Good Day! - Volume 8, Issue 3 by National Grange

Good DAY!

™

What’s Inside? This issue features a perspectives article about the changing agriculture industry in urban areas, as farmers work to keep up with a growing global population. Also inside: • Making new members feel welcome • The Vital Role of Nutrition in Brain Health • A final preview of this year's National Grange Convention • Grange Foundation presents Partnership in Agriculture Literacy Award • A recipe section featuring peppers • and more! A quarterly publication of the National Grange

Vol. 8, Issue 3 l October 2024

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Good DAY!

N & V

GRANGE NEWS & VIEWS

FOUNDATION

S RA

THE STATE OF RURAL AMERICA

IDEAS FOR GRANGE PROGRAMS & ACTION

MEMBERSHIP NEWS & RECOGNITION

JUNIOR GRANGE & GRANGE YOUTH

Y H & L

F & R

L W

On the cover: A woman checks on the crops growing in a rooftop garden in urban America. She uses her tablet to track growth, how to keep the crops healthy, and what steps to take next. Learn more about advances in urban agriculture in this quarter’s Perspectives (p. 43). Photo licensed through AdobeStock

HOBBIES & LIFESTYLE

FOOD & RECIPES

THE LAST WORD

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Good Day! Magazine is a quarterly publication of the National Grange located at 1616 H St. NW, Suite 200, 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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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.

Learn more at www.nationalgrange.org.

OUR

John Benedik, NJ,

Vice President jbenedik@grange.org 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 Tom Gwin, WA,

National Lecturer

Christopher Johnston, MI, National Steward

Christine E. Hamp, Publisher National Grange President President, Grange Foundation President, Grange Advocacy champ@nationalgrange.org Philip J. Vonada, Editor Communications Director pvonada@nationalgrange.org Stephanie Wilkins, Subscriptions Manager IT Director swilkins@nationalgrange.org

Amanda Leigh Brozana Membership & Leadership Development Director & Grange Foundation Associate abrozana@nationalgrange.org

Walter Hartley, RI, National Assistant Steward

Loretta Washington Sales, Benefits, Programs & Membership Recognition Director lwashington@nationalgrange.org

Kathy Gibson, MA, National Lady Assistant Steward Kay Hoffman Stiles, MD, National Chaplain Joe Goodrich, VT, National Treasurer Debbie Campbell, PA, National Secretary David Allen, NC, National Gatekeeper Cindy Greer, CO, National Ceres

HEADQUARTERS PHONE (202) 628-3507 HEADQUARTERS ADDRESS: 1616 H ST NW SUITE 300 WASHINGTON, DC 20006 Additional Editing by: John Benedik, Lynette Schaeffer, and the 2024 class of Communication Fellows

Barbara Foster, WV, National Pomona Welina Shufeldt, OK, National Flora

lecturer@nationalgrange.org

GOOD DAY!™ MAGAZINE

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Staff

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

Officers

Christine E. Hamp, WA, President champ@nationalgrange.org

OUR

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PRESIDENTIAL Perspective Christine E. Hamp

I believe with unwavering confidence that we are on to harness that the crest of a great wave of new members joining the energy to propel Grange. This is not just a hope; it is a certainty rooted in us forward. Let’s the growing interest we are seeing across communities prepare ourselves nationwide. People are searching for a place where they for this exciting time, can belong, where their voices matter, where they can knowing that our make a difference, where they can connect with others best days are ahead. who share their values – values like integrity, hard work, Preparation is key. and the importance of community – and where they can When we welcome be a part of something bigger than themselves. They’re new members, we’re looking for a community that values shared purpose over not just adding to individual gain, where differences are respected, and our numbers; we’re inviting individuals into a community where working together for the common good is the norm, where they can grow, contribute, and help shape the future not the exception. of our organization. It is our responsibility to ensure they In today’s world, it’s hard to feel valued, informed, and equipped ignore the deepening divides, the to engage from day one. constant unrest, and the growing To do this, we must all be ready – Each new member inability to find common ground. both practically and personally. Our represents an Everywhere we turn, we see evidence meetings should be organized, our of a society increasingly fractured by processes clear, and our resources to strengthen our disagreements, where compromise is accessible. But beyond that, we must Grange , share our be prepared to mentor, to listen, often seen as a sign of weakness rather than strength. This climate of division and to build genuine connections. , and extend the leaves many people feeling isolated, It’s these relationships that turn new of our mission. unheard, and disconnected from the members into active participants and communities around them. In the lifelong Grangers. midst of this division, I feel that there’s Remember, the strength of the a strong desire, a yearning even, for something different. Grange lies not in a select few but in the collective power The Grange is that place. of all our members. Every new member is a chance to For 157 years, the Grange has been a beacon of unity renew our purpose and share our knowledge freely. Let’s and community. It was built on the belief that through be ready to embrace them with open arms, ensuring that mutual respect, understanding, and cooperation, we can they feel they belong to something meaningful and larger achieve more together than we ever could alone. In a world than themselves. that often seems to pull us apart, the Grange brings us As we look to the future, we have an opportunity to invite together—across generations, backgrounds, and beliefs. even more people into the Grange. Let’s open our doors To fully embrace this opportunity, I want to emphasize wider, reach out further, and let people know that there is a the importance of every one of us being fully prepared place where they can find what they’re looking for—a place to welcome these new members into the Grange. Each where they can belong, make a difference, and connect new member represents an opportunity to strengthen our with others Grange family, share our values, and extend the impact of who believe President Hamp has put together our mission. We need to ensure that our halls are open, in the power a list of ways to welcome new our hearts are warm, and our commitment to our mission is of community. members and introduce them to steadfast. It is up to us to be ready to guide them, support Let’s work the work of the Grange. Take a them, and grow together. Every new member also brings together to be look on page 8. fresh energy and perspectives, and it is our responsibility Grange Strong!

opportunity

values impact

family

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GOOD DAY!™ 2025 PRESS DATES Issue

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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

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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

Like any other organization, Granges are not immune to do to improve this idea?” invites collaboration and innovation. challenges - from aging or declining membership to financial The process of reframing is not about ignoring the strains to creating new ideas and programs that engage the difficulties that Granges face, but about changing the public. perspective from which those difficulties are approached. When faced with obstacles, it’s easy for members to fall For example, declining membership is a challenge, but it into a mindset of negativity, often expressing sentiments like can also be an opportunity to reimagine how the Grange “we can’t do that” or “that will never work.” However, these engages with the community. New initiatives focused on phrases are not just expressions of doubt; they can become youth involvement, modern agriculture, fresh approaches to self-fulfilling prophecies that hinder progress and deter the homesteading practices, or digital outreach could revitalize public from supporting events or joining the Grange. interest and participation. To ensure a thriving future, let’s work to consciously shift Expecting positive outcomes is a powerful tool that can our mindsets from negative to transform a Grange from a place of positive, to foster an environment doubt to a hub of possibility. When where expecting positive outcomes members approach challenges with becomes the norm. optimism, they are more likely to The power of a self-fulfilling take proactive steps, experiment with prophecy lies in its ability to shape new ideas, and support one another reality based on our expectations. in the face of adversity. This positive When Grange members frequently mindset can become contagious, voice doubts or resist new ideas, leading to a cultural shift within the they inadvertently reinforce a culture organization where hope, innovation, of stagnation. For example, when and perseverance become the norm. someone says, “We can’t do that,” it A key aspect of fostering often stops a discussion in its tracks, positive expectations is celebrating halting any potential exploration successes, no matter how small. of innovative solutions. Similarly, When a new idea works - whether declaring “That will never work” can it’s a booming fundraiser, a welldiscourage others from attempting attended public event, or a successful new initiatives, quashing creativity advocacy campaign - it’s imperative before it has a chance to flourish. Editorial image via AdobeStock to acknowledge and celebrate these These attitudes can especially be victories. Doing so reinforces the discouraging for new members who belief that positive outcomes are come in with hopeful enthusiasm, but quickly back off when not only possible but achievable. Over time, this builds a they are faced with resistance or negative pushback. collective confidence to propel the Grange forward. Negative phrases are more than just words; they reflect Shifting from negative to positive mindsets is not always underlying beliefs that can shape the behaviors and attitudes easy, especially in the face of real challenges. However, it is a of the entire organization. Suppose a Grange or a segment critical step for any Grange that wants to remain relevant and of members continually expect failure or difficulty. Those vibrant. By actively working to replace phrases like “We can’t expectations can manifest as inaction, poor morale, and a do that” and “That will never work” with more constructive, reluctance to embrace change. Over time, this negativity can hopeful language, Grange members can begin to cultivate become a self-fulfilling prophecy, where the expectation of an environment where positive outcomes are expected and failure leads to decisions (or lack thereof) that actually cause pursued. failure. The future of any Grange - and, by extension, the We can all work harder to actively reframe challenges as communities it serves - depends largely on the mindset of its opportunities to break this cycle of negativity. This requires members. a conscious effort to replace negative phrases with positive, A Grange that expects failure is likely to experience it, but solution-oriented thinking. Instead of saying, “We can’t do a Grange that expects success is far more likely to achieve that,” members might ask, “How can we make this work?” it. By embracing a positive outlook, viewing challenges as or “Let’s give it a try!” This shift in language encourages opportunities, and fostering a culture of hope and innovation, problem-solving and opens the door to creative solutions. Granges can turn the tide on negativity and ensure a Similarly, replacing “That will never work” with “What can we prosperous future for generations to come.

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Making new members feel welcome: a guide By Christine Hamp President, National Grange

My vision for an online Grange resource library is taking shape and resources to help us welcome new members will be a shelf in this library. As this is being written, we are working on ensuring that the national-scope items on this list are readily available; State, Community, and Junior Granges please do the same. Also, please realize that this list is not to be piled on new members as soon as they are welcomed, but to be strategically introduced over the initial 4-6 months of membership.

To ensure a warm and effective welcome for new members, here’s a list of key things to have ready:

1. New Member Welcome Packet • Grange history and Mission Statements (local, State, and National) • Overview of local, State, and National Grange activities • Contact list of officers and committee chairs • Calendar of upcoming events and meetings • Membership card and badge (if applicable) 2. Mentorship Program • Assign an experienced member to serve as a mentor for each new member • Outline the mentor’s role and responsibilities 3. Orientation Session • Introduction to Grange traditions, rituals, and values • Overview of how meetings are conducted • Explanation of committees and how to get involved 4. Clear Communication Channels • Ensure new members are added to email lists, newsletters, and social media groups • Provide clear instructions on how to stay informed and connected 5. Engagement Opportunities • List of upcoming projects, committees, and volunteer opportunities • Encourage new members to choose areas of interest to get involved

6. Personalized Welcome • A warm introduction during their first meeting • Welcome letters or notes from key members • Acknowledge their joining in the Grange’s communication channels 7. Resource Access • Provide easy access to by-laws, meeting minutes, and other important documents • Share links to online resources, training, or workshops 8. Feedback Mechanism • Create a way for new members to provide feedback on their experience • Use this feedback to continually improve the welcoming process 9. Inclusive Environment • Ensure meetings and events are welcoming and accessible to all • Encourage all members to introduce themselves and build relationships 10. Follow-Up Process • Regular check-ins after the first few meetings • Ensure they feel integrated and know how to participate fully Having these key elements ready will not only help new members feel welcomed but will also help ensure they become active and engaged participants in your Grange community.

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Midwest Region set to impress at annual Convention By Philip J Vonada National Grange Communications Director Just a few weeks away, the 158th Annual National Grange Convention is about to be one of the highlights of the Grange year. As the Midwest Host Region sets the final touches on this year’s convention, they are ready to showcase the best of the region, building on successes from previous conventions and finding the truly unique things about this year’s host location. We encourage Grangers nationwide to Meet Us at the River for this year’s convention. Whether it’s your first convention or your 50th, there will be something exciting and fun for all. All are welcome, from tours and workshops to special events like Quilts of Valor presentations and the Story Slam to fellowship in the hospitality room or around the hotel! In the Showcase, you’ll find information from many of the National Grange’s partner organizations, displays from Grange departments, sales tables, the GROW Club silent auction, and a special “Oldies but Goodies” section. For this year only, you’ll have access to purchase some limitededition items that were found and reclaimed while cleaning out the National Grange’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. These items include various parts of Grange history, including past conventions, works of previous Grange administrations, collector’s items, jewelry, and more. The host committee has been working to follow the lead and recommendations of the National Convention

On Thursday, November 14, convention attendees will have the opportunity to visit John Deere Davenport Works, seeing how skidders, articulated dump trucks, and more are built. Photo via John Deere

Located 50 feet in the air, the walkway of the Davenport Skybridge provides panoramic views of where the river bends uniquely from east to west.

Photo courtesy of the City of Davenport

Advisory Work Group, implementing changes and ideas to make these conventions more accessible and inviting for all members. This year, tours focus on local experiences, including the Rock Island Arsenal, the Figge Art Museum, John Deere Davenport Works and John Deere Pavilion, the Davenport Distillery, Lagmarcino’s Confectionery, Cinnamon Ridge Farms, and, for Junior Grange members, the Putnam Museum & Science Center, plus a quilt shop hop for those interested. The host committee also says that if attendees see something nearby that they’d like to visit, they can arrange a drop-off and pick-up with the transportation committee. “We really want to focus on highlighting the best of the Quad Cities and giving a taste of our local flavor and flair,” said Karie Blasingame, the Host Committee’s tour chairperson. “There’s truly something for everyone on our list and even more to see and do that we can’t provide tours to, but we hope members will take advantage of.” Be sure to register for these tours in advance so the host committee has enough transportation available; some tours are limited by maximum capacity. In addition to the tours, here are some other local sights attendees may be interested in seeing: • American Gothic House (Dibble House) • Annie Whittenmeyer Aquatic Center • Antique Archaeology (the American Pickers store) • Antique & Treasure Trove • Bix Beiderbecke Museum • Buffalo Bill Cody Trail & Buffalo Bill Museum • Chocolate Manor

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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Dan Nagle Walnut Grove Pioneer Village Davenport Skybridge David Casas Magic Elevate Trampoline Park Family Museum - Bettendorf Freight House Farmer’s Market Fryxell Geology Museum German American Heritage Center & Museum Iowa 80 Trucking Museum John Deere Historic Site Longview Park Conservatory and Gardens Mississippi Spoon Gallery Niabi Zoo Quad Cities Public Art Trail The River’s Edge ice arena The Sawmill Museum Schwiebert Riverfront Park Sylvan Slough Natural Area Wild Cherry Spoon Co.

more! Join special presentations and events from the United States Patent & Trademark Office, AIL, and a Rural Youth Mental Health Peer-to-Peer Support workshop with Rural Minds. In addition, time has been put aside for homework for any Youth & Junior attendees who need to keep up with their studies while traveling to Iowa.

Hotel information

This year’s host hotel is the Isle Casino Hotel Bettendorf. Right on the bank of the Mississippi River, the hotel features plenty of amenities and room for fellowship and is also steps away from some fantastic casino action. For just $109 per night (plus tax), make your reservations using Group Code NGC24, either online or by calling 1-800-843-4753. A direct link to reserve your stay is available on the National Grange’s website at: http://www. nationalgrange.org/158thconvention.

In addition, there are plenty of wineries, breweries, casinos, restaurants, and a whole bunch more to do in and around the Quad Cities area. You’ll want to take time to explore the world around the Isle Casino Hotel - including down the banks of the Mississippi River.

We extend our thanks to Visit Quad Cities for their support of our 158th Annual National Grange Convention. Learn more at visitquadcities.com

Workshops

The Midwest Host Region committee, working with National Grange staff, has put together a robust workshop schedule. In all, more than 30 individual workshops will be presented during the convention - some at multiple times. These workshops are designed to teach more about Grange procedures, working together, and incorporating fun into Grange work, and some are both educational and entertaining. A few workshops require advanced registration - please check the National Grange website to learn more. Some of the workshops include: “Self Care isn’t Selfish,” learning how to decorate cookies*, how to teach/ lead a workshop, The Heart of our Grassroots Structure: Resolutions, Vertical Thinking, Wreaths Across America, Parliamentary Procedure, creating connections with the FFA, using associate memberships, fidget building, making butter & charcuterie boards with Alice in Dairyland, “The Mystery of the Grange,” GRANGO bingo, “Finding Donors & Motivating Friends,” grants for your Grange, Insurance 101, “Weather Forecasting now & in the future,” Grange Hall games, Agriculture careers, first aid & CPR, internet safety for teens & adults, SMART goals, card crafting for special occasions*, honor flights, benefits for Granges, childsafe fingerprinting, Q&As / roundtables for Lecturers, and Youth, Junior, and Community Service Directors, and

Registration Information Late Registration ($42) closes for meal options on November 1, 2024 Registration on Site will be available at the late registration cost, but you will not be able to obtain tickets to any meals Register at https://nationalgrange.org/ 158thConvention or scan the QR code

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A Look Back: General Report of the Committee on Peace from the 1924

Journal of Proceedings of the National Grange The world is looking more and more to the United States of America to lead the nations of this earth toward permanent peace. We deplore the military propaganda of an element in this country which is in favor of the building up of an immense navy, and maintaining a large standing army. We equally deplore the propaganda of those who say ''Peace at any price,'' who are securing pledges from citizens to refuse military duty, no matter what the consequences may be. We are not in favor of the building of a navy for the purpose of antagonizing other countries, and through war upon other nations obtaining for ourselves vast foreign possessions, but at the same time, it would be equal folly to scrap our navy, thus leaving our country utterly without protection and at the mercy of those with a greed for power and the possession of the world. The time has not yet arrived when we can have ''Peace on earth, and good will toward men,'' but it is our duty to hasten that day as much as possible. This cannot be accomplished by jeopardizing the nations of the earth by doing away with all armies and navies, until such time as all can be brought together in one great brotherhood. It is our duty to join with others in an international court of justice, to correct by arbitration such difficulties as may arise from time to time, keeping clear from all secret alliances which will place nation against nation. It is our duty to work with them, hand in hand, for the upbuilding of universal brotherhood which will bring peace to all nations. We should endeavor, in colleges and other institutions of learning, outside military schools, to educate and interest our young people in the pursuits of peace. We do not favor the formation of military units in our colleges, as this has a tendency to incite that war-like instinct which lies dormant in the breast of us all. There is something about war that arouses the imagination, and fires the blood of young people. Have you ever

This column takes a look at some historic documents from leaders of the Grange, or Grange publications, then adding annotation from current Grange leaders with how it can be applied to our current lives in the Grange.

noticed the cheer which will be given by a group of boys as scenes of battle are depicted on the screens of ·our moving picture theatres? What can we offer to counteract this? In its place we should give that physical training demanded for preparation for war, but directed toward the upbuilding, rather than the destruction of the human race. Not only should we endeavor to put this across in our own country, but by our influence and good example encourage other nations to do the same. We heartily approve the attitude of our Worthy Master as given in his address, reading as follows: ''Peace and good will, arbitration and adjudication as substitutes for war, have been Grange ideals for a half century. Today modern science and inventive genius have made war so horrible and so destructive that civilization shudders at the contemplation of another war. In fact another world war would have a tendency to destroy the achievements of civilization. ''There are those who tell us that wars have had their beginning in commercial jealousies; others believe that fear is the motive for war; still others remind us that old-age hatreds and misunderstandings handed down through generations and magnified by racial conditions, are the prime causes of war. ''To those who believe in the doctrine of the Prince of Peace we answer, that love and understanding are the only permanent cures for war. Only by practicing in our relationships the same ideals that we follow in our local contacts, can peace be made to endure and wars be

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discontinued. Our Order proclaims a lofty patriotism. We place the welfare of the republic above life itself, but it also proclaims the belief that the intelligent statesmanship of our day can minimize the causes of war by the practice of the Golden Rule on an international scale. ''The Grange has favored every agency that has looked toward arbitration; every movement that has sought to eliminate and minimize causes for misunderstanding and has promoted those agencies that create goodwill. We should continue to favor the World Court as another stepping stone along the pathway to permanent peace.'' On referendum on war by Bro. Goss they report unfavorably and report not adopted. Bro. Goss moved to amend the resolution to read :

Referendum On War By A. S. Goss (WA)

Whereas, The overwhelming majority of the people of the world abhor war, Resolved, That we favor the principle of a popular referendum on war except in case of invasion. The motion to amend was supported by Bro. Cook of Michigan and carried. Bro. Goss moved the resolution be adopted. Supported and adopted. E. H. GILBERT, Chairman (MA). J. P. McMULLEN (KS), ROBT. P. ROBINSON (DE), GLEE KENT MARTIN (VT), GEORGIA JOHNSON (WV), MRS. SARAH J. MORRIS (CO).

Reflections on the Grange & war by Amanda Brozana National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

War. The backdrop of the Grange is set against it, and since our founding we have been sensitive to the very condition that causes it: the lack of brotherhood and goodwill among mankind. The Committee on Peace convened during the 58th Annual National Grange Convention and, in reporting on their business, saw the United States and the Grange as leaders needed by the world to encourage a greater kindness to one another. Their work came directly after the adoption of a resolution opposing indecency in motion pictures that was believed to be a danger to the moral development of the youth of the nation and a day after the delegate body adopted resolutions that would demand compulsory jail sentences for those involved in manufacture, sale and purchase of liquor. These records offer clues as to the concerns of members of our Order 100 years ago. At the core, the body yearned for goodness to prevail in our words and deeds. Today, we there are more than a dozen conflicts raging across the globe – no peace has been secured in this last century that has been dotted with a second world war and armed conflicts often not officially declared as wars but looking much the same across every continent but Antarctica. Peace has been hard to come by but that does not make it foolish to strive for or impossible to secure. Peace, though, must start within our hearts, our homes, our halls with acts of grace and kindness, goodwill and charity. As we practice these, we can begin to live unoffendably as Brant Hansen wrote in his book, Unoffendable: How Just One Change Can Make All of Life Better. To find peace, we must let go of anger, be humble and aware of our own failings, choose to love rather than to judge, and reject the concept of righteous anger. To embrace the unoffendable mindset, we must practice forgiveness, cultivate empathy, release control, prioritize joy and actively choose peace over conflict. Now possibly more than any time since our founding, the seams of the nation seem to be frayed to a point of failure. The pieces, though, can be brought back together and seam mended. With intentionality and courage, we too can mend the divisions in our lives and in our world to find peace.

