he used to joke that his wife had done. Over a potluck, while enjoying what he had brought, people would reminisce with him about years gone by, their own memories of his wife and kids, and would warm his heart as they gladly scooped up leftovers.
Meet Robin Money is tight and while she is thankful for what is provided in the monthly food pantry box, there isn’t much variety - and there’s still a lot left to buy to construct a real dinner. Butter, cooking oil, milk, salt and pepper and other spices, most perishables – it adds up. The doctor says she needs a better-balanced diet with less salt, but that’s easier said than done in this income bracket. Tonight though, there’s a Grange meeting. Robin’s potluck offerings are few and those she brings are often boxes of sweet pastries or other treats given in abundance by the local food distribution network. As a person new to Grange, she didn’t know what to expect and considered politely declining after a friend invited her to join an organization that would cost her the equivalent of a week’s groceries and then some, but she’s always been good at math. For the dues, she could be guaranteed two healthy and filling meals each month plus sometimes several meals thereafter containing items she would otherwise not buy. As someone who often feels like a burden because she uses food assistance programs, it’s also nice to know that she’s giving back to her community while benefiting from her membership - and making friends in the process. Robin’s Grange Secretary and President - and a few other members she’d gotten close to - knew she struggled with food security and always made sure she was invited first to take home leftovers – a big way to make the food budget stretch for the month and provide some additional protein and fiber in her diet. After some time, she felt safe enough to tell the group about her experiences with food banks in the area and encourage donations. Since then, other members have offered rides to grocery stores holding big meat sales and have brought her items they had in abundance, like homegrown vegetables, butter or spices and several have invited her to attend events like Little League games and local plays – something she would otherwise feel awkward attending not having a relative taking part in the events.
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Seed giveaway program blossoms during pandemic By Marilyn Reiher President, Winona Grange #271, Oregon
cartons of seed packets, he dumped the contents onto tables in our dining room. Members created assortments by picking different veggies and varieties. The process was
When Winona Grange was organized in Oregon in 1895, Tualatin was a train station, a couple of stores, a school, and a church. The city of Tualatin wasn’t incorporated until 1913. The charter members grew onions, potatoes, berries, and vegetables. Today, Tualatin is a bedroom community 11 miles south of Portland. Warehouses and manufacturing plants cover those fields. Most of the Grange members are gardeners. Winona
Grange
#271
in
Tualatin,
Oregon is known for its seed packet distribution project. From 2009 to 2020 we received vegetable, herb, and flower seed packets that didn’t sell the previous year from a seed company in Boulder, Colorado. The first year, an article in the Oregon State Grange Bulletin let other Granges know that we had seeds. We shipped 7,500 packets. Demand exceeded supply; Granges that met late in the month missed out. When our project manager received
far from scientific. When Winona Grange received nine large cartons of seed packets – all veggies and herbs, no flowers -- a member googled “community gardens in Oregon” and built an email list. Many of those gardens continue to order year after year.
Winona’s
webmaster
Photo Provided
website so that groups could pay shipping costs with PayPal
his garden seeds at Bi-Mart, a regional
or a major credit card. The Grange usually
employee-owned retailer. He called their warehouse in Eugene.
shipped 50 boxes per year. When the pandemic hit in 2020, our
The manager, a former Grange member,
Grange had two boxes left. Members
said, “Come on down and load up.” The
decided to hold local seed giveaways.
manager even helped him load his van
They set up tables in front of the hall and
with 100 Bi-Mart shopping bags and a few
provided tongs and grabbers so gardeners
boxes filled with packets returned by Bi-
could pick out packets without touching
Mart stores at the end of the season. There
those touched by others. The giveaways
was no way to tell what was in each bag
were well attended because vegetable
or box until members sorted the contents
seeds became as scarce as toilet paper and
while watching TV. After members sorted packets by
yeast. Later in 2020, our partner
vegetable, creating assortments was easier.
seed company notified us that
However, due to the pandemic, only a few
they could no longer provide us
could pack boxes at one time. Still, at the
packets.
end of day all the boxes were packed and
A member emailed 20 seed
ready to mail. Then our previous project
companies. They didn’t have
manager, who had his own business, pointed
seeds left or their remaining
out that flat rate boxes you get free at the
seeds were in bags, not packets
post office are not the same as regional
or they limited the quantity they
rate boxes. Each box that the members had
would send. One company sent
packed would cost over $20 to mail.
500 packets and 29 bags, most
Regional rate boxes are free but must
of which was okra... It’s not
be special ordered. When the boxes finally
“popular” in Oregon.
arrived, three members spent four hours Winona
transferring the contents from the flat rate
Grange’s Secretary came up
boxes to the slightly smaller regional rate
Photo Provided
with the answer. He bought
boxes.
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Members pick packets to create assortments of
32
packets and offer gardening advice.
added Order buttons to our
What to do?!? seeds to distribute.
Winona Grange members help guests select seed
Of course, it was raining hard when we
www.nationalgrange.org
They could take just the packets they wanted to plant. In
Some feared that charging $20 for shipping
would discourage orders, but look how many seed packets are in a box!
Photo Provided
took the first load to our local post office. Maybe we should have signed up for that shipping service our previous project manager recommended. The postal clerk was overwhelmed but she accepted our handwritten labels and we learned to bring a list of zip codes to check off. Still, in 2021 we shipped more boxes - 72 up from 52 - and held several local giveaways. Some
members
complained
about
the germination rate of some packets. They suggested we contact Wilco, a local cooperative with 18 farm stores. Before we did, Bi-Mart called us. They had a van load of bags and boxes set aside for us. Wilco also responded with a palletsized box filled with veggie, herb, and flower packets as well as some bulk bags all mixed together. More sorting, but also more variety. Several local community gardens noted that they had no budget to cover shipping charges and asked if they could pick up their box at the Grange Hall on their way through town? To help, they were invited to take home assortments for free in exchange for packing their own box or bags or pockets.
early
November
This seed distribution project has been a great community service project for Winona
2021,
Grange.
However,
our
“community”
eight Winona members and 17
stretches from Bandon on the Pacific Ocean
volunteers from seven gardening
to Boise, Idaho and from North Seattle to
groups packed 75 boxes. Ten high
Ashland, close to the California border.
school students, who had taped
During the Covid pandemic, the project
box bottoms the previous week,
gave our urban Grange a reason to keep
came to tape the tops, and help
on working. We sorted in October, packed
pack assortments.
boxes in November, and are still looking for
One volunteer group took
gardeners in May. As of April 2022, we’ve
most of the bulk bags as well as
shipped 111 boxes. We will be giving away
packets our members didn’t think
packets during our History, Seeds & Scoops
Americans would plant. The group
(127th anniversary celebration and ice
serves immigrants and knows what
cream social) at the Tualatin Library, and at
those from each country will plant
the Oregon State Grange booth at Ag Fest.
and eat. This year we included a
Oregon State Grange President Susan
feedback form in each box to help
Noah has agreed that if we still have seeds,
us understand which packets to
we can have a box in the Log Cabin at the
include in assortments next year.
State Fair August 26 - September 5. It isn’t
After we received orders from
planting season, but visitors love pawing
our usual Oregon customers, we still had
through a box of seed packets, finding and
many packed boxes left over. We sent
remembering what they planted as a kid.
emails to community gardens in Western Washington, but the response rate was low.
The packets are stamped “Sell by 12/21” but the seeds don’t know that!
When one nice lady sent a thank you note, we asked her to spread the word. She got our email posted on a Seattle area listserv. Orders poured in. Most raise produce for food banks. Determining the charge for postage was
a
Rates
challenge. had
been
going up and up. We
thought
the
charge would be $15 per box. Members voted to add $5 and apply any profit to our scholarship
fund.
We were surprised that the actual cost for was
most
boxes
lower
than
anticipated, and we added $750 to our scholarship fund!
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Members and volunteers pick packets from boxes, making sure that each assortment includes several varieties of different vegetables.
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Photo Provided
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Granges support Ukraine with fundraising and collection efforts By Karen Cline 2019 Communication Fellow It’s no secret that community Granges are made up of caring and giving people. So when the conflict in Ukraine began on February 24 of this year, Granges across the nation sprang into action, eager to help those in the global community affected by the Russian invasion. For many Granges, assisting Ukraine was the first time they held an internationally-focused effort. In Freeport, Maine, Harraseeket Grange #9 held a fundraiser and open house Easter Sunday. Their goal was to assist their Lecturer, Lori Grotz, with her efforts to send supplies to her family in Poland. Grotz’s family has been hosting multiple refugee families since the war began. She said, “The event went above my expectations. It was so fun doing an Easter open house. People stopped by to check out the Grange and drop off items for Ukrainian families.” This event highlighted that “most people care a lot about the needs of others,” said Grotz. Kathleen Meade, President of Harraseeket Grange No. 9, stated that since the needs in Ukraine will continue for years to come, collection efforts will be ongoing. Marble Valley Grange #567 in Pittsford,
Marble Valley Grange in Pittsford, Vermont collected over 11,000 doses of pain relievers to send to Ukraine. Photo by Jessica Falker
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Vermont, collected and shipped ibuprofen and acetaminophen just 25 days after the Russian invasion. Both Ukrainian hospitals and tactical units indicated that painrelievers were a critical need. The collection period, designed as a short two-week effort so the items could be shipped quickly, was promoted on Facebook by Jessica Falker, Marble Valley’s Legislative Jefferson Grange #1384 (PA) Junior members Thomas Committee Chair. Falker and Genevieve help raise funds and collect donations for Ukraine at a table in their local Boscov’s department also found a Ukrainian store. Photo Provided shipping company, Meest, to provide air transport for (WFP). For each $75 raised, Ukrainian families the donations, with Marble Valley paying all receive food for one month. As a thank you shipping costs. to individuals giving $5 or more, local bakery Community members donated through Cake Pros designed a unique sunflower the collection baskets placed in the Maclure cookie to pay homage to the Ukrainian Library and Keith’s Country Store in Pittsford. national flower. In addition, Marble Valley Grange members To help promote the fundraiser, Jefferson and New Horizon Pomona donated to the Grange Secretary Amanda Brozana Rios and cause. Funds for the cause rolled in from Youth member and event co-chair Connor Grange members across the country, the Czarick appeared on local news station furthest donation coming from Idaho. WBRE/WYOU PA on March 30. “This is a Ellen Garneau, a fourteen-year Grange great partnership opportunity because we member and Lecturer of Marble Valley Grange are helping a local business, helping those #567 in Pittsford, Vermont, said that the initial affected by the situation in Ukraine, and goal was to ship five pounds of pain relievers. Marble Valley Grange exceeded this goal – on honoring the heritage of many of the folks in March 21, the Grange sent nineteen pounds our community,” said Brozana Rios. A variety of local supporting businesses of drugs. That amounts to 11,475 doses! “Our provided “donations stations.” Brozana-Rios Grange can have an impact across the world!” stated, “these stations have helped our local Garneau added. Fundraising took a sweet turn at Jefferson businesses and raised our Grange’s profile in Grange #1384 in Southern Schuylkill County, the community.” As of May 1, Jefferson Grange has raised Pennsylvania. Developing a fundraiser to assist the Ukrainian people took on a deeper enough money to feed nearly 70 families. While meaning for many in the community. The the Grange’s goal is to provide food for 100 area served by Jefferson Grange has one families, the fundraising program will continue of the largest concentrations of people who at least through their county fair in August identified as having Ukrainian heritage on the because the need is so great. To contribute to Jefferson Grange’s efforts, donate online at U.S. Census. Jefferson Grange decided to donate givebutter.com/feedrefugees. funds to the UN World Food Programme
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“Sock it to us!” Maine Grange keeps kids’ toes warm By Walter Boomsma Communications Director, Maine State Grange “We stopped counting,” Valley Grange Community Service Chair Mary Annis said. “Thanks to members and friends, we were able to fill five bags with socks for our local kids. We used almost half of the dining hall to spread things out to sort!” We delivered those bags to five local schools for distribution to kids who needed them during what was undoubtedly some of the most bitterly cold weather. Windchill factors were taking local temperatures to as much as forty below zero. Our volunteer deliverers bundled up and wore their own warm socks. “Operation Warm Toes” was a very spontaneous project. Once we became aware of the need, we kept it simple. It seemed to take on a life of its own. Several local television stations reported on our efforts, and it wasn’t long before people started “socking it to us.” We quickly established informal collection systems, including inviting people to leave socks in a tote on the Grange Hall porch. Several online shoppers ordered socks and had them delivered. We received socks from as far away as Pennsylvania and a significant cash donation from West Virginia. However unintentionally, we linked it to our Words for Thirds Project by making deliveries to the same schools where we give dictionaries. One television station pointed out the connection by including footage from their coverage of the dictionary program with the story encouraging
people to “sock it to us!” From the reception we received from the schools and communities, it is safe to assume that this cannot be limited to a one-time effort. With plenty of winter weather left and lots of tiny toes, we plan another delivery this year. We learned essential lessons from the experience. Perhaps the biggest was that sometimes just getting started outweighs lots of planning. We didn’t decide to put together a program. We just decided to collect some socks. In many respects, the program naturally unfolded based on the simplicity of what we started. Sometimes the best projects are the ones you “make up as you go along.” Another lesson was that communities (meaning people) are anxious to support energy and accomplishment - particularly when the need is basic.
Fundamental needs are the ones that are often overlooked and go unfulfilled. Like most Granges, we found many of our usual activities and projects cut back or discontinued because of the pandemic. I dare say we became lethargic. I know other Granges are in similar straits. A lesson we might offer from our experience is “Just find something to do. It doesn’t have to be a ‘Grange Project,’ it could just be something a member cares about.” Then get out of the way and let it grow. Thanks in a large part to the publicity our collection and distribution of socks received, we recently added two new members to our roster. They did not come with socks, but they came to be part of an organization doing something. Sock it to your communities, and they will sock it back to you.
Valley Grange members in Maine filled five large garbage bags with socks to be donated to local schools for kids who needed them.
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Photo Provided
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5 ways to practice gratitude with your child Courtesy of Brandpoint Gratitude has been shown to help kids and adults practice resilience through tough times by focusing on the positive emotions that come with spending quality time with family and friends. That’s why character education matters. Throughout the year, it’s important to find opportunities to reflect and think of ways to relieve the stress of today’s world and infuse gratitude and thankfulness into your family members’ lives. Try one of the following five ways
stamps. Then, take a family walk to the mailbox or a trip to the post office after dinner to send them together. 3. Create a gratitude jar Invite your family to jot down things they’re grateful for on slips of paper and put them in a jar. Help your child use crayons and markers to make them more colorful and fun. Then, go around the table picking them out and taking turns reading them. Make sure to write the year of when you created the jar year over year, you can look back on past jars. You’ll have a big collection before you know it.
is struggling. Find a local organization that can help you make an impact and engage your child in the critical life lesson of giving back to those in need. 5. The grand finale - dinnertime Prepare your meals as a family! Bonding
happens
during
these
activities. The act of preparing food with your family is great for your well-being and teaches children to be thankful and appreciative. It also provides a time to reconnect with family and focus on what is important in your lives.
suggested by Joy Turner, Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care vice president of education, to help you practice gratitude with your children and family: 1. Head offline Dedicate some time during the week to spend offline - no electronics.
4. Home is where the heart is Part of practicing gratitude is realizing that there are others who are in need. If you can, safely support a local group that helps people who are experiencing homelessness or gather food to take to a local food bank. Help someone in your community you know
Cell phones, video games, computers and tablets give short-term happiness. Spending
time
together
making
memories is what brings long-term happiness. As a family, share the things that make each other feel happy. Include non-tangible items such as spending time doing activities you enjoy. 2. You’ve got mail You may not be able to spend time with every single person you’re thankful for. Have everyone in the family write a thank-you letter to someone they care about. It can even be a note to a friend you’re thankful for who lives far away. Be prepared with stationery or greeting cards and
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
With some resilience and a grateful attitude, you may create a new gratitude habit that will help your child’s character development. If you run out of ideas or want to practice other key character traits, head over to Kiddie Academy’s website to download the Character Essentials Activity Book.
