Good Day! Volume 6, Issue 4 (January 2023) by National Grange

Good DAY!

A quarterly publication of the National Grange Vol. 6, Issue 4 l January 2023

A Colorful Convention The Western Region States brought culture and craft to life at the 155th Annual Session of the National Grange in Sparks, Nevada in November.

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Good DAY!

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GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS

LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS

S RA

THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA

FOUNDATION

IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION

MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION

JUNIOR GRANGE

GRANGE YOUTH

H & L

HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE

F & R

FOOD & RECIPES

L W

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LAST WORD

PERSPECTIVE National Convention Unites Members Across the Country

The dancers of Ballet Folklorico Nuestra Herencia Mexicana from High Desert Grange #22 (NV) entertained and educated guests at the Host Reception of the 156th Annual Convention of the National Grange in Sparks, Nevada. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

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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.

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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 communications@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

Burton Eller, Advertising Partner Legislative Director Executive Director, Grange Advocacy beller@nationalgrange.org

Officers

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

Amanda Leigh Brozana Rios Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Kathy Gibson, MA, National Lady Assistant Steward

Samantha Wilkins Operations Coordinator & National Junior Grange, Youth & Young Adults Director samantha@nationalgrange.org

Barbara Borderieux, FL, National Chaplain Joe Goodrich, VT, National Treasurer

Pete Pompper Community Service Director communityservice@nationalgrange.org

Debbie Campbell, PA, National Secretary Christopher Johnston, MI, National Gatekeeper

Sean O’Neil Legislative Assistant soneil@nationalgrange.org

Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres

Mujo Mrkonjic Building Engineer

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

HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Betsy E. Huber

What a wonderful convention we

was fantastic to see. I’ve heard many

had in Sparks, Nevada! If you were

times that it just takes one National

unable to be there, you can read all

convention to get a member “hooked”

about it in this issue. If you were there,

on involvement in Grange on a deeper

read and reminisce about all the fun you

level. Our Community Granges do so

had in mid-November at the Nugget

much good work, but there is much

Casino Resort.

more to our organization than just the

The National Grange Convention

local level. Open your horizons and

is our annual “family reunion” for

plan to attend our 2023 convention in

Grangers

Niagara Falls!

across

the

country

come together and celebrate the

State Presidents and Delegates

accomplishments of the last year and

worked diligently in the weeks prior to

Night on Friday, each department

while planning for the future. It was

Session, reviewing the resolutions from

recognized winners of their contests

great to see over 450 Grangers of all

State Granges during Zoom meetings.

and Grange Legacy Families and

ages mingling in the hotel, enjoying

By the time they arrived in Sparks, most

Distinguished Granges were honored.

the displays in the Showcase, feasting

committees were well on their way to

On Saturday evening, we enjoyed

at the various restaurants, and receiving

completion. About 100 resolutions

the

the Degrees.

were carefully considered and acted

traditionally, a quilt is presented to a

This was the first time in my memory

upon by committee members and then

representative of the National Foster

that all seven Degrees were presented

by the entire Delegate body between

Parents Association which they raffle

at one National Session, but it probably

Tuesday afternoon and Friday morning.

won’t be the last. A group of Grangers

The Western Region provided an

off to benefit their scholarship fund.

from many states got together, realized

Experience Pass this year - instead of

that there were many members in

tours, the sights and sounds of Nevada

attendance who planned to receive the

were brought into the hotel through

Seventh Degree but had never seen

various workshops including painting,

the lower Degrees, and decided to give

Nevada history involving Morse code,

them the opportunity by assembling

Mark Twain, and dancers from High

a cast of officers of volunteers. It was

Desert Grange teaching traditional

to by many members, as well as your

much appreciated and gave insight

Mexican dances.

National Grange staff. We are always

Celebration

Banquet

where,

The Evening of Excellence featured six excellent talent acts and two signa-song presentations, wrapping up the 156th Annual Convention. Convention is the culmination of our Grange year, an event looked forward

into the history and working of the

Evening events were enjoyed by

open to suggestions for improving the

Grange to many of our new members.

all - the Quilts of Valor presentation on

event and including more of what you

There were indeed many first-

Wednesday night is always very moving

want to see. Please send me any ideas

time convention attendees, which

and emotional. During Grange Honors

you have for next year.

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GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

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!™ 2023 PRESS DATES Issue

Due Date

V7, I2

May 30

V7, I1 V7, I3 V7, I4

February 28 August 31

November 30

Hits Mailboxes April 2023 July 2023

October 2023 January 2024

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.

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

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.

From the desk of the PHILIP J. VONADA

Editor

The cold winter months make me think of school

Find ways for your Grange members to check in on

sometimes, the way I always looked forward to a snow day

others who may be shut in. If you decide to have an online

- a day of watching TV, sledding and playing outside, and

meeting, encourage your younger members to connect

enjoying a big cup of hot chocolate afterward. I remember

with members who may not have computers so that

trying to get all of my homework done the night before,

everyone can still attend and be involved.

so I could enjoy the time to just “be a kid,” when the world was my oyster for a carefree time.

community? From coat & glove or blanket drives to food

As adults, we don’t often get “snow days” anymore - our work goes on and we are expected to show up, be productive, and still get our work done before we can play. Now, in the digital age, still more is asked of us with our ability to instantly connect to coworkers via Zoom, Teams, Slack, text messaging, or myriad other networks. One thing that I witness happen from time to time is that snow days (or whole “snow seasons”) occur for Granges. In some cases, Granges simply “shut down” from November through March... is this the best way to serve our communities? If churches are going online, why aren’t Granges? Several

years

ago,

National

Grange

During these winter months - how can you serve your

President

Betsy Huber made a ruling that Granges could meet via electronic means when necessary - are you taking advantage of this option? Of course, I understand that

pantries, or ensuring that your Grange members or other members in your community have ample heat. If you live in a community with unhoused populations or shelters, can you assist in some way? Is there a soup kitchen where your members can volunteer, or perhaps start one? During the holiday season at the end of the year, it seems like there’s a flood of charity in communities be sure that this season of goodwill doesn’t end just because the holidays are over. As the Grange, it’s our responsibility and our pleasure to look out for the needs of our community. And this seems like a good time to remind members that our “Raised Right Here” theme will be ongoing through 2023. Find ways for your Grange to take pride in your hometowns, from the youngest to oldest, the

some people don’t have access to reliable internet access

poorest to the wealthiest in your community - be present

(something the National Grange has been working on

and ready to take action.

for two decades), and some members have electronic

Throughout the year, take care of your members and

connection hesitancy, but the work of the Grange can’t

take care of those in your community. Find ways to meet

stop just because of snow.

or partner with businesses and other organizations in your

This winter, I encourage Granges to find a way to continue connecting and meeting, even if a storm happens to blow through and dump 18” of snow at your Grange Hall or meeting place.

area to increase the well-being of everyone you come in touch with. And don’t forget to have fun, too. It’s okay to take snow days - but make sure your work is taken care of first.

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National Grange celebrates year of gr0wth By Caryn Herman

Communication Fellow Nampa Valley Grange #131 (ID) For the first time in 67 years, the National Grange has seen growth in fraternal membership, an achievement well worth celebrating with a “banner year!” What exactly does that mean, and how did the Grange - after many years of stagnation or loss - attain a net gain? The total unique fraternal membership grew in the calendar year 2021-22. This growth was an outstanding 3.1%

Family and Junior memberships saw the

Brozana Rios suggested that long

largest increases this year, with the prin-

periods of isolation and alone time in the

cipal spike seen in Junior membership at

last few years gave people the time to

133.46% and 1065 individuals.

reflect on their lives and where they fit

According to Amanda Broza-

in their communities. Most importantly,

na Rios, National Grange Membership

people had time to reflect on their family

and Leadership Development Director,

values and discovered they were lacking

although Junior numbers showed the largest gain, the figures are somewhat deceiving. Up until last year, the count of Junior numbers were largely ignored as part of our organization and were not well-reported in membership data. The subsequent years will reveal an

or 1509 new members, calculated from

actual number in Junior membership,

the growth achieved in Subordinate

when everyone has reported on a con-

(Community) and State Granges. These

sistent basis. Despite a “tilt” in numbers,

Grange metrics provided the most accu-

the overall net gain is still impressive.

and wanting more of this in their lives and the community Grange was the one organization that embodied the entire package. The 2021-22 membership year was a significant and prosperous year, yielding this net gain in membership. Whether people found the Grange through reflection, an act of kindness, a Grange event, or a welcoming smile, Granges should continue pushing forward and strength-

rate reflection of memberships’ success

The relatively new Family Member-

for the year. This gain also counteracts

ship plan also played a large part in

ening the new membership trend by do-

any losses that individual local and State

the growth of the Grange, helping the

ing what we do best as Grangers.

Granges may have seen.

Grange grow by 16.82% or 833 member-

The National Grange “membership

Although the Grange has many mem-

ships. This is exciting, and although fam-

year” runs from July through June, and

bership opportunities and categories,

ily memberships are not new, one might

the growth trend has already continued

there were two that made the largest

question why have family memberships

through the most recent quarter of the

contributions to the membership growth.

“taken off.”

2022-2023 membership year.

Presidents and Delegates from states with a net gain in membership pose with National Grange President Betsy Huber to celebrate the “banner year” in memberhsip growth at the Annual Convention in Sparks, Nevada. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

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Along the Way... Saunders and the Washington Navel By Norman Houser Author, The Pennsylvania Rambler www.thepennsylvaniarambler.com Pennsylvania Grange Member A few years back, I had the opportunity to visit Riverside, California. While my week was filled with exploring the historic community, I must admit that there was one place I had somehow missed at the time which makes me desire to return to California. It isn’t a grand memorial to an event, nor is it a monument to a resident of the region. The reason I want to return to Riverside is because of a tree. Yes, I want to leave the mountains of central

The original Washington Navel tree (rear) and California Historical Landmark plaque in Riverside, California. (Photo from 2017). Photo Courtesy of Riley Mayuga, CC BYSA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Pennsylvania and travel across the country to California to visit a tree. But this is not just any tree – this is a navel orange tree that is a part of the history of the Grange. Currently enclosed within a protective greenhouse and surrounded by an iron fence, the historic tree stands at the corner of Arlington and Magnolia Avenues. Within the fencing, a boulder with a plaque upon it can be easily seen along the Arlington Avenue side, which tells the importance of this natural feature – this tree was one of two planted in 1873, and from those two trees, all navel oranges are descended. How this historic tree is connected with the Grange begins with an interesting character named Eliza Lovell Tibbets. Eliza was active in social reforms and was involved in the suffragist, spiritualist, and equal rights movements that arose in the aftermath of the U.S. Civil War. By 1868, Eliza and her husband, Luther, had settled in Washington, D.C., where she was introduced to William Saunders, who was the head of the U.S. Agricultural Department’s division of experimental gardens and grounds. The two of them quickly developed a lasting friendship. With the Tibbetses looking for a utopian community that accepted every person regardless of ethnicity, the two headed for a newly created community in California. The Tibbetses would settle in this newly-formed community, which in 1870 would adopt the name of Riverside. While the Tibbetses were headed westward, Saunders received a letter from Bahia, Brazil, which mentioned a seedless orange with great flavor. Saunders requested samples, but the first batch had died before he received them. Saunders suggested grafting the samples to young saplings and these samples survived the trip from Brazil. A total of twelve budded navel orange trees arrived for Saunders to evaluate. Eliza would receive two of the plantings, which were placed in her front yard in 1873. The trees thrived, although the Tibbets almost killed them by taking cuttings to give to those who requested one. The navel orange industry began in

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The text of the plaque reads: NO. 20 PARENT WASHINGTON NAVEL ORANGE TREE – The tree was introduced into the United States from Bahia, Brazil, by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 1870. Twelve young trees were received and buds from them were propagated on sweet orange seedlings. In 1873 two of these greenhouse-grown trees, which were distributed throughout the United States, were sent to Mrs. Eliza Tibbets in Riverside. the front yard of the Tibbets’ home and quickly spread through the Riverside region. The navel oranges grown by the Tibbets went by many names, including the Bahia Navel and the Riverside Navel, before being officially named the Washington Navel. Eliza would die in 1898 and Luther in 1902. The year after Luther’s death, one of the trees was removed to the Riverside Mission, where it survived until 1922 when it died of root rot. In 1932, the surviving tree was listed as a California landmark and it continues to be a living testament to the agricultural leadership of Grange Founder William Saunders.

California State Grange President Joseph Stefenoni poses with a gavel made from one of the Saunders/Tibbets trees. Photo by Philip Vonada

By Claudine Lefever

Columbia Grange #87, Klickitat County, Washington Excerpts from The Amateur Cow Whisperer’s Diaries, June 2022 Sitting in a hot and stuffy building at the Puyallup State Fairgrounds late into the night (well late for me, as it was well past 9:00 pm), I realized I must be a devout Granger just to attain my 5th and 6th Degrees all in one night. The thought occurred to me that I was crazy and should be declared insane or perhaps I was just very enthusiastic about Grange. I was technically still on my honeymoon, and yet my new husband of five days and I were sitting side-by-side at the opening ceremonies for the 133rd Annual Session of Washington State Grange instead of lounging on a warm tropical beach somewhere. We were die-hard, traditional, full-of-value, Patrons of Husbandry members, and we had made a pledge to serve as Delegates at this year’s session long before we had decided to elope with our family five days ago. There is sound reasoning for why reckless abandonment and spontaneity are usually reserved for the young! Yes, it is true, even though I have been involved in the Grange at the community level for a large portion of the past eight years, serving as secretary for a time and even attending a National Grange Convention, I had not yet obtained my 5th and 6th Degrees. I had waited for my local subordinate or Pomona Grange to offer Degree work but for one reason or another, it just had not happened. So, I found that I needed to take advantage of this one-nighter Degree catch-up, despite the fact I was on my honeymoon, tired, hot, and cranky. I was going to the National Grange Convention again this year and I wanted to attain my 7th and final Degree so I could participate with my husband and not have to sit out in the hallway again. If you are not a Granger, you may not understand any of this talk, but it is a great fraternal organization that goes back to post-Civil War days where inclusion to all races, sexes, creeds, religions, and nationalities was practiced from the beginning, based on agriculture but having expanded from there over time. The Grange motto is “In essentials, unity; in non-essentials, liberty; in all things, charity.” Grangers serve in their communities with generous hearts and open hands to make things better. As I watched in awe, marveling at the symmetrical and enthralling drill work (which I can’t talk about in detail), I felt both blessed to be in attendance, taking in the ritualistic and pageantry traditions, but also cranky that I wasn’t at home on the ranch,

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outside swinging on the old porch swing in the still night air, listening to the cows grazing quietly in the darkness, with only the sounds of the bubbling of the creek and frogs chirping, with a cool breeze on my face. The ironic part about this night is that I can’t even write about the beautiful traditional ritualistic ceremony, nor the members, proud and lovely in full ceremonial attire, as it is not permitted. If I did, I could be excommunicated and dropped as a member. No pictures are allowed during the ceremony either. There’s a part of me that feels like I’m in the CIA. Just like the Grange, most fraternal organizations are the same, requiring you to be a member before you know all the things that make them so great and this - to some part - is why it is hard to keep membership numbers up; most people don’t want to feel like they are free-falling, they want to know before they join what might be expected of them. For me, Grange is important because it runs alongside my faith in God in dispensing charity and sharing

Richard and Claudine Lefever were married in June, then spent their “honeymoon” at the Washington State Grange Session. Photo provided

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

The newlyweds surrounded by their family during their wedding ceremony. Photo provided his love, not only in my local community but to the nation and world at large. The last five days have been a rush of commotion that has left me short of breath and energy. In the time spent just observing the drills, I was able to catch my breath and reflect. Such loveliness and bonding of two families with the elopement of myself and my new husband in the presence of our children, their spouses, grandchildren, and my parents. Moving cows from spring pastures to summer pastures. Selling and moving out of my house of thirtythree years. Integrating a new young bull into the cow herd. Playing a nursemaid to a favorite lame cow who had no hope of recuperating well enough to breed again. Suddenly having barn loads of hay delivered after unseasonal rain had prevented it from being baled for weeks and then an all-fire emergency to get it stored. Traveling the many hours to the 133rd Annual Session of Washington State Grange to sit as a Delegate for the first time. All the while waiting for the veterinarian to call and tell me how my beloved cat was after he suffered a urinary blockage that left him hospitalized and with a catheter and a long-term outcome to be determined, later. My new husband Richard, but comrade and cow partner of many decades, seated beside me, is impatiently shifting as after a long day of driving on the interstate and then more sitting in chairs leaving his back sore and his knees aching. With the opening ceremonies still in full swing, he will not be able to stretch out for another hour or more. He would not have missed this session, like the decades of others he has attended, unless something else of great priority took its place, and no honeymoon - not even his own - takes precedence! He would probably eat and sleep Grange 24/7 if not for the ranch work, cows, crops, historical preservation, worrying over his family and their happiness, and the train obsession he sports. He doesn’t mind sitting if he is busy reading, planning, discussing, writing, or physically working on a woodworking project, but goodness gracious, sitting for a ceremony, well that’s a different story. Stillness for him is when you sleep at night. Richard is a distinguished Granger of over fifty years, a Gold Sheaf member, currently serving in different positions and on committees in the very Grange he was raised in by his parents. He is always popping by to check on things at the Hall just to make

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sure all is well, to lend a hand if needed, or, most importantly for him, to document, usually with accompanying photos, each activity and community service being dispensed by the local Grange. He comes by this naturally, as his parents Lucille and James met while the construction of the now-old Goldendale #49 Grange Hall was underway, after WWII, while James worked on the construction crew and Lucille cooked with the other women to feed them. That old Hall now sits next to the new Grange Hall where so much good work is done for the small rural community it is a part of, just like it has for several generations of Richard’s family. What a good feeling it is to say that your family was a large contributor to that hard work, community service, and of course the ritualistic, traditional ceremonies, drill work, and offices held within its walls. I think of his mother, a widow like myself, and Richard, divorced like his father, marrying their second spouses, and uniting their two families. Both couples embrace God, church, family, Grange, heritage, civics, and generosity in their time and charity to others as the importance of their lives. I feel Richard’s parents would be so proud of him for carrying on their traditions and values both in and outside of Grange. I will try to make them proud also. Richard’s family, the Lefever’s, is a seven-generation Grange Legacy Family, receiving their National Grange commendation in 2017. So perhaps it is fitting that Richard and myself are starting out our marriage by honeymooning at the 133rd Annual Session of Washington State Grange in June of 2022. Yikes! Does this mean each hoped-to-be-many wedding anniversaries for us will be spent at the Annual Sessions of Washington State Grange, also? I look down at the pink rose presented to me tonight when having attained my 6th Degree, and I’m thinking it will look lovely amidst the white ones in my bridal bouquet on the ranch house kitchen windowsill. Two different traditions converging.

The pink rose presented to Claudine when she received her 6th Degree lays with her still-fresh wedding bouquet. Photo provided

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Grange Family receives national honor for the holidays By Philip J Vonada

National Grange Communications Director One Pennsylvania family received a highly coveted honor this holiday season - having a tree from their farm selected as the White House Christmas Tree. Paul and Pam Shealer, members of Ontelaunee Grange #1617, own Evergreen Acres Tree Farm in Audubon, Pennsylvania. After winning the Christmas Tree Competition at the 2020 Pennsylvania Farm Show, they also became the 2022 Grand Champion at the National Christmas Tree Association’s (NCTA) National Tree and Wreath Contest, which includes the honor of having one of their trees selected as the White House Christmas Tree. Evergreen Acres also won the competition in 2000. According to the White House Historical Association, the National Christmas Tree Association has held a competition for the official White House Blue Room tree since 1966. To qualify for the national contest, growers must first win their state or regional competitions, so being named National Grand Champion is a

First Lady Jill Biden and the Shealer family pose for a photo

with the White House Christmas tree, a concolor fir that was grown by the Shealer family on Evergreen Acres Christmas

Tree Farm near Auburn, at the White House, Washington D.C. on Monday, November 21, 2022.

Photo by David McKeown, The Republican-Herald

major achievement. “We were thrilled to win Grand Champion and are even more excited that Evergreen Acres will provide the White House’s official Christmas tree,” said Paul Shealer, Sr., who recently

passed the business to his son, Paul. “Evergreen Acres takes great pride in its trees every year, and it seems this year, as my son and his wife begin guiding the farm, we can stand even taller!” White House Executive Usher Robert Downing, Pennsylvania Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Fred Strathmeyer, Jr., and officials from the NCTA visited the farm in October to select the tree - an 18 ½-foot-tall concolor fir. In late November, the Shealers were present to deliver the tree. The tree was delivered to First Lady Dr. Jill Biden via horsedrawn wagon. It then stood decorated in the Blue Room as the Official White House Christmas Tree. “The Shealer family exemplifies the commitment of Christmas tree growers across the country,” said Steve Meier, NCTA President. “We are proud to grow a product that provides cherished memories for families and is often the centerpiece of the Christmas celebration.” The 2022 White House Christmas theme was We the People, which aimed “to capture the spirit embodied in the very idea of America,” according to the White House Holiday Tourbook. The Official White House Christmas Tree which represented “Unity & Hope” was decorated with “renderings of the official birds from all 57 territories, and the District of Columbia...

The Shealer family poses in front of the concolor fir from their farm that was chosen by the White House.

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The tree is also commemorated in the White House Holiday Tourbook, which can be found as a free PDF on WhiteHouse.

Photo courtesy of PA Dept of Agriculture

illustrating the beauty and strength that comes from unity.”

gov.

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The Official White House Christmas Tree on display in the Blue Room.

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Photo in Public Domain, via Wikimedia

Delegate action shapes Grange’s voice in Washington By Sean O’Neil

issues in rural America and the risk of ‘Q’ Fever, expand-

National Grange Legislative Assistant

ing coverage of multi-cancer early detection and essen-

At the 156th Annual

tial immunizations, supporting increased transparency

Session of the National

in health care pricing and allowing foreign-made baby

Grange in Sparks, Ne-

formula into US markets, and opposing the use of Phar-

vada in November, Del-

macy Benefit Managers and price controls on drugs.

egates from across the

Lastly, the Labor, Judiciary, and Transportation com-

country worked together

mittee had no resolutions adopted by the Delegates at

to set the legislative pol-

the 156th National Grange Session.

icies of the Order for another year.

The adoption of these resolutions during the business portion of the National Grange session sends a clear

The six legislative policy committees of the Nation-

message to the National Grange’s advocates in Wash-

al Grange considered and debated over 80 resolutions

ington, D.C. about what policies are top of mind in rural

submitted by many different State Granges, ultimately

America and makes a definitive statement of where the

adopting 23 into National Grange policy.

National Grange stands on the issues of the day.

From the Agriculture committee, resolutions were ad-

Hopefully, when the National Grange meets for its

opted supporting agricultural education, increased do-

157th Annual Session in Niagara Falls in November

mestic fertilizer production, increased funding for food

2023, great progress will have been made on each of

bank distribution centers, and addressing changing terms for bioengineered/genetically modified organisms.

these resolutions, in addition to the standing policy in the National Grange.

Meanwhile, the Citizenship & Taxation committee had resolutions concerning prioritizing housing for veterans, supporting a ban on stock trading among members of Congress, addressing concerns around eligibility requirements for national cemeteries, removing medical debt from credit reports, adjusting social security benefits for the terminally ill, opposing personalized pricing, and adjusting the oath given prior to testifying before Congress. The Conservation committee saw three of its resolutions adopted by the National Grange Delegate body. These included resolutions opposing changes to climate reporting for agricultural producers, incentivizing the siting of alternative energy projects away from productive agricultural land, and supporting a reevaluation of the nation’s energy sources. The Education and Health committee had a productive session this year, with the Delegates adopting resolutions to support raising awareness of mental health

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GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

New FCC Broadband Map of the U.S. is ‘A step in the right direction’ By Kristi Eaton

Courtesy of The Daily Yonder The Federal Communications Commission has released an updated map detailing broadband availability across the U.S. at broadbandmap.fcc.gov. The new map improves on its past iterations, experts say, but there are still questions about the accuracy of some of the information included. In the past, maps tended to overestimate coverage because it was based on advertised speeds available and Census block level, said Robert Gallardo, director at the Purdue Center for Regional Development. “It’s self-reported by providers, not cross checked

The new FCC Broadband coverage map shows various levels of coverage across the United States. Courtesy of FCC Broadband Map

at all, from consumers,” he added. The new map, released in November, looks at the address level, he said. Then they went to the providers and asked what technology was available and at what speeds. “So you have a location component, and you have an availability component,” he added. Gallardo said he applauds the FCC for taking proactive steps with the map. “The issue, though, becomes then the availability piece that providers are reporting that’s the same glitch that we had before, which is providers reporting on their own,” he added. “Now you can go in and challenge that availability, but it does require a little bit of prep time, meaning you can see the options you have to challenge the availability piece.”