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Opinion: Is it time to retire the terms “Master” and “Overseer” from our fraternity? by Shelley Macy Ten Mile Grange #399 (WA) National Grange Diversity Team member When to retire? It is a big question I personally faced a few years ago. My husband and I went to a financial advisor who offered his services for free, but recommended a life insurance policy that, as it turned out, lined his pocket but not ours. It was only appropriate for folks with a lot of money which we are not. We then paid a certified financial planner who helped us get out of that hole, and to see our financial future more clearly. This helped us to make the decision about when I would retire based on our personal finances, my health, and my desire for what I wanted with my precious life. At first, it was hard to believe I would not be doing my job anymore. I kept phone numbers I have never looked at since, I grieved when my work email no longer kept me linked to the day-to-day workings of the place I had dedicated over 26 years of my life to, and I missed the comfort of the people, places, and routines that had provided stability in my life. But ah, the freedom! It turns out that doing what I want to do is a beautiful thing! And I have much more time for Grange. Because I am retired, I now have the time to serve on our National Grange Diversity Team, led by Robert Beamon of Pennsylvania. The Team started out as a Task Force appointed by then-President Betsy Huber after the death of George Floyd at the hands of law enforcement in 2020. The Task Force was to look at the practices and rituals in our beloved order that may unintentionally harm our members, exclude potential members, or give a wrong impression to people who might otherwise be attracted to work with us to serve our communities. As a more permanent Team under President Chris Hamp, we continue to examine many areas where encouraging diversity of age, race, ethnicity, gender, etc., in our Grange membership could positively increase our membership size, the richness of experiences, the expertise we have to draw from, the opportunities for service, and the varieties of activities we could enjoy. One thing that has drawn our attention repeatedly is that there is another retirement we need to commit to

in order to enrich diversity and increase membership in our Order. It is time to retire the terms “Master” and “Overseer” throughout the Grange? Just as my job and the work I did will always be a part of who I am, the old terms that many hold dear, will always be part of Grange. The comfort of using the old terms just rolls off the tongues of our long-time members and even some of us who are newer to the Grange. They have a familiar cadence and rhythm to them. They may remind us of our parents, grandparents, or other beloved mentors who held those positions in our early days in Grange. They feel like home. But the terms do not really describe us anymore. Whether in the old English manor system, whence the terms entered our Order, or the days of slavery in the US, the Master was the one who must be obeyed and the Overseer carried out his wishes by whatever means he felt necessary, including the harshest. In England, someone higher in the nobility placed the Master in his position, and the Master placed the Overseer. Neither was chosen by those who served him. And in both England and the US, the Master owned the labor and the wealth produced by those who worked his land and owed him loyalty. The serfs, indentured servants, and enslaved persons were kept in poverty and loyalty to their Master. The Master’s role was to ensure that he was wealthier, of higher status, and had more opportunities, rights, and privileges than those who worked the land. This is not a picture of what we believe the leader of our Granges is or should be. In our Order, in the installation ceremony of our presiding officer, the installing officer reminds her or him that “the members of your Grange selected you to lead them …” (2023a). We choose our leaders—they are not chosen for us. Not by the State Grange or National Grange or anyone else. Additionally, the leader is charged to “decide all questions with calmness and firmness, granting the right of appeal, and accept decisions against you gracefully.” (2023a) These are not the requirements given to the Master of an English manor nor to an American plantation owner. There was no right of appeal whatsoever in the US system. What do we Grangers believe and agree to? In the New Member Welcoming Ceremony, we tell our newest members that “[t]he Grange strives to improve and enhance the lives of those living within

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this community and works with others to better the community in general.” (2023b). This is important! Yet, how do we “enhance the lives” of people whose ancestors were enslaved if they (and their friends) are put off by the titles of our top leaders? And how do we work together with others to “better the community in general” if those others see our titles as relics of the past that they do not want to associate with? The truth is that to “enhance…lives” and “work together with others” as well as to swell the ranks of Grange membership with persons “recognized for high character, commitment to principles, concern for others, and for financial responsibility” (2023b), we need to open our Granges further to the diversity and talents of the great variety of people in our communities. By making “Master” and “Overseer” part of our history and adopting “President” and “Vice President”

for the present and future, we show in a very tangible way our intention to open our hearts and minds and grow our Granges. Let’s ensure that everyone from our community who walks through the doors of our Grange Halls feels welcome and like they could find a family and a home here. Retiring the old titles sends a clear message that we want to strengthen our welcome and embrace the strength and possibilities that diversity brings. References: 2023a. Subordinate/Community Alternative Manual, Installation Ceremony, approved 2023. 2023b. Subordinate/Community Alternative Manual, New Member Welcoming Ceremony, approved 2023. Subordinate/Community Grange Manual - Download for free through the Grange Store (www.grangestore.org)

Grange Revival 4.0 setting up camp in Utah in 2025 The highly anticipated fourth Grange Revival (aka “4.0”) is heading to Torrey, Utah, in July 2025, offering attendees an unforgettable experience where relaxation, community, and tradition come together. Known as “Grange-ing with your feet up,” this unique biennial gathering encourages Grange members and friends to embrace the outdoors, unwind, and connect with one another in a fun and relaxed setting. Set against the breathtaking backdrop of Torrey, a gateway to Capitol Reef National Park, Grange Revival is an opportunity to enjoy the beauty and adventure of the surrounding area. With a focus on creating a welcoming, relaxed environment, Revival allows people to recharge both physically and mentally while celebrating the Grange’s rich heritage. Torrey offers numerous attractions nearby for those looking to explore. Capitol Reef National Park, located

just minutes away, is a hidden gem Grange Revival 4.0 promises to of the National Park System. Known be an event where participants can for its stunning red rock formations, embrace both tradition and tranquility, deep canyons, and unique geological making lifelong connections while features, it provides a variety of enjoying the beauty of Utah’s rural outdoor activities, including hiking, landscape. Don’t miss this opportunity scenic drives, and stargazing. Popular to “Grange with your feet up” and trails like Hickman Bridge and Cassidy create memories that will last a Arch offer breathtaking views of lifetime. the park’s natural beauty, while the Whether you’ve attended one historic Fruita district offers a glimpse of the three previous revivals or not, into pioneer history. there’s space for you to join! Many Additionally, the area around of the camping spaces have already Torrey is dotted with charming been snapped up, but more remain. local shops, cafes, and art galleries, Complete the registration packet providing a taste of the local culture on the following pages and get in on and creativity. the fun! Whether exploring the nearby slot canyons, taking a leisurely drive along Scenic Byway 12, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, attendees are sure to Attendees at the 2023 Grange Revival in Michigan’s Upper find plenty of Peninusla relax and enjoy fellowship time with one another things to do. following dinner. Photo by Philip Vonada

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Complete and return to CHRISTINE HAMP, 14619 WEST JACOBS ROAD, SPOKANE, WA 99224-4984

GRANGE REVIVAL 2025 REGISTRATION FORM

REGISTRATION PACK

Grange Revival is a family event open for all Grange members and friends to create and strengthen friendships. From outdoor activities to planned excursions and lots of time to kick back and relax with other Grangers, there is something for everyone. Take part in group activities or strike out on your own to find some fun during the day. Then head back to the campground at night to enjoy a communal meal and maybe even some campfire fun.

Vacation with Grange friends near the Red Rocks in Torrey, Utah MARK YOUR CALENDARS & PACK YOUR BAGS! Grange Revival 2025 is scheduled for July 22-27, 2025 in Torrey, Utah. EVENT REGISTRATION The registration fee, made payable to Grange Revival, covers five dinners (Tuesday through Saturday; leftovers may be available for other meals), a tshirt and admission for most workshops (some excursions or workshops may have a small fee for admission, materials or transportation and will be announced in advance). The registration fee is 50% refundable if canceled at least one week in advance of the start of the event; the fee is non-refundable if canceled less than one-week prior to the start of the event. Price good from Nov. 1, 2023, through April 15, 2025. A $5 late registration fee will be assessed per registrant if paid after April 15, 2025. No partial registrations. Please make your check to Grange Revival. Pre-register at bit.ly/ grangerevival25reg to receive updates about the event

GRANGE MEMBERS $75 Subordinate Members (36+) and E-members $60 Grange Youth and Young Adults (14-35) $60 Golden Sheaf Members (50+ yrs. of membership) $40 Junior Grangers (5-13), including 1+ Juniors $20 Pre-Juniors (0-4 years old) FRIEND OF THE GRANGE $90 Adults (36+) $75 Youth and Young Adults (14-35) $50 Children (5-13) $35 Infants & Pre-Schoolers (0-4) Price good from November 1, 2023, through April 15, 2025. A $5 late registration fee will be assessed per registrant if paid after April 15, 2025. You may pay by check to Grange Revival. Pre-register at bit.ly/ grangerevival25reg to receive updates about the event.

TRAVEL AND SAVE ALONG YOUR WAY Travel to Grange Revival is just part of the fun. If you rent a car, fly or stay in a hotel during your trip, we encourage you to explore saving through our Grange member benefit discounts. If you travel by RV, you can save 20% on a Harvest Hosts membership with the Grange discount. Visit nationalgrange.org for codes and information. If you have trouble with the website or accessing discount information, call the National Office at (202) 628-3507.

ACCOMMODATIONS Make your reservations directly with one of our event locations.

Thousand Lakes RV Park, Campground and Cabins 1110 UT-24, Torrey UT 84775 435-425-3500 or 800-355-8995 http://www.thousandlakesrvpark.com/ Email RV size or request for tent site or cabin to Tammy at: reservations@thousandlakesrvpark.com Sandcreek RV Park and Campground 540 UT-24, Torrey UT 84775 435-425-3577 https://www.sandcreekrv.com/ Harry (owner) – call and say you are with the Grange Cowboy Homestead Guest Cabins 2100 UT-12, Torrey UT 84775 435-691-4384 or 888-854-5871 https://www.cowboyhomesteadcabins.com/

There are many, many additional campgrounds, motels and resorts in the immediate vicinity with all types of cabins, rooms, yurts, glamping tents, and more! Another option is to look into renting an RV as the Thousand Lakes RV Park, Campground and Cabins has more than enough RV spaces.

ABOUT THE SURROUNDING AREA The Torrey area is a place of adventure and fun. Nearby you will find a variety of attractions including Capitol Reef National Park, Dixie National Forest, Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, and Factory Butte to name a few.

Take time to hike, bike or ride the trails on an off-road-vehicle, on horseback or rent a Jeep. Check out some great sunsets and go stargazing. With 60 fishable lakes, you may want to pack your fishing pole.

QUESTIONS ASK YOUR PHARMACIST QUESTIONS TOTO ASK YOUR PHARMACIST And when them And whentotoaskask them 1. How do I know what vaccines are appropriate for me?

1. Pharmacists, How do Iinknow what vaccines appropriate me? vaccine addition to your doctor, areare knowledgeable aboutfor the latest

Pharmacists, in addition to your doctor, are knowledgeable about the latest recommendations and often can provide you with recommended vaccines at the start vaccine of the respiratory season.and You often may need make your for your vaccine on theat the start of recommendations cantoprovide youappointment with recommended vaccines pharmacy’sseason. website,You so check respiratory may beforehand. need to make your appointment for your vaccine on the pharmacy’s website, check beforehand. 2. My medicine is so a different color or shape than what I usually take, or the package or medicine is damaged, what should I do?

2. Speak My medicine is a different color or shape than what I usually take, or the to the pharmacist immediately before you leave the store and show them any package or that medicine iswhat damaged, I do?packaging or medications differ from you usuallywhat take, orshould any damaged

medication, ask for verification or replacements. Speak to the and pharmacist immediately before you leave the store and show them any If you noticethat this at home, call what the pharmacy and do not take the damaged medicine until you have or medications differ from you usually take, or any packaging verified that it is correct or have replaced it. medication, and ask for verification or replacements. You can verify the medicine's shape, color, and dosage online, but checking with the If you noticeis this pharmacy best.at home, call the pharmacy and do not take the medicine until you have verified that it is correct or have replaced it. 3.can Is there waymedicine's to avoid making multiple to the pharmacy throughout You verifyathe shape, color, andtrips dosage online, but checking with the the month to pick up medicines I regularly take? pharmacy is best.

Ask the pharmacist if you can arrange to pick up medicines at the same time each month. to give them a credit pharmacies is sometimes free (you will to need 3. Some Is there a wayoffer todelivery avoidthat making multiple trips the pharmacy throughou card for this option regardless).

the month to pick up medicines I regularly take?

Ask4.the pharmacist if you can arrange pick up medicines at the same time each month. What if my medicine needs to betorefrigerated or transported? Some pharmacies offer delivery that is sometimes free (you will need to give them a cred If you about the instructions or handling of card for are thisunclear option regardless). your medicine speak to the pharmacist before you leave pharmacy call before you go to pick it up.refrigerated 4. the What if myormedicine needs to be

or transported?

5. What should I be aware of if I receive my If you are unclear about the instructions or handling of medicine by mail or delivery? your medicine speak to the pharmacist before youorleave Should you have any concerns about damage, storage theother pharmacy or contact call before you gopharmacy to pick itorup. problems, the specialty your insurance company immediately. It may be cheaper to 3-month supply by mail -of callifyour insurancemy 5. receive Whatashould I be aware I receive company to ask about this option.

medicine by mail or delivery?

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other problems, contact the specialty pharmacy or your

6. What do I do if my medicine isn’t covered by insurance? Call your insurance to ask for help. Call your doctor right away and ask about alternatives. Ask the pharmacy what discount programs they accept and how much you would save. Call other pharmacies to ask what they charge for the same medicine (there are price differences even within the same city or area.) Drug manufacturers and nonprofit organizations may offer discount programs as well, and you can find out about them by going online or asking your doctor or pharmacist.

7. What should I do if I take multiple medicines at a certain time (first thing in the am or before bed, for example) and now need to add in a new medicine? Try to fill all your prescriptions at the same pharmacy so they are aware of any potential drug interactions. Ask the pharmacist if it matters what time of day you take your new medicine.

8. What if I have changes in my insurance, address, new allergies, etc.? Always let the pharmacy know of any insurance changes before they fill your prescription to avoid a delay in picking it up/having to reprocess the claim.

9. What can I do if my medicine costs a different price than the last time I filled it? Ask the pharmacy to make sure it is the same medicine and dosage. Ask to have your insurance coverage checked. Consider calling other nearby pharmacies to check their price.

10. What should I do if I have more than one kind of prescription insurance? Ask the pharmacy which coverage reduces your co-pay or co-insurance the most.

11. What should I do if I don’t get all my medicines at the same pharmacy? Tell the pharmacist at each site what else you are taking and ask about any drug interaction concerns.

12. Is there a safe way to dispose of old or unused medicines? Ask the pharmacy if they have a medicine take-back program or have disposal bags.

Rural Life Initiative. Made possible through support from 18

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Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award presented Carter Humphries, a Virginia 4-H Extension Agent, is the the winner of the 2024 Award, presented by National Agriculture in the Classroom and sponsored by the Grange Foundation The National Agriculture in the Classroom Organization (NAITCO) and National Grange Foundation have selected Carter Humphries, a 4-H Agent from Virginia, as the recipient of its 2024 Partnership in Agricultural Literacy (PAL) Award. Carter is a 4-H Agent in Henrico County, a suburb of Richmond, Virginia. As this is a heavily suburban area, Carter’s programming is often the students’ first and only experience with agriculture. She strives to bring quality agricultural literacy education to youth through a variety of programs. To support these efforts Virginia AITC has awarded Henrico 4-H multiple grants and in-kind donations for school-enrichment programs including Embryology, Winged Wonders, Agriculture Literacy Week Kits, and AGventure Days. All of these projects have centered around a common goal: to increase agricultural literacy through classroom lessons that consist of hands-on projects or ready-made educational kits. Carter consistently strives to develop new ways to engage and excite both educators and youth about agriculture. In addition to VAITC, partnerships with Henrico Junior Master Gardeners, Henrico County Public Schools Title I Department, Henrico Farm Bureau, and Virginia Association of Extension

4-H Youth Development Professionals have helped make this a reality. Thanks to the support of the HCPS Title I Department, Henrico 4-H received $17,000 worth of in-kind support for the Embryology Project. This allowed the purchase of 45 Embryology Kits for Title I elementary schools to participate in the project. Grant funds allowed 4-H to purchase books about chickens, materials for hands-on lessons, and the “Learning Resources Chick Life Cycle Exploration Set” which was used by Carter and multiple instructors throughout the project and during lessons. A resource website for educators was created in 2021. The website is updated each year and contains informational PowerPoints, videos, lesson plans and activities, posters, and other educational materials. Each year, Carter creates a competition component for the schools involved, including a chicken dance contest and Embryology Writing Expo, where youth could write fictional or non-fictional stories about the project. Most recently, Title I schools have requested agricultural literacy materials and kits to support their “STREAM Nights”: STEM, Technology, Reading, Engineering, Agriculture/Arts, and Math. The schools purchased AITC’s “Agriculture Literacy Kits” to hand out to families who attend the event. Since 2019, Carter has reached over 25,000 students in the classroom. Forty-two out of fortyfive elementary schools have been reached through an AITC project. Feedback from educators has allowed Carter to grow, adapt, and develop programming that meets the needs of Henrico County. Throughout the years, educators have unanimously agreed that students’ understanding, and appreciation of agriculture is greatly impacted through the projects they participate in. Providing agricultural education in the classroom has given youth the chance to participate in activities and explore agricultural-related topics including animal science and horticulture - chances they may not have otherwise had. Students take what they learn in the classroom and apply that knowledge to their everyday lives. “The National Grange and Grange Foundation Carter Humphries, second from right, accepts the 2024 Partnership in Agricultural Literacy Award at the annual conference in June. Christopher are proud to present this award each year. We Szkutak (right), Vice President of the Massachusetts State Grange presented believe in supporting educators like Carter, who the award.

Photo provided by Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom

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think outside the box when it comes to introducing students from diverse backgrounds to the awesome possibilities and potential in agriculture,” said National Grange President Christine E. Hamp. “The Partnership for Agricultural Literacy honors informal educators like Carter Humphries from Virginia. The state and territory programs that make up the National Agriculture in the Classroom program depend on volunteers to reach students across grade levels to showcase agriculture in their local area. We are proud of the work all of our partners do to help further the message of agriculture,” said NAITCO President Kevin Daugherty. “Ms. Humphries is a true partner with Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program, utilizing many of our resources to effectively connect children in her community to agriculture. Without partners like Carter our program would not be able

to directly impact as many children.,” said Tammy Maxey, executive director of Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom. Carter was honored at the 2024 National Agriculture in the Classroom Conference “Agriculture Elevated” that took place June 25-27 in Salt Lake City, Utah. The Grange Foundation supports youth development, promotes agriculture education and research, improves communities, and fosters culture, heritage, citizenship and charitable activities. The Grange Foundation was formed in 1964 to aid in furthering the ability of the National Grange to provide opportunities to our next generation of leaders and instill agricultural interest/rural issues/and community service issues and career opportunity and community service as a way of life. To learn more about the Grange Foundation visit https://grangefoundation.org/. NAITCO is a non-profit organization representing Agriculture in the Classroom programs in most of the 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Its mission is to educate Pre-K-12 teachers and students about the importance of agriculture by providing them with web-based materials, workshops and awards programs that demonstrate how agriculture can be used to effectively teach core subject areas. To learn more about NAITCO, please visit www.agclassroom.org. This work is supported by the Agriculture in the Classroom Program, grant no. 2018-45042-28608/project accession no. 1016518, from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture

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New York FarmNet – Providing Free Support for Farmers Since 1986 by Adam Howell Outreach Director, NY FarmNet

It wouldn’t be a surprise to anyone familiar with farming to hear that the job is difficult and stressful. The demands are never-ending and many of the obstacles facing farmers are both unpredictable and uncontrollable. Farmers must contend with fickle weather, tumultuous markets, rising costs, razor thin margins, pests, disease, and much more. Perhaps Canadian writer Brian Brett put it best when he stated that “Farming is a profession of hope.” The challenges facing the agricultural sector are also laid bare in the data. Between 2017 and 2022, the number of farms in the U.S. declined by 141,733 or 7%, according to USDA’s 2022 Census of Agriculture, released on Feb. 13 of this year. Acres operated by farm operations during the same timeframe declined by 20.1 million (2.2%). Since 1950, the overall number of farm operations has declined by 3.75 million (66%) and the number of acres farmed declined by 323 million (27%). Consolidation and increased financial pressure have led to the smallest farms in terms of acreage and revenue generated being hit the hardest. The Origins of NY FarmNet In New York State, there is one program that offers farmers a lifeline of support. Founded in 1986, NY FarmNet is a program that provides free, confidential, on-farm consulting to any farmer, farm family, or agribusiness employee in New York State. The program operates an

NY FarmNet consultants and staff in attendance at a training conference in Watkins Glen, NY. Photo provided

800-help line where a caller can reach someone any time of day. NY FarmNet provides the bulk of its services by deploying teams of expert consultants to work with farmers directly. NY FarmNet consultants will work with farmers for as long as they need on any number of problems, questions, or even opportunities. Generally, NY FarmNet consultants work with farmers in teams of two, one focused on financial issues and one devoted to family, emotional, or mental healthrelated issues. Financial consultants have a background in agricultural finance and farm business management. Family consultants are usually licensed social workers with a background in counseling. Family consultants work with farmers to improve family relations, develop strategies for better communication, manage stress, facilitate difficult discussions, and run family business meetings so that all members have a voice. NY FarmNet was founded by the Cornell University College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and today, the main office operates from Ithaca as part of the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics &Management. NY FarmNet is funded primarily by grants from the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets and the NYS Office of Mental Health so that farmers never have to pay a cent for services. The origins of NY FarmNet are rooted in the national farm crisis of the 1980s. During this period, farmers faced a combination of high debt, plummeting land values, and tight credit markets. In 1985, the Farm Credit System (FCS) lost $2.7 billion which was, at that time, the largest oneyear loss of any financial institution in U.S. history. Sadly, the dramatic increase in bankruptcies and farm foreclosures led to a sharp increase in suicides and other mental health problems which devastated entire rural communities across the country. Recognizing the need to address this crisis, Cornell College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean David Call convened a task force which recommended the creation of an 1-800 helpline so farm families experiencing difficulties could receive financial counseling. Over time, the program operators gained valuable insights into the best ways to

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A poster related to the farm crisis of the 1980s.

Poster courtesy of Minnesota Historical Society

support to farmers. For instance, NY FarmNet family consultants were added when financial consultants discovered that mental health and personal issues were connected to financial problems. The staff also realized that consultants needed to provide their services to farmers on the farm or in the home to get the best picture of the problem. In fact, an informal motto within the program is that “The best solutions are often found at the kitchen table.” Discretion and confidentiality also a cornerstone of the program’s service model as a means of building trust with the farming community of New York state. A New Era of Personal Support for Farmers In recent years, the focus about how to best serve farmers has moved beyond the business of farming. There is a growing understanding that, to help farms thrive, we must focus more on the health of the people as opposed to just looking at the books.

