DIAMOND VALLEY GRANGE FORMS IN EUREKA, NEVADA

By Suzann Gilliland Peterson

Eureka, NV is home to one of the newest Granges in the country, Diamond Valley Grange #31! Formally organized on May 23 at the Eureka County Fairgrounds, Diamond Valley Grange (DVG) is the 31st Grange in Nevada. The DVG #31 organization was facilitated by Gloria Montero and Carl Clinger, National Grange Deputies for Nevada. With a set of by-laws, officers, and insurance, this 501(c)(3) organization is ready to serve the Eureka community.

The National Grange of the Order of the Patrons of Husbandry (the Grange) is one of the oldest organizations in America. Its focus is on family, community, agriculture, and beyond. The Mission of the Grange is to provide opportunities for individuals and families of all ages to develop to their highest potential in order to build stronger communities and states, as well as a stronger nation. It does this through Fellowship, Service and Legislation in chapters throughout the United States.

Fellowship. The Grange offers its members the opportunity to meet with and get to know their neighbors in a safe, family-friendly atmosphere. It provides a place where children, youth, and adults can grow, develop their talents and social skills, and learn leadership techniques.

Service. The Grange family provides its members with the opportunity to discover and solve community needs, give assistance to individuals in crisis, and network on a continual basis.

Legislation. The Grange supports a grassroots approach to state and federal legislative change by giving its members a voice in state and federal government forums.

Kim Archuleta, DVG Lecturer, was instrumental in making this Grange chapter a reality. When asked why DVG was formed, she replied, “To provide family and community activities, education, and support.” DVG Secretary Becca Kellett added, “To give more opportunities to youth in Eureka. We chose Grange so that families could join and participate together.”

Enthusiasm was high about creating a Grange chapter. Only six days separated the initial discussion about forming a Grange in Eureka to the inaugural meeting. Thirty people were in attendance, forty-three people became Grange members at that meeting, including eight registering as family units and ten as juniors.

Currently, DVG activities include general meetings, workshops, and educational opportunities. According to Adeline (Addie) Callaghan, President, “We are still

Welcome, Diamond Valley Grange!

Want to learn more about Grange? Visit nationalgrange.org in the early days, but we have big plans – it’s highly dependent on what our community needs/wants. Youth and adult clubs, dances, potlucks, community service, and educational opportunities for people of all ages are in our future.” One of their strong interests is a Youth Livestock Program where eighteen youth are eligible to show their animal projects.

DVG Treasurer June Adkins is thrilled with the direction this chapter is heading. “We are so excited to bring more community outreach to our area,” she says. Kim added, “Eureka is the perfect place for a Grange chapter because of our isolated, rural location and our small agricultural and mining community.” Says Becca, “The sky is the limit. We’ve got so many big-hearted people all seeking to make our town grow!”

Diamond Valley Grange officers are:

• President – Addie Callaghan

• Vice President – Spencer Bateman

• Lecturer – Kim Archuleta

• Chaplain – Ashlee Frei

• Secretary – Becca Kellett

• Treasurer – June Adkins

• Greeter – Chloe Callaghan

• Steward – Rylee Callaghan

The next Diamond Valley Grange meeting is on Tuesday, June 13, at 6:00 PM at the Eureka County Fairgrounds. The meeting is open to members and non-members. Up for discussion is what activities to offer immediately and in the future.

For more information about Diamond Valley Grange, check them out on Facebook at facebook. com/diamondvalleygrangenv. For more information on Grange chapters in Nevada, contact Gloria Montero at 775-427-8210.