She said she has some concerns with the latest map. “I’ll start by saying these maps are significantly better than they were before,” Leventoff said. “So these updates are certainly a step in the right direction. I think they fall short in a couple of places.” First, the data comes from internet service providers, and then the fabric, which is the locations where broadband could be available, comes from a contractor. “And so obviously, that data is not always going to be correct. And the FCC knows this,” she added. Leventoff said if you look at the homepage of the new maps, it kind of defaults to showing every different type of broadband, including satellite internet. “And usually satellite internet offers extremely slow speeds that

To challenge, one has to include either a bill from the provider

fall below what the FCC would define as broadband. Not all the

or include a screenshot from the website that shows the package

time, obviously, there’s some providers that do offer broadband

is not available for that address.

speeds, but some don’t. And so I think when people are looking at

The worry, according to Gallardo, is that challenging the map takes some technology know-how that not everyone may have. And the deadline to challenge for this map is January 13. The final map will be used to distribute funds for broadband from the federal government.

this homepage, I mean, it essentially looks like the whole country has internet, which is obviously not true,” she said. Another concern for her is that she said the FCC is not concerned about the speeds for consumers. “So the maps will show the speed that providers advertise,” she

“The problem is, there’s not a lot of time, January 13,” he said.

said. “And oftentimes the speeds that providers advertise, and the

“And it does require a little bit of digital savvy to go in there and

speeds that you or I as a consumer are getting are not going to be

take a screenshot of the website or upload the bill. There’s some

the same speed.”

folks there that will know that’s not true, but they don’t have the

Leventoff wants the FCC to provide more guidance on how

skills to go do it. And honestly, with that amount of time, I don’t

communities and community-based organizations can do both

know how to solve that.”

challenges for the maps.

Jenna Leventoff, senior policy counsel at Public Knowledge – an

“Because I think that that’s going to make it easier to get a more

organization that promotes freedom of expression, an open inter-

accurate version of the maps. And I’d love to see the maps overlay

net, and access to affordable communications tools and creative

with demographic data. I think that’s going to be particularly help-

works – said what’s at stake with the maps is billions of dollars in

ful for the digital discrimination rulemaking that the FCC is going

funding.

to be doing in the next year,” she said.

S RA

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One-third of rural roads are in poor shape, report says About a tenth of rural bridges are handling loads that exceed their safe limits, a research nonprofit says. The cost of getting these roads and bridges repaired is $180 billion. By Liz Carey

Courtesy of The Daily Yonder Many rural roads and bridges are in poor shape, a new report says, and fixing them will cost $180 billion. The report from TRIP, a national transportation research non-profit, found that nearly a third of rural roads (31%) are in poor or mediocre condition and nearly a tenth of rural bridges lack structural integrity. “A lot of these rural roads were built for very light traffic essentially,” Rocky Moretti, TRIP director of policy and research said in an interview with the Daily Yonder. “Now, whether it’s because of increased agriculture or energy extraction, you’ve got a lot of these roads starting to carry more traffic, and in many cases, large commercial traffic, and they just weren’t built to those standards.”

they do happen,” Jake Nelson, AAA traffic safety advocacy and research director, said in a statement. “At a time when our nation is recording record high traffic deaths, transportation investments ought to prioritize curbing traffic injuries where we can make the greatest impact—rural roads.” The report also found that 8% of the country’s rural bridges are rated poor or structurally deficient, meaning they have significant deterioration. Those bridges often have lower weight limits or are closed to traffic, requiring larger vehicles, like agricultural equipment, commercial trucks, school buses and emergency services vehicles, to find alternative routes. “In some cases, the classic situation is a one-lane bridge that now is carrying essentially suburban-level traffic,” Moretti said. “A lot of those (bridges) are inadequate.”

Courtesy of TRIP

That leads to more fatal accidents, he said. In 2020, non-interstate rural roads had a traffic fatality rate of 2.17 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT), nearly twice the rate on all other roads (1.09). Despite the fact that rural non-interstate roads only carry 23% of all vehicle traffic in the country, those roads are where an estimated 38% of all the traffic deaths happen. Researchers attribute the higher fatality rate to road conditions like narrower lanes, small shoulders, and sharper curves. “Roadway safety countermeasures like median cable barriers, rumble strips and guardrails are among the most cost-effective ways to prevent traffic crashes and to save lives when

S RA

Courtesy of TRIP

Although the road systems may be in sparsely populated areas, officials said, they are key economic drivers, not just to rural residents, but to the country as a whole. “Farmers and ranchers depend on rural roads, highways and bridges to bring critical inputs like fertilizer and feed onto the farm and to move their products to market,” Zippy Duvall, president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, said in a statement. “As recent supply chain challenges have highlighted, transportation delays and costs take a bite out of our profitability and competitiveness and impact the quality of rural life.” Fixing rural roads and bridges, the report said, will take $180 billion – about 40% of the country’s entire infrastructure bud-

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Courtesy of TRIP

get for roads and bridges. The price tag includes $109 billion in rural road and highway rehabilitation, $35 billion for rural bridge rehabilitation and $36 billion for rural roadway enhancements. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA), also called the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, passed November 2021 will provide $454 billion over the next five years to improve the country’s transportation infrastructure. But it’s up to the states where most of that funding will go. “The current (federal) level of investment on rural roads and bridges is $21 billion per year over a 20-year timeline,” Moretti said. “If (the federal government) were investing at the level it needed to be investing at, that level would be $29 billion per year – about 38% more… At the end of the day, the IIJA and some of the additional money that came to states

through Covid packages… is going to be very helpful in addressing some of these rural challenges.” Some states are addressing rural road improvements head on. In September, the Colorado Department of Transportation (DOT) announced it would be investing more than $940 million in its rural roads over the course of 10 years. Shoshana Lew, Colorado DOT executive director, said the additional funds ensure the state’s “low volume roads” get “the attention they need.” Over the past four years, the department has spent $382 million to improve rural roads in 55 counties across the state. “As we traveled the state to hear from neighbors at the very beginning of the 10-year plan’s development, we heard loud and clear how important it was to reinvest in our rural roads,” she said in a statement. “Across the state, citizens

S RA

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can see completed projects that together comprise record investment in rural roads, and we look forward to the continuation of this important program with the next phase of the plan.” And in June, Maine Governor Janet Mills said investing in rural infrastructure strengthened the state’s economy. The $9.2 million Maine Western Gateways Project is the Maine Department of Transportation’s work to revitalize roads leading to the state’s western mountains, home to the state’s recreation areas. That work will also reconstruct roads accessing rural forests vital to the forest industry. Forestry generates $8.5 billion in economic activity for Maine, and supports 33,000 jobs. “The Western Gateways Project is the perfect example of how we can modernize rural infrastructure to ensure that our roadways are safe for people and strong for our economy,” said Gov. Mills in a statement. “This work… will strengthen the local economy, bolster the forest products industry, support tourism, and improve public safety.” One problem facing states as they develop their roads, however, is inflation, Moretti said. “Unfortunately, inflation is going to erode a lot of these benefits [from increased federal spending],” he said. “We’re all hopeful that… we’ll see inflation numbers come down. From a transportation perspective, without the [IIJA] boost in funding, it would have been catastrophic because you would have seen a significant drop in the ability to address these challenges.”

Agriculture

1st - Andrea Myers Mannix, Thurmont #409 (MD) 2nd - Bobbie Hite, Terrapin Neck #932 (VA) 3rd - Gwendolyn Swenson, Sunbeam #2 (MN) HM - Marie Nicholson, Corvallis #17 (MT)

Trucks

1st - Christine Hamp, Five Mile Prairie #905 (WA) 2nd - Rich Nicholson, Avon #125 (MT) 3rd - Laurie McBurnie, Willow #366 (ME) HM - Sara Wade, Columbia #87 (WA)

Sky

1st - Danielle Ford, Oakview #311 (WA) 2nd - Miriam Caldwell, Central Community #22 (MA) 3rd - Rebekah Hodgson, Jonesboro #357 (ME) HM - Jayne Ruesch, Golden Gate #451 (CO)

Water

1st - Rebekah Hodgson, Jonesboro #357 (ME) 2nd - Shannon Wade, Williamsburg #225 (MA) 3rd - Marci Schlegel, Pioneer #1777 (PA) HM - Cheyenne Pettit, Creswell #496 (OR)

View all the winning photos at www.nationalgrange.org/lecturer-contests/

Grange Foundation reports at Convention Just remember - you are never too young to start estate

By Caryn Herman

planning. On behalf of the Foundation, Smith encourages ev-

Communication Fellow The Grange Foundation was formed in 1964 by Herschel Newsom, the Grange’s National President at the time, and the National Grange Executive Committee to assist the National Grange in providing perpetual growth opportunities for our future generations of leaders. The heart of the Foundation is realized in its mission statement which exemplifies the soul of the National Grange itself. Their mission statement reads “The Grange Foundation supports youth development, promotes agriculture education and research, improves communities, and fosters culture, heritage, citizenship, and charitable activities”. Today, the Grange Foundation manages several dedicated funds in support of its mission statement. Grange Foundation is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation. The funds gathered to support the opportunities offered come from individual, corporate, and fundraised donations. From January through September of 2022, the Foundation raised $31,950 which will benefit Grange programming throughout the coming year. According to Joan C. Smith, Chairperson of the Grange Foundation Board of Directors, the Telethon for the National Grange Youth and Junior Grange programs was a tremendous success. She pointed out that without the Telethon, the Foundation would have only brought in $6,266 in the year. What does that mean? The Grange Foundation has no permanent income, so there is a need to get busy! There will be no Telethon in 2023, so can the Grange Foundation func-

eryone to make time to attend. Smith also suggested other modest and more immediate ways to donate. For instance, the AmazonSmile program (“You shop, Amazon gives”) supports the Foundation through quarterly donations from individuals’ shopping. This can be activated by visiting smile.amazon.com, typing “Grange” in the search box, and selecting The Grange Foundation. Amazon donates a portion of your purchase price without you having to think about it. If you do not shop on Amazon, you can still donate to any of the Foundation’s areas of interest by simply contacting the Grange Foundation or donating directly through the website. Smith suggested other easy ideas such as eating at home on a night you might otherwise eat out and choosing to donate that money instead, or contributing $23 each month for 2023. No matter how you choose to give, every penny counts. The future of Grange programming depends on the generosity of all Grangers. Everyone should be as passionate about the Grange Foundation as Joan C. Smith. Following the meeting of the Grange Foundation on Monday afternoon of National Grange session, election results were announced by Board member Lynnette Schaeffer. The terms of Board of Directors members Joan C. Smith (Potomac Grange #1, DC) and Michael Martin (Valley Grange #1360, PA) were both expiring this year. Martin opted to not run for another term. Schaeffer announced that the winners of the election to serve on the Grange Foundation Board of Directors were Smith and Marty Billquist (Avon Grange #125, MT). They will join current Board members in shaping the vision and mission of the Grange Foundation.

tion and support Grange programming on just $6,266? Smith encouraged the State Grange Delegates to give from their hearts and offered many ways Grangers can contribute. Grange Foundation sponsored a seminar in April as a part of Grange Month programming. The seminar, entitled “Solving the Puzzle of Estate Planning and Long-Term Care,” was presented by John T. Griffin, an elder law attorney from Florida. The seminar discussed alternate ways to donate that would relieve an estate from forthcoming tax burdens. Inheritance, state, and federal taxes were discussed. This seminar will be repeated during Grange Month in 2023.

Marty Billquist (MT) and Joan C. Smith (DC) were elected to the Grange Foundation Board of Directors.

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What if you could prevent your child from developing cancer in the future? By St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Path to a Bright Future HPV Cancer Prevention Campaign Six types of cancer – including cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oral/throat cancers – are caused by an extremely common virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), nearly 80 million Americans – one out of every four people – are infected with the virus. Of those millions, more than 37,000 will be diagnosed with HPV cancers this year. Fortunately, an established, safe, and effective vaccine that provides long-lasting protection against HPV cancers is available, serving as a vital tool in preventing multiple cancers. The HPV vaccine went through extensive safety testing, and studies continue to show the vaccine’s effectiveness. “We know HPV vaccination provides 90% percent protection against HPV cancers. And when administered between the ages of 9 to 12, provides the most protection against HPV cancers later in life. What’s more, there’s no sign that the protection provided by HPV vaccination diminishes over time,” said Heather Brandt, Ph.D., St. Jude HPV Cancer Prevention Program director. Experts began recommending HPV vaccination in 2006, representing a major milestone on the path to preventing cancer. To date, more than 270 million doses have been administered worldwide. But not enough people are receiving this life-saving cancer prevention vaccine as uptake remains significantly lower than other recommended adolescent vaccinations in the United States. In fact, HPV vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 9 to 26 years and for some people aged 27 to 45 years. However, HPV vaccination coverage in the United States has been slow and lower than the national Healthy People 2030 goal of 80 percent. There are numerous reasons for this lag in uptake, and a variety of factors may determine

an individual’s likelihood of vaccination. For example, children living in rural areas are less likely to be vaccinated when compared to those living in urban areas, and vaccination rates vary state by state. Additionally, longstanding misinformation exists as a substantial barrier to increasing vaccination rates. For example, study results from leading research institutions continue to show that parental concerns about HPV vaccination result in fewer children being vaccinated. Concerns tend to focus on safety worries, lack of necessity, knowledge about HPV, and absence of healthcare provider recommendation. “It is crucial to not only educate the general public about the dangers of HPV cancers, but most importantly, empower those responsible decision-making and action based on the longstanding and effective protection afforded by HPV vaccination,” said Dr. Brandt. HPV vaccination is a tool for cancer prevention and offers protection today for a lifetime against HPV cancers.

How can you prevent HPV and HPV cancers? • Get vaccinated against HPV. If you or your child is in the recommended age range, speak with your healthcare provider about getting vaccinated. • Encourage others to get vaccinated. Normalize HPV vaccination as cancer prevention. • Share the facts. HPV vaccination is safe, effective, and durable. It prevents six types of cancer.

Want to learn more?

Talk with your health care provider, your child’s health care provider, or another trusted source of medical information, and visit StJude.org/Bright-Future.

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

Heirloom Program begins “Year B” By Carolynn Chamlee

Communication Fellow Battle Born Stockton Well Grange #29 (NV) With more than 150 years of legacy, the Grange’s various cornerstone documents have profound lessons to share with members about work, family, home, recreation, and more. To make these more accessible and keep them front of mind for members, new and old, the Heirloom Program was developed in 2021 by National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios, who debuted it at the 155th Annual Convention in Kansas. The first lessons began in the spring of 2022. Like an appetizer sampler one would get at a restaurant, this program features smaller, monthly lessons, set to the seasons of the year, and covers five years before starting again. The program was developed to be picked up and started at any time without waiting for year one to begin, making it simple and accessible to roll out at any point. “We tend to leave conventions and conferences and leave things on the shelf. It takes time for new programs to gain traction,” Brozana Rios said. “Developing a program that is outlined for ongoing years helps get things started.” Existing activity materials are included in the yearly brochure, along with monthly passages. The activities can be used right out of the gate, adapted, or used as inspiration to create activities of your own. The Heirloom Program allows Granges to incorporate a quote or passage from a foundational text and reflect on the lesson and how it may apply to everyday life in their monthly meetings. Brozana Rios said that if we are doing our job, we will always have new members joining. She wants to connect with new members, make them feel welcome, and close the divide between new members and members with a deep connection to the Grange. Philip Vonada, Communications Director for the National Grange, spoke with me about the program. “There are many Granges across the country - new and old - where, for various reasons, Grange ritual, symbolism, and lessons either

aren’t taught or are secondary to the work of the Grange in the community,” he said. “These bite-sized pieces of knowledge unite the message and meaning of the Grange across the nation, and help remind us what we have in common.” On several occasions, while preparing for the 156th National Convention, some of the Nevada Grangers have had to ask for clarification on the Grange lingo. Many members are new to the Grange scene, especially outside their local chapter. They are trying to navigate these new waters, to gain a better understanding of the process. Battle Born Stockton Well Grange #29 chartered not quite a year ago. While they are very active, there is a lot their leaders don’t quite grasp beyond their world here in Nevada. Several passages in the Heirloom Program would benefit their Grange membership as an easy introduction in their meetings. Granges connecting with this program would be living these traditions and values out loud, and allow members to take passages that resonate with them to heart and add value to their personal lives, too. National Grange Community Service Director Pete Pompper observed the growth of the Heirloom Program over the past year. “As Granges utilize the statements from the program in public forums, as we saw this year at county and local fairs, it opens that door to discuss the Grange.” With the implementation of the Heirloom Program, the hope is that, in the future, Grange could be more approachable. There would be continued community interest in their local Grange where newer members will be able to talk and be knowledgeable about the values of the Grange. Pompper would like to see growth in membership in our Granges coming from community members seeing what the Grange holds as part of our values. People want to be part of an organization that follows along with their values and beliefs. In addition to this, long-standing members would see a wave of renewed knowledge and enthusiasm with the newer members, showing that the traditions and values are safe in the hands of the new members, and the torch is ready to be passed on to the new generation of Grangers. When we invest time in making the new generation of Grangers knowledgeable about what the Grange holds most dear, what is most important, we let the established membership know they can confidently hand the reins over to the up-and-coming generation of new leaders. Heirloom Program materials are available for free, and can be found at bit.ly/grangeheirloom.

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B.1 (September) – “Cultivate the habit of looking for better and brighter days, instead of mourning over the past.” (Third Degree; Vice President)

B.2 (October) – “Speak good of others, rather than evil. Gather up memories of others' virtues, and pass by their faults in pity.” (Third Degree, Chaplain)

B.3 (November) – “We cherish the belief that sectionalism is, and of right should be, dead and buried with the past. Our work is for the present and the future. In our agricultural fraternity we shall recognize no North, no South, no East, no West.” (Grange Declaration of Purposes)

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B.1. (March) – “The first and highest object of our Order is—to develop a better and higher manhood and womanhood.” (First Degree; Lecturer)

B.1 (June) – “Let us remember that no trees bear fruit in Autumn which do not blossom in the early Summertime. That life may be profitable, laden with good fruits, let all endeavor that youth be studious and virtuous, replete with the blossoms of observation and study—the promise of future wisdom and usefulness.” (Second Degree; Pomona) B.2 (July) – “Since God placed man on earth, agriculture has existed. There is no occupation that precedes it. Before literature existed, before governments were known, agriculture was the calling of man. And all the fruits of social progress since then grew from the brown soil.” (Installation Ceremony; Installing Officer) B.3 (August) - “In no other occupation does a man’s daily labor bring him into such close companionship with the Great Creator as in the cultivation of the soil.” (Second Degree; Chaplain)

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B.2. (April) - “Those we admit into our circle are not chosen by outward appearance, and ... we are not deceived by display in dress. It is to the mind and heart that we look for all good works; therefore, in your intercourse with the world, remember that a noble mind and generous heart are often concealed beneath the garments of poverty.” (First Degree; Steward) B.3. (May) - “The interests, the social relations and the destiny of man and woman are identical. She was intended by our Creator to be the helpmeet, companion, and equal of man—the perfecting half added to his hemisphere—thus completing the fully-globed orb of our common humanity; hence, as one, each shares the glory or the shame of the other.” (First Degree; Chaplain)

Editorial Illustration

Don’t fall for a scam when trying to be a good Granger By Amanda Brozana Rios

National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Who doesn’t love a gift card? Scammers certainly do! Over the past few months, members in Connecticut and Pennsylvania have fallen for a far-too-common scam – one in which a fake email is used that appears to be from someone in a position of authority or esteem, asking another to purchase gift cards for them to use or as a way to pay a debt. In this case, members believed their State Grange Presidents had asked them to purchase cards from a variety of retailers, then take a photo or type and send to them the numbers on the cards. In both cases, several members fell into the trap, and both Presidents were left with unhappy members out varying amounts of money. Some have sulked, “We just

shouldn’t have the real email address of the President out there for anyone to copy.” But that’s just not a solution. Besides the fact that these requests did not come from the actual email of Connecticut’s newly elected President Robert Buck or immediate Past President Wayne Campbell, Pennsylvania, members were still fooled. Moreover, this would lead to even more hand-wring-

PRO TIP: Remember – no local, State or National officer, staff member or other person will ask you to purchase gift cards for them and then turn the card numbers over to them electronically.

Buying a gift card to pay someone?

ing when states would begin to wonder why inquires for membership or to help solve problems hit all-time lows. We must have our leaders’ information available for current and prospective members alike. Instead, the only preventative is to be a skeptical consumer when something comes into your email that just doesn’t seem right and follow up with the person from whom you believe you received a message. Better to bungle a surprise than to be out hundreds, or even thousands of dollars. We can even be taking the lead through Lecturer’s programs and community events in educating others in our community about the dangers of this type of fraud, how to prevent it and how to respond if you’ve fallen victim to it. Read more about gift card fraud and consider how your Grange can take it to the scammers through educating your community.

HANG UP ON

STOP. It’s a scam! Gift cards are for gifts.

Gift Card Scams

ReportFraud.ftc.gov

Do NOT use a gift card to pay: the IRS or Social Security, tech support, a family member in trouble, ransom or to avoid arrest or deportation, a member of the military, or to keep your utilities on.

Report gift card scams at: ReportFraud.ftc.gov

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Gift card scams are real and on the rise Courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission Someone might ask you to pay for something by putting money on a gift card, like a Google Play or iTunes card, and then giving them the numbers on the back of the card. If they ask you to do this, they’re trying to scam you. No real business or government agency will ever insist you pay them with a gift card. Anyone who demands to be paid with a gift card is a scammer. What is a Gift Card Scam Gift cards are for gifts, not for payments. As soon as someone tells you to pay them with a gift card, that’s a scam. Gift cards are popular with scammers because they’re easy for people to find and buy. They also have fewer protections for buyers compared to some other payment options. They’re more like cash: once you use a gift card, the money on it is gone. If someone calls and asks that you pay them with gift cards, that’s a scammer calling. And once they have the gift card number and the PIN, they have your money. Scammers may tell you different stories to get you to pay them with gift cards, but this is what usually happens: 1. The caller says it’s urgent. They say you have to pay right away or something terrible will happen. They want to scare or pressure you into acting quickly, so you don’t have time to think or talk to someone you trust. Don’t pay. It’s a scam. 2. The caller usually tells you which gift card to buy. They might say to put money on an eBay, Google Play, Target, or iTunes gift card. They might send you to a specific store — often Walmart, Target, CVS, or Walgreens. Sometimes they tell you to buy cards at several stores, so cashiers won’t get suspicious. And the caller might stay on the phone with you while you go to the store and load money onto the card. If this happens to you, stop. It’s a scam. 3. The caller asks you for the gift card number and PIN. The card number and PIN on the back of the card let the scammer get the money you loaded onto the card. Don’t give them those numbers. It’s a scam. You’ll lose your money, and you won’t be able to get it back. Spot the Scam Only scammers try to convince you to pay with gift cards. If you know how to spot their tactics, you’ll be able to avoid the scam, and help others spot and avoid it. Here’s a list of common gift card scams and schemes: • The caller says they’re from the government — maybe the IRS or the Social Security Administration. They say you have to pay taxes or a fine. It’s a scam. • Someone calls from tech support, maybe saying they’re from Apple or Microsoft. They say there’s something wrong with your computer and you have to pay them to get it fixed. But it’s a lie.

• You meet someone special on a dating website, but then they need money and ask you to help them. This romance scammer makes up any story to trick you into sending them gift cards. Stop. Never send money or gifts to anyone you haven’t met in person — even if they send you money first. • The scammer pretends to be a friend or family member in an emergency and asks you to send money right away — but not tell anyone. This is a scam. If you’re worried, hang up and call the friend or relative to check that everything is all right. • Someone says you’ve won a prize, but first, you have to pay fees or other charges with a gift card. Remember: no honest business or agency will ever make you pay with a gift card. But also — did you even enter that sweepstakes? • The caller says they’re from your power company, or another utility company. They threaten to cut off your service if you don’t pay immediately. But utility companies don’t work that way. It’s a scam. • You get a check from someone for way more than you expected. They tell you to deposit the check, then give them the difference on a gift card. Don’t do it. That check will be fake, and you’ll be out all that money. What To Do If You Paid a Scammer With Gift Cards If you paid a scammer with a gift card, tell the company that issued the card right away. Keep the card and any receipts you have. Contact information for some gift card companies: Amazon • Call 1 (888) 280-4331 and follow the instructions provided. • Keep the Amazon card itself and your receipt for the Amazon card. • Learn about Amazon gift card scams and how to report them. Click on “Contact us.” eBay • Chat with eBay customer support, or have a representative call you back • Keep the eBay gift card itself and your receipt for the eBay gift card. • Learn about scams using eBay gift cards and how to report them. Google Play • Report the gift card scam to Google. If you don’t have a Google account, fill out this form. • Keep the Google Play card itself and your receipt for the Google Play card. • Learn about Google Play gift card scams and how to report them.

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iTunes • Call Apple Support right away at 1 (800) 275-2273. Say “gift card” to connect with a live representative. • Ask if the money is still on the iTunes card. If so, Apple can put a freeze on it. You might be able to get your money back from them. • Keep the iTunes card and your receipt for the iTunes card. • Learn about iTunes gift card scams and how to report them. Steam • • card. •

Report the gift card scam to Steam through Steam Support. Keep the Steam card itself and your receipt for the Steam Learn about Steam gift card scams.