For instance, physical labor is a significant stressor impacting farmers due to the long hours of hard work, often involving strenuous tasks such as planting, harvesting, and maintaining equipment. Farmers facing exhaustion or repeated injury, over time, are at greater risk for chronic health issues, compounding the stress of the job. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) in 2016, 417 farmers and farm workers died from a workrelated injury. Today, it is understood that self-care and physical wellbeing are an important component of farming successfully. Mental health in farming has also become an important topic of conversation within the agricultural support community as studies consistently show that farmers suffer more than other groups from mental health issues including depression, anxiety, and stress. In fact, farmers and ranchers are nearly two times more likely to die by suicide in the U.S., compared to other occupations, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Rural settings can add a layer of mental strain, as farmers may have fewer social interactions and support networks compared to other professions. There is often a lack of access to mental health treatment services or even general medical care in rural areas. Even the opioid crisis, which disproportionately affects rural areas, has hit farmers especially hard. According to a 2017 Morning Consult poll, 3 of 4 farmers say it would be easy to access opioids. Culturally, there is an inherent pressure to maintain and pass on the family farm

to the next generation. Many farmers face the challenge of upholding longstanding traditions and managing the farm’s legacy while also trying to compete in a changing, modern agricultural business landscape. The weight of these responsibilities, combined with the everyday difficulties of farming, creates a unique blend of stressors that make agriculture a high-pressure profession. Sadly, there is also a stigma that exists in rural communities against seeking help or discussing one’s problems. Today, there are more services than ever that cater to the specific needs of rural-agricultural mental health and wellness (although much more needs to be done.) New services like the 988 suicide and crisis hotline are now available nationwide, national organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation are building awareness through campaigns like their “Farm State of Mind” program, and new non-profits are being founded yearly to address rural mental health and farmer support.

NY FarmNet educational outreach.

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Photo provided

between in these areas. Another way NY FarmNet is promoting a healthy farming sector is by engaging with agricultural students on stress management and mental wellness. Preparing the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders goes beyond teaching students about raising animals, sowing crops, and running equipment. By providing students with an understanding of the stress and pressure that comes with farming, the hope is that these students will be better prepared.

Emily and Abby Henry (right) of Quimby Farms in Marlboro, NY speaking to NY FarmNet consultants Karen Scanlon-Fish and Laurie Bedford. Photo provided

In New York, to combat these mental health challenges, NY FarmNet’s Family Consultants work on cases in a manner that shine a light on the core issues that are creating problems for farm families. Many times, NY FarmNet consultants will be called to assist farmers with a business or financial problem, but upon investigation, discover that there are underlying tensions, family issues, or personal matters under the surface. Because financial and personal issues affect one another, addressing issues related to family relationships, personal well-being, stress, family communication, depression, and conflict, are critical for long-term success. Former NY FarmNet clients Emily and Abby Henry of Quimby Farms in Marlboro, NY were able to seek guidance on how to save their family’s historic farm while dealing with the stress that came with the process. “Through (FarmNet) we have been able to establish a strong foundation for our farm business that we hope will carry us through many generations to come.” NY FarmNet also proactively works to build healthy rural communities by producing a variety of mental health educational outreach programs aimed at combating stress, suicide, and other related challenges. One such program NY FarmNet Family Consultants and staff provide is “Talk Saves Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention,” which is a program developed by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to train everyday community members on how to recognize and prevent suicide. With suicide being such a prevalent issue in rural-agricultural areas, NY FarmNet’s commitment to training communities on how to recognize and intervene when someone is considering suicide is a critical first step in addressing the problem – especially when services and support are few and far

NY FarmNet participating at a student outreach event on Cornell’s Campus in Ithaca, NY. Photo provided

Results Taking Root in New York State Over the years, NY FarmNet has expanded its footprint by adding new consultants and staff. Currently, the program employes nearly 45 consultants and has 6 full-time staff members. Annually, NY FarmNet intakes around 60 calls per month to its 800 line, opens over 300 new cases a year, and has between 450 to 800 active cases ongoing at any given time. In 2023, the farms assisted represented over 1080 employees and 46,000,000 in annual gross revenue in New York State. The program’s philosophy of serving “any farmer in NYS” is exemplified by the variety of farms and farmers served. NY FarmNet has helped dairy farmers, crop farmers, fruit orchards, vineyards, agrotourism operations, honey and maple producers, and more. The program has assisted farmers on business issues related to retirement and succession planning, beginning farming, business planning, and cash flow analysis. In a recent assessment survey of the program’s effectiveness, the results were positive. 78% of former clients have stated that they would contact NY FarmNet

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Director Greg Mruk and NY FarmNet Family Consultant Case Supervisor Becky Wiseman speak to a farm client on Long Island. Photo provided

again if the need arose and 92% of those surveyed stated that they would encourage others to contact the program. The private sector agricultural finance community has embraced the program with 100% of lenders surveyed having recommended NY FarmNet services. 90% of farmers who worked with NY FarmNet remained in farming after working with the program. According to NY FarmNet Director Greg Mruk, the program’s success is multifaceted. “FarmNet’s role is measured in both the quantitative metrics of financial success as well as the qualitative measures of healthy families. Our experience over the years has shown that the intersection between the family business and healthy relationships is crucial to making a difference in the overall well-being of

both the farm and the family.” A future where farmers have access to a safety net of support that is always free, confidential, and addresses problems from every angle is a future worth fighting for. For Greg, the success of FarmNet is something that stems from an understanding that providing help isn’t about solving every problem facing a farm. “We understand that we cannot change the various forces facing farmers, but we can help one farm at a time overcome these challenges while providing farmers with the tools they need to succeed well into the future.” For more information about NY FarmNet, call 1-800-5473275 or visit https://nyfarmnet.org

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Analysis: Some rural counties are recovering from the effects of the pandemic faster than their urban counterparts In a new study of counties that have historically trailed national growth trends, rural fared better than urban. Still, experts don’t think a recent economic boom will change the way these rural counties vote in November.

By Julia Tilton Originally published in The Daily Yonder

“We’re not saying they’re doing better than all non-rural counties,” he said. As a whole, rural counties are behind metropolitan counties with regard to change in employment. But the specific subset of rural counties included in Benzow’s analysis demonstrates a small departure from the overall trend. Benzow said that among the historically lagging counties EIG analyzed, rural and urban counties experienced the economic impacts of the pandemic differently. “The economic impacts are much more strongly felt in [historically lagging] urban counties, where you had more things like lockdowns and business closing and people moving out of urban spaces,” Benzow told the Daily Yonder. For historically lagging rural counties, these trends offered opportunity. Benzow said the rural communities EIG included in the analysis were able to bounce back more quickly from the pandemic because they did not experience the same amount of depopulation or business closure as their urban counterparts. In some cases, the rural counties in the EIG analysis capitalized on the migration of people out of high-density areas. Of the counties included in the analysis, the rural ones

A booming pandemic recovery has buoyed rural counties that historically lagged behind national economic and population growth, but though these gains occurred under a Democratic administration, they are unlikely to swing red states to blue in November, a recent analysis from the Economic Innovation Group (EIG) found. The economic analysis looked at just under 1,000 counties that experienced lagging population and income growth between 2000-2016. Approximately 90% of the counties examined in the analysis were categorized as rural. While the EIG draws from the same Office of Management and Budget classification of “rural” as the Daily Yonder, EIG makes several distinctions: Rural counties as defined by EIG include all non-metropolitan counties with population less than 50,000 and any county not categorized as urban or exurban/suburban. EIG calls these counties “left behind” counties, a framework that does not necessarily account for their full economic and cultural diversity. “We wanted to draw attention to the fact that these places are not growing at the same rate as the rest of the country,” said August Benzow, author of the study. In the run-up to the November presidential election, the analysis, which examined data from 2000-2023, aimed to provide insight into how historically lagging counties have changed since the 2016 and 2020 election cycles. As the United States continues to recover from the recession wrought by the Covid-19 pandemic, the rural counties that EIG analyzed did better than urban counties. This finding is different from what the Daily Yonder has tracked with regard to rural versus urban counties as a whole. When asked how historically lagging rural counties compare to rural counties as a whole, Benzow said that the historically lagging rural counties in the EIG analysis are doing slightly The EIG study sthows that rural counties are adding jobs at a faster rate than urban counterparts. However, rural counties as a whole still have fewer jobs better than other lagging counties included in available than those available two decades ago. the analysis. Editorial photo via AdobeStock.

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like the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 will play out in historically lagging counties. Any of its economic effects will not be felt for a few years as new projects and employment opportunities are still getting off the ground. Although this post-pandemic economic boom has taken place during a Democratic administration, Benzow said it is unlikely to sway voters in historically lagging counties to support a blue ticket in November. The economic reality in these counties is still one that trails behind the rest of the country. In 2022, 48% of the counties analyzed in the EIG study recorded median income growth behind the national income growth rate, and in 2023, 80% of these counties were behind the national population growth rate. Chart: Daily Yonder | Source: Economic Innovation Group | Created with Datawrapper “People tend to define their economy based on where they live,” said Benzow. are the closest to regaining pre-Covid employment levels. “Obviously, every vote is different, and In 2023 alone, the historically lagging rural counties national economic concerns are important as well, but that were analyzed added 104,000 jobs. This represents people tend to think of their own communities when they significant growth over the 10,000 jobs that were being think about how well Congress is doing.” added each year in those counties in the three years before the pandemic. Still, the analysis notes that there are fewer workers employed in historically lagging counties today than there were almost 25 years ago. In the counties analyzed, there were 1.8 million fewer jobs in 2023 than in 2000, a statistic indicative of the struggle these historically lagging counties face compared to the rest of the country. Much of this struggle is rooted in the loss of manufacturing jobs during the early 2000s and then during the Great Recession. During this time and the decade that followed, Benzow said there were few policies in place to protect these counties from job and population loss. It was also during this time that many historically lagging counties began to shift their support more strongly in favor of Republican candidates during presidential elections. Between 2008 and 2016, support for GOP candidates gained 16 percentage points in the counties analyzed, with 83% of voters casting their ballots for the Republican ticket in 2020. Now, in the wake of the pandemic recession, Benzow said the situation in these counties looks different than it did in the 2010s. “These are places that have a lot of economic potential that has not been tapped into,” Benzow said. A return to what Benzow calls “place-based policies” – federal policies that direct investment toward specific areas – can provide a mechanism for closing the economic gap between the counties analyzed and the rest of the country. At a federal level, it is too early to tell how recent policies

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GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

Closing the mental health gap among rural youth in the US By Cemile Kavountzis for Pfizer and Rural Minds Originally published in USA Today During her freshman year in college, Asheton was deeply affected by a classmate’s suicide. And even though she hadn’t known him personally, his story hit home. “The thing that stuck with me is that he was just like me,” she said. “He came from a small town. He lived on the same floor as me. He was a freshman, and he was taking the same classes I was, and he was struggling with them.” For Asheton, moving from Roxboro, North Carolina, to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill had been an exciting change from the quiet country roads of her childhood. Growing up, her closest friends lived miles down the road. “I went from being the smartest kid in the school to being one of the smart kids. And it was like I was pulled underwater,” she explained. “It was the most difficult change I’ve ever had to deal with.”

Asheton sits in her former high school, reflecting on growing up in rural America and coming to terms with understanding that she wasn’t the only one who needed some assistance for her mental health. Photo courtesy of USA Today

She confided in her mom, Debbie,

Starting the conversation

about the pressures. Debbie, who had

Young people in rural America can

experience working with kids facing

have the same hopes and dreams as

mental health issues, understood what

other teenagers, but they can also face

kids were up against. She knew the stress

unique challenges. They often lack the

of getting good grades and measuring

resources found in more populated

up online, and she had seen firsthand

areas, making it harder to get help — or

Asheton often felt overwhelmed

how resources and staff can be limited.

even know where to turn.

while scrolling through social media,

“My advice for parents if their children

“If you are from a place like Roxboro

seeing only “the best moments of other

are dealing with mental health issues is

that has such a tight community, it’s

people’s lives.” She felt like she was the

to support them,” said Debbie, stressing

not the physical isolation, but it’s more

only one struggling to keep up.

the importance of open communication.

the feeling of if I’m going through

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something, I can’t voice how I’m feeling because this isn’t the

Grange to advocate for the well-

type of environment that would accept that,” said Asheton.

being of rural communities.

Compared to cities, individuals in rural areas are at a higher

“Farm, ranch and rural folks

risk of suicide — with rates nearly doubling from 2000 to 2020,

are

according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

independent. We are not adept

strong,

self-reliant

and

(CDC).

at asking for help,” said Christine

For Jeff Winton, founder and chairman of Rural Minds,

Hamp, the current president of

this is all too familiar terrain. It’s the stories behind those

the organization and a fourth

statistics that hit home the hardest. After losing his nephew to

generation Granger who was

suicide, Winton started the organization to advocate for rural

raised on a dairy farm. “Since

communities struggling with mental illness and substance use

its founding, the Grange has been a leading voice on issues of

disorders.

Scan the QR code to read the original article and watch the accompanying video.

equity faced by farm families and those in

“Our vision is to end the stigma,

rural communities. From health disparities

the suffering and the silence,” he said,

to expansion of services, like power, phone

lamenting that his own nephew hadn’t shared his troubles. “There is a huge crisis that is only growing in rural America as it relates to teens. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from 2011 – 2021, an estimated more than one out of every five, or 22% of teenagers, has seriously contemplated suicide. In the past two decades, suicide rates have been consistently higher in rural

If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

and broadband, the Grange is at the center of the fight to ensure our rural residents are not left behind.” The Grange and Pfizer are working with Rural Minds to help improve resources. “By partnering with organizations, like Pfizer and the National Grange, we have been able to shed light on the growing issue of mental illness in rural America much more quickly,” said Winton.

America than in urban America. Suicide

Mike Zincone, senior director of patient

rates are also growing at a faster pace

advocacy at Pfizer, said, “When we look at

among rural youth than urban youth.

health care disparities, rural communities can be overlooked.

Despite the higher suicide rates among rural youth, one

Resources specific to the needs of that community are essential

study found that mental health facilities in rural areas are much

because they can look very different to their urban counterparts

fewer compared to cities.

or suburban environments.” Signs of change are already visible.

Advocating for additional resources

“I feel rural mental health awareness, especially for

Looking back on her childhood, Asheton appreciates the

adolescents, is one of the most important things,” said

many positives of growing up in the country, especially the

Asheton, “because this generation, they’re the ones who are

strong sense of community. This same spirit drives the National

going to grow up and change the world.”

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Connecting Communities to Greater Possibility Connectivity has become a key to nearly every door of opportunity. To help connect the millions of Americans still unconnected to high-speed internet, we’re working to lower the three biggest barriers to the digital divide—access, affordability, and adoption. Visit attconnects.com to learn how we’re helping to connect more communities across the country.

The Vital Role of

NUTRITION IN BRAIN HEALTH

Promoting Overall

HEALTH & WELLNESS

1 2 3

Healthful nutrition helps prevent a wide range of health conditions, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, obesity, and many other chronic diseases as well as age-related syndromes such as sarcopenia and frailty.

Strategies that manage health and wellness overall (e.g., neurovascular risk management, physical activity, sleep, nutrition, social activity, cognitive stimulation) are meaningful for primary

prevention of multiple neurologic conditions.1 —

Up to 40% of dementia cases can be attributed to modifiable behaviors.1

A growing body of evidence indicates that nutrition

plays an important role in brain health. —

The nutrition-based recommendations for primary care providers to promote brain health focus on assessing dietary patterns and recommending brain-healthy dietary patterns.1

DIETARY NS PATTER for Brain Health

A well-balanced dietary pattern includes all necessary macronutrients (fats, protein, and carbohydrates) and micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) while limiting excess fat, sugar, salt, and highly processed food.2 Certain dietary patterns have been shown to be associated with improved cognition and may alter the trajectory of neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and other types of dementia.2 Brain-healthy dietary patterns include the Mediterranean diet, the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension diet (DASH diet), and the Mediterranean and DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND diet).3-5

• These three dietary patterns are associated with improved cognition and decreased risk of dementia in older populations.1

• They are also associated with other health benefits, including reduced depression and improved cardiovascular health, blood pressure, and blood glucose control.1 In general, individuals should be encouraged to:2,6

• Reduce intake of high-fat dairy products, red meat (especially processed red meat), fried foods, and highly processed foods, including sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets.

• Increase intake of leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, berries, beans, nuts, whole grains, and protein-rich foods such as fish, seafood, and chicken.

Brain-Healthy Diets

Diet Mediterranean diet

DASH diet

MIND diet

Details

• Focus on eating fruits, vegetables, bread and other grains, potatoes, beans, nuts, and seeds • Olive oil as a primary fat source • Dairy products, eggs, fish, and poultry in low to moderate amounts • Fish and poultry are more common than red meat in this diet • Minimally processed, plant-based foods • Wine may be consumed in low to moderate amounts • Fruit is a common dessert • Limited intake of sweets • Focus on eating vegetables, fruits, and whole grains • Include fat-free or low-fat dairy products, fish, poultry, beans, nuts, and vegetable oils • Limit foods high in saturated fat, full-fat dairy products, and tropical oils such as coconut, palm kernel, and palm oils • Limit sugar-sweetened beverages and sweets • Focus on consuming vegetables, especially green leafy vegetables, nuts, berries, beans, whole grains, fish, poultry, and extra virgin olive oil

• Limit consumption of red meat, processed meats, butter and margarine, regular cheese, pastries and sweets, and fried foods, especially fast food

Source: References 3-5.

ROLE OF Micronutrients and

Nutritional Supplementation • The risk of inadequate nutritional intake increases with age. • Middle-aged and older individuals who regularly use a multivitamin have been

shown to have higher levels of biomarkers for vitamins and minerals while those who do not use a multivitamin are more likely to have micro-nutrient deficiencies.7

• Because vitamins and minerals are required for multiple biologic pathways

that support brain function, deficiencies in older adults may increase the risk for developing cognitive decline and dementia.8

• Several studies have shown that intake levels or deficiencies of micronutrients can have effects on cognitive function.2

Micronutrient Supplementation and Cognitive Function: The COSMOS Clinical Trials

• The COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) was a

large randomized controlled trial that assessed the effects of cocoa flavanols (containing 500 mg flavanols) and multivitamin/mineral (MVM) supplementation for cardiovascular disease and cancer prevention in 21,442 adults aged 60 years and older.9

• This study had three substudies: COSMOS-Mind, COSMOS-Web, and COSMOS-Clinic.

– A meta-analysis of these COSMOS substudies found that MVM use benefited global cognition and episodic memory.9 – The magnitude of the effect on global cognition was considered equivalent to 2 years of aging.9

COSMOS-Mind • This ancillary study assessed the cognitive benefits of cocoa extract versus a daily MVM supplement for 3 years in 2,262 participants with a mean age of 73.5 years.8

• Daily MVM supplementation, but not cocoa extract, was found to improve

global cognition, episodic memory, and executive function; these benefits were greatest in adults with pre-existing cardiovascular disease.8

• Based on these data, the authors concluded that MVM use may be a safe,

affordable, and accessible intervention to protect against cognitive decline in older adults.8

COSMOS-Web • This substudy compared a daily MVM supplement with placebo in 3,562 adults (mean age 71.0 years).10

• MVM use improved memory after 1 year and this improvement was maintained over 3 years of follow-up.10

COSMOS-Clinic • The design of this substudy compared MVM supplementation with placebo in of 573 adults (mean age 69.6 years).9

• The investigators found that MVM use improved global cognition over 2 years.

Learn more about Nutrition and Brain Health

• Initiate patient-centered conversations about the impact of diet and nutrition that include identifying and implementing strategies that benefit brain health as well as overall health and well-being.

• Assess the quality of individuals’ diets with prompting questions:

– Are you concerned about your diet? – Do you think you get enough fruits and vegetables in your diet? How many servings do you have per day?

Conversations With Older Adults Regarding

DIET & • BRAIN HEALTH

– How many times per week do you eat butter, cheese, red meat, or fried foods? In what quantities? – How many meals per day (or per week) include highly processed foods? Encourage healthful dietary modifications: – Decrease intake of high-fat dairy products (e.g., butter, cheese), red meat, fried foods, and highly processed foods or sweets. – Increase relative intake of leafy green and cruciferous vegetables, berries, beans, high-fiber nuts and whole grains, and non–red meats such as fish or chicken.

• Educate patients about how to incorporate dietary modifications: – Share resources for brain-healthy diets. – Determine underlying motivations as well as potential barriers to dietary modifications.

References 1. Sabbagh MN, Perez A, Holland TM, et al. Primary prevention recommendations to reduce the risk of cognitive decline. Alzheimers Dement. 2022;18(8):1569–1579. doi:10.1002/alz.12535 2. Melzer TM, Manosso LM, Yau SY, et al. In pursuit of healthy aging: effects of nutrition on brain function. Int J Mol Sci. 2021;22(9):5026. doi:10.3390/ijms22095026 3. American Heart Association. What Is the Mediterranean Diet? Last reviewed January 9, 2020. https://www.heart.org/en/healthy-living/healthy-eating/eat-smart/nutrition-basics/mediterranean-diet 4. Morris MC, Tangney CC, Wang Y, et al. MIND diet slows cognitive decline with aging. Alzheimers Dement. 2015;11(9):1015–1022. doi:10.1016/j.jalz.2015.04.011 5. National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. DASH Eating Plan. Last updated December 29, 2021. https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/education/dash-eating-plan 6. Zhang H, Greenwood DC, Risch HA, et al. Meat consumption and risk of incident dementia: cohort study of 493,888 UK Biobank participants. Am J Clin Nutr. 2021;114(1):175–184. doi:10.1093/ajcn/nqab028 7. Wallace TC, Frankenfeld CL, Frei B, et al. Multivitamin/multimineral supplement use is associated with increased micronutrient intakes and biomarkers and decreased prevalence of inadequacies and deficiencies in middle-aged and older adults in the United States. J Nutr Gerontol Geriatr. 2019;38(4):307–328. doi:10.1080/21551197.2019.1656135 8. Baker LD, Manson JE, Rapp SR, et al. Effects of cocoa extract and a multivitamin on cognitive function: a randomized clinical trial. Alzheimers Dement. 2023;19(4):1308–1319. doi:10.1002/alz.12767 9. Vyas CM, Manson JE, Sesso HD, et al. Effect of multivitamin-mineral supplementation versus placebo on cognitive function: results from the clinic subcohort of the COcoa Supplement and Multivitamin Outcomes Study (COSMOS) randomized clinical trial and meta-analysis of 3 cognitive studies within COSMOS. Am J Clin Nutr. 2024;119(3):692–701. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.12.011 10. Yeung LK, Alschuler DM, Wall M, et al. Multivitamin supplementation improves memory in older adults: a randomized clinical trial. Am J Clin Nutr. 2023;118(1):273–282. doi:10.1016/j.ajcnut.2023.05.011

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Securing Safety in the Sand: How I Contributed to Standards for Beach Umbrellas by Joan C. Smith Potomac Grange #1, Washington, D.C. If you are on social media, you may have seen viral posts featuring frightening images of flying beach umbrellas threatening to ruin beachgoers’ fun in the sun. As a Florida resident, I did not need to see the social media posts to know that untethered or poorly-made beach umbrellas are dangerous. That’s one reason why in October 2022, I joined an ASTM International consumer products committee (F15) that was working to develop a standard specification for beach umbrellas and anchor devices. ASTM International (astm.org), a member and audited designator of the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), develops and publishes consensus technical standards for many consumer products.

establish minimum requirements for safely anchoring all beach umbrellas. Participating engineers from the Consumer Product Safety Commission concluded (after extensive testing) that a beach umbrella 7.5 feet in diameter must be secured at the bottom pole with 75 pounds of resistance, or must remain secure in winds up to 30 miles per hour. The standard also addresses minimum requirements for larger umbrella sizes. Manufacturers adhering to the standard must include a compliant anchoring device or recommend one that will make their product safe. Users of beach umbrellas, including commercial entities, will know through labeling if they are using a compliant and safe product. I enjoyed being a part of this standards development process. It’s rewarding to know that by sharing my consumer knowledge and experience with beach umbrellas, I played a part in

Standards for Safety

In July 2024, ASTM introduced the new standard (F3681), which was overseen by ASTM’s market umbrellas subcommittee (F15.79). According to the subcommittee’s chair, Bill Schermerhorn, the standard was several years in the making and seeks to address known hazards posed by detached beach umbrellas. The standard’s intended use is by manufacturers, retailers, safety managers, consumers, and more. As a volunteer standards committee member, I was able to make valuable contributions to the development of this standard—working alongside manufacturers, retailers, and witnesses and survivors of beach umbrella accidents. The specifications of the new ASTM safety standard

improving the safety of the products. I hope to join another standards committee in the future. You can help, too!