Is your garden thriving? Thank a breeder! Not your grandmother’s flowers
Courtesy of Brandpoint
One such breeding example is verbena. Years ago, this colorful
Today, you don’t need to be a horticultural expert to grow
annual fell out of favor because it was an inconsistent bloomer or
tasty tomatoes, mouth-watering watermelon or fragrant lilacs.
was susceptible to diseases like powdery mildew. Annual flower
Advances in breeding over the past decade have resulted in plants
breeders went to work to fix these problems. The results are new,
that are easier for home gardeners to grow. They are more disease
improved varieties that are disease resistant, more heat-tolerant
resistant, weather tolerant and prolific than ever before. “These
and provide consistent color.
researchers are dedicated to developing varieties that grow well
“We chose verbena as our Year Of Annual because of all of
in our various climates and perform better than the varieties from
these improvements,” says Blazek. “Breeding advancements have
the past.
made verbena much easier to grow, and they’re a great way to add
They’re focusing on new plants that can bring more to the
season-long color to the garden.”
garden: more flowers, more fruits, more disease resistance, all in
Phlox has a similar story. This native perennial, chosen as the
convenient sizes for today’s garden,” says Diane Blazek, executive
2022 Year of Perennial crop, was susceptible to disease, and tall
director at National Garden Bureau (NGB). “Many of NGB’s Year
garden varieties would often flop over in the garden. Breeding work
Of plant selections have seen major breeding improvements in the
focused on creating stronger stems to keep the beautiful blooms
last few years and that’s why we chose them. It’s an exciting time
upright. New varieties are also much more disease resistant, offer
for all gardeners.”
more vibrant colors and are easier to grow. Small-space fruits and veggies Have you stayed away from planting edibles because you have a small space, or even just a patio or balcony? Well, you can’t use that excuse any longer! Breeders have developed many edible varieties to use in small gardens or containers, including tomatoes, peppers, raspberries, squash and watermelons. There are container-friendly tomato plants that are high yielding and produce fruits multiple times during the season. Same goes for berries. Compact blueberries, raspberries and even blackberries can have you snacking right from your patio. This year’s 2022 Year Of Edible is Salad Greens. Breeders are making breakthrough improvements here too. You’ll find tastier varieties that stay compact in the garden and are more heat tolerant and less likely to bolt Super shrubs In flowering shrubs, there are many examples of improvements. Lilac breeding, for example, has developed problem-solving varieties that stay more compact in the landscape, are more resistant to disease and can even rebloom later in the season. Now, these nostalgic and classic shrubs are perfectly suited for today’s gardens, and one of the many reasons why they were chosen as the 2022 Year of crop in the flowering shrub category. Breeders have listened to the trials and tribulations of gardeners and have responded with improved plants that will make for more successful gardening. Why not give it another go this year? You might be surprised at how much easier gardening has become. Visit National Garden Bureau at NGB.org for more information on starting or growing your garden.
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
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How to safely dispose of used household needles and medical sharps Courtesy of Family Features When it comes to disposing used household medical needles or sharps, safety is the point. Every day, millions of people around the United States use needles, lancets and syringes – otherwise known as sharps – to manage health conditions like diabetes, arthritis, cancer or auto-immune diseases from the comfort of their own homes or while on the go. Some commonly used medical sharps include: • Needles – fine, slender, hollow pieces of metal, typically attached to syringes, used to inject medication under the skin or withdraw fluid from the body • Lancets, also called “fingersticks” – often used by people with diabetes to get drops of blood for testing • Auto injectors, including epinephrine pens – syringes pre-filled with fluid medication designed to be self-injected into the body • Infusion sets – tubing systems with needles used to deliver drugs to the body • Connection needles – needles that connect to a tube used to transfer fluids in and out of the body. Managing a health condition can be overwhelming enough, so learning how to dispose of used household sharps may not be top of mind for those who use them. Even for sharps users looking for safe disposal resources, finding state or local regulations can be challenging, but safely disposing of household sharps is an important issue and can help prevent injury. A resource like SafetyIsThePoint.org provides consumers with free resources and up-to-date information about how to safely dispose of their household used sharps. This resource helps connect sharps users with safe disposal options across the United States and offers statespecific disposal guides. “Our years of research have shown
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Photo Courtesy of Getty Images
that people want to do the right thing with their used household sharps, but they did not know where to turn for guidance,” said Bruce Taylor, senior director of government affairs and market access at Dexcom, one of the companies that supports the free public education resource. “SafetyIsThePoint.org takes the guesswork out of household sharps disposal by giving consumers easy instructions no matter where they live or travel.” People who use sharps can often dispose of them at home. It’s as simple as 1-2-3: 1. Place used household sharps in a strong, plastic container like a laundry detergent or bleach bottle. 2. When the container is 75% full, seal it tightly with duct tape and label it “do not recycle.” 3. Place the sealed container in regular household trash. People in most areas of the United States can follow the steps above. In states or counties that do not allow household disposal, sharps users can
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use the ZIP code search function at SafetyIsThePoint.org to find local drop-off locations, such as household hazardous waste collection centers and drop boxes or supervised collection points. To learn more about disposing of used needles and sharps safely, visit SafetyIsThePoint.org.
CONNECTING AMERICA’S HEARTLAND
S
ilver Star Communications began in 1912 when a group of ranchers and businessmen utilized livestock fencing to
carry telephone lines across the valley. Today, Silver Star is deploying 21st century technology solutions to serve customers across eastern Idaho and western Wyoming. Jeff England, CFO and Vice President, leads the company’s ongoing investment in its network
of more than 1,800 miles of fiber optic to deliver
“Silver Star Communications has been connecting our customers for nearly 70 years. We are committed to delivering faster and more reliable high-speed internet help make our community healthy, sustainable places to live and work.” JEFF ENGLAND, CFO AND VICE PRESIDENT SILVER STAR COMMUNICATIONS STAR VALLEY, WYOMING
cutting edge communications solutions. Family-owned and community-focused, Silver Star takes great pride in providing above-andbeyond service with a local touch. Silver Star’s commitment to their community keeps their rural customers solidly connected to the rest of the world. Learn more at silverstar.com. Thank you, Jeff and the Silver Star team, and all of our nation’s broadband providers, for keeping America’s heartland connected to today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s dreams.
Learn more at USTelecom.org
GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL
39
Viva la Fiesta
In June of 2021, The Grange Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, presented the firstever Virtual Telethon event to help support the mission of the National Grange’s Youth and Junior Departments. Rocking out in true 80’s style, Samantha Wilkins, National Junior Grange Director, and Mandy Bostwick, National Youth and Young Adult Development Director, set out with a goal to raise $20,000 to support the Youth and Junior Grange Foundation funds. With just two months to prepare, they spent countless hours seeking talent submissions and video testimonies from Grange members across the nation. Their work came to fruition, producing an 8-hour live-streamed event that surpassed their $20,000 goal. The funds raised helped in allowing these departments the opportunity to provide vital leadership training and programming for the young members of our organization. Every year, the Youth and Junior Departments provide support for young (and future) Grangers across the country to participate in these vital pieces of training, which cost over $30,000 annually to continue the mission of these programs. With such a fun and successful event that enthused members from coast to coast, The Grange Foundation is more than excited to present the second annual Virtual Telethon event on July 9, 2022. This 8-hour live-streamed event will begin at 12 noon (eastern time) and will be packed full of fun, excitement, and a
40
true fiesta to celebrate our Grange Young Adults, Youth, and Juniors! After raising $20,000 in the 2021 telethon, the Foundation hopes to exceed that goal again in July. These enthusiastic directors (Wilkins and Bostwick) are excited to bring to you a live Fiesta-themed celebration. The 8-hour event will be live-streamed on all the National Grange and Grange Foundation Facebook pages and on the National Grange YouTube. “Even if you can’t be there the whole time, be sure to check in throughout the day to see our fundraising progress or to watch some of the awesome talents and testimonies from Grangers across the country,” said Bostwick During the 2022 event, you can expect to see cooking segments with National Grange Lecturer Ann Bercher; a 2022 National Convention sneak peek with Lillian Booth and
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Martha Stefenoni, host region cochairs; Grange Foundation Board members will be on throughout the day with live testimonies and to celebrate as funds are raised. “We are excited to continue for a second year and are looking forward to a high-energy day filled with a fun, fabulous fiesta,” said Wilkins. Wondering how you can be involved in the telethon? You or your Grange can become sponsors today, with sponsorships starting at $25. Donations of $100 or more, will receive a FREE telethon t-shirt. You can visit the Grange Foundation website (www.grangefoundation. org) to check the different levels of sponsorship available for you or your Grange. Sponsors can choose from several levels of support and will be recognized during our virtual telethon, on our website and social
media, and in our weekly newsletter and issues of the quarterly national publications of Good Day! magazine. In 2019 over 1,000 children and young adults were trained in leadership, civic engagement, and community service that they were then able to put into practice in their home communities and schools. These trainings happen at regional conferences, the National Grange convention, the Washington DC Experience, and in many other ways throughout the year. With your support, we have the potential to reach over 1,500 communities through local Grange chapters in rural and small-town America by increasing programming, contests, and skill-building opportunities for our children and youth, aged 5-35. Individual and corporate donations in any amount are welcome. Rural communities produce some of the most hardworking, talented individuals but too many have not been afforded the opportunity for leadership training
to develop to their highest potential. Your support will enable us to continue our educational efforts and provide seed money for even more opportunities for rural young people. Talent and testimonies are still being sought for this year’s event. You can submit your video using this handy form: https://bit.ly/2022TelethonSubmissions. If you need help with your video submissions, contact Mandy Bostwick at youth@nationalgrange.org. To learn more about the programs of the Grange Foundation and youth leadership opportunities, contact National Junior Grange Activities Director Samantha Wilkins at (202) 628- 3507 x113 or visit www. grangefoundation.org. Don’t siesta on this fiesta and mark your calendars for July 9th. ¡Viva la Grange!
Sponsorship Opportunities
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Honoring THE BUILDERS OF OUR
MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES
L egacy
®
85 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP
75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP (CONT’D)
New York • Lucielle Sauter, Beaver Falls #554
Pennsylvania • Ruth Rausch, Ontelaunee #1617
80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP
Washington • June Wachter-Busse, Hope #155
Connecticut • Dorothy Dimmock, Vernon #52 • Florence Glimpse, Wallingford #33
65 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP New York • Carol Collins, Millers Mills #581
Iowa • Shirley Paetz, Bloomington #2057
55 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP
Massachusetts • Willard Goldthwaite, Jr., Dunstable #31
New York • Richard Collins, Millers Mills #581
New York • Dorothy Vail, Freedom Plains #857
50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP
Rhode Island • Russell Allen, Slocum #36 • Herbert Dyer, Jr., Slocum #36
Connecticut • Albert Exley, Ekonk Community #89 • George Russell, Riverton #169
Washington • Dorine McBride, Green Bluff #300 • David H. Schaefer, Logan Hill #1086
Indiana • Paula Gluck, Fairview #2177
75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Connecticut • Henry L. Killam, Glastonbury #26 • Doris M. Links, Glastonbury #26 •
Barbara Scott, Ekonk Community #89
Maine • Arthur Dingley, Topsham #37 • Maurice Keene, Danville Junction #65 • Merton Ricker, Topsham #37 Massachusetts • Barbara Wrin, Holden #78
Maine • Thomas Cooper, Arbutus #450 • Rebecca Curtis, Topsham #37 • Eva Davenport, Winthrop #209 • Judith Macias, White Rock #380 • Suzette O’Donnell Tapley, Arbutus #450 • Phyllis Schroeder, Maple Grove #148 • Eldon Spaulding, Bingham #237 Massachusetts • David Simmons, Dunstable #31 • Frank Sloan, Jr., Holden #78 • Nadine Watton, Dunstable #31
Michigan • Marie Thelen, Burns #160 New Hampshire • Myra Discoll, Gilman #1 • Albert Smith III, Harmony #99
Montana • J. R. Iman, Corvallis #17 • Sue Anne Iman, Corvallis #17 • Robert J. Nicholson, Corvallis #17 • Robert Thorson, Corvallis #17
Ohio • Janice Braniger, Blue Ridge #1448
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Kansas • Susan Kramer, Pleasant View #1459
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50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP (CONT’D)
New Hampshire • Darnell Faro, Lower Intervale #321 • Dale Huckins, Lower Intervale #321 • Dean Huckins, Lower Intervale #321 • Neil MacDonald, Lower Intervale #321
New York • Larry Bray, Curriers #1273 • Susan Huxtable, Millers Mills #581 • Richard Moore, Albright #440 • Dana R. Phelps, Pembroke #1157 • Denise St. Pierre Kelsey, Pembroke #1157 • Robert Wollaber, Beaver Falls #554 Ohio • Rodney D. Brown, Bayard #1878 • Keith H. Dennis, Richland #1899 Oregon • Cheryl Carmin, Sunnyside #842 • Kim Daline, Winona #271 • Peter Holmes, Goldson #868 • Katherine Luttrell, Scholls #338 • Patricia Matheson, Eagle Valley #656 Pennsylvania
• • • • • • • • • • • •
Clifford Deitrich, Virginville #1832 Larry Kehl, Virginville #1832 Clyde Kramer, Ontelaunee #1617 Linda Kramer, Ontelaunee #1617 Kenneth Leiby, Virginville #1832 Miriam Manwiller, Ontelaunee #1617 Suzanne Smith, Virginville #1832 David N. Supplee, Walker #786 Glenn C. Supplee, Walker #786 Kevin Zellers, Bernville #1887 Joyce Zerbe, Bernville #1887 Paul Zerbe, Bernville #1887
Rhode Island • Anne Gardner, Slocum #36 • Howard Paster, Slocum #36 • Carol Perry, Slocum #37 Washington • Dorinda Becker, Sequim Prairie #1108 • Michael S. Blais, Tualco #8284 • Wanda Coats, Black Lake #861 • Tony Cook, Goldendale #49 • Sherry A. Cummins, Greenwood Park #590
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Perry Dahlquist, Marion #376 Lowell Fletcher, Happy Valley #322 Larry Gow, Centerville #81 Patricia Gow, Centerville #81 Philip Grospe, Happy Valley #322 Fred Harnishfeger, Logan Hill #1086 Kalvin Knapp Gardenspot #278 Larry Knapp, Green Bluff #300 Janice Lahde, Green Bluff #300 Jim Lahde, Green Bluff #300 Norman Larson, Green Bluff #300 Jerome Mies, Catlin #199 Myrtle Mies, Catlin #199 Terry Ojala, Hope #155 Karen Packard, Black Lake #861 Mary Louise Reedy, Marion #276 Stephen L. Ricarte, Stillaguamish #1058 James Richter, Happy Valley #322 Karl Schaefer, Hope #155 Cecelia Scott, Green Bluff #300 Gerald Severance, Happy Valley #322 Keith Silen, Goldendale #49 Richard Smith, Happy Valley #322 Arthur Storbo, Marion #376