Target • Call Target GiftCard Services at 1 (800) 544-2943 and follow the instructions provided. MoneyPak • Submit a fraud claim to MoneyPak. • Keep the MoneyPak card itself and your receipt for the MoneyPak card. • Learn about MoneyPak gift card scams. Don’t see your card on this list? Look for the company’s contact information on the card itself, or do some research online to find out

how to reach the card issuer. If you can’t find the contact information or the card issuer doesn’t want to talk to you, report it to the FTC at reportfraud.ftc.gov. Safely Buying and Using Gift Cards Remember that gift cards are for gifts, not for payments. So if you buy gift cards to give away or donate: • Stick to stores you know and trust. Avoid buying from online auction sites because the cards may be fake or stolen. • Check it out before you buy it. Make sure the protective stickers are on the card and that they do not appear to have been tampered with. Also check that the PIN number on the back isn’t showing. Get a different card if you spot a problem. • Keep your receipt. This, or the card’s ID number, will help you file a report if you lose the gift card. Report Fraud If someone asks you to pay them with gift cards: • Report it to the FTC at ReportFraud.ftc.gov. Report it even if you didn’t pay. Your report helps law enforcement stop scams. • Report it to your state attorney general. • If you lost money, also report it to local law enforcement. A police report may help when you deal with the card issuer.

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Fire Sale and store updates

JEWELRY

Vintage Hall Dedication Plaques Designed in 1947, these wooden hand-carved

Member recognition pins are

plaques have felt backing. 11.5”x13”, with

available in 5-year increments

space to add an engraving for your Grange. Limited number available.

from 5 years through 80 years

Sold as-is. $25 each, including shipping. All Past Office (Master, Lecturer, Secretary, and Past Junior Master) pins, and various Degree charms and ties bars are on sale!

Sesquicentennial Challenge Coin 150th Anniversary 2.25” diameter coin, emblazoned with the “esto perpetua” logo. Was $25, now $15 plus shipping.

Prices vary.

People, Pride, and Progress

by David M. Howard This history book chronicles the impact of the Grange over the first 125 years of the organization. Was $12.00, now discounted to $6.00.

Own a part of history commemorating the National Grange’s Headquarters in Washington, DC. These limited-edition pins are sure to be collector items! Each pin includes a card with details about the Grange Building. Available in bulk at major discounts!

Kelley Farm Challenge Coin Celebrating the 2013 exemplification of the 1873 Degrees at the Kelley Farm. 2.25” brushed nickel coin. On sale: $15.00 + shipping

Lapel / Grange Officer sash pins Buy 3 or more for a discounted

Belt Buckle

price.

Solid pewter with antique finish, fits

Available: E, F, H, L, M, O, P, S

most standard belts. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.

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, certificates, and membership recognition applications.

Order at www.grangestore.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 109 GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

30 ®

www.nationalgrange.org

S RA

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Honoring THE BUILDERS OF OUR

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES

L egacy

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Oregon • Clifford Harris, Boulevard #389

Maine

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP California • Betty Dellera, Sierra Valley #466 • Dorothy Norman, Sierra Valley #466 Connecticut •

Mario L. Accornero, Glastonbury #26

Maine • Robert Gordon, Highland Lake #87 Ohio • Naomi Beard, Leesville #2078 • Gerald Crissinger, Leesville #2078 • Eddie Lindmore, Neelyville #299 • Shirley Ormiston, Waterford #231 • Barbara Van Scoy, Oxford #2211

Stephen W. Call, Old Town Riverside #273

•

Laura Macomber, Highland Lake #87

Ohio •

Marie Clark, Mile Branch #933

•

Loren Cope, Mile Branch #933

•

David Dye, Mile Branch #933

•

Bonnie Kohl, Morgan #829

•

Patty Krueger, Morgan #829

•

Bill Norris, Robertsville #1784

•

Millie Norris, Robertsville #1784

•

Willis Smith, Morgan #829

•

Michael Tornes, Waterford #231

•

Ruth Wheeler, Robertsville #1784

Oregon

Oregon • Zola Low, Clarkes #261 Pennsylvania • Caroline Beddow, Chestnut Ridge #1133 Washington • Paul R. Buell, Addy #603 • Warren L. Buell, Addy #603 • Mary Ellen Foster, Brighton #163 • Ted Hankinson, Selah Heights #608 • Ruby Larue, Spring Hill #909

•

Daniel Coffman, Clarkes #261

•

Dean Kieling, Clarkes #261

•

Jane Kirchofer, Clarkes #261

•

Kenneth Telschow, Fairfield #720

•

Nadine Telschow, Fairfield #720

•

Daniel Volker, Clarkes #261

Washington •

Franklin Files, Bee Hive #385

•

James L. Flynn, Brighton Park #163

•

Vickie L. Flynn, Brighton Park #163

•

David Godley, Spring Hill #909

•

William A. Hagemeyer, Ten Mile #399

•

Kendall Ogden, Sunnyside #129

•

Mae Reimer, Bee Hive #385

•

Jill Rodgers, Selah Heights #608

•

James Ryan, Spring Hill #909

•

Raymond P. Walker, Selah Heights #608

•

Kyles Young, Haynie #169

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Welcome New Members TO THE Grange Family Adna #417 (WA) • Judi Beaty • Taylor Eiswald Almond #1102 (NY) • Alexandra Ormsby Altona #127 (CO) • Bob Stoller • Irene Stoller Bangor #372 (ME) • Makayla Young Beaufort County #1233 (NC) • LaLue Wolard Bethlehem #137 (NY) • Kathleen Allmond-Glywa • Alan R. Columbus, Jr. • Gretchen Ingersoll Big Knob #2008 (PA) • Christie Inman • Jake Ruckert • Rochelle Ruckert

Burr Oak #1350 (MI) • Amber Miller • Larry Notestine • Darlene Tate • John Tate

Community #593 (ME) • Michael Dexter • Dale Louderback • Jennifer Louderback • Robert Smiths

Camas Valley #521 (OR) • Mary Jean Anderson • John Fisher • Tina Fisher • Heidi Lamell • Ralph Lamell • Denise Scott • Steve Scott • Ken Wallace • Yvonne Wallace

Community of Feeding Hills #382 (MA) • Shari Petrucci

Camas Valley #842 (WA) • Margaret Koepping • Denise Sheckler

Creswell #496 (OR) • Albert Aragon • Sherri Aragon • Michelle Branam • Susan Carver • Janet Fonseca • Sarena Mosella • Lisa Olsen • Travis Olsen • Marcy Prevics • Susana Vargas • Richard Vasquez • Mark Yearous and 2 Junior members

Castlewood #469 (CO) • Stephanie Lawrence

Boring-Damascus #260 (OR) • Chelse Lincoln-Lane • Joshua Lincoln-Lane Boxborough #131 (MA) • Robin Lazarold • Rebecca Neville • H. Arden Veley • Nina Veley

Charlton #92 (MA) • James E. Howard • Rosemary Howard • Jayne Kackley Coburg West Point #535 (OR) • Annie Gaca Colona #259 (CO) • Jennifer McDonald

Branch Mills #336 (ME) • Mary Ellen Whitney Buell #637 (OR) • Velma Bottenberg • Bob Burr • Judith Carter • Robert Carter • Diana Schumauder • Glenn Smith • Marianne Thompson • Geneva Wymore

Columbia #267 (OR) • William Hayes • Derek F Ialkiewicz • Dan Kitzmiller • Shari Kitzmiller • Robert Larson • Jennifer Millere • Kelly O’Rourke • Richard Steele and 2 Junior members

Crescent #136 (CO) • Anne Hudson • Gerry Hudson Crescent #1123 (WA) • Janice Harsh • Christina Hazelett

Dartmouth #162 (MA) • Bernard J Simmons, II Davis Lake #501 (WA) • Julie Morris • Jeff Nichols • Marianne Nichols • Rosalie Tozer • Jacob Westphal • Mike Wrbelis • Suzie Wrbelis Deer Creek #371 (OR) • Jeff Henningsen • Leslie Murch

Deer Lagoon #842 (WA) • Curt Coyne • Jennifer Kelly • Carol Ann Leonessa • Mary Jo Mazick • Shelley McVay • Nicholas Sayko Deer Lagoon Junior #344 (WA) 14 Junior members Dexter #724 (NY) • James W. Babcock • Stephen M. Bates • James M. Gould • Chad King • Rachel King • Maurice A. Mitchell • Bethany Shanahan • Michael Shanahan • Jeffrey J. Timerman Donegal #1495 (PA) • Harry Piper • Norma Piper • Robert Rak • Kay Young Dorena #835 (OR) • Misty Burris • Sean Burris • Richard Chamberlain • Debe Kaufman • Edward Norris • Cynthia Sharp • Charlotte Taylor Dudley #163 (MA) • Abigail Lepper • Joanna Lepper • Lanette Lepper • Stephen Lepper Dunstable #31 (MA) • Abigail Holt

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. ®

NEXT ISSUE DEADLINE: FEBRUARY 28, 2023

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D) Eagle Valley #656 (OR) • Edwards Bonn • Dorothy Harrison • Aline Murray East Chatham #1066 (NY) • Elizabeth Ciesielczyk • Christa MacDonald • Robin MacDonald East Madison #228 (ME) • Jon Doty • Kate Hanter • Evan LeBrun East Spokane #148 (WA) • Teresa Dixon East Wenatchee #1012 (WA) • Matt Gates • Kerri Gates • Jake Gates and 1 Junior member Easton #196 (MA) • Judith Jackson • Michelle Kirk-Vinocoor • Joyce Tardito • Jeanette Tighe Edneyville #1051 (NC) • Barbara Hill • Sharon Walker Elk Plain #782 • Brian Moebius • Eileen Moebius • Henry Moebius Empire #148 (CO) • Hannah Mahoney • Sallie Varner • Katie Young Enterprise #489 (OR) • Amber Folmar • Ellen Hadley • Brendan Ohara • Colleen Olsolkowski Evening Star #183 (ME) • Willia Cassis • Chris Collins • Sarah Collins • Steph Grant • Zedariah Yaw Fargher Lake #853 (WA) • Katie Running • Lori Winn Farmington #12 (ME) • Russell Christensen • Quenten Clark • Naomi Henderson • Susan Meyer

Fleetwood #1839 (PA) • Amber Hallowell • Harley Stam

Hudson #457 (ME) • Lisa Nichols Irving #377 (OR) • Sue Burgess • Pat Cook • Katie Preston • Kenneth Smith

Flora #1762 (IL) • Robert Bailey • Joanne Bailey • Sherry De Bahr • Bruce Lott • Sue McGill • Rhonda Settle • Linda Williams

Jefferson #1373 (PA) • Cynthia Steele

Fredonia #1713 (MI) • Alayna Nail

Jonesboro #357 (ME) • Lily Cox • Lawrence G. Hayward • Ed Kopansky • Lora Pike • Wayne Steele • Jessica Thurson • Lauren Welch

Fruitland #999 (WA) • Matther Davis • Melissa Davis

Kennewick Valley #731 (WA) • Selena Benavidez • Sarah Cassano

Goldson #868 (OR) • Jennifer Reyes • Jesse Reyes

Kettle River #1120 (WA) • Abby Eslick • Justin Eslick • Jacque Richards and 2 Junior members

Florissant #420 (CO) • Rhonda Holden • Alicia Pearce • Mark Pearce

Grantham #968 (NC) • JoAnn Blackmon • Malcom Blackmon • Melodie Blackmon • John Hodges • Laura Hodges • Franklin Lane Grays River #124 (WA) • Brooke Bennett • Mary Cronin • Heath Thompson • Ian Wilson Green Bluff #300 (WA) • Emma Halbig • Erica Halbig • Owen Halbig • Richard Halbig • Wyatt Halbig • Theresa Weed and 3 Junior members Hamptonburgh #950 (NY) • Christopher Whitney Harding #122 (OR) • Roy Sandidge Harrison #422 (ID) • Christie Pfeiffer • Tony Pfeiffer Horseshoe #965 (WA) • Virginia Carey • Mark Rhode

King Hill #162 (ID) • Christie Acrod • Morgan Anderson • Ray Bosh • Dorothy Drake • Joann Heath • Leland Hoagland • Mary Hoagland • Curtis Laib • Amy Sage • Mervin Shank • Tamara Shank • Andy Sherman • Kevin Sherman • Colleen Teeven Knox Station #579 (ME) • Joseph Niemczura Lacomb #907 (OR) • Scott Bruslind Lakeside #63 (ME) • Stephen Seames Lewis #406 (CO) • Cecilia Berto • Amanda Gillaland • T.W. Gillaland • Bud Griffin • Shelly Griffin • Johnathon Hopkins • Kathy Hopkins • Kevin Montgomery • Tracy Montgomery

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Little Deschutes #939 (OR) • Chuck Crew • Linda Crew • Sandra Eisenohr • Andrew Sanchez • Jan Terfehr • Deborah Wren Little Mountain #601 (NC) • Lynn Swaim Live Oak #655 (OR) • Karen Thornton Lookingglass #927 (OR) • Kim Haeber • Danny Rice Lowell #745 (OR) • Dave Ackland • Rustie Ackland Lummi Island #925 (WA) • David Canterman • Doug Coe • Patricia Coe • Christine Green • Gayle Mitterer Malo #679 (WA) • Francine Sims Maplewood #662 (OR) • Troy Bayless Marion #276 (WA) • Lanci Eld • Mitch Eld • Katherine Moorehead • Danny Shannon • Molly Shannon and 2 Junior members Marys River #685 (OR) • Rachel Biscoe • Robert Biscoe • Karen Canan • Ben Freiberg • Erin Howard • Ron Paddock • Jackie Weiner McLane #383 (WA) • Dianne Johnson McMinnville #31 (OR) • Darlene Harper • Oe Justin • Gloria Kennerkeriecht • Joe Meissner • Jill Proyer • Linda Scherman • Connie Smith • Jon Wisman • Jan Wismer

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D) Meridian #265 (WA) • Annabelle Parker Mica Flats #436 (ID) • Beth Benoit • Ron Benoit • Chase Petrella • Lisa Rich Mingo #1301 (NC) • Ruth Carr • Karen Dale • Gary Faircloth • Martha Faircloth • L.C. Honeycutt • Norman Hudson • William Lee • Donald McLamb • Betty Naylor • Marjorie Naylor • Mike Naylor • Ella Radcliff • Fred Strickland • Julie Strickland • Tom Strickland • Paulette Wooten • Ricky Wooten • Edwin Wrench • Gary Wrench

Ocean View #463 (ME) • Ryan Aponte • Susan Murphy

Quimper #720 (WA) • Kate Davis • Vickie Townsend

Oceana Center #1047 (MI) • Daryl Highway

Ralston #943 (WA) • Akins Fresh Market • Thomas R. Pulliam

Ohop #812 (WA) • Cathy Larkins • Elisabeth Runyan Old Richmond #675 (NC) • James Bannigan • Eileen Tague

Redland #796 (OR) • Josh Edwards and 1 Junior member

Orcas Island #964 (WA) • Susan Hampel

Rhinebeck #896 (NY) • Kymara Lonergan

Paradise Valley #389 (ID) • Darrelyn Rose • Ramon Rose

Rickreall #671 (OR) • Samantha Augostine • Overhoff Barrett • Kimberly Bickford • Letitia Brown • Sosan George • Bill Kirby • Sharon Vannette

Parkman #305 • Tricia Elderkin • Karen Kimball • Kirk Kimball Penns Valley #158 (PA) • Hannah Burke • Edward Race • Fallon Race

Mt. Lookout #339 (CO) • Don McKenna • Evan Richards • Claudia Whitman

Perryville #1805 (IL) • Sharon Larson

Mohawk-Mckenzie #747 (OR) • Paul Von Der Mehden

Pioneer #219 (ME) • Ed McDonald

Mountain Valley #79 (WA) • Alexandra Harper • Dawn Harper • Rex Harper and 2 Junior members

Plumsteadville #1738 (PA) • Patsy King • Becky Krout • Julia Krout

New Bridge #789 (OR) • Bethany Garrison • Debbie Patusch North Cameron #355 (NY) • Patricia Warner North End #820 (OR) • Pat Murrill and 2 Junior members North Scarboro #495 (ME) • Tamantha Wilson North Willapa Harbor #947 (WA) • Susan Davis Norway #45 (ME) • Mark S. Rodrigue

Red Lion #1781 (PA) • Alex Grove

Pierstown #793 (NY) • Prudence Jackson

Prairie #1832 (IL) • Eleri Barnes • Mary Barnes • Nan Barnes • Maria Bobadilla • Gordon Butt • Connie Sharp • William Sharp Prosperity #315 (WA) • Amber Baird • Kacey Magnusson • Becky Reavis • Mike Reavis • Dee Tropp Putnam Valley #841 (NY) • Laura Sansone

Rockwood #323 (OR) • Mykhaylo Panchoshak Rose Valley #953 (WA) • Brittaney Casbeer • Kynsi Culp • DeDe Dinnan • Clarice Waitkus • Steve Waitkus

Sandy Creek #127 (NY) • Michele Alagna • Amanda Auringer • Daniel Sue • Leah Washburn • Steffin Washburn Satsop #183 (WA) • Donna Hilliard-Griess • Doug Krikava St. George #421 (ME) • Loanne Barter • Michele Wager Schley #710 (NC) • Ted Martin • Barbara Stephenson Sequim Prairie #1108 (WA) • Maryanne Ballard • Patti Block • Amanda Cerutti • Giovanni Cerutti • Ann Johnson • Steven Johnson • Brenda Lawson • Matthew Lawson • Jocelyn Young and 2 Junior members Siletz Valley #558 (OR) • Alan Fujishin • Lorissa Fujishin • Teresa Smith-Russell

Roy #702 (WA) • Lori Lamothe • Nick Lamothe

Silverton #748 (OR) • Karina Arndt • Frank Gyurgyik

Saco #53 (ME) • Hollie Shaw

Sixes #856 (OR) • Lacy Reif

San Juan Island #966 (WA) • Trinity Aithof • David Anderson • Linnea Anderson • Rachel Brooks • Erin Christie • Kevin Connolly • Lauren Drake • Anna Garcia • Paul Hompkins • Elizabeth Herbert • Connor Kuetzing • Karl Kuetzing • Tom Lemley • Elizabeth McCubbin • James McCubbin • Julie Nelson • Tom Nolan • Meaghan Rader • Alexa Rust • Paulyne Stayberg • Kristina Stucki

Skyline #894 (OR) • Jim Cramer • Natasha Jones • Generos Rivera

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

South Camano #930 (WA) • Clint McPhee South Lake Stevens #690 (WA) • Elizabeth King • Robin King • Kim Ludlow South Middleboro #337 (MA) • Nikki Andrews • Karin Bourne • Kim Geisler • Lyn Nelson South Union #860 (WA) • Tori Johnson

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D) Spencer Creek #855 (OR) • Robbie Cortez • Seraph Cortez • Claire McDonald

Thurston #853 (OR) • Prisma Marlow • Stephanie Perkins • Warren Wilkerson

Violet Prairie #996 (WA) • Julie Harness • Betty King • Stacey Taylor

Spray #940 (OR) • Peach Stebbins • Kaela Steele • Anna Thomas

Tioga #1223 (PA) • Darla Smith

Waller Road #1111 (WA) • Arin Hinnian

Tri Community #1008 (WA) • Anthony Klutz • Leta Marie Klutz

Walton #1454 (NY) • Nikki Gransbury • DeLaura Manzer • Savannah Reynolds • Nichole Reynolds • Samantha Wong

Stanford #808 (NY) • Robert Hudson Sterling #53 (MA) • Ayla DeCoste • Tyler Proteau Stillaguamish #1058 (WA) • Earl Dorman • Joan Love Stockbridge #295 (MA) • Andrew Hall Sunflower #162 (CO) • Jared Ellis • Chester Heir • Jody Lengen • Suzanne Nieme • Misty Tapp • The Vintage People and 1 Junior member Sunnyside #129 (WA) • Hailie Nelson • Tiffany Nelson • Dustin Ogden • Jasmin Ogden and 1 Junior member Swauk Teanaway #984 (WA) • Muriel Fischer • Kathy Ogg

Triangle #533 (OR) • Cyndie Blake • Jane Joosten • Sandy Nelson • Emily Rose

Warren #536 (OR) • Matt Brown

Triway #1093 (WA) • Romy Bernhard • Jay Offutt

Waterford #479 (ME) • Elmer Paul Edwards • Clarence Hill • Melannie Hill

Tunk Valley #1019 (WA) • Bill Finney • Lori Fritz

Whately #414 (MA) • Jane M. Banash

Turkey Hill #1370 (IL) • Natalie Long • Brad Ebershol • Carla Runner

Whelan-Ewartsville #114 (WA) • Jane Hommel White Pigeon #1345 (MI) • Blake Groves • Laurie Groves

Union Hill #728 (OR) • Cara Kaser • Guinne Muir • Troy Munsell

Willamette #52 (OR) • Robert Ballard

Upper Big Wood River #192 (ID) • Ivy Slike Upton #125 (MA) • Susan Barrows

Williams #399 (OR) • Margaret Easter Williams Valley #452 (WA) • Andrea Hutton • Layce Hutton • Logan Hutton • Louis Hutton

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

Williamsburg #225 (MA) • Denise Banister • Kara Burke • Thomas Cairns • Terry Dawson • Vickie Drew • Osa Flory • Miana Hoyt Dawson • Resa Ike • Elizabeth Klarich • Sherrie Marti • Kevin McAllister • Susan McAllister • Jean O’Neil • Dawn Pastermak • Joe Pastermak • Christina Richards • Kyra Richards • Nate Richards • Oscar Schiff • George See • Katie See • Debbie Senecal • Kayla Solomon • Podge Thomas • Matthew Scott Wilhelm Winthrop #209 (ME) • Jeane Liberatore • Caitlin Roberts • Reid Roberts • Robert Roberts • Sailor Roberts Woodburn #79 (OR) • Marilyn Plowman Yorktown #862 (NY) • Timothy Clark • Cynthia Clark • Elanore Clark • Bri Hart

MEMORIAL NOTICES MARTHA “JUNE” EWING JUSTI

Wife of Past National Grange Youth Director Martha “June” (Ewing) Justi, 95, wife of past

Blendon Grange #708, Franklin County, and an affiliate member of Potomac Grange #1, DC.

National Youth Director

They were Heroes of the Grange. June and Wib

Wib Justi passed away

were appointed Chairs of the Grange Germany/

peacefully on October

USA Friendship Program. Nothing better reflects

12, 2022.

the inspiring, altruistic Grange fraternal goals of

She was predeceased

promoting international friendship, cooperation,

by her husband Wib,

peace and prosperity than the Grange Germany/

her

siblings,

USA Friendship Program. Under the GG/USA pro-

and her grandson, Joey

gram, more than 500 farm youth from Germany

Fernandes. She is survived by her children, Lee Jus-

and other war ravaged European nations that had

ti and Mary (Bill) Sheppard. She and Wib were mar-

never experienced successful democratic forms of

ried in 1946 and celebrated 67 years together.

government were brought to the United States and

parents,

June was a graduate of Jackson Milton High

placed with Grange farm families for one year to

School in North Jackson, Ohio, and attended The

directly experience the benefits and see the cor-

Ohio State University. She was employed by the

relation between freedom, prosperity, and democ-

Worthington City Schools beginning in 1968, re-

racy under the Justi leadership from 1950-1966.

tiring as the Food Service Supervisor in 1992. She

They were responsible for placing 1,918 young

had the voice of an angel and enjoyed singing with

people over the years in homes throughout the

the Worthington Chorus from 1982-2001. June

United States through their work with the Grange

and Wib devoted their lives to working with youth

Germany/USA Friendship Program.

around the world through various organizations.

June worked with quiet perseverance, demon-

June was a member of the West Berlin Presbyte-

strated the highest Grange principles of wom-

rian Church. She will be dearly missed by her family

anhood that positively touched the lives of thou-

and friends.

sands of people around the world. Three quotes

Wib, with the help of June, was the first appoint-

which are associated to the Justis are:

“You

ed National Grange Director of the Youth Activi-

Can Make a Difference,” “Best Year Yet,” and

ties serving from 1949-1966. She was a member of

“I’d Be Delighted”

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

MERVIN J. RICHARD

Past President, Delaware State Grange Mervin was a charter member of Delaware’s Temple Grange,

Mervin was survived by his

organized in 1965, and was an

wife of 71 years, Betty Richard,

active member for more than 50

children Mervin Richard, Jr. (Ju-

years, serving as President for

dith) of Washington, DC, Bev-

over 40 years and rising through

erly Richard Lerner (David) of

the ranks of State Grange un-

NY, and Deborah Tretina of Do-

til becoming Delaware State Grange President. Mervin served as National Delegate from 1994Mervin Jonas Richard, Sr., of

giggle!

2000.

ver, DE; three grandchildren, a great-granddaughter, his brother James Richard (Betty), and his sister Dorothy Shahan.

Marydel, Maryland, passed away

He worked tirelessly at the

on October 30, 2022. He was 93.

State Grange Food Booth at the

Born on April 13, 1929, in Tem-

Delaware State Fair, along with

pleville, MD, he was the son of

his wife, Betty. He always got

the late Truman and Anna Ander-

products from local farmers for

sen Richard. Mervin and his wife

the food booth, maintained the

Betty were married in 1951.

Temple Grange Hall which also

Beatrice Wisk, June Faulkner,

from

serves as a community center in

Kathryn Covington, and Bette

Greensboro High School, class

Templeville MD. He kept up with

Fox.

of 1946. Mervin was in the Mary-

State Grange happenings and

Cards and condolences may be

land National Army Guard for 19

was a good source of informa-

sent to:

years, and worked for Suburban

tion. He was a hard worker.

Mervin

graduated

Propane Gas as a service technician for over 30 years.