ASTM is one of many ANSIaccredited standards developing organizations looking to involve more consumers. I urge all Grangers to get involved in standards development activities that are of interest to you. Be a part of helping to make the world work better, safer, and more effective! If you’re interested, you can learn more though a webinar hosted by the ANSI. Each month, ANSI hosts, along with the Consumer Product Safety Commission Ombudsman, “Consumer Safety Central” to explain the voluntary standards process, and how consumers can make an impact. Register for the November 12 webinar here: http:// grange.biz/ANSI or scan the QR code below. Various standards developing organizations often attend the meeting to talk about opportunities to join one of their committees, and ANSI staff also provide details about new committees that are forming and recruiting consumer members. To learn about the wealth of standards activities, sign up for ANSI’s “Standards Action” newsletter here: https://www. ansi.org/resource-center/ standards-action. Each weekly edition comprises a round-up of the latest information available to help all interested parties get informed and engaged in standards.

Image by DigitalDDay on Pixabay

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Combat the epidemic of loneliness by eating together Courtesy of Family Features According to the U.S. Surgeon General, Americans face a lack of social connection that poses a significant risk to individual health and longevity. “Loneliness and social isolation increase the risk for premature death by 26% and 29%, respectively. More broadly, lacking social connection can increase the risk for premature death as much as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day,” per the report. One way to address this epidemic of loneliness is by sharing a meal with friends and family. Learn five of the specific advantages of family meals identified by the Family Meals Movement and take advantage of these benefits during National Family Meals Month this September by sharing one more meal together each week. Meals Together Foster Togetherness and Connectedness Staying connected can be hard when schedules conflict and life gets busy, but shared meals with friends, family or however you define your family can be the glue that holds people together. Studies demonstrate a positive relationship between family meal frequency and measures of family functioning, which is defined as family connectedness, communication, expressiveness and problem-solving. The key is for family members to engage in conversation with one another during mealtimes and take advantage of the one-on-one time without distractions or interruptions from smartphones or other devices.

Meals Together Strengthen Mental Health An often overlooked benefit of family meals is mental health support. Multiple studies show family meals have long been associated with improving mental health, including reducing symptoms of depression, decreasing violent behavior and lessening thoughts of suicide among youth. Among adolescents, frequent family meals can help mitigate the risks of destructive behaviors by boosting prosocial behaviors and life satisfaction. Data from the FMI Foundation’s “Staying Strong with Family Meals” Barometer shows family meals also help restore a sense of peace, with one-third of survey respondents saying family meals make them feel calm. In short, family meals are a recipe for strengthening emotional well-being among children and adolescents.

Photo courtesy of Shutterstock

Meals Together Improve Nutrition There is one easy way to help ensure your family is eating fruits and vegetables: a family meal. Research shows family meals improve fruit and vegetable consumption. It also pays to start this trend early, with research finding preschool-aged children who eat frequent family meals are more likely to eat more fruits and vegetables. Overall, research indicates

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families who eat together frequently have a better overall healthy diet and lower body mass index. Meals Together Improve Academic Performance Helping students’ academic performance begins around the family dinner table. Eating more meals together as a family is associated with improved overall adolescent health, including higher grades. Multiple studies show students whose families eat together frequently perform better academically in areas such as reading and vocabulary. Research also supports a correlation between frequent family meals lowering incidents of risky and harmful behaviors, including drug and alcohol abuse, which may also contribute to school performance.

Meals Together Teach Civility The family dinner table is a perfect place to show younger generations how to communicate respectfully, according to the Family Meals Barometer summary. In fact, 76% of survey participants agreed family meals are a good opportunity to have and teach respectful interactions while 70% said frequent family meals create a safe environment for families to discuss thornier societal issues. Another 68% affirmed their belief that sitting at a meal together tends to keep conversations more civil. Learn more about the physical, mental and social benefits of family meals at familymealsmovement.org and follow #familymealsmonth and #familymealsmovement on social media.

How to create rain barrels for your garden Courtesy of Family Features Gardeners typically understand plenty of water, good ground and a steady stream of sunshine all play vital roles in the food production process. However, on those hot, dry days when there isn’t any rain in sight, harvesting rain and storing it may be a perfect solution. A tried-and-true gadget like a rain barrel allows for the collection of rainwater from a home’s gutter system for later use. Not only are rain barrels budgetfriendly and good for the environment, they’re also good for your plants and crops. Rainwater is chemical-free, nonchlorinated, naturally soft, oxygen rich and warmer than water coming from the hose or sprinkler. That means flowers, trees, vegetables and shrubs may be more vibrant and hearty when irrigated with rainwater.

Photo via Emily Powers on Unsplash

The nuts and bolts of making a rain barrel are simple. All it takes are three holes cut into a 55-gallon barrel and a few supplies from the hardware store: 1. A small hole is cut into the side of the barrel, just 2 1/2 inches from the bottom. A brass adapter is then inserted so a hose can be attached for easy watering. 2. The second hole allows excess water to drain away if the barrel gets too full. It is made approximately 4 inches from the top of the barrel, directly above the hose adapter.

3. Drill a large hole into the top 2 inches from the side of the barrel. This hole must align with a downspout in your home’s guttering system. It is often fitted with a screen to filter out sticks, leaves and other debris. Instead of a rain barrel, create a simple collection system by placing any recycled, water-tight container directly under a downspout. Buckets, trash cans and large pots make for easy collection containers. Find more solutions for your garden at eLivingtoday.com.

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by discovering, developing and commercializing first-in-class therapies that advance patient care

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Order at www.grangestore.org or call (202) 628-3507 ext. 109

JEWELRY

Vintage Hall Dedication Plaques Designed in 1947, these wooden hand-carved plaques have felt backing. 11.5”x13”, with space to add an engraving for your Grange. Limited number available. Sold as-is. $25 each, including shipping.

1-inch pins! Junior Grange pin - $5 4th Degree pin - $10

Redesigned Silver Star Pin $15 Recognize members who have reached 25 years of continual membership!

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

People, Pride, and Progress

Member recognition pins are

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.

available in 5-year increments from 5 years through 80 years All Past Office (Master, Lecturer, Secretary, and Past Junior Master) pins, and various Degree charms and ties bars are on sale!

Prices vary. Own a part of history

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 Belt Buckle Solid pewter with antique finish, fits most standard belts. Buy 3 or more to receive a discount.

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!

10” Grange Decal Sticker This shiny and reflective sticker is sure to make your display or sign a stand-out! Just $3.50 each

Lapel / Grange Officer sash pins Buy 3 or more for a discounted price. Available: E, F, H, L, M, O, P, S

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Grange Orientation Kit 225-piece kit includes new brochures to help recruit and introduce new and prospective members to the Grange. $30 each, plus shipping.

Urban Agriculture How the “landscape” of agriculture in urban areas is changing and adapting to support a growing population

by Philip Vonada Communications Director

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050 and more than two-thirds of people projected to live in urban areas, the challenge of feeding this growing population in sustainable ways has never been more urgent. Traditional agriculture, which requires vast tracts of arable land, relies on extensive water and chemical inputs and is increasingly vulnerable to climate change. The food system is currently responsible for around a quarter of global greenhouse gas emissions, and industrial farming methods are contributing to biodiversity loss and soil degradation. Urban agriculture is emerging as a powerful solution to some of these challenges. By producing food closer to where it will be consumed, urban agriculture reduces food miles, cuts transportation emissions, minimizes food waste, and increases food security for urban populations. But it is much more than just a way to grow food within city limits. Urban agriculture is a holistic approach to reimagining the food system, making it more localized, resilient, and adaptable to the modern world’s complexities. In this article, we will examine how urban agriculture is transforming to support a rapidly growing population and the ways in which innovative techniques—such as rooftop gardening, vertical farming, aquaponics, and indoor farming—are being employed to overcome the challenges associated with limited land and resources. We will also examine how community gardens and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are fostering local food networks, and we will delve into the rise of the farm-totable movement, where high-end restaurants are redefining the concept of “locally sourced food.” Through these advances, urban agriculture is demonstrating that farming is no longer confined to vast rural fields, but can thrive in cityscapes, backyards, and even indoor spaces.

The Need for Urban Agriculture in a Changing World Population Growth and the Demand for Food By 2050, cities around the world will need to produce 70% more food than they do today. This increase is driven by population growth, changing dietary preferences, and the rise of a global middle class demanding more resourceintensive foods like meat, dairy, and processed products. Meanwhile, the number of farmers is declining, with many

At left: Rooftop garden at The Essex, Manhattan, New York City. Among the plants grown are tomatoes, chili peppers, lettuce, herbs, carrots, and beets.

younger generations choosing other career paths and leaving rural areas. Urban agriculture presents an opportunity to address both the growing demand for food and the declining workforce in rural farming. By integrating food production into cities themselves, urban agriculture brings food sources closer to the point of consumption, reducing reliance on global supply chains that are susceptible to disruptions caused by climate change, pandemics, geopolitical instability, and rising transportation costs. Environmental Sustainability The environmental toll of industrial farming is staggering. Agriculture is responsible for about 70% of the world’s freshwater withdrawals, and much of this water is used inefficiently. Pesticides and fertilizers used in conventional agriculture run off into waterways, contributing to dead zones in oceans and lakes. In addition, conventional farming practices are a leading cause of deforestation, soil erosion, and biodiversity loss. Urban agriculture offers a more sustainable alternative. By using innovative techniques that minimize water use, reduce the need for pesticides, and avoid deforestation, urban farms can provide cities with a local, sustainable source of food that has a much smaller environmental footprint. In fact, urban agriculture has the potential to not only produce food but also improve urban environments by absorbing carbon dioxide, reducing the urban heat island effect, and providing green spaces that promote mental health and well-being. Food Security and Equity: Food insecurity is a growing concern in urban areas. Many cities, especially those in developing countries, face challenges related to poverty, unemployment, and unequal access to nutritious food. Even in wealthy cities, food deserts (areas where access to affordable, healthy food is limited) are persistent problems. Urban agriculture provides a means of addressing food insecurity by empowering communities to produce their own food and fostering food sovereignty. In addition to providing fresh produce, urban agriculture initiatives can be designed to engage marginalized communities and address social inequities. Programs that provide access to community gardens, for example, not only give residents the means to grow their own food but also create opportunities for education, skill-building, and social cohesion.

Photo by Rhododendrites on Wikimedia - CC BY-SA 4.0

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Rooftop Gardening: Unlocking the Potential of Urban Spaces In densely populated urban environments where space is at a premium, rooftop gardening offers a creative and effective solution. Rooftops, which often remain underutilized or ignored, can be transformed into productive green spaces that contribute to the city’s food supply while providing environmental and social benefits. Rooftop gardens have existed in some form for centuries, but recent technological advancements, coupled with a renewed interest in urban agriculture, have led to a surge in rooftop farming projects around the world. From small-scale personal gardens to commercial ventures, these projects are taking advantage of the otherwise wasted space that rooftops provide. Agritecture, based in New York City, is a leader in urban rooftop farming and a key player in advancing sustainable agriculture in urban environments. Their approach goes beyond just building rooftop farms— they offer consulting services that help businesses and municipalities design, plan, and implement urban agriculture projects tailored to their specific needs. With a focus on food resilience and sustainability, Agritecture uses a combination of traditional gardening techniques and modern agricultural technology to transform underutilized rooftops into thriving green spaces that produce fresh, local food. One of the cutting-edge aspects of Agritecture’s work is their integration of advanced farming technologies. They employ vertical farming systems, hydroponics, and precision agriculture to maximize yield on limited rooftop space. These innovations allow for year-round farming in environments

A rooftop farm in New York City highlights how consumers are converting previously unusable spaces into green spaces. Photo licensed through AdobeStock

that would otherwise be challenging for agriculture. Agritecture’s use of data analytics and internet-connected systems also helps optimize growing conditions, ensuring efficient use of water, energy, and nutrients. This datadriven approach not only increases productivity but also helps reduce the environmental impact of urban farming. Agritecture also emphasizes the social and environmental benefits of urban rooftop gardening. Their projects help cities combat food insecurity, reduce the urban heat island effect, and improve air quality. Additionally, they focus on educating the public, offering workshops and seminars to teach city residents about sustainable food production and urban farming techniques. By working with developers, architects, and urban planners, Agritecture is helping to shape a future where urban agriculture is an integral part of city living, contributing to both food systems and environmental health. Environmental Benefits of Rooftop Gardens Beyond food production, rooftop

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gardens offer a variety of environmental benefits that make cities more livable and resilient to climate change. These include: 1. Temperature Regulation: Rooftop gardens help to reduce the urban heat island effect, where cities become significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas due to the abundance of concrete, asphalt, and other heat-absorbing materials. By adding vegetation to rooftops, the surface temperature is lowered, which in turn cools the building and reduces the need for air conditioning, leading to energy savings. 2. Stormwater Management: Green roofs act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and reducing runoff. In cities where heavy rain can overwhelm drainage systems and lead to flooding, rooftop gardens can play an important role in managing stormwater. 3. Biodiversity Enhancement: Rooftop gardens create habitats for pollinators, birds, and other wildlife, enhancing biodiversity in urban areas. They can also be designed with native plants that promote the conservation of local species.

Technological Innovations in Rooftop Gardening As rooftop gardening gains popularity, innovations in technology are making it easier and more efficient. Lightweight growing media, such as engineered soils or hydroponic substrates, reduce the structural load on buildings while providing the necessary nutrients for plants. Smart irrigation systems that use sensors to monitor soil moisture and automatically adjust watering schedules are also becoming more common, ensuring that water is used efficiently. One more recent development in rooftop farming is the use of solar panels in conjunction with gardens. Solar panels can provide the energy needed to power water pumps, lighting, and other systems, while also shading the plants and reducing water evaporation. This symbiotic relationship between solar energy and agriculture is known as agrivoltaics, and it has the potential to revolutionize how we think about energy production and food growth in urban environments.

Vertical Farming: Revolutionizing Food Production in Cities In response to the limited availability of land in urban areas, vertical farming has emerged as a transformative approach to food production. By growing crops in vertically stacked layers, often inside controlled environments, vertical farming maximizes the use of space and allows food to be grown in urban centers where land is scarce and expensive. Vertical farming typically takes place in indoor environments, such as repurposed warehouses, shipping containers, or purpose-built facilities. Crops are grown in stacked layers using either hydroponics (grown in nutrient-dense water solutions), aeroponics (grown in open air), or aquaponics (grown in water with fish - read on), systems that do not rely on soil and instead use nutrient-rich water or mist to provide plants with the resources they need to grow. LED lights provide the energy for photosynthesis, allowing crops to grow year-round regardless of external weather conditions. Advantages of Vertical Farming The benefits of vertical farming are numerous, making it an attractive solution for food production in urban environments: 1. Space Efficiency: Vertical farming allows for significantly higher yields per square foot

compared to traditional farming. Because crops are grown in stacked layers, vertical farms can produce the same amount of food as a large plot of land while occupying a much smaller footprint. 2. Water Conservation: Vertical farms use up to 95% less water than conventional farming due to the closed-loop nature of the hydroponic or aeroponic systems. Water is recirculated, reducing waste and making vertical farming a more sustainable option in regions where water is scarce. 3. Reduced Transportation Emissions: By locating farms within or near cities, vertical farming reduces the need to transport food over long distances, thereby cutting down on the carbon emissions associated with traditional food supply chains. 4. Pesticide-Free: The controlled environment of a vertical farm minimizes the risk of pests and diseases, eliminating the need for pesticides or herbicides. This allows for the production of cleaner, healthier crops. 5. Climate Independence: Vertical farms are not subject to the same environmental variables as traditional farms. They are unaffected by droughts, floods, or temperature extremes, making them more resilient to the impacts of climate change. The rise of vertical farming has been accompanied by a wave of technological innovations that are making these systems more efficient, productive, and scalable. LED Lighting Technology: One of the biggest advancements in vertical farming has been the development of energy-efficient LED lights that can be fine-tuned to

Disney’s horticulturalists experiment with new and cutting-edge growing technology. In the “Living for the Land” attraction at EPCOT, they showcase many of their advances, including this section on vertical farming. Photo by Michael Rivera, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

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provide plants with the specific wavelengths of light they need for photosynthesis. By optimizing light exposure, vertical farms can speed up plant growth while using less energy. In some cases, LEDs are programmed to change light intensity and spectrum depending on the growth stage of the plant, further enhancing efficiency. Automation and AI: Many vertical farms are now incorporating automation and artificial intelligence (AI) to streamline operations and maximize productivity. Sensors monitor temperature, humidity, light levels, and nutrient concentrations in real-time, while AI algorithms analyze this data to optimize growing conditions. Robotic systems are also being used for tasks such as planting, harvesting, and packaging, reducing labor costs and increasing precision. AeroFarms, based in New Jersey, is one of the leading vertical farming companies and a prime example of how technology is reshaping the field. Their aeroponic growing system uses a fine mist to deliver nutrients to plant roots, allowing for 390 times greater productivity per square foot compared to traditional farming. The farm’s operations are fully automated, with AI guiding every step of the growing process to ensure optimal conditions for each crop.

Aquaponics: A Closed-Loop Sustainable Ecosystem Aquaponics combines two food production systems— aquaculture (raising fish) and hydroponics (growing plants without soil)—to create a sustainable, closed-loop ecosystem where both plants and fish thrive. In this system, the waste produced by the fish provides nutrients for the plants, while the plants filter and clean the water for the fish, creating a symbiotic relationship that minimizes waste and maximizes efficiency. In an aquaponic system, water from the fish tanks, which contains nutrients from fish waste, is pumped into plant beds where the plants absorb the nutrients. The clean, filtered water is then recirculated back into the fish tanks. This process mimics natural ecosystems, where waste is never wasted but is instead repurposed as a resource. Aquaponic systems can be set up in a variety of environments, including greenhouses, warehouses, and backyards. They can be designed to be as small or as large as needed, making them a flexible option for both commercial-scale operations and personal gardens. Advantages of Aquaponics Aquaponics is one of the most resource-efficient methods of food production available today. Its advantages include:

Oko Farms in Brooklyn, New York, uses floating beds overtop active fish ponds to simultaneously raise fish and produce in their aquaponic farm. Photo courtesy of Oko Farms

1. Water Conservation: Aquaponics uses up to 90% less water than traditional soil-based farming. Because the water is continuously recirculated, very little is lost to evaporation, and there is no need for irrigation. 2. Waste Reduction: In traditional aquaculture systems, fish waste can accumulate and become harmful to the fish, requiring regular cleaning of the tanks and disposal of the waste. In aquaponics, this waste is used as a valuable nutrient source for the plants, turning a problem into a solution. 3. Organic Food Production: Aquaponics systems are typically free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides. The symbiotic nature of the system promotes natural pest control, and the fish provide all the nutrients the plants need. As a result, the produce grown in aquaponic systems is often certified organic. 4. Dual Food Production: Aquaponics allows for the simultaneous production of both fish and plants, providing two sources of food from the same system. This makes aquaponics an attractive option for communities that want to increase their food security by diversifying their food sources. Challenges and Innovations in Aquaponics Despite its many advantages, aquaponics is not without its challenges. Maintaining the delicate balance between

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fish health and plant growth requires careful monitoring of water quality, nutrient levels, and pH levels. Fish require specific water temperatures, while plants may need different conditions to thrive, creating a need for precise control of the environment. However, advancements in water filtration technology, automated monitoring systems, and biosecurity measures are making aquaponics more accessible and easier to manage. For instance, sensors that monitor water temperature, oxygen levels, and pH can now be integrated with mobile apps, allowing farmers to track their system’s health in real-time and make adjustments as needed. Aquaponics is being adopted in urban areas around the world to produce food sustainably and efficiently. One notable example, Growing Power based in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, was a nonprofit organization that closed in 2017 due to funding issues. Growing Power’s urban farm featured a large aquaponics system that raised tilapia and perch alongside a variety of vegetables. The farm supplied fresh fish and produce to local communities, reducing reliance on imported food and providing an educational space for urban residents to learn about sustainable agriculture. Another example is Oko Farms, a Brooklyn, New Yorkbased startup that uses aquaponics to grow vegetables, herbs, fruits, medicinal plants and flowers that demonstrate the range of plants capable of growing in an aquaponics system. Their fish include fish include mirror carp, catfish, goldfish, koi, bluegill, crawfish and freshwater prawns. Oko Farms uses “low-tech, easily adaptable and accessible growing techniques” rooted in the practice of symbiosis.