Welcome New Members TO THE Grange Family Note: In order to protect our Junior Grange members and families, we will no longer print the names of Junior or Junior 1+ members. A Warrior #835 (CA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Alondra Acosta Villasenor Case Bishop Kylin Bray April Brickey Michelle Brickey Patrick Brickey Sarah Brickey Isaiah Calderon Amelia Cervantes Rafael Cervantes, Sr. Lauren Chaffin Ella Consorti Tangerine Espinola Jackson Flick Anabel Guerrero Alleah Guiterrez Yasmine Hernandez Chloe Hightower Kevin Hightower Maria Hightower Zachery Hightower Alaska Jebens Amaya Lemaire Chole Lemaire
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Neal Lemaire Theresa Lemaire Hailee McNabb Sarah Miller Jose Miramontes Brian Monighetti Jamie Monighetti Zachary Monighetti Nathaniel Northrop Ashley Palin Chery Palin Hannah Palin Isabella Recinos Susan Reyes Elyssa Ruiz Valeria Robles Jessica Salutan Santiago Salutan Amy Sanchez Giovani Sanchez Julieta Sanchez Jamie Tanner Matt Tanner Audrey Totorica Faith Totorica Nathan Totorica Kayce Van Horn Kristie Van Horn Samantha Van Patten Samuel D. Van Patten Miliana Velasco Dayna Watson
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• • •
Floyd Watson III Gage Watson 6 Junior members
Ada #570 (OR) •
Jerry Philbock
Addy #603 (WA) • • • • • • •
Jenna Barner Kyleigh Dorow Kelsie Dronen Alysia Erickson Alice Hurst Steve Hurst and 7 Junior members
Addy Junior #390 (WA) •
35 Junior members
Adna #417 (WA) • • • •
Mary Jo Bieker Ron Bieker Yvonne John John G. Smith
Altona #127 (CO) • • • • •
Kristy Anderson David Hudak Charlie Papzian Ryan Rudolph Michelle Ryan
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Androscoggin #8 (ME) • •
Greg Brooke Amber Sargent
Animas Valley #194 (CO) • • • • • • •
Phyllis Ceglia Sandy Fisher Eric Foultz Jill Hood Jennifer Jenkins Beth Malecki Marsha Porter-Norton
Azalea #786 (OR) • • •
Arika Jackson Guy Snow Skylar Wallen
Bainbridge Island #1051 (WA) • • • • • • •
Mari Bickford Birke Duncan Larry Johnson Brian Keekley Darren Murphy Katherine Recorau Erin Smith
Bangor #372 (ME) •
Makayla Young
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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D) Barberton #571 (WA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Debra Babcock Kelly Babcock Cody Ballard Jessie Ballard Jodi Ballard Kylie Ballard Wyatt Ballard Jonah Cady Josh Cady Joseph Caldwell Trinity Caldwell Hannah Gillock James (Luke) Gillock Joshua Gillock Rachel Gillock Tabitha Gillock Mary Jo Haslem Tracy Haslem Travis Haslem Pauline Little Joanne Seigliano Gracie Whitten and 1 Junior member
Baw Faw #34 (WA) • •
Hollie Kunishige Isaac Stormer
Bayneville #1810 (KS) • •
Keaton Holmes Tyler Scott Hook
Beaver Homes #518 (OR) • •
Laurie Lynch Steve Lynch
Beavercreek #276 (OR) • •
Christ Y Solis Uis Solis
Bethlehem #137 (NY)
Centerville #81 (WA)
Boulevard #389 (OR)
Central Point #698 (OR)
• • • • •
Deborah Blanken Jonathan Riven Dianne Tiedmann
• • •
Branch Mills #336 (ME)
• • • • • •
Broadway #647 (WA)
Centre Hill #885 (PA)
• • • • • •
Michelle Fortier Denise Palmer John Casey Bonnie Parent
Aaron Brown Kara Brown Gordon Crane Joyce Riker
• • •
Brownsmead #822 (OR) •
•
Donna Dvoracek
Cache La Poudre #456 (CO) • • •
Ben Alexander Cindy Hoff William Rumley
Calispel #500 (WA) • •
Mary Boone Kimberly Schneider Evaniah James Miniffani James Broklynn Miller
Camas Valley Junior #395 (WA)
Bellview #759 (OR)
Camden #687 (WA)
• • • • • •
Herbert Dieid
Suzie Aufderheide Bow Debey Ingrid Edstrom Flavia Franco Sophie Lannen Ana Karen Negrete
• • • • • • • •
2 Junior members
Mollie Ford Russ Ford Rose Harmon Leah Heilman Cheryl Joy Morgan Joy Lauri Thompson
Earl Randall
• • • • • • • • • • •
Ben Byers Beth Byers Bryan Dickerson Tracy Hayes Frank Lagunas Hazel Pelletier Mary Pelletier Chuck Rollins Shari Sirkin Amy Van Denbergh Debbie Vasen
Columbia Valley #938 (WA)
Camas Valley #842 (WA) • • •
Sharon Haglaud
Columbia #267 (OR)
Nicholas Argyros
Butternut Valley #1533 (NY) •
Calvin Purnell Kathy Purnell
Chimacum #681 (WA)
Carrie Donner
Brunswick #1337 (NY) •
Karen Glocking Marshall Glocking Stephanie Hendrickson Nikki Petersen Christine Skinner Glenn Skinner
Cheshire Grange #23 (CT)
Bee Hive #385 (WA) •
Laura Diaz Jonathan Eldred and 1 Junior member
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ella Azeltine Kurt Azeltine Sarah Azeltine Dan Blasdel BriAnne Blume Daria Chappell Darrin Chappell Dalton Chappell Dustin Chappell Logan Clawson Heidi Crook Elena Gimenez James Giminez Richard Guinn Sandy Guinn Cooper Hall Makayla Hall Nicole Hall
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Hugo Mertens Elizabeth Mertens Keegan Mertens Laura Mertens Briley Morris Nolan Morse Jim Ramer Karen Ramer Piper Ramer Amanda Strawn Heidi Stuit Lynsey Waltman Aaliya Winburn Adam Winburn and 14 Junior members
Columbia Valley Junior #212 (WA) •
1 Junior member
Copake #935 (NY) • •
Brendan Cranna Lauren Cranna
Crescent #136 (CO) • • •
Patrick Boylan Beau Juenemann Nina Sloan
Crescent #1123 (WA) • • • • •
Linda Mellott Stanley Mellott Jeremy Meyer Lily Meyer Sabrina Meyer
Creswell #496 (OR) •
1 Junior member
Davis Lake #501 (WA) • •
Leah Driver and 1 Junior member
Deer Island #947 (OR) • • •
Kenton Cheek Alberta Cooper Robert Henningsen
Deer Lagoon #842 (WA) • • •
Mary Quade Molly Quade Rolland Quade
HAS YOUR GRANGE RECENTLY WELCOMED A NEW MEMBER? Make sure they are recognized! Anyone may submit the names of new members so they can be recognized in Good Day! by emailing Philip Vonada at pvonada@nationalgrange.org or by calling (814) 404-7985. ®
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NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: JULY 1st
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D) Dry Creek #646 (WA) • • • • • • •
Melissa Beraslore John Schmeitz Sarah Schmeitz Arnold Schouten Debbie Schouten Lukas Teague and 1 Junior member
Eagle #1 (PA) • • • •
Elizabeth Green Ruth Lundy Carol Schnure Linda Valentine
Eagle Valley #656 (OR) • • • • • •
Brooke Chamberlin Jeff Chamberlin Cody Dennis Krislyn Dennis William Halsey Mary Vestle
East Franklin #1709 (PA) •
Carol Stewart
East Madison #228 (ME) • • •
Jon Doty Kate Hanter Evan LeBrun
East Oakville #902 (WA) • • • •
Joe Boers Nadine Boers Aaron Heard Sunshine Heard
East Sangerville #177 (ME) • •
Gary Keeton Susan Stevens
East Spokane #148 (WA) •
Christine Mott
East Wenatchee #1012 (WA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Ryan “Zane” Bock Sheri Bock Zack Bock Aaron Burger Addy Burger Nissa Burger Sheila Cahalen Tim Cahalan Allie Carnline Hayden Carnline Zachary Despain GB Overton Marie Overton Paige Overton Andrew Poland August Poland Darcy Poland Hannah Poland Shayne Poland Jens Poland Aubrey Potter Dora Potter Josh Potter Kira Potter Jason Reeves
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Faith Richards Gregg Richards Kody Richards Abigail Richmond Daniel Richmond Grace Richmond Lindsey Richmond Jamie Sachs Justin Sachs Denaye Smith Gabe Smith Kiera Smith Melia Smith Brandon Troxler Chloe Troxler Emma Troxler Jennifer Troxler Amy Williams Cary Williams Reise Williams Zach Williams Jason Wold and 17 Junior members
Elizabethtown #2076 (PA) •
Logan Hoover
Bentley Brown and 1 Junior member
Elmira #533 (OR) • •
Ann Page Brian Woodbury Mary Woodbury Michael Hasey Shaena Pergles Emily Steger Chris Collins Sarah Collins Steph Grant Zedariah Yaw
Terry Halerman Allyson Stoller
Franklin Gallup Theresa Gallup
• • •
Tory Roberts Steve Shute Todd Winters
• • • •
Drew McCausland Teri Poppino Even Poppino-McCausland Angie Zeise Ashleigh Brown Lisa Buffington
• • • • • •
Barbara Bliss Angela Gloria-Hogan Rachel Meyer Scott Mosser Paul Prue and 1 Junior member Tina Turrner
Grays River #124 (WA) • •
Victor Liguori Wendy Liguori
Olivia Edinton Richard Irvin Laurene Kendrick
Green Bluff Junior #373 (WA) •
11 Junior members
•
5 Junior members
Hamburg #2103 (PA) Briggett Cogland
Happy Valley #322 (WA)
Teresa Hagen
Forest Grove #282 (OR) •
Victor Pierce, Sr.
Gardner #68 (KS)
•
Forest #153 (WA) •
•
Greenwood Park Junior #379 (WA)
Cheryl Lynn
Fords Prairie #33 (WA) • •
Vince Urrita
Garden City #280
• • •
Florida #306 (CO) •
•
Green Bluff #300 (WA)
Fargher Lake #853 (WA) •
Fruitvale #348 (WA)
•
Fairdale #1157 (PA) •
Anthony Bava Nick Bava William Manfredi Lisa Sassi Rodney Smith Edward Stickler
Goldson #868 (OR)
Evening Star #183 (ME) • • • •
• • • • • •
Golden Gate #451 (CO)
Donald Vechhi
Enterprise #489 (OR) • • •
Freedom Plains #857 (NY)
• •
Enterprise #48 (ME) • • •
Judy Morgan Karey Sackman Kyle Sackman Parker Sackman Rylee Sloan and 2 Junior members
Girard #788 (PA)
Pamela Hites Trudy Pryor
Enterprise #25 (CO) •
• • • • • •
Garfield #317 (OR)
Elma #26 (WA) • •
Fort Colville #533 (WA)
• •
Wade Davis Arlene Ritzhaupt
3 Junior members
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Hayne #169 (WA) •
Trevor Kudsk
Humptulips Junior #376 (WA) •
13 Junior members
Hurricane Creek #608 (OR) • •
Mike Clark Carol Murphy
Irving #377 (OR) • •
Louise Barker David Langan
Jonesboro #357 (ME) • • •
Joyce Clark Lisa Schafer Mona Wentzell
Kenovia #556 (WA) •
Gerald Campbell
Kettle River #1120 (WA) •
Dylan McKnight
Kettle River Junior #413 (WA) •
69 Junior members
Kimmerlings #1529 (PA) •
Sherry Paulk
Lacomb #907 (OR) •
Pauline C Kapp
Lake Creek #697 (OR) • • •
Keiths Mapes Meagan Mapes Lance Wyss
Lakeside #63 (ME) •
Stephen Seames
Left Hand #9 (CO) • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Debra Agee Russell Agee Linda Bevard Carol Crenshaw Kristen Crider Kena Guttridge Mark Guttridge Tom Lynch Carissa Mina Jerilyn Patterson Johanna Popma Roque Ramierez Leonard Sitongia
Lorane #54 (OR) • •
Debra Basile Ralph Basile
Lummi Island #925 (WA) • •
Leslie Dempsey Paul Dempsey
Lyme #147 (CT) • •
Elizabeth Morgan John Stratton
Manson #796 (WA) • • •
Marisa Ascanio Andrew Bloch Geri Bloch
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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D) • • • • • • •
Robin Bloch Aaron England Dale England Deandra England Rae Anne England Janet Pellon Rich Watson
Mapleton #584 (OR) • • •
Anthoney Morris Jami Sautner and 1 Junior member
Marion #223 (PA) •
Susan Winck
Marion #276 (WA) • • • •
Cody Fredrickson Sara Fredrickson Catherine Kendo Mark A. Smith
Marys River #685 (OR) • • • • • • •
Jenny Brandenburg Emily Cothern Candis Giles Greg Mickenham Jeannette MillerMickenham Wayne Westly and 1 Junior member
Matlock #357 (WA) •
Charley Knox
McMinnville #31 (OR) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Lyne Breault Dale Coliver Janine Doezie Dave Emmenegger Anne Garner June Horowitz Mark Johnson Peggy Johnson Don King Roger Krug Jennifer Kurtz Kit McPeters Leslie Payne Jim Ramos Gary Ray Terry Ray Fenny Roberts Charles Whitley Vern Wigley
Menastash #1054 (WA) • • • • • • • • • • • • •
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Amy Alder Kevin Alder Taylor Alder Carissa Bacon Colton Barsness Harmony Barsness Matthew Barsness McKenzie Basterrechea Robert Basterrechea Shannon Basterrechea Aimee Becker Grady Becker Justin Becker
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Lydia Becker Marci Becker Jon Blackmore Julie Blackmore Kaylianna Blackmore Erinn Boitano Johnny Boitano JT Boitano Allison Bovos Chloe Clyburn Clayton Clark Terry Clark Chris Clyburn Pauline Clyburn Brandon Comfort Candice Comfort Joe Crawford Roylene Crawford Paige Danielle Reagan Danielle Dave Dempsey Holly Dempsey Jolie Feddema Jenevieve Foster Nathan Foster Aimee Hanson Bill Hanson Landon Henrichsen Jay Herbers Karie Herbers Brock Hutchinson Dusty Hutchinson Jessica Hutchinson Michael Kahler Taylor Kahler Carrie Kavanaugh Patrick Kavanaugh Ashlynn Mackay Brett Mackay Aleece Martin Molly McNutt Pat McNutt Clayton Merritt Karyn Merritt Bridget Michell Randy Mitchell Olivia Mitchell Vitoria Mitchell Kevin Morse McKenzie Morse Charlotte Nansel Angelina Nicholson Kevin Nicholson Kyle Nicholson Lacey Nicholson Sofia Nicholson Jerica Pascoe Sienna Pascoe Jeff Raap Rikki Raap Chyanne Schott Kacee Schott Kelly Schott Patty Schott Davie Schutte Julie Schutte George Seubert George A. Seubert
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Natalie Seubert Baily Sherley Becky Sherley Bode Sherley Daniel Sherley Brook Shull Ryan Shull Kody Skinner Austin Smith Christine Smith Jordan Smith Kevin Smith Kylie Smith Ruley Stingley Preston Stingley Melissa Stripes Thomas Stripes Hudson Terry Terrie Terry Mandy Jo Udagar Dakota Watts Dori Watts Shianne Watts Ramsey Watts Chet Weekes Jill Weekes and 54 Junior members
Mill Stream #574 (ME) • • •
Rosemary Baker Ingrid Grenon Joseph Lopez
Millers Mills #581 (NY) • • •
Erin Krueger Ted Krueger Alan Maine
Molalla #310 (OR) •
Michael Countryman
Morning Star #311 (OR) • • • •
Chloe R Mote Lacreshia A Mote Leslie L Mote Makayla M Mote
Moses Lake #1151 (WA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Caden Bates Daniel Bates Katrina Bates Canaan Escamilla Carol Garneau Mike Garneau Jessica Harper Brodie Holland Justin Holland Rachelle Holland Michelle Rettrowski Paul Rettrowski Hannah Roy Jake Roylance Jared Roylance Katie Roylance Jaime Sackmann Jeff Sackmann Molly Sackmann Christian Williams Frank Williams Tammy Williams
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
• • • •
Dawn Yearout Karson Yearout Kooper Yearout Peter Yearout
Mount Hope #902 (NY) • • • • •
Philip Abbate Susan Dorler Lynn Heuermann Roger G. Humeston, Jr. Donna Santini
Mountain View #98 (WA) • • • • • •
Laura Cortez Alison Henderson Trina Riemersma Turner Sevard Kathy Von Mosch Jessica Waggoner-Hoff
Mount Vernon #659 (OR) •
Sheriley Kindig
Multnomah #71 (OR) •
Jan Manning
Myrtle Creek #442 (OR) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Bridge Adevai Amanda Cameron Jennifer Causey Donnell Clack Cameron Gardner Delbert Gibson Gage Gibson Rebecca Gibson Jordyn Jackson Kaylee Jackson Stephanie Jarvis Dale Jarvis Darin Jones Kyana Jones Kristin Koens Todd Koens Dixie Pickering Quinn Pickering Shallon Pickering Amanda Puls Karen Robey Gentry Thompson Carter Thorp Dale Thorp Emily Thorp Kim Thorp Robert Thorp Shalyn Thorp and 3 Junior members
Netel #410 (OR) • • • • • • • • • •
Caitlin Callahan Susana Gladwin Ramona Hunter Pamula Matson-McDonald Darwin Meiners Rachel Morrow Carol Newman Susan Olson Christine Teeter Karin Webb
NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D) North End #820 (OR) •
Gail Pivoda-Morre
Norway #45 (ME) • • •
Mary Bernard Lori Ingles Diane Polvinen
Oakview #311 (WA) • • • • • •
William Dye Cynthia Gardiner Ashley Genzel Gabe Genzel Gary Knutter Henry Steiger
Ocean View #463 (ME) • •
Ryan Aponte Susan Murphy
Olalla #1125 (WA) • • • •
Frank Davidson Julie Davidson Jaclyn Williams Sean Williams
Olympic View #774 (WA) •
Delayne Hanson
Oroville #985 (WA) • • • •
Steven Brand Theresa Oh Happy Ossitta Richtree Sandy Vaughn
Parkman #305 (ME) • • •
Tricia Elderkin Karen Kimball Kirk Kimball
Pikes Peak #163 (CO) •
Brian Clements
Plumsteadville #1738 (PA) • •
Christopher Molnar Emily Molnar
Prospect Point #1067 (WA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Michael Blanc Forrest Bray Joelle Bray Lexus Brooks Michelle Brooks Steven Brooks John Paul Erwin Michael Erwin Patrick Michael Erwin Victoria Erwin Sissy Falcom Becki Green Erik Green Garrett Green Lauren Green Parker Green Kazue Guss Preston Hansen Amber Hodgens Paul Hodgens Alden Hodgins Isabell Hodgins Paul Hodgins
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Russell Hodgins Jennifer Hutchins Matthew Hutchins Emily Kelty Emily Klein George Klein Justin Klein Karina Klein Laura Klein Sophia Klein Kate Kuykendall KC Kuykndall Klint Kuykendall Kris Kuykendall Ashley Lane Ty Lane Dana Lynch Jason Lynch Jessica Nelson Luke Nelson Mary Nelson Mike Nelson Regina Nelson Mindy Puller Laura Pumphrey Matt Reeves Tara C Robertson Lazelle Russell Brian Smith Shawnite Smith Angelia Stinebaugh Chyanne Stinebaugh Lisa Thonney Steve Thonney Carla Thorson Becky Tompkins Heather Usko Isaiah Velazquez Curtis Winona Jake Winona Sara Winona Will Winona and 32 Junior members
Putnam Valley #841 (NY) • •
Justin Baker Miki Urisaka
Redding #446 (CA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Emory Aldrich Gerry Carroll Faye Contreras Shirley Davis Carole Dellaragione John DiMatteo Robert Gullixson Jim Lamanna Ronald Litterst Rita Mandina Paul Monette Cara Murray Jimmy Nobili Rose Nobili John Ohler Crystal Rohrbacher Frank Rose Lori Rossi Larry Shuman Rose Shuman
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• • • •
John V Tasello Lynda Tasello Craig Turner Terri Watson
Redland #796 (OR) •
Debra Malachi