He had a joyful personality, and a wonderful laugh, almost a

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE www.nationalgrange.org

He was predeceased by his brothers Charles Richard, William “Bill” Richard, Harvey Richard, Carlton Richard, Alfred Richard, and George Richard, and sisters

Betty Richard 203 Duhamel Corner Road Marydel, MD 21649-9602

Honor Granges are those State and Community Granges that saw a net gain in membership in the July 2021-June 2022 Grange year. These Granges have put in a tremendous amount of work to show their hometowns why they are vital to their communities, and have brought in members to support their efforts.

2022 HONOR STATE GRANGES

California Connecticut Idaho Illinois Indiana Kansas Minnesota Montana New Jersey Oregon Washington Wisconsin COMMUNITY GRANGES Alaska Two Rivers #3 (2) California Pleasant Valley #675 (129) Lake Earl #577 (121) Vaca Valley #298 (82) A Warrior #865 (51) Anderson Valley #669 (50) Chico #486 (42) Simoore #857 (36) Clear Lake #680 (35) Lockeford District #579 (35) Community #863 (31) Marshall #451 (31) Healdsburg #400 (30) Woodbridge #482 (30) Bennett Valley #16 (25) Redding #446 (24) Garcia #676 (18) Pilot Hill #1 (18) Buckeye #489 (17) Rutherford #371 (17) Sebastopol #306 (17) Rough And Ready #795 (16)

Sierra Valley #466 (15) Turlock #29 (15) Freshwater #499 (14) Welcome #791 (14) Dobbins #745 (13) Redcrest Community #504 (13) Anderson-Mt. Lassen #418 (12) Buena Vista #564 (12) Fairfax #570 (11) Big Sur #742 (10) Redwood Valley #382 (10) Rio Linda #403 (10) Atascadero #563 (8) Orangevale #354 (8) Santa Cruz Live Oak #503 (8) Mt. Hamilton #469 (7) Clinton #862 (6) Springfield #523 (5) Corral De Tierra #474 (4) Orcutt-Sisquoc Community #651 (3) Coyote #412 (2) Grover City #746 (2) Hangtown #464 (2) A Warrior #865 (1) Loma Rica #802 (1) Merced Colony #527 (1) Prunedale #388 (1) Western Yolo #423 (1) Westside #473 (1) Colorado Altona #127 (24) Animas Valley #194 (8) Redlands Mesa #487 (8) Left Hand #9 (7) Pleasant Park #156 (6) Lewis #406 (5) Castlewood #469 (3) Florida #306 (2) Rose Hill #256 (2) El Paso #480 (1)

Connecticut Redding #15 (38) Coventry #23 (12) Cheshire #23 (9) Greenfield Hill #133 (9) Wallingford #33 (8) Harmony #92 (6) Whigville #48 (4) Taghhannuck #100 (3) Hillstown #87 (2) Riverton #169 (1) Delaware Harmony #12 (37) District of Columbia Potomac #1 (3) Idaho Mountain Home #285 (55) Paradise Valley #389 (39) Bellgrove #369 (23) Mica Flats #436 (8) Moscow #452 (2) Blanchard #440 (1) Portneuf #229 (1) Illinois Big Thunder #1940 (15) County Line #1751 (12) Prairie #1832 (11) Flora #1762 (4) Beaver Valley #1791 (2) Turkey Hill #1370 (1) Indiana Columbus #2174 (3) K ansas Bayneville #1810 (10) Cadmus #350 (10) Gardner #68 (5) Richland #1995 (2) Indian Creek #1431 (1) Otter Creek #1493 (1) Maine Jonesboro #357 (31) Mt. Phillip #545 (16) Mill Stream #574 (15) North Jay #10 (15) Androscoggin #8 (10)

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Arbutus #450 (8) Enterprise #48 (7) Huntoon Hill #398 (6) Norway #45 (6) Deering #535 (5) Evening Star #183 (5) Pleasant River #492 (5) Waterford #479 (5) Community #593 (4) Rumford #115 (3) Victor #49 (3) East Sangerville #177 (2) Lakeside #63 (2) Saco #53 (2) Branch Mills #336 (1) East Madison #228 (1) Hollis #132 (1) North Scarboro #495 (1) Ocean View #463 (1) Old Town Riverside #273 (1) Union Harvest #591 (1) Valley #144 (1) Wayside #590 (1) Winthrop #209 (1) Massachusetts South Middleboro #337 (6) Beverly #306 (5) Ware #164 (4) Dudley #163 (3) Stockbridge #295 (3) Charlton #92 (2) Hanover #206 (2) Anawan Oakton #221 (1) Boxborough #131 (1) Guiding Star #1 (1) Petersham #95 (1) Upton #125 (1) Maryland New Market #362 (2) Linganore #410 (1) Michigan Summit City #672 (6) Oceana Center #1047 (3) Community #1675 (2) Fern #803 (2) Pittsfield Union #882 (2) Burns #160 (1)

Minnesota Lake Hubert #735 (3) Montana Rocky Mountain #116 (56) Whitepine #102 (22) Meadowlark #149 (13) Avon #125 (7) Divide #142 (3) Corvallis #17 (1) Nevada Battle Born Stockton Well #29 (81) Western Nevada #28 (38) Southern Nye #30 (21) High Desert #22 (10) Smith Valley #26 (3) New Hampshire Rockingham #183 (19) Antrim #98 (3) Joe English #53 (2) Mt. Pistareen #145 (2) Watatic #36 (1) New Jersey Stanton #148 (3) Elmer #29 (1) Farmingdale #157 (1) Grandview #124 (1) New York Whitehall #922 (39) Pleasant Valley #1453 (35) Westville #1047 (19) Mount Hope #902 (18) Fredonia #1 (11) Pleasant Valley #1225 (11) Stanford #808 (10) Copake #935 (9) Putman Valley #841 (8) Cuyler #449 (6) Albright #440 (5) Freedom Plains #857 (5) North Cameron #355 (5) Lamson #588 (4) Millers Mills #581 (4) Stone Church #1561 (4) Colonel Harper #1508 (3) East Chatham #1066 (3) East Pembroke #1157 (3) Veteran #1108 (3) Walton #1454 (3) Adams Center #590 (2) Kendrew #891 (2) Pierstown #793 (2) Ravena #1457 (2) Taft Settlement #473 (2) Addison #854 (1) Beaver Falls #554 (1) Clifton Springs #1042 (1) Cuba #799 (1) Fairport #467 (1)

Hamptonburgh #950 (1) Marcellus #464 (1) Ostelic Valley #1398 (1) Schenevus Valley #1201 (1)

Oklahoma Clear Creek #84 (30) Big Cabin #156 (19) South Coffeyville #351 (18) Pleasant View #354 (7) Noxie-Wann #362 (1)

Liberty #613 (3) Multnomah #71 (3) Skyline #894 (3) Tigard #148 (3) Boulevard #389 (2) Buell #637 (2) Elmira #523 (2) Enterprise #489 (2) Macleay #293 (2) Mapleton #584 (2) Pine Forest #632 (2) Pine Valley #815 (2) Quincy #321 (2) Ramsey Park #352 (2) Redland #796 (2) Roxy Ann #792 (2) Scotts Mills #938 (2) Siletz Valley #558 (2) Ada #570 (1) Beaver Homes #518 (1) Beavercreek #276 (1) Creswell #496 (1) Crow #450 (1) Goldson #868 (1) Hurricane Creek #608 (1) Little Deschutes #939 (1) Lorane #54 (1) Maplewood #662 (1) North Bayside #691 (1) Olney #793 (1) Pacific #413 (1) Parkdale #500 (1) Pleasant Valley #348 (1) Redmond #812 (1) Rockwood #323 (1) Triangle #533 (1) Wickiup #722 (1) Wolf Creek #596 (1)

Oregon Redwood #760 (55) Illinois Valley #370 (27) Columbia #267 (25) Myrtle Creek #442 (24) McMinnville #31 (20 Willamette #52 (19 Live Oak #655 (14) Netel #410 (11) Fernwood #770 (10) Eagle Valley #656 (9) Irving #377 (9) Sauvies Island #840 (8) Fruitdale #379 (7) Rickreall #671 (7) Azalea #786 (6) Winona #271 (6) Central Point #698 (5) Goshen #561 (5) Lowell #745 (5) Morning Star #311 (5) Lake Creek #697 (4) Phoenix #779 (4) Chetco #765 (3) Garfield #317 (3)

Pennsylvania Jefferson #1384 (46) Hickory #1285 (18) Burgettstown #1502 (17) Liberty #1780 (10) Ginger Hill #1549 (9) Shermanata #1796 (9) Elizabethtown #2076 (7) Wills #1690 (7) Oliver #1069 (6) Cumberland Valley #2104 (5) Hookstown #1980 (5) Tioga #1223 (5) Fairview #1351 (4) Girard #788 (4) Red Lion #1781 (4) Sinking Valley #484 (3) Trexlertown #1755 (3) Tuscarora #774 (3) Unity #1710 (3) Centre Hills #885 (2) East Franklin #1709 (2) Fairdale #1157 (2) Hillcrest #1674 (2) Ridgeview #1948 (2)

North Carolina Juniper #1302 (33) Camp #1299 (24) Mingo #1084 (20) Schley #710 (9) Ferguson #809 (8) Grantham #968 (4) Old Richmond #675 (3) VilleWorth #1300 (3) Ohio Tiverton #1515 (23) Clear Creek Valley #1843 (8) Baughman #2114 (5) Lisbon #1568 (5) Progressive Valley #2433 (5) Painter Creek #1923 (4) Miami #2158 (2) Amesville #798 (1) Deerfield #1015 (1) Ewing #2082 (1) Ledge #2593 (1) Limerick #1917 (1) Olivesburg #2641 (1) Saybrook #1739 (1) Unity #1761 (1)

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South Auburn #1188 (2) Union #325 (2) Walker #2007 (2) Forest #853 (1) Frankfort Springs #1989 (1) Goshen #121 (1) Marion #223 (1) Mifflin #1725 (1) Roseville #1290 (1) Walker #786 (1) Wysauking-Sheshequin #58 (1) Rhode Island Exeter #12 (4) Roger Williams-Rumford #52 (3) Texas David Crockett #143 (3) Virginia Price’s Fork #786 (6) Goodwill #959 (4) Vermont Blue Spruce #574 (5) Evening Star #154 (5) Caledonia #9 (3) Lakeview #359 (3) Marble Valley #567 (3) Blue Mountain #263 (2) Tunbridge #384 (2) Bomoseen #273 (1) Gassetts #327 (1) Washington Menastash #1054 (110 Prospect Point #1067 (66) Barberton #571 (53) East Wenatchee #1012 (47) Waller Road #1111 (43) Kettle River #1120 (42) Addy #603 (41) Davis Lake #501 (38) Freedom #1152 (28) Deer Lagoon #846 (26) Moses Lake #1151 (25) San Juan Island #966 (25) Sharon #800 (25) White Trail #1143 (23) Camden #687 (22) Kennewick Highlands #1037 (17) Manson #796 (15) Quimper #720 (15) Sequim Prairie #1108 (15) Fargher Lake #853 (14) Lummi Island #925 (12) Olalla #1125 (12) Ralston #943 (10) Columbia Valley #938 (9) Marion #276 (9) Oakview #311 (9) Manor #1101 (8) Clarkston Heights #982 (7) Crescent #1123 (7)

Fords Prairie #33 (7) Green Bluff #300 (7) Oroville #985 (7) Broadway #647 (6) Camas Valley #842 (6) Stranger Creek #374 (6) Tyler #610 (6) Greenwood Park #590 (5) East Spokane #148 (4) Enterprise #784 (4) La Center #48 (4) Saint Andrews #832 (4) South Union #860 (4) Swauk-Teanaway #984 (4) Baw Faw #34 (3) Bryant #791 (3) Forest #153 (3) Granville #857 (3) Lincoln Creek #407 (3) Mossyrock #355 (3) Mountain View #98 (3) Spring Hill #909 (3) Adna #417 (2) Dry Creek #646 (2) Fern Prairie #866 (2) Haynie#169 (2) Long Beach #667 (2) Molson#1069 (2) Rose Valley #953 (2)

Skamokawa #425 (2) South Camano #930 (2) Tunk Valley #1019 (2) Twisp Valley #482 (2) Violet Prairie #996 (2) Wilcox #141 (2) Elma #26 (1) Garden City #280 (1) Kenova #556 (1) McMillin #848 (1) Newaukum #198 (1) North & South Palouse #1004 (1) Olympic View #774 (1) Patit Valley #1039 (1) Sallal #955 (1) Salmon Creek #849 (1) San Poil #684 (1) Silver Lake #105 (1) Skokomish #379 (1) Steele Lake Highline #805 (1) Stevenson #121 (1) Ten Mile #399 (1) Trout Lake #210 (1)

Welcome New Granges! The following Granges were newly chartered or reorganized since our last issue.

• • • • •

Bayside #500 (CA) Flint Hill Pomona #49 (KS) Jamul #866 (CA) Mt. Bolivar #218 (CA) Wallingford #33 (CT)

Wisconsin Milton #680 (9) LaPraire #79 (8) South Greenville #225 (3)

Maryland State Grange Oregon State Grange Pennsylvania State Grange 10-Year Grange Turkey Hill Grange #1370 (IL) 5-Year Granges Central Union Grange #559 (CA) Goldendale Grange #49 (WA) Marys River Grange #685 (OR)

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Community Granges

Bethlehem Grange #137 (NY) Burns Grange #160 (MI) Creswell Grange #496 (OR) Eagle Grange #1 (PA) Five Mile Prairie Grange #905 (WA) Grantham Grange #968 (NC) Gratiot Grange #1898 (MI) Harveys-Aleppo Grange #1444 (PA) Hurricane Creek Grange #708 (OR) Jefferson Grange #1384 (PA) Linganore Grange #410 (MD) Ono Grange #445 (CA) Prairie Grange #1832 (IL) Redland Grange #796 (OR) Springwater Grange #263 (OR) St. John’s Grange #729 (NC) Stanford Grange #808 (NY) Stony Point Grange #1694 (PA) Upton Grange #125 (MA) Valley Grange #1360 (PA)

GRANGEYOUTH

YOUTH PROGRAM

2022

North Carolina State Grange Stanford #808 (NY)

California Anderson Mt. Lassen Grange #418 High Desert Grange #593 Rio Linda Grange #403 Sierra Valley Grange #466 Colorado Marvel Grange #479 Sunflower Grange #162 Wheat Ridge Grange #155 Connecticut North Stonington Community Grange #138 Riverton Grange #169 Vernon Grange #52 Florida Manatee Grange #179 Idaho Kuna Grange #59 Mica Flats Grange #436 Pleasant Ridge Grange #135 K ansas Bayneville Grange #1810 Maine Highland Lake Grange #87 Jonesboro Grange #357 Massachusetts Massachusetts State Grange* Charlton Grange #92 Dudley Grange #163 Holden Grange #78 North Orange Grange #86 Sterling Grange #53 Upton Junior Grange #39 Whately Grange #414 Williamsburg Grange #225

Moravian Grange #187 Southard Grange #218 Stewartsville Grange #121 Vincentown Grange #67 Warren Pomona Grange #10 New York Clifton Springs Grange #1042 Curriers Grange #1273 Ohio Ohio State Grange* Amesville Grange #798 Collinsville Grange #2264 Harrison Grange #1711 Mile Branch Grange #933 Monroe-Dan Emmett #847 Morgan Grange #829 Painter Creek Community Grange #1923 Unity Grange #1761 Wayne Grange #262 Williamsport Grange #1815 Oregon Irving Grange #377 Myrtle Creek Grange #442 Pennsylvania Pennsylvania State Grange* Penns Valley Grange #158 Plumsteadville Grange #1738 Progress Grange #96 Sanatoga Grange #25 Virginville Grange #1832 Wesley Grange #1675 Rhode Island Chepachet Grange #38 Exeter Grange #12 Moosup Valley Grange #26 Moosup Valley Junior Grange #27

Michigan Studley Grange #1174

Tennessee Volunteer Grange #1250

Montana Whitepine Grange #102

Vermont Blue Spruce Grange #574 Marble Valley Grange #567

New Hampshire Portsmouth Grange #29 New Jersey New Jersey State Grange* Cologne Grange #191 Columbus Grange #59 Grandview Grange #124 Montague Grange #140

Washington Washington State Grange* Addy Grange #603 Addy Junior Grange #396 Adna Grange #417 Barberton Grange #571 Baw Faw Grange #34 Bee Hive Grange #385

Black Lake Grange #861 Burbank Grange #630 Calispel Grange #500 Camas Valley Grange #842 Camden Grange #687 Camp Morehead Junior Grange #401 Cedar Valley Grange #306 Centerville Grange #81 Chimacum Grange #681 Clallam County Junior Grange #408 Clallam County Pomona Grange #31 Clark Pomona Grange #1 Clarkston Heights Grange #982 Collins Grange #893 Cowlitz County Pomona Grange #7 Cowlitz Prairie Grange #737 Crescent Grange #1123 Davis Lake Grange #501 Deer Lagoon Grange #846 Dry Creek Grange #646 East Oakville Grange #902 East Wenatchee Grange #1012 Elma Grange #26 Fargher Lake Grange #853 Fargher Lake Junior Grange #49 Fern Prairie Grange #866 Fords Prairie Grange #33 Fort Colville Grange #533 Fruitland Grange #999 Goldendale Grange #49 Grays Harbor/Pacific Pomona Grange #28 Grays River Grange #124 Green Bluff Grange #300 Green Bluff Junior Grange #373 Greenwood Park Grange #590 Greenwood Park Junior Grange #379 Happy Valley Grange #322 Haynie Grange #169 Humptulips Grange #730 Humptulips Junior Grange #376 Inland Grange #780 Issaquah Valley Grange #581 Kettle River Grange #1120 Kettle River Junior Grange #413 Lewis County Pomona Grange #3 Lincoln Creek Grange #407 Logan Hill Grange #1086 Long Beach Grange #667 Lopez Island Grange #1060 Malo Grange #689 Manson Grange #796 Marion Grange #276

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McLane Grange #383 Menastash Grange #1054 Molson Grange #1069 Moses Lake Grange #1151 Mossyrock Grange #355 Mountain Valley Grange #79 North River Grange #946 North River Junior Grange #410 Oakview Grange #311 Oroville Grange #985 Pierce County Pomona Grange #16 Pleasant Hill Grange #101 Prospect Point Grange #1067 Quimper Grange #720 Ralston Grange #943 Rexville Grange #815 Rome Grange #226 Saint Andrew Grange #832 Sammamish Valley Grange #286 San Juan Island Grange #966 Sequim Prairie Grange #1108 Sharon Grange #800 Sharon Junior Grange #414 Silver Lake Grange #105 Skamokawa Grange #425 Skookumchuk Grange #584 South Bay Grange #250 South Union Grange #860 Stevenson Grange #121 Stillaguamish Grange #1058 Stranger Creek Grange #374 Stranger Creek Junior Grange #412 Swauk Teanaway Grange #984 Terrace Heights Grange #586 The Valley Grange #1048 The Valley Junior Grange #156 Thurston County Pomona Grange #8 Tunk Valley Grange #1019 Twisp Valley Grange #482 Tyler Grange #610 Violet Grange #996 Waitsburg Grange #1 Washington Grange #82 White Trail Grange #1143 Yakima Valley Pomona Grange #11

Cultivators recognized at National Convention By Amanda Brozana Rios

National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Four individuals were recognized at the 156th Annual National Grange Convention in Reno, Nevada, as Cultivators of the Year by the National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Department. Each was surprised by the recognition, which sets out to honor individuals or groups that “put in the work” to grow the Grange through innovative and positive messaging and programming or that found ways to improve not just their local Grange, but to provide “a guiding light for Granges around the nation.” National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios said each recipient was deserving of recognition because of their commitment to the Grange’s growth and the success of new and seasoned members. “Each of these individuals helped the Grange in their respective communities and states, but they went far beyond that. Every one of them were responsive to inquiries

Jennie Gentry (NC) accepts her “Cultivator of the Year” Award from National Grange President Betsy Huber during the Grange Honors Night. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

and provided insight into what individuals coming to Grange are looking for as well as the tools they need to truly engage as Grange members. They give selflessly and promote fearlessly and for that, they are truly deserving of this recognition,” Brozana Rios said. Jennie Gentry, Youth and Young Adult Director of the North Carolina State Grange, was on hand to receive her award – though she thought she was being ushered to the front of the room to see her father, State President Jimmy Gentry, be honored. “What an incredible surprise! I cannot begin to describe how honored I am to receive this award,” Jennie Gentry said. “I want to thank the National Grange and Amanda for the honor and express my gratitude to her for her touching, kind words. It means the world to me. I absolutely love working with youth and young adults. I tell people all the time that I work hard to try to inspire them, even just a little bit, but I am the one who ends up being inspired. I am truly grateful.” Brozana Rios said Jennie Gentry was selected because of “the tremendous work she has done to not just prepare the Youth and Young Adults of the North Carolina State Grange to talk about their Grange experience, but the care she has taken to ensure that experience is one they want to talk about.” “These Youth come prepared, they speak well, they mean what they say and their enthusiasm is infectious,” Brozana Rios said. “The value of Jennie’s work and leadership cannot be understated. She is their cheerleader, their mentor and a place of solace when they are facing hard times – truly embodying the idea of fellowship and fraternalism and making a place in this great organization with and for the Youth she encounters.” Hearing from the live broadcast of the Evening of Honors that he was a recipient was Connecticut State Grange Secretary Todd Gelineau, who worked throughout the 2021-22 membership year to ensure the record of members was accurate and

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Todd Gelineau, Connecticut State Grange Secretary, shows off his Cultivator of the Year Award. Photo provided correctly reflected on the quarterly reports submitted by local Secretaries and used to pass on membership counts to the National Grange. “It is a tremendous honor to be recognized, this project was undertaken because I felt it was an important part of my job to correct the errors made over the last 21 years. A wonderful side benefit is the large number of Grangers who have been reconnected with their Granges.” Gelineau, Brozana Rios said, may not have been popular among some of the members of his State but did them a great service. “Golden Sheaf members are amazingly dedicated Grangers – but many in several states are being reported incorrectly. It sounds small or petty, but each of these individuals that are mislabeled as Golden Sheaf Exempt, meaning they would have received recognition for at least 50-years of continuous service before 2001, were not just incorrectly exempted from National dues, they were often not feeling the full benefits of Grange membership,” Brozana Rios said. “Often when they were noted as Golden Sheaf members, Granges didn’t worry about staying in contact and ensur-

Marilyn Johnson (right), President of Montana State Grange, presents Scott Nicholson with his award. Photo provided ing they knew all the benefits and opportunities available to them.” Scott Nicholson, Montana State Grange Membership Director and Lecturer, learned of his award when contacted by State President Marilyn Johnson. Montana had the distinction of the highest percentage net gain in membership of any State Grange in the 2021-22 membership year and Brozana Rios said the efforts of Nicholson and many other members of the state’s leadership team helped make new members feel comfortable and secure in their decision to join the Grange. “Scott worked with a community Grange that was nearing the time to turn in their charter and a group of individuals from that community who were interested in learning more about and potentially revitalizing the Grange. He traveled to meet with the current members and the prospective members and took them together on a journey of discovery and rediscovery respectively about the values of the Grange and some of its most treasured lessons,” Brozana Rios said. “The Grange grew from just a handful of individuals to see a net gain of more than 75 members in the year and with Scott’s enthusiasm and insights, these new members learned and have embraced some of our richest pieces of Grange identity including ritual and history.” Brozana Rios said part of the Heirloom

Program was inspired by what she was hearing from Nicholson as he attended meetings and gave short presentations about different implements, pieces of ritual and more at that Grange. After receiving his award, Nicholson provided some advice for those interested in helping with growth, organizations and revitalizations. “Over the years I believe we have always been in search of a magic formula for recruiting and maintaining Grange members. The truth is, every community is different; the approach must always be customized to the needs and values of your local community. It is essential that your Grange have goals and projects that new and long-time members can work together on,” Nicholson said. “Working together as a team is the first step in teaching the lessons of our order. Go slow, be patient, keep the fraternal lessons in bite sized pieces. As you are presenting the lesson it is always better to tailor each lesson to connect what project or activity the group is currently working on.” Walter Boomsma, Communications Director for the Maine State Grange, said his recognition came as a surprise as well. Brozana Rios said that as the former National Communications Director she has worked with Walter for longer than a decade. “Over the time I’ve been with National Grange, I’ve come to truly appreciate how much Walter does to connect the outside world with the Grange, be it answering questions of the press or people interested in joining or reviving a Grange, connecting members with resources and benefits they’re entitled to and so much more. He’s a fantastic asset for the Maine State Grange and the Grange as a whole who often points out where we can improve and be more efficient even with our limited resources,” Brozana Rios said. Boomsma offered a view of what Grange members can do to continue moving membership forward. “For me, the work is the reward, but recognition is still nice!” Boomsma said. “I honestly believe that we could meet most of the challenges we face as an or-

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ganization with improved communication both within and outside the organization. Sometimes it feels like we’re having this huge party but not inviting anyone. Nearly 340 million people live in the United States. Why aren’t more of them Grangers? The Grange may not be for everyone, but we should allow people to make that decision by communicating with them about our values and what we do. And we ought to be talking openly and honestly among ourselves as members to make sure we are ‘practicing what we preach’ and providing value to our communities. “ Brozana Rios said the work of these individuals and many others throughout the year are intergral to the success of the Grange. “Our departments at National Grange are small but mighty because of dedicated members and volunteers who assist with projects and provide necessary feedback,” Brozana Rios said. The recognition program debuted at last year’s convention in Wichita, Kansas, where the inaugural recipients were Andrew Adams, Delaware; Tom Gwin, Washington; Walter and Nettie Hartley, Rhode Island; Susan Noah and the Oregon State Grange; and Nathan Strawder, Kansas.