The benefits of community gardens go beyond food production. They create spaces for social interaction, provide educational opportunities, and promote mental and physical well-being. Research has shown that community gardens can reduce stress, increase physical activity, and foster a sense of belonging among participants. Community Gardens as a Solution to Food Deserts One of the key contributions of community gardens is their ability to address the issue of food deserts—areas in urban environments where access to affordable, healthy food is limited. These gardens provide fresh produce to neighborhoods that may otherwise rely on convenience stores or fast food for their nutritional needs. In cities like Detroit, where many residents live in food deserts, community gardens have become a lifeline. The Detroit Black Community Food Sovereignty Network (DBCFSN) manages several community gardens and a large urban farm, providing fresh produce to local residents and empowering them to take control of their food system through self-reliance. These efforts are helping to reduce

Community Gardens and CSA Programs: Reconnecting Urban Residents with Food While high-tech approaches like vertical farming and aquaponics are reshaping urban agriculture, community gardens and Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programs are equally important in transforming the way urban residents interact with food. These initiatives promote local food production, foster community engagement, and provide access to fresh, healthy produce for people who may not otherwise have it. The Role of Community Gardens Community gardens are shared plots of land where individuals or groups can grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They are often established in vacant lots, parks, or other underutilized urban spaces, and are managed by local organizations, schools, or municipalities.

DBCFSN Education/Outreach Director, Mama Hanifa Adjuman introduced vermicomposting to young people at the Detroit Food Common’s groundbreaking in 2022. Photo courtesy of DBCFSN

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food insecurity, improve health outcomes, and build stronger, more resilient communities. DBCSFN goes beyond the farm, by offering educational programs for the community - particularly youth, opportunities for community involvement and volunteerism, and informing the public of the benefits of urban agriculture. The Growth of CSA Programs Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) is another model that is gaining popularity in urban areas. In a CSA program, consumers purchase shares of a farm’s harvest in advance and receive a regular supply of fresh, seasonal produce throughout the growing season. This arrangement benefits both farmers and consumers: farmers receive upfront capital to fund their operations, while consumers gain access to high-quality, locally grown food. CSAs are often associated with rural farms, but they are increasingly being adopted by urban farmers and rooftop gardeners. By connecting urban residents directly with the people who grow their food, CSAs help to strengthen local food systems and reduce the environmental impact of transporting food over long distances. In some cities, CSA programs are even being integrated into affordable housing developments, ensuring that lowincome residents have access to fresh, healthy food. These programs are making it possible for urban dwellers to enjoy the benefits of locally grown produce, even if they don’t have the space or time to grow it themselves.

The Farm-to-Table Movement As urban agriculture continues to evolve, it is also reshaping the restaurant industry. The farm-to-table movement, which emphasizes sourcing local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients, has gained traction in high-end restaurants. Chefs are increasingly partnering with urban farms, CSAs, and community gardens to bring fresh, hyper-local produce to their menus. This movement has its roots in the countercultural food movements of the 1960s and 1970s, which rejected industrialized agriculture in favor of organic, locally sourced ingredients. Today, the movement has grown into a mainstream trend, with many restaurants proudly showcasing their relationships with local farmers and producers. In urban areas, farm-to-table restaurants are thriving. Cities like New York, San Francisco, and London are home to a growing number of establishments that prioritize sustainability and seasonality. These restaurants often work directly with urban farms and rooftop gardens, reducing their carbon footprint and supporting local food systems. Urban Farms as Restaurant Suppliers Urban farms, particularly those located on rooftops or in vertical farming facilities, are increasingly supplying restaurants with fresh, high-quality produce. This hyperlocal sourcing ensures that ingredients are harvested at peak ripeness and delivered to the restaurant within hours, resulting in dishes that are fresher and more flavorful than

SingleThread Farms in Dry Creek Valley, California, offers nearby urban centers the chance to get on the farm, and have a farmto-table experience in wine country. Photo courtesy of SingleThread Farms

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those made with ingredients sourced from far away. Some restaurants have even taken the farm-to-table concept to the next level by growing their own produce on-site. Blue Hill in New York, for example, collaborates with local farms and operates its own urban gardens to supply its kitchen. This approach not only guarantees a steady supply of fresh ingredients but also allows chefs to experiment with unusual crops and heirloom varieties that are difficult to find through traditional suppliers. In the middle of California’s Sonoma wine country, SingleThread in Healdsburg brings a 3-Michelin Star experience in upscale farm-to-table dining. Their 24-acre farm is located in Dry Creek Valley, where they work to practice responsible land management and increase the biodiversity of the area. In addition to supporting the restaurant, they offer a CSA program and educational programs for the public. Reducing Waste and Supporting Sustainability Farm-to-table restaurants are also leading the charge when it comes to reducing food waste. By working closely with farmers, chefs can plan their menus around what is in season and available, minimizing the amount of food that goes to waste. Many restaurants are also embracing noseto-tail cooking, using every part of an animal to create dishes, and repurposing food scraps to make stocks, sauces, and compost. Indoor Farming: Growing Without Fields As cities continue to grow and urban space becomes increasingly limited, indoor farming is emerging as a key player in the future of urban agriculture. Indoor farms take advantage of advanced technology

A robotic arm tends operates in a high-tech vertical hydroponic indoor farm. These are used to rotate the crops, plant seedlings, and can also fix problems within the farm, as AI and automation help some indoor farms produce about 400 times more food per acre than a traditional farm. Photo by Dabarti, licensed through AdobeStock

to grow crops in climate-controlled environments, often without soil or natural sunlight. Indoor farming offers several advantages over traditional farming methods, especially in urban environments: 1. Year-Round Production: Indoor farms can operate 365 days a year, regardless of external weather conditions. This allows for a consistent and reliable supply of fresh produce, even during winter months or in regions with harsh climates. 2. Pesticide-Free Production: Because indoor farms are isolated from the outdoors, they are less susceptible to pests and diseases. This means that crops can be grown without the need for chemical pesticides, resulting in cleaner, healthier food. 3. Space Efficiency: Indoor farming allows for high-density growing in small spaces, making it ideal for cities where land is expensive and scarce.

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4. Water Efficiency: Many indoor farms use hydroponic or aeroponic systems that recirculate water, reducing waste and conserving resources. Innovations in Indoor Farming Technology Advancements in technology are driving the growth of indoor farming, making it more efficient and accessible. LED lighting, for example, has become more affordable and energy-efficient, allowing indoor farms to simulate natural sunlight while minimizing energy use. These lights can be programmed to provide the optimal spectrum of light for different stages of plant growth, maximizing productivity. Automation is also playing a key role in indoor farming. Sensors and AI-driven systems can monitor temperature, humidity, and nutrient levels in real-time, ensuring that plants receive the ideal growing conditions. Robotics are being used for tasks such

as planting, harvesting, and packaging, reducing the need for manual labor and increasing precision. Companies like Plenty, AeroFarms, and Bowery Farming are leading the way in indoor farming innovation. These companies are using vertical farming techniques and AI to grow leafy greens, herbs, and other crops in controlled indoor environments. Their farms are located in urban centers, reducing the need for transportation and ensuring that fresh produce is available to local communities yearround. Plenty, for example, operates indoor vertical farms in repurposed warehouses, producing 350 times more food per square foot than traditional farming. Their use of automation and data-driven insights allows them to optimize every aspect of the growing process, from light exposure to nutrient delivery.

What’s The Future of Urban Agriculture Urban agriculture is transforming how cities approach food production. From rooftop gardens and vertical farms to aquaponics systems and community gardens, innovative techniques are making it possible to grow food in the heart of urban environments. These advancements are helping to address the challenges of population growth,

climate change, and resource scarcity while promoting environmental sustainability, food security, and social equity. As technology continues to evolve and cities become more invested in local food systems, urban agriculture will play an increasingly important role in the future of food production. By integrating food production into the fabric of cities, urban agriculture can help build resilient, sustainable, and self-sufficient urban environments. Whether it’s through high-tech indoor farms or communitydriven garden projects, the future of farming is no longer confined to rural areas—it’s thriving in the heart of the city. It is unlikely that urban agriculture, indoor farming, aquaponics, AI and automation, or other advances will ever replace the true human touch of traditional farming. However, giving urban populations the chance to “get their hands dirty” in community farms, educational programs about food sourcing, and the opportunity to enhance and increase the kinds and amount of food grown to meet the demands of a growing global population are all reasons that urban agriculture isn’t likely to go away any time soon. Necessity breeds innovation, and maybe it’s time to give innovation a little more love, too.

The Chicago skyline rises behind a traditional farm, just outside the city limits. Urban and rural farmers must learn to work with one another in order to meet the demands of a rapidly growing population. Photo licensed through AdobeStock

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LILLY FOR BETTER

LIVES

Our work extends beyond the medicines we create. Together, we’re working to improve health and access to life-saving medicines in our local communities and around the globe. Through partnerships and our signature volunteer programs, we aim to identify and promote successful solutions to health issues that can be scaled and replicated to make life better for people here at home and around the world. Learn more about our commitment to local communities and people everywhere at lilly.com.

Life’s Too Long Not to Belong The National Grange and Grouper have partnered to reward eligible members for staying socially active!

GRANGE MEMBERS 65+ WITH AN ELIGIBLE MEDICARE ADVANTAGE OR SUPPLEMENT PLAN RECEIVE: $50 check from Grouper $20 wellness payments every 3 months for staying active Does your health plan include Grouper? Please visit:

hellogrouper.com/grange Checking eligibility for Grouper is easy and only requires your health plan name and your age.

GROUPER IS PROUD TO BE INCLUDED IN:

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Preventing Volunteer Burnout in the Grange: A Path to Sustainable Service By Amanda Brozana National Grange Membership & Leadership Development Director

• Reduced Performance: Often the productivity of individuals suffering from burnout drops and they feel ineffective in their roles. • Physical Symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, or sleep disturbances can also manifest as a result of chronic stress.

Volunteerism is the lifeblood of the Grange, however, like many volunteer-driven groups, we face the challenge of burnout among our members. Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged involvement in emotionally demanding situations, and if left unaddressed, it can undermine the long-term success of the Grange at all levels. Understanding the causes and symptoms of burnout is the first step toward preventing it and ensuring a thriving membership. Causes and Symptoms of Volunteer Burnout Burnout occurs when individuals become overwhelmed by their commitments, leading to a gradual decline in motivation, energy, and emotional resilience. The causes of burnout among Grange members can vary but typically include: • Overcommitment: Taking on too many responsibilities without sufficient time or assistance. • Lack of Recognition: Members may feel underappreciated or unrecognized for their efforts, which diminishes their motivation and satisfaction. • Unclear Expectations: A lack of direction or support in their roles can leave members feeling lost or frustrated, contributing to burnout. This is especially true with new members or with individuals entering an office for a first time. • Emotional Drain: In some Granges, negativity is palpable or personal conflicts are a source of stress for members, either or both of which can cause significant emotional stress and drain. The symptoms of burnout are often gradual but can have profound effects on both the individual and the organization. Common signs include: • Emotional Exhaustion: Feeling drained, mentally fatigued, and unable to cope with even small tasks. • Decreased Engagement: Members may lose interest in the work and fellowship they once enjoyed, becoming indifferent or detached.

Burnout is a state of emotional, physical and mental exhaustion that can undermine the long-term success of any organization. Editorial image via AdobeStock

Preventing or Reversing Burnout Preventing burnout starts with fostering a strong, supportive community where members feel connected and valued. The Grange has a long tradition of promoting social interaction, and strengthening this sense of belonging can be vital to sustaining motivation. Regular social gatherings that focus on relationship-building, rather than just meetings and project work, can help build fraternal bonds and a shared sense of purpose among members. Creating spaces for open dialogue is also key. When members have the opportunity to express their challenges and successes, they feel heard and supported. Regular check-ins with members, especially those new to the organization, to discuss their experiences can help identify early signs of burnout and allow leaders or mentors to take positive steps before issues escalate. A significant factor in member satisfaction is feeling appreciated. Recognition plays a crucial role in preventing

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burnout. Regularly showing gratitude not only uplifts individuals but also strengthens the culture of appreciation within the organization. Each and every Grange should work to find ways to honor their members, and not just reserve special moments of thanks and praise for those who have hit milestone member anniversaries. Take a personalized approach by learning what individual members’ motivations are for being part of the Grange and celebrating their unique contributions. This can help to deepen the sense of belonging and pride in their membership. Public acknowledgment during meetings for things like deep cleaning the kitchen or bringing another member to the meeting are all effective in helping to make members feel special and reduce burnout. Many new members especially become burned out when they feel unprepared or unsupported in their general membership or in leadership roles. Some of this is due to the unique culture, jargon, history and traditions of the Grange that are many and sometimes complicated to understand

quickly. Make sure your Grange is providing new members and individuals in new offices with knowledgeable, positive mentors who can guide, train and encourage. Be sure your Grange also has copies of up-to-date resources such as the Sneak Peek brochure and Grange and You booklet for new members and the Guidelines for Grange Leaders book for new officers as well as anything your state might have created. Also encourage them to attend things such as the National Grange Zoom meetings, regional conferences and the National Grange convention to increase their understanding and passion for Grange. Ultimately, guided introduction to Grange culture and proper training for the roles members take on ensures they have the knowledge and confidence to perform their tasks effectively, which will reduce stress and frustration. Don’t forget to communicate expectations clearly. Members should have a solid understanding of their responsibilities and be given the tools they need to succeed. When

Finding ways to appreciate and educate members, including listening to their ideas and suggestions, can help keep them happy and engaged as volunteers. Editorial image via AdobeStock

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members know what is expected and feel competent in their roles, they are more likely to remain engaged and enthusiastic. A strong sense of purpose is a powerful antidote to burnout. People often join the Grange because they are passionate about the work being done to improve the community, to gather with friends and other like-minded individuals to have fun and build their own social network, and because of our history as an advocate for rural and agricultural issues. Keeping that passion alive requires us to make sure we are including each of these elements in the member experience. Do meaningful acts of service and ask new or less engaged members to help in the planning and execution thereof. Plan fun activities and social outings and encourage connections beyond the Grange hall doors or meeting nights. Find out what your members want to learn more about or are passionate about, such as agriculture or rural issues, and have meaningful programs and educational opportunities available for them to learn and grow. It’s every member’s responsibility to encourage a positive and civil atmosphere in the Grange and to ensure all have a voice in decisionmaking processes. This is not only a central tenet of Grange, it can enhance members’ connections to the organization. When members feel that their opinions matter and that they are contributing to the direction of the Grange, they are more invested in the outcomes. Ensuring the well-being of our members is essential not only to preventing burnout but also to sustaining your Grange’s role in your community and the strength of the Grange as a whole when advocating for and serving rural communities across America.

Honoring THE BUILDERS OF OUR

L egacy

MEMBERSHIP ANNIVERSARIES 85 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

80 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP

Ohio • Aileen Hiltner, Morgan #829

New Hampshire • Alphonse Talbot, Crown Point #65 Ohio • Maynard Mead, Jefferson #1311

75 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP Maine • Arthur Elvin, Winthrop #209 • Leslie Gilman, Winthrop #209 • Harolyn Prescott, Winthrop #209

Oregon • Kathleen Milan, Winona #271 Rhode Island • Elizabeth Renfrew, Perryville #14

New Hampshire • Betty Anderson, Crown Point #65 • Richard Harding, Crown Point #65 Ohio • David Blough, Jefferson #1311 • Bobby D. Davis, Ewing #2082 • Betty McDonald, Monroe-Dan Emmett #847 • Beverly Mead, Jefferson #1311 • Kenny Rheinscheld, Ewing #2082 • Arlene Schnebly, Monroe-Dan Emmett #847 • Joan Smock, Jefferson #1311 • Helen Swartz, Hemlock #2049 • Shirley Thomas, Little Muskingum #2621 • Ida Zeppernick, Mile Branch #933

Anniversaries listed on these pages are collected from certificates requested by local and State Granges. If you want to ensure your members are recognized for their continued service, you can send in their anniversaries to Philip Vonada at pvonada@nationalgrange.org. We also highly suggest that local Granges request anniversary certificates, Silver Star and Golden Sheaf recognitions, or commendation letters from the National Grange. If you have questions about how to do so, contact Loretta Washington at lwashington@nationalgrange.org or by phone at (202) 628-3507 x109.

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50 YEARS CONTINUOUS MEMBERSHIP California • Martha Karstens, Big Sur #742

Ohio •

Margaret Parker, Hemlock #2049

Connecticut • Marie Kitch, Winchester #74 • Charles Nash, Winchester #74 • Ellen Pettit, Winchester #74 • Nancy L. Swanson, Hemlock #182 • Linda Youmatz, Winchester #74

•

Joan White, Painter Creek #1293

Oregon •

Linda Markham, Marys River #685

Texas

Maine • Heather Brigham, Winthrop #209 • Arthur Wells, Winthrop #09

•

Karen Pfeiffer Miller, Kreutzberg #1655

•

Jay Pfeiffer, Kreutzberg #1655

Washington •

Deanna J. Ashmon, Haynie #169

New Hampshire • Leroy Watson, Walpole #125

•

Hal Bellerud, McLane #383

•

Charles Dare, Patit Valley #1039

New York • Kenneth Chatterton, South Rutland Valley #53 • Valerie Phelps, South Rutland Valley #53 • Lynden VanLure, Eureka #46

•

Brent Francisco, Haynie #169

•

Colleen Graham, Patit Valley #1039

•

Diana Isackson, Happy Valley #322

•

Todd Scholz, North and South Palouse #1004

Welcome New Members TO THE Grange Family Ada #570 (OR) Jayden Pendelton Steve Saubert Sue Saubert

Ausable Valley #973 (NY) Nancy Gucker Birdsall Noel G. Cacchio Greg Zais

Adirondack #530 (NY) Dixie Dickinson

Avon #125 (MT) 1 Junior member

Adna #417 (WA) Deanna Hamilton Diane Ivie Jason Slape Donald Watt Shari Watt

Barlow Gate #157 (OR) Brian Manning Nace Michell Renee Raschke

Alexander #304 (ME) Ashleigh Pylea Amesville #798 (OH) Jessica Burns Matthew Burns Rylan Burns Animas Valley #194 (CO) Susan Cornwell Yun Doyle Ellen Muekerman Antrim #98 (NH) Fiona McKinney

Baw Faw #34 (WA) William McKinney Beaver Valley #306 (OR) Richard Brown Michael Riley Bethlehem #137 (NY) Tina M. Blaisdell Brianna Catrini Jessica Flach Bernard Sisson Paula Sisson Marcia Zorn Big Knob #2008 (PA) Joy Doyle Evan Kinzler Heather Kinzler

Bridge #730 (OR) Elizabeth Bell

Cambridge Valley #582 (ME) Gail Watson

Brogden #967 (NC) Kristen Beaman Bradley Bradshaw Heather Bradshaw Sandra Howell

Camden #687 (WA) Sam Flatter Janet Tachell

Brunswick #1337 (NY) Ann Byrnes Paul H. Mayo Buell #637 (OR) Travis Don Kim Fuller Milissa Secrist Angel Wescott Burns #160 (MI) Doris Buehrer Burnt Tree #957 (VA) Janet Lohr Smith Cache La Poudre #456 (CO) Jacob Raid Camas Valley #521 (OR) Dan Casteel Camas Valley #842 (WA) Alycen Smith

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Canusarago #27 (PA) Michele Webster Cedar Valley #306 (WA) Grace Maria Synthicity Omega Centre Hill #885 (PA) Aaron Cole, Jr. Chelsea #215 (ME) Nichole Brackett Robert Godbout Chepachet #38 (RI) Susan Lahey William Lahey Chester Valley #1496 (PA) Melissa Harrop Clarkes #261 (OR) Laurie Kojin And 2 Junior members

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Coalinga #779 (CA) Iris Apple David Huttenlocker Vanessa Huttenlocker Maria Jones Ashley Kahikeina Banjamin Kahikeina Banjamin Kahikeina III Dawn Kahikeina Cameren Martin Eric Martin Logen Martin Mallory Martin Carol Morrow Robert Morrow Bobbi Selliers Brian Selliers Samantha Selliers Michael Spradling And 5 Junior members Coburg/West Point #535 (OR) Kathleen Konyn Collinsville #2264 (OH) Mary Brooks Terry Brooks Colon #215 (MI) Mariah Janse Colonel Harper #1508 (NY) Donald Champlin Amber Champlin Dorota Paczkowski Jaiden Stoesser Gavin Walsh Columbia #267 (OR) Cecelia Glese Maddy Miller Jeanie Stein Jim Stein Community #593 (ME) Colleen Kelley Copake #935 (NY) Peter Kelly Jacob Nyman Fran Sobel Alan Wanzenberg Taryn Zarillo Crescent #136 (CO) Elizabeth Mays Creswell #496 (OR) Courtney Finstad Candis Gallop Jan Hines Mario Hines Colby Reed Suzanne Sciaretta

Jannie Lynn Scott Phil Sincerbox

Forest Grove #282 (OR) 4 Junior members

Divide #142 (MT) Kevin Lynch

Fredonia #1713 (MI) Jan Boynton Lora Finch Ted Finch Jim Thrush

Eagle Creek #297 (OR) Valerie Brence Julie Dykes Eagle Point #664 (OR) Emanuel Alvarez Vernita McCoy Emerald Northrup Jadyn Northrup Tayler Northrup Eastside #109 (MT) 3 Junior members Elk Plain #782 (WA) Michael Byus Peggy Byus Ellery #353 (NY) Victoria Rice Samantha Rice Isabella Rice Elizabethown #2076 (PA) Daniel Polizzi Enterprise #48 (ME) Evelyn Dean Erika Randall William Stinson-Barone Enterprise #489 (OR) Elizabeth Raymond Mason Raymond Fairview #342 (ME) Avis Bradford Mike Bushey Amy Chadbourne Fargher Lake #853 (WA) Keegan Alley Taylor Allen Parker Baker Connor Davis Kent Nelson Jenn Walsh Joe Walsh And 15 Junior members Ferguson #809 (NC) Margo Foster Anne Mitchell Garrett Mitchell Kendall Mitchell

Fruitland #999 (WA) Charrie Hayward Ginger Wheeler Golden Gate #451 (CO) Robert Buck Gary Fisher Valerie Lebeau John Lueckj Ed Tillbury Ed (Benjamin) Tillbury Erin Tillbury Goodwill #959 (VA) Connie Bloss Rose Knudde Rusty McPherson Judy Seay Jonathan Stamper Jovi Stamper Michelle Stamper Granite #192 (ME) Sandra Otis Anderson Tony Tripp Grantham #968 (NC) Chad Davis Leigh Davis Lynn Hill Garrett Hood Hannah Hood Sharon Lee Joanna Whitfield Gratiot #1898 (MI) Cora Zsigray Green Bluff #300 (WA) Carmen Spottsa And 1 Junior member Greenfield #579 (OR) Charlutte Drobny Hamptonburgh #950 (NY) Lauren Berroa Abraham Lozano Harding #122 (OR) Reece Elledge Harmony #1201 (PA) Andrew Leamer

Fernwood #770 (OR) Sauros Gibson Forest #853 (PA) Katherine “Lynn” Daniels

Harveys-Aleppo #1444 (PA) Veronica Lasko

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

Coalinga #779 (CA) Manton #732 (CA) Walton Junior #701 (NY)

Hoosick #1127 (NY) Peyton Meyers Hope #155 (WA) Christel Fields Hope #269 (OR) Erick Taylor Huntoon Hill #398 (ME) Cheryl Baker Hurricane Creek #608 (OR) Miachel Coyle Brandon Shultz Karen Sternadel Irving #377 (OR) Jodi Anderson Deborah Coulthard Gail Greenleaf Charles S. Ross Jeferson #1384 (PA) Reagan McCulloch JoCo #1304 (NC) Eve Barkley Matt Barkley Caroline Boyette Mitch Boyette Debby Brown Heidi Chriscoe Chris Coates CoCo Daughtry Karen Davis Joseph Gregory Kevin Hardison Taylor Hill Kendall Hocutt Ivey Johnson Payton Lane Derrick Lewis Bryant Spivey Grace Spivey

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Karen Spivey Katie Spivey Greg Walker Terry Washam Nicole Youngblood And 2 Junior members Jonesboro #357 (ME) Carolyn Hendricks Stephen J. Smith Junction City #744 (OR) Debbra Anderson Wade Anderson Daniel Chase William Chase Mackenzie Church Randi Church Steven Church Kevin Crowson Rebecca Crowson Amy Hulan Mark Sigel Kendrew #891 (NY) Russ Biczo Patty Biczo Kettle River #1120 (WA) Luciana DiMartino And 3 Junior Members Keystone #2 (PA) Matilda Fisher Kickemuit-Portsmouth #24 (RI) Kathleen Jackson Kinton #562 (OR) Leyla Guthrie Amy Reza Lamson #588 (NY) Susan Culbertson Matthew Haughton Ashley Haughton Shelbie Haughton Matthew A. Haughton Reeves Farms* London #937 (OR) Richard Mosier Long Beach #667 (WA) Regina Bailey Daniel Dunbar Debbie Graham Natalie Hanson Deb Howard Dale Jacobson Jacki Jacobson Sharon Koskela Robin Libby Misty Martin

Ramona Russum-Martin Sheryl Shields Jennifer Stout Sue Svendsen Carol Trekas Jonas Trekas Shawn Wiggins Lorane #54 (OR) Tamela Osweld Jess Pryce Lowell #745 (OR) Elizabeth Annis Jerry Valencia Gaye Weaver Manor #1101 (WA) Joy Tindall Manson #796 (WA) Kaya Banghart John Hei And 4 Junior members Manton #732 (CA) Donna Boots Fred Boots Alyssa Byers Kirk Byers Susan Carrier Thomas Carrier Zeke Carrier Heather Freeman John Freeman Jen Hiller Trey Hiller Pete Kampmann Sandra Kampmann Gary Lawless, Jr. Gary Mott Laura Mott BettyKay Pilcher Ken Pilcher John Povey Patty Povey Cathy Sawyer Hal Sawyer Jeremy Ramos Judy Ramos Linda Strawn Michelle Strawn Robert Strawn Patrick Young Bree Zimmerman Garrett Zimmerman Kay Zimmerman Kurt Zimmerman And 1 Junior member Maple Leaf #940 (MI) Connie Fisher

Marcellus #464 (NY) Michael Foster, Sr.

