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