Walter Boomsma, Maine State Grange Communications Director, was the fourth recipient of the Cultivator award. Photo provided

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

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“A Banner Year” Celebrating the best of the Grange at the 156th Annual Convention

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By Philip J. Vonada

was instantly on display at Monday evening’s host with Carolynn Chamlee, Jim reception. Dumolt, Caryn Herman, Lindsay With a giant Schroeder, and Beth Southworth cake celebrating the Grange’s 2022 Communication Fellows milestone session, and Amber Corll, Emma Edelen, the convention’s and Cole Settle kickoff event 2021-22 Youth Leadership Team The dancers of Ballet Folklorico Nuestra Herencia Mexicana highlighted the from High Desert Grange #22 (NV) entertained attendees at work accomplished the Host Reception. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder Grangers and friends from across by Granges and the country gathered in Sparks, Nevada Grange members town for the Convention, including just in mid-November for the 156th Annual in the host states, with State Grange behind the hotel in Victorian Square; this National Grange Convention. Throughout Presidents and Deputies combining history six-block area of redevelopment is home the week, Delegates and officers worked and fun to “show off” their states. to 5,000 residents. hard to shape National Grange policy In the packed room, the evening The success of Sparks is due, in part, and set the course for the future, while culminated with attendees being treated to a recent influx of money. The softball members of all ages reveled in the social to a combination of education and culture field in the marina area attracts teams and educational aspects of the convention. by the Ballet Folklorico Nuestra Herencia from around the nation, resulting in 25 Members spent time in the Showcase, Mexicana dancers from High Desert million dollars of regional impact. Since learning about the Grange Youth Fair Grange #22 (NV). They presented a series the legalization of marijuana in Nevada, Program and other National Grange of dances while providing background taxes have become available to update opportunities, while speakers and on their styles and regions, and their the fields in a timely manner in the Grass workshops brought education for new and importance in Mexican culture. for Grass Program. Sparks has used rent seasoned members alike. There was plenty subsidies and other Cares Act funds to of time for learning and socialization, as Advocacy Luncheon the nation’s oldest fraternal rural service At the Advocacy Luncheon on Tuesday, develop a “cares campus” of 600 beds organization celebrated a year of growth November 14, National Grange President for the homeless, which has become a and excitement. Betsy Huber stated how proud she is of the problem in Sparks due, in large part, to Grange’s advocacy work in Washington, mental illness. Lawson’s motto is “find a way to Welcome to the West DC, and around the country. The speakers The hospitality of the Western Region at the luncheon were Ed Lawson, Mayor say yes,” which alludes to inclusion, States (Alaska, California, Idaho, Montana, of Sparks, and Emily Haggstrom, Vice acceptance, and compromise. Emily Haggstrom, Vice President of Nevada, Oregon, and Washington) President of Communications and Creative Development of the Communications & Creative Development, Consumer Energy for Consumer Energy Alliance also addressed the crowd at the luncheon. In Alliance. Lawson has been her role, Haggstrom represents a crossMayor of Sparks section of the community. Consumer since 2020, and he Energy Alliance represents 350 member is rightfully proud of organizations and 500 individuals from his city. According around the country. to Lawson, Sparks Haggstrom stated that politics have is “where you raise become hyper-local due to the different children” for the resources of each community. Policymakers 108,000 residents. directly affect local communities, so He invited attendees advocacy should be hyper-targeted. to enjoy the sights She also indicated that local media and and sounds of consumer businesses understand who you The host reception featured the best of the west. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder Sparks while visiting are, where you went to school, and what

Communications Director

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you like. Through data tracking, these businesses are also able to track daily habits and your routine. Haggstrom pushed everyone to remember that the “average Joe” has a powerful voice through various means of activism. She indicated that group action like “Twitter bombing” can pressure legislators to act due to what feels like a large number of their constituents jumping on them. However, the “squeaky wheel” gets the Officers of the National Grange process into session in drill formation. attention, no matter the Photo by Lindsay Schroeder issues. “[We]… lobbied against tax increases which could have harmed Companies like Consumer Energy Alliance can help amplify farmers,” which had been in early versions of the Build Back Better messages, and assist the ability to work together. Haggstrom Bill. This was done, in part, through partnerships with other major highlighted some issues of interest that the Consumer Energy agricultural interest groups. Alliance and Grange share, which include broadband, rural The Grange is perhaps most known for its work in the healthcare, and high energy costs. agricultural field. During the year, the Grange supported the Haggstrom stated the Grange is a well-established respected Cattle Contract Library Act and lobbied for agriculture and food organization with members who strive to be heard not only in research investments, particularly in practices that improve climate policy but in the community. resilience and sustainability, and the Ocean Shipping Reform Act which “severely hampered exports of agricultural products,” “State of the Grange” address Huber said. The president of the oldest agricultural organization in the “Earlier this year, we conducted a rural voter poll on healthcare United States reported a year of growth and action during her priorities in rural America,” Huber said, which revealed that rural annual address on Tuesday at the official opening of the business Americans want to prioritize transparency in the healthcare session and convention. field, require rebates to pass to patients, and cap out-of-pocket In recent years, fraternal organizations have struggled to gain expenses. The survey also identified obstacles to rural mental and retain members, but the National Grange is turning that healthcare. Huber touted that organizations are coming to the around. Grange “because of our grassroots connections to the rural “I am delighted to report that… because of your hard work population,” including a partnership with Rural Minds. and dedication to your Granges and communities, we have In healthcare, the National Grange lobbied for the Medicare indeed come back stronger after difficult years” despite Covid-19, Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act for a blood President Betsy E. Huber announced. The National Grange test that can identify 50 types of cancer, urged the Centers for posted a net gain of more than 3% in new fraternal members Medicare and Medicaid Services to reconsider a promising from July 2021-June 2022. This included significant growth in the Alzheimer’s treatment, and promoted the Protecting Seniors category of family and Junior memberships, proving that people through Immunization Act. “It is important to do everything we are looking for ways to strengthen family bonds while supporting can for our health and the health of the seniors, children, and attheir communities. risk populations around us,” Huber added. Legislatively, “the National Grange continues to gain more Other work during the year included lobbying for the Postal recognition as a valuable grassroots source of information and Service Reform Act (including a meeting with Postmaster influence,” she said, “Joining with many other associations, we General Louis DeJoy), the right-to-repair for farmers, expanding amplify our voice on policy issues.” rural broadband and ensuring equitable access in broadband In Washington, DC, the National Grange has been busy deployment, and supporting the Freight Rail Shipping Fair Market working on behalf of Grange members and all of rural America.

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Act and urging President Biden to intervene against rail strikes. “Looking to 2023, there is no shortage of issues that the National Grange will be working on,” Huber said, turning to future priorities and plans. “In the agricultural arena, the Farm Bill programs are all on the table…” Huber said, noting that the National Grange is “not a single-issue or single-commodity group… but advocates for the best interests of farmers and rural residents.” The Grange will be working with legislators who are already having conversations about what programs and initiatives may be included in the next Farm Bill. Huber vowed that the National Grange would remain a key, non-partisan player on priority issues, despite a divided Congress. “We hope to see a final, definitive decision from the Supreme Court on… Waters of the U.S., clarifying the definition of navigable waters,” and also drafting regulations for what it means. She noted that the Grange will be a voice in the sustainability debates about carbon markets and emissions. “Farmers are the original conservationists,” she said, “and we hope the carbon market will be a source of revenue for farmers, not a source of more… red tape.” The National Grange will monitor issues including inflation, energy sources and policy, infrastructure, forestry, access to medical care, and rural mental health care, and will have an eye on the interests of rural America. “We need to be watching and be prepared to weigh in on the debates,” she added. Huber concluded her address by saying, “Since 1867, the National Grange has been the voice of agriculture, rural life, and small communities in America.” She applauded the way that Granges advocate on behalf of local, state, and national issues, saying “this genuine grassroots policy development process sets the Grange apart… Our nation’s leaders know that when they meet with the Grange, we are bringing the grassroots rural smalltown voice to the table.” Showcasing the best of the region What began as an empty ballroom quickly filled with the best and most treasured items that local Granges and National Grange departments chose to put on display for attendees. The Showcase room was vast, yet could barely contain all the spectacular displays brought into the convention. The Showcase, organized by Katie Squire (CA), featured the states from around the Western Region. The ‘Best of the West’ section of tables was filled with displays from Washington, Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, Montana, and California, where tables were decorated with a selection of items, displaying their Grangers in action, and other fun and interesting items. Host state Nevada displayed bumper stickers with the correct pronunciation of their state (“nuh-VAD-uh”) - education is a lifelong pursuit, after all. The Grange Youth Fair Program had an abundant display. Educational banners, tri-folds, specialty awards, and ribbons won by the Youth from this past year were displayed for all to see. One

award, the Herdsmanship Award, is given to the youth group at a livestock show who has the best decorations, interacts with the public, and demonstrates the best husbandry of their animals. Lina Baughn’s display features over sixty ribbons. Baughn, a Pee-Wee member of Battle Born Stockton Well Grange #29 (NV), stepped into the show rings in a big way this past year; she spent the year showing her rabbits, turkeys, and chickens. In addition, she began learning to show dairy goats. Baughn voiced that her favorite part of showing this year was the dairy goats because she got to learn new things about animals. Crystal Baughn, Lina’s mother, hopes her daughter learned that winning does not always mean getting a ribbon, but conquering fears in the show ring. Other tables in the Showcase represented the Communication Fellows, Grange Youth & Young Adults, Junior Grange, Community Service, Grange Foundation, the Dictionary Project, GROW Club, Nevada Mining, Lecturer’s department, and the 2023 National Grange Host Region. A new feature in the Showcase this year was the “Voices of the Grange,” where presentations on hippology, Knights of the Grange, and more were presented throughout the week. Salute to Agriculture luncheon As a traveler on Nevada Highways 95-A, 80, and 50, you will see lush fields overflowing in the summertime; fields of grass hay, green bushy fields of alfalfa with delicate purple flowers, stalks of corn reaching the sky, and row after row of onions. Nestled in the surrounding areas are fields of livestock. From large-scale farms to family or youth-grown animals, there is a fair share of agriculture in the deserts of Nevada. However, water plays a critical role in our agriculture. When there is a heavy snow year in the Sierra Mountains, farmers can grow more with their allocated water rights. When we get a lean year, like in 2021, water rights can shrink drastically and drain reservoirs. This past summer, Lovelock Valley received 0% of its water allocation through rain or snow. This is only the third time in the history of the Humbolt River that this has occurred, according to Nevada Grange Deputy Carl Clinger. Clinger stated that the river did not get within 150 miles of the valley. Food grows where water flows. During Wednesday’s Salute to Agriculture Luncheon, Dr. William Payne, Dean of the College of Agriculture, Biotechnology, and Natural Resources at the University of Nevada, Reno, extended a warm welcome to the Grangers in attendance. Payne recently returned from working in Ethiopia, where he collaborated with International Centers for Agriculture Research. The $150 million research was aimed at improving food security and livelihoods in the dry areas of the world. Payne, originally from Indiana, has been able to work in many dry environments. He shared that Nevada is the driest state in the United States, and because of these factors, farming and ranching in Nevada are a challenge.

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In arid states, it takes much more land for raising animals. For example, Payne’s ranch near Austin, Nevada, has 400 cattle on about 100,000 acres required to support them on a grazing permit from the Bureau of Land Management (BLM). Nevada is home to roughly 3,500 farmers and ranchers, many of whom work on smaller pieces of land. While some would be considered hobby farms, many are larger operations, with the average production ranch having 15,000 or more acres. The University of Nevada, Reno (UNR) is a land-grant University, where agriculture is one of the most important aspects. UNR houses extension agriculture research stations, and now also has extended studies, which is a way to give credits and accreditation to non-traditional students. UNR has four departments of academic agriculture, including agriculture, veterinary, and rangeland sciences, biochemistry and molecular biology, nutrition, and natural resources and environmental sciences. Many of these programs have goals to be self-sustaining, or at least help to financially support their program. The sheep on UNR ranches are raised for their wool, which is used to make clothing. Wolf in Sheep’s clothing, as the program is known, harvests the wool from their sheep, which is then sold to support the programming. Because the Grange works with legislators in Washington, DC and around the country, Payne hopes they can help lobby for reinvestment in the United States in agricultural research. At one time, the United States was the leader in the field of agricultural research, but other countries are currently investing more and taking the lead. Payne hopes that the United States can once again become a leader in agriculture and pilot the future of how we manage our lands, fires, and the raising of livestock. The Grange can and should take that leading voice for the United States. Hall of Fame inducts two new members You have a Grange member who has gone above and beyond the call of duty

during their lifetime, and you don’t know how to recognize them since they passed away. Luckily, there is the Grange Hall of Fame. The Grange Hall of Fame was created to recognize Grange members who had a significant role in the Grange. The National Grange Hall of Fame was created in 2015 and has inducted seventeen Grange members into its ranks. This year, the National Grange Hall of Fame has two inductees. The first inductee was Dudley W. Adams, the second Master/President of the National Grange and the first Master/ President of the Iowa State Grange. While Adams served in Iowa, he increased the number of Granges in the state by over a hundredfold. Also in Iowa, he showed 100 apple varieties and ended up winning the 1871 society’s sweepstake. He won again in 1879, this time showing 172 apple varieties. In 1893, Adams went to the Chicago World’s Fair, overseeing one of the first Florida Citrus exhibits. Adams was nominated for the Grange Hall of Fame by Gene Edelen. When asked why he wanted to nominate Adams to the Hall of Fame, Edelen said it was because Adams held a couple of “firsts” in the Grange and deserved to be recognized. Mortimer Whitehead was the second inductee, having served as National Grange Lecturer from 1877-1879 and 1886-1893. Whitehead was an extremely proficient writer, using that skill to write articles and pamphlets on behalf of the Grange. Whitehead was a large part of the Grange’s push for Rural Free Delivery. He was diligent to get the service to farmers and, because of his efforts, the United States Senate passed the measure in a 2725 vote. Mortimer Whitehead was nominated to the Grange Hall of Fame by Community Service Director Pete Pompper. When asked why he wanted to nominate Whitehead, Pompper answered that he had been researching some history of the Grange and he came across some writing and was fascinated by it. When asked whether Whitehead had

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Dudley W. Adams (top) and Mortimer Whitehead were the 2022 inductees into the Grange Hall of Fame. an impact on his life as a Granger, Pompper said, “He has impacted us in a way that not a lot of us Grangers have realized, because of his ability to speak so well.” If you would like to nominate someone for the Grange Hall of Fame, more information can be found at www. nationalgrange.org/grange-hall-fame. Quilts of Valor presentation Eleven veterans were awarded Quilts of Valor on Wednesday evening. These included Grange members and veterans

from the Western region. Chris Hamp, National Grange Vice President introduced the Quilts of Valor program to the Grange in 2017. A friend had told her about the program and suggested she nominate her father, a Vietnam veteran, to receive a quilt. “I was impressed by the love and care that they showed in presenting my dad with his quilt of valor,” said Hamp. Hamp’s father received his quilt a week before she was elected National Grange Lecturer. Thinking about projects to initiate with Grange, she selected Quilts of Valor. Since that time, the National Grange has awarded 56 quilts at conventions in Washington, Vermont, Minnesota, and Kansas. Until 2021, the quilts were solely awarded to Grange members, but the 2021 ceremony included members of the community and the Veterans of Foreign Wars color guard. Hamp stated that it is hard not to fall in love with the program and to not have tears in your eyes when you hear the stories, especially from the Vietnam veterans who had never been properly recognized. Currently, Hamp serves on the National Board of Directors for Quilts of Valor. This year, Ann Bercher, National Grange Lecturer, sent a request to the State Lecturers and Presidents for

nominations of eligible individuals (active service members or living veterans who have been touched by war). Terry Janke, Nevada’s Quilts of Valor coordinator, assisted Bercher in coordinating and obtaining the quilts. Marsha Strand, Bonnie Mitson, and Naomi Fletcher also were involved in securing quilts. The quilts presented to Nevada veterans were made by Nevada’s Comstock Lode Quilters. Strand, of the Comstock organization, stated that Quilts of Valor are comforting and healing for veterans touched by war. As quilters join the bits of fabric, they discuss family and friends while creating a symbol of home and comfort. Quilts are given as a “gesture of gratitude from a grateful nation.” The veterans were wrapped in their quilts by members of Comstock Quilts of Valor, Lupeta Mahoney and Jannis Hubbard; and Grangers Bonnie Mitson and Donna Champion. Bercher stated, “Being able to say thank you in a tangible way and wrap the veterans in the quilts is the best part of my job.” It is a very emotional experience for her. Bercher said that over the past year, many Grange Quilts of Valor labels have been sent to participating Granges.

The 2022 Quilts of Valor recipients represented branches of the military. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

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2022 Quilts of Valor Recipients Colleen Bennett, Oklahoma Army National Guard, 2015- 2021. Vance “Papa Smurf” Bonds, U.S. Air Force and U.S. Army. George “Bud” Boyd, U.S. Army, served three tours in Vietnam. Mark Gibbons, Captain, U.S. Army, 1981-1991. Greg Gomez, U.S. Navy 1994-2015. Tianna Gomez, U.S. Navy, 19942015. David McBride, U.S. Air Force, 1972-1976. JoAnn McBride, U.S. Air Force, 1977-1981. Sharon Orce, U.S. Army, 1976-1980. Paul Schlegel, Chief Warrant Officer, U.S. Navy, 1958-1978. Bobbi Tucker, U.S. Air Force, 19861990. Bonnie Mitson states it is an honor to be a part of this program. If any individual or group desires assistance in starting a program in their Grange or community they should contact her at mitsonb6@ gmail.com. Paul Schlegel, the oldest recipient in Wednesday’s ceremony, was dressed in his Navy uniform when he accepted. He stated that it was an honor to accept this quilt, with the understanding that it is symbolic of all the veterans who have served our nation, and veterans are needed to keep our country free. The Quilts of Valor program will celebrate its 20th Anniversary in September at the American Quilt Museum in Paducah, Kentucky. As of April 2022, 300,000 Quilts of Valor have been awarded nationwide. The National Grange is an official “Under Our Wings” partner of Quilts of Valor.

new programs and new ideas. Watson is serving as a Delegate from New Hampshire this year and was National Grange Legislative Director for over 20 years. Susan Noah Susan Noah (OR, left) and Leroy Watson (NH) are installed as has served on Executive Committee members during the National Grange’s the Executive Annual Session in November. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder Committee since 2018. For the Delegates elect two to Executive past year, she was the secretary of the Committee Board as well as a Board representative to Each year, two seats on the four-person the Grange Foundation. National Grange Executive Committee At the Board of Directors’ first come up for election. This year, those seats meeting, Lynette Schaeffer (IL) was reare those of Leroy Watson (NH) and Susan elected as Chairperson of the Board, Noah (OR), who were elected during the and Noah will continue to serve as the 154th Annual National Grange Session secretary. which was held via Zoom in November Chris Hamp (WA) and Buddy 2020. Overstreet (TX) join Watson representing Since then, Watson and Noah have the National Grange Board of Directors each served on various committees helping on the Grange Advocacy Board, while to establish Grange policy and encourage Noah and Schaeffer serve on the Grange growth. Noah served as Secretary in the Foundation Board of Directors. most recent configuration of the Board of Directors. Rural Minds hits home In the election on Thursday, November On Thursday afternoon, with the 17, Watson and Noah were each re-elected session hall packed, National Grange, to their seats, a vote of confidence in the President Betsy Huber introduced the work of the current Executive Committee founder and CEO of Rural Minds Jeff and Board. Winton. “I am honored to receive the Rural Minds is on a mission to be the confidence of the Delegates to serve as informed voice for mental health in rural a member of the Executive Committee, America, seeking to provide mental health and I promise to do so to the best of information and resources. my ability,” Watson said, accepting his Roughly 65 million Americans live in election. When asked about his hopes for rural areas. Rural Minds’ vision is a rural the next few years, he said, “I hope we are America with no more silence, suffering, or going to have a successful transfer from a stigma around mental health. November commercial property owner in the heart of 17 was National Rural Health Day and it Washington, DC to an organization more was an eye-opening presentation on how focused on the needs and requirements big of an issue this has become. of our members and non-members across Who better to partner with than the rural America.” Watson indicated that there National Grange whose roots are in the will be logistical and financial challenges heart of rural America? in the next few years, but hopes that the Winton shared the story of the Grange will have the flexibility to work on

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company’s origins. Like many people, Winton had members of his family that struggled with their mental health which led to the tragic loss of his nephew nearly a decade ago. Brooks Winton had been a force to be reckoned with on the farm and football field in upstate New York. The small community was rattled by the sudden and tragic loss of one of their own. The family decided maybe if they shared the story of Brooks’ passing, the narrative could begin to change. That’s just what Winton did in his eulogy for his nephew. The story was laid bare for everyone to hear. At the end of the service, something remarkable happened. A formerly taboo topic, shared by a community member in such a raw way, began a dialogue. Neighbors, friends, distant relations, and associates shared their stories. Today, rural Americans have higher depression rates than urban areas

Jeff Winton, CEO & Founder of Rural Minds, Inc., addresses attendees at the National Grange Convention. Rural Minds is working to destigmatize conversations about mental health in rural America. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

The National Grange Youth Officer Team opened Thursday’s business session at the 156th Annual National Convention. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder and 64-68% higher suicide rates than urban areas. The third Thursday of every November has been designated National Rural Health Day and is dedicated to addressing the unique healthcare challenges that rural residents face. However, every day of the year, it is important to recognize that rural health includes mental health. Mental health is an illness and needs to be treated as an illness and not a character flaw. We must start changing the narrative now. Ruralminds.org highlights the vast challenges rural America faces with mental health issues. Rural Americans have the tenacity to pull themselves up by the bootstraps and asking for help is not that easy. In towns where everyone knows everyone’s business, confidentiality in close-knit communities is another barrier. Fear of judgment, difficulty getting an appointment, time for transportation, inadequate health care coverage, feeling of isolation that there is no one outside the community to turn to for help, and lack of broadband access all provide huge barriers for those in rural America. By listening to rural Americans and providing an open forum for sharing personal experiences, the door can begin to open to change the existing stigmas. Dialogues and identifying gaps might be

as Director, he never felt National Grange needed a nationwide project, but Jeff Winton changed that. Pompper and Winton created an atmosphere of welcomed sharing by sitting among the workshop attendees. This was key for the workshop to be successful in allowing people to feel they were safe in asking questions and sharing stories. Little by little, difficult questions began to be asked and stories emerged. In some cases, emotions were raw, deep, and honest. Question-Persuade-Refer (QPR) training discussions swirled. Rural Minds has spent the last decade compiling a list of resources so community members could feel adequate in helping someone they may know. In most cases, people do not need to know what to do or say, instead the person in crisis just wants to feel supported, for someone to listen, or to sit quietly surrounded by friends. Everyone can make an impact by just being compassionate and listening. Small-town challenges are a huge issue. If someone you know reaches out, listen. You do not have to have the answers. If you or someone you know is seeking help, they can call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. These are important resources for people in crisis or

difficult, but they can help get connected to mental health information and services. Several non-profits are working in this field to provide services to the needs of rural Americans. The conversation will never become a normal topic if we continue to sweep it under the rug. National Grange has partnered with Rural Minds to launch a campaign providing access to mental health educational content for rural America. Cobranding allows Rural Minds and National Grange to utilize Grange’s grassroots campaign networks. The session came to a close and Huber extended a warm thanks to Jeff Winton for speaking to the Delegates and guests in attendance. A workshop for open discussions and in-depth talks about Rural Minds and the importance of recognizing this huge issue continued in a separate room for anyone who wished to join in. National Grange Community Service Jeff Winton (center) poses with National Grange Director Pete Pompper Legislative Director Burton Eller and National Grange President Betsy Huber following his presentation. opened the workshop by Photo by Lindsay Schroeder stating that during his years

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who are worried about a loved one who may need immediate crisis support, which can include having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance abuse crisis. This service is free and confidential and offers texting as a favored communication method by the younger generation. For a list of available support, visit www.ruralminds.org/crisis-resources. Given the statistics rural America is facing with this crisis, we all likely have someone facing a mental challenge. We are a fellowship. Let’s help each other out, let’s help our communities out. If we all start making a small change today, the impact will lead us to a better future. Workshops presented by staff, leadership On Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, a series of workshops were provided to members of all levels during the National Grange Convention. National Grange staff and youth leadership took charge of educating members and starting conversations. Legislative Do you know who your elected officials are? Do you know who to write

Legislative Assisant Sean O’Neil presents a workshop on the Grange’s grassroots advocacy networks in the legislative process. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

to for a matter of state or local issues? Do you know the best way to contact your elected officials? Sean O’Neil, National Grange Legislative Assistant, talked about all these questions and more in the Legislative workshop. During the Legislative workshop, O’Neil talked about the importance of a congressional office and a couple of strategies for interacting with the people in the office. One of the first things that O’Neil said was, “don’t talk to people who don’t represent you. They do not care.” Another piece of advice O’Neil gave was to be precise about what you talk about with the people in the office. You are essentially given a slot on a spreadsheet with your name and one thing that you talk about. O’Neil said that a good way to talk to your elected official and engage in conversation is to host a town hall, to have the elected official come out to the area and have them talk about what they are doing and answer any questions the community might have. O’Neil concluded his workshop by saying to make sure to get in contact with your elected officials and to be smart about how you do so. Communications Are you a meerkat, lion, gorilla, or peacock? This question was answered by Dr. Todd Felts of the University of Nevada, Reno, at the Communications workshop. Felts stated of all communications, 83% are now on social media, and he defined the “Spiral of Silence” as the phenomenon that happens when the people who disagree remain silent and the dominant idea takes over - especially on social media. TikTok is predicted to be the most relevant and used platform by next year because it is interesting with short bursts of engagement. TikTok learns about you and quickly creates a world for you. However, currently, Facebook is a more popular social network. If Facebook was a country, it would be the third largest country in the world, according to Felts. The fastest growing segment for Facebook is people in their 60s.