Milton #685 (NY) Jason Poirier

Marion #276 (WA) Joanie Davey Christopher Hurst Joshua Jackson Josie Jackson Lisa Jackson Michael Jackson Sandra Parker And 1 Junior member

Mingo #1084 (NC) Jamie Ennie

Marys River #685 (OR) Sarah Coulter Mitchell Reyna Evans John Hudspeth Karen Hudspeth Jesse Mitchell Matlock #357 (WA) Raini Fogel Diane Harvey Walt Harvey Aric Irin Steve Jesse Tina Jesse Arne Swenson Suzy Swenson Mayfield #683 (NY) Grace E. Seavers McIntosh #1001 (WA) Seth Baker Addison Bowen Brady Bowen Jackson Hegney Madeline Morin Michael Warnecke McLane #383 (WA) Bonnie Miller Dan Miller McMinnville #31 (OR) Lee Borgaes Joanne Endresen Meridian #265 (WA) Marge Alex Middletown #684 (PA) Brett Gawronski Donna Schechler Diane Wong Mile Branch #933 (OH) Denise Aeling Mill Stream #574 (ME) Allison Allen Paula Hanley

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Mohawk-Mckenzie #747 (OR) Danika Cook Cynthia St. Claire Morning Star #311 (OR) Desra R. Larkins Mossyrock #355 (WA) Maya Hankins Mount Allison #308 (CO) Brent Foster Mount Hope #902 (NY) Stephen Powers Lowell Teller Mount Lookout #339 (CO) Faye Funke Buja Roane Kelsey Woodsen-Dinnel Mount Pleasant #349 (NY) Kent Dristle* Mountain Valley #79 (WA) Nancy Amstad-Hite Barbara Carson Karl Hartmut Luther Johnson Joy Tindall Multnomah #71 (OR) Beny Westberry New Bridge #789 (OR) Bill Melnikoff Dan Mitchell New Market #362 (MD) Jason Kipe Mary Kipe North Barton #45 (NY) John Gennarino North Bayside #691 (OR) Kristi Iveans North Carolina State Grange Jackie Beam* Dale Monks* Kim Starnes* North Cameron #355 (NY) Vickie McKlevis North Creek Valley #769 (WA) Scott Gueller Orsolya Nance Adrian Parker Susan Ryder

NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Nyah #133 (MT) Rumi Cometti John Dellino Robert Dobroviny Mary Famisara Hanna Fleming Linney Gibson Kelly Hegg Megan Holman Nick Malinak Cyrus Malinak-Green Hank Malinak-Green Lisa Parker Eveline Pratt Nisca Warthen Tootie Welker

Phoenix #779 (OR) Amy Koener Pikes Peak #163 (CO) Diane Roth Jeffrey Roth Pleasant #1615 (OH) Darlene Wolfinger Pleasant Grove #475 (OR) Gary Remington Gwen Remington Dallas Sullivan Liz Sullivan Plumsteadville #1738 (PA) Rachel Bouc Katilyn Jackson David Zappichi Louann Zappichi

Oakview #311 (WA) Steven Craig Oliver #1069 (PA) Joseph Phillips Lori Phillips

Port Matilda #1284 (PA) Christina Stine Rainbow #527 (WV) Cody Andrews Shelby McGuire Julie Oliver Aaron Shehan Courtney Simon Joshua Sparks

Ontelaunee #1617 (PA) Larry Bentz Allison Harmuth Kim Harmuth Christopher Rios Heather Rios Skylar Weddle

Oxford Community #526 (WV) Debbie Cartwright Stephanie Foster Trey Satow And 1 Junior member Penns Valley #158 (PA) Elizabeth Brown Holly Ishler Devan Stoner Lillian Woodring Pembroke #111 (NH) Penny Batchelder

Riverdale Rural #868 (CA) Kristen Samaniego Riversdale #731 (OR) Michael Sorace Tammie Woodrall Rocky Mountain #116 (MT) Kyle Barber John Boik Rod Daniel Dominic Fahrenkopf Matt Galiher Andreas Herrmann Mrs Herrmann Ryan Holmes Johanna Kesterson Heather Mullee Jamie Ogden Karla Wiencek Mike Weicek Rome #226 (WA) Heidi Ausfahl Tamara Cooper Tracy Webster

Redland #796 (OR) James Davis Lorraine Gray-Davis

Oroville #985 (WA) Colette Biele John Biele David Sykes

Rickreall #671 (OR) Deb Bittiek Rebecca Graham Al Perez Cindy Perez Liz Wallas

Rose Valley #953 (WA) Adin Jabusch Catherin Jabusch

Rexville #815 (WA) John Black John Christianson Toni Christianson Mary Hedlin Ollie Iverson Audrey Gravely Jeanne Kleyn David Montague Debra Montague Martha Pease Kathleen Willins Carol Yaw

Roseville #1290 (PA) Patreen Raybuck Leah Wolfe Row River #835 (OR) Alexandra Kaul Kellen Lignier Mary Beth Lowrey Timothy Lowrey Pearl Powell William Powell Shelby Roudy Rachael Wolfe

Roy #702 (WA) Monica Allen Paul Antista Carissa Cobb Sara Kildall Carlindo Noyes Molly Noyes And 1 Junior member Russellville #91 (PA) Sarah Scharf Saco #53 (ME) Steven Berru Salisbury Center #624 (NY) Janet Barlow Richard Foster Valerie Foster Karen Muncey Jean Stack Salmon River #516 (OR) Mike Haft Arthur McMaster Rachelle McMaster Rose McMaster San Juan Island #966 (WA) Jill Akins Shauna Barrows Mary Brooke-Barger Katlyn Heck Sam Leigh Leslie Neal Nicolas Rassat Craig R. Smith Brent Snow Sanatoga #25 (PA) Delia Vey Sauvies Island #840 (OR) Judith Chambers Barbara Steif Scrubgrass #1705 (PA) Dish Ulrich Pat Ulrich Selah Heights #608 (WA) Rebecca Brown

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: NOVEMBER 30, 2024

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NEW MEMBERS (CONT’D)

Sequim Prairie #1108 (WA) Debbie Crist Stephanie Dickinson Cindy Reandeau Ashley Taylor Myles Taylor Zachary Taylor And 2 Junior members Shenango Township #2057 (PA) Lilly Berberick Shermanata #1796 (PA) Steven Wentzel Silverdale #879 (WA) Tabatha Graham Skamokawa #425 (WA) Holly Storer Skyline #894 (OR) Laura Helzer Eliot Michael Janet Michael Bruce Patterson Jana Patterson Andre Perra Suzanne Perra Jennifer Worth And 1 Junior member Smith Valley #130 (MT) Kurtis Jarvis South Fork #520 (WV) Robert Curtis Carmine Perine Emma Perine Kimberly Perine South Union #860 (WA) 2 Junior members Spencer Creek #855 (OR) Patricia Gaber Joy Shonfeld Rich Shonfeld St. George #421 (ME) Everett Allen Sarah Allen Elijah Lembo St. Johns #729 (NC) Angie Hahn Jason Hahn Brandi Hagler Jonathan Hagler Kara Lentz And 1 Junior member Stelvideo #295 (OH) 1 Junior member

Sunnyside #129 (WA) Abby Walker Mary Walker Summit #432 (OR) Nicole Padilla Susquehanna Valley #1552 (NY) Samuella Caldwell John Flinn Swauk Teanaway #984 (WA) Dan Martin Marian Martin Mackenzie Morris Tyler Morris The Agate #275 (WA) Richard Wilson Thurman #1416 (OH) Susan Foster Thurston #853 (OR) Coree Johnson Alic Lovern Topsham #37 (ME) Denise Weaver Emily Weaver Trenton #550 (ME) Kristin Farley Bing Miller George Rossi Turbett #781 (PA) Diana Zimmerman Tunk Valley #1019 (WA) Kellie Artunet Twisp Valley #482 (WA) Kirsten-Marie Kirby Jared Wunsch Union #152 (PA) Cindy Faux Irene Warner James Warner Unity #1710 (PA) Matthew Marzani Virginville #1832 (PA) Emma Seidel Walton Junior #701 (NY) 11 Junior members Warner #117 (OR) Marguerite Baker Darleen Fawver Jerry Fawver Brian Keil Kristen Moore

Nancy Palma Reinaldo Palma Kaylani Prieto Jesus G. Prieto C. Alamia Salmon Quentania Salmon Taurica Salmon Warren #536 (OR) Mary Jane Dupuis Maple Yamahna Waterford #231 (OH) Linda Montgomery Wayne #262 (OH) Tim Keller WCC Grange #1303 (NC) Molly Baldwin Kenlee Benton Brandon Black Frank Blevins Nicolette Byers Trace Chathon Hannah Cheek Cheyenne Childers Zach Ferguson Tanya Fox Zoey Fox Emma Goodman Daniel Handy Mallorie Hemric Peyton Jennings Savanna Jennings Rachel Johnson Sawyer Johnson Rebecca Morrison Abby Mullins Lane Nichels Olivia Rhudy Epiphany Roten Amber Russ Jake Shoemaker Kaitlyn Shumate Madison Starnes Tristan Talley Gauge Walker Zeke Wiggins

Western Star #309 (OR) Tavie Brown Bob Fisher Kathleen Holton Jerry Maymo April Michalski Derek Michalski Terri O’Dell Meagan Pimm Stan Taylor Eve West Westside #854 (OR) Danny Dransfeldt Rebecca Lucas Steve Yates Wicwas Lake #292 (NH) George Biette, Jr. Sandra Green Nancy Wells Whitepine #102 (MT) Diane Hanna Rod Knutson Shelle Knutson Shirley Newby Willamette #52 (OR) Finnegan Belknap Tamara Belknap Sydney Bennett Cat Buoncore Flicker & Fir, LLC* Jay Hansen Grady Klein Williams #399 (OR) Kristopher Dubenic Josephine Co. Food Bank* Yorktown #862 (NY) Victoria Perrotta Diana Quast Nicholas Quast Walter Quast

Wesley #1675 (PA) Haley Bosch Tiffany Bosch Ariana Deal Alexandra Dick Maricuz Dick Dylan McFadden Colton Ritchey

* Denotes Associate Member

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CONNECTING AMERICA’S HEARTLAND “Blackfoot is standing by our long-held commitment to connectivity by embarking on a multi-year, multi-million dollar network upgrade project to bring fiber to homes and businesses across thousands of square miles of Western Montana and Eastern Idaho.” – JASON WILLIAMS, CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER, BLACKFOOT COMMUNICATIONS

n 1954, a group of ranchers, small business owners, and community leaders near Clinton, Montana came together with a goal to better connect their communities. They each pitched in $50 and formed Blackfoot Telephone Cooperative, named after the Blackfoot River that runs through the heart of Western Montana. That’s how Blackfoot Communications began. Today, more than 65 years later, that cooperative heritage remains core to the company’s values. As Chief Executive Officer of Blackfoot Communications, and Chair of the USTelecom Leadership Committee, Jason Williams is building on that legacy and leading from the front. Blackfoot is standing by their long-held commitment to connectivity by embarking on a multi-year, multi-million dollar network upgrade project to bring fiber to homes and businesses

across thousands of square miles of Western Montana and Eastern Idaho. Jason and his team have already deployed hundreds of miles of fiber to deliver faster and more reliable high-speed internet. Headquartered in Missoula, Montana, Blackfoot Communications’ mission is to connect people, businesses and communities. Thank you, Jason, and all of our nation’s broadband providers, for connecting America’s heartland to today’s opportunities and tomorrow’s dreams. Learn more about Blackfoot Communications at blackfootcommunications.com.

GRANGE ADVOCACY ADVERTORIAL

USTelecom.org

Back-to-School Health Tips for a Successful School Year Courtesy of StatePoint

A new school year brings with it fresh opportunity, excitement, and, sometimes, anxiety for parents and students. Medical experts say that addressing healthrelated issues can help make for a stress-free back-to-school season. “Opening the lines of communication with your child and their physician to talk about nutrition, physical activity, and the steps you can take together to have a healthy and rewarding school year can help ease some of those backto-school jitters you may be feeling,” says Bruce A. Scott, MD, president of the American Medical Association (AMA). For a healthy and successful school year, follow these doctor-approved tips from the AMA: Annual physicals. Visit your child’s physician every year. Annual physicals are critical to ensuring children are growing and developing properly. Talk to your child’s pediatrician about vaccines. For the U.S. population in 2019, childhood vaccines prevented more than 24 million illnesses. Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives. Routine childhood immunization is highly effective at preventing disease over a lifetime, reducing the incidence of all targeted diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio and varicella (chickenpox). And if your child turns 11 or 12 this year, it’s time to get the HPV vaccine, which protects against the HPV virus – a virus linked to six types of cancer.

Be smart about sunscreen. From gym class and school sports to recess and waiting for the school bus, kids of all ages spend a good portion of their day outside. It’s important to take steps to protect your child from damaging UV rays. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and apply it before sending your kids to school. And as you’re shopping for back-to-school apparel, look for UV protective clothes. Exercise is key. Children need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, so check their schedule to make sure they’re getting enough physical activity. Strive to build time for bike riding or walking as a family into the end of each day. Talk to your children about e-cigarettes and other tobacco products. Make your children aware of the dangers of tobacco products and talk to them about how to resist peer pressure. From 2022 to 2023, the number of middle school-aged children using tobacco products overall increased by nearly 50%, with e-cigarettes being the most commonly used product. With a focus on good health, wellness and nutrition, you can help prepare your child for a healthy and happy school year and a lifetime of good health.

Be conscientious about what your child eats at school. Healthy students are better learners. School meals should include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you pack your child’s lunch and snacks, try to pack at least two-thirds of their meal with plant-based foods. Strive to include lean protein, or plant-based protein, and avoid processed meats and sugary drinks like soda and juice. Photo Courtesy of Inside Creative House / iStock via Getty Images

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Junior Grange Our States: Iowa Associated with The United States Passport #39 What is the postal abbreviation for Iowa? _______ On what date did Iowa receive statehood? ________________________ What is the State Capitol? _________________________ The biggest city in the state is _____________________________. What is the population of the state? _________________ How many square miles is Iowa? _____________ What is the state motto? ___________________________________________ State’s official Animal? _______________________ State’s official Flower?_____________________ What U.S. President was born in Iowa (and what number was this president)? ______________________________ # ______ How many counties does Iowa have?________________________ What county in Iowa manufacturers campers and motorhomes called Winnebagos?____________ Who was Iowa’s oldest Governor?____________________________ What is the name of the home of the world’s largest strawberry?__________________________ Who are the two U.S. Senators from Iowa? _______________________ (party: ________) _______________________(party: ________) Provide a name of one U.S. Representative from Iowa? ________________________ (party: ________) Iowa produces how much of our nation’s food supply?_____________________ What is Iowa’s oldest city? _____________________ Who is the current State Grange Lecturer of Iowa?_____________________________

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Leadership Team reflects on year The National Grange Junior & Youth Leadership Team

and Ashley Holloman (NC), National Grange Outstanding

has spent the last 11 months serving as representatives for

Young Patron. As they are about to pass on their titles in

Grangers nationwide. They have been able to advocate for

Bettendorf this November, we asked them to answer a few

the Grange on Capitol Hill in DC, at state, regional, and national events, and have also had a good bit of fun while at it!

questions about their time on the team and their hopes for the future. Congratulations

The team is comprised of Gayle Reyburn (PA), National

all

four

for

being

fantastic

Junior Grange Ambassador; Asheton Medlin (NC) and

representatives on behalf of Junior Grangers and Grange

Garrett Phelps (NY), National Grange Youth Ambassadors;

Youth & Young Adults across the country.

Gayle Reyburn, Junior Ambassador

Age: 15

School: Oxford Area High School (Sophomore) Grange: Russellville Junior Grange #550, Pennsylvania Hometown: Homeville, PA What was your favorite part of being on the Leadership Team: Travelling and promoting Grange at events. How do you want to be remembered by other youth members? Kind and helpful. What are your wishes for the next Leadership Team? To have a great time promoting the Grange and enjoy every moment of the year because it will fly by. What are your future goals in the Grange? To continue to stay active, promote Grange, and get others to join. What office would you love to hold someday? I’d like to hold any office, but Chaplain, Ceres, and LAS are my favorites. What is your favorite aspect of the Grange? The friendships you gain and the experiences you get.

Asheton Medlin, Youth Ambassador Age: 21 School: University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill; Biology major Grange: Bushy Fork #1073, North Carolina Hometown: Roxboro, NC What was your favorite part of being on the Leadership Team: Working with my team and traveling DC with them! How do you want to be remembered by other youth members? Being outgoing and helpful. What are your wishes for the next Leadership Team? To travel and lead at different Granges throughout the country! What are your future goals in the Grange? I want to help out in my state Youth program in the future. What office would you love to hold someday? Lecturer! What is your favorite aspect of the Grange? The people.

Garrett Phelps, Youth Ambassador

Age: 18

School: State University of New York Morrisville; Agricultural Business major

Grange: South Rutland Valley Grange #53 & Oxford Grange #894, New York Hometown: Copenhagen, NY

What was your favorite part of being on the Leadership Team: Being able to talk with the youth members as well as being able to see what they do differently than what NY does. What are your future goals in the Grange? My future goals in the Grange are be a youth officer, participate in the SHIPmate program, and one day in the distant future, I would like to be NYS Grange Vice President with my father being State President. What office would you love to hold someday? “The person shouldn’t seek the officer because the office will seek them.” - John Valentine, past High Priest What is your favorite aspect of the Grange? My favorite aspect if the Grange is the affilliate Grange program because it can allow you to learn outside of your county or subordinate. It can also allow you to have a Grange while at college.

Ashley Holloman, Young Patron Age: 33 Occupation: Agricultural Education Teacher Grange: Southern Wake Grange #1295, North Carolina Hometown: Goldsboro, NC What was your favorite part of being on the Leadership Team: Embracing the new vision “Grange Strong” and making a difference. This year has been a year of working to make Grange Stronger. I think that my favorite part of this team was not only making a positive impact on my Grange community, but working towards what Grange Youth would look like in the future. How do you want to be remembered by other youth members? I want to be remembered as someone who led with kindness, integrity, and a genuine passion for making a difference. While also encouraging everyone to reach their full potential and helping them to grow as an individual. What are your wishes for the next Leadership Team? My wish for the next leadership team is that they continue to make positive contributions to the Grange community and grow. They are driven by creativity, unity and growth. I hope they handle challenges with grace and remain adaptable to change. What are your future goals in the Grange? My future goals in the Grange are to continue growing as a leader and advocate for rural and agricultural communities. I hope to take on more responsibilities, helping to develop programs that support youth involvement, agricultural education, and community service in my community. Ultimately, I want to ensure that the Grange remains a thriving and dynamic organization for years to come. What office would you love to hold someday? This year I have grown in my relationship with God and have gained a deeper understanding of faith and its importance in my life. This growth has helped me develop a new sense of purpose and perspective. I have found value in the power of prayer, reflection, and spiritual connection. I now recognize how essential it is to lean on God during both challenging and joyful times. This renewed faith has inspired me to serve others with compassion by uplifting others, offering a listening ear and sharing words of hope. So I think one day I would like to serve as Chaplain, just not next year. What is your favorite aspect of the Grange? My favorite aspect of the Grange is the friendships I have gained and the community I have. The way Grange brings together people, committed to agriculture, service, and supporting one another is truly remarkable and it has always been one of my favorite things about Grange.