Redlands Mesa #487 (CO) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Donna Banks Garthe Banks Johnny Burritt, Jr. Alex Campbell Deb Chrisner Doug Chrisner Rhoda Doyle Phil Egidi Tammy Egidi Denise Fehlhaber Stretch Fehlhaber John Forster Joanna Gilbert-Gros Yvon Gros Robert Halley Linda Licthtendahl Dennis Marty Karen Marty Michelle Meyers Thomas Meyers Ron Rouse Erin Williams Sally Zimmerman
Redwood #760 (OR) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Jim Adams Chris Barnett Noella Barnett Stefani Barnett Merissa Biggs Kathleen Buchholz Carol Chard Robert Chard Jeanette Darrow Tina Ferris Annette Fortino Jeff Gill Celeste Guillory Martin Hillman Patircia Hogue Kenneth Ishmael Deni Major George Major Candy Morasch Frank Morgan Lily Morgan Mikah Morgan Mary Anne Morrison Michelleen Patton Bea Ryan William Ryan Arden Sleadd John Sleadd Greg Wilbur
Richland #1995 (KS) • •
Bobbie Greene Michelle Bull
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Rickreall #671 (OR) • •
Rob Dabrowski Kyle Gabba
Rockwood #323 (OR) • • • • • • • • •
Fredy Del La Cruz Kanaan Khalil Raschield McCallister Berta L Padilla Andrey Puzur Paulina Puzur Ivan Senina Yuriy Senina Anatoly Volyhhin
Rose Valley #953 (WA) • •
Peggy Brooks Jan Steinbock
Roxy Ann #792 (OR) •
Wayne Mackenzie
Roy #702 (WA) • • •
Karyn Byrd Amy Cruver Victor Steens
Saco #53 (ME) •
Hollie Shaw
San Juan Island #966 (WA) • • • • •
Lenore Bayuk Nancy Best Donna Gallagher Sandra May Marc Santos
San Poil #684 (WA) •
Glenna Wilson
Schenevus Valley #1201 (NY) •
Eleanor Arnold
Senexet #40 (CT) •
Frederick Breame
Sequim Prairie #1108 (WA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Susan Ault Allie Decker Travis Decker Marie Dickinson Annie Floyd Shawn Floyd Aaron Hodge Rita Hubbard Terri Johnson Amanda Pinell Michael Pinell Joseph Pinell Zachary Pinell Marie Sprague Nancy Van Winkle and 6 Junior members
Sharon #800 (WA) • • • •
Debra Thibault Ashlyn Warne Adam Zepp Rachel Zepp
Sharon Junior #414 (WA) •
15 Junior members
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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D) Siletz Valley #558 (OR) •
Shelly Selsic
Silver Lake #105 (WA) • • •
Laura Hays Anna Meadows Eric Meadows
Sixes #856 (OR) •
John Gazley
Skamokawa #425 (WA) •
Judy Wong
Skokomish #379 (WA) •
Steve Bass
South Auburn #1188 (PA) •
Izabella Tyler
South Bay #250 (WA) • • • •
Robert Blake Kathleen Hurd Emily Killeen Laura Killeen
South Camano #930 (WA) • •
Richard MacQuarne Elizabeth Walden
South Union #860 • • • •
Eddie Armstrong Gloria Armstrong Jordyn Mitchell Billie-Jean WIlliams
Spray #940 (OR) • •
Steve Flemming Brad Stevens
Spring Hill #909 (WA) • •
Bruce McConnel Lisa McConnel
Stanford #808 (NY) • •
Hailey A. Deck Deborah L. Demchuk
Stevenson #121 (WA) • •
Sally Munoz Cindy Soliz
Stranger Creek #374 (WA) • • • • • • • • •
Anna Casselle Michael Casselle Dana Combest Annie Esvelt Cody Esvelt Ryan Esvelt Pamelyn King Frances Mansfield Tony Mansfield
Summit #432 (OR) •
Kail Zuschlag
Summit City #672 (MI) • • • •
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Arthur Hudson Jen Kirkpatrick Johns Beverly Monroe David Panek
Sunflower #162 (CO) • •
Dennis Ellis Alexandra Walker
Sunnydale #877 (OR) •
Dorothy Cooper
Swauk Teanaway #984 (WA) • •
Patricia Eldenmiller Wendy Muzzall
Ten Mile #399 (WA) • • •
Enrique Barrau Marny Barrau Henry Ohans
The Valley #1048 (WA) • • •
Travis Dixon Christine Mott Bob Wolsky
Valley #144 (ME) • • •
Nicholas Jackson Sarah Mahan Toby Martin
• • •
Jackson Reich
Victor #49 (ME) • • • •
Catherine Bernard Ron Bernard Beverly Busque Mott Tina Deblois
Violet Prairie #996 (WA) •
1 Junior member
Waller Road #1111 (WA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Judy Allen Steven Allen Matt Anderson Rara Anderson Paula Bacon Nancy Baskett Carly Bellock Julie Blanchard Margaret Bothwell Barret Carpenter Bruce Cook Joshua Cook Candice Cook-Lee Char Davenport Gloria Earl Danice Feller Mike Feller Steven Fredrickson Karen Gerken Ted Gessner Cheri Harris Carol Hendershot Joen Hendershot Janet Hersey Sandi Holdener Paula Hunter-Mahon Lindsey Jacobsen Jeff Johnson Denise Kelley Charles Kimmel Melanie Know Mina Lucatero
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Allison Martin Paul Martin Susan Mitchell-Matson Will Matson Amber Mitchell Robert Mitchell Carol Munsey Marcy Naubert Lori Price Diann Puls Zana Rios Jonathan Scott Jackie Shelton Michael Smith Nancy Slotnick Gabriel Tetrault Steve Thomas Julie Thomas Ken Vanderberg Tandra Vandeberg Sheila Wynn Keenan Wynn-Smith and 1 Junior member
Waterford #479 (ME)
Valley #1360 (PA) •
• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Elmer Paul Edwards Clarence Hill Melannie Hill
• • • • • • • •
Eliza Mason Johnny Mathison Julie Mathison Beverly Nagamoto Tom Olson Jennifer Rivais Inga Williams and 2 Junior members
Williams #399 (OR) • • •
Andrew Behnen Bee Rueda Alexis Woodruff
Windsor #980 (WA) •
Kristine Bowman
Winona #271 (OR) • • • •
Elly Branch Connie Stauffer Janet Steiger-Carr Colleen Suzanne
Winthrop #209 (ME) •
Jeane Liberatore
Zumbro #765 (MN) •
Jamie Jencks
Wayside #590 (ME) •
Judith Craig
White Trail #1143 (WA) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Tammy Avey Andrew Burke Cassie Burke John Burke Nicona Butler Chris Cox Erin Cox Jamie Dearing Lianna Frost Hailey Howell Justin Lee Katie Lee Nikki Limbarger Meghan Meseberg Shawn Meseberg Scott Myers Jacob Reardon Elaine Robinson Frank Robinson Brandon Rodeback Samantha Rodeback Carter Shultz Emily Shultz John Shultz Brydon Stacy Jeremiah Thomas and 25 Junior members
Willamette #52 (OR) • • • • • • •
Vivian Ayres Chris Bentley Gwendolyn Ellen Prem Jensen Barbara Johnson Cam Johnson Scott Losch
GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
Welcome New Granges! The following Granges were newly chartered or reorganized since our last issue.
Welcome to our fraternal circle! • • • • • •
A Warrior #835 (CA) Chico #486 (CA) Freedom #1152 (WA) King Hill #162 (ID) Mingo #1301 (NC) Redding #446 (CA)
MEMORIAL NOTICES DOROTHY SHORES
Past National Grange Pomona and Delegate she held many offices at each level of this
The family would like to thank the
Fraternal organization. She was a past
Beacon Hospice staff for the care of their
voting delegate of National Grange and
mother and support shown to the family,
National Pomona 1980-1983. Dorothy
especially Kelly, Bree, Chaplain Eric, and
was also the mother of Susanne Verrill
Grace and many very special staff that
also a Past National Delegate.
cared for their mom over the eleven and
She was predeceased by her parents Mattie and Wilbur Hotham, her five
a half years she was at Mount Joseph at Waterville.
brothers, Henry, Junior, Donald, Had,
She will be laid to rest with her
Dorothy (Dot, Dottie) Hotham Shores,
and Bobby and the love of her life Jimmy.
husband Jimmy at the Maine Veterans
Past National Delegate, 89, passed
She is survived by her five daughters,
Cemetery in Augusta in a private burial
away March 4, 2022 at Mount Joseph at
Connie Perry of South Carolina, Susanne
at a later date. Memorial donations
Waterville with family by her side after a
and husband Steve Verrill of Poland,
may be made to the Maine Alzheimer’s
long journey with Alzheimer’s, “the long
Beverley Hayward of West Gardiner,
Association 383 US Route One #2C
goodbye.” Dot was born in Masardis
Nancy Poulin of Concord N.H., and
Scarborough, ME 04074 Arrangements
September 9, 1932 . Her family later
Julie Shores of Winslow. Dot had eight
are entrusted with Staples Funeral Home
moved to Freedom to farm potatoes.
grandchildren Luke Perry, Marie (Perry)
and Cremation Care, 53 Brunswick
Dot attended Freedom Academy, where
Walls, Kimberly Verrill, Jessica (Verrill)
Avenue, Gardiner, Maine. Condolences,
she played basketball. She married
Bosse, Joshua Hayward, David Hayward,
memories, and photos may be shared
James E. Shores Jr. July 20, 1951.
Nathan Poulin, and Nicholas Poulin. 9
with the family on the obituary page
She belonged to Highland Avenue
great-grandchildren and one on the way
of the Staples Funeral Home website:
Methodist Church in Gardiner. Dot
and many nieces and nephews. Also, a
www.familyfirstfuneralhomes.com.
joined the Grange in 1950 and was
very close family friend (6th daughter)
Cards and condolences may be sent to:
a member of Benton Grange, East
Carol-Jane Grover of East Eddington
Steve and Susanne Verrill
Kennebec Pomona, the Maine State
and two very special girls Ellen (Daily)
270 Bailey Hill Rd
Grange, and the National Grange, where
Stephen and Madeleine Daily.
Poland, ME 04274
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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org
49
RUSSELL STAUFFER
Past National Grange Overseer and Treasurer, Past President of Illinois State Grange of
a member of the Ag Export Advisory
Durand, IL died on Friday, April 15,
Russell
William
Stauffer,
96,
Committee for the state. He developed
2022 in Rockford IL after a brief illness.
markets for foreign export of Illinois
He was born July 9, 1925 on the family
agricultural products. In the capacity,
(Crowley) farm on Wheeler Road the
he traveled to Japan and the Far East
son of Mr. and Mrs. William Hiram and
to develop markets for processed food
Mabel Alice (Crowley) Stauffer. Russell
products from Illinois. He was appointed
attended Sweet School, a one room
to the Foreign Agricultural Service
schoolhouse on Moate Road for 8 years
(US Dept. of Agriculture) and served
and graduated from Durand High School
for 3 years on the Ag Tech Advisory
class of 1943. Russ operated the family
Committee on grain and feeds. For 28
farm, that the family owned since 1870,
years Russ was an active lobbyist for
from 1944 to 1972. During this time he
farm and rural organizations: Grange,
also apprenticed as an electrician and in
Township, Rural Electric Coops and
1951 started Stauffer Electric and sold
Land Improvement Contractors at the
Julianna Horstmeier, Emily Grismore;
the business in 1972. He married Betty
State level. He was Chairman of Illinois
sister Barbara Stauffer; many nieces
Louise Clover on January 24, 1948 in the
Highway User Conference for 28 years;
and nephews. He is predeceased by his
OId Stone Church in Rockton, IL. They
a loosely knit group of truckers and
parents, older brother Donald Stauffer,
had two children William Russell Stauffer
farmers, dedicated to being watchdogs
sisters Mildred Carlson and Dorothy
and Becky Sue Stauffer.
for the use of State Highway Funds.
Clikeman, ex-wife Betty Stauffer and
Russell was a long time member of
Russ’s life was devoted to improvement
grandson James Raymond Horstmeier
the Grange at local, State and National
of agriculture and rural living. Russ is
whom he shared the same birthday.
levels. He was active at all levels of the
a life long member of Durand United
Grange. In 1965 he was elected Master
Methodist Church.
A Funeral ceremony was held on Saturday April 23, 2022 at the Durand
of Illinois State Grange after holding
Surviving Russ are: son Bill (Judy)
United Methodist Church, 102 East
several offices and served until 1993.
Stauffer, daughter Becky (Brian) Law;
Main St. Durand, IL. Burial will be in
He served two terms as Treasurer of
companion Elaine Hyre; grandchildren
Bethel Cemetery. A memorial is being
National Grange and two terms as
Sandra Stauffer, Shane (Kelly) Stauffer,
established.
Overseer of National Grange. During
Nathan
his tenure in Grange, he was a charter
Grismore) Horstmeier, Cari Kettleson;
Elaine Hyer
member of Ag Advisory Committee for
great grandchildren: Patrick and Amanda
4142 John’s Farm Road, Apt 4447
Illinois Department of Ag and was also
Stauffer, Brody and Lexi Kettleson,
Rockford, IL61101
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M
Stauffer,
Michael
(Jessica
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Cards and condolences may be sent to:
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The Changing Landscape of Rural Philanthropy
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It is seemingly in human nature to want to make a better world for ourselves and those around us. The word “philanthropy” comes from the Greek philanthropia – a love of humanity. The word has evolved over time, but it generally means a kindness directed toward strangers. Since ancient times and across many cultures, philanthropic practices have been a part of early social and belief structures. Ancient Greeks considered philanthropic pursuits to be a fundamental part of democracy, while Judaic, Christian, and Islamic scriptures all call upon believers to care for those in need, and Native Americans believed that giving promoted balance and harmony in nature. According to the National Philanthropic Trust, “Today, we define philanthropy as the practice of organized and systematic giving to improve the quality of human life through the promotion of welfare and social change.” “Philanthropy includes the giving of time, talent, treasure, and testimony – it’s not just giving money,” says Amanda Moniz, the David M. Rubenstein Curator of Philanthropy at the National Museum of American History at the Smithsonian Institute. Modern giving has a historic past Altruism and philanthropy in the colonial United States began as early as the first European settlers arrived. In the 1630s, John Winthrop, first governor of the Massachusetts Bay Colony, preached a sermon while traveling to the colonies, urging his fellow Puritans to become “a model of Christian charity.” He envisioned a community that was based on brotherly affection and helping one another. Early colonial settlers were also helped by Native Americans – learning how and where to hunt, fish, and grow crops. Winthrop envisioned charity much like the rest of Europe – flowing down from the high and powerful to the low and needy. “The origins of American philanthropy come through Imperial efforts to expand North America. Part of the efforts of
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European Americans to expand was through missionary work, to sincerely enculturate Native Americans and others to European religions, as well as local philanthropy and giving to local communities,” says Moniz. The first endowment in the United States was established in the mid-17th century, as John Harvard bequeathed his library and half of his estate to form a university in Cambridge, leading to Harvard University becoming the first institute of higher Franklin Hose Company fire hat from 1800s Philadelphia education in the growing United recognizes Benjamin Franklin for organizing the first States. He left a legacy leading volunteer fire company. to other private philanthropists Photo Courtesy of National Museum of American History creating generous endowments in the United States, including Yale and Cornell Universities. From War to War, America’s philanthropy Benjamin Franklin questioned the topgrows to-bottom flow of charity, however. At the Moniz traces the history of philanthropy age of 21 in 1727, he founded the Junto in the United States through the same or Leather Apron Club, a group of young general eras most Americans already think men who debated morals, politics, and of – from war to war. “Wars have always natural philosophy, exchanged knowledge catalyzed developments in philanthropy – of business affairs and aimed to provide American and overseas. It leads people to mutual improvement. This peer network rethink their sense of moral responsibility,” challenged the idea that aid could only she says. “During the Revolutionary era, come from above. This led Franklin to there’s a turning point when Americans found a subscription-based library, then in conjunctions with European associates a volunteer fire company, and a new embrace a universal approach to Philadelphia hospital. philanthropy.” Franklin was aware that small donations The Boston Tea Party in 1773 led to the would not be enough to sustain his British government passing the Intolerable ideas and sought ways to link everyday Acts, which closed the Boston Harbor and contributors to the traditional top-down threatened to cripple Boston and most of charities. The Museum of American the Massachusetts colony. However, other History states, “Franklin quickly discerned towns and states quickly rallied to send that the best fundraising ultimately rested food, money, and supplies to support on finding the right balance of emotionBoston – a true act of Winthrop’s “ideal producing rhetoric and hard-nosed community.” benefits for the donor.” Despite, or perhaps because of, social In some ways, America still hasn’t tension and racial prejudice, the decade changed, with high-powered individuals, leading up to the Civil War was a period charities and the government itself of widespread humanitarianism, with distributing money and resources as they communities enlarging their institutions for see the need for it. But Franklin introduced the handicapped, expanding orphanages a more democratic, creative way to address and programs for youth and ‘wayward needs, with community-funded efforts like children,’ and organizing relief campaigns libraries to small donations building up for epidemics, disasters, and economic national organizations. disparity.