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Social Media has several parts to it like marketing, public relations, and advertising. Our job is to find people who are looking for what we have to offer. Social Media can be either a traffic cop or an office manager. There are four types of people using social media that Felts described using animal characteristics to describe them. The meerkat sits and watches; the lion hits the share button, waiting for something to happen that benefits them; the baboon is the commenter, liking and laughing at posts; and the peacock is the producer. Everyone likes it when the peacock spreads his feathers. Felts enumerated ten ways to become a social media animal. You should have a plan, be flexible, perfect your profile, tailor your content, use free tools, research, and monitor. Then, watch the competition, manage your community, choose the right platforms, and lastly, be human and transparent. Felts encourages his listeners to become curators and to find out where they fit in. Felts advised that to make TikTok part of your Grange you need to celebrate people, by making a collage of videoing people you want to engage with or just highlighting your Grange. All you meerkats out there, get involved, and have fun. Membership Amanda Brozana Rios, National Grange Membership and Leadership Development Director, shared that she loves coming to these kinds of events and sharing her passion for Grange. Brozana Rios stated that members would not be sitting at the convention if they didn’t have a deep love for the Grange and feel it was important to keep growing. In winter, bees often huddle together to keep warm to survive. Once the temperatures start to warm up, the bees become more active and leave the hives. The Grange faced a similar phenomenon when the Covid-19 pandemic appeared in 2020. Suddenly, people reevaluated their priorities and were looking to continue that with family-

based organizations, like the Grange. As a result of the pandemic, people were talking about groups with the same values or wanted to know where their food comes from. Many people realized they didn’t know where or how their food got to them. Both of these factors put the Grange in a position for membership gain, as bridge-builders in the past and continuing to build for the future. Brozana Rios encouraged members to envision and reevaluate programming to make sure it targets family audiences for continued growth. • Looking to the future, there are a few things to keep in mind to help keep growing. • Know your audience and tailor programming to them. • Find the need in your community and focus on that. • Remember that the Grange is a fraternal organization where potential members apply to join. Think about the individuals wanting to join and be sure they are a good fit for your Grange. • Lastly, reinvest in training and leadership building to maximize membership growth. Ask not what Grange can do for you, but what can you do with Grange. Youth Youth Ambassadors and Outstanding Young Patrons vying to become a member of the National Grange Youth Leadership Team must meet numerous requirements to be considered. These requirements include a formal interview, completion of

Membership and Leadership Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios leads a workshop about growing the Grange through programming. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

the Grange Pillars Project, and presenting one workshop at the National Convention. On Thursday, two Youth Ambassadors and two Outstanding Young Patrons presented workshops in front of youth and young adults from around the country. The first presentation was made by North Carolina Youth Ambassador Baylor Howerton. Howerton’s workshop was centered around the importance of understanding and respecting the perspectives of others. She demonstrated this by asking attendees what their first thought was when thinking about a brick wall. Several answers were given including “a challenge,” “a bench,” and “a skyscraper to an ant.” In closing, she explained that, as Grangers, we should “widen our perspectives” and emphasized the importance of making an effort to understand and show sympathy for others’ viewpoints. The second presentation was made by the Outstanding Young Patron from North Carolina, Autumn Whitaker. Whitaker prepared her workshop around the principle of perseverance. To illustrate her point, she tasked half the attendees with writing a “why” statement such as “why am I hungry?” and then instructed the other half to write a “because” explanation such as “because it’s hot in here.” Workshop attendees were then asked to find a partner to create a “why/because” sentence. After noting that most of these combined sentences made little sense, Whitaker explained that in life, things do not always go according to plan. Whitaker then challenged the Youth and Young Adults in attendance, saying “Don’t give up when life doesn’t give you what you want.” The third presentation was made by the North Carolina Youth Ambassador Matthew Settle. Settle’s workshop was about the differences between peoples’ assumptions. He showed several optical illusions and asked the youth what they saw in them. Each image received a few different responses. After discussing all the images, Settle explained that “it is not always immediately obvious what something means and that just because two people interpret the same event or action differently, does not mean that one must be inherently wrong.” The final presentation was made by the Outstanding Young Patron from Pennsylvania, Gail Switzer. Switzer’s presentation was about “Advocating for Change.” Switzer explained the importance of legislative advocacy for young people by learning how to write resolutions. Together, the youth in attendance collectively wrote a resolution about preparing high school students for adult life. The resolution was in support of classes such as home economics and basic finance being reintroduced into public schools. Switzer plans on submitting the finalized resolution to the National Grange in 2023. Community Service Do you want to get your Grange’s name out in the community? “Find out what your area needs and meet them there,” said Pete Pompper, National Grange Community Service Director. In his workshop, he presented a wide variety of ideas for

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reaching out to your community. Among his suggestions, Pompper advocated for partnering with Rural Minds, or with local businesses. He believes that Granges should take care of their hometowns first and should not underestimate the impact Granges make locally in their community. Apart from money being raised to be donated, Granges have overhead costs like utilities, insurance, and the purchase of products to complete their projects, so a $30,000 project can generate a $500,000 economic impact in the community. Pompper said that Granges should be proud of their impact. He suggested that projects can be funded by obtaining grants through foundations or the local Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, local Granges could partner with other groups in their area to raise money for everyone. The Grange Hall should be the center of the community. Dave Roberts of Riverton Grange, Connecticut and the National Grange’s United Nations Council of Organizations Representative, spoke on needs that his Grange identified in his community including proper disposal of American Flags and honoring veterans. Pompper suggested that community service events can also be membership drives and Granges should always have membership applications available. Pompper stated, “everyone needs a cause”. Bonnie Mitson of Mica Flats and Belgrove Granges, Idaho, suggested that “by networking, you don’t have to do any work.” In other words, use your resources and the people around you wisely. Your community service needs to serve the people of your community but it also has to serve you. Not all projects need 100% commitment from every member; those who are interested can participate and other Grange members can work on other projects. Above all, be on the lookout for unmet needs in your community and think outside the box for ways to fund them.

An “experience” to remember When you have lemons you make lemonade. The Covid-19 pandemic created a shortage of buses in Nevada, high prices for those buses that were available, and no guarantee that the bus would arrive if there were weather problems. In a fun change from the usual, the Western Region host committee decided to be innovative, developing “experiences” to bring to attendees at the Nugget Casino Resort, so more people could get involved. Attendees at the host reception on Monday got to see the Ballet Folklorico dancers in action. During the Experience Pass, the group taught a selection of their dances. Elizabeth Medina-Palacios has been dancing for 22 years and teaching for 16 years. She stressed that her group stays true to regional cultures. For example, young ladies wear their flowers on their left and hold their fans below their faces, while married women wear their flowers on the right and use their fans to cover their faces. The movement of dresses and hand positions are determined by the region of the dance. Medina-Palacios teaches fifteen regions of the over 100 possible regions in

Mexico. The costumes that the Ballet Folklorico dancers wear are individually crafted by Rita Boga and Maria Bergona of Stockton, California. Medina-Palacios states, however, that there are large companies that can provide costumes. The youth influence was seen in the Ballet Folklorico Experience. MedinaPalacios brought her protégé, Natalia Martinez, 14, from Fallon, Nevada, who is learning to teach. Most participants in this experience were Grange Youth members. The Sip-and-Paint Experience had a Grange flair. Participants used twelveinch squares to paint a barn quilt of their choosing. Naomi Fletcher, Orangevale Grange (CA) organized the painting, joined by “experts,” Ellie Burns, Christina Webster, and Joyce Billquist. Dianne Hudson, St. Johns Grange (NC) likes crafts and had training in art while attending college and her career in teaching. Hudson stated that she was more nervous due to her age and she had difficulty with the brush, but she enjoyed the experience. Previously, she had quilted with cloth instead of paint. The Morse Code Experience drew inspiration from Nevada’s state history,

On Friday evening, the Trupp family was honored as a Legacy Family, with six generations of Grange membership. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

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as the longest telegraph sent (via Morse Code) was the Nevada State Constitution. Instead of the Pony Express, the telegraph was used for this delivery because Nevada was becoming a state during the Civil War, hence the motto “Battle born.” Lexie Suing, Crow Grange, Oregon likes codes, different languages, and learning new things. Although this was their fifth convention, this was the first one where they had no “responsibilities” and they enjoyed “just watching” and participating in activities like the Experience Pass. Grange Honors awarded On Friday, November 18, the National Grange celebrated a Night of Honors at the 156th Annual Convention. Staff dressed in some of their finest to recognize, award, and celebrate the various contests, ambassadors, legacy families, Juniors, Youth, and a year of Grange growth. The evening was hosted by Pete Pompper, National Grange Community Service Director. Introducing each of the other departments, while lobbing t-shirts at the crowd, Pompper kept the crowd entertained the entire evening. National Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins shared the winners for contests in digital talent, creative art, creative writing, photography, and handy

Illinois State Grange President Lynette Schaeffer accepts the Tenth Year Distinguished Grange Award for Turkey Hill Grange #1370 (IL). Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

crafts. Nettie Hartley (RI) won the Cape of Honor for community service, presented her Best of Show-winning speech, and was also named the 2022-2023 Junior Grange Ambassador. National Grange Lecturer Ann Bercher announced winners in the quilt block and photography contests, and also announced some new programs for 2023. National Grange Communications Director Philip Vonada presented awards for the publicity contest, Communication Fellows and those who helped with the program, and announced a new award. The Grange Connector Awards for spreading the message and mission of the Grange were awarded to Sharon Croucher (NY), Tricia Eidsmoe (MI), Illinois State Grange accepted by Illinois State Grange President Lynette Schaeffer, Lois Allen (VT), and Molly Newman (KS). Sales, Programs, and Benefits Director Loretta Washington presented a series of awards. Grange Legacy Families are those families with five or more generations of Grange membership who apply for recognition. With six generations of Grangers, the Trupp family (OR) had the longest legacy being honored during the event. The Campbell (PA), Clack (OR), Driscoll/Foster/Barber/Tucker (CA), Pensinger (PA), Schaeffer (PA), and Vetter (WA) families were all presented with awards for their five generations of Grange membership and ongoing legacy. Washington also presented awards for the Distinguished Grange program, now in its 13th year. State Distinguished Granges were awarded to Maryland, Oregon, and Pennsylvania State Granges. Turkey Hill Grange #1370 (IL) celebrated ten years as a Distinguished Grange, while Central Union Grange #559 (CA), Goldendale Grange #49 (WA), and Marys River Grange #685 (OR) all celebrated five years. A total of 24 Granges from around the country were honored with the Distinguished Grange distinction. Washington announced that any Granges who present workshops on Rural Minds and mental health in rural America could have the opportunity to be named

Sharon Croucher (NY) accepts her “National Grange Connector” Award from National Grange President Betsy Huber. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

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“Golden” Distinguished Granges in 2023, with the application being available following the New Year. “Grange in Action” Granges were recognized in the states of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Idaho, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Vermont, and Washington. This program requires simple application from Granges, showing off a few of the events they were involved in during the year. Membership and Leadership Development Director Amanda Brozana Rios presented the Cultivators of the Year to Walter Boomsma (ME), Jennie Gentry (NC), Todd Gelineau (CT), and Scott Nicholson (MT). These awards are given to members who are thinking “outside of the box” to “cultivate” new members and introduce new people to the Grange. Brozana Rios also celebrated the banner year of growth, presenting Honor State Grange recognition (Granges with net gains in membership from July 2021June 2022) to California, Connecticut, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Minnesota, Montana, New Jersey, Oregon, Washington, and Wisconsin. The Community Service Department gave out several awards including the Wib & June Justi Youth Community Service

Award, which was presented to Asheton Medlin (NC). Pete Pompper also presented the Firefighter/EMT of the Year to Matt Nowiski from the City of Owosso Fire Department in Michigan. He was nominated by Burns Grange #160 (MI). The Teacher of the Year was presented to Morgan Swan from Elm St. School, East Machias, Maine. Swan was nominated by the Maine State Grange. Finally, the Law Enforcement Officer A group of dancers from Turlock Grange #29 (CA) kicked off the Evening of Excellence. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder of the Year was awarded to Sheriff Bob Songer of the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Final Celebrations Department in Washington. He was nominated by Goldendale On Saturday evening, attendees gathered for the Celebration Grange #49 (WA). Banquet, a time to enjoy each others’ company following the National Grange Youth & Young Adults Director Mandy end of all business. It was a time of socialization, where members Bostwick was the final presenter of the evening. The State Youth could celebrate the work completed during the session, a year of Recruiter of the Year was given to Baylor Howerton (NC) and the accomplishment and growth, and the future of the Grange. Grange Spirit Award, voted on by their peers, was presented to During the banquet, a quilt was presented to Robert Ruble, Samantha Hanson (IA). Finally, the 2022-2023 National Grange National Foster Parent Association Board of Directors (CA). This Youth Team was announced. Gail Switzer (PA) and Autumn quilt will be auctioned off by the NFPA, with funds raised going to Whitaker (NC) will hold the titles of Outstanding Young Patron. scholarships and support for foster children. It was a fantastic night to recognize everything that is happening Also during the banquet, Paula Turner (NY) invited the National in the Grange. Check throughout Good Day! magazine for full lists Grange to Niagara Falls, New York, where the 157th Annual of winners. Convention will be held in 2023. An auction was held for the Grange Foundation, featuring 3D-printed items made by Gene Fletcher (MI/CA) and Montana Silversmiths jewelry. A total of $775 was raised for the Foundation in this auction thanks to generous, frequent, and friendly bidding competition. Later on Saturday night, the Evening of Excellence featured six acts and two sign-a-song presentations, as winners from state and regional competitions were showcased for all to see. Emceed by National Grange Lecturer Ann Bercher, talent entrants included Michael Pierce from Easton Grange #196 (MA), Tekoa Murphy, Amariah Scroggins, Sabrina Rodriguez, Cloe Rabb, and Charlie Rabb from Turlock Grange #29 (CA), Cindy Campbell from Morgan Grange #829 (OH), Shavanna May from Fords Prairie Grange #33 (WA), Carmel Valencia from Phoenix Grange #779 (OR), and Jimmy Martin, LaRue Tart and Shirley Edwards from Brogden Grange #967 and Grantham Grange #968 (NC). The sign-a-song winners featured were Baylor Howerton, Asheton Medlin, and Autumn Whitaker from North Carolina, and Tessa Taft from Humptulips Grange #730 (WA).

Asheton Medlin (NC) accepts the Wib & June Justi Award for Community Service from National Grange President Betsy Huber. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

This year’s convention celebrated the best the Grange has to offer and can be. In a banner year celebrating historic and unprecedented growth in Granges across the nation, members from every corner of the country joined in fellowship, work, and recreation. This year’s growth may just be the starting point, as Granges continue working to serve their communities and increase the reach and influence of the Grange.

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Junior Grange award winners announced Public Speaking Best of Show - Annette Hartley, RI Digital Talent Best of Show - Kimber Newman, KS Creative Art

Handy Craft - String Art

Best of Show - Kimber Newman, KS

Best of Show - Jaelyn Johnson, WA

Age 5-7 1st Paige Darling, NY 2nd Carley Crockett, ME

Age 5-7 1st

Phoenix Stewart, WA

2nd Lilianna Brownrigg, WA

Age 8-10 1st Kimber Newman, KS

3rd

Paige Darling, NY

Age 8-10

Creative Writing

1st

Best of Show - Kimber Newman, KS

Eagan Yarmey-Stanley, WA

2nd Noah Strasheim, OR

Age 8-10 1st Kimber Newman, KS

Age 11-14 1st

Jaelyn Johnson, WA

2nd Jonathan Miles, WA

Age 11-14 1st Annette Hartley, RI

3rd

Farren Yarmey-Stanley, WA

Cape of Honor Award

Photography Best of Show - Kimber Newman, KS

Gold

Age 5-7 1st Carly Crockett, ME 2nd Ellen Durand, KS

Annette Hartley, RI

Recognition of Submitted Annual Reports Massachusetts State Junior Grange Montana State Junior Grange

Age 8-10 1st Kimber Newman, KS 2nd Reagan Crockett, ME

New Hampshire State Junior Grange Oregon State Junior Grange Pennsylvania State Junior Grange East Pembroke Junior Grange #324 (NY)

Age 11-14 1st Cody Bolton, NY

Whitehall Junior Grange #346 (NY)

National Junior Grange Ambassador - Annette “Nettie” Hartley Annette “Nettie” Hartley from Moosup Valley Junior Grange #27, Rhode Island, was named the 2022-2023 National Junior Grange Ambasador at the National Grange Session in Sparks, Nevada. When asked why she wanted to apply to be a Junior Ambassador she said that Junior Grange “is her life,” and to be at the National level helping other Junior Granges is a dream. When she was asked what her goals were as the National Junior Ambassador she replied, “to bring in more members, the Juniors are not our future, but our today. We are the next officers [at the local level] and National officers of the Grange.” Hartley is pictured (left) with National Junior Grange Director Samantha Wilkins. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

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Familiar face takes on combined role By Philip J Vonada

to work closely with Nettie Hartley, Junior Ambassador, and

National Grange Communications Director

Gail Switzer and Autumn Whitaker, Outstanding Young Patrons, throughout the year, as well as building a committee of Junior

Since 2016, Samantha Wilkins has been known as the National Junior Grange Director. Now, she’s taking on a dual role as the National Junior Grange Director and Youth & Young Adults Director. Wilkins is originally from San Antonio, Texas, but has called Pennsylvania home for the past three years. However, she’s about to head back to Texas again to be closer to family. She is a member of Alamo Grange #1446 (TX) and Valley Grange #1360 (PA). “Leading the National Junior Grange has been an incredible joy,” Wilkins says, “I love working with young Grangers around the country, and seeing them grow. Now, I’ll have the chance to continue following their journey into being full-fledged Grange members, too.” Wilkins understands that this isn’t a one-woman job, “I plan

and Youth leaders from around the country.” Wilkins asks that if you are interested in serving on this Junior & Youth advisory committee, you contact her and see how you can help! Mandy Bostwick, who has been the Youth & Young Adults Director since 2018, says “I am happy to see Samantha step into this position. Although we have always worked closely with one another, she has the enthusiasm and the support to bring the departments even closer together.” Although Bostwick will no longer be working for the National Grange, she says she won’t be a stranger, “I’m going to support Samantha however I can, and I look forward to being back at National events with the youth and young adults of Kansas and from around the country.” “I have to thank Mandy for everything she has done for the Youth & Young Adults Department,” Wilkins said. “She has built a tremendously strong department and ignited an excitement and vigor among Grange Youth from coast-to-coast.” Wilkins begins acting in her new role immediately. She can be contacted at samantha@nationalgrange.org.

Have a Grange day! By Cade Howerton Past National Junior Grange Ambassador Some of you may have heard the

saying

“Have a Grange Day.” You have

may laughed,

mentioned it to someone else, and moved on. But what does it mean? Where did it come from? And why should we use it more? Well, to first understand something, we have to know its history. This saying came from the 2021 North Carolina State Fair. The State Grange had a booth where my family and I volunteered to work. After a while of talking to people

about the Grange and wishing them “A four words - “Have a Grange Day!” - we great day,” we wanted to be cute, funny, could brand our image, and make the and memorable. So, we made a play on Grange memorable and relatable. words in order to achieve these goals. QUARTER 1 Having a “Grange Day” means FOCUS to fill your life with the Grange. This instantly worked because people looked back, smiled, and took the Grange with them. So how would this apply to your daily life with the Grange? STAND UP AND The Grange has similar goals SPEAK OUT and the Grange needs to be memorable. A simple slogan can help us achieve this goal. For GET INVOLVED IN LOCAL example, think of business or LEGISLATIVE an organization. Nike - Just do EXPERIENCES it. Arbys - We have the meats. These businesses are memorable GRASSROOTS ACTIVISM because of their slogans. If the Grange just said those

LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE

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National Grange Youth winners Wib & June Justi Youth Community Service Award - Asheton Medlin, NC State Youth Recruiter of the Year - Baylor Howerton, NC Grange Youth Spirit Award - Samantha Hanson, IA

2022 National Grange Youth Officer Team

Public Speaking Best of Show (Eastern) - Asheton Medlin, NC Best of Show (Western) - Lexie Suing, OR

President - JC Junkman, OR Vice President - Jessie Jo Guttridge, OR

Sign-a-Song

Lecturer - Asheton Medlin, NC

Best of Show (Eastern) - Baylor Howerton, Asheton Medlin, Autumn Whitaker, NC Best of Show (Western) - Tessa Taft

Parliamentary Procedure

Steward - Bryce Danko, PA Asst. Steward - Travis Knight, OK Lady Asst. Steward - Samantha Hanson, IA

High Scoring Chair - Jacob Roquet, NC High Scoring Individual - Carson Lackey, NC Winning Team - North Carolina

Chaplain - Alexander Coe, OR Treasurer - Rachel Edelen, IA Secretary - Jordyn Moyes, IA

Grange Baseball Youth/Young Adults 1st Gail Switzer, PA 2nd Jessie Jo Guttridge, OR 3rd Bryce Danko, PA

Gatekeeper - Carter Settle, NC Ceres - Analise Scholten, CA Pomona - Samantha Hunnings, NC

Juniors 1st Landon Knight, OK 2nd Raegan Hartsell, NC

Flora - Karly Denning, NC Exec. Comm - Carson Lackey, NC

Outstanding Young Patrons - Gail Switzer & Autumn Whitaker Gail Switzer is a member of Marion Grange #1853 and Goshen Grange #121 in Pennsylvania. Switzer said her goals as Outstanding Young Patron will be to work with the Youth and Young Adults, as well as represent Pennsylvania, throughout the nation. She wants to get more young adults involved in the Grange, and also to find new ways to bridge the gap between the more seasoned young adults and the 14- and 15-year-old youth members. Autumn Whitaker is a member of Guilford Grange #1036 in North Carolina. Whitaker hopes to recruit more Youth & Young Adults into the work of the Grange and to get more states to grow their own departments. She believes that young members are where National Grange growth will come from, and she hopes to make a difference and a be a positive role model as one of this year’s Outstanding Young Patrons.