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Two Rural-Serving Organizations to Join Forces By Chea Parton Founder, Literacy in Place and Reading Rural YAL

On August 3rd of this year, The Assembly on Rural Language and Literacy Education (TRAELLE - pronounced “trail”), an assembly of The National Council of Teachers of English announced that they will be joining forces with the Whippoorwill Book Award for Rural Young Adult and Middle Grade Literature. As the chair of TRAELLE and co-chair of the Whippoorwill Award, I’m really excited about this! TRAELLE was recently established to support and advocate for students in rural English Language Arts classrooms. According to our mission statement, the purpose of TRAELLE is to “provide a forum for ongoing and sustained discussion among all individuals who share a professional commitment to rural students, teachers, issues, and academic materials that pertain to the teaching of English Literacy and Language Arts at all levels of instruction. TRAELLE is committed to including rural issues of geospatial equity related to all intersectional identities (i.e., BIPOC, queer, workingclass rural folks) and rural texts in English studies and English language arts classrooms; fostering research and scholarship; addressing urbanormativity and metrocentrism in academic and school settings; acknowledging and supporting the unique needs of rural students and teachers; and broadening cultural diversity through more inclusive understandings of geospatial difference.” It is a perfect home for the Whippoorwill Award whose mission is “to advocate for books that portray the complexity of rural living by dispelling stereotypes and demonstrating diversity among rural people.” Previously, the Whippoorwill has been awarded to up to ten rural books. However, the selection committee has decided that it will now follow the pattern of other book awards. Each award cycle, there will be one winner selected and up to nine honor books. The committee will also announce a “long list” of books that are being considered for the award and honors. Award winners will be announced in November at the TRAELLE business meeting during NCTE’s annual conference. If you’re a rural English teacher, I highly recommend attending. Nora Shalaway Carpenter (Rural Voices, Fault Lines) will be speaking at the inaugural event. There is more to come about how these two ruralsupporting organizations will come together to champion rural reading, educators, and rural students. For now, I wanted to share the wonderful rural books that made it onto this year’s long list. There are many different

rural locations and cultures represented here–different class positions, identities, and experiences. I highly encourage you to pick one (or all) of them up as soon as you can!

The Whippoorwill Long List

Fire from the Sky by Moa Backe Åstote Gather by Kenneth M. Cadow Dragging Mason County by Curtis Campbell Fault Lines by Nora Shalaway Carpenter Gay Poems for Red States by Willie Edward Taylor Carver, Jr. Those Pink Mountain Nights by Jen Ferguson Once in a Blue Moon by Sharon G. Flake Rez Ball by Byron Graves The Storyteller by Brandon Hobson A Long Stretch of Bad Days by Mindy McGinnis Northranger by Rey Terciero and Bre Indigo Saints of the Household by Ari Tison Where You Left Us by Rhiannon Wilde

The Whippoorwill Long List includes thirteen books for young adults that feature rural places and identities. Pick these up at your local book store or library! Graphic provided

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AGRITOURISM FEATURE

Mid-Atlantic offers tasty and fun agritourism stops By Elizabeth Hiner

Disclaimer: All of the locations and attractions written

Senior Communication Fellow

about in this column are open at the time of print. I have noticed recently that due to COVID and its repercussions,

We continue our agritourism trip of the country and are off to our next five states – Washington, D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and New York. The warm weather of the summer months translates into good harvests of tomatoes, peppers, and squash crops, and you can get a variety of green and root vegetables and brassicas (which could be any one of the thirty-seven species of flowering plants in the mustard family or members of the cabbage family). These are some of the most nutritious vegetables you can eat and include turnips, rutabaga, radishes, wasabi & horseradish, kohlrabi, kale, cabbage, bok choy, collard greens, watercress, arugula, mustard greens, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. You can almost make a really good dinner salad with these veggies; you just need a little bit of meat and some really good cheese. We will start this trip in the heart of the country, in Washington, D.C., where I found the Common Good City Farm. This farm is a place where the community can come together to source fresh food and see how a sustainable urban farm operates. They grow about 6,000 pounds of food yearly to share with the community. They also offer several different programs throughout the year, like the LEAF Program offered on Thursdays, Sundays on the farm, and Tuesdays and Wednesdays in the youth garden. Part of the curriculum is cooking

some of the places previously suggested may no longer be in operation. As a rule of thumb, please verify before you plan your vacation around one of these activities.

- the last few classes made granola bars, arugula pesto crostini, and mint lemonade, to name a few. There is no advanced registration, but you must enroll online. Some of their other programs include communitysupported agriculture (CSAs), a small enterprise program, and hosting monthly community events. They also have volunteer opportunities. Since January 2007, Common Good has provided over 10 tons of fresh produce to the community, engaged over 2,700 adults and 4,500 young people in educational programs, and hosted over 3,000 volunteers. Maryland is our next state on the agritourism trail. The top crops in this state are corn and wheat for grains, soybeans, sweet corn, and watermelon, with the typical livestock thrown in, cows, pigs, and chickens. Our trip to Maryland will be along the Ice Cream Trail (who doesn’t like ice cream?), which encompasses visiting several dairies across the entire state, from Assateague in the southeast to Big Pool in the northwest. Along the way, you may find your favorite. 2024 kicked off with several new additions to the trail, with a total of eleven stops and one “bonus” stop. Of the twelve dairies listed below, Moo Cow Dairy is the bonus - but you can go in any order. At each stop, if you posted a picture to Facebook or Instagram, you were entered to win an ice cream cone. This prize is given out weekly. Just what we all need: an ice cream cone that is not really that bad for our waistlines! This year also added new partnership Located in the Le Droit Park neighborhood of Washington, D.C., Common Good City Farm is a with AllTrails and the open to visitors Tuesday through Sunday afternoons, and also accepts volunteers. Photo via commongoodcityfarm.org Department of Natural

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Resources, opening hiking trails near each location. Stop at each of the twelve trailheads, take a picture, and post it to social media to receive an extra entry. If you visited all the dairies by September 10th and submitted your photos, you were entered to win some excellent prizes. While it’s too late for 2024, there is always next year, as this has been an annual tradition for the last few years. So, check it out for a tasty summer adventure! The dairies along the trail include: Broom’s Bloom Dairy, the Chesapeake Dairy, the Deliteful Dairy, the Happy Cow Creamery, Keyes Creamery, Lockbriar Farms, Misty Meadows Farm Creamery, Moo Cow Creamery at Walnut Ridge Farm, Prigel Family Creamery, Rocky Point Creamery, South Mountain Creamery, and Woodbourne Creamery. You can find the address to each dairy at https://marylandsbest.maryland.gov/24239-2. Now that we have had our fill of ice cream (good wasn’t it?), we are off to Delaware.

So, if you need a pumpkin, here is one option, as they have been offering pick-your-own pumpkins since 1990. They also grow feed corn and hay for livestock. The best times to visit are Friday afternoons and on the weekend, and in October, they are open into the weekend evenings. While there, be sure to check out the ten-acre corn maze. The Coverdale Farm Preserve in Greenville is our next stop. This is a 377-acre farm with 200 acres used as a nature preserve and the remaining acreage being used for farming. They practice regenerative agriculture methods, that restore and replenish the natural resources of the earth. This farm hosts hayrides, offers culinary classes and nature hikes with expert naturalists, and is an event venue. Through the spring, summer, and fall, The Market at Coverdale is full of artisanal “carefully selected ‘full-diet’” favorites from the local foodshed. These include dairy, honey, meat, baked goods, and more. Each November, the farm also has a turkey sale, so if you want a fresh turkey for Thanksgiving, check them out. Next, we will visit two Christmas tree farms. The first is Coleman’s Christmas Tree Farm, located about 40 minutes south of Wilmington in Middletown. The farm hosts a gift shop selling ornaments and gift ideas. It is open starting November 19th for Christmas tree hunters to find that perfect tree for Christmas. In addition to Christmas trees, they also have u-pick pumpkins and evening bonfires and hayrides in the fall

The 2024 corn maze at Ramey’s Farm in Wilmington, Delaware is in homage to the sunflowers also grown on the farm. Photo via Ramsey’s Farm on Facebook

Delaware boasts 2,302 farms, of which 193 offer direct sales or Agritourism. Of those, seventeen offer agritourism spots and sixteen offer both direct sales and an agritourism stop, according to the Delaware Agritourism Trail. It looks like we are on a “trail” kick this trip! Of the many farms on the trail, we’ll highlight five farms around the Wilmington area. The farms are quite diverse, with two Christmas tree farms, a pick-your-own farm, an event farm, and a creamery. Check out the trail in the links at the end of the article. Ramsey’s Farm is our first stop on the trail. Established in 1860, it is part of the First State National Historic Park. The farm grows popcorn, ornamental corn, gourds, pumpkins, and lots of pumpkins - over 50,000 each year.

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The Blacksmith Shoppe at McCarthy Tree farm is a working forge. Artisans there work the metal into creations including horseshoes, decorations, fire pits, and more. Photo via McCarthy Tree Farm

The second stop is McCarthy Tree Farm, also in Middletown. Here, they offer you a chance to sip hot cider

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and listen to Christmas music. They also host a gift shoppe, where you can find wreaths, ornaments, and pottery, and a working blacksmith shop. You can choose a tree (Fraser Fir, Canaan Fir, Douglas Fir, or White Pine) and cut it yourself, or they sometimes offer pre-cut trees. They are only open Thanksgiving weekend (November 26-27) and the first weekend in December. McCarthy Tree Farm is also home to the Ballroom at Windsor, a popular wedding venue. Originally on a 302-acre dairy farm, the property has been divided into smaller lots, one of Falabella ponies, among the smallest of horse breeds, are raised and perform at which included the home, on the National the Land of Little Horses in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Historic Register, and the tree farm. Photo courtesy of the Land of Little Horses Our final stop in Delaware the Woodside Farm Creamery; I thought you is an Amish Farm Tour, where you can meet the animals might need another ice cream cone… I sure do! This is one of the most popular stops along the and enjoy activities catered to your group and age. You trail, located in Hockessin, near the Pennsylvania border. get to experience life on the farm with activities ranging Woodside has been a full-working dairy since 1796, now from milking cows to gathering eggs while learning about producing thirty flavors of ice cream, the king of the Amish culture and farming. The added bonus is a hayride creamery. They are open year-round and offer a variety around the property. This tour can be adapted into a of events, including telescope viewing parties from April private tour offering a bit more about the way of life on the farm. through October, arts and craft shows, and more. The Amish Fall Farmhouse Experience might be a fun Welcome to Pennsylvania, where our first stop will be the Old Windmill Farm, an authentic Amish farm in Ronks, tour to try out. Besides enjoying the fall fun on the farm, Lancaster County’s “Amish country.” The family runs this you can learn to make butter and press cider, help with the bread baking. After that you can join the family for farm as a way to feed their family and the community. There are four tours to choose from, which can take food and a chat with the family They also offer tours for larger groups (15+). All the about an hour and a half, depending on the tour. The first tours need to be booked online, with the fall experience only being available from September to November Now, we are off to the Land of Little Horses. This farm was established in 1971 by two merchant marines. While traveling together in 1970, they met the Falabella family in Argentina. The family had learned to breed standardsized horses into miniature horses. Our two merchant marines fell in love with the miniatures and imported twenty-five of them back to Gettysburg. In 1971, they opened the 100-acre Gettysburg Miniature Horse Farm on the current site of Land of Little Horses. The farm also became the original United States Registry for Falabella miniature horses. Over the past 52 years, the farm has consistently operated, even through five different owners and a name change. One of the early presentations was a little horse named Kristina, dubbed the horse with the human brain. She had an amazing ability to do math, tapping out her An Amish boy milks a cow at Old Windmill Farm in Lancaster answers with her hoof. For her talent, she was featured County, Pennsylvania. Photo courtesy of Old Windmill Farm on “Those Amazing Animals” TV show. Over the years,

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the owners have discovered which horses have this talent and keep the hallmark presentation available at the park. The farm offers a park with several attractions featuring exotic animals, such as African tortoises and a Zebu, along with a zebra, camel, and others. In addition, they have your standard farm animals, including pigs, which have their own colosseum where they race each other. Pick your favorite and cheer it to victory. Take a minute to check out the gift shop and the café. While we are in Gettysburg and visiting agritourism trails, we are going to check out the Wine and Fruit Trail, which includes wineries, orchard markets that carry fresh fruit in season, and Christmas tree farms. This trail gives you the opportunity to explore the area around Gettysburg while visiting the Gettysburg National Military Park or the Eisenhower National Historic Sites. Get a little history with your wine and fruit. A few of the wineries in and around Gettysburg include the Buddy Boy Winery, Adams County Winery, Houser Estate, and Halbrendt’s Vineyard and Winery. The main fruits are apples, peaches, and cherries. Of the many orchards in the area, let’s look at a couple. The first is Copper Kettle Farms, which offers workshops on small game butchering, herbalism (including herbal medicine), soil building, and small acreage homesteading. Visitors are welcome to pick up eggs at any time. They raise chickens, rabbits, and goats, as well as grow their own herbs, spices, and vegetables year-round. The farm is expanding its shop in a new location and branching out to sell plant starts such as elderberry, tomato, squash, lilac bushes and raspberries. The second is the Historic Round Barn & Farm Market, just eight miles west of Gettysburg. Built in 1914,

The Historic Round Barn & Farm Market is located in one of the few round barns remaining in the United States, located just outside of Gettysburg, PA. Photo via Round Barn Farm

the barn is one of the few remaining truly round barns that have survived to today, which is itself a reason to check out this farm, as a round barn is truly a rare find. They host weddings and events in a unique venue. From their orchard, you will find a variety of fruits and vegetables in the farm store. There are over thirty varieties of apples - sweet, cook sour, and best of both categories. You will also find twenty types of peaches (yellow and white), along with nectarines, apricots, my favorite, and many more fruits. For the veggie lover, they also grow asparagus, tomatoes, peppers, pumpkins, and more. The Round Barn also offers a farm market that includes some Pennsylvania Dutch-style baked goods and small-batch products. The Gettysburg Tree Farm also known as Breighner Tree Farm is a landscaping business that also raises and sells Christmas Trees. They sell nine varieties of trees that range in height from ten to twenty-five feet depending on the type of tree. Here are their varieties: Concolor, Frazier Fir, Douglas Fir, Normandy Fir, White Pine, Scotch Pine, Blue Spruce, Serbian Spruce, Norway Spruce, and Balsam Fir. Prices start at $100 for

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5–6-foot trees, and some trees can be sold up to 20 feet tall. They also sell a variety of fruit and deciduous trees. Our next stop is in New Jersey - but don’t pass up any gems you might find along the way. You find the coolest things when you aren’t really looking for them. I would love to visit Bobolink Dairy and Bakehouse in Milford, should I ever be lucky enough to get that direction. The cheese-making classes sound like fun, and so do the breadmaking classes. I used to make fairly good bread before I had to go gluten-free, so lessons with heritage grains like they offer might work for me. Besides taking classes, they offer tours and music festivals four times a year. Classes for the next year are posted in mid-November. Their mission is to create foods that nourish people in harmony with nature. To that end, they use their own products using methods that mirror how things were done over two hundred years ago. They meld new and old to help usher in a healthy and vibrant future while looking to heal the missteps of the more recent past. This is one way to promote sustainability.

at no charge (tips Please check out the are appreciated), Semper Fi Fund. The unless they are holding a special Gooserock Farm family event that will received some benevolence incur a cover from this fund when their charge. Marine son was injured in the Our final stop War in Afghanistan in 2011. in New Jersey is The Semper Fi Fund supports Gooserock Farm in veterans by “helping them Montville. Sitting on the shores of live full and independent Gooserock Pond, lives after sustaining lifeit is a haven for changing injuries or critical wildlife and is illnesses.” Hidden Springs Lavender and Alpaca Farm grows and processes home to migrating lavender for a variety of products, including their Buena Bears (inset). Canadian Geese. Photo via Hidden Springs Lavender & Alpacas They sometimes nest on the large rock in Our next stop is to the Hidden Springs Lavender and the middle of the pond. Alpaca Farm in Skillman. The owner of this farm first While Gooserock Farm started planting lavender about 16 years ago, which is doesn’t offer tours, they now flourishing with over fifteen varieties to suit most do have a farm store called everyone’s taste. Lavender blooms from mid-June to the Honey House, where mid-July typically. Their products are made from 100% they sell honey products pure lavender oil. from their two apiaries. Their Buena Bears, a soft plushie named after the The honey is from a variety of flowers which produce an lavender that is used to fill their belly, is among the items abundance of nectar. They also get nectar flows from in their shoppe, along with sachets, eye, neck, and dream black locust, clover, autumn olive and many more. Due pillows, and essential oils, and you can find gift baskets, to the nectar and pollen producing plants are similar wreaths, and much more. While at the farm, check out the throughout northern New Jersey, their honey is generally alpacas. You can get up close and personal for walking considered to be local for New Jersey north of the Raritan (reservation needed) and feeding. The farm is open daily River. Our final state on this trip is New York, with our first stop at the Stone and Thistle Farm in East Meredith. This farm offers the most variety of options for agritourism, including farm stays in an 1863 Greek Revival farmhouse, or if you prefer, you can stay in the Farmland Cabin. You could also bring a tent or have one provided for a fee. There is a guided tour option where guests can lend a hand with the chores, which, depending on the season, may include collecting eggs, bottle-feeding kid goats milking goats, watering the other farm animals, and/or moving the herd. Check the website for tours and chores. You can also turn your stay into a culinary vacation by adding Field and Kitchen workshops. These workshops cover five topics: 1) the Some of the honey at Gooserock Farm is unique because this part of Tabletop Tour of regional wine and cheese, the apiary sits along a grove of black locust trees, producing a pale, where you can explore local and New York delicately flavored honey. Photo courtesy of Gooserock Farms

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regional wines and cheeses while discovering their history, production, and taste; 2) Meet the Meat Pie, on how to make three different old fashioned meat pies; 3) Cooking with the “Budget Cuts” of meat, learning how to cook lesser meats using Dutch ovens, crock pots, instant pots, and other slow cooking methods; 4) Sausage Making, where you can learn to make three different, authentic sausages to take home; and 5) Cooking with Preserved Foods, where you will make a gourmet lunch using the items from the canning cupboards at the farm. Next, on to the Cazenovia Beverage Trail, which is on the eastern shores of the Enjoy some winter festivities by taking a lantern-lit horse-drawn sleigh Cazenovia Lake in the rolling hills. This is home ride at Lake Clear Lodge. to crafters of wine, hard cider, and beer. You Photo via Hohmeyer’s Lake Clear Lodge & Resorts on Facebook are invited to sip and savor some of the finest libations within a ten-mile radius. The crafters have collaborated to share their bounty with welcome back to the roaring twenties. local residents and visitors alike. The core members The Lake Clear Lodge & Resort is an original Adirondack include the Harvest Moon Cidery at Critz Farms, Owera “Great Camp,” which was designed to be luxurious but Vineyards, and Henneberg Brewing Company. They are blend into its natural surroundings. Hohmeyer’s Lake Clear expecting growth over the next few years. sits among 25 acres in the St. Regis Wilderness Area near Our last stop is perfect for the upcoming Christmas Saranac Lake and Lake Placid. You can be immersed in season, to the Adirondacks for lantern-lit sleigh rides at the “Healing Woods” experiences, with workshops and the Lake Clear Lodge. We can experience the romance classes, hiking, fishing, incredible dining, and more. of a horse-drawn sleigh ride from a local farm, stopping I will see you next time when we finish our years-long at an original Adirondack lodge, where you will get a adventure in agritourism with the New England states. speakeasy dinner. You will need a password to get in -

Support some of the locations mentioned in this article: • Common Good City Farm: commongoodcityfarm.org • Maryland Ice Cream Trail: marylandsbest.maryland.gov/24239-2 • Hike the Ice Cream Trail: dnr.maryland.gov/outdoorrec/Pages/Hike-the-IceCream-Trail.aspx • Delaware Agritourism Trail: visitwilmingtonde.com/blog/ stories/post/fall-fun-on-the-delaware-agritourism-trail • Ramsey’s Farm: ramseysfarm.com • Coverdale Farm Preserve: delawarenaturesociety.org/ centers/coverdale-farm-preserve • Coleman’s Christmas Tree Farm: colemanstreefarm.com • McCarthy Tree Farm: mccarthytreefarm.com • Woodside Farm Creamery: woodsidefarmcreamery.com • Old Windmill Farm: oldwindmillfarm.com • Land of Little Horses: landoflittlehorses.com

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• Gettysburg Wine and Fruit Trail: winetrailtraveler.com/listings/pennsylvania/ gettysburgwinefruit.php • Copper Kettle Farm: copperkettlefarms.com • Historic Round Barn & Farm Market: roundbarn.farm • Gettysburg Tree Farm: gettysburgtreefarm.com • Bobolink Dairy & Bakehouse: cowsoutside.com • Hidden Springs Lavender and Alpaca Farm: hiddenspringlavender.com • Gooserock Farm: gooserockfarm.com • Stone and Thistle Farm: stoneandthistlefarm.com • Cazenovia Beverage Trail: nyroute20.com/plan-your-visit/agri-tourism/item/ cazenovia-beverage-trail • Hohmeyer’s Lake Clear Lodge & Resorts: lakeclearlodge.com

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NOTES FROM A SMALL TOWN

What I did on a By Christopher Dean

Road Trip this summer

especially interesting, actually; we just took turns driving. The interstate highway system made getting from south to north

Massachusetts Grange Member

really easy, maybe even too easy for someone with a hunger for When I was younger, I loved reading travel books. I loved reading all books, really, but I had a special fondness for travel writing, at least good and evocative travel writing. Like most kids, I also used to love looking at the pictures in National Geographic of exotic foreign lands. Fifty years ago, the world was larger, spaces were bigger, the human population was about half what it is today, and there were many kinds of unspoiled places that were still stunningly exotic to my young eyes. I dreamed about living a life of adventure and discovery, of travel, of seeing things that I’d seen in magazines and in the movies. What I actually had was a pretty small life. There was some travel in Europe and Canada, mostly to predictable places, and nowhere else really. I never went to Asia, but I got as far east as St. Petersburg, Russia, in 1993, the year after the old Soviet Union collapsed, and as far west as the Pacific coast of California. That was it - better than a lot of people but not much for exoticism. I realized that I preferred going to places that had running water and public transportation. Reading

adventure of one kind or another. We took the new-to-us car to get an oil change and got stuck in traffic while trying to get back on the road in Daytona, Florida, of all places. Small adventures beckoned to us. We saw a sign for an “African village” in South Carolina that just left us wondering what it was all about, but there wasn’t time to investigate. We also saw dozens of those brightly colored signs for orangethemed tourist traps and fireworks stores in northern Florida. And there were several billboards advertising an attraction for South of the Border. When I was young, we stopped there on a family trip. It was shabby and depressing at the time, actually just a fading “attraction” by the roadside, dominated by a large statue of a Mexican guy wearing a sombrero in their huge parking lot. Apparently, it’s moved up some in the world, but we didn’t see it. That night, our first on the road, we stayed at an outpost of a once-prominent chain hotel of astonishing ugliness just outside Charlestown, South Carolina. The well-meaning guy at the front desk said that the rooftop restaurant was so bad

about hitching a ride on a sketchy truck from a town in Peru

he suggested we eat at a Waffle House nearby instead, which

to get to a place in southern Argentina was entertaining, but I

turned out be truly the worst restaurant meal that I’ve ever eaten

also knew that it would be kind of a drag in actual execution.

without getting food poisoning. But that was it for remarkable

So, there you have it.

experiences. We didn’t have time to see Charlestown, which is

Recently, my father moved in with my stepsister, taking a

said to be beautiful.

room in her house in Las Vegas. As a consequence of his nowadvanced years, he can’t drive anymore and his car was sitting fallow in the garage at his apartment building in Sunny Isles, Florida, just north of Miami. He gave it to my husband and me for free. The only drawback was that we had to get it from his house to our house, a trip of 1,528 miles encompassing almost every state on the East Coast. If we’d driven straight through, we’d’ve been on the road for twenty-two hours and thirty-nine minutes, clearly, not a good idea. We settled for two nights in hotels on the way north, with one twelve-hour day in the middle. We’d take Route 95 North, switching to Route 84 East so as to avoid rush hour in Washington, D.C., and New York City. A well-thought-out plan, we agreed, and we might just have time for side trips of one kind or another. You know: whatever might appeal to us. Needless to say, things didn’t work out as we’d hoped. We left blisteringly hot and oppressively humid Sunny Isles at 8am and drove until 9:00 that night. We didn’t do anything

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The route for the road trip from Florida to Massachusetts went via highway through almost every East Coast state. Photos accompanying this article courtesy of Christopher Dean

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The next day we drove for a total of fifteen hours, though not without stopping for bio-breaks. At one place, called Bucee’s, another famous Southern attraction of some mysterious kind, we thought we might get a quick meal to tide us over until dinner, but everything edible was to-go and the thought of eating a barbequed pulled-pork sandwich in a moving vehicle just cried out to us as a really bad idea. We settled for a meal at a national chain steakhouse famous for its mediocre food. The meal was as forgettable as I’d expected it to be, but the meat was in ample proportion and filled me up for the rest of the day. Also, the waitress had grown up in West Virginia, was really nice, and was happy to chat with two strangers for a little while. That made a difference. We had hoped we might be able to spend a day at Colonial to see that we were driving close enough to the Shenandoah

Road trips sometimes mean stopping at a “wicked scuzzy garage” to fix your car before it becomes a major problem.