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Organized community service became a leading way for women and children to participate in charitable ways other than giving money. Some women were able to take leading roles in prewar civic enterprises, which led to more women taking strong, active civic service during the war itself. Clara Barton’s devotion to serving as a nurse during the Civil War, led to her opening the Office of Missing Soldiers – reconnecting more than 20,000 soldiers to their families. She volunteered to provide civilian relief during the Franco-Prussian War (1870-71), which led to the founding of the American Red Cross in 1881. After 140 years, the American Red Cross remains one of the world’s leading philanthropy-driven organizations. The Gilded Age of the late 1800s led to major shifts in philanthropy. In 1889, Andrew Carnegie’s book “The Gospel of Wealth” described the responsibility of philanthropy by the nouveau riche or the self-made rich with “new money.” He believed that instead of passing wealth to the next generation or leaving it in wills, the rich should “[return] their surplus wealth to the mass of their fellows in the forms best calculated to do them lasting good.” This included parks and recreation to help the body and mind, works of art to give pleasure and improve the public taste, and public institutions to improve the general
Dated 1918, this poster was designed by W. B. King and
made for the American Red Cross, as a way of encouraging donations to the campaign.
Image Courtesy of Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum
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condition of the people. Carnegie’s contemporaries included Mary Elizabeth Garrett (founder of the Bryn Mawr School for Girls and funder of the Johns Hopkins University medical program), John D. Rockefeller, Alfred Nobel, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Ida B. Wells. This new “professional class of philanthropists” were able to use their fortunes to enact change at the community level. These Gilded Age fortunes were able to help philanthropists give on a national scale, creating foundations and public institutions. “In the 20th century, philanthropy shifted to an international framework,” Moniz says. “World War I led to mass humanitarianism for Americans and people overseas in a wartime context.” World War II led to massive campaigns within the United States. The National Philanthropic Trust says “several organizations, including the YMCA, the Salvation Army, and the National Jewish Welfare Board, band together to create the United Service Organization for National Defense, or USO. The American Red Cross, too, launches an unprecedented campaign, raising millions of dollars, recruiting over 100,000 nurses, and initiating the firstever war-related national blood donation program.” It continues, “Civil and human rights movements came to the forefront following the Second World War, and communityorganized philanthropy organizations increasingly supported minority causes.” The Cold War led President Truman to call upon Americans to engage in humanitarian acts to promote “the improvement and growth of underdeveloped areas” to combat communism. Foundations like the Rockefeller and Ford Foundations helped spread the ideas of economic development and democratic capitalism to Latin America and Southeast Asia, increasing the ideas of American cultural imperialism. In the 1960s, the American Civil Rights Movement received much-needed support from grassroots philanthropy. Prominent African American businesses donated money, supplies, and facilities, and large foundations funded important programs. This doesn’t include the thousands of volunteer hours given by activists to help advance civil rights. Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, recordbreaking charitable activity in the United States donates $2.8 billion to aid the victims and their families. The National Philanthropic Trust says “the massive outpouring of support changes the nature of American philanthropy, preparing charitable organizations including the Red Cross and the United Way to effectively handle a major influx of donations in the wake of a disaster. The total amount donated is large and impactful because it comes from millions of Americans who make contributions of all sizes and who are prepared to respond in kind throughout the 21st century.” “One thing that really strikes me is a recent return to networked local activity for national or international causes. We’ve seen that fundraising for the racial justice movement or Ukrainian national refugees,” Moniz says. She cites bakers creating a local network, working within their communities, but participating in a broader network to address major national or international problems. “In terms of the everyday philanthropy story, it’s an important trend.”
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Community and private foundations change giving landscapes The first modern giving Foundation was established in 1867 by American banker George Peabody. This fund was dedicated to the promotion of public education in the American South. He combined this major gift with his funding for libraries, museums, and low-income housing. Carnegie’s “Gospel of Wealth” two decades later drove more American millionaires to create living trusts and foundations to distribute their wealth for the public good. The John D. Rockefeller Foundation was established in 1913, and is still setting the standards for American philanthropy, by making investments that yield high returns to distribute to worthy causes. The first community foundation was established by Frederic Goff in Cleveland, Ohio in 1914. The Cleveland Foundation aimed to create a permanent endowment to benefit the citizens of greater Cleveland, and more than a century later it awards nearly $80 million a year. Today, more than 700 community foundations operate throughout the United States. A community foundation is a public charity that generally focuses on supporting a geographical area, primarily by facilitating and pooling donations used to address community needs and support local nonprofits. Community foundations give through designated funds used to support specific charities in the region, field of interest funds for issues like education or the arts, scholarship funds that support the education of students who meet certain criteria, and unrestricted funds that are used for unexpected needs within a community like the opioid crisis or natural disaster relief. Most foundations give through a grantmaking process. “Foundations have picked up some of the giving, doing a better job of recognizing who lives in their rural spaces,” says Allen Smart, Founder of PhilanthropywoRx, an organization that aims to fill a space in the philanthropic landscape on how foundation practice and community aspiration can better align and energize. In the 1930s, the first donor-advised fund was created at the New York Community Trust. In this sort of trust at a community foundation, donors can play an active role in the distribution of their donations, directing whether their money would support education, the arts, or other charities. By the 1960s, the Trust oversaw 230 funds with nearly $100 million in assets. “Rural spaces need to think about endowment opportunities. It is so important to create a lasting impact for the future in rural America,” says Paul Daugherty, President and CEO of Philanthropy West Virginia. “If you set up a donor-advised fund, and give $200 a month out of your paycheck, then in five years, your fund is established – that’s philanthropy. If you give money to your church in your will – that’s philanthropy.” “The evolution of rural philanthropy has been getting more community foundations and United Ways in place so that there are more places for individuals to go to give directly back to their communities,” Daugherty adds. “For funders, whether it’s a statewide community foundation or a family foundation that created its wealth in rural places, or healthcare conversion foundations… they need to embrace
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the idea that they need different approaches to be effective in rural places,” Smart says. “It’s about creating relationships, being present in communities beyond grantmaking and not just depending on that grantmaking to determine who’s out there… a better connection between state agencies and foundations about who’s living and working in rural America.” Rural America gives and receives “Philanthropy in rural communities comes from people in every walk of life – they’re not just billionaires, they are people who are retired coal miners, entrepreneurs, young leaders,” Daugherty says. “There’s the organized, but there’s also direct giving of philanthropy which is the generosity of individuals from every income level.” Smart adds, “Even in the poorest rural places, there’s tremendous wealth being given to philanthropy. It’s just being given to universities, health care, the Red Cross… it’s not being given to the local advocacy nonprofits.” One of the challenges that Moniz, Daughtery, and Smart all cite is that rural America is not a homogeneous community. People with a wide variety of diverse backgrounds have always lived in rural America, though it is frequently treated as one likeminded community. Some of the diversity in rural America comes from immigrant workers. “In rural communities, farmworkers may be coming from abroad, but sending money back to the communities where they’re from,” she says. “There’s a transnational connection between rural communities.” This connection from one rural community to another in a different country is not new and has always been a part of American philanthropy. “Rural philanthropy pops up on the national radar every five to seven years. They don’t see rural spaces as incredible investment opportunities,” Daughtery says. “I think the more that funder starts thinking of rural communities as places rather than issues, the more they’re going to have longterm commitments to engage with people across a broad sector of economic strata and people of color,” Smart says. “These single-issue funders who are more about the issue than the place are realizing it is short-sighted in some ways.” In March, President Biden’s administration announced a plan for rural America that includes money designated for rural water, healthcare, rural broadband, childcare costs, and more. “Rural broadband may be the first issue that people can recognize is important to everyone,” Smart adds. He believes that every aspect of life is connected to rural broadband, from education to healthcare. “It’s important for the people who live there, their kids, the businesses that need to be sustained, to attract people who may want to move there – or other types of investment… Philanthropy is starting to recognize that, and that is going to sustain.” “This incredible influx of federal dollars is dwarfing any of the foundation dollars,” says Smart. “In some states, that’s a pretty equitable process, or it’s being disbursed proportionately.” But
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Smart also believes that rural America should not solely rely on the federal money that is going to start flowing into their communities. Instead, they should think more about growing their community Foundations. Daughtery notes the ongoing “Great Transfer of Wealth” as one way to keep assets in rural America. “Thanks to the frugal and saving nature of older generations, a historic amount of wealth is being passed to younger generations,” he says. This wealth includes money, real estate, business holdings, stocks, bonds, and tangible property. “Rural America is seeing this transfer. It started in the late ’90s or early 2000s but has intensified in the last five to ten years. In rural communities particularly, this wealth is generations old, and it’s falling to the kids, grandkids, and even great-grandkids who are no longer living in that rural community.” Daughtery notes that in his state of West Virginia, there were vast amounts of wealth produced that then left the state in this transfer, moving to bigger, out-ofstate foundations and banks. He hopes to encourage these families to bring their money back into the rural communities where they were raised, to ensure the longevity of the next fifty, hundred, or thousand years. He also hopes to encourage individuals to contribute more to community foundations that support rural America. “As the Boomers age into being the oldest generation, this transfer of wealth is going on,” Daughtery says. Being able to modernize a system that younger generation donors can be positioned for short-term giving and realizing the bigger needs is essential.” Technology changes how people give “More recently, there’s been a shift to a more personal, more individual approach to giving. Whether major philanthropists pursuing their own priorities and interests, or very personal giving circles at a more everyday philanthropist level,” Moniz says. “The mechanisms of giving for people have changed a lot over the past decade, with people giving online, using digital tools to give.”
Every day on Facebook, Twitter, and other social media sites, a myriad of fundraisers can be found. From GoFundMe accounts raising money for families in need because of accidents or medical bills, to United Way or Habitat for Humanity fundraisers, to the Metaverse (Facebook and Instagram) ability to create a fundraiser for almost any nonprofit for a birthday, the opportunities to give are endless. The Millennial Generation and Generation Z are especially prone to give directly by connecting PayPal or Venmo accounts to quickly give $10, $20, or $50 to causes they feel are worthy. According to a 2021 FoxBusiness article, charitable giving on Facebook and Instagram surpassed $5 billion from more than 85 million users in just a few years since launching “Fundraisers” in 2016. They credit small donations, most less than $25, for the success, and over $1 billion annually coming from birthday fundraisers. One of the major successes of using social media in fundraising for social causes came from the ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or Lou Gehrig’s disease) “Ice Bucket Challenge.” This viral trend started in July 2014 when pro golfer Chris Kennedy challenged his wife’s cousin, Jeanette Senerchia, whose husband was suffering from ALS at the time. Jeanette accepted the challenge the next day with a video on Facebook, which caused a spread of the challenge throughout their hometown of Pelham, New York. Within three weeks, the ALS Association reported an increase of about $50,000 over the same period in the previous year. A few weeks later, Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg accept the challenge, nominating Elon Musk, Ryan Seacrest, and other “big names.” Just one month after the start of the challenge, the ALS Association had received more than $13.3 million since the first video. For three weeks, daily donations topped $1 million, and within seven weeks, the challenge began dying down. Overall, more than $220 million was donated to ALS charities worldwide during this viral challenge. Since then, multiple other organizations (including the Grange Foundation) have attempted to recreate the success of this
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challenge, to varying degrees of success, though nothing has topped the initial challenge. Daughtery hopes we can find ways to adapt this outpouring of charitable online giving. The pandemic adjusts our ideas “The pandemic presented the challenge of knowing people would be hurting and in need of resources,” Daughtery said. “It fast-tracked critically needed changes. It encouraged more community foundations and United Ways to go online with giving to assist nonprofits in that space. Secondly, also in rural America, the collaborative element is much more connected.” From March 2020 through early 2021, more than $2 billion was donated to charitable causes through Facebook’s giving platforms. The financial harm to American nonprofits and charities because of the pandemic could cause nearly 40% to close by 2023, according to research done by Candid and the Center for Disaster Philanthropy. This worst-case scenario analyzed roughly 300,000 nonprofits across the United States, showing that their financial needs were in excess of the donations coming in from individuals and foundations. Arts and cultural nonprofits are among the most vulnerable because their revenue relies on ticket sales, and expenses cannot be significantly reduced easily. This is especially true in rural communities. “This pandemic has highlighted the critical role that community foundations play, because they are place-based, able to work with donors, can talk about local needs, and they are interested in giving money into communities,” Daugherty says. Throughout the pandemic, many foundations found ways to modernize their grantmaking process, eliminating barriers to applying for funds. “They made their applications shorter, their turnaround time quicker, the documentation less… and that provided more opportunities to rural access to these foundations that may seem impenetrable, even at a local level,” Smart
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are very conscious – maybe this is a moment in time to capture these dollars.” “We’ve got a broader, deeper knowledge of who is interested in giving now, as well as our potential of what we can accomplish together,” Daughtery says.
A stack of nonprofit pledge letters wait to be opened,
encouraging contributions from individual donors. Photo by Philip J Vonada
says. “The average rural nonprofit doesn’t always feel particularly comfortable even with the Foundation in their community.” He hopes that these community Foundations sustain this kind of access, allowing more local, rural nonprofits the ability to access funds and be connected to their local foundations. During the pandemic, foundations, private, and individual donors stepped up, giving to Covid response funds in rural communities. Local private and community foundations also provided matching gifts, as did large and mid-sized corporations. However, Daughtery notes that in 2017, the bulk of giving in West Virginia came from individuals in middle- and low-income brackets. The Giving USA Report for 2017 showed that over $500 million in private donations were claimed as deductions on income tax reports in West Virginia, with over 2/3 of that from low- and middle-income individuals. “This could just be because there aren’t as many high-income individuals living in that area, though,” he says. And while reports for the pandemic years are not yet available, he believes this trend of donations has continued. At the same time, Smart notes that the pandemic also caused demographic shifts in rural America because of “Covid evacuees.” “There are a tremendous number of people of high wealth moving into these communities,” he says. One of the challenges for local nonprofits and local Foundations is how to engage these people who may have been very big givers in the cities or suburbs they moved from. Smart questions how to get them to engage with community-based philanthropy in these new rural regions they’re living in. “People
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Incentivizing Giving According to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP), Americans “have given more than $400 billion annually for the past 10 years.” New rules in the income tax laws have changed the way people itemize and deduct donations on their taxes – the March 2020 CARES Act permitted eligible individuals who do not itemize deductions to deduct $300 of qualified charitable contributions, which was extended in 2021 and the cap increased to $600. The Universal Giving Pandemic Response and Recovery Act aims to expand the current (temporary) universal charitable deduction (UCD). Introduced in March 2021 by a bipartisan, bicameral group of lawmakers, the bill wants to increase the UCD to onethird of the standard deduction, or roughly $4000 for individuals and $8000 for joint filers and would allow gifts to donor-advised funds to count as well. The AFP reports that there was a 28% increase of $300 gifts on December 31, 2020, or the maximum amount a donor could take using the UCD. “Plus, small-level gifts of $250 or less increased by more than 15% throughout the year [2020] compared to 2019. While we [AFP] know there are many factors that contribute to increased donations, one contributing factor is likely the availability of the charitable deduction to nonitemizers.” Incentivizing donations through charitable deductions is a “good tax policy – it encourages individuals to give away more of their income, devoting it to their community’s needs rather than their own,” says AFP. “Philanthropy is cyclical – it sells generosity by selling innovation,” Amanda Moniz says. “It is compelling to say something is new. It’s hard to raise money or mobilize people to take action, even though people are very generous. It takes work to get people to give again and again, or to give time again and again.” The rise of community giving days, the ease of text-to-give and online donations at the click of a button, and pledge letters that seem to arrive daily are all evidence of the the way philanthropy changes - but doesn’t. For Daughtery, he hopes that philanthropy becomes more accessible as a practice for people who are middle- and lowerclass, but he also hopes to make people with a higher income aware of what’s going on – particularly in rural America. Rural America is positioned to become a key player in the future of philanthropy, but it’s going to be up to individuals to set up the success. Contacting local community foundations to learn what the needs in your community are and how to create something with a lasting impact is a great place to start.