2022-23 National Grange Outstanding Young Patrons Autumn Whitaker (left) and Gail Switzer. Photo by Lindsay Schroeder

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Reading for Mental Health in the New Year with Ab(solutely) Normal she dreaded (and was scared) to get back behind the wheel. In our conversation she noted the difficulty of accessing mental health resources and providers as well as the stigma associated with them but that she was trying to unlearn those ways of (not) dealing with The beginning of every new year is an interesting time trauma in order to process the accident and its lingering effects on especially for our mental health. It’s a time to start anew but that her mental health in a healthier way. doesn’t mean we can shed everything that has happened before. Facing this adversity in taking care of our mental health, what No matter how hard we try, our accumulated experiences of years can rural folks do? past follow our “new year, new me” proclamations and resolutions. One way to help young folks grappling with mental illness is It’s a time when we may feel hopeful while still simultaneously through bibliotherapy—by giving them access to stories that show dealing with (or running from) any mental health struggles we may characters grappling and living with mental illness. have been facing. Nora Shalaway Carpenter, contributing editor of Rural Voices: The 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health revealed 15 Authors Challenge Assumptions of Small-Town America, has that approximately 7.7 million rural adults reported having a put together a new collection of stories that do just that. It’s called mental illness which accounts for about 20.5% of rural adults. Ab(solutely) Normal: Short Stories That Smash Mental Health Additionally, 25% of rural youth reported experiencing depressive Stereotypes and though it may not be explicitly a “rural book” it symptoms and 20% reported experiencing symptoms of anxiety. features stories that can be helpful to rural readers. Although urban and rural areas report similar prevalence of mental From the book jacket: A teen activist wrestles with protestillness, the services available can be quite different. Rural areas related anxiety and PTSD. A socially anxious vampire learns he often face issues related to accessibility, availability, affordability, has to save his town by (gulp) working with people. As part of her and acceptability. teshuvah, a girl writes letters to the ex-boyfriend she still loves, Accessibility—Rural folks often have to travel long distances to revealing that her struggle with angry outbursts is related to PMDD. receive mental health services, they’re less likely to be insured for A boy sheds uncontrollable tears but finds that in doing so he’s mental health services, and primary care providers are less likely to helping to enable another’s healing. In this inspiring, unflinching, recognize a mental illness. Availability—Rural communities tend to have chronic shortages and hope-filled mixed-genre collection, sixteen diverse and of mental health providers because providers are more likely to notable authors draw on their own lived experiences with mental health conditions to create stunning works practice in urban centers. of fiction that will uplift and empower you, Affordability—Because they’re less break your heart and stitch it back together likely to be insured for mental health stronger than before. Through powerful services, the out-of-pocket costs are often prose, verse, and graphics, the characters too much for rural residents. in this anthology defy stereotypes as they Acceptability—The movements and remind readers that living with a mental lives of rural people are more visible health condition doesn’t mean that you’re in smaller communities and thus rural defined by it. Each story is followed by a people may be more susceptible to the note from its author to the reader, and stigmas surrounding needing and/or comprehensive back matter includes bios receiving mental healthcare. Fewer trained for the contributors as well as a collection of professionals and believing that everybody relevant resources. knows everybody can lead to a lack of faith The collection features stories by in confidentiality and higher reliance on dynamite contributors Nikki Grimes, nonprofessional care from family members, Francisco X. Stork, Mercedes Acosta, close friends, and religious leaders. Sonia Patel, James Bird, Marcella Pixley, As an example: One of my rural friends Ebony Stewart, Jonathan Lenore Kastin, was in a car accident the day we were Alechia Dow, Karen Bao, Val Howlett, supposed to meet up. I checked in with her Isabel Quintero, Anna Drury, and Patrick a couple of days after to see how she was Downes, Rocky Callen, and Nora Shalaway doing, and she was already back at work. Carpenter. We met up shortly after and reflected on Ab(solutely) Normal is a young adult Professionally-produced Readers’ how we experienced a lot of silence around short story anthology helping to shed Guide, Parents’ Guide, and Mental Health dealing with trauma. To her, it felt like an light on mental health sterotypes. Professionals’ Guide will be available online indulgence to process what happened in Courtesy of Penguin Random House upon publication. Anyone who preorders the accident and felt like a weakness that

By Chea Parton

Founder, Literacy in Place

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the anthology also receives a VideoChat between Carpenter, fellow contributing editor Rocky Callen (a behavioral coach for ten years), contributor Sonia Patel, M.D. (a practicing child psychiatrist), and contributor Marcella Pixley (an eighth grade English educator with over two decades experience) on how to talk about mental health in the classroom and handle difficult moments that might come up. I sat down to talk with Carpenter about the collection and how she, as a rural person, envisions its usefulness to and importance for rural young people. Chea Parton (CP): Nora, can you tell me about what led you to want to put together this collection? Nora Shalaway Carpenter (NSC): As a reader, I wanted this book. When I learned none like it existed, I recognized the need immediately. Rocky Callen and I debuted together (her A Breath Too Late involves suicidal ideation and my The Edge of Anything centers on OCD) and had bonded around our shared passion for normalizing mental health struggles. I am forever grateful she immediately said yes to this project. CP: As a rural person yourself, I’m wondering how you envision this collection to be helpful to rural readers? Are there any stories in particular you think will strike a chord? NSC: Many rural readers may particularly identify with Isabel Quintero’s protagonist Marichu in “Back of the Truck.” Marichu’s family doesn’t understand that her anxiety and panic attacks aren’t just Marichu being “dramatic.” Nikki Grimes’ verse story “Avalanche” speaks to anyone who has ever felt the very rural mentality of just needing to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps.” Unfortunately, as you mentioned earlier, there is often a real problem with “acceptability” of mental health care in rural places. One of my own family members went through this, neglecting her mental health for decades because the one provider in town didn’t fully understand mental health care and as she explained, “everyone would know if she drove to another town for therapy.” Thankfully, a younger provider eventually took over and was a vocal mental health advocate, recognizing symptoms in my older relative and enabling her to find support. No

one should have to suffer because of fear of stigma and ridicule, but that’s an unfortunate reality for so many in rural communities. Lack of access combined with lack of information and popular media stereotypes leads some rural people—particularly older generations—to equate receiving treatment with weakness. In reality, medical care for mental health is no different from receiving medical care for physical health. And because of the stigma, it takes incredible strength to seek out that care. The beauty of this collection is that it enables readers to see myriad versions of what getting help looks like. So, for example, someone who is terrified about a therapist visit can find a lot of comfort in Mercedes Acosta’s graphic short “My Sister Rafaela is a Good Person.” A person worried about telling others about their struggles will want to read Rocky Callen’s “They Call Me Hurricane,” Francisco X. Stork’s “The Call: A One Act Play,” Sonia Patel’s “Nothing Feels No Pain,” and James Bird’s “River Boy.” Readers unsure of medicine’s efficacy with mental health will definitely want to check out Anna Drury’s swoony “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” and my story “Spidey Sense.” CP: Is there anything you want to say to teachers/students before they read the collection? Anything you want them to know? NSC: No matter what you are experiencing, and no matter how certain you are that no one else has ever felt what you’re feeling, I can assure you that you are not alone. Also, if you are fortunate enough to not endure mental health challenges, please know this book is just as much for you. Every single story—notably not by design—includes an ally character, someone who enables the protagonist to flourish. We often need help learning how to be allies, and AB(solutely) NORMAL provides numerous examples. Educators, I know discussions about mental health can be daunting. There can be a tendency to avoid these discussions for fear of “getting it wrong.” The reality is that teens are desperate for these conversations and more likely than not, you will soon find yourself in one whether you’re prepared or not. Please use the many e-resources that AB(solutely) NORMAL includes. You can also reach out to me at noracarpenterwrites@gmail.com or my co-editor Rocky Callen at hellorockycallen@gmail.com and we will

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Nora Shalaway Carpenter is the contributing editor of the critically acclaimed YA short story anthology Rural Voices: 15 Authors Challenge Assumptions About Small-Town America, which was named an NPR Best Book of the Year, A YALSA Best Fiction YA selection, a TAYSHAS list selection, and a Bank Street Best Book of the Year, among numerous other honors. Her debut YA novel The Edge of Anything was named a Bank Street Best Book, a Kirkus Reviews Best book, and A Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year. Her next anthology, Ab(solutely) Normal, is forthcoming from Candlewick and her next rural novel, Fault Lines, is forthcoming from Running Press Teen. She holds an MFA in Writing for Children and Young Adults from Vermont College of Fine Arts. Connect with her at noracarpenterwrites.com, on TikTok @norashalawaycarpenter, or on Instagram @noracarpenterwrites. connect you with additional resources you may need. I’m grateful for this collection and to Carpenter for taking the time to chat with me about it. I highly recommend it for both rural book clubs and secondary classrooms. It’s not out until April 11, but it’s available for preorder now. Send preorder receipts to absolutelynormalanthology@gmail.com to receive the educator VideoChat and all of the book’s e-resources.

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ILLEGAL ROBOCALLS America’s broadband providers are committed to protecting consumers from illegal robocalls. While there is no easy solution to combatting illegal robocalls, there are clear tips you can follow:

PROTECT YOURSELF • Rely on call blocking or labeling services offered by your phone provider, some of which may be included by default • Remember legitimate government agencies will always contact you in writing • Don’t provide personal information in response to a robocall TAKE ACTION • Register your number with the National Do Not Call Registry at www.donotcall.gov • Contact the AARP Fraud Watch Network Helpline at 877-908-3360 • File a complaint with the FCC at 1-888-CALL-FCC or FTC at 1-877-FTC-HELP

70 MILLION

Americans lost money to phone scams in 2022* USTelecom members work with industry and government stakeholders to ensure aggressive civil and criminal enforcement against illegal robocallers and provide call-blocking solutions to consumers.

CHECK OUT USTELECOM’S RESOURCES for more tools to protect yourself from unwanted calls: www.ustelecom.org/protecting-yourself-from-illegal-robocalls * Source: https://www.cnbc.com

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

The Beauty of a Winter’s Day

by June Unruh, Delaware State Grange Lecturer The sun is rising in the East Illuminating bare trees Making shadows on newly fallen snow Paths to walk, new discoveries to be made The Winter’s wind roaring through the trees The tide’s ebbing away on the marsh Geese hunkering down near the banks Chattering of a new Winter’s Day Bird feeders full , waiting for feathered friends Nourishment to keep warm Excitement of new birds yet to identify A new song to be heard Some rustling leaves still on the trees Waiting for release to cover the ground Where Spring flowers will sprout Oh, the Beauty of “Winter” Just sit and relax In the eyes of the “beholder” God’s beauty unmatched

Photo courtesy of “Tony L” on Unsplash

AGRITOURISM FEATURE

Agritourism in the Western states is a cowboy dream By Elizabeth Hiner Senior Communication Fellow Fresh off our tour to the Northwest, we are on our way to the Western States of Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. This is the land of the cowboy, and most of the official agritourism offerings in this set of states are ranches. Now, the question is do we start in New Mexico and work north toward Montana or hop to Montana and work our way south? I am thinking of starting in Montana as it is the only state I have never been to. As each state has its fair share of wineries and farmers markets, I will not be featuring them unless it is something extraordinary like the Pike Street Market in Washington featured in the last issue. Montana’s main agricultural sector is based on cattle and wheat, which make up three-quarters of its agricultural industry. Montana has historically produced malting barley, sugar beets, and hay. Cherries, lentils, snow peas, and oilseeds like flaxseed have recently added to Montana’s agriculture, and Montana ranks first in lentil production within the United States. It is no surprise that most of Montana’s nearly 40 official agritourism venues are centered around its ranches. Agritourism for Montana is largely focused in the western part of the state, with a few venues in the central and southeast areas. The G Bar M Ranch offers a Working Ranch Cowboy School in the mid-summer weeks. The School offers an experience beyond boot camp, with the chance to learn a working cowboy’s traditions while working with some of the best cowboys in the West. Participants will learn to understand an animal’s instinct and work with all aspects of nature, whether out on the range or in the arena. Here is a sample of the schedule: • Sunday is the arrival and departure

day. • Beginning in the arena each morning of the week, the focus is on a personalized program of ranch horsemanship, arena cow work, and cowboy ethics with an emphasis on understanding body control and The G Bar M Ranch is nestled in Montana’s Bridger Mountains. the benefits of Learn about cattle ranching and take in the scenery simultaneously. Photo from gbarm.com groundwork. • Riding out each afternoon, The farm has two new homes for farm participants work on their horsemanship stays or vacation rentals depending on in the natural environment which helps what visitors would like to do while at the the horse be better on a cow, on the trail, farm. Visitors are welcome to take tours, or in the arena. feed and interact with the livestock, and • The “rubber meets the road” on participate in workshops and other farm Saturday’s cattle drive where riders put activities. There is an onsite farm store new skills to practical application. offering foodstuffs, books, toys, and more. If the school is not your cup of tea, you Also in the area, other activities are are welcome to try the G Bar M Ranch available including fishing, hiking, skiing, vacations. They offer accommodation hot air ballooning, golfing, wine tasting, from four to eight people depending on and so much more. which cabin you choose. This package If you are traveling to the state in August, offers riding herds, fishing, and great consider stopping in Lewistown for the picturesque countryside. next Longest Table event, which is set for ABC Acres is a permaculture farm August 19, 2023. This will be the seventh located in the Bitterroot Valley in western annual farm-to-table dinner featuring local Montana. As guests, people can learn produce from central Montana as well as about healthier food choices and kid events and entertainment. The Longest regenerating the world around us. Table’s mission is to provide education and This is a family-owned and operated farm, focused on sustainable food promotion of the foods and commodities provided by local farmers and ranchers. production and a regenerative ecological design. Their stock of cattle, goats, pigs, This event has been so successful that they now help in setting up Longest Table turkeys, and chickens is all free-range. The gardens of herbs and vegetables are grown using companion planting with a mix of perennials and annuals along with pollinator species. They also produce fruits and nuts.

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events in other areas. For something a bit different, take a walking tour of the King Hutterite Colony in Moore, Montana, just west of Lewistown. This tour offers a look into the Hutterite way

of life and their traditions. This offering is only open from May 15 to September 15 each year and requires reservations. The Hutterites are Anabaptists, and live much like the Amish or Mennonites. We are now heading south into Wyoming which has the least official agritourism venues in the United States at just two. Wyoming’s economy is based in mining and agriculture, which is mostly cattle, sheep, and hogs. Winter wheat, corn, and hay are the most predominant crops grown here. The Shumway Farms, a dairy in Afton, Wyoming, just south of Yellowstone, is a working farm that offers school and group tours the opportunity to see a working farm. The six-generation family farm also provides visitors a nostalgic store where you can step back in time and order a scoop of their exotic Campfire Delight ice cream (made with s’more ingredients - graham cracker, marshmallow, and chocolate), the Grandma’s Kitchen (apple pie with vanilla wafers and ice cream), or your standard favorites like vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry. This is the place to go if you want to quell that ice cream craving. The store also offers other dairy products, free-range eggs, pork, and beef. If you have a week to spare, visit the town of Ranchester for a cattle drive at the Double Rafter. When signing up for a drive, there are options for five or six days and nights. The drives are available from July through September with a special Semper Fi Drive in mid-July. If a cattle drive is not something you would like to do, or if you are looking for something less intensive during your stay, the ranch also offers horsemanship clinics. This stop is really for the cowboy in all of us. We are now headed south of Cheyenne near the Colorado border to check out the Terry Bison Ranch Resort. The ranch offers a one-of-a-kind narrated tour of the bison herds aboard one of their custombuilt trains. Along with the Bison, you will get to see camels, ostriches, and other “critters.” The ranch also offers self-guided walking tours, pony and horseback riding,

Visit the bison on a one-of-a-kind tour on the custom trains at Terry Bison Ranch. Photo from terrybisonranch.com and fishing. If you catch any fish, the staff at Senators Restaurant will clean and cook it for your dinner. The ranch has accommodations for RVs or cabins for those who wish to stay overnight. Just west of Cheyenne is Laramie, where you will find Cowgirl Yarn, not necessarily an agritourism site, but it carries national yarn brands and has a section of yarn that is produced locally. This is a stop for all the crafting enthusiasts out there. Now we are off to Colorado where the main agricultural exports are cattle, beef and dairy, hay, pinto beans, and melons. The Miller Farms in Platteville holds an annual Harvest Festival from Labor Day through mid-November, working with school kids and other individuals who come to the farm to show them what a working farm looks like. They teach many people each year about where their food comes from; it does not just show up in the grocery store. Miller Farms gives visitors the opportunity to explore the 180acre farm on a hayride, with stops to pick vegetables - up to four bags per person to take home and use. You may even go home with a free pumpkin depending on harvest time. If you are not up to picking

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your own veggies, they have plenty on hand for you to purchase. They also have a chili roaster for those chili peppers. They have a corn maze and “Antique Alley” where you can check out the old farm equipment. They have a covered picnic area to enjoy your sack lunch. They also offer a Croc pit (made up of thousands of chopped-up Croc shoes), a kids’ play area, peddle tractors, a hay pyramid, and other unique activities. It sounds like a day full of both work and fun. Mountain Goat Lodge is a 20-acre goat farm and bed & breakfast outside of Salida, Colorado in the high desert at the foot of the Sawatch Mountain Range. Here, you can rest up from your travels and interact with the goats as much or little as you please. The animals here provide the staples for the meals you will enjoy at the B&B. The farm offers classes in husbandry, which include breeding, raising, and herding goats, how to raise backyard chickens for the novice, and cheesemaking. You can also take tours to visit the goats, or - if you are daring – a white water rafting tour. I found a new adventure for us in the San Luis Valley to see the gators. I lived

most of my life in Colorado and did not know this was an option! Colorado Gators started life as a tilapia farm in 1977, using the geothermal waters of the area. In 1987, they purchased 100 baby alligators to eat the leftover fish remains from the fishing operation. As the alligators grew, people would ask to come by and see them, and so the operation morphed into Colorado Gators, which is now a rescue for exotic reptiles - recovered illegal animals and abandoned exotics, including iguanas, turtles, and snakes. The farm offers tours where you can feed and catch fish or feed the gators, and for those of you who are brave and daring, there is always learning to wrestle a gator. I think that I will pass on that, myself. Let’s head down to New Mexico and see about getting some Hatch Chilies. New Mexico, like Wyoming, has cattle ranches where you can treat your inner cowboy. The Geronimo Trail Guest Ranch in Winston, Concho Hill Guest Ranch in Magdalena, and Creek Ranch in Santa Rosa are just a few spots that offer a week’s worth of adventure. New Mexico’s agriculture is topped by hay, pecans, and peppers, (the “hot” varieties). Our first stop, though, is a quick trip to Heidi’s Raspberry Farm. This farm offers pick-your-own raspberries for your eating or cooking enjoyment. They also sell small-batch artisan jams and jellies at their farm store, online, and at the local farmers market along with an assortment of cut flowers. Next, we are off to Taos Goji, which is nestled in San Cristobal, just north of Taos. Taos Goji is a homestead dating back to the 1880s. For a relaxing farm stay, this could be the place, with sunrises over the Sangre de Cristo Mountains followed by farm fresh eggs and piñon coffee, scenic walks thru the valley, and just lounging around to read a book in the fresh mountain air. Or if you prefer, you can take lessons in harvesting, adobe brick building, beekeeping, and caring for the livestock. The farm places an emphasis on full-cycle sustainability and being a model of how sustainable living is possible. The fruits and vegetables are grown with water from the valley acequia (irrigation ditches) and deep wells fed by the mountain aquifers. You are invited to wander, taste, and share the fruits of their labors. The last stop on this western states tour is to Hatch for the Hatch Chile Festival, the home of Hatch Chiles. The town of Hatch is known for being the chile pepper capital since 1971. Known worldwide for its chile crop, they also grow onions, pecans, cotton, and other crops. The local farming community supports a host of subsidiary industries such as onion-drying sheds and chiledehydrating plants. Hatch is host to approximately 30,000 people a year. Stock up on roasted chiles any time of the year, but during the Chile Festival – held at the end of August through the first of September - you can listen to the sound of chiles roasting, catch the parade, check out the chile-eating contest and see ristras (a way of drying chiles, garlic, or other vegetables) being made. Be sure to catch the Chile

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Several pepper ristras strung up at the Hatch Chile Festival. Photo from hatchchilefestival.org

Queens, one red and one green, plus the cute Little Miss Chiles. While in Hatch, check out the burgers at Sparky’s, where you can take a picture with life-sized statutes of celebrities like Colonel Sanders. After lunch, take a stroll through the chili stands so you can take a bit of New Mexico home with you. Canned Hatch chiles may be found in your local grocery store. I found that Safeway carries it here in Hawaii. This concludes our excursion in agritourism for this issue, we will be off to the Great Plain States of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and the Dakotas, fondly known as America’s Breadbasket, for the next installment of agritourism. See you all next tripa

Support some of the locations mentioned in this article: • G Bar M Ranch - www.gbarm.com • ABC Acres - www.abcacres.com

• The Longest Table - www.montanaslongesttable.com • Shumway Farm - www.shumwayfarms.com

• Ranch Double Rafter - www.doublerafter.com

• Terry Bison Ranch - www.terrybisonranch.com • Cowgirl Yarn - www.cowgirlyarn.com • Miller Farms - www.millerfarms.net

• Colorado Gator Reptile Farm - www.coloradogators.com • Heidi’s Raspberry Farm - www.heidisraspberryfarm.com • Taos Goji - www.taosgoji.com

• Hatch Chile Festival - www.hatchchilefestival.com

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NOTES FROM A SMALL TOWN

What happened before the Massachusetts By Christopher Dean

the trees to the right.

Massachusetts Grange Member

The Massachusetts State Grange had its most recent convention in Plymouth this past October. October in New England is always a nice time, it’s never too hot, it’s never too cold, and there’s still a lot of sunlight left. And being in Plymouth was good in that there was a lot to do if one was at the convention; but as a non-executive, one didn’t have a lot to do.

was born when the Mayflower was

On my first full day there, I had the

anchored off the coast of what would

town to myself. I walked down to the

later be Provincetown on Cape Cod in

Mayflower II and, once I was there,

late November 1620. William died within

decided to pay to see it. I got on board

months of his arrival in the New World;

and found that the museum staff was

Susanna married Edward Winslow within

knowledgeable

well-

months of William’s death, and he raised

informed about sailing across the Atlantic

her two boys while having five children

in autumn and the personalities involved,

of their own. Edward had a distinguished

and the reality of actually being cramped

career among the Pilgrims, but he died

into the upper hold of a tiny cargo vessel

in 1655. Resolved died in 1687, and

that was actually designed for traveling

Peregrine died in 1704 in Marshfield,

around England, France, Netherlands,

Massachusetts.

and

articulate,

and Spain. The conditions were grim

At the gift shop, a nice woman

town, filled with history and things to

and cramped; it’s amazing that nobody

recommended that I go to see the

see, all of them close to the hotel. The

died on the journey, though almost half

Jabez Howland house, not far away, and

radio station WPLM broadcasts use the

died within months of landing. I was

gave me directions to it. The house was

slogan “Easy listening from America’s

fascinated by everything I saw.

fascinating, tiny, ancient. I wanted to see

Plymouth is a small and walkable

I went to the bookstore/gift shop

more history, so I went to the Pilgrim

It turned out that the hotel was only

afterward and found myself buying

Memorial Hall where I saw the crib of

a very short walk to the Mayflower II

books about the Pilgrims and their world.

my ancestors, made in Leiden, Holland,

reconstruction of the original Mayflower,

I must admit, like many Americans,

just over four centuries ago. Right there,

which brought the first European settlers

I have some ancestors who traveled on

near my feet but behind glass: a humble

become

the Mayflower: William White and his

crib, where a baby slept from whom I am

Massachusetts. In fact, we could see it

pregnant wife Susanna and their son

from the front parking lot, over behind

Resolved; their second son Peregrine

hometown.”

what

would

eventually

descended. Four centuries later I would come along and stand next to it and feel a strange kind of awe, one that I don’t think most people ever get a chance to feel. It made me want to see more. I

walked

along

Leyden

Street

in Plymouth and along that street, somewhere, was a house on the site of Edward Winslow’s house, before he moved his family to Marshfield. That made me want to see the Plimoth Patuxet Museum itself, not far from where we were staying. I went back to the hotel and got the car. The drive to the museum was a short one, only about fifteen minutes. I pulled out of the parking lot, made a right, The Mayflower on Her Arrival in Plymouth Harbor. Oil on canvas by William Halsall, 1882. Painting in Public Domain

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drove through a rotary where I turned left and then went straight for three miles,

S tate Grange Convention and there I was, in a perfect re-creation of the whole village as it is thought to have looked in 1627. The Plimoth Patuxet Museums also include a re-creation of the first nations village of Patuxet, showing us life among the Wampanoag people who were wiped out by disease brought by European fishermen two years before the English arrived, leaving their cleared fields behind. In the re-created palisaded Plimoth village, just at the top of the hill, I found the house of the Winslow family on the main street (which would be renamed

The author poses outside of the White-Winslow house at the Plimoth Patuxet Museums. Photo by Corey Spence

Leyden Street a century later) that looked

from the past, and large sections of

we were taught in school. Museums in

down to the sea, and the meeting house

whole towns are largely unchanged for

Massachusetts are dealing with that,

contained real canons aimed out to sea.

over three centuries. Lincoln, Lexington,

focusing on the Indian wars of the 17th

Every house was furnished with furniture

Concord,

Gloucester,

century and slavery and Massachusetts’s

copied from the time, with perfect copies

Nantucket, Boston, Salem, Lowell, and

role in it (and against it) throughout the

of Bibles and books that the Pilgrims

Plymouth are all places that have names

would have read. There were displays

18th century, and genocide in the 19th

with a certain resonance to Americans.

century.

Newburyport,

of dishes and cups, bedding, and there

I was once in a bookstore in Concord

were working fireplaces. It felt real, it

that had a section labeled “Local

smelled smoky and greasy; there were

Authors,”

pigs here and there, people walking

Melville, Nathaniel Hawthorn, Louisa-

around wearing dirty clothes from the

May Alcott, and Henry David Thoreau, all

time and speaking in the English right

of whom are heavy hitters from the past.

down to the regional accents where

Sturbridge Village is a perfect re-creation

the original settlers came from. I was

of a real American farming town from the

overcome and amazed, entertained and

early nineteenth century, filled with real

educated. It was a great day of historical

buildings moved from throughout the

tourism in a state known for it.

region to give one a feel for the reality of

One

the

nice

things

about

which

included

Herman

life in the past.

America’s national adventure has a lot to teach us about human nature and historical nature. It’s hard to talk about the reality of life in the past because the people of the past had different assumptions, saw things differently, and said one thing but did another. There were lots of historical events that it’s hard to be proud of, but facing them forthrightly is a good and honest thing to do. If you can’t learn from the past, then

Massachusetts is that the state is old by

And something that I’m proud of

why study it? I like to think that the reality

American standards and people here

as a Massachusetts resident and as

of life as it was lived can instruct us to

have a certain pride in that fact, and

an American is that, honestly, a lot of

do better next time and make us better

we have an awareness that with history

American history has a very dark side;

people, better able to meet the world

comes responsibility. Historic homes,

not all of it is sunny and optimistic, and

and each other and treat each other as

farms, and neighborhoods have survived

some of it is quite different from what

we would like to be treated.