Battlefield National Park and would’ve loved to drop in to see it

our room, the fog had lifted, and we were surrounded by lush

Williamsburg in Virginia, but that didn’t happen. I was surprised

as the Civil War has always fascinated me, but there wasn’t time, even though I could see the split rail fences that lined its edges. As we drove by it, I sang the old folk song “Shenandoah” just because it felt right. Likewise, we drove by two elaborate caves that were heavily advertised along the roadside and picked up pamphlets about them at a rest stop, just in case. But no. We drove through to Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, finally driving for two full hours along a road lined with construction equipment to another chain hotel that was clearly in better financial shape than the first one. Our room was a bland concoction of restful shades, in fact, a veritable riot of gray, pearl-gray, light-gray, charcoal-gray, and slate. We were too tired to notice how boring the room was and fell asleep right away after quick showers. In the morning, I opened the curtains to reveal a silent view of a perfect fog with trees reduced to shadows. We inhaled our breakfasts and when we returned to

green mountains of subtle beauty which we didn’t have time to admire. For the third and final day of our trip we drove through the less-densely-populated parts of densely-populated Northern states. We stopped for bio-breaks and for a short stretch at a wicked scuzzy garage to have a weakened tire replaced in the middle of Hartford, Connecticut. The guys who worked there spoke little English, but we managed to strike a deal to have the starboard side rear tire replaced before it burst, which doubtless would have left us stranded in the middle of somewhere empty, waiting for a AAA truck to save us. The workers were cheerful, competent, and quick; each came over to admire the car and its remarkable condition, given that it was eleven years old. The delay was less than an hour from beginning to end and cost us so little that I felt obligated to pay in cash (so they wouldn’t have to pay a credit card fee) and gave them a tip for their efficiency. As such things go, I’ve heard tales of worse experiences. We were on the final leg of the trip now. The landmarks were all well-known, especially along the Massachusetts Turnpike. We knew which town preceded which, where the turns were, and we second-guessed the GPS to knock a few minutes off the trip. Home, as you would expect, was a sight for sore eyes. We were happy to be back, but we had to go right back out as we had promised to take my mother out for her birthday dinner at a fancy new place in Gloucester, the city right next door. That night, when we were back home for good, I looked back on what we’d done and where we’d been. We drove hard, saw things we had to pass by, but got home in time to make my mother happy. There just wasn’t time for anything else and we

The lush green mountains of northern Pennsylvania were among the sights that they didn’t have time to properly admire.

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missed a lot that we passed through or by. Isn’t that how it always is?

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Pick a Peck of Peppers By Ann Olson Bercher President, State Grange of Minnesota Certified Culinary Specialist Whenever peppers come to mind, Peter Piper and his peck of pickled peppers are never far behind. The original tongue twister goes like this: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked; If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, Where’s the peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked? An alternative version is the one I am most familiar with: Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers, How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick if he picked a peck of pickled peppers? The earliest version of this tongue twister was published in 1813 by John Harris in a book containing tongue twisters for every letter of the alphabet (Peter Piper’s Practical Principles of Plain and Perfect Pronunciation). Some authors have identified the subject of the rhyme as Pierre Poivre, an eighteenth‑century French horticulturalist and government administrator of Mauritius, located in the Indian Ocean. (His name translates into Peter Pepper. Fun fact.) As a gardener and a chef, the more recent version has always troubled me. How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick? I am not aware of any species of peppers that grow pre-pickled. And if prepickled peppers were available, where were they picked from? Were there barrels of pickled peppers available in the general store? How many peppers are in a peck anyway? It just gets a

Illustration of Peter Piper from the 1838 US edition of Peter Piper’s Practical Principles of Plain and Perfect Pronunciation By unknown author - Project Gutenberg, Public Domain via Wikimedia

person to think more about peppers. There are over 30 species of peppers in the genus Capsicum, a group of flowering plants in the nightshade family that got their start in Latin America thousands of years ago. Archaeological evidence suggests that peppers were domesticated by indigenous ancestors of the Maya, Olmec, and Aztec peoples. Peppers were an integral part of the diet and culture of these civilizations, not only as a source of food but for their medicinal uses as well. Capsicum includes all varieties of peppers, from mild bell peppers to hot peppers such as habanero. They can be used fresh, pickled, ground into powders, dried, roasted, stuffed and fermented. They are delightful in sandwiches, salsas, and sauces. They add texture and flavor to soups, salads, stir-fries, and pizza; they are versatile and reliable vegetables with so many uses! Peppers are low in calories and loaded with vitamins A and C, potassium, folic acid, and fiber. They come in all colors; some pack some heat, while others are sweet. They are available fresh, frozen, canned, dried and pickled. The vast array of peppers may not be available in your grocery store, so check out your local food co-ops and farmer’s markets for a greater selection. Hot peppers get their heat from capsaicin, a substance characterized by a burning taste and an acrid aroma. It is

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also considered a chemical irritant that produces a sensation of burning of any soft tissue it comes into contact with. It is concentrated in the white internal membranes of the peppers. To reduce the heat of a pepper, remove the membranes. Remember to use food-grade gloves while handling hot peppers, and keep your hands away from your face, especially your eyes! Wash your hands well with soap

SHU is how many parts of sugar water mix to oil from the pepper are required. For example, a cayenne pepper was diluted to between 35,000 and 50,000 parts of water before the tester couldn’t taste any heat.

and hot water as soon as you are done. And keep a glass of milk nearby. Capsaicin is an oily substance that won’t dissolve in water. The Scoville Heat Unit (SHU) scale rates how spicy or hot peppers are, and some pepper-derived products such as chili powder and chili sauces. Wilber Scoville, an American pharmacist, developed the rating system in 1912. The scale may help determine how best to use peppers in your recipes. Our familiar bell peppers start out with a SHU of zero. Jalapeño peppers land somewhere between 2500 and 8000 SHU. Determining the SHU requires a panel of taste testers who sample a solution of capsaicin oil from a dried pepper mixed with sugar water. The taste tester then continues to dilute the solution until they can barely detect any heat. The resulting

Here is a list of several peppers in ascending SHU order: • Bell Peppers (SHU 0) are most commonly green, yellow, orange, or red. Considered the sweetest of peppers, green peppers are not as sweet as the red peppers. These are the workhorses of American cuisine. • Banana Peppers (SHU 0-500) are a sweet pepper that is a mild, spicy, tangy alternative to bell peppers. These are a favorite addition to sandwiches and salads. • Pepperoncini Peppers (SHU 100 – 500 aka Sweet Italian, Golden Greek, Friggitelli, or Tuscan) are known for their subtle sweet flavor with a hint of tanginess. These are often used in pasta sauces, salads, stir-fries, and sandwiches. • Poblano Peppers (SHU 1000 – 2000) are fairly mild when green but get hotter as they redden in color. These are used extensively in Mexican cuisine, including chiles rellenos, salsas, and mole sauce. • Anaheim Peppers (SHU 500 – 2500) are sweet, mild, and tangy from California via New Mexico. Their SHU range is larger because Anaheim peppers grown in New Mexico tend to be hotter. You can often find these sold as canned green chilies. • Jalapeño Peppers (SHU 1000 – 8000) are the first peppers

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•

that are really considered “hot.” The wide range of scale again reflects different growing conditions. These peppers are a key ingredient in nachos, tacos, chili, salsa, and poppers! Fresno Peppers (SHU 2500 – 10,000) look and taste like Jalapeños but are much hotter. They can be used like jalapeños and are also good on pizza and sandwiches and served alongside grilled meats. Serrano Peppers (SHU 10,000 – 25,000) are a reliably hot pepper. They can be used both fresh and cooked. They add heat to fresh salsa and are great for pickling. Grilled or roasted serranos add a smoky flavor to recipes. Cayenne Peppers (SHU 35,000 – 50,000) are most commonly dried and ground into spice or into chili flakes. Most hot sauces also include cayenne pepper. A dried cayenne pepper is a delightful addition to a jar of pickled beans or cucumber spears. Habanero Peppers (SHU 100,000 – 350,000) are the gold standard for the hottest peppers. They are often stewed, fried, fermented and used for any recipe that you want to be super hot! Scotch Bonnet Peppers (SHU 100,000 – 400,000) are sometimes confused with habanero. These are often used in

traditional Caribbean recipes like pork or jerk chicken. • Ghost Peppers (SHU 1,000,000) were considered the world’s hottest pepper in 2007. While not readily available in grocery stores, they find their way into the gardens of hot pepper aficionados. Most are used in salsas and sauces and at chicken wing challenges. • Carolina Reaper Peppers (SHU 1,000,000 – 2,200,000) beat out the Ghost Pepper as the hottest in 2013. These are used to make hot sauces, powders, and flakes. And, of course, pepper-eating contests. To help understand how exceptionally hot this pepper is, a single teaspoon of capsaicin oil must be mixed with 578 gallons of water to make the heat barely perceptible. • Pepper X (SHU 3,018,000) outheated the Carolina Reaper in 2023, according to the Guinness Book. This pepper should be used with great caution if you ever find it. Select peppers that feel firm and have a bright green stem. Store them loose or in an open bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. They should keep for up to two weeks. Peppers may also be frozen. Slice and remove seeds, then place in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, place in a freezer bag or container. They will last as frozen for up

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to a year. Roasted peppers may also be frozen. To roast peppers, cut a slit near the stems, then grill or broil until blackened, turning frequently. Place them in a bowl covered with plastic wrap and allow to cool for about 15 minutes. Scrape off blistered skin, and remove the stem, core, and seeds. Place on a baking sheet and freeze. Once frozen, place in a freezer container. Of course, pickling, which must have been Peter Piper’s favorite, is another option. (A great recipe for quick Pickled Banana Peppers is in Good Day! Magazine, October 2023, Vol. 7, Issue 3.) Explore a variety of peppers. Do your own taste testing by tasting them fresh or by using peppers that are different from those recommended in recipes. From mild and sweet to intensely spicy and hot, peppers add a lot of character to many recipes. Remember to keep a glass of milk handy to help you tolerate higher Scoville Heat Units!

Red Pepper Cornbread Southern Style

3 cups stoneground cornmeal* 2 teaspoons kosher salt 2 teaspoons baking powder ¾ teaspoon baking soda 2 ½ cups buttermilk 3 eggs 1 ½ cups unsalted butter, melted 1 cup finely diced sweet red pepper**

* For best results use a high quality, fresh stone-ground cornmeal. If you are using a mass-market source, consider adding 3 teaspoons of sugar to the dry ingredients. **Try replacing a portion of the peppers with diced jalapeño or serrano peppers.

1. Preheat oven to 400o Fahrenheit. 2. In a large bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder and baking soda. 3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and eggs. 4. Remove one tablespoon of melted butter, and grease the bottom of a 9x13 baking pan. 5. Whisking constantly, slowly drizzle the butter into the milk and egg mixture. 6. Stir liquid ingredients into dry ingredients until just mixed. 7. Fold in the peppers. 8. Pour into the prepared baking pan and bake until lightly browned on top and a sker inserted in the center comes out clean. 9. Let cool for 15 minutes, then serve.

President’s Recipe

“A square of this on top of a bowl of chili is a showstopper,” says Ann.

Three Pepper

Guacamole

shared by President Christine Hamp

Baked Chiles Rellenos

3 tablespoons plus ¼ cup fresh cilantro, minced and divided 4 tablespoons onion, finely chopped 3 tablespoons jalapeño pepper, minced 1 tablespoon serrano pepper, minced

I have no idea of the origin of this recipe, but it is one that our family has enjoyed for many years. 3 – 4oz. cans green chiles, drained 1 pound cheddar cheese, grated

1 pound Monterey Jack cheese, grated 5 eggs

½ cup flour 1 teaspoon salt 3½ cups milk

Dry well-drained chiles on paper towels, then cut into 2-inch pieces. Place pepper pieces in bottom of a 9x13” baking dish and cover with cheeses. In mixing bowl, beat eggs, add flour, salt, and milk, and beat until smooth. Pour egg mixture over cheeses and bake at 350 degrees F for 45-50 minutes, until custard sets and the top is golden brown. Serve directly from the baking dish. Makes 10 servings.

2 – 3 teaspoons chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, minced 3 cloves garlic, minced ½ teaspoon salt 3 medium ripe avocados, peeled and cubed 1/3 cup tomatoes, finely chopped

In a large bowl, combine 3 tablespoons cilantro, 2 tablespoons onion, peppers, garlic and salt. Mix well. Stir in avocado, then add tomatoes, remaining cilantro and onion. Toss lightly. Serve with tortilla chips.

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Seared

Scallops Vinaigrette

with Jalapeño

serves 4

1 large jalapeño pepper, seeded and membrane removed ¼ cup rice vinegar ¼ cup olive oil* ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard Salt and pepper to taste

12 large sea scallops 1 pinch sea salt 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 2 oranges, peeled and cut between sections as segments

1. Place jalapeño pepper, vinegar, olive oil, and mustard into a blender. Puree on high until completely liquified. Season with salt and pepper. 2. Season scallops with sea salt. 3. Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over high heat. Place scallops in skillet and cook until browned, minutes per side. 4. Transfer to a plate and garnish with orange segments. Drizzle with jalapeño vinaigrette. * To use vinaigrette as a salad dressing, increase the oil to 1/3 cup.

Habanero and Peach

Hot Sauce

4 medium peaches, peeled and diced ½ a medium sized sweet onion, diced 2 cloves garlic, chopped 1 cup apple cider vinegar

½ cup water ¼ cup sugar 2 teaspoons sea salt 5 habanero peppers, stems removed and cut in half

In a medium saucepan, combine all ingredients EXCEPT habanero peppers. Bring to a boil, reduce heat and simmer 5 minutes.

Add peppers and simmer for 1 more minute.

Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. If using a blender, let mixture cool 15 minutes before blending.

Let cool completely and bottle in sauce or mason jars. Store in the refrigerator. Should be good for several months.

“Try this on your chicken wings or tacos. This one is pretty hot!”

Be sure to use food-grade gloves when handling peppers!

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Jalapeño

Ice Cream

1 ½ cups heavy cream 1 ½ cup whole milk 1 cup sugar 1 teaspoon salt

Makes 6 1/2-Cup Servings

3 fresh jalapeño peppers, split in half 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

1. Combine cream, milk, sugar and salt in a saucepan. 2. Add jalapeños and vanilla. Heat over medium heat until bubbles start to form, stirring to dissolve the sugar. This happens quickly. 3. Remove from heat, cover and let cool to room temperature. 4. Use a sieve to strain out the jalapeños and seeds. 5. Pour mixture into a bowl and place a piece of plastic wrap against the surface of the mixture. Chill in a refrigerator 3 – 4 hours or up to 24 hours. 6. Freeze in an ice cream maker according to manufacturer’s directions. 7. Once it is soft serve consistency, pour into an airtight container and freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight before serving. 8. Will keep in freezer for up to 2 weeks.

Chicken and Tomato

Stuffed Poblano Olive Oil 4 -6 medium poblano peppers (may be raw or roasted) 1 Tablespoon olive oil 2 medium tomatoes (10 ounces canned, drain off excess liquid….. but end with 10 ounces ½ cup onion, diced 1 tablespoon fresh garlic, minced o

1. 2.

Peppers

1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 ½ teaspoon dried oregano 1 ½ teaspoon cumin 2 cups cooked chicken breast (or thighs), shredded (10 ounces) 1 cup mozzarella, shredded (4 ounces) ½ cup fresh cilantro, chopped ½ cup sharp cheddar, shredded (2 ounces)

Preheat oven to 400 ; line rimmed pan with foil, oil it Rinse and dry poblanos. Remove top, slice carefully down one side, and remove the core and seeds. 3. Heat 1 Tablespoon olive oil in a deep skillet over medium heat. Add tomatoes, onions, garlic, salt, oregano and cumin. Cook stirring often, until liquids have evaporated (5-7 minutes). 4. Remove from heat and stir in chicken, mozzarella and cilantro. Mix well 5. Divide filling among peppers to completely fill. 6. Place peppers on baking sheet, brush lightly with olive oil 7. Bake 30 minutes. 8. Remove from oven, switch temperature to broil. 9. Top peppers with cheddar cheese along the slit on the pepper. 10. Broil 6 inches from element until cheese is just melted (1-2 minutes.)

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THE LAST

Word

By Jay Sexton

Past President, Oregon State Grange I am fairly new to Grange, having first crossed the threshold of Marys River Grange #685 in Philomath, Oregon in 2010. This Grange had voted to close and a relatively new member beat the bushes to bring 40 new members to the next meeting to vote to NOT close. I was one of the 40. Over the next 8 years, I was elected Lecturer, Steward, and then President. In our Pomona, I was Secretary, and in the State Grange, I was Agriculture Committee Director, Vice President, and then President. After that pivotal year, Marys River Grange initially saw a gradual decline in membership over three years, and we realized the necessity of continuously recruiting. Marys River Grange, after 14 years, now has over 120 members and is the 2nd highest membership in the state. New members are engaged and asked to participate in events and work parties. Suggestions from new members are respectfully discussed and the entire membership supports experimentation in trying new things. The monthly music jam, monthly western dance, and other new offerings have been successful. Our Community is aware and appreciative of the Grange efforts and our donations towards community needs. Grange meeting potlucks are fantastic and 35 - 40 attendees is normal. How did this happen? We asked people to join, out loud, with words. We had business cards that gave the contact and meeting details of the Grange that every Granger could have in their pocket to give to anyone who seemed interested in the activities of the Grange.

We had press releases, and invited the media to promote the good work of our Grange. We had public offerings of yoga, programs of public interest such as fire preparedness, fire extinguisher use, earthquake preparedness, water well regulations, and neighborly conversations. Many of these programs brought in younger families, and we started to have Junior activities in another room of the Grange during Grange meetings. Our average age of membership decreased with newer, younger members. Not every new member “took.” So, in the first quarter of each year we would shed the members who tried Grange and decided not to renew their memberships. Continuous recruiting is like planting a packet of out-of-date vegetable seeds. You plant 100 and maybe 20 come up, and of those maybe 2-3 are vigorous. Similarly, in a year of 40 new members, we might get 2-3 who are solid participants, helping set up, volunteering, helping clean, and taking on officer positions. And of the 40 new members, we might lose 15 who do not renew; but, without constant energetic recruitment, we would not find those 2-3 solid Grangers. Oregon’s Granges that reach out for help in growing membership often want to try a “Learn About Grange” Open House, but I think this approach is too scary for many people to attend. Instead, I suggest an event of interest to their community, with free family-oriented activities, snacks, music, and friendly faces. Off to the side, we have a Grange Table with our friendliest Grangers. On the

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table, among informational pamphlets, is a sign: “Our Membership Goal for 2024 is 50 Members!!” People like to help. Often an attendee will ask “How many do you have now?”, followed by “Who can join?”, “What does it cost?”. Be ready to answer “What is a Grange?” gracefully. In Oregon, we encourage Grangers to answer: “Grange is a community organization that answers local needs. We have a 150-year tradition of promoting local foods and nonpartisan, nonsectarian, face-to-face community.” This answer satisfies most people. We can also explain that a strong membership improves our chances in grant applications and in our appeals for fundraising donations. In late June, I ended my two-year term as State President, and I have been appointed State Grange Membership Committee Director. This is a job I enjoy. In the last year we reinvigorated two Granges that had

lost their core officers and we have reorganized two Granges that had been inactive for years. People new to Grange have many questions, and in our renewal meetings we start by explaining our organization, and answer many questions. We also have experienced supportive Grangers attend their meetings for a number of months to help them get started. I really feel that Granges have much to offer our communities. On the whole, Grangers do not promote their activities well, and when we do, we gain community support. I encourage all Grangers to tell friends and neighbors about the good works of our Granges, and invite interested people to come to a meeting or an event. We have a great fellowship to offer and more members help us achieve more for our communities.

rough the Grange h t e l b a l i a v Store a w o N for digital download

1976

1986

1979

www.grangestore.org issuu.com/grangegoodday

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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 Grouper, 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 American Income Life, 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

Ge t

! d r a o B n O th

Set sail for the 2025 National Grange Convention ~ at Sea!

Learn more: www.nationalgrange.org/159ngConvention

Good Day! - Volume 8, Issue 3

Articles inside

Closing the mental health gap among rural youth in the US

Grange Revival 4.0 setting up camp in Utah in 2025

Midwest Region set to impress at annual Convention

Making new members feel welcome: a guide

From the desk of the Editor

Presidential Perspective