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Congress Can Do More to Improve America’s Rural Healthcare By Burton Eller Executive Director, Grange Advocacy It should come as no shock that one side effect of America’s continued urbanization is a diminishing lack of access to healthcare in rural areas, especially in referral-based, specialist medical services like radiology. COVID-19 has only exacerbated the ongoing situation wherein fewer radiologists are serving more Medicare patients than ever. This means longer wait times and, often, decreasing quality of care for those who need it most. Fortunately, there is bipartisan support for the Medicare Access to Radiology Care Act (MARCA), a critical piece of legislation would help solve this acute healthcare crisis in rural communities if only it was freed from the political gridlock in Washington many smaller, stand-alone bills often face. As it stands, 33 states recognize radiologist assistants (RAs) as medical professionals who can perform all patient management, medical imaging examinations, and image-guided procedures under direct supervision of a radiologist. Radiology practices, however, cannot submit Medicare reimbursement claims for these critical imaging services that are ideally performed by RAs because Medicare does not recognize RAs as authorized providers for these services. These include discussing procedures with patients, various hands-on aspects of the patient procedures themselves, and a host of other aspects of patient care. MARCA would change this outdated distinction and allow Medicare to reimburse the radiologists that hire RAs for select radiology procedures and time-consuming, patientcentric non-imaging care that can be done at 85% of the cost if a radiologist had done the same. By better utilizing the highly trained and knowledgeable RA’s in our rural areas, each radiology practice can operate at maximum efficiency while also preventing radiologist burnout from overwork. Many non-critical access hospitals have a team of fewer than five radiologists, so the addition of an RA would not
only ensure a more evenly distributed workload across practices but would also increase appointment availability for minor procedures and consultations, improving patient access on the ground floor by eliminating backlogs. Many radiology departments of rural hospitals are only able to schedule regular and minor procedures for 1-2 hours per day, meaning many patients must wait for the next available time slot. In rural America where one might have to drive hours to the closest practice, these delays amount to an undue burden. With an RA on staff working at their full scope of practice and supervised by a radiologist who can bill Medicare for these services, these facilities could double or even triple the amount of time they can dedicate to those same procedures, greatly improving access to care. This division of labor between radiologists and RAs would not only allow departments and practices to see more patients but also improve the quality of care. Other than a radiologist, RA’s receive more specialized training than any other health care provider, ensuring rural practices can maintain the rigorous safety standards radiologists and RA’s are trained to meet. It is therefore no surprise that surveyed patients are overwhelmingly more satisfied when an RA is involved. These highly skilled technologists can spend more time with patients and their families to educate them on procedures, side effects, and follow-ups. America’s rural communities are the backbone of our country, and people therein represent why our nation is as strong as it is. To ensure this remains true in the future, Washington needs to address the pressing healthcare issues that rural communities face across the nation. Passing this legislation is therefore an easy decision that would increase access, improve patient care, and reduce Medicare costs. Congress must act now to pass MARCA.
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Leadership teams embrace roles among Juniors and Youth By Karie Blasingame Senior Communication Fellow, Illinois State Grange Vice President and Youth Director At the 155th National Grange Session in Wichita, Kansas in 2021, judges chose two Junior Grange Ambassadors, two Youth Ambassadors and one Young Patron Ambassador to help our Junior Leadership Development Director and our Youth Leadership Development Director with workshops and leading our Juniors and Youth through the next year. The National Grange Youth Team consists of Ambassadors Amber Corll of Ohio and Cole Settle of North Carolina, and Young Patron Emma Edelen of Iowa. The National Junior Grange Ambassadors are Ryleigh
Meet
Ryleigh,
Hartsell and Cade Howerton, both of North Carolina. The Ambassadors are excited this year about travelling across the country to different regional conferences as well as the 156th National Grange Session in Sparks, Nevada. Everyone in their home states and Granges are happy and excited that they were chosen to represent the Juniors and Youth this year. Some of this year’s Horizon Leadership Team were asked for pointers on how to compete to get on the Youth Team next year. Each of the Ambassadors was asked a few questions to allow us to get to know them better before we see them this year at regional conferences. They were all delightful to talk to and hopefully you will enjoy working and learning from them this year.
National Junior Grange Ambassador
Name: Ryleigh Hartsell
Hometown: Mt. Pleasant, North Carolina Age: 13
When did you join the Grange? I attended my first Grange meeting before I was a month old. Why did you join the Grange? My whole family are members of the Grange.
Do you live in a city, small town or on a farm? In a small town. I do have a farm, but our farm is about 2 miles from my house. What is your favorite part of the Grange Meeting? The fellowship and the food! What office in Grange do you dream of holding? President
What are you most excited to do this year as an Ambassador? Travel and meet new people What is your favorite hobby? Competition Dance and Track
Tell me three things about yourself that everyone should know about you. 1. I love to Dance 2. I love to Fish 3. I love helping people Nevada is a new Grange state. As someone who has grown up in the
Grange, what do the Juniors and Youth in Nevada need to be prepared
for? Being in Grange is fun, you get to meet new people, try new things and experience new things. As a Junior Grange Ambassador, how do you want to be remembered by
other Junior Grangers? And by the Youth or Young Patrons? And by Grange members in general? That I am an outgoing person who loves to meet new people. Anything else you would like to share? I love school. Science and Social Studies/History are my favorite subjects.
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Meet
Cade,
National Junior Grange Ambassador
Name: Cade Howerton
Hometown: Timberlake, North Carolina Age: 14
When did you join the Grange? I have been in the Grange my whole life, but the first event I remember was in 2013 when I was 5 years old. Why did you join the Grange? My family has been in it for a while and made it sound interesting and so I wanted to be a part of it. Do you live in a city, small town or on a farm? Rural area, there are a lot of active farms in our area. What is your favorite part of the Grange Meeting? Meals/guest speaker.
What office in Grange do you dream of holding? Ceres or Treasurer; I feel carrying the American Flag at National Grange would be an honor. What are you most excited to do this year as an Ambassador? Travel and meet new people. What is your favorite hobby? Lacrosse
Tell me three things about yourself that everyone should know about you. 1.
I participate in school activities and groups.
2.
I am comfortable speaking in front of crowds.
3.
I want to be a geneticist when I grow up.
Nevada is a new Grange state. As someone who has grown up in the Grange, what
do the Juniors and Youth in Nevada need to be prepared for? Definitely get Juniors involved they are a big part of the future of the Grange. Be outspoken. Host activities that would get a lot of notice. As a Junior Grange Ambassador, how do you want to be remembered by other Junior
Grangers? And by the Youth or Young Patrons? And by Grange members in general? I want them to remember me as a leader and I want them to be excited for when I come to the youth. I want to be remembered as a role model. Anything else you would like to share? I’m grateful for all the opportunities the Grange has given me... and I don’t like mushrooms.
How can I become a Junior Ambassador? The purpose of the National Junior Grange Ambassador program is to provide an opportunity for outstanding Junior Grangers, selected by their State Grange, to attend the National Grange Convention and build their leadership potential. They will be given the opportunity to build relationships with other Junior Grangers and Grangers across the Nation. They will receive vital training that will be instrumental in developing the Junior Grange programs within their state, as well as preparing them for their future in the Grange. All applicants are required to meet the following criteria: 1. Must be a Junior Grange member for a minimum of 3 years. 2. Must be between the ages of 10-14 years, having observed their 10th birthday, but not their 15th by December 31st of the year they attend National Session. 3. Applicants must be able to attend National Convention to represent their state during Junior Grange activity days (ThursdaySaturday) at their own costs. 4. Applicants must have a parent or guardian attend National convention with them. More information and the application can be found at nationaljuniorgrange.org/ambassador-program. Applications due August 15th.
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Meet
Emma,
National Grange Outstanding Young Patron
Name: Emma Edelen
Hometown: Cedar Rapids, Iowa Age: 27
When did you join the Grange? When I was 14, but I was a Junior Granger before that. I joke that I was a Granger in the womb since my sister and I started attending Grange functions within a year or so of our births. Why did you join the Grange? I was born into it and joined because they are my second family. Do you live in a city, small town or on a farm? City
What is your favorite part of the Grange Meeting? The socialization and potlucks
What office in Grange do you dream of holding? I would love to try each once, but Chaplain and Lecturer have been my favorites, since I get to lift peoples’ spirits and celebrate with fun activities and knowledge. What are you most excited to do this year as an Ambassador? Absolutely excited to work with Cole, Amber and Mandy. I’ve seen Cole and Amber around the last few years and grew up knowing Mandy, it’s nice to be working with people I know and like. What is your favorite hobby? I love trying and learning new things. I also enjoy being outside, doing sewing and woodworking, along with playing Dungeons and Dragons. I’m a jack of all trades. Tell me three things about yourself that everyone should know about you.
1. I am a high school earth science teacher and throwing coach (my 9th graders are the best!). 2. I can’t get bread to rise no matter what I do when baking 3. I may be bad with keeping up with communication, but I will always be there for others and get things done and usually done well. Nevada is a new Grange state. As someone who has grown up in the Grange, what do the Juniors and Youth in Nevada need to be prepared for? I’m interested in talking about
how younger, newer Granges are working with the ritual and how it can be done. Newer Granges are not stuck in the “this is how we have always done it” mentality. They are getting and learning what their groove is. You become blind to that happening until you see others searching for their path. How do you want to be remembered by other Youth or Young
Patrons? And by the Juniors? And by Grange members in general? I just want to be someone that people think of as resourceful, fun, and as someone who wants to learn and try new things. I would love to be a Granger that younger people can look up to and know that they are going to be taken seriously and that what they say is valid. I would love to be a Granger who members can see as someone who wants to do things and see this organization thrive.
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Meet
Amber,
National Grange Youth Ambassador
Name: Amber Corll
Hometown: Berlin Center, Ohio Age: 18
When did you join the Grange? I joined the (Junior) Grange when I was 5 years old.
Why did you join the Grange? I joined because I am part of a generational family of the Grange, and I was next up in line. Do you live in a city, small town or on a farm? I live on a small farm in Northeast Ohio.
What is your favorite part of the Grange Meeting? My favorite part of any Grange Meeting is socializing with the people and listening to the lecturer’s presentation. What office in Grange do you dream of holding? The office I dream of holding is Ohio State Grange Flora. What are you most excited to do this year as an Ambassador? I am excited to meet new people and have fleeting moments with new friends while promoting our wonderful organization. What is your favorite hobby? Hiking with friends each summer.
Tell me three things about yourself that everyone should know about you. 1.
I enjoy and am a big part of Community Service
2.
I love nature of all sorts from animals to regular old trees
3.
I am an active member of several organizations and clubs, and as much as I try to
keep them all equal, Grange always seems to come out on top because it is something that I will never be too old to do. Nevada is a new Grange state. As someone who has grown up in the Grange, what do the Juniors and Youth in Nevada need to
be prepared for? It’s always great to try new things. Grange is the people who are in it and how you spend your time in positions to further your Grange and yourself. How do you want to be remembered by other Youth
or Young Patrons? And by the Juniors? And by Grange
members in general? When I hear the question of how I want to be remembered, I have to pause for a second to think. I want to be remembered as a stepping stone. Someone that helped a person along the way. Maybe taught them something they hadn’t thought of or really went deep into before. I want to be a person that when someone mentions my name, they know they can count on me and when I’m gone, I want to be someone that puts a smile on a person’s face because I was funny or just a good person in general.
How can I become a part of the Youth Team? The purpose of the Horizon Leadership Ambassador program is to provide an opportunity for Youth, Young Adults and Young Couples, selected to represent their state at a National Grange convention, to build their leadership potential; broaden their view of the Grange by experiencing a National Convention; receive educational training to use in their own states; and build relationships with Grangers throughout the nation by having fun. More information and the application can be found at https://nationalgrangeyouth.org/horizon-leadership-program/
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Meet
Cole,
National Grange Youth Ambassador
Name: Coleman (Cole) Settle
Hometown: Elkin, North Carolina Age: 22
When did you join the Grange? In 2015 at the age of 15.
Why did you join the Grange? I had grown up hearing stories about how much fun my family members had had at Grange events. Do you live in a city, small town or on a farm? I live on a small family farm outside of the small town of Elkin, NC. What is your favorite part of the Grange Meeting? My favorite part of Grange meetings is getting to spend time with all my friends and family. What office in Grange do you dream of holding? I would be happy in whatever capacity I can make the greatest impact on the Grange. What are you most excited to do this year as an Ambassador? I am most excited to meet Grangers from all around the country, and learn new and exciting ways to get Grangers involved at the regional/national level. What is your favorite hobby? My favorite hobby is getting outdoors and taking part in activities such as camping and hiking.
Tell me three things about yourself that everyone should know about you. 1. I am currently a student at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina. 2. I really enjoy the outdoors and being active. 3. I love spending time with my Grange family. Nevada is a new Grange state. As someone who has grown up in the
Grange, what do the Juniors and Youth in Nevada need to be prepared for? Keep an open mind,
Grangers can be a strange group of people, but the more you are around Grangers the more you learn to love them. How do you want to be remembered by other Youth or Young Patrons? And by
the Juniors? And by Grange members in general? As a Youth Ambassador I hope to be remembered as a fun and exciting Youth Team member who was able to change the organization for the better.
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Rural places have PRIDE: Increasing Rural Queer Visibility through YA Literature By Chea Parton
Editor’s Note: Although formerly seen as a derogatory slur,
Founder, Literacy in Place
in this article the term “queer” refers to any person who When I was still in my rural English classroom, Facebook was the height of social media connectedness and many of my students wanted to be my friend. The rule was that I would
identifies as something other than exclusively heterosexual and/or cisgender. This term can include people who identify
accept their friend requests as they graduated. Many of them
in some way as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex,
did – and still do. It’s been wonderful to see them grow and
asexual, or other part of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum.
work toward achieving their dreams. I’ve also been overjoyed to see them coming out, marrying the loves of their lives, and living their lives unapologetically. On the flip-side of that joy is the sadness and disappointment that they felt they needed to wait that long to do so. I have always been an ally and remember having conversations, tough as they could be sometimes, with students who were already out about their experiences as queer in a rural community. I firmly believe that the stereotype of rural communities as a homophobic monolith are patently inaccurate. As Chimamanda Adichie says in her 2009 Ted Talk, stereotypes aren’t dangerous because they’re untrue but that they’re incomplete. While there is homophobia in rural communities, there’s homophobia everywhere, and the story that rural communities are unwelcoming of difference is at best incomplete. I wanted my queer students to feel safe in my classroom, with me, and to know that I loved who they were without condition. I hope they knew that (and still do) – whether they were out or not. However, upon reflection, I realize now that one way that I failed in this area was to include stories in my teaching that reflected and affirmed their identities and experiences. I included virtually no rural young adult literature let alone books that recognized and honored the identities and experiences of queer people in rural places. Though I did make space for choice reading where students could have chosen rural books with queer characters, it may not have felt like a possibility or permissible because those stories weren’t overtly affirmed by my instruction. So, in honor of Pride season and my former students, I want to highlight rural YA literature that does just that. First, I’ll discuss in-depth one of the best books I’ve read this year – J.R. Jamison’s Hillbilly Queer – and then I’ll list several other possibilities for classroom teachers and book clubs alike. Hillbilly Queer is one that I desperately wish I would’ve had
Hillbilly Queer is Jamison’s memoir of reconciling his queerness with his upbringing in rural Missouri. Photo courtesy of Authors Unbound
the opportunity to include in my classroom for a few reasons:
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1.
So many of my queer students hid who
they were until they graduated. 2. Jamison is from Indiana and through his story
Other Suggested Titles The Dead and the Dark by Courtney Gould Logan’s dads are ghost hunters, so it makes
my Hoosier students could’ve seen how rural-ness
sense that they would be scouting a haunted
and queer-ness can coexist in one person. And
location where teens are going missing to film
3. Because his reflections are as an adult, they
new episodes of their shows. But Snakebite, OR
would’ve been able to see how someone like them
is different because it’s where her dads grew up.
could weather some storms and love themselves.
As Logan investigates alongside her new local
In this memoir, Jamison recounts his 2016 trip
“frenemy,” Ashley, things get even weirder – in
with his dad to rural Missouri to attend his dad’s
the town and between the two of them. Using
55-year class reunion. At the height of Trump’s
elements of speculative fiction, The Dead and the
2016 run for president, Jamison and his dad
Dark explores the connections between people
feel connected but strangers because of their
and places and how they influence one another in
differing life experiences and political views. As
both positive and negative ways.
the title suggests one is a hillbilly and the other is queer. Across their travels to and through the land of his dad’s raising, Jamison and his dad work to understand and build bridges across their differences. Of the trip and his journey to understand his dad and accept himself as both hillbilly and queer, Jamison writes: “As we pulled onto the exit ramp and I-44 directed us back east, I thought about those stretches of road that carried me to my family’s past. They brought me there to explore
Where the Heart Is by Jo Knowles This middle-grades book follows Rachel as she navigates being 13, working with farm animals, and trying to make sense of her relationship with Micah, her best friend who seems to want them to be more than that. Rachel doesn’t feel that way about Micah and isn’t sure she could ever feel that way about any boy. A perfect book for readers who enjoy stories of self-discovery and friendship.