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Life on the Homestead... By Suzann Gilliland Peterson High Desert Grange #22, Nevada Where would we be without the opportunity to check in with others and ask for advice about any given subject? I’d venture to say that we would be significantly challenged to find solutions. Of course, if we are adventurous enough we would probably figure out solutions ourselves. Or not. Resources play a very important role in our daily lives. From the grandmother who passes on the wisdom of lessons learned to the next-door neighbor who directs a new resident to city hall, people are in continual communication filling the need for assistance. Magazines exist to address a specific niche, books are written to enlighten the reader on a particular subject, social media clamors to inform users, teachers educate on a variety of chosen topics, and friends encourage one another to try new things. All of these avenues are resources … resources we take for granted. They are all around us, so much so we often forget how rich we are in the resources department. Whether we are new homesteaders or seasoned pros, there is always a subject upon which we want to expand our knowledge. Libraries are an excellent source of details, social media provides a myriad of groups and individuals devoted to sharing their experiences, and local farmers markets feature home-grown vendors eager to offer the fruits of their labor and discuss their growing methods. Below is a list of some resources to think about when, not if, you need help. However, remember that personto-person communication is very often available all around us. Internet Search Engines Google and Bing seem to be the most popular search engines. Search homestead groups and you will find many people and groups devoted to homesteading. Social Media Facebook – there are many Facebook

homesteading groups. I belong to three: Beginners Homesteading Guide; Homestead Living; and Small Farm, Sustainability & Homestead Living. Additionally, since I am fairly new to raising chickens, I belong to Raising Chickens 101. People from around the world are members of these groups. I believe the likelihood is high that a member is in your area. Through these groups, I have found solutions to many issues from healing chickens to improving soil to preserving food. People like to share what they have learned and there is no question too small or seemingly insignificant to ask in these groups. It took me a while before I got up enough courage to post anything because I felt like such a “newbie.” However, the first time I posted, I found that people were interested in what I had to say which motivated me to continue posting and sharing my experiences. These groups are wonderful if you are seeking a quick answer. You will often find collaboration in answers. People often share videos and the names of books as resources. Check out Facebook groups in your area. It is very likely that groups exist focused on a specific topic such as bees, poultry, small livestock, gardening, zero waste, and more. Search for your topic, including the name of your city or area, and see what comes up. If you are a member of a community page, you may come across a post or comment with a link to just what you are looking for. Other social media sites include Instagram, YouTube (tutorials), and Pinterest. Often, web classes or webinars are available on any given topic.

classes); and churches, especially those of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints faith because of their knowledge of survival planning and skills which they sometimes offer as a class to all residents. University Extension Offices are a frequently used resource. In an agricultural area, these offices provide valuable information on everything from insect infestations to soil and water testing to what plants grow best in your area. This is also a place to find out about weather trends and rain patterns in your area. Classes are often offered. Check out nearby colleges and universities. If you are interested in doing a deep dive into a particular subject, they may offer what you are looking for. They also offer continuing education classes that might be just what you need. Museums can be a source of stimulation, especially if they feature displays of the flora, fauna, and topography of your area. A history of your area is usually available for sale at a museum bookstore and on loan at a library if you wish to discover who and what came before you.

Local Granges Many local or community Granges have homesteading groups or clubs. They would be an excellent resource, especially if you are looking for hands-on help. Local Resources Resources within the ease of driving include local libraries; classes offered through schools and local businesses; fire departments (emergency preparedness, CPR

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Mother Earth News is one of Peterson’s recommended magazines to learn more about homesteading. Photo courtesy of motherearthnews.com

Farmers markets are a popular venue for selling not only food produced locally but also crafts. Vendors will likely be glad to share their knowledge and experience. If you cannot talk with them at the market, ask if you may call, text, or email them and take one of their business cards or write down their contact information. Farms and ranches are worth considering. If you have questions regarding growing produce, visit a farmer; if they are questions regarding herbs or flowers, touch base with an herbalist; if they are questions regarding raising livestock, seek out a rancher; if they are questions regarding fish, find a fisherman. If you are seeking information on milk, milk products, or dairy cows, look for a dairyman or dairywoman. End-of-the-season plant and tree sales at local nurseries are other possible sources of information, as are state-run plant and tree nurseries. A fun activity is to take a walk around your city or a drive around your county to discover all the possible avenues for you to pursue. A hike in your surrounding countryside will provide you with insight into native plants and trees, pollinators and bugs, watersheds, and wildlife. Think about what you have in your area. Chances are, you’ll find resources you didn’t know existed. Magazines A plethora of magazines exists that highlight every aspect of homesteading imaginable. Some of those are listed below: • Ogden Publications www.ogdenpubs.com • Backyard Poultry – How to raise a backyard flock of chicken, quail, turkeys, and more for eggs, meat, show or fun. backyardpoultry.iamcountryside.com • Mother Earth News – Promotes waste reduction, family farms, saner agricultural practices, better eating habits, natural and herbal remedies, more meaningful education, and affordable housing. www.motherearthnews.com • Grit – Emphasizes the importance of community and a rural lifestyle

•

tradition. www.grit.com • Countryside and Small Stock Journal – How to grow and raise your own food; build, fix and craft with your own hands. www.iamcountryside.com Acreage Life – Gives advice and information on rural living. www.acreagelife.com Hobby Farms – Provides inspiration and advice for growing fruits and vegetables, growing farm animals, and back-to-basics living on farms of all sizes – from city plots to the rural back-40. www.hobbyfarms. com FamilyHandyman–HighlightsDIYprojects, renovations, smart technology, pest control, maintenance, design inspiration, tool skills, product advice and more. www.familyhandyman.com The New Pioneer – Shares stories and tips on mini-farming, small livestock, land management, energy independence, small business startups, tools and off grid living. Self-Reliance – Offers articles on gardening, canning, cooking, DIY projects, livestock, foraging, and preparedness. www.self-reliance.com

These are just a sampling of what is available. Google “homesteading magazines” and check out homesteading on Amazon for more publications. Books • The Self-Sufficient Backyard Book by Ron Melchiore and Johanna Melchiore – A look at how to live a completely independent life off-grid. www.selfsufficientbackyard.com • The Homesteading Handbook by Abigail Gehring – A back-to-basics guide to growing your own food, canning, keeping chickens, generating your own energy, crafting, herbal medicine, and more. • The All New Ball Book of Canning and Preserving – A comprehensive canning guide for home cooks. • The Self-Sufficient Life and How to Live It: The Complete Back to Basics Guide by John Seymour – Provides “how to” information on chopping trees, harnessing solar power, growing fruits and vegetables, preserving and pickling your harvest, baking bread, brewing

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Small-Scale Grain Raising is one of Peterson’s recommended books to learn more about homesteading. Photo courtesy of Cheslea Green Publishing

beer, making cheese, keeping chickens, and raising and butchering livestock. • Mini Farming: Self-Sufficiency on 1/4 Acre by Brett Markham – A guide to buying and saving seeds, starting seedlings, establishing raised beds, soil fertility practices, composting, dealing with pest and disease problems, crop rotation, farm planning, raising backyard chickens, home canning, and methods for keeping costs down and production high. Check your local bookstore or amazon. com to see if you can find these books. Videos There are many videos available on the topic of homesteading. Google “homesteading videos” and choose which one(s) support your quest. The resources above are only a few avenues that serve as vast resources for those living the homestead life. I am sure there are more opportunities available than the few I have laid out. Be a sleuth, connect with others, check out the web and social media, and ask for advice. Resources are virtually endless... they are as numerous as our desire to look around and research!

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

Pasta Perfect

By Ann Olson Bercher Lecturer, National Grange President, State Grange of Minnesota Certified Culinary Specialist

Winter months are perfect for enjoying a hearty meal that includes pasta! Although pasta is great any time, having a batch of pasta sauce simmering on the stovetop while making some fresh pasta noodles is a comforting task. Well, it is for me. With all the ready-made sauces and pasta noodles available at supermarkets, it is a fair question to ask, “why make your own?” In short, it’s fun! When we think of pasta, we usually think of an Italian dish made with tomato sauce. However, it appears that almost every country around the world has a pasta or noodle dish. Germany has its spaetzle, a type of egg dumpling. Tunisia, the northernmost country in Africa, consumes a lot of couscous. The all-time favorite noodle in Japan is ramen. Thailand boasts a national dish, pad thai, using rice noodles. Chinese chow mein in the Taishanese dialect translates into fried noodles. Italians eat a lot of pasta, and so do Americans. Per person, Italians consume more than 51 pounds of pasta every year, while Americans eat “only” 15 pounds per person of pasta each year. Interestingly, Italians generally eat pasta as a first course known as primo. Their second course, secondo,

F & R

contains meat. In Italy, spaghetti and meatballs are only served in tourist restaurants. However, pasta in Italy may be served with certain fruits of the sea, such as mussels or octopus. Pasta can be used fresh or dried. Fresh pasta is typically made with eggs but can be made with just water or olive oil and used immediately or frozen. Dry pasta is usually made using water without eggs, which is great for longterm storage. Top-quality pasta in Italy is made using durum wheat flour. The coarse and grainy texture of semolina makes it suitable for hard pasta that maintains its shape under heat, such as rotini, farfalle, and macaroni. Durum wheat, on the other hand, is used in soft noodle products like spaghetti and lasagna to make the pasta softer and more flexible when cooked. Many commercially-available dried pastas contain both types of flour.

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Fresh pasta can be made with a variety or even a mix of flours: durum semolina, all-purpose flour, buckwheat flour, wheat flour, etc. Don’t use bread flour to make pasta as it contains too much protein and creates too much gluten. There are over 1500 different pasta shapes in Italy, while in America the most popular shapes are spaghetti, penne, rotini, elbow, and lasagna noodles. Why so many shapes? It serves to reason that the shape of the pasta is used to hold a sauce effectively. Small pasta shapes get lost in thick and creamy sauces, and larger pasta shapes will The biggest factor for a successful pasta dish is cooking the pasta. To cook one pound of pasta (typically a full box of store-bought pasta), bring at least 1 (one) gallon of water to a boil which has 1 Tablespoon of salt added to

overwhelm thin sauces and soups. When selecting pasta, consider how you are going to use it. Tubular shapes like penne and ziti are perfect with hearty, thick sauces like ragu. Varieties of pasta with ridges

the water. (If that sounds like a lot of

grip sauces even better. Wide, flat pastas like pappardelle are ideal for

salt, only about ¼ teaspoon of sodium

holding creamy sauces. Long, round

gets absorbed by a pound of pasta.)

pastas like spaghetti are best with oil

Add the pasta once the water has

or tomato sauces, which coat each

come to a boil. Do not add oil to the

strand evenly. Chunky vegetable or

water. To prevent pasta from sticking

meaty sauces pair best with larger

together, swirl the pasta through the

shapes with cups or large cavities to

water with a spoon.

grip the large particles.

Generally, you can follow the

It’s the sauce that makes the

directions on the package. Cooking

pasta come to life! The following are

to al dente (al DEN-tay) means that

a few recipes that might inspire new

you want the pasta to have a little

additions to your culinary repertoire.

resistance when you bite into it. If you are adding the pasta to a sauce to finish cooking, you will need to undercook your pasta a little more. Store-bought

dried

pasta

takes

8-12

minutes,

depending on the shape and size, wheat or spinach pasta will take a little longer. Fresh pasta cooks in 3-5 minutes. It is also a good idea to save some of the cooking water to help even out the sauce you will be adding to your pasta. Anyone can make fresh pasta without a machine: Place the flour on a work surface or in a bowl in a volcano-shaped mound. You can then make a basin in the middle of the volcano to contain eggs or water. Then, use your hands or a fork to mix the flour into the wet ingredients until a rough dough is formed. Knead the dough until smooth for 5-10 minutes, then roll or shape your pasta.

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Linguine

Ginger Garlic

16 ounces uncooked linguine 5 green onions, finely chopped 2 ½ Tablespoons fresh ginger root, grated 1 ¼ teaspoon dried basil ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper 1/3 cup butter, cubed 2 ¼ teaspoons minced garlic 1/3 cup grated parmesan.

serves 6

1. Cook linguine according to package directions. 2. In a large skillet, sauté onions, ginger, basil and cayenne pepper in butter for 3-4 minutes, or until onions are tender. 3. Add garlic and cook one minute longer. 4. Drain linguine and add to skillet; toss to coat. 5. Sprinkle with cheese.

Pasta Salad

Tomato Basil

2 cups diced tomatoes makes 6-8 servings 1 small onion, finely chopped 6 tablespoons olive oil 6 leaves fresh basil, torn 2 cloves of garlic, crushed 10 ounces fusilli pasta 1 ½ cups feta cheese, crumbled 3 Tablespoons freshly grated parmesan cheese, or to taste Salt and pepper to taste 1. In a medium bowl, stir together tomatoes, onion, olive oil, basil and garlic until combined. 2. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add fusilli and cook, stirring occasionally until tender, yet firm to the bite; about 12 minutes. 3. In a large bowl, toss the warm pasta with the feta and parmesan cheese. 4. Add the tomato mixture. Stir until well combined. Season with salt and pepper. 5. May be served at room temperature, or chilled and served cold.

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Chicken & Spinach

Ravioli

(This fresh pasta recipe can be used to make flat noodles for soup or sauce.) makes 6 servings 4 eggs, beaten ¾ cup water 3 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 1 ½ teaspoon salt 1 tablespoon neutral oil (canola, sunflower, etc.) ½ pound ground chicken ¾ cup fresh spinach, chopped 2 tablespoon onion, finely chopped 3 tablespoons melted butter 3 tablespoons Asiago cheese, freshly grated ¼ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon garlic powder 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg 1 pinch black pepper 2 cups marinara sauce (1 16-ounce jar) ¼ cup Asiago cheese, grated, for topping

President’s Recipe

shared by President Betsy E. Huber

Spanish Noodles 2 slices bacon

Serves 4

1/2 C chopped onion 1 lb. ground beef 1 large (1 lb, 12 oz.) can tomatoes, diced 1/2 C chopped green pepper 1/4 C chili sauce or ketchup 1 tsp. salt 4 oz (3 cups) medium noodles 1. In large skillet, cook bacon until crisp. Remove and drain on paper towel, then crumble and set aside. 2. Add onion to bacon drippings in the skillet. Cook until tender. And ground beef, cook until browned. 3. Stir in tomatoes, green peper, chili sauce/ ketchup, salt, and a dash of pepper. Add uncooked noodles. 4. Cook, covered over low heat, for 30 minutes, until noodles are tender, stirring frequently. Stir in bacon.

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1. In a bowl, mix the eggs, water, 2 cups of flour and the salt. 2. Gradually add in the remaining flour until smooth. 3. Divide dough into two parts, cover and set aside in the refrigerator for 20 minutes. 4. Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook until evenly brown. 5. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the chicken, spinach and onion. 6. Transfer to a bowl and add butter, 3 Tablespoons cheese, salt, garlic powder, nutmeg and pepper. Mix until combined. 7. On a lightly floured surface, roll out each part of the dough to 1/8-inch thickness. 8. Cut the dough into 2-inch squares. 9. Place 1 teaspoon of the chicken mixture in the center of half of the squares. Brush a little water along the edges of the dough squares and top with the remaining squares. Seal the edges with a moistened fork. 10. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the ravioli in small batches for about 8 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water. 11. Heat the marinara sauce in a saucepan until heated through. 12. Add cooked ravioli and gently cover with sauce until reheated. 13. Serve ravioli topped with remaining cheese.

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Peppers and

Pasta

2 tablespoons olive oil makes 6 servings ½ cup chopped green onions (Try using other peppers ½ teaspoon salt to adjust the spice factor 3 cloves garlic, minced to your taste) 2 zucchinis, sliced into ¼ inch rounds Salt and pepper to taste 2 cups tomato sauce ¾ cup chicken stock 1 pinch sugar (optional) 1 cup jalapeno peppers, sliced into disks, seeds removed* 1 cup red Fresno chile peppers, sliced into disks and seeds removed* ½ cup yellow mini-bell pepper, sliced into disks and seeds removed* ½ cup orange mini-bell pepper, sliced into disks and seeds removed* 2 ½ cups orecchiette pasta *To remove seeds from peppers: once sliced, most of the seeds 2 tablespoons flat leaf parsley, chopped and divided will fall out. Place rings in cold water and push remaining seeds 2 teaspoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated through the center of the rings. Drain and dry pepper rings. 1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil 2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add green onions and stir until tender, 2-3 minutes. 3. Add garlic and cook until translucent, about 1 minute. 4. Add zucchini and cook, stirring occasionally until zucchini just becomes tender, about 2 minutes. 5. Season with salt and pepper. Continue cooking 2 more minutes. 6. Pour tomato sauce into skillet, reduce heat to low and add sugar and mix in all the pepper slices. 7. Bring sauce to a simmer.

8. Place pasta in boiling water and cook stirring often until pasta is cooked al dente, about 7 minutes. Drain and let pasta stand for 2 minutes. 9. Bring sauce to a boil and stir in the pasta. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring often until pasta, zucchini and peppers are tender, 2 – 3 minutes. 10. Taste and adjust seasoning 11. Mix in 1 ½ teaspoon parsley. 12. Serve in bowls and top with grated parmesan and remaining parsley.

Easy

Chicken Noodle

Soup

1 tablespoon butter ½ cup chopped onion ½ cup chopped celery 7 cups chicken broth 2 cups vegetable broth ½ pound cooked chicken breast, chopped 1 ½ cups egg noodles 1 cup carrots, sliced ½ teaspoon dried basil ½ teaspoon dried oregano Salt and pepper to taste

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makes 9-10 cups

1. In a large pot, melt butter over medium heat. Add onion and celery and cook until just tender, about 5 minutes. 2. Add chicken broth, vegetable broth, chicken, egg noodles, carrots, basil, oregano, salt and pepper. Stir to combine and bring to a boil. 3. Reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes. 4. Adjust seasonings and serve.

Lasagna Roll-Ups

makes 6 servings

17 lasagna noodles 1-pound fresh spinach, tough stems removed (or a 10-ounce package frozen spinach, thawed) * 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 cups Marinara sauce (recipe follows) 2 large eggs 1 ½ cups ricotta cheese (about 1 pound) 2 cups shredded mozzarella (about 8 ounces) ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese ½ teaspoon salt ¼ teaspoon pepper Fresh basil leaves 1. If using fresh spinach, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. 2. Fill a medium bowl with ice water. 3. Boil spinach until tender, 3-4 minutes. Remove with a slotted spoon and immediately plunge spinach into the ice water. Drain and squeeze excess water from the spinach, and finely chop. Set aside. 4. In the same pot of boiling, salted water, add half the noodles, dropping in each separately, and cook, stirring gently until pliable but still firm, about 4 minutes. 5. Lift the noodles out of the water and lay them on a lightly oiled sheet of aluminum foil in a single layer, not touching. 6. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 7. Lightly beat the eggs in a medium bowl. Add spinach, ricotta, 1 cup mozzarella, parmesan, salt and pepper. Mix to combine. 8. Lightly grease a 9-inch springform pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Spread ½ cup of marinara sauce in the bottom of the pan. 9. Spread 2-3 Tablespoons of the ricotta mixture over each noodle, spreading it out to an even layer. 10. Cut each noodle in half lengthwise, then roll each noodle strip up. 11. Transfer each noodle roll to the pan placing each ruffled edge up beginning with the outer edge of the pan and snugly fill the pan. 12. Pour the remaining sauce evenly over the noodle rolls, using a spoon to fill any gaps.

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13. Cover the pan with foil and bake 30 minutes or until noodles are warmed and sauce is bubbling. 14. Remove foil, top with remaining mozzarella cheese and return pan to oven. Bake an additional five minutes or until cheese has melted. 15. Remove from oven, cool 10 minutes before unmolding. 16. Carefully remove sides of pan. Top with fresh basil leaves and serve.

Marinara Sauce 2 tablespoons olive oil 3 tablespoons onion, diced 3 cloves garlic chopped 3 ½ cups whole, peeled tomatoes (one 28-ounce can) rough chopped with juices 1 sprig fresh thyme 1 sprig fresh basil Salt and pepper 1. Heat oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion and garlic and cook until tender, 3 minutes. 2. Add tomatoes and herb sprigs and bring to a boil. Reduce to simmer, cover and cook for 10 minutes. 3. Remove herb sprigs and discard. 4. Season with salt and pepper to taste. 5. May be used right away, or refrigerate for 3 days or freeze for up to two months.

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THE LAST

Word

By Lynette Schaeffer

Chairperson, National Grange Board of Directors President, Illinois State Grange At the recent National Grange Session, there was time to talk about improvements, updates, or issues the Delegates and those attending the convention wanted to mention. Some people mentioned “The Grange needs to” – later Worthy President Betsy Huber asked who was “The Grange?” Some answered, “we are,” but many did not answer at all! This sounded so sad to me. During our pre-session meeting, there was a discussion about the need for grant writers, project leaders, project committee work, membership work, and more. Betsy was asking people to volunteer to help, but the group was adding more ideas of tasks that could be done. Those at the meeting wanted “The Grange” to do it. Again, not volunteering to do the job – which is what is needed – someone(s) to do the work, but “The Grange” needs to provide the worker. Where and who are all these people we need? Ideas are great, but volunteers are required to put forth the effort and complete the work! This made me think of a children’s hymn that Sunday School teachers would teach to the children of my church, O’Fallon United Church of Christ. “I am the church! You are the church! We are the church together!” I believe we could slightly change this to a mantra for the Grange, “I am the Grange! You are the Grange! We are the Grange together!” Imagine if everyone – everyone believes or everyone knows – that they are The Grange. If anything needs to be done, everyone who is the Grange and are Grangers will take on the task! Do you

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have an idea for a project, fundraiser, or event? Be the Grange. Do what you think is in the best interest of your Grange, and the best interest of your community. Be the Grange. Okay, I guess I am dreaming – it would be great if everyone felt that way. But many Grangers that I have met back home in Illinois and across the country would rather wait and just sit back, let others take the risk to complete the task. Other Grangers will do the work but need direction. Maybe we need a football coach to give the “down by one goal at halftime” speech. Let me be that person right now. You see a ball coming at you, catch it and run in the correct direction. You see the person with the ball - if they are your team, block for them (get obstacles out of your way); if they are on the other team (the obstacles), block them. Make your project or fundraiser work for the community and for the Grange. If there is an issue in your community (the ball), catch it and run toward the goal (solving the issue). It can be good to do the same thing all the time, but sometimes Grangers need a variety of projects and issues to stay active. Different people being in charge will also help keep everyone involved. Don’t always have the same quarterback or the same receiver - mix it up! Taking a risk trying something new may work to re-invigorate your Grange by throwing that hail Mary pass. Sometimes, the crowd can play a huge part in the football game. The community or other like-minded organizations can be helpful in partnering to get to a goal a lot faster.

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I know that in Illinois, and I believe across the nation, the busier the Grange is, the more the community has links to that Grange. By being helpful, active, and effective in their goals, that Grange has a simpler path to growing membership and ensuring community growth. Growing the Grange membership is a great goal but not the only goal. Being an active Grange is a fantastic way to grow membership - when people see your name out in the community, they are more apt to attend events at your Hall and ask questions about becoming a member, causing membership to grow and your Grange to win that aspect of the game. With a growth in membership, more people will be interested in helping with new projects to support your community and forming partnerships with other organizations, where your Grange and your community will all benefit. It also gives you more people to Be the Grange and volunteer to help with all the ideas we can come up with. Remember we need to win the football game and get the crowd involved. Be the Grange. You can and should be the Grange! Take on new tasks, and new projects, and get new members for your Grange. Be the Grange!

Flow into the Future BY PAULA TURNER (NY) & LINDA SANDERSON (VT) Northeast Host Region Co-Chairs Plans are continuing to “Flow into the Future,” which is the theme for the 157th Annual National Grange Convention which will be held November 14-18, 2023. The Northeast Region will be welcoming you to the Sheraton at the Falls in downtown Niagara Falls, NY. This hotel is across a small brick street from The Conference and Event Center where all the meetings, workshops, and Seventh Degree will be held. The beautiful falls are located just six-tenths of a mile from the hotel in Niagara Fall State Park, which is America’s oldest state park.

Host Region Zoom planing meetings started in early 2021, and our seven-state region has been working hard to ensure that it will be a great session. The Community Service project will be collecting socks for all ages for a local mission organization. Nearby attractions other than the falls include Old Fort Niagara, overlooking the Niagara River and Canada; The Power Vista, offering an interactive adventure; the Aquarium of Niagara featuring Humboldt Penguins, sea lions, and seals; the Niagara Culinary Institute is just up the street; and the Seneca-Niagara Casino is across another street. Niagara Falls is magnificent, and if you have never been there, this is a great opportunity to check it off of

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your “Bucket List.” If you have been there, it is always worth a repeat visit. Don’t forget - to visit nearby Canada, bring your passport, or enhanced driver’s license, if your state offers it. 3160 tons of water flows over Niagara Falls every second. Plan now to come to next year’s National Convention and Flow into the Future, but not over the falls!

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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 MemberDeals, ODP Business Solutions, Lenovo, and UPS Savings.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

PHARMACY

INSURANCE

With discounts from Choice Hotels, Wyndham Hotels, Worldwide Hotel, and Avis and Budget 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 Member Options, United of Omaha Life Insurance Company, AFLAC, Farmers Insurance, and pet insurance through Nationwide to give our members discounts on insurance rates and deals. 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

PEACE OF MIND IS THE BEST GIFT FOR THE HOLIDAYS AN UPDATED COVID-19 VACCINE IS NOW AVAILABLE AND FREE TO YOU

Ask your pharmacist or health care provider. Learn more at CovidVaccineProject.org/UpdatedVX