Dad’s memory lane, but his past was - and is - my past, too. Those roads took me back to find things I had missed when I thought there was nothing left to explore between us. Those roads will always lead me home to the places time has forgotten. Memories grown over by political bullshit, smothering our similarities, but we pruned it all to bring our life back together again. I traveled those roads with Dad to rediscover not only the past but what will be our present and future” (p. 179). Since the places featured in this text are rural, the explorations undertaken by Jamison and his dad work to reveal the complexity that exists in rural people - in their political and ideological beliefs. And that does a lot of work to combat
Pumpkin by Julie Murphy The third installment on Murphy’s Dumplin’ series, this novel takes place in Clover City, a small West Texas town, where Waylon, a fat openly gay boy, is jokingly nominated for homecoming queen. After the humiliation of being dumped and having his audition for his favorite drag show shared with the whole school, Waylon decides to give in and run for Queen to leave high school with a bang. But running isn’t as simple as he thinks. This book is perfect for fans of Dumplin’ and Puddin’ and is a wonderful finish to an excellent series.
Dress Codes for Small Towns by Courtney Stevens Billie is the tomboy daughter of a small-town
the general inclination of the media to depict all
preacher. As she navigates discovering her queer
rural people as backwoods, ignorant homophobes
identity, she fears that she’ll have to leave the tiny
who have pledged undying allegiance to Donald
town she loves to get away from all the prying
Trump and everything he stands for.
eyes of her dad’s congregation and figure out/
It’s an excellent book – one I would have
be who she is. With her friends’ support, she
included in my own curriculum had I had the
works instead to make her town more welcoming
chance.
of people like her – a perfect read for fans of heartfelt coming-of-age stories.
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Resources for reading rural gems
Reading Guide Questions for Book Clubs and Classrooms
Possible Activity for Classrooms
• How do both where and who we’re from shape our identities? What does this look like for Jamison and his dad? • Disagreements over charged topics seem more present in our current cultural moment than in the past. Civil discourse around these subjects can also seem hard to come by. What can we learn from Jamison and his dad about how to have difficult conversations with one another, especially about things we disagree on? • Throughout his memoir, Jamison works to understand how his hillbilly and queer identities coexist and coalesce into who he is. How does Jamison’s journey connect to your own life and experiences? Are there disparate parts of your identity that seem at odds with one another? How do you reconcile them? • One major focus of Hillbilly Queer is building bridges across divisions that seem too wide to cross. What are you taking with you from this text? What do you feel you’ve learned from Jamison’s experiences? • Jamison is from a rural place and still lives in a rural place. How does that rural place connect to and shape his queer identity? What do you think his experiences would have been like in your community?
One of the most important things Jamison’s memoir does is showcase the struggle of having and making space for difficult conversations with our loved ones. Jamison talks about the difficulty of knowing what to say when we want to say it. He describes it this way, “nothing seemed to find its way to the tip of our tongues at the right time in the right way” (p. 12). It is easiest to talk about political issues within our echo chambers because we don’t really have to explain what we’re thinking. With family or other folks who don’t already think the same way we do, and it’s not as easy. The words we’re looking for are often not there and the ones we do find can seem not quite good enough. So, it would be interesting to connect Hillbilly Queer to an argumentative writing unit with a creative writing twist: • Ask students to think about difficult conversations they’ve tried to have or want to have with their families, but they’ve had trouble figuring out what to say. • Depending on how comfortable students are, they could choose how serious these topics are – they could be anything from how much they dislike a family member’s signature dish at pitch-ins to their stances on polarizing political issues. • Then have them write a fictionalized short story, scene, or poem in which that conversation happens. ® • To be able to do this, they’ll have to think of both their arguments and their friends/family’s counterarguments and thoroughly consider and imagine how the discussion would go. They wouldn’t necessarily have to have the conversation in real life, but if they wanted to, they’d at least be more prepared to do so. To learn more, visit literacyinplace.com
Suggested Titles (cont.) Small Town Pride by Phil Stamper Jake is his small school’s first openly gay kid. When his parents fly an over-sized pride flag in their front yard as a sign of love and support, the rest of the small town becomes concerned, complaining to the mayor. Jake doesn’t see any reason Barton Springs, Ohio couldn’t or shouldn’t have a Pride parade and works with his friends to get approval from the town council and mayor. This middle grades book is perfect for readers who enjoy realistic fiction featuring young people working to better their world.
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If you are interested in purchasing and reading these books, we recommend visiting your local independent bookseller or purchasing directly from the publisher’s website. The Dead and the Dark: MacMillan Publishers Where the Heart Is: Penguin Randomhouse Pumpkin: HarperCollins Dress Codes for Small Towns: Parnassus Books Small Town Pride: HarperCollins
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AGRITOURISM FEATURE
Hawaii hosts educational and tasty agritourism destinations By Elizabeth Hiner Senior Communication Fellow Editor’s Note: This is the first of a new monthly agritourism feature. Want to highlight somewhere local to you or that makes your state unique? Email Philip Vonada (pvonada@nationalgrange.org) or Elizabeth Hiner (elizabeth.natlgrange@ gmail.com) with your idea! Agritourism or agrotourism is any operation or activity which involves an agriculturally-based operation such as a ranch or farm. This can come in the form of a “staycation” or a tour involving operations of the farm/ranch and includes the production of their products, which are paid for by the visitors/tourists. In the spring 2022 issue of Good Day!, Amanda Brozana Rios explored the roots of agritourism, starting as dude ranches and destination wedding sites. Agritourism (Agri turismo), as a concept, was defined by the Italians. As the concept of agritourism has caught on and grown, there is now a wealth of places to visit in the United States and around the world. With domestic agritourism on the rise, travelers will find that each state has something unique to offer, ranging in number from 182 official agritourism sites in California to two in Wyoming. The top eight agritourism destinations around the world include California, Hawaii, Taiwan, Tuscany, Majorca, Brazil, Grenada, and the Philippines. With the appeal for open space, fragrant meadows, starry skies, and cute animals, agritourism is becoming increasingly popular. Technology certainly has its benefits, but being plugged in all the time has populations looking for simpler times and getting back to nature. People are looking for vacations that offer something real, a way to teach their children more about their environment and where their food comes
from. Agritourism is more than just picking vegetables or herbs; these getaways allow people to reconnect with nature and the land. Today’s vacationer has an increasing number of options on where to go, depending on their interests. They can spend their whole vacation on a working ranch or farm, or just do a day tour of the area where they have chosen to vacation. Geography also plays a significant role; the experience at an orchard in Oregon will differ from a dairy farm in Wisconsin or a farm in Minnesota. There are also the commonalities such as the fresh air, sunshine, scenic surroundings, and unique accommodations. Think of wide open spaces, orchards, gardens, chickens, bees, cattle, sheep, goats, horses and so much more. There is something for every interest and time frame. Hawaii, as one of the top eight destinations for agritourism, has a diverse tourism industry. From wineries and farm stays to bees, coffee and chocolate, there are as many diverse activities as there are interests. These are tailored to each individual island and their differing terrain and agricultural abilities. Although not specifically an “agritourism” destination, the Maui Farm was established in 1993 to place youth in an onsite residential program, focusing on family and utilizing an experimental learning model based in sustainable farming. In 2005, their mission changed to providing farm-based, family-centered programs that help at-risk mothers and their children in a safe neighborhood setting. The Maui Farm’s vision is to invest their resources in strengthening children, youth and families, centered on health and wellbeing for our future generations. The Maui Farm is a state and donation-funded farm, giving single mothers and their children a haven while learning life skills. Their residential program provides housing for homeless or at-risk families. The
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Dean Hiner chats with Marie Leon, Program Director at the Maui Farm in their Community Center. Photo by Elizabeth Hiner farm can house up to 8 families at one time with 2 families living in each 5-bedroom, 3-bathroom house. This program empowers the families to build up the knowledge and skills they need to be self-sufficient and lead a healthy life on their own. While the families live on the farm, they help with the animals, and with crop selection and care. The two-acre farm hosts a variety of animals. The Farm raises one billy goat and four does which are bred, and the offspring sold to local farmers. The chicken coop houses ten to fifteen chickens, which are kept for their eggs and are available for any of the residents to consume as needed. The Farm also houses rabbits and, as of April, one guinea pig. Finally, there are also pigs which are raised to be bred and sold. The farm crops are chosen by the residents of the farm and are always changing with the seasons. The families start their plants in the nursery, which they all share in the care of. Any extra produce the farm grows is donated to the local
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homeless shelters. This year, the experimental plant is corn which is difficult to grow in Hawaii. As of April, it didn’t appear like it would be a successful experiment because while the soil is good, it is being grown in a highhumidity environment with lots of rain. Maui Farm’s stipend program offers the opportunity to obtain skill training and job readiness for parents looking to reenter the workforce. Participants are offered one on one training through work experience on the farm. They are also trained in the basic skills needed to gain employment. The Farm also offers the School and Community Gardens Program which highlights educational field trips, tours, and service-learning opportunities to the local schools. They offer an internship program focused on employment, training, and workforce development in sustainable agriculture, environmental stewardship, and family-centered human services. The Friends of Maui Farm Volunteer Program gives community members an opportunity to support the farm with community service and learning potential.
The fig tree at the Maui Farm has an orchid growing in its base. Photo by Elizabeth Hiner
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Some other popular Hawaii agritourism destinations include • Wild Food Hike, in which a small group goes out with Sunny Savage to forage for edible food. It is also a good skill to have if you are stuck out in the wilds of the world. These hikes are also available in the Pacific Northwest, New York and in Ontario. • Surfing Goat Dairy offers three different tours, where visitors can learn about dairy goats, cheese making, feeding, and more - and they even offer A Hawaiian sunset, as seen from one of the cheese-tasting. Similar many wineries located in Hawaii. This is a “not tours are also available in to be missed” feature of Hawaiian agritourism. Photo by Elizabeth Hiner California, Colorado, and New Jersey. • MauiWine and the be an important part of a farm’s Ulupalakua Vineyards and Ranch income, both directly through offer tours and winetasting. the tours and indirectly through Many wines are made from social media exposure.” Maui locally-grown pineapple or Bees offers tours, including a lilikoi (passionfruit) as well as Hands-on Honeybee workshop. traditional grape wines. This is a For many of the small farms across tasty and fun way to support local the world, Agritourism is necessary industries - and winery tours can for their survival. By diversifying their be found nationwide. business operations small farmers can • The Ulupalakua Ranch Store across create a more stable source of income. from the winery is a store and Agritourism gives the farmer the ability restaurant run by the ranch, to host activities, such as weddings, not noted for their elk burgers. The only during the growing season, but all elk were once transplated from year long. the Rocky Mountains and now This type of tourism not only helps call Maui home. All of the meat the farmers, but also their communities. (beef, elk, and lamb) used at the These diversified streams of income restaurant is sourced from their are boosted by the increase in traffic as own herds or local wildlife. tourists are being drawn to the area. • Maui Bees, located on the island If you can’t personally visit Hawaii, of Haleakala, is an all-organic many of these locations also ship their biodynamic farm. They produce products - another revenue stream that summer honey (medium to light is opened up because of the incredible color with a mild floral flavor) wealth of agritourism nationwide and the and winter honey (darker with a spread of social media. complex butterscotch or caramel flavor). Mark Damon, owner of Maui Bees says “agritourism can
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NOTES FROM A SMALL TOWN
Even when things are going well... at ridiculous discounts, pretty much
It’s hard for me to say enough good
anything that seemed like it might work,
about Rockport, because it’s friendly (in
though with varying degrees of success.
a New England way); it’s so beautiful
This got me to thinking about my
and familiar that you feel you’ve seen it
... there are still problems.
own hometown, which is having the
before, and you probably have, because
I read the article in the previous
exact opposite problem: the population
Rockport is frequently used as a location
issue of Good Day! about small towns
is standing still as property prices are
in movies; it has a dramatic landscape;
in the mid-West trying pretty much
going through the roof after wealthy
and, well, there’s that proximity to Boston
whatever they could think of to draw
investors
thing.
in new residents to save their shrinking
working from home, and proximity to
I lived here until I was eight, when my
communities:
Boston are making homes in Rockport
family moved to a suburb of Boston, and
ever more valuable.
after I graduated from college I moved
By Christopher Dean Massachusetts Grange Member
giving land for free,
giving houses for free, selling homes
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that
Covid-19,
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“Where the Blue Lobster Used to Be” - the town’s old fishing shack is among the many businesses being converted into galleries or shops. Photo by Christopher Dean to Boston and lived there for 33 years before deciding to move
buyer won’t be using it as a hot dog place, it’ll be going for big
back to Rockport for my later and (eventual) retirement years.
bucks as a weekly or monthly rental in the summer. We used to
Our house was built in 1850 and sold for the first time in 1855 for $300 which was half the average annual income in
go down there on summer weekends for a couple of hot dogs and a beer. No more.
Massachusetts at the time. When we bought it in 2016, it cost
The strudel place up street from said shack is also up for
almost four and a half times the average annual income and
sale and the sign out front says AIRBnB OPPORTUNITY,
now, only six years later, it’s valued on an online real estate site
which means that the strudel place will be a memory soon, as
at six times the average income! That’s insane! Nobody can
will (maybe) the fudge place which also has a sign that says
afford that now; we were lucky we made the move when we
PERFECT FOR AN AIRBnB.
did.
What this means is that rich, out-of-town investors are But, no, actually, there are people who can afford those
buying up property and the community suffers. The investors
prices: investors. And real estate agents are working hard to
don’t live in the community and don’t care about it either, all
get their money. When houses go on the market now, the
that matters to them is the potential for a financial windfall.
signs say GREAT INVESTMENT OPPORTUNITY or PERFECT
I can stand on my mother’s side porch and see twelve
AS A SUMMER RENTAL. Realtors aren’t even assuming that
houses, of which four are no longer inhabited year-round. The
the buyers will live in these houses and their suggestions are
granddaughter of an old friend of my grandmother sold her
simple, greedy, and indifferent to the consequences.
grandmother’s house to people from New York who use it as a
One large house in town, right on the ocean, is advertising
“summer place.”
month-long summer rentals at $17,600. There’s an old,
Across the street, the house where two spinster sisters once
uninsulated fishing shack in the tourist district (known as
lived has now been turned a weekly rental house, as is the
Bearskin Neck) where there has been a succession of hot
house next door to it, and the big place at the end of the lane
dog joints catering to day-trippers and the sellers are asking
was sold to a retired couple from Arizona who spend - at most -
$950,000! For a shack! And they’ll probably get it, but the
two weeks a year there; they own it so that they can prove that
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they can afford to buy a big house they rarely use.
pockets at the expense of neighborhoods and neighbors. I
On our own street, the large house across from us is empty most of the year; they come up on weekends sometimes, but no-one knows their names and they don’t even bother to acknowledge the neighbors around them when they’re present.
wish the townspeople luck in getting those passed, I’d love to see that happen. I know I’d vote for it. The town’s recent success has been astonishing, and deeply uneven.
The only way I can recognize them is when they’re in their yard.
Families who have lived here for generations, from when
Many homes that belonged to families are empty most
the town had a working class that mined the quarries and a
of the time now, and the schools in town have seen a 33%
middle class that owned the barbershops, have had to leave
drop in students in the last ten years. Families don’t move here
because taxes are too high; parents leave the family home to
anymore because it’s too expensive, and those people who do
their children who sell it because it’s worth more out of the
buy just seem to see the town as a place to make a quick buck.
family than in; selling the family home becomes a cash cow
Of course, the last fifty years have seen a lot of changes
that will wipe out a debt. You can sell your home for cash, but
in town. As tourism spread up Main Street, the pharmacy, the
it won’t give you that feeling that you know where you are, and
hairdresser, the small grocery store, the newsstand, the dry
it won’t give you another home.
cleaner, the tailor, both barbershops, the bookstore, and all the other small businesses that sustained the people who lived here have been replaced by art galleries selling seascapes that you see pretty much everywhere these days. Almost all of the retail in town is geared towards tourism. If you’re looking for a brass fire screen that looks like a peacock, I can tell you where to get it, but if you want to buy a newspaper, you’re out of luck. The locals get their necessities at the cluster of shops near the train station. There’s really no compelling reason to go into town during the summer, except to take visiting friends to see the charming vistas that captivate all of us and which have led to our current spectacularly odd living situation. Don’t get me wrong: I love living here. I love this town and every time I walk out for a cup of coffee at the coffee shop or sit at the beach and watch the tide, I have that same feeling that people must have when they live in Paris: “I can’t believe I live here!” And yet, there’s something missing, something nagging at me. There are so many fewer children and families, so much less “somethingness” than I used to know, so many more dark windows in houses with no permanent residents, those houses have the strange stillness that you can sense from the street, that no-one makes a home there even though it’s wellmaintained. Many people who have lived here all their lives feel this loss deeply, and it’s talked about a lot when they gather at the coffee shop with their friends, or comment on the town’s unofficial social media page. There are rumblings of change as residents want to restrict the number of Airbnb’s or other vacation and weekly rentals. There’s a state-supported tax formula that residents want to see applied here to restrict the number of summer rentals and “short-term lodgings” that investors have used to line their
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The
persistent
By Ann Olson Bercher
Lecturer, National Grange President, State Grange of Minnesota Certified Culinary Specialist We have arrived! We made it through a spring season that barely felt like spring at all. We are coming out of 2 years of a pandemic, and it looks like the worst may be behind us. We have managed to overcome many obstacles such as closed Grange Halls, virtual meetings and reduced events. We have persevered, much like the persistent and aggressive mint plants that grow in many yards and gardens. In fact, mint may be a great symbol for promise and potential to grow. Anyone who has ever grown mint knows that it can take over a large area in very short order! Mint belongs to a large botanical family (Lamiaceae) with over 180 genera which includes basil, bergamot, horehound, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mints, oregano, perilla, rosemary, sage, savory and thyme. The true mints are of the genus Mentha, a name derived from Greek mythology. And of course, there are several stories related to the name. One story is that Minthe was the nymph girlfriend of Pluto, who transformed Minthe into a scented herb to protect her from his jealous wife. Mint also played an important role in the Bible as the Pharisees
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mint
collected tithes in mint, dill and cumin.
cells to signal the brain that they are
Charlemagne ordered people to grow
cooler than they really are. Because
it, and Romans brought it with them as
menthol is a reactive chemical that
they marched through Europe.
rapidly degenerates when heated,
It has been found in ancient Egyptian
peppermint is usually not cooked.
tombs dating back to 1000 BC. All
Some other mints of note include
because mint has been prized for its
Apple Mint, tasting like apple with
medicinal properties Peppermint, in
a touch of wintergreen, is a great
particular, is valued for its aromatic,
addition for jelly making; Banana
calming, antiseptic qualities.
Mint, with small light green leaves
True mints are native to the damp
and a banana flavor; Chocolate Mint,
habitats in Europe and Asia. There are
with dark green leaves and a delicate
about 25 species in the genus Mentha
chocolate tinge to its minty flavor is
and some 600 varieties, though they
good in desserts and even in coffee;
tend to cross-pollinate, hybridize and
Ginger Mint, with slightly yellow leaves
make things more confusing.
and a strong spicy scent is used in
The mints most commonly used
candy making; Kentucky Colonel is a
for cooking are spearmint (Mentha
spearmint variety often used to flavor
spicata) and peppermint (M. piperata).
alcoholic drinks such as juleps and
These two mints have a refreshing
mojitos; and yes, there is also a Mojito
quality, but they are quite different.
mint, most traditionally used in the
Spearmint
has
lighter,
bright
Cuban highball mojito. There are more
green leaves, with a distinctive rich
varieties, including Grapefruit Mint,
and complex aroma, more typical
Orange Mint, Pineapple Mint and
of roasted foods than raw ones.
Pennyroyal.
Spearmint is widely used in the Eastern
Here in the U.S., we often think
Mediterranean as well as India and
of mint as a natural partner to fruit,
Southeast Asia.
chocolate, and desserts of all kinds,
Peppermint has darker leaves with
but it’s also a terrific flavor to add to
a reddish stem and is clearer tasting,
savory dishes, baked goods, sauces
more menthol-like, which gives it a
and drinks.
uniquely cooling quality. In addition
Purchasing all of these different
to having its unique aroma, menthol
flavors of mint can be a little more
actually binds to temperature-sensing
difficult. Fresh mint can be found in
nerves in the mouth and causes those
the produce section of supermarkets.
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ribbons. Sprinkle fresh mint over fresh or cooked vegetables and meats, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt. It also pairs well with fresh fruit. Add mint to soups, stews, fresh salads, salsa, marinades and grains. Dried mint can be substituted for fresh in some recipes, but you will sacrifice the freshest flavor. Dried mint should never replace fresh mint if the recipe does not require cooking. To replace fresh mint with dried mint, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried mint for 1 Tablespoon of fresh mint. You can also substitute other fresh herbs for fresh mint. A close cousin to mint is basil which is a little more peppery and a little sweeter. You can also use marjoram, oregano, tarragon, thyme or savory. There is no end to the ways you can use mint in your everyday cooking adventures. To Grow Your Own Mint
Mint will generally grow well in any well-drained soil but Varieties of mint include (from top) Chocolate Mint, Spearmint, and Peppermint. Photo by Ann Bercher
prefers its roots in shade with the sun on its leaves. It grows and expands by underground rhizomes. As a result, mint grows quickly and will cover the ground with runners. Mint
In the summertime, you can find fresh big bunches of mint
will also cross pollinate with other mint varieties and if you
in grocery stores and farmers’ markets, or in small plastic
choose to grow more than one type, keep them as far apart
clamshell containers.
from each other as possible.
Sometimes, it might be sold growing in a pot, and you can keep that going with water and sunlight at home. Avoid bunches with browned leaves or leaves that look shriveled,
To control the underground growth and spreading of this vigorous crop, plant your mint in pots which can be submerged in your garden if desired, or left above ground.
dried or damp. Fresh mint will keep for
Should you choose to grow mint in pots, you will need to repot the mint each
a week in your refrigerator wrapped in a
year. Remove the entire plant from the pot
slightly damp paper towel inside a plastic
and divide it in half. Return one half to the
bag, and placed in the crisper drawer.
original pot, repot the other half and give
Fresh mint leaves can be used on or
it away! Be sure to keep your mint well-
off the stems and added to hot or cold
watered, but not water-logged. A light
beverages. If you crush the leaves, called
mulch will help keep weeds down and the
muddling, you will release more flavor
soil moist. Mint also benefits from frequent
into the liquid. Mint can also be roughly
harvest. Pick and prune your plants often
chopped to finely minced or cut into
to keep them growing and under control.
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President’s Recipes
shared by President Betsy E. Huber
Zucchini, Pea and Mint Fritters 3 medium zucchini, grated
Orange Mint Iced Tea
2 green onions, chopped
Makes 6 servings
1 cup frozen peas 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint leaves
1 small orange, thinly sliced
3/4 cup all-purpose flour
6 black tea bags
2 eggs, lightly beaten
2 cinnamon sticks, or 1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
Vegetable oil (for shallow frying)
6 cups boiling water 1. Squeeze excess moisture from zucchini. Place all
1/3 cup honey ice cubes
ingredients into bowl, season with salt and pepper. Stir to
6 sprigs fresh mint
combine. 2. Add enough oil to a deep frying pan to make ¼ inch deep.
Place the orange slices, tea bags and cinnamon in
Heat over medium heat. Spoon 2 level tablespoons batter into
a large saucepan over low heat. Add the water and
pan, spreading slightly with a spatula. Repeat to make 4 rounds.
simmer for 1-2 minutes. Stir in the honey; set aside
3. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes each side or until golden and
to cool. Strain into a serving jug. Place ice cubes in 6
cooked through. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towel.
glasses; top each glass with a mint sprig to serve.
Repeat with remaining mixture. Serve.
Note: In the following recipes, I use peppermint in the Watermelon Mojito and Tzatziki Sauce, spearmint in the Pesto and Strawberry Mint Chicken, and chocolate mint in the Lime Mint Chocolate Cake, but spearmint works perfectly in all of the recipes.
Tzatziki
Tztatziki is a Greek sauce that can be used as a dip, sandwich spread, or a condiment with entrees.
1 cup plain Greek yogurt ¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice ¼ cup freshly chopped dill ¼ cup fresh mint leaves, finely chopped 2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon salt ½ teaspoon ground black pepper 1 medium cucumber
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makes 1 ½ cups 1. Place yogurt, lemon juice, dill, mint, oil, garlic, salt and pepper in a bowl, stir to combine and set aside. 2. Grate cucumber using the large holes on a box grater over a clean kitchen towel. 3. Squeeze excess moisture from cucumber by wrapping cucumber shreds in the towel and squeezing towel over sink or bowl to catch liquid. 4. Combine strained cucumber to yogurt mixture and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving. May be stored in an air-tight container in refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Watermelon
Mojito
Mint with watermelon is simply magic!
6 mint leaves, plus a sprig for garnish ½ cup chopped watermelon, plus more for garnish 2 ounces white rum or white grape juice 1 ounce freshly squeezed lime juice 1 ounce simple syrup (see below) 2 ounces soda water ice
serves 1
1. In a cocktail shaker, gently muddle the mint leaves. 2. Add the watermelon chunks and muddle until all are reduced to juice. 3. Add rum (or white grape juice), lime juice and simple syrup. 4. Add ice and shake until cold. 5. Fill a glass with ice and strain the liquid from the shaker over the ice. 6. Top off the glass with soda water. 7. Garnish with mint spring and watermelon wedge.
To make Simple Syrup: Place equal parts of sugar and water in a saucepan. Heat over medium heat until sugar dissolves (do not simmer). Cool to room temperature before using.
Strawberry Mint
Chicken
Mint flavor can go a long way. Feel free to add more mint for garnish. serves 4
1 tablespoon cornstarch 1 tablespoon sugar 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1/8 teaspoon pepper ½ cup water 1 cup fresh strawberries, coarsely chopped ½ cup white wine or white grape juice 2 teaspoons fresh mint, minced 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Sliced green onion 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. 2. In a small saucepan, mix cornstarch, sugar, nutmeg, pepper and water until smooth. 3. Add strawberries and wine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered until thickened, stirring occasionally, about 3-5 minutes. 4. Remove from heat and stir in mint. 5. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper. 6. On a lightly oiled grill rack, grill chicken, covered, over medium heat 5-7 minutes on each side, or until thermometer reads 165 degrees. Brush with sauce during the last four minutes of grilling. 7. Serve with remaining sauce and garnish with green onion.
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Lime and Mint Chocolate
Cake
For Cake 1 ¼ cup sugar Zest from 5 limes, reserve zest from one lime for garnish ¼ cup mint leaves tightly packed, plus small sprigs for garnish 11 Tablespoons butter 3 eggs, lightly beaten 2 ¾ cups all-purpose flour ¼ teaspoon salt 2 teaspoons baking powder 6.7 ounces heavy cream For Lime Syrup Juice of 5 limes 1/3 cup sugar For Glaze 3 ounces milk chocolate, finely chopped ¼ cup heavy cream 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter and line a loaf pan with parchment paper. Place sugar, lime zest and mint leaves in a food processor and blend until the mint is finely minced. Remove from processor and place in bowl with butter. Beat with electric mixer until light and fluffy, about 5 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, mixing until combined. Fold in the flour, salt and baking powder and mix until smooth. Add cream and gently mix to combine. Spoon into loaf pan and bake 55 – 60 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. While cake bakes, place lime juice and sugar in a small sauce pan and bring to a gentle simmer, cooking until the sugar dissolves. Remove from heat and set aside. Allow cake to cool 5 minutes in pan then remove to wire rack to continue cooling. Use a skewer to poke holes all over the top of the cake. Brush the lime syrup all over the cake, coating the top. Allow cake to cool. Once cake is completely cooled, place in freezer for 20-30 minutes. While cake is in freezer make the glaze: Place chocolate in a bowl. Heat the cream until simmering and remove from heat, then pour over chocolate in the bowl, stirring to make a thin glaze. Remove cake from freezer and pour glaze over the cake covering the top and sides. Allow cake to cool 5 minutes then add lime zest on top.
Mint and Pea
Pesto
makes 1 ½ cups
1 ½ cups peas, fresh or frozen 1 cup mint, stems removed, tightly packed 6 Tablespoon olive oil 2 cloves garlic 1/3 cup pine nuts 1 ¾ oz. shredded parmesan cheese
1. Boil peas for 3 minutes then drain. 2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process until combined and smooth. May be frozen in smaller portions.
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THE LAST
Word
By Brian Fogle President, Community Foundation of the Ozarks I have been told by more than one
the next ten years and the next fifty
update for 2017 data, showed a ten-
small-town car dealer that their sales
years, from the most senior generation
year transfer of wealth of $7.2 trillion for
staff fights over the customer that shows
to their heirs. This study had been done
the U.S., and $157 billion for Missouri.
up in overalls. They have learned that
in numerous states before we engaged
We launched an initiative called “The
they are there to buy something — not
ours for Missouri, and those earlier ones
5% Solution” back in 2014 to encourage
browse — and that they will pay with
proved to be quite prescient. After
potential donors to leave just 5% of their
cash. Such is the nature of rural wealth.
completing the study, and sharing it far
estate to charitable causes important to
It’s there, but not necessarily visible.
and wide in our rural places, the most
them.
Our community foundation covers 60 counties in southern Missouri, most
common response was now: “I had no idea!”
We also encouraged them to create a legacy by committing those funds to
of it in the rural Ozarks region. We
We are currently in the largest
a permanent endowment that would
have 53 regional affiliate foundations in
transfer of wealth in the history of
continue giving for perpetuity. Even in
communities from the Mississippi River
mankind right here in America. The
our poorest counties, that 5% invested
border with Illinois to the Kansas line.
most senior generation tend to be net
for the long-term would nearly double
When we started talking with many of
savers, and will be passing along that
the current annual charitable giving
our smaller communities about the
wealth to succeeding generations.
in those rural counties, and would
importance of planned giving, we heard
As the majority of rural areas are
a common response: “But there’s no
losing population, there is considerable
In the past 18 months, we have
wealth here — we’re just a small town.”
risk that a legacy of generations of a
seen the transfer of wealth happen
So about ten years ago, we worked with
family could be ended with the children
before our eyes. In one rural county
the other major community foundations
moving out of the community — and
with
in our state to hire a firm to conduct a
their inheritance following them. That
received an $8 million estate gift that
“Transfer of Wealth” study.
is the case with my family, in fact. The
will go into endowments providing
the
Fogles moved to rural Lawrence County,
ongoing funding for a local church,
process is to look at total household net
Missouri, from South Carolina in the late
perpetual grantmaking dollars for the
worth data by county, available through
1920s. When my father passed away ten
local community foundation affiliate
the Federal Reserve, as well as median
years ago, he was the last Fogle left in
and scholarships for the students in
age and median life expectancy. The
the county that we called home for four
the area. In a neighboring county, we
researchers then can extrapolate and
generations.
share equally with a university a $12
The
methodology
behind
project the transfer of wealth for both
The TOW study, with an estimated
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continue on forever.
about
10,000
residents,
we
million estate gift that will provide
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scholarships to students from that area. Just this spring, we
pathways back to our small communities, and reminding our
received another $2 million estate gift in another very rural
progeny there are opportunities in their hometowns as well —
county likewise providing scholarships to students from that
but we are trying.
community.
We started an initiative back in 2010 called the Rural
Estate planning isn’t just for the wealthy, either. In that
Schools Partnership. One of the pillars of that program is the
same county we received the estate gift this spring, a former
Ozarks Teacher Corps. We provide scholarships for rising junior
school teacher left her house to us in a planned gift that was
and senior education majors, with a requirement they teach in
settled in 2009. We sold the house for $120,000. The fund
a rural school for at least three years. The results over a ten-
now has a balance of more than $140,000 and has provided
year period have been very encouraging. More than 90% of
$62,000 in scholarships to students from that school she
graduates were placed in a rural school, and 75% of them are
loved so much.
still teaching in the school that hired them. Moreover, 100% of
Albert Einstein allegedly said “the most powerful force in
the nearly 100 recipients would recommend a career teaching
the universe is compound interest.” Not to argue with one
in a rural school to their friends. The program has been so
of the most brilliant minds of modern times, but I would say
successful that a newer national organization, the Rural
that philanthropy might be a more powerful force, but the
Schools Collaborative, is promoting similar opportunities
compounding of interest and investment income certainly
across the U.S.
helps. That teacher had a profound impact on students
Rural America has certainly faced many challenges.
during her lifetime, and left a legacy that will continue to help
However, the individuals best suited to address those
students for centuries to come.
challenges may not be from state or federal government, but
One commonality you might see with all these gifts is that
who know and love their communities the most: the residents.
the majority are for scholarships. In our rural areas, we have
There are local resources like community foundations to
done a good job — maybe too good a job — of providing
help provide the solutions to those issues, and philanthropy
pathways out of our small towns with higher education
from our neighbors will be one of the keys to a more vibrant
opportunities. That’s a good thing, and an educated
future — even if they come in humble, unassuming packages.
population provides economic opportunities that accrue for
Just ask the car dealers.
a lifetime. I don’t think we have been as successful in building
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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 Grange’s website: www.nationalgrange.org/benefits
$
SHOP
We have partnered with Office Depot/Office Max Lenovo, UPS Saving and TicketsatWork. 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
HEALTH
R/
X
PHARMACY
INSURANCE
With discounts from Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Worldwide Hotel, and Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise rental car services, as well as RV accommodations with Harvest Hosts, these exclusive Grange benefits are sure to help you when planning your next vacation. Our partnerships with Life Line, Hear in America, Start Hearing, Comfort Keepers, and eHealth Medicare are sure to give you peace of mind about your health. 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.
We have partnerships with United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, AFLAC, Farmers Insurance, and pet insurance through Nationwide to give our members discounts on insurance rates and deals. Member Options. Clouse Insurance Agency can help find the coverage you need to protect your Grange Halls. 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
